The guardian linked her arm through Nimue’s and walked with her in the garden. While the flowers and trees were in their late fall mode, the air was sparkling and the spider webs looked as if they had been strung with diamonds. Their feet crunched fallen leaves as they paced along the path. Nimue marveled that the guardian could go for days and not speak. Maybe it was the secrets to the old woman’s second sight, she thought.<br/><br/>“The time has come to speak to you of holy matters,” the guardian said, her voice gravely.<br/><br/>Nimue nodded her head for being with the ancient crone made her realize how very much she needed to learn. With the Lady, Nimue was often rebellious and spoke out of turn, but the Lady was so very in charge and a bit arrogant. The guardian was gentle and inspired others to question or to investigate mysteries. Nimue wanted to please her.<br/><br/>“You came to the Tor as a widow, so many of us did. You were broken and homeless, not seeming to fit in as a hired domestic. Nimue, you are fearless and reckless, both traits that the nobles are uncomfortable encountering among their help. In many ways, our order is like those of the Man/God. The women of Avalon devote themselves to spiritual matters and do not have a home to care for. We are unlike the nuns in that we celebrate the Mother Goddess and the ritual of the Horned God. We enjoy the flesh and the embraces of men, but, little Nimmie, we devote ourselves to leading the people, not a home.<br/><br/>You have taken the man, Maric as your handfast husband, have you not?”<br/><br/>Nimue looked down, a little abashed and nodded.<br/><br/>“Do not look distressed, little one,” the guardian said.<br/><br/>Nimue jerked around to examine the wisen old woman. Her eyes were white with age and she could not see. No matter how long she lived at the Tor, she was always taken aback at the range of the guardian’s knowledge.<br/><br/>“You have taken the man as your husband and you are happy. No, more than happy. I have never known you to have such joy. Even with Daffyd, who you loved with all your heart, you were not as happy as you are now. Soon, you will have children , for with a love like this, how could you remain barren?” The crone cackled and patted her on the arm.<br/><br/>“When you are with child, you will no longer come to the Tor to engage in our work. You will stay home and make a life for you and your little family. I would have you to focus on your last few months with us. I would have you focus on learning to see the mysteries. I would have you learn to read the reflecting pan. The time is short, Nimue, and you have gifts buried within. I cannot let you leave Avalon with your talent undeveloped.”<br/><br/>Nimue listened and was startled to find she would be sad when time came for her to leave.  The guardian patted her hand once more.<br/><br/>“For today, spend idle time with your dragon, from now on, you will ride her to and from the Tor so you will see her everyday, but I warn you, Nimue, the quality of your attention has shifted and she knows it. That dragon will lay down her life for you but she will still suffer from this new separation. Don’t forget to love her for her heart belongs to you. So off with you.” The guardian swatted her on the behind and shooed her along with her dress the way some might shoo the geese.<br/><br/>At the cave, Nimue found Layla curled up like a cat, that is to say, resting on her haunches with her great tail wrapped around her body. Tapers were blazing all around, reflecting from the shiny golden scales. The dragon looked as if she were a giant heavenly body. Nimue went to her and rubbed the great beast on her nose amid smoke rings blowing from Layla’s nostrils.<br/><br/>“The guardian says I will soon have a child. What do you think of that? I have missed my son and now I will bring a child to Maric’s hearth. I’m happy but I’m sad,Layla. I have been happy on the Tor and secure. I could be with you everyday and run free in the fields or soar the sky on your back. Now, I will be bound to my family and the fire that burns within my house.”<br/><br/>Nimue leaned her head against the dragon’s neck. Tears welled up in her eyes<br/>.<br/>“Oh, Layla, I never thought to be this happy again! I am more… everything, with Maric and soon, I will have a child. The Mother has been good to me and restored me to more than I ever was. Here, let me rub your scales with oil this one last time.”<br/><br/>Nimue kissed the dragon on the tip of her ear before finding the grooming supplies.<br/><br/>“Nothing will ever make me sad again!”