In the third circle, K had placed a small table, a chair and a bed covered in the richest of silks and embroidered in the symbols of magic. On the table was a pitcher and two golden goblets, some symbols and what looked like two walking staffs.

"If this had been sanctioned, the Guild Master would now receive us at the inner table and there would be no bed in the circle. The pitcher would hold wine of the virgin grape. We must perform our own welcoming ceremony and this is why I have altered the arraignments slightly from those of a traditional welcoming ceremony."

K moved to a small table in the center and took from it three small symbols identical to the larger ones he always carried. "Silki", he said, "these are your roots now. As you learn and grow in your magic so will the symbols until you have reached the stage of master."

He pinned them on a very fine gown of silk. "This will be your robe of power, you will wear it during your most private of ceremonies. As you grow in power its color will change to remind you of how far you have come. One day it will remain the color of your most profound magical ability." He laid the robe on the chair covering his own already placed there.

He offered her a goblet and poured from the pitcher, what was like the colors of the rainbow more than any liquid she had ever known. "It is the taste of magic and the stars', he said. "It is a gift to us from beyond the Gods themselves. It represents their hopes for us, that we may go and teach the lessons of the universe, not only of magic but of peace and joy."

They both drank fully from their cups, then turned in the direction of the bed. As they stepped across an invisible line at its outer edge, immediately it became apparent that they would spend a great deal of time in each others arms this night. They would travel that 'other road" the one of a man and a woman, and exchange not only physical bonds but the magical ones formed that night as well.