A week of fasting on the Tor had brought Sadie to the threshold of Beltane. There was no turning back as the muted Priestesses in their exquisite gowns drew characters of fertility and passion on her cool, pale flesh. Two Priestesses tied her flowing hair in ringlets, framing flowers in the mass of dark curls, the covered it with the mask of the Virgin Huntress. One Priestess wrapped her in a long, flowing garment of silk, and blessed her with a prayer. With that, they left her, all save two. These two flanked her sides, and led her down the stone staircase to the waiting barge, where they helped her abroad, and stood beside her. One of them dropped the mists, leading them from Avalon.
Sadie spent this time reflecting on what the future would bring. She did not dwell on the fact that this would mean the loss of her innocence. She had already sworn to herself that her heart would not break during this ceremony. All the days on the Tor had brought one thought to her mind, and she had tried her hardest to shatter the image. But his golden hair and brilliant smile bit into her like a sickle knife in her gut, twisting, making the wound larger and more painful. She felt the world spinning around her, and it took all her strength to maintain an outward appearance as the barge bumped lightly on the shore.
All around her were the fires of Beltane, their light subdued, but their heat intense on this summer night. People crowded around, blessing her with prayers, but not touching her. On the ledge above her stood five men, all who would compete against each other to kill the King Stag, and take his rightful place in the bed of the Virgin Huntress. Sadie felt her heart race as she met eyes with the one in the front. He was a huge man of stature, and his eyes were glinting like steel. She shuddered at the thought of him coming to her. In the back stood a young man, his body wrought of rope and sword steel. He seemed agile, and quick, but his arms promised a gentleness that she couldn't name. She knew, without a doubt, that this man would do all in his power to reach the King Stag before the brute in the front of the hunting party.
She did not linger under the ledge, but followed the two Priestesses down the path to the cave. Painted on the walls of the entrance were hieroglyphs of fertility, and blessings. Inside the mouth of the cave was one cavern, which held a bed of feathers and straw, covered in blankets made of animal hide. Sadie watched in disconnected ambiguity as the Priestesses pulled back the sheets and helped her from her wrap.
She slid into the bed, and the two women pulled the blanket up over her. The hide felt rough against her smooth skin, and she flinched as it rubbed her in places commonly covered. The Priestesses paid no attention to her discomfort, but began to bless the bed and Sadie once more. Finally, their last prayer said, she was left alone in the fire lit cavern.
Outside, she could hear the drums growing louder and faster, the celebration raging on. She tugged the blankets up around her, hugging the coarse material to her breasts, unaware of the aggravation it was causing. Without her permission, the image of Owen flared before her eyes, and with it a rush of heat, and a sense that this was wrong. She longed to be in Camelot, safe on the battlements with him, his arms wrapped around her, begging her to same his name. Tears crept unbidden into the corners of her eyes, spilling down her cheeks under the mask that hid her face.
Abruptly, the sound of the drums stopped outside, a sure sign that the hunt was over. Sadie couldn't hold back the whimper that escaped her lips, and the tears that trailed red hot down her cheeks to linger on her lips. The dark corridor flickered with firelight as the man came around the corner, his torch in his hand. He wore his mask low on his forehead, covering his face, down to his upper lip. Under the mask, Sadie could see his bottom lip quivering as he walked cautiously toward her. He stopped halfway to hang the torch on the wall, sending the warm light to glimmer against the cool stone.
He hitched one knee up on the bed, and reached for her hand, pulling it from where it gripped the blanket of hide. "My lord," she whispered, surprised that her voice didn't shake or crack.
His heart raced as she spoke, hammering against his ribs as if it would break through. Was his mind playing tricks on him? Did his ears deceive? "Sadie?" he whispered, his voice breaking despite the control he had forced into his brain. She froze before him, her hand locked in his. "Of all the Beltane ceremonies occurring tonight," he whispered, his voice even again. He reached up and pulled the mask from her face, revealing the deep blue eyes filled with tears. "Sadie," he whispered, wrapping his arms around her.
She slid into them warmly. The Goddess had answered her prayers, and gave them to her in a single package. Her hands slid up and pushed his mask off, revealing stormy gray eyes intent on staring back at her. "I prayed every moment for the last week, and She heard me. She heard my prayers," Sadie whispered, brushing her lips across his. "Owen, sweet Owen," she muttered, running her hands through his hair. "I wanted it to be you so badly that I ached with it."
