PLEASE NOTE: The White Planet is not a real sect of druids. No one even knows what real druids are. Also, the language, opinions, and beliefs of my characters do not necessarily reflect my beliefs. Thank-you-a-goodnight.

White Lies

I had never smelled so much blood. I'd seen it— well, fake blood in the movies —but this— I couldn't just turn away to breathe fresh air. That smell was everywhere. So suddenly. So— like, abundantly. I think I would have thrown up, but I was in too much shock.

I hugged myself. Because I was cold and because I wanted to hide my bare chest. The smell still clung to my nostrils. The horrible sight wouldn't go away. And I felt myself moving backwards, to how this ever could've happened…

It had been months ago. I had stepped off the plane and into a sea of red hair.

I thought it was hilarious. I'd never seen so many gingers in my life. But like half of the heads in front of me might as well have been on fire. Does that sound racist?

Anyway, I drew just as many stares. I realized it was my cowboy hat. Probably shouldn't have worn it. Well, also, my hoop earrings, faded blue jeans, cowboy boots, and sleeveless T-shirt with the Chippewa symbol slapped across it. "Red Lake Nation," it said on the back. Oh yeah, and then there was my long black hair, copper skin, and huge-ass cheekbones us Indians are known for. I might as well have bounced down the walkway with a flag for a cape and a big sign that said, "AMERICAN!"

Yeah, a little conspicuous. I should have realized how annoying it would look, once I got to a foreign country. Some people really looked angry when they saw me. Excuse me for living!

"You're a real American, aren't you now?" the customs lady laughed, and I laughed too because her high voice was fluttering all over the place like a bird song. The Irish talk funny.

As I waited for my cab, a few old people just plain stared, babbled to each other while pointing at me. I couldn't understand even half of , Fin told me that they could have been speaking Irish— er, Irish Gaelic. But there was still a chance I wouldn't have gotten their English either.

The cab driver was only a little older than me, and he hardly had an accent at all. I told him what pub to take me to, then rummaged in my bag to find the directions Fin had sent me. The cabby said not to worry, he knew the place I was talking about. As he drove, I watched the meter tick up and wondered again what the difference was between euros and dollars.

So, I'd never left America before. Big surprise, right? I'd been debating between coming here to meet one of my best friends, or going to the Indian reservation I'd visited a few summers back, maybe to stay there forever. Now, trying to convince the cab driver to take my American money, I felt pretty stupid for choosing Ireland.

How'd I let Finian talk me into it?

Yep. My Irish friend is named Finian. I lol'd at him when he told me. "Yeah, pretty cliché," he replied. "But it's quite out of style now. Most guys here have Catholic names like Michael or Joe, so at least I stand out a biteen."

We met in a common-interest chat room. He was a druid, taught in some kind of oral tradition for twenty years and everything. I was a baby Wiccan, curious about my new religion's roots. We talked about, like… abstract stuff a lot, which was cool, because most of the kids at my school weren't really smart enough to discuss that with me. So as pathetic as it might sound, Fin was like my best friend through senior year, before we even saw each other's pics.

And then I graduated, and didn't know what to do with myself. And then I won a thousand dollars in a radio contest.

"You should visit me!"

Again, I lol'd. But again, he was serious:

"I'll introduce you to my clan."

I froze, trying to think of a nice way to turn him down. "I was going to go back to the Chippewa res," I typed. "Lately I been really wishing I knew what it means to be Chippewa."

His answer popped up a few moments later. "Come on. Don't waste your money. The U.S. government will always pay you to live on a reservation, right?"

That wasn't necessarily true, but it was still a good point. Well, I don't remember exactly how the chat went, but Fin is very persuasive.

So here I was in a real live Irish pub. Where I was apparently old enough to drink. I have to admit, that was pretty cool, though I didn't want anything just then. My stomach was going crazy over this whole "meeting Fin" thing. And it's not like I didn't trust him, I mean, I wouldn't have come if I didn't trust him, especially alone, but…

But I guess he was never really real all that time. He was words on a computer screen. If I decided I didn't like him, I could block him, sign off, and shut down my computer. Now… I don't know. I wasn't really analyzing it. I was just scared.

"Excuse me?"

