Rhenna's Rite of Nascency

Performed: 4 of Urlachmar, 555
Location: clearing in the pines
Title: Penumbra

Clearing in the pines.
Oil-black nests of shadow and bloodied wood crown the twisted ravenwood here as it casts unnaturally long shadows upon the landscape. It is quite cool. Tall scrub-pines form a backdrop to this clearing. Thin trunks are covered in brush-like branches, their needles brown and ready to drop. The clearing itself is an area of grass and soil, pieces of pinecone and dry blades scattered across the ground. The sound of cackling crows echoes through the trees. Lovely coltsfoot carpets the forest floor. A sedge of galingale is firmly planted in the forest floor. A marjoram bush flourishes here, spreading its delicate scent. Sprays of chervil cover the forest floor. A mature blackthorn tree stands proudly here. Glowing gently with a soft blue light, a delicate dreamcatcher has been permanently hung here. Casting darkness all around, a shadow totem thrusts up from the ground, chilling the air. A tenebrous leopard is crouched within nearby shadows, her tail flicking back and forth excitedly. A slender leothin sits here motionless, brightening its surroundings with its natural golden bio-luminescence. Nothing more than a puffball with cerulean eyes, a seal lynx point ragdoll kitten lies here lounging languidly. A leopard lurks in the shadows, curiously watching anything that moves. The hulking form of a carrion beetle stands here. A spectral wendigo wraith hangs here hauntingly, a groaning howl rumbling deep in his throat. Clad in matte black leather, a golden-eyed savage lingers here like a living shadow. Clad in matte black leather, a golden-eyed savage lingers here like a living shadow. Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo is riding on Bizirik, the leothin. He wields a wooden lute engraved with spiders in his left hand and a whimsical copper spatula in his right hand. Penumbra Rhenna, Proselyte of the Awakening is here, shrouded. She wields a golden sickle in her left hand and a silver-edged kite shield in her right hand.

Esei inclines their head politely to those gathered. "Tidings, all." They begin, voice soft. A clay jar is produced from beneath their dark robes, wrapped with thick rope. "You come to witness a Rite of Nascency. Some of you may know that this is a pivotal moment in an Augur's life."

Esei opens the jar and lifts a hollow pendant from it, which drips with the muted water of the Forest's river. The elfen moves in a clockwise circle, speaking with a soft, confident voice as they flick the water on the ground. "It is not simply a ritual to denote a passage from rank to another, but to mark the knowledge the Nascent has gained during their Nascency, to let the Hallowed greet them."

"And so," Esei says, sending the last of the water skittering against the ground in droplets. "We would beseech the Hallowed for their wisdom and guidance for this Nascent." They step into the center of the space, turning their gaze to Rhenna.

Softly, Esei says to Rhenna, "Join me, Nascent."

Rhenna nods and steps silently forward.

Esei bows their head reverently as they begin to speak. "Brother Crow, Wyrd-Given-Wings, another child of the Wyrd seeks to join Your murder, seeking the safety of Your Black Nest."

Solemn, Esei says, "Mother Night, She Who Reigns Eternal, another child of the Wyrd seeks the safety and strength of Your shroud."

Eyes closing, Esei says, "Shadowbeat, Voice; another seeks Your rhythm and guidance."

Esei says, "Black Idols, another seeks Your wisdom, to learn from Your teachings."

Lifting their head to gaze at Rhenna, you say, "Dark Spirits, another of the Wyrd seeks Your patience and perseverance, so that she may better serve her tah'vrai."

As Esei's words fall, the ever-present crows become suddenly silent and even the wind stops entirely. Rhenna's shadow grows suddenly, stretching unnaturally long, as a heavier darkness blooms behind her, casting odd shadows. Rhenna's shadow continues to grow, blurring around the edges with the intensity of the gloom.

For a few moments, the shadows remain. Then, they bleed away, and Rhenna's shadow returns to normal. Esei watches Rhenna closely, ear flicking as the crows begin to caw once more. "The Hallowed would name you Penumbra," they say to Rhenna quietly. "Would you accept this as yours, on your path down that of an Augur?"

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "I would accept it and bring honor to it. It shall be a message to all nations that the Glomdoring is supreme."

Esei bows their head solemnly. Their hands emerge from their robes, carrying their athame in one hand and a struggling songbird in another. "Hallowed Dark," they proclaim. "We would thank you for giving this Proselyte guidance into her Awakening with this sacrifice." They hand the athame, grip first, to Rhenna, meeting her eye.

Softly, holding the bird in place, Esei says, "Proselyte, would you have the honor?"

Rhenna takes the athame and holds it gently but securely. She cradles the bird in her other hand. Then, with a swift, fluid motion and no hint of hesitation, she slices through the bird's flesh, the blood trickling through her fingers down to the forest floor below.

Esei allows the corpse to fall to the ground, to be taken by the Glomdoring's loam.

Turning to face the gathered, Esei says, "Thank you, Wyrdenkin, for attending."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Glory be to the Glomdoring."

Esei says, "Glory be to Glomdoring."

Evette D'Rose, The Primordial Scourge says, "Glory be to Glomdoring."

Voice bright and clear, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo whispers, "Glory be to the Glomdoring."