ONCE UPON A MOONLIT PATH: Part 1, Chapter 3


 

Catch up with the story by reading Chapter 1 and Chapter 2 if you missed them! 


CHAPTER 3

Marissa turned her car into the parking lot of the museum, slowing down in front of the marquis. She turned the engine off, taking the key out of the ignition. She sat for a moment, taking in the surroundings and the grounds of the Wentworth House.

Her encounter with Christopher had taken place a week ago though it felt like only yesterday. She had gone to the museum to work on a few things and each time she would look at the mirror above the mantle in the dining room, she thought she could feel Christopher staring back at her. The idea brought a soft smile to her face before a slight pang of sorrow would permeate her as she recalled him speaking of how his family was trying to betroth him to some other woman.

Marissa emerged from her car, starting down the walkway and thinking about how far away the next full moon seemed. But when that time came, she would drive over to the Moonlit Path and walk down until she crossed over to where Christopher would be waiting for her. She was having a hard time figuring out how to dress. Her Renaissance era attire had been worn during the incident of a week ago, attire that was before Christopher's time. She did have some late 18th century and early 19th century clothing, which might be suitable for his time. But then she wondered if she should wear what she might normally wear if she were meeting up with a guy. A slight laugh left her as she recalled Christopher's reaction to her 21st century clothes. But at the same time, he said that he wanted to share who he really was with her. And it was only fair that she get to do the same for him.

She turned the knob on the front door, and pushed it open, stepping inside. Marissa was to meet with the museum's archeologist, Nia, who was in charge of archiving documents, artifacts, and collecting anything new that might be of use to the site.

Marissa started up the stairs toward her office, her bag slung over her shoulder when she heard a voice call to her. She turned around to see Nia standing there. 

"Nia, hi."

"Hey, Marissa. I am really excited to show you what was brought over here today."

Nia motioned for Marissa to follow her and the two of them went outside to the barn located at the back of the mansion. 

As they approached the barn, Nia continued. "Someone who was a descendant of John and Flora Wentworth was going through their family's estate and came across this. They were excited about giving it over to us, as if it belonged here."

"Well I can't wait to see what it is!"

Nia opened the barn door, looked at Marissa and smiled. "I have a feeling you'll really get a kick out of this."

The two young women entered the barn that was used for larger events and rentals, heading over to the storage room. 

When they got there, Nia turned on the light and Marissa's stomach jolted as she stared in disbelief.

In front of her was a painting, one that she had seen a week ago just prior to her first meeting with Christopher. Now, Christopher was standing before her, his handsome features and blue eyes seeming to look right into her. For a moment, the painting seemed to look more human before transforming back to being paint on a canvas.

"I knew you'd be excited about it."

Nia's voice brought Marissa back to that present moment. She turned to look at the other woman. 

"I do. Very much." Marissa found herself struggling to maintain a solid composure.

Nia frowned. "Are you all right?"

Marissa inhaled, looking back at Christopher's likeness. "I am." She turned to face Nia again. "Thank you for showing this to me. In fact, I think I know the perfect place for it. We might have to move a couple things around, though."

"I know where you're talking about. The painting actually came with some documents. It is of Christopher Wentworth, one of the sons of John and Flora. The documents also state where in the house the painting was hanging. Another interesting fact to note about this house was that since it was one of many pieces of property that John Wentworth owned, he had left this property and the house specifically with Christopher.

Marissa couldn't help glancing back at the painting another time before saying, "Well, thank you again. I'll let you do what you need to do and I'll be up in my office planning out the next couple events if you need me."

Nia nodded. "I'll starting measuring out the needed space for the painting. We can bring up placing the painting in its rightful place at the next board meeting."

"Sounds like a plan."

Nia exited first, allowing Marissa a moment one more glance at Christopher's painting. She didn't know if it was the light playing tricks on her, but his mouth seemed to be turned up into a small, wistful smile.

Her next visit with him seemed like too long a wait, but she knew it would be worth it. Plus, having his painting here made that wait more tolerable.

Feeling a small sense of elation churn from her core, she whispered, "See you soon," before turning off the light, shutting the door and heading back to the main house toward her office, hoping she would be able to focus on her work.

THE END OF PART 1

Thank you for reading! 

