RP:Do You Believe In Magic?

Summary: Lanara waits in the Elven Forest in Sage for Penelope and a third party to help her enchant a talisman so that Tiberius can infiltrate Alastor’s lab without his lycanthropy being detected. The third ‘witch’ happens to be none other than the man that had delivered the message to the healer in the first place! Kyori! Although the trio all are on awkward terms and no one seems to have a real clue as to what is being done or why, everything works out perfect in the end!

Part of the Lunar Tides and Silver Linings Arc

Narrow Path

(1/4) Kyori'd come to Halifax roots out of habit. He let his mind wander around and then his body followed suit. Ironic considering Penelope's comment about the flowers she planted last year. They should be in bloom, she'd said, and in bloom they are. Spring. The word rings in his head like a gong, knocking him off balance. Assessing the shop's exterior leads him and his memory to believe little to nothing has changed. Like him, it was frozen in time, coming back to life (like him) with the spring. Spring.

(2/4) The spellblade digs into his pants pocket for his (new, thanks Penelope) pack of cigarettes and matches. If she didn't come 'round here, he'd be safe to smoke here. Sorry Penelope but he'd already given Lana one. A damn shame. Thinking of Lana brought him back to the topic of this enchanting the witchy women were on about. And witchy women, naturally, lead his mind back to Nat. He hopes she's well, being high priestess or whatever Lana'd said she was now. The match catches and smoke breaks in to warm his lungs. Match smothered, he stares at his empty palm, trying to remember Nat's prediction of his future. His left hand, specifically.

(3/4) “I see that you won’t suffer any sort of cardiac distress in the form of health, though later in life you will have a period of depression. You are less interested in romance than most, yet, you are capable of falling in love rather quickly when you meet the right woman. It looks like you may have already met the one, or you will meet her very shortly. Though I can’t read specifics in a line. You prefer physical achievements over mental ones, and you prefer the practical approach to everything. I see that you will be going on a grand adventure in the coming months, and you will explore your creative side. You are cautious in relationships, you are strong physically as well as mentally, and I see that you will have a very long life. You are a self-made individual, who is sometimes stubborn, but you are heavily controlled by fate. You will have a life of ups and downs, but you will remain true to yourself and your path."

(4/4) Heavily controlled by fate. There is a list of choice words he's got for fate this week so he lets it lie. It keeps popping up in his mind. Fate, spring and silence.

(1/3) Penelope spent most of her morning in her own clouded, mental psyche. Absorbed in a thin path of treelines with a folded note in her hand. A narrow path she walked down with old roots, but not quite close to the building covered in blooming marigolds. No, there were trees that blocked that old memory--the old memory that seemed to be trying to resurface. The old memory that did have rays through shaded clouds. Kyori was in the clear there for a smoke. Lucky guy. As the woman walks, she kicks up soil that is playfully manipulated into a sculpture of dust. Like a soiled outline of a small being walking next to her. It was a waste of magic--magic that Lanara needed for the enchantment, but Kreekitaka taught the Ardelian to manipulate and play to become a little stronger each day.

(2/3) Stronger. The woman had become stronger throughout the months although feeling as if she was just coming out of a rabbit hole. A rabbit hole playbook that she had not written herself, but at least she had been discovering that thanks to the Kelvarian witch. Fate. Fate had been an odd thing. Was Lanara’s fate truly to walk in the shadows of death? Or would Lanara have the silver lining she deserved?

(3/3) Perhaps it was selfish to be manipulating the earth rather than salvage her energy on the amulet Lanara had been enchanting. Was this an amulet to help Lanara live a little longer, or was this for wasting time? Penelope keeps her opinions to herself, but she is allowed to ask at least one question, right? “You think that it’s really her time?” She looks down at the soil who is floating around with a small hopeless shrug. “You really bite the dust, eh?” Clever pun, Penelope. Cue drums and cymbal. There is an instant pulse in the Ardelian’s fingers which causes the soil to blow in different directions--perhaps over certain treelines with certain spellblades beyond them. "Yikes, too much." She squints as she holds her hand over her eyes to keep the dirt out of them. Yeah, she had a hard time controlling her magic most times. Lanara was in for a treat.

Kyori watches dead ash fall, his own magic brand of sculpture in reverse. Lana’s enchantment ritual wasn’t his business. He’d given Penelope the note. He wished he could do more but he was just a spellblade. What was Emilia’s daughter’s name? Lynn? Maybe she’d be helpful. That little girl manipulated ghosts and gave people horrific visions. “Maybe not.” He says to the shop, painted in gold sunlight, gold as the flowers around it. Spring. Fate. Dust. Sapphire eyes narrow on the kicked up dust over the treeline. A familiar scent spiking the air.

