index


Message-ID: <62748asstr$1376464201@assm.asstr-mirror.org>
From: IJ Glenncannon <ijglenncannon@gmail.com>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Cancel-Lock: sha1:/dLg1wYnpKw4f/cfM2qOHfKJkC8=
Subject: {ASSM} Solstice Magic 01: Aileen and Galyn 1-5/5 (MF, magic/fantasy, implied sex, fairly mainstream)
Lines: 1014
Date: Wed, 14 Aug 2013 03:10:01 -0400
Path: assm.asstr-mirror.org!not-for-mail
Approved: <assm@asstr-mirror.org>
Newsgroups: alt.sex.stories.moderated,alt.sex.stories
Followup-To: alt.sex.stories.d

Solstice Magic 01: Aileen and Galyn 1-5/5
----

This isn't part of any previous work.

Mostly, I wrote the first scene to get the 2012 Winter Solstice urge
over with.

Then it, like so much other work I've done...

Got away from me.

Aileen [G]: Giver of life (Scottish Name)
Galyn [B]: Tranquil (Gaelic Name)
====

Aileen & Galyn 001: The Event
---

The crowd had gathered, like usual, and the docents kept an eye on
them because they were supposed to, not because they felt they needed
to.

The preparations were over, and people were settling to await the
usual ceremonies, which wouldn't take long, because most folks wanted
to be somewhere else, that was warmer than the chill air that caressed
their bodies.

All in all, though, being there was an act of faith, and for most, a
part of their heritage, although many of them had become a little
cynical about their faith over the years.

When all was said and done, it was just another Winter Solstice at
Stonehenge.

So, nobody paid much attention when the middle aged couple wearing
heavy cloaks paid the entrance fee and then walked along the path to
the Stones of Power.

Before they stepped over the cable that usually kept visitors away
from the stones, they paused and he leaned on the tall staff he was
carrying, before he spoke softly.  "It is good, to see that the faith
is being kept."

She pushed the hood of her cloak back, to reveal her white hair, then
she shrugged and it fell from her, to settle at her feet.  She then
shook her head and her hair seemed to have a life of its own as it
billowed before it settled again.  "Perhaps, Husband, it is good that
so few are able to truly use the power of the stones.  The world has
little need for the old ways."

He shrugged his cloak off, and smiled slightly after he regripped his
staff.  "Little, is not none."

She laughed, and those nearby realized her laughter had the tones of
youth in it, in spite of her obvious age.  "Fortunately, *we* do not
need the silliness of waiting for the time to be right, before we can
perform a summoning."

She reached and touched the woman in front of her.  "Please allow us a
chance to get closer to the stones.  The journey has been a long one,
and we do not wish to interfere with your ceremonies, but we would
like a chance to...  renew our connection to the Stones of Power."

The woman turned slightly, studied the two of them, and nodded.  "Be
welcome.  There is plenty of time, before the ceremonies are started."

"Thank you."

The two of them stepped, and he raised his staff slightly while he
held it in front of him.

Their steps were slow, but sure, and while they strode into the
circle, they chanted softly.

Greetings, old friends
We have been long away
From your warmth.

As always,
The power within you
Is strong.

Share your strength 
With two who are
Your chosen ones.

His staff began to glow, and as they got closer to the altar they
seemed to straighten and there was a confidence in them that seemed to
part those waiting, as if they couldn't help themselves.

Eventually they were within touching distance of the altar stone, and
both of them reached and placed their hands on it.

She looked at the people who were gathered around it and smiled
slightly.  "Please forgive us this intrusion.  We will not be here
long enough to delay your ceremony."

People gasped when a line of energy flashed into existence.  It
ignored people and objects as if they were transparent to it, and hit
the altar stone, which began to glow.  Later, some people would
realize the energy had followed the ley line that connected Stonehenge
and Woodhenge.

There was a sudden flash that blinded everyone, and after they
recovered, they realized a young man and woman were standing where the
older couple had been.

They removed their hands from the altar and he spread his arms above
his head, then slowly lowered them.

When the tip of his staff touched the ground, the line of power
vanished, and both of them looked at the silent crowd.

He nodded slightly.  "The power is real, and it is good to know that
there are those who follow the old ways.  Perhaps, someday, some of
you will have the knowledge--and will, to summon it for your own use.
Until then, we will be...  waiting for you to join us."

They returned to their cloaks, put them on, then the two of them
returned the way they had arrived, until they seemed to vanish into
the gathered crowd that was milling in the parking area.
====

Aileen & Galyn 002: Aftermath
---

Many of the videos went viral, of course.

