THE CHRONICLES OF THE

CAT
AND
THE DRAGON
 The Quest

The cat had been asleep. She was in the place where you are not quite asleep,
and not quite awake.

She found herself on the pathway, quite often she found herself here these
days, the dragon would not be far away she thought. Usually he is on the rock, or
he is flying the motorways looking at the wildflowers. He had rather a penchant
for wildflowers and motorways. Strange combination, but then the cat had some
rather strange penchants too. Dragons and cats are very alike.

The cat lived in an Urban Grove. An Urban Grove you ask? But of course, it is a
magickal place in the city. By day it is a shop, where Druids read cards and sell
candles, sickles and runic rings. By night it is a forest within the city, with a
henge, and a tree. It is the magickal home of the cat, although she lived in the
west in an ordinary little house, in an ordinary little street.

The Dragon lived in the south. He lived by fields and with people who grew
things. He lived in what looked like a normal house, by day. But by night, as you
descended the stairs you came to a magickal place. This is where dragons sleep.
It has a computer and a pot belly stove, couches and maps. For the dragon was
partial to travel, and this is where he planned those travels.

You wonder what these two look like, ah you might ask. The cat could sometimes
be a rather fierce marmalade feral cat, or she could be black, mostly black. She
wore silver jewellery sometimes, and sometimes gold. She wore Five bronze rings
and her sickle on a string of crystals. The dragon, he was black. I have to
apologise, I know dragons are red, or green, or sometimes a pretty pink. But this
dragon was black, matt black, not even shiny black. His skin was the colour and
texture of black leather, he wore Harley Davidson boots, carried tobacco in a
plastic pouch and always carried a lighter.

Both the Dragon and the Cat wore cloaks when working in the underworld and
when they did their work in the upper world, they would put on cloaks and take
up oak staffs and silver swords. They could be quite impressive when they chose.

Usually the cat worked in the Urban Grove Store, and the dragon worked in a
winery. Sometimes they would see each other, and sometimes they would not.
But they each knew the other was there. Sometimes they drove each other to
distraction, and sometimes they just loved the time they spent together.
Really they had different lives, but at the same time the same life. It is all
rather hard to explain about cats and dragons. You would have to walk the path
with them a little while to experience what they are and who they are.

Their names, well, magickal names cannot be told. But they do have names I can
use, the cat is Sabbatcat, and the dragon likes Elphin. If you look to legend you
will find Elphin was the father of Talsien the great Celtic bard. A very fitting
name for a dragon actually, Sabbatcat was a play on words that the cat rather
liked, it was a nickname, and it stuck. Their true names might be told one day.
But not today.

The cat looked up and saw someone peering down at her.

Where on earth am I she thought as she looked at the eyes peering down on
her. My, what big eyes you have she sarcastically meowed.
She moved slowly and realised she was on a page, in a book, and the eyes were
that of the person reading the book.
She flicked her tail as only cats can, and asked very politely that the reader put
the book away, she was not ready, quite yet, to be read. The reader seemed to
persist, and poked the cat, which is not something one does to a cat, who does
not want to be read, and would rather just schmooze away the afternoon.

The reader persisted. What is this Grove? I want to visit. So the cat led the
gentle reader down the city streets, through the glass jungle she would rather
have driven in a red MR2 convertible. But in a book, it is easier to just journey
and arrive. The reader knew the glass jungle quite well, and seemed to know the
roads, and then the cat came to the arcade.

It was in its time a magnificent place. Not so much now. Old bag ladies drank gin
outside, and nightclub patrons left fag ends and other disgusting stuff on the
floor. It was an interesting place with some very interesting people.

