Chapter 7
The Beltaine Fires
1636 - THE TOR, GLASTONBURY
The fast began on Beltaine Eve, well water being the only sustenance. The afternoon was tranquil as villagers rested, preparing both body and spirit for the celebration that would begin at sundown. The twittering of birds, the scritching of small animals and the occasional rustle of leaves were the only sounds in the air.
In the late afternoon as the people were stirring from their naps, baths were fetched for cleansing before the rituals of the coming eve. Then as the sun began to set, the bells of all the villages began to toll to gather everyone to watch the lighting of the balefires. The women and girls wore crowns of flower garlands and the men and boys wore those made of ivy and other greens. They joined together in circles around the fire and danced deosil, the direction of the sun. This was a time for optimism, fertility and bounty.
After the ritual there was feasting and more merrymaking. All the preparation of food and drink were much welcomed and everyone most certainly did partake.
As the night wore on and the festivities continued, young and old people alike would disappear into the trees. All the while, the dancing, singing and celebrating continued. Gawen gazed at Anu; her head was cocked to the side, listening to one of the bards. He took a deep and steadying breath and moved to sit on the ground beside her. She turned and gave him her wide smile, completely capturing his heart.
“Anu, ‘tis a wonderful Beltaine, is’t not?” he murmured, unable to take his eyes off her.
“Aye,” her voice reflected the smile on her lips, “and ‘tis not over.”
He gently reached for her hand and she gave it to him, entwining their fingers. He sighed, not having realized he’d been holding his breath, almost afraid she would not respond.
“Ye are very handsome, my Gawen,” she flirted and was pleased to receive the response she’d desired as he flushed deeply.
“And ye are most comely,” he replied. For a moment she wondered why he could not find a more gracious compliment but cast the thought aside as quickly as it had come. She casually glanced around for Calum to be lurking in the shadows but could not feel his presence.
Gawen stood and took her hand, “Would ye like to walk a bit?”
Feigning innocence, she rose with him and smilingly followed him into the trees. It was there, on this most wondrous Beltaine Eve that Anu and Gawen honored the old ways under the oak trees with only the Gods, Goddesses and faerie folk to witness.
