Title: The Dark Chronicles of Willow and Tara – How Love Saved the World
Author: Bellalocke
Description: A conversation with Cordy leads to some disturbing information regarding the future of Willow and what is needed to protect her as well as Tara. Kathryn visits Gaea to ask for her blessing in a dangerous but necessary protection ritual. Willow learns the name of her guardian.
Rating: PG-13
Ownership: Please do not cross-post this story without talking to me first
Note: Tara, Willow, and other characters associated with BTVS belong to Joss, ME, and all other affiliates. Please don't sue me I am a poor IT contractor.
Spoilers: Aside from some dialogue here and there, none whatsoever. This fic is completely AU
Feedback: Constructive feedback is always welcome and encouraged.
Author Note: Flashbacks are noted best as they can be. If it is not clear that the scene is a flashback, please provide feedback
Thoughts are in italics
As Always, I will try to be true to Willow and Tara.
Now onto the good stuff!
Chapter 9
Odessa stood up from the bed and concentrated for a moment. “Cordy, we need to talk.”
The high priestess was happy when one of the Oracles appeared before her.
“It is awfully late, My Lady. What can I do for you?”
Odessa met the dark brown eyes of the slender woman who stood before her. “I am sure I do not need to tell you about the presence of the redhead in the house, Willow Rosenberg.”
Cordy nodded. “She is here much too early. Kat, what did you find out when you spent some time with her?”
Kathryn regarded the Oracle. She remembered the long brown hair the girl had before her ascension. Her hair was now stark white, and her eyes held wisdom that only came with becoming an Oracle.
“She is in a lot of pain, which is to be expected given her circumstances. That said, the depression that has fallen over her is not completely natural. I believe that there are forces that are influencing her feelings.”
Cordy nodded her head in agreement. “My vision of the future for the young witch is clouded. As much effort as I have given in foreseeing her future, I am hitting a wall. I think that he has somehow found out about her and is trying to stop events written in the fabric of time since magic came to this realm. There is no doubt that hispowers would allow him to influence her feelings.”
The Oracle turned towards Kathryn. “You need to do the same ritual that was performed upon Tara by Galatéa when she arrived in Boston last year. While the injuries she is carrying might not be due to his interference, Willow needs a path forward to heal. You also need to place the seal of Gaea upon her. Her markings must be the same as Tara’s for they are bound together. Doing so will raise a lot of questions on Willow’s part, but I trust she will be patient and wait for the answers she seeks from Tara.”
Odessa regarded both women. “The sooner that I start teaching her and Tara, the better that they will be able to protect themselves. I trust that you will come to us when you have learned more.”
Cordy nodded. “Of course, My Lady. May the Goddess be with you.”
The Oracle disappeared just as quickly as she had shown up.
Kathryn regarded her partner. “Ok, so a change in plans for the weekend. Do you think we should tell Tara how dangerous the ritual is?”
Odessa nodded. “So, we are going to use that Ritual?”
The raven-haired witch nodded. “It’s the only one powerful enough to provide the protection that both of them need.”
The blonde sighed. “I hate that we have to use that particular ritual. Are you up for it?”
The tall witch smiled. “Of course. It’s been a while, but it will be good to stretch my legs if you will.”
Odessa grabbed her partner’s hand and kissed it. “Then I suppose I should tell Tara. I will leave it to you on what you want to tell Willow.”
Kathryn nodded. “Before we do any of this, I need to have a chat with our resident Goddess. Afterward, a good rest will be needed.”
The high priestess nodded. “I will see you in the morning in that case.”
Odessa kissed her partner good night and then headed to bed. Kathryn left the bedroom and headed towards the hidden altar room.
