If you are not at all interested in reading about a pagan ritual you can skip the rest of the chapter from the moment that they arrive at the circle (it's marked) and it will not affect your comprehension of the rest of the story to come.Everything ritual in this chapter was written by me, the calls, the chants, the poems, the order of it, the ritual itself, everything, and so I give my permission for anyone to use this ritual and my ritual words for their own work, with my brightest blessings.
"What do you mean Lin is in the hospital?" Selene gasped, unable to believe her ears. "I just saw him no more than..." she glanced at her phone, "four hours ago."
"Yeah, well, that was before the arrow hit him," Vera snorted, tugging at Selene's dress as she unzipped it and yanked it down.
"Arrow? What arrow?" Selene asked, her voice muffled as a new dress was slung over her head.
"The one that hit him in the leg," Alegra answered as she bustled past with an armful of candles, clearly heading outside to the circle clearing.
"What the hell was he doing to get shot in the leg?"
"Teaching an archery class, it appears someone had very bad aim. One legged Linden strikes again," Alegra replied.
"That name is because he is the master of Tree pose, not because he only has one working leg!" Selene argued, starting to feel more than a little stressed. "Who the hell is going to be my Priest if Linden is out of action? There's no one else I've worked with enough to even have a connection with let alone one enough to raise the power needed for the circle."
"Don't you worry your head about it," Vera snapped, tugging violently on Selene's arm, yanking her down in a chair where she sat as still as a statue, allowing the old lady to attack her hair. "Tanzi said she had a plan, so give her some time to see what she can pull out of her arse before you start your panic flapping."
"But there isn't anyone here," Selene argued. "Why don't we let Tanzi take my place, she's worked with far more people than I have, she'd know how to work their energy better than me."
"Because it's your role, that's why."
"But I- OW!"
Vera pulled the brush back like she might donk Selene on the head again.
"We'll have none of that negativity, my girl, I taught you better than that. You know negativity before a circle is a no no. Just trust the Gods, trust they have a plan and a reason."
"Linden won't like that he was part of whatever plan they supposedly had," Selene grumbled but stayed still as Vera slapped a flower crown on her head and set to work curling her hair around it.
"Well, it's not like he has a say in it now, is it?"
-x-
"I feel ridiculous," John complained as Tanzi straightened his tunic, giving him the once over.
"Oh hush, you look gorgeous, she's gonna shit a brick when she sees you."
"I swear, if anyone even dares to take a picture I'll make sure that they never get an internet connection again for the rest of their lives," John threatened, wincing as Tanzi grabbed a comb and a pair of scissors to start attacking his hair. "Are you sure this is completely necessary?"
"Oh yes, very necessary, you have to dress the part, besides, it'll be worth it, you'll thank me later," Tanzi grinned admiring her handiwork. "That bitch is gonna send me a gift basket for making you look so good."
"And there's really no one else to do it?"
"No, I already told you. Linden is out of action and it's been years since she's worked with anyone close enough to lead a ritual with them. You're bonded to her, you're basically her familiar, you're the perfect solution. Don't worry, it'll be fine, believe it or not she does know what she's doing, she won't let you mess up."
"I never thought for a moment that she wouldn't be completely capable and in control, she always is. She may seem flighty but-"
"You don't have to tell me," Tanzi interrupted, patting his shoulder. "I've known her since she entered the craft, in fact I think tonight will be quite eye opening for you. You've never seen her in a ritual before, have you?"
John shook his head.
"Then you're in for a treat, she's a natural performer as well as a talented witch."
"My wife with a penchant for dramatic performance? Never."
Tanzi sniggered under her breath but declined to comment, focusing her attention on the back of his head as she worked.
"Are you sure this is all I have to do?" John asked, unfolding the instructions he'd been given and reading them through again. They seemed simple enough, follow Selene, stand where he was told, do as she directed and only speak when she spoke to him first or asked him a question, it sounded like a standard social event to him.
"Yep. You've got your part of the performance there too, just make sure you give Sel her part."
"Tell me again why we aren't warning her about this?"
"Because I want to see the look on her face," Tanzi shrugged. "I'm old, I have to get my kicks somewhere."
John snorted out a laugh. "Don't let my Grandma hear you complaining about being old, she gets very defensive when anyone under sixty even dares to mention they have a wrinkle."
"Good job I'm over 60 then," Tanzi answered distractedly, tugging at the side of his head as she tried to wrestle his hair into submission. He resisted the urge to flinch and instead focused on her words.
"Sure you are, and I'm planning a career change to become a game show host." The woman didn't look any older than he did, let alone old enough to appease his Grandma.
Tanzi grinned evilly. "Look me up if you don't believe me, but sit still while you do it."
