ELW - This one's for you sweetie. Hope the fish are biting.
Chapter 20 –
Bless the childWillow spent most of the afternoon calling the gang. They’d set the date for the blessing and invited everyone to come. With the decision for a very simple gathering made, most of the other plans were set in motion. They had two days to prepare and Willow went to work quickly. In less than an hour she’d compiled a detailed itinerary.
“Oh…I am so good!” She boasted slapping her hands to the edge of her desk and leaning back in her chair. She lifted her feet to the edge of the desk and wiggled her toes. “Hmm same size.” She smiled as she noticed her foot. Delighted knowing she could retire her fashionable pool ware.
“Sweetie?” Tara smiled at her wife as she walked in the room.
“I just finished making a list for the ceremony on Friday.” She tapped the screen of her PDA, turning it around to show it off.
“Oh…Will?” she furrowed her brow. “PDA files again? Sweetie I’m not sure I can take any more beeping.” Tara winced at the idea as she walked over to the desk. She slowly pressed her shoulder against the wall raising her arms across her abdomen.
“No beeping,” she waved her hands defending her work. “Just a list of supplies and setup. The only thing the Scoobs need is a time. I’ll take care of everything else. It’ll be stress free. Completely!”
“Completely stress free?” Tara raised her brow. “Is that even possible for you? Sweetie you really don’t do stress free.” She stepped behind Willow, tracing the soft skin along the neckline of her shirt.
“HEY now! I’m perfecting my products here.” Her voice lowered to a husky wanting tone. She shifted her body to accommodate her lover’s touch.
“Riiight. Admit it, you just like to play with your toys.”
“You’re right. I do.” She twisted the chair, spinning sharply to capture her wife. Slipping her hands possessively on each thigh, her fingers slowly danced towards her hips delighting in their exploration. “Wanna play?” She slipped her hands beneath the fold of her blouse, searching for the soft skin hidden inside. She opened her legs and pulled the blonde sharply forward. Tara leaned slowly inward, drawn by the heat of her lover’s words.
“Depends?” Her lips sampled the flesh of the red head’s neck.
“On what?” Willow tilted into the sensation of her touch. Distracted from the tenderness in her hands.
“Who’s toys are we playin with?” Tara traced along her shoulder, stretching the open edge of her lover’s blouse, gliding her fingers to the flesh above her breastbone. She could feel the racing heart of her lover beneath her lingering fingers.
“Are your toys still put away?”
The blonde laughed and leaned closer to her neck. “Might be for awhile, so I guess I’ll just have to play with your toys instead.” The vibration of her words pressed tightly against alabaster flesh, she devoured her shoulder taking tiny pinches in her teeth. “Feel like sharing?”
They passionately turned toward the stairs pausing to quiet themselves as they climbed, worried their footsteps would wake their sleeping child. They stopped and inched the door just a bit to peek into her room. Willow couldn’t resist the sight of her daughter. She walked to the crib and stroked the soft skin of her face.
“She looks just like you, goddess she’s beautiful.” She stared at her child. Each tiny breath raised and lowered the soft cotton blanket, every bit of her body basking in sweet serenity.
“Shhh, you’ll wake her.” Tara whispered pushing against her wife’s body. Together they stared, captivated by the power of their innocent child’s peaceful slumber. Their hands joined in the gently caress of her quiet form.
Abbey felt their presence and peeped her tiny eyes open. Willow pushed the tip of her tongue through her teeth with delight. Tara tilted her head to rest on her lover glowing at the wiggling form. Abbey gave a diminutive squeak and without pause Willow scooped her from the blanket.
“You’re going to spoil her.” Tara stroked the petite features of her daughter’s arm. Gently caressing her fingers one by one.
Willow grinned as she carried the baby to the changing table, her expert hands quickly removing the soiled diaper. “Do you have a problem with that?” She quickly doused her hands with antibacterial lotion and wrapped her daughter gently in a soft blanket.
“Only when it happens at two o’clock in the morning.” She offered a half smile as she straightened the linens of the crib.
“When it does, I’ll be there. I promise.”
“I’m going to remember that. Abbey, you’re my witness.” Tara placed a kiss on the face of her daughter and on the lips of her wife. The two women just laughed as Abbey began to cry.
“I think she might need a snack.”
Tara settled into the rocking chair as Willow handed her the child.
“I guess I’ll have to put my toys away for now.” She forced her bottom lip forward into an exaggerated pout.
“She’ll be out before you know it and then you’re mine. So don’t give me that pitiful pout.” Tara lifted the child to her breast and started to feed her. They rocked gently as Abbey peeked her eyes about. Her tiny fingers splayed across her mother’s breast leaving pale impressions in the skin.