None of the images showed all of the power that had been visible, but
the most popular ones showed the altar stone beginning to glow, then
the sudden change when the couple went from being old, to youthful.

The ceremonies that followed were...  sincere, but the people present,
including the ones who performed them, felt cheated of something
important.

There was much debate, and handwaving, along with cries of 'Illusion!'
and 'Impossible!', but to those who had been there, the cries didn't
matter.

They *knew* the world had been forever changed, for them.

Perhaps, that was the point of what had happened, but only two people
knew, and they had vanished, taking their secrets with them.

* * *

Most of the people who had been there eventually shrugged, and went on
with their lives.

After all, no laws had been broken, only sensibilities, and so what,
if two people wanted to have their private Winter Solstice ceremony?
Wasn't that why so many spent such a damn cold day sitting on blankets
or damp grass, when they could have been at home, or in a pub?

Even most of the media lost interest, in favor of finding something
they could spin for ratings points.

A few, however, couldn't let go, and it was one of those dedicated
people who 'broke' the case of the 'mystery couple'--and became an
instant celebrity.

* * *

Aileen sighed and checked off another number on her list of cabs who
had been in the parking area at Stonehenge on Winter Solstice.  She
didn't have many numbers left, and she was starting to think that her
quarry had been smart enough to buy some silence, if they'd actually
used a cab.

She waved a cheery goodbye to the cabbie she'd queried, then compared
the number on the next cab in line, to her list.

It was on it, and still unchecked, so she walked over and pasted a
tired smile on her face before she leaned down and spoke her usual
question.  "Sorry to bother you, but would you happen to remember
anything unusual about the people you delivered to Stonehenge on
Winter Solstice?"

The man smiled and nodded.  "Just so happens I do, Lass.  Hop in, and
I'll tell you about them while I deliver you to where they're waiting,
if that's all right with you.    Fare's paid, so you can relax about
that."

She froze, then stared at him.  "You...  Remember?"

"Aye.  I should.  Mum would never forgive me, if I missed a Solstice
with them."

"Mum?  They're your parents?!"

"Aye.  You want the ride, or my card, for later?"

"I... I'll take the ride!"

"Hop in."

She did, and he flipped his sign to out of service, then pulled into
the traffic.

"So, Lass.  You have a name?  I'm Galyn."

"Aileen.  You can't know how pleased I am, to meet you, Galyn."

"Not half as pleased as I am, and they will be, Aileen.  Been a long
time since someone caught up with them after one of their
performances.  Don't get me wrong, now.  It was time for the rejuve,
but they could have done it anywhere they could find the power, and
Woodhenge would have worked as well as Stonehenge, to name one place
they could have used."

"So the change was real and not an illusion?"

"Aye.  Oh, they didn't need to do it, because they could have kept the
bodies they'd grown into, but...  it was time to get people's
attention, and see if anyone had the perseverance to follow the clues.
You're the first to catch up with me, so, congrats."

"Thanks.  Where are we going?"

"They're at a small place not too far away.  They've rented a couple
of rooms, so unless you have someplace you need to be, you can stay
until you're ready to go home."

"I have a couple weeks of my vacation left.  I'll stay, if they'll
have me."

"Aileen, they've waited a long time, for someone like you.  You'll be
welcome."

"Umm...  What if I admit I'm being selfish?  I want it to be real, not
an illusion, you know?"

"No problem.  The Old Ways are more...  pragmatic, than most modern
folks feel comfortable with.  After all, if you can't take proper care
of yourself, you won't have anything left to take care of others, if
you ever feel the need."

"If?"

"Yeah.  Nobody is going to tell you that you have to be some sort of
do gooder, or anything else, once you learn how to do things.  You can
do anything you want, and, ultimately, it won't matter.  You want to
go out and be a criminal, you can, but I think you'll eventually get
bored and decide to do something else.  You strike me as the sort who
loves the challenge of the hunt, and with power at your beck and call,
most amusements get boring, pretty quick."

"So, you're telling me that once it's real, I'm my own boss?"

"Yep.  Aren't many of us, and there's just too damn much to do and
see, that we ever worry about trying to tell others how to live their
lives.  I've been a criminal mastermind, and after a few years, I got
bored with it, because it was too easy.  I might give it a try again,
now that everyone has cameras and it's harder to hide, but what's the
point?  There are better things to do, than spending a few decades in
a jail, before I get bored with that, and move on."

She thought about it, then sighed.  "So, what is it you do, to keep
from getting bored?"