For want of anything better to do John pulled out his phone and did as he was told. It took him less than two minutes and a tiny bit of government file delving to find the truth.
"There's only one Tanzanite Summerland, who is apparently seventy-eight years old."
Tanzi hummed a little sound of acknowledgement as she worked on his parting, trying to force his hair to lay in a way that didn't come naturally to it. "Why won't your bloody hair stay where I put it?"
"Selene asks the same thing, I gave up trying to change it years ago and just work with it, but don't think I don't know you're trying to change the subject," he retorted, on to her game.
She huffed, giving up on the parting, deciding to work with what she had, smoothing it back into place instead. "I'm mated to a full bloodied Shifter, Nikos is 297."
"He's what?" John spluttered, turning to look at her. "That's impossible."
"Dude, you turn into a cat, nothing should be impossible to you," she drawled, her tone implying she thought he was being particularly dense as she grabbed his head and turned it to face forward. "Avery is 413."
"Avery too? What does he turn into?"
"Nothing, though I'm sure he'd love to embrace the bat cliché if he could."
"Bat? Why would h-"
Tanzi raised her curved fingers to her mouth in a crude depiction of fangs and hissed.
John's eyes widened.
Tanzi nodded. "Yeah, and he's still not matured into a fully functioning adult, he'd be lost without my sister, I swear. Now, you've got your words, I've done the best I can with your hair, I think you're good to go."
"What? No! I've got questions, you can't just dump this kind of information on me and expect me to just accept it. I need answers."
"No time my friend, chop chop, it's getting dark, move your arse, your wife's waiting."
-x-
"Seriously?"
Selene couldn't have been more shocked if Tanzi had produced a monkey from her pocket to slap her around the face.
"You think John is the solution to our problem? How? Why? He hates people!"
"Oh hush," Tanzi soothed, brushing away her concerns. "He'll be fine, it's only a little ritual-"
"Little? There's a hundred and fifty people out there joining in!"
"In at the deep end," Tanzi shrugged, "he married a witch, he's gotta learn sometime. He said he'd do it."
"But why him? Is there really no one else?" Selene fretted, more worried about her husband's social anxiety than the ritual itself. "Can't you do it?"
"Nope, you're our poster child, you're the one they came to see, we can't let them down. He's the only person here with a connection to you that won't dull your energy. You know a Priest is supposed to enhance it, not drain it."
Selene wanted to argue, but her friend did make a good point, not that she wanted to admit it. She had worked with John in little ways before, working on his intuition and raising his personal power quicker and easier before each shift he attempted; it really wouldn't be that much different for him, you know, apart from all the people staring at him.
"Fuck it, we'll make it work," Selene huffed. "Did you at least prepare him, even a little? Gods, he's never going to leave my side again after this. I walked away for an hour and he was drafted."
"Of course I prepared him, I gave him a script and everything," Tanzi promised her, crossing her heart.
"Which script?" Selene asked suspiciously.
"This one," Tanzi grinned, handing Selene a book of Shadows already opened on a page.
Selene quickly scanned through the pages, recognising the revised ritual instantly.
"I'm going to make a few adjustments," she stated in a tone that allowed no arguments.
"Wouldn't expect anything less," Tanzi assured her, knowing that she had won that round.
"Fine," Selene sighed, checking the time. "Then I guess I'm ready."
"Good, let's go," Tanzi said, draping a cloak around Selene's shoulders.
"Hang on, where's my chapstick?"
"Do you really need it?" Tanzi asked, desperate to get the other woman moving.
"Yes, I do, especially as I have a lot of foreheads to kiss out there," Selene answered, already scrabbling through her bag looking for the elusive little tube.
"Where the hell is the bloody...Oh, thanks, babe," she said in response to the chapstick that appeared in her line of sight, recognising the ring on the hand that held it. She took the stick and slicked on a generous amount, making fish out of water noises at her reflection in the mirror before turning around. She stumbled, reaching blindly behind her for something to hold on to, because praise be to every single deity for the God that was her husband.
"Holy shitballs Batman!"
"See, I look stupid!" John huffed, his cheeks burning. He should never have let himself be talked into it.
"Rubbish," Tanzi scoffed.
"Wow," Selene breathed, seemingly unable to form any full sentences.
"Told you she'd like it," Tanzi grinned.
"What...I mean...how the...my Gods," she breathed, unable to tear her eyes away from the pure gorgeousness she was seeing. Her eyes kept darting to a new part of him, there was simply too much beauty to take in in one go. "Wow."
"Yes, I am a miracle worker, I know this," Tanzi preened, brushing a non-existent speck of dirt off his shoulder.
"Is that a wig?"
"Clip in extensions."
