19 comments/ 16031 views/ 12 favorites HeartWood By: LunaEroticaMystica This is my entry for the 2011 Earth Day Contest. Please READ, VOTE, COMMENT, and Enjoy! Please respect, protect, and nurture Earth Mama. She's the only one we have! Thank You! :) ~~~~ Definition: Hamadryad: ham·a·dry·ads or ham·a·dry·a·des 1. Greek & Roman Mythology: A wood nymph who lives only as long as the tree of which she is the spirit lives. ~~~~~ William leaned on the hoe, wiped the sweat from his brow and glanced up at the midday sun. He pushed his mop of sun-streaked blonde hair off of his face and turned his chocolate brown eyes toward the pasture. He couldn't believe that his grandfather had put him to work like this. In the past, he was called in to help with the feedings, waterings, and tending of animals; not this back-breaking, tilling and getting dirty in the earth. He had taken off a semester of college for this? Working on some podunk farm in the middle of nowhere, with only cows and horses to keep him company. College had been treating him better than he'd ever expected. He was having a blast and learning the art of seduction from his new buddies. He thought about all the things he'd be missing out on for a whole semester: parties, girls, wild nights, gaining experience. While he was no longer a virgin, thanks to the little hottie Kelly Slavel last semester, he was still inexperienced. Too bad Kelly had transferred to a different college. *** “Grandfather needs help. All the years of manual labor and toiling in the fields has screwed up his back. He's promised to pay you for work.” He recalled the conversation he'd had with his mother before leaving last week. “Just think about the money he's going to give you to go towards next semester.” She tried to reason with him. “Look Will, I wish I could give you the money myself. I'd rather you stay in school than work on the dusty old farm again. Escaping that place was the best thing I could have done for both of us.” She sighed deeply. “I'm sorry that I can't keep helping you with college. Things are tight. I don't...” “Mom, it's OK.” William jumped in. “I've never expected you to help me with college. That's what school loans are for. I can always postpone Europe. It'll be fine. I enjoy Grandfather's company. He's a quirky guy.” William laughed. “That's what I'm afraid of.” He heard his mother mumble. “Just exactly how much is Grandfather planning on paying me?” He stopped his mother in mid-sentence. She quirked her eyebrow up. “Enough that you might be able to put some of it towards that trip to Europe you are always talking about.” She was trying to sweeten the deal. “Where did he get all that money from? What about his farmhands?” He had inquired, sulkily. “William, you know the farm has been in the family for generations. Even if it doesn't look that way, Grandfather can afford it. Anyway one of his farmhands has a wife who just had a baby. There were complications and he had to go to the hospital to stay with them. He should be back in a couple of weeks. The girl that helps with the horses just returned to her semester at college. You remember Janey, right? Sweet girl.” Oh yeah, he remembered sweet Janey. “His last farmhand ran off and eloped with an older woman. Supposedly, after the honeymoon he will be returning.” His mother supplied. He did want to go to Europe. It had been his dream. And unlike all of his roommates, he was paying his own way through college and didn't have any rich relations to help him out. At least that's what he had thought, until he learned about the farm. But he knew his grandfather would make him work for every penny he earned. So, he'd grudgingly agreed to this trip to the old farm. He recalled his mother's parting words to him, as he revved his truck's engine in the driveway. “Try not to let your grandfather's fanciful tales sway your intelligent, logical mind. You aren't a little boy at his knee anymore. He's a doddering old fool who sometimes let's his imagination run away with him.” His mother warned. He had thought this statement of his mother's odd. But nodded his head and gunned the engine, speeding off down the road. *** His grandfather had a wealth of knowledge, mostly to do with tending the earth, plants, milking, and breeding animals. But he was an engaging storyteller full of tales of wood nymphs, giants, dragons, and the stuff of fairy tales. His grandmother on the other hand, had been the one to teach him about trees, herbs, flowers, and their medicinal uses. He had long since forgotten much of her teachings. He had preferred the animals over the elements. William also remembered when he was a little boy, while his grandmother was still alive, he spent the summers on the farm. She made the best chocolate chip cookies in the world. They would drink milk fresh from the cow, before he learned how unsanitary that could be. He helped nurse baby kittens when their mother had died and he also helped bring a newborn foal into the world. That all seemed so very far away now. At one point he had believed he would follow in their footsteps, take over the farm, and become a right old farmer himself. Either that or become a veterinarian. He wondered what had happened. Oh yeah: University in the big city and girls. Lots of girls. He chuckled to himself. Well, not lately. Maybe little miss stable-girl Janey was single and in need of some lovin'. He made a mental note to himself to ask his grandfather if she came home on the weekends. He'd always thought the petite brunette was a charmer. Too bad they'd both gone off to college before they could explore anything more than tentative touches and hurried kisses in the hay with each other. He licked his lips, still able to taste her sensible strawberry lip-gloss from summers before. If only he'd been more sure of himself back then. Ah well, if college was teaching him nothing else, it was teaching him what he needed to know about pleasuring women. He had his roomies to thank for that. Outwardly, he prided himself on his sexual prowess. But, girls quickly found out that he was sensitive to them and as such, he ended up turning into the best-friend and not the lover. He'd had plenty of girlfriends and plenty of dates and one hot fling, but had not yet been in love. He was beginning to grow tired of the no-strings-attached, party girls though. He wanted a girl with substance. If his friends ever heard him say that, they would have gone out and paid for a whore for him to get his manhood back. Assholes. Good thing they couldn't see through him. Lots of lonely nights in front of the computer screen for him. The farm had no internet service. He'd have to find other ways to get some tension out. He glanced at his watch just as his stomach was complaining. He dropped what he was doing, walked over to the paddock, swung his lanky form over the wooden post-fence and landed on the other side. The past few days he had taken his lunch break in the field with the horses, sharing his apple with a sweet little filly. But today he felt the urge to explore. He breathed deeply of the fresh air and let the scent of wildflowers fill his nostrils as he strode for the edge of the woods. During breakfast conversation, his grandfather had pointed out that today was Earth Day. Earth Day had been Grandmother's day. They would work in her garden together, plant a tree, and make a special treat for the animals. It seemed his grandfather missed his wife more on Earth Day than any other day of the year, even their anniversary. He bent down and picked a handful of wildflowers of varying colors from the field. A riot of yellows, purples, and pinks spilled over. He hoped it would cheer up his grandfather. He was thoughtful that way. If it did the opposite and made his grandfather even sadder, maybe he'd open up a bit about his emotions more. William continued to the woods. He tucked the colorful bouquet between the cracks of a large boulder and sat down. He unzipped his lunch bag and removed the plastic bag with his sandwich in it. He popped the top of his soda can and guzzled the fizzy beverage. He then worked the aluminum tab back and forth until it came loose from the top and pocketed it. His grandmother might still not be around, but he would forever collect the tabs to donate to Ronald McDonald house. She had instilled in him a sense of charity and volunteerism. It was the reason he helped her bake all of those cookies every Christmas when he and his mother would come for their week-long visit. The cookies would go to a fund-raising for the needy. William took a bite of his sandwich. He saw the girl before she noticed his presence. Her back was toward him and she was standing against a large oak tree, her hands splayed against the bark, her body wrapped around it in an embrace. She was whispering to it. He could hear sobs break the hurried whisper. He strained to listen as he inched himself behind another tree, transfixed. All thoughts of; Janey, Kelly, sorority chicks, and every other female fled his mind as he gazed upon the enchantress. She was tall, willowy even. His eyes swept her from head to toe. Her bark brown hair was wild and wavy, small twigs seemed caught in the long tresses. His fingers itched to remove each small stick. The delicate curve of her back enticed him ever closer. The soft swell of her bottom beneath the strange garment caused him to gulp air into his lungs. His eyes followed that sweet curve down her muscled legs, pausing at her sculpted calves and down to her bare feet. Her lithe body was standing on tiptoes and the delicate arch of her foot was almost too much for him. He sidestepped until he was behind her. He had no idea what was compelling him, nor what he was doing. Tingles of magic whispered up his spine to tickle the base of his neck as he reached out with his hand, his fingers brushing against her hair. She squeaked, startled. The silk of it surprised him. Upon only observing it, he would have thought her hair to be coarse, or at the very least feel thick in his hand. It was the complete opposite. Her hair slid against his hand and wrapped his wrist. He glanced down at it in wonder. It held him as she spun around. With a startled gasp she crashed into his chest. Her lashes were lowered and he still could not see her eyes. His fingers tried to gingerly remove a twig for her and she cried out. She was looking down at his sneaker-ed feet. He reached out a trembling hand to her chin and gently tilted her face up to his - needing to connect with her. A warmth infused his body. The need to be close to her, to hold her, to feel her soft lips open to his, a force he could not understand seemed to impel him ever closer. Here was Wonder and Magic and it flitted like butterfly wings in his chest. As he leaned his body into her, he felt his erection stirring to life. He tried to wrap his arms around her, to bring her closer to him, but the vine-like hair held his wrist. Another tendril slid down his shoulder and held his other wrist captive. Her face held no expression. But her moss green eyes gazing into his seemed to answer his unasked questions, while leaving more questions in their wake. Who was she? *** Mistletoe didn't know what was happening to her. She had only just been released from the tree and was begging her Mother-tree to change her mind; let her step back into her embrace and be whole again. But Mother-tree had