The Priestess & Her Lover

LXXIV

Inanna opened the door to the stables. There in front of her stood Lady, looking very uncomfortable with a big red bow around her neck. “What’s going on here Lady” Inanna smiled. She moved lovingly toward her. “Happy Birthday Inanna” Inanna turned around shocked and there stood Silas. “For me?” she questioned “For you” he said lovingly. “Oh Sire, I couldn’t. I couldn’t possibly accept her” He looked deeply disappointed. “I would be deeply offended if you didn’t” he said sternly. His look terrified her. She curtsied, careful not to forget her manners “Oh thank you Sire. Thank you so...

LXXIII

Silas was well aware that since Inanna had arrived at the palace, the mood had lifted – it wasn’t so sombre and bleak. With her it was sunshine and happiness – she was a great entertainer and made everyone feel welcome. She spoilt Silas rotten and always had his favourite food and drinks for him and it was these little touches that began to open his heart. King Silas entered the kitchen as was his routine these days – more so to see Inanna, than Minnie, but this morning sadly she wasn’t there. This was Minnie’s chance. “Do you think...

LXXII

Her body moved sensually and rhythmically to the music – she became luminous and alive when she moved. It was as though she was in tune with her very essence her soul and he loved watching her embrace the music within. When she moved her joy was contagious and at times he grabbed her pulling her close and swaying with her. He’d let her lead and she admired him for this. It wasn’t easy for Silas to give control over to anyone. She often wondered what he’d be like in the bedroom. He was so powerful and controlling in his...

LXXI

Inanna had made some wonderful friends at the castle and they had all become extremely close. Aside from M’aam Lisa and Minnie, she had become very close to Isabella Gina. Bella was as black and white as you could get. She didn’t mince words and you knew exactly where you stood with her. Some were afraid of her but Inanna could see past the bravado to the kind and caring woman she was. Inanna knew William would be perfect for her and had introduced the two – they had hit it off instantly. He was the yin to her yang...

LXX

She gave up on Silas, or at least trying to push the healing on him – he just wasn’t ready. For now, just being with him was enough. Silas and Inanna could often be found in the kitchen garden where he would watch her make her healing potions and oils from plants and herbs – she really was an incredible talent. She would talk him through the procedures, show him how it was done and then what could be done with the oils and potions she had made. He talked to her about starting a business, harnessing this knowledge and...

LXVIX

Healing helped people clear their energy. Like an onion, it would peel away the layer’s one by one - each layer lifted brought you one step closer to the truth. People hid behind masks – tightly held belief systems, hard to break habits, intense and deep emotion, fear, jealousy, hatred and anger. Inanna believed your journey here on earth, in this time and space was for you to grow, evolve, learn and become. Inanna believed whole-heartedly in the power of healing and was sure she had been a healer in many past lives before – it was the running thread...

LXVIII

That broke the ice and they were soon back on track. Their nightly ritual resumed and Inanna was enthralled by all Silas’s stories from the past year. She tended to his battle wounds, some still lingering and festering over the months. She made it her duty to be his private physician, tending gently to his every want and need. She offered him massage and healing, of which he declined both. She had hoped one day he would take her up on the offer. She knew there was a lot to heal but felt sure he’d much rather keep it in...

LXVII

It was late one night and Minnie, Master Mitchell, Old Tom and Inanna were all chatting in the kitchen. Silas happened to be lurking nearby and listened in on the conversation, careful not to be seen. Lilith had formed a strong bond with Master Mitchell and had ways of signalling him from the temple, when she required Inanna’s help. They would meet at nightfall and Master Mitchell and Old Tom would help Inanna out of the castle without alerting anyone. Security was strict when Silas was in residence. Silas did not like to be undermined. He may have let Inanna...

LXVI

Inanna made a point of taking her time. She noticed Silas was quiet, reserved, and a little distant. She also noticed he hadn’t taken his eyes off her. She made her way slowly around the table chatting effortlessly to everyone, this time it was Inanna who commanded attention and certainly received it from everyone in the castle. Silas could see how much she was adored. She was resilient and made the very best of her situation. Silas knew she would prefer to live at the temple, healing full time but she knew this was her path for the time being...