"My Gods," Selene whispered again. John's hair was now brushing his shoulders, falling in shimmering red waves that perfectly matched his own colour. His usual side parting had been maintained, the extensions having obviously been trimmed to blend in with his forelock, which somehow made it look less alien on him. Her fingers itched to run through all that silky looking hair and she actually reached out a hand but Tanzi slapped it down.
He was dressed in a black shirt with loose fitted sleeves that laced up across his chest under a dark forest green tunic. His legs were encased in black leggings and dark brown lace up boots that came up to just below his knees. He had a black cloak over one arm and a metal headpiece that encircled his head looking rather like a crown. But it was the pointed ears that peeked out from his hair that really pulled the whole look together.
"Fuck...me," Selene was absolutely stunned, taking a few steps towards him, wanting to be close, to touch, to kiss...
"Later," Tanzi ordered. "You two have to get moving, I can hear the drums already."
Snapping out of her dazzling husband induced daze, Selene grabbed a sword that had been laying on a table in one hand and reached for his hand with the other.
If John felt nervous dressed in his ridiculous costume, it was nothing compared to how Selene seemed to be feeling. He could feel her hand shaking in his and hear the way she kept sucking in a deep breath before letting it out slowly.
He wanted to say something to make it better, but knew that in times like these words made very little difference to her. Instead he repositioned her hand in his, linking their fingers and giving it a comforting squeeze. She looked different tonight, he'd seen her in ritual robes before, but this time she had replaced the dramatic makeup she had been wearing earlier with something much more subtle. She looked younger, less sure of herself, with pale golden eyeshadow, pink blushed cheeks and no lipstick, maybe that was part of the reason that she looked a little less confident than normal.
They waited just outside the perimeter that had been marked out for the circle, around which a ring of people stood, others seated in little huddles on blankets, obviously not part of the actual ritual but wishing to observe. The whole clearing was lit up by the crackling flames of a large bonfire, which warmed the chill air to a more pleasant temperature now that the sun had gone down, taking its heat with it.
The drumming that had been growing louder with each passing moment reached its crescendo and abruptly stopped. He felt her stiffen and heard her inhale deeply once more, holding it for the count of five before letting it out slowly.
"Show time," she whispered, more to herself than to him. "Just follow my lead, babe, I won't let you down."
"I know," he assured her, bringing her hand to his lips and placing a gentle kiss on her knuckles.
-x-x-x-
Nodding she gripped her sword handle and strode forward as if she were simply walking into the kitchen, as if she didn't have a care in the world, giving him no choice but to follow her. She planted him to the side of the altar that had been set up and let go of his hand. Walking to the center of the circle, away from the fire and lifted her sword. ne.
"Blessed Ostara!" she called out in what Scott always called her 'listen up dickhead' tone and the people surrounding them in a ring repeated her words back in answer.
"Hail and welcome!" Again they repeated her words.
"Welcome to our ritual this evening, thank you all for taking the time out of your busy lives to be here with us today. Each and every one of you are important to the working of this rite, be you in the circle of simply observing. Lend us your presence and power as we work."
She paused to make sure everyone was listening then continued.
"With my sword in hand I shall now cast the circle thrice around. The first pass will stand as a barrier between the worlds and create our sacred ground. The second pass will protect us and keep all within safe from harm. The third will hold the energies, magic and charms that we raise within, hold them until we choose to release them to the places where they will do the most good in the world."
She moved to the outer edge of the circle to the spot where they had just entered through and lifted her sword high above her head.
"Once around the circle bound," she said, and walked, as quickly as was possible while carrying a big sword around a very large circle of people, in a clockwise direction until she reached her starting point.
John knew the feel of her magic now, could feel her power reaching out towards him but also every other person in the circle. He felt it shimmering in the air, feeling solid, tangible, like he could reach out and touch it.
The second time she held the sword at waist height and the third she allowed it to drag along the ground behind her feet. Once she had returned to the start she thumped the tip of the sword down on the ground three times.
With each lap of the circle he had felt her energy growing stronger, but also less pure, like she was sucking in the power from the very earth she walked on with her bare feet.
"Consecrated in the name of the Lord and Lady, the circle is now sealed. So mote it be!"
"So mote it be," the attendees repeated after her and he did the same, feeling that it would be like church, where it might be considered rude to not utter an amen after the prayers had been said. Her religion was no different to any other, just older and with a lot more variations and it demanded the same level of respect. She had told him they were an eclectic group, not technically a coven, but more of a family, with no strict rules or expectations of their members, just a community of like minded people. He doubted he would ever consider himself a religious man, but he respected the fact that she was and knew that there were indeed powers in the world that he would never fully understand, but he'd had proof of their existence, and that was good enough for him to be standing there, supporting her.
"Can my quarters please step forward?" Selene called out as she lent the sword carefully against the altar table. Four people stepped out of the circle and moved to the middle, equally spaced around, one at each of the compass points.
