Crow Magic

by Mary Quast

  “I think a shopping trip is order to get some new bling for this new gal. I bet I can find a lovely pair of earrings in the Shawnee jewelry shop I saw in town.” With a smile and a spring in her step, she headed to the cottage.

  After a short flight, he returned to the oak tree to rest. When he’d arrived, he expected to find a mouse, but found a hidden flame instead. He watched her bend to pick up her discarded robe, admiring her willowy figure. Long ringlets of hair fell into her face, and with pale fingers she tucked the strands behind the ear missing the hoop. Her fair skin contrasted with the fiery red hair, its purity disguising the intense blaze hidden inside. With a sway of her hips, she disappeared into the shadows of the woods.

  Leaping off the branch, he landed with a muted thud and rose to his full, human height. He removed the small silver hoop clenched in his teeth and leaned against the tree, fingering the earring and thought of what he’d do to bring the woman within out of hiding.

  ***

  His mission of spying on the woman Madame Eve matched for him changed into an all-morning event. The minute Lucy walked out of the cottage he’d sensed her spirit calling to him and begging release. It was apparent as soon as she stepped off the porch to follow the crow that she would make a transformation easily. Her innocence brought out his protective streak, yet he wanted to teach her everything and take her to heights of passion. His pride swelled that he’d been the chosen one for the task.

  Of all the people he’d met and the women he experienced intimately, she hypnotized him with her words. He lusted after not only her beauty but her soul, with the hesitant demeanor and even her wild hair separating her from all others. Beautiful organic shades of red and orange were revealed as the locks danced in the wind. Never had he seen hair like that before. So alive!

  Her pale skin altered his opinion of the color white. He’d always considered the pallid shade boring. Her skin was that of an angel, light as the beach sand, smooth as milk and honey. He recognized the presence of the Water Spirit and noticed a calming of her aura. Her invitation to sit with her on the beach delighted him. He’d smelled magic in the blood he drew on her wrist. Her lovely eyes focused his attention on the eagerness of her soul yearning to be set free, stirring a longing obscured under personal responsibilities. His crow begged to claim her. Could it be possible she possessed a spirit animal akin to his own?

  Because of her keen response to the bird, he predicted her reaction to the man would be more fervent. His cock grew hard, his palms itched to touch the milky skin and he hungered to taste her.

  “You have been a mouse too long.” He whispered to the wind, “It is time to let the fiery angel fly. Trust me. Believe in me. I will show you how to soar.”

  The crow within demanded to possess her. Mine.

  Chapter Four

  Standing in front of the mirror she applied a pale shade of lip gloss. Not one to wear makeup, she kept it minimal. Stepping back, she smoothed her dress over her hips. The cream lace sundress left her skin barer than she’d normally be comfortable with. A peach ribbon hugged under the bodice, pushing her breasts up to show off cleavage. She brushed her hair with nervous dissatisfaction. Her thick hair, usually kept in a ponytail, tumbled over her shoulders and down her back in loose curls. Slanting her head, she admired her new earrings.

  “Well, girlie, this is it.” She spoke to her reflection. “The time has come to face your fears and grow up. You can do this. You will do this.”

  A firm knock at the door made her spin around, her heart racing with fear and a knot tightened in her gut. Her high-heeled sandals clicked on the hardwood floor as she walked. Where the heels too high? What if he was short? Did the shoes make her look like a hooker? Maybe she should have put her hair back. She shook the doubts away and reached for the doorknob.

  Opening the door, she faced a man’s broad chest covered in a black shirt. Her eyes were drawn to a silver chain. The parting collar revealed an amulet; a moon of black onyx, edged in silver with a silver crow perched. A crow!

  The hairless chest moved. Embarrassed, she raised her eyes to a sculpted face framed with long black hair; the same face she’d imagined while conversing with the crow. For a split second, she was sure she looked into the eyes of the bird who had kept her company earlier. His black eyes sparkled with gentle kindness, and his lips slid into a slow smile.

  “I’ve come for Lucy.” His velvet voice cloaked her in warmth. “But it appears I’ve found an angel.”