A smile covered Willow’s face as she skipped out of the room. She kissed her wife and daughter as she passed.
“Where are you going?”
“I’m going to get my toys ready.” She hovered in the doorway licking her lips and flexing her brow. She launched herself through and padded quickly down the hall.
“Oh good.” She smiled rocking her daughter slowly. Abbey filled her little belly and fell asleep. Her delicate lips continued their suckling motion even as she released from Tara’s breast. Tara tenderly carried her across the room, singing a sweet song, and swinging her from side to side. She tucked her in and turned out the lights. “Goodnight Angel.”
Relaxed from the feeding, Tara walked down the hall to the bedroom. Rubbing the last bit of tension from her neck, she turned to enter. She smiled at the sight of her lover stretched out naked across the bed. She raised an eye at the toys spread out in front of her.
Willow rubbed the red cloth of the blankets beneath her. “Up for a bit of Monopoly?” She pitched her head flicking the tip of her tongue between her teeth. “It’s the Anniversary Edition. I’m pretty sure if we think really hard we’ll find something to celebrate.”
“Think?” Tara flashed a dazzling half smile. “When I’m done with you, you won’t be able to think.”
She swiped her hand across the light switch and the room darkened. She slowly pulled her shirt over her head and slid across the bed forcing the game toward the edge.
“Baby…we can’t play with the lights out.”
“Will… the game I wanna play works great in the dark.”
******
Two days of preparation passed quickly as Willow tortured herself with tasks. What started as a tiny gathering had escalated to banquet proportions. Completely stress free of course.
Tara spent most of her non-feeding time arranging the garden around their altar. It was a beautiful place they’d created; sheltered and secluded they’d kept its existence private. The beautiful stone altar had been quite a trick to set in place. It was a wedding gift for Willow. She’d had it delivered to the house just a week after their celebration. Together they’d created a sacred place to honor their Wiccan faith. They’d hoped one day to share it with their family and tonight they’d have the opportunity.
Tara finished in the garden satisfied that things were ready. She walked up to the bedroom to take a bath. Part of the ceremony, a ritual bath would cleanse them of negativity and focus them for the rite. To prevent distraction, they’d decided to prepare separately, much to the pouty protests of a certain red head. The sun had set and they waited for their family to arrive.
“They’re here Tara, can you get the door?” Willow shuffled around the kitchen putting the final touches on the meal. Abbey, tightly wrapped to her chest, slept through the hustle in the kitchen.
“I’ve got it sweetie.”
Tara opened the front door welcoming the Scooby gang into their home. Buffy and Dawn handed her a pink and white striped gift bag as they entered. Anya and Xander were close behind as Giles walked up the sidewalk.
“Here’s a gift.” Anya forced the box into Tara’s hands. “It’s not for you, it’s for Abigail. Where is she anyway? I want to see her before you do the sacrifice.”
Willow gasped loudly as she entered the room, Abigail tucked tightly in the baby sling. “It’s not a sacrifice. It’s a blessing.” They all stepped closer to get a peek at the baby.
“Whatever. Basically you burn a candle, light some incense, chant a chant and then we eat.” She turned to direct her words at Willow. “Right?”
Willow pouted at the explanation and turned to walk outside, absolutely frustrated that Anya had reduced the blessed event to a mere sentence. Tara welcomed them in and led them out into the back yard. They entered the secluded corner of the garden and the gang stood in awe of the sacred place. A circle of stone buried in the ground surrounded the beautiful stone altar. The moonlight flooded the face of the stones filling the garden with an enchanting glow.
The ladies entered the sacred circle around the altar, and invited the gang to stand around its edge.
“What are we supposed to do?” Buffy asked as they found a spot outside the circle of stone.
“Just think positive thoughts and be quiet.”
“Oh…okay but I’m not so sure Anya can do quiet, or positive either.”
“Hey! I can do quiet.” Anya stomped her foot crossing her arms over her chest. “And I have positivity coming out of my bottom.”
“Ahn,” Xander interrupted wrapping his arms around her shoulder. “You know how you feel when you calculate projected profits?”
“Well of course, duh. It’s my favorite part of the month.”
“Well go to that happy place right now, and stay there ‘til we’re done.”
Tara looked at the group, begging for silence with her eyes. She motioned to her wife, and Willow meticulously laid out all of the items necessary for the ceremony. They covered themselves with long red velvet ceremonial robes. Willow removed Abigail’s shirt wrapping her loosely in a soft velvet blanket. She lit a candle to invite the Goddess, then another asking the elements for their presence. Willow gently shifted Abbey in her arms and cuddled her tightly. They took their place at the altar next to Tara.
