Posted on April 18, 2012 by Mary Lynn

I must leave you now, but whenever you need me, light a candle to the wind and call my name. I will find you, wherever you may be.”

“Wait! Please don’t go yet. Who are you? How do you know who I am? Where did you get this locket? What do you mean by magic, anyway? I mean, it’s beautiful and I think it is wonderful that you are giving it to me, but why me? Is this the same locket my Momma wore? Is that why you are giving it to me? But, how did you get it? Please, as least tell me who you are. I…”

“Hush, my sweet one. It is written in the wind and if you listen carefully, you will hear. Trust your gifts and use them wisely. Pay attention to your heart and remember your mother’s words. Listen to the wind, she is your mistress now and will always give you the answers you need. So listen carefully.”

Before I could utter another word he vanished as suddenly as he had appeared. A gust of wind swirled around me and I was sure it whispered ‘Hawley’ in my ears.

Had all this really happened, or was it just my imagination again? It could get somewhat carried away at times. As I stared down at my hand I felt the warmth of the locket this stranger had bestowed upon me and I knew it was real. From somewhere deep within, strange feelings were beginning to stir and I knew that for whatever reason I would meet him again. This was no chance meeting; it was the beginning of my destiny!

The next morning I woke early with the locket clenched tightly in my hand and knew that last evening had not been a dream after all. He was such an odd little man. How strange it was to feel comforted by just the thought of him. I lay there wondering what was in store for me next. This path he spoke of, what was he talking about? And what did Momma have to do with it? She died a long time ago when I was a child. How did he know what she used to tell me? I did not understand any of this at the time, but oh how quickly that was about to change!

The aroma of freshly brewed hot cocoa drifted upstairs and penetrated my thoughts. Nothing could get me moving quicker in the morning, mmm… I could almost taste it now. Until this moment, I hadn’t realized just how hungry all this thinking had made me. Washing quickly, I slipped into a simple yellow muslin dress. It was very plain, yet one of my favourite and most comfortable dresses. My hair was a fright so I took the time to pin it up. At least now I looked presentable enough if one of the overnight guests should join me at breakfast.

Remembering my locket, I carefully placed in around my neck and made sure the clasp was secure. It was so beautiful. For a brief moment, a wave of dizziness passed over me. It must still be the excitement from last night and I quickly shrugged it off.

The servants had been up all night clearing away the remnants of last evening’s festivities. The dining room was not set for breakfast. The table was adorned with Auntie’s best china, silver and crystal. The buffet was laden with delicacies of all kinds. There was home made jellies and jams to have with hot scones and fresh whipped cream, platters overflowed with fresh fruit and a wide selection of cheeses. There were meats of different varieties including ham, sausages. And for those who enjoyed them, wild pheasant eggs. My favourite was the chocolate truffles! I am sure Rosie made them special for me this morning. She knew how much I hated a crowd first thing in the morning.

I helped myself and sat down thankful to be alone. I was just finishing the last morsel on my plate when the guests started descending upon my privacy. With polite greetings I made a hasty escape up the servant’s stairs to avoid meeting anyone else.

Perhaps if I went riding it would clear my head and help me figure out what was happening in my life now. There had already been so many changes since Momma died…

Alivia’s introduction to Hawley

Posted on February 27, 2012 by Mary Lynn

I made my escape to the garden. I had a secret place; it was so peaceful, away from all the madness. I could sit there and be in a world all my own with no one to bother me. There was a small marble bench I would sit on and lose myself in my thoughts. I remember there was something different about it that night. There was an odd feeling in the air, something that even now I cannot explain properly. Startled by a voice beside me, my silence was shattered.

I quickly looked up and found myself staring at a most intriguing figure. I had never seen the likes of him before, nor had I ever seen anyone dressed quite this way. He wore a long flowing white robe with a gold rope for a belt. The hood of the robe covered most of his face. All I could see was a pair of piercing steel blue eyes beneath shaggy white eyebrows looking down at me. In his eyes he held the wisdom of the ages. He was a stranger, yet there was a feeling of peace about him. I remember thinking how odd it was, I had never felt this way before. Within that fleeting moment, it was as if I had known him an eternity. He reached out and a hand appeared from beneath the robe taking my hand in his, he closed his eyes.

