A hand touched her shoulder, causing her to jump. Britt stood there in an all-black outfit. Not knowing what to wear, Dyani threw on something nice that she had gotten from the Marketplace.

  "Hush, you can ask in a bit. We need to leave now."

  Dyani felt their minds link up and his warm magic encased them in the familiar Elven travel. It had taken a few minutes of wheedling it out of him, but Britt had finally admitted that the technique was one of the Elvish ways of travel. Going through the very element that they resonated with. That was why Dyani had to focus on nature and places of nature to move through the element to those places. It was another reason that they had been shocked that her body could handle it, as human bodies were not receptive to that type of pure magic. Dyani kindly reminded him that she was no longer human and that her body was made up of Chaotic magic. There was no telling how she would react to any form of magic done to her. Britt agreed and then informed her that she would not try anything new without him.

  They appeared at a building that was in the center of a large field. It looked out of place, but another building a distance away looked the same. A large copse of trees in the center of the field shone under the growing moonlight. Bright white wood stood out to her eyes. Yew. The wood of the dead and graveyards.

  "Thank you for helping her."

  "That will be another favor you owe me, Britt." The voice was familiar, and Dyani turned to a woman standing nearby. Dyani grinned at her.

  "Sherinya! It's so lovely to see you again. Grouchy as ever, huh?"

  Britt snorted while the woman raised an eyebrow, "She's got you there."

  "Get on with you. You're not supposed to be this close to the house."

  He gave her a rude gesture before jogging off towards the other building. Dyani knew that the woman had rolled her eyes at him.

  "I see that he's been teaching you. Come along, let's get you ready. Do you know what to do?"

  "Britt walked me through some of it but I may need help."

  They walked through the entrance of the building and were met with steam. many voices could be heard as they went to a changing room. Dyani was glad that she was covered due to the weather but the heat in this room had her stripping as quickly as she could. Sweat was beginning to drip under all the clothes. She was given a small locker that sampled her magic, securing it against theft. The jacket was the first to go and Dyani sighed in relief. Sherinya laughed from beside her.

  "Didn't tell you to dress lightly, did he?"

  Dyani flushed and whispered, "Well, we did it to cover the markings."

  There was a noise from Sherinya as Dyani shrugged off her long-sleeved shirt and pants. Even in her underwear, the rune markings were bright. Some of the conversation lulled around her.

  "Dear Goddess." An older voice gasped, but Dyani did not know where it had come from.

  Dyani kept her head down as she took off her hat that covered the Phoenix marking. Gentle fingers brushed over her shoulder.

  "You need to remove everything, Dyani. I know this is new for you but we are all women and will not judge you for how you look."

  Sherinya's voice was soft but it carried through the semi-quiet room. There were a few mutters and Dyani felt the magic shift.

  "Is she new, Sherinya?"

  Dyani nodded her head, knowing that the unasked question was to tell them who she was.

  "This is Dyani. She's the one who survived the ritual during the Solstice."

  There were gasps of horror and shock. A few different magics gathered closer and Dyani flinched a bit.

  "Careful. She's magic sensitive."

  "May we help you, dear?"

  Dyani remained looking down at the floor and nodded her head. Sherinya moved closer to her and placed a gentle hand on her arm.

  "Dyani? Why won't you look up?"

  She shifted at the question and hugged her arms closer to her body.

  "Britt didn't tell you, did he?"

  "Oh Goddess. What happened now? Does this have anything to do with the focus you have now?"

  Her hair shifted as she nodded and looked up. The first face that she saw was Sherinya's and she was not let down when the woman let out a shocked curse.

  "Holy Goddess above, Dyani. What have you gotten yourself into?" Finger reached up and traced the markings on her face. "First surviving the ritual and now this? I will have to talk to Britt about letting you out of his sight."

  "He was with me when it happened."

  Sherinya rolled her eyes, "Of course he was. I swear, you are going to be one magnet of trouble. A Life Debt marking? Really?"

  There were mutters as Dyani turned to the rest of the room and they could see the Phoenix marking. Their reactions were the same as Sherinya's and they got closer to her.

  "You have been blessed in many ways. The Goddess must favor you."

  "Of course She favors her, you crone."

  "Excuse you! I am not a crone, you're the old biddy here."

  "I look younger than you."

