tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529998175530551352024-03-13T10:51:09.633+00:00The Third StringTales from a Dagda Bard.An Scealai Beag http://www.blogger.com/profile/03850076468272490483noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52999817553055135.post-72933527303859649082018-06-20T12:18:00.002+01:002018-06-20T12:18:26.413+01:00A Just Reward for Labours Given<br />
<h2 class="blog-title">
A Just Reward for Labours Given</h2>
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<br />
<i><span><span>"The
corpse was bloated and discoloured. Gut, throat and face grossly
swollen so that its eyes and tongue protruded far beyond the skull which
should have contained them. The stench of it’s putrid emissions filled
the hall, leaving many an occupier gagging and the rest taking but the
shallowest of breaths."</span></span></i><br />
<br />
<span><span> </span></span><br />
<span></span><br />
<span><span>So, you may have noticed a lapse here in the last few weeks. I have invested the time in creating an all new website to host the blog, give access to its leading tale, the Dagda's Work, and as a space where I can build more into my efforts for the community. </span></span><br />
<span><span><br /></span></span>
<span><span>You can find the rest of this story over there as well as everything else created to date at <a href="https://www.dagdabard.com/">DagdaBard.com</a></span></span><br />
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<span><span>Go Raibh Mile maith agaibh</span></span><br />
<span><span> ( Sincerest thanks to you all )</span></span><br />
<br />
<span><span>Jon </span></span><br />
<span><span> An Scéalaí Beag </span></span><br />
<span><span><br /></span></span>
<span><span><br /></span></span>An Scealai Beag http://www.blogger.com/profile/03850076468272490483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52999817553055135.post-88828778145862859552018-05-01T16:42:00.001+01:002018-05-01T16:43:40.746+01:00Battles due<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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They had carried him inside as quick and as full of care as they could. Outside the Battle continued despite the fall of their King. It would be no easy feat to carry the day given the blow struck against the People. Their bid for land on which to live may end this very night.<br />
<br />
The draoi were already waiting and chief amongst them was Dian Cecht, the most knowledgeable and skilled of the Tuatha De Danann in the ways of healing and surgery. With this life to save none raised questions and all worked diligently. <br />
<br />
Nuada lay on the table, covered in his heart's blood. Scored and scraped, the most grievous wound of all was the loss of his arm. In his moments of consciousness, there was one he called for, one whom he needed to hear from. One who could tell him the truth of what happened.<br />
<br />
The Dagda was soon at his side.<br />
<br />
**************************<br />
<br />
The Plains of Pillars had seen Battle for three long hard days. The hosts had gathered as agreed. Bres had seen to the exchange of spear for javelin and both peoples had looked to thier production and training so that the day would be carried by those of skill and courage instead of some imbalanced technical advantage. <br />
<br />
The conflict had carried back and forward each day, one side or the other taking some ground but neither finding full dominion over the other so that as the sun set each night, both forces would retire, rest, heal and plan the next days battle. <br />
<br />
It was in such a meet that the King, Nuada, called together his chieftains and champions and set forward his idea.<br />
<br />
“Long and hard have you all fought, and carried each a heroic burden of battle so that you stand tall with honour upon you, but pained by your wounds. Tomorrow we must try something new.” <br />
<br />
The King looked to one and all and drew forth the sword which he had carried from Findias.<br />
<br />
“I will take the vanguard role tomorrow and call out their King and inflict mortal wounds upon him. With their King fallen, their resolve will break and we can at last claim a victory.” <br />
<br />
Every eye in the rath was held by that sword and the strong arm which wielded it. All knew of their King’s prowess in battle and it was said that once the fight was upon him, and that sword in hand, none could stand against the wounds he would bring upon them. <br />
<br />
Still there was one chieftain who held a doubt in his big heart and as the warriors and leaders left to rest and plan the next day’s victory, He remained behind.<br />
<br />
“What is it my big friend? I know that look on your face as well as if it were carved upon my own.”<br />
<br />
The Dagda shook his head and moved over to his friend and King. <br />
<br />
“This isn't wise Nuada. The extent of our foe’s skill and strength has not been fully tested. True there is much to gain by pushing for a victory, but the risk to you is as equally great. The loss of our King may do more harm than you have considered.” <br />
<br />
Nuada was known as a fair and strong king, having lead the People to Eire, but as with many who rely heavily on their own talent he could often be blinded to the possibility, and indeed the price, of failure. <br />
<br />
“Now now friend, there is no need for such thoughts. What day of conflict has there ever dawned, that I did not carry it with the edge of my blade and with the swing of my arm? We have seen what these Fir Bolg can muster and mighty as they are to stand against us so long, they have not faced the cut of my skill. They are little more than savage brawlers” <br />
<br />
Dagda shook his head to see his friend so blinded by his own pride and so he tried again to bring some balance. <br />
<br />
“You do them wrong, Nuada. They are honourable and fierce and they fight for that which they too see as their birthright, Eire. To dismiss them as you have is not wise, it’s false pride and could lead to disaster. I say again, reconsider.” <br />
<br />
At this Nuada was rankled to be so questioned and even rebuked. He was King here and the swing of his arm and this blade was death and doom. None could stand against him, so who was the Dagda to question him on his decisions and speak so of a failure that could not exist. The Big Chieftain spoke of pride and it was pride which he had wounded in his King.<br />
<br />
“I see the toll of this battle has been heavy upon you Chieftain, if it has taken your confidence in your King and your friend. My decision is made and you had best come to terms with your unfounded fears or they may do you harm come the morrow. Once this sword is in my hand none can stand against me, this is the truth that will bring us victory tomorrow.”<br />
<br />
Dagda met the steely grey eyes of his friend and King and knew that his words had not been heard and so his heart remained heavy with doubt. For the third time he spoke.<br />
<br />
“I can see that your mind is set and your pride is wounded to my words, at least let me stand by your side the morrow so that my fears can be set to rest and your safety assured should they by some chance come to pass.” <br />
<br />
Nuada’s temper flared, grey eyes flashing to heat and face filling with angers rush.<br />
<br />
“I am no child in need of coddling and can look to my own protection, Chieftain! You will take the lead of our left flank tomorrow, alone. Maybe there you can find your courage and be of use. This is the order of your King and you will follow them by the oaths you swore to me. <br />
Last words. Leave!”<br />
<br />
The Dagda straightened to his fullest height, His own anger stoked by the words of his friend and King, but honour bound and oath sworn he was, and with that he left.<br />
<br />
The next day the Dagda’s rage had not cooled. He had spent the night pacing a ditch into the earth about his camp and as the battles call came he was already covered in muck as sweat. <br />
<br />
His King had given him an order and called upon his oath to enforce it, instead of his friend taking on advice and asking him to fulfill a role. <br />
<br />
Some might argue that there was little difference once the job was done, but to the Big man from Murias the manner in which a person acts defines the person that they are irrespective of the results they achieve. <br />
<br />
The Dagda was ever an amiable and compassionate companion, but none would doubt the strength of him nor the courage of his heart. Until now. Careful of himself and his anger, he had stayed away from the rest and revels of the night not wanting his hurt and rage to spill on to others with some ill conceived thought or word.<br />
<br />
Snatching up his weapons he strode off towards the left of the Plain striding to the fullest extent of his big legs so that he out paced all others and arrived to stand in the lead so that the lines formed up about him. <br />
<br />
As the warriors gathered they glanced in a hurried worried manner to the big Chieftain at their centre. Today brought no quips nor jokes from the Dagda. No reassuring remarks nor boisterous blather. The large form stood unmoving and silent, the waves of his anger rolling out from him so as to bring all about to silent stillness.<br />
<br />
Across the Plain the Fir Bolg gathered, and as they had in days past they called and jeered and cheered to the forces arrayed against them. This was how each day had begun, with each force’s warriors and heroes raising their voice to tell of their deeds the previous day and raise new threats for the greater achievements in the battle to come. <br />
<br />
This day, the Tuatha De Dannan forces remained silent and unmoving, wrapped as if in some spell by the big man at their centre.<br />
<br />
The Fir bolg forces grew steadily louder and more colourfully irate in their cries and jeering seeing the steady silence as a weakness or fear in the force arrayed before them.<br />
<br />
Still the Tuatha De stood, waiting for word from their leader and following the example he set.<br />
<br />
Finally the Fir Bolg chieftain could stand no more of this, seeing the silence now as an insult, that these foes deemed themselves to proud to engage in the sport before the battle. So it was that he ordered his Warriors forward and into the charge. <br />
<br />
The forces of the Tuatha De watched as with a great cry the warriors of the Fir bolg broke into a staggered rolling charge that soon had their whole host bearing down upon them. Every eye was on the Dagda, waiting, yet still he stood. <br />
<br />
The noise of the descending horde increased as they closed the distance, soon it was possible to make out particular figures in the mass, waving their weapons high and screaming insults and threats. <br />
<br />
Just as it seemed they would be washed under by the wave of warriors, The Dagda moved. <br />
<br />
Without word or gesture, the Big man charged. <br />
<br />
So sudden was the shift that not only were his own forces wrong footed but so too were the Fir Bolg facing him. They staggered a step in their rush and that was all the Champion needed. In the passing of a breath it seemed, the Dagda was among them bowling the first warriors over with his bulk alone, then setting his arms to swing, bringing death to those who came within reach. <br />
<br />
The Dagda released his rage, setting it upon the Fir Bolg and with a thunderous bellow began cleaving hard into their ranks so that more than a hundred had fallen before the first blows dropped on any other of the Tuatha De Danann. With the release of their Chieftain the voice, the People found theirs and descended upon the now staggered Fir Bolg.<br />
<br />
This days fighting was fierce, as all about many warriors fell on both sides. The Dagda waded deepest among the foe, laying harm and mortal wounds within the range of his broad arms and here it was that word reached him.<br />
<br />
The King, hard pressed in battle, which none would say he could stand against. The Fir bolg had revealed a large warrior and this Chieftain of theirs was equal if not more than the King’s skill. <br />
<br />
All seemed to stop around the big man. Heart hammering thunder blood in his ears, he could not believe that they had heard correctly. Nuada hard pressed and likely to fall? His King, his friend battling and set to be bested? If he could not believe his ears, He could believe his heart. <br />
<br />
It had told him, warned him, whispered to him that there was yet some threat unseen to the Fir Bolg. They were descended of the first great tribes such as he and the People were. Why would they not possess equal courage and skill? <br />
<br />
His heart had warned him, and he had failed to warn his friend. A friend now hard pressed and failing.<br />
<br />
The moment broke, and the Dagda moved.<br />
<br />
***********************************<br />
<br />
Nuada had entered this days battle with his mind set to the plan. By the strength and skill of his arm, the sharp swift strokes of his sword, would the conflict be won and the ascendancy of his People assured. This was what a King should be, an example of fierce power and pride, set to carve their place in the stories by their skill and their courage. <br />
<br />
What did that big fool know of such things? Lumbering about in easy companionship with the People. Ditch digging, wood chopping and food gathering. A King should be above these things so that the People had someone to look up to, to aspire to, a leader. <br />
<br />
The battle began this day as it had many others, both forces gathered facing one another, yelling, cheering and jeering so as to raise the blood and inspire the fight frenzy. As Nuada stood loosening the muscles of his arms with easy swings he couldn’t help the drift of his gaze towards the left. There was no way to see his big friend given the expanse of the battle formation but it struck him as odd the see that section of the host stand in silence. <br />
<br />
With a shake of his head he dismissed the thoughts and made ready to win this day upon the edge of his blade.<br />
<br />
The clash, crush and clamour of conflict took the morning and made it noon, and always Nuada moved where the battle was fiercest, committing himself and his guards to the hardest harshest sections of the embattled forces. Many a mortal wound feel from the strong swing of his sword, cleaving and cutting the Fir bolg down wherever they stood before him. <br />
<br />
So it was that the King pressed forwards fastest and farthest of his forces, pushing the foe back time and again. That is until the canny Fir bolg sprung their trap.<br />
<br />
Nuada and his guard pursued another rabble of warriors as they fled from his might, only to have them stop abruptly and form a tight group before them, the spears they had built from the sharing of knowledge presented forwards in a spiked wall of death.<br />
<br />
It was then that the King realised the error of his pursuit. Glancing about he saw that other groups had formed similar spear walls to either side and even as the thoughts of flights began to him another group cut in behind, long spears pointing both inwards and outwards, closing off any aid from reaching the now surrounded Tuatha de Danann. <br />
<br />
Completing the circuit the king looked back to see a small opening in the spear wall through which a tall muscled form stepped. <br />
<br />
“Pride and hubris are poor traits for a King to rule by, but I guess this lesson may come too late for the likes of you Nuada King. Today your rule ends and with it the conflict for Eire as no Peoples can stand without a worthy King.” <br />
<br />
At this a rain of javailn descended in upon the group, expertly thrown by those most proficient in their use. Nuada remained without harm, but now stood alone facing this foe.<br />
<br />
“Come then King of the Danann Peoples. Know me, for I am Sreng, lets see your worth.” <br />
<br />
So saying the tall figure charged, sword and shield setting a momentum of slash and stymie that Nuada was instantly pressed back and working furiously to prevent wounds upon himself. He held for a while, keeping clear of harm, but the toll of the days conflict was heavy upon him and already his arm was weakening. <br />
<br />
The skill and strength of this warrior was unlike any that Nuada had seen from the Fir Bolg. It was in this moment that the words of caution resurfaced in his mind, this time clear for their concern of him and not as question to his skill. He had been warned but took no notice of the warning having missed its intent by being caught on the words.<br />
<br />
Pain unlike any he had felt burned its way across his consciousness sending him staggering and stumbling until the ground took him. He looked to the side and saw that magnificent sword of his, clutched in the strong grip of his swift arm, an arm that was no longer attached to him. <br />
<br />
A mortal wound done upon him, Nuada’s gaze turned up to the sky seeing the swift passage of clouds the same grey of his eyes. The view was then blocked by the large warrior, standing tall over him, a spear, de Danann people had taught him to make, held firm in his strong arms.<br />
<br />
“Time to die, knowing you have failed your People.” <br />
<br />
Nuada’s gaze came down to the tip of that spear, seeing its sharp point so skillfully crafted. At least he would die swiftly upon a well made weapon. Nuada closed his eyes.<br />
<br />
It was then, that thunder struck.<br />
<br />
With an almighty crash the spear wall to the left was shattered, bodies thrown all about in disarray as something massive and powerful exploded through them. Sreng glanced up from his death blow to have his vision filled with a massive worn, muck and blood covered fist. <br />
<br />
The crash of impact set an echoing deafening noise all about the Fir bolg’s senses leaving him staggered and dazed. The large warrior stumbled back towards his people and recovered, head still ringing, his eyes cleared to see a massive figure standing over the prone form of the de Dannan King. <br />
<br />
Bulky and broad, heavy with muscle, with some girth around his mid, the figure was covered in muck sweat and foe blood, breathing vasts gasps of air, feet planted solidly, rooted to the spot.<br />
<br />
Yet this warrior too was alone and despite their entrance Sreng could see that the day weighed heavily upon them. <br />
<br />
“You have arrived in time to die with your King brave warrior, but the day is done and it is our victory. No peoples may stand without their King,”<br />
<br />
The Big warrior took a moment to catch his breath and despite Sreng’s words none of the fir bolg seemed eager to engage him. <br />
<br />
“This battle you have won, Warrior of the Fir Bolg, but the day is lost. The Left side of field is already broken and fled and I would not be long expecting our northern friend Aengaba to be upon you from the right. Might be best you walk away from this one.”<br />
<br />
Sreng had long served as champion among his people yet he had never met a warrior such as this. Broad and powerful, even covered in war blood, the man spoke softly and with a firm confidence sought to end the conflict. Yet Sreng was not to be stirred, his people had fought long and hard these past days and with Nuada King fallen, there was much to be gained in ending him and calling the war done in the act. <br />
<br />
“By the strike of my hand this day, I could end blood shed for all the next days for both our Peoples. I cannot withdraw and will grant you the honour of dying with your King. Fare you well, Rolaig Builc.” <br />
<br />
With those words Sreng gestured and closed with this men upon the great warrior with the the belly, and the fallen maimed King. <br />
<br />
The Big man made no move and only released his breath in a heavy sigh and prepared to defend his fallen friend. It was often this way on the hard days, when words fail and all about is conflict and aggression. He was no better than any other but he knew at least that he should be. <br />
<br />
The Dagda stood, giving no step back and denying all the chance to strike at his friend. <br />
<br />
*******************************************<br />
<br />
“That’s the truth of it Nuada king. My warriors broke through and I had them carry you away. Aengaba did arrive but found his match in Sreng and has fallen this day.”<br />
<br />
Nuada sat propped up and pale from the loss of life's blood. The stump of his arm ending in a sutured and sealed state even as Dian Cecht hovered close at hand observing.<br />
<br />
“King I am not for I am no longer fit, by form and by deed. I am just Nuada now.” <br />
<br />
His voice was weak and strained and Dagda could see that the sadness was heavy upon him. Behind the crippled warriors shoulder Dian Cecht made a gesture of concern which the Big Chieftain knew well. Dagda the draoi knew the harm that a sadness left unchecked can do on a person.<br />
<br />
“King you may no longer be, but well loved chieftain and champion of our Peoples you will Always be.”<br />
<br />
Dagda’s words were soft and gentle but with that firmness that brooked no arguments. <br />
<br />
Nuada’s grey eyes met the warm earthy brown of the big man’s and Dagda saw that, though clouds remained there was still light behind that look.<br />
<br />
“I would foresake all that too, if only I could be still called friend by you.”<br />
<br />
The Dagda found his smile and shared it fondly upon Nuada, allowing the warmth he felt show clearly upon his face.<br />
<br />
“Sure I am, and always will be your friend. Trough strife and revel, labour and rest, you can be assured of me by your side. This is truth.<br />
<br />
The Dagda’s smile turned more grin seeing his friend’s humour raised.<br />
<br />
“Last Word.”An Scealai Beag http://www.blogger.com/profile/03850076468272490483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52999817553055135.post-45705013685770727902018-04-01T14:36:00.000+01:002018-04-01T14:37:21.099+01:00A Cold Stroll<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It had been a quite some time since I had walked the mountains but it seemed the memory of that cold invasive chill was enough to set me to shivering all over again. <br />
<br />
Winter, it seemed, was doing its level best to hold on to the island as more days than naught I was required to clear ice from the windshield before starting the car, or snow from its bonnet. <br />
<br />
The thing with Ireland is that if its cold there is ice, if its warm there is rain. I don’t normally mind much at all. I'm built for my climate it seems. I am one of those ‘warm people’. You know, the kind whose handshake on a cold day is invariably remarked on for its temperature. Yeh that’s me. <br />
<br />
This day though, the wind chill cut me right through and my ambient heat was stolen away by this blustery gusting. The car had been warm, heaters set to maximum thurst, forcefully driving engine heated air across my toes and up, but that pleasant memory was left with the vehicle parked as it was a few feet away. <br />
<br />
I gazed longingly at it, wondering if I could nip back there and wait until my companion arrived, when I heard a heavy foot step and a shuddering exhalation behind me. <br />
<br />
“Jaysus it’s cold out here today isn’t it?”<br />
<br />
I turned to see a broad figure standing just beside me, his shape made bulkier than usual by the addition of a long heavy overcoat, a thick wooly scarf, and a woolen beanie hat pulled low over his ears.<br />
<br />
I have known Him quite some time now and feel like I’m getting the handle on some of the things, but his ability to turn up in that split second when your attention shifts still bothers me at times. I consider myself to be an attentive person, especially when standing outside or in a place I am not familiar with, both criteria being met today. <br />
<br />
Yet still I had not seen him approach from either direction. It's almost as if he moved between the gaps in people's attention, and for a person of his size that seemed highly implausible. Still that is the best description I had for it and he never disagreed. At least he was remembering to make his last steps audible to me and give a little cough or something. Honestly, I can't count the number of times he made me near leap right out of my skin. We had to have a stern talk about this, and by a stern talk I mean that I gave out to him and he just smiled and laughed. Thankfully he isn't an asshole and took it on board. He still does it sometimes but I know it’s only in good humour and have learned to laugh along. <br />
<br />
Of course all of this flashes through my brain at the speed of thought so that he is not left wanting of an acknowledgement. <br />
<br />
“Its fierce alright. Can’t say I’m too chuffed with the location D. Why are we out here anyway?”<br />
<br />
I glanced passed him to where the sea thundered into the shore, shattering itself in breaking waves of froth against the strand, the grey swell of it mimicking the heavy blanket of cloud overhead.<br />
<br />
“It’s spring now that Imbolc has been and gone. It’s time to shake of the grasp of winter’s chill and get out again. To be alive and active as the world returns from its little death.” <br />
<br />
I watched as he rubbed his hands together and stamped his feet against the pervasive cold.<br />
<br />
“I’m shaking alright but it’s because of the winter chill. Maybe we should call it off until the sun gets its ass in gear and turns up the heat?”<br />
<br />
My glance strayed wistfully towards the car again.<br />
<br />
“Ah come now! Once we get the legs going and the heart pumping you will warm up quick enough.” <br />
<br />
With that he turned and set off in his rolling gait, part stroll part stride and awkward as all fuck to try match, but I hurried to keep pace as well as I could. <br />
<br />
The walk along the strand took us clear of the car park pretty quick and it wasn’t long after that the signs of humanity were lost behind the rising dunes.<br />
<br />
I enjoy the feeling of warm sand beneath my bare feet in the heat of summer, but trying to stride along on the soft shifting mess of it in the cold of winter is a hell all in itself. All the while the thunder of the surf and the incessant face freezing slap of the wind stole any opportunity for discussion. <br />
<br />
This was the way of things. At times there was no need for talk be it a lecture or a joke or whatever. Sometimes it was just companionship. Simple as. Just sharing space with no need or requirements, work, or in today's case, words.<br />
<br />
I’m not sure exactly when we turned about and began the return journey having kept my face down cast for much of the “stroll”, keeping it away from the worst of the wind. We climbed the steps up from the strand and were back once more at the car. <br />
<br />
The shiver was deep inside me now, skin wet from surf spray carried inland on the wind. Its salty taste heavy on my lips. I worked hard to stop my teeth from chattering and looked over at my companion. <br />
<br />
He wasn’t shivering or stamping his feet now, he was just looking at me appraisingly. <br />
<br />
“Right, so maybe it’s still a little rough outside for the likes of yourself. It’s hard for me to tell you know?”<br />
<br />
I felt my face contort in what I’m sure was a frown despite the numbness. The shiver had its icy touch upon me so my words came out all a stammer. <br />
<br />
“What ...do..you..mean? You...were...shivering..earlier..?”<br />
<br />
He had the good grace to look a little abashed at this, even shuffling his feet a little, though not with the cold I could see. <br />
<br />
“The thing is, I learned this trick from the sun a long time ago and since then I have never really felt cold at all.” <br />
<br />
He looked up and met my incredulous gaze, the shiver having taken up residence in my tongue and preventing any exclamation. <br />
<br />
“It’s true. Thing is people are very sensitive at times and the mind is a fiend for short cutting to strange presumptions when presented with something even a little outside their regular expectation.”<br />
<br />
He loosened the scarf and opened the buttons of his long coat down the front. Looking at this seemed to make me feel even colder. <br />
<br />
“From your perspective it’s cold. That has certain meaning to you and your brain then fills in the expected indicators for reactions to cold. The shivering of the body, stamping of the feet, the rubbing of hands. Even the wearing of additional layers of clothes.” <br />
<br />
At this the hat came off and was stashed in the deep pockets of the coat. <br />
<br />
“A savvy person can read these expectations and use them to blend in when they would normally stand out, riding along these brain short cuts as it were. It takes a good bit of skill and attention to the details but it can really help when your trying to connect with someone, or avoid their attention even.” <br />
<br />
Some deep controlled breathes had banished the shiver from my tongue.<br />
<br />
“So your saying that some people only see what they expect to see, or even ignore what they expect to see, paying attention to that which is different.”<br />
<br />
He nodded. <br />
<br />
“A good example is on a day like today. You won't remember how many people you saw with their hat and scarf on, but you will remember that one person wearing shorts and a t-shirt. Here mind this for me will you?”<br />
<br />
At this he slipped his coat off and handed it to me, standing there in just a loose tshirt and a pair of garishly bright bermuda shorts. <br />
<br />
Just looking at him made the shiver rise again, creeping gooseflesh all up my skin. The surprise of it contorted my face to incredulous again, as the words leapt from my lips.<br />
<br />
“You have to teach me this trick!”<br />
<br />
Dagda chuckled and turned to embrace the gusting blustery wind, arms spread wide so that it flapped against his clothes and hair. Already we were drawing furtive glances from the passers by.<br />
<br />
“One day maybe. Now I’m off for a quick jog and to see how many people I can scandalise.” <br />
<br />
He waved a big hand and turned away, trundling along into the wind, the sound of his laughing carrying clearly back to me. An Scealai Beag http://www.blogger.com/profile/03850076468272490483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52999817553055135.post-62712563052108348202018-03-01T16:02:00.002+00:002018-03-01T16:03:15.182+00:00A Long day and a Tough night<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It had been one long day. <br />
He couldn't recall a longer one in all his years, still he would never say that it hadn’t been worth it, nor that he hadn’t enjoyed it. <br />
<br />
As the sun began its descent at long last, night’s darkness crept slowly towards the places it had long been denied. His rolling gait took him by the roads away from the Rath of Eclmar and on across the country towards the West. <br />
<br />
In the crook of his great arm rested the bundle, and swaddled within it the child. Such a small pudgy thing, all pale skin and softness. As he looked down where it slept, held close to his bodies heat, he saw the face scrunch up in momentary discomfort. The returned warmth of the fart was accompanied a smell of mothers milk, pungent in the Dagda’s nostrils. <br />