His hands traveled down to her waist, and pulled the blanket free, revealing her body in the firelight. He inhaled sharply at the sight of her milky skin, marked with charcoal runes. He hesitated, unsure of whether he should continue. Sadie was a virgin priestess of the Goddess. Surely losing such a tie to her maker would shatter her. But before the thought was half formed in his mind, Sadie was leaning back on the pillows and opening her arms to him.
That simple invitation sent him into a whirlwind of emotion. His loincloth fell to the floor as he slid into her welcoming arms. He settled in the cradle of her legs, loving the feel of her kisses assaulting his lips and face and neck. Her fingernails trailed along his back, chest and thighs, enticing him. She was so pure, so innocent in her loving that he felt as if this gift were especially for him. She made love to him with her sounds, the moans as he kissed her flesh, the sighs as he brushed his fingers over her. He ached to satisfy her, and yet held back.
It wasn't until she arched against him, needing his warmth within her that he gave into his temptation, and positioned himself. Her fingernails gripped his shoulders as he nudged her entrance, she clung to him as he pushed the folds of flesh aside. When he entered her, she gasped, and cried out, her nails digging into him sharply, her body buckling with the exquisite pain. She felt herself being stretched and filled, and she revolted against it. But Owen crooned softly in her ear, and slowed his entrance. He ached to be in her, but he held his self control so that he would not hurt her. She relaxed, allowing him to slide deeper. Again she gasped, but did not restrain him, or fight him. Her hips relaxed, and she guided him in with the muscles inside her body. Owen gasped in surprise as he rested completely inside her, as well fitted as if they were made. Sadie wriggled beneath him, her eyes heavily lidded with desire, and she smiled her sweet smile. His heart raced.
He withdrew slowly, watching the look on her face as pure ecstasy overtook her features, and she gripped him with her nails once more. "Owen," she whispered.
"Say my name, Sadie," he whispered in her ear, "Say my name as you live and breathe."
"Owen," Sadie whispered, her lips brushing his ear as he plunged back into her. She arched against him, light flaring before her eyes as she submitted to the wave of pleasure that overcame her, just as Owen found his own release. He sagged against her, his warmth and weight, a welcome reminder to Sadie that this was real. She buried her face in his shoulder and inhaled. She knew by his breathing that he was asleep, she closed her eyes, and welcomed exhaustion.

Hours later, Sadie opened her eyes to find Owen watching her. "My lord," she said, startled, and started to back away. But Owen reached for her, gently, kindly, and pulled her back to him. "I thought you would be gone once you awoke," Sadie continued, her voice shaking.
"I couldn't bring myself to leave you," Owen replied, brushing fingers over her crescent moon on her forehead. He drew her closer, and brushed his lips over the lavender crescent moon. Tears welled up in Sadie's eyes, and spilled over onto his chest. Owen sighed and cradled her head. "Now, now, Sadie. I know. What you've treasured for so long is now gone. It's all right, beloved. Don't be ashamed."
He crooned in her ear, whispering calming words, telling her that he loved her even as she cried for the innocence she'd lost. She would never return to the House of Maidens, never again walk the path of a child. It was time to leave behind her the toys and games of youth and step forward into a world she did not fully comprehend. "I am here, beloved," Owen continued to croon, his hands soothing her, stroking her hair, caressing her shoulders. When the sobs subsided, he leaned her head back, and kissed her tearstained cheeks. He took his thumbs and wiped the tears away, peering into her bright blue pools. "There, there, feel better?" he asked, his voice soft.
"Yes," Sadie whispered, her eyes darting down. "You've been so kind to me. So much kinder then most men would have been."
Owen nodded, wrapping his arms around her. "Something told me I had to make it to this bed, no matter the cost. When I saw you, staring at the brute in the front, I knew I had to rescue you from him. My heart raced, and my feet flew. I was guided to that stag, I'm sure of it," he said, holding her close. "Now I know it was the Goddess that willed me here. She wouldn't betray us." Sadie buried her face in his shoulder. "Come now, Sadie. We should be gone, dawn is upon us." Sadie nodded, and rolled away.

