Solstice - The Goddess Awakens

Getting out of the car Lola stretched her aching bones, realising how tense she had been. Closing her eyes, she inhaled the earthy, sweet smell of the countryside. The sun was still strong as it made its decline in the evening sky, but Lola could feel a different form of heat running through her body. It was the energy of the trees and hills all around her as it seeped into every part of her body.

‘Can you feel that?’ asked Aibgrene closing her eyes, allowing her other senses take over. ‘This is where my soul belongs, where it yearns to be, in mystical and ancient Teamhair. I feel as though I’m completely plugged into source here, it’s amazing.’

Lola shared her peace, and tried to imagine the thousands of people that had descended on this site for millennia, each one of them trying to experience its wisdom and peace.

‘Come on, let’s get our stuff and get sorted for tomorrow.’

Lola started to unpack with a feeling of anticipation as the ancient hills of Teamhair beckoned her, whispering their secrets in the soft evening breeze. It took a couple of trips to the car before Lola and Aibgrene retrieved all of their things. Walking up the stony laneway, Lola could see the church of Saint Patrick stationed like a sentry. Legend had it that upon coming to Ireland, Patrick recognised what an important place Tara was, and in order to quash the old religion and magick, he knew he had to conquer it if Christianity was to flourish. The church was erected and rebuilt over the centuries, but now it was used as a visitors centre.

There were still a lot of tourists at the centre, enjoying the last of the evening sun and sights of the Boyne Valley. They were clearly intrigued by the large group of people that were erecting marquees and other tents on the site. Lola followed Aibgrene through a small vertical slit in the stone wall that surrounded the church and old grave yard. She had heard all about Tara and its legends from Arthur, but she had never been there before.

Tracking through the graveyard, they came to a small opening in the hedge, leading them out on to the hillside, where the wide expanse of the Boyne Valley was laid out in a vivid blanket of green as far as the eyes could see. Lola looked around her in all directions and drank in the breathtaking panoramic view. It was said that the fires of Tara could be seen from all over Ireland, and standing there Lola believed that it may well have been true.

To her left stood two large satellite mounds. The sign which sat atop a long metal pole read ‘The Mound of the Nine Hostages’, the other pointed towards one of the most import features of the site, the ‘Lia Fail’ or the ‘Stone of Destiny’. To the unobservant tourist, it may have been difficult to imagine Tara in all its splendour as the Royal Fort of Ireland, but Lola could feel the energy of the place, the calm, the serenity. Although she had never been there before, it seemed so familiar to her.

‘Come on you, get a move on!’ said Aibgrene, bringing Lola out of her daydream.

Lola trudged after Aibgrene as she passed a group of men who were erecting a large circular white tent. It reminded Lola of a circus tent, without the red and white stripes. Each of the men was dressed in loose canvas trousers and t-shirts, the colours varying, but the look was essentially the same. They reminded Lola of the eco-warriors that lived in forests throughout Ireland and England. She had seen them on the news years ago and more recently protesting against the motorway that cut through the Boyne Valley.

It was difficult to guess the age of the men, but it was clear by their faces that they were used to working outdoors. They were all in deep concentration, each holding onto a taught rope, pulling out in different directions as the large structure began to take shape. They were almost there when one of the workers deserted his station, his eyes catching Aibgrene as she passed. The chorus of shouts and curses informed Lola who the deserter was, as dropping his rope the whole structure collapsed, imploding in on itself.

‘Daithi! What are you doing, man? We nearly had it there!’ The young man who was running towards Aibgrene was oblivious to their protests.

‘Aibgrene, you made it.’ said Daithi, embracing her and lifting her up, before twirling her around, and then setting her back onto the ground. The feeling was clearly reciprocated, as they held each other’s eyes intently, before kissing, much to the delight of the group who were now watching, whooping and shouting in encouragement. Lola stood feeling a little awkward. She’d been right about them being more than friends. Aibgrene turned towards her introducing the young man.

‘Daithi, I would like you to meet a very good friend of mine. This is Miss Lola Paige.’

Stepping towards her, with his hand extended and a wide smile radiating from his face, the tall dark-haired boy shook Lola’s hand.

‘Hello, Lola, I’ve heard a lot about you,’ he smiled. ‘It’s lovely to finally meet you.’ He looked a perfect match for Aibgrene, thought Lola as she examined him. He was a bit taller than her and had jet-black hair, which fell in curls around his elfin features. His dark green eyes sparkled with a gentle kindness. Lola instantly warmed to him.

‘Lola, this is Daithi O’Neill, my friend and soon-to-be husband,’ declared Aibgrene, barely containing her excitement.

‘What?’ Lola felt was sure that she’d picked her up wrong. ’It’s your wedding? Why didn’t you tell me? I haven’t even brought a present! Oh my God! Congratulations, to the both of you.’ Lola couldn’t hide her delight, grabbing them both into a group hug.

‘She didn’t tell you, Lola?’ laughed Daithi. ‘Aibgrene!’

‘Well I wasn’t sure if I was going to go through with it,’ she smirked, as he chased after her.

Lola watched as they kissed once again, before following them to the campsite nestled at the foot of the hill. The large tents and small caravans that lay scattered about the site were all deserted, as everyone was up on the hill preparing for the wedding.