E-mail

Bonjour mes amies.

Here at the Lair we are well and truly into our packing and dismantling in preparation for our move. We hope to be settled in at our new site by the end of the month; emergencies withstanding.

Too, all of our colleagues have finally returned to the fold and are now in the process of dealing with their own losses from the storm. So you can see that things will no' get back to normal for a while. We will still be running a skeleton crew until the others have gotten some rest and dealt with personal matters. Be that as it may, we are managing to keep up some semblance of a routine and with that in mind, I will now post Dream Teller's answers to some of our e-mail.

To Brady in South Carolina: Myth and legend are oft considered one and the same but 'tis no' the case. Myths are unverifiable tales and beliefs passed down through the ages; the products of story tellers, bards, and the like. Legends are tales and beliefs passed down through the ages and, though oft' no' verifiable, those are generally accepted as historical fact. The same is true of legendary Beings and mythical Beings. Most times, 'tis difficult for the layman to separate the two. What 'tis really unique is that what once had mythical origins; certain Beings, had no basis in myth but in legend. 'Tis why so many in modern times are careful to keep correct and exact records. And with all of our high-powered technology the task is far less difficult, and the truth less likely to be left to chance or lost. Blessed May You Be.

To Tanner in Pennsylvania: Vampyres were (and continue to be) depicted as horrid beasts with putrid smells and rotting flesh hanging from their skeletal frames and features. In fact, there are such creatures; both legendary and, of course, in these modern times. What one must learn is why they came to be so, for they did no' begin that way. In one of our earliest posts this was discussed but I will gladly visit the topic again. There are various stages of Vampyrism and that due to the way they conduct themselves. Both Vampyres made and those born (aye, and some are born) begin their existence blessed with excellent health. Those 'made' have the more difficult time, for they must learn to adjust to the vast differences in their needs, apart from their former humanity. Being 'gifted' with the powers and skills of the Kind most often is too much for a made Vampyre to handle. 'Tis no' rare that one made will go insane and become the monster of legend. Whether born or made, the Vampyre who uses skill and power for evil purpose will fall victim to the curse of the Kind. The more evil done, the more his/her looks and health will suffer; degenerate, to the point that the physical body and the mind begins to deteriorate. Those who become the creatures of legend are the dangerous stalkers of Human-Kind, and those whom their own Kind must weed out, for obvious reasons. No' only do they give their bretheren a bad name, the evil ones go out of their way to promote dislike and distrust of all Vampyres. Even some born will allow the power to consume them and become such a creature. 'Tis said that their Immortality is key to derailing even the best of the Kind. Consider that; Immortality, and mayhap you will understand the burdens that come with it. To live ages and ages and be forced to constantly guard one's secrets such as, never aging; vast knowledge garnered through time; powers and abilities beyond any known to Human-Kind; lonliness; watching loved ones age and die; boredom, and so on, is difficult in the extreme. But deal with those they must, in order to survive. What they call 'the curse' can be likened to the laws of ordinary societies. To harm or kill another lands one in prison or earns the death penalty in our society. Without the law of their Kind, some would run rampant and destroy other societies and that is no' the way the world was meant to end. Thus, you might understand how very difficult 'tis for the Kind to incorporate themselves into our society. One might try to imagine how terribly bored one with hundreds and thousands of years behind him/her would become in a modern society, where even the eldest citizen could no' carry on an intelligent enough conversation to satisfy the Immortal. But, 'tis how it must be. Garth and Roman have succeeded, as others have. They go out of their way to step back and readjust their thinking; look upon Mortals as children, growing and learning. Garth has even gone so far as to place himself in the position of teacher; some times at schools of higher learning, other times simply by choosing a particular child whom he feels will benefit from his knowledge, and tutoring the child in his/her studies. So, you see it can be done. Blessed May You Be.

To Jasmine in Texas: As I have oft said, children are gifts, no' possessions. If you have used your parenting skills wisely, planted the seeds of right and wrong, and done all the other things parents should do then you can do no more. 'Tis now his road to travel, his path to choose. Take care you are no' attempting to live out your dreams through your son, as some parents are wont to do. Pulling the plug on his college finances for the simple fact that you do no' like his choice of study would, in my opinion, be unjust. As he has followed your choices up until now, leave him the opportunity to seek and find that which you find unpalatable. 'Tis in his right to learn of his heritage and 'tis my belief you have done him a grave injustice by attempting to hide what is inherent in the both of you. How sad that you would wish to 'prevent' him ever discovering what he is and learning to become. Apparently you have had some bad experience or you fear that others may learn of your heritage and judge you harshly for it. And, apparently, you have the same fears for your son. Whatever the case, he is entitled to know and dwell among his own. I leave you with this: Let him fly or lose him. And it harm none. Blessed May You Be.

To Maryann in Ohio: We are no' a service for that type of need. Contact your local law enforcement and begin the steps. As much as we would love to be able to provide a finder's service for all children, we are no able to do so. Blessed May You Be.

To Darcy in Washington: 'Tis no our path nor do we have any desire to change the face of such matters. We do no' become involved in politics. Whether or no' you like them is beside the point. Do your job and stay out of that which is out of your hands. 'Tis dangerous to step over that line for you will only succeed in placing yourself in the line of fire. Blessed May You Be.

To Craig in Montana: 'Twould be foolish to ignore the facts. However, 'twould be equally foolish to merely assume the worst. She has trusted you with the truth and now 'tis up to you to decide whether or no' you can accept her for who she is, and continue the relationship. She sounds a wonderful person. Given that she will no' allow the relationship to continue without you knowing what you are getting into tells me that she is an exceptional and rare find. Being the solitary Witch that she is will no change your feelings for her unless you allow your fears and uncertainties to intrude. Listen to her and learn, for the Healer of her Kind is most often kind and generous of heart. Whatever you decide, keep her trust, for to out her would only harm her, and with no good reason. To answer your question: Aye, a Witch and an Outsider can certainly co-exist; is being done, the world over. Count yourself blessed to know her and do as you will. Your path of choice lies, waiting. Blessed May You Be.

Christmas tradition

Fair day, all.

As November draws to a close, I have received many requests for information regarding the Christmas season and the Witch's tradition related to that holiday. I am pleased to note that so many of you have done a great deal of research regarding Pagan traditions and delighted I am, for some of you have discovered the parallels between Christianity and Paganism. In fact, some of the older Pagan traditions are the basis for Christian traditions.

The Christmas tree is one such parallel. Pagans have long been devoted to trees. The evergreen in particular is symbolic of eternal life. In olden times it was honored by being decorated; though, never cut down. In modern times Christians rush to purchase the trees that have been cut down for the specific pupose of decorating one's home. Thankfully, laws were eventually passed to protect those in the wild and they are now grown on tree farms for the purpose.

Another parallel is the Yule Log. Christians use it as a decoration for tables and mantles while the Yule Log has long been decorated and burned by Pagans for the purpose of fertility spells and spells of protection. The ashes are preserved for rites during the following Yule season. The Yule Log is generally cut from a yew tree (Pagan tradition) for 'tis thought that Yule derives from the word yew. Chrisitans will use any type of tree for their Yule Log.

Then there is the Yule animal; the boar pig. Whole roast pig is a Pagan tradition and in these modern times Christians are more apt to settle for a pork roast or ham.