<br />
“That’s my boy.”<br />
<br />
The Big Chieftain always kept his best smiles for his children, for they always seemed to bring forward the best in Him, yet this time the smile slipped as the memories came. <br />
<br />
**********************************************************************************<br />
<br />
The Rath was warmed with hearth fire and the comfort of private intimacy. The table was set and the pieces had seen many moves, some decisive and swift others thoughtful and measured. Once again it seemed that the play had come to a stalemate, but the pieces had been long forgotten now as both sat considering the last words spoken in the space. <br />
<br />
“Are you sure it’s necessary?” <br />
<br />
His rumbling words came as softly and measured as his moves had been. <br />
<br />
“You know as well as I that the ways of fate are fraught with changing winds, dear heart, but in this there is surety. The child will bring much to our tribe and in time come to your aid where no other could. They will be a unique force of unequaled vigor. There is only one choice.”<br />
<br />
Her words delivered with as much softness as there ever was to her, she picked up a piece from the board and sat back in her chair, caressing it almost absent mindedly.<br />
<br />
“There must be concessions.”<br />
<br />
Her eyebrow rose at this but reading his tone she remained silent. <br />
<br />
“First, there must be unswayed consent. On this there can be no ambiguity or hesitancy.”<br />
<br />
Her smile was genuine and pleased as once again her husband’s first considerations did him credit, though He never could understand how rare that was. <br />
<br />
“Agreed.”<br />
<br />
He nodded reflexively as if his motions were absent his mind’s awareness, such was the focus of his thoughts. <br />
<br />
“Second, the matter is to be completed in one day. The sun will stay its course to allow the natural growth and birth of the child within the womb of Boann, but no others outside will know of the deed for the safety of her body and her honour.” <br />
<br />
Her brows lowered at this demand. Though the ability was not beyond them, the impact to the great cycle, not to mention her own plans, could be significant and far reaching. Her sharp eyes watched him closely to read his intent. So much concern for this other woman. <br />
<br />
“Agreed, but on the condition that the impact is yours to manage and that the same boon be offered me should I call upon it.” <br />
<br />
This time his nod was mind full as his dark eyed gaze met hers, accepting the responsibility. <br />
<br />
“Now I have a concession of my own before the matter is closed.”<br />
<br />
He kept his gaze locked to hers and waited patiently. <br />
<br />
“The child is to be brought to me as the sun renews its course and moves to set. There I shall trace the paths of fate again so we may know the best course.”<br />
<br />
The Chieftain took in a deep breath to speak but she interrupted Him with a raised finger. <br />
<br />
“What the weave of fate decrees, you will abide by.”<br />
<br />
She knew his heart, knew it as intimately as her own. Knew how big, broad and giving it is, and knew exactly what pains would be caused should her current view of the fate not alter by their next meeting. For all that he was a great and wise chieftain, a knowledgeable druid and powerful practitioner, for all of his grand strength and skill, his love of family was both his greatest power and yet his biggest weakness. <br />
<br />
His brow furrowed and his gaze sharpened upon her but she was not one to be quelled even by the likes of Him. She remained impassive and resolute. <br />
<br />
“Agreed.” <br />
<br />
The intent of his gaze told her well that he was suspicious, and of course he would be as he was no fool, but the rumble tone of his voice gave his binding word to the matter. <br />
<br />
The agreement struck and set, the matter was put aside as easily as a gust of smoke caught in a high wind. Both their eyes fell to the board and its pieces. The Morrigan sat forward returning the missing piece to its place as they both began to contemplate the stalemate again. <br />
<br />
“You know, even though it’s going to pass in but a day, it will be almost a year long absence from my embrace and our bed. Did you really want to spend what time we have playing games?” <br />
<br />
Her gaze fell upon him like a predator on her favoured prey and her eyebrow rose with the suggestion. <br />
<br />
His rumbling chuckle was the only reply she received to her question as he moved to take her in his big arms and carry her off to bed, but definitely not to sleep. <br />
<br />
*******************************<br />
<br />
A few days later Eclmar journeyed out of his rath and off to the waters he tended. Every seven day before the rise of the sun he would set out and draw forth the wisdom of the well as the first rays of light touched its surface. Yet for all that wisdom may offer, on this day it was a lack of knowledge which would see the changes wrought within his house. <br />
<br />
Boann had received the Dagda’s approach with enthusiastic consent and so she awaited him in her chambers as soon as her husband had departed. <br />
<br />
As the sun's light first touched the island The Dagda called forth his power and with all the Will and authority which was his, he slowed the flow of light across the land. <br />
<br />
Throughout this the longest day, Dagda stayed with Boann sharing a 9 month of partnered relationship. They spoke on every topic, shared and challenged ideals, swapped crafts and skills and engaged in many enthusiastic encounters not just between bed sheets, but in all other places imaginable. <br />
<br />
Once the motherly changes were wrought upon her body as the child grew within her, Dagda stayed ever close to hand, nursing, caring and nurturing Boann, sharing in all of the trials as much as he was able and easing her burdens in whatever manner he could. <br />
<br />
The child was born healthy and strong, with thankfully little discomfort to Boann. It seemed the the infant was possessed of a force of wilful intent as he arrived sooner than expected. Dagda was thankful for this as it gave time for Boann to nurse and know the child before the parting which they both knew would come at the end of their day. <br />
<br />
And so the Dagda bid farewell to his wife of the 9 month day and taking the bundle safe and warm in hand set forth towards the setting sun.<br />
<br />
*********************************************<br />
<br />
Without prior agreement he knew where to find her. There were many places which they called theirs but there was only one for business such as this. The rush and gurgle of the river caught his ears long before his eyes fell upon it. Tucking the blanket close around the child against the river Unshin’s chill, the Dagda arrived at the ford. <br />
<br />
With the sun in his face and night’s darkness following close behind him, he came to her where she stood across the waters, light surrounding her in its red gold flames. <br />
<br />
She stood in robes of red flowing to the ground just above her bare white feet. Hair undone, mane stirring faintly with the breeze above the water, face marked with the colourings of her paint, not set for war, but set for great works none the less. <br />
<br />
He had missed her there could be no doubt about that, but as he looked upon her here, arrayed as she was, he couldn't help recall their last meeting, a 9 month day ago. What had she not told him? What had she held back? It seemed now was the time of revelation. <br />
<br />
Not missing a beat they both stepped forward, one foot at a time, matched stride and synchronicity until the waters of the ford washed about both their legs and they stood without touch in the middle of this space between. <br />
<br />
“With earth and water below, fire and air above, I greet you husband.”<br />
<br />
“In this space between where elements meet, I greet you wife.”<br />
<br />
She had missed him, there could be no doubt about that. Though the day had continued for the rest of the world, She had known the passing of each true minute for what it was and though change had been slowed, it could never be stopped. Many things had been adjusted and altered in the passing of the longest day, but now she stood upon the moment she had foreseen and could not help but hope for the fate to have changed. <br />
<br />
She held out her arm towards him.<br />
<br />
“As agreed in days gone passed, I will look upon the child and see to their fate.” <br />
<br />
Her eyes came up to meet those dark orbs of the Dagda looking to read in him his mood and intent. For all of her abilities to glimpse the weaves of fate’s design, his was the one thread she could never see clearly, the one force which she could not with any assurance predict. He was the most interesting, attractive and yet frustrating thing she had ever encountered.<br />
<br />
<br />
She saw his brow furrow into a frown yet his gaze never left hers. There it was, the oh so subtle threat. That power coupled with the mystery of him ensured that he was the most dangerous thing in existence to her, as she was to him. A perfect balance of beloved nemesis. <br />
<br />
She kept her breathing slow and steady refusing to draw her power about her in any visible way. This was his heart. The strength of the love he held for the child of his own flesh and the will to destroy any who would attempt harm upon those he considered His. She was His as well in the same way that he was hers, but she was under no illusions about his stance when it came to his children. <br />
<br />
His arms came forward and present the bundle to her, oh so gentle for all of his huge muscled strength. She took the swaddled infant and turned it up to look upon its face. Round and with the pudgy jowls of a newborn, it’s eyes were yet to fully open to the world about it. <br />
<br />
Easing her mind she looked to See the child for the first time in person.<br />
<br />
Dagda stood as the waters about his legs began to lose the days heat. He watched closely as the Morrigan looked to See the fate of his child. No force in creation could move him from this spot. The time of truths was here. <br />
<br />
Dearly he loved his partner, this mate, his equal, but he was no fool and also knew she was his greatest threat, the one against whom he could find no effective defence, even if he had wanted to. The power of endings. <br />
<br />
Within his mind he replayed the conversation they had shared. <br />
<br />
They will be a unique force of unequaled vigor. There is only one choice.<br />
<br />
There I shall trace the paths of fate again so we may know the best course.<br />
<br />
What the weave of fate decrees, you will abide by.<br />
<br />
He waited as the sun at last disappeared and the day ended.<br />
<br />
The Morrigan shuddered and closed her eyes, Dagda noted that her arms closed around the child and held him closer to her. He did not move. He waited. <br />
<br />
She opened her eyes and and raised their green orbs to his. <br />
<br />
“Chieftain of the tribes do you remember your oath given to me concerning this moment?” <br />
<br />
Dagda’s mind raced along the paths of what could be considering the possible fate of his son. True his word was given and he would not break with that for honour sake, but what was honour when compared to the safety and well being of family? He couldn't help note the absence of the little bundle from the cradle of his arms and his eyes fell to where it rested in hers. <br />
<br />
“Recall I do the words of my oath.” <br />
<br />
“The child will grow in force and vigour and in time will aid you when no one else can. Yet the fate of his parentage must, for now, remain secret and so he is to be raised in fosterage within the house of Midir and as no child of yours may you claim him.” <br />
<br />
Within his great broad chest the Dagda’s heart skipped and sank low within him. This child of his, this son, not to be his in name or in the raising. His shoulders slumped and face fell to look to the river and within three breaths the wetness of tears adorned his face. The Morrigan’s voice came to him softly and he knew she spoke to him from her own heart not the weave of fate. <br />
<br />
“I’m sorry beloved dear heart, I know how this must pain you. I had hoped that the passage of the longest day might change this fate, but for the child to grow and become whom they must, then they need to be parted from father in the same manner as they are parted from mother. This is the balance of fate.” <br />
<br />
Dagda’s tears joined the waters of the Unshin but he knew the words for truth. She had held back information from him, but now he saw that it was for the love she bore him that it had been done.<br />
<br />
“Name the child, Chieftain.” <br />
<br />
Raising his head, tears still flowing from his eyes, he looked into the Morrigan's now blue orbs. <br />
<br />
“You did that bit already my love.”<br />
<br />
Dagda took a deep steadying breath and into the world about him he sent the name of his child.<br />
<br />
“His name is Oengus Mac ind Og”<br />
<br />An Scealai Beag http://www.blogger.com/profile/03850076468272490483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52999817553055135.post-63078928154576647542018-01-30T11:03:00.000+00:002018-01-30T11:07:35.604+00:00To walk the Mountain Tops<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The mountain air was cold as it passed my lips, sending it searing chill deep into my lungs. <br />
<br />
I exhale faster than my natural rhythm just to get the air out of me before the cold can catch to my lungs and freeze me. <br />
<br />
The views around the area are grand and sweeping, all rolling glacially crafted curves covered in years of rich brown soil upon which the green of the island’s grass is grown. <br />
<br />
My eyes do not see them as they fall to the hard frozen ground in front of me. My heavy feet move forward one step at a time as I watch for the next rock or dip upon which I might stumble. <br />
<br />
So it was that the upright stone crept up and surprised me. It’s looming rock form manifesting out of the ground in front of me, splitting the trail I had been following with its erect solidity. It’s grey sloped sides carved flat so it’s squared form rose to the height of me. The markings scored on its corners took my attention and not for the first time regret arose for not knowing the ways of ogham.<br />
<br />
With my journey stopped by this odd pillar I finally looked up from my feet at the land all about me. Cold and cloud heavy for the season of it, there was still great beauty in the roll of the mountains, the green brown patchwork of fields and the gorse. <br />
<br />
Again it was the unexpected that drew my attention. The broad figure labouring two fields away, digging and hauling, arms bare in just a loose t-shirt despite the December chill upon the heights. <br />
<br />
Turning my back to the pillar stone I made my way across the fields, navigating the walls, hedges and watchful gazes of sheep. <br />
<br />
The closer I got the more sure I became about the identity of the labourer until I stood just behind and to the right of Him. Close enough to see the breath clouding the air about and smell the sweat adorning him. <br />
<br />
I waited. It’s never good to sneak up on someone like him despite his playful friendly demeanour, then again I’m not sure sneaking up on hims is really possible. A thought which seemed to be answered almost as soon as it occurred.<br />
<br />
“Pass me that rock there will you?”<br />
<br />
The thick fingered hand was dirt covered when it gestures out to the rock in question. Knowing him as I do and my own nature, there was only correct action. <br />
<br />
Do the work.<br />
<br />
My fingers were cold to the point of near numbness but the scrape of the rocks craggy surface and the weight of its bulk as I stood to raise it, was still enough to draw a growl of effort from me. <br />
<br />
A few steps over and I was placing the stone amongst some others in a pit he had dug in the field. <br />
<br />
So it was that I spent the next time, shifting soil and hefting rocks until the cold was banished from me, the sweat slick upon me and my arms too, bared in but a t-shirt upon a December mountain top. <br />
<br />
When he stepped back I stood to see what it was our labour had produced. A circular stone ringed fire pit set next to a long stone lined trough, surrounded by the banked up earth from the pit. <br />
<br />
He passed me a bottle of water and I sipped of it slowly, rehydrating my body as the sweat steam rose from my shoulders. <br />
<br />
“Light a fire whilst I fetch the waters.” <br />
<br />
I stride about the edges and hedges of the field gathering what fuels I could and returned to set them in the fire pit and begin the work of calling fire. Setting the kindling and tinder then applying spark and breath to feed its growth. <br />
<br />
All the time my companion trudged across the field to the spring and back hauling water and splashing it into the trough. <br />
<br />
The blaze was crackling merrily heating the area around us, protected from the wind by the banked earth, by the time the trough was full and my companion finally stopped to sit with me at the hearth. <br />
<br />
Fulacht fiadh. <br />
<br />
I had remembered ancient stories about these sites dotted around the island. It seemed that they were for boiling meat in a trough of water heated by rocks from a fire. <br />
<br />
It seemed like a lot of effort to go through for just a spot to cook, especially if the peoples were so nomadic at the time. <br />
<br />
It shouldn’t really surprise me when he answers my thoughts, but it still does and I wonder what gives me away every time. <br />
<br />
“It is a lot of effort to build the likes of this, but not so much when you consider that it’s more than just a cook pot. How did you find your way here?”<br />
<br />
“I was trudging across the mountains when I came to that pillar stone across the way. From there I saw yourself at work down here. What’s with the pillar and the markings on it? Why is it there?”<br />
<br />
“It’s there to do exactly as it did, point those walking the hills to this place. Quite cold up here isn’t it? That is when you don’t have the labours warmth upon you.”<br />
<br />
The mention of the cold brought the chill thoughts back and despite the warmth of the fire in front of me I couldn’t suppress a shiver. I glanced up to see his gaze turned out beyond the fires light. Taking in the land and as the clouds began to darken towards night. <br />
<br />
“There were a lot of the peoples up in these hills back then. Peoples moving around above the dark wet swamps of glacier melt in the lowlands, but beneath the cold open peaks where a body could still freeze in the nights chill.”<br />
<br />
His voice was almost as distant as his eyes as he looked into a time long before today. <br />
<br />
“Fulacht fiadh was more than just a cooking spot, more than just a temporary campsite. It was the beginnings of community. It was a place to which any could come, everyone was welcome, food prepared and the care of those struck by the cold could be cured.”<br />
<br />
His eyes came back to mine as we gazed across the fire. <br />
<br />
“Do you know you can die from hypothermia? Do you know that unless you can raise the person's body temperature enough they may go mad, strip off their clothes and then have their heart stop?”<br />
<br />
I knew some things from my days in the scouts but never that it could go that far. His eyes told me truth as ever, and the sadness there told me that those eyes had seen it first hand. <br />
<br />
“Sitting by a fire will do some good but it takes a long time for the heat to reach one's heart. Placed in a trough where fire burnt rocks heat the water a person can soon be warmed through.” <br />
<br />
His eyes fell to the fire where it danced and crackled its usual hearth song and I saw a sad smile creep on to his face. I kept to my silence and left him to his for a time as the fire danced between us. <br />
<br />
"The people need those of us who can to do the works so that lives may not be lost to circumstance."<br />
<br />
As ever there is more to any one thing than the histories can tell us and what knowledge is lost when the labours cease and the conversations quiet?<br />
<br />
Eventually the Dagda’s head came up and his smile broadened and his big hand came to rest on my shoulder whilst I had kept to my silence and just smiled at him. <br />
<br />
“Thanks for helping me do the work.”<br />
<br />
***For early Access to more stories, recording and other features please connect with me on Patreon <br /><a href="https://www.patreon.com/Dagda" target="_blank">Patreon Dagda Bard</a><br />
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An Scealai Beag http://www.blogger.com/profile/03850076468272490483noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52999817553055135.post-72949091672266156792017-12-30T12:56:00.000+00:002017-12-30T12:56:44.633+00:00Winter Working<div class="stackable">
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It was quiet as he approached the forge. Understandable and to be expected given the lateness of the hour. <br />
<br />
The sleigh he pulled made little noise as it slid across the hard frozen ground. He had been out since the days ending doing his habitual rounds for the season, dropping off whatever he had that could be of use to those who had need of it. <br />
<br />
Stopping a moment to allow his legs a rest he took deep lungfuls of air and watched his breath cloud in the cold as he exhaled slowly, dark eyes following the puffs until they dissipated in the night. <br />
<br />
A last stop then home to a welcoming hearth and a stiff drink to warm the body off its chill. <br />
<br />
Taking his time to place careful feet upon the icy ground he stepped over to the sleigh and began to unpack the logs he had brought. Shifting them a few pieces as at time he neatly stacked them up by the door, within easy reach so a person need not step out to the chill to retrieve them. <br />
<br />
He knew the occupant of this house very well and their habit of working the metals throughout the cold season. Almost the only time they were not hammering and crafting was when their other skills were needed elsewhere. <br />
<br />
Reaching into the bottom of the sleigh he brought out a small sack and with it in hand stepped through into the house. <br />
<br />
The home was well laid out with the forge set in the centre to radiate its heat through out the space. Along the wall right by the door was a crafts table strewn with small pots, cups, pestle and mortars. Bushels of herbs hung drying above it. <br />
<br />
A quick glance to the empty hook by the door told him the occupant was out. The bulging satchel which normally hung there being missing could mean only one thing. A proud smile stretched his face even as the fires warmth began to banish the chill from his skin. <br />
<br />
Stepping carefully so as not to disturb anything with his big shape he moved over towards the back section only to come to a stop as he approached the smithing bench and anvil. <br />
<br />
Tools of the metalworkers trade festooned the counter top in a haphazard scattering. A quick glance told him that there were at least three projects on the go from the selection and variety available. It seems that all of them were receiving regular progress, but the tools themselves were not getting time for care and maintenance. <br />
<br />
Popping the little bundle on the counter he stepped around and began to pick up each tool in turn, checking for wear, damage, scrapes and scuffs. What needed tightening he tightened, what needed oiling he oiled, and what needed sharpening, he sharpened. <br />
<br />
It didn’t take him too long as his hands moved with practiced ease from one to the next, seeing to its care and returning it to its place upon the tools rack mounted on the counter top. He smiled to himself thinking of the other person who, like this, gets focused on the project and often forgets about the care of the tools themselves. <br />
<br />
The job done he stepped back around and took a glance towards the back where a bed and side table sat. That table had been his initial goal but given that the bed had not been slept in and the condition of the smith counter it seems that the work was taking a priority. <br />
<br />
Leaving the bundle in the centre of the counter top his big think fingers untied the binding a let the cloth fall open. A fresh loaf of bread from his own oven. A block of linen wrapped butter from his most recent churning. A wax sealed pot of this seasons honey for his Lil B.<br />
<br />
Stepping outside into the cold he close the door securely behind him and inhaled sharply as the cold once again took the heat of him. <br />
<br />
As the Dagda set to and pulled his sleigh off on the way home he chuckled to himself. Always busy buzzing around and working hard so she is. Just like her old man. </div>
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It was quiet as he approached the forge. Understandable and to be expected given the lateness of the hour. <br />
<br />
The sleigh he pulled made little noise as it slid across the hard frozen ground. He had been out since the days ending doing his habitual rounds for the season, dropping off whatever he had that could be of use to those who had need of it. <br />
<br />
Stopping a moment to allow his legs a rest he took deep lungfuls of air and watched his breath cloud in the cold as he exhaled slowly, dark eyes following the puffs until they dissipated in the night. <br />
<br />
A last stop then home to a welcoming hearth and a stiff drink to warm the body off its chill. <br />
<br />
Taking his time to place careful feet upon the icy ground he stepped over to the sleigh and began to unpack the logs he had brought. Shifting them a few pieces as at time he neatly stacked them up by the door, within easy reach so a person need not step out to the chill to retrieve them. <br />
<br />
He knew the occupant of this house very well and their habit of working the metals throughout the cold season. Almost the only time they were not hammering and crafting was when their other skills were needed elsewhere. <br />
<br />
Reaching into the bottom of the sleigh he brought out a small sack and with it in hand stepped through into the house. <br />
<br />
The home was well laid out with the forge set in the centre to radiate its heat through out the space. Along the wall right by the door was a crafts table strewn with small pots, cups, pestle and mortars. Bushels of herbs hung drying above it. <br />
<br />
A quick glance to the empty hook by the door told him the occupant was out. The bulging satchel which normally hung there being missing could mean only one thing. A proud smile stretched his face even as the fires warmth began to banish the chill from his skin. <br />
<br />
Stepping carefully so as not to disturb anything with his big shape he moved over towards the back section only to come to a stop as he approached the smithing bench and anvil. <br />
<br />
Tools of the metalworkers trade festooned the counter top in a haphazard scattering. A quick glance told him that there were at least three projects on the go from the selection and variety available. It seems that all of them were receiving regular progress, but the tools themselves were not getting time for care and maintenance. <br />
<br />
Popping the little bundle on the counter he stepped around and began to pick up each tool in turn, checking for wear, damage, scrapes and scuffs. What needed tightening he tightened, what needed oiling he oiled, and what needed sharpening, he sharpened. <br />
<br />
It didn’t take him too long as his hands moved with practiced ease from one to the next, seeing to its care and returning it to its place upon the tools rack mounted on the counter top. He smiled to himself thinking of the other person who, like this, gets focused on the project and often forgets about the care of the tools themselves. <br />
<br />
The job done he stepped back around and took a glance towards the back where a bed and side table sat. That table had been his initial goal but given that the bed had not been slept in and the condition of the smith counter it seems that the work was taking a priority. <br />
<br />
Leaving the bundle in the centre of the counter top his big think fingers untied the binding a let the cloth fall open. A fresh loaf of bread from his own oven. A block of linen wrapped butter from his most recent churning. A wax sealed pot of this seasons honey for his Lil B.<br />
<br />
Stepping outside into the cold he close the door securely behind him and inhaled sharply as the cold once again took the heat of him. <br />
<br />
As the Dagda set to and pulled his sleigh off on the way home he chuckled to himself. Always busy buzzing around and working hard so she is. Just like her old man. </div>
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An Scealai Beag http://www.blogger.com/profile/03850076468272490483noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52999817553055135.post-39207184877610316052017-11-28T11:34:00.000+00:002017-11-28T11:34:09.935+00:00Two Chairs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<br />
The space was filled with silence.<br />
<br />
There are many kinds of silence.<br />
<br />
The type that comes once a person passes out of a space of extreme noise.<br />
<br />
The terrified silence of prey when they sense the presence of a predator. <br />
<br />
The near maddening silence of sensory deprivation.<br />
<br />
The silence of the grave, all encompassing and definitive.<br />
<br />
The kind of silence that exists comfortably between old friends who do not need to fill the space.<br />
<br />
This silence was none of those, and in the odd ways of things, all of them. <br />
<br />
The room was bright but comfortably spartan. The cold brightness of fluorescent lighting, not the warm brightness of a fire. <br />
<br />
What
items there were each filled a very specific purpose and had a very
specific space, from the sheathed blades hanging by the door, the stack
of cards upon a side table, to the dustpan and brush stacked neatly in
the corner. <br />
<br />
Two big arm chairs sat one beside the other their
occupants gazing straight ahead each looking at that which only they
could see. <br />
<br />
Between them stood a sturdy handmade oak table on
which rested two goblets of red wine beside the open bottle. Neither
glass has yet been touched as both occupants knew that it was best to
let red warm to the environment and ‘breath’ as the term would have it. <br />
<br />
“Do you think it’s going to make a difference?”<br />
<br />
The
voice which entered the silence, almost as if it were truly part of it,
was deep and resonant, thickly accented from the regions surrounding
the Nile in the African continent. Soft and soothing to the ear there
was no harsh or hardness to the sound of it. <br />
<br />
As smoothly as it arrived it passed and the silence slipped back close around them again.<br />
<br />
Though
the question had been asked neither party was in a rush for the answer.
