RP:As The Veil Thins

Summary: The witch sisters, Lanara and Talyara, have their annual dumb supper for Samhain. This year they include their friends Callum and Meri, and encourage them to bring along an item that reminds them of someone they've lost, or a place that they held dear. Things don't go as expected, but there is hope for rectifying things in the future, regarding Callum and the bismuth skull.

Part of the Magic, Madness, and Mayhem Arc

Part of the Through A Glass, Darkly Arc

(Post 1 of 2) Samhain was Talyara’s favorite holiday. It always had been even when she was a little girl. Back then the whole village would prepare for one of their most sacred of holidays--decorating houses and shops alike, harvesting the last of their crops before winter descended upon them (for even in the perpetual autumn, they still followed the crop cycles). It began as the ninth month died, a month long set up for one of the most magical nights of the year. It was a time to burn bright fires and honor those who had passed. After all, the veil was always the thinnest on Samhain night. Education was halted in the tenth month and instead, Kuruni would send for Lanara at the academy to return home early, so that both her daughters could prepare not only their home but the community and sacred space where ritual would be held. As the high priestess of the coven, it was up to Kuruni to oversee the preparations. It was exhausting work but work she took immense pride in nonetheless. It was a special time of year for Talyara who was able to spend extra moments with her sister and mother, it was during Samhain when she really felt she had purpose. After the drow infiltrated their homeland and slaughtered her mother and countless others, Samhain became a dark time for Talyara. No longer a time for celebration, the young witch adopted it as a time for mourning for never again would she stand side-by-side with Lanara and Kuruni leading their coven in ritual. Even the prospect of a thinning veil was not desirable to Taly who harbored much guilt over the deaths of those in her village, especially her mother whose murder she had witnessed firsthand. To reconnect with them meant to dredge up painful memories of that horrible time and Talyara couldn’t, and wouldn’t bear that on her own.

(Post 2 of 2) Years passed and reconnections fostered. Lanara and Talyara found their way back to one another and new friends, witches and allies alike, were made! Talyara vowed to reclaim Samhain from the murky depths of her despair, and after everything that Lanara had been through, and other witches like Callum had, it seemed more important than ever to invoke their powers and be proud of who and what they were. While a full scale public ritual wasn’t feasible, a small intimate ceremony was, and Lanara and Talyara had sent invitations to Meri and Callum to join the sisters in the celebration of Samhain culminating in a dumb supper. It was something the girls had brought with them from Kelvar and something they were eager to share with their friends.

(Post 3 of 3) Talyara could hear Lanara bustling around in the kitchen as she prepared the feast they would share in silence in honor of those loved ones who had been lost. An excitable nervousness had overcome Taly as she worked in the dining room, setting the table and ambiance just right. One might argue that the scene was a macabre sight as black was the color of the evening. A black lace cloth had been lain against the dark wood of the dining room table with matching cotton napkins at each setting. Even the dinner plates, utensils, and glasses were all black to match the decor! The table was rectangular with a shrouded, high wingback chair occupying one of the shorter sides while opposite sat two smaller ones for the hostesses. The longer sides had two chairs a pieces as well, except only two had full settings--for Meri and Callum--while the others only had plates. Normally, a place setting would be granted for each deceased member of those gathering, but the dining room simply wasn’t large enough! So one chair was dedicated for Meri and Callum’s loved ones while the other was reserved for Taly and Lana’s. Talyara circled the table and placed an unlit, black votive candle atop each plate except for the head place setting (the one before the more ornate chair), the one to represent Deity, which received a white one. There were several black tapered candles in the middle of the table that would add some lighting to the dinner in addition to the illuminator candles which had been placed around the perimeter of the room. After stepping back to admire her work, Taly enters the kitchen to check on her sister. “The room is all set!” she beams. “I cleansed the area and said the appropriate prayers to make it a sacred space. The sage bundle is set to cleanse Meri and Callum before they enter the room when they arrive. We just need to light all the candles.” Talyara pauses in her excited babbling to sniff the fragrant air that permeates the small kitchen in the cottage just behind the animal sanctuary in Sage. “Do you need help with anything in here? It all smells delicious!”

(Post 1 of 2) Lanara stands before the stove, idly swirling the contents within a large pot, and seemingly lost in thought. Samhain was a holiday that sparked a mixture of emotions in the witch, and all that celebrated this sacred night. Loved ones that were lost were remembered, honored with a homemade meal which was eaten in silence, and if lucky, the dead would pay a visit! Perhaps it would be something small, such as a book falling from the shelf, or the sound of bell twinkling? Perhaps the candles would snuff out on their own accord, or a whisper would be heard in the ear of who the dead wished to deliver a message? Perhaps it would be something much more powerful, to truly capture ones attention? Or, maybe, no one would come at all this year? Having been alive for nearly two hundred years, Lana has witnessed others have remarkable experiences, and she’s been on the receiving end of a message more times than she could count. Kuruni, often visited her daughters, as she was a devout follower of the craft. Persephone, Taly and Lana’s deceased sister, had turned up a few times. And unfortunately, Thronnel tried to speak to Lanara last year, and that hadn’t gone over well. Would Scandal appear to one of them? She sincerely hopes so, as she frowns, and tears her gaze from the pot of beef stew, to glance at her pint sized sister, “I think I have it all under control, but if you want to slice the bread, that would be great!” A small smile is offered, as she can practically feel her sister’s excitable energy, and she tries to get more into the spirit. It had been a long couple of weeks, as she had been trying to prove her innocence, and although the trial was over, the jurors were still deliberating. Would this be her –final- Samhain? Would she be visiting her friends and family next year, when the veil was the thinnest? So many questions, so few answers, and her fate lay in the hands of mere strangers. Thankfully, Lunalesca removed the ankle monitor this morning, so that the witch could use her magic to the fullest, at least for today. She had to perform a handfasting for one of her best friends, and she wished to give the Goddess’ blessing on their union. Plus, should there have been any sort of attack at the ceremony or at the small cottage on this eve, she could defend herself as she wasn’t under the protection of Enchantment. “The wedding was lovely, wasn’t it?”

