If you like my stories please let me know. Also I am always looking for new ideas so if there anything you would like to read about, or not like please let me know. My e-mail is mordevious@netscape.net

Meeting a Teacher

Mary and Sue had guessed that someone else was in the woods as they had seen the car parked near the main house, and since there were no sign of life in the house, or signs of movement, they both assumed it was Kat's uncle back from the states. When they reached the circle, which now they had started to think of as their circle, they first assumed the cloaked figure sat before the statues of a male and female figure was Kat's Uncle Ian. However this time the cloak was a deep rich red, and the wearer was of slighter build.

Mary and Sue stood on the edge of the circle, not sure if they should disturb the sitter, or should they find somewhere else in this rabbit warren of a wood.

The seated figure rose, with the grace that convinced Sue that it was not a man under the cloak. A gentle contralto voice greeted them, “Merry Meet, welcome, come in, you are not disturbing me, I am Yvonne, a, friend, of Ian's, and from your looks can I assume you are Kat's friends?”

The twins looked at each other, and with a giggle they moved into the circle.

“It seems that we are starting to meet lots of people here, for a quiet out of the way private wood.” Mary laughed, “Maybe we should have booked?”

Yvonne laughed, “It does seem like that sometimes, but there are usually enough quiet places where you can be alone, even when there is a throng here. I was just contemplating the coming solstice, but I don't think today is right for meditation, everything feels much too active”

“YVONNE!” came the happy cry from the edge of circle as Kat and Vicky ran in. “YVONNE” shouted Kat again as she ran into a hug, almost bowling Yvonne over.

“Well there's a welcome to make you happy, Merry Meet Kat, and you Vicky, Merry Meet.”

Vicky bowed, almost formally, and then grinned “Merry Meet Yvonne.”

Kat said, “and you've met Mary and Sue?”

“Well we had not gotten round to names, but yes, we've just met.”

Yvonne's cloak hood had fallen back to reveal her face fully, slightly rounded, but beautifully framed by short auburn hair.

By way of explanation Vicky said, “It was Yvonne that got Kat and me going in judo, she spent quite a time here showing us the basics.”

“Well it seemed better than both of you were fighting all the time, we were all convinced one of you was going to get seriously hurt, so we thought the formal approach would help,” Yvonne looked at the twins, “and you two have the look of judo players no?”

“Yes,” the twins answered, surprised but happy, although they had only met Yvonne minutes ago they felt at ease in her presence.

“And I assume you've all come here for a bit of practice and fun?” Yvonne looked at their faces, she had seen they all carried sports bags.

“Don't worry I used to come here with a couple of my friends for the same thing, of course the wood wasn't quite so comfortable. Ian had only just bought it and hadn't at that time become its master. I was one of the ones who helped him design and create the merry woodland.”

“Are you….?” Asked Mary.

Yvonne laughed, “The one who made the Lord and Lady? Yes, and I think they are amongst my finest works.”

Yvonne could see it wasn't the answer to Mary's question, and guessed what the question may have been, but let it rest at that.

They all sat down and chatted, mainly about judo and how Kat and Vicky used to try throws.

“Do you still do Judo?” Asked Mary.

“Well, I still train off and on, but I'm getting a bit old for competitions, and I don't have the time to give judo the work it needs to win, but I can still hold my own.” A smile crossed Yvonne's face as she said that almost like a challenge.

It was Mary who fell for the bait, “Are you sure?”

“Well if someone has a jacket they can lend me,” said Yvonne as she slipped off her cloak revealing a light T-shirt and shorts, both in the same red as the cloak. In size she matched Vicky even though there was 20 years difference, so it was Vicky who offered hers.

“Just the jacket thanks.” She said as she slid the jacket over her T-shirt. Then looking at Mary said, “Ready?”

They started with a bit of randori, Mary tried a few throws but could not seem to break Yvonne's balance.

“Don't try to force the throws,” said Yvonne, “this is a beautiful sport where balance and control count for more than strength.”

Yvonne turned into Mary, both hands on Mary's lapels, and just seemed to lean. Mary found herself rolling over Yvonne into a heap on the floor.

“And practice falling, or you will hurt yourself. Now you try that throw, remember it's using my balance against me.

Mary moved into the throw and after several attempts, each time being corrected in her stance by Yvonne, managed the throw, and it felt wonderful. There was no pressure and it all just flowed from the turn into Yvonne landing, arm outstretched to break the fall.

She stood up with a smile, “Did it feel good when you did it right?”

Mary smiled, “Yes, almost as good as pinning someone,” she laughed, “Thanks'

Yvonne removed the jacket, passed it back to Vicky then donned her cloak again.

“Yvonne?”

“Yes Sue,”

“Would you mind if I asked a question?”

Yvonne goggled; it made her face light up and appear the same age as the girls, “Well as my teacher told me often you already have, but no I don't mind, ask away.”