LXV

Silas was back but it would be some months before Inanna came face to face with him. He hadn’t asked her to bring supper, nor held any lavish dinners, he was barely seen at all, preferring to keep his head down and slowly readjust to life back behind the castle walls. He was exhausted physically and emotionally and stayed in his room most of the time. This was to be expected – the battlefields were gruesome and bloody and the scars from his time away would take time to heal. He needed this time and she would give it to...

LXIV

There was much excitement in The Village of Nor in anticipation of the king’s return home. Inanna felt exhilaration, mixed with trepidation. She wasn’t sure what to expect when he returned. King Silas was volatile, unpredictable and while she liked this part of his personality it did make it more difficult to read him. Her feelings for him hadn’t changed in the slightest and over the year, she had become a little more together, had learned to stand in her power a little bit more. She and Lilith had dived deep into spiritual practice while he had been away and...

LXIII

"So we were up Throwin' dice in the dark I saw you late, last night, come to harm I saw you dance in the devil's arms The night kept coming Really nothing I could do Eyes with a fire, unquenched, by peace Curse the beauty, curse the queen So we come To a place of no return Yours is the face, that makes my body burn And here is the name that our sons will learn Curse the beauty, curse the queen Curse the beauty, leave me So when you're weak When you are on your knees I'll do my...

LXII

Silas could sense his distaste and this seemed to make him even more antagonistic. He started leering at the women, touching them inappropriately and all the while making sure the barman was in full view. He delighted in pushing peoples buttons and the more he drank the more truculent he became. Things were heating up in the tavern and getting pretty wild. The men had been in battle for close to a year now and it was hard to just switch off from that mentality. Testosterone fuelled their actions and it began to get ugly. Silas would demand things from...

LXI

Silas had been travelling for months, the weather was abysmal and they had been sleeping rough for weeks. They were months from the Castle and decided they would treat themselves and find a nice village to stay in for a few days. They could shower, eat properly have someone wash their clothes. They were wet and cold, hungry and tired – and their moods matched the dismal skies. They rode into the Village of Bry at dusk. The horses were tired from months of battle and the men equally so. They had been hunting their food for the last few...

Divine Dance Divine sex – you know – you’ve always known. The divine way you taught me Teach me how, now. On the slab, every time. You know. Take yourself higher and higher with me For some reason each time with me Higher I’m Yours You feel the serpent rise, you feel, you know. I serve I teach I’m yours You know She’s here You need the slab, on the slab Spirit and serpent rises on the slab, you remember, you taught me You created me and I am back We are back. You know what you want You know...

LVIV

He couldn’t be more different from Inanna in this way – in this realm they were total opposites. Inanna didn’t see the need to sleep with every man she came into contact with and certainly didn’t use sex to lift her self esteem – she was incredibly comfortable in her own skin and did not need anyone to validate her worth – especially not a man. Apart from Beircheart, and this she didn’t even count, Eamon was the only man she’d ever made love to. To her sex was a sacred act, her body a sacred temple. Sexual and orgasmic...

LVIII

Silas and his men made their way around the country. He was a different person when he donned his battle gear - powerful, strong, in control. One couldn’t help but be intimidated in his presence. Everyone bowed to the King as he rode adeptly through the country. He would be gone for months, maybe even years and he had a job to do, villages to conquer, battles to fight – he became a very efficient leader. But Inanna felt there was a darkness lurking just below the surface. She felt it had something to do with the fact, he really...

LVII

Silas had gone for what seemed like an eternity. Inanna spent more and more time at the temple, often staying there for months at a time. Everyone at the castle had grown very fond of Inanna and protective. Even though she tried to hide her feelings for Silas, she couldn’t, the look of love and the chemistry between them noticeable to all. They knew with Silas away, Inanna would be lost, so they allowed her to stay at the temple as often as she liked, only calling her back when someone needed some healing. She loved being back there, spending...

LVI

These nightly meetings took place for months. Silas and Inanna had formed a very strong bond, a deep relationship and they could communicate easily these days. He was keen to learn everything about her, and she about him. They shared the same sense of humour, liked the same things – and there was chemistry, that’s for sure. Curiously though, neither of them would admit their feelings to the other. Was it stubbornness, or did they see in each other’s eyes the fear of rejection? Both wanted to say more but for some reason they with held. It was as though...