He found Penelope but stayed obscured for a beat. She’s playing with magic. Was she a witch? What made a person a witch? It did not matter to the warrior either way. A fun surprise at worst. “Fitting.” He called, dosed in shadow, leaning against a tree trunk. “Are you secretly a forest nymph? No judgement but it would explain the profession.” Easy, natural, safe. He’d snuffed his cigarette near her flowers outside Halifax roots in case she felt like playing pick pocket again. “You owe me a pack of cigarettes.” His wry grin persists when he starts her way.

Penelope turned at the sound of the familiar voice, and her whole track of where she was going disappeared for a minute. The familiar outline of the shadow. The familiar voice. Him. “And here you confronted -me- of stalking.” There is a small little smile on her face as she wipes away the rest of the dust from her visage. ‘You owe me a pack of cigarettes’. Her expression is unphased, and she still keeps that sly, knowing smile on her lips as she reflects his grin. Yes, she had been mad when she first saw him, but now… he was awake and walking, and that was all that mattered right now--the moment. What a good day for a let-it-slide. Though why was he beyond the treeline towards Halifax Roots? “You people and your cigarettes. Death in rolled paper. I think you’ll thank me later. When you’re old and wrinkly. The small changes are what matters most for the bigger picture. What would you do without me?” She jests easily. The jest was there today, thankfully. “Not a nymph," she begins slowly. "When you were away, folk began to tell me I’m some sort of Ardelian witch. I have no idea what I am, nor what I’m doing,” like usual Penelope, “but Lanara has faith it seems,” she waves the note in front of Kyori that he gave her. Was she supposed to bring someone of witchy importance? She could not recall with the man’s face in front of her.

“Point 1,” The spellblade holds up his left index finger, “I saw a plume of dust kick up from over here. Doesn’t qualify as stalking.” Another finger up. “Point 2, I thought I was being funny.” At the inn when he called her a stalker. He pauses the advance at ‘you people’ and gives her a bemused grin. “We people.” The warrior and the witch Lanara. Everyone has their vices. “If I’m not thankful when I’m old, do I get a refund? ‘Cause I’m older now and I’m not thankful.” Thankful she was chiding him but not replacing the smokes. What would he do without her? Smoke more, die more, anything was possible. “If you’ve got Lanara’s mark of approval, it’s set in stone.” Faith is, like Fate, a tricky snake to trap. The note catches his gaze when he’s just outside her arm’s reach. “Bet she’s not asking just anyone.” Blonde eyebrows arch, suggesting her important role. “What do you guess she’s making?” The enchanted item to be wasn’t for herself. Wouldn’t do much good for a woman near death and the witch resolved her struggle with death with acceptance.

“Point taken,” the Ardelian responds easily. When he says ‘we people’, she gives him a very confused stare. Did she want to know? Really, she already did. Best play naive. The man then talks of refunds and her tone is stubborn with a mix of amusement. “No,” she crosses her arms in a snarky way. Such sass for a girl who was only five foot two. Green eyes look the man up and down before relaxing again. “All she said is that she is enchanting a very important amulet.” Penelope was only hoping it was to buy Lanara some time. The woman begins to slowly take a step forward on the path, a hand reaches up to scratch the back of her head. “I know Lanara has been weary with using her magic lately, so it really -must- be important,” for a moment Penelope wonders if Kyori knows what is going on with Lanara. Her eyes study his expression for any clue--a crinkled, freckled nose and squinty eyes. Then, squinty eyes blink back to her doe-eyed gaze and nonchalantly she offers, “Seeing as if you’re as curious as I am, wanna come with?”

“Worth a try.” The warrior shrugs. The sass he could handle. Kyori preferred the sass. Their repertoire usually hinged on surface topics and easy jokes. Nothing personal or that ‘let it slide’ attitude could evaporate. He frowns at the news Lana’s magic has been draining her of late. Was she hastening her death by using it? “It must be.” His reply speaks of concern. The blonde did, in fact, know the witch to be dying. “I told her that boyfriend of hers better marry her before.” Before what Kyori? Before she dies? Instead of focusing on his own battle with Lanara’s news and impending death, he pulls himself back to Penelope’s invitation to attend the ceremony. His smile, though small, stings with forced amusement. Her mischievous offer does lighten the moment. “Hell yeah. Give me a place and time and I’m there.” He taps her pants pocket, feeling the pack of cigarettes. Knowing they were there helped the anxiety. Being a witch was still dangerous as far as he knew. “I’ll keep you ladies safe while you throw dust at amulets.” Kyori gives his joke a minute and then laughs. Better go before he says something dumb. “See you then?”