Time was something they were both very keenly aware of, and at this
point time was in abundance for them. <br />
<br />
The reply when it came
slipped like a shadowed whisper into the silence, though easily heard
for the closeness of the two chairs.<br />
<br />
“It’s time to change or die.”<br />
<br />
Both
parties never turned to look, each keeping watch over that which only
they could perceive. Two hands extended to retrieve the goblets. One
slim long fingered and pale skinned, the other broad thick fingered and
ebony skinned. <br />
<br />
All of a sudden the silence was shattered as
surely as the door was. Both sent to splinters across the space as a
huge shape barrelled in and reeled about. <br />
<br />
“Wife! Beloved! Ye fine vixen ye, I’m home!”<br />
<br />
The bellow was such that the silence fled from it like a startled hare. <br />
<br />
The massive figure staggered around, reeling unsteadily, moving its broad head about bleary eyed searchingly. <br />
<br />
“Ah. There you are an drinkin no less. Sure I’m glad I’m not the only one to be in their cups tonight.”<br />
<br />
The bellowed laughter spooked the silence from where it had crept close to the door, sending it bounding away again.<br />
<br />
“Who is the company ye have beloved?”<br />
<br />
The
figure reeled over to stand before the two chairs. Their smile became a
might broader to see the occupant of the second chair. <br />
<br />
The Big
man brought one of his think fingers to his lips and gave an overly
exaggerated wink implying he was about to engage in some unsubtle
mischief.<br />
<br />
“Lil Ani? Is that you? My goodness you’ve grown.” <br />
<br />
Once
the line was delivered the big man again spooked the silence by
descending into a fit of tittering, which for a man his size was
impressive indeed.<br />
<br />
“No need to get up Lovermine, you see to your guest an I will away to our bed to await your pleasure.” <br />
<br />
With
a reeling spin that was part bow, part over balanced stumble the figure
trundled away across the room. That is of course until they reached the
detritus which had once been a door.<br />
<br />
“Ah what’s this? What happened to the door? Don’t worry my love I will make you a new one and have it hung in the mornin.”<br />
<br />
The figure looked back over their shoulder and suggestively grasped their crotch.<br />
<br />
“Speaking of ‘hung’, I hope you won’t be too long away”<br />
<br />
The tittering began again as the figure strode through another door and into a back room.<br />
<br />
“Tee hee ‘long’ hee hee.”<br />
<br />
The silence crept back into the room, slowly, nervously checking everywhere for the Big scary noisy. <br />
<br />
The Morrigan smiled a small smile to herself and with a sigh gave a slight shake of her head. <br />
<br />
“Was that some movie quote? I can never keep up with his pop culture references.”<br />
<br />
Anubis gave a deep throated chuckle. <br />
<br />
“Star Wars. One of the prequels. I know because it was almost the death of the franchise.” <br />
<br />
The
timid silence gave a start as both began to laugh heartily. It
considered its options given its favor for the two in the chairs.<br />
<br />
It eventually gave up and left as the Dagda began to snore from the back bedroom.An Scealai Beag http://www.blogger.com/profile/03850076468272490483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52999817553055135.post-40615240090087568562017-10-31T13:30:00.000+00:002017-10-31T13:30:19.521+00:00The Fomorian Supper<div class="stackable mb-xs" data-reactid="182">
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<b>**Content warning pertaining to Non Consensual physical interaction. My apologies if it upsets anyone. It most definitely upset me. ** </b><br />
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War.<br />
It's all they seemed to want to talk about. The gathering of chieftains had been in session since the days dawning and now it approached its dusk.<br />
<br />
Word had come from the Fomorians offering hospitality and so the chieftains had been called to have their say, and what say there was had spoke of warriors, weapons, battles and glory.<br />
<br />
He had sat for the full day in quiet watching his people, listening to their words and reading the truth of their hearts.<br />
<br />
The truth which made the sadness come heavy upon him.<br />
<br />
Intolerance laced with fear and pride, it brings out the very worst in us.<br />
<br />
A voice rose above the rest.<br />
<br />
"We should just end every life among those tribes, whether they stand against us or not. They are not of the people and are little more than animals."<br />
<br />
The wooden table shook to the thunderous blow laid upon it, cracks lacing out from where the big fist had struck.<br />
All noise ceased and all attention was given to Him.<br />
<br />
Dagda had moved.<br />
<br />
In contrast to the loud impact which shattered the conversation to silence, his voice when it came was quiet.<br />
<br />
"You would dishonour us all by making such murder upon those who share this land, and worse prove us to be the worst of peoples. All life is sacred."<br />
<br />
"Strange words from one who carries true death in his paw. We all know that many fall before your might, and yet you simper and quail before the glory of more battle?"<br />
<br />
Lugh had answered the Dagda's statement, knowing full well the details of his power.<br />
<br />
"It's true I bear the burden of life and death in my hand, but doing so makes me responsible for each life I end, each of which I carry in my heart knowing their story will not continue."<br />
<br />
Dagda cast his gaze about the assembly.<br />
<br />
"You gather here and for a full days light you talk and plan and plot for war, never considering any other thoughts.<br />
<br />
We have not received a declaration of war, we have received an invitation to peace."<br />
<br />
Once again it was Lugh, wise to the ways of his lineage who answered.<br />
<br />
"Surely you are not blind to their intent despite their invitation? The Fomorian’s seek only a reason to come to battle, going to them as requested is a trap which none could escape and it would be war before even the greetings were given. So we prepare for war which will surely come."<br />
<br />
Dagda's sadness rolled up upon him again as gaze fell to the floor..<br />
<br />
"I am not blind to their intent. I read full well the hearts of people."<br />
<br />
His eyes came up to lock each Chieftain with his gaze.<br />
<br />
"A heart turned to war and conflict becomes a malicious thing, small, closed, twisted against love and joy. Such things if not challenged can taint a people forever."<br />
<br />
He allowed the moment to sit upon them and then spoke again.<br />
<br />
"Full ware I am that the Fomorian invitation may be more trap than nought, but for the sake of a chance at peace, I offer myself as equal to their hospitality. No war will there be with the Tuatha De Danann to blame for its starting."<br />
<br />
And with the words of him finished the Dagda stepped out and strode off across the lands to meet Fomorian hospitality.<br />
<br />
Through day and night he walked to reach the place that had been spoken of, moving with his rolling, land eating gait so that he arrived upon the day and at the hour as requested.<br />
<br />
The Fomorian people had gathered in what could only be described as numbers fit for battle and into their midst the Dagda lumbered, slow and shuffling. Sweat and road dust covered him, hair lank and loose hanging down over his face.<br />
<br />
"Welcome Chieftain of the Danann folk to our humble camp."<br />
<br />
Indech, King of the Fomorian peoples stood tall and proud, head raised above that of all others around him. Decked out in the finest of cloth, torcs and bracelets of richest metals and set with precious stones he looked upon the sweat and filth stained traveller with open disgust. He had heard one such warrior existed amongst the Tuatha De Danann, a sloven, an oaf, glutinous and lecherous by nature.<br />
<br />
So this was the emissary they sent to him? As much insult as could be found in their midst. Still their pride would see them undone, and all the sooner looking at the wretch they had sent to him.<br />
<br />
"I see you have travelled far to be with us, and I offer you what hospitality we may in a humble camp such as this."<br />
<br />
Indech turned a slow twist, arms out wide as a grand performer would. His gesture encompassing the whole of the grand gathering, a multitude of finely dressed warriors standing amidst large bright tents with splendor to see at every angle.<br />
<br />
"Alas you arrive later than agreed my honoured guest and as such our meal has all been passed, but in regard of one such as you a meal has been kept to honour the rule and law of hospitality, such as can be found in this poor excuse for a camp."<br />
<br />
The Fomorian king's face split in a toothed smile, mimicked by all around, as he gestured toward a trench dug deep into the soil. With the kings waved hand the awaiting warriors tipped massive cauldrons over on their sides, spilling their contents into the rift in the soil itself.<br />
<br />
Dagda watched from under his lowered brow and saw a porridge of oats slide onto the ground, but mixed within it he noted the boiled offal and innards of some swine, sheep and goat, no doubt butchered for the Fomorian feasting. A nausea inducing scent filled the air as the cold gruel finally came to its fill.<br />
<br />
Indech turned to face the emissary again, a triumphant smile upon his face. Poor hospitality it may be to offer such a meal, but who would believe the words of an oaf when compared to those of a King.<br />
Once this emissary publicly rejected the meal, crafted specifically to honour them, then indeed the King could hold the peoples of Danú to fault in breaching freely offered hospitality. And here at last he would have his just reason for insult and war.<br />
<br />
The Dagda was not one to be lightly dismissed though, and knowing full well the trap before him he did what would not be expected.<br />
<br />
Fixing his face to its most vacant expression and loosening his jaw so as to hang his mouth open, the Dagda bowed.<br />
His words when they came were slow and slurred, but still carried wide around the camp to the ears of all.<br />
<br />
"Yer a gracious one, O King to offer a humble one such as I so large n fine a meal."<br />
<br />
And with that he lumbered over to the trench. Producing a large spoon from amidst his soiled leine, Dagda slumped to the ground with a loud thud, and set to consuming the gruel.<br />
<br />
Spoon after spoon of it rose to his mouth. Cold and slimy the bites of it slid down his throat. Chunk after vile chunk of the offal was consumed until the Dagda's body was bowed, his gut distended, his breath laboured and even the gravel from the trench was scraped clean of the meal his hosts had set for him.<br />
<br />
What noise and jeers had accompanied the start of the meal had long since slipped to stunned silence, as the sun had slipped beyond its mid.<br />
All that could be heard now were the huffs and puffs of the Chieftain as he rolled to his side, then over atop his stretched gut, followed by the groans and moans as he slowly got his legs under him and rose to his feet.<br />
<br />
Dagda stood, hunched and huffing for breath and met the incensed gaze of Indech.<br />
<br />
The Fomorian Kings face was near the purple of his cloak, jaw clenched, lips pressed tight together so as not to offer an inhospitable statement to the grossly swollen figure before Him.<br />
<br />
The De Danann warrior let out a belch which resounded as thunder amidst the silence.<br />
<br />
"Truly a grand meal o King, I apologise for not leaving any fer you n yours to share in it. I'll be off now and you have me gratitude and that o me people."<br />
<br />
So saying the Dagda bowed forward as much as his distended gut would allow, then lumbering about he shuffled and shambled his way out of the camp.<br />
<br />
Though many were the deaths promised in the eyes of the Fomorian warriors, none would move against him for one who comes in hospitality is protected by it so long as they do not break with the honour of it.<br />
<br />
Yet Indech was not so easily thwarted, nor conflict avoided, so he set forth his daughter to again ensnare the emissary of the De Danann and secure him his war.<br />
<br />
Shuffling feet and lumbering movements carried the Dagda onwards, the burden in his gut heavy and sickening, so it was that he did not see the woman until he was all but upon her.<br />
<br />
"I said, what state is this to greet a woman of noble stature?"<br />
<br />
Her sharp voice cracked Dagda's head up and shook some of the malaise from his senses. Without straightening or giving any overt sign Dagda roamed his dark eyes around the area and then the woman herself.<br />
<br />
Tall and shapely with pale skin and dark hair she stood beside the track, draped in a fine gúna and cloak, clasped to her shoulder with a broach of precious metals and stones.<br />
<br />
"Sorry lady for I did not see you there, I will step around ."<br />
<br />
"You will step nowhere without me upon your back! I am the daughter of Indech and by his request as a good host to you, my transport and safety are yours to ensure."<br />
<br />
So here it was. The second trap of Indech and one he did bait with his own child.<br />
<br />
With a heavy sigh Dagda put his mind to work, for the state of his body was such as to leave him near crippled.<br />
<br />
He slumped heavily to the ground, groans and gases escaping him as he hung his head, eyes half closed, to observe her through his dishevelled mane without being noticed<br />
<br />
"Apologies for my rude greeting Princess. I had not thought to find such a worthy person as yourself alone and so far from her people. Might I know your name?"<br />
<br />
The disdain never left her face nor voice and her reply came sharp as if bladed.<br />
<br />
"One such as you has no need of my name. The name of my father and my kinship to him is enough to warrant your obedience, now get up and carry me upon your back!"<br />
<br />
The next sigh to escape him was one of pity for her. His eyes had told him more than her words could. She was tense, poised upon the balls of her feet, ready to flee should he pose any threat or even any insult to her.<br />
This was not the will of the woman before him, but that of her father, speaking through her, tempting insult or injury upon the flesh of his child therefore ensuring him his War.<br />
Dagda had naught but pity in him for her, but still he must tread carefully.<br />
<br />
"Alas princess I am bound by a geis on me not to carry any upon my back unless they know the naming of me."<br />
<br />
"Well give up your name then for to refuse me would be great insult to my father!"<br />
<br />
"I will not refuse you lass, but I doubt I will be of any use to you. That and I would ensure no insult to one such as you."<br />
<br />
"Give up your name and I shall judge what use a disgusting swollen filthy wretch such as you may be to me."<br />
<br />
"One such as I is so far below a beauty and bearing the likes of you that I must by virtue of my appearance alone be a slight to you. Surely letting me on my way will allow for a more fitting person to serve your needs."<br />
<br />
The shift in his words did not go unnoticed. Her frown shifted and she sought any insult in his terms, but finding nothing to take to her father she persisted.<br />
<br />
"A third time I must ask you and let it be the last, for you are the one here and this is the here In which I must be. What is your name!"<br />
<br />
"If such is how you would have it lady then hear the naming of me."<br />
<br />
Dagda straightened from his hunched slump, set his big hands upon his thighs, yet made no move to rise. Meeting her gaze for the first time he saw her shift slightly, body leaning away like a doe about to leap up and sprint.<br />
<br />
He let his voice come soft and slow then, rolling the words out one after the next in a soothing rumble, his eyes fixed to hers so as to show clear the absence of any threat or intent to Him.<br />
<br />
"Fer Benn Bruach Brogaill Broumide Cerbad Caic Rolaig Builc Labair Cerrce Di Brig Oldathair Boith Athgen mBethai Brightere Tri Carboid Roth Rimaire Riog Scotbe Obthe Olaithbe"<br />
<br />
When the naming was complete a moment of stillness existed between them and the Dagda was the first to break the gaze and lower his eyes.<br />
<br />
"Many names for one of such poor stature. Now with the naming, you will carry me upon your back."<br />
<br />
The words were meant to insult, to create a slur of his form and rise any kind of ire from him, but as his ears listened beyond the words he heard the sharpness of her tongue had dulled. He knew sure then that it was her father's will which rode her, as she was expected to ride him.<br />
Alas he knew that more would be needed and so once again his body became forfeit.<br />
<br />
Letting out a sigh as much for show as for himself Dagda slumped to his side upon the earth, massive stomach stretched out, and breath coming heavily to his lungs.<br />
<br />
"I would gladly be of service to you Princess but full I am of your father's fine meal. If you would but press gently upon my stomach mayhaps I can shift this burden and we can me off."<br />
<br />
Seeing this gross obese creature slumped so upon the soil, seeking her gentle aid, the daughter of Indech took opportunity to add injury to her insult. Why her father put such stock by this so called Chieftain she did not know. Surely any man would not take to harm without defending themselves and as soon as he struck out at her, she could flee and appease her father's anger.<br />
<br />
So it was that stepping forward she began to lay about the Chieftain of the Danann with swift strong kicks to his gut, all the while layering her insult on him for his gross obesity. She stood close watching and waiting for the first sign of his retaliation, but none came.<br />
<br />
Instead, as the bruises began to form the Dagda rolled to his fore and purged the 'meal' from both his stomach and bowel. Indech's daughter leapt back from him, disgust rising as the filth left him in amounts more than could be believed.<br />
<br />
Spasms continued to wrack the chieftains body as that which he had consumed to prevented war was now expelled to prevent war. Twitching and retching, wiping the remains of the filth from his form using the grass and leaves about him, he at last began to rise. <br />
<br />
The Fomorian princess stood at safe distance, watching this massive man move. Waiting for the first sign of aggression towards her, but none came.<br />
<br />
Instead the broad Chieftain, gut now shrunk to a moderate midriff, bent himself to a knee presenting his big back and wide shoulders to her. His voice when it came was torn from the retching and weak.<br />
<br />
"Thank you for your gentle ministrations. I'm ready now to carry you."<br />
<br />
Indech's daughter stood, her shock showing plain on a face he could not see. What was this man? To take such insult and injury and not be moved to anger or reprisal. What Will was this to drive a man to accept such punishment?<br />
<br />
The ponderings of the daughter were soon overruled by memory of the words of her father.<br />
<br />
"Go to the path along the ways and wait. A Chieftain of the Danann peoples will come by that way and you are to place demand, insult and injury upon him until he does to you some harm or slight. Then we will have our war."<br />
<br />
"Father, what of my safety? What of my virtue? What of the harms that may be done upon me to be alone with our enemy?"<br />
<br />
"All the better that harm to you or your virtue happen for then my rights to their lands through means of battle are assured. Be not a waste to me daughter and go!"<br />
<br />
Indech's daughter looked upon this kneeling Chieftain and found her hatred cooled, her disgust abated, yet still her father's will drove her.<br />
<br />
"I care not by which name you would be called, oh gross one, but a soiled leine is not fit for me to climb upon. Strip! Remove your rags and use them to wipe your filthy self."<br />
<br />
Dagda sighed heavily. What a sight he must seem to her. A fair Fomorian princess sent out to ensnare a filthy, gorged mass of dirt and sweat. Insult and injury she placed upon him and now with his service secured she demanded more in order to demean him further.<br />
<br />
With slow movements he pulled the soiled leine from off his back leaving him naked to her gaze. Using the fabric as best he could Dagda wiped and cleansed his body of the filth, muck and sweat, standing before her as she gazed upon his bared body.<br />
<br />
He saw her eyes follow the line of his shoulders, the movements of his muscled arms, down across his now shrunken stomach, across the groin of him and where his penis hung limp between his massive muscled legs.<br />
<br />
He noted her fear to see his big form so laid bare from beneath his loose rough spun leine, so maintains the slow steady movements until once again he knelt to the ground, broad back and shoulders presented to her.<br />
<br />
Without a word he heard her close on him, with no flinch he felt her icy hands slide across the shoulders of him and without groan nor complaint he stood, lifting the form of her gently upon his back.<br />
<br />
So arranged this Chieftain of the Danu’s people moved off, setting a gentle trundling gait so as not to jostle the princess. Across the land they went, her cold hands guiding him at times so that their progress would be noted by the Fomorian peoples. So they would see the humbled hero of the Tuatha De Danann carrying their princess. So they in turn could note his naked form and hurl their jeers and insults upon him, but still the Dagda moved on with no reprisal.<br />
<br />
Eventually they arrived at the fording of a river and here the princess commanded he stop and lower her down. Tired and sweating again the Dagda slumped to the ground.<br />
<br />
Many hours had she ridden him and much land had they covered, yet for all of that, no bruise was there upon her skin from his hand, no chaffing nor scraping, no marks upon her flesh for which she could claim harm.<br />
<br />
As she stepped down to the water’s edge Indech's daughter began to despair. Her father would be furious with her should she fail to secure some harm for him to use as slight.<br />
<br />
The will of this strange man had seen him accept gross mistreatment. Of hospitality, of his bodily form, of his naming and pride. Shaming him in near all the ways one can be shamed and for all that, she had not one scuff, nor one slight with which to hold against him.<br />
<br />
As the sun began its dip towards darkness she had but one thing left to her, one last thing with which to secure harm or slight, her virtue as a maiden.<br />
<br />
Standing in the shallows she slipped her guna from her shoulders and allowed the sun's light to bath her naked form. Shapely and muscled with fine curve to her thigh, hip and breast, she had long known the lascivious gaze of men, had endured their leering, pawing, harassments all to ensure no insult for her father, and now here she was set to experience the worst of things, exposed to the appetites of a stranger, so as to secure insult from him and bring about her father’s war.<br />
<br />
She turned slowly about gathering her courage to face yet another leering gaze, more exposed than ever before, and found him sitting, eyes cast down averted from her.<br />
<br />
All time seemed to stop in that hung moment, the sun spilling liquid fire across the waters flow where it ran above the earth of the ford, the air hung close and still.<br />
<br />
"Lass, there is no need for that now. I have read the truth of your eyes, heard the will of your father in your words, and felt the flutter of your heart against my back.<br />
<br />
This is not by your consent to be here in this place and be as you are and so you will have no harm of thought, word, nor deed from me.<br />
<br />
I would for the very life of me do you no insult or injury, for though conflict may yet come between our folk, I would not have it come from any harm done by me and mine."<br />
<br />
His words rolled out upon her, heavy with sadness which she knew was solely for her, but her father's will still drove down upon her, and rage filled her to see so humble a man show true care. Who was this stranger to care so much for her, where her own kin would not. So the moment broke as she descended upon him.<br />
<br />
Grabbing, clawing, biting, she took him. All aggression and anger, her fear spilling out and over this strange man. All she needed was some mark, some reprisal, some moment of broken concentration in which his strength was let loose upon her.<br />
She forced her mouth to his, biting his lip til blood flowed, raked her nails across his chest opening crimson wounds so that his heart began to thump and so engorge his limp member. With his penis stiff and turgid from blood flow she mounted him, impaling herself forcefully down upon him, a scream of pain and rage escaping her and there astride him she finally looked down to meet his gaze.<br />
<br />
Big dark eyes met hers. Filled with such deep sadness pity and pain that they had overflowed to tears. Salted water streamed steadily from him, down his broad cheeks, passed blooded lip, and into sweat soaked beard. All else of which was silence and stillness from him.<br />
<br />
The woman atop the man saw the harm and injury she had caused, not just the physical but also the mental and emotional. She saw in that moment the great extent of a will set to do no harm, a heart burdened by hurt and pain, yet no anger rushed to retaliate.<br />
<br />
She saw him. So big, so strong, so powerful, so compassionate. Yet all of that was as if nothing compared to an immovable Will, set now to do no insult or injury no matter the personal cost to him.<br />
<br />
Her people had provided the worst of filth and he had sacrificed his honour to consume it.<br />
<br />
She had beaten and berated him, stripping him of dignity and he had sacrificed his pride to allow it.<br />
<br />
She had taken him, with harm and hurt, without consent, and he had sacrificed his body to endure it.<br />
<br />
The depths of those dark eyes took her and in them she saw the truth. The world as it could be. A world where the highest ideals were met as all values were shared equally. Where there were no disparate tribes, but where all were as One people. Where diversity enriched the whole, instead of differences dividing it. She saw hope.<br />
<br />
The steady slow rhythm of his heart returned her to herself. She had not known when it had happened but she lay upon his broad chest, face against his skin, rising and falling with his slow breath. Her body was warm despite the darkness of the night around them, cradled gently in a pair of massive muscled arms. <br />
<br />
"I saw it."<br />
<br />
Her words came as a whisper into the silence and she felt more than heard his acknowledging grunt.<br />
<br />
"It can't exist. It's not possible."<br />
<br />
Again her only answer was that same grunt.<br />
<br />
"My father will not stop until he has his war. He and all the peoples of the land are bound to their hungers, their needs for wealth, power and dominance."<br />
<br />
His lungs filled and the breath was released with as much a sigh as an exhale.<br />
<br />
"I know lass. I know the ways of hearts and minds. I know the truth of the Worlds.<br />
<br />
They no longer struggle to survive, to fight and scrape to have enough food. With work there is enough for all so that hunger need not be a foe.<br />
<br />
So now they struggle for that which they think enriches them, land, wealth, precious metals, adoring subservient followers, all the while not knowing what true satisfaction is.<br />
<br />
I know that an ideal world cannot exist because we don't all share and live to the same ideals. Until we can come together over common values, to acknowledge the baseline basic truths that apply to one and all, there can be no true satisfaction for all and so no true peace."<br />
<br />
His words, so softly spoken in that still space, hung heavily upon reality.<br />
<br />
"Come away with me then, let's leave them to their wars and hatred. Let's you and me make a place of peace for us."<br />
<br />
Her words were spoken but she knew the answer before she had even started them. She had seen his eyes, she had seen the depth of his hope.<br />
<br />
His chest rose and fell a few times, that slow steady drumming of his heart in her ears.<br />
<br />
"You know the answer to that lass, but I'm grateful for the asking.<br />
<br />
An ideal world might never exist, but who would I be if I stopped trying to make it so.<br />
<br />
What hope is there for the rest if there is not at least one who is willing to sacrifice all that they are to show that ideals and values have a rightful place in the truth of our world."<br />
<br />
This time she found it was her eyes which were wet with tears.<br />
<br />
"I fear the price may always be too high. War will come but it will not be from this day’s events. I will do all I can to delay my people but when it does dawn, know that that day I stand with you, for the sake of your ideal world."<br />
<br />
So saying, Indech's daughter, princess of the Fomorians, slipped from his big arms, shivered in the cold, gathered her guna, and disappeared into the night.<br />
<br />
Dagda lay there gazing up at the starry heavens and allowed his tears to flow until they joined the rivers swell and rolled away across the lands.<br />
<br />
"An ideal world might never exist, but who would I be if I stopped trying to make it so."<br />
<br />
<br />
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An Scealai Beag http://www.blogger.com/profile/03850076468272490483noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52999817553055135.post-13965107185361724012017-10-03T11:44:00.001+01:002018-02-17T17:59:20.569+00:00The Wooden Heart<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-8cfc7ef7-f61d-f8bf-8ca9-13cdfbdecb73" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-91P8GpEwhrA/WZ72JY3dC6I/AAAAAAAAAhQ/2DjpKQsvoEoFzXfJcI30Wjzg0ALGYavzwCLcBGAs/s1600/Fire%2Bwood.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1125" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-91P8GpEwhrA/WZ72JY3dC6I/AAAAAAAAAhQ/2DjpKQsvoEoFzXfJcI30Wjzg0ALGYavzwCLcBGAs/s320/Fire%2Bwood.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The Rath was filled with its usual comforting peace, the only sound in the space given by the hearths fire, where the wood was consumed with faint crackling noises.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The chieftain sat in his big seat, eyes lost to the dance and flicker of the flames, basking in their heat, grateful again for the warmth the wood gave.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> He sat a long while, at his ease, turning something over and over in his big hands. It was a round of wood, looking to be cut from some tree, dried and smooth. His rough fingers traced the lines of the rings upon the trees heartwood. Solid and strong, the drying of the wood had not split nor cracked it.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">With a last caress, he picked up the sharpened blade, and with a smile began to slowly whittle away peels from the wood. Allowing his mind to drift, he left it to his hands to free the shape within. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">He remembered the day it had come to him. From the storm fallen bole of great tree which could no longer cling to life, he had found it. The tree he had taken to support the work of the smith, in his service to the peoples. The labour of cutting, carrying, sawing and stacking, his gift to his brother. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The island home was covered in trees, tall and green, strong and broad, old before a time his people's feet touched this soil. He had come to know and love them, these ancient creatures. Beings which merge all the elements into one form. Nourished by Earth fire and water, creating a form pulled from the Air itself, they stand bridging the Land and Sky, born of Water and the suns Fire.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">He always seemed to breath more easily and deeply when surrounded by their bulk and beneath their leafy boughs. Many a deep restful sleep he had found seated amidst the large roots of some tree and grateful for their care he was.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Have you ever heard the trees sing? People always think its the wind that makes the trees rustle and hum their tunes, but He often wondered if it were not the trees rustle and song which made the wind. A gust here a breeze there, all to carrying their slow creaking groaning greetings one to the next. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Careful he was of these grand creatures, aware of their song, their vitality, and of the centuries they had stood witness to, he always took that which the tree had already given up, or the fallen form of one whose long watch had already ended. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">So it had been with that giant oak, storm fallen and done. He made his peace with the heart of it and brought it forth to fuel the fires, yet as he had sawn the lumber, shearing the blade through the wood, the rasp and hiss of each cut, he had heard an echo of the heart song of it. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">So it was, He had taken this one piece for himself. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The scrape of the whittling blade made a quiet complement to the fires crackle, as the curls of wood drifted down about his feet. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The tree’s heart. The core of it. Grown outward year after year. Strengthened and hardened layer after layer. He allowed himself to imagine the passage of those, years decades, centuries as the tree had held to the earth with its roots, branches raised high into the air.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Drawing in the water and nutrients from the earth. Absorbing the heat and energy of the suns fire. Exhaling its breath and sending its song along the wind. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Struggling from a small green fragile thing. Doing all it could day by day to grow and change. Taking on the elements and the wildlife of its environment as its grew. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Stretching and changing day after day by the smallest of measurements, by the barely perceptible increments, doing at least a little bit so that each effort builds upon the last. Until weeks, became months, became years, became decades, and every days effort became the next day's success. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Trees grow from the heart outwards.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The chieftain’s smile was a subtle thing, given as it was for himself and the fire alone. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">One’s heart. No more crucial than many other parts of a body to make sure it functioned, but it always seems that there was more significance given to it than any other. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Follow your heart's desire. Listen to your hearts wants. Heed the hearts hammering. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Be brave and bold of heart. Keep an open heart.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">No one ever said, listen to the wind of your lungs, or follow your kidneys.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">He brushed some shavings from the top of his stomach where they had some to rest on his paunch. True they said trust your gut, but what was that when compared to the multitudes of sayings and meanings attributed to the heart. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">He turned the wood over and began working to unlock the details of the piece. The shape was there now, almost distinguishable for its form. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Trees grow from the heart outwards.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">He often wondered if people didn't do the same. True growth, real change growing from the core of each and everyone of us. From a place of happiness and comfort where ones heart is so full and fit to burst that the growth and change just spontaneously surges up? Or oft times from the pained and broken heart, where the growth and change must happen if one is to get to a place where the heart may heal. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Precious things these hearts. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Not to be handled lightly or given too freely for the hurt which can be done by them, but assuredly n</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">ot to be locked away from others or ourselves for how else will we find growth. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">He looked down at the figure in his hands, rubbing his thick thumbs along its lines and form. It was a person. Blocky and broad, with a wide easy stance, arms bent and hands on its hips, the head tilted back as if the person were laughing joyfully. The Heart of the Oak. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Be brave and bold of heart.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Keep an open patient heart.<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Stand strong around your heart </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Trees grow from the heart outwards. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Maybe we should be more like trees.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The
Dagda smiled a broad happy smile and placed this figure on his high
shelf with the others. He brushed the shavings into the flames where the
fire happy took to munching upon them.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Maybe people also grow from their stomach he thought, as his rumbled hungrily at him.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="line-height: 1.38;">****************************************************************************************************************************** </span><br />
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An Scealai Beag http://www.blogger.com/profile/03850076468272490483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52999817553055135.post-27986141930821355932017-08-19T16:34:00.003+01:002017-10-20T13:56:55.255+01:00House Guest and the tales Hands Tell<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vdj0fcqu1TU/WXs910ISEqI/AAAAAAAAAg4/6QekBN_HA9U4-Zm-tx3CjBcPSFi7oN8cQCLcBGAs/s1600/Hands.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1125" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vdj0fcqu1TU/WXs910ISEqI/AAAAAAAAAg4/6QekBN_HA9U4-Zm-tx3CjBcPSFi7oN8cQCLcBGAs/s320/Hands.jpeg" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">"Show me your hands lad."</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Perplexed I did as requested and held my hands up. I had come out of the house to meet him at his arrival and as ever his ways are often a mystery to me, that is until he explains them. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">"Now turn them over, palms up."</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">His eyes gave the smile a mischief twist I was well familiar with these days. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">"What's the story today Big D? Some magic trick?"</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">That smile is his broadened a slight bit. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">"I have told you already lad, what is magic if not a skill you just don't understand."</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">My smile answered and I gave a resigned shake of my head.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">"Go on then."</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Opening his big paw like hands he cupped both of my hands one in each and stared intently at my palms.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">"So what do you know of the art of palmistry? No no don't answer, I think I can see it here. Yes skepticism but with a curiosity yes."</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">He began to inspect my hands, tracing the lines of my palms and taking hold of my fingers at various times all the while, hmming and hawing to himself. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">"So, what do you see old man?"</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Curiosity finally getting the better of me. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">His eyes remained fixed to my skin.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">"I see, I see, strength and yet fragility. I see purpose and yet pain. I see affection and endurance. I see hands of a music maker, hands of builder, hands of hospitality."</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">He stepped back and gazed at me with those deep eyes of his as a knowing smile crept its way into his face.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I gazed at my hands and wondered, recalling all I know of palmistry from the sources I had encountered.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">"All that?" </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">My moment of contemplation was shattered to hear his guffaw of laughter followed by a deep rumbling chuckle.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">"What? What's funny?"</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">His chuckle passed and with a deep breath he looked to me.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">"You are, the look on your face."</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">My frown came down heavy and annoyed.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">"Alright then, what's the trick?"</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">His eyes sparkled and his voice took on that tone of the knowledgeable teacher.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">"As with any magic trick, the key is in the misdirection. What do you know of palmistry?"</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">As I began to marshal my thoughts to prepare an answer he interrupted and carried.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">"It doesn't matter. That's the misdirection!"</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">"But how did you know the things you did then? I haven't touched that saxophone in years!"</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">"Alright lad, here is the key to the true skill of it."</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">As usual, he paused, big smile on his broad features, allowing his audience to await the big reveal like the very best of show men.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">"I observed."</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">"You what? You're telling my you just looked and my hands?"</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">"No. Looking is just a passive state of awareness. What I did was observation or detailed active awareness.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Let's break it down shall we? </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Strength and fragility was first. Feeling your hands and fingers showed me the strength there, but observing your nails, bitten not clipped told me you're nervous and biting them, so a certain about of anxiousness or fragility in a sense. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Purpose and yet pain. Well look at your hands and the slices healing on your skin. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">You have been working at some maintenance job or other. The multiple directions of the cuts and locations around your index finger and thumb showed that it was twisting for turning something, loosening a valve or a bolt, one with sharp edges. The depth of them and the colour of the healing skin shows that you bled but the repeated cross cuts showed that you didn't stop and carried on. Purpose despite the pain.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Affection and endurance is easy. The cats are quite playful and you enjoy their company, but they do bite and scrape a lot and you seem to endure the marks to your skin for the sake of the affection given with it."</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">"Ok I get it. So it's paying attention to the details, but that's still doesn't explain the rest. How can anything you would see tell you about music? That saxophone hasn't been out of its case in years."</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">His eyes took on a gleam of the mentor finding the gap in their pupils thought process and savouring the moment prior to revelation. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">"You're forgetting that observation is not solely a function of the eye.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">You're hands smell very faintly of oil used to lubricate the functions on musical instruments."</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I looked at him in blank amazement at his explanation. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">"The nose knows" said Dagda as he tapped the side of his nostril with a large callused finger, and gave a conspiratorial wink. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">"Hold on....you missed one. What about hospitality?"</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">His smile broadened again to show teeth this time and I knew at that moment I had fallen into his trap.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">"Well you're going to invite me in to your new home and make me a sandwich aren't you?"</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">His renewed guffaw followed me as I muttered my way into the kitchen to look after my guest</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="line-height: 1.38;">****************************************************************************************************************************** </span><br />