told her this was her path. She was to go out and do what was set before her. She was crying and pleading when she heard the snapping of twigs on the earth. She knew someone was behind her. But she didn't dare turn around. What would she find? She thought perhaps if she closed her eyes, wished them away or even wished herself invisible, enough earth magic would rise up within her to make that happen. She was focusing on the words, chanting, and calling forth the power, when a touch froze her to her spot. Something had grabbed at her leaves and she went into a defensive mode. She allowed the leaves and vines to reach out and protect her. When he had tried plucking a twig from her hair the leaves and branches stayed his hand. She told herself maybe he didn't know they were a part of her. How would this human boy know something like that? For that was what he was, right? An uncomfortable feeling roiled in her stomach as he leaned his head close to hers. His lips were a breath away from hers and she arched her neck away, trying to avoid him. *** William recognized the defensive gesture and tried to back away from her, but his wrists were still held by er hair. Her hair? Was that even possible? They were like vines holding him firmly in place. She took a step back and danced out of reach. Her eyes held his, unblinking. The ropes of hair around his wrists tugged him forward and turned him around, so his back was to the tree. The girl stalked forth backing him against the tree. She braced her hands on the sides of his head. The whole thing put William in mind of one of his favorite ways to take a woman. Well, his favorite way he took Kelly Slavel last semester. She had been patient with his inexperience and had guided him to what felt good to her. He wasn't sure what to do with this seeming role reversal. He opened his mouth to speak, but her eerie hiss startled him and he quickly snapped it shut. Her liquid green eyes considered him. Her gaze swept down his body, noting his erection with something that sounded like a giggle. He reddened in the face and tried to look away, but her soft hand held his chin between her fingers. She trailed one hand down his neck, feeling his Adam's apple bob as he swallowed a breath. She paused and leaned in close, as if never having seen one before. Her fingertips squeezed the fleshy protrusion. “Ow.” William complained, wishing his hands were free so he could stop her. “That doesn't feel good.” She let go and continued down his chest, pursing her lips in appreciation of the planes and angles, resting both palms against his taut abdomen. She was so close to his face he could smell her. The earthy scent of her filled his nostrils and he closed his eyes. Her lips hovered in front of his lips for a second before connecting. William's eyelids flew open at the contact. He was glad for the support of the tree. Lavender. Lavender was all William could think about as her petal soft lips caressed his. He re-closed his eyes to enjoy the sensations flooding his senses. She pulled away. When her lips broke contact, William actually whimpered. He opened his eyes to empty air. She was gone. Like the fringe of a dream, he tried to gather the memory to him. But it was as though she had never been there. He groaned in frustration. *** A shadow fell across the noonday sun. “Will. Will, wake up!” Someone was shaking his shoulder quite hard. He grumbled and opened his eyes. His grandfather was standing over him. “Sleeping on the job?” The roughened voice asked him. “Sleeping? No I was just- she was- Where did she go?” William surged to his feet, looking all around the forest. “Where did who go?” His grandfather helped him to his feet, noting the glazed over look in his eye. “Lunch. I was having lunch.” He repeated. “There was a girl here just before. She was...” He stammered to try and explain. “I think you've been out in the sun enough for one day, boy.” His grandfather put his arm around his shoulder when William wavered unsteadily. He shook the arm off. “The girl. She was beautiful. She had the greenest eyes and dancer legs. And God, she was gorgeous. She kissed me.” He touched his lips in wonder. “And her hair. Her hair was alive.” William held his head, feeling a pounding headache coming on him. He sought his grandfather's face for an answer, for reassurance. His grandfather wasn't paying attention to him. He was gazing out into the woods, his eyes scanning and searching. “No Will. I see no girl. Come on back to the house. I think I've worked you enough for today. I forget that you aren't used to manual labor.” His grandfather chuckled good naturedly when William scowled at him. “I've worked with my hands before.” William argued. “I'm sure you have. But I doubt you've worked with your whole body, like you do on a farm." His grandfather answered back. Will sulked. “I swear she was there.” William looked back over his shoulder. “It was a dream.” His grandfather assured him. “Live in the moment, William. It's all we are given.” But William noted that his grandfather was also looking in the same direction with a wistful look on his face. He wondered about it. But before he could question him, his grandfather made an announcement. “We're finished for the day. We have just enough daylight left to plant a tree in Grandmother's honor. What do you say, Will? I know that was a special task that you shared together with her. But, it would make this old man happy to take on that tradition with you.” His grandfather was gazing up into the sky. “I think having a tree planted for her will make it a little less lonely on this old farm.” His grandfather's confession surprised and warmed William's heart. “I think Grandmother would be pleased with that idea, Grandad. I'd be honored to plant one with you. Do you have a spot in mind?” *** Mistie watched from the shadows as grandfather and grandson exited the woods, conversing and reminiscing easily. She cautiously made her way over to the boulder that straddled the border of their world and hers. She reached her slender hand into the crevice of the boulder and pulled out the bouquet of wildflowers. She brought the flowers up to her nose and breathed in deeply the fresh scent. She frowned seeing that the blooms had closed up and were wrinkled. Dying. She wondered why the human boy thought it necessary to kill such beauty. She gently cupped her hands around the blossoms and blew warm breath onto them. The blossoms unfurled and nodded their bright heads in her direction before closing again. She acknowledged them with a kiss as she dug in the earth and placed the broken stems into the ground, patting dirt over them. She cried with sadness when the flowers did not respond. Fresh teardrops slid down her cheeks, falling to rest on the flowers. She turned away forlorn, knowing she had done all that she could. She didn't see the dying flower open its petals and drink in the sunlight. *** “Why Oak?” William asked his grandfather as they nestled the sapling into the whole in the ground. “Your grandmother loved Mistletoe.” His grandfather patted the earth around the tree's roots, ensuring it would weather storms and winds. William furrowed his brow. “Mistletoe?” He wondered what Mistletoe had to do with oak trees. “Yes. Mistletoe is a parasite that grows on trees.” His grandfather supplied. “A parasite? Are you talking about the Mistletoe that we kiss under at Christmas time?” William was confused. “That's what I mean. Birds carry the berries of Mistletoe and drop them onto various trees. The plant attaches itself to the tree and can weaken the growth and even kill it. I chose Oak because of the strength and steadfast nature of it, like your Grandmother.” His grandfather massaged his shoulder. “That sounds like a nasty plant to have around.” William pondered. “Oh, William. While it can be damaging to its host tree, Mistletoe has plenty of uses, including healing. It is a symbol of rebirth and of awakening vision. It is a powerful plant with a powerful message. Your grandmother knew this. She was connected to earth. I believe she still is.” He sniffed into his dirty handkerchief, covering the sniffle with a gruff cough. HeartWood “My hope is that Mistletoe will grow on this tree one day. It will take a long time for that to happen, but when it does...well maybe by that time your own grandchildren will find protection from it.” His eyes were misty. “We need water for it.” William announced, giving his grandfather his arm to brace himself so he could stand up. “Right. You can use one of the horse buckets.” As he straightened, his old bones creaked and complained. “I'll get water from the creek. I think fresh water will be best for the sapling. I'll meet you back at the house in awhile. I want to sit here for a bit. Will you be okay walking back by yourself?” William wondered. His grandfather was looking frail lately. It worried him. When he put his hand on the old man's back he was shrugged away. “Just fine, Willy. These old bones have a few miles left in them yet. Go on with you.” He scooted his grandson toward the pasture and turned to go. “Be wary of forest nymphs, Will. They can only bring you heartache.” He threw over his shoulder. Will walked up to the paddock, once more swung his tall frame over the fence and plucked the bucket off the wooden post. The little filly came up to him and sniffed at his pocket. “No sugar cubes today, Elfie.” The young horse gently used her teeth to tug at his arm, forcing his hand out of his pocket. He produced a golden delicious apple for her. She whinnied with delight and nudged him with her head. He lay the apple on his flattened palm and held it out to her. She gingerly took the treat off his hand and chomped it in two bites. He smiled and stroked her flanks, before giving her a push away. He swung the gate open and headed to the small creek. He dipped the bucket into the water to brimming and set in on the ground to tie the laces of his sneaker. As he stood up, he froze. Not a hundred yards away a green shape knelt in front of the sapling. The sapling seemed to have a green glow surrounding it. He stood riveted to the spot, watching. *** Mistie held her hands around the infant sapling and sent the healing energy of growth and health down into the roots. She murmured to it quietly. “You must miss Mother-tree. Why can they not understand that each time they take, we weaken.” She sighed heavily. “Do not fear. You will grow big and strong like Mother-tree. I will take care of you and when it is time, I will give you one of my own. Soon, little sister you won't be alone.” The glow faded. She stood and pirouetted on her tiptoes, humming softly to herself as she danced back into the woods. “Hey!” A familiar male voice called out to her. She drew a cloak of protection around herself, merging with her surroundings. “I can still see you.” The voice called. How was that possible? She had hidden herself in time, hadn't she? She turned slowly and gazed back at the boy. His eyes met hers. He did see her! He was staring straight at her. How could she have been so negligent? She turned on her heel, wild hair flying, and sprinted behind a tree. “No wait. Don't run. Please. I won't hurt you. No one else can see you. Just me.” The voice told her. She heaved deep breaths into her lungs and collapsed against the tree, fearful. She peeked out from behind the tree and watched as the boy entered