Penelope frowns at Kyori’s implication that Lanara should marry her boyfriend before… dying. Yes, Kyori had to know. “She’s not going to.” Her voice was quick, and stern at that moment, but there was a small fear that rested in her green gaze. The healer had been convincing herself that Lanara would not, quote on quote, kick the bucket. That was the optimist that the Ardelian was. Luckily, the man moves on. “Place and time?” Penelope looks around and studies the angle of the sky. “Hm, I say we have about ten to twenty minutes--today,” what? Right now? The girl blinks the sun from her eyes, and now she is seeing spots. “Keep us safe?” Blink. His cheesiness had not changed, that was for sure. “The only dust I’m going to throw at would be something about yay-high,” she holds her arm up to his level of height. “Blonde. Has a dorky laugh,” she gives him a grin. “Now come on. Lana is on her way to meet -us- right now then. I -hope- you didn't have any plans because they're gone, so get your walking feet on.” Straight forward. She pivots before continuing on the path. Best keep up, Kyori because they had a person to see, and best know that Penelope had quite the stride for a small stature.

Elven Forest

(Post 1 of 2) :: It’s dusk and the chorus of chirping birds fades into the nearing darkness, as the crickets take the stage to welcome the night. Fireflies light the area, along with a few lanterns that hang from the lower branches of the ancient trees, brightening the small clearing where the shape of a pentacle has been dug into the dirt. Several tools for spellcasting rest atop a tree stump, mimicking that of a witches altar, and the thickness of the air is consumed with the scent of freshly burning sage to cleanse those that wish to enter the circle. There are a few acorns and the antler of a fallen stag to represent the element of Earth. Some feathers and a silver bell to represent the element of Air. A crimson votive candle and some ashes to represent the element of Fire. A chalice of water to symbolize the element of Water. Also, there are two small clay statues that have been crafted to resemble the Lord and the Lady, with a purple candle between the objects to symbolize the element of Spirit. This sector of the Elven Forest had been chosen weeks prior, though tonight the true intentions of the woodland witch known as Lanara, would come to fruition. Her beloved lycan, Tiberius Lowell, had to infiltrate an area where lycans are barred from entering, and so a unique talisman needs to be enchanted to mask the true nature of the beast. Along with the silver pendant encased with a bronze exterior, rests a few other strange items that would symbolize protection, strength, success, and fortune. Bay leaves, a rabbit's pelt, a black candle, a few locks of Tiber’s blonde hair, and various crystals, all rest at the center of the altar, having been recently cleansed with the use of moon water to aid in the magic that would shortly take place.

(Post 2 of 2) Lanara finishes drawing some runes in the dirt to signify safety and shapeshifting, and she stretches her tired limbs, as she gazes about the area. Penelope and Kyori should be here soon, they would never let her down, yet she cannot quite wrap her mind around the uncomfortable tension she felt in their company a few days prior. It had been made abundantly clear that the healer didn’t fully trust the male, and apparently Kyori had kept the fact that he’s a witch from Lanara! Shaking her head, the woman runs her fingers through her long chestnut waves and sends a silent prayer to the Goddess, as she isn’t sure if the trio can enter the circle in perfect love and perfect trust, but she hopes it’s possible even if only for the duration of casting the spell. The witch is clad in a dark purple robe, and around her neck resides two pendants, the hourglass and the pentacle. She is barefoot as it helps her to be more in tune with nature, and a small vial of Talyara’s saliva mixed with a drop of blood is held in her hand, which she will put to use one they begin. Once the healer and warrior arrive, Lana will greet them each with a chaste kiss upon their cheeks and whisper, “Merry Meet!” They would be instructed to spread their arms outwards as she would circle them with an abalone shell that holds the charred bits of sage within, and the incense will be wafted over their forms so that their bodies are cleansed before they proceed with the use of magic. “The circle and all of us have been cleansed, and so we banish all negativity from our minds and enter this sacred space with perfect love and perfect trust.” Lana smiles faintly at her friends, delighted that they agreed to this, and on such short notice! “I figured that after calling the elements and casting the circle, we can mix a cloaking spell with an undetectable extension upon the charm and that should do the trick!” A glance is given to Penelope, “I know that Fire is your dominant element, and so I will need to borrow that energy from you to cast the circle… My strongest alignment is the element of Air, and my sister’s is Earth…” She wiggles the small vial with Taly’s bodily fluids, “I will rub this on my brand and so she will extend her powers to me on this night, along with the connection to our mother.” The triquetra on her inner left wrist hums, but Lana shifts her attention to Kyori next, “I do not know of your powers but I sense that you have old magic in your veins… Fate brought us together again, for tonight’s circle, and I’m assuming that Water is your dominant element?” It’s alright if Kyori is strongest in a different element, but she hopes that her assumptions are correct. Every witch could command each of the elements, but depending on the moon cycle, the month, and the pattern of the stars, each had one particular power that reached out to them over the others. “Once the circle is cast, you cannot leave, unless one of us draws a door. Understood?” If they didn’t have any questions or concerns, Lana would lead them in calling upon the powers of the cardinal directions for their assistance during this enchantment.