(Post 2 of 2) Lana ladles out the chunks of beef, potatoes, carrots, onions, tomatoes, and gravy, each into oversized bowls. She then takes the basket from Taly, which is filled to the brim with freshly baked sourdough bread, perfect for dipping into the hearty gravy of the stew. A bowl of tossed salad with balsamic vinaigrette is at the center of the table, resting beside a bowl of turnips, coated in a walnut and apple syrup. The place settings were enchanted to remain warm, so there’s no danger of the contents growing cold. A pitcher of apple cider is brought to the table next, along with a pitcher of ale, and one of spring water, as she wasn’t sure what each guest would prefer. She even made certain to use the seven staple ingredients in the Samhain meal, as was tradition. Everyone would taste a hint of rosemary, apple, allspice, nuts, turnip, seasonal vegetables, and grain, in each bite they took. “The table looks so beautiful, Taly!” Lana reappears in the small kitchen and wraps her arms loosely about her younger sibling, this time wearing a genuine smile, “It’s going to be a perfect night, and I’m so glad that Callum and Meri are coming! I suggested that they bring a homemade dessert along… But in case they forget, we have the pumpkin pie that you slaved over all morning! And I picked up the pumpkins for carving, too.” Lana eyes the sage stick and her eyes widen, “Ooh! You have to sage us, and the guests, Taly! Why don’t you do that, and before we eat, I will bless the food? Also… We have to put our items on the place setting, for those we wish to call here this night, if anyone wishes to visit. You told Cal and Meri to bring a personal effect, right?” She waits for an answer as she hears a knock at the door, “They’re here!” The giddy sisters move through the small cottage and open the door to greet their friends, “Blessed Samhain!"

Callum :: While the two sisters might have been ecstatic for their annual Samhain celebration, Cal was… very much on the opposite end of things. This would be only his second official witch gathering, though it wasn’t a very large gathering. Both him and Meri had gotten their invites for the dinner and Cal could only stare at it for a bit before he had shown it to the psion. “Maybe it’s a trick,” he’d said, his hesitation obvious. While Meri trusted the witches, Cal was still of the mind that maybe he was better off alone in the witch department. But, no. It wasn’t a trick and he would come to accept the invite for what it was: likely a genuine attempt to bring the four closer together, and maybe even a teaching experience for Cal when it came to witch things. With one problem down, another presented itself: what the hell sort of personal item was he going to bring? He hadn’t had much from the days when Catal was still… well… a thing and not the literal embodiment of hellfire and despair--and even then, very little made it off The Sunderia after Lionel and Brand had sunk the damned thing in a fiery blaze in Cenril’s harbor. The only reason he had -anything at all- was because he had to go back into the ocean himself and sort through the wreckage. He’d thanked all the gods that day, but it wouldn’t be often he’d do it after that. A comb made of cedar--stained and given a high-gloss finish to bring out the red hues--that Cal’s mother had given him (she might’ve been the one to encourage his vanity), a pruning knife given to him by his grandmother (she was the one that encouraged his botany, despite the fact that his father abhorred the thought of his son in such a lowly position when Cal clearly had skills in magic that exceeded the majority of his classmates at the academy)--the tool had a curved blade, sharpened on both sides, that folded into the mahogany handle like a pocket knife--that he still used to this day, and a trimming of his favorite plant from Catal, The Bells of Catal, had made it out “alive” from that disaster. Ultimately, Callum opted for the pruning knife, and a small clipping of the aforementioned Bells (which he has since grown and cross-pollinated several variations over the past couple of years!) prepared for the witch sisters in a small clay pot. This variation in particular sprouted not only the soft green flowers, but golden ones as well! When it was time to head out to Frostmaw, Cal was ready and not ready simultaneously and it was very obvious, at least to Meri anyway. Beyond the possibility of completely making a fool of himself with his lack of knowledge in the Craft and an attack from the witch hunters, there was even the chance that something might trigger his lycanthropy. Please, let this go okay? That would be great. “Hi. And likewise,” Cal said as the door was opened to let him and Meri in, trying to hide the discomfort his anxiety provided for him in massive amounts.

Much like Cal, this was also Meri's second experience with the holiday. She was just about as green in this area as her better half, if not more so. At least Cal maybe read something about it in his efforts to learn? Meri probably did not...because like, Meri...? Read a book? Obviously she knows how to and it has been known to happen from time to time....Anyway, that is a completely unrelated tangent. Meri had felt hopefully curious at the last Samhain ceremony she had tried to attend, and while her spirits were dashed in during that event, she has a more positive hope for tonight. She's more familiar with these two witches in particular and the concern that she might be judged is non-existent. She's almost glad they're having a more private ceremony. "It's not a trick, I am sure of it. Not this time." Meri and Cal arrive, the door is opened to let them in. Meri's outfit is a little different than the norm, Talyara is not the only one who is enjoying the aesthetic of the holiday, Meri has found a dress black in color and with a layer of lace. At present, she is looking like a blonde Morticia Addams. Despite the instructions to bring some sort of personal item, Meri seems to be the only one that has not brought anything. It was intentional, but not out of blatant disrespect. I mean...what does anyone present really know about Meri's past? Her past is a subject that Meri does not really bring up of her own accord, and when questioned about it she usually skirts around the heart of the matter with some sort of vague answer. It is highly likely that Meri does not have any tokens from her life before coming to these lands, people don't avoid talking about their pasts because they’re pleasant after all. Then again, if she has any sort of trinkets, it is also plausible the items were left behind because Meri is convinced that any encounter with any spirits from her past would not have anything kind to impart. Let's not ruin the dumb supper with angry spirits. Despite coming without any items, the blonde does not come empty handed. Cal has the pruning of his favorite flowers, potted and ready to grow to gift the witch sister's. Meri? She's got a bottle of wine clutched within her grasp. "Heeeey, thanks for inviting us. I brought wine. Hopefully it pairs nicely with dinner, or you know...whatever them snooty wine-o's say." Meri smirks.