  The bickering continued as a few younger women stepped closer. Dyani was chuckling at the two elder ladies that were bickering like old friends. It must have been a common enough occurrence that the others ignored them.

  "What happened?"

  "I saved a Phoenix chick when he fell from his nest. I caught him before he hit the ground."

  A few of the women had their hands on their chest in horror. One that appeared to be around Sherinya's age was the first to ask the questions.

  "This is a Life Debt marking, but in your favor. You saved their child, yes?"

  "That's correct. I cannot take off the foci either or hide their markings."

  Nods of approval followed her explanation, though the same woman commented.

  "You are very lucky in regards to not only being in the right place but that you were blessed with such a marking. They must have been thankful."

  There was a sound of a hand slapping the back of a head.

  "You're an idiot. Of course they would be thankful. Don't you know anything about Phoenix culture? I swear, they stop teaching the young ones important things these days." One of the elder ladies had returned in a black silk robe and shooed off the others that were lingering around.

  "Come now, dearie. I will help you out with Sherinya."

  Dyani stripped the rest of the way and let the smooth silk bathrobe cover her body. It was the same color as all the robes. Black. For a moment, Dyani wondered why that was until she remembered the lesson of the Goddess about the difference in White and Black magic. Magic that has color and is associated with the self was black. Black was a color made up of many colors. White was the opposite. It was the lack of color. This usually dealt with magics that required sacrifice or something that came from another in a person's stead. Much like how the vampire's ritual was for her. It was classified as a White Magic ritual. Dyani shuddered at the thought and cast it away with the others to prep for the cleansing bath.

  Stepping from the changing room, the older woman - who wanted to be called Maggie - helped guide her to a section of the large bathing pool. It was magical in its own right. The pool wasn't a simple bathing area or even a pool to swim in. Instead, it looked like it was a scene from a jungle. Plants and small waterfall structures covered the entire area. Even the water was clear but the bottom was small pebbles. Dyani removed her robe and set it to the side before slipping into the water.

  "Come here, dearie. Maggie will show you how to do a ritual bath."

  The older woman was gentle in showing her how to cleanse her body and take care of the foci that were still around her neck. Special cleansers and smoothers were used for her hair that would help the water rather than harm it. The woman's touch, along with Sherinya, were gentle as they helped to wash her hair. It was required that another helped to cleanse the physical form since one could clean themselves properly. It was an older tradition that they still used. Dyani was just happy to have them around to make her more at ease being nude around so many others. She hoped that this was the only place. Dyani would die of mortification if she had to be nude for the whole ritual. Especially in front of Britt. Dyani turned red at the thought.

  "You won't dear. This is the only part. We'll give you a nice dress just for the occasion."

  Dyani looked at Maggie in surprise before laughing at herself. Of course that would be apparent on her face.

  "We really need to work with you on your mental magic. I swear, I can hear your thoughts louder than my own."

  "Don't tease the girl, Sherinya. You were just as bad when you were a young one."

  There was no comment from the slightly older girl and Maggie laughed. They continued working the cleansers and smoothing potions through their hair, switching between each other. Dyani was the last to have her body washed as it would take a bit more work.

  "These are magic blessed markings. No matter their origin, you were blessed with these from the Goddess. We must be careful in washing them. Those who do blood magic and runes will know this but I am sure that you have not known much teaching. None of these young ones are learning anything these days."

  "Blood magic? I knew blood could be used within rituals, that's what the one I was used in was the basis of. I didn't know that it would be considered its own branch."

  "Well," Sherinya started. "It's not that it is its own branch. It's more that it is runic patterns that have been carved into the flesh to create specific results. For example, yours are dedicated to power and magic. That is why it is impressive that you survived in the first place. These blood magic arrays are very volatile and are easy to mess up. You can see where the person who started yours messed up some of the runes and magic changed them."

  Sherinya ran a finger over a few spots on her arms. There were silver scars around the rune itself. Dyani brought her arm closer to her face and squinted. Sherinya was right, there were small changes where the runes had shifted and the scars were left behind.

  "That is why you are referred to as being Goddess Blessed. The magic was changed and you survived a ritual that should have killed everyone within a few miles. There's a reason that particular ritual was banned, even from White Magic users. It doesn't surprise me that the government is trying to keep hold of you. The power the ritual has and your gift of magic are reasons for them to be wary."