Penelope appears from the thickets of the path and into the clearing. The last thing of importance to make it to the destination was by telling Kyori, ‘Lana, is on her way to meet us right now then’. Eyes gaze over what is to be a pentacle drawn into the ground. Vaguely familiar territory for the Ardelian--since this was only the second time the novice had dabbled in witchiness. The woman walks slowly into the area, a cautious motion. What did she have to fear? Nothing, but perhaps it was the timidness of learning something… new. As she comes closer, she recognizes the blonde clips of hair along with the other items in the middle of the altar. One question is answered from the back of her mind, this enchantment was not for Lanara Banks. This was for Tiberius Lowell. A furrow almost comes to her brow, but the line is swept away by a kiss to her cheek which makes Penelope blink away the worries. “Merry Meet,” she exchanges back. A smile presses on her lips, and easily, she extends her arms out as instructed--maybe she is hoping to smack Kyori with one of her arms in foolish pride, but who knew. The incense wafts through the air, and she mentally tries to focus on ‘trust’ and ‘love’. Lanara talks about casting spells which had been odd. Penelope has never casted a cloaking spell in her life, but the healer does her best to nod along upon mentioning the dominance of fire. Eyes trace to Kyori as Lanara talks about his abilities, and there is an uneasiness that settles in the back of her mind--he told her his magic can make him… well, fall asleep out of the blue! Concerning much? There is a cautious gaze as she stares at the spellblade and then she puts on a content facade before following Lanara’s suit. “Understood, kinda. Not really,” the girl is slow with her words. “I won’t leave, if it makes y’all feel better.” Let’s just put it at that, and Nel would easily follow suit.

Kyori | To be fair Lana, Kyori was keeping his witch properties from himself too. Spellblade didn’t immediately translate to witch. He’d called his mom a witch in passing to Penelope and joked about it with Nat too. The expectation of the event was to watch. Because he wasn’t a witch. The blonde had no time to think about what Lana was telling them to do. Cool, he had to do the things to be here, okay. Lana’s chaste kiss is a surprise. “Merry Meet.” Weird but okay. He’s notedly not a witch but decides not to refuse the ceremony. Perfect love and perfect trust. He side eyes Penelope and Lana separately. Hot damn, the trio of mistrust putting their personal feelings aside on Lanara’s behalf. He’d be moved to tears if he wasn’t made of stone. Okay, he’s not made of stone. And he is lost. Circles and doors? Then the petite witch talks about elements, turning her eyes to the warrior and finding unmasked confusion looking back at her. Old magic? How? He looks at Penelope, still confused. Yo? What? Fate. Lanara says the word, one of the two that plagued his thoughts since he returned, and it sombers his stance. Secret and safe from even his knowledge - his element was water. It manifested as ice on tradition with his family’s line of magic. Smart witch, Lana. Sapphire eyes are the dead give away. His traditional and confused eyes scan the circle and no other witches appear. Okay, is this, really...happening? He’s being pulled into this enchantment business? Penelope doesn’t hit Kyori because he let her go first. Women. He sticks his arms when it’s his turn but gives Lanara a concerned squint. “So...who else is coming? Like, don’t you need a third witch?” Who was responsible for bambolzing this dumb idiot? Surprise. It was himself. Silence turns the wheels in his head….and….it clicks. Fate was getting to be a real thorn in his side. He’d told Penelope his suspicion of the event was that it was to enchant a keepsake for her sister, who would be married. This set up makes him second guess that. Random hairs and animal bits and pieces. He would be more freaked out but it’s familiar and reminds him of his mom. Screw it, he has magic, he’ll help her. “No idea what we’re about to do but I came to party for sure. Plan on shutting it down.” Came to party? Kyori try to say another normal for the rest of the night. The spellblade would not leave the circle and he would be more useful than eloquent.

Lanara narrows her gaze on the two, wondering just what had transpired between them before they had arrived here. Kyori was supposed to give the letter to Penelope, who was then to find another witch or powerful mage, and then to come here so they could enchant the talisman to hide the fact that Tiber is a lycan from prying eyes at the laboratory. Talyara is out of the equation, as Lana is ‘borrowing’ her powers for this spell, she loathes Callum for leaving Meri and Fleur, and Valrae is missing from the lands! Surely, Nel knew what she was doing in bringing along the male? Lana blinks at the warrior's words, “I’m sorry… Color me confused? -You- are the third witch, Kyori.” She doesn’t dare chastise fate or it’s reasons, but it seems that her assumptions are correct because upon mentioning the element of water, there is recognition in the males cerulean gaze. There is an awkward moment of silence after Penelope’s nervous tone reaches the elf’s tapered ears, and she hopes that once they get into the gist of things, that her best friend's anxiety will dissipate. Lanara places her hands at her sides and bows her head, before closing her eyes, and softly speaking, “It’s now time to open your third eye and to welcome the magic to flow freely through your body. Take a few minutes to truly center yourself.” After a moment, Lana feels the familiar hum of electricity warming near the space between her brows, and she smiles faintly. If only she could wield her own magic on this night! Once her body feels ‘alive’ she begins to rub the contents of the vial upon her triquetra marking and waits for the others to give a nod that they wish for her to continue. “We shall now welcome our guardians of the circle, the cardinal directions, so they may bear witness to our powers on this eve!” A small pouch of salt is slipped from her pocket, as Lana tosses a handful to each of the points, “Blessings upon the creatures and spirits of the North, South, East, and West!” It’s now time to complete the circle, and so Lana extends a hand to Penelope and a hand to Kyori, urging the male to lead the way as the trio circles the boundaries of their sacred space, “Cast the circle thrice about, to keep the evil spirits out!” She gives them a squeeze of their hands, urging them to repeat the words as they rotate deosil (clockwise) about the area, before they all stand within their designated spaces. Lana stands at the northeast marker, Penelope is placed to the southmost point, and Kyori is motioned to the western sector. It seems that the witch has already chosen who will be invoking each element. “Before we call the elements to the circle, why don’t we all take a moment to meditate? Feel free to communicate with your spirit animal, a deity, or merely just focus on being one with nature.” A smile is given to her friends, before Lana drops into the lotus position, closes her eyes, and gives herself permission to enter a trancelike state for the next several minutes.

