Seasons of Sherwood Part Five – Tír Na nÓg

“Yes,” cried Mary-Anne and threw herself into Zack’s arms.

Jax ran around them in excited circles and nudged in between them. Suddenly he saw it again, the strange, ethereal light emanating from the forest floor. He took off, racing across the forest floor, barking in welcome. Mary-Anne and Zack sprang apart and a smile spread over Mary-Anne’s face. “It’s Them,” she said, and followed Jax, pulling Zack along behind her.

Knowing that she would see Them again made this moment even more special. This time, she didn’t hesitate. She pulled open the door and the three of them headed down the stairway into the depths of the Earth. As they reached the bottom the ethereal voice spoke, just as it had the last time Mary-Anne had visited. The message was different though.

“Our Lady Nimhue wishes to meet the man who has captured the heart of our fair Mary-Anne,” it said.

Mary-Anne shared a glance with Zack and pushed open the door. It was autumn there this time, the trees laden with leaves of warm russet reds, bronzes and golds. They swirled through the gentle breeze, a dancing autumnal confetti that was joined by a host of luminescent, azure blue butterflies. The mossy forest floor was pebbled with tiny jewel-like toadstools. But, as before, the fae gathered around the meadow, laughing merrily; all beautiful and exquisite in their own unique way.

Zack was led away and looked back over his shoulder towards Mary-Anne. “Don’t worry, I’ll see you soon,” she called, before she was once again attended upon by Aspen and Raydor. A little while later they were presented, hand in hand, to the Lady Nimhue, both appropriately garbed in the way of the Fae.

“I am glad to meet you, Zack,” said the Lady. “It pleases me that Mary-Anne has met a man who is worthy of her.” She looked then at Mary-Anne. “Look after each other well. Come home to Tír Na nÓg when you are ready.”

They danced and feasted for the rest of the day before returning to the world above to start their life together.