There was a dungeon downstairs. A very secret place. The cat had been there
once. There was a Caf which served wonderful coffee with hash brown
sandwiches and played Dean Martin music. There was a shop that sold
interesting beach clothes, and one that sold shells and tapa. A beautiful shop
sold old lace and dresses and funny shoes. Jugglers visited the magick shop and
practised their juggling and fire stick throwing. Indeed the arcade was an
interesting place. There were other places nearby that the reader should know
about. The reader seemed to want to be in a hurry to get to the grove.
Well sorry, you woke me up, and we go where I want said the cat and anyway I
just texted the dragon, he will be here soon, when the Harley fires up, I cannot
take you to the Grove without the dragon.
So the reader tagged along. The cat badly needed food before she went to the
Grove. Dragon and Cat had a thing about food. You just cannot function properly
without it. In fact dear reader, dragons and cats get quite bad tempered with
each other and others if they do not eat. So reader, join the cat in the
Departure Caf the best chef works here. He creates treats that enrapture
the tongue, and the barman creates drinks that taste like magick, and the owner
(who is also extremely well dressed in black) is a man who works with lights and
creates magick with sound. The cat pulls up a stool. In a flash two lattes were
sitting steaming in front of them. The cat called to the divine chef, and they
discussed what the cat fancied that day.

The reader did not have a choice. In fact it seemed the reader wanted to put
the book away right this minute. The cat thought not.
I am sorry but you opened this book, you dragged me away from my sleep, the
dragon is on his Harley racing through wildflowers to get here, so have the
courtesy to stay awhile

The chef, with the Irish name and laughing eyes presented the cat with her
breakfast. A feast indeed. Just as she put her fork into the pancake the
dragon roared in the door (as dragons do), pulled up the Harley. Glared at the
reader, rolled a cigarette and demanded coffee and pancakes.

Cats do not talk to dragons until they have had a cigarette, and dragons do not
talk to cats until they have had coffee and eaten. Readers should just stay quiet
until the ritual is done.

The cats breakfast was crispy edged pancakes, stuffed with raspberries with
Espresso butterscotch sauce and a scoop of ice-cream. The dragon had
something similar. The cat really didnt care what the dragon was eating she
was enjoying her food. The Chef, the owner and the barman all stood back, they
knew better than to disturb dragons and cats whilst eating, but the foolhardy
reader asked if they might not hurry this all along.

The cat looked at the dragon, the dragon looked at the cat, they both looked at
the reader and glared.
I have yet to have another cigarette the dragon boomed
I have yet to have another coffee the cat whispered very cagily.

You wanted to read this story, you opened the book, it is too late, you have to
come with us. Stop hassling us about time, just step out of time for a minute or
two. Relax. This is the otherworld.
The cat and dragon caught up on the gossip and the reader looked around the
walls, tapped his fingers, picked his nose, looked at the newspaper and generally
tried not to appear too agitated.
Time to go Dragon said the Cat. Lets get this over with, this reader woke me
up this morning and I guess we have to see it through or I will never get to the
movies tonight, and you wont get to play that game of snooker to win the
championship, lets get on with it.

The dragon agreed. They trooped out into the sunshine, turned right and headed
down the arcade to the shop Urban Grove. Yes, it looks like any other shop. Well
not quite for it has cats and dragons, jewels and trees painted on it. It has a
pink door.

Yes, reader, We know a pink door does not match. Cat and dragon have not got
round to that yet. They will, one day, but not today. Do you need to take a break
dear reader? Would you like to put the story down for a while and come back
later. No? Then be ready, for once you are through the door of Urban Grove,
there is no turning back until the journey is done.

You ask what journey? Well it depends on what journey you need. It depends on
what you need to discover. But what I can tell you is that journeys in Urban
Grove are wonderful, you will learn a great deal. But be careful of Sabbatcat and
Elphin, it is best not to try their patience too much. Follow, be still, listen to the
silence and let you soul catch up.

Northern Lights
Inside the Grove is a beautiful table with large chairs. The black Australian had
given it to the cat for Christmas. He was a devil in the very sense of the word.
He said he was Satan. Cat reckoned he meant satin, he wore a black akubra and
leather waistcoat and frightened bus drivers and taxi drivers. He did not
frighten the cat. It was a wonderful present and the dragon and cat sat down
and invited the reader to sit as well.

