"Mama, what is it with the boys?" Gaia asked.

Aine shook her head and wrapped an arm around her daughter. Gaia with her enormous deep blue eyes and a fall of waving auburn tresses falling to her waist. She fit comfortably under Gaia's arm and returned her hug.

"They call me a freak. A giant. I'm not! I'm me."

A small shudder ran through Gaia and Aine squeezed a little tighter. To be such an amazing beauty and still bear the brunt of teasing like this was heartbreaking.

"Love will find you mo gra," Aine reassured her.

Gaia grasped the amethyst pendant she wore. Aine wondered if her girl realized she already knew who would bring the love she craved. They would be an odd couple. She doubted anyone would believe Harold O'Connor was the one and only for Gaia.

"I've got another drawing for the Chief Riley."

Gaia shifted the topic as she often did when discomfort was more than she could bear.

"I wish I could draw like I do in a trance. At least then I would have something I could do for myself. Something that doesn't involve talking to the ghosts."

"We've tried, haven't we?" Aine said wryly.

A tinkling giggle erupted from Gaia.

"They never believe it is me, do they?"

"Not from the first time they tried. Every teacher since shakes their heads and says no way it was you who drew them. Except for the one whose mother came with him," Aine remembered.

"Poor man, he never forgave himself for her death, until I heard her call and drew her right there in front of him."

Gaia crossed herself reflexively. Of all her cousins this one accepted the faith of their Irish home and drew deep comfort from the rituals and routines.

Silence reigned in the kitchen as Gaia pulled her schoolbooks from her bag. Burying her head in mathematics formulas and the study of accounts, she was busy correcting a ledger for her father when he came in.

"Shooting stars tonight, Gaia. Do you want to take a walk to the stones?" Liam asked as he came in.

"Tonight? Are they already showing up?" Gaia asked.

"Aye, and we have a rare clear night."

"What do you think, Mama? Will you come with us?" Gaia gather up her papers, stuffing them back into her school bag. "I found your problem in the ledger. I've corrected it and everything is right again." She handed the think manilla covered book to her father.

"I wish I had your head for it."

"I'll be here for a while yet, Papa. May I go to the stones alone. I need to ask a boon of the Goddess."

Aine nodded her head from behind Gaia's back and mouthed the words, I'll explain.

"As long as you dress warmly, there shouldn't be a problem. Be back before midnight, mo gra," Liam said.

"Thank you," Gaia reached up kissed her father's cheek and disappeared up to her room.

"What's got into her?" Liam asked as he watched his daughter climb the stairs.

"The usual. Her schoolmates tease her unbearably. It doesn't help that she's taller every one of the boys in her school. Smarter too. I'll be glad when the year finishes and she can make her way to college if it's what she wants. Perhaps some time away from the village will be good for her."

Liam nodded before he answered.

"You know she's going to leave us. Her destiny is away."

"Aye, Ronan said as much after Samhain only a fortnight ago. He said she'll survive everything which is coming," Aine agreed.

"I wish I knew what he meant." Liam said as Gaia went out the kitchen door and into the yard. Aine rose to stand beside him and they watched as she hopped up on the wall to run toward the circle.

"Goddess keep her safe," Aine said.

Liam chuckled.

"That might not be exactly what we would wish."

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Gaia ran full out along the capstones of the walls leading toward the circle of stones. Her lungs labored keeping up with her race to get away from everything. She swore her soul was smothered by the confines of their tidy farmhouse.

Beyond the stones the oak grove beckoned, and she didn't hesitate for more than a second before entering the circle first. She didn't dare strip to her skin. She shed her hat and jacket. The crisp breeze whipped her hair into a streaming auburn flag behind her. Her eyes glowed deep sapphire blue as she began her plea.

"Gaia, I beg you, I need a boon. Something different, something which confirms my magic. I need to learn! I yearn to unleash the tickling spark I feel. Something is almost there, but not quite. Bring me a teacher, bring me a guide. As I ask, so mote it be. And it harm none."

She leaned against the altar, panting from her run, as she spoke. Drawing massive breaths into her starving lungs between the words, she hoped her ragged prayer would work. A single beam of sunshine broke through the clouds as her last word tore from her lips.

"Do you believe in magic?"

Gaia whirled around in circle.

"Who speaks?"

She couldn't see a single person and she turned a full circle again, more slowly scanning carefully.

"Wise girl. The Goddess hears you, and sends me, of all the beings in the universe to help you."

"Well then, show yourself. I won't make a bargain with a faceless trickster."

Gaia sensed the shallow nature of the spirit her eyes refused to see. Turning toward the king stone, and facing it from behind the altar, she folded her arms and tapped her toe impatiently. Sunshine half blinded her, and she wondered if it was a sign from the Goddess. Perhaps this unseen voice was her answer.

"Look down!"

Gaia dropped her chin to her chest. Standing on the altar, a fairy revealed himself slowly. His hair reminded her of Harry and his inky waves of curls. His eyes deep blue at first, then brown, and in turn green.

"Who are you?" She couldn't help the squeak in her voice. Everyone knew fairies existed, but no one she knew had seen one.

"Prince Oberon of the fairies. I invite you to my home. I'll teach you. Release your magic. And I'll have you for myself."

What was it Grammie said? Never eat or drink what the fairies offer. The only way out is to trick them into letting you go. Enter the fairy hill armed with full wits. Time can stand still or not, as the fairy desires. Make sure you don't lose any time in this world.

Grammie knew. Her sister disappeared and never returned.

"I have my own conditions," Gaia demanded.

The fairy grew until he faced her squarely, still standing on top of the altar.

"A tall one, aren't you? And you don't trust me at al. Wise. Who taught you?" Oberon's question was tart.

"Doesn't matter. Time stands still at this moment, until I return. I will not have those I love worried about me," Gaia insisted.

Oberon growled.

"And, I will choose what I eat and what I drink. I will not be bespelled, forgetting all I have known."

"Aye. The Goddess said you were wise, and stubborn. She is our witness." Oberon pointed behind Gaia.

She felt a shiver run down her back as she pushed away from the altar to turn.

"I am Gaia. I am pleased to grant you your boon. Teach each other, for both of you have many lessons to learn."

Gaia blinked rapidly. The Goddess she was named for, was an older version of herself. Not as tall, her curves well defined, her eyes twinkled with mischief. Papa always said be wary and be respectful.

"You honor us," Gaia said.

"I am honored to serve," Oberon said at the same time.

The Goddess waved her hand, and Gaia's world went black.