This is a work of fiction. It is straight out of my imagination, except for most of the pagan practices mentioned.
This is written for adults and if you are not supposed to read this where you live, then please don't.
Part 1
I sat reading my email after work, on a cool evening in October. It was nearing Samhain, and I was preparing for an involved cleansing, before my solitary ritual. An uncle had passed in the last year, and I was going to focus on reaching out to him. I had performed this ritual many times before and was looking forward to the night.
I found an email from a friend who had helped me learn the craft. Marina had been my teacher and mentor. I learned the flow of power from her wise words and caring eyes. She initiated me into the religion almost ten years ago, and I still looked to her on a regular basis. I read the email, and learned that she had a mission for me.
"You are ready for a student. You have been ready for years. I want you to take this one and teach him well." My curiosity was piqued. She rarely taught men. I had been a special case. Maybe this is why she was having me teach him. "I will send him over in November. I know you don't want a newbie bumping around the house while you are preparing for your ritual." She knew me so well.
I sat for a moment trying to decide how I was going to handle this. I had to back out as diplomatically as possible. I owed her a lot and didn't want to disappoint her, but there was no way I could do as she asked. I reread the email, and sat back in my chair.
"There is no way," I muttered out loud to myself. "I am too busy." I looked around at my office studio and all the work yet undone. When I wasn't practicing the craft, I had a regular job. Not very regular, but it paid the bills. I was a portrait artist. I worked mainly in graphite pencil, but I sometimes painted special commissions. I had money from an insurance policy that kept me floating in hard times. I looked at the large painting, sitting unfinished on my easel. The lovely woman's eyes looked down upon me as to ask for completion. Not only this, but I had several photos in files to be recreated in pencil.
I returned to reality and turned to the keyboard. I started my email, but soon realized that I couldn't find the appropriate words. I tried to think of the best way of saying I was too busy, but nothing I typed rung true. I sat staring at the monitor until the small white stars of my screen saver pulled me from my stupor. I turned and looked out the window. The moon was large and beautiful, nearly full and basking me in it's cool reflected glow. I turned back to my computer and started the email.
"I would be happy to teach him."
Samhain had gone well, and I was at peace with my uncle's passing. I felt his presence all around me, and we communicated our love. I prepared to receive the new student by gathering a collection of books and basic supplies. They were similar to what I started with, but a little more complete. I prepared a room on the second floor of my Victorian family home. I had lived here alone since my mother and father decided to sell it three years ago. My father's parents had lived there and I couldn't bear to see it leave the family. I bought it and helped them find a comfortable condo in Florida.
The room for my student may have seemed strange to some, but the tradition in which I was trained, dictated that it was important to be close at that crucial stage of development. It was not difficult for me. My home was large and could accommodate several guests. I loved the room, but I sometimes felt lonely.
I knew little of him except his name and that he was going to arrive around five o'clock. His name was Ryan Summerbreeze. I assumed that was his working name. I was going to get him settled into his room, go over a few rules and them serve him a hearty dinner. I had prepared roast beef, garlic mashed potatoes, peas, and glazed carrots. I had the roast timed so that it would be done when we were ready to eat. I would just have to make the gravy and we would be set. I had decided on a simple fruit salad for dessert. I hoped this fellow appreciated good food. I loved to cook, and it was going to be nice to have someone to cook for.
I sat thinking about the fact that a man would be living in my house. I am not sure why, but I never thought about it until that night. I only focused on the fact that he was a student that I was going to teach. I hoped that Marina had explained to him that I was gay. If not, it was going to be an uncomfortable situation for over a year.
I did not have a lover, and I hadn't for a while. My friends tried to fix me up, but I kindly told them that I wasn't ready. I was capable of getting a date if I had wanted. Being just over six foot tall, with short dark hair, green eyes, and a slim figure; I was hit on at the book store on a regular basis. I was often told I was handsome, but I never saw it. I just saw my father in the mirror, and he was never a favorite person of mine. I only got the house because I offered so much.
The chime of my doorbell roused me from my thoughts. I jumped from my seat next to the fireplace and dashed to the door. The fire wasn't lit. It was November, but in southern Georgia, there isn't a winter until it is almost summer. I am a warm tempered person normally, and I hoped this fellow would be able to deal with the cooler temperatures. I reached the door and took a moment to act as though I didn't rush. I was nervous and I didn't want it to show. I opened the door to greet him with a smile.
"Merry meet," I said as the door opened and his visage came into view. I am sure my face dropped to a state of shock or no expression at all. I fought to keep my jaw from dropping. He just stood before me smiling with a large trunk by his side.
"Merry meet," he returned. He extended his hand for a handshake, and waited until I composed myself. I finally stepped forward and took his hand. He was beautiful. I rarely used that word for anything other than artwork and sunsets. His warm almond eyes were pale blue and sparkled with life. My eyes darted over his face and rested on his mouth. His pink pouting lips were pulled into a gentle smile. His light brown hair was short, messy, and stood up in a boyish manner similar to mine. He was not as tall as I, but he was in very good shape. His dress shirt clung to his chest showing off his physique.
"Marina sent me," he said. I looked at him not quite understanding his words. I popped back into reality, and smiled.
"Yes. Yes, I have been expecting you. I hope you like roast beef." I almost babbled trying to fill up the silence to keep my mind from wandering again.
"I am a vegetarian," he answered. I looked at him blankly. I suddenly panicked. Marina should have told me that. His smile widened and he started to chuckle. "I am just joking. I eat meat. In fact, I am starving." I chuckled at myself, for being so wound up.
"Let's get you settled and we can eat. By the way, I am Caison Blackwatch. I have a room for you up on the second floor. It overlooks the back garden if you stick your head out the window and look to the left," I blabbered as we climbed the stairs carrying his trunk. I realized I was acting ridiculous. I didn't know what to do or say. This was going to be impossible. He just followed me, taking in everything I said.
I showed him his room. It was going to be his home for the next year or more. I had brought in some furniture and rearranged the floor plan. He was well set until he could add or subtract to his own taste. The room itself was deep blue. There was a full Victorian bedroom suite. It was all dark wood with a lighter blue for the bed linens. The hard wood floors were covered in patches by Turkish rugs. I had brought in a desk and some chairs. I didn't know what he was going to need, so I just set it up as I would want it.
"Here it is," I said as I opened the door and lead him in. We put the trunk at the foot of the bed and I showed him his bathroom. "I gave you this room because it has the built in bathroom. I hope it will be comfortable. I am right down the hall if you need me," I said as I pointed out the door. I suddenly realized that what I had said could be misconstrued. "I mean, if you need anything." He just looked around the room, taking it all in. I showed him the linen closet and the hamper. I had put some things in the bathroom in case he didn't think to bring any.
"I will be getting dinner ready. It will be done in about fifteen minutes. Make yourself at home." He just smiled and nodded as I left the room. I closed the door and collapsed against the other side. I stood there until I had regained my composure. I rushed down stairs and took the roast out of the oven and started the gravy. I splashed some balsamic vinegar on the fruit and tossed it with some sugar. I stopped long enough to take a big gulp of red wine.
(To be continued)
The next chapter will be submitted soon.
I welcome comments, twinkchaser@excite.com