One lazy autumnal day my brother Gawen and I were sick and tired of all the work to be found at this time of the year. So we decided to take a "vacation". While there was much to do, to our young minds none of it was as important as a few moments of pleasure and freedom. We knew that tomorrow was market day at one of the nearby villages. Plus, with the abundant harvest, it was time for Mabon and surely there would be a celebration.

Kiley's mother did not believe in the old religions, so she and her brothers were not allowed to celebrate the turning of the year. But often they snuck away to the celebrations. Loving that feeling of belonging! Mabon was not a large festival, but even so it would be better than staying at home to work. To ready themselves for the festival, Kiley and Gawen had selected the best fruits of the harvest and tucked them away. Plus they had the turning leaves from the large oak tree which they believed to be one of the sacred places the fairies danced.

So, after tending the animals they snuck off, knowing it would be hours before they were missed. They arrived at the village full of excitement. They went to the commons and laid their offerings to the god and goddess. Then they split up looking for something anything, anything at all to break up the boredom of the days.

Kiley is walking at the edge of the celebration, eating an apple she had saved, when she is suddenly confronted by an old crone. "Well, well, who do we have here?" the old lady asks. "Oh hello, I am Kiley." Kiley responded somewhat startled. "May I help you?"

"I don't recall seeing you here before child. Don't you observe the turning of the year?"

Kiley looked guilty. "I try, but my mother doesn't approve." With a heavy sigh Kiley goes on. "My brother and I come when we can, but..." Kiley just shakes her head and shrugs. The old crone looks intently at Kiley, making Kiley lick her lips with her nervousness. "Don't worry child, your gifts are most appreciated. Yes they are. But you have so much more to give. Look around you child. Stop and see what is right in front of you. Don't waste what I give you girl." The old lady just wandered off after that, still talking. "Foolish ones, can't they see what's in front of them! Mothers, all mothers should teach their children... not hide them..."

Kiley pondered the old women's words, not able to rid the strangeness of the encounter from her mind. She wandered over to the place where they were telling tales and stories. Sitting down she asked one of the villagers who the old lady was. "What? I don't know who you mean. No one here who looks like that. Sounds to me you had a visit from the goddess as she moves into the winter months. Head what she says, or you may live to regret it."