It was a woman's voice. Still, I almost fell off of my stool. I turned to see a girl about my age, big pale eyes and a crazy smile. "Pardon me for asking, but where are you from?"

"I'm from America!" – I didn't mean to sound so proud when I said it.

She laughed, and the eavesdroppers laughed, and I felt like an idiot. "I know that," the girl said. "Where in America?"

I blushed. "Montana."

"And you're Native American?"

"Yep!" I didn't expect her to ask what tribe I was.

She held up a camera, and now she was the one turning red. "Can I snap a picture with you?"

I felt like the headline exhibit at the Dublin Zoo. I have to admit, it was a little insulting, but it was also kinda flattering. After a few shots, we traded information and she promised to E-mail the pics to me. Then, I think just because it was awkward, she made excuses to leave.

"Enjoy your stay!" she said as she left.

The bartender stopped by to check on me. "I hope you don't think we're all starin' at you," he said. "Truth be told, most of us don't think the States are worth shite, and we're glad to keep their influence out of our country. No offense."

I laughed awkwardly. "Uh, it's okay."

"I just don't want you to think we're all drunkards and leprechauns, meself."

"We're not all war-crazed Republicans," I replied. "Or scalping savages!"

A voice spoke behind me. "Glad as that's out of the way, then."

"Fin!" I yelled, twisting in my stool. Before I could get a good look at him, he bent over and hugged me. I returned the hug, kind of like a clothes mannequin would, until he let go. And then… we were face to face for the first time.

"Hi," I said.

"Hi, Ember." He smiled, and all my nervousness was gone. He was the same guy I'd been chatting with online, except now I could see all his expressions and mannerisms. His long hair had little frizzy curls in it, and his eyes were this totally stunning blue.

He reached out and patted the shoulder of the friend he'd brought with him. "This is my buddy Sean."

Sean, who I actually hadn't noticed at first, was a skinny tan guy with a huge nose. Instantly I wondered if he was really Irish. Wouldn't most of these people have turned bright pink in the sun, instead of this nice beige color?

I guess he was looking at me the same way, 'cuz he squinted critically. "I guess you wasn't joking, Finian. She really is Native American."

"Aw…" I waved him off. "Just call us Indians, that's what we call each other!"

Sean exploded. "No! I'm Indian! You're Native American!"

"Okay, okay!" Now I was holding up my hands like he had a gun. Sean was wound tight. "Sorry!"

People were still staring us—more than they had before, I realized. Actually… they were staring at Fin. I guess he didn't notice, though, 'cuz he just kept smiling at me with those beautiful eyes. "I wasn't expectin' you to be taller'n me."

"Oh!" I showed him the heels on my cowboy boots, and we laughed.

"I feel a little better now," he said.

"Finian," Sean whispered, leaning close to him and looking around. "I don't like this. Let's get back."

I gave Fin a look, like, Who's this psycho you brought with you? Fin mimicked Sean's attitude, took him by the shoulders, and whispered, "Go wait in the car, mucker."

Whatever it is that Fin called him, Sean loved it. His face got all bright for a sec. Then he nodded obediently and shuffled toward the exit while the other people pretended not to be watching.

Fin's smile quickly grabbed my attention again. "Sorry," he said. "Sean doesn't leave the house much. Yet when he hears I'm comin' to get you, he insists on tagging along."

One of my high school friends, the only other Wiccan I'd liked, had offered to fly up with me. Now I wished I'd taken her up on it. "What's his problem?" I asked. "Hasn't he heard of the Indies?"

"He likes things to be literal and true. That isn't wrong, now, is it?" Before I could answer, Fin caught the bartender's eye. "Let's have a Smithwick's for the lady. We'll show her what real beer tastes like."

There was some laughter. Fin put down a couple of euros as the bartender opened the bottle. "Thanks," I said. The last thing on earth I wanted to talk about was Sean, but it was better than awkward silence. "Isn't Sean gonna be mad if we keep him waiting?"

"Not at me," he replied, and winked.

Ugh, I giggled like a vapid little ditz.

I don't really know how to describe a Smithwick's, but I liked it, even though it was bitter. Fin had one, too, and after talking for a few minutes I was feeling a lot more comfortable.

"I would reckon that Sean is pretty worried now," he chuckled. "Are ye ready to meet the clan?"