paddock, slammed the gate shut, and dashed past the surprised filly. He struggled over the fence, not looking where he was landing and winced. She heard fabric tear. The look on his face showed pain. His knee was bleeding. Shit!” He exclaimed. Mistletoe gasped at the string of angry words her super sensitive hearing allowed her to hear. The words and the pain she felt radiating off of him hurt her heart. “Fuck that hurts! Goddamn, please don't let me get tetanus. Please don't let me get tetanus. I should have gotten that shot when I had the chance. Crap.” He ignored the blood seeping into his clothing, picked himself up, and limped toward the woods. Towards her. The earth healer in her drew her forward to meet him. His jeans were ripped and she could see an object impaling his skin. He was coming closer to her and she told herself to be brave. He was hurt. He needed her. This was who she was. He stumbled and landed on the ground on his good knee, catching his breath. She closed the space between them and knelt before him. He was clutching the object, trying to yank it out. Alarmed, she closed her hand over his to stop him. The head of the nail touched her skin and she cried out in pain, yanking her hand away. She shook her head no and scrunched her face up, confused. “Are you OK?” He asked her. “I'm William. What's your name?” She stared at the nail, bewildered. How was she going to help him if she couldn't bare to touch the pain? She blinked at him. William, it was a good strong name she decided. She hadn't spoken to a human boy before and wondered if it would be wise to speak now. He needed her help. “Mistie.” She replied, whisper soft. William stared at her in shock. “How is it you see me, William?” She nudged his hand away and placed her hand back over the nail. She closed her eyes and focused, drawing energy from the earth, barring herself as best she could from the pain. The nail resisted, trying to push her hand away. But little by little the nail began to work its way upward. Each small movement caused William to grit his teeth and groan in pain. She knew the faster she could get the object out, the better. But it took time. She reached her other hand out and lay it on his chest. His hand came up and linked with hers. “It hurts. But, please continue. The faster it's out, the better.” He echoed her thoughts. She nodded and bowed her head. Her mind searched his, linked with it, and she sent a wave of calm to ease the pain he was feeling. She took the pain within herself and saw a vision. She chanted as she worked. It really was a minor injury, considering, but she saw a sickly greenness spreading from the wound into his body. The piece of metal was somehow diseased. She saw the boy in bed, sweat pouring down his face, painful spasms wracking his body, gasping for breath. This strong, fit, healthy human weakened by an affliction. She shut the image out of her mind, her heart racing. It didn't matter what the pain or illness did to her, she must remove all traces from him. *** William watched. The girl's eyes were closed, she was stringing strange words together, her expression stoic and shuttered. Again he wondered to himself who she was. Had he fallen and bumped his head, even now suffering a concussion? He knew he should have headed back to the farm house so his grandfather could extract the nail. But, she had called to him. Was he in a fevered hallucination? All he knew was the touch of her hand on his chest burned through the fabric of his shirt and lit something inside of him. An ache filled him, an unexplainable longing for something which he knew in his heart was unattainable. The pain had stopped and he was able to focus more fully on her. He lifted his hand to her face. A few wisps of her hair lay against her sweaty brow. He tucked them behind her ear half expecting to be caught and held by it again. Need whispered across his consciousness. *** Mistie felt when the object left his body and all traces of disease with it. She also felt overwhelmed by his thoughts and emotions. She was hot and itchy and uncomfortable and needful. She knew these were inside of him and did not understand it. She heaved a deep sigh, moaned, and collapsed. It had been too much for her. She was used to healing trees and plants and animals. Once she had helped a small boy who had fallen and scraped his knee on a rock, not a grown human man. She closed her eyes and gave in to the weakness. *** William looked down at the girl in his arms. Her eyes were closed, her cheeks pale, her breathing slow. Now what? He wondered. He held her and cursed his body when her soft feminine curves pressed against his hardening cock. At least she couldn't feel what she doing to him. That would have been embarrassing. “Hey, Mistie.” He said softly, doing what he'd been aching to do since first spotting her. He slowly ran his fingers through her hair, lowering his head to her ear. It was oddly pointed. He touched the tip with his finger, curious. “Mistie, wake up hon.” She stirred and shifted in his arms, the warmth of her awakening sensations in his body. He had to get her off of his lap, now, before he did something stupid. “Live for the moment, Will.” He said out loud, recalling the sage advice of his grandfather as he brushed his lips across hers. Her lips softened and moved beneath his and still her eyes remained closed, her breathing even. He hoped she was just sleeping. Just a kiss. He told himself. He coaxed her dry lips apart with his tongue. She responded by opening them further. *** Something moist and warm was against Mistie's mouth. She was being kissed. Mother-tree had taught her about the ways of humans, preparing her, warning her away from them. She had watched other dryads partake in the delights of the flesh. She smiled in her dream and kissed back, slowly opening her eyes. She noticed two things right away, and took a moment to realize the third. The first thing was that she wasn't dreaming. The second was that someone was actually kissing her. The third one was that despite the warning bells going off in her head, she didn't want him to stop. She slid her arms up and wrapped them around his neck, pressing against his body. His hardness pressed against her softness and she grew wet between the thighs. She sat up and pushed against his chest. He wasn't prepared for her reaction to his kiss. Quicker than a wink she stretched her body over his, pressing his back to the ground. “What the-” She stole the startled words from his lips with another kiss as she used nimble fingers to unbutton his pants. He tried to sit up, but she allowed her vines to creep down and stroke his cheek. He blinked in surprise and lay back down. She grinned impishly at him. She wasn't sure what she was doing or why she was acting this way, but didn't really care. She made quick work of his jeans and slid them down over his legs, picking up his hand and placing it on her breast. Mistie had no control over her actions and it scared her. Her eyes widened seeing the length of flesh. She had never seen one up close before. Other naughty and rebellious dryads had told her about this thing called a “cock,” but she was not quite prepared for it. She did not understand why anyone would liken it to a rooster! She slid her hands around it. What did she think she was doing? She looked down at his erection in her hand and squeezed. The texture was like nothing she had ever felt before. Hard, but almost silky, like the petals of a flower. How odd! She wrapped her hand around it and gave it a tug. It twitched and he groaned and tried to stop her. She tugged again, then reached down and pet it like it was some small animal. When it leaped, she cringed and dropped it. She frowned, glancing from the living extension of him to his face. He sat up and gently took her hands into his and kissed the tops of each. She looked up from his cock into his eyes. “Are you OK?” He questioned. She wrenched from his grip, leaping to her feet. “No wait. It's alright.” He struggled to his own feet, yanking his jeans back up and buttoning them quickly. She bit her lower lip and backed away from him. *** Mistie was mortified at herself. When she had linked with his mind to ease his suffering she had felt his intention and desire for her. She made it her own and acted without thought. What would Mother-tree think of her? Goddess, she had to get away. She left him where he stood, bewilderment and confusion evident on his face. She ran for the trees and didn't stop running until her hand connected with her tree. She was dryad, not human. She had no business being in this human's life. “Mother.” She cried out. “Mother, what is happening to me?” But only the rustles of leaves answered back. She couldn't feel her tree. Something was wrong. She didn't know what to do. She felt lost and disconnected. She rested her head against the sun-warmed bark and sobbed. “Mistletoe child, I am dying.” The soft familiar voice explained. She wiped her eyes and gazed high up at the Oak tree. “The path lies before you. You must be brave and follow where that path leads.” A branch swept downward and nudged her closer. She wrapped her arms around as much of the girth of the tree as she could and leaned her cheek against the rough bark. “Dying? Mother-tree, how can that be? You are the wisest and strongest in all the wood. You cannot possibly be dying. What will come of me?” She squeaked out realizing the implications of her words. She would be tree-less, home-less, alone. “You will not be alone for long, little one. It is time for you to seek out your destiny. He lies before you. All dryads must plant their daughters in a sapling. When that time comes, you will no longer be bound to earth. It is the way of things when the Mother-tree dies. You have been with me since I was a seed in the earth and you were just a splinter of goddess light.” Mistie wept and rebelled. She had been with Mother-tree for more years than she could count. Each spring she would leave the tree for a week and do her growing work, but always she would return to her home. This couldn't be happening. “Who is he?” She asked, sniffling. “The human man, William. He is more than he seems dear one.” The rustle on the wind was but a gentle whisper, soothing to her heart. “What is it you die of mother?” Mistie caressed the bark. “Old age. It is my time. Just as it is your time to tap into the wellspring of magic within you and bring forth new life from your center.” She replied. “When will it happen? I am not ready to say goodbye.” Mistie confessed sadly. “It will be soon. I have unfinished business to attend to first. You will know when. Fear not. My heartwood beats within your chest, always.” The branches of the tree held her in an embrace. “But you always warned me against humans. You always told me they were evil and destructive. You said that forsaking my essence would destroy me and I would be severed from the earth connection. I would be lost to you. You have told me that ever since I was a child. I am confused.” She turned around and slid to the forest floor, pulling her knees up, wrapping her arms around them. She leaned forward and lay her head down, weeping. “There are things you were not yet ready to be told, until now. You are ready to hear truth. I only wish that you will not be angry with me.” A creak sounded as the tree arched her trunk and a sigh of air caught