Yes reader, you can sit. It is quite safe. You are now in Urban Grove. There is a
beautiful fountain. Another gift to the cat, from the tall barleyman. Barleyman
was an intense British man, who had an endearing wife. He sometimes asked
awkward questions, but that was ok, because other people asked awkward
questions, but he did it so well.
The shelves had candles and stuff on them. The table is scattered with tarot
cards. The cat is not always tidy. But this is the cats shop and she doesnt have
to be. Elphin gets down the cauldron to flick his ash into.

So reader Elphin sighs what is it you want

Well said the reader I wanted to visit the Grove, and I guess I am here, and
really it is a little disappointing, for all I see is a shop. A rather strange shop I
admit. But just a shop.

Sabbatcat nearly leapt out of her chair, and Elphin flicked her lightly with his
tail. Calm down Sabbatcat and she did. She did not calm down when others told
her too, but Elphin had a way of shutting her up if only temporarily.

Elphin pointed out some of the things in the shop. He and Sabbatcat lit some
candles, broke some bread, shared a glass of water and lit some incense.

Why do you do that the reader enquired, very politely I might add, for a
reader.

Elphin answered that it was about honouring the elements, and when Sabbatcat
and he got together they usually did this little ritual in some form or other.
Sometimes they mixed the elements, sometimes they just acknowledged them,
but it was an important part of who they were.

I dont understand the reader said tell me more about these elements of
yours, this sounds interesting.

Elphin inclined his head to Sabbatcat, who shrugged and said we might as well,
we cant go anywhere until the quest is begun and done. The elements is just as
good as any place to start I do believe.

Elphin felt the cat could be a little more accommodating, but what can you
expect from grumpy cats who are not in their right cycle at the moment.
Sabbatcat saw that thought go through Elphins mind, but instead of getting
upset she had a little giggle.

Elphin rolled a cigarette, poked it behind his ear. Took a deep breath, draped his
arm around the cats shoulders and proceeded to start the quest of the
elements..
Suddenly the shop was not a shop.
The reader looked around and was surprised to see he was standing in a field.
The sun was pouring down in all it glory and surrounding the field was a ring of
massive oak trees. The reader sat down in shock. Sabbatcat loved this bit,
Elphin did it so well he could just magick them anywhere, anytime. He had
trouble in the beginning when he was learning, and sometimes the energies and
magick waves got a bit mixed up. Sabbatcat still had bruises where she had been
dumped from a great height because Elphin miscalculated. But he had it down to
a fine art now, and you were there before you realised it. Brilliant.

They were not even in the country. This was a Welsh field. With Welsh moles
and badgers, ravens and hawkes. Welsh oaks and welsh skies. It was all rather
impressive and the reader certainly seemed impressed.

Elphin asked the cat if she would like to do this part of the quest. Earth, was
after all, her quarter. yes of course she agreed.

We need gear you know Elphin and before she could continue the Merlyn
appeared.

Good day to you both, I see you have another reader, where did they pick up
your book from?

I am not sure Merlyn said the cat but I can tell you he has a sharp finger and
fair poked me off the page, and was quite insistent. But enough of that, I will
need the requisite Questing items please.

Merlyn looked amused at Sabbatcat, ever practical cat he thought. The Merlyn
produced three satchels, bottomless of course. These are hard to get, the little
people in Ireland make them, and not very often at that.

Elphin and Sabbatcat had cloaks already. Elphin pointed out that the dear
reader did not have one. The Merlyn produced a green one. The reader was
taken aback, he wanted a black one. The Merlyn pointed out that readers who
dive into books to go on quests get what they are given. Green is all that is
available, especially after Beltane when red and black cloaks are sold out.