  "Could you teach me more about this Blood Magic? I'd like to know more about this magic that I survived and maybe it could teach me about the potential issues and other things I face with my own magic."

  Sherinya winced, "I don't think that is a good idea. At least not until you're away from Dalition."

  There were hisses from some of the women that were nearby, even Maggie had a soured look on her face.

  "I am sorry dear girl, that you have to go to that school."

  There were mutters of agreement at the sad statement. Dyani shrugged and brushed it away. There was nothing that she or anyone else could do for her now. There was a small tinkling of a bell and the attention shifted to another that walked into the room.

  "Tea is ready!"

  "You say that every time, Jerina. Doesn't that ever get old?"

  "Nope!" Was the chirped reply. Dyani laughed with the others and moved to where the tea was being handed out. Sherinya was the first of their small group to reach the others. Two small cups were handed back to Dyani and Maggie, who uttered their thanks to the woman. Sherinya joined them and they both took sips while Dyani smelled the tea. It was an interesting smell that she could not place, other than the thyme. Taking a sip, Dyani almost spit it out with how bitter it was. There were chuckles and even some outright laughed at her expression.

  "We all have that moment when we first try it. You'll get used to the flavor. Some rituals require this blend or a similar one before."

  Dyani watched the other women sip on the bitter concoction. All she wanted to do was chug the thing in one go but was not sure it would be a good idea. She took a few sips here and there and made a face each time. The thought to chug it went through her mind again. It was tempting.

  "I would not if I were you. You'll get really sick if you do. I know. I did it as a kid." Sherinya commented. "And yes, I heard you that time. Really, we do need to work with you. Have you meditated before?"

  "I am doing so in the Earth Magic class and on my own. It helps calm my magic when it's too much."

  There were some raised eyebrows at that but Dyani ignored it. Instead, her mind thought back to the recent trip into a meditative state. The voice whispered in her ear and Dyani felt her heart race. The touch of that magic had her shivering and wishing for the warmth of the water. Stuck in her head, Dyani did not realize that her magic reacted to the memory. Fear pulsed through her veins as did the magic, which caused ripples to form in the water. Those around her took a step back while Sherinya handed her tea to Maggie. With a knowing look, Sherinya reached up to Dyani's head and closed her eyes.

  "Dyani, you need to focus. Take in a deep breath and focus on my voice and magic."

  Most of the room was watching the scene while they continued with their own routine of drinking the tea. There were wary expressions scattered through but many were of concern for the girl. It took a few minutes of speaking low to the girl but Dyani's memories faded and her eyes opened. They were slightly glazed over but the magic was settling down.

  "Dear Goddess, you truly are sensitive to magic."

  Sherinya rolled her eyes at Maggie, "Of course she is. Her very blood is magic. I am not surprised and should have expected this sort of reaction. Are you okay?"

  Dyani blinked away the remnants of the memory and gazed out at the crowd of worried faces. She blushed and looked down at the cup that had been returned to her hand. Since when did it get moved? The thought was dismissed and she took another sip. A hand came up and took the drink from her.

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  "I think we need to go slow on the drink. See just how much you can handle. Did you hear me? Are you okay?"

  "Yeah," Dyani coughed. "It was a bad memory."

  "No shit." Sherinya stated. "Let's get you moving and finish up. The ritual is set to begin soon."

  The room burst into a flurry of activity and Dyani was guided around to different places as the others finished. The tea was given to her at some point and she sipped at it slowly. When someone felt she had enough, they took it away for a bit. They all returned to the dressing room where her hair was braided back into elaborate style like some of the other women wore. A dress slipped over her head and Dyani was guided to a chair nearby.

  The tea returned and it was about halfway full. Dyani noticed that all of the others had finished their cups. She was the last one and wondered if she would have to take the cup with her. There was a feeling creeping up, one that she had not felt before. It was a fluttering of emotions and things shifted around her. Magic grew brighter and it's voice was more apparent than usual. Each of the ladies had different magic that spoke just uniquely as their voices. Dyani couldn't help but to stare at everything around her while it spoke.

  "I think that is enough for you. Finally kicked in, has it?"

  "It's so beautiful. All the voices are in harmony."

  There was a cough and it broke the moment. Dyani continued to look around while Maggie and Sherinya whispered to each other. There was a ringing from outside of the building and Maggie took a hold of her hand. Dyani gazed at the woman in awe, the magic being much older than the others around them. At least, from what she could tell.