Tara respectfully called upon the Goddess. “We ask you to bless us with your presence as we insight our child in the tradition of Wicca.” The Scoobie gang stood in awe at the strength and confidence in Tara’s words. She was, most certainly in her comfort zone. Respectfully they watched in silence.
Closing her eyes she turned to the North. “O spirit of the north stone, Ancient one of the earth, I call you to attend this circle. Charge this by your powers old ones.” Without breaking her chant she turned to the east raising her hands toward the heavens, “O spirit of the east stone, Ancient one of the air, I call you to attend this circle. Charge this by your powers old ones.” She could feel the strength of her lover standing beside her. Willow stood, glowing with pride at her wife and daughter. Tara spoke again as she turned to the south, “O spirit of the south stone, Ancient one of the fire, I call you to attend this circle. Charge this by your powers old ones.” Finally she turned to the west, “O spirit of the west stone, Ancient one of the water, I call you to attend this circle, Charge this by your powers old ones.”
Tara placed her hand on the tiny chest of her daughter chanting, “Crescent One of the starry skies, Flowered One of the fertile plain, Blessed One of the gentle rain, Hear our chant ‘midst the standing stones, Open us to your mystic light, Waken us to your silver tones, Be with us in our sacred rite! Diana we invoke thee. ”
Abbey wiggled at the touch of her mother’s hand. Willow smiled as their bodies connected through this sacred unifying ceremony. The energy flowing between them was electric and bonding. The scent of burning incense hovered in the air. The moment was a spiritual awakening.
“Goddess we ask for your blessing upon our child. She is a daughter of light.” Tara gently stroked the skin of her daughter’s chest. “Surround her with your love. In this world and in those to come, bless her with strength and courage, kindness and compassion. May the talons of evil never reach her as she remains steadfast in the traditions of our faith. We ask for wisdom and strength to guide and teach her in the customs of Wicca.”
She turned to the altar before them and offered a gift of food and wine to the Goddess. Willow sipped from the cup as Tara ate the offering of bread. They shared with each other and offered the rest to honor the Goddess.
Tara humbly offered thanks, “Blessed Goddess Diana we thank you for your presence here.” She once again turned to the north to thank the elements for their presence, “farewell spirit of the ... earth, we give thanks for your presence here, go in power. She turned to the east, “Farewell spirit of the ... air, we give thanks for your presence, go in power.” She turned to the south, “Farewell spirit of ... fire, we give thanks for your presence, go in power.” Finally she turned to the west, “Farewell spirit of the ... wind, we give thanks for your presence, go in power.”
Willow extinguished the candle flames closing the sacred circle. They moved through the garden back into the yard. Willow noticed a confused look on Buffy’s face and she wandered over with Abigail tightly tucked back into the shoulder sling.
“What’s up Buffy?”
“Well umm Will... what was all of that. I mean really Anya was kinda right.”
“Seriously…Buffy do you have to say that so loud?” She forced a smile and started to explain the significance of the ceremony. Buffy still looked confused after a detailed exposition. Willow looked to her wife for help.
“So basically you asked for her to be blessed with good things? Things all of the goodness. I can go for some of that.” Buffy still appeared confused and asked another question. “You got any cliff notes for this stuff? Or how about Wicca for dummies? Did anybody write that yet?”
They all just laughed at Buffy and Tara spent a few minutes dumbing things down for her. They slowly worked their way inside the house for dinner. Tara lit a candle in the center of the table offering a blessing. “Goddess bless this day, and bless this food. Guide us in the path of kindness and understanding. Guide us in the path of forgiveness. Guide us in the path of love.”
"So is it time now, for the ritual sacrifice?” Anya broke the mood of the crowd.
“There’s no sacrifice.” Willow barked in frustration as she poured the drinks. Tara laughed at their banter and offered a solution.
“How does a ritual slaughter of innocent cabbage for ceremonial coleslaw sound?”
“Sounds like cheating to me.” Anya looked around the room at the gathering of family. “You can’t beat a good ritual sacrifice. That’s what I always say. Big house full of cheaters here.”
The group just laughed as they finished their dinners.
Dawn gulped hers quickly, and offered an idea through a mouthful of food. “Hey, I got a suggestion. How about we open some presents.” She rubbed her hands together. A greedy grin spread across her face as she bounced into the living room. She came back with the bag and a few gift packages tucked under her arm. She scooted the plates off the table and slid the gifts in their place. She quickly snatched Abbey from Willow and sat down beside Buffy. The slayer tried to scoop her away but Dawn gave a disapproving glare.