Swords. Aha Sabbatcat had their sword, Elphin had his sword. Elphins was very
heavy and ornate, a beautiful sword to behold, Sabbatcats was a little lighter.
The reader looked expectant. The Merlyn shook his head. Beginners are not
allowed swords on quests.

Oak staffs, yes the beginner could have a staff. Of willow. Not oak. The
reader was getting very, very agitated at this point and was threatening to close
the book and chuck it under the bed.
I hope it is not like under Elphins bed sabbatcat giggled for we would be lost
forever amongst theosophy books, socks and filter papers.

Elphin retorted what about you Sabbatcat, we would find harry potter
jellybeans, coke cans and Discworld novels under yours!

The Merlyn raised his staff. You two really need to get going. Elphin you have a
snooker competition that you cannot miss, stop bantering, the reader is getting
edgey, away on the quest now please.
Who made him God? Sabbatcat grunted under her breath

I dont know said Elphin But SHE has a lot to answer for.

The Merlyn heard the two of them and a small bolt of lightening lightly landed
on their shoulders. They got the message.

Well dear reader we are about to explore the realm of the North explained
Sabbatcat to her dear reader.

You will notice it is incredibly green. Green is the colour of the North.

They proceeded across the field, sometimes the ground was muddy, sometimes
clay. Sometimes it was brown and dry. Sabbatcat explained that this part of the
quest showed the traveller the different kinds of earth there was. From
volcanic rock to friable earth. From sodden clay to peat. It was best to collect a
little of each kind and tuck it in the satchel. The reader looked surprised.
You are on a quest you know, we collect things on quests, it is the thing to do
sighed Sabbatcat.

The reader duly picked up a small handful of each kind of earth. As they carried
on they came across a beautiful green silk square. It had embroidered a silver
symbol on it. The symbol was that for the earth. Sabbatcat explained that this
was an altar cloth, and should be folded carefully and tucked into the satchel.
The reader dutifully did this, knowing now that this was what was done on
quests, at least with dragons and cats.

Time seemed unusual here, and by the time they reached the edge of the field
and could feel the coolness of the oak trees the evening was fast falling.
Sabbatcat decided they would rest until Midnight. For Midnight was the time
this realm was at its best. Out of the satchels came bread and cheese and a
little golden mead. Some dragon stories were told about diving in emerald waters
and fishing off little boats and sleep came until the moon rose high in the sky.
For this was the time of New Moon.
Sabbatcat went on to explain that the North or earth realm started the wheel
off. For the realms were set out in a wheel. By the time the reader had gone
through all of the realms he would understand the cycle of life, seasons etc. It
was amazingly simple, yet quite complex.

So Midnight, New Moon, Sabbatcat got the reader to spread out the green cloth
with the silver symbol. The sun had been out all day but this was not the realm
of summer, and Sabbatcat needed to turn the wheel to right season. The
correct season for the Northern realm was Winter. As she spread her cloak a
frosty glow shimmered in the sky, a chill bit down on their shoulders, the fire
flickered just a little. The mists descended around the three. Elphin and
Sabbatcat cast the circle of Northern Realms. Raised swords in mystic
moonlight is a wonderful sight at any time, and the reader was transfixed. The
reader was right to just keep turning the pages and enjoy the journey he was on.

The magick circle cast. Elphin and Sabbatcat sat down. From under her cloak the
cat drew out some crystals. She cast them on the green cloth a rock crystal, a
piece of emerald, black jet and lastly quartz. Sabbatcat pointed out to the
reader that these were the gems associated with the North, and should be used
for grounding, or for when working with the north elements.