Once Upon a Moonlit Path will be on a brief hiatus for a little bit, but will return in April of 2021 with the beginning of Part 2!

 

 

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Thanks for reading! Go on a musical adventure with me through time where for three days I'll send you a new song or story, and a personal email from me!


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FFL FRIDAY: Have you found the Faerie Ring?

 

Artwork by Andrea Dean Von Scoyac

 

Have you found the faerie ring?

A fairy ring, also known as fairy circle, elf circle, elf ring or pixie ring, is a naturally occurring ring or arc of mushrooms, often found in forested areas, but can also appear in grasslands or rangelands. They are imprinted in many lore and legend, particularly the lore of Western Europe and is most associated with English and Celtic tales.

According to some of the lore, if a human should happen upon a fairy ring and enter (intentionally or not), he or she will be forced to dance with the creatures. The human visitor will be unable to stop until he or she goes mad or perishes from exhaustion.

Enchanted as they seem, faerie rings hold many dangers. According to an article written by Marla Brooks (and the article is linked below), fairy rings are also worn areas in the grass where the fairies had been dancing. Brooks writes of how those who join the fairy dance withing the circle under the moonlight are lost to time and can also disappear from the 3D would forever. In Welsh legend, the pace of the fairy world differs from the human one. For instance, a human could stay in a fairy ring for mere minutes and then return to the human world to discover that days, weeks, months, even years have passed.

Fairy rings in much lore have also been linked to witches or even a portal to Hell. French tradition reported that fairy rings were guarded by giant bug-eyed toads that cursed those who violated the circles. In other parts of Europe, entering a fairy ring would result in the loss of an eye. Fairy rings are associated with evil spirits in the Philippines.
Dutch traditions tell of fairy rings being created by the devil as a place to keep his milk churn. Any livestock entering inside that circle suffers the souring of their own milk. Austrian legend claims that fairy rings were the work of dragons that burned them into the ground with their fiery tails.

There are some legends that speak of them actually being omens of good fortune, though. According to Garden Collage Magazine, planting crops and allowing livestock to graze near a fairy ring can lead to good fortune and a good harvest.

So what are your thoughts on fairy rings? Would you enter one if you should happen upon one?

 

Artwork by Andrea Dean Von Scoyac

 

Marla Brooks Article: Never, Ever, Step into a Fairy Ring 

Garden Collage Magazine: The Myth and Lore of The Fairy Ring 

 

 

 

*******

Thanks for reading! Go on a musical adventure with me through time where for five days I'll send you a new song or story, and a personal email from me!


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FOOD REVIEW: American Heritage Chocolate

Greetings time traveller!

As we continue to brave the last days of winter, many still seek out a warm hearth to gather around. And what better pairing with a fiery hearth is there than a wintry beverage?

In my years of living history, I've seen people surprised over the fact that our predecessors from hundreds (thousands) of years ago enjoyed chocolate in a variety of forms.

So if you are among those, here is a brief history on chocolate (I gave a presentation on this very subject at the museum a year or two ago).

The earliest known use of chocolate (or cacao) dates back to the Olmec society of modern day Southern Mexico. Aztec and Mayan culture also consumed it, though among the Aztecs, it was consumed only by the ruling class. In Mayan culture, it was obtainable for all. Later, chocolate was introduced to Spain and then later on spread through Europe and other continents through trade. It was quite a popular beverage in early American during the 18th century, served in taverns as well as coffeehouses (the coffee shop is not a new invention).

 
In the kitchen of the John Neville House at Woodville in Bridgeville, PA
 
Different spices were added, including cinnamon, nutmeg, and chili peppers, the latter being an ingredient originally put in by the early Olmec, Aztec, and Mayan tribes.

In the 18th century, it was enjoyed as a beverage, though also used in various food recipes (or receipts as they were called at the time). The receipt books by Hannah Glasse and Amelia Simmons are some of the more popular early American receipt books that included chocolate recipes (receipts).

 
American Heritage Chocolate

I discovered American Heritage Chocolate (a company based out of Mars, PA) during my time as a living historian and I have found that it is really is a great way to enjoy chocolate the way it was centuries ago.

 

I personally like the Gourmet Hot Chocolate Mix (blue bag). I use it as a hot chocolate drink and also as an ingredient in the protein ice cream that I make. The dark chocolate mix (red bag) is also great for baking and I've used it in a few recipes.

