[IC] The Sisters of the Dying Branch

[Infinite Cosmos]

Before heading to the wellspring, Arken overheard Summer making a comment about a piece of clothing and a time period. He smirked, and went up behind her again, muttering something like “Perhaps you’d look good in some 1700’s Protestant dress that showed off some ankle? Ever thought about that Abernathy?” He smiled, then chuckled, before walking away.

Being led to the wellspring, Arken’s mind was surprisingly blank. Occasional, thoughts of the scenery and Their overall surroundings would enter his mind. But they would be gone as soon as they had appeared. One theme remained. Hana. He didn’t see her, despite his best efforts of turning and trying to spot her from the crowd.

Why?

Arken thought to himself. What was so mesmerizing about that girl? He wasn’t even fully aware of her existence before this gathering. So why? Why was he so drawn to her? Why did he want to get to know her so much? So many questions...

Soon enough, they arrived at the wellspring. The blue of the lake definitely caught Arken’s attention. Then a thought of bring Hana here on a date followed. Then, immediately after, a thought of the date being illegal and not allowed appeared. Just what in the hell was he thinking, or doing? No matter. A few senior members of the coven spoke about the wellspring and the ritual they were partaking in. “Ok, so, slice wrist, make potion, drink said potion, become witch. Got it.” Arken mumbled to himself.

Following the examples of several other recruits, he took a knee on a red pillow, making sure there was one left open to his side, in the hopes of Hana joining him. Secretly, he chastised himself in his mind. Why was he acting like this? At this juncture? No matter, having observed and listened to the instructions, Arken picked up the dagger. Looking around, Arken felt uneasy about the whole thing. This was...is...blood magic. If this wasn’t a coven sponsored event, Arken wasn’t sure the ritual would be allowed.

In any case, Arken balled up his left hand into a fist and scrapped the blade on his wrist. The blade hadn’t cut him, but it was enough of a sensation to make him wince slightly. Drawing in a deep breath, and exhaling hard, he steeled his resolve and gripped the dagger firmly. One more deep breath and his right hand moved almost on its own, drawing the blade across his left wrist.

The pain didn’t hit him right away. He was actually able to look at his wrist for a brief moment before realizing what he needs to do. Grimacing from the pain, he moved his left wrist over the cup and let his blood flow for a moment into the cup. Immediately after, he took the cup and emptied the content into his mouth.

The taste was foul. He did not like it one bit. Never again, he thought. Within seconds, a sense of euphoria took over him. He felt great, like he was on top of the world. Like he can do anything. Hell, he might even walk up to Hana and just kiss her right this moment.

Then. The darkness came.

An indescribable weight. A sense of the end. It was as if he was staring into the void. And it stared back.

Gasping, Arken opened his eyes and shot looks all around him. Ok. He was still at the wellspring. He caught a glimpse of Calypso hacking up something vicious. He cringed, visibly. He felt a little bad for the girl but he wasn’t going to save her or anything. He then saw Summer make a small comment about it before standing up and basically pass out. “Heh. Abernathy. I wish I had my phone with me...” He muttered. He saw Charles as well, seeming doing ok. “Charles. You seemed to have fared pretty well...” He said, leaning forward to adjust how he was kneeling. As soon as he placed his left wrist on the ground, all the pains in the world took him at once. He stumbled, landing on his left side, rolled a bit, and sat back up, with as much dignity as he could muster at that moment.

And there he remained, seated, and wincing in pain while using his right hand to stem the bleeding...

@Akayaofthemoon@Danvers@KaijuBaragon@canaryrose

[sassy1085]

TW: SELF-HARM

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"Well, if we are getting rooms together, let's just hope and pray that I won't get a room with satan that is wearing a yellow & white striped dress." Kate jokingly say, well, half jokingly say, they hope that they can be roommates with someone that Kate actually likes. As Kate, Rowan and Rebecca are chatting through out the night, Kate spot a another witchling, a witch name Isolde Morden and Kate doesn't know why, but they have a bad feeling about this girl and their scar on their shoulder is starting to feel weird. After Lark was done introducing Isolde, she then pass out some robes to everyone, including Kate, while trying to put the robe on, they can hear Summer already complaining, Kate look at Summer with a deadpan expression on their face and then smirk "I think that robe looks nice on you, Summer. It makes you look like a sith lord." Kate say with a giggle while walking to the group.

While walking in the forest, Kate untie their hair tie and let their hair down, they look around in the forest, admiring the scenery, trying to distract themselves from the growing nervousness inside of them.

When the group made it to the wellspring, Kate gasp to the lake site, their mother and father were right, the lake is beautiful, they wonder if any ghosts of the coven live in the lake, Rebecca would have a field day if that was true. Kate nervousness in their heart and in their scar is still growing and they want it to stop, they made it this far, there no way in hell that they are not going to drop out now...What if that what their heart is telling them? What if Kate is not cut out to be a witch? What if Kate doesn't belong here? What if-Those sea of doubtful questions were cut short when Kate hear the voice of Rowan Moore, asking them to patch the cut on her wrist and give them a comforting smile, Kate heart warm up when they see her smile, Kate smile back at her. "Don't worry, dear patient. Doctor Shuang will heal you in just a moment" After Kate say, they almost burst out laughing when Summer fainted That what you get for making fun of Calypso Kate thought to themselves.

It's was finally Kate turn to give their blood out...And drink it? Yeah, Kate thought it was weird too. Kate grab the knife and as they were about to cut themselves, they stop and look at Sister Deborah "Soooo, people use this knife before us, right? It's won't make us sick, right? Like, HIV or AIDS or something?" Kate feel the frustration from Sister Deborah "I'm kidding, I'm kidding. Sheesh, I guess jokes are not allowed in the coven apparently." Kate say under their breath. Kate can feel the sting coming from their wrist but nothing can compare to their aunt Mei "accidentally" throwing a lightning struck at them when they were little, that hurt like a bitch.

Kate watch as their blood drip out from their wrist and into the cup, they look at the red water and only see Kate Shuang, friendly neighborhood potioneer who has a bad case of low self-esteem. Kate raise their cup toward Sister Deborah "Cheers to drinking blood! And to this cup who probably haven't been clean for, like what? Decades?" Kate say with a smirk "....Again, kidding." When Kate took a drink of the red water, they felt a big spark coming though their heart, to their scar and finally, the magic is coming though their body. Kate then starting to see some visions, at first these visions felt familiar to them, like their home with their parents but then, visions turn dark, it felt shadows are looking down on them, Kate felt so small, so weak, felt like they are not strong enough...But then, a bright light push the shadows away and then felt warm, like a group of people that love them for who Kate is.

Kate is finally back to reality, looking around to see that they are still in the forest and still in the wellspring lake. Kate awkwardly stand up and awkwardly smile at Sister Deborah and give her a thumbs up. Kate place their hand on their bleeding wrist, they can feel the wound closing up, leaving a small scar on their wrist Great, my lightning scar is going to have a friend... Kate thought to themselves. And just like Doctor Shuang promise to patient Moore, they gently place their hand into Rowan wrist and then magical close up her wound "It may leave a scar but at least it heal." Kate say to Rowan with a smile

@Jumbus@Danvers

[Akayaofthemoon]

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Hana’s conversation with Cass was unexpectedly drawn short as they arrived onto the lit porch, the front door opening to reveal Sister Lark who was one of the younger Elders. Her warm smile was extremely welcoming and helped to dampen the nerves that were threatening to claw at her gut again. She knew she shouldn’t be nervous, this was supposed to be an exciting and happy moment after all but she still didn’t want to mess anything up and fail. She forced herself to take a few deep breaths before letting herself slowly relax, pushing the doubts away. This was the start of a new horizon and she was determined to greet it without fear or dread of what may or may not be. Her attention was pulled away from her own thoughts by the Elder before them, her chocolate colored eyes turning to the newly introduced member that had joined them on the porch and would be joining them on their journey. It was shocking, not one but two new members to go to the wellspring as well as join the coven. Hana wanted to find out more, see why they had decided to make the change and ask more about the other covens they had come from but that would have to wait another time. They were about to begin.