“ Why are you all dressed in red? And the cloak? And that funny greeting you gave Vicky and Kat?”

Another giggle, “Wow, three questions trying to masquerading as one, well, I answer the last one first. Merry Meet is just that, I'm glad to have met you, but it is a traditional greeting amongst Wiccans. Merry Meet, Merry Part and Merry Meet again. Think of it as I'm glad to see you, and although I may wish not to leave I'll be glad to part knowing that it's the only way we can meet again.”

“As for the cloak and the colours that is a little more complicated. During meditation you see yourself as you really are, often it isn't what you expect and sometimes not what you like, but as you learn and grow spiritually your sprit form changes, reflecting the changes in the real you. Then you find there is a spirit form that is you, it's hard to explain to someone who hasn't experienced even a little of it as there are very few references for them to catch onto. It's a little why Wicca is classed as an occult religion, nothing covert just it's hidden unless you have the eyes to see.”

Yvonne looked at the girls, their eyes were full of interest but with that glazed view of complete non-comprehension. “Hmmm, let me try another way, when you wrestle can you describe the feeling when your opponent submits? Or the feelings you have when being beaten? And could you describe them to someone who has never experienced a wrestle?

Well once I knew who I was, truly deep inside, I knew I was me, and the me that I am should be clothed in red. The colour doesn't mean too much other than I know its part of who I am and I like it.”

Yvonne smiled again, “And that doesn't make too much sense either does it?”

Mary looked at Yvonne, “Could you teach us how to find who we are?”

“Yes I could, but your question isn't quite right. When you can ask me the right question I'll give you an answer, how's that?”

Mary looked perplexed, but slowly nodded.

“Yvonne?” asked Kat, “would you stay and watch our practice? Give us some pointers? It would be just like old times.”

Yvonne smiled, remembering some of the things that had happened in the ‘old times', it had been quite a while, but it would be nice to have a friendly wrestle with the girls. And who knows what could happen with Kat and Vicky, and if the twins also liked that style…

Yvonne remembered the days when she had visited the cabin and discovered Kat and Vicky wrestling and more in the small room. It had brought back memories so she had contrived to ‘help' with their judo. Maybe there might be chance to wrestle one of the girls, if they wanted.

“OK, I'll help, how do you want to do it, some randori? Or just standing practice?”

Vicky said “How about some standing throws then we can see how it goes.”

The girls changed into their Gi, and Yvonne noticed only Sue and Kat kept their T-shirts on. Vicky and Mary had chatted as they changed, and although Yvonne hadn't heard she could guess what the decision had been. Inwardly she smiled; it had been the same so many years ago.

For the next hour Yvonne advised, showed, and made slight adjustments to positions that showed she not only knew the judo but also was an excellent teacher. When they had finished all four of the girls felt they had achieved something, and each had had at least one feeling of a throw well executed. However during the training Yvonne had felt the odd touch from the girls that didn't match the throws they were trying, and so when the challenge came it was not unexpected.

“Will you wrestle with us Yvonne?” asked Mary, her voice expectant of the answer.

“Well…” said Yvonne, “OK, but only to one fall then I must head back.”

Yvonne's hesitancy was just an act; inside she was all butterflies and excited at her wish coming true.

The two combatants stood there, Mary in her white, grass stained Gi and Yvonne in red T-shirt and matching shorts. Size wise there was nothing between them, but the smile on Yvonne's lips showed an expectant edge.

Arms outstretched they approached, feeling for a good hold to start. Mary took an opportunity and dived for Yvonne's feet, trying to hit Yvonne's knees at the same time. Yvonne responded by rolling to one side managing to get a partial body scissors in place. As the two struggled it ended up with Yvonne on her back holding Mary in a body scissors, while Mary tried to stand and then pin Yvonne's shoulders. Mary's jacket had come open in the struggle, but only left the sight for Yvonne.

Waiting for the chance Yvonne suddenly released the scissors and rolled Mary into a lovely Tomenage, stomach throw, rolling through with it so she now had Mary in a schoolgirl press. Mary struggled underneath, shocked at how quickly the tables had been turned, but still enjoying the feeling of the fight. Mary also noticed that the fight was turning on Yvonne, the little signs that she had often seen in her other friends were being shown by Yvonne.

However, struggle as she might, Mary was unable to prevent Yvonne from pinning her for 5 seconds, so submitted to Yvonne, the winner.

Yvonne stood up, and held a hand out to Mary, helping her to her feet, “ Good bout, you almost had me there.” She laughed.

“Next time…” Mary smiled back.

“We'll see” Yvonne smiled back as she collected her things.

With some hugs and “Merry Part” Yvonne left the circle, happy and smiling leaving the girls alone once more to enjoy the rest of the day.

The girls continued practising, and had a couple of bouts, but they all wanted the chance to wrestle Yvonne, and beat her.