Inanna had a terrible night that night. Minnie looked after her. She was vomiting and feverish – alcohol certainly did not agree with her. She was crying and upset and had a fitful sleep. She swore off that dreadful stuff right there and then – it was not for her. Silas came into the kitchen that morning, he was more chipper than usual – lighter. “Good morning Minnie. It’s a beautiful day – I shall take breakfast in the courtyard by the southern tower. Inanna can bring it.” “Oh, I am sorry Sire, Inanna is unwell this morning. She is...

LIV

He was standing over by the fire. His sleeping quarters were astonishing – bigger than her entire temple. The candlelight made him even more breathtaking and she could barely look at him. He was wearing black trousers and a sash, his white linen shirt fell loose and unbuttoned. He was broad-shouldered and strong. He had a scar that ran from his throat to his heart, he caught her looking at it and she quickly averted her gaze. “Where would you like it Sire?” “Just over there on the table is fine Inanna.” He made a point of using her name...

LIII

There was no doubt Silas unlocked something in her. It was as though she got in touch with something very deep inside herself when she was with him – it was almost primitive and she could imagine if she gave herself to him, it would be tender yet wild. Sensuality and sexuality – he held both, he was mystical and exotic but she sensed he could be psychologically dangerous. He gave off so much sexual energy and like water it was deep and she could see women sensed that when they were in his presence. She sensed it too. Inanna...

LII

Inanna was assigned a job in the kitchen. This suited her perfectly, as her healing did involve plants and herbs. Perhaps all was not lost. Inanna was introduced to Minnie, head of the kitchen. Minnie obviously enjoyed her tucker, had a jolly disposition and Inanna warmed to her instantly. After some months she had learned the ropes of the kitchen. Inanna was a very fast learner. There was a beautiful garden adjoining the main kitchen – full of fresh vegetables and fruit trees, herbs and plants, it was Inanna’s idea of heaven. She had spent her childhood learning all about...

The time had come. Inanna had packed the last of her things and said goodbye to Ren and William Able and finally to Lilith. “Inanna, you’re only going a hundred feet up the road. We will see each other often. I am sure you will be able to come and visit the temple when you please.” Inanna was indignant. She grabbed her bag and walked to the castle, she refused to let anyone accompany her. They were told of the day’s proceedings in the courtyard of the castle. Everyone was beyond excited at this once in a lifetime honour and...

Inanna stood in front of Lilith positively fuming. “I’m sorry Inanna dear but these are orders from the castle, and you must obey”. Inanna was exasperated. “How long has this tradition been going on?” She asked furiously. “As long as I can remember Inanna dear, it is a great honour to be asked to work at the castle.” Inanna sat down clutching the scroll in her hand. Some honour! She pointed out to Lilith she wasn’t being asked, this wasn’t a question, it was an order. She couldn’t say, no thank you, even if she wanted to. Why was it...

XLVIV

Inanna spent the following days going back and forth to the castle and by the end of the week the horse was beginning to stand. Inanna and he had forged a very strong bond and she looked forward to going to the stables each and every day. She didn’t see much of Silas that week and thought he may be avoiding her on purpose, but when she did see him, she didn’t feel quite so jumpy in his presence and in fact purposely started conversation. Inanna let the words she spoke come from her heart, not her head and she...

XLVIII

The procedure went well and the horse barely moved. It took some hours and Inanna had worked well into the night. Master Mitchell had organised some tea for Inanna, once he saw the horse was stable. She was grateful for this very sweet gesture. She finally sat down. Inanna was incredibly humble and just went about her business gracefully and quietly. She had a rare talent, that was obvious, but she didn’t advertise the fact and let the buzz grow quietly around her, naturally and organically. King Silas hadn’t said anything throughout the night, just watched her silently from a...