Another parallel is the Twelve Days of Christmas (Twelve Nights for Witches). 'Tis a time when Christians and Witches alike celebrate and give gifts. Witches give traditional gifts and indulge in devination, spell-casting, and majic rituals. 'Tis during this time when the thin veil between realms becomes thin or non-existant and Spirits slip across to join with the living devoted to them (such as a loved one who has passed over).

All over the world the Christmas season is celebrated in many fashions for a variety of reasons. 'Tis considered a time for dancing, feasting, singing and gift-giving. Though many of the old traditions have been set aside, or forgotten, by some, the true spirit of Christmas still holds true for the faithful. For Chrisitans 'tis the time to celebrate the birth of the Christ Child, sent to die for their sins. Other faiths have similar celebrations related to their particular God and Savior, and the same is true of Witches who celebrate in the name of their Deities.

What matters most here is that all faiths are free to worship and celebrate in their own fashion, and no one should castigate another for his/her choice of belief. But each of us is charged with remembering the true reason and meaning for the season. While merry-making is an acceptable practice, let it no' take the place of of that which is far and away more important and meaningful.

Home again

Good morning.

This is Garth coming to you. I'd like to thank all of you who e-mailed your concerns for me while I've been away. As I look back on these past few months during which the hurricanes ravaged the southern states and left such devastation in their wakes, I am in awe of the resilience of Human Kind. Seeing the physical damage wrought, first hand, was enough to take this Immortal to his knees. But as I worked among those who lost everything they possessed; watched them refuse to give up, I have to tell you I gained a new respect for people of all walks of life.

I wish to tell you about a particular scenario that is forever burned into my brain. The night after Katrina struck New Orleans, I came upon a young man who was scouring the dark streets, looking for his family. He was soaked to the bone, dirty and unkempt, such that one might have taken him for a street person. From the shadows I watched him progress through an area hard hit; literally,not fit for man nor beast. In the hoarse voice calling out their names, over and over, I heard his deep anguish and fear. I followed him for the better part of two hours; until his voice finally gave out, and he could do no more than croak. He left nothing to chance, overturning debris; forcing his way through dangerously damaged buildings; wandering on and on.

As torrents of rain and wind buffeted him, often threw him down, or tossed him against buildings, I wondered how much more he could take before he was failed by flying debris. But he kept going, head bowed against the elements, searching and searching. Along and along his anguish turned to despair and even as his proud carriage deserted him and his shoulders slumped, he kept on looking. It was at that point that I knew he would go until he could go no more. I stepped out in front of him and when he spotted me, the look on his face nearly failed me. But it was what he said that drove into my heart. With tears streaming down his face he croaked in a broken voice, "Mister, please...help me. I can't find my wife and my little girl. I have to find them before..." He couldn't speak another intelligible word and he fell to his knees and silently wept in despair.

I helped him up and led him away to a building that was reasonably sturdy and there in his raspy, broken voice he told me his story. He'd been working out of state when the news broke that the storm was set to hit New Orleans. He left immediately for home, and while miles and miles of vehicles were streaming out of the state, he was heading into it where his wife and child were waiting until he could get to them. He was within a hundred miles or so of New Orleans when he lost cell phone contact with his wife. The closer he got, he discovered the way into the city had been barricaded. He abandoned his vehicle and continued on foot; dodging roadblocks and hiding from law enforcement agents who he knew would force him to turn back. He made it into the city proper, barely an hour before the hurricane bore down on it. And it was there, in the eye of the hurricane, that he holed-up in an alleyway near Jackson Square.

All through the roaring storm he prayed and prayed that his wife and daughter had found shelter before the storm struck. With no concern for himself, he waited it out; miraculously, managing to stay alive. When the worst was over he began trying to make his way through the French Quarter to his destination. Again, he was forced to hide from law-enforcement, as well as the mongrels with guns and knives who haunted the abandoned city. He ignored the looting and shouting and pressed on though he never made it to where his family was to have waited for him. By nightfall, he knew if they'd remained where he told them to be, they were likely dead. And so he began scouring the dark streets on the off-chance that they'd headed into downtown New Orleans. And that was when I found him.

Like him, I feared they'd perished, for I'd already been where they were supposed to be, and I knew no small woman and child could have survived the devastation that was left behind. But as he would not give up his search, my heart wouldn't allow me to walk away and not help him. And so we searched and searched and then, as dawn approached I found myself in a quandary. I had to leave him on his own or tell him who I was and take him with me. Rather than add to his misery, I made the choice to render him incapable of going on, for I knew there was the possibility that he would drown or come to other harm before I could return.

When the next night fell, he awoke in the upstairs room of an abandoned home. He sat up in bed and a strange look came over his face as he tried to figure out how he'd gotten there and why he'd abandoned his search. He looked at me and I knew I had to answer the questions in his eyes. I provided him with a meal and as he ate, I revealed myself to him. Instead of the shock and disbelief I expected from him, he squared his shoulders and stood up and demanded that I prove myself. While I'd never answered to any such demand, I knew we could move faster and search more thoroughly for his family if we weren't forced to stay afoot. And so I did; disappeared and reappeared then levitated near the ceiling. Again, I witnessed no shock and disbelief but awe and wonder. As he collapsed in his chair, with no thought that he might be in danger, he got excited. In his raspy voice he roundly chastised me for not telling him sooner so that we could have made use of my abilities the previous night. I had to laugh at that and then I left him to go feed, while he finished his meal.

When I returned some few moments later, he was ready to begin the search, anew. And so we did. Through wind and rain, I used my Immortal skills to carry us where we needed to go and used my strength to move debris and such. I kept us invisible as we searched the shelters that housed the thousands of people packed into them. Another two nights passed and he began to lose hope but still, we searched. On the third night we had but one avenue left to us to exhaust. His heart was both broken and overjoyed, simultaneously, for in the flooded ruins of his own home we found them. His five year old daughter was clinging to the hand of his dead wife; both floating among the debris.

If I live to another thousand years I will never understand how that little girl managed to stay afloat all that time. Neither will I understand the full impact of the sorrow and joy my friend experienced. He'd lost his childhood sweetheart but found the gift she'd left behind for him. I'm not ashamed to say I broke down and wept with him for his loss and his find. It was most difficult for him to come to terms with having to abandon his wife's body in order to take his child out of there but he did.

I took them out of there, placed them in Texas with some friends of mine, and went back to retrieve his wife's body for a proper burial. You can't imagine how difficult it was to return and have to tell him that his house was gone and I didn't find her. And as if he hadn't suffered enough, he and his daughter had to flee Texas when hurricane Rita began blowing in. But I'm happy to say that both father and daughter are physically well and while it will take time for them to get over their loss, they now reside within the safety of my circle of trusted friends and allies. He has chosen to raise his child among us and we are all happy to have them. Along and along, when she is old enough to understand, he has our permission to tell his daughter about us. I believe the Fates drew us together and meant them to become part of our circle. I am in awe of the little blonde haired cherub who calls me Uncle Garth and the man with courage of steel, who allows me to hold her, without fear for her safety.

At this writing, I have to constantly wrestle Roman for her time and affection for he, too, has lost his heart to our little cherub. Yep, even big, bad Vampyres can fall in love. Garth.

Riddle solved, and E-mail

Fair day, all.

I hope you all had a happy Thanksgiving.

