Katja Pt. 07

Celia gave her a loving smile and stroked her face. "Yes little sister, I am fine, I just got a little dizzy when they broke contact. But I'm fine now, thank you for asking and don't be worried."

Katja came back with a bottle of water and opened it handing it to her. Celia took a long drink then smiled at the three worried faces watching her. "Everything is good now that I know what is happening." She smiled and said, "Erik, I have a message from the Lady Brigit, She asked me to tell you that She loves you very much and is very proud of how you turned out." Then Celia laughed, "Also she requests that you quell your curiosity for a while on certain matters. She sort of blamed that on the side you that comes from Bast."

Tears were rolling down Erik's face as he heard Celia words from the Goddess to him. He sent out "Thank you my Goddess, know that I love you also, as much as I love my Mate." Erik heard a bright laughter and a warm feeling go through him, just like he felt when Katja hugged him.

Erik smiled and nodded at Celia, tears rolling down his cheeks.

Celia continued, "Katja, Bast also sends her love and affection to you and your mate, since Erik is partially hers also. She is also very proud of how you turned out."

Now Katja's eyes also flowed with tears, Erik held her and kissed away her tears. Katja smiled at her Mate as they looked into each other's eyes. "I love you My Mate." She also sent the thought out to Mother Bast. Then Erik and Katja both felt warm soft hands caress them.

Lucy was a little confused by all this Celia saw. So, she said to her, "Little sister, do not worry or be confused. I have a message for you also. I was asked to convey their love and affection to the little sister and future Priestess."

Lucy smiled at Celia, "That was nice of them, I love them to, they're always so nice to talk with. But what is a priestess?"

Celia smiled at her, "A priestess is someone who they talk to and she teaches others about them so they will understand and know them. I am a priestess, so when you get older, you'll be somewhat like me. Do you understand?"

Lucy grinned, "Now I understand, I'll be a teacher. And I'll be able to do things like you do. I think I like that."

Celia laughed, "Yes, I've enjoyed it and I think you will to. But this has to be between us for now, you can talk about it to me or to Erik and Katja. I will talk to your mother and father about it. This is only until you grow up little more. Okay? Do you understand?"

Lucy nodded, "I think I do, if I tell other people, they think I'm just playing make believe, right?"

Celia grinned widely, "Yes. that's it exactly little sister. It's better to wait, that way they will believe you and learn." Then she reached behind her neck and unclasped her Brigit's Cross necklace. "Here, I have something for you. This is a symbol of the Lady Brigit, She is the other the other Lady that sounds Irish. Katja told me you talked to her yesterday." She put it around Lucy's neck and fastened it. "This way she can talk to you like Bast does."

Lucy looked at it and smiled. The she stood up on the bench and hugged Celia. "Thank you, Miss Celia, it's very pretty."

Erik looked at his watch and said. "Well, if we need to do anything out here, we better do it now. People should start showing up soon."

Celia stayed outside to cleanse and bless the circle. Then Lucy asked to stay so she could watch. Erik and Katja went back inside to gather up some things to bring out to Celia. Erik carried out a couple of boxes' and Katja stay inside in case anyone showed up a little early.

Then about ten, Victoria pulled up with Uncle Geoff. They came up and Katja was waiting for them, she had heard the car as they parked. She let them in and gave her uncle a hug and kiss on the cheek, then repeated that with Victoria. "It is good to see you niece." Geoff said. "And congratulations my dear."

Katja smiled, "Thank you uncle." Then she looked at Victoria, and smiled, "And you also Victoria, you look quite beautiful. Your dress is magnificent."

Victoria smiled, "Thank you Katja." The she blushed, "The dress is Geoff's favorite." Then she winked at her, "I wore it so he'll only look at me instead of any other women that may show up."

Geoff laughed, he knew she was joking. He had eyes only for her since they met. He put an arm around her and hugged her.

Katja grinned, she knew he wouldn't look at any other but her. But it never hurt to be sure.

She led them in and introduced them to Jack and Maria. They had already met Tony weeks before. Ariel grinned and said, "Katja, I'll take them outside if you want to wait for the others."

Katja smiled, "Thanks Ariel, that sounds like a good idea."