One, a man John didn't recognise, carried a bowl from which fragrant smoke was rising. He placed the bowl on the ground at his feet and lifted his arms to the heavens. His voice was deep and calm, but with a hint of power that told John he was used to being listened to. It made him wonder exactly what it was that the man did for a living.
"Guardian of the East," the man called out, "Element of Air, I feel you all around me, I feel you in the breeze, I feel you in the trees, I see you in the incense we burn for you this night. Watch over us and protect the rite that we perform tonight. Blessed Be!"
As one the assembled group choroused a 'Blessed Be' after his words.
A woman, again someone he didn't recognise, placed the lit lantern she was carrying down on the ground and raised her arms just as the man had done. Her voice was nowhere near as commanding or loud, but it held a ripple of power that made the hairs on the back of John's neck stand to attention.
"Guardians of the South, Element of fire. I see you in the bonfire, and in the candle flame, I feel you in the sunshine with its warming rays. Watch over us and protect the rite that we perform tonight. Blessed Be!"
"Blessed Be!"
Tanzi had apparently taken on the role of representing the west, she was holding a large, lead crystal vase filled to the brim with water, in which sea shells floated. She placed it on the ground and lifted her arms to the sky.
"Guardian of the West, Element of water. I see you in the rain that falls, and in the pounding waves. Watch over us and protect the rite that we perform tonight. Blessed Be!"
"Blessed Be," John spoke along with the other attendees, feeling the rippling in the air as the circle around them strengthened.
The last person was Gil, Calista's husband, who nodded in John's direction. John nodded back, feeling that if he was going to be standing out in plain view of everyone, it made him feel a bit better to know he had some familiar faces nearby. He risked a glance around the circle as Gil set down the large crystal he had been carrying and started his chant.
"Guardians of the North, Element of Earth. I see you all around me, in the growing trees, in the beautiful flowers, in the crops that grow. Watch over us and protect the rite that we perform tonight. Blessed Be."
"Blessed be!"
John could see by the light of the fire that almost everyone was wearing some form of ritual dress too, many much more elaborate than his. In comparison he felt a little underdressed, Tanzi had been right, no one was looking at him strangely, no one was judging, they were just enjoying the ritual.
He'd been so busy watching the ritual, and the people in attendance, that he hadn't realised Selene had returned to his side until she caught hold of his hand.
"You ready to help?" she whispered as she reached for the book of shadows on the altar.
Was he ready? He wanted to say no. He was used to public speaking, but that was always on his own terms, his own pet subject, in a place filled with his contemporaries. This was completely different.
He took a deep breath and then nodded, he wouldn't let her down. Taking the book, he followed her finger to locate the required passage. It wasn't too long, he could do it. Gathering every ounce of inner strength he possessed, clutching on to her hand he spoke as loudly as he could, trying to keep the same pace the others had used.
"Tonight we call upon the young aspect of the divine male energy, asking him to grace us with his power and presence, bringing with him his sense of wonder and enthusiasm. May we see things through his eyes, view the world in his way, as a new and beautiful year coming into bloom. May we feel his power growing in the sky, feel his presence stir the trees, the animals, the birds, the earth and our hearts. Be with us tonight. Hail and welcome."
"Hail and welcome," he heard Selene and the other attendees parrot back. She squeezed his hand and flashed him a proud smile.
"Perfect, babe," she whispered before letting go of his hand and turning to the crowd, lifting her arms as the others had done.
"Tonight we call upon the Maiden aspect of the divine feminine energy, of the dawn and new beginnings. As the earth awakens around us, let us bring the same change and growth into our lives. Let us learn by its lessons of persistence and determination, like the little seed that slumbers in the soil until the first warm rays of sunlight filter through the gloom. Let us manifest our own blessings. You are the jeweled moon that glows in the sky, lighting up the darkest times, the breeze that blows the scent of night blooming flowers through our windows. Smile down upon us and join us in our circle tonight. Hail and Welcome!"
"Hail and welcome!"
"Winter now stands behind us and before us we see the promise of Spring," Selene continued, but this time she moved around the circle, making her steps careful and deliberate, almost prancing, dancer-like as she moved on her tiptoes, seeming to float along the ground.
"The maiden walks the land once more, returning to the earth from her time below. With each step she awakens more, the seeds and bulbs deep in the ground, the animals slumbering in their dens. The world around us is reborn, blooming with fresh blossoms, new grass, the scent of spring flowers rides the wind. We notice it all and we learn to look at life the same way, with fresh young eyes and a sense of wonder at what might transpire. Spring is dawning, let us greet it. Hail and Welcome!"