She quickly took a robe for herself, not even worrying about the buttons as she pulled the soft ebony fabric over her head, letting it drop into place over her outfit. It was honestly a bit big on her, making her feel more like she was swimming in it than wearing it but the robe would have to do as is since she really didn’t have another option. It was at this moment however that Sister Lark decided to grace them with the knowledge that no personal items or familiars were allowed at the wellspring. An annoyed look with a pout swiftly made its way into her features, her thoughts turning along the lines of ‘Why didn’t you say that five seconds earlier?’ as she pulled her arms back into the robe. She crouched down until her hands reached the bottom of the dark material and lifted up to pool around her neck like a scarf, her shoulders keeping it there as Hana unclicked the strap to her purse. Carefully, she slid it off before removing her necklace and a multitude of rings while thanking her lucky stars that she hadn’t put earrings in today.

Once those had been tucked away into her bag so nothing would be scattered or lost, she shifted the robe back into place and slipped her arms into each sleeve before setting her stuff down by the front door. It felt like no time at all had passed and yet, two more Elders had joined them and prepared to lead the group to the wellspring. Lark took one of the unlit lanterns from the hook on the house, a flame crackling to life with just a few muttered words from the Elder witch. The glow was lost in the light of the porch lamps but most likely would be a helpful guide once they left the area. This would happen two more times, the lit lanterns given to Lucien and Claudia respectfully before the group was told to go, all of them bunched together and left to follow. Hana decided to stay closer to the back of the pack, wanting to be respectful of the others and not really wanting to be crowded in the middle with so many other witchlings. They were outside which would help her not feel as claustrophobic if that were to happen but she would rather not take the chance.

It seemed as though they were headed to the forest which wasn’t all that shocking since where else could the wellspring have been but the dazzling reveal of the path they would be taking made her feel giddy. How many times had she passed that area? She had never even felt a tingle of the illusionary and protective magic. It was incredible the type of protection and care that everyone had taken for their wellspring. She knew it had to be extraordinary before this moment but now, seeing it with her own eyes...it was truly amazing. The mass of witchlings slowly filed in, the narrow path not allowing them to stay as they were but she herself felt fear grasp her tight, her own fingers digging into her palms hard without her notice and probably turning them white as she tried to keep herself from hyperventilating. A sudden realization had hit her full force when she got closer to the path which had her excitement fading instantly, there was only one way in and she had no clue if there was any other way out. It caused panic and stark fear to seep into her veins. Hana didn’t feel safe, she felt trapped even if she hadn’t entered yet and knew that she was definitely shaking like a leaf. A startled yelp rang out as the last Elder placed a hand on her shoulder and it took a moment for her brain to catch up that she had been the one to make the noise.

The hand urged her forward, her breathing becoming rapid and raspy as if she couldn’t get enough air. Hana forced herself not to cry and fall apart as she took weak steps forward, entering the path and knowing there was no going back. She wrapped her arms around herself, hugging tight as she kept her eyes on her steps and trying to keep telling herself just one more step with each one. Each moment felt like an endless eternity of torture, dark memories trying to sneak their way into her thoughts, and each movement felt like cement blocks were tied to her ankles. She desperately wanted to arrive, anything to distract her from the crushing terror she was facing. Tears were pricking at the corners of her eyes and she blinked rapidly trying to force it away, not sure if she would be able to take much more. Any chatter was lost on her, their voices seeming so far away as she trekked forward. Suddenly, after what seemed like an eternity, there was a shift...not just in the color of the ground beneath her that she had been keeping her eyes on like a hawk but there was a tingle of magic drifting in the air.

Hana let her gaze pull up to view what was around her for the first time, dark eyes taking in the strange sights. The plants around her were large, others just strange, and some were almost an unbelievable beauty that would have taken her breath away if she wasn’t already struggling with that problem. She wished she could stop and touch some of the foliage or take some samples back with her but it would be impossible and probably rude to ever suggest. The relaxing sound of rushing water and the blanket of magic dancing in the air were helping to calm her ruffled nerves if only by a bit, the threat of tears all but a memory but sadly the other troubles remained for the time being. It wasn’t much longer that she came into the grove of knotted trees, a blue glow painting the area due to the sparkling lake that held an ethereal beauty like nothing she had ever witnessed. It looked straight out of a fairytale, reeds lining the edges here and there, water lilies of unspeakably vibrant colors drifting along the surface, and the air was a pleasant mixture of sweetly fruity floral. The combo of sight and smell were so overwhelming but peaceful that she finally felt like she could breath. The shakes drifted off though there was a small bit of fear still clawing at her, it was more of a nagging reminder than full blown panic.

The last red tasseled pillow waited for her on the shoreline and she made sure to have a sit quickly, not wanting to be the reason for delay. Hana knelt on it, tucking her feet under her and waited for instruction. It was obvious that blood was going to be involved if the dagger meant anything and she wasn’t really looking forward to that fact. At least healing was in her wheelhouse of skills which meant she would have no problem with taking care of herself and possibly others if the need arose. She would just have to be careful to not overdue herself with trying to help too many people. The process seemed easy enough though she had no doubt there was much more to it. She carefully took hold of her dagger, the wrist of her free hand out above the wellspring and did a quick clean slash before she could think too much about it. The blooming of pain was instant, the burn of the cut and the scream of her nerves telling her very clearly that she was injured. Her hand began to shake, the pain of her wrist traveling to her fingers and every small movement of her wrist at all was agony.

The dagger dropped from her hand, blood trickling from her wrist into the wellspring while she grabbed her cup, filling it with water swiftly before letting her blood flow right behind it. The thought of putting this concoction into her mouth let alone swallowing it was gut churning but she wasn’t about to give up, not now. Hana closed her eyes, downing the vile bitter potion that left a horridly foul taste to linger in her mouth. She set the glass down, teetering on the edge of whether she might puke or not when miraculously, she felt fantastic. A rush of magic flowed into her veins, her skin tingled pleasantly, and she felt light as a feather. It was like skating over ice, that smooth relaxed feeling of gliding before the exhilarating feeling of picking up speed for a jump that makes your heart just pound in excitement in hopes of landing. Only, she hadn’t landed, she had fallen, crashing through the ice and now she was drowning. The power was a crushing force through her body, the pleasant tingle now a stabbing pain that attacked from all angles, and her breath choked in her lungs as she bit back a scream.

Her body shook hard, everything around her a blurry mess as black danced in her vision, her mind feeling like it was breaking, and her body might split apart at the seams. However, just as harsh, violent, and swift the pain was to take over her was also equal in how quickly it ended. She was left in the quake of it physically drained, feeling weak, slow, and shaky once again but in another way as her mind tried to catch up with what had happened to her body. Her muscles slowly relaxed from the tense position they had been in, the sting of her wrist reminding her that this wasn’t finished yet. Hana moved to cover her wrist, letting the healing magic flow over her skin and stitch her wrist back together. Blood still coated her arm and probably other places on the robe but the cut was perfectly healed with not even a scar or red mark to prove it was there. That had to be one of the strangest moments of her life. It was almost enough to make her wonder if being a witch was worth it but that thought was stopped dead. A witch, she was a witch now. She had done it! She had made it through the trial. She felt like she could conquer anything.

Her personal moment was cut short though by the wretched sounds of someone emptying the contents of their stomach. Hana glanced in the direction of the noise, her eyes landing on Calypso and her heart going out to the poor girl. That had to be an awful feeling and no doubt would be a bit embarrassing. She weakly stood, swaying a bit as she did so as if drunk and moving with the intent to help her or at least see if she was alright when Summer’s voice dragged her attention away for a split second. She was about to ask Summer if that was really necessary and to back off Calypso when the ginger took a dive for the dirt. Just unceremoniously plopping over unconscious which had her scrabbling and tripping to the girl’s side to see what was wrong. She shouldn’t have passed out unless she lost too much blood, right? Hana moved Summer carefully, looking over her arms to see the cut still flowing with blood and completely unsealed.