“You are very brave, my child, and a great many changes are about to unfold. The path which has been chosen for you is not an easy one, but you have a strength that comes from deep within. The compassion you carry in your heart will save many lives and put yours in danger more than once. Make you choices wisely my child and carry this

locket with you at all times. It will keep you safe.”

He then handed me a gold chain with a beautifully engraved locket dangling from it. The engravings were strange symbols that were unfamiliar to me. Yet, somehow, in the back of my mind I remembered this locket from somewhere in my past. It even felt familiar in my hand, as if I had held it before. I searched deeper into the recesses of my mind and it came to me. My mother! I remembered! My mother had worn this locket! But, how did this strange little man get hold of it? Had Momma known him? I was about to ask him when he spoke again.

“You must never open this locket, if you do, you will release the magic it holds within. Wear it close to your heart, Luci, and be careful never to lose it. It is very powerful and must be used wisely. It will protect you whenever the need arises and give you knowledge and wisdom far beyond that of mortal man. You were born with the strength and the goodness of heart that will be required as you journey down your path.

The sun and the moon on the back of the locket represent knowledge and wisdom. On the front, the pyramid brings you the wisdom of the ages, water is for clarity and the bird represents peace and freedom. The three stars above the pyramid are for guidance, and, finally, this other symbol is for hope, because, without hope, we have no future.

Alivia ~ The Amethyst Child

Posted on August 2, 2011 by Mary Lynn

As Alivia sat at her desk writing her memoirs, she paused a moment to reflect upon the past. She allowed her mind to drift back in time as she recalled the events that led to the drama which would unfold over the next few hours.

To think how one innocent moment in time could affect the future to the point of life or death. How the meeting of a single stranger could change a lifetime of thinking.

It had all started so innocently…

It was an evening of magic, an evening in which anything and everything was possible. It seemed like yesterday. As I close my eyes I can still feel the cool breeze as she caressed my face with her fingers. The gentle scent of the blue migwa filled the night air. Music was playing in the background and my body swayed to the rhythmic beat of the drums. I was only sixteen at the time and it all seemed so romantic. The party had been in progress for several hours now and I needed a breath of fresh air.

Some of the ladies had gathered in the sitting room, as usual. They sipped their wine as they discussed the latest in fashion and, of course, whatever gossip they could either think of or make up, if the need prevailed. It all seemed irrelevant somehow, so mundane. They were so two-faced; I hated it!

As was customary, the men had retired to the smoking room where they would enjoy their pipes and mulled ale without having to guard their words. It also gave them the opportunity to discuss politics without fear of offending the women. Politics were a hotbed these days and most definitely not for a ladies delicate ears. Opinions had never run so strong and families had never taken sides against each other like this before. I found it all very intriguing and by far more interesting than idle gossip. Oh, if only I could be a part of their conversations, but, being a woman I was not allowed to join them! It was not proper for a young lady to worry her ‘pretty little head’ about such things. I knew Uncle would tell me about it later though, he always did!

He was different from the others and felt it was important for a woman to be educated and understand what was going on in the world around her, especially in such days of unrest.

There was talk of war between Nemiria and Drumore. Those from Nemiria said it was wrong of us own slaves.

“Nemirians don’t know from shit. Why they know nothing ‘bout the running of a plantation. They smoke our tobacco, spin our cotton and eat our rice. Well, how the hell do they expect to enjoy these things at if they take our Haws away from us? Why, if we had to pay people to do the work all them Nemirians would be complaining about the high prices and look elsewhere for cheaper goods. Some people just need to complain, that’s all. Damn, ignorant bastards don’t know what the hell they’re talking ‘bout! They ought to just mind their own business and stop trying to push their ways on us. Let them keep their politics and beliefs to themselves, we don’t want ‘em!”

Oh yes, their conversations certainly were more interesting than that of the women. I could not wait until the next day when Uncle would call me into his office after the last guest had left. I had a good head on my shoulders and he was secretly very proud of it. He would encourage me to learn things a young lady of standing had no right, or need, to learn about. Uncle always said it was important for me to learn how to read and write. I would be mistress of his plantation one day as they had no children of their own to pass it down to.