XLVII

All eyes were on Inanna now. If she could save the king’s horse there would be much to celebrate. If she didn’t, she shuddered to think. She created space around her, took a few deep breaths and got to work. She calmed the horse first. Garnered his trust. He was so beautiful and it pained her to see him like this. After all we are all connected, we all emanate from the same source, just seemingly separate. Everyone was quiet. They were mesmerised by Inanna. No-one had managed to settle the horse, not even King Silas. Just as she had...

XLVI

Inanna felt terribly jumpy. Gone was the self-assured woman in the square and in her place a bundle of nerves. Master Mitchell could sense her apprehension but quickly put her at ease. He wasn’t like the other guards, distant or aloof, there was a warmness behind his eyes. She felt an instant liking for him and her instincts proved right – they seldom lead her astray. He would become a very trusted confidante behind the castle walls, and could sense very clearly Inanna’s fluctuating moods. Master Mitchell filled her in, so she was prepared for what lay ahead. King Silas...

XLV

Some months passed and talk of King Silas was still on everyone’s lips. Inanna found she couldn’t go anywhere without someone mentioning him. She found this exasperating, because even at the slightest mention of his name, something stirred inside her. She couldn’t quite pinpoint it – it was like excitement mixed with terror. She wanted him desperately but at the same time wanted to run away as far as she could. Inanna busied herself, tending to her garden, healing the sick and herself, when one day out of the blue, she was called to the castle. Her stomach dropped. Her...

XLIV

Over the next few weeks, her ritual would become her focus She found that if she concentrated on ritual and her healing, her thoughts of Silas would lessen. Lilith noticed her absence and distraction and would often find her staring aimlessly at the castle. Silas had awoken something in her, unlocked something and it frightened her a little. Whatever it was it felt overwhelming, big, out-of-control, and was very sexual in nature. Her practice with the nymphs had reflected this She was becoming more expressive, more experimental. She felt safe with the women around, protected and held. She could open...

XLIII

She hadn’t thought about making love for a long time. Her healing and spiritual work now occupied most of her days and her experiences with Beircheart made her shudder at the thought. The rituals that involved the women were of a highly sexual nature, but she didn’t think of them as making love. She saw them as a necessary part of transcendence and her spiritual practice. She enjoyed it immensely and it did make her orgasm, and she used this energy to transform her own. Sexual energy was very powerful and when harnessed correctly could be used for all manner...

XLII

She saw the depth of his desire in his eyes, and felt the weight of it on her body. He wanted her, and she him. He kissed her gently on the lips and then made his way down her throat, caressing her, awakening her with his touch. He was tender and took his time, exploring all of her – tasting her, feeling her, embracing her – body and soul. She was hungry for him now, ready to receive him – her breath slowed as she prepared to welcome him in. She surrendered and opened to him – the bliss and...

XLI

The crowd all got to their feet and ran wildly after the King and all of his men, shouting and clapping frantically. She stood in the square until the dust settled and the crowd emptied. She watched as he made his way up the long hill and disappeared behind the palace gates. He did indeed command attention. He too had presence and she was sure he was not to be trifled with. “I heard you made quite the scene in the square today Inanna”, said Lilith later that evening. “News travels fast. Let me guess, Mrs Emmett?” she smiled. “Oh not...

Inanna recognized him instantly although they had never met before. ‘He’s back”, she thought in her mind. He was gorgeous, there was no other word for him. He was striking. Dark and brooding with big brown eyes, olive skin and shoulder length curly black hair – just her type. He was younger than she thought he would be. He was rattled, unhinged and stared intently right through her. She remained unmoved, her eyes locked firmly on his. He was taken aback by her doggedness, perplexed by her confidence – he’d never come across anyone like her. His footman raised his...

XXXIX

She didn’t bother changing, and unbeknownst to her, she had a cute little soil mark running down the side of her cheek. Her hair was scruffy from the gardening, but she still looked radiant. Even if she were dressed in rags she would look beautiful. She still had her dirty apron on over her pretty white dress. Lilith wondered if she was doing this on purpose. She had a strange habit of wanting to irk those in power, shake things up a little. She liked to push the boundaries and did so when she could. Lilith loved this about Inanna,...

