Meet and Greet - a new ally

Fair day, all.

I am Giselle, a true Witch, born; here with you at Dream Teller's invitation. I have been a visitor to this Blog since its inception, as have so many of my Kind. The Lair has become an important go-between for those of us who have need for alternate means of communication. It serves us well and that is what I will speak about this day.

I consider myself a modern Witch, though I keep to many of the old ways. It has become incumbent upon all Witches to keep up with these modern times but without losing touch with the past that has served us well. Naturally, our younger generations find it far less difficult to keep pace with modern society than our elders, who remain suspicious of Outsiders, and for very good reasons. As you know, ours has been an historically secretive society for many genreations. And even today, much of that secrecy continues.

I am continually amazed at the number of Outsiders who yet reject the idea of our existence. In a time when many bizarre life styles easily gain acceptance, people shun Witches; whether that be for what we are or for our religious beliefs. What is the wrong in caring for and nurturing Mother Earth? Where is the danger in calling upon our powers to heal the harm done the Earth and Nature? Outsiders will oblige the many industries that rape and destroy soil and air and cause diseases to spread among the population, and all in the name of progress and a paycheck. Yet, when Witches gather to pray and heal (practice our religion) we are looked upon as an abhorrent lot. So you understand why the secrecy continues among my Kind and why we need every avenue available to us to communicate within our own network.

The Lair has become safe haven to many of us and here we have met more of our Kind; made new friends and allies. And it is through Dream Teller and the Lair where we have met other Kinds and are learning to co-exist. It has been an interesting journey, to say the least, and an on-going one. Communications to and from the Lair reach far and wide and has become for us the most modern, dependable means of communication. I think the beauty of Dream Teller's system is the combining of the old and the new. For no matter if modern communication systems fail from time to time, the network of alliances is now in place. I have never seen a more intricate yet simple system in place; the beautiful blending of the latest technology with what is old as time; the tried and true.

What has amazed me (difficult to do) is learning of the number of Outsiders who are willing to accept other Kinds and are who eager to assist us. I only learned that recently, and believe me it was a pleasant surprise. I admit, I had some reservations about this membership drive Dream Teller unveiled. But when she outlined the plan and her reasons, it soon became clear that yet another 'simple' endeavor has so many possibilities. At present, the Lair's staff is carefully screening applications and I have noticed a tad of excitement when they come upon a possible recruit for the team. But one must pass the scrutiny of the Council before attaining an intimate position among the team and that is well and good. The Council members have the final say, as it should be, for they will leave no stone unturned in making certain the applicants can be safely brought into the fold.

I am pleased, honored, to be accepted as friend and ally and I look forward to meeting those of you who will eventually enter our realm. We have much to learn from one another and much to offer each other. It is my hope that one day Witches will be accepted as contributing members of your society. We are among you, have been, always will be. We are no different than regular members of todays society, other than the differences in our abilities. We work at a living as you do, socialize as you do, maintain homes and families as you do. And given the chance we will befriend you. Blessed Be.

Bonjour, mes amies.

I hope you enjoyed meeting Giselle. We were introduced but a few weeks ago, and I have found her to be a most likable individual. She is a member of one of our most recently aquired Sister-Covens. Sadly, the Mississipi Coven lost its longtime resident Warlock to illness and the members appealed to the Warlock Gregory and the Sorceress JoHaunna for protection from an undesirable Warlock, who was attempting a take-over. Gregory and JoHaunna dispensed the danger and brought the Coven under their protection. They appointed a High-Priest from within the Covens own ranks; one whom they felt well-suited to the position. The membership is well satisfied with the appointment and is beginning to settle nicely under his leadership.

When Giselle was asked to visit the Lair, 'twas a most interesting visit. But I wish you could have seen her expression when she learned of the other Kinds among us. 'Twas truly priceless. Admittedly, she did no' truly believe other Kinds existed among us, since she had never had the occassion to come into contact with one. So you might imagine her surprise when told of our resident Vampyre. Garth (being the practical joker that he is) attempted to make the most of her surprise. He pulled out all the stops. Aye, he played it to the hilt; appeared in true Vampyre style, and attire. But the joke was on Garth! While Giselle had certainly been surprised (mahap a bit shocked) to learn of other Kinds, she was in no way frightened of the knowledge (something we deliberately neglected to tell Garth). 'Twas Jessica's idea to keep him in the dark for she knew exactly what he would set out to do with a seemingly naive Witch; a newcomer to the Lair.

His appearance out of nowhere with black cape swirling around him, his fangs just barely visible, and his eyes swirling with mystical lights (for effect of course), Garth towered above Giselle with his most intimidating manner. Then he bowed at the waist, rose, and offered his hand (expecting her to swoon or faint in fear at the least) as he fully exposed his fangs with a smile. Priceless does no' begin to describe his expression when Giselle (all 5'4" of her) stepped right up, took his hand, and began walking around him, looking him over. When she came to stand before him, she cocked her head to one side and stared right up into his eyes. Without so much as a blink she smiled at him and said, "Well, you're certainly something of a surprise. Good thing you're a friendly sort." His answer to that- "Thats all you have to say? I make my finest entrance to date and thats it?"

Well, as you can imagine we all had a good laugh. Giselle had him figured out the moment he made his grand entrance and, being such an intelligent female, she knew she had nothing to fear from him in our presence. 'Twas Garth who neglected to think of that obvious angle. Aye, he is still sulking and Jessica is yet laughing. She enjoys getting one over on him when she can ('tis rare) and Giselle has learned what lengths Garth will go to to pull a joke. I have noticed that she is quite apt at practical jokes, herself, and so should be quite fun while she is with us. Blessed May You Be, Kaithlin