  "Your magic is comforting, Maggie. Knowledgeable and gentle."

  The older woman chuckled as they stepped into the crisp night. Her hand patted Dyani's and they moved through the field at a swift pace. At least, they tried as Dyani was a bit sluggish in her movements. The magic was singing so loudly to her that she wanted to dance and struggled to remain in the place that they had stopped at. The trees were glowing with subtle magic to the others but to Dyani, it was alight like a bonfire. The white bark of the tree was covered with glittering silver and black magics. Around each tree was the beautiful magical marigolds that Britt and her had picked. They were a beautiful red and yellow color, light a light in the darkness. Now, Dyani understood why they were used to help guide the spirits to them.

  There was a voice that chanted in a language that she did not understand. Words were being cast into the night and the groups moved into the trees in pairs. When Maggie and Dyani stepped forward, she caught sight of Britt across from her on the other side of the circle of yew trees. The magic around him surged when he spotted her. Dyani could hear the voice speak again and she was guided forward to the center. Britt reached out for her and Dyani stumbled a bit to him. He looked concerned as she slammed into his chest.

  Dyani opened her mouth to speak, but he stopped her with a finger to the lips. A shake of his head and Dyani nodded. They moved in tandem, mostly with Britt guiding her to the main altar. It was covered with foods and riches, all from various cultures. The frankincense and mugwort blend was being burned in multiple spots along with the bundles of rosemary and bay laurel. The reached the altar and touched it lightly before splitting off to each side again. Hands helped her to where the women were to one side. Dyani could see the magic fluttering around the ritual circle and the people. It was akin to watching fairies dance around a fire. Dyani swayed with it, reaching out to touch the magics that passed her. A bright emerald magic danced around her ankles and up her body, encasing her in a gentle caress. Dyani giggled like a child and traced her fingers through it.

  Britt shuddered at the touch of Dyani and her magic as his magic settled around her. It was the easiest way for him to check on her health without verbally asking. Dyani continued to sway and moved her hands around her. The voice that belonged to the High Priest of the ceremony continued through the greeting as each partnered group stepped through. They were almost to the point where the actual ceremony could begin. Britt's eyes watched Dyani's every movement to make sure that she would not interrupt. When Sherinya joined the girl, Britt relaxed at his friend's nod. Dyani was safe and being taken care of. He could focus on holding up his part of the ritual and guide Dyani in the first part.

  Dyani settled in Britt's magic, feeling at peace while watching the magic of the ritual build. The individual magics of the people surrounding her built up at the chanting of the voice. Their harmonies joined together to create a stunning symphony of magic that had Dyani silently crying. Her tears shimmered a bit as the magic released through her to join the rest of the calls. That was what Dyani figured out. They were using their magic to sing and call for their ancestors and spirits. It was the single most exquisite moment she's experienced. In a way, seeing that this ritual was so loving and uplifting helped soothe her own fears of rituals and magic. It healed a part of her that had been fighting itself.

  All of those around her joined in the main voice in speaking the unknown language. Dyani felt bad that she did not know the words and could not help, but there was a piece of her that knew it. The magic that aligned so much with the Goddess responded to the desire and Dyani's magic swept out in a wave. There was a slight hitch in the chants where others looked at her in alarm and surprise. Britt's fists were clenched at his side as he focused on her. Dyani stared back at him and smiled, the magic coming to a crescendo around them. Above, the moon rose high into the sky and there was a shimmer of magic around them.

  Dyani watched as the magic that had pooled around them shimmered and took form on the other side of the circle. The voice of the ceremony in front bowed and welcomed them in. Each side of the groups broke off and joined together. Britt was at her side before she could say a word.

  "She had a reaction to the tea. We did not expect her to be that magically sensitive. You should have warned me that she could see and interact with magic."

  Britt looked at Dyani with astonishment, "I knew that she had a touch of sensitivity, but that to that degree. Dyani, why haven't you said anything?"

  The girl shrugged and swayed to the sounds of new magical voices joining the rest, "I thought most could see magic and touch it. Figured that it wasn't worth mentioning."

  "Of course you would think that," he sighed. Britt nodded to Sherinya and thanked Maggie. "Come on now, let's see who arrived for you. I have our smaller altars over here. I hope that is okay with you."