Her brows furrowed, confusion clear on her features as she looked at the injury. This didn’t look like any healing had been attempted on it but maybe Summer was just extremely bad at it, who was she to judge. She placed her hand over Summer’s wrist, focusing her magic and energy into that spot, continuing to do so until everything stitched together good as new. Hana ran her hand over the skin gently, making sure to double check if anything was amiss and when it proved to be alright, she stood though now swaying a bit more than she had as more exhaustion set in. She glanced around, watching other people be healed by other members which caused a soft smile to grace her lips. She noticed Arken, still sitting on the ground while wincing at the pain trying to stem the bleeding of his wrist with his other hand.

She made her way over to him, weakly kneeling down in front of him and placing her hand under his wrist. ”Here, let me.”, Hana spoke softly while moving his right hand away so she could take a look at the cut and replace his hand with hers. She felt the magic flow from her fingertips once more, her focus on healing his wrist which she was able to do even if it had taken longer than it had with herself or Summer. She felt tired, like she hadn’t slept in days or that fuzzy feeling that happens with a high fever. She pushed the feeling away, rubbing her hand over his wrist as she had done with Summer making sure no damage remained. ”There, good as new.”, she smiled gently before dragging herself up. She stumbled a bit, having trouble standing herself and getting really worried she might pass out soon. She should have eaten more at the party and now she really was paying for it but hey, if she was too exhausted then maybe she wouldn’t have a panic attack or hyperventilate on the way out of here.”Does anyone else need some help healing? Calypso, are you alright?”

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Speaks With:(Arken)@Infinite Cosmos, (Calypso) @canaryrose
Mentioned:(Cassandra)@blackdragon, (Summer) @Danvers, Those Not Mentioned By Name

[Hitman]

Dakota grinned with zeal as Sister Lark exited the house and approached them. As she explained that the whole thingamajig was about to begin, Dakota hopped over behind Calypso, snagging a robe and shrugging it on. Sure, it wasn't exactly Dakota would wear to parties or anything, but it looked kind of cool. As Dakota pulled the robe tightly on, she looked back to Sister Lark, who explained that they couldn't bring any magical items or familiars with them into the wellspring. "Oh! That's fine. I don't really keep any charms on me, normally...wait, nooo, I can't leave Astro here! Please, can I bring him? I promise he'll be well-behaved..." After realizing her pleas were not going to allow her to gain any ground, Dakota relented and plucked Astro from her shoulder, resting him with everybody else's stuff. "You stay here, OK? Guard everybody's stuff, I guess. Don't come after me!" she commanded, before turning back to look at the two new (old) arrivals and skipping after them with glee. It was time to become a witch!

Meanwhile, Jean-Luc had sort of mingled in with the herd, having stepped onto the end of the line before shrugging on a robe. He scoffed at its size quietly but said nothing audible to anybody, certainly not the elders. Despite his disappointment at the Coven's choice of fashion, he didn't have the energy nor the nerve to complain at this time. The robes might've had some significance that he didn't know about, anyway, so best not to question it. Without another word from him, he turned towards the moving group and followed them.

The group marched down into a mysterious forest, which seemed to be protected by an illusion that Lark quickly dispelled. Dakota gasped as they approached the wellspring, quite audibly, too. It was...beautiful. Gorgeous. Phenomenal. Breath-taking. Even Jean-Luc's normally taught details bloomed into a very thin smile as they entered the area. Feeling a hint of magic in the air, Dakota gazed around, paying minimal attention to Sister Deborah's words. She was still kind of pissed that the elder did not allow familiars into the wellspring, to be frank, and so Dakota was trying her own form of stubborn resistance, likely to no effect. As the rest of the group began to kneel on the red pillows, Dakota caught the drift and quickly hopped onto hers. The pillow made a kind of wheezing noise as Dakota's weight pressed it into the forest ground. Dakota noticed a vial of mysterious herbs along with a knife next to her station, and her instant thought was that Sister Deborah was forcing the witchlings into a deathmatch for the wellspring's power. As Dakota began to think about how she would stab Summer, the elder witch thankfully explained what was going to happen- they were going to use their blood to bond with the wellspring. "Oh no..." she muttered as Calypso dared to speak up about the ritual. Dakota had known that Calypso had a major problem with the sight of blood, but had forgotten about that until now, and it seemed she was in a real panic. As Dakota looked over at her friend in concern, Jean-Luc audibly sighed, shaking his head in disappointment. "Ki kaka sa..." he mumbled, looking back at the wellspring and the knife before picking it up.

As Dakota was looking at the dagger with apprehension and wondering if she really had to do this, Jean-Luc went about it with what can only be described as zeal. Blade in hand, he swiftly ran his knife over his wrist like he was an assassin cutting his victim's throat As blood poured from the wound, Jean-Luc allowed a few drops to fall into the wellspring before adding some to the mixture and downing it like a shot. Instantly, he loudly groaned as he felt the magic overcome him. His blood, much of which had fallen onto the ground, began to move like a serpent, forming a circle around Jean-Luc as he writhed in pain, moving like a ragdoll in the wind. It was over as soon as it came, almost, with Jean-Luc panting momentarily before realizing that a) he was face-first in the ground and b) he was still bleeding. Jean-Luc ran his hand over his the wound, the color returning from bloody red to smooth ebony almost instantly as Jean-Luc healed himself. His eyes returned to Calypso, who was currently puking all over herself, and he scoffed, one clearly not out of laughter, but out of embarrassment. "That is sad," he declared boldly and with a shake of his head. "One of the most important days of your life, and you vomit on yourself." He shook his head again before looking down at his hands. He was a witch.

Dakota, meanwhile, had taken a bit more time before she had finally allowed herself to run the dagger (very apprehensively) over her wrist, the blood spilling out quickly and suddenly, shocking the girl. "Ah, fucking SHIT!" she cursed very loudly as blood oozed from her cut, quickly dunking her whole hand in the wellspring ("so much for 'some blood'") before pulling it out and allowing the blood to drip into the mixture. She looked at the mixture of herbs, wellspring juice, and her blood before remembering that she was, in fact, bleeding out, so she quickly gulped it down
Instantly, she felt a strange sensation, and it fucking hurt. Dakota's body shivered in pain as the magic overcame her, the wind rustling around her, before after about a half a minute, before it finally subsided. Dakota put one hand over her wound instantly and began to heal it. It wasn't a good job on her part, and would definitely leave a scar, but that was the price of magic she supposed.

Dakota laughed as Summer passed out before running over to Calypso, putting her arms around the puking girl (though being careful to avoid the trajectory of the puke itself). "You're gonna be fine, OK? Let me heal you," she said comfortingly, swiftly grabbing Calypso's forearm and healing it. There was still blood everywhere and a nasty-looking scar, but the bleeding had subsided. "There! Feeling better?"

Meanwhile, back at the coven house, Astro had grown bored. Looking around playfully, he found a nice toy- Summer's bracelet. He eagerly took it into his mouth and bit down. Yummy.

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[Qia]

Her eyes pop open when she hears a voice she vaguely recognizes, its source directing her attention to a person she's never met before. The wood staff this person holds is what really catches her eyes, as the designs on it are peculiar. She wonders if the clouds carved into the wood have anything to do with this person's magic, but it is also possible that they simply like clouds or it represents something to her. Would it be rude of her to ask after the ceremony? Alayna smiles to herself.

Probably.

Her curiosity piques, however, once the girl hears that Isolde has a wellspring of her own. Why would someone who has access to that kind of power want to join a coven where that power now has to be shared? Her question remains unanswered for now, Alayna taking one of the black robes for herself.