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An Scealai Beag http://www.blogger.com/profile/03850076468272490483noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52999817553055135.post-62385324820117617352017-07-28T13:57:00.002+01:002017-10-20T13:56:46.130+01:00Passage unto Death.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qrm0dTQPOsg/WXs0unUrQCI/AAAAAAAAAgo/uzeGzgcCJYo1xleWllKnU9aGl0_wi1tpgCLcBGAs/s1600/passage%2Bunto%2Bdeath.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="563" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qrm0dTQPOsg/WXs0unUrQCI/AAAAAAAAAgo/uzeGzgcCJYo1xleWllKnU9aGl0_wi1tpgCLcBGAs/s320/passage%2Bunto%2Bdeath.png" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Who are you to stand so in state?<br />
Who are you to gaze upon the departed?<br />
Who are you to mourn their leaving? <br />
<br />
It
had been the spirit watch for a day and nights passing and they did not
wake. No stirring of form of passage of breath did the body make. No
hunger or thirst came upon it to cause a motion. No movement of any
kind. <br />
<br />
They did not wake. <br />
<br />
He had stood so near unblinking
for the spirits watch. Ensuring that the allotted time had passed and
the spirit had not returned to the form, nor any other spirit take up
residence. <br />
<br />
Watching for a wake was a trial in itself. Enduring
patiently so that the fallen was not alone. Abstaining food and drink so
that the hunger or thirst upon you may somehow trigger it upon them.
Watching closely so as not to miss a detail in case they were but
sleeping or spirit traveling. <br />
<br />
Old Donall had strode the land
with the Dagda for many years and many were the challenges and
adventures they had shared and endured. Donall was well aware of the
Dagda's heart and knew the burdens set upon it by bearing the
responsibility for life and death in that length of club wood. A great
power true, but weighty with great responsibility. <br />
<br />
It was he who
had spoken of it, one night at revel, but indeed made mention of it in
sincerity when the light of the next day was upon them. <br />
<br />
"I don't want bringing back."<br />
<br />
The Dagda had looked at him, surprised and confused, and moved to speak, but Donall hushed him and carried on.<br />
<br />
"
I seen the greatness of you and that death touch wood, an all this time
together I thought to meself, Donall, ne'er be on the receivin end of
that ending.<br />
<br />
Wise words no doubt and no chore it was me for your friendship has been of great joy and no enemy of you would I be.<br />
<br />
So the years have come and old I am, the strength and vigour leaves me and my wisdom and council is not much more needed.<br />
<br />
So then I thought, what of that other end? What of carrying on with our adventures forever? That's when I realised it.<br />
<br />
I'm not for stayin Old Donall forever and who knows what's for seein once my ending comes. <br />
<br />
I know it's a sorrow I be puttin on ye Big Man, but I would not have the carrying me on that club forever.<br />
<br />
Carry instead fond memories of me in your heart so that ye smile thinkin o me."<br />
<br />
So
that was that. Donall now called 'Old' once called 'Bold' died a quiet
death. No battles harm upon him, no pain of illness to touch him, just a
soft goodbye as dreams slipped over him and his breath left him at
rest. <br />
<br />
Dagda stood where only Kin could. Dagda stood dark eyes
witnessing the passage onto death. Dagda stood, recalling to mind each
tale of Donall's life and finding more smiles than tears upon him.<br />
<br />
Dagda stood where Donall would have him stand, watching for a wake they both knew would not come.<br />
<br />
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An Scealai Beag http://www.blogger.com/profile/03850076468272490483noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52999817553055135.post-75520934516753862712017-06-27T16:00:00.001+01:002017-10-20T13:56:36.044+01:00The Power of Endings and Beginnings<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HxHFkhvlM-E/WVJwjrl4dNI/AAAAAAAAAfc/uhXl3WmcP28vGEG8gJr3BJsQYwppVJ24QCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--946852243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HxHFkhvlM-E/WVJwjrl4dNI/AAAAAAAAAfc/uhXl3WmcP28vGEG8gJr3BJsQYwppVJ24QCHMYCw/s320/blogger-image--946852243.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
The Champion could not hold his place for his anger. Fine boots, normally kept so clean were scuffed and muddy from his treading back and forth.<br />
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Dagda sat on the ground before his home, a huge butter churn in between his thick thighs, big hands wrapped around the broad strapped handle of a massive length of wood as he raised and lowered it, driving its shaft into the pale time and again with slow measured strokes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">"You'll wear a hole in those fancy shoes of yours"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Lugh spun on him, levelling that spear of his to point at the other chieftain.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">"You could stand to show some more concern. My enemies are moving against us."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Dagda released a slow breath, making allowances for his responsibility to his own emotions before replying, big arms keeping a steady rhythm. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">"Lugh, there is naught you can do about it right this moment, and not much rest will there be in the moments to come. All is prepared as it should be and no pacing will hasten the resolution of the day."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Whether it was his softened tone or the casual use of the name, Dagda did not know, but the Champions frustration flashed to quick anger. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">"Don't tell me what to do! I am in charge here and will not be coddled by the likes of you."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Dagda's face formed a frown as his own anger began to rise, but this was not the space for emotional responses despite the outburst.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Once again the Dagda allowed space for his own feelings to rise then pass, and releasing a slow breath he relaxed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">The Spear moved away, as Lugh resumed his pacing. Dagda had offered levity, then offered patient counsel, neither had altered the mood so he again lapsed into silence and slow rhythmic motions of the churn. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">When figures appeared from over the hill, Lugh came to an immediate halt, in an instant moving to a perfect warriors pose for attack or defence. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">"Armed men approach. Rouse yourself and ready."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">The Dagda lazily rolled his head over and took a glance at the approaching force, in particular the scraggly haired broad shouldered youth in front. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">"They're with me."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Lugh began to relax, but abruptly stiffened. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">"What trick is this?!? That cannot be him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">The blows I dealt him were mortal and ending. No skill in healing may bring back the dead!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">No matter, the slight stands and I will see his corpse at my feet again!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Lugh reached back, muscles bunched and feet placed, spear raised for a killing cast, levelled squarely at the broad youth. When this Spear was loosed, none could stand against it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">His eyes were fixed upon his prey, when sudden pain exploded in his wrist and hand, and the spear stuck fast to his grip.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> It was so unexpected as to bring a yelp to his lips, eyes coming up to rest upon his hand, and seeing the massive paw of another encompassing it in a crushing grip.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">His eyes followed the hand to the arm, bunched broad with muscle, and up to a face likened to a dark thunder cloud. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">The Dagda had moved.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">In the space of a hearts beat he was upon the de Deann champion and had ceased all of his motion. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Lugh' eyes met the Dagda's and saw in their deep black darkness a rage barely kept in check. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">The heart of a champion is no quailing thing and Lugh's bright shining eyes hardened to quick frost, as he began to gather his strength and ready his body.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">"Don't."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">The word was a soft whisper and included a fractional increase in the grips pressure. To his credit, Lugh took the pain without reaction, but stilled himself as he assessed this new threat.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Lugh had long seen the Dagda as he lumbered about slow and steady, his large frame carrying his weight and giving a slope to his broad shoulders. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">The clothes he wore always seemed too tight and just slightly better than filthy rags about his frame. A champion such as he could demand the finest of raiment as Lugh did, but the fair haired war leader had never seen the Dagda in anything other than basic work wear. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Lugh knew this to be a choice the Dagda made, appearing slow and small so as not to scare anyone with the massive size of him, but in moments like this, when the Dagda moved as he just had, all pretence fell away.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Lugh's eyes roamed up from the massive fist, along thick muscled arm to broad shoulders set straight as the Dagda took his full height. His big barrel chest strained against the cloth he wore and the cords of thick tendon showed on his neck.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">The scraggly beard and moustache surround a thin line of his lips, normally so full and smiling, now tight over clenched teeth.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Nostrils flared in his broad nose as he forcibly drew in and released slow breaths, his brow, normally at rest or raised in levity, was lowered bringing a heavy frown above his eyes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Those eyes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Not much ever escaped the gaze of the Dagda, sharp dark eyes, normally so full of depth and wisdom, and not a small amount of mischief, were at this moment locked squarely on Lugh, empty of all compassion, empty of all caring full only of rage. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">The heart of a champion is no quailing thing, and Lugh is a champion amongst champions, but in that moment he saw a true death awaiting him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Lugh sensed something in that foreboding that he had never felt about the Dagda before and he found his eyes drawn down to the other muscled arm and the length of wood held ready in a big fist. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Removed from the churn he now saw it was not some stout handle but a massive club of dark wood, the handle wrapped in bindings to aid grip. Death seemed to ride up along its length and into the Dagda's fist. Death. The power of true endings. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Lugh's eyes came back up to the Dagda's gaze and in that look the big man saw his realisation. Dagda saw the younger warrior consider his mortality and that more than anything broke the moment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Dagda let loose a rush of breath and releasing the other warrior took a quick step backwards. His dark eyes fell to his clenched fist and the death touch wood there in. Seeing his own arm twitch and shake from the effort of holding it still. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">"Remember your promise."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">He spoke the words to himself, but heard another reply to him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">"Of what do you speak? How come you upon this power of endings?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Dagda closed his eyes and allowed memory take him</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> *************</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Such a fine child, open and caring and quiet, but with maybe a bit too much of Dagda's charm. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">It was that which must have gotten him in the mess, but the sorrowful Chieftain could not say his son Cermad, wasn't following in his footsteps. Alas those steps had lead him to Lugh's wife.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">By the time Dagda had heard of these things and rushed across the land, it was too late. Arriving he had seen his son laid low, with many wounds placed upon him so that his body could not bear them and life had left him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Lugh stood over the boy victorious in his vengeance, but as the Big Chieftain approached he took up his defence.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">"The challenge was given for the betrayal and he took it up with honour."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Lugh's voice held its anger just in check, his eyes watching the Dagda as the Big man slowly closed the distance. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Dagda's eyes were fixed only for his fallen child, barely seeing the still reddened Spear aimed at him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Slumping to his knees upon the ground, big hands trembling, he gathered his son to him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">"Promise me! Promise me Lugh that it ends here and now, and no enemy of me will you make this day." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">The words were quiet and small coming from his mouth, yet Lugh knew that his decision in this moment would be binding. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">"You have my word on it and by my name let it be true. Honour is settled."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">So saying the shining one left that place and the Dagda to his grief. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">The Big man looked down upon his son, grown to manhood, but always his child, brushing the unruly mop of hair from his cold lifeless face. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">"What a mess you have gotten yourself into Cermad my boy."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Skilled in all the ways of the healing as he was, there was no cure for death. Dagda searched his mind and laid upon his offspring the fullest extent of his talents, sealing the wounds and stopping times corruption of the flesh, but for all that he could make the body whole, he could not return that which had left.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">As the Chieftain looked down upon the body of his boy, tears rolling freely amidst the sweat of his labours, the sadness came strong and black upon him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">It was not long before the flutter of wings brought his eyes up, away from his boy. Blackest of birds, the Crow alighted on a nearby branch, head cocked quizzically as it surveyed the scene.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">"Away now! This one is not for you."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">The Dagda made to shoo the bird off but his labours had drained him and his tired arms would not lift. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Caw! exclaimed the crow and hopped down gliding to the still chest of the boy. It turned its head this way and that eyes brightly shining and beak clicking as it pondered. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">"I said away!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">The red of the Dagda's anger flashed through him and in a moment he was on his feet. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Startled the crow flapped and cawed it's way back to the branches, mightily disturbed by the Big mans sudden action.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">"No. Not for you. If no power exists in Erin to bring back what's mine then I will leave and find it elsewhere in the world!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">So saying the mighty Chieftain took to task the journey, big hands gently raising him son up across his shoulders, and set his legs to moving. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">All the while the Crow called after him, but he would not be stayed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Off the land to the east he went, out of Erin and over the Ninth wave to foreign shores. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Those that saw him, noted a big broad man, weighed down bearing a burden the size of a grown man across his shoulders, hunched forward and low, legs pushing him along. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Those that spoke to him, found a small voice asking for those knowledgable in the ways of healing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Those with skill in healing shared all they knew, but nought could raise his burden.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Long was the journey, and distant the lands the Dagda crossed, until hope itself began to die within the Big mans breast.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Sweat streaked and heart broken his feet barely raising enough to justify a shuffle, Dagda moved onward. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">The still unmoving burden across his shoulders no more a physical burden to him now than when he had carried him as an infant, but the weight around his heart could not be shifted by the memories of those joys in holding his son. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">So it was that the three brothers of further lands first encountered the Dagda. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">A stoop shouldered, dejected man moving with some difficulty along the dirt road, in the baking heat, a heavy burden upon him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">When stop him they did, he barely noticed them until one moved to touch the bound and covered form that was his son. The redness of the rage flashed within him and in an unthought of movement, the Dagda's fist connected with the side of the mans head, and felled him down dead. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Shouts arose as the other brothers decried the act, and as the Dagda stepped back from his irresponsible deed, shame brought him to clarity. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">To the Chieftain's shock, one of the brothers brought forth a massive club and laying its handle against the wound, restored life to his fallen family. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Seeing the deed done before his eyes with such ease the Dagda was moved to plead with them for his own son's life, but the brothers would not be swayed to his words. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Talking of their great powers gifted on to them from their fathers inheritance, Dagda heard of the arts that each could accomplish with their gift, all the while his mind fixed on that club. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Dark is the mind bereft of hope, but to see all that he required kept from him in that moment, that darkness spilled to desperation. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Again he asked for but the use of the weapon to restore that which was lost to him, but this plea fell upon deaf ears, for the brothers stated why should others gain from the powers which were theirs by right. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">To see hearts so closed to him, drew the Dagda to a mighty rage, and he set about them all of a sudden, close an crushing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">The first of the brothers drew forth a pair of knives and with a wicked smile, disappeared from view. Yet the Chieftain would not be fooled in this. What his eyes could not see, his ears and nose could still track, and as his prey moved to pass him, aiming to get behind and slash at him, the Dagda's mighty fist fetched him a punch which drew the wind from his lungs in a cry soon strangled off as his ribs shattered. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">The second brothers form shifted, becoming that of some great ursine beast rearing to its hind legs to roar at the Tuatha De denann warrior. The isle of Erin long had such bears and the Dagda was familiar with the hunt of their form. Strong and dangerous creatures, but the knowledge of all things weaknesses was the Dagda's to call upon. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">As the brute lunged to him, the Chieftain ducked low and rolled over his shoulder to get round behind the creature. Springing to his feet, he kicked out hard at the back of the beast knee driving it low. As it's shoulders came within reach, the Dagda leapt upon its back and wrapped his massive arms about its thick neck. Locking his grip he denied it its air. Loosing control of the power the form shifted back to that of the second brother and when his struggling became frantic, The Dagda wrenched his grip to the side with the sound of bones snapping. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">The third brother had stood a back, knowing the ways of his other brothers battles and leaving what should have been an easy kill to them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">As this stranger stood up, all signs of the weary old man gone from him, all sign of the reasonable pleading father removed from his face, the man saw the truth of the Dagda and despaired. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">The last brother looked to the bodies of his kin, and to the club in his hand, weighing the odds. The large mans dark eyes fell upon him and the third brother fell to his knees, seeing only doom in them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Words spilled from him, apologising, pleading, surrendering wholly to this Warrior, yet no words broke that deaths gaze, nor stirred the face set against him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Dagda moved slowly, rage having spilled over in his mind until all became cold as a snows burn. His son. Lost to him all this time, taken from him and all hope of healing denied to him this long time. All the footsteps taken, all the tears shed into those steps as he carried his boy upon his shoulders. All to find a means to restore him and have it held from him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">The third brothers words fell upon deaf ears, lost in the roaring of the Dagda's own blood and the hammering of his heart. Hands offered him a length of wood and as his big fist closed about its hide wrapped handle, the power of death rolled up his arm to fill the hollowed out expanse of his heart. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">The splash of hot liquid in his face was the first indicator to his brain that his body had moved. The thump of the club wood crushed the third brothers skull as he knelt prostrate before the Dagda. Blood fountained up and bathed the warrior in the Dagda's red, as his shoulders came around and about again to bring the weapon down again upon the body before him. Rhythm and movement flowed in him as death and destruction rode upon his arm.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">It was the roar that brought him to his senses. Loud and bellowing, mixed with rage, pain and hate it startled the Dagda back a step as he realised it issued from his own throat.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Blinking slowly his eyes focused for the first time on the scene about him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">The first brother, curled in a ball face blotched and bloodied, distended from gasping for air that would not come. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">The second brother, sprawled forward in the dirt, head twisted around staring with empty eyes at the heavens.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">The third brother, crushed almost beyond reckoning, in a broad spread of blood and viscera. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">The Dagda had killed before. Had taken the life of those deserving an ending. Had battled foes stepped against him and placed honourable combat upon them, but this last death shocked him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Murder.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">There was no other word for it. The foe was broken and surrendered. Kneeling in the dirt pleading to be spared. Offering more than fair payment for his life in the club now clenched in his big fist.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Murder. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Dagda's eyes moved to that club, feeling the power of endings wrapped around and balanced against the power of beginnings within it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">"Never again."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">The words where but a whisper from his rasping throat, but he set his Will to the words and put them upon himself. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">"By the powers I hold, by Sun, Moon, Land and tide, by all knowledge and wisdom I carry, I take on this responsibility to never again take the life of one who is not declared mine enemy, and to offer life to any who call me friend. This is my Promise."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">***********</span></div>
<div style="font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">"Of what promise do you speak? Answer me Chieftain."</span></div>
<div style="font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Lugh's tone was firm as he rolled his Will out towards the Big Man. The hearts of champions are no quailing thing indeed.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Dagda blinked to be brought back from memory.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">"By your word and your name you declared an end and honour satisfied that day. To do anything else would make an enemy of me."</span></div>
<div style="font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Dagda levelled his gaze upon Lugh and allowed his emotions their place, taking responsibility for himself and allowing the other warrior his chance.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">"Choose!"</span></div>
<div style="font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">His words rolled out soft across the distance between them and bound up about Lugh in this moment.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">The shining one was no coward yet neither was he a fool. His ice blue eyes flashed from the approaching warriors, lead by Cermad, then back to the dark gaze of the Dagda, and at last falling to that weapon clenched in a massive fist. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">The heart of a champion is no quailing thing, but it his head that makes him great, and Lugh stood tall amidst the greatest.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">"No enemy would I ever make of The Dagda."</span></div>
<div style="font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">And so saying he lowered his gaze and settled down to a crouch, butt of the spear planted in the earth, resting himself against it. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">When he looked up again the Dagda had returned to slouch by the churn, and it was only then that Lugh found the question.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">"Hold on! You were making butter with that thing?"</span></div>
<div style="font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">The Dagda looked up to see the shock and surprise on the Champion's face, and couldn't help but smile.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">"What? I wondered what it would taste like."</span></div>
<div style="font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">As the Warband arrived they found a stunned and shocked looking Lugh and the Dagda bellowing with laughter. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
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An Scealai Beag http://www.blogger.com/profile/03850076468272490483noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52999817553055135.post-21754097541736216062017-04-06T13:10:00.002+01:002017-10-20T13:56:22.394+01:00Walking the path despite the Brambles.<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xYMpmX3Ixeo/WOKT3yPolvI/AAAAAAAAAaY/r-Wazu47SG8LXJpYm-e0GeeqvH6EM_E6gCLcB/s1600/brambles%2Btake%2Bover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="http://friends-of-nant-fawr.blogspot.ie/2015/01/work-day-january-25th-2015.html" border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xYMpmX3Ixeo/WOKT3yPolvI/AAAAAAAAAaY/r-Wazu47SG8LXJpYm-e0GeeqvH6EM_E6gCLcB/s320/brambles%2Btake%2Bover.jpg" title="Image courtesy of Friends of Nant Fawr woodlands" width="240" /></a><span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">The doorbell rang.<span class="m_1232924053145302889Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p1">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">It's
a noise I don't often hear in the house. If I'm expecting company then I
would know by previous agreement and usually be waiting for the car to
pull up outside or at the very least, my faithful hound to set a woof
upon anyone approaching our territory.<span class="m_1232924053145302889Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p1">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">Usually an unforeseen bell ring would indicate a door to door sales person or some missionary out doing their service.</span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">I confess that I don't answer the door to either and they invariably leave after the first attempt.<span class="m_1232924053145302889Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p1">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">The doorbell rang.<span class="m_1232924053145302889Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p1">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">Odd
for it's repetition, curiosity peaked I moved from my distracted
stupor, my grump becoming a grumble on the off chance that it's just a
persistent sales person.<span class="m_1232924053145302889Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p1">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">With
mind all set to provide a minimally polite refusal I opened the door,
and lost my words and most of my thoughts all in one moment of
recognition.</span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p1">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">My
hound bounded past my legs, but instead of a break out to chase up and
down the street, he jumped to welcome the visitor with as much energetic vigor as that which he reserved for my own home comings.<span class="m_1232924053145302889Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p1">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">"Come on. Get your coat."</span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p1">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">The
rumble of that voice rolled in through my ears and echoed in the sudden
silence of my mind. To go from a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions to
stillness shocked me to near insensibility.</span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p1">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">As
I scrambled to gather my shattered thoughts he crouched down to greet
the hound affectionately, big strong hands gently ruffling the back of
the dogs neck.</span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">The
hound seemed completely relaxed in his presence then rolled on his back
baring his throat and stomach, something he never does to strangers.<span class="m_1232924053145302889Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p1">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">It was this incongruity that managed to snap some semblance of Self back into my shell. <span class="m_1232924053145302889Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p1">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">"Hound! Go to bed."</span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p1">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">As
ever my tone was more than enough for him and with a lick at the Big
mans hands he trotted off to his cushioned spot in the hall way.<span class="m_1232924053145302889Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p1">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">"Listen, thanks for the visit but it's not a good time right now."</span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p1">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">Those dark eyes of His fell upon me, reading through me as he let the silence roll on.<span class="m_1232924053145302889Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p1">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">"Look, I'm not in a good head space at the minute. Things are on my mind and bothering me."<span class="m_1232924053145302889Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p1">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">His
eyes remained fixed and unblinking upon me as his arms came up to fold
across this broad chest. Still that silence rolled on.</span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p1">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">"My brain is not right at the moment, I would be no use to you."</span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p1">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">One of his bushy eyebrows raised into an arch as he held his position. When the words came, there was no give in them.</span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p1">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">"Lucky, I'm not after your brain, I just need the strength of your arms. Now get your coat."</span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p1">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">With the words spoken he turned to walk down the garden.<span class="m_1232924053145302889Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p1">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">I turned to reach for my coat where it hung by the door.</span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p1">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">"Oh, and bring the hound."</span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p1">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p1">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1"> *********************</span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p1">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">So
it that was that. I found myself out in some field someplace down in a
ditch, hands torn and stung from the nettles and brambles, swearing and
straining to clear the area, my hound running amock around the space
chasing the scents and sounds only he could perceive, and looking up to a
broad pair of shoulders doing the same job in stoic silence.<span class="m_1232924053145302889Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p1">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">In my blackness I had followed and said not a word.<span class="m_1232924053145302889Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">In my blackness I had looked upon the task asked of me and said not a word.</span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">In my blackness I had set to work and said not a word.</span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p1">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">...but now with work near finished the pains had brought anger to my mind and the words would not be stayed.</span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p1">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">"What
the hell am I doing here? Why did you need me to do this? I have enough
troubles of my own without getting caught up in some meaningless task
in some no place!"</span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p1">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">He
turned slowly, tossing the last of the brambles aside and came about to
face me, moving so that no more than a few inches separated us and my
eyes were locked to his.<span class="m_1232924053145302889Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p1">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">The anger in me writhed atop the deep blackness<span class="m_1232924053145302889Apple-converted-space"> </span>which
had dominated my thoughts of late, and imaginings of me jerking my head
forward to break his nose, then raising my knee into his groin, lashing
out with all that anger and frustration, danced before my eyes.<span class="m_1232924053145302889Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p1">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">He must have seen it. How could he not. Yet no backward step did he take, nor shift of posture to defend against me.</span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p1">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">When his voice came it was naught but a whisper, breath hot against my face, the scent of sweat and earth filling my nostrils.<span class="m_1232924053145302889Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p1">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">"Listen, you said to me. Yet you have been deaf to the land and the call this last while.</span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p1">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">Look, you said to me, yet you have turned your eyes away from the world around you to escape into fiction.</span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p1">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">There is nothing wrong with your brain but your thoughts deny you rest and your body suffers for it."<span class="m_1232924053145302889Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p1">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">His words stole into me soft and subtle, gentle despite their power.<span class="m_1232924053145302889Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p1">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">"You're over doing the thinking and not doing the acting, you amadan."<span class="m_1232924053145302889Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p1">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">The small smile that accompanied the insult stole its sting, and with it my anger. <span class="m_1232924053145302889Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p1">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">I
slumped to the edge of the ditch, body worn weary and thoughts too
tired to feel anger any more, the tears came then. Rolling quietly down
my cheeks and into my beard.<span class="m_1232924053145302889Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p1">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">At
that time a scuffling noise brought my gaze across the field to the
gate, an elderly man was opening the way to allow some cows to enter.<span class="m_1232924053145302889Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p1">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">As
he moved back to the herd they began to turn about and wander, milling about in confused circles, but the
farmer gave a call and adjusted his position to block the wandering.