The answer to our riddle was solved. Only three, Craig from Utah; Onyxroots in Germany; Kelsey from Hawaii, recognized the simlicity that led to the answer. Many is the time one is wont to take something simple and turn it upside down and all about in the effort to make it more difficult. Solutions are no' always difficult, my friends. There is beauty in simplicity if one but takes the time to recognize it. Some of you thought the answer was God, while others thought it was our resident Vampyre, Garth. Go back and study the riddle again, for contained within were the very visible clues, no heart; no soul; no physical body; the ability to be everywhere and nowhere, at will. Thus, you will discover 'twas never a mortal, nor spirit, made to the likeness of man (though some consider it spirit). The answer is the 'Wind'.

'Twas written by a young woman on my staff; recently come among us this past year. Bethany aspires to be a poet and author and she has a wonderful gift for taking the most ordinary words and turning them into beautiful descriptive works of art. She wrote 'Who Am I' in a matter of moments and as I watched her, I realized how easily her thoughts take shape and flow from her fingers, while I, the seasoned writer, struggle to do the same. Some of her works, which she declares no more than scribbles, are absolutely remarkable. She has the gift for touching one's every emotion, as the mood strikes her. In future, I will publish some of her works so that you may also enjoy their beauty.

An now I will turn it over to Kaithlin to publish my responses to your e-mail. Blessed May You Be, Dream Teller.

Bonjour, mes amies. Happy Thanksgiving! Thanks to all of you who responded to the challenge to find the answer to Bethany's riddle. 'Twas fun reading your answers and discovering which direction you took in order to attempt to solve it. The mind is a wonderful tool, and while most of your answers were incorrect, they were quite interesting. And now, on to the business of the day, as we all want to get on with the enjoyment of this holiday. Be safe.

To Derrick in Arizona: Taking time to ponder a situation 'tis never a wasted effort. 'Tis ignoring the signs of danger that will lead one to jump into a situation that may no' bode well for one. As you have obviously discovered the truth of that, do no' second guess yourself. Leave it be, for walking the dark realm without benefit of one to support and guide you will only lead to disaster. If you are meant to receive a visit from her spirit it will happen in due time. To attempt to force the issue by such means is pure folly. Many of us who lose loved ones often think we would do anything to see them, one more time. But the fact that you fear the mode and method of such a sight tells me you are no' ready. You do no' have to 'see' her in order to speak with her. Tell her those things in your heart, for in the saying will you find great comfort. Despair no more, for none of us feels we have said all that needs saying before 'tis too late. Blessed May You Be.

To Tricia in Texas: Witches are both made and born. The true Witch is born of generations of the Kind. Their talents and skills are inherent and throughout life must be honed. The Witch, made, is generally one who has latent talents and is most often discovered by a true Witch or other Kind with inherent senses for discovering the hidden talent/skill. Merely wanting to be a Witch will no' make it so, no matter how hard one studies in order to become. 'Tis rare that an Outsider can accomplish the becoming of Witch by one's self, but it does happen on the occassion. Will it happen for you? Much depends on that. Gobbling up every book on the open market will certainly increase your knowledge base, but unless you can tell fact from fiction... I would suggest that you spend your time getting to know your inner self before you attempt spells contained in those books. Some are harmless, but there are some that 'seem' harmless and will backfire on you unless you know how to protect yourself. The majority are merely ficticious of nature, for true working spells are closely guarded and no' published for everyday consumption. Stay safe and Blessed May You Be.

To Jackson in Maryland: Aye, and fair day to you, also. One does no' always recognize what is right beneath one's nose. Life is a gift and while your path is no' always clear, 'tis a choice you must make in order to proceed. Wrong turns are no' mistakes but stepping stones to discovery, unless one knowingly ignores the signs which prompt one in the true direction. As I have oft said, purposely taking the easy route (low road) will only lead one astray. While many will do so with quicker success in mind, the goal is rarely achieved. 'Tis human nature to take the path of least resistence, for confrontation of any sort is contrary to nature. But life presents confrontations; tests, if you will, and face them one must. Learning the art of confrontation is key to successfully overcoming whatever hurdle one finds in one's path, be it human, or otherwise. Learn that art and apply it accordingly and you will soon discover that 'tis no more than the proper solution to the problem at hand. Blessed May You Be.

To The Wanderer in England: 'Tis of no consequence where you go. Remember the old saying, "You can run but you can't hide". Return and face up to your mistake. One should never take what can easily be traced by the fact that the very essence of the owner is contained within. The longer you attempt to deceive, the greater will be your punishment. Do no' continue to toy with one who is possessed of such power. 'Tis obvious you are being given the opportunity to rectify the deed, else you would no' be in any position to e-mail me. Too, what you have taken can no' gain you anything. Try and sell it and major trouble will beset you. Take heed.

To Jade in Louisiana: 'Tis sound judgement, indeed. Continue on your way, for the goal is a worthy endeavor. Blessed May You Be.

To Diana in Georgia: Turn about is no' the solution for fair play is no' his way. Leave it be and walk away and consider yourself blessed to have escaped. You are no' marked at this point but to continue in that direction will only lead to such a dire consequence. Blessed May You Be.

Zealot, unmasked

Bonjour mes amies.

As the month of November draws to a close, we have seen many changes in the past year. No' only in our own areas but the world over, change is afoot. Weather, political upheaval, and religious values are but a few of those changes that impact our lives. But more, 'tis the growing unrest within ourselves which we must deal with before attempting to deal with the overt unrest brought about by the above changes.

Mayhap our inner turmoil is part and parcel of the general unrest, but there is also that which many of us deny or fail to give name and voice to, which contributes to the overall feelings we sometimes are prone to either ignore or grumble and complain about. How many times have you heard someone say "the world is going to hell in a handbasket", or "life is the pits", or "who gives a damn?" If one buys into such statements then one is likely no' looking for a solution to one's problems, but looking for a way to opt out of taking responsibility for and facing their personal problems.

Who among us wants to delve deeply into his/her own self and take a good look at perceived failures, lack of responsibility, or the like? No' many, I grant you. But to merely skim the surface of life and place blame and responsibility for one's problems on the handiest situation or person, is no' to live at all. Nay, 'tis only a means of existence; just getting by. And mere existence is a sad state of affairs. Were each and every one of us to opt only for getting by, our world would disintegrate around us. Our great Nation would become like those run by dictators, no rights; choices; freedoms.

And while each of us enjoys personal rights, choices, and freedoms there are those who are continuously chipping away at them, while some stand by and allow it to happen. Religious zealots preach gloom and doom and attempt to destroy other religions unlike theirs; political power mongers demand that we adhere to their beliefs and choose to side with their faction; and others, yet, decry one's rights of freedom and choice as unjust, if unlike their own. 'Tis a fine line we walk between freedom and the alternative.

What to do about it? Stand up, speak up, and be counted, otherwise... There is no need to shout in peoples' faces, chain one's self to block some public passage, nor crawl on one's belly, like a serpent, in public to make a point. 'Tis done every day by those who seek to destroy individual's freedoms and choices. Power is in numbers; the ability to shut down the zealots, the nay-sayers, and the takers of others rights.