After she puts it on, she follows the group a few minutes later as they are led down the dirt path to what she assumes to be the wellspring. If she'd known that she would be doing more walking tonight, she would have worn better sneakers. Her feet in her converses are now as sore as they were when she'd gotten to the barbecue. They throbbed with each step, and Alayna wonders if she can take them off once at the wellspring.

Probably not.

Her slight pain becomes a mere discomfort, however, once the group finally arrives at their destination, Alayna's mouth dropping open as her eyes take in everything around her. The wellspring appears as a lake, but the water ripples with a force of magic that seems to surround her like a cloak, comforting her and making her forget about everything except for the tranquil scene before her.

"Holy shit," leaves her mouth in a whisper, and she drops to her knees on the pillow assigned to her without a second thought. Not even the dagger beside the pillow can keep her from this moment of ecstasy. The place is a dream, a memory, a fantasy, a reality. One that only becomes something different once Calypso's interruption occurs. Alayna's eyebrows furrow in confusion. A witch afraid of blood. That definitely is a rare one. She almost feels sorry for her- almost. Everyone knows better than to interrupt Sister Deborah, though. Calypso was begging to die before her ceremony, apparently.

Alayna shakes her head, picking up her own dagger and examining it. Taking a small breath, she drags it across the inside of her wrist as demonstrated, using her other hand to fill the cup with the spring's water beforehand. She allows her blood to drip into it, closing her eyes as a dull pain begins to build at her wrists. Shakily, she takes hold of her cup, trying not to flinch at the sight of the mixture and the coppery sensation on her tongue as she takes a small drink. She then allows some of her blood to drip into the wellspring, feeling nothing at first except a dull shock in her arm where her scar is. The girl has to cover her mouth, however, once she feels the familiar rush of pain from the time she'd attained her scar, tears springing to her eyes at the memory of being alone in the forest, pain and fear her only nonphysical companions.

A grateful shudder escapes her as the pain quickly recedes however, Alayna's hands reaching up to wipe away the tears that had yet to fall. She looks over at her fellow candidates, most seeming to hold up pretty well like her. Something akin to compassion crosses her features once she spots Calypso's new condition, but her compassion doesn't last once she feels some kind of liquid flowing down her arms, leaving small dark red droplets on her robe.

Oh right. Perhaps she should close up her cut. Healing magic has never been her forte, the best she is able to do being to slow the bleeding. Alayna's almost tempted to take on Hana's offer of help, but she manages to restrain herself.

"You need to be able to take care of yourself more, now that you're truly becoming a witch," her mother's words from this morning suddenly ringing in her mind. Alayna swallows, hard, but tries to keep a smile on her face through the small twinge of pain caused by the trueness of her mother's words and her physical injury.

[Melissa]

It didn’t take long for Maggie to reach the coven house alongside Charlie and Summer. She was grateful that she had been invited along, not wanting to have been alone in advance of the ceremony. The three continued to exchange small talk until Sister Lark appeared, sickening smile and all. The blonde hated the feeling that the young elder knew something they didn’t, and was aware of the initiation ritual they were about to take part in. In fact, everyone here knew about it except them. It was like a surprise party without the surprise, a secret where you were the odd one out. Brent had once told her that the ritual was being tied to an anchor and thrown into the wellspring to see if you would float. He earned a deserved smack across the head from their mother for that one.

Maggie listened intently as Lark explained what was going to happen, and let her lips settle into a discouraged line as the young elder handed out the robes and let them know they needed to leave all personal items here. She mused a small laugh at Summer’s comment,
“Guess the sundress was for nothing…” The blonde added in. She should have just stuck to her gut and worn pants. Before getting dressed, Maggie placed her novel on the porch where she had been sitting earlier, looking forward to coming back here later and reading the next chapter. She then slipped her thin arms through the large sleeves of the robe and pulled it on, letting the excess length drag on the ground. Nimbly and quickly fastening each button so as to not hold up the rest of the group, the blonde looked around at the witchlings that surrounded her. Soon enough, they’d all be witches and bonded to the coven. Bidding the safety of the house adieu, the girl turned on her heel and joined the rest of the pack as they embarked on their trek through the woods.

Time passed on their walk, and the blonde tried her best not to trip on the rogue roots littering the trail. The winding path grew longer and longer with every step, so much so that Maggie thought it would never end. It felt as though they had been walking for at least an hour, maybe more. She had no way of knowing- her phone was back at the coven house and she didn’t own a watch. Instead of dwelling on the time that it took to get to their destination, she admired the scenery around her. Maggie would have loved nothing more in that moment than to find a comfortable corner of the wood and read her book.

Out of nowhere, the trees broke into a clearing, and the blonde laid her eyes on the most beautiful oasis that she had ever seen. It was something truly out of a novel- the serene water that was bluer and brighter than any other lake or river, the lilies of pinks, greens, and yellows that floated on top, and the gentle moonlight that made the air seem to sparkle. The elders motioned to the spots that the witchlings were supposed to take and she watched as those in line ahead of her assumed their positions. Following suit, she kneeled on the indicated cushioned red pillow, eyes glazing over the dagger and the cup of herbs sitting next to her. As her main area of interest and expertise centered around potions, she quickly figured out what was going to happen before the elders explained the bonding ritual. Maggie was accustomed to the mixing of herbs and liquids in order to accomplish different things, and even sometimes putting a bit of herself into the concoction if necessary- a lock of hair, a bit of saliva, and even sometimes a drop of blood. The most she had ever given to a potion was a finger prick, but the idea of injuring herself further for the benefit of the bonding ritual didn’t bother her. If she were to be bonded to the wellspring in the way the witches of past were, she’d need to give more than a drop. After all, she was devoting herself entirely to the coven.

After filling the decorated cup with the wellspring’s water, she did not hesitate and quickly and quietly dragged the blade across the skin of her left forearm to reveal crimson. The pain rang through her, but it was not as excruciating as she had anticipated. She let the somewhat viscous liquid dribble into the cup and proceeded to stir the mixture with the tip of her dagger. Maggie then took a moment to look around her at the other witchlings who were performing the same task, some delaying and others already drinking. With one last glance at the elders, who watched intently, she let the dagger tumble to her side before she took back the contents of the cup in one fell swoop, hand beginning to shake as she drank. Her brother had given her alcohol to try one night when he had some friends over, so she just tried to imagine that this was the same thing as then.

The feeling that then came over her was nothing like that night.

It started in her toes, something she could only describe as pure sunshine, making its way up her body until it enveloped her completely. She was glowing, shimmering even, the light and ethereal warmth dancing across her skin as the drink ran its course. Maggie’s senses were enhanced tenfold- she was seeing stars, tasting sunlight, hearing the wind whistle through the trees, touching the smoothest silk, and smelling the magic in the air that was reminiscent of an ocean breeze and lilac bushes. As quickly as the happiness and euphoria had appeared though, the terror and havoc made itself known. Light counteracted by dark, day rolling into night, sun overtaken by moon. The power coursed through her veins like fire, burning everything in its path. It was everything she currently was and everything she could be- stunning violence and beautiful chaos. The weight that suddenly appeared on her shoulders felt almost impossible. It was not only a gift, but also a warning.

And then it was over.

As Maggie came to, so much was going on around her- Calypso was emptying the contents of her stomach, Summer was unconscious on the ground, Rebecca was face down in the water, Arken was holding his ankle in pain, Hana and Dakota were running around trying to heal everyone- it was too much. Too much for the blonde to process all at once, too much for her to bear. There were tears, exclamations, distractions- a tradition and ritual that once seemed so beautiful and meaningful turned frenzied and sour in a matter of minutes.

Maggie’s breaths began to grow shallow, grabbing and pulling for air that seemingly wasn’t there, and her lungs and throat turned aflame. She couldn't control what was happening as it started, and knew what this was bound to turn into. She had fallen victim to panic attacks before, but never did she think that the bonding ritual would trigger one. Her heartbeat pounded in her ears, loud and fast and reckless, and her vision became disfigured and blurry, almost as if she was looking through the small hole of a lens. The trees caved in around her, the wellspring shrinking as the overwhelming anxiety took over. Silent tears pricked at her eyes as she took her head in her hands, trying to regain composure. It was too much, it was all too much. Panic consumed her, and she couldn't find a way out.