Mistletoe's attention. “Have you feelings for him?” Mother-tree asked. Mistletoe lifted her head to gaze up at the staggering height, wondering why Mother-tree was asking this of her. The healthy green growth of Mother-tree was browning just at the edges. “I do not know. When he is near I feel overwhelmed, out of control, and thirsty. Is that what you mean?” She questioned. *** William couldn't just let her go, not after the feelings she stirred within. He wondered how the tables had so quickly turned. One minute the unconscious beauty had been lying in his arms, and the next she had him pinned to the ground and was undressing him. He had feared the odd vine like extensions of her hair and what they might do to him, if he hadn't lay still. A power struggle had gone on inside him. He had wanted to flip her over on her back and pin her beneath him. But she was no ordinary girl and certainly not human. While he had been enjoying the attention, she had been a little rough and the look on her face was not one of pleasure, but curiosity. He recalled the look of apprehension in her eyes. Mixed emotions had swirled in the depths; uncertainty, arousal, desire, and a little bit of fear. She had been excited, but unsure what to do. He was concerned for her. She had looked so frightened and so pale. So, he had followed her. What he saw upon entering the woods brought back memories of that morning. She was in front of that same Oak tree. Her back was to it, and she was hunched over, crying. She seemed to be talking to the tree. A whoosh of wind knocked him back. He staggered and stood, gazing up at the great Oak tree. He squinted against the sun, frowning. Were the leaves brown? He heard murmuring and listened. “I want him to touch me.” He heard her voice say. “But it is forbidden.” Forbidden? He'd see about that! Did she want him as desperately as he wanted her? He would go slow, not frighten her, help her understand those feelings. She looked up at his approach. “You cannot be here.” The most words she had spoken to him since their first meeting. “This is my grandfather's land.” He replied dumbly. She shook her head. “Mistie, why are you crying?” He watched tears stream down her cheeks to gather in a small puddle on the earth. A small sprout broke the surface of the earth. Eyeing the plant curiously, William shrugged, then went down on one knee in front of her, ignoring the water and mud soaking his jeans. She closed her eyes and wished him away. He put his hands on her knees and moved his head into her line of vision. She opened her eyes and blinked. “My mother is dying.” She sobbed. Mother-tree was not truly her mother, but there was no time to explain the intricacies of trees and nature spirits to him. “When she dies I will be alone.” William didn't know what he'd expected her to say, but surely that hadn't been one of the thoughts in his mind. “I'm so sorry. Is there anything I can do?” He fished out a tissue and handed it to her. “There is naught that anyone can do. She is old. It is her time, she tells me. But what you do not understand is that when she dies, so too will I, unless I leave her shelter.” She sighed heavily. He wiped the tears glistening in her eyes with the pad of his thumb. “It might feel like you're dying, too. It might feel like a piece of you has died with her. But, you will be OK eventually. It will hurt. I've lost people too. I was a baby and too young to remember my father dying, but I remember very clearly when my grandmother died. You will get through it. I'll help you if you let me.” This unexpected compassion he was showing overwhelmed Mistie more than anything. “It is not that I might feel like I am dying: I will die. We are connected. What happens to her, happens to me too. Unless...” She let the sentence trail off. William wanted to understand but she just sometimes made no sense at all. “Unless what?” He cupped her chin and lifted her face to his. “You can tell me.” “Unless, I give up who I am.” She captivated him with her eyes. “Who are you?” He questioned. He might finally get answers. “Of the trees.” She replied simply. His turn to stare, dumbfounded. “Can you elaborate?” He asked gently. “I am Mistletoe, the hamadryad. I am a tree spirit.” Now he knew he was probably lying in the pasture with a concussion. “A dryad, huh?” He laughed, uneasy. She nodded her head. “You do not believe me.” She frowned as he considered what she had said. He quirked his eyebrow. She took his hand in hers and pulled him all the way down to her level. She placed his hand against the bark of the tree. “Close your eyes.” She instructed. He gave her a doubtful look, but the pout on her face convinced him to close his eyes. After all, the girl did just heal his knee. “Lean close.” HeartWood He leaned his head close. “Put your cheek against the bark.” She said. His eyes slitted open. She was serious. He leaned his cheek into the bark. “Now feel and listen.” William was not sure what she expected him to feel or hear. He felt nothing, but the tree. He opened his eyes and shrugged. “Nothing.” “Quiet your mind and open your heart.” Mistletoe covered his hand with her own. He closed his eyes again. “What is it that I am supposed to feel or hear? This is a tree.” He lifted his cheek off the trunk. His logical mind was winning out, until very lightly he felt a movement beneath his hand. He knew it had to be the pulse in his own hand. But there it was again, like a knock. The vibration of the knock reverberated throughout his body. Her eyes were locked on his. He sucked in a breath and gasped. He lay his cheek back on the trunk and did as she said. He listened. Very faintly he heard a deep sound. It was slow and rhythmic like a drum. The sound corresponded with the thrumming motion under his hand. A tingling feeling entered the top of his head, spread down to his chest, and he felt a lightness in his heart. Mistletoe removed her hand from his and drifted both of them up his arms. “Embrace her.” She whispered in his ear. He stretched his arms around the trunk of the tree and hugged it. As he turned his head, Mistletoe's sweet breath floated across his lips. He wanted to taste. He leaned his head in and she danced away. “What is it?” He asked her. She had moved away from him and he missed the warmth of her body so close to his. He watched in wonder as she began to sway and spin around, carefree, as if to unheard music. She smiled and hummed as she spun and sang to him. “That is the beat of Mother's heartwood. All trees have heartwood within them. It is what creates life and sustains them. It is what feeds each tree's dryad or spirit. Come, celebrate with me.” She slowed her dancing and extended her hand out towards him. He took it and joined her, caught up in the magic of her and the wonder of this gift. He could claim it was a revelation, but when he felt and heard the drumming, his own heart synchronized with it and he knew. His soul remembered. Their hands touched and held as their bodies danced away from one another. She was so graceful as she lifted her legs high and did a complicated series of steps. He tried to follow, but had always had two left feet when it came to dancing. Rather than embarrass himself in front of the enchantress, he pulled her in and spun her out. She let go and pirouetted away. She was so graceful, like a swan or a doe. Long legs, light on her toes, it was as if she floated on the wind. He looked down, relieved that her feet were still connected to earth. *** Mistletoe grinned impishly at him and found her way back into his arms, tilting her head up to the sky, singing with joy, pushing away the sadness. Her entire being filled with light as she reached inside William and connected the first tendrils of her soul to his. She had known from the look on his face the moment he started to feel Mother's heartwood beating. She knew his mind would suggest that she was using magic or something to make him feel. He would never believe the magic lived within him.   She wrapped her fingers in his hair. He swept her up into his arms and spun them around and around, until dizzy, they both fell, rich laughter and tinkling giggles filling the forest air. His body cushioned hers. The vines from her hair crept down and entwined around them. He wrenched away from her. “Is something wrong?” She asked, reaching out to him. He shrugged away from her and a hurt look came across her face. “There is not a lot of time left for me.” She had to make him understand. “When a tree is cut down or dies, the heartwood stops beating. When the heartwood stops beating - spirits like me - cease to exist.” She dropped her hands to her side. “I am afraid.” Her green eyes swam with unshed tears. “Wait, you said your name is Mistletoe?” She saw him snap back to reality as he pushed at the encroaching vines. The vines receded and she looked into his eyes. She was hurt. She saw the tension in his face and had a feeling she had overstepped. “That is correct.” She watched him for a reaction to her confession. *** William felt like the earth would open a chasm and swallow him up, any minute. Mistletoe. He'd been warned about forest nymphs and about Mistletoe. This was not good. One moment he had felt like a child; carefree and happy. Then he had felt the change in the air, in himself. When he felt bonds wrapping around him, he knew it was magic. He panicked. She was weaving an enchantment on him. He knew it. He had to stop her. He opened his mouth to accuse. “William, you must go. Someone needs your help. Quickly. Go now.” The command from her came out of nowhere. She had stood at attention with her hand gripping his arm. She fueled her voice with determination. “Your grandfather is ill!” She shouted at him as he stood there unmoving. *** Grandfather. The name finally registered in his head and William took off at a sprint for the field. Mistletoe grabbed his hand and ran alongside him. William glanced over at her. She seemed to bound like a deer, her feet barely touching the ground. The wind tangled in her hair and while he was out of breath after a few minutes, she was breathing quite easily. They rounded the split-wooden rail fence of the paddock. Elfie reared up on her hind legs and whinnied plaintively, totally uncharacteristic of the filly. They came to a halt in front of the old clapboard farm house, exchanging looks with each other. William pushed the screened door open and flew in, heading for the kitchen. Mistletoe followed behind. The door slammed shut with a loud bang. Mistletoe jumped, startled, and smashed right into William's solid back. He stood, bracing his arms in the doorway of the room. She peeked over his shoulder. Grandfather lay on the floor, clutching his chest, and gasping for breath. William just stood there, unmoving. “Grandfather!” William flew into action, grabbed for the phone, and dialed 9-1-1. After answering the operator's questions, he knelt down beside his grandfather. “What can I do?” He asked him. “Will.” His grandfather's voice rasped. “Will, there is nothing to be done.” He coughed and then his eyes landed on the girl by Will's side. A look passed between the two. “Who is this enchanting creature?” His voice slightly stronger. “What? It's your heart. Aspirin. You need aspirin.” He shot to his feet and ran for the bathroom, throwing over his shoulder. “Her name is Mistletoe.” He grabbed the bottle of aspirin out of the