  Dyani's eyes focused and the magic faded a bit. Instead of seeing everything as magic, it just held a dull glow around it. Her eyes searched out Britt's and she smiled at him.

  "I should be thanking you. You went to a lot of trouble for this, didn't you? Mom texted me earlier to say that you were getting things."

  Britt flushed and dipped his head as he guided her away from the main altar. "I did. I wanted this first time to be special for you because the awe of magic and rituals is still new."

  "Well, I appreciate it. I really do."

  They stopped at a small section where two altars were set. On each one were various fruits and offerings. A small cup was placed and Dyani recognized it. One of her mother's cherished cups. It was a small thing that Dyani had made as a child.

  "How did you get that? Why is it here?"

  "I asked your mother if there were any cups or containers that you made as a child for the family. She gave me this. I hope that is alright. It's important to have a piece of your childhood to hold the offering of blood. It's the innocence and purity that children carry mixed with the bloodline of the ancestors. Powerful family magic."

  Dyani kneeled down and touched it gently. That was when she noticed the other objects on the altar. Her father's parents were there in pictures as well as a few heirlooms from her mother's side. A turtle shell rattle with a small drum. It was the lost heritage and the only thing her mother had from her grandmother or Dyani's great grandmother that she never met. The woman had passed many years before Dyani was born. Dyani teared up at the two objects, knowing how priceless they were to her mother.

  A warm sensation one her shoulder had her looking up. In front of her was not the altar or even Britt. Instead, it was a woman who wore a leather dress with small cones around it. She was in bright colors and her hair tied on both sides. It was her great grandmother as she should have been.

  "Grandma?"

  The woman stood and guided Dyani up from where she knelt. They both had tears in their eyes as Dyani was embraced. The magic made the elderly woman more solid than she should have been. They stepped back and shared a joyful laugh. The grandmother posed and smiled brightly.

  "You like my dress? See!" She shifted her hips and the dress chimed with a bright tinkling sound. "I was a jingle dancer when I was a little girl."

  Dyani's tears spilled down her cheeks and she watched as her grandmother de-aged a bit as she danced. The jingling of the bells sent waves of emotion and magic through her. The older woman danced, each step careful in its movements. The jingle of the bells chimed brightly and drew the attention of those around them. Although, Dyani had only eyes for the free spirit that was her grandmother. The magic swirled and pulsed around the longer she danced. The steps and the pattern were important. They were healing. Combined with the magic, it was one of the most awe inspiring healing sessions that she felt.

  A hand curled around one of hers and Dyani turned to see that Britt had broken from those who he connected with to check on her. Dyani smiled and squeezed his hand, returning her attention back to her grandmother. The magic with the healing dance built up and released in a wave of warmth and joy. A bubble of laughter burst from Dyani and she felt the happiness of freedom and love. The woman slowed before stopping. Clapping erupted from around the ritual site and the joy spread.

  "It has been many years since any of us have seen the People of the Land or their dances. Thank you, Dyani. Thank you to your ancestor."

  "It is my honor to have been here and to reconnect with my family. I should be thanking you." The woman responded.

  Britt smiled and bowed his head before looking at Dyani.

  "If you have a moment, I would like for you to meet someone. If that is alright with you?"

  Dyani lit up and he knew the answer to his question. He helped her from the ground, the girl's grandmother stepping closer to her. A ghostly hand on the shoulder was all that was needed for her. They turned to where Britt's altar was and she was surprised to see a few people waiting. Britt guided the two over to the small group.

  "Dyani, I would like to introduce you to my mother."

  Dyani's heart clenched at the flash of sadness that crossed his features for a brief moment. Her grip on his hand tightened and she refused to let go.

  "Oh Larien, she is beautiful."

  The woman gushed as her eyes landed on Dyani. The girl in question flushed a bright red and ducked her head slightly. Dyani's mind caught up and she looked at him curiously.

  "Larien? I didn't know you had a different name."

  Britt gave an exaggerated sigh, "Larien is my real name. It's the one that is used within the Blessed community. Britt is a human name I chose to make it easier to blend in."

  Dyani gaped at him before biting her lip. There was the question of whether she should ask if she should refer to him as Britt or if he would prefer her to use his real name. It felt wrong to call him Britt now that she was aware of his real name. Britt pulled her close and wrapped an arm over her shoulder.