He chuckled.  "Just what it looks like.  Back when, I drove a hansom
and got lots of muck splattered in my face.  Now, I drive this cab and
breathe smog, while I deal with something that's never the same twice.
People.  Aye, Aileen.  People are the ultimate challenge.  Always the
same on the surface, but get to know them, no two are alike, and they
can always find ways to surprise a bored person.  But, you must know
something about that, right?"

She fought back a blush, then laughed self consciously.  "I guess you
remember me?"

"Part of the job, Aileen, and Stonehenge Docents are real high on my
watch list.  Of course I recognized you."

He pulled into a parking area, and stopped before he turned to face
her.  "We're here, and there's only one rule you need to know.  Follow
your Heart, Aileen.  Do that, and you'll eventually find your path
again, no matter how far off it you wander."

She placed a hand on the door handle, then leaned forward and kissed
his lips.  "Thank you, Galyn.  Maybe, someday, you and I will share
the same path for awhile."

She got out, gently closed the door while she gazed at him calmly,
then she turned away and headed inside the tea room.

Galyn watched until she was out of sight, then he touched his lips
thoughtfully.  "Huh.  I think I just got landed."

He studied his face in the rear view mirror, then sighed.  "Gaffed.
Mum said it would happen when I wasn't expecting it, and all my
defenses wouldn't mean a damn thing.  Looks like she was right."

He turned his cab around, and just before he left the parking area, he
flipped his sign over and put himself back in service.
====

Aileen & Galyn 003: Docent
---

Aileen hugged Galyn after he opened the door and she got out.  "Are
you sure you want to be with me?  I can give you a couple hours to get
clear."

He stepped back, then made sure his cab was locked before he shrugged.
"Remember what I said about people, and boredom?"

She laughed, then stroked his cheek lightly.  "Mutual?"

"Yeah.  Mutual."

He dug in his pocket and held up a camera.  "For our own memories."

She nodded.  "Someday, Galyn, our children will need to see us through
our own eyes."

"Of course, Aileen.  Let's go."

* * *

"Aileen!  Back already?  Give up your quest?"

She laughed.  "Completed it, Lester.  Meet my future husband, Galyn.
Be ok if I bend the rules a little, and give him a special tour?  And,
tell Alisa to grab the good camera and follow us for the rest of my
shift."

"You want to bend the rules, and document it?  Something strange is
going on."

She tilted her head slightly, then straightened it and nodded.  "Call
it taking advantage of being a Senior Docent, and using one of my
priveleges, finally."

"Aye.  I can do that much.  Will it be ok if we take advantage of
this, and make some prints?"

She laughed.  "We'll sign them for you."

He studied her thoughtfully, then spoke into his radio.  "Aileen's
back, and she wants Alisa here with our best camera, to document the
special tour she's going to give her future husband."

"Tell them to wait, and I'll be there with the camera and the remote
microphones in about two minutes."

"Both of them are grinning, so I'll take that as a yes."

He put his radio back, then held his hand out.  "Hello, Galyn.  Is it
safe to assume you're as  focused as Aileen, when it comes to The Old
Ways?"

Galyn nodded.  "Something like that."

"Got it.  Well, she knows the rules, if anyone does, so as long as you
don't do any damage, you can keep her company when she steps over the
cable."

Galyn laughed.  "What about damage to people's sensibilities?"

Lester let go, then studied Galyn.  "Pretty tall order, when
Stonehenge is involved.  Still, if you can manage to do it, you'll
have our blessings."

"We'll see what we can do.  And...  If I'm not mistaken, here comes
the woman who is going to make sure it's on the record."

They turned slightly, and Aileen moved so she could hug Alisa.
"Thanks, Ali.  What do you think?  Have us stop and wait until you're
at the Stones, so you can get our approach?"

"That should work."

She moved back a few steps after they put on the microphones, then she
lifted her camera and started filming.  "Ok, Aileen.  I don't need
this, to know something important is going on.  Let it all out, and
let's go."

Aileen laughed and reached for Galyn's nearest hand.  "Folks, I'd like
for you to meet Galyn, who just happens to be the cab driver who
brought the mystery couple here on Winter Solstice.  I've met his
parents, and..."

She started moving.  "With their help, I learned the rest of the
knowledge I needed, to go with the will I already had in my Heart.
Galyn is here, because...  he decided he was bored, and wanted to do
something different, than listen to tourists while he delivered them
to where they desired to be."

Alisa choked off a laugh.  "What of yourself, Aileen?  What brings you
back from vacation, a week early?"

"I'm a Docent, and this is where I belong.  Besides, I promised Galyn
I would make his return to Stonehenge after so many years away,
memorable."

"Thanks."

They arrived at the end of the long walkway and waited while Alisa
moved into position.  When she waved at them, Galyn laughed.  "Well,
it's too late to stop, Love."

