text: Far into the northern mountains, hidden deep within the snow-covered trees, the warrior clan had made one rare glade into their winter camp. Tents strewn about, warriors of men and women did their part to gather firewood, forage for berries and hunt any wild game that could be found nearby. I had been with Cahal’s clan for nearly three months and while I could now speak in their mother tongue, and even though they saw me as one of their own. Not one of them would allow me to aid them with any chore, at most they would ask me to light a torch and use it to ignite the campfires. Often I had asked why they refused to let me aid them with chores, and the answer was always the same. A thank you followed by comment about how I did not need to help. I was a guest, or that the woman of the clan chieftain needn’t worry about such trivial things. They meant no disrespect of course and I knew that but still... Being among such hard working folk and not needing to lift a finger was quite boring. After being cooped up inside the tent for several hours I had become immensely restless. I had an idea of how I could remmedy my boredom and it would be a good way to kill some time before the evening meal was ready. So I stole my lover’s fur cloak and hurried into the forest. I was glad that the snow didn’t rise higher than my fur boots, otherwise this treck would have been far more difficult. After some time I found myself standing before an ancient tree. Its base was massive and it would easily take half the warriors to form a circle around it. It was wonderful sight, its many strong branches covered by snow, its leaves refusing to budge under the weight. A playful thought came to my mind, one I had not had in many years. Glancing around I knew I was alone and that no creature had yet come to this part of the forest. I strode toward the tree, stopped a few feet from a large root that threatened to burst from the ground. I gave a bow to the ancient Cedar and began to place the cloak along with all of my clothing upon the upturned root. Bare as a newborn babe I turned around and walked away until I was under the edge of the Cedar’s canopy. With a smile, I called upon my magic, I sought after the heat of fire. Just enough to keep me warm. I felt the power of the flames radiating from my belly, like gentle waves crashing onto the shore heat pulsed throughout my form. My arms extended outward from my sides, palms facing upward. My left leg extending forward, then sliding around toward my back. My toes lightly touching the cool snow before diving down to touch the ground hidden beneath. I twirled around to face the tree once more, gave another bow and began to move about in an ancient styled dance. One long lost to the minds of humans. It was a dance of celebration, of life and nature. I moved about to the silent music of the world. I have no doubt that if the faerie folk had been there to watch they would be smiling. To know that they had not been forgotten by all, to see that some of their ancient ways still lived on. I moved about in graceful freedom, with each breeze that came I spun and twirled along with it. If ever I got too close to another tree I would spin and leap back toward the center of my dancing circle. Bouncing from one foot to the other, leaping into the air and twisting about in frantic joy. Skipping around the edge of my circle, arms poised as if I were dancing with another. Laughing and smiling like a fool I became lost to time. Too long had it been since I let my body move about in such freedom. As if giving their applause at my free spirited ways the branches of the trees dipped and swayed. The snow upon their branches dancing down upon the wind that swirled about. Each flake that touched my skin melted away to become one with the earth once more. My curtain of snow only made my dance that much more fun. I recalled a dance I once saw on the road before meeting Cahal and his clan. I stood in place for a moment, hands at my side before hopping on one foot and then the other. A forward leg extension here, a backward one there. To my right then my left, one criss cross here and twirl there followed by another criss cross. The lad had called it a jig I believe, a strange yet fun little dance than many had come to join. I had to admit it was fun to watch but even more to perform. I spun around at the sound of someone whistling. I was greeted by the sight of Cahal, leaning his shoulder against a tree. His head tilted to the side with an amused smile playing across his lips. I had no clue as to how long he had been there, but it mattered little. I gave him a bow and extended one hand toward him as a soft smile crept upon my lips.