medicine cabinet and fumbled trying to open the child-safety lock of the top. He ran back to him. When he returned, the girl was bent over his grandfather murmuring softly. “Move.” He barked. “He needs this medicine.” He told her. Mistletoe ignored him and continued to chant. She placed her hands over his heart and linked to him, seeking out the source of distress. Loud screeching sounds of the sirens could be heard in the distance. Too distant! The old man's hand gripped her wrist and he pulled her down to him. *** “Let me go.” His words pleaded. “It's my time. You know this as well as I do. Help him understand, sweet spirit.” Mistletoe blinked at him in surprise. She gazed into his kind gray eyes and staggering recognition hit, slamming into pit of her stomach. She recalled the gray-eyed gaze of the little boy she had helped so very long ago. She watched the same eyes smile in excitement as he knelt on one knee before her very own tree, and professed his love and devotion to an even more familiar woman. She saw those eyes glisten with tears as he held his toddler girl-child up to her tree; pudgy arms hugging Mother-tree and kissing the bark. That was the day that the little girl-child became her very best friend in the world. She would not give thought to the day that his daughter, Harmony, (William's mother) betrayed one and all. She saw the man's gray eyes devoid of light as he held the pale and frail hand in his own, right before he lowered the body of his wife into the ground, before the wise old Oak tree. “So you are my love's Mistletoe.” He acknowledged with a slight lifting of his head. Mistie nodded and wrapped her arms gently around this man; at once a boy, and yet also like a father. How had she never realized it before? Mother-tree's one true love. She began to piece things together in her mind. It all began to make sense to her now. Tears slid down her cheek to land on his hand that she held tightly. “Are you here to heal me or to steal me away?” He questioned, a slight smile tugging at his lips. He was unable to look away from her. “I am here to bring peace.” She said simply, as he squeezed her hand. She squeezed back. Mistletoe was pulled further into the old man's thoughts and memories. *** William hadn't been able to attend his grandmother's funeral. His grandfather had understood his grandson's grief and did not hold it against his family that none were there for him when his wife died, when he had needed them. This was what needed to be. How ever could he explain to his family the true nature of his wife, of their mother, their grandmother? His daughter had shown an aptitude for Earth magic in her younger years, but when the love her life was stolen from her when their son was only one year old, she had turned her back and forsook her nature forever. She had denounced her own mother, her own essence. This was essentially what had driven his wife over the edge. And yet, he had always known that one day this would come to be. Her tree-sense had foreseen it long ago. She had made it clear when he took her to his bed, that one day she would have to return to the Earth. He should feel fortunate. He had had her in his life up until old age. They had loved each other that much. She had made concessions, bargains, and pleaded to be allowed to remain. She had promised to continue her Earth work and use her magic for the humans. And because she had kept her promise, she had gotten to stay with her beloved family for much longer than it was ever allowed. “Do something!” The anguished voice growled at her, snapping her back to the present. She yelped as William plucked her off her feet and shoved her away from his grandfather. Couldn't he see she was trying to help? She sat on the floor, watching. He tipped the aspirin into his grandfather's mouth. She knew it was a useless task. This man was ready to rejoin his soul mate. *** “Grandfather fight!” He knelt at his feet and shouted in the face of the old man. “You are stronger than this.” His grandfather's sickly pallor alarmed him. “This farm needs you. I need you! We all need you. God, I-I can't lose another person in my life. This isn't fair. Grandfather, please.” He pleaded with the old man. William felt helpless. He was not good with illness, with the dying, with the dead. He hadn't even been able to attend Grandmother's funeral. His mother had told him how distraught he had been as a little boy, standing before his dead father's casket, shaking him to wake up. “Grandmother needs me more.” Was the soft, labored reply. “Let me go William. I miss her. I need to be with her. You will not be alone. I promise. Be a good boy and take care of the farm for me. See that the sapling grows big and strong so that your own children seek its shelter and wisdom. So that your grandchildren will climb it. Take care, my boy. You are a gifted young man. Your mother turned her back on the Earth, but I know in my heart that you will not. You must restart the cycle.” He whispered. His grandfather was talking gibberish and making no sense. The sound of the sirens was growing closer and he knew finally help would be here. There was an incessant tugging on his arm. William pivoted on his knee and glared at the girl. She let go and rose from the floor, pointing. He shielded his eyes as his jaw dropped open. A beautiful woman stood before them. She was taller than he, had intense green eyes, and long flowing silver-white hair. She was glowing. A bright light haloed her entire body and she was moving purposefully towards them. “What the hell?” William reached out and connected with Mistletoe's hand. She had scooted beside him, giving him her strength. “My sweet boy.” The familiar voice announced. She looked almost like Grandmother. But that couldn't be. William argued in his head. Grandmother was dead. “Willy-nilly.” The woman used Grandmother's term of endearment for him. He dropped Mistie's hand and watched the woman. She squatted down beside him and stroked his cheek with her glowing fingertips. “Gran- Grandmother?” He choked out. She nodded, a serene smile on her face. “Do not be frightened, William. I have come to bring Grandfather home with me. I have been away from him for far too long. He has done right by me, by my kind, by Earth Mother. It is now your destiny to continue his work. Help to seed this land. Nurture the earth, tend to the fields, heal the animals. I have brought someone to help you do that.” She swept her hand out and took Mistletoe's hand in hers, gently placing it in William's, then leaned over and kissed William's brow. *** “Are I-I not to die with you, Mother-tree?” Mistletoe hesitated to ask, but seized the moment, needing validation for her own existence. “Mistletoe you are not just a dryad, you know this. As a hamadryad, your life is connected to the beat of my heartwood.” The woman stood before her, but in Mistletoe's mind's eye she could see her tree speaking the words. “I am to die, then?” Mistletoe whimpered. “It is the way of our world.” She patiently explained. "Because I have walked among the humans for so long and have released you of your bonds to me, you will be spared. You will become as one of them. I could not bear for your bright light to be extinguished with mine. The goddess granted me a boon and allowed you to remain. You must do her work, go forth and seed the earth with your children. You are a very special spirit, indeed. I have been blessed to have known you for so long.” Her soft hand tenderly touched her cheek, but when Mistletoe closed her eyes she saw a leafy branch come down and mimic the gesture. The image of Mother-tree as she knew her was much more comforting than the human-like hand. “I do not understand. I will be alone. I am afraid to be alone. This is not natural. I would rather cease to exist than to be without you.” Her lips trembled and she sighed as the hand/leaves swept her hair back from her face in a loving gesture. Human arms came around her and held her close. “I have always wanted to hug you and comfort you this way, my dear child.” The tree-woman whispered in her ear. “My branches and leaves are hard and harsh, not the softness and warmth of this human body. Weep not, little one.” She touched the girl's heart with her hand. A glow and warmth filled Mistletoe's entire being. “I like your leaves and branches.” She pouted. “It is all I have ever known.” “Now you will get to know the touch of skin upon yours.” The tree woman assured her. “Nothing can quite describe that feeling. Not the wind, nor the sun, nor the stars above you. Human touch can be healing.” Mistletoe nodded, resigned. *** “No.” William shook his head, interrupting the exchange. “No!” He said more fervently, ripping his hand away. Mistletoe's strength surprised him. She would not be shaken. “This is my life! I have school. I have friends. I want to travel, explore the world.” All three pairs of eyes were looking at him with different expressions: his grandfather wore sympathy, his grandmother wore compassion, and the Mistletoe wore empathy. He threw his hands up. “What about my choice?” The hamadryad's gentle hands caressed William's cheeks. “Shh...” Mistletoe's soft voice beside him whispered. William was so caught up in his tirade he was missing the wondrous scene unfolding before him. His grandmother reached her hand down and helped his grandfather to his feet. She held his hand, giving it a tender squeeze as he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her in closely. They kissed passionately. “Ready, my love?” She whispered in his ear. “More than ever. I am ready to become part of your world at last. Thank you, my goddess borne gift.” He whispered back. “Shall we?” She smiled at him, love shining in her eyes. “We shall.” He nodded. The two lovers, William's grandparents, turned and spoke in unison. “Fair well, young ones. Let Love, Light, and Earth guide you.” With a glimmer of light, William and Mistletoe were alone. No sound but the whisper of the breeze could be heard for miles around. The sirens had ceased their screeching. The emergency was over. It was as if his grandfather had never been. That was the empty feeling in the house, then William looked down upon the seemingly sleeping visage of his grandfather's face. He looked so peaceful in death. He shuddered, struck to the core at the oddness of it all. His shoulders slumped and grief filled him. The knock on the screened door, the words of the EMT, the sheet covering his grandfather's still body, barely registered in his brain. He had to call his mother. “Grandfather is dead.” He held his cell phone to his ear, devoid of emotion as he announced his grandfather's death to his mother. She made an odd sound. “William. Di-did...” His mother began. His hand trembled on the phone. Mistletoe gently took the receiver from him. He stood, unblinking and unable to speak. She guided him to sit on the living room couch and returned to the kitchen and the phone. *** “Harmony.” Mistletoe said softly, “I am sorry for the loss of your father.” “Who is this?” William's mother asked. “How do you know my name?” Suspicion colored her voice. “You know me.” Mistletoe replied. “You have always known me, Harmy.” The nickname jolted Harmony into recognition. She gasped. “You. It can't be. You can't really be...” Harmony spoke slowly, trying to absorb. “My old frie- Mistie?” “I am. Mother-tree came for her love. It is