“If I can dance, I can walk. You don’t mind the Christmas theme?”
“I don’t mind it at all. I like to see people celebrating happy occasions, no matter what they are.”
“Brilliant! Then let’s skip the tea and go straight to the celebration. It begins at five p.m. I’m sure they’ll have some beverages there. Possibly something seasonal like hot mulled cider or wine.”
“Sounds good.”
As they both shrugged into their coats, they stole glances at each other and smiled whenever their eyes met.
Walking to the Elks Club, hand in hand, an unexpected shyness stole over Freya. The quiet was actually welcome. It gave her time to appreciate the crisp winter air and notice a few slow-falling snowflakes.
Devon glanced up as they passed under a streetlamp. “It’s beginning to snow.”
“Yes. We’ll be there any minute, so don’t worry.”
“I wasn’t worried.” He pulled her into his arms and kissed her tenderly.
Mmm… I could get used to this.
When they ended the kiss, they grinned at each other, then rejoined their hands and continued to the club.
Devon insisted on paying the small entrance fee for both of them, and they were directed to the coat room. When they joined the festivities, things were in full swing. Twinkling lights lit the hall, a giant Christmas tree graced the center, and couples were dancing around it. On one side of the hall, a buffet table held many offerings, some in covered hot trays.
“Are you hungry?” Devon asked.
“Thirstier, actually,” Freya said.
“I think I see the bar at the other end of the room.” He grasped her hand, and they wove their way through the revelers.
As predicted, seasonal beverages, as well as the usual bar drinks, were available. They both ordered the hot mulled wine and found a couple of open seats. The cinnamon, clove, and pine scents added to the atmosphere.
“It’s pretty in here. I love the decorations.”
“Even the Christmas tree?”
“Of course. Trees are some of our most precious gifts of nature. They have to be thinned to make way for smaller saplings to grow. I don’t have a problem with cutting down a tree as long as the person appreciates its contribution and doesn’t sacrifice a whole forest. Witches often speak to the elementals before cutting any part of nature, including flowers and herbs.”
“What do you say to them?”
“Thank you for your sacrifice. All will be put to good use.”
Devon didn’t respond, except to hold out his hand. “Dance with me?”
Fortunately, it was a slow dance. He held her in his warm, confident grasp as he glided her across the dance floor. Every dance resulted in a closer and closer embrace until she was lying her head against his shoulder, molding to him completely. He held their clasped hands next to his beating heart.
After the dance,they both knew there was something special between them. As they walked back home together in the dark, feeling energized by their newfound connection, they couldn’t help but smile and laugh together. Freya looked forward to exploring this new relationship, but the long distance between their countries might be a big problem.
When they got back to her home, she asked, “Can you stay for a cup of tea?”
“I’d like that.”
She put the kettle on to heat and took down two mugs from the shelf. "I don't have any appointments tomorrow. I wonder if you would be interested in helping me as I cast the spell to find my family."
His eyes widened, but he was smiling. His expression didn’t denote shock or disapproval. "I'd love to."
"Have you ever witnessed a ritual spell before?"
"Yes, a few times. I've never participated, though. They have some very public celebrations in Glastonbury."
