Jandra took Sam's hands and looked into her face. A little nervously, she asked, "Sam, Highest of all of Woden, will you accept me as your companion?"

Sam laughed and then looked into Jandra's eyes once again.

Very seriously, Sam replied so that all could hear, "Yes, Jandra. I be now your companion. In front of all these witnesses, I pledge you my companionship."

Jandra gasped. Never had she heard such a reply and acceptance. It was tradition to simply say 'yes'. Sam had vowed that she would make it up to Jandra for embarrassing her, and now she had, in front of everyone. She yet hadn't said she loved her, but it would do, for now. Jandra hoped it would grow into a better relationship, as it now seemed to be doing.

Fornan turned to the crowd that had gathered, unknown to Sam and Jandra, and said to them, "This is what companionship be about. It be about each other in such a way that no one else even be noticed. Our Highest has but waited overly long, as she but waited for this special union.

All of Woden but be blessed from this union this turn. They be a model for all to follow. Go now. This ceremony be concluded."

The crowd first clapped their approvals and then dispersed back to the festival. Fornan turned to Sam and Jandra.

He took their hands in his, "Highest. Second. You have blessed all of us this turn with your commitment to each other. Your love between each other is apparent to all and is but an example for all to follow. Highest, I know how hard it was for you all these prior cycles, but it is in your eyes now that the wait was worth the pain. Second, your first companionship was not as this, and you have not known commitment such as this. I know not which be harder. To have a love as The Highest did and lose it, or to never have felt this type of love prior. In either case, though, you now have found each other and have embraced the commitment, as is Woden's law.

With such as this as an example, all the Spiritual Leaders know that Woden Falls will become a more caring and gentle place. The women and men watch and follow what you do, Highest, and this be but an excellent example. I imagine that ring such as you gave to Second will become the norm.

Thank you for this most honest and tender display this turn. You bless us all in this union."

Nolsteney went up to The Highest and Jandra, "In all my cycles, I have seldom seen such truthful display of love. This is to be cherished.

The Spirit Mothers of the Falls watch over you this turn and are gladdened by your commitment. This is as they would desire for you. Know this, - 385 -.

Sam of Woden: Our Spirit Mothers foretell of this union, as it will be placed into legends far into a future we cannot see or understand. What comes of this union will also be blessed. While both of you have waited long and gone through much heartbreak to arrive at this spot in your lives, celebrate your arrival here, as the future begins this turn. The Spirit Mothers are certainly with you."

Sam was startled but well pleased at Nolsteney's very early, but knowledgeable beginning. She was able to add what Fornan couldn't - the blessing of the Spirit Mothers. Jandra, too, was pleased that on this turn, Woden finally had, once again, a true spiritual leader.

Sam nodded to Nolsteney and squeezed her hand, "You know not how remarkable you have already made this festival. It is a good omen that Woden once again has a true spiritual leader."

Nolsteney laughed and squeezed Sam's hand back, in return, "I know nothing of being a spiritual leader, but I do know much of the Spirit Mothers, your Woman in the Woods, and what you are currently calling the Old Raggedy One."

She winked at Sam, "Do you yet know who she be?"

"I have but an idea. She will tell me when she is ready."

Nolsteney moved to give Jandra a kiss on the cheek as she touched Jandra's other cheek with her hand, "Take care, Second. You are perhaps the most important person in all The Realm. What you now carry is truly Woden's and The Realm's future. But it will be how you raise this gift to The Realm that will make all the difference. Never believe for a moment that you are just a Birth-Mother. It is you, Jandra, that will provide the little one the sensitivities she will need to be a great leader. No Spirit Mother will be able to provide this. Only you."

Fornan and Nolsteney left, and Sam and Jandra were finally alone.

Jandra looked at Sam, "I did not get you a gift."

"Thank goodness. The jeweler will be busy enough because of the ring. You gave me you, and more is not needed." She looked seriously at Jandra, "In truth, Jandra, you are my gift. I need no other."

"I have another need, Sam."

"Name it, and it be yours."

"I am hungry."

Sam laughed and they went to Meera and Caitha, and then they all went to eat. Festival food was always fun as it was always just a little different than the everyturn food. There were plates of little fingers food, little fried foods, small cakes, small fried sweets, sweet drinks, special casseroles, and large plates of meat saved just for this occasion. After they ate, they listened to the musicians and the singers. One singer sang a new song of Sam and Jandra's union. Another of Meera's battles and conquests, and - 386 -.

another singer, the finest of them all, sang a song of a great love gained and lost. It was a song so filled with beauty and sadness that all those within hearing range halted what they were about and listened.

