The day dawned rosy and soft. Nimue kissed Maric softly on the side of his mouth. He smiled and reached for her without really waking up. She slid from the bed and covered him with the blanket. Quietly, she dressed, tossing her hair into a braid and then silently went down the ladder. The only sounds that could be heard were the even breathing of those who slept and the calling of jays in the trees.<br/><br/>A chill was on the cottage and Nimue worked quickly to lay a fire, stirring the leftover embers. She heard a faint stirring from behind the tapestry. Samantha came out, clutching her gown and shivering. Nimue blew on the flame and added small kindling.<br/><br/>“It grows colder, I think,”Nimue said, averting her eyes from Samantha’s white skin. “Come closer to the fire. “<br/><br/>Samantha worked her gown on in such a manner that she was fully covered the entire time. She kept darting glances around to make sure that no male eyes were upon her.<br/><br/>“What makes you so nervous that a man might look on you?” Nimue asked, bluntly. “You have a beautiful shape. Your skin is like the pure milk and honey found in the halls of kings. There is nothing to be ashamed of, I think. You are more than just shy and modest, but you seem as if you must hide your beauty.”<br/><br/>The girl hung her head as she sat on the bench hugging herself. She stared into the tiny flames.<br/><br/>Nimue tried another tactic.<br/><br/>“Were your accommodations suitable?”<br/><br/>Samantha relaxed and made eye contact with her. A small smile lit up her face.<br/><br/>“It was fine. I don’t mean, only acceptable, but fine as in luxurious. I am used to sleeping on a rough floor with a thin pad made of discarded rags. I serve in a fine house and have employment but expenses for my mother take much of my money. I feel as if you have given me a bed fit for a queen.”<br/><br/>Nimue’s laughter was merry, like tiny silver bells.<br/><br/>“Well, thank you and you are welcome. Would that a queen should find a humble lodging like this acceptable for more than her horses! Now, you must tell me. What troubles you of your body? I would like to help you to see yourself as others see you. In my culture, the worship of the Earth Mother, rather than the Man/God, we celebrate our women’s bodies. I would teach you of the Mother’s way, if for no other reason than to find joy in the arms of Faren.”<br/><br/>````````````````````````<br/>The Lady had opened the door to find an elegant man with salt and pepper hair standing on the threshold of the Tor. His shoulders were broad and his arms strong, yet he looked experienced in the ways of the world in ways that young men never did. He was not delicate, he was not arrogant, he was not forward, yet, Vivianne’s body responded to his easy smile. An uncommon smile crossed her face.<br/><br/>“Sir Varatt, I presume?” she asked, extending her hand. “I am Vivianne, the Lady of the Lake, high priestess of Avalon. Nimue, our acolyte, said we could expect you.” She accepted the scroll which bore her mark from him. Her fingers brushed the rough skin of his knuckles and his eye contact would have been unnerving for a woman less experienced with life.<br/><br/>“Please, join us while you stay for the upcoming celebrations.” The Lady turned, her scarlet robes brushing the flagstones as she swept inside. “We know of an impending celebration because the guardian sees into her reflecting pool.” The Lady smiled, seductively. “I don’t believe that Nimue knows what Maric has prepared.”<br/><br/>The man’s rumbling chuckle seemed to skim over her skin and Vivianne found herself smiling again.<br/><br/>“Here are rooms for you, a sleeping platform and a room to relax, should Nimue’s constant chatter become more than you can bear. Feel free to come and go from this place. Should you need food, ring this bell.” Vivianne caressed the tip of the bell’s handle. “Whatever you need, it would be my pleasure to attend to you.”<br/><br/>With a curtsy, the Lady backed from the room. She suddenly found that life had new possibilities.