Penelope finds her place in the circle, and gives a peculiar stare to Kyori. Lanara said Kyori was a witch, but then Kyori is questioning who the third witch is? Obviously everyone knew each other differently in this circle, but Penelope let’s Lanara handle this one. “I never said Kyori was a witch. He just wanted to come. Was I supposed to bring Kel?” Her brother. Duh, Nel. Come on. Pakellin Halifax was the missing piece. Perhaps Kyori had really dug into her skin after all to really focus on the letter he gave to her from the Kelvarian. Wow, Penelope. Get it together, sis! All Penelope really, truly, wanted to know was why Tiber’s hair was in the middle of everything? Why Tiber? Not Lanara? Did the Catalian not know his girlfriend was dying? What up dude? Don’t ask, Penelope. Just do what you need to do already. As Lanara says to focus on her third eye, she connects that to Kailani’s interpretation of the balance of energy. Eyes close because with the pressure of her opposites, she had a hard time concentrating. Penelope is slow to feel her own energy, as she always had been. The overthinking aspect of everything caused Penelope to lack finding her own center balance. She focuses on the idea of energy before she can feel a warm tingle that reaches her cheeks, and her eyes begin to turn a shade darker. Her irises turn that soft hazel color rather than the clear green color. Once she feels the pulse, Lanara moves on. Salt is thrown, her hand is grasped by Kelvarian, and the circle rotates. She stands south before placing herself down criss-cross to meditate. There, however, was a burst of a snort from the Ardelian and she looks between the two. It was nerves, okay? A girl cannot snort like a pig with a nervous smirk? Wow, Penelope, smooth. Quickly the novice shakes her head as she tries to keep herself balanced and in the moment as she closes her mind again--focusing specifically on an imaginary flame behind her eyes. She focuses on the change of colors, the heat, the energy, and the earth beneath her body.

Kyori hears Lanara but doesn’t hear her. -He- is the third witch. L O fricken’ L. Penelope’s mention of her DEAD brother gets an exaggerated look from him. “What?” Dude, what? Oh the plant witch best believe he’s not letting that one go when the whole ‘perfect love perfect trust’ vibe is done. And whose hair is this? He met Lana’s sister and did not remember her having blonde hair. WAS IT HIS HAIR? No way, no way. Stop freaking yourself out and follow instructions. He had no idea how to ‘open his third eye’ but he tried instead to burrow down to where his magic was housed. Let’s play the game of ‘how much magic does he have to use to pass out’. It’ll be fun for everyone. He’d woken up not long ago so thoughts and prayers he’d be fine. Magic nips at his neck, aided by the sword on his back. It made him feel small. Like his face was cupped in the larger hands of someone he loved and trusted. Like his mom. It vines up and out from his cheeks until he said what had to be said. Pure and surprising muscle memory. His nod is given, salt is thrown and now they hokey pokey (with all arms and legs still inside the ride) around the dirt circle three times. His voice says the words but he doesn’t understand why. A part of him does. The magic in him responds like a flare. He takes the west point and kneels down with disciplined ease. Penelope snorts and a voice, farther away now, makes note of that for later. Lanara had this ceremony on lock. The witch talks about spirit animals, deities, being one with nature. For a half second, he thought about Lana’s weird fire cat. Then the responsible magic part of his brain pushed that out and Kyori just thought of his mom. They were chatting, in the past but also right now. A young Kyori and his graceful mother, alone in a greenhouse bursting with plants. A corpse flower in view behind the glass. Kid Kyori asks her questions about what’s happening now, in the circle, with Penelope and Lanara, and her answers don’t make sense either. The last question he asks her will not have an answer. Is he a witch?