With much huffing and maneuvering he eventually got the herd on the move
and into the field.</span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p1">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">"Inaction can on occasion be worse than<span class="m_1232924053145302889Apple-converted-space"> </span>incorrect
action. Adjustments can be made whilst your moving, activity can be
steered, course adjusted based in the needs of the moment, but only if
you are going forward.<span class="m_1232924053145302889Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p1">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">True
it's good to think before you act, but when thinking becomes the only
act, when your thoughts wander around and around, then you are not
moving forward, you're circling the same decision.</span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p1">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">Once
the choice is made, you need to step bravely forward. Yes there will be
lots of changes or variables or risks. Yes not everything will go your
way, but if you do not move then you stay stuck in that moment, caught
up in your fears, and life becomes just a clock of ticking breaths
waiting to end."<span class="m_1232924053145302889Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p1">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">At
this point my tears had run dry and the catch of my breath had eased to
a slow rhythm. I was so tired, but my mind at least was at its ease.</span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p1">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">I glanced up to to see the old man looking towards us with a smile on his wrinkled face, waving and beckoning us over.<span class="m_1232924053145302889Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p1">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">"So this was about getting me out of myself so I would take some perspective then."<span class="m_1232924053145302889Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p1">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">"Huh?"<span class="m_1232924053145302889Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p1">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">He looked away for a moment to wave to the old man.</span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">When he looked back there again was that smile of mischief on his broad face.</span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p1">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">"Nope! Paddy cooks a mean steak and he needed that ditch cleared. It would have taken me twice as long on my own. </span><span class="m_1232924053145302889s1"><span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">Hard as I know it is, sometimes all you have to do is get over yourself.</span>"</span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p1">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">Dagda softened the sting with a broad wink then turned to stroll off and with a whistle my dog came bouncing along to his call.</span></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p1">
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_1232924053145302889p2">
"<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">Be sides not everything is about you ya know."</span><br />
<br />
<span class="m_1232924053145302889s1">As him rumbling chuckle reached the now calm stillness of my spirit, I couldn't help but feel a smile grown on my face. </span><br />
<br />
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An Scealai Beag http://www.blogger.com/profile/03850076468272490483noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52999817553055135.post-40493473886095441202017-03-11T15:40:00.003+00:002017-10-20T13:56:11.912+01:00For Lands lost and Gained<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-5003f331-9e05-b60a-fac9-57904c26d826" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nFXr01HN3ps/WLxHyIOssPI/AAAAAAAAAaE/8F-6e0DkTD0/s640/blogger-image-2140806525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="https://www.facebook.com/pg/wolfmercuryphotography/photos/?ref=page_internal" border="0" height="250" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nFXr01HN3ps/WLxHyIOssPI/AAAAAAAAAaE/8F-6e0DkTD0/s400/blogger-image-2140806525.jpg" title="@WolfMercuryPhotography" width="400" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The ships burned.</span><br />
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Orange and yellow flames licking and dancing all about, consuming the ships that had brought them safely to this Place. </span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Hard it had been to bring fire to bite, in this wet land with cloud close down and rain falling. </span></div>
<br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The seers had spoken true and now the Dagda stood upon new ground with all of the work ahead of him and the Tuatha de Dannan standing behind. </span></div>
<br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">He had felt the heavy frightened gaze of the People upon him as he struck again and again with his tools and hands to bring the spark to flame and the flame to take hold. </span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">His eyes left the flames to their dancing to roam those gathered all about, the hardy, the wilful, the survivors. Gathered together from the ships, brought from the four great cities, these people became as one.</span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Again his eye was distracted for a moment by the shadow. It had come from one of the other ships, from one of the other cities, and fluttered here and about like a crow above battle field. None saw it or if they did, none reacted to it, and so neither did he, though careful watch he kept of it. Keenly he felt it's Will and it's curiosity, not least of all when it's attention fell upon himself. </span></div>
<br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Still, there was work to be done as he came full about to regard Nuada where he stood before the folk, tall and strong and perfect of form. </span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Thinking on that he looked down at himself, broad and craggy, heavyset and weather beaten, scarred and stained from the work. Finally his eyes came down beyond his girth and found the cauldron set upon the ground at his feet. </span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Vast and round, its metal gleaming, yet scoured, scraped and fire scorched from use, it was indeed a mighty vessel. Not pretty, but practical. They made a fine pair so it would seem. </span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">He remembered the day before the departing, chieftains of the people summoned to the seat of the Four who Saw.</span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">He had stood to the back of that gathering, his clann was small and though he had right to be here he knew many of the others by reputation and made way for them, fair Lardanel, Nuada, Morfis, Beothach and many more besides. </span></div>
<br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">A hush had fallen upon these chieftains, these leaders of the people, as they waited the correct moment.</span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> It had arrived soon after and into that silence came the Four. </span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Fessus of Failias, Esrus known as 'lofty' out of Gorias, Uscias of Findias and Semias of Murias. </span></div>
<br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">As one they spoke of the journey to come, the lands that the people would find and some of the trials that must be overcome.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">"Destiny calls and Destiny is where you are bound." said Fessus.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">"The land is to be carved as four provinces" said Esrus.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">"Everyone shall stand as One with honour to defend their home" said Uscais</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">"All who reside therein shall abide by hospitality's law" said Semais </span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">"To see this done, these items will you take to the new land." said the Four. </span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">With that they produced four great treasures, one from each city. </span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The Stone of Failias, proclaimer of Kings.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The Sword of Goirias, from which none may escape.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The Spear of Findias, against which no one may conquer.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The Cauldron of Murias, from which no one ever left unsatisfied. </span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">He had watched in curious wonder as the Four began to move about the gathering, each bearing the treasure and seeking the hand that would carry it. </span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">His eyes moved to the commotion to one side as the Sword was presented by Esrus then seconds later to the other side, as the Spear left Uscias's hand. </span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Straightening up from his habitual slouch he had tried to see whom now held these wondrous and dangerous items.</span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">He was interrupted a moment later by a polite cough and looked down into a pair of smiling grey eyes. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I'm his haste to see, he must have stepped in the way and so thinking he apologised hurriedly and stepped back from Semias. </span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The Seer was small and slight but easily held a vast round cooking cauldron in their arms. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">For each step back though, Semias took one towards him, until his back was to the wall and the Cauldron held before him. </span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">"Welcome chieftain, may I present to you the Cauldron of the Dagda."</span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">It was, as his mind raced in that moment that he had first seen the shadow, and felt it's curiosity fall upon him. What are you? it seemed to whisper in the recesses of his mind. </span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">He answered to Semias.</span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">"I am but leader of a small family community near Murias. I am no champion of great deed, nor hero of great renown. I am not one worthy to be the Dagda. I wouldn't even know how. Surely you must look elsewhere."</span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Semias' smile broadened taking in their entire face this time. </span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">"I have seen what you have built with those tough scraped hands of yours. I have seen the people fed and well rested, kept safe in your home. I have seen the songs of joy and sadness in your hall and have seen the peaceful rest found there after."</span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Semias placed the cauldron down at his feet, and raising their voice spoke so all could hear, turning slow about in place so all would have recognition. </span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">"Champion you are and so named by me in front of one and all here. Champion of the heart, Champion of the helpless, Champion of the hungry, and by your noble strength are the spectres of despair kept at bay."</span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Coming back about their eyes met once more, no one but he saw the wink nor heard the whisper.</span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">"Just be you, for all of you is all that is needed." </span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">All eyes had fallen on him and in that moment he made the choice.</span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Crouching down he gathered the mighty vessel into his arms and with a heave he straightened his legs and stood.</span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">"I am The Dagda. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I accept this vessel as my own and of me. Let any who come seeking be made welcome, let any who go hungry be filled, let any who require rest find safety in my care.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I bind myself to this path by my Word and by my Will, now and forever.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I am The Dagda."</span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">As the cheer rose up all about, he felt again that shadow presence near about him, close this time, that cold curiosity chilling his warm skin. What are you?</span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> In his distraction, he felt the weight of the cauldron shift, seeming to increase, and adjusted his grip. Turning about he saw no one close to him. The gathering made space for the Dagda, and he strode forward to join the two chieftains bearing the sword and spear. </span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The gathering looked to Fessus and saw that their hands were empty, no sign of the stone and no fourth Chieftain stepped forward. </span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">"There must be a King!" a voice shouted. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">"Yeh, who will rule?" Another cried.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">"Bring forth the stone, make it choose!" Yelled a third. </span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Soon the hall was all a clamour with raised voices, claiming and decrying each other's right to rule. </span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Fessus stood with the Four and said no word.</span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The noise began to grow too much for the Dagda and just as he thought to leave them to their bickering, the cauldron seemed to shift of its own accord as if something heavy moved within it.</span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Thinking fast he knew what he had to do.</span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">With a big callused hand he struck the side of the cauldron and caused an echoing note to reverberate around the space. </span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">For the second time silence fell and all eyes came drawn to him. </span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">"What kind of ruler would you crown without a land to acknowledge them?"</span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The Dagda set his stern gaze upon the room and gave Will to his words.</span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">"Three there are and three shall lead. What decisions need made shall be by majority of three, and when we set foot upon this Land it shall be with her consent and her choice that one shall rule. </span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Let the stone remain as is and travel with us by the Will of the Four who have gifted it. Upon the land alone can it name a King.</span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">What say you?"</span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">With his last words he looked to his fellow champions, Nuada, and Lugh known as 'Long Arm'.</span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Each took a moment of thought and with a glance to the other gave their assent.</span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Lugh raised his voice and in sweet tones he said</span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">"Our Dagda speaks fair and with just purpose. Let each who will travel prepare and hone their skills for taming a new land will not be easy".</span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Nuada nodded and spoke then.</span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">"Conflict and challenge has always been our way, but as four cities we have come together to safeguard our future. From this moment on let us unite and be as One people. The Tuatha De Dannan!"</span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The cheers of this moment brought him back from the cheers of memory. Nuada stood again before the people, tall and strong, perfect of form, an aspiration to follow. No doubt some inspiring words or easy comradeship had brought the People to roar their approval of him. </span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Heaving out his breath, the Dagda crouched and wrapped his muck and soot scorched hands about the Cauldron.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Heaving upright, again he felt that subtle shift of the item hidden deep within it.</span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Setting his legs under him he struck out alone, off across this new land on paths that as yet did not exist. There was a place he had to find. A place for Kings. A place for the People. A place where it can all be brought together as One. </span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">He had a date with Destiny, and didn't want to be late. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="line-height: 1.38;">****************************************************************************************************************************** </span><br />
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An Scealai Beag http://www.blogger.com/profile/03850076468272490483noreply@blogger.com1Co. Dublin, Ireland53.353830158152363 -6.2622070312553.050583158152364 -6.90765403125 53.657077158152362 -5.61676003125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52999817553055135.post-45131311893375549832017-01-30T20:11:00.000+00:002017-10-20T13:56:00.437+01:00Westward Wings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i8izUucG5fs/WI4Dz0OafAI/AAAAAAAAAZo/tbUpCvNY9_k7m1q9fuE4OR3R0S5pjrqWgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i8izUucG5fs/WI4Dz0OafAI/AAAAAAAAAZo/tbUpCvNY9_k7m1q9fuE4OR3R0S5pjrqWgCLcB/s400/IMG_0087.JPG" title="Newgrange Mound" width="400" /></a></div>
Blue.<br />
<br />
Part of my brain knows it's caused by the diffusion of light entering our atmosphere. The molecules which make up our planet's air slightly inhibit the passage of one particular wave length of light as it moves through.<br />
This slows it enough so the human eye can register the wavelength as a distinct input known as colour and defined as blue.<br />
<br />
That part is useful for the knowing of things, but it can't measure, quantify or completely express the beauty of the sky's azure mantle as I gaze up at it.<br />
<br />
Eire is known for its greenery, the emerald isle and such. What they don't tell you is that all that green is well watered by the regular rolling presence of cloud and rain. Thing is, no plant can grow without light.<br />
<br />
At times the clouds are peeled back and reveal the open expanse of the heavens in all their blue swathed glory, the bright sun streams down upon the land and every time I'm compelled to stop, and take a moment to appreciate the sky.<br />
<br />
I shared this quiet moment with one other, away from the city and its bustle, its people moving to and fro, eyes set on the destination and missing the beauty of the scenery on the journey.<br />
<br />
"I will be up there again soon."<br />
<br />
It was the first words spoken in this meeting. I had arrived with a request to his Rath and found him atop the mound stretched out on the green grass, arms folded up and behind, with big hands cradling his head. I had watched the rise and fall of his broad chest, slow and steady, his eyes open and gazing without focus at the sky.<br />
<br />
I did what anyone should, I joined him for a while.<br />
<br />
Simple relaxed unfocused, breathing slowly and deeply. Synchronized breath, sharing the space and not needing to fill it with anything more than the ever present beauty which surrounded us.<br />
<br />
I can't say how long we lay on the green grass, beneath the blue sky, warmed by the yellow sun, but I had purpose here and so came the words.<br />
<br />
"I don't think I'm built for the sky. Too much of the heavy footed land stomping to me."<br />
<br />
I had no need to shift my gaze, I knew I had his attention, though he gave no outward indication. Trust me, when Dagda's attention is upon you, you Will Know.<br />
<br />
"America. near enough the other side of the world. My Love is going to do the work there and I'm her roadie, tech support, and coffin full of dirt."<br />
<br />
The basso rumbling chuckle was the first noise he had made, knowing the joke for what it was.<br />
<br />
How does one connect to your land when far from home after all. No Bram Stoker in this one, no tale of vampire, more a need to be buried in your own land, feel its touch beneath hand or foot, even if you could never make it back. Such is the prized possession of Land to the Irish heart. Such as I am, I'm humbled to be so for Her.<br />
<br />
A few more slow breaths to settle the moment, blue of the sky above me, warmth of the sun upon my face, cool of the grass beneath my form, the scent of green life filling my nose.<br />
<br />
"Will you come with me?"<br />
<br />
There it was. The Ask.<br />
<br />
His big chest rose and fell, steady and paced, relaxed yet somehow still powerfully implacable.<br />
<br />
"I have been to this place before and its full of amazing, passionate people. They gather around this time of year to share knowledge, stories, food and drink. There is hospitality in abundance and community in all its range of colour and flavour."<br />
<br />
The moment stretched out, and I found myself counting the breaths.<br />
<br />
"I'm pretty sure you will like it there. There are some folk you would definitely get on very well with."<br />
<br />
The vast expanse of the blue sky filled my vision, my mind slipping into it, beginning to lose itself in its wide open emptiness. The knowing part of the brain started to volunteer more interesting yet irrelevant factoids, stuff about sub zero temperatures, explosive decompression, terminal velocity. I lost my focus and the synchronicity of the moment went with it.<br />
<br />
"Ease yourself lad."<br />
<br />
The words were but a soft whisper, but the willl behind that rumble stilled my mind.<br />
<br />
"I have been asked to invite you. Not just for me but for them. They know you and call to you. Now I have been asked to help in their space and call you and frankly I'm perplexed as much as I'm honored. I don't know what to say or if you would even hear me over there."<br />
<br />
The anxiety in my voice was grating to my own ears, yet it brought a compassionate chuckle from my companion. His words rolled out softly, chiding me gently for my apprehension.<br />
<br />
"Do you think I haven't been there before? Do you think I have not heard my name called in all the years they have honoured it? Do you think I wouldn't respond where honest community gathers and hospitality offered?"<br />
<br />
Slow and steady breath lead to another rumbled chuckle from his broad chest.<br />
<br />
"I have always been where I am invited to be, and grateful I am to each of them who hold a place open for me."<br />
<br />
"What do I say when they ask me to invite you in to the space they keep for you? How do I give honour to them who ask this of me and respect to you for the asking?"<br />
<br />
His sigh was one of a patient teacher, taking a moment to explain what should already have been obvious.<br />
<br />
"Answer me this, how comfortable was it to sit in the space they set aside for me last year? How did you know the drumming of the cauldron? How did you know the words to ease the lost who did visit? How did you have an answer for John when he asked of you the ways of a Dagda devotional?"<br />
<br />
My memories of these activities arose and I was warmed by the fondness of them.<br />
<br />
"You were there already anyway."<br />
<br />
The realization came like weight dropping from my shoulders. I recalled again each moment and looked for that which had been there but I had overlooked. The voice that had spoken but had, at that time, been unheard. The big broad hand that had rested casually upon my shoulder.<br />
<br />
Tears started to roll from my eyes and I did not wipe them away. I let them fall down my face and water the earth beneath me. The words didn't matter. What words could? The intent of one's heart was more significant than the noises used to shape it.<br />
<br />
I understood, yet still a small part of me held its anxiousness.<br />
<br />
"What if I'm just crazy and this is all in my head? Who am I to speak of or for deity?"<br />
<br />
His words came and I could hear the broad smile of them without looking over. I knew the shape and lines of his face, the curl of his hair and beard, the creased curves around his deep compassionate eyes.<br />
<br />
"If your crazy drives you to be a better person, more caring and compassionate, more giving of hospitality and support for community, more intent on bringing smiles and joy where you can, then I say more people should be as crazy as you."<br />
<br />
The blue sky was scored by the trail of a plane as it slid its way westward, metal wings causing condensation clouds to stream out in its wake.<br />
<br />
"Oh, and make sure your passport is still in date."<br />
<br />
His chuckle followed me as I leapt up cursing myself and rushed off down the hill.<br />
<br />
<span style="line-height: 1.38;">****************************************************************************************************************************** </span><br />
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<br />An Scealai Beag http://www.blogger.com/profile/03850076468272490483noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52999817553055135.post-38375231319819093702017-01-24T23:53:00.000+00:002017-10-20T13:55:49.867+01:00The Hunger<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y9QRvhZy-pM/WIffJA-3YeI/AAAAAAAAAZU/xx9zZil5lSc5u51uQUYhMTrIvHKRdfaPgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y9QRvhZy-pM/WIffJA-3YeI/AAAAAAAAAZU/xx9zZil5lSc5u51uQUYhMTrIvHKRdfaPgCLcB/s320/IMG_0253.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
"Right there folks, Lets go now! Move it on there now folks!"<br />
<br />
The loud drawl of the security man calling time is a thing often heard. Even in Ireland bars do have to close at some point.<br />
<br />
I downed the last of my pint and rose to don my coat. My companion slipped nimbly to his broad feet despite his large size, the full pint still in his meaty fist.<br />
<br />
"You right there Big D? Need to leave that one behind do you?"<br />
<br />
His dark eyes met mine with just as much mischief.<br />
<br />
" You know me better than that, never leave a good one standing alone."<br />
<br />
So saying he raised the pint to his lips and with a tilt of his head an opening of his mouth he poured it down in one go, leaning back near fit to fall.<br />
<br />
As the he stood straight again he placed the now empty pint glass down with but the smallest of wobbles to his balance.<br />
<br />
"Right lads, finish up there now!" called the security man as he purposefully strode past.<br />
<br />
"Right you are sir, on the way there now!" replied my companion matching the mans tone and volume exactly, so much so, that the security man broke stride to shoot us a quick glare.<br />
<br />
Shaking my head with a chuckle I moved my companion on towards the door and out into the cold winter January night.<br />
<br />
"Chipper?" I queried pointing over my shoulder to the nearest take out joint.<br />
<br />
"Sure. I will have a battered fish. I don't pay for any of that slave food."<br />
<br />
My eyebrows must have shot up to show my confusion at his remark.<br />
<br />
"What?"<br />
<br />
I found no reply as He trundled on past me in his rolling gait.<br />
<br />
We entered the chipper, out of the cold into the fryer scented warmth, my glasses steaming up in an instant, and placed our orders. Smoked Cod for him and a Large chips for me, heavy on the salt an vinegar.<br />
<br />
Stepping back outside, with hot food in hand we took a lean against a nearby store front to eat. I tried to wait patiently knowing that he had heard my question, but at times patience is not my strongest virtue.<br />
<br />
" Are you going to explain that last remark or what?" my tone indicating that no dissembling would cut it this time.<br />
<br />
His dark eyes met mine as he chewed through his current bite off fish under the street light. With a swallow his eyes fell on the brown paper bag in my hand.<br />
<br />
"That. Potato. Slave food."<br />
<br />
I felt my brows furrow as I tried to think my way around the few pints we had shared to a logical comprehension, eyes looking down in the bag, nose full of the tasty scent, one long chip hung suspended between the bag and my mouth.<br />
<br />
"Oh come on now lad, find the Why, no more than 6 pints in you an you're stumped? Slave food. That vegetable was the near death and destruction of our people.<br />
<br />
Not native to the island is was brought from the Americas and introduced here by the conquers. Cheap and hardy so it was, growing in almost any patch of dirt it can and as such a stable item to feed the folk of the land, when the more valuable bounties, grown here of the land by its people, were taken to line the pockets of the conquers"<br />
<br />
His tone hard with a controlled anger, he looked off into the night, not seeing the cars rolling past, nor the tall buildings around him.<br />
<br />
"Over a million taken by <i><span lang="ga">an Gorta Mór </span></i><span lang="ga">and another million of the </span><span lang="ga">folk scattered all around the world. The land bereft of her people, the strong blood of her, sent out to risk the trials of travel, clutching to naught but hope and the strength of their own Will to survive.</span><br />
<br />
<span lang="ga">Food there was. Food enough here on the island, but not for her people was it. Oh no. Taken to the conquers land, their laws protecting the wealthy and strangling the prices so a the working folk could not afford to feed their starving wee ones." </span><br />
<span lang="ga"><br /></span>
<span lang="ga">His big eyes blinked quickly as his gaze returned to the now. </span><br />
<br />
"The Fate of the land was forever changed by as small a thing as a fungus, and the greed and ignorance of humans.<br />
<br />
1 in 4 survived the Big Hunger. The Tough. The Wilful. The Smart. Those with heart enough to fight for life."<br />
<br />
He looked to me then, the anger cooling in his gaze.<br />
<br />
"I don't know what would have been, but I tell myself that maybe, just
maybe, the world is better because that Heart, the beating battling
blood of the people can now be found all over. Standing tough and Willfully. Not bowing nor broken nor conquered. Fighters and survivors."<br />
<br />
He looked at me, those deep dark eyes seeing down into me.<br />
<br />
"Always know where you come from and why you choose to do a thing. You
will always be accountable to your own Heart no matter what any other
may think."<br />
<br />
I looked down at that one chip, suspended between the bag and my mouth.