***
The raven-haired witch approached the center of the pentagram in the middle of the altar room with three white candles and one green candle. She placed the white candles at the east, south, and west points within the circle. Kathryn placed the green candle at the north point representing earth. With a wave of her arm, the candles lit up and she sat in the middle of the pentagram. Kathryn centered herself as she gathered her energy in her chest before allowing it to spread to her head. The tall witch fell into a deep trance as she projected her astral self to the realm where the World tree, was anchored. Kathryn flew through the meadow until she came to the base of Yggdrasil and saw Gaea standing. The elder witch landed softly on her feet as she approached the Goddess and embraced her. No matter how many times she was held by Gaea throughout the years, the lifetimes, and the ages, Kathryn always found comfort in the arms of the Goddess.
“You are here about Willow and Tara.”
Kathryn nodded. “We just spoke with the Oracle, Cordelia. There is an outside influence that is causing things to move much too quickly. Neither Cordy nor any of the other Oracles can figure out what is going on. I fear that if things move too quickly, Tara will get scared, and the pieces will never fall into place. Surely you must know that, Mother of All. I rarely come here without a direct invitation.”
Gaea regarded the woman who stood before her. Her concerns were warranted, and if the two witches never found love within one another, the consequences would be disastrous.
“You want to perform that ritual, do you not?”
Kathryn nodded. “It is a far more dangerous proposition than the ritual Galatéa performed, but if I am successful, you and I both know that it will buy us more time and allow things between the two of them to develop naturally.”
“The change in power levels will be jarring to Willow, and it will cause the seals that I have placed upon her power to degrade over time instead of allowing Odessa to release them at certain intervals. Are you sure she can handle it?”
The raven-haired witch smiled. “She is the purest soul that I have ever encountered in all of my lifetimes. If there is anyone that can handle this, it is Willow. Though I cannot help but feel sad for her because I know there is more that she has to face, more pain that she will have to go through, and I cannot tell her.”
Gaea regarded the woman that she had known since time immemorial and had guided through all of her lifetimes. The skill, care, and sheer power of the witch, especially when partnered with her soulmate through the ages, was unparalleled, and would be until the time came.
“You have my blessing. I will imbue you with the energy that you can carry from me. Call upon me during the ritual and things will go as they should.”
Kathryn nodded as she yawned.
“Come here, my child, and rest awhile.”
Kathryn felt the goddess pick her up and cradle her as though she were a little girl again. As she slept, Gaea gently infused the woman with her energy.
When Kathryn woke up in the morning, she felt the energy of Gaea thrum through her veins. Even though she had slept on the floor of the altar room and spent more time in the realm of Yggdrasil than she had planned, the tall woman felt rested and ready for the day ahead.
Now, how am I going to explain things not only to Willow but to Tara as well without raising too many questions? Hopefully, Odessa has some ideas.
***
Willow woke with a start late into the night. She did not remember going to bed but was certain that Kathryn had brought her into the room. Willow looked across the room and saw Tara thrashing in her bed. She quickly extricated herself from the bed and moved over to the blonde. She knelt before the bed and started to softly call Tara’s name. She did not want to touch the young witch for fear that she would have a bad reaction.
After a few minutes, Tara woke up and looked to her right. She found herself staring into emerald eyes that were filled with concern.
Willow smiled weakly. “You were having a nightmare. I didn’t know what to do.”
Tara reached out to her friend. Willow quickly took Tara’s hand in her own. “Are you ok?”
“I am now. Was I talking?”
The redhead shook her head. “No. You were just thrashing around in your bed.”
Without thinking, Willow sent a pulse of love and comfort directly into Tara’s hand.
The blonde recognized the feeling immediately. “It was you…”
“What do you mean?”
Tara’s body shook. “Do you remember seeing a dream that was not yours?”
Willow nodded. “It was black and murky. I couldn’t see clear images; I only felt the emotions present. I uh, I wrote about the dream in my dream journal. I’m sorry, I didn’t know that the dream was yours. I will tear the pages out and give them to you.”
“It’s ok, Willow, you didn’t know. You can keep the pages; I don’t mind. That night, I woke up from the nightmare, and I felt you. I felt the feelings you sent out. I couldn’t recognize it at first, but now I know it was you.”
Tears fell from Willow’s eyes as she remembered the feelings that she had experienced after waking up from the dream.
“I am so sorry, Tara.”
