Eve's Night

The sun had set many hours ago. There was a chill lent to the night air from the northern winds; arried from the storm that passed through the day prior. It had certainly come just in time for the rituals this evening that dotted the fields and groves that ran and mixed with the dense forest. The dampness that clung to the earth would help keep the bonfires lit tonight in place, something that brought peace for the head priestess.

Standing before the main bonfire Eve looked down at the construct. It was made of wet sticks carefully layered together to build a frame.. Lending function on top of the fire pits rustic look. Dried bouquets of sage were placed on each wall, so they could be added to the fire later in the evening. For a moment, Eve ran her pale digits over the dried herbs, her mind conjuring the sharp angles, and handsome features of the generous Auracorn who had supplied at least half her stock over the summer.

She had invited Mr. Gramarye but Eve didn’t have many hopes for him coming tonight. The fellow seemed wary of such practices and skittish of people. Regardless, the desire had been to make him feel included.

She shook the thoughts from her mind,  turning to her small group of priestesses, all dressed in similar flowing black frocks. 

“Good evening, Priestess Tempest, are we ready to begin?” She inquired, her orange and purple gaze settling on her second in command, an Auracorn of black, raspberry, purple and cobalt blue.

“Yes, Head priestess, and those who wish to celebrate with us have gathered, we’re all ready to go.” The young Auracorn remarked, her head crowned with dried flowers and herbs. Eager to start the night, and welcome the souls who waited all year for this moment.

Even turned away, facing the larger bonfire, just waiting to be lit. How many years had she done this now? It still weighed it’s importance on her mind every year, and so far hadn’t become a millstone around her neck. Reaching a hand out, she inhaled, settling her nerves as they began to dance and tingle under her skin and fur. 

She could already feel the magic coursing through her, ready for an outlet- this outlet. Eve seldom used magic… this being one of few times she would allow it during the year. Her magic was kept sacred and pure, at least that’s how she saw it.

From her palm a sizzling white flame jumped, landing in the dry, seasoned firewood. Immediately it settled, and consumed enough to bring itself to proper fruition. White flames crackled, and spit, signaling the start as the mother flame. Moments later, down the hillside similar bonfires flicked into life, as if they were the orange and yellow offspring of Eve’s flame.

As soon as the lighting ceremony had been concluded, music began to fill the groves. The sound of drums, flutes, and bells started softly, before falling into a pattern, echoing louder. The music seemed to stir all the hearts of those present, calling to them in the most sacred of yearnings.

Moments passed before people finally succumbed, throngs of people falling into dance around the crackling fires. This was an age-old practice carried down through the generations, one that Eve was proud to uphold. The deep, sensual bellows of the drums as they were stuck speaking to something deep inside of the white Auracorn’s soul. The patterns of the drums replaced her heartbeat, pulsing her blood through her body.

Yielding to the call, Eve took to the crowd around the bonfires, her body swaying with elegance to the melody. As she turned, she paused, swearing she had seen eyes just lingering in the shadows of the woods. They were red and very familiar. A prickle ran down her spine as a secret hope blossomed in the pit of her belly, blooming to tickle her heart. 

Coming back to face the fire, she knew it was best not to call out her friend. He was simply curious, she would guess. Memories of afternoons spent with him rushed her mind, warming her, causing a smile to curl upon her lips. Between these happy thoughts, knowing his eyes were on her, and the sensation of her linen dress twirling and swaying with her body, Eve was ecstatic.

It was going to be a long night, but as long as her friend was there, she could get through it. She would certainly have to give a private offering as thanks to the gods later for her good fortune this night.