Thursday, September 28, 2006
Chapter 21A-Spring Equinox Party
It was raining and miserable outside. The good news was the snow was disappearing really fast. The gathering spot was a mess of slush and mud puddles. Sheets of the gray material were placed as canopies over the smaller fires so they didn't go out. The bonfire appeared to be holding its own as the circle and initiations were held but didn't seem to put out as much heat as usual.
Most clan members sat under rain shedding canopies that kept most of the rain off. Even wet the robes retained body heat as long as it wasn't continually washed away by fresh water. It was not comfortable but it was bearable and did put one in touch with the elements in a very direct way. Most of the clansmen were so accustomed to being out in the weather that being wet was a minor discomfort to them.
Tobal almost felt sorry for Angel and the High Priest as they dropped their robes and stood in the chill rain invoking the Lord and Lady. Angel and the High Priest gave no indication they were even aware of the bone chilling rain and proceeded normally through the ritual. Tobal did notice they put their robes back on after invoking the Lord and Lady and both remained close to the fire for a while. It helped reassure him that they were human like he was.
He also noticed the Lord and Lady seemed more real and tangible to him although they remained in their stations above the central fire. He had been continuing the meditations and exercises Crow had taught and they were increasing his ability to feel connected to the Lord and Lady. He still thought of them as his father and mother. How that could be he had no idea. He only knew it was the truth. He felt it deep within his core.
This was not the God and Goddess appearing at circle during rituals and initiations but the spirits of his parents still alive,well and aware of him even though they did not seem to have anything to say to him. He did feel their love and support and wished he could talk with them or reach out and hold them. Their images had become sharper and he could see his father carried the same dagger that was sheathed and strapped above his own ankle and his mother had the same necklace of amber and jet he wore around his neck. This realization brought tears to his eyes and he wondered how such things could be. It was always at circle that he could feel their presence the most strongly.
It was the celebration for the Spring Equinox and there were plenty of high spirits in spite of the poor weather. In fact, there was a lot of excitement about the rain taking the snow away. The main topic people were talking about was getting started training again as soon as the weather broke.
After circle the party was taken inside and wet robes exchanged for dry tunics or furs or simply let to dry in front of the fire as their owners casually remained nude by the fire drinking beer and joking. It seemed the big thing that night was to share tattoos and stories about tattoos. It was warm in the building and there was no wind to cause discomfort.
Tobal and Becca had both draped their wet robes for drying in front of the fire along with the others and were trying to thaw out a bit. The blazing fire felt warm and neither one had a burning desire to put on a wet robe and run out into the rain to the shelter where the rest of their dry clothing was waiting. Tobal had even less desire to run out there naked. He didn't think Becca would either. In the end he resolved to simply do what many of the others had also decided, not worry about it. With that in mind he pushed through the crowd to the bar for a tankard of beer for both of them. Getting two foaming tankards of beer he shouldered his way through the crowd of naked and semi naked bodies back to where Becca was waiting.
Zee and Kevin saw them and called them over. They were in good spirits and wanting to talk.
Kevin had his arm around Zee. He lifted his tankard as they approached.
"To newbies", he said.
"To newbies", Becca, Tobal and Zee laughed and all four touched their tankards together.
"I take it that you guys are heading for Sanctuary", Becca chuckled.
"As soon as this weather breaks", Zee told her.
"How are you guys getting along this winter?" Becca asked.
"Thank Goddess for the monthly circles", Zee giggled. "We've been driving each other nuts." She gave Kevin a kiss and said, "But it's good practice for next winter."
"You’re going to partner together next winter!", Becca was delighted and jumped up and down. "I'm so happy for both of you!"
"You're not doing so bad yourself", Kevin teased her.
"But Tobal's never around when I need him. I might need to sleep with you guys tonight."
"What!"
"I'm leaving tonight", Tobal said suddenly. "Not even my love for Becca can keep me from my sixth newbie."
Becca pouted and they all laughed.
"You're going to get plenty wet", Kevin told him.
"He's always a wet blanket anyway. Doesn't know how to have any fun", Becca quipped and grinned giving him a kiss. "I'm just lucky I've got someone to train this month yet. Other wise I'd get lonely. It sounds like there are a lot of people heading for Sanctuary as soon as the weather clears."
Zee and Kevin looked at each other speculatively. "We might have to rethink our strategy", Kevin said.
He and Zee moved off to talk and Tobal knew they were seriously considering what he had said.
The drums started and a place was cleared in the center of the room for the dancers. The first out were Wayne and Char dancing together. It seemed they might be getting back together again. Tobal hoped they would take time to train some newbies so they could advance and move on but that was entirely up to them. It was good to see them back together again though and his thoughts flashed to Melanie and Becca. She had left with Melanie. They had tried getting him to dance but he didn't really feel like it tonight knowing how long it was going to be.
The girls were dancing together in the middle of the floor having a good time. It was good to see them having fun together again. Melanie made him laugh and feel good but Becca made something quiver deep in his belly that made him feel self conscious and awkward. It was a vulnerable feeling and he didn't really care to feel so vulnerable.
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