Ariel led everyone out back talking to Victoria asking her where she got she dress. She told her and Maria said she had stopped in that shop a few times also. Jack, Tony and Geoff looked at each other and grinned, they knew that this conversation would go on for a bit, so they went over to were Erik was.

Erik saw uncle Geoff and the others, then smiled as he saw the three girls talking about clothes.

He waved them over and shook uncle Geoff's hand. "Sir, thank you for coming, it's good to see you. How have you been?"

Geoff smiled, he had been back and forth from the old military base going over the plans for converting it. So, he hadn't been around a lot lately. "Very busy Erik, as you know. We almost have everything down for the conversion. We've found that we really won't have to do as much as we first thought. The housing that the base already has just needs to be modernized and have some things added to them to accommodate our people. A lot of the rest of the building will either be converted or just tore down. But what it comes down to is that we should be ready to move into it a whole lot sooner and at a much cheaper cost then what was first figured." He laughed, "That makes everyone a whole lot happier."

Erik and the others laughed. "Yeah, it usually works out that way no matter where you were from." Tony added laughing.

The Erik saw Celia and Lucy heading towards the house. "Celia, could you please come here for a minute? I have someone I'd like you to meet.

Celia smiled and changed course to come over to him. "Celia, I'd like to introduce Commander Geoff. He's also Katja's and my uncle."

The Commander smiled, "It is a pleasure to meet you Priestess." He bowed slightly to her. "I've been told so much about you by Erik here and Katja."

Celia smiled and curtsied. "Yes Commander, I've heard about you also. And I thank you for your curtesy." Then she smiled as Victoria walked up to stand next to him. "And who might this be? Your Mate possibly? Or at least that is what I sense."

Both he and Victoria blushed, "Well Priestess, this is Victoria my um," He looked at Victoria and she nodded and clasped his arm. "Well, this is a good as day as any to admit it, yes, this is my mate Victoria."

Celia smiled, "A very large pleasure Victoria." Then she looked at the commander and said, "Now, was that so hard Geoff? You know the Goddess wants you two together, why did you hesitate?"

Geoff looked at her, she made him feel like a little boy that had done something wrong.

Erik looked at him grinning, "She's really good at that uncle, isn't she? You should see what she does to me since I was and always will be her student."

Geoff laughed, and asked Erik, "How did you know what I was thinking Erik?"

Erik smiled, "I saw the look on your face, believe me I saw the same one in a mirror on numerous occasions."

Geoff looked at Celia and smiled bowing to her. "Will the answer "Stupidity" be sufficient Priestess?"

Celia looked at him and rocked her hand back and forth. Then she smiled and kissed his forehead. Then she asked Victoria. "Happier now?"

Victoria smiled and hugged Geoff's arm and kissed his cheek, "Yes, I am." Then she grinned, "I think Stupidity was a very good answer."

Just then Katja walked up and hugged Erik, "The rest of the people from the ship are here. What's been going on here."

Erik smiled, "Uncle Geoff just admitted to Celia, that Victoria was his mate. Oh, and they agreed he was stupid for not saying sooner."

Katja grinned, "About time, don't you think?"

Geoff looked at three of them and sighed.

Erik laughed, "I know that look too. So, no, forget about it, you'll never win again."

Celia smiled and took Lucy's hand and led her back to the house to help her.

Then Erik saw Neko and the rest of the people they invited coming around the house an into the back yard.

He and Katja walked over and said smiling, "Neko, thank you for coming and the rest of you to. We appreciate it."

Neko smiled and took Erik's hand, "I wouldn't miss it for the world Erik. You remember my grandson don't you. Jonny come say hello."

The little cat-boy smiled shyly and said, "Hello Mr. Erik. Thank you for letting me come with grandfather." He looked around curiously, "Is Lucy here?"

Erik smiled, "Yes Jonny, she's here. She's in the house helping our Priestess bring some things out. She should be here in a minute or so." Then he smiled, "Or you can go in and help her if you want. I know she's looking forward to seeing you."

Jonny looked up at his grandfather and Neko smiled nodding. Jonny broke out in a big smile and ran to the back door. Neko smiled at Erik, "If nothing changes, we just might have another mixed species couple in about ten years." Erik laughed also, "Yes, I think you might be right."