The blonde held fast to the redhead’s hand. “Please…please d-don’t ask m-me about it. I… I c-can’t…”
Willow’s heart broke as she heard Tara stutter for the first time in a long time. “I promise I won’t. I’ll wait. Do you want me to stay beside you?”
Tara nodded. “Please.”
Willow continued to hold her friend’s hand as she rested her side against Tara’s bed. I blonde turned on her side towards the redhead and tried to get comfortable. As she fell asleep, the only thing Tara could think about was the feeling of the warm hands surrounding her own. She went to sleep and hoped that those hands would anchor her and prevent her return to the nightmare that had tormented her for years. For once, her wish would come true.
***
Willow woke up as a hand gently nudged her shoulder. The redhead took a moment to stretch out the kinks in her neck. When she finally opened her eyes, Willow saw Odessa Maclay’s kind blue eyes regarding her with a soft tenderness. The redhead realized that she was still holding her friend’s hand.
Odessa spoke softly. “Are you ok?”
Willow sat up straight and tried to stretch her back without disturbing Tara. She nodded.
Odessa canted her head towards Tara. “Nightmare?”
The redhead whispered. “Yeah. It was really bad. I promised her that I would stay beside her. Please don’t make me leave.”
Odessa nodded and sat down across from Willow. “She’ll tell you about them when she is ready.”
Willow whispered. “I know she will. Right now, that is not important. I just want to be here for her and comfort her in any way I can.”
The elder witch smiled. “You are a good friend. I am so happy she has you in her life, Willow.”
The redhead gave the older woman a shy smile. “I am glad I met her and know her. She makes my life better.”
Odessa smiled at the care and warmth that was evident on Willow’s face. Both women sat in silence until Tara finally started to stir. Willow re-oriented her body so that she could see Tara’s face. As the blonde’s azure eyes appeared, the redhead smiled.
“Hey, you. Did you sleep ok?”
A sleepy and shy smile crossed Tara’s face. “You stayed.”
“Of course. I promised you I would.”
Tara took her free hand and wiped the sleep from her eyes. After a moment she saw her mom sitting on the floor with Willow.
“Hi, mama.”
Odessa smiled. “Good morning, sweetheart. I came to check on both of you when I noticed Willow sleeping with her side against your bed. Are you ok?”
“Bad nightmare, but I am ok now.”
Willow loosened her grasp on her friend’s hand and was surprised when Tara did not try to remove it. The redhead sat silently as she continued to hold the blonde’s hand while she spoke with her mother.
“I was going to ask if you two were hungry for breakfast, but I think that Willow should get a bath first. Otherwise, she is going to be rather stiff and sore today. I will go and prepare that for her. Can you show her the way in a few minutes?”
“Of course, mama.”
When the older blonde left the room, Tara turned her gaze towards her friend. “You really didn’t have to stay down there, Willow. I am sorry about last night.”
The lithe witch shook her head. “I promised you that I would stay just like I promised you that I wouldn’t ask. I keep my promises. I didn’t want you to wake up alone or have another nightmare. Can I ask one thing though?”
Tara nodded and spoke with a little trepidation. “Of course.”
“If I am around when you have a nightmare, should I hold your hand or try to wake you up by calling your name?”
Tara smiled. “You can hold my hand. I’ll know it’s you.”
The blonde fell silent for a moment before speaking again. “Thank you, for everything.”
Willow dipped her head as she smiled. “No thanks needed.”
The redhead squeezed Tara’s hand briefly before attempting to get up. When she fell on her butt for the second time, the blonde giggled.
“Here, let me give you a hand up.”
Tara climbed out of her bed and stood in front of Willow with both of her arms outstretched. The redhead grasped her friend’s hands and tried to stabilize her legs as she felt the blonde pull her up. When her knees wobbled, she took a step back and sat on the edge of her friend’s bed.
“Sorry. Still can’t feel my legs.”
Tara smiled kindly. “That’s ok. Sit for a few until you can. Do you want me to get your bag to you so you can find some clothes?”