  “No angel. Just Lucy…I mean me.” She held out her hand. “Uh…you must be Tecumseh.”

  “Yes, I am.” A shock went through her arm when they came into contact with each other. “I’m pleased to meet you. I never thought I’d meet an angel named Just Lucy.”

  He continued to smile as he stroked her fingers with his. Silver rings and a cuff bracelet reflected the light from inside the cabin. Heat rushed to her face. “Do not be embarrassed, Lucy.” His gaze bored into hers. “You have nothing to dread tonight. It’s time to live your life, so that fear can never enter your heart.”

  He cupped her face with his free hand and ran a thumb over her cheek to wipe the blush away. Instead of repulsion, she experienced a calming sensation from the simple touch she’d craved all her life.

  “Uh, would you care to come in?”

  “How about we sit on your porch for a few minutes and talk?”

  She let out a long breath and sat next to him on the top step. He pointed to a pair of turtle doves in the driveway. Despite their drab colors, they were beautiful; cooing softly to each other then took flight.

  She made a nervous attempt at small talk. “I don’t see a car. How did you get here?”

  “I live in these mountains. I had a short flight then walked to your cabin door.”

  “Really? How far away do you live? Or is that against the rules to ask?”

  “I guess it’s okay.” Perfect white teeth flashed with his grin. “I live twenty miles as the crow flies east.”

  “Did you borrow a helicopter from one of those sightseeing companies?”

  “No, I have my own wings.” He winked when her jaw dropped.

  “Wow! Do you fly often?” She chattered. “I love to fly but never get the chance. I watch airplanes and birds, wondering what it feels like.”

  “I haven’t flown for pleasure in a while. I’m always alone. Perhaps you’d take a chance and fly with me.”

  “I’d love to.” She hoped she didn’t sound too eager.

  “So, your name is Tecumseh.” She smiled to hide her nervous attempt at conversing. “That’s Native American, right?”

  “Yes it is.” He lifted her hand and kissed it. “I am Shawnee and it is a noble family name. My name means ‘shooting star.’ I am of the same line as the great Chief Tecumseh.”

  His words soothed her nerves. Not only drop-dead gorgeous but interesting as well. Madame Eve certainly selected well.

  Maybe he isn’t real.

  “Are you a shaman or something?” She groaned. “I’m sorry if I’m being stupid.”

  “You are not stupid, Lucy.” His brow furrowed. “You are an intelligent woman. I must add beautiful as well.”

  Surprised at hearing he thought her attractive, she let out a snort of disagreement. When a low chuckle rumbled in Tecumseh’s chest, she blushed again.

  “To answer your question, I am what you could call a shaman to my people, and to those who believe. You see, there are individuals who must unite with the earth and remember their oneness with all the natural gifts each of us has been given. I have a gift I use to help people return to their spiritual path and find the treasures that lie within their souls. It is from that point we begin to find our hearts true song and our connection to the source of life.”

  “In today’s crazy world, you must be in demand.” She gazed into his face with awe. “Do you move as a shadow among people and touch them when they don’t know it?”

  “I don’t have that kind of power.” Tipping his he
ad back, he gave a throaty laugh. “People have to call upon me first, and I will only help them if they are willing to help themselves.”

  “Do you live on a reservation with your tribe?” She enjoyed the casual conversation.

  “Because of my gift, I find it easier to live away from community. Personally, I enjoy the peace and serenity associated with the mountains. My cave is very comfortable.”

  “You live in a cave? Are you serious?”

  “No, I’m just kidding.” Humor laced his rich voice. “I live in a pretty nice log home but still in the wilderness. Come.” He stood and held out his hand. “Let’s go for a walk.”

  Her nervousness returned. “Let me see if I can find a flashlight.”

  “Don’t bother; it will be light for a while yet.”

  “I think I should to change my shoes then.”

  He raised his eyebrow and the corner of his mouth twitched. It appeared stalling tactics wouldn’t work with him. His subtle grip of her fingers reassured frayed nerves.