Talyara gives Lanara a dazzling smile before moving towards the counter and unwrapping a cloth to reveal a fresh loaf of crusty bread--perfect for the hearty stew that the elder witch had prepared. Pulling a serrated knife from the block she begins to cut thick slices before placing the still warm bread into an elegant basket. She could feel Lanara's underlying anxieties, and there were moments that Taly wanted to give into them as well; however, she was stubborn in her belief that her sister would be deemed innocent and free to continue her life. Talyara was determined that the only way she would be spending the following Samhain with Lanara would be much like they were doing tonight. To speak the "what if" scenarios would be to give them power, so she refused to acknowledge them. She is likewise wondering who might visit them this evening. Kuruni was a usual visitor and perhaps Persephone would grant them her company as well! Would Scandal come to visit? Would he even know that it was a possibility given the fact that he was not a witch nor familiar with the craft himself? "It was beautiful! Khitti was gorgeous as ever, Brand was handsome, and Dominic was so cute!" Talyara gushes, grinning at her sister over her shoulder when she asks about the wedding. "You performed a wonderful ceremony, Lana. Mother would have been so proud of you." Being the high priestess in their coven, it normally fell on Kuruni to perform handfastings within their village. Once the bread is all sliced, Taly hands over the basket to her sister who carries the food out to the dining room table, and sets to work placing dishes in the washing basin and adding some soap to the warm water. She doesn't get far in her cleaning when Lanara returns and wraps her in a tight embrace, complimenting the ambiance of the adjacent room. "Thank you! I needed to make the perfect showcase for your delicious meal!" she beams, returning the hug. "I haven't made a pumpkin pie in years," she adds with a laugh. "I almost forgot how to make it! Did you notice the altar as well? It's simple because I didn't want to take away from the table, but I thought it might be nice to place any other offerings we have tonight there, and then we can give the libations back to the earth later tonight once Callum and Meri have left." As Talyara washes the used dishes she nods her head at Lanara's questions--yes she had done what was asked. In seemingly no time at all there is a knock at the door and, wiping her hands free of soapy water, the younger witch excitedly follows her sister to the door. "Blessed Samhain!" she echoes Lanara, pulling both her guests into a brief hug if they would allow it. The clay pot of flowers is taken in hand and her green eyes widen at their delicate beauty. "These are gorgeous," she says emphatically, showing them to Lana before stepping aside so the door could be closed. "I don't recognize them! What are they? By the way, I love the dress Meri," she adds with a wink. Lana, being the mistress of the food this evening, is presented with the wine, and she invites the others to join them in the small living room. "Of course! We're so glad you guys could join us! Please, have a seat, make yourselves comfortable. I thought maybe Lana and I could explain a bit about what we were planning to do this evening so we are all on the same page?" Taking a seat on the couch she waits for the others to do the same before gesturing towards the dining room. "We will be eating in there, and sharing in a dumb supper, which means it will be a silent affair until we are done with the food. There is a place setting for each of us, as well as one for Deity, and lastly one for the spirits who wish to join us. As you may or may not know, Samhain is the day that the veil between the planes is thinnest. Before we enter, I will sage all of us to cleanse our bodies and auras and Lana will say a blessing over the food." Turning to her sister, Taly would wait for her to explain about the items that they brought (at least in Callum's case) as well as the other activities they had planned for the evening aside from dinner.

Lanara had kept busy since they arrived back in Sage, in order to keep her mind off of what had happened at the reception. The ceremony went smoothly, Khitti and Brand both looked fantastic, and the entire wedding was held in the most picturesque of landscapes. However… A trio of robed wedding crashers had ended the celebration earlier than intended, the bride and maid of honor were attacked, and for the first time in nearly a year, Lanara had used her magic to defend her sister, a spider, and two children. One thing was for certain… The union of Khitti and Brand was one she would –never- forget! Her gaze lingers on Meri for a moment, as she knows anything Shadow Plane related sent the blonde back to a darker time, but this evening she looks eager to put the day behind her and focus on the dumb supper. Lana is relieved, as she didn’t want any negativity to tarnish this festive occasion, and she quickly takes the bottle of wine and places it atop the dining table. Talyara is doing an excellent job in describing how each of them would be cleansed, and then have to remain silent for the duration of their meal and she nods in agreement. They had done this nearly two hundred times, after all, so Taly had the rules down pat! As the focus turns to her, Lana smiles, “The items that you’ve brought to remember a loved one should be placed atop the chair, at the place reserved for the deceased that wish to join us this evening. You may see something, hear a message, or perhaps just get the feeling of someone’s presence nearby… Over the years many things have happened to Taly or I, or we’ve witnessed visitations… Such as feeling a hand on your shoulder, something symbolic appearing upon your plate, the twinkling of chimes, lights flickering, that sort of thing. It will be personal to –you- as you’re the one that is being visited… Meri, I see that you haven’t brought anything along with you to call upon a spirit, and that is fine… Sometimes if you focus enough with your mind, they will visit. Or… You are welcome to just observe and learn more about how witches celebrate Samhain. This is a judgment free zone so please before and after the meal, feel free to ask –any- questions about anything, or ask for help in figuring out what a ‘message’ means, should you receive one… Don’t feel that you –have- to share, either, unless you’re comfortable.” Lanara places an orange collar atop the chair, likely belonging to a canine, “This was Tanner’s… He was the dog that Largakh and I shared, and he was killed by the witch hunters last year.” Next, she places a small snow-globe beside the collar, “This was a gift to me from Scandal, our adopted brother, who recently passed. The little cottage and the leaves? That’s our home in Kelvar… Perhaps this will call to Kuruni, our mother, or Scandal.” Before her items are placed on the seat, Taly feathers the smoke from the sage over them, so they are cleansed also! The witch waits for Callum and Taly to share what they’ve brought, and watches as each item is purified and placed, before they all rise to be cleansed. Once Lana passes through the shade, she stands before the entrance into the kitchen and lifts her palms upwards and closes her eyes, “Tonight is the night we honor you, when our worlds meet, and the veil thins. To the spirits of our loved ones past, we ask you to join us, on this blessed Samhain night. We ask you to feast with us, and we thank you for always watching, guiding, and protecting us. We’ve met merrily, we’ve parted merrily, and we have high hopes that we will meet again merrily! Once this bell chimes three times we will begin our meal, and we bid our loves ones on the otherside to join us and make their presence known.” Lana’s eyes open and she lifts a small crystal bell, which she rings thrice, before placing it atop an end table. She crosses into the kitchen, stares at the table meant for the deceased and mutters a small prayer in Sylvan for those that have passed that she held dear, before she takes her seat. Once everyone follows suit, Lana would give a nod, and they all can begin to eat in silence.

