100 Theme Challenge #21

S

21. Sacrifice

Tonight Eibhilín would become a witch. She'd been preparing for a year for what would occur tonight – learning the arts of the herbs, the songs and the dances, but also the powers within her. She'd been dreaming of this since she was an infant, spying on her mother and the other witches from her hideout in a tree. She could finally join that circle in the forest.

The initiation would be simple, but hold no place for mistake. It wouldn't initiate her as a witch per say, as she was born one, but it would accept her into the clan, and only then the rituals and spells would be hers to learn. Eibhilín was craving them.

The full moon, tonight. They would all be in black, but initiates had to also wear a red ribbon on their dominant hand's wrist. They danced under the vigilance of the white light, sang along to the nature's chant, bare feet digging in the ground. Even if it was a fresh night, Eibhilín's heart felt warm, full. She was among her sisters. Her friend Annstás squeezed her hand, her grin reflecting the moon.

"You are almost ready to be taught our arts. The last step is now, my dear daughters, but first…" The grand priestess smiled in indulgence, and looked at the other women, who were each holding a long, wooden box.

Flann came at her, and Eibhilín accepted the gift. It was her wand, what would help channel her powers. It was beautiful.

"Thank you, Mother." They hugged, and Flann muttered the Rede in her ear before stepping back.

It was then she heard chains clinking together, attached to a man's hands. He was being dragged in the middle of the circle. He looked scared, about the same age as her, muscles glinting with sweat.

"Daughters, here's your chance to try your powers for the first time." The priestess announced. "A defenseless man, who could resist?"

Eibhilín gulped, her hand squeezing unconsciously her wand.

And Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will

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A quick note: I did research for this theme; I looked for the names, the Wicca Rede, the traditions, but I found each place has its own way of practicing. This is just my interpretation, to put it simply.