War and politics, reading and writing were for young men to learn about, not young women. Auntie was scandalized by it all and scolded him often, even though she knew it would make no difference. Sometimes, I think deep down she was pleased he had taken such an interest in me.

“No good will come of this.” She warned. “It is dangerous for a young woman to know too much about such worldly goings on and such.” As she left the room after scolding Uncle she would glance in my direction and give a wink when she was sure he wasn’t paying attention.

Patience has never been a strong point of mine, but I would have to endure and wait until tomorrow to hear what uncle had to say. Auntie, of course, would fill me in on all the gossip whether I wanted to hear it or not. A young lady had to know what was going on in the ‘inner circle’.

So, to keep her happy, I would sit and listen and express all the appropriate comments that were expected. I’m quite sure one of her greatest fears is that I would become the target of these petty ramblings they called gossip. I would often think to myself, “maybe I can give them something more interesting to talk about, I shall have to mull this over…”

Little did I know back then just how much I did end up giving them to talk about!

The Amethyst Child

Posted on August 2, 2011 by Mary Lynn

A heavy haze lay across the land as the sun began its ascent in the Hawshire sky. It took this same journey every morning to shine its knowledge throughout the land.

The Pwibles were getting out of bed and making ready for the day. The Druwids stretched their limbs upward to soak in the warmth and knowledge of the sun. Ah, yes, it was going to be a glorious day indeed!

It was a busy morning in the Stiles household, big plans were being made, but little Bryan wasn’t really sure what the big fuss was all about. He had heard his mom and dad talking in whispered voices, not wanting anyone else to hear what was being said. There was a great mystery afoot today and Bryan was determined to find out what it was going on.

Mom was in the kitchen preparing food for a picnic. They must be expecting a lot of people because she sure was packing an awful lot of food for just the three of them! Dad was busy running around, closing all the shutters on the house, loading up the wagon and shouting orders at mom. As usual, mom just replied “yes dear” and carried on with her tasks at hand.

With bags packed and the wagon loaded, little Bryan was lifted to his seat and their journey began. He still had no idea where they were going or what this was all about.

They were heading in a direction Bryan had never been before. All of a sudden, as they rounded a corner, a huge mountain loomed in front of them. Dad was heading straight towards it, he wasn’t even slowing down, if anything he was going faster!

“Daddy, daddy, slow down! We are going to crash into that mountain!” cried Bryan in a panic. But his dad wasn’t listening, he just kept going faster and faster and wouldn’t slow down.

Little Bryan covered his eyes and yelled out as they headed into that mountainous wall. Minutes ticked by like hours and he finally opened his eyes. What he saw ahead of him was unlike anything he had ever seen before. Dad had slowed down the pace of the horses and he and mom were just looking at each other and smiling. They had been here before. Why had they never brought him and where were they and why were they here?Bryan had so many questions.

He watched in awe as they passed things he had never seen before. Everything seemed so big! There were lots of trees but they all had purple leaves and purple flowers. There wasn’t a Druwid to be seen. And the sky! It didn’t seem they had been traveling all that long, yet it was getting dark already. The moons had a purple glow around them. This was all too strange for him to understand. He decided he should close his eyes and go to sleep. Maybe, just maybe, when he woke up, everything would be back to normal and this was only a dream.

Bryanwoke up to the excited whispering of his parents.

“The time is getting closer. She is soon to be born. I don’t think her parents have any idea just how ‘special’ she is.”

And so it was, in the Autumn of the Moon of Innocence a cry broke the silence of the night. It was a cry of innocence, a cry of new beginnings. Truly, this was to be a wonderful gift; the Amethyst Child was born.

The Journey Begins

Posted on August 2, 2011 by Mary Lynn

Each little Pwible hurried home to pack and say their farewells to family and friends. They knew it would be a long time before they came home again. In the back of each of their minds was the burning possibility they might never see their homes again. But, these brave little souls knew this journey was their destiny.

The sun was just making his appearance over the horizon and as agreed, they met in front on old Tobias’s house, ready to begin their adventure.

