Blood Moon

Rituals

A/N:(This was supposed to be out yesterday, but things kept popping up like daisies. It was really rather ridiculous. Anyway, here is Rituals.)

Severus stood in the middle of an empty clearing, his pale skin and hair only just visible under the faint shine of twinkling stars.

The small, ancient, balls of light sitting high in the heavens, looking down on the earth below as silent watchers to everything that goes on below them.

The night itself was quite as the teen simply stood, waiting, his bare flesh gently caressed by a warm breeze.

The forest around him was still, but watchful as Severus kept his eyes pinned on the rising black sphere as it slowly ascended to it's zenith.

The young Fae took a breath as he finally moved, the new moon only a quarter of the way from peaking.

Severus picked up the largest bowl that was near his feet, carefully placed amongst the other materials he would need.

Walking to the edge of the circle, the compact dirt under his feet muffled his steps as he reached the border.

He had made the circle seven feet as it was a powerful number, especially for Fae and Severus found that the author actually recommended smaller circles for those creating their circles alone and not with clans or family.

Kneeling, the young Fae started carefully placing the crystals within the bowl in pre-dug holes, the garnet shining faintly with his magic as he made sure the carvings he made faced the sky before burying them.

He finishes the last one and stands on shaky legs just as the moon crests.

Severus felt Manny's magic suddenly, like a tap suddenly being turned to full stream and the raised dirt where he buried the crystals glowed a faint red.

Taking in a shaky breath, Severus stood anxiously, waiting.

It happened all at once.

The overwhelming joy and excitement was so sudden it nearly made him stumble, washing away his nerves until he felt he would burst if he did not release it in some way.

It bubbled and rolled in him, seeking a way out until it climbed up his chest and into his throat, past his lips.

Night falls and mother moon rises,

Old and endless they sail,

Power, love, and beauty that deserve our praises,

Mother moon look upon your child,

See how this one basks in you,

Grant this one your favor,

Help this one create thy circle and continue thy rites,

Mother moon,

Give this one grace,

Give this one knowledge,

Give this one beauty,

Give this one skill,

Give this one your light,

Give this one your power,

Protect this one,

Thank you Mother moon.

Severus' mouth and body moved almost by themselves and the young Fae danced and jumped gracefully around the inside of his circle, his entire being feeling like it was soaring.