Willow nodded and the blonde made her way to the large duffle bag and dragged it over to where she was sitting. The redhead carefully dug through her clothing. She pulled out a pair of black shorts, an old Care Bears T-shirt with Cheer Bear, and a pair of underwear with rainbows and unicorns.
Willow unsuccessfully tried to hide the pair of underwear she had chosen.
Tara giggled. “You have the cutest clothes.”
The redhead pouted. “You’re making fun of me. I know they’re stupid…”
“Willow Rosenberg! Your clothes aren’t stupid. I meant it. You have really cute clothes. Do you think you can stand?”
Willow nodded and stood up and held the clothes she picked out. She was surprised when the blonde grabbed her hand and led her down the hallway. Tara led her through her mother’s bedroom into a large bathroom. The scent of lavender filled the bathroom.
“Mama probably put Epsom salt along with the lavender essential oil into the bath. Both should help with your sore and stiff muscles.”
The blonde showed her the closet where the shampoo, conditioner, and soap were located. Willow looked over her options before choosing a strawberry-scented shampoo and conditioner alongside a fruity-smelling soap. In the meantime, Tara opened the linen closet and grabbed her friend a few towels.
“Make sure you soak for a while. It gives the salt time to work its magic. When you’re done, come back to the room and we’ll go downstairs together.”
Willow nodded as her friend left the bathroom and shut the door. The redhead removed her clothes and carefully placed them in a pile before stepping into the large bathtub. The water was almost too hot but felt wonderful against her sore and aching muscles. Willow relaxed and soaked in the tub for a good half an hour before she started washing her hair and body. By the time she was done, the bathwater was cool. Willow pulled the stopper from the drain and stood. When she went to grab a towel, the witch noticed that she felt much better. The Epsom salt managed to relieve her muscles of the soreness and relax them, so she no longer felt stiff. Once she dried off, placed the towels in the hamper, dressed in her PJs, and grabbed her dirty clothes, Willow made her way through Odessa and Kathryn’s bedroom.
Willow knocked softly on Tara’s bedroom door and waited a minute before the blonde answered. The redhead smiled when she saw her friend wearing a strawberry shortcake t-shirt and a white pair of shorts. The redhead walked into the room and placed her dirty clothes in a laundry bag she had brought with her. Tara giggled and pulled the hem of her underwear up to show Willow.
“It took me a minute to find these, but see? Cute matching underwear.”
Both witches fell into a giggle fit that left them breathless.
“What’s this about cute matching underwear?”
Both girls turned to find Kathryn standing in the doorway with an amused look on her face. Willow and Tara started giggling again.
Kathryn smirked. “Ok, you two. Breakfast will soon be ready if you want to come downstairs.”
The young witches took a moment to catch their breath. Tara grabbed Willow’s hand and they headed downstairs to the kitchen.
Willow noticed that Kathryn was wearing a black A-shirt and loose-fitting red pajama pants. Odessa was wearing an old Breakfast Club T-shirt and matching red pajama pants.
Willow perked up when she noticed the elder witches cooking pancakes and bacon.
“Is there anything I can help with?”
Kathryn shook her head. “Not today, dear. Maybe the next time you come over I will put you to work.”
The raven-haired witch directed Tara to grab an assortment of syrups and toppings for the pancakes.
Kathryn turned towards the elder blonde who was cooking the last of the pancakes in a large cast iron pan. The brunette wore a devilish smile on her face as she pinched Odessa’s backside. The blonde jumped at turned towards her partner.
“Ms. Lehane, if you keep that up, you will definitely not be getting any breakfast! Now grab the bacon from the oven and take it over to the table.”
Kathryn let out a hearty laugh before giving Odessa a lingering kiss on her cheek. The tall witch grabbed the platter of bacon that was being kept warm in the oven and moved over to the table. She looked at her partner with adoration before plating the bacon and returning the dish to the sink. Odessa finished up the last of the pancakes, grabbed the other plate sitting in the warm oven, and stacked the last of the funny shaped pancakes on it before moving over to the kitchen table.