Elphin searched in his satchel, and found a twist of fabric, he carefully

unwrapped it and placed on the green silk a silver pentacle. Along with the
pentacle he placed salt, wheat and corn. He explained that these were tools and
offerings of the Northern realm. Salt, wheat and corn comes from the earth
itself, and when working magick should be offered to the North. Elphin noticed
the reader was shivering slightly. Both he and Sabbatcat were used to working
in the cold, they tended to power up quite quickly and warmth radiated around
them, but the reader needed to be included in the warmth. Elphin placed the
pentacle in the readers hands. This will link you to our magick and keep you
warm. The reader was rather grateful, his fingertips having a blue tinge to
them.

Sabbatcat also explained that this was the quarter of death and rebirth. If you
wanted to end something and start again, it was this realm you would visit and
use to do that. It was where things could be cut dead. Where journeys of re-
birth could begin. It was also the realm of touch. It was important to touch
things within the realm. Touch and feel the gems, the pentacle. Feel the
thickness of the green silk, feel the damp mist. Run the salt, wheat and corn
through your fingers and once again touch each of the types of earth.
We celebrate Yule Sabbat at this time too Sabbatcat told the reader. It is like
Christmas, the Christians sort of stole it from us.

On the green silk appeared a stone. Sabbatcat looked around. Merlyn I know
you are there.
The Merlyn could not resist coming along on the quest. This was his gift to the
reader.
Take the stone, for it carries many stories and many lives, much tradition. One
day take the stone and listen to it, for it has wise words for you.
The reader, of whom they were all becoming rather fond, put the stone in his
satchel. Sabbatcat carefully folded the green silk with the gems and salt, grains
and earths and handed it to the reader. this is to remind you of the realm of
the earth

Remember this realm well:

Colour: Green
Season: Winter
Life: Death and rebirth
Time: Midnight
Moon: New moon
Magick: Pentacle, salt, wheat corn
Gems: Rock crystal, emerald, jet, quartz
Sense: Touch.

The reader was a little tired. Elphin and Sabbatcat felt he should put them away
just for now.
Close the book dear reader. Go and sleep, we will be here when you open the
book again. The reader quietly closed the book and went to sleep.

Well you had better get yourself to that snooker competition said Sabbatcat
to Elphin and I will be late for Harry Potter.

Elphin laughed out loud. Harry Potter?

Why yes what is wrong with that, I have borrowed a child for the evening, and
I have jellybeans, that is all one needs. By the way it is your turn when the
reader returns tomorrow. Elphin nodded and started up the Harley and followed
the wildflowers home.
 EASTERN PROMISE
Really Sabbatcat, what a name for this part of the quest said Elphin.
I could not resist chortled Sabbatcat. Anyway you love it, are we having
breakfast before the reader arrives?
Have we got time?
Just Sabbatcat thought.
They went into the Departure Caf, sat on their usual stools, Elphin lit the usual
cigarette, and Sabbatcat had her usual coffee.
There was a glint in Elphins eye. Oh No, please no squealed the cat Not
spirulina!.
Yes grinned Elphin. And it appeared.
The Irish named chef was very hot, his kitchen seemed a little overheated.
Sabbatcat and Elphin raised a little air conditioning magick to help out, the cat
did not like to think of the chef suffering. He was too good a cook.

Her breakfast appeared. Crispy pancakes with a savoury vegetable hash and
hollandaise sauce. She almost drooled. Almost? No she did!

Elphin had eggs benedict with salmon. The pair of them had just gotten through
the breakfast and were mopping up those last divine bits on their plate, when a
breeze went through the caf.
Here we go, the reader is up said Elphin. He is keen, it is quite early
Do we have to go back through the shop and all the rest of it asked Sabbatcat
cant he just open the page and we be under the oak trees?.
You know we are supposed to go through the shop, but I agree, seems pointless,
when we can just drop into the airzone otherwise we have to trudge through
earth again. By the way I won the snooker last night.

I didnt doubt you wouldnt win said Sabbatcat harry potter was a bit over the
top, I liked Robbie Coltrane he is the only reason I went to the movie, and to
eat jellybeans.