Tara opened the gift from Buffy and Dawn first. It was a very frilly pink dress, with white tights and black patent leather shoes. Willow smiled at how tiny it was and made cute little baby noises as she danced it around. Tara reached in the bottom of the bag and pulled out a small wooden stake. The women gave a peculiar look at Buffy
“I figured I’d teach her to defend herself…ya know, hell mouth and all.” She gave a light punch to the air and cocked her head to the side.
“OK, right then.” Willow frowned at the reality of their lifestyle. She knew that eventually Abbey would have to deal with the Scooby life but this was sooner than she wanted. “I think we can plan those sessions after she learns to eat with a fork.”
“Oh …right. Not now. We can do it when she’s older.” They all just smiled a bit and looked back at Tara. She was unwrapping the gift from Xander and Anya. Anya was wearing a peculiar grin as Willow watched with anticipation.
Tara pulled a little purple and pink outfit from the top of the box. “Pants!” Tara giggled a bit as she handed it to Willow. The red head was not amused.
“Well I figured after the spectacle of her birth. She’d be the one wearing the pants now. So I thought I’d start her out properly and with none of the frilly crap.” Anya laughed at Willow and motioned for Tara to keep opening the gift. “Look under the paper there.” Tara lifted the bright white tissue and pulled out another gift. “Let willow open that one.” Tara handed it to her and the red head ripped the paper off. She flipped it over and frowned as she read the package.
Tara laughed as she turned it around for all of them to read. “Monopoly for the PDA.” A roar of laughter filled the room as Willow gave a sigh and frowned.
“It’s so you can play anywhere. I know how you and Tara like to do it everywhere. Play the game I mean.” Anya gave an evil grin as she winked at Tara.
“Pants and Monopoly, wow that’s really good.” Buffy winked at Anya. “I should have thought of that. Way to go Anya.” Buffy reached across the table giving Anya a hearty high five and walked around to slap Willow on the shoulder. Willow gave a half grin as Tara moved to open the last gift. She carefully unwrapped the box. She pulled the paper aside and removed a beautiful leather bound journal.
“It’s for her to keep track of her Wicca, her studies and spells. I thought, her own book of shadows or you could make it a memory book if you’d prefer.” The ladies smiled at the thoughtfulness of his gift. Tara stepped around the table and hugged him tightly.
“Thank you Mr. Giles. I think it’s a wonderful gift for her. Very appropriate for the day as well.” Willow slid in behind her wife offering a hug.
“Yea, thanks Giles. At least some people can be respectful of the day.” She glared at Anya and then at Buffy.
Willow and Tara thanked them all for sharing the day and spent the next few hours cleaning up and chatting about the future. Anya and Xander were the first to leave, hinting about playing Monopoly. Xander joked about her missing the entire point; she wanted money more than metaphor when it came to playing games. Shortly after Giles and the Summer’s sisters said farewell. The house was quiet once more. They tucked their daughter into bed and slowly walked into their room. Willow slipped out of her dress and draped it over the chair. Tara stopped and grabbed her wife by the waist.
“Today was wonderful. Thanks so much for everything.”
“You’re welcome.” The red head reached forward, softly caressing the subtle skin of her lover’s cheeks.
Tara closed her eyes as they touched. She welcomed the sensuous lips of her wife. “Let’s get some sleep. I’d like to have your arms around me.”
“Oh…I can do that. In fact I’ve been dreaming about it all day.”
They moved slowly toward the bed. She untied the laces of her dress slipping it from her shoulders. Willow moistened her lips at the sight of her wife. Their bodies met and slowly leaned into the comfort of each other. Tara sighed as little kisses smothered her skin. The desire from her wife increased the rate of her heart. Willow pulled back taking in the sight of her passionately enflamed lover.
“Tonight we sleep, you need to rest. We have time for making love, but right now you need to close your eyes. We’ve had quite a busy week.”
Ravaging the redhead was an image she’d carried all day. She frowned as she slipped her body slowly between the cold sheets. “Ohh… its cold come and warm me up?”
“I’d love to.” She melted in behind her wife. Their bodies connected in soft tender places. They pulled together tightly and closed their eyes. Willow softly kissed the back of her neck and sighed as she relaxed at the touch. The world was good, they were good; and they slipped into peaceful slumber, at least two hours worth.
The end
At least for now.
Urn of Osiris
_________________**
"Ninety-nine percent of the failures come from people who have the habit of making excuses."
— George Washington Carver
Voice your opinion about Tara www.petitiononline.com/Tara/petition.html
Edited by: Urn of Osiris 
at: 9/26/02 7:59:21 am
by Scout » Tue Sep 24, 2002 2:23 am 
and 
. Here's a bit of happiness for today.
But they've promised to help me with the sequel. Gotta love the dedication.
Friggin hilarious! 
And her gifts, loved it! 
) And the Monopoly 
Come over and take a peek. 