The mists were heavy and dark as Sadie made her way through them, back to her home. The priestesses that had brought her this way had long since left, their duties filled. She would return to Avalon as just another sacrificed to the Goddess. The bright morning light that washed the shores of the Lake was gone in the inky gray of the mist. The silent guards sat behind her, moving the oars with repetitious splashes. Fish jumped in the water, and the bells of Glastonbury tolled their monotone in the distance.
But Sadie's mind did not rest on the here and now, it was back, across the Lake, with Owen. She did not see the gray mists that shrouded her, or feel the waves lapping against the boat. Instead she saw the fragrant green grasses billowing in the breezes of the sea, and the clouds drifting lazily above. All of this she saw through Owen's eyes, eyes that had not seen anything so clearly in all his life.
He rested his soul in the cradle of her love, and she felt his love for her in her soul. They could speak over the distance, without even moving their lips. He could hear her thoughts, and respond as if she were sitting before him, speaking. In the same manner, she could respond to him.

A gentle clearing of the throat brought Sadie back to her own mind, though she still stayed firmly connected to Owen's. The barge had stopped, and the guardians were waiting for her to drop the mists so that they may continue. Sadie closed her eyes, and willed her power, raising her arms above her head, then pushed down in a flying motion. She knew the mists dropped, she could feel the power of the Goddess in her breast as they fell.
Opening her eyes, her heart swelled. There lay Avalon. Every time she saw it, it took her breath away. Waterfalls, and smoky towers of stone lay over the terrain, the Tor crouched at the highest peak, its eyes peering out at all the Druid-Born, protecting them, leading them home. That Tor made her ache inside, ache for the family in Camelot, the love that awaited her there. She ached to be at home, in Morgan le Fay's arms as she had when she was but a babe. But that would never be again, for she was no longer a babe, no longer a maiden. Her innocence had been shattered, and her heart lost to the tide. She would not remain in Avalon. Not with a love so pure and welcoming waiting for her only a few days ride from the Island she'd once called home.
Even as she thought the words, she knew they were true. Avalon was no longer her home. Camelot, or Cornwall, or perhaps even North Wales beckoned her. Surely, the Enchanted Isle would forever hold a place in her heart. For the Enchanted Isle was in her very blood, her life wound its rivers, her heart stilled in its breeze. Avalon was not lost to her, but it was not home either. Owen's arms were her rightful place, and if he could not join her on Avalon, she would not seek refuge there. For where his arms could not reach her, she would never be at ease.

Morgan le Fay waited in her hut atop the hill, already sensing Sadie's decision. The Lady of Lake had planned it this way, for with Sadie away from Avalon, she would be more prepared for the tasks that awaited her as Lady of the Lake. But the mother inside Morgan, the one that had bore and raised the girl, the woman that had wept as she watched the girl cross the lake to Beltane, denied the very decision that her daughter had made.
As Sadie approached the hut, Morgan felt tears welling in her dark eyes. She knew what was coming even as her daughter willfully approached the island, and Morgan had prepared for it. Raven waited in the kitchen, skillfully covering her presence with cooking. After Sadie proclaimed her desire, Raven was to escort her to shore, where a horse would be waiting. Morgan le Fay knew Sadie's love for Owen matched her will to remain on Avalon. Morgan would not let her daughter's love for an individual overcome her love for the Goddess. In the end, her love for Owen would assist her in taking the throne.
As Sadie walked in Morgan feared she would lose control of her emotion, and that she would dissolve into tears. The girl that entered was no longer the girl that Morgan had raised. She knew firsthand the power of Beltane, but she was glad that Sadie's had turned out better then hers. That didn't change, however, the power that Morgan felt.
"Lady," Sadie said, bowing her head with respect. "I come to speak of my heart's wishes."
Morgan lifted her hand, pausing Sadie's speech. "I know your heart's wishes, Sadie le Fay. The Goddess shall grant them, as long as you make this oath." Sadie nodded, hiding her shock quite well. "You must swear to return to this Isle when you are called, for you will be needed to continue to pull Avalon from the mists that encompass it."
"Of course, Lady," Sadie exclaimed, shocked that Morgan would even ask such a thing. Avalon was her birth, her life's blood. She would not turn her back on it when it needed her. "I swear it upon the life of my unborn children."