My friend Erica was the model for this graphic!


You can buy American Heritage Chocolate at their website (and at your favorite 18th century historic site!). The website also includes some great recipes.

American Heritage Chocolate Website



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Thanks for reading! Go on a musical adventure with me through time where for five days I'll send you a new song or story, and a personal email from me!


THREE DAY JOURNEY THROUGH TIME:
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SUPPORT THE MUSIC AND STORIES AND BUY ME A COFFEE! 

Once Upon a Moonlit Path, Part 1: Chapter 2

 

 

If you missed Part 1, Chapter 1, catch up on the story here

 

Marissa’s eyes fluttered. She stirred, feeling relief in finding her head laying upon a pillow. She exhaled, relieved that the ordeal with the man named Christopher had been a dream.

Bringing up an arm made her realize that she was still in her period attire. Apparently, she had just fallen into bed upon coming home.

She opened her eyes to a darkened room. As she sat up, her eyes adjusted to the dark and she could make out the furniture in the room.

Furniture that was not hers. With her heart pounding, she looked around, recognizing the room as one in the upstairs part of the Wentworth House.

Groaning, Marissa lay back down. She knew this room as the room in which the museum stored the 18th century attire used by some of the staff. Only now it was furnished as a bedroom.

Christopher’s bedroom is just down the hall…in your office… a voice in the back of her mind whispered.

Shivering slightly, she looked around once more before slowly climbing out of the bed. With quiet steps, she moved through the still dark until she was halfway down the corridor. She could see the dim, wavering glow of a candle coming from the cracks around and under the door of Christopher’s bedroom. Her heart pounded as she moved forward until arriving at the door.

As she reached for the knob, her core churned and she felt a sense of arousal, a feeling that almost alarmed her. It was not as though she hadn’t seen or been with a man before. But Christopher was different.

Of course, he’s different…he’s from another time.

Marissa thought back to her previous relationships, particularly her most recent one. She thought about how the man who turned out to be Christopher made her feel in the dream, and how he made her feel now upon meeting him.

She had a hard time putting such feelings into words, but it was certainly different from how guys in her time made her feel. In fact, it was a good kind of different.

Marissa drew in a breath. She was familiar with the courtship practices of Christopher’s time and knew that it was frowned upon for a lady to enter a gentleman’s room.

Though it’s not like it absolutely never happened…people have been finding ways around the rules of society since the beginning of time.

With that in mind, she started to turn the knob, but stopped herself at the thought of Christopher turning her away due to society rules.

He wouldn’t…would he?

She turned away from Christopher’s chamber, part of her wanting to run down the steps and out the door. Somehow, she would make her way back to the path in the park, to the portals in the woods. Perhaps there she could cross over and find her car. Then she could drive home and forget about the whole ordeal. But before she could make any type of move, the door opened and there stood Christopher, looking quite fetching in his breeches and shirt. His jacket and waistcoat had indeed been removed.

Her thoughts went to her appearance. How long had she been asleep?

God, I probably look like a mess!

But his gaze did not suggest any sort of displeasure toward her appearance. In fact, his eyes suggested someone who was also quite nervous. Someone who also struggled to – in that moment – find the right words to say.

The two of them stood staring at one another until she finally spoke to the son of John and Flora Wentworth.

“How exactly did you find me?”

He stepped forward into the hall and closed the door, motioning for her to follow him. They headed down the stairs and into the dining room, which was just as elegantly furnished as the parlor. Venetian blinds let in just enough moonlight into the room and the sight of Christopher lighting a candle on one of the serving tables brought her heart to jump again.

He looked at her knowingly, smiling slightly in the candle and moonlight as if he were able to read her thoughts. “You have the same effect on me too, you know.” His voice was soft, gentle yet there was a raw masculinity to it.

Her eyes lowered as the corner of her mouth turned up.

Their eyes locked again for a brief moment before he turned and held the candle up to a mirror that hung above the mantle. A rippling was in the glass. She could see their reflections being surrounded by a light mist, similar to that which was in the park.

As Marissa looked closer, she could see the dining room reflected back to her, only it was set up differently than the room they stood in. In fact, the dining room in the mirror was setup at it was in the museum of her time.