All four witches sat down at the kitchen table and tucked into the delicious pancakes. Willow was especially happy to see that strawberry syrup and sliced bananas were included on the tray of condiments. Tara watched the redhead carefully layer the bananas between her pancakes before liberally applying the strawberry syrup. Looking down at her pancakes that had bananas and Nutella, she wondered if Willow would be willing to trade bites with her.
Willow looked over at her friend. “You can try a bite if you want.”
“You sure?”
Willow nodded as she cut into the stack and gave Tara the first bite. “If you like it, we can go split ours in half, but don’t think you are getting any of my bacon!”
Tara giggled as she took a bite. “Soooo, good! Yes, let’s split.”
The two friends continued to share their pancakes with one another while the elder witches looked on and smiled. They too were splitting their pancakes though neither of the younger witches seemed to be paying them any mind.
Odessa spoke after swallowing a particularly delicious bite of double blueberry pancakes. “So, girls, we have had a change of plans for the weekend. Tara, I will need to speak to you briefly while Kat has a chat with Willow.”
Tara furrowed her eyebrow. “Is everything ok?”
Odessa smiled softly. “Of course, honey. Nothing to be worried about, just some changes to the plans is all.”
Both girls nodded before finishing the last of the pancakes.
Kathryn looked at Willow. “Ok, sweets, we’re on dish duty this time around.”
Willow stood up and gave Tara’s hand a brief squeeze before gathering her plate and moving over to the sink.
Odessa regarded her daughter for a moment. “Ok, sweetheart, let’s go up to the altar room.”
***
The Maclay women entered the altar room. Odessa went over to an ancient-looking book of shadows and leafed through the yellowing pages until she found the entry she was looking for.
Tara spoke first. “Mama, what is going on? You may be able to fool Willow, but I know better.”
“Ever the smart one you are, my dear girl. I wanted to talk with you and tell you the full story of all that is going on. That said, I do have a question. Have you and Willow been sharing dreams?”
Tara nodded. “Only once, but she didn’t see the dream clearly; she only felt the emotions I was feeling.”
Odessa frowned. “Then it is as Kathryn and I figured. Ok, honey. We need to sit down and talk.”
Tara nodded and headed towards the table that had a tea set. Odessa went about making tea for the two of them before finally sitting down.
The elder witch took a moment to sip on her Earl Grey tea. “Kathryn and I spoke with Cordy last night because things are not as they should be. Kat was able to discern that part of the depression Willow is feeling is not natural; she is being influenced by some outside source. Neither Cordy nor any of the other Oracles are able to see the future for Willow. We all believe that this is because he is interfering with things that need to be left alone. I know you want to know what these things are; just understand that they affect my ability to put an end to him once and for all. This leads me to some things we must talk about.”
Tara shuddered at the mention of him.
Odessa took a sip of her tea before continuing. “I will have to confirm with Kat, but I believe the way that he is influencing Willow’s emotions, as well as yours, is through the shared dreams that both of you are experiencing. Because of this, we need to take measures to protect you both. I do not know if that will stop both of you from observing each other’s dreams, but at the very least, it will make both of you less vulnerable.”
Odessa took another sip of her tea. “One of the measures that we will take to protect you both is a ritual, which we will be performing today.”
Tara nodded. “What is the ritual?”
“Do you remember the rite that Galatéa performed on you when you first got to Boston?”
Tara smiled somewhat fondly when she thought of the tall high priestess. “Of course.”
“This ritual will be led by Kathryn. She is the most familiar with it, and it falls more into her wheelhouse than mine. The ritual is a more powerful version of the one that Galatéa performed on you. It is also more dangerous, but if it works, it will offer both of you more protection than you currently have. Do you know if Willow has discovered her elemental affinity yet?”
Tara nodded. “Fire elemental through and through.”
Odessa smiled. “Good, we will have a balanced circle then. This will improve our chances of success.”
“What do you mean chances of success?”
Odessa closed her eyes as she took another sip of tea. “This ritual has only been successfully performed once.”