[Tracyarmav]

Uaithne Cináed Fearghal Orvar

---

Uaithne grumbled at being told to ditch his pack, but he complied. Emptying his pockets took some time... Pocket knives, paracord, lighters, flashlight, extra batteries, hatchet, lamp oil, etc... He had a lot of pockets, and they all held something useful. Finally finished unloading his pockets, he was one of the last to grab a robe from Sister Lark; which he hurriedly tossed over his head. It was ... Reasonably functional.

The trip to the well went smoothly enough, when he saw the blades and cups he swore in Gaelic under his breath. 'A cup of lively tea' Aunt Brigid had cackled... Well she hadn't been wrong. Nor had the information been useful, much to her delight. Uaithne took an end pillow, and watched carefully as Sister Deborah demonstrated the motions required and explained the surprisingly simple ritual. When instructed to being, he quickly dipped his cup and then efficiently slit his wrist, old words mumbled under his breath as he poured his blood into the pool and then mixed it into his cup, using the knife to stir the contents.

"By my blood here spilled; mine flesh and will are thus bound. By life, by death, my gift will serve this well. Spring of life, well forth eternal, and remember my service given gladly."

The words sprang forth unbidden, and Uaithne drank as he finished his whispered oath. The tea was bitter, bloody, and full of power. It hit upon Uaithne as waves upon the shore, he stared unseeing into the depths of the pool... He felt ... Hot with rage boiling over, into bubbling giddiness, falling into weeping sadness, then groaning grief, hope sparked and love blossomed, pain seared... Every wave a new sensation. Some pleasant, some not, all of it was quite disorienting. He was eventually able to get his wits back, and realized that his left wrist was still bleeding. A quick spell, subtle and efficient, stopped the bleeding. He washed his wrist in the wellspring, as his mind slowly recovered from the overwhelming emotions that were merely a side effect of the wellspring's power.

Clearly there was much to learn still. And Uaithne was eager to learn it... His throat felt raw... Had he screamed? He couldn't remember... His cheeks were damp, so he had cried openly... Interesting, that the well should have such a powerful effect ... As a mere symptom. Belatedly, he looked about intending to help anyone he could. He was a coven healer now, these witches were now his responsibility. Not his alone, thank goodness, the weight of it all pressed tangibly on his shoulders and helped finish grounding his emotional imbalance. There were witches to care for. Some had treated themselves and those around them, so he ignored them.

Calypso would need help... Poor girl, the blood alone probably put her in shock nevermind the power of the wellspring. Ah, but she had been seen too... Everyone had been seen to... Even Summer. That realization put a heavy damper on Uaithne's curiosity. He turned back to the dagger and cup, washing them in the wellspring. He set both back on the pillow as he had found them as he rose and turned to wait near one of the elders for the return trip. Perhaps mother was right, it didn't matter how skilled he was if he couldn't react in time. And it was clear that besides Calypso and Summer... He was the only one still feeling the effects of the wellspring. Every wave another little mocking laugh, their slow and steady rhythm making it clear what they were mocking.

Everything he had prepared for tonight... Worthless, time and effort both wasted. All his study and practiced skill... unused and worthless. So much for being prepared, for having an answer ready for any problem that might arise... Can't even pull himself together after a successful binding... He'd probably be dead the first serious fight he fell into. Uaithne kept quiet, but his eyes stared beyond the present. He only dimly heard the world around him, faint murmurs and whispers. He felt cold, and lost, like his world had been enveloped by thick fog.

---

Speaks to: N/A

Mentions: All

[Infinite Cosmos]

Arken bit his lower lip as the pain slowly subsided. Maybe it was just the natural endorphins his body was producing, or maybe it was just him, getting used to the sting from the raw wound on his wrist. In any case, there he sat, just glancing around at his fellow recruits, most of which are going through what he just went through.

Just what was that? What was that rush of power... What was that sensation? He felt like...well, he felt like he has never felt before. And what was that emptiness? What was in it? Who was there? What was he meant to see? So many questions, and no answers to be found...

Back to the situation at hand. He was still bleeding, albeit less so, when Hana approached him. She obviously saw his wound and proceeded to heal him. The contact, however professional and brief, made Arken feel...warm and fuzzy. All of their interactions previously, however momentary, flashed in his mind like shadow puppetry. All of the previous coven meetings that they were both present for, the party, if you can call it that, before the ritual, the ceremony, now. All of it.

“I. I..uh. Thank you, Hana...” He said softly. He was blushing, if she cared to look at him. His voice was soft, if she could hear him. He was not his usual self, if she had the mind to look at him. Shaking his head ever so slightly, he clambered to his feet and shifted over towards Summer, kneeling down besides her. Smoothly, even casually, he placed a hand on the small of Summer’s back, and whispered to her “Didn’t think you’d fall this easily, Abernathy...” He said, with his trademark smirk plastered all over his face.

@Akayaofthemoon @Danvers

[canaryrose]

Sister Deborah was about to give another one of her rousing, encouraging speeches when everything suddenly devolved into chaos. She had planned to make everybody feel better about themselves by talking about how they had just taken the largest step of their lives, yada yada, but that did… not go planned. The older woman’s mouth opened and closed like a fish for a second, confused at the scene unfolding beneath her. Calypso’s vomiting didn’t phase her at first. That was expected, and she’d just wait until she stopped expunging her dinner to start. But when Summer fainted and Maggie had a panic attack, she… definitely had to do something about that. At least everyone was okay, but the situation definitely needed to be brought under control. Rather than doing it herself, though, she motioned for the other elders to go ahead and take care of it.

Lucien- an older, stern, gray-haired man- headed for Summer. He motioned Arken away, and then knelt next to her unconscious body and made a tutting sound. “Stupid girl. We told you to eat,” he muttered under his breath. He propped her head onto his knees and pulled out a packet of something from the pockets of his own robe. They were smelling salts, and he cracked open the packet under her nose. The harsh smell would hopefully jar her back to consciousness. It didn’t seem like a serious faint, anyways.

Lark, meanwhile, rushed towards Maggie. She hovered over Rebecca for a split second, making sure she hadn’t drowned (she hadn’t) before squatting next to the hyperventilating Maggie. “You’re okay, sweetheart. You’ve just done something incredible. Nothing’s going to hurt you. Deep breaths.” She modelled the breathing for Maggie, giving her a calm and reassuring smile. “Count with me to 10. 1, 2, 3…” Lark continued on like this in a low voice, with only the slightest bit of worry showing on her own face.

@Danvers@Melissa

---

Tears pricked at Calypso’s eyes as she retched. Today was supposed to be the best day of her life- but her stupid fear of blood was ruining it. She could feel the eyes of her peers looking on, deriding her weakness. In Jean-Luc and Summer’s cases, she could hear their laughter and their insults, each one twisting in like another knife in her gut. But Summer fainting improved her mood the slightest bit, even if she was loathe to admit it. She nearly twisted around behind herself to just vomit onto the other girl, but decided at the last moment that that would be too mean. Even if Summer absolutely deserved it.

She stopped vomiting after a long 30 seconds, leaning on her knees and panting heavily. There was a touch on her arm and, startled, she looked up to see… Dakota. Calypso had half-thought that she would be laughing at her with all the others but… no. She should’ve thought more of her friend. She smiled weakly up at her friend, and at the healing magic. Her wrist itched for a few seconds, and, once she deemed it safe to, she glanced down at her wrist. There was still dried blood smeared on her hand, but it wasn’t bleeding anymore. And the cut on her wrist… well, she could still see where it had been. An ugly, straight scar now ran along her wrist where she had dragged the knife along her skin. It wasn’t pretty, but at least she wasn’t bleeding out anymore.