over.” Mistletoe sent healing with her words to the woman who had once been her dearest friend. “But you were supposed to die with my mother.” The voice accused. “Mother-tree's love and arrangement with the goddess allowed her to remain at her human love's side. When her earthly body died, she was returned to our tree to wait out the rest of her beloved's time here. When Mother-tree returned, so did I. I am alive.” Mistletoe patiently explained. Wait!” The woman shouted. “Wait, you- my son. What are you doing with my son? Just leave him out of this. I will come home. I'll do what needs to be done. Spare him. Please. Spare him the agony.” Her anguished voice pleaded. *** Harmony knew there was no turning back the clock. She knew she would never sing again. She always knew her son would be the one. She had protected him for so long. When he had shown interest in the farm; when he had shown interest in the forest; in the animals, in the song, she had tried her hardest to shield him. She had woven protection and wards around him which essentially had put his Earth-given gifts to sleep. “It cannot be. William is meant for me. You know this, as I know this. It was sketched in the heartwood in the long-ago.” Mistletoe dropped her voice. “Don't you remember? Mother-tree is gone. I am free. William will not have to know the kind of sorrow you have known, Harmony. He will not know the grief your father and mother knew. I will outlive him. I will take his pain from him. I will replace it with hope. Let your son go.” Mistletoe's voice implored. “I promise you he will be happy.” HeartWood “No.” Harmony's voice hitched. “Dammit. I should be there. He was my father. Arrangements need to be made. I will be there in three days time. Please, do nothing until I have come. I will go in his place.” She begged the dryad. She knew her. They were girls together. Best friends. She had jokingly suggested that when she was old and gray and her dryad-friend remained in a state of youth, that her own children would know her even better. But when Harmony went off to college she had denounced her gifts. She broke her vow to the goddess. The dreaming song in her heart went silent. She lost her best friend. Now, she knew, she would lose the only one left in her life; her son. “By the time you arrive, it will be done. We will have completed the circle. Is this not what you have always foreseen? What you had even wanted, once upon a time?” Mistletoe questioned. “I thought I would have daughters.” Harmony admitted sullenly. “I never knew when we made that pact it would be a son.” “The universe and Mother works in ways we cannot always know. I love him as I loved you. As I love Mother-tree and her love. You hurt us all when you turned your back. William will never do that, not with me in his life. He will embrace his destiny. He will not cut out his heartwood, friend.” She silently snapped the phone closed. Mistletoe gave William's hand a reassuring squeeze. His hand trembled in hers. She lifted it to her lips, bringing his focus back to her face. “We should go to Mother-tree.” She told him, breaking the silence. *** William was too stunned to respond. His feet moved of their own volition, trailing behind her. The only thing registering in his mind was the sway of her hips, hypnotic; like a metronome, counting out notes of a song. She led him out of the house and down the hill, passed the pasture, passed the stream, and directly to the great old Oak tree. She tugged on his hand and pulled him to the ground. Dappled sunlight streamed through the leaves of the tree, casting a golden glow over them. Mistletoe pushed on his chest so that he was leaning against the tree. The bark of the tree bit into his skin, cutting him. Blood seeped through his shirt. He didn't care. He let her strip his shirt off him. He watched, as if from a distance as she slid her garment down her arms, over her pert breasts, and tossed it aside. She lay down on her back beside him, her face turned to his, unmoving, except for her wide blinking eyes. *** The spring green grass caressed her naked body and she felt free again. She loved the organic garment that Mother-tree had gifted her with upon her return to the tree, but it had felt confining and unnatural to her. Mother-tree had explained that when she left the tree, in this day and age, she would need to cover up in case a human did happen to see her; like William did. “I am unsure what to do.” Her voice hitched. She knew if she gave her magic free rein, it would know just what to do. But she wanted to forget that and just be a woman with a man, right now. “Do you not want to lie with me?” Still no response. Mistletoe sat up and took his hands in hers, watching him for a reaction. She leaned in slowly, hesitating, as her nervous lips hovered over his. He just stared at her. She wondered if he was still in shock. Dipping her head down, she lightly brushed her lips across his. She licked her lips, tasting the kiss and pressed her mouth to his, less unsure. Her confidence grew when his tense body relaxed. The tip of her tongue pushed against his lips, parted them, and slipped in. “Mm.” She murmured, swiping her tongue against his. His lips softened beneath hers, moving against her own. She closed her eyes as he became an active participant. Finally, some kind of response. She opened her eyes and placed his hands on her breasts. A spark of light seemed to come back into his eyes. She moved his hands beneath hers to massage her breasts, allowing the vines of her hair to come down and slide up his chest; to stroke his lips, to entangle in his hair. His hands reached up and entwined in her twining hair. Mistletoe yelped as he flipped her onto her back and rested his weight on her, batting the wandering vines away. She called the magic back to her. She couldn't believe she let that happen. His eyes darkened and she was afraid she had offended him. “Will...” She began, wanting to apologize. He shook his head at her slowly, deliberately, laying his finger on her mouth. Mistletoe wondered what the rest of him tasted like. When he didn't remove his finger she licked the tip. He groaned. Encouraged, she licked it again and covered it with her mouth. *** Her mouth was warm and moist. William's cock leaped in his jeans, coming to sudden life and hardening instantly. God, if that's what she could do to just his finger, imagine what she could do elsewhere. He pushed the thought away, momentarily. He let her suck his finger for a few more minutes, then trailed his fingers down her cheek, caressing her neck. He caught her tipped ear with his lips. She whimpered as he breathed warmth into it, teasing her, swirling his tongue against the lobe. Sliding his fingers down her chest, he circled each breast, avoiding her nipples. Still, they pebbled up. He cupped her breasts and rubbed the pads of his thumbs around the aureoles. She arched her back, her breath shallowing. *** The sun was warm on her bare skin. Mistletoe looked up at the spreading branches of Mother-tree. She frowned, seeing browning leaves where there should have been green. The long grasses teased her body as William's fingers tantalized her nipples. She focused her attention on the sensations he was evoking. Her breasts filled his hands and he was playing with them, gently squeezing and releasing. His mouth closed over one. She closed her eyes, arching up into his hands. His tongue worked each of her nipples, suckling them into his hot mouth. Moisture gathered between her thighs and she crossed her legs worried by it. She had never felt herself grow wet before. William noted the look of concern on her face and rubbed his nose against hers. He took her hand in his and placed it on her chest, moving her hand in circles around her own breasts, bringing it to slip down her abdomen and stomach, pausing above the delicate ringlets. She bit her lip and looked at him for guidance. He held her gaze with his, as he guided her hand down over the curls to cup the mound of her pussy. She relaxed her thighs and slid her fingers against the wet slit, lifting her head to watch as her finger disappeared between her folds. Glancing up at him, she saw the hungry look in his eye. She blushed furiously and started to remove her fingers. “Touch yourself.” His voice startled her and she stopped moving her fingers, removing them from inside. More interesting was the deep tone his voice now had. “Mistletoe, it's OK. Feel how wet you are. This is normal. It's good. You're very beautiful. Don't be afraid.” He whispered as he drew her hand against her heat, to touch and stroke the moisture. He let her hand go. She nodded and let her fingers explore her wetness and heat, sliding her finger in and out of the wet opening. It was slippery. Closing her eyes, she joined another finger with the first, reaching deeper inside to feel more. While she explored, William dipped into the moisture and brought his finger up to touch her clitoris. Her eyelids flew open as she jumped at the touch. *** William couldn't believe how such a small amount of stimulation could cause her to grow so wet, so quickly. Her scent filled his senses; the lavender scent that was growing familiar to him and an earthy, almost spicy scent that was coming from the sweetness between her thighs. He craved her. He had to taste her. Caressing the tops of her thighs, he moved his hands down her legs to lift those sculpted calves up to his lips. He kissed back up one leg and then the other, his tongue licking each knee. He watched her squirm. The next kiss slightly higher on her leg, just above the knee. As he kissed the soft flesh of the inside of her thigh, one hand moved upwards to play with her nipple. *** William's moist mouth on the inside of her thigh raised goose bumps on Mistletoe's skin. His other hand moved back down to her wetness as is knee gently parted her thighs. The fabric of the jeans felt rough on her delicate skin. She licked her lips and moved her hand to her chest to squeeze the unattended breast, rolling the nipple between the fingers of one hand. His fingers spread her lips, running along the slickness of them. A cool breeze teased the exposed skin and she got a chill, then shuddered when his tongue dipped down into her heat. Her hips rolled forward automatically and she gasped. He slowly licked her, letting her get used to the feel of his tongue on her most sensitive places. She moaned when his fingers slid in, touching her from within. She continued to roll her nipples between the fingers of one hand, as she glided the other hand down over the taut muscles of her abdomen to fist in his hair, keeping him where she wanted him. Keeping him where she suddenly needed him to be. Trembling legs opened for him completely, the ache in her core and the sensations of his tongue eliciting a soft whimper. *** William ran his tongue from the top of her slit to bottom. She tasted fresh and sweet like morning dew, or honeysuckle. He wanted more. With each pass of his tongue he pressed a little harder, pushed a little deeper, growing ever closer to his goal. He wanted to see the look on her face, to know what he was doing to her. But she held him against her body, her hips moving with the rhythm of his fingers sliding inside her. He paused and pushed his nose against her nub, following with his mouth. She cried out and bucked her body when his tongue flicked against her