"It was too late for both of us, when you asked me if I wanted to take
a ride with you."

"True."

Most of the walk was done in silence, unless one of them shared a
memory.  Mostly, it was Aileen describing some of the people she'd met
while working there.

Once they were standing next to the cable, Aileen glanced at Alisa.
"It would be a good idea, if you moved so you can get everything in
frame, and be facing in the direction of Woodhenge."

"It sounds like you're going to duplicate what happened at Winter
Solstice."

"In a way.  We did some experimenting, and I found a way to make the
power visible in a way it can be seen by the camera.  There will be
some other changes, too."

"Got it."

They waited, then Aileen removed her cloak, to reveal she was wearing
a flowing white gown.  She handed her cloak to Galyn, who casually
draped it over his arm.  "Let's go introduce me to them."

He nodded, and joined her when she stepped over the cable.

Some of the tourists noticed them, and when they started to chide her,
she smiled.  "Relax.  I'm a Senior Docent, and we're filming a
documentary that will be available for purchase, later."

Galyn chuckled.  "Be careful, how much you bend the truth."

"I'm always careful, when I'm at Stonehenge."

"Wise."

He held back slightly while she walked over and put her hands on the
nearest stone.  "Hello, there.  I'm Aileen, and I'm pleased to meet
you."

She was smiling when she turned her head slightly.  "So much power in
them, Galyn.  It's been a long time, since it was allowed to be free,
hasn't it?"

"Yes.  Not many who can use it come here any more.  It's a pity,
because the Solstice ceremonies call more power to the stones, but
never release it once it has settled."

She patted the stone and nodded.  "Well, that's one reason we're here,
right?"

"If you say so."

"I do.  Will you join me, and become the male Pole of Power?"

He set her cloak on the ground, then straightened.  "It will be my
pleasure."

"I thought it would be.  The camera?"

"Camera?  Oh!"

He looked around, then walked over, knelt in front of a young boy, and
offered him the camera.  "Do you think you could use this and take a
movie of us until I want it back?"

The boy looked up  "Dad?  He's a stranger, and..."

"Well, introduce yourself to him, and he won't be one, right?"

"I can do it  if he isn't a stranger?"

"Yes."

The boy stuck his hand out.  "I'm Bill.  Pleased to meetcha.  You guys
are going to do something special, huh?"

"I'm Galyn, and my future wife is named Aileen.  Pleased to meet you,
too.  Yes, we think it will be something special, and someday, we want
to be able to have a movie to show our kids.  If your father will
allow it, I'll make sure to give you folks a copy before we leave."

He put the camera in the boy's hand.  "I bet you already know how to
turn it on, right?"

"Yeah!  How'd you know this is the one I've always wanted, but we
can't afford it?"

"You look like a young man who wants the best, and this is it."

Galyn stood and winked at the father, then he went back to Aileen, who
was not doing a good job of hiding a huge grin.

He smiled back.  "Bill's eyes told me everything I needed to know.
They never left the camera."

She laughed, and was still laughing when she walked until she was
standing in front of the altar stone.

Then, she pointed at Galyn imperiously.  "You first.  Call the power
of Woodhenge."

"Saving the power in Stonehenge for yourself?"

"Of course.  After all, this was my idea."

He joined her, then faced Woodhenge and raised his arms

"It is time, my old friend.  Release the care of what you hold in
trust, to one who has the right to it!"

Nothing happened at first, but he held his pose.  Suddenly, a glow
appeared on the horizon and people could see the end of a line of
light that was headed for them.  It approached at the speed of a
running horse, until it seemed to leap eagerly to touch his hands.

Galyn started to glow, and once the glow had steadied, he spoke
easily.  "I am ready."

Aileen turned and placed her hands on the altar stone.  "Oh, Great
Stones!  Long have you waited for this day!  It is time for you to
reveal your true aspects to the world, once again!  Now, Galyn!

He turned until he was facing her, then a bolt of energy hit her in
the back and the watchers gasped when the energy surrounded her, then
flowed along her arms until it seemed to enter the altar stone, which
started glowing, until the light flared and bolts of energy jumped
from it, to each of the stones of Stonehenge.

All of them suddenly glowed in different colors, and finally Aileen
turned to face the boy who held Galyn's camera.  "Behold the Stones of
Power, as they were meant to be seen!"

Then, she giggled, and lowered her voice.  "Thank you, Bill.  For now,
and forever after, your life is joined to ours, and the power of
Stonehenge.  As I was told, so I tell you:  'Follow your Heart!' "

She reached and took Galyn's hand.  "Come, Galyn.  It is only fair
that we too, have a chance to savor the glory of Stonehenge in the
same way the rest of the people here do."