Selene stopped beside him and the altar, making way for the small, cloaked figure of Vera to take her spot. If John had thought the woman was a little scary earlier in the day it was nothing compared to the commanding way she took charge of the ritual. Her voice was loud and clear, ringing around the clearing like a bell.
"Ostara is the dawn of the Spring, the gateway to Summer. At this, the Spring Equinox, when the Earth stands fresh and renewed, we stand in perfect balance, the day and the night equal. Let us be like the Earth, casting away the cold, depressing, darkness of winter and embrace the promise of new things to come. May we find pleasure in that which grows, but never forget our responsibility to this planet we call home. This world on which we stand is a magical place, blessed by the Sun and the Moon, the Lord and Lady, the beauty of nature reminding us that we are lucky and that we are alive with every day that we draw breath. And, until such times that we ourselves turn towards the realms of shadow, we shall continue to live our lives to the fullest, in warmth, welcome and harmony. Blessed be."
"Blessed Be!"
Selene nodded towards an ornate bowl and he took his cue, carefully picking it up. He went to hand it to her but she shook her head and motioned for him to follow her. He moved carefully, conscious of the fact that the bowl contained what seemed to be some kind of oil that smelt strongly of rosemary, lavender and hints of lemon.
"Come forward and receive my blessings, as I act as a channel between worlds, bringing with me the power of the dawn," Selene said, speaking to the crowd. "Speak in my ear, tell me your dream for the year so that my touch may stir your heart and remind you that the true magic resides within each and every one of you. None more special than the other."
She reached up to touch the flowers wound through her hair. "These blooms represent the renewal of the Spring and the fresh hope we feel in our spirit as the winter releases its claim on the land. Push aside your inner cynic, your doubts and embrace me, for we are all one."
One by one, in perfect timing, the attendees that formed the circle walked towards them. They did as she bid, whispering in her ear, after which she directed him to dip his fingers in the bowl and anoint the attendees forehead by drawing a small five pointed star, the pentagram. After he had finished his job she hugged them tight, kissed their cheek and wished them well.
Slowly they worked their way through all twenty people, including those representing the quarters and Vera herself. Soon there was no one left but himself and Selene.
"What is your wish for the coming year?" she asked him quietly. "Whisper it to me so that the Gods may hear and give their blessing."
A wish? Truthfully he hadn't even thought about it. What was he supposed to ask for? Did it have to be something pagan or could it be more mundane? She was waiting, watching him with soft eyes, not pushing him to make a decision on anything. In the end he went with the most obvious thing he could think of.
"Us to continue doing what makes us happy and our family to stay safe."
"Good wish, baby," she smiled, dipping her fingers in his bowl and anointing his forehead as he had done to everyone else.
When it was her turn she repeated his wish, stood still so he could perform her anointing then carefully hugged her, mindful of the bowl which he carried back to the altar when she directed him to.
"You may start the Invocation," she announced and, in the same order as they had approached for their blessings, each person attending took their turn to speak a line of the chant he had read earlier in the day. He and Selene were the only ones that didn't join in.
"Our Ode to Ostara, Goddess of Spring,
Fertile Goddess of new beginnings
Hopeful Goddess, a world in bloom
All life in the world springs from her womb.
Wind kissed tresses,
Sweet scents on the air
The earth it does thaw
When her feet land there
With gentle strokes
The leaves do unfurl
Stretching their fingers
To the sun's warming glow.
Rainbows shine bright
Over hilltops and dales
As she gazes up
Into lovely blue skies
Our ode to thee, Goddess of Spring
Hearing your story that the birds do sing
Grateful for the blessings
Of which you do bring."
John waited for the chant to finish, counting down each line, dreading the next part as it meant it was getting closer and closer to the possibility of him making a complete fool of himself.
"You ready?" Selene whispered to him.
"As I'll ever be," he answered grimly. He'd memorised the poems as best he could, thankful that he had been blessed with a good memory and a number of tricks employed through many years of intense studying, but he was comforted to know that he had the papers in his pocket just in case he needed them. Tanzi had assured him that no one would think badly of him for referring to them, or even reading straight from them, if he needed to since he was essentially a stand in, but he was going to do his best without.
Selene nodded, taking a moment to sip from a bottle of water she had hidden under the altar, offering it to him after she had done. He too had a quick drink, finding that his throat had been dryer than he had thought. The smoke from the bonfire wasn't too bad but it was heating the air in the immediate vicinity and his tongue did taste vaguely of soot.
"Story time," Selene called once she had replaced the bottle in it's hiding place.
A happy murmuring spread through not just the circle but those who were watching from afar. The people in the circle apparently knew what was coming as they all got comfy, those that were young enough sat on the ground while chairs were produced for the older members so they could sit in comfort.
Vera once again clumped her way across the circle, her walking stuck thumping on the ground with every step she made.
