A Man for Himself (Norton X Eli) [Identity V] *UNEDITED*

Chapter 21 - Stalking

Fiona officiated a circle at the shrine. Eli had been invited to join. He didn't know why he accepted it, yet he did. Perhaps despite his rebellion, he didn't want to completely cut off the connection he had with Hastur. Out of respect and gratitude, Eli would continue to acknowledge him as a god, but not as his god and definitely not someone who could influence his decisions. Hypocritical, yes, but he was certain Hastur would appreciate it.

The circle was attended by Fiona herself, Patricia and Eli. There were only three of them, yet their number was more than enough. Patricia and Eli weren't exactly devotees of the Elder Ones like Fiona, but they seemed to be doing well as they danced around a circle, hopping and skipping in their fancy clothes, as the energy crackled around them.

White taper candles were placed around them, forming a giant circle, their light swaying with the wind and illuminating the wide smiles on the faces of the participants. On the far side, an altar was set up on a dais with a couple of large white candles, a stainless cup, a ritual knife, talismans and large chunks of crystals. Different kinds of flowers and fruits were placed in front of it along with a bottle of wine.

The air was filled with giggles and laughter. Their movements were unrestrained, their energy seemed to be fueled by the full moon that shone brightly above them. It was a night of celebration. It was a night of pure energy.

The wind would sporadically whisper with its cold breath, yet it wasn't powerful enough against the heat and sweat that seeped through Eli's white robe. He had been reciting Fiona's incantation for more than an hour, but he's not getting exhausted. He would find himself laughing occasionally for no exact reason while he stomped the ground with his bare feet, never running out of breath.

His spirit was high. A small sip of the special alcohol served before the ritual started was enough to keep him going all night.

Dressed in a white robe trimmed with gold and a veil with intricate pattern, Eli seemed like he was offering himself as a bride to the gods. The intoxicated look on his face was inviting despite being covered by a golden mask that was bejeweled with a sapphire. It almost made him ethereal, like a snow white ghost dancing into the eventide.

The two women were a contrast to Eli's image of purity. They looked exotic. Fiona wore a sparkly purple dress that exposed most of her skin, showing off a tattoo of a pattern associated with her main deity on her back. To top it off, she wore jewelry and gold accessories that went well with her untamed regal look. On the other hand, Patricia wore a matching purple top and skirt. She, too, was painted with patterns all over her body and was glistening with gold.

The three of them chanted and danced in a circle until they dropped to the ground, panting and catching their breaths. Despite the dominating sound of puffs and huffs, their faces displayed exhilaration and contentment. They were giggling and laughing as if nothing else mattered in the world.

Eli lay on the ground, his chest rising and falling slowly as his body finally cooled down. He felt light. He felt happy and satisfied.

He raised a hand to the sky, current seeming to danced on the tip of his fingers, leaving a tingling sensation from the overwhelming energy that had possessed him. With his other hand, he took off his mask and observed his raised hand, his sight eventually focusing on the star-dusted sky behind it. It was beautiful. The stars seemed to twinkle and shine brighter tonight as if they, too, were influenced by the full moon.

Eventually, Eli closed his eyes and relaxed, feeling his muscles loosen up in the process. The ground was cool against his back. In his current state, he felt more connected with nature, more connected with his deities. He could hear the rustle of the leaves, the crickets, the footsteps of small animals, the crackle of fire as it burned the wicks of the candles around them and every other little sound, even his own blood rushing in his veins.