As usual Alisa was the first to speak. “Well, my friends, are you all ready for our adventure? Let’s go through my check list to make sure we have everything we need. Food ~ check; water ~ check; chocolate ~ check; blankets ~ check.”

“The map; where is the map?” interrupted Jimi

“I’m getting to that, Jimi, be patient! So, who has the map?”

“I do!” called Erni as he stepped forward with the map in his outstretched hands.

“Good. Erni let’s have a look at it and decide which will be the best way to go.” Alisa studied the map for a few moments before she spoke again. “We will have to go through theLowlandsand cross the Straight of Darkness. Once we reach the shores of Widshire we should be safe. We will have to be very careful going through the Forrest of Lost Souls, I am afraid there is no way to go around it. It will take some time getting through the mountains but I believe there is a pass we can take. Before we reach the desert we will have to make sure we have a good supply of water. The Sea of Hopeshould be easy enough to cross. And that, my friends, will take us to the Amethyst Islands.

Now that doesn’t seem too difficult, does it?”

“But Alisa, how will we know which of theAmethystIslandsto go too?” Marcus enquired.

“Oh Marcus, stop looking for trouble! I am sure Hawley will let us know when we get there!” snapped Alisa. Marcus quickly backed away, when Alisa set out a plan, she did not like to be questioned on it. She was not one to be trifled with.

“Well, if we are ready, I say, let’s start!” announced Wini, trying to sound as brave as she could. They all agreed with a certain amount of trepidation in their hearts

The first day of their journey was not at all difficult as they slowly made their decent out of theHighlands. The fragrance from the migwa flowers was strong this time of year. They were small blue and purple flowers that bloomed in theHighlandsmid summer and stayed for several months.

“Oh I do love these tiny little flowers.” Coni thought to herself as they passed through fields of migwas.

“Look!” Rusti called out as he pointed ahead of them, “I can see the lowlands from here. We are not that far away, maybe and hours walk.”

“I think maybe we should camp here for the night.” Alisa spoke up. “We can find shelter here in the Highlands and knew we are safe.”

“Well, how about we walk for another half hour or so, we will have some daylight and I think we should take advantage of it.”

“Oh, but Miki, I’m tired and my feet hurt!” complained Emi. “We have come a long way today. I think we should stop here for the night.”

“Well, I do think we should go just a little bit further and see if we can find a better spot to make camp for the night. Do you think you can manage another fifteen or twenty minutes Emi?”

“Oh, okay, if you insist on it Alisa, but no more than that! Let’s get going then. Besides, I’m getting hungry!”

It wasn’t long and they found the ideal spot to set up camp for the night. Once the tents were in place they set about starting a fire so they could cook their supper.

They sat around the fire eating their meal and enjoying each others company. They events of the day were, of course, the main topic.

Jimi was the first to start the conversation. “Well, if the rest of the journey is anything like today, this is going to be a breeze!”

“That’s for sure,” piped up Marcus “but somehow I don’t think it will be. Besides, we are still in the Highlands.”

The next day they would soon discover some of the effects of the weather on their fair land. Their first day had been easy. They were not as prepared for what lie ahead of them as they thought. As they reach the lowlands they start to notice changes. Greed has already begun to set in

As the adventure begins…

Posted on August 1, 2011 by Mary Lynn

There was a steady rumbling as the caverns trembled and thunder echoed through to her very core. As she shuddered and heaved, the walls creaked and groaned as they began to crumble. Finally there was silence. The thunderous roar had stopped. Once again, Hawshire stood still and silent. The silence would not last for long. Deep down below, in the dark caverns of Hawshire, one tiny ray of light filtered its way through a crack in the rock. It was what they had been waiting for. Greed, Despair and Anger could now find their way to the surface. And, of course, revenge would follow.

Like thick, black smoke they swirled and entwined together, hugging the very walls that had been their prison. Slowly they made their way to the surface. At first they were blinded by the sun as their eyes were not used to such an intensity of light. The heat of the sun scorched as it caressed their bodies for the first time. As they took their first breath, pain seared their chests as their lungs were filled with fresh air. They knew their first moments on the surface would not be easy, but, they had not anticipated pain of this magnitude. There was a lot to adjust to, but it would be worth it in the end! They were free! Free at last to wreak havoc wherever they went. And like a plague, that havoc would spread from one corner of Hawshire to the other.