Case in point: We recently received an e-mail from a highly placed religious zealot who made some bold statements against Witches. He claimed that his God would destroy all Pagans; even those who hold sway with some Christian faiths. (Aye, and there are Witches with dual religious beliefs). But that aside, Pagans have the same rights and freedoms as anyone else. The majority of Pagans are quite amiable sorts; respectful of others' religious beliefs. Sure, there are those few, as in every faith, who disrespect other faiths. But no' all Pagans can be lumped into one lot, anymore than those of other religious persuasions.
He went on to say that Dream Teller is publishing garbage that will warp the morals and values of the innocent, and the 'weak-minded'. Never mind that he considers himself a moral individual, as he set about spewing vitrolic threats. He even went so far as to refer to the Witches of Salem and stated that, like them, modern-day Witches should be hanged or, better yet, burned at the stake, to give them a taste of hells fire. And how heathen is one who makes such a statement?

So, as we continue to try and deal with the aftermath of the hurricane (he claims it was sent down upon us because we are Pagans and that those of other faiths who were affected were collateral damage), we wrestle with the inner turmoil of a personal nature. For myself, I am standing up to be counted; standing firm against the likes of that zealot. And I truly believe his threats will earn him a taste of the fires of Hades, for no Christian would even whisper such vile threats. I do no' have to shout, chain myself, or writhe in the street to get my point across. Rather, I have had my say and I will watch that zealot pounding his pulpit as he goes about fleecing his flock of moral thought, for financial gain. And who is the true heathen? Recognize zealots for what they are, power-mongers; thieves; immoral dogs in the manger.

Blessed May You Be, Kaitlin.

Faery Folk (continued)

Fair day, all. I will continue the discussion of Faery Folk.

Generally, Faeries are placed in two specific catagories; those who determine the fate and destiny of humans, and those who hold dominion over birth, fertility, love, animals and botanicals. Both types are said to be involved with the transition between life and death of their charges. Hence, 'tis understandable that all living things play a part in things of a religious nature.

Birth-spirit Faeries (Fatit)are those whom we know as the Fates (those which bestow a newborn's destiny). Nature-spirit Faeries are those who hold dominion over wild nature and are divided into two catogories, Trooping Faeries and Solitary Faeries. Trooping Faeries live in sophisticated societies much like ours and 'tis said they leave their homes at least once a year; traveling in procession for a specific purpose. Solitary is misleading for the fact that many of this race live in packs. Solitary refers to the fact that they lead a simple existence in forests and water and they do no' troop, for they stay to themselves.

Dryads (Greek origins) are female spirits of the woodlands; guardians of trees, forests, and groves. They are said to make their homes in trees. Myth has it that to see a Dryad is unlucky for, so say, they only make themselves visible when displeased and mean to deliver disciplinary measures to those who would harm their domain. Notably, 'tis the Dryads so often romanticized in fantasy novels which bespeak of the Woodland nymphs. According to my sources, Dryads inhabit modern-day society when they choose to, which lends credence to the fact that as the world evolves, so do other Kinds evolve with the times.

Elves (Teutonic origins) are mistakenly thought to be a race of Faery. But 'tis no' the case, as they are a race unto themselves. They figure prominently in childrens' tales and are often portrayed as minature Beings; particularly, as Santa's helpers. In truth, Elves present in every shape and size (like humans). They have their own kingdom that directly parallels human societies and some are benevolent while others are hostile. They freely move about in modern society (changing times) and make use of any amenity, as we do, to better their existence. Certainly, they have the ability to amass great fortunes (they are highly intelligent), appear and reappear (they are spirits), and live according to their own code. Some are wont to avail themselves of Human-Kind and 'tis a known fact that Elfin children are born of those associations. 'Tis rare, those children, but they have distinguishing characteristics that set them apart from their fully human counterparts. Those children are tiny, have pointed ears, sweet countenances, and are extremely intelligent; well beyond their age. Sadly, they do no' survive to adulthood (rarely past toddler stage) and 'tis thought that is so because Elvin and Human genetics are no' compatible. To meet an Elvin-Human child is a most delightful experience (aye, and I have) for 'tis to come away with a sense of beauty and innocence that transcends any other.

Lauma (Lithuanian origins) can be seen (if they choose to be seen) near clear springs at night and spinning beneath the moon. 'Tis thought their activities link the worlds of Fatit and that of the Nature-Spirit race. Myth has it that Lauma were guardians of the poor and protectors of orphaned children but at this writing, I have been unable to verify the legendary belief. But 'twould be wonderful to confirm such a legend, non?

I will stop there for today and have Kaithlin address some of your e-mail. Blessed May You Be.

Bonjour, mes amies. 'Tis a rather bleak, cold day in the South, this morning. However, I will no' complain, as some of our sister states are experiencing much worse conditions and I am too thankful that I am no' trudging through snow and ice! Brrrr! Some of us Southerners much prefer the languid heat and humidity common to our area the major part of the year. Alas... Well, on to business:

To Antoinette in Italy: Aye, your country's history is rich in lore, and I am aware that Italians are fiercely passionate about their myths and legends. I am also aware of the many Covens of Witches that reside there; in fact, have had some pleasant dealings with one of those. Italians are most warm and welcoming and the Coven greeted me with their wonderful brand of friendship. I thank you for your offer to speak at your Coven's gathering this month but due to the recent hurricane damage we incurred, my time is limited. Mayhap in the future? Blessed May You Be.

To Jacie in Arkansas: The line between White and Black Majic is oft blurred to one who has little knowledge of either practice. 'Tis best to seek other avenues, for Outsiders who dabble in the unknown can easily find themselves in over their heads. Unless you know a reputable practicioner of the White Arts who can ascertain whether or no' your 'friend' is whom he claims to be, 'twould be folly to take him at his word. Follow your instincts and Blessed May You Be.

To Marrissa in New York: She is your child and therefore your responsibility. A fifteen year old has no business hanging out at such places for those are dangerous in the extreme. Role playing can and oft does progress into the dark realm where children are lured for evil purposes. 'Tis your duty to parent and no' to try and be her friend. Both of you should steer clear of Vampyre haunts lest you stumble upon the real thing. Blessed May You Be.

To Michael in Florida: We all have much to give thanks for this Thanksgiving. Look forward, no' back for the true path lies before you and what is behind is done. Salvage what you can of your life and leave her to go her own way. 'Tis her choice to make and if in the making she stumbles and falls, you can no' be held responsible. Make haste, for life is short. Blessed May You Be.

To Jeb in Louisiana: 'Tis no' your task to retrieve it. Leave the owner to that, for mayhap 'tis meant to be. Something of that nature is dangerous to the inexperienced and requires a knowledgeable individual to handle it. What you have described leads me to believe it belongs to one who is Warlock, and more than likely 'twas placed there for a specific purpose. Stay away and do no' interfere. Blessed May You Be.

To David in Indiana: The choice is yours. Take care to choose the right path. Blessed May You Be.

A staff member speaks out.

Morning, all.

Here at the Lair we've been extremely busy packing and preparing for the move to our new physical location. We will all miss this location because for some of us it was our first place of association with Dream Teller. But as she often reminds us, life is a journey; a series of changes, some expected and some not. We all know this move will be most difficult for Dream Teller. Here is where she spent the final weeks with her beloved spouse, caring for him until his death. She has found comfort in these surroundings that hold precious memories of that time, as well as those of sorrow. Yet, she smiles and goes on with her journey. And so will we.

Our next location is new to the staff but not to Dream Teller. She is moving into the family home where she can keep a watchful eye over her beloved, elderly father. Maintaining one's own life as well would present something of a challenge for others but Dream Teller is, first and foremost, a caretaker and is blessed with a wonderful loving family. Their strong ties have served the family well over the years and it is from that family that the many of us, without family of our own, have come to know the true depth of caring and sharing.