Cal just watched as the two sister witches bubbled over with excitement like a full cauldron, but his anxiety only worsened. They’ve done this before--many times, in fact. Things should be fine… right? There’s a brief, awkward glance towards Meri as the dinner is described, as well as the possibility for a “visitation” by someone in the afterlife. The fact that Meri had nothing with her besides the wine and herself was pointed out, and Callum was quick to speak up for her. She had not been treated well that day in Rynvale, with the other witches, and even though it was made known that this was a judgment free zone, he was still of the mind to defend his woman, “Not all of us have material possessions from where we came from. The few I have would still be at the bottom of Cenril’s harbor if I didn’t have the magic to help myself breathe underwater.” Ocean-blue eyes shifted briefly towards the potted plant, a head-tilt given in its direction, “The plant is from Catal also. Managed to keep the original clipping alive during my time at sea, and kept it alive long enough to sprout more, once I found a place here. It’s called the Bells of Catal. It’s not quite like the original, as I’ve done some cross-pollinating, but…” The Catalian just shrugged, letting his thought end there. “And this was a gift from my grandmother,” he said, handing over the well-used pruning knife to be purified. “She was the only one that supported my love of botany. I’ve a comb from my mother as well, but… I don’t particularly fancy hearing from her--or my father and sister--again, in this life or the next, so I didn’t bring it.” He’d never be able to be sure if his family had actually made it out of the destruction of his homeland. He hadn’t particularly cared either, but the prospect of his father, of all people, just showing up in Lithrydel and finding where Cal lived, might be one of those things that haunted Cal in the wee hours of the night/morning while he slept. “So, uh…” Cal scratched the back of his head awkwardly, “How… often do the dead actually try to speak to you… during this dinner?” He shot another awkward glance towards Meri, “Do they ever actually try to stick around or…?” Meri, please help. Your fiance can’t manage to say that he knows little to nothing about the dead/undead and that it sort of freaks him out because he’s embarrassed. Too late though, he supposed. He was already here and the dinner was about to start. He’d breathe in the smell of that burning sage rather deeply, then let it all out in a sigh. Cal would take his place at the table next to Meri, watched as Lanara said the prayer and rang the bell three times. It’s then, when the time has come to be absolutely silent, that Cal realized he probably should’ve asked directions to the washroom -just in case-. But alas, that time has come and gone. Now the roguish witch that was seated at this table, whose silver tongue was the key to his riches and the intel that needed to be gathered at times, could not speak. And inside, he wept. Because Callum was a vain creature and loved to hear himself talk.

Meri :: "Thank you!" she says first to Talyara, listening to her description of how the dinner will unfold. It is for this reason that Meri does not fully register Lanara bringing attention to the fact that she did not bring any items, her mind was turning over the various rules that seemed to present themselves. Like, no talking during the dumb supper. It was at this moment that Meri was beginning to realize 'dumb supper' meant something else entirely. This is a first for Meri, she legit thought everyone was calling their supper stupid. She is also legit never going to admit that. Given that the blonde has just puzzled out this detail, Cal speaking for her on this behalf is probably a good thing as it takes a moment for her to recollect her thoughts. When she does she reaches for Callum's hand to give it a reassuring squeeze. "Cal's point is fairly accurate in my case. Much like him, I got here by ship...I just arrived a couple of years before he did." Meri releases her hold on Callum's hand. "And before that...I was on another ship. And then another ship...And so on." A detail that is not really surprising. Meri's tattoos are a good demonstration of her fondness for the sea. Or they would be if they were not currently partially masked by the lace sleeves of her dress. The blonde pauses a moment. "I do have a tattoo as a way to remember them but...Well my parents passed when I was young as did my brother. Life as an orphan, you don't always get to keep much." Needless to say, Meri has worked hard to get where she is. Sometimes it is honest work, like tattooing....Sometimes she does crazier things. There was a reason Khitti thought to call for Meri's help when it came to bank robbing. The blonde pauses a moment so that she can reveal this tattoo in particular, which located in a place that probably sucked to get a tattoo: the side of her neck. Blonde hair is pulled back to reveal a dagger that seems to be stabbed into the flesh of neck. On said dagger, down the blade, are initials. Three of them. Presumably her parents and her brother. Cal asked an important question, Meri wanted to know the answer. She definitely had numerous questions herself, but they'd wait until after. Perhaps some of them would be answered during the course of things. Meri settles into the spot that was dedicated for her so that the group can enjoy the silent dinner. Though...It's easy to be silent when the food is good, no?

(Post 1 of 2) Like Lanara, Talyara had been hyper focused on preparing for this evening's dumb supper--not just because it was an important holy day for witches but she was also trying to distract herself from the events of that afternoon. Of course she was thrilled to have been a part of Khitti and Brand's wedding, to be a witness of their commitment to one another, but the trio of undead witches who crashed the party were better off being forgotten. When the time comes to present their items to place at the empty chair and Cal comes to Meri's defense, Talyara quickly interjects to hopefully put them both at ease. "Of course! You don't have to worry about bringing any items, Meri. Lana and I don't have much from our hometown either. After the drow took over Kelvar, they destroyed most of our belongings. And it's completely valid if you don't want any visitors this evening either. We just wanted to share a bit of our practices with you and you both are welcome to participate and observe as much or as little as you want." Taly hadn't understood why certain witches hadn't been very welcoming to the psion the last time and she was familiar with Callum's unsavory feelings towards the craft in general. While she hoped they would both be comfortable with the sisters, she could completely empathize with any lingering anxieties. Clearing her throat, Talyara reaches into her pocket to pull out her own items. "This is just a scrap, really, a piece of my favorite blanket we had growing up. It was embroidered with different crystals and I would always use it so it became known as 'Taly's blanket'. I'm hoping it will draw our mother here, and maybe even our older sister Persephone." Wrapped in the worn piece of fabric is a smooth chunk of ruby. "This ruby was given to me by Scandal. His death is the freshest, but I'm hoping he might visit us this evening."