The eyes appeared over the top of the book, here we go thought Sabbatcat. He
better dare not poke me! Instead he prodded the dragon. Ooops that is not what
you do. The dragon breathed a little fire and singed the end of the readers
finger. No more need be said.

Elphin pulled the reader into the page, as he fell in his cloak turned from green
to yellow with little dragons embroidered on it. (Well we are in the east and
some artistic licence is allowed in this story).
Sabbatcat decided to get in on the act and magicked a little yellow dress well
ok she magicked herself down to a size 10 for this part of the journey the
dress was so cute and Elphin told her to be quiet. And she did.

Elphin turned to the oak trees and beckoned them through the gaps in the
leaves. They were moving into the Eastern realm. It was all very yellow
(obviously!). Love the colour scheme thought the cat. The dragon caught the
thought and glared at the cat still wrong cycle eh cat! The cat hissed.

There were wonderful smells here. Elphin showed the reader that this was the
realm of air. It was a place of wind, movement, smells, anything that was carried
on the air. This was the perfect time too. The reader was early and it was Dawn.
Dawn is the realms best time. The three of them watched the sun come up with
oak trees at their backs, and fields of golden buttercups and goldenrod in front
of them. They walked through the drifts of the flowers, pollen clinging to their
cloaks. A yellow silk square was floating in the air just above the readers head,
and Sabbatcat grabbed it down and stuffed it in the readers satchel, he tended
to forget to collect things.

Elphin stopped at a patch of herbs, and beside the herbs were some bottles of
powders and gums. The Merlyn had left another present. Just what we need said
Elphin.

In the middle of all of this yellow haze was a patch of clear ground. Sabbatcat
laid out the yellow cloth with the silver symbol for air.
Elphin took from his satchel a mortar and pestle, and did what he does best
ground up an incredible incense. He explained to the reader that incense was a
tool of the air realm. The smoke from incense could be used to cleansing and
consecrating, that different herbs and gums invoked different magicks.

Elphin lit a charcoal and placed it on a stone. As it glowed he sprinkled on the

herbs which were sharp and smelled of lemongrass and sandalwood. Elphin also
took out an athame from beneath his cloak, and laid it on the cloth. Another tool
of the Air realm he explained. The East was a time of youth. A time of growing
up. The realm of the air had its best time at waxing moon. To bring magick
towards you, to invite new things into your life or for others. It is like a child
growing up. The sabbats celebrated in this time are Ostara and Imbolc the
sabbats of spring equinox and thanks giving. The reader nodded and was quite
overwhelmed by this realm.

Elphin took from under his cloak a small bag like sabbatcats and tipped onto the
cloth a topaz, amber and a piece of citrine. The gems for this realm. For
communication, intellect, study.
So remember this realm:

Colour: yellow
Season: spring
Life: youth
Time: dawn
Magick: Athame, censor with charcoal
Gem: topaz, amber, citrine
Sense: Smell

Southern Fires
You may as well continue Elphin, Fire is your realm your strongest one said
Sabbatcat. Elphin was more than happy to continue.

Hang on, cried sabbatcat, I need to change. Again?

Well yes, where else do I get to wear the ritual frocks, cant very well wear red
satin skirts in the shop can I?

Elphin agreed, of course, its a woman thing. Men dont need to change. Well
dragons dont, they just wear black. He couldnt work out why Sabbatcat just
didnt stick to her black wardrobe, it suits her, its easier he shook his
head, wont even venture into that part of her mind. Not today anyway. Let her
wear red satin. For heavens sake she will change quick enough Ive magicked up
a desert. And grinned to himself.

They climbed the fence from the yellow realm, and immediately faced the heat
of summer. It was a desert. That wonderful red, rock desert. I love it said the
cat. This is a wonderful realm, but not for red satin dresses!

The cat magicked a change of clothes, black. Linen. Plain. Perfect thought Elphin,
she finally got the idea.