Morgan rose to her feet and stepped close to her daughter. She cupped a hand around Sadie's firm abdomen, and whispered, "And it shall be a girl, daughter. A Daughter of Avalon. Her destiny is great, she will be a powerful Priestess." Sadie gaped down at her stomach, imagining it swollen with child, and she gasped. "Now, go sweet child. Go to him, he awaits you."

Owen had stopped his company on a hill, to turn and look back over the lake. Somewhere in those mists, behind the bells of Glastonbury, Sadie was going about her life. He couldn't bring himself to leave the hill. He feigned a concern about his horse's hoof, and inspected it while he watched the mists swirling about the lake. He watched every wave lap upon the shore, every blade of grass sway in the wind, every cloud as it settled on the black surface.
It was though this close scrutiny that he first noticed the wake of a barge. It was deep within this barge that he recognized Sadie's still form. His heart raced against his chest as he heard her voice in his head, as true and clear as his own.
I'm coming, beloved.
She climbed from the barge, and reached for the reins of the horse the guardian held for her. Without a second thought, she swung roguishly up on the saddle, and heeled the horse into a gallop. Wind whipped at her hair, her gown snapping out behind her as she crested the hill and leapt from the horse in mid-stride. Owen caught her in his arms, breathing out a sigh of relief.
His company faded away as his lips closed on hers, and his hands wrapped around her waist. The murmur of his traveling companions wasn't heard as her heartbeat filled his ears. She was within him in that moment, and he knew it. "Marry me," he whispered in her ear. She gasped. "Before we reach Camelot. Marry me."
"Yes," she whispered, her lips swollen from his kisses. "Yes."
"I know the perfect place," Owen whispered against her lips.

The gates to Camelot opened as Kevin, Arthur and Lancelet strolled through the courtyard. Owen of North Wales was expected back soon enough from his visit to the fires of Beltane. Kevin knew that the actions that occurred at Beltane were kept to those involved, but he wondered just which Priestess it was that Owen had been paired with.
Arthur turned as the gates opened, and watched the company come into the courtyard. Owen was atop the horse in the front, his cloak sweeping his shoulders, his steed charcoal in the noonday sun. He vaulted from the horse and kneeled before Arthur.
"Welcome, Young Owen of North Wales," Arthur said, smiling down at the boy. 'We were expecting you two days ago. What kept you? Nothing ill I hope."
Owen shook his head as he rose to his feet. "Actually, I was hoping to speak to the Merlin alone," he said, his voice lowering. Kevin hobbled forward, leaning heavily on his walking stick. "Sir," Owen said, leaning forward to help Kevin. "I would like to introduce my Lady."
Only then did the three men turn to the woman who had unhorsed after Owen. She swept back her cloak, revealing her raven hair and bright blue eyes. Lancelet's eyes widened in pure shock, and Arthur visibly wobbled. Only Kevin stood tall, and smiled at Owen.
"Wonderful!" he exclaimed, outreaching a hand for Sadie's. "Daughter," he said, as she stepped closer to him. "I was so hoping that you would find each other." Sadie nodded, kissing her father's cheek. "Lord Owen, may I borrow your new bride to help a wizened Druid up the stairs?"
Owen grinned at Kevin, and replied, "Far be it for me to tell a Priestess of the Mother Goddess what she may and may not do." Sadie nodded in a manner that made Kevin wonder if they had already discussed this particular aspect of the Le Fay personality. "However," Owen continued. "You do have my permission if her Ladyship would consent to it."
Kevin turned his lips up at his daughter, and said, "Well, Ladyship, would you consent to help an aging Druid climb these weathered steps?"
"For you, Father, anything within my power," she replied, allowing him to lean upon her arm. For the first time since she had arrived, she withdrew her gaze from Kevin's face, and settled it upon Lancelet's. "Lancelet, will you assist?" she asked, testing the waters with her words. Lancelet didn't speak, but reached out and offered his arm to the old Druid.
Owen turned to give orders to the company, while Arthur directed the page with their bags to the room they would be staying in. "Your Majesty," Owen said as he fell into step beside the king, as they climbed the stairs. "You must have some opinion of this sudden marriage," Owen said softly.
Arthur stopped on the steps, and turned slowly to face Owen. "I do have an opinion, Lord Owen. And with your permission, I shall express it." Owen nodded, and gestured for him to continue. "Honestly, after my Beltane I would have given anything for learn the identity of my Priestess. If given a chance to do such, I would have married her as well. But it was not in my destiny to do such. It seems to be in yours. I grant you my best wishes, and I could not be happier for you, or my niece."