Life... Without exception, every curve and bend in the road is frought with uncertainty. At some point in life, it falls to each of us to adjust our plans, accordingly. Those who are unwilling to navigate those curves and bends and yield to the tasks they encounter, in lieu of their own wants and desires, stand to discover the raw truth about themselves. Selfishness and shortsigtedness will always come back to haunt that type of individual. Those are the folks who whine and moan their way through life; take exception to having their lives burdened with what they consider most unfair. I have witnessed such, time and again, and it is difficult to feel sorrow for the shirker.

Where am I going with this? It is my hope that I will reach at least one person, (who willingly or inadvertantly, as the case may be, turns a blind eye to others in need) in time to turn them in the right direction. Why? It is my path; teaching, calling attention to wrongs that must be righted, before it is too late. In our line of work, we see so many in need of assistance; both children and adults. And sad to say but their loved ones; often family members, and/or friends, are too busy or uncaring enough to put themselves out to help. Rather, they expect others to take up the task for what is most often considered a burden.

Modern society has led many to forget from whence they came; forget those who helped get them where they are, and forget the importance of returning the love and caring. If you are one of those who have forgotten what it is to need assistance I adjure you, take stock. Pause and reflect upon all who provided you with the means to successfully accomplish your goals and desires. For one who fails to give back will fail to attain a higher plane of existence. Whether that assistance be in the form of taking charge of a family member; giving of your time, or seeking other needed assistance for someone, open your eyes and heart to their plight. Don't fob them off on someone else, or some public entity, merely to salve your conscience or make it easier for you.

If you have no one close in need of your assistance, take a little time out of your busy life and volunteer your services. Nursing homes, hospitals, and children's service organizations all need assistance caring for their wards. One of our colleagues recently put himself out to find assistance for a family of children who lost their parent in the hurricane that destroyed their home, too. That colleague faces his own losses, yet...

Life is not just about you or me, nor will it ever be. It is not just about climbing social and financial ladders in order to show off one's expertise in achieving those particular goals. Without a heart, one's soul is in dire straits. Closed minds and hearts will only earn you what your selfish efforts deserve. Look ahead and navigate the bends and curves in life, with care and concern. If you look back and see your path strewn with those you have carelessly neglected to lend aid to, someone will certainly forget to lend you a helping hand in your time of need. Take heed, and fair warning, Gretchen.

E-mail and messages

Bonjour mes amies.

You will note that we have gone to larger print to accomodate those who have let us know they have difficulty reading the smaller print. Per force, the posts will appear longer but such will no' be the case. I will post Dream Teller's answers to some mail then post some messages. We begin:

To Jeff in Minnesota: I am pleased you enjoy the recent posts regarding Faery Folk. I accessed the two web sites you mentioned and found them to be both beautifully constructed and particularly interesting. While some of the information is in direct conflict with what I am offering, by no means do I think the authors are attempting to mislead. Remember, each of us has the right to offer what we feel is of importance. Each person perceives historical and mythological information differently, as with any other topic of interest. In so far as few can claim actual knowledge of Faery Folk, one must make one's own choice to believe, or no', what they are reading.The same holds true with any Kind being discussed. I continue to receive mail from some of our good visitors who view my blog as no more than entertainment. 'Tis as it should be, for if you recall (if no', check my archieves) I began this venture by stating that the blog would serve two purposes; informational, for those seeking truth, and entertainment for those seeking only that. Blessed May You Be.

To Melinda in West Virginia: Be still and listen. Once you re-learn to hold your focus, the noise will recede and the message will come clear. Very often, following a tragic event in one's life, former abilities fade to the background until the tragedy is dealt with. My deepest condolences for your loss, dear. While you are a 'Solitary' there are times when one needs to surround one's self with family and others of one's Kind. Seek those who have offered you support and share your burden, for 'tis to great to carry alone. Remember that children are Innocents and they move on to a higher plane, when taken from us at an early age. As you well know, to continue to contact your child's spirit at this early stage will more than likely confuse her. Leave her to come to you in her own time then give her the freedom to move into the light, and all will be well with her. For your own good, give yourself permission to grieve and then move on with your life. You already know these things but they are extrememly difficult to apply to one's self. Your child has completed her earthly tasks and now you must endeavor to complete yours. Blessed May You Be.

To Garret in Georgia: 'Tis a choice only you can make. Let faith be your guide and allow no one to cause you to waver in what you already know to be the right choice of path. Do no' romanticize what has no romantic basis, for to do so will lend you heartache and ills. The easy path rarely proves out and deception is no way of life. Blessed May You Be.

To Justine in California: Why ever would you toss aside truth for lies? Follow your instincts; examine what you have told me, and there will you find your answer. No matter what is told you, one can no' ressurect the past, and nor should one try. 'Tis the present and the future which you must consider and strive to live both, well. He who pressures you to turn away from family and friends will lead you down the dark path. Stay away, and leave him to his dark journey, for he is lost. Blessed May You Be.

To Raven in Louisiana: Blessings upon you, as well. I thank you for your timely intervention, for all children deserve protection. Our wonderful state suffered a terrible blow but 'tis my heartfelt belief that she will rise again, and be the better for it. The Warlock Gregory is presently making arrangements for shelter for the children, and he will be in direct contact with you within the week. There is a very special couple willing to take them in and keep them together. Reassure them, as you have been doing, that they will no' be separated nor left to fend for themselves. Aye, their present situation is sad but as there is no help for it, among us we can see that their future is assured. 'Tis your calling which has greatly endeared you to us and I look forward to meeting with you. Blessed May You Be.

To Beth in Maine: The move should prove to be a successful one. Continue along your chosen path, for the light of protection surrounds you. You are gifted and most wise, and many will benefit from your gifts. At this time, Garth is unavailable but in due time he will check into your concerns. 'Tis his area of expertise and I am certain he can handle the situation without anyone being the wiser. Stay clear until he assesses the situation. Blessed May You Be.

To all who have inquired of Garth: Nay, he has no' answered our summons to return from the field. As you all know, he is quite stubborn, and 'tis his big heart that leads him to exhaust himself in his efforts to render aid where most needed. His beloved Jessica is with him and so we leave her to rein him in when she sees the need to do so; and rein him in, she will.

Fair day, all; Dream Teller.

Faery (continued), and more.

Fair Day, all.

Our mail this past week indicates how many of you are interested in the diffierent races of Faery, and their origins. Some have disagreed with me on one point or another but, if you recall, I made my position clear. My information is derived of research which I then cross reference with certain of my colleagues, who have first hand knowledge of certain of these Beings. History and Lore are rich with confliciting accountings and no' all can proved nor disproved. And so I remain steadfast in offering what is yours to believe or reject.

The Tylwyth Teg (Fair Family) are of Welsh origins. They are reknowned for their shape-shifting abilities and so 'tis no' surprising there are many and varied reports of them maifesting as Human Kind, in a variety of sizes. Theirs is an organized society of both males and females, which is ruled by a King. The Tylwyth Teg are indigenous to remote areas such as forests, mountainous regions, and islands off the Welsh coastlines. Modern-day accountings of Woodland Faeries, nocturnal spirits, are thought to be descendants of the Fair Family. Their race if often romanticized in fantasy novels, for 'tis their love of dance and music and Faery Rings which appeal to the Human senses.