Lanara opens her eyes which seem a tad moist after she confers with the spirits, and she slowly pushes herself to her feet, motioning for the others to do so, in case they haven’t already. Penelope’s outburst has the witch growing a tad nervous, because this isn’t a laughing matter, it would mean life or death for her beloved boyfriend! And wasn’t her brother dead?! “I’m not sure how advanced your powers are, but -any- witch can call the elements to a circle! Just follow my lead! We shall begin in the north, then move east, towards the south, and finally in the west. I will call upon Earth and Air, Nel will handle Fire, and Coyote is responsible for Water. All you need to go is imagine your element in your most favorite form and welcome it to the circle. You can be as flowery as you like with your invitation.” The expression on Kyori’s face has Lana regretting handing him the note in the first place. He often looked a little lost, but after she had learned about his extended naps, she wonders if this will send him into la la land for another eleven months. Is he a narcoleptic witch? Tired of his magic? Why did he keep glancing at Tiber’s lock of hair? It’s true, most men are jealous of those Catalian waves, but she’s growing a little jealous and she eyes Nel, hoping she will keep a close watch on the warrior. Once they are ready to begin, the witch faces the north and speaks loud and clear, “I call on the element of Earth and ask you to please bring your stability to our magical circle.” Lanara envisions a large field with golden flowers, a few buds haven just sprouted, as they are warmed by the sun and nurtured from the soil beneath. Those within the circle will feel a gentle rumble in the forest floor as the element enters their domain. Next, Lana shifts slightly so she’s facing the east, “I call on the element of Air and invite you to bring your mental clarity to us this evening.” Being the most powerful of all of her powers, she needs not focus on feathers floating in the air for very long, as a fierceful gust of wind breezes through the area, rustling their hair and gently swishing the cloth on their tree trunk altar. It feels so wonderful to be practicing again, as she hasn’t in months, so perhaps Lana is a little too giddy as she looks encouragingly at Nel and Kyori, eager for them to call their elements so that they can perform the spell.

Penelope takes in the exaggerated faces. Had she really skipped over that part? What time does. Pakellin had been alive for months on end that it had been like… he never left. Kinda. No, no it was still very weird. Either way, Penelope falls silent from all her nervousness, for she feels the sensation of the incandescent glow, and the warmth that lingers in her flushed cheeks moves to her fingertips. Her face is relaxed. Months ago, the Lyastri had told her to pour her emotions into the flames. The intensity, but also think of something of comfort. Her mind lingers as if she is cocooned in a blanket staring into the candlelight. Her eyes open and she is staring at Lanara for her next instructions. Once the instructions are given, the Ardelian takes a deep breath to steady herself. She can feel herself balling her fists to keep intensity. The earth shakes first, and then the gust of wind blows. Then, it is the novice’s turn. Her voice is full of clarity as she believes in what Lanara is speaking from the last element she spoke of. Her voice is clear and stable, and the woman knows what she wants. “I call on the element of Fire and invite you to bring your hope to us this evening.” Fire had brightness. Fire resembled hopefulness. Whatever Lanara was going through with Tiberius… she knew they needed hope at the end of the day. Her mind pictures an image of black void until the strike of a match ignites and falls into a pile of kindling producing blue flame. In an instant, on the altar. The red candle flickers to life and devours around the wick. Then, hazel eyes turn to the west to face Kyori. Anticipation awaits from the spellblade--considering he was not a witch. Or was he? Whatever he may be, she has faith he will be okay in the end, and the trust is there for him to follow through.

Kyori’s vision with his mother fades. He’s back in the circle, watching Lanara eye him and then Penelope. He mouths the word ‘what’ at them then the moment passes. The spellblade knows two things about Tiber. That he exists and that he’s Lanara’s boyfriend. List ends. How would he know that Tiger’s hair was blonde? And yes, Tiger is an intentional butchering of her boyfriend’s name. That dude better marry Lanara before she dies. Does Kyori view other men as inferior? No. Does he really? Yeah. Only when it comes to protecting the people he cares about. So Tiger and Penelope’s apprentice can go sail off if they can’t be helpful to them. Sail is an author’s edit. Speaking of sailing though, it’s the blonde’s turn to summon his element and he has no idea how to introduce it or what it does for the ceremony. Earth stabilized and Air brought mental clarity. He’s near positive that fire is a purifying or power thing. Which left him with….what. It left him with Penelope’s ju- uh no her eyes aren’t the right color now. Lana’s are still chocolate he thinks. Peace settles in his chest. Hope or clarity or stability he can’t say. Instead he says “I call on the element of Water. Give us awareness of what’s locked away in ourselves so we can move forward and succeed in our task.” Where did the words came from? Hell if Kyori knows. It takes a beat, one long second where he’s sure he needed to ask for another blessing or aid, for snow to dust their heads and feet. The cup of water shines with a frozen film. The snow is so light it melts before touching them. Well I’ll be damned…