(Post 2 of 2) Moving towards the entrance of the dining room, Talyara picks up a colorful abalone shell and a beautiful hawk feather. Waving the feather quickly over the burning sage within the shell to increase the amount of smoke, the witch would approach each person in turn, wafting the smoke over and around their bodies so that she may cleanse them. She listens to Cal's questions about potential visitors, and while she can sense some underlying anxiety there, she answers nonchalantly as if she doesn't notice. "While the veil is the thinnest today making it easier for those on the other side to visit, it's important to remember that they are just visiting. This is still -our- plane so we control it. If someone comes to visit that you don't wish to see or the experience is becoming too overwhelming, simply tell the spirits to leave you alone." Talyara's gaze flicks from Meri to Callum and her lips twitch into a reassuring smile. "Sometimes they can sense your hesitation so their visit may be brief, just something to let you know that they are there. Sometimes they talk away and you have to remind them to move on. Our sister Persephone is known to be a chatterbox," she says with a chuckle. When it comes time to cleanse Meri, Taly notes the tattoo on the side of her neck and grins. "That's as good as any item," she assures her friend before adding. "I'll need to have you tattoo me soon, if you're willing, of course." Assuming there are no more questions, Taly would cleanse Lanara and lastly herself before following her sister into the room, placing her items in the appropriate chair, bowing her head as the blessing is spoken, and finally takes her seat. She allows the others to divvy out their food first before taking a hefty portion for herself and pouring a glass of wine. Despite having done this for many years, it's still awkward to start--sharing a meal with close friends and family but being gagged by the rules of the ritual. Several minutes have passed without fanfare when something in the corner of the room catches Talyara's eye. Naturally, she doesn't speak, but the others might sense the visitor as well based on the little witch's lingering gaze at an otherwise blank expanse of wall and the slight drop in temperature.

Lanara wasn’t one to walk on eggshells, but she truly hadn’t meant to offend Meri, not in the slightest. She is about to offer an apology to the couple when her sister rises to her defense, and she gives a curt nod and a simple smile. Some were sensitive about the craft, and knowing the little she did about Callum and Meri’s past, her expression softens. Talyara and Lanara hailed from a land where magic was embedded into their every movement, and if you weren’t a practice of the craft, you weren’t accepted as easily as a true witch. She feels for the psion, but she’s in the best of company as the sisters didn’t judge anyone, aside from the occasional undead or an ill-mannered harlot. Lithrydel seemed to have an abundance of those! Being unable to speak during the meal is mildly bothersome, so thankfully it’s just once a year that this tradition is held. Lana nearly comments on the stew, but she manages to hold her tongue at the last minute. It needed a little more salt. The rest of the meal is delicious, and the witch senses the drop in temperature, but something tells her that this particular visitor is for Taly’s eyes only. One would know when their kin was present and bearing a message meant for them, so she pats her sister on the hand and continues to dine. They’re halfway through the meal when the touch of an icy hand is felt atop Lana’s shoulder, and she expectantly lifts her head, but no one that can be seen with the naked eye is present. Curious, she glances at Taly who is still staring at the wall, Meri who is enjoying her meal, and Cal who seems to be holding a few questions but otherwise is observing this new experience. Nothing is amiss, yet a shiver runs down her spine and she clenches her jaw. This wasn’t Scandal, Kuruni, or Persephone, but someone who she never wished to hear from again. As soon as Lana mentally thinks of the twisted male, she hears his voice as clear as day in her ear, his ghost lips pressed against her lobe with an unearthly coldness that has her jerking her head away. Upon hearing his words, the witch grows red in the face and lifts her hand as if dismissing Thronnel from their table. She mouths, ‘Be gone! Don’t come back!’ Instantly, the air around her frame grows warmer and Lana no longer wears an uneasy expression, though her eyes are moist with unshed tears. She hadn’t summoned him, but he had shown up, with a message nearly as twisted as his existence had been years ago. Lana remains silent for the rest of the meal, and it’s as she’s sipping the remainder of her wine that the tag on Tanner’s collar begins to jingle on its own accord. A smile creeps across those lush lips as the witch keeps a watchful eye on the chair meant for the deceased.

Just… tell them to go away? That was it? Meri would get yet another look of doubt at this bit of info, but Cal would ultimately keep his mouth shut. The dinner began and Cal would work his way through the stew. It definitely met his approval because the Catalian wolfed it down quickly. Well, not so quickly that he hadn’t used any manners whatsoever. He might be a werewolf now, but he was still civilized, damn it! Both Lanara and Talyara have their visitors and while one is… rather unpleasant and the other just a pup, Callum was greeted by someone much more sinister. More evil than Thronnel? Oh yes. See, the thing about that pruning knife is that Cal had used it on more than just his garden. In an attempt to work whatever sort of witch magic he had on the tree that that other Catalian, Caiburne, had turned into after Cal killed him, Cal had taken small cuttings from the bark. Things had not worked out the way he’d wanted it of course--his faith in the Craft was not quite as up there as the witch sisters’. With those cuttings came the magical residue from a creature such as Caiburne had been turned into (for the uninitiated, Caiburne had been resurrected and twisted into some sort of plant-man by He Who Shall Not Be Named. No, not Voldemort. I mean Kahran), and magic residue wasn’t the type of thing to just wash off like plant matter. To make matters worse, Caiburne’s spirit was still very much tethered to this world, thanks to that tree that Meri, and now Talyara, knew about. But had Cal known this? Nah. The thought hadn’t crossed his mind. It still hadn’t crossed his mind even as a feeling of something crawling up his leg alerted him. He shrugged it off, blamed it on the heebie-jeebies that Lanara and Talyara’s ghostly visitors, but soon that feeling was around his throat. Even if talking had been allowed during the dumb supper, Callum wouldn’t be able to cry for help. He wouldn’t be able to tell them just who had visited Callum all the way up here in Frostmaw. He’d been the only one to even physically see Caiburne, on both occasions that the Catalian’s had crossed paths. The vengeful spirit had not been kind in either of his lives, and his unlife was no different now as Callum was ever so carefully pulled out of his chair and left dangling thanks to the unseen, spectral vines wrapped around his neck. He looked akin to a criminal hanging from a noose, albeit with his hands free--not that they did him any good. Over and over in his head he kept saying the same mantra ‘Go away! Go away! Go away!’ but so far, it hadn’t seemed to work.