swollen clit. She let go his hair and grabbed at the grass beneath her, ripping up wildflowers. He watched her head thrash against the grass. Gripping her thighs, he lifted. Her body rose up off the ground and she mewled as he buried his face between her thighs, lapping and licking faster and faster. *** Mistletoe became slightly alarmed by the amount of wetness seeping out of her. “Um. Am I leaking?” William stopped licking and sucking and his head popped up. He blinked. *** “What?” The question broke the momentum. But one look at her face and he knew she needed reassurance. “Am I leaking? I am so very wet, down there.” She repeated. He groaned. “It's normal. The wetness is a good thing. It means you're excited and feel good. It tastes really good, too. Do you feel good, Mistletoe? Am I making you feel good?” She was so close to orgasm, so close. He hoped he could drive her further, once he eased her mind. He moved back up her body and wrapped his arms around her. “Do you want me to stop?” *** She considered his words. If he said it was normal, she would have to trust him that it was. She shook her head no. “No you don't feel good, or no you don't me to stop?” He pressed. “It feels more than good. It feels like the first rain of spring. Delightful.” She smiled. “Please continue.” William's head disappeared between her thighs once more. He pleasured her with his tongue and fingers and drove her to the edge. He coaxed her to let go. She squeezed her thighs on his head and rose up off the ground, her body vibrating as he hummed against her, pushing her over the edge. She bowed up and cried out. He drank of her essence and savored every last dew-like droplet. He looked up and saw her heavy-lidded gaze on his. *** Mistletoe took deep, steadying breaths of air. She knew that she wanted to feel the weight of him against her, the heat of his skin on hers, the strength of his chest on her soft, sensitive breasts. Reaching for him, she drew him up her body and pulled his head down. She tipped her head up and parted her lips slightly. He met them. Her mouth on his was needy and demanding as she swiped along his top lip, nibbling the bottom with the edge of her teeth, nipping him. The lower half of her body felt itchy against the fabric of his pants as he rested some of his weight on top of her. His jeans were chafing against the sensitive skin of her inner thighs, awakening different sensations, the contrast of rough and smooth. She kneaded his back with her long fingers, recalling images that Mother-tree and other dryads had shown her of human love-making. She wanted that, more than anything! “I want you inside me.” She whispered in his ear. “Now?” He questioned. “Yes.” Her voice growled. She slid her hands down his back to the top of his jeans. “Take those off. They hurt my skin.” *** William looked down at the blotchy red spots on her skin and immediately moved away from her to discard the rough jeans. “Mistie, I'm sorry. Are you allergic to denim?” He worried she was having a reaction. “Huh? Denim? Oh, your garment. My skin does not like man-made things. The redness will go away. Do not leave.” She told him. “Oh, I'm not leaving. Believe me." He softly chuckled. She glared at him. "I just wanted to give you some breathing room.” He said softly, afraid she might pull back. “I do not want breathing room. I can breathe just fine as I am. I want you inside me.” She was direct with her needs. “But I want to touch you again first.” She sat up. William sat beside her. She crept her hand into his lap to touch his erection. She held it and stroked it up and down a few times, like she had done briefly the first time. She became bolder and cupped his balls with her other hand. He closed his eyes and sucked in a breath. “Is this right?” “Uh huh. Touch the head too. That feels even better.” He sighed as her hands slipped over the head of his cock. A droplet of precum dripped out. She gathered it on her finger and slid it against his flesh. Her hands were hot and moving fast. As she squeezed the tip, she watched curiously as more fluid came out. She touched the tip of her finger to her tongue and tasted and then crawled over to his lap; her long, wild hair tickling the insides of his thighs. He moaned when her lips kissed the crown of his cock and the fear of those magical vines never quite registered. When his cock jumped at her touch, she giggled. His balls tightened up and he groaned, putting his hands on her head and guiding her up to his face. “Are you ready for me to be inside of you?” He whispered. Her touch and mouth was going to drive him to shoot his seed before he was ready to. He needed to be inside of her. This foreplay was driving him insane. She could explore and taste all she wanted another time. He needed her with an immediacy that shocked him. “Will it hurt? It looks too big for my space.” She moved her fingers down to spread her lips, looking from her wetness to his hardness. “It might hurt a little at first. I'll be gentle with you. Your puss-.” William rethought his phrasing. “Your space will make room for me.” The lovely flush of her cheeks traveled down her neck to bloom pink on her breasts. He pulled her into his lap, swept her hair off her neck and kissed it. She wriggled her bottom against him and wrapped her arms around his neck snuggling in close as he kissed her forehead, trying to ease her mind. Despite her hesitancy, her eyes were glazed over with need. “Ready.” Mistletoe said. She climbed off his lap and lay on her back, opening her legs in welcome, stretching her arms up to him. He looked down at her, a hungry gleam in his eye as his gaze swept down her face, pausing at her rosebud mouth, wet, as she licked her lips. He leaned over her, capturing that sweet mouth in a kiss driven by need; probing and teasing. His lips traveled down her graceful neck, which was arched slightly as she looked up at him. Swiping his tongue across her enticing collarbone, he smirked at the shiver he saw run through her. His tongue dipped down into the valley between her small breasts, swirling against each nipple as he made his way to the away from her breast. He nibbled his way down the side of her abdomen. She giggled and made a movement to cover herself with her hands. He took her hands and placed them above her head, one hand holding both wrists, as his lips reached the sexy curve of her hip. He nipped lightly. *** Mistletoe's breath was stuck in her throat as the tickling sensation of his mouth all over her, sent a series of shivers throughout her body. She wanted to touch herself. But he was holding her hands in his and wouldn't let go. She grumbled at him and he came back up, chuckling softly in her ear, his hot breath fanning across her neck. He stroked feather light fingers upon her soft curls. Gasping, she closed her legs automatically. He tucked his hand between her legs, nudging them open, caressing the soft flesh of her inner thighs. She took a deep breath and relaxed her body, letting his fingers enter her to flit against her core. His fingers delved deeply and when he reached a spot deep within, he his finger upward. She arched her back in response, gasping. The air seemed to hum with energy. *** Her slickness let William know that she was wet enough and ready for him. He let go of her wrists, lay his body over hers, fitting between her legs, and framed her face with his hands. “Take a deep breath, Mistletoe.” He told her. Her chest rose with the action and she nodded. He lined up his hardness with the entrance to her pussy and slowly, ever so slowly parted the pink lips with the head of his cock. “Are you alright?” Her eyes were squeezed tightly closed. He stopped. She tensed up and he wondered if she was worried about his size. She looked worried. Maybe he needed to reassure her again that he would be gentle. He wanted her to be at ease and to believe him. He lifted her hips up and stroked her back tenderly. “Just relax sweetheart. Are you sure this is what you want?” William had patience, but this was nearing on torture. “It is not that I want it so much that I need it. Maybe you should do it faster.” She suggested sheepishly. “Now!” He covered her mouth with his and slipped his tongue in to find hers, sucking on it. At the moment when he felt her resistance drop, her walls crumble, he quickly pushed the head passed her barrier; swallowing her brief scream of discomfort. She lurched away from him, but he held her still, pushing deeper, filling her, letting her body adjust to his girth and length. He wasn't the biggest guy, but he was endowed enough to know that her tightness would need to be stretched before she would feel pleasure. “You're so tight. You feel so good!” He breathed in her ear. “I'm going to pull out a little and push back in so that your body will accept me more. Hold onto me.” He slid his cock half way out of her and then pushed back in. Her hips rolled up to meet him as her nails dug into his back. She whimpered as he started thrusting slowly. He sheathed himself inside of her and grunted when her muscles gripped him. He lost himself in the magic of the moment. *** Mistletoe wrapped her legs around him, pulling him deeper. She gave her body over to the indescribable, new sensations he was awakening within her. Digging her heels into him, she rocked with the motions of his thrusts, her breath coming out in gasps, moaning into his hair. She thrashed her head back and forth against the grass as Mother Earth cradled her body. She opened her eyes and stared up. Mother-tree's leaves were changing and becoming afire with autumnal colors: crimson, amber, gold, burnt orange. She sang out, reveling in the glory of their union. A curious pressure built within her. She moaned from deep in her throat as his hands traveled up her shoulders to grip her hair in his hands, lifting her head off the ground to plunder her mouth with his tongue, mimicking everything his cock was doing to her core. HeartWood *** William looked up at the same time as she did and his mouth fell open. The leaves of the great Oak tree were changing colors before his very eyes. They had started off green with just a touch of brown, but now looked like they were in the middle of an autumn day, bright and colorful. He blinked his eyes, disbelieving. His nostrils flared taking in new scents, earthy and musky, the scents of a Fall Day. He looked down at the woman beneath him and let her set the pace. Her body glistened with a sheen of sweat. He watched as she gloried in her power. Her hair wrapped around his hands as he tilted her head and kissed her again and again. The vines and twigs in her hair that he had finally learned to accept, curled up and fell to the ground. Luxurious, silky locks filled his hands, a deep golden brown. He held a lock of her hair up to his face and caressed his cheek with it. *** Mistletoe felt bonded to Earth Mother more than ever, and yet she also felt the most grounded, as if she were still inside the safe harbor of Mother-tree. She squeezed her inner muscles on William's hardness and rose up with each thrust inside. She squeezed harder, holding him within her, rocking her body in time with his, listening and matching the rhythm to the beating of Mother-tree's heartwood. Pressure inside her built up as wetness gathered inside her thighs. “Look, William.” She pointed upward. A cool breeze played against her skin. They both