The old lady threw the hood of her cloak back, revealing her face, which was painted with green leaves and golden corn. Once again her voice commanded attention and he listened in complete awe as she took control of the crowd once again.
"He rose from the gaping earth, intent on claiming his prize,
Like nothing she had ever seen
A man of mystery and shadows
His face one of intense beauty
Scary to behold.
The birds they ceased to sing their happy song
The flowers they closed and bowed their heads
The sun dimmed in reverence to his darkness.
He held out his hand and called to her
In his eyes she saw his silent plea
Do trust me
Behind her was duty, obscurity and control
Before her was a promise of what might be to come
She offered her hand with barely a thought
And into his chariot stepped.
With the closing of the earth beneath them
The Hush came to its end
A rush of sound
A whisper on the wind
Persephone has vanished.
Against her will she found
That she had begun to weep
For what she had left behind
And all that she was to seek
She turned her eyes away
Away from his kindness
Making him believe that she grieved
That she thought him a mistake
He had forced her to make
For days he tried his hardest
To show her all he had
To prove that there could be beauty
In the darkness where they sat
With each new day she grew weary
Although her heart tore this way and that
For above her lay life but in chains
Around her freedom in death.
When at last he thought to offer
Some food like that of her realm
She looked at it like it were alien
She knew the tales well
One bite my sweet Persephone
One bite will make you whole
One bite will fill your belly
One bite will save your soul
The pomegranate,
its seeds like jewels of blood
Glistening in his hand
Called to her
She caught his chilled hand in her own
And raised it to her lips
Knowing that destiny lay there
Seven seeds she supped
But it was enough
Enough that when the gods came looking
She was already his
Enough to hold them through the long months
When the sun shone high
And the flowers bloomed
Enough to last until the ripened grain was cut
And her job was finally done
Enough until the lushness of summer
Made way for the bleakness of winter
Were solace was found in his embrace
When she was free once more."
Selene turned to John the moment Vera stopped speaking and reached for his hand. Tanzi had warned him that this part was essentially a performance, a portrayal of the parts they were representing, the ritual having been adapted on the fly due to the nature of their relationship and his involvement. He wasn't much of an actor, but if it was a simple repeating of words he could just about handle that.
He took her offered hand and, since he was supposed to be playing the part of her husband, tugged her closer, wrapping one arm around her waist. This was easier, this way he could pretend that there was no one there but the two of them, that there weren't over a hundred people watching them, waiting for him to mess up.
She gave him a brief, quick, but very welcome kiss to his chin, hidden by her hair, but it was enough to know that she was there and that if he messed up it wouldn't matter. Just as he had before, he channeled the same calm and capable voice he had before in any public speaking situation and got on with it. The quicker it was done the quicker the whole thing would be over and he could escape.
"Tell me that you didn't just see
Me as a means to an end
Tell me that I wasn't just
Your only choice
Tell me that you weren't just
Desperate that day
Tell me you chose to stay
Tell me that with those seven seeds
I wasn't just the lesser of two evils
Surely seven seeds was not enough
To make you leave your mothers love
I want to believe you had a choice
That you heard something in my voice
Tell me your hand in mine
Drugged you like the finest wine
That the thought of us
Fogged your mind
With lust and love and eternity entwined
That you were offering your heart
Not giving into my demands
Promise me you want to stay
In my arms for one more day
That it's not a trick that keeps you here
That you love me, you chose me
This is real
That it didn't take seeds
To seal our deal.
Miss the world you left
When the door slams shut
Feel love and hurt when you leave them
But
Come back to me willingly
So our hearts may beat as one
Look upon me with relief
So that I may continue to believe."
There was something in the words he spoke that resonated with him, seeming to mirror the thoughts that he had been having recently. Seeing her surrounded by her friends, some of which she clearly thought of as family, but knowing that she had barely seen them in the time they had been together had been harder than he had thought. Since finding out so much more about Nathaniel he had been even more aware that, simply by being with him, she had given up so many of the things that made her her.
That was part of the reason he had agreed when Tanzi had asked for his help, he wanted to be part of this, to experience it with her and show her that he was nothing like Nathaniel. He wanted to show her that he not only approved but that he wanted her to continue to be a part of the community that she loved.
He'd never intended for her to make him and his family the sole focus of her attention, the center of her world, but it seemed to have happened anyway. He'd never demanded her full attention, he'd never asked her to make him her priority, taking president over everything else she did, she had done that on her own. But the thought still didn't sit right with him, he still had that nagging worry at the back of his head that, because of her experiences with Nathaniel, with her trying so desperately to change for him, to fit in with his ideals, that she had done the same with their relationship.
