the power that we raise within thee.

Wherefore do I bless thee, and consecrate thee,

in the names of Cernunnos and Cerridwen.”

As Willow finished the circle, the sand flamed brightly for several seconds before returning to its luxuriant colour.

Handing the first spell book back to Giles, Willow took the second and took a deep breath, trying to clear her mind of any doubt and insecurity.

“Ready Buffy?” she asked as she turned back to the encircled women.

Buffy nodded but didn’t speak.

As Willow began the spell, both Buffy and Tara closed their eyes, focusing on anything that could be a clue as to what was making Tara act so uncharacteristically.

Willow’s voice filled the room, if she was nervous, then her tone certainly didn’t betray her.

“KOMPHTHO KOMNOUN! You who shook and shake the world. You have swallowed the Ever-Living serpent and daily the disk of the sun and of the moon. You whose name ITHIOO’E’I ARBATHIAO send up to me, at Night Daimon of this night to reveal to Buffy concerning the thing, your faithful servant. Tara!”

Both Willow and Giles held their breath as Buffy’s head tipped back, her eyelids twitching as though she were having a dream. The lights suddenly smashed, sending shards of glass raining down on the group as a powerful wind blew through the training room, despite its power, the candles they had lit flickered but stayed alight.

“Oh my goddess.” Willow whispered, grabbing Giles arm firmly.

Giles wore a similar expression of shock. As the wind rushed and howled it was turning into a mini tornado engulfing Tara, in the brief glimpses they could catch of the blonde, she looked peaceful, but every other glance she seemed to not be there, having been replaced with a figure both Giles and Willow recognised.

Almost as soon as windstorm had started, it died out, leaving everyone shaking and breathless but unhurt. Buffy opened her eyes and expected to be in darkness but to her surprise, the candles still burnt and the protection circle remained around them.

“Wow that was intense!” Buffy said slowly as she slumped back slightly, releasing Tara’s hands and resting hers back on her thighs.

Willow got to her feet and crossed to the women on the floor, wiping out the circle as she did so.