Fortunately enough, Meri does not really take offense nor does she feel out of place at this dinner and the situation is pretty quickly diffused. Everyone can enjoy their meal! Well. They attempt to at least. There is a definitely drop in the temperature, Meri cannot avoid noticing that. It's at this point that her eyes begin to flit about the table, trying to figure out if something was going to happen. Ghosts come when it gets cold, right? The blonde tries to not make it super obvious she is watching everyone, but given how silent it is right now...it's how to not notice every little detail. There were two options right now: eat or observe. Meri, as blonde as she was, could actually manage to do both. Was Talyara witnessing something? Meri could not be certain. It was more obvious to when Lanara was receiving a visitor. An unwelcome one at that? Less obvious to her was that Callum was at present evidently being strangled by a "dear friend" who just can't seem to drop his obsession with the poor Catalian. With telekinesis being the focus of Meri's psionic abilities, it is the actual physical world that the psion can sense and influence. Anything beyond that is just lost to her. So it's no surprise that Meri does not realize that Callum is in trouble until he is literally dangling in the air. Unfortunately, she's at a loss of what to do. Using her abilities to try and lower Callum back to the ground? She had a feeling it would not be nearly as effective as hoped, but she could not sense where this bad guy was coming from. Was it a spirit? It had to be. Meri is looking to Lanara and Talyara right now and she is looking like she is very close to breaking that no speaking rule. It is sorely tempting to let panic get the better of her and to start shouting 'do something'....because for a change Meri is not sure what to stab or punch at right now. Girls, halp.

Talyara's head quirks to the side as she continues to stare into the corner, the hairs on her arm standing on end. She could sense someone was there but it wasn't a familiar spirit. She waits for the figure to manifest a bit more clearly and she is surprised to see a woman standing there--beautiful yet strong in her demeanor. Her pearly, spirit shimmer didn't mask the blonde sheen of her hair and there was something about her features that seemed familiar. Taly furrows her brow in confusion--this wasn't Kuruni or Persephone or any relative or friend of hers that she could place. The spirit of the woman suddenly smiles and it is then that Talyara realizes who she is and she's so overcome with emotion that her eyes begin to shine with tears. She continues to stare at her visitor in awe and wonderment as she approaches the little witch and speaks closely to her ear, delivering a message only she can hear. Talyara sniffles and a few rogue tears escape from her eyes and drip down her cheeks. She is so distracted by her own guest that she is unaware of Lanara's discomfort and distress at the visitation from their awful father, Thronnel. She was also oblivious to the delicious meal her sister had prepared and her stew was growing cold, barely touched since the ghostly figure appeared in the corner. The truth was it wasn't until poor Callum was suddenly dragged from his seat and dangled from the ceiling like a piece of fruit ready for plucking that she's jolted from her own little bubble. Green eyes widen in horror and Talyara is moving instinctively before she can even comprehend what she's doing. The witch pushes back from her chair so fast it topples over and her visitor disappears as quickly as smoke up a flue. She rushes to the small altar where the gifted flowers had been placed and she takes up a blade. The hilt was made of knotted metal and a smooth sapphire stone embedded on the tip of the handle. The blade was a black as the evening sky and was quite adept at cutting and slicing through energy. Taly is thankful the ceiling of her cottage isn't too high because she's rather on the short side. Clamoring atop the table and nearly tripping over the bread basket, Talyara begins to swipe at the unseen spirit holding Callum hostage with her athame, holding the magical blade imbued with her light magic would connect with the negative entity and free her friend. She continues to jump and thrust her blade so aggressively that she inadvertently kicks over Meri's bowl, sending it off the side of the table where it shatters on the ground.

Lanara and Talyara have a unique bond and some may have noticed the matching runic symbol on their inner wrists, but of course, unless one was part of their bloodline, it wouldn’t mean anything significant. It’s used as a tracking device, enables the sister’s to communicate with each other via telepathy, and it strengthens their magic when they are within each other’s presence. Due to this, Lana merely has to squint and feel the energy of the woman to know that Talyara’s visitor is more of a friend than a foe. She cannot hear the whisper, nor can she place the blonde woman, but she’s certain that something meaningful is passing betwixt her sister and the spirit. Why couldn’t Lanara have had a nice visitor, even a stranger, instead of her twisted father?! If this weren’t a high holiday, the brunette would have scoffed, but she knows better than to make a sound at the sacred table. It’s then that a gasp is heard, and Lana glances to the right, her chocolate hues as large as the bowl that clatters to the floor and shatters into a thousand pieces. Poor Meri wasn’t even finished with her stew! The witch is about to tell her little sister to calm down, there was enough theatrics this morning at the wedding, however, it’s when Taly brandishes an energy-severing dagger that she knows something is amiss. Lanara hadn’t paid much attention to Callum or Meri during the meal, as she was so focused on her two visitors and wanted to afford them their privacy. The urge to call out to Callum and Meri to remain quiet is great, but Lana knows that the circle is strongest when unbroken, so she keeps silent and lifts a finger to her lush lips to tell the psion not to panic. Rising to her feet, the witch tries to see who or what is holding onto Callum, but it’s to no avail as they don’t have that innate connection like with her sibling. How could she fight an invisible intruder? Also… The dead weren’t capable of this! Had Callum brought an object of a living person? Lanara eyes the chair that’s been designated for the deceased, wondering if it was the boline or the plant that could be the culprit, but for now she doesn’t touch either object. All the elder witch does is moves nearer to Meri, and place a reassuring palm to her shoulder, as she motions that Talyara is doing what needs to be done, and it’s best that they don’t step on her toes. If Taly should falter, Lana would step in, but for now she’s happy to let her sister take the reins.

With Talyara’s quick efforts, Callum was dropped back into his chair, though not before Caiburne’s spirit had anything to say about it. Don’t you forget about me. Don’t, don’t, don’t, don’t. He’d been singing. Singing a song from a play in Catal called The Lunch Club that’d been about a bunch of teenagers in detention at their mage school. Callum only knew this because A. he’d been REALLY into musicals as a kid and B. he really related a bit with the jock of the bunch because his own dad had been a frakking jerk too. Apparently, Caiburne also liked this musical. Whatever the real reason for this whole debacle was, it was clear that the mad alchemist was taunting Cal, reminding him that he did indeed still exist, even if just in spirit. In a tree. Outside his house. Waiting for the day that -maybe- Cal would frak something up and let Caiburne loose. Once Cal was promptly placed back into his seat, he’d draw in a decent amount of air to refill his poor lungs while also trying to keep himself quiet. His eyes were practically bugging out of his head at this point as he looked between the three ladies in the room with him. He then looked down at his dinner. Stared at it for what seemed like forever. And then he just started eating it. Yes. Moving on now. Sorry, everyone. Nothing to see here. He’d thank Talyara later. Tell them all who it was. Best to keep on with the dinner so as not to rile up anymore spirits.