Fear and confusion swept across the land. The old Legend had spoken of a day when the ground would move beneath their feet. Many had believed it to be just an old folk tale, the like of which could never happen. But the ground had shaken and the wind was picking up. The sky darkened and the rain came. Thunder roared and lightening flashed across the sky.

Deep within the mists of the Highlands of Nimiria one tiny group of Pwibles ~ fourteen to be exact ~ knew what was happening and what they had to do. They were the Keepers of the Legend and had been waiting for this day to come, as they knew it would. They had spent their life among the wise Druwids learning and preparing for their destiny which now loomed ahead of them with a magnitude that even they had not anticipated.

They represented all the things Hawshirians would have to be reminded of if their beloved world were to survive the future.

Their destiny was to go in search of the Amethyst Child. They had a lot to do over the next few days before they could begin their journey to theAmethystIslands. Once there, the difficult part of their mission would begin.

A meeting was called and a subdued group waited for old Tobias as meeting would be complete without him. Tension filled the air as Tobias cleared his throat and called the meeting to order. “As many of you already know, we have a special guest with us tonight. Hawley is here to speak to you about your quest. I beg of you to listen carefully to what he has to say. There is no room here for misunderstandings or wrong turns. As each of you know, you were chosen at birth for the task that lies ahead. Hawley, I now hand this meeting over to you.”

“Thank you Tobias. Before I begin, I would like to remind you of the Legend of Hawshire one last time to instil upon you the importance of your mission. It is written… When the earth trembles and a great rift appears, the evils of greed, despair, anger and revenge shall emerge. As the Clouds blacken and the sun disappears ~ wind and rain shall ravage all in its path creating a great flood. As the sun returns to the sky in a blaze of anger the waters shall recede only to be followed by famine.

All right, you all know what has to be done.” This was a statement more than a question.

When Hawley spoke, everyone listened. He was as old as time itself. No one in Hawshire knew of the legend better than he. Some say it was Hawley himself who wrote it. But, that is just hearsay, mind you. I mean, honestly, can anyone really be that old?

Hawley continued on, “I will be with you for part of the journey, but most of it will be up to you. You know that Greed, Despair and Revenge will not make your journey easy. They may even try to find the child for themselves. Right now she is being hidden by the people of the Amethyst Islands. This child is being taught about the legend and her destiny. Her keepers are arming her with all the tools she shall need when the time comes. By the time you find her, she will be ready and will be waiting for you.

When you get close, her name will be revealed to you. When you are in need of my help, just whisper my name to the wind and she shall carry your message to me and I will find you wherever you are.”

“But Hawley, sir, the Legend also speaks of a companion, Jayms. Will he be with her? Will we have to go in search of him also?” inquired Jemmet.

“All will be revealed when the time is right. Jayms, will be guided to this child when they are both ready. The timing of their meeting is crucial and is being taken care of. This not something you need to worry about. Your destiny is to find the Amethyst Child and help to keep her safe. You will become her warriors. Rely on each other, help each other. Remember there is always strength in working together. As a group, you have all you need to succeed on your mission! I have a lot of faith in each of you and know we chose wisely when we picked each of you at birth. Your size is one of the biggest advantages you will have. Because you are small, it will be easier for you to go unnoticed as you make your way to your destination. So, go now, prepare for your journey. I wish you God Speed.”

In the Beginning…

Posted on August 1, 2011 by Mary Lynn

My name is Hawley. I am from a different time and a different dimension. My soul is old, older than time itself, it seems. My story is unlike that of any other, and yet, in some ways, no different than yours…

In the beginning there was peace, beauty and tranquility. Hawshire was a world of wisdom and knowledge. Those who lived there knew how to use these gifts wisely. There was abundance for all. If anyone needed help, it was readily there for them. There was no envy or petty jealousies. Everyone was happy.

