Through the Mirror

Ritual

The closer Elise came to the clearing the more stifling the magic became.  She could taste its electricity on her tongue like a small zap. There we're shouts and laughter as Fae of all kinds held hands and danced to the enchanted violens that plucked out an otherworldly tune.

Elise found her own body itching to dance the unknown moves, "Join them.  Have fun.  I will find you soon." Avarly said pushing Elise towards the throng of dancers.

Elise beamed and ran to join the other  Fae who grasped her hands and tugged her around the large glowing fire.  It's flames licking high into the sky. She knew not the moves to the song,  but she felt some unknown force telling her body exactly how to move. She found herself enraptured with the beautiful melodies as the notes bounced around in her head and she threw her head back and laughed.

The music began to speed up and she found herself in the arms of a male Fae,  he spun her around and they danced faster in tune to the music.  Her heart was fluttering rapidly as the tune began to speed up at a break neck pace,  and then the male threw her high in the air and caught her just as the song ended.

Her breaths were labored and her cheeks felt slightly flushed,  but she had never felt so alive before. The Fae thanked her for being his dance partner and disappeared into the crowd leaving Elise on her own.

She stood there until she felt Avarly touch her arm gently, "It is time for the ritual come with me. "

Elise followed and the crowd had backed away from the fire.  Avarly told her to stand next to the two High Fae while she performed the ritual.  It wasn't safe to stand too close unless one was of the Pure Fae.

Elise watched as Avarly lifted her hands and began speaking.

"We have gathered here today in resemblance of Fostrei the Winter god.  Thousands of years ago he toiled on this earth with the Fae.  He taught us how to utilize the land when nature sleeps.  He taught us the importance of blessings and sacred rituals.  And now on this day we call upon him for his blessing for yet another winter season. " Avarly called in a loud voice,  her eyes closed.

Soon the fire turned blue and rose higher than ever,  Avarly's long hair billowed around her from the invisible wind that had picked up, "Fostrei we call upon you! 

God of the winter and ice,
Bless us with your power.
Give us harvest until Springtide,
We praise you and worship you in this very hour!"

Avarly chantrd the words over and over and then the Fae began to chant with her.  Elise even found herself chanting it until the silhouette of a Fae appeared.

"Fostrei hallowed be thine. " Avarly said before bowing low.

Then everyone else followed suit.  Elise hurried and did the same looking low into the snow.

When Elise saw the two High Fae on either side of her rise,  she did the same and looked at the god in awe.

"My dear Pure Fae,  you have done well in serving me for these hundreds of years.  You call upon me in good intentions,  and your heart is right.  I shall grant you this blessing in which you seek.  Your region shall thrive this winter until Springtide when you call upon Blossom. Farewell Avarly. "

Elise felt tears prick her eyes as the god dissapted,  and everyone began cheering of the good fortune they've been bestowed. The music picked up again and tables appeared with delectable food.

"Did you enjoy the Solstice? " Avarly asked appearing next to Elise.

Elise nodded vigorously, "That was amazing. Can I see all of the rituals? "

Avarly laughed,"I shall think on it. Your presence makes me happy.  I like to think of you as a friend."

Elise smiled and picked up a small cake off of a floating platter and popped it in her mouth. It exploded with so many rich flavors:  strawberry, honey, and rhubard.

"I think of you as my friend too. "

"Tell you what.  If you can keep this secret and never tell a soul of this place,  I will allow you to come back as often as you please.  Just as long as you ask of my permission first. " Avarly handed Elise a beautiful brass pendant in the shape of an acorn, "Wear this always.  I will be able to see if you spill the secret and you will be able to communicate with me as often as you like. Deal? "

Elise nodded, "Of course."

Avarly put the necklace on Elise and smiled, "Sleep now. "

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Yay another chapter down!! Only one more until we are at present day!!(:

Enjoyy!!!