While Meri was appreciative of Talyara's efforts and Lanara's supports? Talyara may have kicked over Meri's stew in the process, but really that as no big deal as far as the blonde concerned. The way that this dramatic moment finds its end leaves Meri feeling particularly frustrated. Perhaps her frustration is misplaced, perhaps not...but her perception is that she literally just sat there watching Cal be strangled by something entirely unknown to her. Cal was placed back into his chair and then proceeds to eat his stew, acting like nothing happened....Which causes Meri a considerable amount of upset. Sure, something just strangled Cal. He's shaken up. Rightfully so. But so is Meri, because hello...? She didn't ask Cal to marry her because she hates him and wants him dead? It's harder for Meri to return to just pretend like this did not happen. She's too bothered by what she just witnessed...also she has no stew. It was kicked off the table, probably spilling onto her chair. Which means...She can't just sit back down. She'll get stew on her dress. At a loss of what to do and presently feeling like another ghost in the room, the blonde joins the departing spirits. She wordlessly turns and begins to walk out of the room. As tough a cookie as Meri tries to be, even the blonde has her limits. She is ready to just nope right out of the rest of the day.

Talyara is buzzing with adrenaline so palpable that her skin tingles with it. The agilities she performed to not only grab the athame but jump on the table and hack at the spirit strangling Cal coupled with the quick turn around of said nefarious being releasing her fellow witch who drops back to his chair and continues eating is dizzying. With significantly less grace, Taly hops from the table and slips on a shard of ceramic from the broken bowl, having to overcorrect her steps to keep her balance and prevent herself from toppling over. Her chest heaves with breath, her athame still clutched tightly in her left hand as her eyes first land on Callum, to ensure he is indeed alright (or as alright as he can be considering), then to her sister who is given a significant look (she had -never- seen a spirit act this way during a dumb supper in all her years), and finally to Meri. She feels badly about the broken bowl of stew and she is just about to silently offer the psion her own unbroken vessel when the blonde suddenly stands and moves towards the door. The little witch is quick to follow and place a placating hand on her friend's shoulder. Hoping Meri would meet her eye, Taly would do her best to communicate her apologies--this was certainly not what the witch sisters had intended or expected when they invited the couple over for some Samhain festivities! She gesticulates back towards the table where dinner is nearly over, silently inviting Meri to rejoin them with a tentative smile. Still, Taly cannot begin to fathom how the psion must be feeling so as much as she hopes she will rejoin them at the table, the witch would use her athame to cut a door in their circle allowing Meri to leave safely while still protecting those who remained within if she so wished.

Lanara cared about Callum, it’s evident in the way the film of moisture clings to her eyes, and the sigh of relief that escapes her mouth, once the storm witch is returned to his chair. She swivels to look at her little sister, too, because she’d never been more proud of Taly, than in this very moment. More often than not, it was up to Lanara to perform the offensive and defensive magic, while Talyara would take a backseat and protect those nearby or perform healing magic. It wasn’t that one witch was more powerful than the other, it just reflected in their personality types, and sort of unfolded that way, since they were little. This was one of those rare moments where the sisters reversed their Goddess-given roles, and where they didn’t even need to speak to know what needed to be done. Taly cuts the door for Meri to step through, and Lanara is quick on the psion’s heels, to follow. A furtive glance is given to her sister over her shoulder, the words, ‘close the circle’ mouthed, before she finds Meri in the living room. Without words, Lanara takes hold of Meri’s hand and escorts her to the sofa, where she speaks in hushed tones, “It’s safe to speak now, since Taly cut us a door and we have left the circle. She is seeing to Callum… I didn’t step in, because she knew what to do, and there was only one athame which to sever the imaginary cord. I have full confidence in my sister’s abilities, as much as I do in my very own…” Lana glances to the right, choosing her next words carefully, “I think that Callum needs some serious guidance, regarding his powers, and his connection to the Goddess and the craft. I have offered my services in the past, and I know that Taly would help him too, if he desired for us to teach him together, or preferred her teachings over mine. But… I saw that helpless look in your eyes, and I know you’re worried about your fiancé, and the father of Fleur. I also know that this should –not- have happened at a normal Dumb Supper, and that it wasn’t done on purpose… But I believe that one of the items Callum brought, despite being cleansed, may not have been from someone that perished, as least not by normal means?” Lanara doesn’t wait to see if her words ring true, she could have been wrong but usually her instincts were right, “I think it would be best if you tried to convince Cal to seek tutelage under another witch… Even if it’s not Taly or myself, or even anyone we know, but I think it would be safest for him. Also… I know that much of what we do can seem confusing at time, so please, don’t hesitate to ever ask questions. You’re always welcome in our group, and if you want to study the craft along with Cal, or even just by yourself… We’d be happy to teach you, too.” Her words are genuine as she consolingly rubs Meri’s shoulder, feeling it was more of a disconnect with witchcraft more than the strangeness of what just happened. “Taly should be done closing the circle now, so why don’t we go and have dessert? We’ll all be able to chat now, and if you want more stew, there’s plenty to go around for more helpings!” Lana is hopeful that she’s coaxed Meri back into the kitchen, but if the psion refuses to budge from the sofa, she will head in there by herself. Either way, she proceeds to clean up the stew and the pieces of the broken bowl, as she locks eyes with Callum, “You doing okay?”