Dragging herself up to stand straight, Calypso smiled a thin smile at Dakota. It was hard to look dignified when there were chunks of vomit on your clothes, that was for sure. “A little,” she rasped. “I’m sorry. I… overreacted. Totally embarrassed myself.” She let out a small, self-deprecating laugh.

God, she was going to be made fun of for this for ages.

@Hitman

---

In the middle of the chaos, Sister Deborah stepped up again and cleared her throat. "Well... for everyone feeling up to it, you can start to head back to the party. I understand that initiation can take something out of you, and there's still plenty of food and drink up there. Your fellow witches are up there, waiting to welcome you as their equals. I can't wait to see what you all will do with your newfound power. I'll tell you about our plans for the rest of these months with us at... some point later. For now, please rest and recuperate." Awkwardly, she lit her lantern and stood by the path, waiting for the initiates to start walking back. She seemed to want to get away from the chaos as soon as possible, even though her underlings were currently caring for Summer and Maggie. She beckoned to the conscious initiates to star their way down the path, fingers clenched tight on the lantern.

[blackdragon]

Cassandra looked at the knife with what could only be described as dispassion. So, this is all I have to do? Easy enough, let's get this over with. The cursewright stabbed herself, then drank the blood. It felt like a hundred lightning bolts went through her body at once, as she went stiff as a board and fell blind for a few seconds.

As she got up, having toppled over backwards, she saw that her problems had been comparatively minor. Rebecca looked like one of the dead she dealt with on a regular basis, Calypso was puking up more stuff than she thought humanly possible, and the rest of the witchlings were in various states of agony and physiological mayhem. A perfect chance for me to play it all up, she thought. With a grin on her face far more suited to a six-year-old getting her first puppy than a teenager who'd just been knocked flat on her ass, she quipped "That was fun! Let's do it again! Let's do it again!"

[Jumbus]

---

"Scars? Oh no no no, scars just won't do. We're witches now, and witches don't look good with scars. I'll make us something to fix them up." Rowan said in a jokingly snobbish tone before returning to normal. "Level with me a sec, that mix made you want to, ..., well you know." Rowan pointed in the direction of Calypso, or rather Calypso's dinner. "I've got some stuff to help with it, I'll start mixing that up before I head back. You just focus on getting people's wrists patched up."

Concluding with the conversation, Rowan went to shore from the wellspring. She took the ceremonial robe off, laying it neatly over a rock to make a nice seat. By all means Rowan was proud of herself, she handled the initiation rather nicely. The bonus of course is nothing in her coat got too wet either. Taking out the small pestle and mortar Rowan begun mixing a variety of different plants from her coat. Then just a bit of water from her water bottle (she wouldn't dare use the water of the wellspring for something this trivial) and ta da! A vial of ginger and peppermint mix, and Rowan spent no time before taking a sip. Overall, she felt much better and tasted good too.

Now she just had to start sharing it around.

---

Speaks with : Kate@sassy1085

[sassy1085]

---

"Aye-aye, Nurse Moorse, Doctor Shuang is ready to treat the patients." Kate jokingly say to Rowan as they watch her walk away to mix up a potion. Kate look to see if anyone want their wrist heal up and then Kate look at their curse loving friend, Cassandra, who is clearly liking this blood ritual a little too much, Kate walk toward Cassandra and gently place their hand into her wrist and then magical close up Cassandra wound and then chuckle "Ok, ok, calm down lady Black. You'll have fun with the drug fill lake next time but for now, let's just relax"

Kate then walk toward their patient, Alayna Castellano, although the two witches never talk before, Kate did hear that she is excellent with fire magic since they kinda envy with that skill. When Alayna say to Hana that she need to be able to take care of yourself more and you're truly becoming a witch, Kate roll their eyes "Oh come on now, Alayna. Just because you are a witch, it's not that bad to ask for help now and then. Beside, you don't want to passed out like our friend Summer over there from bloodloss, now do we?" Kate then magical heal Alayna wrist "There, all heal up. I'm sorry if it may leave a scar but it ok, everyone will have scars on their wrists anyway, we'll become scar buddies and we'll be call the scar witches, a badass band name if I do say so myself." Kate say to Alayna with a chuckle

@Jumbus@Qia

[Danvers]

Well, shit.

The last thing Summer could remember was slipping into darkness, her vision blurring as she fell suddenly and completely unconscious. She mustn't have been out of it for long — perhaps a minute at most — but that didn't mean she felt any less disorientated when she was pulled awake by the pungent odour of smelling salts.

“Urgh, that smells awful...” Summer grimaced as she looked up at Elder Lucien, her brown eyes taking in his impassive demeanour. She supposed she was lucky he had come to help her but that didn't mean she felt any less irritated by his presence. It was annoying to even need help in the first place.

Bringing a hand to her forehead, she eased herself into a sitting position, trying to make sense of what was happening around her. Everyone seemed to be rushing about and it looked like she & Calypso weren’t the only ones who had suffered after the ritual. Looking over at Maggie, who appeared to be in the middle of a full-blown panic attack, she found herself feeling a twinge of something for her. Of course, it was totally stupid to go through with the ritual if you were so damn anxious...but still.

“I’m fine now.” Summer muttered sullenly to Lucien as she slowly stood up. For a second she teetered on her feet — a wave of dizziness overcoming her — but luckily she managed to steady herself enough that she didn't immediately fall to the floor again. Glancing down at the spot where she had cut herself with the dagger, she was surprised to see that it had been healed. And it was a good job too. Likely one of the elders had done it. It didn’t really seem like the other witchlings...or witches as it was now, cared that she had fainted, so she doubted it had been any of their doing.

Not that this bothered Summer. Of course not.

Yet, the teen still couldn’t help but feel a twinge of embarrassment for what had happened. It was not the Abernathy way. Scratch that...it wasn’t her way. It was weak and stupid. No doubt news of the events that had transpired would spread throughout the coven. And her mother...oh god, her mother. She was never going to live this down. Maybe she should move to Antartica or something. Surely they must have witches there too...

Caught up in these thoughts, she absentmindedly picked a couple of pieces of undergrowth off her dress, before suddenly realising that she was just standing there like an idiot.

“Er, well thanks for healing me or whatever.” Rolling her eyes, Summer then proceeded to promptly stride off, eager to get away from the Wellspring (and the other witches). She knew she was going to have to spend the rest of the evening with them but she just needed a moment alone.

@canaryrose

[Blizz]

Iris Aderast

---

_{That was wild}

That bloody potion was very clearly not for human consumption, seeing as several of the witchlings - witches? - were either doubled over in pain, high as a kite, both, or healing someone who was a combination of the two. Iris, however, was just fine. She stood up a little dizzy, pondering the vision of the heartless golems she saw. It was strange, golems were literally impossible to create without a heart, Iris would know since she quite literally wrote the book on golemism. ”...I know what I’m doing first.” Iris mumbled to herself as she straightened out her graduation robes and made her way past Sister Deborah, pondering the things she did today. ”I could go for some more tea...” That was probably the first thing the airheaded girl would do, drink some ambiguous liquid and ponder the validity of its existence in her cup and hand. Naturally.

Isolde Morden

---

_{That was beautiful}

Isolde stood up, she was a little more well composed compared to some of the new witches. It seemed like she got off easy, one of the initiates was vomiting, and being helped. It was definitely a rough process to handle, but they all made it. Internally, Isolde was thrilled, just being here was an honor for her, but as of today, she was a proper witch, and this was her home now. When the coven’s leader spoke, telling them to leave, she remembered she was supposed to let her know she was here. It was time to go back to the house, so Isolde got up and started walking until she got to the elder with the lantern, she remembered her name. The elders of Morden Mountain told Isolde about her and to let her know when she was here.