“What do you mean once? Like once in the last 50 years? 100?”
Odessa furrowed her eyebrows. “Once ever, honey.”
“You’ve got to be kidding me! Why does it have to be this ritual? Why not another?”
Odessa shook her head. “Believe me, if Kathryn and I thought for a moment that another ritual would work, we would attempt that. You know him and what he is capable of. Do you think I would risk us and everything if I thought I had any other recourse? Protecting both of you is extraordinarily important to me until I can take care of him myself.”
Tara nodded as she drank more of her tea. She knew her mother was not telling her everything, but she also knew trying to force the woman to tell her would just result in an argument.
“So, Willow and I will be in a consecrated circle together and she is going to see my markings. How are we going to explain that?”
Odessa was grateful that her daughter did not press for more information regarding the ritual. “That explanation will be handled by Kathryn. That said, I need to ask something of you. When you and Willow are in the circle together, you are going to see something that will lead to questions. I need you to not ask those questions and put them out of your mind as best as you can. We will need total concentration to perform this ritual successfully.”
Tara nodded.
“A few more things, honey. During this ritual, Willow is going to receive the same markings as you, and yours will be renewed. We will also be placing protection spells on both of you. Willow will know that the ritual is dangerous, but not how dangerous nor how many times it has successfully been performed. I know that we are hiding a lot from her, but until some things are revealed and explained to her, I cannot tell her the story of all of this and how it came to be.”
Tara nodded guiltily. She felt bad that the reason that Willow was being kept in the dark was because of her, but she couldn’t bring herself to tell her friend everything that had happened to her.
“It’s ok, honey. I know you will tell her when you can. Ok, sweetheart, one last thing. If you start feeling anything strange or things are too different after the ritual, I need you to tell me, ok?”
Tara nodded. “Can I ask you one thing?”
The elder Maclay nodded. “Of course. No guarantee I will answer, but you can always ask.”
“Who was the witch that successfully performed this ritual in the past?”
Odessa smiled. “The one who created it, of course. Her name has changed throughout history and through her lifetimes, but you know her in this life as Kathryn.”
Tara beamed. “So, if there is anyone that can do this successfully, it is her.”
Odessa nodded. “That is the only reason that I was even willing to consider this as an option.”
Tara stood up as soon as she finished her tea. “So, when do we get to tell Willow about reincarnation for powerful witches?”
Odessa quirked an eyebrow and smiled at her daughter. “When she has had more lessons and starts to become confident in her power.”
Tara nodded. “I am going to meditate. Something tells me that communing with Tor will help with all of this.”
“Indeed. I shall be communing with Ren to aid us as well. I hope that Willow can learn the name of her spirit, and I think
Kat should be able to commune with Locke since Zephyr has still not returned.”
Both witches moved to the pentagram and sat down at the north gateway and west gateway respectively.
***
After they finished cleaning up and doing dishes, Willow and Kathryn moved to the elder witch’s study. The redhead once again found herself laying her head on Kathryn’s lap as the raven-haired witch ran her fingers through her hair. Willow felt relaxed but intensely curious about the chat that the woman was going to have with her.
Kathryn began to speak. “My dear, I know that you have a lot of questions, especially about the change in the plans for the weekend. I am going to explain to you the best that I can, but I need you to be patient and listen to everything that I have to say before asking your questions, ok?”
Willow smiled. “I feel like you just read my mind. Alright, I will be all super listening girl, and save my questions.”
The elder witch smiled softly as she looked down at Willow. “One of the gifts of being an empath is not mind reading but being able to sense shifts in mood. You went from content to curious. From there it was just a matter of putting the pieces together. Are you comfortable with talking like this? I will warn you that this is a somewhat serious topic.”
“I will sit up, if need be, but yes, I am comfortable like this.”
Kathryn nodded as she began her explanation. “Last night when we were talking and I was listening to everything that you needed to talk about, I noticed something that concerned me a great deal. I didn’t mention it to you at the time because you were emotionally and physically exhausted. I also needed time to process what I saw and felt. Can you tell me when your depression took a turn for the worse?”