The Catalian watched out of the corner of his eye as Meri got up and walked away. Watched as Talyara stopped her and made it safe for Meri to leave the area if she wished to. Listened to Lanara as she went on about how this wasn’t normal, about how he needed a teacher. He’d just shake his head at Lanara’s question of how he was feeling, get up, and go into the living room as well, finding himself a seat there for the time being. “He’ll never leave me alone,” Callum said at length, sort of staring off into space. “The one in the tree, that I told you about, Talyara.” Hardly anyone knew about Caiburne, so he might as well finally come out and say it, right? “I got my bismuth skull in Rynvale. There was a mad alchemist there in Fog Forest, near where we’d had that witch meeting. Long story short, I killed him. He was the first person I’d ever actually killed.” A faint chuckle left Cal’s lips, “Turned out he was Catalian too; he’d brought it with him from Catal on one of the many ships that’s come here over the years. I thought that was the end of it. It -was- the end of it. There was no way in all seven hells he would’ve lived through that because the skull helped me do it. But then the day I went to go meet with Valrae, the last time I saw her, he found me again as I was on my way home. He was nearby doing gods’ knows what and the skull called out to him. He’d put a bit of his own self into that skull, I think. I did some research on bismuth and it turns out it doesn’t come out of the ground looking all rainbow-y like that. It needs to be altered a bit alchemically and… well… you can put two and two together there.” He sighed heavily, ran a hand through his hair, trying to regain some sort of semblance of sanity--he was a lot more shook-up than he let on. “He was undead. Made into some sort of plant freak by Kahran. I fought him then too. Called on the power of the bismuth skull. My vines pulled him down to the ground and hardened around him, eventually creating an odd sort of stump. I thought that was it then too. So I started actually trying to use witchcraft then. Tried as many protection spells as I could to keep him in there. It never worked. It grew. The goddamn thing kept growing. I took all sorts of cuttings from that tree with that knife, for the protection spells, and eventually I used a spell to protect -it- from -me-. Things felt different. Safer. But it kept growing until it finally didn’t. All this happened during the time Meri and I were split up. I had kept up on maintaining the spell daily. But… we’ve been so busy with everything else lately--dealing with our lycanthropy, Meri researching for that amulet… I’ve not kept up with the spell in months.” There was another shaky sigh from him before he continued, “He was singing to me… just now. A song from a play in Catal. Singing as his vines wrapped around my throat and pulled me up.” Tears lined Cal’s eyes, threatening to spill despite being in the presence of two people he wasn’t quite used to showing that sort of emotion to. They ultimately would spill over and Cal put his face in his hands, “Meri found out that he’s the reason why Khitti and Brand are dealing with those plant freaks in the Shadow Plane. He made them. Likely made others that didn’t survive. Before I killed him again. I don’t know how to stop him… I don’t know how to make him go away. He won’t let me forget him. Please… help me.” Ever the delicate male, Cal continued to cry. He could only keep up that facade of being “okay” for so long after something like that. The last time he’d turned to milk of the poppy and that wasn’t an option now, not with Fleur and Meri back with him.

Had Lanara not taken her hand and lead her toward the sofa in the living room, there was a high probability that Meri would have completely exited the building. How far would she have gone? Just far enough to allow her to chain smoke in peace. This is not what happens though, Meri is instead led to the couch. Lanara attempts to comfort her but it does not really do much to put Meri back into a calm state. Internally, Meri agrees with Lanara. Cal really does need to have a chance to further hone his abilities, they have just not been able to make that happen. Every attempt thus far as fallen through. Really, she was not sure what else to contribute on that front. And that's fine, she didn't have to. Cal regains composure enough that he is able to join Lanara and Meri in the living room, and tell his story. The woman frowns as she listens to the retelling. It's a frown that is inspired for many reasons, many of them surrounding the fact that she is not pleased Cal has to be dealing with it at all. "I mean...I tried to help, even when we were broken up." It did not go well, not well at all....and Cal did make his choice that day. Despite his choice, Meri -still- wanted to help, they'd just lost one option to try and resolve it. Maybe that was for the better though, Meri was not sure she trusted that...whatever her name was anyway. Mulwitch. Close enough. "Obviously this would take priority over any stupid amulet." But after how the last time went, she figured she would let Cal speak up when he finally wanted help. She just never assumed it would take this much prompting to ask for it. At least he finally was. And now he was crying. Meri was still upset with this entire situation, but she managed to put her own upset aside so that she can slide into a seat next to the crying Catalian. The woman attempts to take hold of his hand and give a squeeze.

Talyara does not make any attempt to keep Meri in the room--this wasn't a hostage situation, the psion and Callum were free to leave any time they wished. Lanara's significant glance and her silently mouthing to close the circle is met with a nod and she pauses to allow Cal to exit the dining room to join the other women. Talyara closes the door before doubling her grip on the athame in her left hand and stands in the center of the room with her hands extended over her head towards the ceiling and begins the ending portion of the ritual. "Lady of the Moon, protectress and creator of us all, I thank you for being with us this Samhain night. Go in power, dear Lady, hail and farewell. Lord of the sun, consort of our Lady and creator of us all, I thank you for being with us this Samhain night. Go in power, dear Lord, hail and farewell. Blessed be." Talyara approaches the northern quarter of the room and draws a pentacle in midair as she recites, "Guardians of the North, Ancient Ones of the Earth, I thank you for your presence here this Samhain evening and for protecting us in our circle. Go in power, Guardians. Hail and farewell. Blessed be." Talyara moves in turn to the other quarters, drawing the pentacle, and releasing them with similar words. Guardians of the East,Ancient Ones of Air. Guardians of the South. Ancient Ones of Fire. Guardians of the West. Ancient Ones of Water. When the protectors of the elements have been released, Taly sets to work taking down the circle. Once more, the little witch starts in the north and moves widdershins (counter clockwise) until she ends back where she started. "The circle is open but never broken. Nothing but love has come here--" for the most part, "--and nothing but love has left here, so mote it be. Merry meet and merry part until we merry meet again. Blessed be." With the sacred circle no longer in place, Talyara places her athame back on the altar before joining the rest of the party in the living room. She has heard the retelling of Callum's tale and she gives Meri a sympathetic look as she sits beside her fiancé and moves to take his hand. Taly kneels before the Catalian and places a placating hand on his arm and gives it a reassuring squeeze. "Witchcraft can be a crazy mess in the best of times. These crystal skulls are older and more powerful than any of us can really comprehend. I'm sorry you've both had to endure this on your own but it doesn't have to be that way, alright? You're not on your own any longer. We'll figure it out together," she adds a bit more fiercely. Talyara has a big, loving heart for most people, but Meri and Callum are friends so her care for them is even stronger. "There's nothing we can do about it tonight," she says softly, pushing herself to a stand. "Why don't we just go back inside and enjoy some dessert to wind down." The little witch now takes both Meri and Callum by the hand and attempts to tug them towards the dining room once more, giving Lanara a significant look as if to say 'help me diffuse the tension for the rest of the night with sweet treats and fun activities'. Hopefully, the other three would follow her lead and the rest of the evening would end on a sweet and spirit-free note.