Hailey Morton had a long day behind her. First it consisted of four, hour and a half long, classes at Sacramento University followed by long, boring shift at the novelty sex store where she worked. Now, getting into her car, she breathed a sigh of relief. Finally she could go do something she really enjoyed. Not that working at Intimate Moments wasn't fun for her but work still sucks even if you find a bit of enjoyment in it. She pulled out of the dimly lit, private parking lot that protected the store's patrons from unwanted scrutiny and made for the highway. She was heading back toward the college. Her friends were holding a ritual tonight, to honor the gods and to welcome a new member to their circle. Her trunk was filled with all sorts of crafts and goods for the the gathering and she had to hurry over because it was her responsibility to help set up most of the things they needed for their practices. Despite being new to the group she had already risen to a sort of 'second in command' position in her circle because of her vast knowledge in subjects of the occult and her deft hands in the related crafts.
When she arrived she was glad to see that only one car was parked out side the suburban home and it belonged to the owner - the lead witch in her circle and her good friend she met at school. She rushed right in with her arms draped in bags holding her supplies, knowing there was no need to knock or ring the door bell - she was welcome here. From the kitchen window she saw her friend gently stoking the small fire that would serve has their, city legal, Balefire (the Wiccan version of a bonfire) necessary for tonight's ceremonies. She waved and smiled to Hailey when she saw her but Hailey was already busy pulling out things from her bags.
On the counter she made a row of her home made candles, a favorite at the circle gatherings and also she something she took much pride in making. Following that out of her bags were two knives; one was an ivory handled blade that had cost her a whole pay check one week and the other a double bladed knife with a wooden handle. She set the wooden handled knife on the far counter, away from her candles and bags, it wasn't needed here. Next were the herbs and a small bowl, seeing the bowl she was reminded that she would need hot water for this part and before she could check the stove she heard the door bell. oh no they're here! I hope she remembered it... She fretted for a moment but was pleasantly surprised to see a kettle slowly piping steam out its valve on the stove. With her worries eased she greeted the rest of the circle as they entered the house then exited through the back to the yard and started cutting the herbs she had brought with the Boline (the white handled knife used in rituals for such things). The fresh cut herb went into the bowl with quick practiced hands that followed seamlessly on to carving the home made candles with the proper runes needed for tonight's ritual. The final touch was to carefully pour the hot water from the kettle into her bowl of herbs and as the herbs became saturated the kitchen filled with a delightfully pungent smell. Hailey called for the others and they filled in, all taking a hand in bringing the carved candles, herbs and a few books she had brought out to the Alter but she made sure to take the Athame herself. It was the knife with the wooden handle, forbidden from cutting anything in the physical plane the Athame was the most important item in tonight's ritual and she wanted to insure that none of the lesser witches used it for carving candles. Together, they gathered around the flames.
Besides Hailey, known to her coven as Medb (pronounced Maev), there was their High Priestess, Juno, a senior, who was taller than the rest of them, and a tiny bit thick of figure, with soft, beautiful blond hair that flowed all the way down her back, past her buttocks.
Then there was Wind, a lanky girl with red hair, striking green eyes, and a soft voice. and Demeter, who was beautiful, with brown eyes and straight dark brown hair.
Also, there was Jill, Hailey's best friend from school, who was known to the Coven as Brigit. She was a petite, small boned black haired girl, who looked so much like Hailey that they could have been sisters. This may be one reason why they're such good friends.
Finally there was the new girl. Known to the coven as Luna. She had shoulder length light brown and clear blue eyes, with skin as pale as the moon. She had just moved to Sacramento from Oregon and had found her way to their group when Wind met her as a co-worker at Barnes & Noble. The ritual tonight was to meant to cast a blessing over her addition to the coven.
Juno steps up and takes the Athame from Hailey, holding it reverently. "Thank you, Medb." She says formally.
She holds the blade, tip up, at chest level, as the bowl of herbs and water releases bitter-sweet smelling steam that rises up from where it sits on the altar. The fire between them flickers on the High Priestess' face as she slowly and quietly begins intoning a chant that is taken up by the other members of the coven. The chant rises in intensity and volume as it goes on, and continues even as Juno stops chanting to speak loudly over the intonations of the coven.
"We gather on this sacred night to honor the gods and the spirits. To thank them for the providence they've granted us and the power with which we are gifted."