Appetite leaving me I dropped it back amongst the rest of the hot
salted potato.<br />
<br />
"I don't think I can finish these now."<br />
<br />
So saying I began to turn toward the nearest trash bin, when like lightning his big hand snapped out, snagging the bag.<br />
<br />
By the time I spun on him he had already stuffed four or five chips into his mouth.<br />
<br />
"What?" He mumbled around a mouthful of delicious salted potato.<br />
<br />
"I said I wouldn't pay, not that they weren't tasty."<br />
<br />
He accepted the punch in the arm I gave him and his laughter followed me as I trundled back to the chipper to buy some fish.<br />
<br />
I guess at least I now knew the Why...<br />
<br />
<span style="line-height: 1.38;">****************************************************************************************************************************** </span><br />
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An Scealai Beag http://www.blogger.com/profile/03850076468272490483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52999817553055135.post-56941586270736759152017-01-01T18:35:00.000+00:002017-10-20T13:55:36.331+01:00Across the Ninth Wave <div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tv_T00SFuZM/VynZlI8EgeI/AAAAAAAAAKo/hQyGFBchA7Yng0k9xERrGQ-CtQ8l4A--wCLcB/s1600/giants-causeway-with-waves-1520616-1600x1200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tv_T00SFuZM/VynZlI8EgeI/AAAAAAAAAKo/hQyGFBchA7Yng0k9xERrGQ-CtQ8l4A--wCLcB/s320/giants-causeway-with-waves-1520616-1600x1200.jpg" width="320" /></a>Nine.<br />
<br /></div>
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</div>
<div>
The salt spray moistened his face as the storm's wind whipped the wave tips to froth. </div>
<div>
Thunder bellowed across the sea sky and rumbled its way toward the land.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
The Dagda stood upon the shore, the wash of the waves rolling up across his broad feet. </div>
<div>
He had stood so since his arrival at this place. The place she had said he should wait.</div>
<div>
As the waves receded, the Dagda started the count again.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
One.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
More than a week before the storm, the Dagda had sought her out. </div>
<div>
The foreboding was upon him.</div>
<div>
A prickle of intent seemed directed towards the land of Eire and though he was confident of its security, the Will behind that intent could not be disregarded.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
From his Rath he had journeyed the long walk across the isle. Those who saw him noted the set of his shoulder, the thoughtful furrow of his brow and left the Dagda to his own devices.</div>
<div>
He arrived as the moon reached its full and stood before the pool; where in its silver radiance was reflected in full beauty.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
He did not have to wait long.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"Speak o Chieftain of the thoughts you carry. Ask your question, but be warned of the answer.</div>
<div>
Truth is ever changed by those who look upon it. "</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Dagda's ears, even one scarred as it was, picked out the source of the sound, and allowing his eyes to relax he saw the Shadow amongst the shadows. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"What Will is this that sets its intent so firmly upon this isle? "</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Shadow moved slightly and with a faint sound of something breaking the water, the moon's reflection danced to the rippled waves that moved outward in rings.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
"Know you this, Chieftain of the Dennan. The Will is that of 'One eye' and that he sets his gaze firmly upon this isle. A challenge I see. A battle. The outcome shrouded in Fate's weave. </div>
<div>
Go, to the Giant’s rocks on the top of the isle. </div>
<div>
Go, and bring no other with you. </div>
<div>
Go, and take but your Will and your club to meet your Fate. "</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As her voice faded to silence, the last ripple reached the pools edge and the moon’s reflection was once again still.</div>
<div>
Her words set a worry upon the Dagda's already thoughtful demeanour.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Balor Bale-Eye, had been slain. He had witnessed the feat himself as he battled that bloody day. Lugh had borne the burden of his lineage and succeeded in meeting his Fate as prophecy had declared he would.</div>
<div>
There could be no surviving the blow that had been dealt, nor the beheading that followed.</div>
<div>
He once again looked toward the Shadow, but found that she had slipped away.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
There could be but one question.<br />
Those who could not phrase their need as such, had not thought long enough to be worthy of an answer.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Gazing at the moon’s reflection, the Dagda stayed in the spot and thought, until the sun's light turned the pool to gold.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
North she said and north he had come. </div>
<div>
The days of walking had given him much time to muse.</div>
<div>
To question the message given for its truth was pointless, to look deeper to its meaning was not.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
A Will to rival his own.</div>
<div>
A challenge and a battle, meant conflict the likes of which could test him.</div>
<div>
The outcome of Fate undecided meant that as yet his Fate lay in his own hands, with his Will and club and no other.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Reassured to this the Dagda had come to the place on the coast to the far north and east.</div>
<div>
The land was a broken stretch of rocky steps, thrusting up from the earth.</div>
<div>
A place both beautiful and bleak; where pools of water collected upon the stones surface.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
The Dagda's eyes remained fixed upon the waves, the steady count continuing.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
The fomorian foe had come from the sea and so it was he kept his gaze upon the tumultuous water. </div>
<div>
Feet firm upon the earth, he waited.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Nine.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
As the ninth wave lashed itself to foam upon the land, the sky was torn by a deafening peal of thunder, and rent with a flash of lightning.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
The Dagda's eyes were pulled upwards as the Lightning ripped itself again from the storm and this time struck the land off to his right. </div>
<div>
The Dagda set his Will, forced his muscles to relax and the energy to pass up his sturdy legs then down his steady arms, through his club and back to the earth.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
The Dagda remained unmoved and resolute.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The ninth wave was torn open by the beast. </div>
<div>
Raising its long neck above the waters, it's head a snarling gruesome visage of horn and teeth, mouth set wide and tongue protruding. </div>
<div>
Coming toward the land, moving with such speed as to fly across the waves, it raced to the beach. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The monster bore down on him and with a great grinding roar it drove its body up onto the shingle.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Dagda remained unmoved and resolute.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Two black forms arose from the back of the beast and with raucous cries set to wing about the area.</div>
<div>
The Ravens flew about the beach and swooped down towards the De Danann warrior.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Their course was abruptly altered and hesitation took them as their call was answered from further back inland.</div>
<div>
The two corvus seemed to hang uncertain between the ship and the land, but with a renewed call to them, they set off with black wings all a flutter. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Dagda remained unmoved and resolute. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Next from the back of the beast came two massive wolves, One grey, one White. These predators leaping with great agility to the shingle, instantly dropped into a hunched hunting posture, hackles rising and throats growling. Fixing their bright avaricious eyes on the Dagda, their jowls slavering they began to stalk forward.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Just as the pair moved within range to pounce they hesitated. The Dagda allowed them to sense his threat and without even a glance he set his Will upon them. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The wolves ceased to prowl and lowering their bodies to the beach they averted their gaze with the smallest of whimpers.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Dagda remained unmoved and resolute.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Then came the giant.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Leaping from the beast’s back to land feet spread upon the shore of Eire. </div>
<div>
He stood head and shoulders taller that the Dagda, though not as broad.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Clothed in furred boots with trous of linen on his long legs. His big torso wrapped about in mail and hung with burnished plates.</div>
<div>
The spear held in his right hand stood as tall as the Warrior, its blade long and wide with markings etched into its bright metal, a round wooden shield hung casually on his left.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
A burnished and winged helm sat atop long flowing white hair that joined a white beard.</div>
<div>
The face was lined with age, but still filled with a healthy colour.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When the warrior lifted his gaze from the cowering wolves, the Dagda was stuck by a Will much like his own. It rolled across the distance between them with push and probe, seeking to dominate all in its path. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The voice, when it came, was strong and rich in timber and though the words and accents were odd to him the Dagda knew them for their purpose.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
‘Ho! I , Lord of the Aesir, Bragi of the North’s men, come upon this land. Turn and address me!”</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The one steel grey eye of the warrior fixed itself on the figure standing amidst the waves, facing away from him. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Dagda remained unmoved and resolute. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A heavy breath filled the Dagda’s big chest and his reply was given with much resignation for his measure of the man’s arrival would not allow for a withdrawal. Still he had to try. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
“Leave. Board your beast and be gone beyond the wave, else conflict and challenge you will find upon the land of Eire.”</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So saying the Dagda counted the ninth and felt it wash across his feet.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
“Turn and address me stranger or your disrespect will my ire raise to your folly.”</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The reply from the Bragi was sharp with his anger, as he forced his Will upon the words.</div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>A Challenge I see.</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Dagda turned to face the warrior and allowed that steely gaze to take its measure of him. From unruly hair and beard tumbling in curls from his head, to broad shoulders tight with muscle. Down arms wide around and thick from labouring. Over a waist whose girth spoke of prosperity and plenty, to legs round, strong, and steady.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
“ A fair warning you have received and no other will you have of me. Heed it and leave, or face me and fall.”<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The Dagda set forth his Will and drove it hard home across the words to his foe, seeing a tightening of that one eye, as the face took on a scowl.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The attack came fast. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
With a long legged lunge the Bragi closed the distance, spear leading the way. Broad bladed death rode swift upon his arm, surely a thrust which had settled doom upon many.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Dagda moved. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The shift of his body and twist of his hips carried him all but clear of the strikes course. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
All but.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Fire and pain scored itself across his bicep as first blood was spilt. Rich redness flowed and with it the Rage took him.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Whirling about, carrying his momentum to its full, Dagda spun, strong arm lifting his club to crash, crush and split the other warriors shield. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Banded wood and metal flew asunder as the Bragi recoiled saving his arm from the same fate. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In that stroke the battle began in truth. Move and counter. Blow and strike. All merged into the flow of combat.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i> Battle</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Bragi was the faster and had a longer reach. The Dagda was stronger and intractable.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That spear did taste Dagda’s flesh and blood with many a smart positioning and push, but the stranger did not have all the advantage. Crushing bruises and near breaks were raught upon him in reply. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Knowledge and skill each displayed a plenty as they adjusted and twisted the battle to seek an advantage. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Lost in the waves they crashed again and again. Stamina driving them now where skill could find no advantage. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Dagda, covered in his Red, was near a horror to the stranger. Never had he encountered a being such as this in all the realms of his experience. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Bragi was indeed a challenge and an equal, yet the land of Eire required much of her Chieftain, and he was not to be found wanting. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Bringing his crushing club around on the warriors blinded side the Dagda met again the readied defense as strong as every time he had tested it. No advantage could a weapon find in that quarter, and again he took another shallow wound for his effort. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Around and again they came and that steely gaze followed the club as it arced in presenting that strong block, and as the weapon was turned, finding his opponent a flesh. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Dagda took the pain adding it with all the rest as the club moved up and around again.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Steel eye followed the deathshead weapon as the Bragi prepared his block, feeling in full the threat of the woods killing touch. The wood struck his spear shaft block, muscles braced to push hard against it and clear him from its touch.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The one eyed warrior staggered, his gaze following the club as it spun away from him, free of any hand to hold it. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Overbalanced he stumbled forward, muscles braced to resist, finding nothing to hold against </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
His gaze flicked up just in time to catch a glimpse of dripping red doom, in the shape of a broad muscled fist.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thunder roared in his ears, lightning sparked him his eye, and darkness took him.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Nine.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The wave brought the tall warrior back to himself as its surf washed over his face, cold and salted.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As his stunned and reeling mind took in its surroundings it could not but latch to the Big man standing over him, bleeding from many wounds, the worst of which gushed red down his muscled right arm, broad fists clenched, threat in every aspect of him.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The voice when it can was steady. Will rolled in every sound, intractable, irresistible.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
“Speak your Name true, or find your end here as promised.” </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The demand could not be denied and before his brain had registered in full his lips supplied the answer.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
“Odin, Alföðr, Asagrim!”</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Dagda heard the true Name spoken and in that moment took power over the fallen.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Releasing a slow steadying breath, he opened his fists and offered his hand.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
“Dagda, Ollathair, Dé Danann.”</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Surprise registered in Odin’s eye as he heard the true Name spoken and realised the balance that had been freely given.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Reaching up an aching arm he gripped the wrist of the bloodied Chieftan before him and allowed himself he lifted from the water by his mighty strength. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As he righted himself a wave of dizziness took him and his questing fingers found a lump raised upon his temple and a paining ache to his jaw. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Looking down at the easy stance of his broad companion he caught again the flash of a fist coming in as a Club sailed away through the air. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
“You gave up the advantage of your weapon.” </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Odin’s voice carried his question unsaid, for well he read the threat of endings on that weapon. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
“Against you and that spear it was no advantage.” </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Rumbled the Dagda’s voice as the Bragi saw him wince for the first time, big hand moving to clamp closed on the deep cut across his right bicep. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
“Tell me, did you bring anything to drink on that big curragh of yours?<br />
I think our fight is done, don't you?” </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The words came to Odin with an easy camaraderie he had not expected following the fierceness of the fight. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
He found himself smiling at the Big man with his easy demeanour. The reply could not but contain a chuckle.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
“The mead of Asgard is strong stuff and not for those of mild constitution.”</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Dagda’s face sported a broad grin to hear the challenge behind the words. A new battle about to begin.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
“Well I hope it also comes in large quantities for I have a thirst upon me you could not possibly rival.” </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When, hours later, in a flurry of beak and black feather, Huginn and Muninn, returned to Her where she sat feeding the wolves Geri and Freki with meat from her table, they spoke of growth from a challenge, the pleasure of friendship, the loudness of men, and the foolishness of drink.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Her toothy smile lit the darkness as if the full moon had risen. </div>
<div>
<br />
Fate decided by ones own hand, and what good hands He had indeed.<br />
<br />
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An Scealai Beag http://www.blogger.com/profile/03850076468272490483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52999817553055135.post-15234433262776961802016-12-21T00:42:00.002+00:002017-10-20T13:55:25.383+01:00In Darkest Night<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1qiXEy-3Xlc/WFnPxQGZ13I/AAAAAAAAAYg/rrHIWMIAsqQorFpe6ngK_XGFc6Tv4rvmQCLcB/s1600/winter_2009__a_dark_path_by_burzinski-d3b8ts4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="by_burzinski-d3b8ts4" border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1qiXEy-3Xlc/WFnPxQGZ13I/AAAAAAAAAYg/rrHIWMIAsqQorFpe6ngK_XGFc6Tv4rvmQCLcB/s320/winter_2009__a_dark_path_by_burzinski-d3b8ts4.jpg" title="winter_2009__a_dark_path" width="320" /></a></div>
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The days were now nearing their shortest. Less light, less warmth.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
More darkness.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was always a tricky time for his peoples, for when darkness is late to leave and early to return, what work can be done in between?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The land was cold to her core and with no light and warmth, nothing would grow.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Still once the winter solstice passes the land would warm anew and the cycle begin again. This he knew for he had carried the knowledge to this land upon the ships of old.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
He sat in a grand hall, warmed by fire well fed from a dry store, the scent of wood smoke mingled with that of the many bodies of those who shared in the warmth and light.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Meals were made upon those fires and all had a share given them, for all were part of the people and all had offered some labour of one sort or another through out the year.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After the cold would come the thaw. As the rains wet the earth, the toil of the body would begin. Fixing that which the cold had damaged and preparing the land for the time of growth.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Growth would see the work maintained, as the light and heat turned seed to grain, flocks and herds to full. This time, the warmth of the world filling all with heat, would see the most challenge of raid and conflict as that heat would raise the blood of the warriors.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Next would be harvest. The gathering in and storing of all the other seasons labours. Reaping the rewards for the effort, and taking, at last, a rest for the body's toil.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Once again, as it was now, the time of darkness would return. With no light to see and no warmth to the land, the toil of the body is not needed. What then can a person set their will to?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
All of the peoples gather close and hold tight to their meals and memories of the harvest warmth and plenty. Warriors blood cools and the rule of darkness extends.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Outside the hall, a wolf did howl, a crow did cry, an owl did screech. All noises made by the creatures of the night.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Outside in the darkness She held sway, bringing to the people fit reminder of fear, recalling to them that all days end in darkness, all lives lead to the black.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
She held sway in the darkness.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
He, held balance in the light.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
What toil indeed can a person set their Will to?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The toil of the Self.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When the world brings us to a state of in action, When we reach a place where there is no immediate next step, the all of Life's routine comes to a halt, there, in that space are we given time to toil on that which is Ourself.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
He looked about the grand hall with its fires and its people, and raising his Harp he began to play, plucking at the strings of heart and memory, strong sure fingers leading the melody of emotion.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the stillness, surrounded by the dark, feeling the fear, huddled to the fire, the people looked inwards.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
With no toil of labour to distract them, with no hot blooded raid to take them, each had to face their true challenge, the honest gaze of the self in the silence of their own heart and mind.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The melody moved about the hall, drowning out the calls of the darkness and the night outside, his eyes roamed about touching upon each as they saw the truth of themselves.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Private and intimate none but each of them could know it's depth. He saw some faces wet with tears, some hang with shame, yet all did, in time, grow firm with acceptance as the music moved about.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When the toil of Knowing yourself was done, when all had made peace with their darkness within and balanced it against the darkness without, when the last of the work was done, his fingers stopped, the strings of his harp hung their vibrating tone in the moment, allowing the space, giving the pause it's own short life.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A smile arose on the Dagda's face as the eyes of one and all eventually found him.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Enough of that now, how about a tune to raise the spirit?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
His thick fingers moved at pace along the strings and skipping the third he did set the hearts a beating and the smiles a gleaming.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"And speaking of spirits, someone pass me a drink!"</div>
<br />
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An Scealai Beag http://www.blogger.com/profile/03850076468272490483noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52999817553055135.post-17559077170152338762016-11-26T14:09:00.001+00:002017-10-20T13:55:13.577+01:00The World from a Snug<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kH8utrhLkzc/WDmUoHSgkQI/AAAAAAAAAXs/JOgvpBlnSbQcZSiasT2DTGySujSJpe6-wCLcB/s1600/Irish%2BSnug.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kH8utrhLkzc/WDmUoHSgkQI/AAAAAAAAAXs/JOgvpBlnSbQcZSiasT2DTGySujSJpe6-wCLcB/s320/Irish%2BSnug.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">The loose leaves hustled in passed the doorman without showing their ID.</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Gambolling about gaily on the gusts of an autumn wind, they set to a spin in the open area of the pub's entrance, a riot of orange and yellow.</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">I gave a nod to the guy standing wrapped up against the oncoming winter chill and followed the leaves in. </span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">The pub was quite busy for the afternoon. Regulars propped up in spaces almost fit solely to them, families enjoying the social space and food menus, couples leaning in to one another ignoring the rest of the world about them. </span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">At the bar I called for two pints and once in hand began moving through the people in the place, looking for the seat I knew would be reserved for me. </span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Stepping in and around any crowd you pass through a lot of conversations. I slipped in and around the people as I moved between the spaces in attention.</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">"Are they sure the numbers are right? I mean there was that thing a few years back..."</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">"That doesn't make sense though. Surely democracy is based on a majority ruling?...</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">"I just can believe it. Like, my brain can't process this..."</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">"I hope my family over there are doing ok. I'm sure there are a lot of people really upset right now..."</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">The emotions in the conversations were easily read for anyone to see. Uncertainty, Confusion, Incredulity, concern all there on the face or carried on the voice.</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Under it all though was something deeper, something a lot more powerful and dangerous.</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Fear. </span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">I came out of the crowd into the snug, that comfortable quiet space kept aside in some pubs. </span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">The empty seat was set beside its twin, a slope backed little tub chair, designed for easy comfort.</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">I placed one pint on the dark wood table in front of the filled seat beside one which was near its empty, took a sip from mine, then spilling out of my over coat, settled into my chair. </span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">The silence was the easy comfortable sort as I relaxed into the seat and he finished his pint. Placing the empty down his big hand closed around the fresh glass. Cold condensation running down the glass into the lines and over the work calluses, that hand raised the pint up to his bearded mouth for a first sip. </span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">A sigh followed as the pint returned to the table.</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">"You arrived just in time, I have a thirst on me today."</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">I glanced at the six empty glasses already in situ.</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">"Well you know me. I'm like a wizard. Neither early nor late and arriving exactly when I mean to." </span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">My smile matched his as our eyes meet for the first time in a few days. The deep brown of them showing the humour within, but to a familiar gaze such as mine, I noted a redness around that earthy colour. He looked tired and sore.</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">"Good story that. A long one for sure and leaning heavily upon tales of my people, but still, a good one.</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">The movies did it fair justice."</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">My concern did not shift but neither did my smile. </span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">"We're drinking then? Am I on catch up?"</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">So saying I downed the two thirds which remained in one long pull and placed the empty on the table.</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">"Your round old man."</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Dagda's smile was warm and eyes a sparkle as he waved to the server and called for more pints. </span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">We sat in silent companionship sipping pints and watching the people as the existed within the space. It was busy in the pub.</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">"It's noisy in here."</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">His rumbling voice came out soft and sad, for my ears alone, and I understood the 'noise' he was referring to. </span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">All people generate a certain amount of energy or presence and at times this can be coloured by their emotions and felt by anyone one with an awareness to it.</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">The 'noise' he mentioned was how we referred to a dissonance in someone's state of mind or emotion when they are in pain or fear of some sort. When gathered and shared the individual may ease their own burden but it's spread further to those who share in the moment, which of course can improve the situation or, should many already share a similar state, be made many times worse in a collective.</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">"Is that why we're drinking? You doing ok?"</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">His eyes rolled up to the nearby tv screen which showed a country divided red against blue, peoples split asunder by fear turned to hate.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> "There's the cause. People the world over are uncertain of tomorrow, so they gather close with each other and try figure it out."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">I glanced around the room and recalled the snippets of conversations I had over heard. I had to say it had triggered some questions and specific worries but less so for me given my own privileges than for friends and community.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">"There will always be another Bres. Those who love of power, position or influence. They always trumpet on about various policies or promises. Yet when it comes time to serving the needs of the entire community fairly and justly, you never see them with shovel in hand digging the drainage, or hands in the river scouring the pot."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">I look down from the screen to see Dagda gazing at his callused worn hands. It looked to me that they had fresh marks and even small sections of torn skin recently scabbed over. Working hands. His knuckles popped as he made fists. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">"So, tell me how we fight."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">His eyes came up to meet mine and darkened to see the angry frown upon my features.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">"Not like that lad."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">He exhaled slowly, unclenched his hands, and reached for his pint again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">"You can't fight hate with more hate. Aggression would only be read as a justification to those who have chosen to view their world from a position of divisiveness."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">He took a long pull from the pint as I tried to wrangle with the problem.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">"So I'm supposed to love those who hate me? Plead to their better nature or some such? That's very Christian alright, turn the other cheek so I can be slapped again and trust to hope that they will get bored of kicking me eventually?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">The words came out with an angry snarl. Dagda locked his earth brown eyes on mine and without a word I realised I had overstepped. The anger abated and I recognized my own fear, riding just below the surface of conscious thought. Still words said are hard to take back. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">"We are a brutal species, driven by base instinct. We think we have come so very far and achieved so much, but given any excuse we would still cave each other's heads in with rocks."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">The anger was replaced by a deep heart aching sadness which seemed my constant companion, and though my gaze fell to my pint, I still felt his eyes locked on me, seeing through me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">"I know you feel it Oakheart, it's what I have always felt since the start. Take it from me, don't let it harden you over much. We need to be tough enough to get on with the work despite the pain, but remain soft enough so that we can care enough for others. Not an easy challenge."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">I raised my now wet eyes to his and saw there a deep compassion, not just for me but I knew for everyone of the people in the pub and even more then for those of this land and the others. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">"You know my ways lad. When I'm moved to fight, I Kill. No quarter, no restraint. That is not what's needed here. I Know that much."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">"Then how do we fight this? How do we raise the change that's needed?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">He glanced again at the tv screen, seeing the victory of fear over love.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">"I don't know."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">My surprise must have been written plain on my face when he turned to look at me again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">"What? I'm known as the flame of all wisdom, not all knowledge. You of all should know the difference."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">His single raised eyebrow on that stern broad face told me the joke for what it was and I could feel the smile stretch my cheeks. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">His answering smile arrived a split second later.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">"If you want to know about change then go talk to Her."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">His eyes became distant for a moment as if he gazed out through the pubs walls and into a place I could not see.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">"I dare say She saw this coming. Mayhaps that's why She has been recruiting all this time. Gathering the strong, the smart, the wilful to Her. Those who are brave and willing to Stand and be seen. To drive the change right there upon the very edge of the challenge. That is her Way." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">His eyes came back to the room with a slight shake of his head, as if to clear it of distraction, and he lifted his glass for another drink.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">"So what do we do? What's your Way?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">He glanced at me, then rolled his gaze about the room, taking in the regulars, the families and the couples. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">"Me? I do the work. I look out for what they need. Protect them, feed them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Help them feel their sadness and cry, remind them of joy and song, and when all that is done, help them find a restful sleep.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Maybe if our community comes together, supported in these things, sharing in love and kindness, we can set a better example of acceptance for everyone. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Maybe that way love can defeat hate, community can overcome division, and the aching heart of our people can be healed."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> He looked back to me, those deep brown eyes meeting my now tear filled ones, and I could feel the warmth of his hope for the future. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">His gaze fell to the near full pint in my hand, then across to the drained empty one in his. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">When his gaze came back up it was all a mischief as usual. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">"Drink up. Sure isn't it your round? I hope you were well paid recently for I have a thirst upon me." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">The smirk on his broad warm face brought a bellow of laughter from me in an instant and I waved to the server for their attention. </span><br />