Without any more fanfare, the two of them joined the crowd, then
turned around so they could study their creation.

Galyn put his arm around her waist.  "A pretty sight, Love.  How long
will it last?"

"I don't know.  When the power is too weak, it will end."

"Then it might last awhile, since the Solstice ceremonies will
recharge the stones."

"Time will tell, My Husband.  Our job here is over."

She walked over and picked up her cloak, then draped it over one of
her arms before she turned back.  "Well, my job is done.  You have
some unfinished business to take care of."

He laughed, then went over and knelt in front of Bill.  "Duplicate the
movie to the memory card, then hand the card to me.  You may keep the
camera, as my thanks, for your gift to us."

"I can keep it?"

"Yes, and you may do whatever you wish with the movie."

"Wow!  Thanks!"

Bill eventually handed Galyn the memory card, and Galyn stood and held
out his hand to Bill's father.  "The right persons, in the right
place, at the right time.  Perhaps it was meant to be.  Only time will
tell.  Thank you."

They shook hands, then Galyn rejoined Aileen and the two of them made
a slow trip along the path reserved for visitors to Stonehenge, while
they waited for the media to show up.

If they noticed that most of the people there followed them with their
cameras, they gave no sign of it.
====

Aileen & Galyn: 004
The Delegation
---

Most of the attention died down, and by Spring Equinox, Aileen's life
as a docent had mostly returned to normal.  If the bean counters
noticed that there were more visitors, and the revenue increased on
those days she worked, or that many people and tour groups asked for
her by name, they didn't say anything about it.

The other docents didn't complain, because Aileen's popularity spilled
over when she couldn't handle the groups who wanted to 'get the facts'
from her.  They shared what they could, thanked folks for their
contributions, and quietly turned dreams into short and long term
plans, after they realized they could afford to do so, with their own
money, instead of the government funds they received.

Galyn, meanwhile, spent most of his time in his cab, when he wasn't
stopped to visit with Aileen, or they were both at home.

They talked it over and decided that for them, Spring Equinox would be
'just another day in their lives'.

Naturally, it was on that day, that 'The Delegation' arrived at
Stonehenge, and asked if Aileen would devote some of her time to them.
When Lester radioed her, she shrugged, then answered calmly.  "If
they're willing to wait for me to finish with this group, and let me
take a brief break for a snack, I'll be happy to take them, whoever
they are, on a tour and answer their questions, if I know the
answers."

Lester let her hear his chuckle.  "If they had ears, they would have
gone vertical.  They're agreeable to that solution."

Aileen let him hear her laughter, in return.  "Madly wagging tails,
with imploring eyes, too?"

"Definitely.  I'll point them at the gift shop and the exhibits you've
helped create, to keep them busy."

"Thanks, Lester.  I just started with this group, so they'll have a
long wait."

"Already explained, and they knew it already.  Enjoy yourself."

"I shall."

She put her radio back on the belt she wore, then smiled.  "Sorry for
the interruption.  As I was saying, Stonehenge, and many of the other
'Sites of Gathered Power' have a long history behind them.  We know
some of it, but there is much we will never know for certain.  Since
we are gathered at Stonehenge, that is the history I will focus on..."

Eventually the tour was over, and Aileen was able to get something to
eat, and settle at one of the outdoor tables.

Slowly, a group of people gathered around her, and they waited
patiently, until she finished eating and looked up.

She smiled at the apparent leader.  "Don't let the media hype fool
you.  I'm still human, and I have to do all the stuff everyone else
does.  I'll do what I must, then return here, and we can talk while
the food settles."

The woman smiled a bit wryly, then nodded.  "We're willing to wait."

Aileen laughed.  "Thank you.  One of the advantages of my fame, is
that few argue with my decisions, when I am working."

After she returned and resettled, she leaned back and gestured.  "Get
comfortable.  If more of you than there are chairs for, want to sit, I
can have some folding chairs delivered."

The woman who had done all the talking, smiled and sat opposite
Aileen.  "Are you willing to 'talk business'?"

"If it involves Stonehenge, or the other 'Sites of Power', yes.  That
is, after all, the reason I am here and available to any who wish to
speak with me."

"Unlike the Mystery Couple and their son?"

"Galyn is available while he's working.  Few recognize him, so he
seldom has to be the tourist attraction of choice for those he gives
rides to."

"And he's a moving target.  We have the impression he prefers it that
way most of the time."

Aileen laughed.  "Definitely!  What answers might I have, that aren't
in any of the displays, books and pamphlets we have?"