Lanara imagines flames licking her flesh and feels the invocation of fire respond to Penelope’s call, as the red candle is lit atop the altar. It’s a freeing experience and she can feel the magnitude of the new witch’s power, gently mingling along with her own. Next, she feels the rush of a wave as she imagines water embracing her form, the sound of raindrops splashing on a metal roof is enough to have a wide grin on her face as the spellblade commands the element of the west. However, it’s the sight of white flakes spilling onto her bare feet and long hair that has her big brown eyes dancing with merriment. Snow!? “Not a witch…?” She mutters, shaking her head, before giving another ‘look’ to Penelope, as though the pair were in cahoots with hiding the warriors true nature. Kyori’s magic binds with the other two powers that dance around the circle, and each aura feeds from the other, as a ray of light bounces around the altar and the tools that reside there. Lana smirks, and those that know her well, would know that she’s prone to pulling pranks. “Now we get naked! I’m sure you both read the part in the letter about this being a skyclad ritual?” A flicker of amusement is in her expression as she lifts a hand to teasingly undo the ties to her robe, waiting to see if either will rise to the bait. If they do, she will scoff and mutter that she’s only ‘teasing’ however if neither falls for her trick, she will remain clothed and feign a pout, as if she’s remaining covered for their benefit. “Let’s join hands. We shall all say this part together -nine- times!” The first time she says the spell by herself, before the other two would join in, hopefully committing it to memory, “Wanted by evil, dark as night. I cloak the wearer, in Witch’s light. To hide your true race, so you never need to flee or fight. You are now masked, from others' sight! May our joined power, enchant this charm. Protect the wearer, keep him from all harm. Cast off ill, by the Power of Three. As our wills, so mote it be!” Lanara focuses on an image of Tiber that she holds in her mind, the handsome male being her reason for returning, and the one that has taught her to live. He -better- marry her, she thinks, if she somehow survives the cumbersome path that fate had laid at her feet. Suck it, Grim Reaper, she thinks, before she trains her focus back to the task at hand. No negative energy, Lana! As the trio chants, the swirl of gold continues to spin around the altar, faster and thinner, until it lifts the talisman from the altar and all of their joined powers are absorbed into the metal. The spell concludes and the talisman drops upon the altar with a gentle thunk, and Lana squeals as she squeezes both of their hands, “It worked!”

Penelope watches as the spellblade calls the element, and is not sure what is going to happen. Was it going to be Penelope’s fault that she did not bring some water witch? Penelope was definitely -not- a water witch. She was the exact -opposite-. Well, kinda, all elements balanced somehow. White flakes begin to gently swivel from the air and land on her up-turned freckled nose. Those doe-eyes look up and the water splooshes on an eye before she gently wipes it away with a grin and a small, giddy laugh. A reflection of Lanara’s joy. Fate. The girl thought she brought the wrong one too. Fate happened for a reason. Her bright gaze moves to Lanara in a curt, strong nod. Well, that nod was strong until Lanara’s next words and prankful motions. Penelope’s face reflects mortification, and she may have been pale in that moment. Were her freckles still present with that flushed face? Then as it is clear it was a joke, the Ardelian does a ‘pfft’ noise before shaking her head. She may have plucked some greenery beneath her fingers before tossing it Lanara’s way in a playful manner. She stands and reaches for the Kelvarian’s hand. She then looks to the man from Lativu before taking the step to extend her small hand with ease. Perhaps this had been a bonding moment for the three goofballs in the circle, and yes, there had been a wave that crossed the Ardelian to open herself with… that trust that was in the circle. Lanara chants to bind the spell, and Penelope is lucky she is a quick word wit because this was -a lot- of words. The Ardelian speaks slowly before catching onto the words before her tone turns into silken confidence. “Wanted by evil, dark as night. I cloak the wearer, in Witch’s light. To hide your true race, so you never need to flee or fight. You are now masked, from others’ sight! May our joined power, enchant this charm. Protect the wearer, keep him from all harm. Cast off ill, by the Power of Three. As our wills, so mote it be!” So this was why they were here. Tiber was going to be cloaked. The pieces fit together now. But still… why? Why was this more important to her best friend than life? The gold swirls about the altar as they chant and Penelope’s eyes buzz before they focus on Lanara’s chocolate ones to Kyori’s sapphire hue. Then, it worked. It worked! “Hell yeah!” The Ardelian raises both of their hands to squeeze and do the ‘woo-girl’ moment.