watched in wonder as the bright leaves of Mother-tree let go their branches and rode the breeze; twisting and turning playfully, floating down upon their bodies, like a cascade of rain. At that very thought, a light drizzle began, falling softly, kissing their nakedness. She looked next to them as mist gathered along the ground, moving towards them. Her muscles clenched, breath coming out in short pants, her stomach muscles tightening. Sliding his fingers down her stomach, he rubbed against the sensitive flesh of her clitoris. The mist clung to her body and she trembled. Her body bowed up and she screamed his name as her orgasm rocked her. She milked him with her muscles, urging him to share his own release. *** William felt himself building up. He held himself back until she came down from the high of her first orgasm. Then he rubbed her clit faster, and sucked on her nipples, nibbling on them. He pumped harder and faster, flexing his ass muscles as his balls clenched and cock twitched. He closed his eyes, groaning and grunting, releasing himself, pouring his seed into her, screaming out words he didn't recognize. He felt something inside of him tense and release, like a taut rubber band. He cried as the feeling shook him to his core. As he opened his eyes, he gaped at the wildflowers springing up around them. He felt his body sinking into the ground. The mist lifted and vine crept up his legs, dragging him down into the ground. He feared the vines were her doing and he gave her a horrified look. Had she betrayed him? “No!!!” From a distance he heard Mistletoe's mournful scream and knew that she was innocent. “Noooo. Goddess, no please, please don't.” He was confused. Why was she screaming? Her voice sounded panicky and she was crying. Warmth enveloped his body as he felt his branches spreading out, seeking the earth, digging in, looking for sustenance and nurturance. William watched as several beautiful girls danced around him, swirling and spinning and giggling, throwing flower petals at him. He wanted to dance with them. He felt Mistletoe pull away from him. He tried to hold her, but the vines held him fast, they were binding him to the earth. “I beg of you, please, he is mine! Give him back to me. I gave up everything.” Mistletoe howled in anguish. She keened a banshee song. She looked up at Mother-tree. Her branches were bare and her bark had darkened to black. Mother-tree was dying. Earth mother needed a new ambassador. They were supposed to seed the earth together. They were supposed to love forever. How had it turned so terribly wrong? Hadn't Mother-tree promised her release? Hadn't they given their blessing? “It is not fair!!!” She wailed. *** A shadow moved across the forest to stand in front of the weeping woman. “I told you that you couldn't take my son from me.” The harsh female voice said. Mistletoe feared to look up. She knew who would be standing there, the golden haired beauty, the very likeness of her beloved. “Look at me, Mistie.” The woman's hand forced her gaze upward. She wore an evil smile on perfect red lips. Mistletoe looked into the brown eyes. “Look what you have done. Did you really think that Earth Mother would grant a lowly hamadryad boon? You silly little spirit. There are those even stronger than your goddess.” The woman's sinister laughter filled the forest. “I told you that he was mine. Now, no one will have him. This is all your fault.” She accused, bitterly. Mistletoe clenched her chest, her heart drummed a rapid beat. She could feel Mother-tree's heartwood slowing. Mother-tree was dying. William was now a part of the earth. She watched as earth covered her beloved, as he became one with earth, as a tree trunk rose from his body. His eyes blinked. His hands reached out. There was nothing she could do. She would lose him. She lost her magic. She would forever be alone. All because of Harmony; jealous, disconnected, deceitful Harmony. Harmony would have her revenge. “Aw, it pains me to see you grieve so. How does it feel, little dryad? How does it feel to have the love of your life torn from your arms? To have your own heartwood cut out? Now you know. Now you see. Now you will be alone as I am.” Harmony's words pierced her heart, memories rushed into her mind. She saw Harmony's husband, the handsome, dear man as he was cutting down one of the oldest fir trees in the forest. The fir screamed in pain. Mistletoe had left Mother-tree and pleaded and begged the man to stop. He wouldn't listen. He told her it was a gift for Harmony, a Christmas tree for his son's first birthday. She had to make him see reason. She sent a flare of Earth magic to knock him off balance. The ax flew from his hand to land in Mother-tree's trunk. As he fell over, the tree came crashing down, crushing him to the earth. He died instantly. She did not know that Harmony and baby William were nearby, watching. “What did you do?” The woman came at her, screaming, raging, her nails ripping into Mistletoe's flesh. She dodged the blows and dashed back to the safety of Mother-tree. She didn't do it. She only knocked him over. It wasn't her fault. That was the day Harmony denounced her magic. Mistletoe snapped back to the present. “I did not do it. Harmy, you have to believe me. I only made him drop the ax. The tree, he had cut the tree all the way through. The wind knocked it down. I would never hurt you so. Do you not know that? I loved you and I loved your human. I would never have harmed him. How could you even think it of me? What darkness lives inside of you?” Mistletoe searched her former friend and saw a thick black sludge surrounding Harmony's heart. She moved forward. Harmony drew a symbol in the air and backed up, as Mistletoe stalked forward. “Stay right there! One step closer and I'll destroy this entire forest. You all thought I had denounced my magic. I may have denounced Earth Mother's gifts, but in doing so, I embraced the Dark Mother's gifts. The gifts of destruction, death, release. I am stronger and more powerful than ever. I will decimate your home and this land.” She cupped her hands and Mistletoe's eyes widened in horror seeing the flames leaping between her palms. “No.” She whispered. “No! What about William? If you call upon fire, you will kill your boy too.” She tried to make the enraged woman see reason. “He was never mine to begin with.” The woman hissed, sneering as she threw a ball of fire into the brush. It quickly caught fire and rushed toward Mother-tree. The tree was dead already. But, Mistletoe still felt the pain of the flames licking up the trunk. Another tree alit with flame and the wildflowers caused by the love-making burnt to ash. Mistletoe didn't know what to do, didn't know how to stop her. She started singing, weaving healing into the dying earth. *** “Mother.” A muffled voice called out. Both women of magic turned at the strangled sound. “Mother help me.” William's face was straining out of the earth. As he had released his seed into Mistletoe, the bonds that his mother had placed upon him had loosened. His power had begun to return to him; weak but still bright and shining. He reached deep inside himself and found his heartsong, matched it to the beating of his heartwood and sang. Music filled the air, echoing sound against the trunks of the trees, a melancholy sound, deep and rich. He felt his heart open and the music pour from his lips. The bonds of vines released him and he stood. He sang his grief; he sang his confusion at his mother's behavior; he sang his joy at finding his love; he sang his surprise and wonder at the magic of life; he sang his soul song. His magic flowed out in ribbons of light around the forest, wrapping around each living thing, breathing life and healing back into it. He sang and the flames receded. He sang and his mother trembled, dropping to the ground, covering her ears with her hands. He sang and Mistletoe danced into his arms. He twirled her around. Crunching leaves announced woodland creatures and nature spirits. Rabbits, deer, newborn fawns, squirrels all gathered to watch. Flowers pushed through the earth and blossomed. The twitter of bird song filled the air. The young sapling he and his grandfather had planted, danced on the wind. “No!” Harmony screamed. “Stop! William, stop!” Her shouts went unheard. William turned to his mother. “You lied. You lied to me all of this time. I begged you as a boy to tell me the reason I could talk to the creatures, why the flowers responded to my touch. I remember it all. You stole it from me. My gifts were not yours to take. Mother, you are a sad, desperate woman and you have let darkness eclipse the bright light of your soul.” William moved forward, slowly, approaching his mother. Her eyes widened and she stepped back. With each step he took forward, she took a step back, until she was up against Mother-tree's trunk. Gnarled branches came down and held her. “I denounce you.” William glared into her eyes. “You would bring harm to all that I love. You will never spread your poison again." He looked up at the dying tree. "Grandmother?” The sad visage of his grandmother stared down at him. She shook her head at her daughter. “It is time to come home, Harmony.” She plucked the woman off her feet and using the last bit of strength and power inside her, she tossed her against the young sapling. Harmony's scream was silenced as the tiny sapling's branches embraced her body and drew her within. “Back where you belong.” The ancient tree sighed. Both William and Mistletoe felt Mother-tree's heartwood stop beating. They held each other, tears streaming down their faces. “She can never hurt anyone again.” Mistletoe whispered as he kissed away her tears. “The goddess teaches her a harsh lesson, but she will once more connect to earth mother and become life giving. Just as I am now life giving. Earth Mother grieves and celebrate this day that belongs to her.” She smiled brilliantly at him, caressing her stomach tenderly. “I love you, Mistletoe.” William swept her into his arms. “I love you, William.” She whispered, nuzzling into his safe embrace. He turned his back on the sapling and the dead tree and strode toward the farm. His heartwood beating in time with hers. Epilogue: William stood in the office of the attorney with his arms around his wife. He had learned much about himself in the last few months. He had learned the truth of his heritage, that he was part human and part Earth Magic. He had learned the true nature of his mother. He had learned that when Mistletoe had given her body, mind, and spirit to him, she had become mortal; though still with a very lengthy life. He was about to learn something else. “Your grandfather has left his farm, his lands, and the entire forest to you, William. There is also an inheritance with your name on it. He leaves instructions for you to protect the lands and “grow where you are planted”, whatever that means.” The attorney looked up from the 'The Last Testament and Will'. His client's grandson had his arms around the young woman, his hands resting gently on her pregnant stomach, his chin resting on her head, a silly grin on his face. The attorney smiled at the young couple. Hope had come home to Heartwood. ~~~~~ Thank you to Darkniciad for being such a wonderful sounding board to me. Your critique and suggestions were very helpful! Thank you to LadyKnight and Knightshade for the reads and support.