The woman got serious.  "We'd appreciate the tour, of course, but
that's not the main reason we're here, on this day."

"Oh?  To save time, Galyn and I talked it over, and decided that for
us, today will be just another day and we will not do anything with
power.  We could, of course, but...  Think of it like the Equinoxes
and Solstices are the four primary days of significance to us, as
power handlers.  On the Solstices, we plan on doing things that
involve the overt use of power.  To balance that, we will not use
power on the Equinoxes.  We could do something visible, but...  Call
it a personal choice, instead of something done because we need to. In
spite of what is 'known', there is really no real need for balance, in
a person's lifetime.  Mostly, that is because few are able to use
power, so their use is vastly exceeded by the lack of use by the rest
of humanity."

"An interesting viewpoint, and one I've never heard before.  Thank
you, Aileen.  Today isn't the reason we are here."

"If it isn't, then..."

"Our group was elected to plan this year's Summer Solstice ceremony.
We've been wondering, if, as part of it, you and Galyn would...
participate as the main event, so to speak, since we've been unable to
locate the mystery couple, and we're pretty sure they would refuse
us."

Aileen coughed into her hand, to politely suppress her laughter, then
she smiled.  "We've discussed what our plans might be this summer.
There are other places we could have a fairly private ceremony, if we
decide we desire one.  However, one of the possibilities we discussed
is something that might interest you enough that you would consider
helping us with the planning, since we're not interested in the
tedious details that have to be dealt with, when large groups of
people are going to be involved."

The woman's eyebrows had gone up during Aileen's calm revelation, then
they came down and she turned her head slowly, so she could take a
silent vote.  When she turned back, she nodded slightly.  "We're
interested."

"I'm pretty sure Galyn and I can come up with something special for
Summer Solstice, this year, so I'll mention it to him and find out if
he's willing to join me.  That's a definite yes from me, so relax
about that part."

"It's far more than we expected, so thank you.  Is it safe to assume
we can forget about the main event and all we'll need to do is give
you that time slot, so to speak?"

"That's fine with me.  If you want to wrap it up in fancy theatrics,
then let me do the power bits, I'm ok with that.  I can fancy it up
for the rest of the world, but once you know what you're doing, using
power is pretty simple.  For example..."

She pointed at her glass and it moved until it touched her lips.  It
tilted, she took a drink, then she put the glass back where it had
been.  "That's the sort of casual stuff that can be done with the
power that's everywhere.  Stonehenge... well, one way to think of it,
is that's it's one of the biggest 'batteries', in the world.  What I
did when I came back from meeting Galyn's parents, is a way to keep it
from being overcharged.  It wouldn't explode, but...  There could have
been 'interesting consequences'  if all that accumulated power was
allowed to build until it found its own way back into the world."

The woman had flinched, then she touched Aileen's glass thoughtfully
before she leaned back and studied Aileen.  "From being able to do
nothing, to this, in what?  A week?  Never mind.  That takes care of
this summer.  We're almost hooked.  What's the rest of it?"

"Every Solstice, Galyn and I will pick a different Site of Power, then
do something 'special', at it.  Before you start thinking we'd be
doing it to make them safe, I'll tell you the truth, which is...
Probably not going to be too palatable for most of you."

"We've been warned."

"Doing it that way, would help us keep from getting bored.  Both of us
enjoy people, and it would also be a good way to 'get the message
out', so maybe some of those people will be focused enough to follow
any clues we leave behind, until they find his parents.  After that,
just like it was for me, it will be for them.  They can make their own
decisions, and write their own future.  Still interested?"

The woman sighed.  "I think you just answered the other main question
we had, about teaching others.  Thanks for anticipating it, and giving
us a polite refusal.  Don't worry about my heart not being in my
thanks, because I don't know if I really wanted to learn.  If I
understand what you didn't say, this adventure might be something you
do anyway, and you're willing to let us tag along, and promote it, if
we want to, for our own purposes, out of laziness on your part.
Essentially, you'd be using us, to help keep you...  amused?"

"Pretty much so, yes.  We're not worried about you folks using us,
without us asking for any pay.  We both make enough to live
comfortably on our own, and getting married freed some of that up so
we can indulge ourselves more.  Then, too, we have lots of phone
numbers, and people who are willing to act as our agents, if we decide
we need more money.  Pragmatically, if you folks want that agent job,
for your own reasons, that may have nothing to do with power and feel
good, we're willing to talk it over."

Many of the group had been frowning, then Aileen's casual offer
changed those frowns to more thoughtful looks.

Aileen noticed, but just sat there and waited.