They watched as they walked out of the house and heard Jonny say to a smiling Lucy, "No, that's all right Lucy, I'll carry it for you, it's heavy." Then they heard Lucy say, "Thanks Jonny, wow, you sure are strong."

Erik and Neko laughed, then Erik said. "Yep, that's it, he's done for."

Neko nodded grinning, "Yes, I think your right. That's more or less how Jonny's mother got my son at about the same age."

Then Erik walked around greeting the others, Leone and Petra, Niki and Suzi and a bunch of the others from the crew and some of Katja's and Ariel's friends.

Then he smiled as he saw his old boss John and some of his friends from when he worked there. He talked to them for a bit and then Tony and Ariel came over to say hi also.

Finally, he walked over to Katja were she was talking to a few friends and kissed her saying, "I think we should check with Celia and see if she's ready. Katja smiled and nodded, then took his arm and they walked over to Celia and the two little ones.

Erik smiled, then asked, "Well, everyone's here, Are you almost ready Celia?"

Celia smiled, "Yes, I believe we are." Then she smiled, "I hope you don't mind, but I added another helper. Lucy asked if Jonny could help her."

Erik and Katja smiled. "Of course not, we'd be honored to have him help. Thank you, Jonny, for helping us."

Lucy smiled and took his hand as he said, "Thank you for letting me Mr. Erik, Katja. Lucy said she could use some help."

Erik smiled and said, "That's very nice of you to help her Jonny."

Celia grinned and said, "Well, since that's all settled, why don't we start. You and Katja go into the house and get dressed. Lucy and Jonny will come with you, I have their crowns here. Yours are with your robes."

"Once everyone is seated, I'll explain things to them. Then Lucy, you listen for me to call you, then you and Jonny will bring Erik and Katja to me here. Okay?"

Lucy and Jonny smiled at her and nodded.

Celia smiled, then handed Lucy a crown made of wildflowers and Jonny, one of laurel leaves.

Then the four of them went into the house and Katja and Erik donned their robes, then put on the crowns, theirs was the same as the kids. Then they waited.

Celia walked into the circle and struck a gong. Then she said smiling, "If everyone will be seated, we'll begin."

She waited until they were all seated, then said smiling, "Good morning to you all and Brightest Blessing to all of you. Thank you for coming today to share in Erik's and Katja's Handfasting. This is an important day in anyone's lives. For those of you that don't know what a handfasting is, it is an ancient Celtic wedding ceremony that is still performed today. "

"The handfasting is a component of a wedding ceremony which entails gently wrapping cords around the bride and groom's clasped hands and tying a knot, symbolically binding the couple together in their declaration of unity."

Then she smiled, "This is where the human term "Tying-the-knot' comes from.

Then Celia said a little louder, "Will my helpers escort Erik and Katja to me please."

On cue, Lucy, holding Erik's hand and Jonny, holding Katja's started to lead them to the circle.

Celia smiled and said, "Ariel, Anthony will you please take your places."

Ariel and Tony grinned, then went to stand where she had told them to. Then they waited for the kids to bring Erik and Katja down.

A very solemn Lucy and Jonny, led them to the entrance of the circle. Then they walked over to stand by Celia smiling.

Then Celia smiled warmly and started the ceremony by saying to Erik and Katja;

"In many cultures, it is believed that the soul shares characteristics with all things divine. It is this belief which assigned virtues to the four cardinal directions; East, South, West and North."

"It is according to this belief that we align ourselves with these elements. Each of these blessings from the four cardinal directions emphasizes those things which will help you build a happy and successful union."

Then Celia addressed the guests, "Please feel free to join us in the blessing if you desire by standing and facing the four directions as they are blessed."

Then Celia addressed Erik and Katja, having them face the directions as she blessed them.

"Blessed be this union with the gifts of the East and the element of Air, for openness and breath, communication of the heart, and purity of the mind and body. From the east you receive the gift of a new beginning with the rising of each Sun, and the understanding that each day is a new opportunity for growth."