A large bonfire had been planned to occur this eve, but when it was discovered that a full moon would occur at the season's change, it was decided to dance to the light of the moon rather than the large bonfire. All of Woden gathered around very small fires, and the musicians began to play and sing. Circles formed around the fires, and the dancing began. Caitha loved to dance these dances around the fires, so she dragged Meera off with her. Sam had never participated in them, and Jandra was tired. The child within her was already making some movement, and Jandra didn't feel she could dance at the moment. So they sat and watched and listened to the dancers and music. Some of the food servers continued to bring up sam-ples and drink for them throughout the eve.

The dances were with mixed partners, as this was the moment of finding a mating partner for the eve, if one desired a child. The dancing was traditionally equally mixed into circles of men and women holding each other's hands as they danced around the fires.

In some mysterious ways, the women wanting to become with child all gathered into the same circles along with the men who wished to become fathers. Other circles, like the ones Meera and Caitha danced in, were not of this nature and were simply dancing for entertainment. Sam and Jandra watched the circles of those looking for a mate for the eve. They watched as the women's eyes met the men's eyes.

"Have you ever lain with a man, Sam?"

"No. It be as I told Devin. I have never lain with a man."

"Have you ever wanted to?"

"I came to the fire once, but did not begin the dancing."

"You did? What happened that you halted?"

"Brett. She wanted to be the Birth-Mother, and she wanted to lay with the man I had chosen; Briggon. She didn't want me lying with a man and became jealous of it. It became a loud scene, so I but left."

"I remember not such a thing at festival, but it does not sound like a good moment for you."

"It was not, but it passed after some moons."

"And I thought it was the perfect companionship."

"In most ways, it was. But for some reason I could never understand, Brett became crazily jealous of me when I was being noticed by others."

"I can understand that. You are most beautiful and most talented.

Women and men are automatically drawn to you."

"Have you but lain with a man, prior?"

- 387 -.

Jandra nodded her head, "I did. Three festivals. But I did not conceive a child. That be when my companion began to distrust me and not like me."

"Another jealous woman."

Jandra laughed, "Some, but there was more to our disagreements."

"What be it like to lay with a man?"

"The first festival I tried, it hurt, as I was not prepared. He was but rough and overly quick. The second and third festivals I tried, I chose a different mate and a more skilled lover. While I thought he grunted overly as a pig during the sex, the feeling was pleasant enough. I guess that since Buron is to attack Woden, you will not be laying with him."

Her answer was short and brief, "You are correct. I will not."

Rundle suddenly got up and began wagging his tail. Sam looked around and saw that Keddi and Margeria were approaching.

They came up to them, knelt and bowed their heads, "Highest. Second."

Sam and Jandra rose, "Rise, Keddi and Margeria. What may I do for you?"

"We became companions this early eve, Highest. But you got me into trouble."

Sam looked surprised, "How could I but do this? I was not even near you."

"We but saw yours and Jandra's vows. They were the most beautiful union I have ever seen. And you gave Jandra a ring and a bracelet as testi-mony to your love and commitment. Keddi did no such thing."

Keddi shrugged, "You have made trouble for many companions this early eve, Highest."

Sam and Jandra laughed, and Sam responded, "You will have to but make it up to her then, Keddi. Be this why you came to me?"

"No, Highest. I was wondering if you might demonstrate your skills with this new knife and stone. I was wondering if it worked in the dark with your powers, even though you cannot see with your eyes."

"Oh, like you do with your arrows, through sound. I can but try."

Sam removed her knife from the sheath and closed her eyes and focused. She used her powers to see into the forest, to see without sight. She held out her hand and sensed the life.

"It be most difficult. I have not tried this prior, Keddi."

"Try it, Highest. Focus."

Sam nodded and closed her eyes once again. Then she reopened them, keeping her focus. She looked about her, but mostly she sensed the forest.

- 388 -.

She pointed, "Over there. Down the hill a bit. There is a small tree. I but aim for it."

Jandra argued, "But, Sam, you can't see the tree."

Sam felt the knife, focused her own powers, and threw it. Her aim was true. Keddi ran down the hill listening for where the knife hit. There was no challenge for Keddi, as when the knife hit the tree, the tree split in two as prior, and once again, a small flame emerged from where the knife entered the tree. Keddi retrieved the knife and ran back.