Upstairs, in the room that Arthur had granted them, Sadie pulled her mirror and brush set from her bag. It had been Viviane's before her death, and she had given it to Sadie when the girl had called forth the power of rain. Owen sat on the bed, watching her carefully. His eyes followed her around the room. She tossed a handful of dust into the fire, and the room began to smell of Avalon.
Sadie turned and smiled at him, as she caught him watching her. Owen reached out a hand, and trapped her skirt in his palm. He pulled her close, and folded arms around her waist, pulling her into his lap. His lips sought and found hers, his warmth overwhelming and calming her. His touch was intimate and welcomed, his fingertips brushed across the nape of her neck. His lips followed, and Sadie moaned.
Suddenly, a knock on the door rang through the silence of the room. Sadie pulled away, heat filling her cheeks. Owen rose to his feet, and moved to the door. He pulled it open, and a fist slammed into his face. Sadie screamed, and raced to the door, yanking it all the way open.
Gwydion stood there, his face set in an angry scowl, his fists clenched at his sides. "Gwydion!" Sadie cried, staring at him in horror. "What has gotten into you!"
Behind her, on the floor, Owen rubbed his jaw and groaned as he sat up. "No," Owen said calmly, pulling himself off the floor. "It's understandable." He rose to full standing. "Do you feel better, Gwydion?"
Without pausing, Gwydion punched him again. Owen went back down. "Now I do," Gwydion replied, his scowl deepening. He shifted his gaze to Sadie, as Owen rose to his feet once more. Sadie was not frightened of her brother, she had never been concerned that he would strike her. This moment, as in all the one before it, was not frightening either. "Why didn't you wait?" he asked, hurt showing in his voice.
She knew he would have wanted to be there, and she had thought about waiting. But it would have been so difficult with Gwenhwyfar's endless clucking, and the Christian priests trying to convince Owen to be married in the Church. Kevin would have insisted on walking her down the aisle, and she couldn't allow him to do that. Not to mention the formal waiting period would have been far too long, especially if what Sadie suspected was true.
As he looked in her eyes, he saw all of this, and he nodded. "I understand, sister," he whispered, reaching over to embrace her. Over her head, Owen caught his eye, and almost shivered at the hate he saw in the depths. "I will leave you to unpack. Seek me if you wish, I'd love to spend some time with you."
The door closed silently, and Sadie turned to Owen. His jaw was swelling slightly, but when she moved to inspect it, he shrugged and pulled away. "That went far better then I suspected," he said, still massaging the bone.
"What were you expecting?" Sadie asked cautiously.
"A dagger in the gut."
Horrified, Sadie gasped. "Gwydion would never!"
"I seem to remember a different Gwydion, from another life. One that raped and murdered, plundered and destroyed. He killed Arthur in cold blood on a battlefield soaked in the blood of men," Owen replied, not looking at his wife. Sadie shuddered. Owen knew far too much of the time before the mists. "But the Gwydion I have known for years is not this man. Still, I was apprehensive."
Sadie turned away, tears filling her eyes. Gwydion would not stand for this, she knew. He revered her as his Goddess, though he may not know it. If he remained silent for a fortnight, Sadie would feel blessed. "My love," Owen said, coming to her, and wrapping her in his arms. "Gwydion will come to understand and respect our decision. Just give him leave to adjust to it. I'm sure he fears that I shall steal away his dearest friend, he has, after all, watched over you since you were born." Sadie buried her head in her husband's shoulder, and let the tears fall for all that she had lost in the past few days. "I shall never steal you from your family, your father, nor your brother. And I fear that Lancelet feels the same for you as the other two. Dear Sadie, you have more men in your life then many dream of, none of which want you harmed." He lifted her face from his shoulder, and smiled down at her tears. "It is good that I am not a jealous man."
She laughed suddenly, a burst of happiness that shot from her lips and warmed his heart. She did have many men, many men indeed. As Owen turned away to begin unloading his saddle bags, Sadie smiled to herself. Cupping her abdomen, she thought, at least one girl would be a blessing.