  “Come with me.” He pulled her to her feet.

  Warmth and tranquility spread through her arm from the contact. Something familiar about his presence played with her psyche, and she allowed herself to be enveloped in his embrace. Wrapping his arms around her, he brushed his lips across her forehead and nose. He skimmed his fingers through her hair and down to her shoulder. She relaxed with the soothing gesture and accompanied him onto a well-worn hiking path.

  Walking with him gave her the chance to inspect her “date.” Well-groomed black hair hung low on his back and in the dim light, his sculpted features gave seduction a face. The silver jewelry sparkled and accessorized his black attire, completing midnight personified. With dark features, height and regal stride, he resembled a chieftain. His clothing pulled taut over an athletic build similar to that of Native American warriors of the past. A vision filled her head of him nearly naked dancing around a bonfire.

  “Do you have a feather headdress and stuff?”

  “Actually, I do. For tribal ceremonies we all have special clothes that have been kept in families and hold particular meaning. I always wear black; it’s a color of magical power. My element is air and the crow is my totem animal and spirit, so my ceremonial clothing is adorned with crow feathers, and I always wear this amulet to remind me of my spirit.”

  “What is a totem animal?”

  “The animal spirit you feel a great connection with. The spirit will guide you, protect you, give you courage and teach you about yourself.”

  “How do you get one?”

  “Some people are born with an animal brother or sister who will stay with them for life. Some might have more than one; I was born with mine and have no others. A totem animal can represent a family, tribe or clan; as well as be a symbol for a life-changing event.”

  “Can I find out if I have a totem animal?”

  “Sure.” He stopped to face her and took both her hands in his. “Just relax and do as I say. Close your eyes clear your mind and take a couple deep breaths. Imagine yourself on a path.”

  “Similar to the one we are on?”

  “Exactly. Now step out of your shoes. First you have to connect with the earth. Can you feel the ground is hard and has small pebbles in the soil?”

  She slid out of her sandals and wiggled her toes on the dirt then nodded. She believed in the existence of ancient spirits and that all of nature consisted of sacred sites. A walk in the park or a sitting on her porch in the moonlight always rejuvenated her spirit but this would be much different. Opening her heart and her mind to all possibilities, she placed her trust in Tecumseh.

  “The earth is solid and secure. Feel the warm breeze on your face and smell the air.”

  Baby breaths of air tickled her cheeks. Pine and dirt created a fresh scent filling her nostrils. Her sense of smell turned acute and odors of pine nuts, sap, and dew drifted past.

  “Imagine walking down the path and you come to a bridge stretching across a rushing stream. You can hear your feet echo on the bridge, a drumbeat as you walk across. If you want to get rid of anything, drop it in the water now.”

  He paused, allowing her time to see a sacred spring flowing crystal clear. She envisioned bundling all her unhappiness, anxiety, and fear into a package and throwing it into the water. A wave reached out to the package and carried it away. A weight lifted from her heart.

  “Are you ready to continue?”

  Completely at ease, she kept her eyes closed and nodded.

  “Do you see how the path travels upwards to a rise? Look below to a large meadow. In the center of the meadow is a grassy circle. Now imagine sitting in the circle and ask for your animal to come to you. There are spirit animals coming out of the forest.” The cadence of his voice grew hypnotic. “Wait and watch for the right animal to appear and come to you. The creature has tendrils reaching far in to the earth, the sky and you, connecting it all together.”

  She pictured various forest animals but a crow flying overhead called to her. It flew closer to her and vines of light shot from wing tips to touch the ground and her.

  “Be alert; invite your animal to you, to touch you and even come into your body. Merge with the creature so you may see out of its eyes.”

  In her mind, she held out her arm and the crow landed on it. A warm tingling occurred as the animal disappeared into her skin. She welcomed the missing part of her soul home.

  “Now stand up and leave the meadow. Bring your spirit animal. Cross the bridge and return to your beginning. Very good. Now open your eyes and look at the path. Do you see a gift left for you from your animal?”

