THE WHEEL OF THE YEAR *THE WHEEL OF THE YEAR* *LAMMAS* *By GILDA LILY* Well, it's been a whole turn of the Wheel since I started this series with Mabon, and it's been fun for me to write. I hope it's been as much fun for you to read. Rated NC-17 for m/m sex. Disclaimer: I don't own 'em, Alliance does, more's the pity. (c) August 1, 1998 A Merry Lammas! *I* *CELEBRATION* *The heat shimmered as Ray watched his hand glide over the paper in front of him, his ballpoint pen making graceful curves and flourishes as he wrote. Not a breeze stirred or a sound was made as the surrounding forest maintained its silence. Benny was out there, preparing the meadow for what was to come. Ray looked down at Dief, who was lying at his feet, eyes closed and tongue panting. He ruffled the wolf's fur. Poor boy. He was more accustomed to Arctic cold than this frying-eggs weather. Ray looked down at the paper again and after a moment's hesitation, began to write furiously. * * * * * * Benny carefully set out the Four Quarters with candles, and he shook out the altar cloth and set it over the small wooden table that was serving as the altar. The morning sun was already blazing down at 10:00, making him feel slightly wilted like a forlorn piece of lettuce. He set out the requisite tools: athame, crystal ball, statuettes, candle holders. The candles would be set out just before the circle was cast to insure against melting. He looked at his handiwork with satisfaction. Yes, those ruby eyes of the crystal ball's dragon base were positively dazzling in the sun. They would be perfect, a wonderful counterpoint to his beloved's green eyes. He picked up the sheaves of wheat, barley and oats, and added some fruits, nuts and freshly-baked bread to the altar. Satisfied with his arrangement, he tilted his face to the sun and drank in its rays. He walked back to the cottage, humming to himself as he picked some wildflowers and sniffed them delightedly. He entered the cottage and saw Ray at the table, deep in thought as he stared out the window. Dief looked up at Benny's entrance and the Mountie put a finger to his lips. He quietly walked over to Ray, whose green eyes were like glass. "Ray," he said softly. Startled, Ray looked up. What he saw in the depths of those eyes made Benny swallow, and then extend his hand. Ray took it and they remained as a tableau for several seconds, then they left the cottage together, Dief staying behind in the coolness. Ray smiled as he saw the set-up in the meadow. He turned to his beloved and said, "It looks great, Benny." "Thank you kindly, Ray." The sun blazed down, brilliant yellow all around them in the color of the wheat and grasses, in the dappling of daisies, lazy Susans, and buttercups. The circle was cast and Ray led the chant this time: "Now is the time of the First Harvest,/When the bounties of Nature give of themselves so that we may survive./O God of the ripening fields, Lord of the Grain,/Grant us the understanding of sacrifice as You/Prepare to deliver Yourself under the sickle of the/Goddess and journey to the lands of eternal summer./O Goddess of the Dark Moon,/ teach us the secrets of rebirth/As the Sun loses its strength and the nights grow cold." Benny picked up the sheaves of wheat and rubbed the heads, the grains falling to the altar. Then Ray picked up a rosy peach and bit into it, savoring its sweet juices. Benny did the same and picked up the chant: "We partake of the First Harvest, mixing its energies/With ours that we may continue our quest for the starry/Wisdom of perfection./O Lady of the Moon and Lord of the Sun,/Gracious Ones before Whom the stars halt their courses,/We offer our thanks for the continuing fertility of the Earth./May the nodding grain loose its seeds to be buried in/The Mother's breast, ensuring rebirth in the warmth/Of the coming Spring." They ate the rest of the fruit and performed their magick spells, their desires taken from the heart as they entwined their fingers. Closing the circle, they headed back for the cottage.* *II* *CONSUME THY FRUIT..."* *Dief had gone out to the watch the circle and now trailed behind them as they walked toward the cottage. They still held hands as they moved in silence. When they reached the cottage, Dief left them to their own devices, which he knew to be mating (smart wolf!) and they entered the coolness, a welcome relief from the blazing sun. Up to their bedroom, then a slow removal of clothing, and a small sigh as they sank to the bed. It was glorious, this room, this cottage, each other. They lived in magic and made magic every time they made love. Benny brushed Ray's cheek and his eyes filled with his love. They kissed, and then their bodies came together, entwining and rubbing, their breathing as one, and hands were roaming and teasing, and their nipples touched, sending tingles through two spines as the hot breeze became cool in the depths of the forest and sprinkled through their room. "*'How do I love thee'*?" Benny breathed, and Ray answered, "*'With heart and soul and sinew...'*" And Benny opened, like a flower, and took Ray in, and they were One, joined with blood and bone and fire, and the brilliant sun of Lammas knew its equal when they sparked and roared, consuming each other in the heat of their love. And afterwards, when they lay in the coolness of the waning day, Benny said softly, "*'Consume thy fruit, O Wise One'*." "Benny?" "Yes, Ray?" "Did you just call me a fruit?" Benny's eyes widened and his mouth opened into an 'O', and then they both laughed, pressing closer together. "Wait here." Ray wiggled out of the embrace and padded downstairs, coming back with the paper he had been writing on earlier. He handed it to his lover as he settled back into his arms. Benny read it avidly, tears filling his eyes, then slowly quoted: *With all my heart, I love thee, And always will, Dear Benny. You are my life, My love, My reason for living. You're like wine, Heady and sweet, And you fill me With your goodness, Every day Of our lives. I love you.* "Oh, Ray," Benny breathed, and he hugged his Italian to him, Ray smiling and saying softly as he stroked his beauty's hair, "And a happy Lammas to you, too, Benny." Another Wheel Of The Year had turned.* ******************** *BLESSED BE TO ALL,* *AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT!* ******************** Return to Due South Fiction Archive