The best time for this realm is midday. When the sun is at its highest. It
seemed to be that already. They had spent the morning in the East and it was
quite timely to come into the south.
Elphin and Sabbatcat noted that the readers cloak was orange.
please Merlyn, that is a bit tacky said Sabbatcat
The Merlyn agreed but there was no red left after Beltane and it was the best
he could do.
The dragon sniffed and wanted to get going. This was his territory, and he loved
it. He took the liberty of breathing fire every 10 paces, and smoking out the
place. He had to be indulged though, because he would have to put up with the
cat when she did her water thing.

Elphin pointed out that although there was a firey summer sun in the sky, there
was also a full moon. Full moon was the epitomy of the wheel. Passions run wild in
full moons. Full moon magick was important. Beltane, Midsummer and Lughnasahd
were the sabbats to be celebrated in this quarter. Beltane Fires were
wonderful, things and Elphin explained the Beltane rites of running through the
fires to cleanse. Of lighting Beltane fires for the coming year. It was all so
heavy with tradition, that Elphin said a whole new book would have to be written
for the sabbats alone. Sabbatcat agreed.

Elphin took out a square of red silk, with golden embroidery. Sabbatcat raised
an eyebrow. Gold embroidery? Indulge me he said. Of course she would. On the
silk Elphin laid a sickle with a ruby at its point. The sickle of fire. A sacred tool
indeed, the sun caught the edges of the ruby and it flashed its colour right
around the desert they were in.

Elphin explained to the reader that this was a quarter of maturity. Of

acknowledging ones journey and wisdom. Having learned lessons (hopefully), of
becoming an adult. Plans maturing. It was the realm of seeing, of sight. This
realm was best looked at. Where air was best smelled, and earth was best
touched. This was a feast for the eyes and should be thoroughly enjoyed.

The oranges and reds, the summer hues, the desert sands. The ruby flashing in
the sun. With a flourish he tipped the jewels onto the cloth, a fire opal, ruby
and carnelian and lastly Merlyn appeared with a cabochon garnet his gift for
the realm.

It was time for a drink under this midsummer sun and a dark red juice was
produced from Elphins satchel. It quenched the thirst well. Elphin then bought
out the candle. A beautiful red candle. For fire is the element here. He lit the
candle and placed it on the cloth. It was perfect. Rubies, candles, noon day sun,
A fire realm vista.

Colour: Red, orange

Season: Summer
Life: Maturity
Time: Midday
Tool: Sickle
Gem: Fire opal, ruby, carnelian, garnet
Elphin wanted to stay awhile, and this was ok with the others. It was time for a
rest. The reader thought he might just mark the page and go get coffee and see
to his cat or dog or whatever (most likely a budgie thought Sabbatcat) and he
would be back to continue the quest.
Like your realm said Sabbatcat to Elphin

Not too bad if I say so myself

Im pleased the reader has taken a break, he is very intense isnt he?

Elphin agreed. Some of them seem to be very intense, and others seem to just
cruise in and out. Fancy some coffee? Brilliant idea, coffee and a cigarette
always helps between realms.

Western Waters
My turn! said Sabbatcat Blue robes, black cloaks are the order of the day.

You do love your realm too dont you Sabbat asked Elphin
Of course, fire is to water you know that, we have to balance, it would not do
for us both to be the same.

The reader flicked the page, Sabbatcat fell over. The Merlyn frowned. Be a bit
careful reader.

The three of them stepped from the desert onto a beach. The ocean crashing
around them. Sabbatcat screamed with delight at the water and opened her
arms, suddenly a wave swept up over them and drew them down into the ocean
depths.

I like a bit of drama bubbled Sabbatcat its ok you can breath under here
underwater magick, not a problem

you really do make a splash said the Merlyn.

The water was a stunning blue green, it was the colour of the Wyrd sister drink
that the clever barman made for them. Chartreuse, sapphire Bombay, apple
sours and blue curacao. It should be called sourpuss thought Elphin. The cat
caught that thought and flashed back that perhaps Elphins cycle was a bit off
today. His eyes twinkled and they both laughed.