He felt Selene move, felt her hand cup the back of his neck, drawing him down closer to her, like she knew exactly what thoughts were tumbling around in his mind. When she spoke her words were clear and loud, projecting out to the people watching, but he knew that the only person she cared about hearing them was him.
"You are the purest thing
To happen to me
Even if that's not what others believe
You were a choice for me
Even if that's not how our tale is told
Remember this when our story is old
Remember when the memories blur
Remember me when we are apart
Remember the truth inside my heart
I was to be a forgotten piece
A footnote in the myths
Destined for nothing but nurturing
The flowers and meadows of gold
You saw the truth inside me
A trapped bird wishing to be free
You opened the cage that imprisoned me
You allowed my songbird to fly.
You saw the power inside me
The core of strength and steel
You saw it demanded a throne
You showed me dreams were real
You showed me how
A love like ours
Can warm the coldness of the stars
Turning even the darkest of realms
Into a warming home."
He didn't know if they were supposed to kiss but he was very sure that, if they were, it wasn't supposed to linger as long as it did and there definitely shouldn't have been as much tongue as she managed to slip in, but he wasn't prepared to complain.
She was warm and soft in his arms, his safe space, his shield against the uncomfortable attention brought on by so many eyes on them. If he could have stayed like that, with her so close he would have been perfectly happy, unfortunately it was not to be.
She was grabbed from behind and forcibly yanked out of his arms by Vera, still playing her part as Demeter, Persephone's mother.
"Do your duty, your time has come, spring has sprung," Vera commanded.
Selene reached for him and he did the same, their fingertips just brushing before she was gone. Her voice rang around the circle, an impassioned declaration. She was selling it for all she was worth and he was seeing first hand how she had been so good the few times she had ventured out with the GDF or to assist Kayo. She was projecting the image of the young goddess perfectly, one who was being dragged from the arms of the man she loved.
"I shall return to you,
When the summers sun has gone,
I shall return to you
When the leaves begin to turn
I shall return to you
To rule by your side
I shall return to you
Your loving wife."
He took her cue, trying to inject a little more emotion into his own portrayal, surprised to find that it was actually quite fun once he forgot about the people and allowed himself to relax. They often messed around together, often improvised silly little speeches and skits to confuse his brothers, this was no different really.
"Weep not, my love,
In our time apart
Such distances matter not
With the strength of our hearts
Though the days grow longer
Its for but a time
Before the dark nights come
As the trees turn red and yellow and gold
I shall come for you
Upon my chariot of horses that I ride
I shall scour the earth for you
Until you return to my side.
You will return to me.
My loving wife."
Once again the words seemed to hold a secret meaning to him, knowing that at times they had been very much in a long distance relationship. They had had days, weeks apart, nights of sleeping in a bed with a cold, empty side where the other was supposed to be, of times when they wanted nothing more than to reach out to the other for comfort and had to go without. Just like Hades and Persephone had. He was just thankful for the advanced technology that they had and that their absences could be supplemented with calls and that, if one truly needed the other, they could be together again in less than an hour.
Vera handed Selene a basket full of flowers from the altar and led her around the circle. Selene, like a flower girl at a wedding, took handfuls of the flowers and scattered them in her wake, meant to represent the flowers blooming across the world now that Persephone was home.
They returned to the altar and replaced the basket. Vera held Selene's hand tight, her eyes seeking him out, acting the part of the reluctant mother perfectly.
"The trees are glowing gold today
Their leaves crispy to the touch
Each shaft of grain has been so reaped
Our time together spent.
Miss me so, my daughter
Miss me as I miss you
Think of me often with fondness
Think of me with care.
Think of me as you reside
Deep inside the dank dark realm
Think of me as the earth freezes
Think of me as it withers and dies
Think of me and smile
Smile because Spring will come again."
Vera walked slowly as she spoke, bringing Selene with her and, when they reached the place where he stood, she placed Selene's hand in his.
"Look after her well," Vera said, and he couldn't help but nod, feeling almost like she wasn't just talking about the mythical Persephone that Selene was portraying.
Selene squeezed his hand and he returned the gesture. Selene cast one last look at Vera, as a daughter would watch her mother. Vera lifted her hood and once again her face was in shadows, as Demeter would wear her veil, going into mourning while her daughter was gone from the earth.
Selene moved closer and he automatically wrapped his arms around her, which seemed to be what was needed as she spoke the last part of their little play.
"Once again, I am home
In your realm of shadows
Your arms are strong
When you hold me
Your heartbeat is an echo
That mine beats for.
Your lips are a gift
I crave your sweet kiss
You voice I never tire of hearing
Your face is in my dreams unending."
The assembled crowd clapped in appreciation as Selene threw her arms around his neck, hugging him tight.
"You are absolutely amazing," she whispered. "Thank you so much for joining in, I know that it probably wasn't something you ever wanted to do."