XXXVIII

The King’s arrival had every single person in the village feverish, everyone in the village, except Inanna. She found the whole thing comical. She had never held much respect for the establishment, everyone was equal after all, and she didn’t care much for rules, preferring to play by her own. Everyone was running around maniacally painting, fixing the cobblestones, planting things, grooming things – they had to make everything perfect for the return of the mighty King Silas. Inanna had been summoned to the castle numerous times that week. She had to make sure all the horses were in tip...

XXXVII

It had been years since Inanna was brought to the Village of Nor - broken, battered and bruised but she had managed to transform herself from broken woman to fearless warrior. She diligently followed her practice and the guidance of Lilith and all those around her. She knew everyone she encountered on her path was a guide. She liked to play a game where she imagined herself as the only person on the planet – everyone else was an actor in her play – there to teach her and help her grow. She was now able to see the beauty...

XXXVI

Inanna’s popularity was growing and she began to hold healing circles for the local community. She would combine her love of music to help heal and uplift, connecting with people’s deepest emotions, bringing then to the surface and setting them free. People felt a little lighter, a little brighter after they had seen Inanna. The people trusted her completely and went to her for all manner of things: dream interpretation, astrology readings, healings and meditation. She held women’s circles, new moon and full moon circles. She started teaching all those who wanted to learn and they could see the benefits...

XXXV

Inanna’s sacred practice took on new meaning. She had started the journey back home, and now it was impossible to know of any other way of being, always seeking, always learning, always growing. She would spend hours in the scared temple atop the altar. The nymphs would prepare her body for ritual. They would strip her naked and stand her in the sacred water. They would wash her clean, each and every part of her, and once clean she would make her way up to the marble altar. The practice took place either during the daylight or under the lunar...

XXXIV

“Strength she brings, it lives inside. Her sexual self, she cannot hide. Sultry, feminine, strong and wise, she brings her lovers, deep inside. Two inside, three or four, her men, her women, she calls for more. But then she stops there is but one. He joins her now, under the current sun. They join together, their tender kiss. They dissolve as one - orgasmic bliss. The double helix, the serpent’s coil. Sexual wisdom for one, for all. I see it now, the green and blue. You are here for me, I am here for you.”

XXXIII

The main castle was surrounded by beautiful, manicured courtyards and there were people scurrying about everywhere. They held brooms, bridles even loaves of bread. It was a hive of activity in there. Inanna was hopeful the guard would stay with her and show her the way back once she’d finished as she would surely be lost inside these palace walls forever if she had to find her own way out. They took so many twists and turns. They went down alleyways, up stairs, down stairs and through tunnels until eventually they made their way to the stables. The stables were...

XXXII

It was a day like any other when all of a sudden there was a visitor to the temple – an important visitor by the looks. Inanna went to fetch Lilith. She was out the back hanging her washing when Lilith came back excitedly. Inanna you have been asked to the castle. “Me?” Inanna said with surprise and mock amusement. “Your good name is travelling far and wide Inanna – the palace does not call just any old healer. There’s a horse – an old mare that needs seeing to.” Inanna was out the front door immediately. “Not so fast”...

XXXI

In rare circumstances Ren and Inanna would venture into town at night. Ren thought it was high time Inanna was shown the real world – she couldn’t spend every minute of every day healing and meditating in the temple – she was becoming as dull as dishwater. It was just what she needed. This particular night, they went down to the local ale-house, a big step for Inanna these days. They even had a pint themselves. Inanna never drank, it was just something she had never tried before. She had seen what it did to Beircheart and really had no...

XXX

Sometimes lessons present themselves again and again. If we don’t learn the first time perhaps we’ll learn the second, or the third or the fourth. We will just keep repeating the same pattern until the lesson has been learnt – this is the way of the Universe. So the quicker we become aware, the quicker we can learn and move on to the next lesson. During Inanna’s short life forgiveness was rather a large theme and now she was under the guidance of Lilith she would be able to work on this so she didn’t have to learn it over...

XXIX

It took strength and persistence, but eventually the light would reappear through Inanna’s eyes and sometimes on a rare occasion they could hear Inanna chanting or singing softly to herself. She was a diligent student there was no doubt about that, and her love for energy healing grew stronger and stronger. She couldn’t get enough of it. It became her passion. Out of the darkness came the light. She would have to learn forgiveness, again. The one man that made Inanna shake with fear was Beircheart Laird and the only way Inanna would rid herself of fear, of guilt, of...

