Seed of War

Elenwe finished plaiting the ribbons into her long brown hair as she pressed her feet to hurry down the spiral stairs. The naked soles barely made a sound as she skipped the last few stone steps before stepping into her flat soled leather shoes. Her activity paused beside the shaft of sunlight pouring in from outside. The bright yellow juxtaposed the dreary interior of the monetary. A pool of warm late-morning light was only able to showcase the grey on grey stonework.

Stalling there for a moment, the maiden waited for the footfalls descending the stairs behind her. Once Elenwe was aware that Delanie was beside her both took a silent, and much slower step, into the awaiting courtyard. Here the pair were greeted with the familiar sights and sounds Elenwe had recognized for over a decade. The building and surroundings were modest, well-kept, and abundant with plant life. Where there was stonework, there was ivy, where there was stone, there was moss, where there was wood, there were living branches.. Each season decorated the grounds accordingly, and right now they were aglow with flowers, bees, and new growth. Pairs of clergy members hurried themselves across the grounds to the adjacent forest. The same trail Delanie and Elenwe followed.

As they pressed into the woods, the paths and trails branched out and became indistinct. Still the two girls continued to press forward, their feet had memorized the way without the need for trails.

"This is your second Veneration Ceremony, but it's my third."

Delanie finally spoke. Her dulcet tones almost washed away under the natural ambiance of the greenery. The priestess fiddled with the cuffs of her robe. They had matching robes and veils, though the brown and gold threaded embroidery on these ceremonial robes was unique to the wearer.

The veil was constructed in two parts. A small band of fabric to attach it to the head, and then a long flowing train that started from the crown and cascaded back and down past the shoulders. They were a faded green color with cream accents. This allowed their hair to be unbound beneath the veil. Elenwe had starting arranging small braids into her hair the moment she was permitted by doctrine. The older she became, the more braids she was allowed to add. This was the opposite of every other eligible member of clergy who took a drastically different approach. All but Elenwe, and the Dowager Sages she closely resembled her hair after, allowed their hair to billow freely. Especially today. Today they would have elaborate arrangements of flowers woven in, much like Delanie's hair. Some may wear feathers, beads, clusters of twigs, or colored streaks in it with berries. All manner of ornamentation was added, and specifically those who bore children were able to adorn their veils with small golden medallions. Elenwe's veil remained empty aside the embroidered bears.

The flowing robes they wore were similar. Light and airy, creams and greens. Along the cuffs and hems were their animals. Delanie fiddled with the threading depicting bunnies. A plethora of them. Mating, eating, hopping, and birthing. Impressive were the golden medallions framing her face. She had conceived six children for the fertility goddess, the goddess of life, Adanya. The rabbits were an apt choice. Elenwe lowered her hand to still the picking fingers of her companion and squeezed in support,

"Yes, but it is also our last."

The words soured Delane's expression a bit as she freed her hands and said, "All the worse for you."

"Perhaps it is meant to be this way. I am content with whatever Goddess Adanya deems fit for me to receive - blessings or lessons. Thank you for your concern, Priestess."

"May she find you worthy and your womb fruitful, Priestess."

Delanie responded with genuine concern. Elenwe hid a wince with a soft smile as they continued to press forth into increasingly dense rainforest. The sound of their walking, the faint whispers of others trekking through the forest, and glimpses of the cream and green garb travelled with them until the distinct melody of flowing water helped the pair redirect their journey.

"I think she finds you fruitful enough for the both of us."

Elenwe teased as the first glimpses of The Grove became visible through the foliage. Delanie tutted her tongue with mirth as Elenwe chuckled and sped up their pace. This was the last year Elenwe would have to participate in the Veneration Ceremony, but more importantly, the last year she was eligible to bear a child. The following Spring Equinox she she could train as a Sage. Those who served the goddess that never bore their own children. The Sages were honored with mystical secrets and ceremony to nurture instead. Even among the Dowager Sages, few were chaste, but none had been blessed with child.

After entering The Grove, the pair were greeted with an abundance of nature decorating the vast clearing. The stark treeline bordered a large and symetrically circle clearing. The overhead sun shone perfectly into this area making the forest beyond seem much darker and stark in comparison. Overly large ferns sectioned off large portions of the woods beyond, and were adorned with ladybugs, dragonflies, colorful beetles - as if living decor.

Boughs of ivy and hanging vines were arranged as garland that was punctuated with climbing tuberose and jasmine. The stream, to the west, was aglow with mystical shimmerstone casting blues and greens in every direction. Fireflies and willowisps bobbed in the forest beyond The Grove despite it being near noon. Foxes, deer, bears, master arachnids, spectral owls, a unicorn, a puma, and all manner of animals were in attendance surrounding the clearing.

The clearing itself had a set of seven obelisks that rose to tower just above the tree-line. Four of them, one at each cardinal direction, bordered the outside of the circle as towering sentinels. The three others were centermost on a small rise in The Grove and surrounded an altar. Curved slabs of granite were present as well, pressed into the soil creating concentric rings away from the innermost trio. Further still was stone structures that were known to keep time, track the passing of seasons, and understand the stars. Finally the area beyond this, the largest portion of the circle, was broad meadows where hundreds of devout priests and priestesses gathered in attendance under colorful cloths providing shade.