The woman sighed.  "I think I we were just given the chance to indulge
our dreams, and then some.  I'll take a rain check, for all of us, and
maybe we'll have an answer by Summer Solstice."

Aileen nodded slightly, then stood and gathered the remnants of her
snack.  "If you folks are ready, let's go take the tour I promised to
give you, after I toss my trash in the appropriate bins."

They got their tour, and after they left, Aileen stood next to Lester,
who had a very faint smile on his face.  "Aileen?  I know the signs
already.  Those folks had the look of people who just had their hidden
dreams answered, and they didn't think they were there to be seen."

Aileen laughed.  "More or less.  I offered them a chance to let me and
Galyn seduce them away from what they *thought* they knew about the
responsibilities of power, and learn the truth.  Then I gave them some
of that truth."

"Ah?"

"Find out at Summer Solstice, and make sure Alisa has the good camera
in her hands, again, so we can share my joke with the world and make
still more money.  If we're lucky, we'll wind up with a second pay
raise, and some hefty Winter Solstice bonuses, to let us enjoy the
holidays."

He glanced at her, then his smile changed to a grin.  "I'll be here."

"Thanks, Lester.  Now, I'm available again. One more group should take
me past the end of my shift.  Be a dear, and put one together for me?"

"I already have a waiting list ready.  I'll have the first twenty on
it paged for you, then we'll fill the group out with the next folks,
when we find out if there are any no-shows."
====

Aileen & Galyn: 005 
Summer Solstice Gift
---

Magan, who had been the one to ask Aileen if she'd do something for
Summer Solstice at Stonehenge, sighed.  Now that they were minutes
away from the proper time, she was having her doubts, and wondering if
they'd fallen into the 'committee trap', in which the collective IQ of
the group was far less than the lowest individual.

Well, it was too late, and all she could do was place her faith in
Aileen's cryptic 'Relax.  It will be something memorable, and it will
speak to something in all of us.'

So, she checked her watch, took a deep breath, then simply pointed at
Aileen and Galyn and waved them forward, since the introductions were
over.

Both of then nodded their thanks, and solemnly paced forward until
they were on opposite sides of the altar stone.

Galyn gestured first, and a bolt of energy visibly leapt from his hand
to the center of the stone.  As he slowly raised his hand, a conical
pillar of energy formed.  When it was about a meter tall, he stopped,
the energy from his hand vanished, and he pointed at Aileen.

She smiled, then gestured with her hand and created a disk of energy
that was balanced atop the pillar.  It was about two meters in
diameter.

After she finished, Galyn cupped his hand, then created a globe that
was an image of the Earth.  When it was ready, he gently placed it in
the center of the disk.

Next, both of them took the time to gesture and draw links that went
from the outer edge of the wheel, to each of the other stones.  Each
line matched the color the chosen stone had been glowing in, since
Aileen had created her display, months earlier.

When they were done, they turned and faced the body of the crowd.
Galyn set the disk spinning, and as each beam of light touched a
stone, the glow of that stone changed to match the beam's color.

Aileen smiled at the cheering crowd, and gestured for silence.

When she had it, she spoke softly, but loud enough she could be heard
by all:  "A Catherine Wheel, to free your thinking from the shackles
of what you know, so your mind may roam more freely, on the path to
truth, and an understanding of the world that may be, if someday your
Heart and Mind learn to work together."

Galyn stepped around the stone to stand next to her, then they linked
arms and walked out of the circle of stones, before they found a clear
spot in the crowd, and settled to watch their creation as it continued
to spin and shed new light on each person who was there.

* * *

After the rest of the ceremonies were over, Magan settled in front of
Aileen and Galyn, then studied them intently before she laughed
softly.  "Memorable, and it will speak to everyone here.  Smooth, you
two.  I'm glad I was here.  Thank you, both of you."

Galyn chortled.  "You're welcome, Magan.  It was a joint effort.  I
tend to be pragmatic, and Ai has a fondness for symbolism.  We already
have some ideas for Winter Solstice.  A lot will depend on where we
decide to spend it."

Magan's response was dry.  "After today, I can almost imagine some of
the things you might do."

Galyn nodded.  "We're willing to listen to suggestions."

"As long as they are...  appropriately absurd?"

"Of course.  I'm pleased that you understood the lesson so quickly."

"I did?!"

"Someday, your Mind will catch up to your Heart, Magan.  When it does,
I think you'll find yourself with a clearer understanding of the world
you might someday choose to live in."

She sighed.  "I don't see, but thank you for the vote of confidence.
How long will it spin?"