"Ready as I'll ever be."

He looked at the little wheely suitcase I had leaned against the bar. "Where's the rest of your luggage?"

"This is it," I said proudly. "I travel light."

He smiled broadly. "Low-maintenance. I always liked you."

That was pretty blunt! With my heart fluttering, I told myself not to overreact and chalked it up to a culture difference. I followed him out, taking my half-empty Smithwick's with me. A few of the other patrons accidentally met my eye before turning away. Looking… creeped out. Scowling.

That was pretty weird. I was worried for a second. Then I thought, screw them! They didn't know us, and I'd known Fin for almost two years! Was it that they knew he was a druid? I thought things were supposed to be more progressive in Europe!

It was a little cold outside. The sky was a pale gray and the sidewalk was wet. Sean had an old car idling right by the front door, and he looked like he'd been leaning over the steering wheel all the time, waiting for us. I smiled at him. He glared at me.

I hopped into the back with my suitcase. As soon as Fin was in the front passenger's seat, with the door closed behind him, I let them have it. "Okay, what is going on?"

"What?" Fin asked innocently. "Oh, the people in the pub? They think we're a cult."

I let that sink in for a second. "You're kidding!" After everything Fin had told me about neo-druidism, I couldn't imagine anyone being freaked out about it. "What is with people?"

"Most Irish today have… certain beliefs. Beliefs that are not to be questioned."

"You mean they're Catholic," I huffed.

"They don't trust us anymore!" Sean growled. He was still hunched over the wheel, sulking like a little kid. "They used to come to the druids for everything— counsel, medicine, justice, education! Now they're no inclined to see past their own steeples! They watch our house," he added.

Fin patted Sean's shoulder.

I shook my head. "Wait, what?"

Sean continued. "They're trying to destroy the old ways! There ain't no place for true druids in this world no more!"

I kept waiting for Fin to turn to me and say Sean was being paranoid. Maybe he didn't want to do that in front of Sean. I hoped that's what it was. He'd tell me if there was any actual danger in visiting him!

But as Sean ranted on, the only thing Fin said was, "Don't worry, the house is safe."

My stomach was twisting again, and I wished I hadn't had that beer. "I know the Catholics and the Protestants are fighting in Northern Ireland, but—"

"Thing they both have in common is, they don't want to see Paganism come back into power! Which we are!"

"So there could be fighting in the streets?!" I yelled. Fin, give me a reason not to be furious at you.

Sean was quiet all of a sudden, peeking at Fin as if he expected something to happen. Fin turned with I guess kind of an arrogant look, but it was sincere and I trusted it. "You'll be safe with me," he promised.

We'd already been in this old… folksy part of town. Now we were more in the country. Rolling hills, cattle, and farm houses that got more spread out the farther we went. Up ahead this huge stone wall blocked off one estate so I couldn't even see the house. Loose rocks scattered the ground around it. We turned up the drive.

Fin reached for what I'd thought was a garage opener. When he pressed the button, the heavy, uneven, wooden gates swung open. Now I could see the old farmhouse. I would have thought it belonged to some rich eccentric, if it hadn't looked kinda rundown. The only thing new about the place, I think, was the shingles. And I guess those pipes on the outside walls were plumbing, I dunno.

There was a barn, too, though I'm not sure how many animals were inside it. And there was a cellar. Everything else was beyond the stone wall, which was too tall for me to see anything but the silver sky.

As soon as the car was through, the gates swung shut behind us. Sean immediately sighed, like he was super relieved. Fin must have been a bit relieved, too, but I didn't know why he looked at me when he sighed. Now I wonder if he just wanted to make sure I thought he was worried…

We'd hardly had a chance to climb out of the car before the front door slammed open and like a million people ran out. I was arrogant enough to think they were excited to see me, but they didn't return my smile, but they all looked at Fin like they were scared and hurried over to him.

"Did anyone try anything?"

"Thank goodness you're back!"

"People were civil, but you could tell we wasn't welcome there," said Fin.

"I guess I worry more den I tot I dit!"

"I got him back safe, didn't I?" Sean asked defensively.

Fin gestured to me. "Everyone, this is my guest, Ember Monroe."