"It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be," he admitted, nuzzling his nose into her neck. "You weren't too bad yourself."
"Much as I'd love to stay just like this, I have a ritual to finish," she groaned, stealing a quick kiss.
"Better get on with it then," he said, releasing her from the prison of his arms. "But I'm putting in a request for later."
She grinned, waggling her eyebrows comically before turning back to the crowd, once more the take charge High Priestess she was supposed to be.
"Tonight we shall chant and welcome in the Spring. We shall celebrate our love of the Earth in body, mind and heart. Our chant tonight is simple: 'Spring is here, Love draws near.' Nothing else is needed. As you recite the words, allow the power to flow freely through you, be as loud as you want, dance, move as your spirit wills you."
She started the chant and the others immediately joined in, the drummers picking out a rhythm that seemed to thrum through John's veins. When she grabbed his hand and pulled him into a dance with her he didn't think of protesting. It was nothing like how they had danced before, this was wild and free, with no rhyme or reason to it, no definitive steps, just twirling chaotic movements. Around the circle there was lots of foot stamping, hand clapping, twirling and bouncing, every attendee radiating pure happiness.
Selene let go of his hand, swirling out on her own and then she was moving around the circle like a conductor with an orchestra. He could feel her lending her energy and power to the mix, but also collecting that of the other attendees. He felt his own responding, reaching out to hers like it had done before, heeding her call. She was acting as a conduit, a funnel, syphoning it off, forming it, shaping it into something truly special.
Without warning she clapped loudly, three times in quick succession and the chanting stopped, the drums falling silent. She threw her arms into the air, her head back and let out a loud, whooping cheer that the others copied. The energy that had been building seemed to sweep over him, flooding upwards and out through the center of the circle into the night sky.
"Take this energy, take it as healing, send it out across the world. Send it where it is needed, where it will do the most good," she commanded and once again everyone cheered their approval.
"Now we will say our farewells," she informed them all, "and bring on the cakes and ale, I know I definitely need some."
A few people whooped in response and the sound of a bottle of something fizzy popping echoed around the circle.
"No drinking without me," she warned whoever it was before getting serious again.
"We thank the Great Lady, Goddess of the moon and stars, the seas and the tides, the divine feminine, for joining us tonight in our rite. May she watch over us as the light grows and changes manifest in our lives. With love and devotion we walk the path. Blessed Be."
"Blessed Be!"
John was thankful that he only had one thing left to say.
"We thank the Eternal Lord, God of the sun, the earth and the wild places, the divine masculine, for joining us tonight in our rites. We will feel your touch with every step we make upon your world. May you watch over us as the changes manifest in our lives. With love and devotion we walk the path. Blessed Be."
"Blessed Be!"
"Please now dismiss the quarters," Selene directed and Gil and Tanzi, along with the other man and woman John didn't know, each took a turn, repeating a simple verse before picking up their object of representation and placing it on the altar.
'Guardian of the Watchtower of the North, element of Earth, we thank you for attending our circle tonight, Go if you must, stay if you will. Blessed be'.
"Blessed Be!"
"Guardian of the Watchtower of the West, element of Water, we thank you for attending our circle tonight. Go if you must, stay if you will. Blessed Be."
"Blessed Be!"
"Guardian of the Watchtower of the South, element of Fire, we thank you for attending our circle tonight. Go if you must, stay if you will. Blessed Be."
"Blessed Be!"
"Guardian of the Watchtower of the East, element of Air, we thank you for attending our circle tonight. Go if you must, stay if you will. Blessed Be."
"Blessed Be!"
When the last blessed be had been repeated Selene moved to the altar and picked up the sword once more.
"With sword in hand I shall now undo this circle. To return the sacred to the mundane, to release our magical energies to the earth. In the names of the Lord and Lady all will be dismissed and as it once was."
She walked the perimeter of the circle once more, her sword held high above her head, moving counterclockwise this time. She had told him that witches always worked clockwise when creating, when drawing things close to them, and counterclockwise when banishing or releasing anything.
When she reached her starting point again she slammed the point of the sword deep into the ground. "This circle is open, but never truly broken, kept in our hearts and minds, until we meet again. So mote it be!"
"So mote it be!"
He felt it, like a release of pressure, like the bursting of a bubble or the popping of your ears after submerging in water, and knew the circle had fallen. It seemed like the world around them came rushing back in and he hadn't realised until that minute just how peaceful it had been inside the circle's bubble of energy and protection.
"We have welcomed in the Spring and shared our energies with the universe, sending it out to do good where others have done harm. May we reap all that we have planted in the world tonight. And now we say Merry Meet, Merry Part, and Merry Meet Again!" Selene yelled into the air. "Let us eat, drink and be merry!"