The Keshalyi race are of Romanian origins. As their name is thought to be derived from the word for 'spindle', so it goes that the Keshalyi are directly associated with the deities who spin the threads of fate. The race prefers remote forests and mountain glades and most often they are encountered in Transylvania (aye, there truly is such a place). Lore has it thatAna, Queen of the Keshalyi, was beautiful, kind, and generous and lived in a glorious castle. So beautiful that the King of Demons (malevolent spirits known as Locolico) fell in love with her but his advances were spurned. In retaliation, he and his band of demons stormed the castle and began devouring her race. Ana agreed to marry him to spare the others of her race. So said, she bore him ten children and horrified by her progeny, she inflicted disease upon them. A pact was struck between the couple so that Ana gained her freedom in exchange for her promise to marry one of the King's Locolico whenever one of the Keshalyi reached 999 years of age. Her shame and remorse led her to hide within her palace from which she rarely ventures. Mayhap the Keshalyi association with fate and the subsequent shame of Ana is why The Fates (three sister deities) are notorious for their rigid, often uncompromising way of dealing justice to all Kinds.

Blessed May You Be, Dream Teller.

Bonjour, mes amies. Although we said we would no' have time for brain teasers for a while, one of our staff wrote one in her spare time and Dream Teller agreed we could present it. This is no' a contest with which a prize will be awarded, but merely a fun thing. All the clues are given here, so guess it if you can.

Who Am I?

A phantom I will ever be,

Where e'er I choose to roam.

No ties to bind nor capture me,

For all the world is home.

I am many things but wear no face,

Upon for tears to rest.

I give and take but have no soul,

No heart within my chest.

I've crossed vast oceans in my time,

Haunted every moonlit shore,

Hovered 'pon yon crags and moors,

Above the ocean's roar.

I've raced across the flatlands,

With no legs to carry me,

Fallen silent; ever watchful,

With no eyes for which to see.

I've whispered gentle words of love,

No voice with which to speak.

Tasted all life has to give,

Though no tongue was given me.

I've keened in abject sorrow,

Oft wailed in misery,

I've whispered through the ages,

Of joyous times with thee.

I've roared my fury loud and long,

Sent the mighty to their knees,

Inflicted death upon the lands,

And stirred the mighty seas.

I'm felt though I am never touched,

And never have been seen,

A spirit I will ever be,

For phantom is my mien.

Beautiful, non? Blessed May You Be, Kaithlin

Faery

Fair day to all.

I have received many inquiries concerning Faeries; the least understood of Kinds in the mortal world. I have no' had the good fortune to personally make the acquaintence of these folk but I have done much research over the years. There is a plethora of information one may access in search of the truth of the various races of Faery, and many times I have turned to those of my colleagues who have 'actual' knowledge, to guide me. I have also visited many websites which pay homage to the Kind, as many of you have done, and so I will attempt to impart truth rather than make them all out to be the sweet little winged creatures most preferred by mortals. As there are many races, I will address a few at a time, until I have spoken to each of those.

Most notable are the Gaelic Sidhe (pronounced shee), and many consider Sidhe the 'true' Faery Folk. Some claim Sidhe are ancient Celtic Gods who exist in Ireland, the Scottish Highlands, and on the Isle of Man. Others claim the Sidhe are Pagan spirits of Ireland known as Tuatha de Danann (children of Danu). Purportedly, the legendary race ruled Ireland then were defeated by invaders and took shelter in earth barrows (sidhe), from which the name was derived. The Tuatha de Danannn are also known as Marcra shee (translates to fairy cavalcade) or slooa-shee (fairy host). Some consider the Sidhe to be God-like while others claim they are demons who are earth-bound. The Sidhe are said to belong to an elaborately structured society which parallels human society. Mayhap that is due to historical accounts that Sidhe have intense relationships with humans, characterized by both love and hostililty.

The solitary Sidhe are considered a separate race; and are commonly associated with death. The Bean-Sidhe (translates to banshee) which means Fairy Woman or Woman of the Faery Mound (faery mound is another name for barrow). 'Tis long been told that the Bean-Sidhe brings about death or injury to any who hear her wail. But according to my sources, the Bean-Sidhe do no' kill or injure, nor does she wail for just anyone. Rather, she attaches to a particular family. When a member of the family dies (natural death) she is the personal escort to the realm of the dead, and her wails signify her mourning for the passing.

Next are the Baobhan Sith (pronounced Buhvan shee) which translates to 'Faery Woman', also indiginous to the Scottish Highlands. They are shape-shifters who take the form of hooded crows or ravens; for the purpose of protecting animals in the forest. They also manifest themselves as women for the 'faery dance' and are mostly benevolent spirits unless sufficiently angered. Hunters are most likely to get on their dark side, for it is said that only spiritually initiated hunters who perform correct hunting rituals which enable animals to resurrect and return to life, are permitted to hunt. Legend has it that the Baobhan Sith manifest as beautiful women to lure and seduce the ininitiated hunter to his death.

I will stop here and move on to answer some of your e-mail:

To Josh in Delaware: Esbats are celebratory days which generally equate to any scheduled traditional ritual for Covens or solitary Witches. Those are usually celebrated in conjunction with a new moon or a full moon; thus, there are thirteen annual esbats (fourteen with the occassional blue moon). No' all Witches celebrate both new and full moon, which goes back to the traditions of the particular Witch or Coven. They are joyous celebrations in which moonlight charges the body with majical energy; the reason many Witches prefer to celebrate sky-clad (without clothing). What you have described is by no means evil, but the way of practicioners of White Majic, and more than likely, you did no' go unnoticed in your hiding place. Were it the celebration of practicioners of Black Majic, you would no' be around to ask your questions. Take care no' to brand all Witches as evil-doers. Blessed May You Be.

To Danie in Texas: Sigils are specific to majical and spiritual purposes. They are seals; geometric designs enclosed in a circle. Commanding and compelling spirits makes use of such seals since each spirit possesses a specific sigil. The book you allude to gives me pause for concern and makes me wonder why you would wish to attempt such actions as to call upon spirits, of which you have no real knowledge. 'Tis a dangerous proposition; that, for you will certainly blunder into what you can no' handle. Do no' romanticize that which is far from romantic, but more, a path into darkness. Return the book to its owner and no harm will be done. Blessed May You Be.

To Jacey in Arkansas: In as much as that particular information would serve you no useful purpose, I will no' impart the specifics to you. 'Tis a dangerous situation you are involved in and I will no' be a party to it. You are far too young to know what is best in that situation, and I plead with you to take no part in such a ceremony. You are at great risk, child. Take yourself away from them and do no' believe they have welcomed you and are acting in your best interests, for no' 'tis the case. Your innocence and naiivte are the draw, and nothing more. Blessed May You Be.

Information and e-mail

Bonjour, mes amies.

Many of you are asking why no comments are allowed on our posts. At the beginning, we explained that we welcome your comments when offered in an acceptable manner. But due to the fact that there are always those who use foul language and threats, we prefer to have you e-mail your comments so that we can weed out the offensive language. As in the past, we answer both negative and positive e-mail; for everyone is entitiled to voice their opinions. To post both question and answer separately would require too much space, so we incorporate them so you will get a clear understanding of the process.