Willow looked up at the empath. “It was after I saw Tara’s dream. I think it was because I felt the feelings that she was experiencing during the dream; they completely broke my heart.”
The priestess looked down into Willow’s shining emerald eyes. “That is a very good explanation, and given how much you care for Tara, feeling sad when you learned the feelings that she experiences during her nightmares makes complete sense. That said, part of the depression that you feel is not natural; it is due to an outside influence that was able to reach you through Tara’s dream. I know that you want to know what it is, but I cannot tell you right now. I am very sorry, but I promise that eventually, you will know everything.”
Willow wished that the tall woman would tell her more, but she had to believe that there was a good reason that the answers weren’t forthcoming.
Kathryn continued. “The change in the plans that Odessa mentioned involves a ritual that we will be performing this evening. I know that you are smart enough to surmise that the reason that we are doing this ritual is to protect you from this outside influence and to purge the unnatural depression. That said, the depression and sadness that were present before the dream will remain. Those feelings are something that you will have to work through. Regardless of what path and manner you choose to do so, I will be here for you and your secrets will be safe with me.”
Willow looked up at the witch and smiled. “Thank you so much.”
Willow closed her eyes as Kathryn continued to play with her hair. “I have just a few more things to tell you. I know it is a lot to take in all at once, so let me know when you are ready.”
The redhead allowed herself to drift in the comfort and peace that the elder witch always exuded before bringing herself back to the present. Knowing that this was likely a critical part of the conversation, Willow sat up and turned to face the woman.
Kathryn turned to face Willow. “Once we are done talking, there are some preparations that we will need to complete before we can do the ritual. Before we get to that part, I need to tell you a few things, ok?”
Willow nodded.
“First, to perform this ritual, we will be working in a consecrated circle. I will explain what it is and how it is formed at the end of the conversation. When we are in that circle, you are going to see a few things that I need you to not ask questions about. You will see Tara has markings upon both of her arms. Do not ask her or Odessa why they are there or how she got them. Second, you will see something else that is going to make you curious and want to ask questions. The same will be true of Tara. I implore you to not ask questions and to put the vision out of your mind as much as you can. Lastly, this ritual is dangerous and will require total concentration. I have no doubt that we will be successful, but I wanted you to know what you are getting yourself into. Odessa and I will be placing the same marks on you that are present on Tara. These marks will serve as a protection spell that will keep you safe from outside influences as well as anything else that you may encounter as you and Tara practice together. Any questions so far?”
Willow looked into the dark brown eyes of the woman across from her. “Who developed the ritual? What do you mean by total concentration?”
Kathryn smiled. “Good questions. My ancestors developed the ritual many ages ago. It is rarely used, but that has been taught by mothers to their daughters since its creation. As for total concentration, you will need to commune with your spirit elemental to bring forth the energy necessary to complete the spell. Do you know your elemental affinity?”
Willow nodded. “Fire, but I don’t know the name of my spirit yet and have not really had the chance to speak with them.
I am not sure that I can. What is your elemental affinity?”
“Odessa and I have developed strong bonds with all of the elements, so we are able to call upon any that we need to, depending on the circumstance. When I was a young witch, my primary affinity was Air and Odessa’s was Water. We will spend most of the day meditating and communing with our spirit elementals. You are a wise young witch and I have no doubt that you will be able to communicate with yours and find out their name.”
Willow smiled. “Tara told me about how really powerful witches can develop bonds with all of the elements, but that it can take a really long time. I guess that I was never clear on what a really long time can look like. I wonder if that will be something that I can do someday.”
Kathryn grinned. “I have no doubt that you will grow to be a powerful witch someday. Now! How about I take a few minutes to explain consecrating a circle and calling the corners before we join Tara and Odessa for meditation?”
Willow nodded as she laid her head back down in the elder witch’s lap and relaxed as she concentrated on the information being conveyed to her.