  "Don't you worry your pretty head over it, Dyani. Call me Britt for now. It's what you know the best and are less likely to slip." He turned to the woman that was standing off to the side. "Thanks, Mother. You've confused her."

  "Don't blame me, Larien. You know how much I dislike that name."

  "All right you two, let's introduce the rest of us to your lovely lady friend?" The male who spoke was a bit older than the female but held a very stern countenance.

  "Right. Of course, sorry Pa." Britt's mother smiled at Dyani. "We are Larien's family and are quite happy to meet with you. My name is Ninothe and I am his mother. This is Merivon who is my father."

  Dyani smiled at them but didn't offer a hand, knowing that it was considered impolite if they did not offer first.

  "It is wonderful to meet you. I hope that you are enjoying this Samhain. It is nice to see that Larien is not on his own this time around."

  In the moonlight, Dyani could see the light flush on Britt's cheeks. There was a grumble but it was inaudible to her ears. His side of the family burst into laughter and Dyani felt elated at the sound. It was very much like Britt's. A hand on her shoulder drew her attention to her grandmother.

  "Britt?"

  The man hummed and turned his gaze to her. His family straightened up and came closer. Dyani moved so that her grandmother could join them. The woman stepped around Dyani and the shift of the bells drew the small groups attention.

  "I would like for you to meet my great grandmother, Lucinda."

  "It is my honor to meet you, young man."

  Britt and his family had a light laugh, to which he explained.

  "I believe that I am older than you are, Lucinda. It is quite all right, an easy mistake with elves."

  Dyani's mouth popped open and she stared at him in shock. She squeaked, "What?"

  Britt's bright eyes sparkled in amusement when he looked down at her.

  "You forget that elves live for long lives, Dyani. I am much older than I appear. We age slower than human by a many number of years."

  "I don't even know what to say," Dyani admitted. Lucinda burst into laughter that caught on.

  "Of course you wouldn't, Dyani. We are not used to such ideas of living longer than maybe a hundred years if we are lucky. I was blessed to have that but missed your birth."

  Dyani gave her a sad smile, "But I get to see you now and that is all the matters."

  She received a kiss to the head before Lucinda turned to the others, "I am not sure how long the magic will keep me here. I am not magical as you are and fear that I am running out of time."

  Ninothe reached out to Lucinda. The women linked hands and Dyani could see that Luncida's faded form burst with color and became more solid than before. Dyani sucked in a breath of awe. She reached out and felt the warmth of skin rather than the coldness from before. Tears trickled down her face as Lucinda embraced her granddaughter with warmth and love.

  "You feel real."

  "I am real, my dear. I just do not have as much time as the others."

  "You have longer now," Ninothe interjected. "I am happy to help you remain if you would be willing to tell us about yourself. It has been many years since we have seen or spoken with someone that comes from the People of the Land."

  Lucinda sighed and sat down, motioning all of them to settle in. Dyani sat down in front of her and leaned back so that the woman could work with her hair.

  "I was born in the later part of the 1800s. I believe the actual date was 1893. That time was very stressful on the People. I was just a child of maybe six or seven when I was taken. Those years and the early 1900s were tragic in the kidnapping of all of the different Nations' children. We were brought to these churches and given new names and new families. Most were much younger than I was if they could grab them."

  The faces of those gathered were horrified. It was a story that Dyani was familiar enough, having been through the classes that taught it as well as her own mother speaking on the topic. It was still a painful part of their past.

  "I was brought to a young couple, who knew that I was older and had attachments. They were generous and I was very fortunate that I was permitted to keep my small bag and the small drum I had been carrying when it was raided. I was not permitted to carry the name I was blessed with but given a new name of Lucinda or Lucy when I was growing up. It was a proper Christian girl name."

  "We never knew," Ninothe gasped. "Our cultures split from the nonmagical, including the People of the Land, long before the Americas were being settled. I am so sorry that this happened."

  "You cannot help what it is the past now, dear. Although it is important that the stories and the truth be spoken about now. These issues are being brought to life and challenged in this new age and I could not have been prouder of my family being a part of this speaking this truth."

  Dyani closed her eyes and reveled in the hands that threaded through her long hair. There was a gentle touch on the part of her hair where the silver strand was.

  "Our family may not know which Nation or Tribe we come from but we honor the bit of history that I have been able to teach. We believe that our hair is the extension of our soul. It is sacred. I see that this has carried into the magical world."