Elenwe parted with Delanie and visited each obelisk starting with the northern one. This structure was arranged as if it was pushed up and out of the earth itself. Craggy rocks and boulders fused with the base showcasing large geodes that almost melded with the stonework. Atop the pyramid shaped tip was a triangle with the top pointed toward the ground. A horizontal line intersected the narrower tip just past half-way down the shape. Elenwe kneeled and kissed this stone.

The second stone Elenwe kissed was beyond the stream to the west that carved through part of The Grove. A few steps past the stones in the shimmering stream allowed the woman to bend her practiced knee to this obelisk as well. This came directly from the stream and all the way up the structure were bowls. These basins started very small beneath the upside-down triangle at the tip, and grew into larger, shell-shaped basins as it it got closer to the water below.

The third obelisk was to the south, and was flanked by two oil filled braziers. The entire obelisk was covered in a layer of soot, ash, and grime. It stood, blackened, against the verdant trees to the south. It was impossible to make out the markings on the tip of the obelisk but all in attendance knew if cleaned it would display a triangle pointing skyward. Elenwe ignored the soot and kissed this stone in reverence.

The fourth tower was to the east. Atop it was a triangle pointed upward with a horizontal line intersecting the upper half of the shape. It was fitted with several holes that sunk deep into the stonework and were smooth and sleek to the touch. The stone had been whittled away by the wind and elements leaving it glossy and smooth. Golden brackets were attached as well, to which feathers and ribbons were tied. Elenwe kissed this stone with a smile.

Traversing The Grove Elenwe entered the innermost circle to pay respect to the stones there. One had a scale atop it. It was the tallest of the three. Elenwe kneeled and kissed this one first, as was custom. The second had a set of wavy lines as of rays diagonally cut into the stone. Elenwe kissed this as well. The third simply had a circle. Elenwe settled on her knees and pressed her forehead to the dirt. She felt her breath from her lips bounce back at her as she thanked the stone before her. Finding the moss covered surface with her hands she kissed the final one and whispered a prayer with her eyes shut.

"Thank you Adanya. I will serve you beyond the last beat of my heart. I know no devotion but this, my devotion to you. May I know no other devotion but to you. Please..."

She begged, barely a whisper, "do not bless me to ... " Elenwe paused her bold petition. " do not give me a ... " she stopped her words. She kissed the stone and moss once more, leaving the unspoken request there.

Some of the more enthusiastic members of the clergy were already intertwined with one another. Such was how Elenwe found Delanie and several others beneath the cool shade. Most had paired off with potential partners for the upcoming festivities, and Elenwe did not shirk from this. There was genuine beauty in the creation of life. Wading through the people until reaching Delanie, she tapped her companion's shoulder. The Priestess lent glimpses of her attention to Elenwe,

"I have not seen the Reverand Matriarch."

Flushed, Delanie surveyed the limited area she could see and admitted back, "Nor have I."

It was obvious of the two, only Elenwe took a keen interest in the whereabouts of the Matriarch. The dwindling steam of the clergy continued to emerge from the tree-line in pairs as Elenwe continued to try to take account of the crowd. She wove herself through clumps of people with blessings and smiles until a hand halted her progression. She startled and glanced to her shoulder and then recognized who the hand was attached to.

"Priestess Verdale, a pleasure as always."

Returning the greeting, the Priestess smiled, "Sage Markison, always a delight."

The pair instantly set off together to for privacy, apart from the larger groups of people. As they put distance between themselves and the enthusiastic members of their sect Clinton offered a quiet, "You look beautiful today, Elenwe. You are beautiful every day."

"And you appear as if you have winnowed away my friend." Elenwe teased with a smile gently clasping his elbow as the pair walked. The man chuckled and they continued to walk without expectation with one another. Leisurely and relaxed. As they settled in the grass to sit, the Priestess offered a genuine smile, "We have often done this."

"That we have." Clinton agreed, as he propped himself up against his palm. Elenwe sat at rapt attention watching the trees, scanning the members as the very last filtered in from the forest. He watched her profile in silence before reaching up and brushing off soot from her face, asking, "You still kiss the stones?"

Elenwe shot her fingers to her face to clear off anything else and replied with an honest, "Every time."

"And still, the gods have yet to bless you fruitfully." Clinton reflected on this, watching her golden skin, brown eyes, and kind features.

"Not all who follow shall be blessed." Elenwe recited before settling her brown eyes back on his face. He was a handsome man, gentle, kind, and understanding. He was a few years older than Elenwe, and always encouraged her learning and studies. Elenwe was one of the only to join the order knowing how to read. Clinton had helped Elenwe from the moment she arrived begging for sanctuary eleven years prior.

"This will be your last year participating in the Veneration and Unification ceremonies, correct?" He asked.

Elenwe smiled brighter at this and nodded, "Yes, it shall. If I am not... blessed this year, I shall be elegible as a Dowager Sage. It is my wish to serve Adanya in performing the rites. Like you."