”Sister Deborah? My name is Isolde. Isolde Morden. I was told to let you know that I arrived from the mountain. I’m happy to be here.” She tried to keep a dignified tone in front of the elder. She stood up straight and tried to remain presentable. She didn’t know much about this woman, just that she was important in the coven, and not to mess with her. ”I’m honored that you allowed me to come here, sister.”

_@canaryrose

[blackdragon]

Rebecca nodded as Sister Deborah started to herd them back towards the coven house. "Yeah... going back sounds real nice right about now." She joined the throng of new witches, still reeking of Eau de Stagnant Water and unsteady on her feet.

As she made her way back to the table, the medium started to see a few more ghosts, but something was... odd. She'd always had to focus a little bit to interact with the dead, and they were constantly fuzzy, but now, she could see them easily and clearly. Something to do with the wellspring, perhaps? Jennifer floated over, not the pale spectre she usually was, but bright and colorful, almost solid. "Wow! I could feel the magic coming off you before, but now? It's like comparing a faucet to a fire hose!"

"I know. I'm amazed by all the power. It... it might actually go to my head, you know. Not that I'm going to let it. Hopefully."

[Melissa]

Maggie’s brain was both fog and stone as she slowly regained a sense of herself, hearing someone call out into the abyss from what seemed like far away, instructing her to breathe in 10 counts. The blonde obliged, listening to the voice as she let her shallow breaths grow stronger and deeper. The dark spots on the edge of her vision started to disappear, light filtering into the fish eye lenses that were her pupils. Her heartbeat that was pounding in her ears grew softer, the gentle sound of the water beginning to become audible again. Blinking, the girl returned back to reality, finding herself kneeling in the same spot she had been before she drank the potion. Sister Lark was the voice she had heard- it was almost as if she was a rope thrown down to her at the bottom of a pit, a sweet, songbird like tone helping her out of a rut. Maggie unclenched her fists, half moons decorating her palms from the impression of her nails, and shakily sat back on her heels.

“I’m so sorry… I… I don’t know what happened. I never do that, I was so prepared and-” The blonde stammered, mouth forming speech for the first time after gasping for air. “I can’t believe that happened.”

She glanced around at the other initiates nervously, hoping that no one was snickering at her peril. Maggie was embarrassed that the initiation ritual had triggered such a devastatingly terrible panic attack, and wouldn’t be shocked if the other witchili- well, now witches, were making fun of her. But, surprisingly, no one seemed to be doing so; only looks of pity and sympathy read on their faces, which admittedly was almost worse.

Maggie shot up, dizzy but stable, and shrugged off the robe that was heavy with sweat before brushing off her sundress, taking a good look at the cut on her arm for the first time. Pressing her opposite palm onto it, the girl healed herself almost instantaneously, power coursing through her veins like a wildfire. Once the blood had vanished, she wrapped her arms around herself, quietly thanking Sister Lark before looking down at the ground and waiting for the group to head back to the coven house.

[Qia]

The smile on her face falters as Kate approaches her, placing a hand on Alayna's wrist. She watches with curious eyes as the wound there begins to close until there's nothing but a thin pink line remaining. Healing magic, while not being her weakest area, is definitely something that she's struggled with for years, so it is always amazing to encounter a person good at it. Hearing the other person's words also surprises her, especially once she realizes that it is an attempt to cheer her up despite not having talked to Kate since, well, ever.

Alayna doesn't even think she knows what her name is. And she certainly doesn't ask.

Instead, she simply says," I guess you make a good point," before looking over at the passed out Summer. Alayna almost wants to laugh at the situation, considering what a strange one it is, but then it occurs to her that the worst of it is over now.

She's finally a witch.

As she takes off her robe, folding it neatly and tucking it underneath her arm, the girl chuckles to Kate, "I feel like the Scars is a much better name, but I appreciate your words of encouragement."

Because Alayna will definitely need the courage once she faces her parents again and all of their interrogating questions about the initiation. She was never good at hiding things from them.

"I think I'm going to head back up if you want some company?" There's nothing she can do for anyone here, anyway.

@sassy1085

[Akayaofthemoon]

. * 　　　 ✦ . 　⁺ 　 .. * 　　　 ✦ . 　⁺ 　 .. * 　　　 ✦ . 　⁺ 　 .. * 　　　 ✦ . 　⁺ 　 .. * 　　　 ✦ . 　⁺ 　 .

She was relieved to see that Calypso had Dakota to help her out since she had been having a particularly rough go since the very beginning of the ritual though it seemed like a few others were slowly running into their own problems as well. It definitely hadn’t gone smoothly for a good portion of them but at least most of them had come together to help each other, the Elders stepping in where they were needed. Hana didn’t see anyone else that was currently needing assistance, which meant she also didn’t have any more reason to stall or hang around the area. A bubble of panic started to form in her gut, a clawing fear trying to grip hold of her once more now that her attention was drawn away from focusing on the ritual or her fellow witches. She felt like the trees were closing in, trapped at the wellspring, the beauty of the place fading as her vision tried to blurry and shakes started back up.

It was fine, she just needed to get to the entrance and make her way back. It wasn’t that far away right? She couldn’t recall though, it had felt like an eternity before and her legs were even more wobbly now. Would she even be able to make it? Would she end up passed out like Summer or in a worse panic attack than Maggie? She felt like her breathing was about to go ragged when a voice brought her back out of it a bit, her attention turning to Arken as he spoke. It felt far away but at least it kept her a little grounded, though she was still in pretty bad shape. It took her a second or two longer to process what he said exactly before she found herself responding, ”N-No problem, Arken. H-Happy to help!”. Her voice had come out shaky and slightly more like a squeak but at least she had answered. It was almost a relief when his attention moved on to Summer who had just been woken up. It didn’t seem like she was interested in talking much which she couldn’t blame her for. It must have been a bit embarrassing to be one of the people to pass out, though it was most likely karma being a bitch.

It was a startling surprise that Summer had thanked the Elder for healing her which caused a bright blush to rise on Hana’s face at the unknowing compliment. It was for the best that Summer had her focus on the Elder, not really needing the extra attention herself. That was the last thing she wanted. She quickly took this as a great cue to leave and swiftly headed for the exit, yanking off the cloak as did. It helped to have a bit more movement and something to hug to her chest like a stuffed animal as she walked, the grip of her fingers no longer having to dig into the palms of her hands. The trip back seemed a little better since it was headed out of the trapped area that housed the wellspring or at least that is what she thought at first. Hana was starting to very much regret not waiting to head back as the path was darker since she didn’t have the lanterns the elders had possessed. It made everything feel much more creepy, unnerving and she couldn’t wait to be back at the porch which would feel much more comforting. The worst part of the night was over or at least that is what she told herself on repeat, trying to push through the tunnel and back up the hill to the party.

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Speaks With:(Arken)@Infinite Cosmos
Mentioned: (Calypso) @canaryrose, (Dakota)@Hitman, (Summer)@Danvers, (Maggie)@Melissa

[Tracyarmav]

Uaithne Cináed Fearghal Orvar

---

Uaithne dimly heard voices around him, he noticed one had belonged to Sister Deborah. Frowning slightly he tried to piece together what she had said... The words came to him with a bit of effort. If we're up for it? And what about those who weren't up to it? What about the people who would never be up to it?

It would be anger that burned away the fog, some cynical piece of his mind noted. The fog and the perceived chill faded. He scowled at Sister Deborah, she hadn't precisely said to abandon the people who couldn't make their own way back... But it was a plausible deduction. And that hit awfully close to the emptiness Dad's death had caused. It hadn't helped that Mom had never been the same either, always ... Somewhere far away. His tone was caustic, the words dripping venom. And his glare held an intensity not often seen in the eyes of the young, an intent to cause harm.

"I suppose the ones that aren't up for trip back can rot where they lay? It's not like there's a shortage of candidates or anything... "

Uaithne prowled past Sister Deborah barely holding back the sudden fountain of rage, that was probably fueled by the slowly fading effects of the wellspring. He focussed on the path ahead, failing to register anything said to him as his blood pounded in his ears and dim shadows of memories danced through his head.