You've also inquired why we do no' share links with other blogs and the same applies. Because we have no control over the information offered by others, we choose no' to go down that road. Mayhap, in the future, once we are established in our new location, we will look into a possible sharing of links. That of course will require checking those out and having Dream Teller's permission, for as you all know, she is extremely dedicated to providing correct information.

If you wish to e-mail us and direct us to other sites you consider worthy of sharing, we will endeavor to check those out as time allows. Another issue that arises is preventing unsavory characters from using our blog to lure our visitors to dangerous sites, and there are many. Too, several times in the past, hackers have attempted to silence us, so you can understand that we must take every precaution. This is for your safety as well as ours. And now, Dream Teller's answers to some of our mail:

To all of you cat lovers who have inquired about Mystic Man: Our resident manx weathered the Hurricane along with us and to his credit, he did well considering the circumstances. But as we returned home to discover the damage, I gave considerable thought to putting him through more trauma and came to the conclusion he deserved more than I could possibly give him at this time. Therefore, I placed him with a family member whose home was no' damaged and up and running within a week of our return. I am pleased to say that Mystic has settled in nicely, and has become king of his new surroundings. I visit him as often as I can, marvel at how large he has gotten, and I realize that given his affection for his new family, he is right where he belongs. He is fast becoming his old self and that gives me peace of mind.

To Greer in Oklahoma: Given the extraordinary circumstances of the recent past and the weeks to come, we will celebrate the Witchs' holidays on a much smaller scale, for the rest of this year and the beginning of the next. We have had to scrap many of our plans which included those new Outsiders we were bringing among us. Those already with us will continue as planned, and you will hear from them along and along. Blessed May You Be.

To Tracey in Wisconsin: Nay, the Warlock Gregory will no' be addressing that gathering. His home was nearly destroyed and he and his family will be involved in the building of their new home. He is first and foremost bound by his duties to his family and his coven, many of whom also face the rebuilding of their homes. Too, the only outside interests he will handle for the rest of the year are those charities closest to his heart; those for children. He will no' allow anything to stand in the way of those, for they are dependant upon him for most of their funds. Blessed May You Be.

To Brad in Texas: Aye, and we thank you for your concern but we are all safe and sound; if somewhat weary and disorganized. I do no' consider the hurricane a test of any sort; but a natural occurrence of nature. To be sure, our patience is being tested but given what we face, that, too, is normal. As much as many of you would enjoy a new game to tease your minds, that will have to wait until after the first of the New Year. The same applies for the publication of my novel; which I have put last on my long list of things to do. As I concentrate on the here and now, I also look forward to the New Year, for the last has been extrememly stressful. Blessed May You Be.

To Carron in Idaho: Thank you for your concern. Aye, losing my spouse this past March and now this upheaval has taken a toll, but I concentrate on my strengths rather than my weaknesses. 'Tis thankful I am that he did no' have to suffer through the trauma of the storm, along with his illness. I know he is with me in spirit, comforting and directing me, and I draw strength from that. He will always be in my heart and that we will carry me through whatever the future holds. Blessed May You Be.

To James in New York: What you believe 'tis of no consequence to me. You are entitled to your beliefs and I take no offense. However, I do take offense with your demand that I show proof of the danger innocents face as targets of those ill-intentioned rogues who seek to use Nature's disasters to further their agendas. Anyone with a modicum of common sense can figure out that one. 'Tis during times of chaos and confusion that innocents are most vulnerable, and what better time than those, for evil-doers to come out into the open? What better time to do their destructive deeds and no one be the wiser for how certain ones met their deaths? Decomposed bodies leave little evidence and those never found will be considered casualties of circumstance. 'Tis your choice to believe in such heathens, or no'. Consider yourself blessed that you have no' met up with one of them.

To Melinda in Alabama: Nay, child. 'Tis no' a message from me or mine. Take care that you are no' lured into danger of that nature. I have no knowledge of that particular website; and I did no' condone any site as an alternative to my blog during the disaster. As always, such times come in handy to those who would lure innocents to danger. Do no' expose yourself or your personal information to them. I will endeavor to access the site and see what I can do to prevent the owner from claiming allegiance with us. Blessed May You Be.

A message to all: Any who claim allegiance with the Lair are no' such allies. Unless you are directed to another site from here, do no' fall for that line. My blog is the only site from which we work, and never do we ask for personal information unless you are personally contacted by us. Beware and take care. Blessed May You Be.

To Garth wherever you are: 'Tis time to come in and take a break. You can no' continue on without rest, and well you know it, my friend. Gregory desires to speak with you upon your rising this evening. 'Tis of great importance that you contact him by his private cell number. Blessed May You Be.

Fair day to one and all.

A 'Special' Individual

Bonjour mes amies.

We have been receiving so much e-mail the last few days, and your well-wishes are most appreciated. I welcome the newcomers to our blog, as well. 'Tis well nigh impossible to answer all the mail that sat in our boxes while our systems were down, so we will start fresh.
So many of you have shown such generous hearts and we all would like you to know that your kindnesses have lifted our spirits.

As we began sifting through the new mail, we were no' surprised by the discovery we made. In fact, we are pleased that those of you who visit with us on a regular basis have bonded with certain of our colleagues. Aye, and thus we ordered your inquiries, accordingly. While the inquiries for each of us were fairly even, 'twas a particular Vampyre who was most often asked after. Again, no surprise there. It appears that as we described him along and along, our Roman became dear to many hearts. Was it the tall, dark, and handsome description that lured you? That he is Vampyre? Mayhap those played into it, but most often mentioned were two things; his shyness (so at odds with how he presents himself) and his protective nature toward females and children.

At the beginning, when we first introduced him, there were many who found it difficult to conceive of such a Being. Understandable, given that he is a Hunter; a Warrior, if you will. But like the rest of us, you are coming to understand that all is no' always as it seems. While most people have preconceived notions regarding Vampyres, one must look beneath the veneer to discover the truth of one's nature. Aye, he is shy but one must balance one's understanding of him with knowledge of his Kind, rather than with romantic notions. So, and again, no' surprisingly, Roman has a following of both females (who want to protect him) and males ( who desire to be like him). But even with that, the majority of you do realize that Roman is best left to himself. Until such time that he feels comfortable in the presence of Mortals, he will continue to go his own way; alone, for the most part. The last thing he would want is for anyone to feel sorry for him. Roman makes his own choices, plays by his own rules, and lives life on his terms. 'Tis how it should be.

As he has yet to return to the fold, he has no' seen your inquiries but I think he will be surprised at how many of you care about him. 'Tis your caring and acceptance of him that will lend him support, as he continues to learn to navigate the mortal realm.

From the rest of us to all of you who are concerned for us, know that we feel blessed to have such staunch believers in all that we are and what we do. Your concerns tell us that we are accomplishing what we set out to do, here; open the lines of communication between Outsiders and other Kinds. I bid you fair day and Blessed May You Be, Kaithlin.

Reality

Fair day, all.

'Tis a new day. While 'tis my usual to greet you with a 'good' morning, under the circumstances of the past weeks, I have forsaken that particular greeting. Certainly there is much good to be found in the chaos surrounding us but 'tis difficult to put voice to. Our reality has become surreal for we can no' look past the devestation that greets us upon awakening. 'Tis such that we will face it for weeks and months to come.

