Ethereal

This lovely creature's name perfectly denotes her most exquisite countenance. Isn't she breathtaking?

Do not be deceived by her black garb. Ethereal does not practice dark arts; she is an herb fairy of the highest degree. She is still in training, however, and will be for many years but has already mastered the healing application of many garden herbs and fragrances. Here she is gazing upon the face of her approaching lover, welcoming him into her part of the enchanted forest (or shire) with the soothing, burning essence of cloves, cinnamon, ginger and allspice. These are the herbs of Autumn, her favorite time of the year.

Ethereal's young beau is a Fairy Warrior of the first class. His name is Neart (Gaelic for 'Strong'). As with many couples of the Order, Neart will keep his betrothal to Ethereal secret until the last possible moment lest some other fairy male learns she is ready to handfast (or wed) and 'challenges' Neart for the right to be her future mate. Likewise, Ethereal will also keep her mating plans secret, fearing some female fairy will do the same when it's learned that Neart is ready to take a mate. In such a way, the strongest have always mated and passed on their blood to present-day England, where the enchanted forest is (to outsiders) just one more estate, owned by a reclusive Earl.

One day soon, however, all the creatures of the Order will be discovered by mankind, even though the Sorceress of the Ancients (who protects) them would wish it otherwise. It is she who, at the proper time, prefers to make the magical, mythic creatures known to mankind and only when the stars are properly aligned and their cosmic strength can sustain the denizens of the Order.

  

To prove how very serious some couples are about their 'mating challenges', one can see the top, fenced portions of the jousting arena just behind Ethereal. She prays to the Goddess that Neart will not have to fight for his right to handfast with her; she also prays for her peaceful right to handfast with Neart in light of dwindling fairy populations. Male Fairies of the Warrior Class are  -  as the Sorcerss of the Ancients so often puts it  -  'scarce on the ground'.

To read more about the Tales of the Order series, go to www.candacesams.com or purchase these titles directly from www.cerridwenpress.com . They'll be coming soon to Amazon.com and major bookstores.

Happy Autumn...Blessed Samhain all and Merry Part!