For balance, dear M'Catters. Perhaps those who enjoyed the music therapy threads would enjoy this one, esp. if they contribute! BUT, it's open to anyone. Please, though, try to keep maintain the original intergrity. Thanks!

Maureen centered herself, softly humming the great AH-OM to herself. The meadow was gently lit by sunlight amongst the leaves of the trees in the West as it set in early evening. She was vaguely aware of quiet birdsong, a gathering of nestlings, bedding down for the night.

Gradually, she focused her consciousness on feeling the sweet grass beneath her. She imagined herself sinking roots deep into the earth, anchoring her body like the huge oak which stood lonely sentinel in the center of the field.

Raising her arms above her head, she visualised them as tree branches reaching into the very heavens. She felt grounded, yet free as the birds, soaring like an eagle high above her body.

Feeling sure of the connection, she released her self from her body and was instantly transported to a distant shore. A soft tide of warm saltwater was washing up seashells of pearl and abalone. In the distance she could hear a sweet refrain of flute music, tripping through the air as light as a feather, teasing her consciousness with memories of the last time she had visited this ethereal realm.

She had come to learn from the Wise Women, but instead had been greeted by the lonely Ruler of the Realm, Kieran, himself. The confusion and dismay at that meeting was what she'd hoped to straighten out with this visit, but so far no one was in sight. She started across the sands towards the melody of the flute. It seemed almost to compel her movement towards the dark woods.