They must have figured I was important then. I decided to forgive them for ignoring me once they all started introducing themselves. They were nice. It still seemed a little… weird, though, even after what Fin had told me in the car. Did they think he wouldn't come back at all?

I clutched my Smithwick's by the neck and barely sipped it.

One girl a bit older than me, Susan, offered to help me with my luggage. Sean grabbed it then, like he was competing with her to be nice to Fin's guest. She ignored him and invited me inside. "I'll give you the tour."

"Did we make up a bed for her?" Fin asked sternly.

"She'll be staying with me," Susan replied.

The inside of the house was totally cute. Wooden, creaky floors and everything. The rooms were all kind of crowded, with stuff and people and just close walls, but it had this real homey feeling that I kinda liked. Susan led the way upstairs, and Sean dragged my suitcase loudly behind us.

"There's only one bed," Susan said apologetically, "but I got fresh sheets and I keep to meself."

"Thanks," Fin and I said together, and then we smiled at each other. It was hollow somehow, when everyone else still seemed so chilled. Someone approached Fin for a hug, and I lost sight of him as we climbed the stairs.

Even more people pushed past us to fuss over him. Pretty soon it was just Susan, me and Sean, and now we were climbing another staircase. "So… you're all druids, huh?" I asked.

"Sean isn't," said Susan, and she grinned at the sour face he made. "But I was just initiated two months ago. It takes twenty years to learn druidism. Lucky for me I started young!"

Sean dropped my stuff and trudged downstairs again.

"What's his problem?" I whispered.

"It's just the way he is. We're here, anyhow." Susan opened a creaking door.

The room was narrow with a slanted ceiling. The queen-sized bed took up most of the space. I wasn't thrilled about sleeping with a stranger, but at least it was a friendly stranger.

"What about you?" she asked me. "Are you going to learn?"

"I'm Wiccan," I replied. Susan's smile flickered for a second. What was up with that? "I'm not so sure about it anymore though," I added. "Some of my… spells didn't work last year. And I don't think the Rule of Three is always fair, you know? And the afterlife thing is so uncertain, I mean, I have trouble believing that I'm the reincarnation of the same witch over and over. I don't feel it. I'm trying to learn more about Chippewa spiritualism but a lot of it got lost in the last couple centuries."

"Missionaries," Susan snorted, and rolled her eyes. She sat down on the bed, smiling at me. "And I suppose that's where Fin comes in? He gave me to understand that you were interested in our beliefs."

"Yeah," I nodded. "A lot of Wiccan stuff is tied up with Irish stuff, so I thought maybe… maybe I was just learning the modern, pop-culture version of something else, you know?"

"So your parents aren't Wiccan, then?"

"I don't know. My mom and me don't really talk about religion. I was raised with a choice, you know?"

"She sounds like a fine mother. And your da?"

I shrugged. I hate people going "OH I'M SO SORRY" when they find out I don't know my dad.

"What made you choose Wicca?"

"It's kinda funny." I grinned and sat down next to her. "I went to a sweat."

"Sorry?"

"An Indi— Native American tradition. You go underground where they're throwing water on these hot rocks. It gets crazy hot in there, they chant. It was the first time I really felt Chippewa. It was like coming home, and… I saw things."

Susan sat up straight. "Like what?"

"Uh, things?" I giggled. "It's hard to describe. But it was powerful. It was real."

"Cool!"

"Yeah! But I had to go back home, and no one at my school was Indian. So I asked the Wiccan girl about what she believed and we kind of became friends."

"And the rest is history," Susan chuckled.

I realized I should call my mom and tell her I was safe. Fin had told me my cell phone wouldn't work overseas, but I'd bought a phone card and learned the dial-out number. "Do you have a phone?" I asked, like, rhetorically.

"We don't," she replied.

That totally blitzed me. "How do you call your family?"

"The clan is my family," she replied, but not in a creepy way or anything. "We don't have any need for contacting the outside world."

"Except for E-mail," I pointed out.

"No internet either, I'm afraid. You could write her a letter…"

Okay I knew that wasn't true, because otherwise how could I have met Fin? But luckily I figured there was a reason Susan didn't know about that, so I decided to keep my mouth shut. I'd ask Fin if I could use his computer once we were alone.