Hailey and the other chanters as Juno murmurs words of thanks to the gods and goddesses, words that are echoed in kind by the assembled witches. As the words are echoed Juno uses the Athame to trace a series of sigils in the air before gently placing the knife on a soft piece of cloth set aside for the ritual blade.
Now the High Priestess turns to Luna "We wish to bless our sister's joining of our Circle."
She dips her fingers in the steaming bowl of water, and touches the girl's forehead with warm fingers, dripping with fragrant water, "May she find beauty in all her days." She declares.
Juno steps away and the witches take turns, dipping their fingers into the water and putting them to the Luna's forehead, lips, or cheek. Each one offers a short sentence or two, blessing her.
Hailey steps up to the alter and the other girls behind her see the glint of a second knife in the Balefire's light. "Goddess bless us..." She whispers before using the Boline to cut a wound in her left palm deep enough to drip blood, "for we honor you tonight." Ignoring the soft gasps of some of the newer sisters, Hailey clenches her left hand above the fragrant bowl and a small drip of crimson blood drops into the water. She places the Boline next to the Athame on the bare wood of the Alter, a tiny line of blood on the blade. Next, she to places the fingers of her right hand into the warm water and approaches the newcomer, touching the water to her forehead. "May you find beauty in all your days," she says, this time addressing the girl's inner spirit. She then walks back to stand beside Juno, only glancing once at the cut, which was small enough to have already stopped bleeding but still wears an angry shade of red.
The ritual winds down to an end and the serious environment takes on a much more friendly air. Wind covers the altar with a tarp to protect it from the elements as Demeter cleans up the bowl and the melted candle wax. Brigit pulled out a few lawn chairs as Juno went inside to get a cooler in which she had some wine chilling.
Meanwhile, Luna and Hailey are the only two left who aren't bustling about doing something. Luna walks over to Hailey and smiles genuinely, "I really appreciate you going the extra mile during the ritual. I understand what it meant, and you didn't have to do it. I just wanted to say that it meant a lot to me. Thank you."
Hailey smiles putting her un-hurt hand on Luna's shoulder, "in the goddess' eyes the extra mile is only a few more steps, but you're welcome. Please, have some wine. Its time we lay these things aside and enjoy the company of our fellow sisters."
Hailey joins Juno in bringing out the cooler and some glasses and takes part in helping pour a few drinks then takes a chair near the Balefire enjoying its warmth and marveling in the stars.
blessed are the gods who bring us such beauty...
She takes a sip of wine the looks around at the gathering, wondering if any would join her in the empty seat beside her.
Hailey's friend Jill walks over and sits down in the seat beside her, swirling her wine in the glass before taking a sip then asking her "So, what are you up to tomorrow?"
Hailey takes another sip, already half her glass is gone- living up to her chosen name. "The usual.. I have a few classes in the morning, then work. After that, who knows? Its Friday Night!" A smile crosses her face that Jill recognizes, it shows up every time Hailey's looking to get into some sort of trouble at the local clubs or bars.
Sally got out off the Taxi and walked up to the house. The call on her voicemail was more of an invitation then work but we will see what happens. On her back was a small leather backpack. In it was her Tarot cards and leather journal. Some incense, candles and oil. She didn't know for sure what was going on but the spirits guide her and Selene would watch over her. Tonight was going to be interesting. The cards told her so.
*ding dong* Goes the doorbell
Sally was wearing one of her flowing tops and a pair of jeans. Her hair is down and flowing. Around her neck she wore a pentacle. She had no makeup on, like always. And on her feet were a pair of sandals.
Juno goes to open the front door, "You must be Sally. I'm glad you could make it." Sally recognizes the woman's voice as being the one who had called her. "Come on, we're right out back. Would you like some wine?" She asks
Sally is led through the house into the backyard where the fire is burning and the other girls are sitting. "I've got one of those fold-up card tables. Hold on, I'll be back." Juno disappears back into the house to find a table for Sally's cards, leaving her in the backyard with the rest of the coven.
"I am indeed and you are? Juno right?" She follows Juno into the house and walks behind her "No thank you, but maybe later." Her Greek accent made her words slide out of her melodically.
Sally looked around the yard seeing all of the girls, because that's what they were, girls. Hmmm bring in the Tarot reader as a novelty? or is there more going on here? Sally thought to herself
"Hello loves, my name is Sally." She says to the group
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