Reality. To many of us, ne' er again will it appear the same. Mayhap, 'twas a wake-up call to teach us that complacency is no' to be tolerated; life, ne'er to be taken for granted. Many of you might think that those of us here at the Lair lead surreal lives to begin with. But we would say such is no' the case, for ours is merely a different lot than yours. Many of you are likely wondering why, with our inherent powers and skills, we did no' attempt to turn the tide of destruction from our path. If you take a moment to consider the enormous consequences of such a fete then you can easily figure out the answer to that.

One does no' send death and destruction down another's path for one's own gain. Furthermore, such an attempt flies in the face of all that is right and good; defiles the law of White Majic, 'And it harm none'. Like every living being on this planet, we must leave Nature and the Fates to do as they will.We can no' place ourselves above others, for the fact that we possess higher powers. Too, changes are brought about for a purpose and though we have no sense of the purpose, 'tis as it should be.

We are now charged with picking up the pieces of our lives and moving on. Looking back serves no purpose, nor does whining and crying, "Why me?" I urge all who suffered losses from the Hurricanes to look forward; be tireless in your efforts to begin anew. For life is what we make of it, no' what life makes of us. Know in your hearts that each of you has what it takes to rebuild and go forward. When it seems impossible, remember that many were twice hit; as was the case with the good folks of New Orleans and the surrounding towns.

For those out of harms way on both occassions, I urge you to lend whatever aid you can. And when you grow weary of continually hearing of the mass devestation that occurred, remember that so many are living with it each and every day, for a long time to come. At the moment, 'tis all they can see around them; and all must be dealt with, accordingly.

As Kaithlin told you in her last post, we will be moving the Lair to a different location. 'Tis a daunting task, given the communication systems we rely upon. But we will manage and, hopefully, be the better for it. We will keep you abreast of the changes as they occur, to the best of our ability. In the meantime, those of you who are e-mailing us with questions as to where to send aid in the form of clothes, food, and money; look first to churches and other organizations in the hard-hit areas that get aid directly to those who need it.

Sad to say, but we have heard many stories of the larger disaster organizations that have failed in their tasks. 'Tis no' to say that those organizations should be overlooked but 'tis been our experience that churches and food banks are doing an excellent job ministering to those in need.Get on the internet and find out where displaced people are being sent; access the local news for the towns and cities along the Gulf Coast, and there you will find a list of the churches and other small distribution points rendering aid. With that, I must caution you about sending money to strangers who claim to be 'helping' the Hurricane victims, for many are only helping themselves. Do no' be hoodwinked into sending cash, for legitimate organizations will gratefully accept checks.

As we all know, during such times of crisis, the scam-artists crawl out of their holes and prey upon victims and those who desire to help them. I caution you again; be wise. If you hear of any who committ such crimes as stealing, price-gouging, and the like, do no' hesitate to report them to the authorities. Zero tolerance was never more neccessary than now, and 'tis working, for I have seen it with my own eyes.

I would like to take this opportunity to commend all the law enforcement agencies, the fire departments, and the armed forces, that have worked, tirelessly, in their efforts to render aid and protect the public. Many of those folks suffered their own losses, yet they stayed behind; weathered the storms, and continue to do their jobs in the aftermath. And last but by no means least, I wish to commend my colleagues for their tireless efforts to protect the public. Many of them are still out in the field and even as they lost their own homes, they lend assistance where 'tis needed. Blessed May All Be, Dream Teller.

A message from Kaithlin

Bonjour mes amies.

Wow, what a wild journey this has been! Aye, this is Kaithlin and I have finally made it back to the Lair, only to discover that many of my friends and colleagues are still displaced. You might imagine our panic at no' hearing from Dream Teller for ever so long, but she has finally returned, too. And we are so happy to learn that she is well, if a bit battle weary.

Only yesterday were we able to access the Internet, but our phone lines are still down. At least we can check in with one another via the web, and we are beginning to hear from more of our colleagues. 'Tis amazing to discover that several of them wound up in such diverse places and circumstances during Hurricane Rita. As you might understand, we are all so tired of hearing about the storm, but seeing the damage she wrought is far more wearing on us.

I wish to thank all of you out there in the states the storm bypassed, for your support and contributions to those in need. As we seek to get things in order here (aye, the Lair was in the middle of the eye of the storm), we are learning of far worse damage right in our own backyard. 'Tis sad to see so many homes and so much of the environment destroyed. But as Justin said, yesterday, we are a resilent lot and we will overcome our adversities.

I know others are tired of hearing of the Hurricane but if you can grasp the scope of the destruction, mayhap you will bear with those of us who keep talking about it. You see, we always knew we were overdue for a big one, and that it happened has given those of us in the storm's path a new perspective regarding life, in general. We have been forced to realize the things we unwittingly take for granted; forced to witness such terrible losses that have left so many homeless and near hopeless. But we will no' fall victim to the hopelessness and as Dream Teller pointed out only this morning, at least we have the means to move or repair the damages done to our properties. Others are no' so fortunate and so, as we go about rebuilding our lives and dreams, we hope you will join us in praying for those less fortunate. As you know, we believe prayer to be a mighty tool and weapon and it has proven itself so, in the past. So keep the prayers going; open your hearts and minds to the opportunities that abound to help others. For what you give will return to you...

In the very near future, we will be moving the Lair to another location, but the move should no' interfere with our ability to post to our blog. Before we make the move, communications will be in place at our new location and while things will be somewhat different there, we will manage to make it home. As this place was home for awhile, we will miss it but 'tis no' unusual for us to move about, for safety reasons.

And now to let you know: We have heard from the Warlock Gregory and most of his family, all of whom lost their homes to Katrina and/or Rita. Gregory and JoHaunna will rebuild, as will their children. We have also heard from Garth and Roman who rode out both storms, as they sought to protect innocents from falling prey to our enemies. Roman has recovered from the injuries he received during the wrath of Katrina and he will be dispatched in the next few days, to seek out those enemies who took advantage of the storm for their vile purposes. All of our Council members have returned and are now assessing where our efforts most need be. The list of needs is lengthy but we will manage, somehow.

Stay safe, and Blessed May You Be, Kaithlin

Just when you think....

Welcome back, one and all.

At the last posting to our blog, we were bringing you up to speed on our progress following the massive Hurricane Katrina. Who would have thought another disaster would follow so closely on her heels? Aye and while some of our colleagues were caught in that tragedy, and others of us were scattered, attempting to aid the victims in Louisiana, Alabama, Florida and Mississipi, Hurricane Rita bore down on those of us located in South East Texas and Western Louisiana, and again, Mother Nature revisited Florida and New Orleans. The Gulf Coast regions have suffered major blows, to be sure, but we are a hardy lot and we will rebuild.

Goes to show that just when you think you are in full control of your life, there is something far greater than in the offing to make one sit up and take notice. Mother Nature is never to be ignored, for while she may show us her majestic beauty, she will also show us her dark side. And so she has.

Only today, some of our communication systems were restored; and thankful we are to be able to get in touch with our colleagues and friends. For weeks we were without means of knowing one anothers whereabouts, and we are still waiting to hear from some of our own. So as we set about getting things back in order, assessing damage, and replacing our communication centers, know that in the very near future our blog will be up and running again. In the meantime we will post short information messages, as we find time, and we hope you will stay in touch with us until we are restored to full power. Blessed May You Be, Justin, Office Communications for 'The Lair'.