The Rite 💀 Open to All (Nov. 1st Dusk)
The smell and feel of morning had stirred from what he considered sleep, but most who witnessed it would term it as mediation. Edmund had roused from his state as the obnoxious morning sun bore through the window forcing the gold and white room to practically glow. The space was meticulously designed, and looked as pristine as a photo shoot from a Town and Country magazine. The entire room emanated purity and light, and even with his eyes closed the sheath of his lids did not protect him from the sun which spurred him to move from the bed. He reflected for a moment on the prior night. When Freya had asked for his assistance to mark the occasion he was surprised, and almost suspected a rouse was as at play until late last night. Shortly after he performed the illumination spell he caught the nefarious look on the beautiful Queen’s face. It was if she was impressed by the proficiency of his craft, and he’d be lying if he didn’t admit to being flattered. The longer he measured the thought he concluded the two of them could make a rather formidable force if they ever did stop baiting each other long enough to prioritize and focus on an opponent. After the sacrifice occurred the real fun began last night. The more flavorful fae were lost in the rapture of the slaying as spontaneous orgies and feedings took place. In fact Edmund isn’t quite sure what happened to his pants. Opting to finally rise he rolled from bed with the knowledge that there was a whole day of events to befall including his pièce de résistance at sunset.
Edmund had paraded around the Elven’s home for good part of the day. He played the part of diplomatic Witch leader being sociable to the best of his ability, or as much as he could stomach. Truly his job at times called for being a politician, and this was one of them. Fraternizing with all fae offering the impression that they were worthy of his time was the equivalent of kissing babies. Plenty still inhabited the hall and he was reminded of the festivals and weddings from centuries ago, where events would often run several days, and sometimes even weeks. Sweeping from one room to the next he was sure to give his fellow council members the most attention.
The holiday naturally fell on a waxing moon: the preferred for a conjuring spell. It would be a simple enough invocation, from the moment he uttered his last line the souls of the requested can jump from the astral plane onto the earthly one, and will be able to communicate, but will be untouchable because they’re vaporous. They fae’s will have the ability to convene for eleven and half hours with the dead before they slip into darkness again at sunrise. He imagined most would seek out loved ones, but also wouldn’t be surprised if they sought out past enemies. Edmund wondered if Freya’s house had ears. What better way to find out peoples deep dark secrets?
Never caring about making a grand entrance Edmund took to the garden an hour before the event was to start. He found it to be a truly the most desirable place to be of the entire estate: perhaps the only exception would be Freya’s bed. Nonetheless he walked the cobbled stone observing the elaborate landscape which now began to show the toll of autumn. While not everyone liked all four seasons Edmund had always preferred the physical representation of life it provided. Standing in the middle of the courtyard he pondered what the night would bring. While the particular spell wasn’t going to be difficult for him he did want it to be seamless.
Slowly the grounds began to fill with fae, and while he was surprised by some who chose to participate he was even more intrigued by those who didn’t. There was a rumbling murmur that he found utterly distracting. The sun began to drop into the west, and was already hidden by the gardens grand trees. He began the ritual at a 5:06 sharp not allowing any time for late interlopers. His eyes trailed over the faces as he addressed them. “Good evening friends, I would like to extend my gratitude to our hostess Queen Freya Sternberg for providing such a beautiful setting for the rite.” The moment he spoke all other discussions and murmurs stopped. He paused and offered a gentle smile before he continued. “Let’s get the technicalities out of the way. You will have until sunrise with your departed. The apparition will only appear to you when they are comfortable. I would suggest finding a quiet place when leaving here. I respectfully ask you are careful who you invite back into this world. If any problems arise please seek me out immediately.” Edmund paused and cleared his throat. “I would like everybody to come a bit closer, and make a rather tight circle.” Methodically the fae closed in around leaving him as the spiritual epicenter. He could already feel the souls as they loomed over the garden hoping to be chosen. “Excellent, now I would like you all to shut your eyes and visualize the person you wish to speak with.” Waiting till he was satisfied that everyone followed instructions correctly he began to walk within the circle, his deep voice managing to ride a fine line of both quiet and commanding.
Guardians from all corners hear my decree;
Unseen spirits which have roamed free;
From bones to flesh ye shall not be;
Spectral beings I present before thee.
Over the course of the spell he managed walk around the entire circle before he came to a stop. The air was vibrating with energy, and he could already see the flicker of some spirts not wanting to waist a second. Unknown to the others he had invited his own guest; a mischievous manifestation called Púcel. The spirt had enough power to pull energy from the living and produce the ability to touch. Not particularly dangerous unless directly threatened he was a known prankster. Most likely to pinch ladies bottoms and steal men’s mead, he figured the party could stand for a little witchy fun. Gleefully he smiled, and requested. “Please open your eyes. On behalf of the Witch Lodge and all Council Leaders I offer you this gift. Make proper and meaningful use of your time. Good evening.” Edmund without another word walked directly towards the boundary of the circle, and parted the fae breaking the ring.