***
Kathryn and Willow arrived in the altar room just before noon. Willow noticed that both Tara and Odessa were surrounded by a golden glow. The witches did not greet them when they walked in and sat down at the points to the east and the south. The redhead instinctively sat in the lotus position and grounded herself. When she called upon the element of fire, instead of conjuring the little flame spirit that she had before, she found herself in a warm stone room that had a large fireplace in the center of the southern wall. Contained within was a blazing fire that Willow could sense was magical. The redhead sat down on the stone floor in the lotus position and stilled her mind. She found that when she attempted to call upon the element of fire, it was hardly necessary since fire was all around her.
Instead, Willow called out to the elemental itself. “I call you little one for I know not your true form. I apologize for trespassing upon your home; I did not expect to find myself here. If you have a moment, I wish to speak with you.
Please?”
Willow closed her eyes and waited patiently. The redhead felt as though time did not exist within the room. She was not sure how long she waited; a minute, an hour, a day, it didn’t matter because her instinct told her that patience was key. Eventually, Willow felt a presence enter the room. When she felt the presence in front of her, the redhead opened her eyes and smiled. She had been expecting to see the same little flame that had appeared when she conjured the elemental spirit before. Instead, she saw a little spirit in the shape of a dragon that looked like it would just barely fit in her hand.
“Thank you for welcoming me into your home.”
Willow held out her hand for the spirit. The fiery dragon gave the redhead a toothy grin before laying down in her hand. Willow was surprised that the spirit was corporeal when it laid down in her hand.
“Can I touch you?”
The little spirit nodded, and Willow reached out to stroke the top of its head. The redhead could have sworn that she felt the little spirit let out a rumble from its chest. Willow smiled and kept stroking the spirit for a while. The spirit appeared to rest for a while before it opened its eyes once again. Willow noticed that they were magenta and extraordinarily soulful.
“You have such pretty eyes. I’ve never seen any like yours before.”
The spirit gave the witch another toothy grin.
“Could you tell me your name, please?”
The spirit spoke for the first time. “Why do you need to know?”
“I don’t want to keep referring to you as little one; it feels disrespectful. Beyond that, I need your help, and I have been taught that knowing your name will help. I understand if you don’t want to tell me your name or if you don’t want to help me. I am just happy to sit here and be with you. I want to know you and trust you so, in turn, you can know me and trust me.”
The spirit regarded the redhead for a moment. “You truly expect nothing of me?”
“Expectations hurt people and squash their spirits. I never want to do that to anyone; be they human, elemental spirit, or anything in between. I respect you, who you are, any decisions that you make, and what you choose to do. All I can do is ask and see what the answer is. Truly, I will respect whatever answer that you give me.”
The spirit looked into Willow’s eyes and saw the truth and conviction that the redhead felt. “My name is Solana, and I will help you.”
“Thank you so much, Solana. I truly appreciate your help. How do I get back to the circle?”
The spirit smiled. “Simple. Just open your eyes.”
Willow found herself seeking the women that stood out as a beacon to her. When she felt them, she opened her eyes and found herself in the altar room once again. Once her eyes were able to focus, she found all three women staring at her.
The redhead quirked an eyebrow. “Problem?”
Odessa spoke first. “Do you know how long you were meditating?”
Willow shook her head. “Half an hour?”
Kathryn spoke next. “Try ten hours.”
“Oh, well that explains why I’m so hungry.”
Tara spoke next. “Who is Solana?”
“That is the name of my spirit guardian. She is such a cute little spirit, and very nice. How do you know her name?”
Tara smiled. “You were mumbling her name quite a bit when you were meditating.”
Odessa and Kathryn shared a look before rising from the circle. Both women helped Tara and Willow stand up before they moved downstairs to the kitchen to get something to eat before they started the ritual.
And yes, later in the story you will learn what was written.
Never rush things. A proper, strong foundation for any relationship (platonic or romantic) is needed for it to last.
Yes! Faith is finally here and she will be sticking around for quite a while. I wouldn't say that she is going to cause havoc, but things will definitely be interesting with her around 