Aileen gazed at the wheel.  "One of us will stop it and 'clean up
after ourselves', in a week.  We decided that those who couldn't be
here, should have a chance to see it in person, if they want to.  The
delay in getting rid of it will give those who seek, the chance to
discover the clue that is built into the display."

Magan's eyebrows went up and she turned slightly, so she could study
the display.  "A clue?"

Galyn spoke seriously.  "Yes, Magan.  A clue, that will become visible
to those who learn patience, and see the display as more than...  a
pretty display of energy."

Magan finally sighed and turned back.  "Still, I am not sure if I want
to seek what is offered."

Aileen nodded.  "The gift is not for all."

"If I do seek, and receive the gift, will I have to be as you are?"

Aileen shook her head slightly.  "No.  A major part of The Gift, is
that once you own it, it is up to you to decide to do, or not do.
Nobody will, or can, say to you: 'Yea, or Nay'."

Magan flinched, then stared at them in turn.  "Nobody?"

Galyn nodded slightly.  "Nobody.  Aileen speaks to you, as I spoke to
her, after I delivered her to 'Those Who Wait'."

"Galyn?  Would you take me to them, if I asked you to?"

"I will, if you tell me the clue that is hidden within the wheel's
pretty display.  You have a week, to discover it by personal
observation.  After that, you will have to study the videos made of
today's event.  It might ease your mind to learn that we plan to give
clues at each Solstice event.  Individually, or taken together, they
will point the way to a future that gives you the gift, and curse, of
true free will."

Magan turned back to study the still spinning wheel, then sighed
without looking at them.  "Speaking of the future, we'd like to help
with those...  adventures.  We'd appreciate at least a month's advance
notice.  We are still divided about becoming agents for you, so the
answer, for now, is 'not yet'."

Galyn  spoke gently.  "Thank you for considering becoming our agents,
because today should have made it obvious that it would be...  an
experience that might cause mental anguish, for some.  The early
notice is something easily done.  Our next overt use of power, for
public consumption, will be at Woodhenge."

"Thank you, Galyn.  I'll pass the word, and we'll find a way to spread
the word.  Will you leave whatever you do, visible for at least a
week?  I imagine you know that within a certain framework of freedom,
traditions must be internally consistent."

"Then for a week, it shall be."

"Thank you..."  She acted distracted and the rest of her reply was
obviously unrelated to what had come before it.  "There's
something..."

She stood and looked down at them.  "We'll find a way to spin your
next adventure, and hope we can keep the crowd small, so it doesn't
cause problems for those who live in the area around Woodhenge.  I...
Will you excuse me?  There's something about that display..."

Aileen studied Magan, then nodded.  "Perhaps you will find what you
currently seek.  Just remember, knowledge, once learned, does not have
to be used immediately.  Thank you, Magan.  You and your people know
how to find us, if you need more from us, about our Winter Solstice
plans."

She suddenly laughed.  "Of course, if you do act upon what you learn,
if you find what you seek, you won't need *us*, because you'll be able
to do it all yourself!"

Magan's lips formed a slight smile.  "I am not one who deliberately
seeks fame.  Although, it appears for now that will I, nil I, I am
stumbling in that direction and find myself unable to prevent my fall,
without giving up the dreams I've had since I was a girl."

She straightened.  "Thank you, again, for such a memorable day.  I
will be in touch, someday."

She walked away, then entered Stonehenge and studied the Catherine
Wheel, along with the others who were there and watching it slowly
spin.  A few even dared to put their hands out and attempt to affect
its movement, but it ignored them, as if they weren't there.

Aileen and Galyn watched for awhile, then they studied each of the
people who were next to them and had been listening when they talked
with Magan.

Galyn spoke gently.  "The path opens to any who find it, and decide to
travel it.  Find the clue, speak of it to either of us, and then, if
you are right, one of us will take you to Those Who Wait, if that is
what you desire."

He and Aileen stood, stretched, then did what had become their
traditional exit.

They linked arms, then headed for the parking lot, and his cab.
====

End: Solstice Magic 01: Aileen and Galyn 1-5/5

-- 
Pursuant to the Berne Convention, this work is copyright with all rights
reserved by its author unless explicitly indicated.
+---------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| alt.sex.stories.moderated ------ send stories to: <ckought69@hotmail.com>|
| FAQ: <http://assm.asstr-mirror.org/faq.html> Moderators: <story-ckought69@hotmail.com> |
+---------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|ASSM Archive at <http://assm.asstr-mirror.org>   Hosted by <http://www.asstr-mirror.org> |
|Discuss this story and others in alt.sex.stories.d; look for subject {ASSD}|
+---------------------------------------------------------------------------+