XXVIII

The Darkness Explore the darkness and the light it shines, the fear in front and the joy behind. For the dark we see and the shame it brings. To others is light or a heart that sings. From darkness we run, from darkness we hide, escaping to light, but the dark stays inside. Without the dark, there is no light. Faith and trust, gives the blind child sight. There is no dark, there is no light, faith and trust, gives the blind child sight. There is no dark, there is no light, there is no wrong, there is no right....

XXVII

Inanna was in a great space more often then not and with each passing day a little more of her came back. A day did not go by where she didn’t visit the horses, desperate to ride, to feel that freedom again. She even started making her way into the village. Lilith was taking things slowly with Inanna, careful not to push her too far, too early. Learning the art of healing took strength and courage and was taxing emotionally and mentally, so she made sure Inanna had plenty of down time, plenty of time to play again – to...

XXVI

Inanna was still too weak to move but was able to sit up in bed now, propped up with pillows. It was time to get some food into her if she was going to regain her strength. She met the delightful Ren and they were instant friends – she felt as though she had known her forever – they shared an unbreakable bond. The strength of their friendship would grow and grow and she would turn out to be one of Inanna’s greatest teachers. Inanna started with one meal a day, slowly increasing it over the weeks. Much trauma had...

XXV

She wasn’t at all familiar with her surroundings but far from panicking she just lay there. She too could see the glow of the moon out her little window. It was glorious: soothing and calming, energising and illuminating. She started to remember: the pain, the stinging, the blood, the cold, she shivered as she recalled the atrocities, but one thing was for sure - she knew she was now far away from that reality and out of harm’s way. She rested. She remembered nothing of the past few weeks. In fact the last thing she remembered was being in that...

XXIV

It would be a month before there were any signs of life. Lilith and Ren had monitored her around the clock. Lilith used essential oils on her daily, gently massaging her wounds, the strong smell of eucalyptus making itself known. She wanted to be sure the physical symptoms were all healed before she began to delve deeper. Their hard work had paid off, after a few weeks the swelling had gone down and all that remained were a few pale yellow bruises. In the candle light Inanna looked serene, peaceful. It was as though she was happy just resting and...

XXIII

They made their way through the gates of Nor, exhausted and spent. It had been a long and emotional journey and now they were finally here, the enormity of what they had achieved becoming apparent. Micheál felt he could sleep for a week. The town was quietening down for the night, the distant sound of laughter and merriment emanating from the local ale house making its way across the cobble stone road., the last of the children running home to their mothers before the scolding would start. But it was straight to the temple for these weary travellers. The temple...

XXII

Micheál was feeling much more positive today and so very grateful to all whom had held the space for Inanna to heal the night prior. He was also most grateful for warm water, some new clothes and a full belly. His horse had also received some love and attention and you could see the benefits it reaped. Micheál agreed to Ren accompanying them forward. It would give him time to concentrate on the road ahead and his trusty old mare and Ren could tend to Inanna – keeping her comfortable and warm. Inanna had not opened her eyes or uttered...

XXI

There was a leader who guided tonight’s healing. The leader was usually an elder. Taught this ancient modality from her mother who had been taught from hers and so on and so forth. This ancient feminine wisdom kept alive through the generations, each one knowing the importance of not allowing this sacred knowledge to die. The sacred feminine – the divine essence beyond form or duality is present within every woman and is the source of her primal power. These women knew that activating and being in touch with this vital life-force would keep them powerful and present. The goddess...

The villagers ahead where beginning to grow worried when there was no sign of them. It was too dark now to send someone to find them but they would leave just before dawn and make their way down the road in the direction from which the two would be coming. They were elated when some hours later the men and their horses returned with the old farmer and his cart close behind. Once again the villagers gathered around. There was nothing more warming than seeing the people rally together to help – and in this case to help a total...