“You can see me in there,” she stated, realization setting in.

“Indeed,” he said, not denying it for a second.

She turned to him. “Was the mirror always like this? I mean, I’ve never noticed this before and I see it almost every day.”

Christopher nodded. “Yes. I first noticed it as a boy of eight and it has been a fascination of mine since. This and the nearby woods are what connects my time with yours. This mirror is indeed how I first saw you.”

“How long have you been watching me?”

“A while.”

Marissa rolled her eyes at his vagueness

He continued. “There are several openings around this property and within this house. I can see shapes and sometimes fully formed individuals.” He turned to face her. “You are the most clear to me, however.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Why do you think that is?”

“Perhaps because we were destined to meet. Despite being worlds, centuries apart.”

“You said that we are now in a world in between.”

“Yes. And it’s how it has to be. For now, at least.”

“Why’s that?”

Discomfort and a look of regret crossed his face. “My family is trying to betroth me another.”

Marissa felt her heart lurch and sink. “Oh…”

She felt silly for feeling so melancholy. After all, she had only known Christopher for a short time. Not even a day. But she felt as though they were connected. Meant to be, even if it did sound cliche to her.

“I do not want it,” he said. “I don’t think the young lady does either.”

Marissa couldn’t help finding it hard to believe that any woman wouldn’t be falling all over themselves to marry Christopher. But maybe this other woman has someone else she would rather be with.

Marissa wondered just how many people in Christopher’s time were in this predicament. She knew that in those days, mainly among the gentry, marriage was more of a business contract.

She looked up, seeing his piercing blue eyes. How he felt for her was quite clear, but her logical mind was still in some affect.

“We really don’t know each other, though,” she pointed out.

He took her hand. “I’d like for us to spend more time together. I’d like to court you properly.”

Marissa looked at her small hand enclosed in both of his and chuckled. “Are you really prepared to see me in my 21st century clothes?”

He laughed softly. “Oh trust me, my lady, I already have. Some of them are…interesting.”

“Really, now?”

The two shared a knowing look until he added, “It will be sunrise soon. If you want to get back, I should take you now.”

Marissa was almost reluctant to leave. Perhaps she and Christopher could just stay here together in this world in between forever. But as the old clock struck the current hour, both knew that neither could stay stuck here for long.

“This could be our place, if you like” he said. “I look forward to sharing all of me with you.”

“I look forward to it too.”

He smiled slightly. “Let me take you back.”

He offered his elbow to her, which she took. They walked to the edge of the forest and the mist swirled around them. In an instant, they were returned to the path in the park. Slowly, they walked up, the air seeming calm around them.

When they reached the edge where her car could be seen beyond a wavering mist, Christopher held back, knowing he could not cross that threshold.

Marissa broke from him, walking with slow steps toward the car. She could see the air wavering where the threshold of time was. Before she stepped over, he called to her.

“I’ll be waiting for you here on the next full moon.”

She looked at him, her eyes tearing a little but she managed a nod. “I’ll be here. And I’m sure you’ll see me when I work at the museum…or your house…”

The two looked at each other once more before he gave her a small wave. She kept her eyes on him for another moment before turning and walking through the threshold. She felt a slight electrical surge that lasted for a brief second before she reached the other side.

Marissa now stood in front of her car and quickly turned back to where Christopher had been. The path now appeared empty, though she knew he still stood, watching her until she was safe in her car.

As she drove home, a sort of sadness washed through her. But she looked forward to the next full moon. 

She wasn’t sure were this relationship with Christopher would go, or even if she would ever be able to tell any of her friends of him. That idea bothered her, but somehow, she knew life would be changing for her and for the better.

Even if it would be a little more complicated.

 

To be continued. 

Read the conclusion of Part 1 of Once Upon a Moonlit Path on Sunday, February 28.

 

 

*******

Thanks for reading! Go on a musical adventure with me through time where for five days I'll send you a new song or story, and a personal email from me!


THREE DAY JOURNEY THROUGH TIME:
https://tiffanyapancelticgothicrock.mailchimp.com

+++ FACEBOOK: http://facebook.com/tiffanyapanmusic

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SUPPORT THE MUSIC AND STORIES AND BUY ME A COFFEE! 

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