  Lucy took a moment to study the ground she now considered holy. Something slender and black lay on the path and she admired the beauty of the feather before picking it up.

  “Congratulations, the crow is your totem animal, Lucy. Your spirit eye opens within you. You have achieved the second step of your journey; you are now bonded with your spirit. Be ready to embrace the changes in your life. Be prepared to let go of your old ways of viewing yourself.”

  She strolled along the path. Smoothing the feather across her cheek, she wondered if his kisses would be as soft. A chill in the air sent a quiver along her spine. How could something so cool to the touch emit so much heat?

  “I spent a majority of my day with a delightful crow.” Courage led her to tease him. “Hey, you didn’t happen to send him my way, did you? Possibly to spy on me?”

  “Perhaps I am the crow.” He winked then shrugged. “It’s up to you and what you want to believe.”

  Before they entered the woods, he stopped. Taking hold of her face, he gazed into her eyes. The world around her disappeared while she focused on the handsome man in front of her. The lines around his sexy lips grew taut, and she had the urge to kiss them until they softened. Energy from his fingertips coursed through her. She leaned into him.

  “Life is a series of steps along a journey that each of us must take. Are you certain you want to continue this path with me tonight?”

  “Yes.”

  Slipping his fingers into her hair, he lowered his head. Instinct kicked in and her arms went around his waist. His sinewy muscles flexed under the silken shirt while his breath fluttered over her mouth. He traced the line of her chin with his lips, burying his face in her hair. He tasted her neck and she yielded to him. Heat traveled through her to settle between her thighs.

  “Your skin is the blush of the palest flower.” He inhaled. “Hmm…I smell honeysuckle. You have the most beautiful hair I’ve ever seen. It is so vibrant with fierce, turbulent colors. Inside you is an inferno of sexuality yearning to be released. My angel, come with me into the darkness so I may help you find light.”

  Coolness replaced the heat of his touch and he guided her into the forest. Afraid of shadows as a child, she longed to embrace the mystery of the night and inhaled the aromas of pine and mossy ground surrounding her. The hoot of a waking owl called out to its mate.

  “Walk ge
ntly through the wood, and you will know its splendor. They are the skin, the tissue, the life of the world.” Tecumseh tucked her hand into the crook of his arm. “Find the beauty in all things, even the darkness; for without darkness we wouldn’t know light.”

  Walking close to him at an easy pace gave her the opportunity to absorb his body heat. His words were a rhythmic blessing or prayer. Or a spell? Captivated, she traveled with her man into the night, listening to his soothing voice.

  Ahead on the dim path, he stepped aside and guided her to stand in the center of a circle drawn in the dirt.

  “Do you trust me, Lucy?”

  Her heart answered for her head. “I do, Tecumseh.”

  “You have surrendered yourself to the earth and accepted your spirit animal. You are ready for the next step. We will do a ritual of healing of the mind, body, and soul through my connection with the Spirit World. You will be found and know who you are. Do you believe in me?”

  “Yes.”

  “Even though I enter the spirit realm and walk on the wind, I remain by your side. Do not be afraid.” He offered her an unlit candle. “May the life force of the woods unite with your soul, so I may touch your body and call upon your spirit animal to guide you.”

  He stared at her with intensity and snaked an arm around her waist. Settling his mouth over hers, he teased her with smooth, firm lips until she parted her own to accept him. Her blood heated with every flick and stroke, he tasted so good. He kissed her, feeding her secret hunger for passion. A moan escaped and she fell under the influence of his magic.

  But to her disappointment he drew back, leaving her craving more. Closing his eyes, he cupped his hands and breathed into them. The air vibrated with crackling sounds. To her astonishment, a small flame formed and he cradled it as if it were a baby bird.

  “The unlit candles are placed in each of the four quarters of the ring.” His voice pushed the chill from the night.

  He knelt on one knee to light the candles with the delicate flame he held. Seeing him at her feet, she wanted to reach out and touch his hair, but she rubbed her palms against her thighs instead. He turned and sent her a reassuring smile then continued his task.