XIX

Again, they woke as dawn broke. Ailis had tendered beautifully to Inanna throughout the night and had even managed to pop her in a new nightdress. She couldn’t bear to send her off in that soiled and bedraggled rag. She had gently managed to wash the dried blood from Inanna’s face, arms and legs. Ailis had wondered who this animal was that could inflict such harm on a defenceless young woman. “Why she must be no older than nineteen”, she thought. She had daughters of her own and was immediately drawn to Inanna’s mother. She would be heartbroken to see...

XVIII

Micheál went as fast as he could but the road was rough and full of potholes and he had to decide whether speed or gentleness was his best method. He would stop every now and then to check on Inanna and try to give her some water. He would hold her gently, tilting her head and opening her mouth just enough to get a little in. When she managed a cough he was elated. She was alive and conscious, finally. He had no idea how much damage Beircheart had caused in that short amount of time. Physical damage was one...

XVII

Micheál had anticipated he would have to save Innana at some stage. He had sent messages out to the three local villages he would have to pass through to get to the healer. He requested warm fires, healing broths and soups, rugs and clean warm clothing. He made sure the villagers new Inanna was gravely ill. He was days away from any real help and he knew his chances of getting to the medicine woman with Inanna alive were slim, but he would take his chance. At least she would die while someone was trying to help her, rather than...

XVI

The beatings got worse when one particular night and on one extremely rare occasion they made their way to the nearby village for an outing. Beircheart was particularly proud to show Inanna off and for a fleeting moment Inanna could forget her worries and enjoy herself. She absolutely adored music and loved dancing even more. When she danced she could feel her life force. She felt carefree and wild and let herself go completely – it was her happy place. She couldn’t remember the last time she danced, she thinks it was under the light of the full moon with...

She counted each one of them, thirteen in total. He stopped when her head hit the ground. He had literally knocked the life right out of her. When she came to later that night all was still and dark. She thought this was probably a better option than sleeping with him. She would avoid this at all costs. She lay on the cold, stone floor, her head throbbing and her face stinging. If she thought the wrath of her father was something to behold, then Beircheart’s was on another level. How she thought she could outrun this beast of a...

XIV

Inanna awoke suddenly, her mother and sisters all shaking her excitedly – today was the big day. She had dreaded it since she was introduced to Beircheart. Her mother had laid out her own wedding dress on the bed for Inanna to wear. Millicent and Frances had been out early that morning foraging for flowers. They had gathered two baskets full and were so pleased with their efforts. The girls were in charge of the wedding bouquet. Inanna wanted nothing structured and neat, preferring natural and informal. She didn’t like fuss and she didn’t like bother and on this particular...

XIII

She felt serene, weightless. Her body floated effortlessly through the water for what seemed like an eternity. Her struggle was over and with eyes wide open she traced the rays of the sun that had broken through the surface of the ocean. Finally she had succumbed and allowed the waves to carry her gently to her watery grave. Finally, she had learnt to surrender and let go. Let go of the pain, the sorrow, the hatred and the anger and in its place she felt profound peace. A warmth enveloped her heart and she felt a deep-seated love for everyone...

XII

For the entire four weeks that followed Inanna wasn’t left alone once. Either her mother or one of her sisters was with her at all times. They were so fearful she would run away or do something even worse. She was nill by mouth now and looked worse than ever. Her mother wondered how she even had the strength to stand. The days were somehow racing by and Inanna spent all of them looking out the window at the little stone hut. She could not believe how her life could change so dramatically: in love one minute, desperate and alone...

“Inanna, I’d like you to meet Beircheart Laird” Unattractive was the first word that came to mind; unattractive and unappealing. He was orange, and white – not at all to her taste and the polar opposite of her beloved Eamon. He was big too and his skin freckly and weathered. He had an oversized beard and she wondered what was hidden beneath his hat. His head was big and round, to match his 6 foot five build. To Inanna he was uninviting and very plain – there was nothing exotic about him at all. No depth to his eyes, no beauty...

Inanna’s father was growing tired of her moping around – her silent presence fell thick and heavy on the house. Soon the whole vibration of the home matched hers and everyone seemed to walk around shrouded in an aura of sadness. When Inanna was young she used to lift the vibration of everyone in the house. She would paint, dance and sing. The whole room filled with her unique energy and you couldn’t help but feel happy and uplifted when she was around. But the mood had long changed and her father thought it was high time he did something...