"You did well, Highest. You must but practice, though. It takes you overly long this way. You must be able to do that in the same quickness in which you wield your sword."

"You are correct, Keddi. I will begin practice in two turns hence."

Margeria took Keddi's arm, "We take our leave now, Highest, Second.

We are going to join in the dancing."

Jandra asked, "Will one of you be seeking a mate this eve?"

Margeria blushed, "I think not yet, but we will see. Keddi brought up a flask of wine for you two this eve, so that you may enjoy the ceremonies."

Jandra took the flask, "Thank you. Enjoy the dancing."

Keddi looked at Sam, "I take Rundle now. There be many guards about you, a new set, so they be fresh. And they do not wish to embarrass themselves. I will return in the morn."

After they left, Jandra began to sit once again, but Sam held her up.

She moved into Jandra and embraced her tightly. She placed a hand on one of Jandra's breasts and held it firmly, then kissed her. Jandra knew the guards were about them, but if Sam didn't care, she decided not to as well.

She melted into Sam's embrace and kiss, and could feel Sam's urgency in her demands.

Sam finally halted, pulled back a little and looked at Jandra, "I but thought when we had sex every turn that my urges would but leave. With you, they have become like wild fire. I can't get enough of you, Jandra, and want you every moment."

Caitha and Meera had come up unnoticed by Jandra and Sam.

Caitha said, "You two are like young ones. Always wanting and desiring each other."

Jandra saw that Sam blushed, and turned to Caitha, "Oh? And Meera does not come back to your dwelling ripping off your clothes on the way to your bed, often?"

Meera looked surprised, "How do you but know of this? Caitha, did you but tell her this?"

Caitha laughed, "I be not ashamed of your desires, M'Love."

Sam laid a hand on Meera's arm and walked her away from Jandra and Caitha for a moment, "I have some Woden affairs to tend to. I think we - 389 -.

should increase training to a half-turn each turn beginning in two turns hence. I would like all the guards and sentries there, from Woden and Hengist. The sentries can trade off. And I would like all of Woden and Hengist invited, for those who would like to learn to protect themselves. I also would like Oisin's crews there as well. We have much to get prepared for and are not ready. Our guards, Keets' mostly, look slack and dull. I also need the weapons and leather makers to produce more weapons as quickly as possible."

"I will send a messenger to all the guards and sentries. Will you train with us?"

"I will train every turn with you. I want Keddi and Margeria as teachers to all, plus you, and whoever else is worthy of that. I would like all to know spears, bows and arrows, swords and knives. I would like Oisin's crew to set some traps at the harbor, and perhaps a catapult made that throws balls of fire onto other ships. I also want the guards to learn to ride and fight at the same moment. They are weak. I am weak. I would like to be able to fight for half a turn and not lose my breath. And I want all to be able to fight with a sword with one-hand in case that becomes but necessary. And that both arms be equal in their ability."

"You ask a lot of these guards, but we shall do this, Sam. We will begin a training camp in two turns, beginning at the sun's rise. How do you plan to notify all of Woden Falls?"

"When you send the messenger, also send one to notify all of Woden Falls that next turn hence, there is to be a community meeting at the Stones beginning after midturn. I command that all of Woden Falls attend. All, without exception. The ill, old, young. It matters not. They must all hear what we face. Can you think of anything I have forgotten?"

"When were you planning the advisor meeting?"

"Prior to the community meeting. Midmorn. Please have the messengers inform Briggon of such. I want Hengist there as well."

"The builders will need to be involved in the catapult building. I will meet with them separately and prepare surprises for any intruders. They will much like the change from building dwellings. I will tend to this.

Please keep Caitha with you until my return. I will be but a few moments only."

Sam nodded and returned to Caitha and Jandra. They had sat down and Sam saw that Caitha had placed her hand on Jandra's womb.

Caitha looked up at Sam, "How far along be this child, Sam? It moves overly soon, but it moves in a strange way, as if feeling her Birth-Mother, instead of kicking her."

Sam knelt down and placed her hands on Jandra's head, lightly. She looked into Jandra's eyes and focused, trying to find the unborn's energy.

- 390 -.

Sam found her and felt her struggling to learn. Sam sensed the little one was tired, Rest now. There be next turn to learn more. Let your Birth-Mother but rest, too. Listen only, and rest. She sensed no fear in the little one, but an eagerness to learn. Sam removed her hands from Jandra and kissed her head lightly.