little mabon starter for @wickedslip <3
“Just a few more steps,” Zeev promised, a gentle hand on the witch’s shoulder. He wasn’t pushing her nor would riot, if she had decided to assume her trust in false hands. However, he guided her through the nearby forest, a wild array of pines, oaks and birches, still green enough to suspect the summer to last forever, but the air was filled with the smell of rain and the arrival of cooler temperatures. There was a familiar hum in the atmosphere, a buzz that brought change and signaled the awakening of a new season. Though Zeev would not claim to welcome the dark days, it was part of the natural cycle. The equinox was a celebration that had lost meaning for Zeev after he left the coven. Nothing could replace the bliss of communal worship, and so in the past he had instead melted into self-pity, wrapped in grief over the loss of sunlight. With Nausicaä, however, the euphoria had returned and he hoped that she too would take pleasure in what symbolised their connection to the course of life. Although it might fulfil different aspects for each witch, they were all the same at heart.
They reached a clearing, framed by tall trees that leaned over them like a protective nest. When Zeev allowed her to finally open her eyes, a lush green patch of meadow revealed itself to her, accented by foliage and wild grasses that were most likely still unaware of their fate. They too were still clinging to the last shreds of sunshine.
In the centre rested a plain blue blanket, a basket of fresh fruit and bread - pomegranate and pumpkin bread were a must - and a forbiddingly expensive bottle of wine. It looked like an arranged date, and in some ways it was, if the multitude of candles was any indicator. Zeev strutted up to the spot with a self-satisfied grin. It was a much diminished version of what the witcher was used to, but magic didn't have to be performed in a big way to work. “I've brought some ingredients too, for some minor spells regarding protection, self-confidence and gratitude.” The gentle scent of clove and cinnamon filled the area, the wafts of a few incense sticks drifting into the air.