Kyori’s hearing is impeccable but he doesn’t hear Lana mutter. A lot is happening and his focus is strained between keeping track of his thoughts, keeping track of where the women were looking and what all this magic business was doing. They’re like high schoolers passing notes, he can feel it in his bones. He’s one stolen paper football away from catching them in the act. Lana announces that they’ll get naked now and Kyori’s first instinct is that it’s embarrassingly too cold for him to be naked, no thanks ladies. Too brisk. He’s half way through taking off his shirt (as a compromise) before he gets the hint. It’s a joke. He tosses his shirt down for good measure, defiantly squinting at Lana for the prank. Awkward, now they are gonna do some chanting and hold hands. At least his back is away from the circle. Lana is saying a lot of words. He stumbles over them, more than once, but keeps up and stays in good spirits. Nine times is a lot to ask of this lengthy phrase. And, he pieces together too late, this spell is not for Talyara. Now’s a bad time to ask so he waits. Penelope looks like she’s pieced it together (more probably). He’d ask them both later. No lie, he’s surprised by the gold rush of fancy swirling magic that notes their success. “F-ell yeah!” he edits his enthusiasm, watching the endearing reaction of both Lanara and Penelope. It was good to have them as friends. A good accidental choice designed by Fate. The blonde snatches his shirt off the ground and throws it over his shoulder before leaning down to high five Lanara. “Killin’ the game” he says, high praise. “Great work ladies, and me.” The distinction was important. Not a witch. Then what? What’s the dude version? Guy-witch? Nah, he’d figure it out later.

Lanara sighs in relief now that the object has been enchanted and everything has gone according to plan, and so she feels that she can relax with her friends for a bit. She giggles along with Nel and she returns Kyori’s high five, her cheeks beginning to grow sore from the nonstop grin that she maintains. “You both rock!” There is pride in her dark gaze as she knew that her two friends had been a little nervous at the beginning of the ritual, but they had both gone far beyond her expectations. Perhaps with a little guidance -both- of them would rank with the finest High Priests and Priestesses in the future?! Lana is a solitary witch, though if a spell calls for the power of three or if it’s a high holiday, she doesn’t mind working with others. “Our magic meshed well, and I cannot thank you both enough! You have truly helped a friend in need and I am in your debt.” Not that she’d be able to repay them anything as she doesn’t have all that long to live. “I brought some apple cake and ale so that we can replenish our energy, but first let’s close the circle.” Lanara locks eyes with Kyori, “Why don’t you thank the elements and the directions for their guidance and tell them that it’s alright to leave now?” He actually took off his shirt, which has her faintly blushing. What would the Goddess think of her pranking another possible witch during a ritual?! Shifting her gaze, she smiles at Nel, “And, why don’t you walk the circle thrice, widdershins, to undo it?” Counterclockwise is widdershins, but in case the healer doesn’t know the term, Lana lifts her pointer finger and designates the intention. “Be sure to say ‘And it harm none, do what you will’ on the final rotation!” Once both of them have done their part, the witch collects the talisman from the altar and tucks it away for safekeeping, before she joins her friends over by the absolutions. “Once refreshed, I can show you all how to ground yourselves, unless you already know?” It’s simple, merely more meditation and saying ‘goodbye’ to the excess energy. Otherwise, they would be a bundle of jitters and likely not get any sleep tonight! All in all this is a night that Lanara would forever keep in her memory, and the fondness that she feels for the healer and the warrior can be seen in the warmth of her gaze. Knowing that Tiber is likely on pins and needles as she has been gone for a great part of the night, she pulls both of her friends in for a tight hug, before she departs from the forest.

Penelope breaks from the two before she looks to Lanara. “I wish you clarity, stability, hope, and awareness with your future,” she reflects. And knowing that although this took time from Lanara’s days, there had to be some resemblance of importance, right? The healer would only hope. Lanara mentions how they can close the circle, and Penelope is confused by the what? Something that is winder--huh? The motion of Lanara’s direction has the Ardelian’s mouth gaped in an ‘a-ha’ moment. She begins to walk before saying what she needs to in Lanara’s exact way. Once the deed is done, the circle is closed, the healer is in no rush because apple cake? Ye-um. Yeum. Yum. That’s what the narrator meant. “Grounding… sounds like something I’ve needed for a while, but unfortunately not tonight. Guess who has got night shift at the hut?" The girl then points a dramatic thumb towards herself. "This is exactly what I needed." The girl would then reach for a hug towards the Kelvarian. "Catch ya later, stay safe, and I -will- see you soon," a promise. She would offer the finger-guns to Kyori. Really, Nel? Finger-guns? Before grinning a dopey grin to the tall spell blade. "Night, Kyori D." She would snag another treat for the road before sauntering back onto the narrow path.

Kyori huffs a laugh but earnestly thanks the water spirit for it’s help and guides it (he thinks) on it’s way. “No debt owed, you brought snacks.” He waits for Penelope to walk her circles and dismiss her element before approaching the anticipated apple cake and waiting for the women there. Exiting the circle with the door. His muffled reply is positive - glad he could help, thanks for the cake, will need to practice that energy discharging thing so he -didn’t- sleep. Classic Kyori. He hugs Lana back with one arm, sensing her excitement with notes of sadness. Like wine, everyone’s emotions hit differently. “See you soon!” He calls, a promise more than a casualty. “You guys have magic damn.” He throws a crumb of cake at Penelope. “When do I get to join the eye gossip part of the witch circle? Do I need bigger eyes? Or eyes that change colors?” Classic Penelope deflects and gives him finger guns. “Plant nerd.” He calls over his shoulder, grabs an ale and heads back to the tavern.