Christmas had likely been a celebratory event for many. Even now, as Nathaniel sat atop the warehouse in naught but shorts and as the elements tore into him, shining lights could be seen in the distance. But tonight would not to be a usual night of joy and cheer- for tonight Nathaniel would invoke the Darkest Night of Winter.
The rite was simple, and the rules explained to all those he had messaged- everyone was to wear next to nothing, and meet somewhere high where the winter chill could tear into their bodies (in this case, an abandoned warehouse). They were to eat little; traditionally a single skinny rabbit for a single pack- in Nathaniel's case, a few pounds of rabbit meat he had managed to find at a special market. This was shredded and placed on a tin plate in the center of a large chalk circle inscribed with Uratha symbols.
They would each be given some of the meager meal, and under a dark sky where Luna's Light held no presence they would speak of those that had been lost. While tradition the pack would only recognize those casualties for the year, Nathaniel had explained that given he newer arrivals (and given that Nathaniel was unaware if anyone had conducted the ritual last year, or those prior), they should not limit themselves. No- tonight was a night to remember all of those lost.
He didn't know who would come- but he had explained that the meeting was to be rather short (especially given the odd timing). Even if no-one came, he would perform the rite himself, if only for practice.
One everyone was gathered, Nathaniel would speak.
"Tonight I speak to my brothers and sisters, and to those spirits in our City- tonight we will look back on those casualties we have endured, those whose names and faces and acts we remember and hold dear, with pain in our hearts and sorrow in our eyes. Tonight Luna's light does not touch our souls. Tonight the elements tear at our bodies." Even now the wind roared at them.
"Should anyone have a name of someone lost, speak of them- that we may know and hold them within our hearts as we go forward as Urdaga, and endure, that such losses will never be in vain; that no difficulty will make us yield."
@%1; Brigit Matt @%1; Antigone Bleeds @%1; Hector Chris @%1;
Tried keep this simple given the likely busy schedule everyone has. So- the process.
This Rite is all about remembering the lost and fallen; their names, and a memory or detail, are common fare. A single post will be enough; just showing that you came, and speaking about what you regret. Don't want to keep everyone super busy, ya know? Speak your losses, take a meager bit of rabbit munchies from Nathaniel, and the next person goes. If someone has more to add to someone else's, that is also encouraged.
This Rite canonically takes place right before midnight on the 26th, on a New Moon. I will try to have this post closed at that time. Rolls for the Rite itself will be posted at the end, during closing. Happy Holidays!