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An Scealai Beag http://www.blogger.com/profile/03850076468272490483noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52999817553055135.post-32290465161803378652016-10-31T18:35:00.001+00:002017-10-20T13:55:00.679+01:00The Couple's Ford<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DOIYitoZtvs/WBdrtb8osdI/AAAAAAAAAW4/uzBiS2iMu-o8Aq6mGVx0i18hGBmdhP_NACLcB/s1600/Ford.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DOIYitoZtvs/WBdrtb8osdI/AAAAAAAAAW4/uzBiS2iMu-o8Aq6mGVx0i18hGBmdhP_NACLcB/s320/Ford.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The morning sunshine warmed him as he lay upon the grass. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Arriving in the moments before the dawn as he always had, the Dagda stripped off his clothes and waded out, waist deep, into the river's depth. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">As the first rays of the sun's light were captured by the water, he raised it in the bowl of his cupped hands and poured it over his head and face. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Breathing in deeply and exhaling slowly with every movement, he repeated the process again and again. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The Dagda cleansed his body, and with it his spirit. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Standing in the shallows of the river's bank he gazed across to its opposite side. Assessing where the earth met the water, he marked his spot and with a large inhalation, dove below the river's shimmering surface. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Beneath the water's boundary the world was a different place. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">A quieter, more fluid space. An area where one thing moved toward the next in a constant, never ending push and pull, measured in the space of a held breath. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Kicking his strong legs the Dagda reached for the bottom and dug his thick fingers into the earth beneath the water. Anchored there, he took his mark to the earth above the water and with a bend of his body, and a plant of his feet, he pulled. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">As the near noon sun beat down upon the water, the Dagda rose with a gasp to fill his lungs again. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">It was done. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Clambering forward, he heaved his form up on to the shallows that now forded the river from one point to the other. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Lying on the earth with the water running over his body, air filling his lungs, skin drying in the warmth of the sun's fire... the Dagda rested. Eyes closing and breathing deepening, sleep took him.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">With a snort and a shudder he sat upright, mind returning from dream to his body. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Squinting, he looked to the sun’s position. An hour had past at the most. Noon.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Still, she would be here soon.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Looking about for a suitable place, his eyes fell upon some heavy brush not far up the opposite bank. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Returning to his discarded Léine and other clothes, he gathered them up, scuffed his feet through the flattened grass to make it stand, and crossed the river using its new ford. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Moving to the brush he circled around it and finding a suitable spot, crawled beneath its cover. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Wriggling forward on his gut, the Dagda gained a view of the ford, and settled to wait. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">She would be here soon. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The heat of the sun at its highest was a need to warm her.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The flow of the water, clean and clear to wash her. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Her eye, which always sees the ways of change in every glance, will be drawn to this place where the land itself was changed. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The Dagda knew all of these things when he chose a space for their coupling. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">It was not long before a shadow flickered by above and the crows' call announced her approaching presence. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The Dagda relaxed his body and made his mind still, imagining himself as small as he could. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Letting go of his intent he allowed his eyes to see all that was there, foregoing thought, judgement or decision for the sake of the moment.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">A difficult skill to master, being omnipresent, with no thought of self nor worry for the cares of tomorrow, with no part of the mind returning to the vaults of memory. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Dissipating his Will, the Dagda ceased to be, and became only a pair of eyes observing a moment. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Into that moment she came. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The Morrigan, cloaked in the colours of Autumn. The hues of orange, yellow and red. Her hair falling from her head in a crimson cascade. Skin with the clean healthy pallor of a fresh snowfall. Lips as red as heart's blood. Eyes of the deepest blue skies, surveying all around her. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Stepping lightly to the water's edge she stopped and cast her gaze about. Her Will rolled out across the space - seeking, searching. Only one who knew her well would have seen the slightest of frowns move her brows a fraction.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The land was changed. His hand had made it so. This she knew. Their meeting and coupling here, where earth meets water, in the surroundings of air and fire, was more than mating. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">This was their personal moment of balance. Service offered and given. The exchange that would speak to the next years course.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Every year this ritual was met and the requirements satisfied, and yet every year she could not find him before the right moment. As if he did not exist until the ritual needed him to. Never would she say, but it annoyed and vexed her to so lose track of him.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Slipping her arms from her garment she let it fall to the green of the grass. Time approached and though she could not find him, she did not doubt his presence. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Her face took on a smile at her surety. He always liked to watch. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Stepping lightly, she moved forward upon the balls of her feet, her strong legs taking her naked body out into the waters of the ford. She moved her warrior's physique with a dancer's grace. Lithe muscles moving sinuously, alluring and yet deadly. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> As the sun reached its highest, giving its warmth to her flesh, she stopped in the middle of the river. There she bent to raise water with her hands. Lifting it to her face she sipped of it, and then poured it down her head and body. Turning about she repeated this in the four directions.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The Morrigan cleansed her body, and with it her spirit.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">With this done, she came about again, offering the four points of the land the four elements, filling each movement with her Will. Water of the river. Earth of the ford. Air of the winds. Fire of the sun.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Her will gathered in across the land and from that moment, all was in readiness. She cast her gaze about in one last effort to find him, but knew that he would only exist once the call was placed upon him.</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Come you then, O Chieftain of the people. <br />Come you hither in service and in seeking. </i><span lang="ga"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="ga">fís agus eolas</span> <br />I call you and by your name be made present. </i><b><i><br />Dagda!</i></b></div>
<br />
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Her voice rang out its clarion call, taking her Will with it in all directions at once. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The eyes that had watched blinked.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The word had been spoken and settled upon him like a mantle - full of power, purpose and responsibility. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Muscles in the body twitched, as that which had until that moment been just part of the land became separate again. Big callused hands placed down upon the earth supported the push of strong arms connected to broad shoulders. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> The body moved as a Will filled it once again and the Dagda rose up from the brush to face her.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">In the moment his name had left her lips she had felt him. So named, his Will could not be hidden. She was facing the brush as she heard the first rustling of his movement. Seeing his broad shouldered body lift up, as if out of the earth itself, always gave her pause, yet no sign of it did show upon her face. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">He moved with a steady grace for one of his size, unhurried and patient. His big naked full frame, covered in ruddy bronzed skin from a life of labour outdoors. Slab like muscles defined on his shoulders, arms, legs and chest with a heaviness about his waist which spoke of wealth and comfort. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">His hair hung down about his broad face, features lined and careworn where they ran down to his close cropped beard. The eyes that met her gaze were the rich dark of the fresh turned earth, deep and steady.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial";">“I am here Lady, on behalf of the people I answer the call. </span><br /><span lang="ga">fís agus eolas</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial";">I seek so best to offer them service.”</span></i></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“And what, Chieftain, do you offer in exchange? </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">All know that with knowledge comes power, and with power comes responsibility.”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The deepest blue of her eyes locked to his brown as their Wills met in full at that moment. Push and pull in the water's course. Shift and steady in the earth beneath. To and fro in the gusts of air. Hot and cold in the fire's heart. They challenged. Each testing the other's worth. Pushing their full power and focused Will against their opposite. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">As the challenge reached its apex, match for match, equal to equal, he let go, allowing her Will to surround and take him. Sinking to a knee in the ford he lowered his gaze from her and hung his head in submission.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><i>“In this moment and upon this ford, I offer all that I have, </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><i>which is all that I am. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><i>For the vision and knowledge to best serve my people </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><i>from this moment on until next we meet upon the boundaries between all things. "</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Moving forward through the water, she approached. Stepping in front of him, standing above his big kneeling form, she placed her hand upon his head resting it there for a moment, allowing time for this act to settle within him. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">In a sudden movement, she grabbed a fistful of his hair and painfully yanked his head back, face meeting hers, eyes locking again as she sought any resistance within his gaze. Deep in the brown of his eyes she saw the pain she caused him register, but no resistance came.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Using her other hand she gripped his throat, fingers tight and claw like, ready to rip the life from him, nails biting deep enough to draw a trickle of his blood. </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px;">In those eyes she saw his willingness. His life was hers to take should she wish it, and he would not resist.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Total and complete submission. His perfect sacrifice.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Pushing him over upon his back in the cool waters of the ford she loosed her grip on his throat. Pressing her body down upon his big frame she brought her lips close to his ear and whispered in a husky tone.</span></div>
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<i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Tell me you want this.”</span></i></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">His reply was calm and filled with deep rumbling truth.</span></div>
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<i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“I want this, Lady.”</span></i></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Her smile was triumphant as she clamped her lips around the wound in his throat, sucking to draw a bruise to his flesh and the taste of his blood to her mouth. With her hand she took the tumescent girth of him, and with firm grip pressed him deep within her, filling her completely and stretching her with a pleasant pain.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">She owned him. Fully consenting to her whims and wants he was hers to take, and take him she did. As the afternoon wore on she used him. Taking gratification in body, satisfaction in his strength and stamina. Feeding her wants again and again.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">As the evening darkness began to exert itself, she was astride him again, facing the west. The water had continually washed the sweat from them and refreshed them. The earth supported and steadied them. The air filling their lungs and carrying their gasps and moans. The sun's fire keeping a chill from their naked flesh. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Just as the sun slipped to its set, its light disappearing into darkness, she impaled herself fully upon him, and with a shared deep moan, pleasure wracked them both as his life seed filled her.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">All colour fled her eyes in that second, filling with blackness. She felt her full power, in that moment, without fetter, without rival. Using him, using his consent, she took his power in to meet her own, filling her, rushing in to her being so that she became everything.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Everything that was, is, and will be was hers to see, hers to change, hers to control. Ownership of all of it within her grasp, to take as she saw fit, to create or destroy. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Total. Unchallenged. Power.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">What use had she for anything else? What was there of value to anything that was not of her? What was there in all creation that could stop or hinder her?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The answer came to her mind, of her own mind and without provocation. Memories of a pair of earth brown eyes. A big form kneeling before her</span><span lang="ga">. Fis agus eolas.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">There was one thing, and one thing alone that could challenge her. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Herself. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The words came. From her blood red lips they fell. Speaking of the vision she perceived, of the knowledge she held. There were no questions. There were just the words, spilling and tumbling from her to fall into his awaiting ears. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">When the words had ceased and all was said she held there, that total unchallenged power. Creation and destruction. Life and Death. Light and Dark.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">As the choice was his to start, the choice was hers to finish. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">With a last deep breath she closed the blackness of her eyes, exhaled fully, and released him.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">His power left her. Flowing back where it came from. Back to that big frame, filling those dark eyes. A shudder ran through her body as the full warm heat of him left her, and she slumped forward atop him, full now only of herself, and completely spent.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">His arms when they encircled her were gentle and warm. One big hand moved slowly to her head, there to lightly stroke her hair. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Thank you.” </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The words were soft and sincere. Whispered just for her, with warm breath against her face, followed by the small peck of a kiss. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">She allowed herself to be small. Wrapped in those big arms and warmed by his heat, a happy smile came to her rose pink lips. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Did you get what you need?”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">As the power had left her, so had the memory of what she had seen and said, carried back along the lines of energy to the universe. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Yes. The people shall be prepared and endure because of your gift.” </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">As the night began to take hold, and the day lose its heat, she snuggled close to him, sharing in his heat and smiled again. </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px;">They stayed like that until the last light of the day was well gone and the stars had begun to show themselves.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">A deep shudder ran through him and a burr for the chill escaped his lips. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Let's get out of this water now lass before the cold settles any deeper. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I warm up pretty quick but we both know how long it takes for you, once the cold gets deep in.”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The Morrigan sat up off him and opened her storm grey eyes to meet his deep brown. The smile stayed put as she moved. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">His big eyes blinked, seeing her so, and his words rumbled out softly to her.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">"You slay me with those eyes of yours, Lass"</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">"Be glad that's not true, or you would have died many many years ago."</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The smile on her reply showed her fondness, but the Dagda's lined face became sincere and his next words direct.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">"Oh I did, and do. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">A little part of my resolve dies every time you look at me like this.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">You will be the end of me some day. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Of that I have no doubt."</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">His words were new to her, and struck something deep inside with a quivering of apprehension. Grasping hold of her Will, she met his sincerity with her own.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">"May that day be a long, long way off."</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">His face softened to hear her reassurance, and a contented smile took on a mischievous tweak.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Well, you would KNOW for sure,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> one way or the other.”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Rolling her eyes towards the sky, she punched him hard in his meaty arm, yet she couldn't contain her chuckle.</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 1.38;">****************************************************************************************************************************** </span><br />
<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-e0b94ce2-39d2-5524-160a-76f08c75d717" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">For more stories and exclusive content please considering supporting me on Patreon</span></div>
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An Scealai Beag http://www.blogger.com/profile/03850076468272490483noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52999817553055135.post-57789565384123043592016-10-10T13:25:00.000+01:002017-10-20T13:54:40.577+01:00All Life is Stories <div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-00bf87af-7ba7-d6e5-bc4b-ce6bdfbdf8f1" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E7SxEEYXG-c/V-6CaxwDTjI/AAAAAAAAAQI/mrJ_CPPlcI84uE_Zvsv-FNTBMKcn1-urgCLcB/s1600/wood%2Bfloor%2Bhall.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E7SxEEYXG-c/V-6CaxwDTjI/AAAAAAAAAQI/mrJ_CPPlcI84uE_Zvsv-FNTBMKcn1-urgCLcB/s320/wood%2Bfloor%2Bhall.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">It was a cold bleak day, somehow fitting for what was to come. The building, brick red and smog stained had stood as a crossing station of life for many years. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Filled with peoples coming and going, toing and froing, it was always a bustle of noise and tumult, and not just to ones ears. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The automatic doors rolled back to admit him, with a whoosh of warm air against his skin. The breath of the building was heady with many trace scents. His nose took them in and as he feet moved assuredly towards the stair he began to catalogue them. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The stress laden smoke of the cigarettes was left behind outside, the peaceful green of the manicured plants about the reception absorbing it. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Next the chemical polish used to clean the counters and floor in this entry area, layered again and again over the many scents of the hurried passage in and out of this space.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Stepping his big frame to the side he moved passed a cadre of nursing staff, all smelling of antibacterial agents and exhaustion. Unseen to all he could not help note one in particular, whose head hung lower than the rest carrying more than just exhaustion. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Stepping carefully passed he allowed his shoulder brush very briefly near. The nurse shuddered to the close passage and straightened up to join in the conversation with the others.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">He moved on by.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The first appointment was on the third floor over in the east wing. The room was small and dark as he opened the door softly. Taking off his long coat he folded it over his arm and removed his hat as he stepped inside. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">This room smelt of must and the stale sweat of the occupant. The curtains were closed forcing a darkness upon the room. His eyes roamed about the space and he took in the sparseness of the place. A small sink set beside a small partitioned toilet, a slim wardrobe that could not hold more than one set of clothes. A single slim hospital bed, a small bedside cupboard and beside it one unused chair. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Silent and unseen he moved over to the seat, and settled down into it. The visit had begun, but would not last long.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The occupant was old, age having weathered their skin and taken the strength of their limbs. They lay back propped upon the pillows, eyes closed and breathing shallow. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">He moved his eyes from the patient to the bedside cupboard. A jug of water and an untouched beaker were all it held. No pictures. No flowers. No keepsakes or mementos. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Returning his gaze to the patient he sat and waited, wondering over their life and their choices and what stories would never be told again. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The last breath was naught but a whisper as it left the body. No big gasp. No fanfare farewell. No one but him to witness.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Standing slowly, he drew back the curtains and allowed the grey light fill the room. Reaching his big hand over he turned the handle and opened the window. The crisp fresh air came in, and the scents of the room passed out. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Silent and unseen he stepped around the empty vessel without another glance and left the dying room closing the door behind him. Straightening most of the slump from his shoulders he turned down the corridor.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">He moved on by.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The next appointment was second floor and through a secure nursing station. Stepping through and around the desk was no challenge as he strolled unseen by the beleaguered and swamped staff. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The door was open and kept as such with a wedge, the occupant needing some supervision at times. This room smelt of chemicals, blood and pain. The occupant was of early to middle age and life had seen them taken on a hard road. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The bed was pushed far back towards the window were some light could fall on the patient. That light filtered colours through the clear liquid which dripped steadily from its elevated packet down the tube and into the veins and blood. The arm supporting the needle was scarred here and there and torn with many other signs of bruised puncture marks, leading down to the wrist where it was shackled to the bed frame. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The eyes of the occupant were wide and vacant, the blue of them diminished by the maze of red shot around the iris. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">No chair here. No cards of family or friend. No loved ones near. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Worse yet, a glance at the paperwork told him there was no Name. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">This living breathing person, born of this world, child of a mother and father, lay here at stories end, without even a name to recall them to the world.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">He steadied his feet and his own breath, setting aside the roil of his own emotion. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The patient's arm began to twitch, a tightness formed around their eyes, mouth beginning to move soundlessly as some spike of pain formed in them.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">He lifted his big hand and placed it lightly on the restrained arm of the young person. A slow breath out and a push of his Will removed the pain.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Removing his hand he felt the ache of it run up his arm and settle upon his shoulder. It was all he could do, but he would do it. Long ago tales spoke of a weapon with the power to destroy or restore. Such times as these, with no tales told, no one to believe, what can a man do but that which he is able with his own hand.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The nameless one, never reacted to his closeness. Whatever horrors their story had held for them had been beyond their ability to face alone, and with no name to claim them, who would help share their burden?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The last breath left with a sigh of release and a catching throb of sorrow. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">He stood still, silent witness, working their features into his mind, he would remember. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">A machine by the bed began to wail and in a rush the small high risk room was full with nurses and doctors. They moved with rapid professional actions around the empty vessel, working for a life which was already gone. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">No one saw the big man in the plain suit, step from the room, long coat over his arm and hat held in hand. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">He moved on by.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The heaviness weighed upon his shoulders as he made the third appointment. The room was bright and colourful. Light filled every corner of it and showed the dancing whimsical characters painted upon its walls with as much glee as it could. The room smelt of sickly sweet perfumes attempting to mask the smell of poison and sickness.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">His brow furrowed to see this place as he entered. These appointments were often hardest to bear. The bed here was small, not one needed for an adult. The child within it could not have seen more than 12 years. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">His furrow became a frown as he looked about the space. Filled with toys and entertainments, foods and water, the place was missing one of the most important things a child needed. Family.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">He found his answer on the chart hung at the end of the bed. No surname, no parents names. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">He knew of children such as this one, wards of the State. With no family to claim them as their own they became the children of the country's government. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">His frown deepened from confusion to anger. Where was the hand for this child to hold? Where where the arms to cradle them? Sure the nursing staff would do all they can but where was the depth of community that looked out for the weakest amongst it? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">His anger departed in a breath as his eyes rose to take in the frail little form in the bed, and the sadness rolled back in.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The pillows were propped up high to help them sit upright, the characterful cartoons decorating the bed covers drawn close. The child's skin was pale and drawn, on a face that age had yet to touch. Not a single hair stood on the child's head, lost to the poison the doctors had poured in to try kill that which was killing the patient. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The child’s eyes were open, their deep brown showing a wisdom that only pain can bring. They looked about the space, not seeing the big man in the worn suit and his long coat. He wondered what stories this child may have had, what tales would not become realized with this life cut so short. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The child folded its hand in its lap, closed its eyes, and smiling faintly, released the last breath. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">It was a long while before he could move. Shoulders made heavy by his witness, slumped low. The sadness was settled upon him but it was only right that someone witness the last breath and when there was no one else who could, He would. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Shrugging himself into his long coat he straightened it about his bowed form and stepping unseen from the room he settled the hat upon his head.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">He moved on … and stopped.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Confusion crossed his broad face and he cocked his head to the side as if listening. Nothing beyond the ambient noises of the hospital disturbed the space, yet still, something was amiss.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">His confusion set a frown on his face and turning away from the exit he moved between the spaces searching.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">He moved slowly, following the faintest of traces which none of his five senses could detect. Moving across the grounds and wards and wings of the hospital he patiently traced the sensation back to its source. Moving past staff, patient and security, invisible to them, unknown to them, unremarked by them. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">He found it in the most unlooked for place. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The children's ward was a noisy frantic place smelling of baby powder, creams, milk, sterilizing fluid, fear, joy, and happiness. It was a jarring rush to the senses, surrounded by clamouring kids, happy frustrated parents and patient smiling reassuring nurses. So many stories starting and continuing together. So many new chapters to existing stories and so many new tales getting their first words.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The sensation ran strong here beneath all other input and his unseen form moved between the spaces tracing it down until his feet stuck to the ground and refused to move any further. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">He turned about slowly moving his deep dark eyes around seeking and searching. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The toddler stood in a cot bed, little fists wrapped around the bars, part supporting its chubby weight, part using it to accentuate with thudding thumps the happy hollering issuing from a voice new to making noise. No more that 2 years old it set quite a ruckus about the place evidently enjoying the noisy sensation of its new story. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">As the confusion reached its height within him, built up on the sorrow he carried and the pain in his shoulders, he wondered why his feet had lead him here? What story was this that he needed to witness?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Then the toddler's eyes met his. Dark brown as the earth itself, the hollering ceased in that split second. The eyes sparkled and a toothless smile split the chubby dimpled cheeks.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The child witnessed Him.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">He stepped back in sudden surprise as the child saw him. Literally saw him, acknowledged him, following his movements with its eyes. His mind reeled in that moment seeking and searching for some sense and reason. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">He had done this service to the people almost every day for years and decades and generations. He had passed unseen and unremarked in this land for more lives than he cared remember. Existing on an echo of a memory which was too strongly tied to the land to be released. He had done as he always had, seen to the work, put shoulder to the challenge, and served the people. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">His mind tumbled back along those lives until he found what he was looking for at last.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">A Name.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">A collection of sounds spoken aloud to identify something. A unique arrangement of syllables configured to define something and to give it a particular place in a conversation. A word, a brand, to recognize and recall everything that was and is for this one special thing existing within the entire scope of the Great Cycle. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">His Name. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Unheard to his ears, his heart, his Soul beyond the shade of that echo tied to the land.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The whisper of breath escaped him, carrying the Name out of his mouth and to the his ears before he even realised he had spoken aloud.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Dagda.”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The toddlers smile broadened as those dark eyes showed it had heard the Name. the next moment arrived and it was all a holler and clamour, reveling in the sounds it’s little voice could create. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The wetness rolled unrestrained down the big broad cheeks as the Dagda look upon the child, wonder and gratitude filling his deep dark eyes. So much lost to him with his Name, could may yet be restored in time. He slowly inhaled the scent of freshly turned earth and the green of old trees which seemed to spring up around him.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Maybe it’s almost time for My stories again.” </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">For more stories and exclusive content please considering supporting me on Patreon</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.patreon.com/Dagda" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">https://www.patreon.com/Dagda</span></a></div>
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An Scealai Beag http://www.blogger.com/profile/03850076468272490483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52999817553055135.post-32604139214641880582016-09-22T09:50:00.004+01:002017-10-20T13:54:18.567+01:00The Darkness within.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qVuNUQYSzl0/V9gLEUcbwjI/AAAAAAAAAP4/N8J4NfAzkR8F2NroMnluTSNZzH0FbHjKQCLcB/s1600/pexels-photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qVuNUQYSzl0/V9gLEUcbwjI/AAAAAAAAAP4/N8J4NfAzkR8F2NroMnluTSNZzH0FbHjKQCLcB/s320/pexels-photo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-3e2c4726-23e4-f948-5828-b76c9b92f0a7" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Many knew of their dalliances, those stories of coupling and her gifts of prophecy and favor. Many more of their rivalry, the clash of their Wills again and again as each worked for balance.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Few there were beyond the two that knew of their relationship. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">She came to him out of the darkness, the quiet comfortable black that exists between all things of light. Unlooked for, uncalled for, she moved closer. She Knew.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Her bare feet took her on the ways, leading her to him unerringly, without falter. Past his rath, for home would not bring him comfort. Past his flock for he would not find peace being among them. Past his workshop for there was no focus left to him.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Her feet felt the grass, her nose took in the scent of the tree, and her ears the labored breathing from beneath its roots. As she approached the dark entrance to the earth beneath, the tree shuddered under her hand as if some great blow had impacted it. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">As she stood one foot on the threshold of the hollow, her Will gathered to her, she could not escape a shiver of apprehension somewhere in the recesses of her mind. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Countless foes she had slain, fools she had humbled, heroes she had claimed. At her call stood a host of ruin fit to break the world. Change was her dominion in all its forms even onto the final change of utter destruction. All of the forces and strength gathered to her Will, all in her control.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Yet still in some primal spot she held a shudder just in check when she thought of Him.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">He was here and He was in his darkness. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Slipping silently beneath the earth she felt the tree shudder again, a root deep shake as it absorbed the energy and dissipated it through its ancient feet and into the earth. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Shifting into the space she heard him first. Breathing labored and heavy. Each exhalation ending in a deep throated growl. Body moving in the confines of the space. Feet scraping the soil, shoulders rubbing against the inside of the tree, big broad strong hands gripping and scratching the wood.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Next her nose took up the scent of him, so similar to that of the earth itself it still had a distinct tone to his sweat which she could never mistake. Breathing deep she inhaled the scent of blood, rich and metallic. His blood.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Her heart pumping hard she was stirred in many ways. The heady coppery smell filling her and causing a different shudder she could not suppress. Her intent shifted slightly in response to that feeling.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">In the darkness, the labored breathing stilled abruptly, and a heavy silence fell. Like some beast scenting prey she heard him snuffle the air. Letting her eyes adjust she saw his shape, broad and muscled, still and poised in the darkness, head up and to the side, to catch the smells around him.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">That primal shudder skittered across the back of her mind again to see him so, yet this time her reply was a smile, all teeth and aggression. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Her moment was near. She would have to time it right, strike when she had her opening or leave him to his darkness. Her eyes, blacker than the dark about her, weighed him, mind flickering back and forth on every detail as she reached her moment. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">With a second to tense and target her Will, she lept. Sailing out of the blackness she landed upon his back, arms locking around his bull thick neck, her strong legs wrapping tightly about his waist. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">In the moment of contact she felt it all, the echo of which had brought her to this place. Rage mixed with pain roared its way into her awareness. A crashing wave of sensation that would drown anyone foolish enough to be unprepared for its wroth. The red and blackness of it all swirling about her mind as she sought deeper within him, searching for the cause. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">His reaction was instantaneous, throwing his weight forward with a roar, frenzied and animalistic, trying to dislodge her. Thrashing his mighty shoulders back and forth. Her strength held and with a squeezing of her arms and thighs she denied him his breath. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">His thrashing did not ease, only intensified with the loss of air. She felt her skin scrape against the the earth and tree roots around her, but the pain it caused was funneled by her Will adding strength of her grip.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">With a gasped growl, he finally slumped to one knee, big arms out and braced against the interior of the tree. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Loosing her arms she let him breath and clamped an iron grip with her hands upon the broad meat of his shoulder muscles. A hiss escaped him as her fingers pressed deep into the locked knotted flesh across his collar bones. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The words when they came were a hushed angry growl from a throat that had not uttered a clear word in hours.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Don't. It’s mine. Mine to bear.” </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Ignoring him, she drove her strong fingers against his flesh, working, kneading, releasing the pressure where she found it.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">As her body worked his flesh, her senses searched his energy. The storm within him began to ease as the pain she caused him relieved the pain which he held to. The red rage began to fade in him as his great arms slumped low, the blood on his knuckles, dripping into the soil.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Still, she did not relax her muscles, legs tight to him, body pressed to his, her cold skin taking the heat out of him as his breathing steadied to a slow even pace.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Her eyebrows moved to a frown as the blackness did not stir, but deepened in its stillness within him, taking a hold. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Leaning in close, arms loose around his neck she placed her lips close and breathed huskily into his ear.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“What? All that fight gone from you now?”</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">So saying she sank her teeth into his scarred ear, biting hard and sending a spike of red back through him.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">With an answer growl he moved, and she allowed him shirk her over his shoulders and into a crushing embrace. His mouth found hers and the pressure of his kiss crushed her lips to her teeth, the strength of his grip bruising her flesh, and the hunger of his need washing over her.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">She accepted it and gave equally, her hunger in return.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Their coupling was fierce. All flame and power coursing one against the other. Muscles pressing and straining. Skin sweating against skin. His weight crushed down upon her as he moved within her. Their pace frantic as they pressed themselves together each simply feeding their need with the others flesh.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Their labored breathing intermingled with gasps and grunts could lead to only one ending and in that moment of explosive release, they roared as one. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">As he drew deep on his next breath, his arms gave and he lay forward onto her. Her arms came up and around his wide shoulders as she held him against her, each working to steady their breath. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Deep within him, the blackness had shifted, the red of the anger having burned it back. In its center she found a whiteness. The space where peace and calm ruled. With that she found her smile, warm and genuine this time. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Moving her hands she lightly scraped the skin across his broad back , tickling the hairs there.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The hiss that escaped him this time was one of happy pleasure, and he raised himself up to meet her gaze. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“ I have told you lass, no one touches my shoulders.”</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Mischief sparkled in her eyes and her smile broadened.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Its lucky that I’m definitely a someone to you then, otherwise you would be lost and I would have no one to play with. No one decent anyway.”</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">His chuckle rumbled up from his broad chest and she felt his normal warmth enfold her, comforting and close. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">She didn't ask because she already knew, and he didn't thank because no words would ever be big enough. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">When next their lips met it was soft and gentle, intimate and caring. Their bodies began to move again, but this time with a slowness to match their kissing. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Three words were all that followed.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“I love you.” </span></div>