  Britt tilted his head, "Not quite. Some of the Blessed of the Goddess have beliefs that are close but not quite the same."

  "Ah," she hummed. "I believe that I was speaking of my daughter in this regard."

  She lifted up the silver strand that had grown slowly over the time that she had been entrenched within the magical society.

  "This is quite the addition to the family line, my dear daughter. You will do many great things. I have foreseen it and the spirits whisper many things. Just always honor where you have stepped before and the path that you face ahead."

  Fingers wove Dyani's hair with ease through muscle memory. It was a simple two braids, but it was still very neat in how it was done. No hair was left out and the silver strand had been shown throughout the one side. The older woman kissed Dyani on the top of the head and went to stand.

  "I wish that I could stay but there is someone else that I wish to visit. I know that I will not be able to do much beyond what I have here."

  Dyani stood up and gave Lucinda a tearful hug.

  "Wish my mother all my love when you go."

  "Of course I will."

  The smaller group watched as she faded into the night while doing another dance. Dyani choked out a sob and felt arms wrap around her as her great grandmother left. Britt pulled her around and wrapped his arms around her properly.

  "I'm here, it's okay to cry."

  Dyani let go, feeling the effects of the evening crash over her. The movements were gentle as Britt moved the both of them to the ground.

  "If you need to sleep, Dyani, go ahead. I will take you back to the dorms if you do."

  The woman shook her head but the heaviness of the magic and the influence of the tea made it difficult to fight it. Britt sat with her in his arms while he held low conversation with his own family. The moon moved through the night and Britt continued to hold onto her as she slept. Sherinya visited when the ritual was wrapping up, most of the ancestors having left.

  "Larien. Wait." Britt turned to his mother and raised an eyebrow. She was one of the last left. "I want to tell you to be careful. Lucinda was not incorrect when she said that the spirits are whispering. There has been talk across the Veil about that girl."

  Britt frowned and looked down at Dyani. Sherinya stood to the side, watching in silence.

  "You do not know yet the role that she will play and I worry over you."

  "I will be fine. I have chosen this path just as she has been forced into it. I just had the option to choose it. I will go where she does even if she does not realize that quite yet."

  Wrinkles formed in her brow as she frowned. It was not the answer that she had desired.

  "Why must you be so stubborn? You were not this bad when you were a child. What changed?"

  "She did. Everything changed when she survived and I was brought into her path. The Goddess has plans and I honor those, but I also know that Dyani will need support. I have to make sure that she makes it through whatever plans the deities have for her. It's the least I can do."

  "Why you? What makes you believe that you should be the one?"

  Britt scowled, "I believe it because I have heard her magic. I have felt the power of the Goddess through her. I'd rather be in danger and save her as many times as she needs, if it means that I am able to honor the Goddess that gifted us our magic. There is a reason Dyani survived and I want to know why. I want to know what the Goddess has planned for our world."

  "You would not like the rumors that have started. I do not like that you are involved in this."

  "At least I have the choice, mother. I want to be a part of something that can change our world. It's obvious that it needs to be changed. It is after all the entire reason that I went into the human world in the first place."

  The woman sighed and knelt down beside her son.

  "Then I will give you my blessing and strength. You will need it in the coming years."

  Britt laughed, startling Dyani awake. "I know I will."

  "Britt?" Dyani rubbed her eyes and sat up. Ninothe reached out and traced Dyani's cheek. She looked surprised but smiled at the touch.

  "You are Blessed by the Goddess Dyani. Just take care of my son, will you? I cannot be there to make sure that he doesn't do something stupid."

  Dyani burst into giggles, "Of course I will."

  Ninothe stood and brushed the nonexistent dirt from her dress. Nodding to Sherinya, the woman closed her eyes and looked up towards the moon. The magic shifted around them in a low hum before the apparition dissipated. Britt's arms tightened around Dyani for a moment before he loosened them. With help from Sherinya, both stood up from the cold ground. Dyani shivered as the warm magic of the ritual bled away to reveal the chilled night.

  "Well, that was interesting."

  The two magicals looked at Dyani as if she were crazy before snorting in amusement. Dyani just smiled at them before making her way over the small altar that was hers. Britt handed her a small bag that would fit the entire setup within. Even giving her boxes for the heirlooms to protect them. It was time to return to the school.