However, deep in the dark cavernous bowels of this sun-drenched planet Greed and Despair lay in wait. As they swirled around each other they plotted and planned for the day they would at long last reach the surface. They knew of the Legend and were patiently waiting; somehow knowing it wouldn’t be much longer. Anger soon joined them and, thus, Revenge was born. Their day to reign in a world of chaos would soon arrive.

Finally, their day did come, just as it had been foretold. As Legend predicted, the ground started to heave and the world of Hawshire was about to change forever. Chaos was now at their front door.

From the beginning of time it had been written there would be peace and prosperity in all of Hawshire until the day the ground shook. The earth would open and a great evil would escape from deep within the darkness of Hawshire. This would bring forth great winds that had never before been felt.

”The sun shall disappear behind the clouds and not be seen for days. The clouds will turn black as never before as they are tossed by the wind and the rain as it falls in torrents. A great flood will cover Hawshire and many perish. When the sun reappears and the rain ceases, the waters will dry. Drought will follow for many turns of Hawshire and famine shall prevail. Friends, neighbours and family will turn against each other as Greed becomes a way of life.

Those who thirst for power over all of Hawshire will create false Gods and war becomes the final outcome. Hawshire will no longer be a world of peace; instead, violence and unrest shall reign. Hawshire will come to near destruction.”

The final outcome was vague. No one really knew how it would all end. It seemed it would all rest on the shoulders of one small group of Hawshirians, Pwibles by name, and something to do with an amethyst child and her companion. But no one knew what an ‘amethyst child’ was all about.

About Hawshire…

Posted on August 1, 2011 by Mary Lynn

It is believed by some that when we die our soul continues its journey through different levels and different dimensions. Each one of these is a new lesson or experience that prepares our soul for our next journey in life. As we travel through each of these levels and dimensions we choose the experiences that will best help us in our next life. We also decide what lessons we need to learn.

Hawshire is one of these dimensions; it lies deep within the magical mists of the Scottish Highlands. Here, we are taught the basics of Sun Knowledge and Moon Wisdom.

Druwids, Pwibles, Pweters and Tobitians are the natural inhabitants of Hawshire.

The Yebutts are believed to have arrived in Hawshire during the Great Change. Their story will be told later…

Druwids are the wise and mystical Oak Trees who spread their branches to the sky to receive the knowledge and wisdom sent down by the sun and the moons. The Druwids are the teachers, the ones who remind us of the qualities we need to continue our journey in our next life.

Pwibles are tiny beings that are able to flit from one dimension to another. Their name was bestowed upon them by the most renowned Hawshirian of all, Hawley. Pwible is an anagram of their finest qualities; Peace, Wisdom, Innocence, Balance, Love and Equality. When there is more than one Pwible, the ‘S’ stands for Strength, because there is always strength in unity.

These tiny hooded creatures spend their childhood in Hawshire where they are taught the basics of Sun Knowledge and Moon Wisdom. Although they must learn all seven Knowledges and Wisdoms, some of them will eventually specialize in just one of these gifts.

Knowledge and Wisdom are gifts we are all given at birth. However, as with all gifts it is up to us how we use them. We may keep it and use it wisely or, we might throw it away. The choice is always ours.

When each Pwible has the tools it needs to help us, they travel to our time and dimension. They come to remind us of the lessons we learned during our stay in Hawshire and usually walk among us unseen and unrecognized. When we do see them, we often choose to forget who they are and what they are here to remind us.

And then of course there are the Pweters; those lovable little creatures who have mischief and laughter in their hearts. Their cloaks are the brightest of colours and their mop of yellow hair glistens like gold in the sunlight. The Pweters are reminders of our Inner Child and are here to teach us forgiveness and to bring laughter and joy to our hearts.

Tobitians teach us the joy of true friendship, unconditional love and loyalty.

Some Druwids have planted themselves here on Earth as the mighty oak to continue to store knowledge and also to remind us of our lessons. Once we enter our physical bodies we tend to forget what we learned on Hawshire and usually need to be reminded.

But, was Hawshire always a wise and mystical world? It may have started out that way, but like Earth, Hawshire also had its lessons to learn. For how can you teach what you do not know or understand yourself?