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An Scealai Beag http://www.blogger.com/profile/03850076468272490483noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52999817553055135.post-25474499133829566392016-09-13T18:29:00.000+01:002017-10-20T13:54:01.293+01:00A life worth living. Forever.<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JReygRgPQ54/V9argF0QVfI/AAAAAAAAAPo/0IFgGor3K5kBJaVDagxxxlf-oEiaQI7tQCLcB/s1600/vintage-technology-keyboard-old.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JReygRgPQ54/V9argF0QVfI/AAAAAAAAAPo/0IFgGor3K5kBJaVDagxxxlf-oEiaQI7tQCLcB/s320/vintage-technology-keyboard-old.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #454545; font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">The rattle of the keys on the laptop came to a halt as the Scealí looked up, pausing the narration, with a quizzical frown. </span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;">"Does it actually ever end? I mean all of it. I'm mortal. I know that time will come and I will pass away."</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">The storyteller's face was somber but still curious. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"></span></div>
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<br />
<span style="color: #444444;"> "But you, you're immortal. You talk about ages past as if it were yesterday. You have seen the turn of centuries and even millennia. How is that?"</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">The Dagda shifted his broad bulk more comfortably in his big chair, breathing in the comfort of his home, taking a time to consider his reply. This question was not unexpected, but the reply had to be tailored with care.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;">"I guess it doesn't actually end as long as you are remembered. The love in ones heart is a powerful thing and it can burn on long after the bodies last beat. To me it comes down to how you choose to see things."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;">"So you're saying that love makes one immortal? What then of the pain and loss that goes with every life? Is this a result of love? What of those who barely even get a life? Where is the love preserving them?" </span></div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">The bard's frown deepened and his face and words were coloured with a pain and anger which the Dagda knew all too well. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;">His broad care lined face showed a look of deepest compassion.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;">"It hurts for those left behind. Loss is almost always bitter no matter what the poets tell you. I have heard it said that life is pain, and anyone who says different is selling something. I would disagree with that and would share with you a perception, for you to choose to accept or ignore as is your right."</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;">A thoughtful frown settled on his brow, as the </span><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #454545; font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Scealí</span></span> remained quiet and attentive.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;">"The soul or spirit, holds the energy of the person, but that energy came from some place and wasn't just made manifest out of nothing when the person started their existence. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;">That energy comes from the greater whole. From the collective universal force of all things.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;">A fragment of that, the energy of growth and life, the energy of a star's fire, the energy of a lightning bolt, the energy of an ocean's wave, is brought to being with the consciousness of the vessel. Created within a mother and of a father, that energy finds purpose."</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;">A big strong hand raised the mug of tea to his lips, momentarily interrupting the words.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;">"So. What then when the vessel's purpose is complete? It might be hours, days, years, or indeed decades but at some point the work is done, the final rest earned." </span></div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Dark eyes focused on the storyteller as the Dagda continued, adjusting his words to his audience. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;">"The laws of conservation of energy suggest that energy can never be created or destroyed. Following that, my presumption is that the energy returns to the universal whole."</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;">"For a time it remains a fragment, separate and individual. Identified by a name and experiences, fed by the call of those left behind, but over time, as the name is not spoken of, as the memories fade and the hearts love which charged it cools, the fragment merges back and is no longer separate. Enriched by the experience it carried and enriching the whole with what it brings back."</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;">"This is happening all of the time in the innumerable things within this universe. This is what I call the great cycle."</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;">The frown had been building on the Scealí's face, his brain working rapidly to keep pace, and as the big man finished, the next obvious question came. </span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;">"So, you are not bound by the great cycle then?"</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Dadga's face showed he had been expecting it and a patient smile crept onto his features, as a chuckle rumbled from his broad chest. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;">"Of course I am. All things are, as all things are bound to the one energy. "</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;">"The reason my energy has not returned is as I told you. My purpose is not yet complete, there is work to be done."</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Comprehension dawned on the Scealí's eye, followed quickly by deep compassion. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;">"So, you exist because you are needed to exist. It must be so hard on you then. To keep going, seeing loss every day, knowing that even me, your storyteller will pass away and that you may yet endure. Indefinitely."</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;">The big man heaved a bone deep weary sigh and the storyteller thought he saw </span><span style="color: #444444;">his eyes glisten with unshed tears. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;">"Aye, you're not wrong that bitter loss is always there. The best I can offer you is this.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;">When you pay attention to the energy of all things, you see how it dances. Some fragments always seem to dance in the same energetic frequency, the same rhythms and vibrations.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Like a harp string, its length and material always set, will make the same note whenever it's plucked, even if it was last plucked but a moment ago or hasn't been touched since the start of the song, so too may the energetic dance of fragments vibrate in the same way every time they take up a vessel."</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;">The deep dark eyes of the immortal showed, for but a moment, the extent of the years they had seen, and it sent a shudder through the storyteller. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Dagda's face took on that knowing smile of his. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;">"Do you think this is the first time your energy has been of use to me?" </span></div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;">The Scealí slumped back in the chair, flummoxed yet unable to break that stare.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;">"Oh no, 'OakHeart', you have worked for me many times before." </span></div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444;">As the bard's brain began to spin upon itself, the Dagda sipped his tea and watched, with a compassionate smile.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;">"Does any story ever truly end?" </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="line-height: 1.38;">****************************************************************************************************************************** </span><br />
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An Scealai Beag http://www.blogger.com/profile/03850076468272490483noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52999817553055135.post-74132701440112228792016-09-12T15:28:00.000+01:002017-10-20T13:53:44.374+01:00Where the work is<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tw180yIcYGI/VuMt2HsQyYI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/VfiZna-ucbU3KBtkuEp1AAb3WgFuEpWrQ/s1600/forest.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tw180yIcYGI/VuMt2HsQyYI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/VfiZna-ucbU3KBtkuEp1AAb3WgFuEpWrQ/s320/forest.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Trees and trees as far as the eye could see, covering the
land down to the plains of the midland.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The leafy boughs shading the land from the most of the
summer’s heat, and the worst of the summer rains. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
He liked it here.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Lost among the growth of decades it was a place to loose
time in all of the best ways one can lose it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Inhaling deep and slowly the Dagda took in the heady scents
of the woods all about, the leaf and loam, and the rich earth beneath. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Twice to three times the height of a tall warrior these
plants had seen the turning of many seasons and with it the passing of many
generations.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
His feet inevitably took him along familiar trails, moving
easily through the brush in some places, or across the expansive clearings kept
beneath the tallest and broadest of trees.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
This was a pleasure that not many seemed to appreciate.
People seemed to spend too much time with their eyes fixed on the destination,
rushing to meet at some place and time without allowing space to appreciate the
trip in the middle.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The Dagda's eyes fell on the trail in front of him and he took a
moment to squat down and really look at what the earth was telling him. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Deep brown and firm, the soil told him that the rains had
been through here no more than a day or so before. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The roots of the nearby trees found their way to the surface
here and there, reminding the traveller of their hold upon the earth, and to
watch their step.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Slight scuffs in the dirt indicated that he was not the only
creature to recently use this trail. His eyes roamed forward but were denied a
clear print, until they came to rest on some hair captured in the embrace of
earth. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
With another deep inhalation the Dagda mentally sorted what
he was smelling until he found it. Deer.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Luckily he was here for a different prey. With a smile on
his broad craggy face he sauntered off down the track pondering what he smelt
like to the deer as he passed its hiding place in the brush to the far left.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Within a long slow
hour he came upon his prey. Large and broad it lay on its side. Almost as wide
around as he was, limbs splayed out at odd angles.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Approaching slowly he saw how it had died. The earth was
tossed about at its foot and showed where its grip on life had failed. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The storm's wrath was played out all around the fallen tree.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The Dadga moved to it and placed his broad hands upon its
rough bark. Closing his eyes he tried to imagine the years it had seen. Though
not as old or as big as its brothers it still would have held many stories. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Listen hard enough and you will hear even the echo of the
land's birth, he thought.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Shaking his head with a smile at his own conceit, he opened
his eyes and patted the fallen tree. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Time to go little one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Don’t worry, I will find the heart of you and keep it safe.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
With that the Dagda set to work, with axe and saw he stripped the
roots and branches, stacking the limbs to dry beneath a near chestnut. He often
left little stores of drying wood for travelers who may come upon them, or
indeed himself should he need it on a dark night. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
With the trunk stripped and the area tidied, he took the
last tool from the bindle, its chains ends clanking.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Setting the wood hooks firmly in the tree, he settled the
leather covered section square across his shoulders. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Time to make a new trail.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The Dagda chuckled to himself and settling his wide
shoulders to their burden, leaning his broad back forward, he planted his feet
and set the strain against his big round thighs.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
At first the battle went to the earth, as it jealously tried to
hold to the tree, but the Dagda could not be stayed once set to task.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
With a groan from the wood, the earth finally gave up its
stubborn resolve, in the face of one which out stripped it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The Dagda's legs began to push on, and within moments they
were pumping back and forth with a steady rhythm, the tree willingly moved to
follow the man. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
As the day found its afternoon the Dagda came to stop at his
destination. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The building was broad and tall, walled with stones fit snug to
one another to keep out drafts, and the roof set to a high apex built around a
wide opening so that the thick smoke could escape. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Set carefully about the edge of the building where various
tools of trade.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Right now the plume rose high and dark in to the sky. Work
was being done.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
With a deep breath the Dagda shucked the chain off and
allowed his burden come to rest.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Stretching out his arms and rolling the ache from his
shoulders he strolled to the trough of water kept right beside the door. A
musical rhythm came from beyond the leather covering and the Dagda did not
enter. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Instead he dunked his head and shoulders in the cold water,
then stood and let the water find its own path down his skin.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Returning to the log he removed the chains and again allowed
his fingers rest on the bark stroking thoughtfully.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
With a glance to the sky, one last shoulder roll and a
nod to himself, squatted down by the middle of the logs span.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Feet set flat and wide he pushed his hands in under the log
and with a grunt of effort, he straightened, his powerful legs locking, his back
straight. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Once again the earth could not hold its embrace of the log,
and gave in to the Dagda's strength. With a dead lift, the wood rose in to the
air cradled in his big arms. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
With a few steps the wood was placed upon the logging horse
and retrieving the saw he set the blade to bark. With one last caress on the
tree the Dagda pulled the blades teeth through the wood. With his feet planted
wide and shoulders set he pushed the blade back sending saw dust to fly. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Finding his rhythm in the hammering clangour coming from the
building the Dagda set muscles to work and found himself humming along
tunefully. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
After the sawing would come the axe, the rise and fall to
crack and split. The pleasant reassuring rhythm of a job the body can do whilst
the mind wanders the paths of thought and dream. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Still the Dagda eye didn’t stray from the wood rounds as they fell
one after another. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
He had a promise to keep.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; text-indent: 36pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; text-indent: 36pt;"> ******************</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The forge fire burned hot and hungry.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
It's persistent ravenous need something that any who
laboured with this force needed to understand intimately.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Standing over it, the light shining upon his muscled
labourers form, it's heat setting a sheen of sweat to mix with the ash and soot
upon his skin, Goibhniú smiled. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
He knew this kind of hunger very well indeed. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The fire would need a large feed tomorrow but for today at
least the labour was done. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
With a sigh the smith, battled his gaze away from the fire
and looked to the wood stock in the forge. This was the last of it, with
nothing set by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He would need to leave
his fires tomorrow. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Turning from the heat Goibhniú pushed the leather curtain
back and stepped out into the late evening’s cool air. Blinking in the poor
light of the sun’s set he saw that he had a guest.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Dagda, What brings you to my door this late?</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The smith saw the chieftain seated in the dirt by the water
trough, turning something over and over in his big hands.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Looking closer with a squint he saw it was a section from a round of
wood, looking to be fresh cut from some tree. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
That was when his nostrils, so used to ash and the burn of
metal, picked up the scent of fresh cut timber. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Turning about to follow his nose Goibhniú stopped to take in an unexpected sight. Stacked against the wall of his
home, set up to its very height, the smith saw logged lumber, cut and ready for
burning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i>It stormed about three days ago but this tree’s heart was
kept warm and dry. It's lumber should set a nice fire for your work. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Would you have
anything to drink; I have quite a thirst upon me.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The Dagda’s voice was quiet as he rose ponderously to his
feet. Goibhniú looked back and saw him stash that little round of heart wood in his satchel. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The smith stood, knowing the surprise on his face must look
comical indeed but he couldn’t shift it. There was at least another few weeks worth of fuel for his labours, suddenly stacked neatly right by his door. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The smith layered the pieces of the process together in his
mind trying to fuse his thoughts into a whole which he could grasp.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The wood alone was a great gift. The effort required to
bring, break, and stack it was more than he could expect. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
True, Dagda would not
leave him wanting for the asking, but that was it, he hadn’t asked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The whole piece came together for Goibhniú and there was but
one word needed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Why?</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The Dagda looked at the smith, with his deep dark eyes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Because this is where the work is;</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
His gaze slipped to the neatly stacked wood, and came back
with that usual smile of his.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Was.</i></div>
<i>
</i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Now about that drink?</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="line-height: 1.38;">****************************************************************************************************************************** </span><br />
<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-e0b94ce2-39d2-5524-160a-76f08c75d717" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">For more stories and exclusive content please considering supporting me on Patreon</span></div>
<br /><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<a href="https://www.patreon.com/Dagda" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">https://www.patreon.com/Dagda</span></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
An Scealai Beag http://www.blogger.com/profile/03850076468272490483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52999817553055135.post-69702817018741968212016-08-30T15:18:00.003+01:002017-10-20T13:53:28.649+01:00Feile.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SYI8doBUB2E/V8RhX_8UK6I/AAAAAAAAAPU/NZVmT9VShTMCPXeDcbHU6twdWqREmIFQQCLcB/s1600/boxmoornature.blogspot.co.uk2014.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="boxmoornature.blogspot.co.uk2014" border="0" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SYI8doBUB2E/V8RhX_8UK6I/AAAAAAAAAPU/NZVmT9VShTMCPXeDcbHU6twdWqREmIFQQCLcB/s320/boxmoornature.blogspot.co.uk2014.png" title="from; boxmoornature.blogspot.co.uk2014" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-9cae3a37-d6c2-5ac9-3b7c-7a9e1e47760c" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The sun shone bright upon the land as the Summer's warmth made a fine day of the green fields. White clouds chased each other across the azure dome of the sky as a light wind fluttered the pennants and pageantry of the Feile.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The children of Danu roamed about the space enjoying the sport and the wares that were on offer. Food set out on long tables filled the place with sweet and savory scents. A band of bards set sounds and song to complement the festive feel of the event.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">He always enjoyed these days. The flow of feelings all lifted together in an energetic dance that did the soul much good. Invigorated by the revels a person might indeed live forever.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Dagda’s smile was broad as he meandered about, moving between the crowds. It always tickled him to move his big broad frame through a shifting throng without touching anyone, eyes scanning the route, mind plotting the movements and the flow, working the gaps. It was all just a game, but one he enjoyed immensely.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">A playful bellow came from his left was his only warning.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Shifting his weight rapidly to his leading leg, he spun about on the ball of that foot, almost as a dancer twirls, getting his trailing leg ahead of him. Just in time, as two figures came sprawling out of a tent onto the ground in a friendly grapple.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Ogma, had a good grip around Luchtaine’s waist and had set a squeeze with all his might, yet the carpenter's strong hands were locked vice like on the warrior poets wrists and Dagda was sure that his brothers grip would not hold long.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Seeing the disruption the friendly brawl had caused to those in and around the tent, the chieftain stepped in and grabbing both men but the back of the neck, heaved them upright and apart.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Now now lads, shame on you to start this up without proper consideration for your fellows. Sure isn't the wrestling ring all set up over yonder? how can there be such sport without fit wager and spectacle to support the effort.”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Setting the men on their feet, and with a gentle nudge forward, the two set off for the cleared section of dirt across the field, gathering a crowd with every step. The followers moved with a happy buzz, trading talk, forecasts and indeed wagers. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Dagda, shook his head and let out a happy sigh. His brother was no laggard and a fine fighter, but the chieftain had spent many a time practicing his wood working skills with Luchtaine, and knew the stamina and endurance the the master carpenter had to call upon. It would not be easily resolved, and glancing at the crowds he was glad for the spectacle to come. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Returning to his own game, made a lot easier now, he moved about the stalls with nothing on his mind other than movement and appetite for the food and drinks. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">His wandering feet eventually brought him to the stalls of the three brother craftsmen. There he found Goibhniu and Creidhne busy at work showing their wares to the interested. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Finely wrought jewellery of precious metals gleamed and glittered on their stands, beside vessels and curious artifacts, but by far and above it was the weapons which drew the greatest attention. Wrought with the finest skill each was a masters work to fashion. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Sword and spear, axe and javelin, blades shaped to many forms. One and all a beauty to behold for their craftsmanship, yet one and all stirred a sadness in him. Like a distant echo, faded by repetition, he heard the clash of such weapons, the screams of the wounded, and worst of all, the silence of the dead.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">His sad eyes drew the attention of a few youthful warriors and misinterpreting his interest they put a question to him.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Chieftain, tell us, which weapon is best?”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The Dagda shook his head slightly and found a smile for the warriors.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Whichever suits you best, is the best to use.”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">This response seemed to set the group off once more in their debate. One voice calling that versatility was key and that daggers were the most versatile of all.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Yet another raised their voice to decry the first. Speed they said was the best and no faster weapon than a sword to slice and slash one's foes. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The third spoke of reach, the javelin and spear, keeping a foe at safe distance whilst inflicting serious harm upon them.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The fourth, a broad backed warrior called them all fools and said that strength above all lead to victory, and no better weapon than an axe to deliver one's strength in a broad headed bite of ruin. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Around again it went, their ire in reply to each other.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“With my daggers thrown and followed, I can end 5 warriors before they could move against me.”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The second replied with a mocking laugh. “Pish! With sword in hand I could slice 10 foes before a sweat did take upon me.”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Fools.” said the third. “With javelin and spear I could fell 15 warriors before any could get close enough to touch me.”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The fourth roared a bellowed laugh at the others.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Weaklings one and all. With axe in hand I could end end 20 lives and cleave asunder what defense they may attempt against me!”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Then all started and the volume of their bickering rose to disturb the feile. The shift in the feeling around the four put a spoil on the day, and an angry frown on the Dagda’s face. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Stepping in between them all, he silenced them with his presence, and in a hushed voice bade them follow him.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Striding off and away from the fair he brought them to the mound of wood set aside for the evening bonfires. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Stepping up he selected 5 big logs of similar size and width and planted them upright in the earth.Stepping back to them he gestured at the logs. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“These are your opponents. These are the people you would harm. Show us all then, your skills at killing.”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">So saying the Dagda, stepped aside and folding his massive arms across his chest he watched.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The first stepped up and let fly with two blades thrown one from each hand. As they left her, she set foot to chase, and at the moment that the thrown blades struck the timber, she was there driving two more into its sides. It all took less than a minute.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The other warriors cheered and applauded at the skill.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The Dagda made no move, his face gave no expression.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The second stepped forward and with a rapid flourish, the sword all but flew to his hand. Spin and cut followed thrust and slash. In rapid moving moments the log was slashed and shredded, with nary a bead of sweat on the warrior's brow. It all took less than a minute.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The other warriors cheered and applauded at the skill.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The Dagda made no move, his face gave no expression.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The third moved to her place and with a flex of her shoulder she threw a javelin across the field, piercing the log and sticking deep, shaft quivering, in the wood. A few long strides forward had her in spear range, yet further from the wooden opponent than any of the rest had been. What followed was a flowing dance as she lunged and thrust, each strike in perfect form and balance, each punching deep into the wood which very rapidly came undone. It all took less than a minute.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The other warriors cheered and applauded at the skill.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The Dagda made no move, his face gave no expression.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The fourth had watched the other performances, and seen the Dagda’s lack or reaction. Looking to impress his Chieftain with his mighty strength, he hefted his axe and with a heroic swing and a bellow he cleaved the log from top to bottom in one act. The wood split straight and true and the halves fell to the ground sundered completely. Turning about the big warrior raised his arms to bask in the adulation. It all took less than a minute.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The other warriors cheered and applauded at the skill.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The Dagda made no move, his face gave no expression.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Frustration colored the fourth warriors face with a red anger and his words came harsh and mocking.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“What now o Chieftain? How will you best the performance of such great killers as us?”</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">With a face of stone the Dagda walked back to the wood pile. It took a moment to find what he sought. Twice as long as his forearm, broad and solid up its length, he lifted the makeshift club and gave it a test slap into the meat of his other hand. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">It could never match the versatility of a dagger</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">It could never rival the speed of a sword.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">It could not match the reach of javelin or spear</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">It could not match the axe for the strength of its broad bladed bite.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Mocking amusement appeared on all of the warriors faces to see the Dagda approach his log with nought but a big tree branch. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The first swing, struck the log square in its middle with a resounding thump, sending bark flying.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The second swing struck the other side with the same powerful swing and again more bark flew. Beyond these two strikes, the log remained undamaged. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The Dagda’s stance was set wide, this arms loose and his broad shoulders straight. Blow after blow rained down on the wood again and again. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The feat wore on and the log took more and more damage, the Dagda’s body beginning to sweat in the heat of the day and the exertion. As the fourth minute arrived, the Dagda’s last strike shattered the log and the branch, sending kindling raining down upon the ground, utterly destroying the wood. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">No applause met him as he turned. Just confused puzzled glances shared between the warriors. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">With heavy breath he approached them and locked each in turn with his dark eyes.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“ A grand bunch of killers you are, but one and all of you miss the most important part.”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">No words did the warriors exchange, bound as they were to his gaze.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“A task done with too much ease has little value. Think you then on the ease with which we end a Life. Another living breathing creature of this world. Stopping, with your action, the very existence of another being."</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">"And all in less than a minute." </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">A big shuddering breath escaped him, and none of the warriors could be sure if the wetness about his eyes was sweat alone. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“You ask what weapon is best and here you shall have your true answer. The best weapon is one you never have to use.” </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">So saying the Dagda left them, lumbering off towards the light and joyous sounds of the Feile.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">He allowed the echoes of battles past wash over his senses for a moment, and saw again everyone he had been required to end. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">This was the price of his actions, forever to be haunted and heart heavy. Burdened by the blood upon his hands, he gladly accepted the sorrow, for in it he knew that he could never take joy in the demise of another. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Blowing out a hefty sigh he straightened his shoulders as he reached the happy full energy of his people at their revels. Looking again upon</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> the pennants and pageantry of the Feile,</span> he knew that it was a price he was glad to pay. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">For Them.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">He forged a smile then, and followed his nose towards the food tables. </span><br />
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An Scealai Beag http://www.blogger.com/profile/03850076468272490483noreply@blogger.com0