Six months had passed and Inanna still only uttered a word when she had to. She started experiencing throat infections that were so bad she would be laid up in bed with high fevers and chills for weeks. The medicine woman from the neighbouring village visited almost daily. She would bring essential oils, harvested from the leaves, flowers and roots in the forest – Mother Nature always generously providing. Through a process of distillation she would extract the highly concentrated form of the plant, which contained its original medicinal properties. This art had been handed down from generation to generation....

VIII

Her mother tried to hug her when she arrived home – she offered to bathe her and pop her into bed. “It was for the best Inanna” she murmured, not game enough to look her in the eye. Millie ran up to her, relieved at having her sister home; Frances took one look at her and knew without a shadow of a doubt, she would never have her sister home. She spent weeks in bed talking to no one. She would get up only to bathe on occasions. She had barely eaten in that time and her fragility was reflected...

VII

How could Inanna ever think of marrying a lowly servant – a farm-boy – what was she thinking bringing disgrace to the family in that manner? In Eamon, Innana didn’t see a lowly worker, when she looked at him, she saw only his heart and in it - pure love. Inanna stood in her power initially – fighting for her right to choose, but her father only thought of her assertiveness as unladylike and aggressive. To Inanna being powerful meant you could be kind while still having healthy boundaries and not letting people push you around. Her father found this...

If it was possible to die of a broken heart – Inanna felt sure this would be her fate. Every single day was worse than the last, an unbearable darkness descended upon her. She took no joy in anything anymore – the anger had subsided and in its place lingered bitterness. She spent more and more time locked away in her bedroom refusing to interact with the outside world, refusing at times to even eat – her appetite lost. She couldn’t bear to look at her father and refused to speak to him – at the moment it was impossible...

The first time they made love was raw but gentle. They had waited long enough and it was time to unleash the pent up energy inside. With Eamon she felt safe, so loved – it was unlike anything she had ever experienced. With him she felt whole and complete, understood and protected. He seemed to know exactly what her body wanted and needed at the time – seducing her with his gentle hands and adoring gaze. He was attentive and present – every time they made love he was present. She could give herself to him freely and uninhibited. She...

He lived in a tiny stone hut, not far from the main house, close to the stables. The hut had a bed and a fire place, with a little window framing the vast lake behind. Inanna had made a habit of sneaking quietly down there in the dead of night, once she was sure everyone was asleep. Her sisters were very good at covering for her when their father's suspicions were raised. When all was quiet, she'd run down the stairs, past the kitchen in her nightdress and bare feet. Her tousled hair fell naturally. Unkempt from laying in bed....

III

Her life changed forever when, as a 16 year old girl, she looked out the window and saw a young man - the latest farmboy. Her father's harsh ways meant he went through them quite regularly and she was used to seeing men come and go: tending to the horses, keeping the hedges trimmed and the grounds neat and tidy. As soon as she locked eyes on him, she felt something stir deep inside her. It was a knowing - a warm feeling that sent flutters through her entire body. It would be days before she would meet him. Inanna...

Inanna was a striking girl. Even when she was young, she was sultry. Inviting. Different from her two sisters with dark brown hair falling to her shoulders framing her oval face and beautiful bone structure. Her light blue eyes and olive skin setting her apart from her fairer sisters. Both had light hair and green eyes, their temperament matched their fairer complexions and Inanna’s matched hers. She was feisty, and from a very young age expressed herself through her spoken word. Inanna didn't let anyone push her around: She held firm her beliefs and fought for her rights. Should anyone try...

That familiar taste ran down the back of her throat as it had done so many times before. She stood staring out at the moonless sky, the river just a few feet away, barely visible in the darkness: a reflection of her own soul? Wasn't the new moon all about sewing the seeds of something new? New beginnings, new intentions, fresh starts? The pain wasn't so bad. It was his words that ran over and over in her mind - keeping her enslaved: Worthless Useless Weak Pathetic Whore They were said so often and with such vigour, they had become...

The Priestess & Her Lover

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