"Blessed be this union with the gifts of the South and the element of fire, for energy, passion, creativity and the warmth of a loving home. From the fire within, you generate light, which you will share with one another in even the darkest of times."

"Blessed be this union with the gifts of the West, the element of water, for your capacity to feel emotion. In marriage you offer absolute trust to one another, and vow to keep your hearts open in sorrow as well as joy."

"Blessed be this union with the gifts of the North, the element of earth, which provides sustenance, fertility and security. The earth will feed and enrich you, and help you to build a stable home to which you may always return."

Celia smiled again, "Now we will bless the hands that are to be tied. Erik, Katja,

"These are the hands of your best friend and Mate, young and strong and full of love for you. They are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow and forever. These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other. These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind. These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow and tears of joy. These are the hands that will help you to hold your family as one. These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it. And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving the you same unspoken tenderness with just a touch."

"With full awareness, know that within this circle you are not only declaring your intent to be hand fasted before your friends and family, but you speak that intent also to your higher powers. The promises made today and the ties that are bound here greatly strengthen your union and will cross the years and lives of each soul's growth."

Celia smiled again, then asked, "Do you still seek to enter this ceremony?"

"Yes." Answered Erik and Katja.

Celia turned to ask Lucy for the first cord, but she was already holding it out to her, she saw that she had draped the cords on her left arm in the proper order. Celia smiled at her and took it.

The Celia said to them,

"I bid you look into each other's eyes. Will you honor and respect one another, and seek to never break that honor?"

"We will." Erik and Katja responded.

"And so, the first binding is made."

Celia took the next cord from Lucy and said,

"Will you share each other's pain, and seek to ease it?"

"We will." Erik and Katja responded.

And so, the binding is made

Celia took the next cord from Lucy and said,

"Will you share the burdens of each, so that your spirits may grow in this union?"

"We will." Erik and Katja responded.

And so, the binding is made.

Celia took the last cord from Lucy and said,

"Will you share each other's laughter, and look for the brightness in life and the positive in each other?"

"We will." Erik and Katja responded.

"And so, the binding is made."

Celia then took the cords and tied the ends into a complex knot. Then she said to them;

"Erik and Katja, as your hands are bound together now, so your lives and spirits are joined in a union of love and trust. Above you are the stars and below you is the earth. Like the stars, your love should be a constant source of light, and like the earth, a firm foundation from which to grow."

"Will you dream together to create new realities and hopes for this marriage?"

"We will." Erik and Katja responded.

Celia slipped the knotted cords gently off their hands to free them. Then she said, "Keep these knotted cords always to remind you of this day and your love for one another."

Celia looked over and as she expected, Jonny was holding the small silver tray with the rings on it so Erik and Katja could pick them up.

Erik picked up Katja's ring and said to her, "My love. My Mate. We were first Mated to each other by your Goddess Bast, and now we are wed by my Goddess Brigit. I love you now, I'll love you tomorrow, and I will love you a thousand years from now. I humbly give you my hand and my heart as I pledge my faith and love to you. Just as this ring I give you today is a circle without end, my love for you is eternal. Just as it is made of incorruptible substance, my commitment to you will never fail. With this ring, I thee wed." He slipped it on her finger saying, "I love you my mate, I am yours and you are mine. Now we are together always." With tears streaming down his face he kissed her.

With tears streaming from her own eyes, she said to him, "My Mate. My love. On the first day we met, you protected me, and afterwards you befriended me. On the second day, we feel in love and we knew it was good and right. Then on the third day, we mated for life in accordance with my Goddess Bast. Today, we are wed in the eyes of the lady Brigit your Goddess. Just as we are joined as one, so are our Goddess's also."

Katja's beautiful eyes were shiny with tears as she said as she slipped his ring on him, "And I love you also my mate, I am yours and you are mine. Now we are together always."

Erik took her in his arms, tears running down his cheeks unashamedly and they kissed each other.

Celia looked over the guests and there wasn't a dry eye in bunch of them. She had heard many wedding vows over her life, but none that matched the ones she just heard. She took their hands in hers. Then she said' "My Lady Brigit, Goddess Bast, I thank you for bringing these two together. Never have I witnessed love like this before."