Looking up through the water you could see the twilight. For this was the time
of the water. Twilight/evening. When the stars just come out. The best time of
day for Sabbatcats. The water had a slight chill, it was autumn.
The realm of water was one of old age, twilight and autumn. When things are
slowly coming to an end. A very emotive time of life. Very beautiful.

Sabbatcat bade them swim down to the bottom where she had laid a blue piece
of silk with silver embroider. Standing in the centre was the most beautiful
chalice.
The chalice is the tool for the west she explained. The grail cup, the cup of
emotion, the cup of overflowing.

We celebrate under the waning moon, and the sabbat of Mabon. Here is the
waning of life. It is a very simple element. But remember the many kinds of
water from lakes to rivers, to streams, to rain, to mist, to fog, to dew. My realm
is a many faceted realm she pointed out to the reader.

In the distance a woman appeared, with a sword. Be Still, Listen to the Silence,
Let Your Soul Catch Up she intoned. She was the Lady of the Lake. She inclined
her head to Elphin and admired his sword, she acknowledged the Merlyn and
greeted him as an old friend. She embraced the cat, for they were sisters in
the past, and still in the future to be. She asked for news othe outerworld and a
pleasant time was past.

The Lady of the Lake left behind her an aquamarine and opal. Sabbatcat bade
the reader collect them up. For this is the realm of emotion and dreaming and
journeying. The three of them surfaced and walked onto the beach. There were
some flasks lying on the sand.
The realm of water is about taste, and she uncorked the bottles. Taste the
different types of water. From frozen Antartic and Artic, to deep river and
tricking stream water. They each took a taste from the bottles.

Sabbatcat turned to the reader, time to remember:

Colour: Blue, green-blue

Season: Autumn
Life: Old Age
Day: Evening, twilight
Tool: Chalice
Gems: Aquamarine, opal
 Spirit

The Centre of the realm.

The Cat looked at the Dragon, and both looked at the Merlyn.
Its your turn Merlyn, you should take this realm

The Merlyn nodded. He led the reader to the centre of the wheel from here the
reader could see the Green fields of the Northern Realm, the yellow flowers of
the Eastern realm, the Fiery desert of the South and the crashing blue waters
in the West.

We are at the very centre of the cycle itself, if we travel the wheel and learn
about ourselves and we journey with pure heart we come to this, where we can
see the pattern and understand a little about life and beyond life.

This is a time beyond time when we stand here. We stand in the purple haze of
power, we stand between the lunar and solar cycles.

A purple cloth floated in the air, as did a cauldron.

The sense sense hear was hearing. But there was nothing but silence. The
Merlyn smiled at the reader. Of course it is in the silence you hear all.

The Merlyn left the reader for a time in the purple realm, so he could look at
where he had been, and that he might want to learn more.

The three of them watched the reader and remembered what it was like.
They stepped into the centre with the reader and enjoyed the incredible
silence, and the energy of the wheel turning around them.
The reader stepped out and closed the book.

Elphin and Sabbatcat decided to quietly go back to the Grove where it all
started. you are getting good at this said Sabbatcat as she found herself
sitting on the wooden chair in front of the table.

Elphin rolled a cigarette, and Sabbatcat put her feet up.

Both looked at each other Time for pinball methinks said Sabbatcat

absolutely agreed Elphin.

They closed the pink door, gazed up at the dragon and the cat, and turned away.
The two people walked down the arcade, one in black jeans, black t shirt and
black jacket with Harley Davidson boots; the other in a long black dress, high
heels (damn those heels Sabbatcat you walk so slow!) and black cloak. They
turned left out of the arcade into the caf.

Waiting on the bar were two Wyrdsisters shooters, two flat whites and the
pinball machine lit up.