He would cool down elsewhere, and probably apologize later, but for now he all but ran up the path. Trusting his feet to find sure footing in the dim light. Normally he would be using a simple charm for enhanced low-light vision, but all his tools were back at the house and he was too angry to focus on such a delicate spell properly. Sensory enhancement done wrong... Well, it could leave permanent side effects. He simply moved at brisk walk, a slow enough pace to adjust each step before shifting weight to it for him, thanks to his love of walking through the woods and the well maintained path he walked upon.

His hands clenched and unclenched as he stormed away, breathing deeply more to gain some semblance of control than because of his pace. He stepped around anyone ahead of him, passing in the span of two or three strides, due to his small stature. He made his back to the porch, ditched the robe unceremoniously on the threshold, and began filling his pockets. The familiar motions and weight calming him significantly. And he figured he was going to be in trouble... First night, and he'd already pissed the coven leadership off. Fantastic. Brigid would be cackling as soon as she found out...

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Speaks to: Sister Deborah

Mentions: N/A

[canaryrose]

Lucien pursed his lips as Summer came back to consciousness. He was as impassive and stoic as always of course, but he was clearly trying very hard not to roll his eyes at the teenager. “I’m glad.” A stick snapped as he stood up, and he brushed the leaves and grass off of his robe. He was almost glaring at Summer as he spoke. “You can’t perform magic on an empty stomach. Remember that and don’t let this happen again- someone won’t always be around to fix you,” he scolded, staring down at Summer with derision. “And don’t thank me. You should be thanking your friend over there- Hana Song, I believe her name is. That heal job really was flawless. Look at your wrist. No scar, hm?” He pointed to Hana, who was starting to make her way across the trail back to the house. “That girl is going places. You should be taking some cues from her, young lady. Now come along. Get going. You’ll certainly want to get your fill before the food is put away for the night, won’t you?”

With that, he walked off. He gave the wellspring a glance over once more to see if anyone else needed any assistance. Of course, he didn’t find anyone, so he lit his lantern and followed the initiates down the path and to the house. The bright, magically produced light of the lantern lit up the path, providing visibility for anyone standing near him.

Just a few yards away, Lark was still standing by Maggie and trying to coax the girl out of her panic attack. As soon as Maggie spoke, she smiled, relieved, and squeezed the girl’s shoulder. “Don’t be sorry, dear,” she soothed. “I completely understand. The initiation can be… overwhelming for all of us. Everyone has a different reaction. I’m just happy that you’re okay.” The woman stood with Maggie and took her hand off of her shoulder. “If you’re ready, we can go back to the house. Your family is going to be so proud of you, just you wait. And if you like nature, you have a fun night ahead of you!” Lark muttered some words and lit her own lantern before gently ushering Maggie along to the path with everybody else.

Soon, the elders had gotten everyone onto the path and walking back to the house. Calypso brought up the rear of the group. She slunk ashamedly behind everyone else, trying to avoid everybody’s gazes as best as she could. Her vomit-stained robe was slung over her shoulder with care not to let the stained part touch her clothes. Out of everyone’s reactions, she thought, hers had been the most humiliating. Sure, Maggie had had a panic attack and Summer had fainted (the thought of which put a smile on her face) but vomiting? All over herself? Nobody would ever allow her to live it down. The thought of it stressed her out. She would be teased about this for the rest of her life.

The walk back was as uneventful as the walk there, although it was significantly more mopey than the first one. They emerged back onto the coven property after walking uphill for quite the time. Night had fully descended upon the mountain by now. A wide, vibrant blanket of stars spread over them, and the moon was shining bright and big above them. Calypso in particular stopped for a moment and gazed at the sight, amazed. The bright lights of the city had always drowned out the night sky, and to stand among the bright, plentiful stars of the wilderness gave her a deep-seated, almost magical feeling.

As soon as they came back to the party, the new witches were greeted by almost deafening, excited applause from their new fellows. Parents rushed forward to hug and congratulate their children. Random witches went up to the initiates and congratulated them on their success, seemingly happy just to have new witches in the coven. Everyone seemed glad, in fact.

@Melissa@Danvers

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The celebration went on into the night. As soon as Calypso found an opportunity to, she fled the other initiates. Instead, she hung out with her mom and her friends for the rest of the party. It was stupid, but she still felt the embarrassment heating her cheeks and making her want to curl up under a table. Maybe they’d all forget about it if she just disappeared for a couple of hours. Her mom’s friends were happy to fawn over her, though! They wouldn’t even let her go get her own food- when she said she was hungry, one of the women just stood up and got a plate of food and a glass of ice water for her. It went on much like that for the rest of the night. She stayed by her mom, who was ecstatic to see her and to have the full attention of her daughter.

But eventually, the night had to end. It was around ten or so when the other witches started to trickle out of the property. By midnight, only the elders and some of the parents were left. Once most of her friends were gone, Calypso’s mom stood from her seat and grabbed her purse. She smiled at her daughter, tears forming in her eyes.

“Mom…” Calypso started. But before she could finish, her mother wrapped her in a tight embrace.

“I’m just so proud of you.” She let go, but she put a hand on Calypso’s cheek to cradle it. “You have no idea.”

Calypso’s chest tightened. If only her mom knew what a fool her daughter had made of herself. How horribly she had actually done. “You’re leaving already?”

A nod made her smile sink. “Yeah. I’m leaving the Jeep with you, and there’s only one car, so I’m going home with Jessica and her family. You know Jessica.” Her mom gestured to a dark-haired woman standing with her husband and a couple kids near the car path up to the coven house. “Now, listen. You’re gonna have so much fun this summer with all the other initiates. I promise. I’ll see you soon.” With that, her mom gave her another big hug and went off to rejoin her friends. Reluctantly, Calypso cast her eyes around, looking for the other initiates. What were they going to do next?

She spotted Lark, trying to gather up the rest of the initiates. Calypso headed over there, trying to cool her own nerves. It was fine. They had probably all forgotten about it by now! Plus, it was too late- everyone was probably too tired to make fun of her. God knows she was. She couldn’t wait to get in a warm, toasty bed, wrapped in blankets… or to get inside at all. Mosquitoes had been eating her alive all night.

Lark clapped her hands together, getting everyone’s attention. “Now for the fun part! Tonight, as is tradition, you’ll be sleeping outside in a secluded spot on the property. As witches, we have a deep and sacred connection to nature. So what better to foster that than by sleeping outside?”

Calypso’s heart sunk. Camping? This day couldn’t get any worse, really. She didn’t want to camp- she wanted to be inside, in bed. At least she’d be in a tent, away from the mosquitoes, she reasoned. And with a group of people that were (mostly) her friends. When Lark motioned to, Calypso grabbed her pajamas out of her suitcase. Lark started to move away from the picnic tables and the house. With a drag in her step, Calypso followed, face twisted into a sour frown.

A bit later, they arrived at a copse of trees. The house was in sight, though far off. Calypso’s frown twisted even further as she saw the set-up. A fire was in the middle of the clearing, steadily crackling. Sleeping bags were set in a pile by a twisting maple tree- but there were no tents. She groaned internally. Awesome. Just awesome.

“Well, I don’t have to tell you how to use sleeping bags,” Lark quipped. “I’ll leave you guys here to get some rest. Just shout if you need something. Good night!” She put a lantern on the ground, and then turned around and went back to the house. Presumably to do some sleeping of her own.

Once she was gone, Calypso groaned very loudly. She looked down at her pajamas and then at the trees. Did she have to change in the woods? “I’m gonna go change,” she said sullenly, and then disappeared into the trees.

A few minutes later, she came out of the trees, blushing. She had forgotten that she had packed these pajamas. A zip-up pig onesie hugged her body, revealing only her feet, which were bare. She had the hood up and refused to meet anyone’s eyes, instead grabbing a sleeping bag and plopping herself in a corner.

If only this day would end already.