Night had fallen about the castle, and the dining had begun. Every night in Arthur's court seemed to be a feast, for the Knights, and Companions, and Lords and Ladies gathered around to talk and laugh, and dance. This night was no different, especially for Sadie. When she gave Owen her hand, and her heart, with it came the title of Owen, Lord of Cornwall. It was Sadie's through Morgan, and Morgan had no use of it. So, she and Owen now held property.
It was as such that Owen and Sadie were presented to the people of Camelot. Gwenhwyfar had not yet sought Sadie out to exclaim and cluck all over the girl, for which she was entirely grateful. But Sadie could not avoid her any longer.
Gwenhwyfar swept down upon her like a hawk on a field mouse, tearing her from Owen, and leading her off as Owen was swept away by his childhood friends, all clapping him on the back, and giving cat calls. "Priestess le Fay," Gwenhwyfar started out, then paused, "Or is it Lady Cornwall?"
"Priestess le Fay," Sadie replied, without giving it a second thought. She and Owen had discussed this already.
Gwenhwyfar nodded, and took her arm. "I do have to say that this was all a bit sudden," Gwenhwyfar was saying to Sadie as they walked through the throngs of people. "To have to return as man and wife. How the court shall talk! Could you not wait to be wed? Imagine the speculations."
"I do not need to imagine," Sadie replied, feeling anger rise in her throat. She desperately sought a way out of her predicament. No relief was in sight. Owen was still with his comrades, Lancelet and Gwydion were nowhere to be seen and Kevin's back was to them.
"Surely, they will all whisper that it is a marriage of scandal and necessity," Gwenhwyfar continued.
Sadie felt her final string snap, and her blue eyes flared violently as she spun toward the Queen. "Surely," she cried, drawing attention. "The court must have something new to discuss, like my marriage, to keep them from their boredom with you!" Owen spun at the screeching voice, and frowned. "Surely, Gwenhwyfar, they must be terrible bored with the lack of love you and the King have! Surely, I must be pleasing to waggle their tongues about! And surely, I don't care what is said, if it would mean that you were speaking to someone other then myself!" The Queen stared in shock and disbelief as Sadie turned on her heel, and stormed from the room, one more thought left hanging. "Talk about that, Gwenhwyfar!"

Up on the battlements, Sadie stood, her arms crossed over her breasts, a scowl set on her face. Footsteps sounded behind her, and they were not Owen's. She felt him, down below, waiting impatiently for his chance to speak to her. Which would mean only one man could be standing behind her. "Majesty," Sadie said, not turning, "I am terribly sorry for my outburst."
"The Queen does tend to speak without remorse. She believes it is all her business since she is the High Queen. There is no apology needed," Arthur replied. "It is I that should apologize to you and young Owen. My wife should not have behaved in such a manner. This marriage, no matter how unorthodox it is, is not our business."
Sadie nodded once, accepting the apology gracefully. Without another word, Arthur excused himself, and took his leave. Moments later, Sadie felt the familiar wave that was Owen wash over her, and his arms slid around her waist from behind. She rested heavily against his chest, and sighed.
"What was said, my love?" Owen asked, his breath dancing on her ear.
"On my part, or hers?" Sadie asked, a smile on her face.
She heard Owen laugh softly, as he replied, "I heard your part."
"She simply asked if I knew what this marriage did for my reputation. She made sure that I was aware that it was the talk of the court. She also felt that I should know that every one believes it is based on scandal and necessity."
"Scandal, yes," Owen said, a smile on his lips. These lips he brushed against the nape of Sadie's neck as he spoke. She shivered at the enticement of it. "Necessity, not so much."
"Then you know not what I know," Sadie replied softly, her heart fluttering faster. Owen stilled behind her. "I am with child, Owen. A child of Beltane."
For a long moment, Owen didn't move. Sadie couldn't even hear him breathing. She stilled as well, praying he wouldn't lash out at her. His hands, which were resting on her sides, slid down and around her abdomen. She tensed for a moment as his fingers stilled. He cradled it. "I love you, Sadie," he whispered so softly that he couldn't have more then breathed it. Sadie exhaled, trailing her hands over his. "And you are carrying my child," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "A child of our first union, a child borne of the power of Beltane. That, in itself, is magic." A smile crossed Sadie's lips, and she leaned into his chest as he whispered, "The same magic that you carry within you, Sadie le Fay. For you have bewitched me."