Clinton nodded. He had never produced a child, despite the numerous attempts. He was now thirty, and still freely was welcomed to participate in any manner of fertility he desired, but has been rendered sterile by rite. But he was past the age to produce a child. Not by any desire of his own. Elenwe was different. He checked, in earnest,

"You are content? To never unify? To never have the chance to bring life? To soul bond?"

She reassured him, "I am ever content my friend. As I always have been." Considering her words she spoke again, in reassuring tones, "We have yet to ever see the Veneration of Adanya be successful." She glanced at him commenting, "I have not yet found my kindered spirit so I have no desire to unify with anyone." She scanned the crowd as some were already fully engaged in the "unification" long before either ceremony had been officiated. Glancing back to Clinton she smiled, "We know each other well, and yet you are wearing and expression I have never seen you wear before. Are you anxious?"

Clinton stared at her, juggling words for a time. They never manifested as he felt the sensation in his heart. Before he could act on it he felt a vibration in the meadow. He stood, and adjusted his braids and, as if in a trance, then moved toward the innermost circle of The Grove. As each Sage took their place, fifty six in total. The grove grew restless as silence washed over all in attendance. The birds and insects hushed. Standing in the centermost point of The Grove, behind the altar was the Reverend Matriarch.

Waves of power were visible emanating from the Matriarch. Each of the stoned in the circle vibrated and resonated throughout the clearing. The sun was directly overhead as the woman in the center of all of this threw her hands skyward and began chanting. Elenwe and the rest untangled themselves to arrange in ceremony. The masses prostrated themselves flat as the sole chanting from the Matriarch was joined by the Sages.

The innermost circle was sealed in a swift action where a dome-like expansion encompassed the entirety of The Grove. The forest responded in excited calls. The trees trembled, and animals went into a joyous ruckus beyond the boundary of the barrier. The low thrummig of the chanting persisted while the Matriarch's eyes glowed like burnished emeralds. Each obelisk now shone with hidden runes and symbols written in forgotten languages. Each one of these forgotten symbols started as a dim red but grew to a brilliant gold. Water poured down the bowls into the stream. Flame licked and tarnished the marble with soot. The crystals around the base of the northernmost pillar grew. Melodies whipped through the holes to the stone in the east.

Elenwe appeared enraptured listening to the symphony of nature. The Matriarch began the ceremony of the Veneration. She spoke and her words were amplified to speak to each ear as if she were standing directly before each member of the congregation.

~ " The meaning of the words have been long forgotten, yet four times a year we sing them. The harmony is eternal, and once every seven years we sing in Veneration of Adanya, Goddess of many names. Life, Fertility, Growth, and Wisdom." ~

The Matriarch led the congregation singing the same melodies they sang every spring. The Nature Faith had practiced every beat and note until they were perfect. The choir and chorus began as the incantation was joined with the ceremonial dancing. The entire faith of nature moved in unison singing songs of lore and sacrament. Elenwe moved with well-practiced motions and sang with well-learned tones. The stones came alive humming each a unique and distinct note. The trees and grass grew. Then began the Veneration Ceremony.

Spread about the top of the long stone altar the Matriarch approached was set a long ceremonial cloth. The ivy had already clung to it, securing it to the stone itself. Set atop this cloth was a silver goblet, a rapier sword, a golden saucer, and a living branch. Beside these four elements was a box which contained a three velvet pouches. With a wave of her hand the Matriarch spurned the two braziers beside the altar to spring to life. Her unbound hair, silver moments before, now was now a halo of orange. Individually, the Matriarch opened each pouch and carefully arranged the contents on the altar upon the disc. The ground began to rumble underfoot, it was unlike the pleasant vibrations. Suddenly the pillars swayed.

Something was wrong. Immediately, Elenwe refocused and started poured her energy out from her toward the innermost circle. She felt it, she felt it from everywhere around her. She felt it enter her, warm and soothing waves of a unending rise in tide. A pleasant drowning. Elenwe struggled as she directed more and more of this overflow toward the Matriarch.

The ground underfoot shook and threatened to upheave itself asunder. The Matriarch worked swiftly through the gasps and startled shouts of the congregation. In an ancient tongue the Sages started a different chant, archaic, and with darker intones. The Matriarch likewise twisted her tongue with booming mastery and started commanding the elements. The elements rebelled. A torrent of wind erupted.

This maelstrom grew pulling in the flames of the obelisk that started to sag from the intense sheer heat searing the grass and nearby trees. The whirlwind pulled up with it the very ground and stones embedded deep within. The stream entirely bent itself skyward to join the barely restrained chaos. Of the hundreds upon hundreds in attendance only dozens continued with their duty, channeling and pouring the power they felt back toward the innermost circle. The intensity of the deadly storm grew ten fold, while the world outside the dome existed undisturbed. Beyond the wailing of the forest animals watching the horrors within the barrier.

Peices of prophets were flung from their bodies and soon blood started filling the air in stinging droplets. The screams of shock and agony were muted beneath the sheer volley and reverberation of the elements within the dome. A brief moment passed where it seemed the Matriarch could no longer dampen the effects of the catastrophe, that the containment required would substantially outweighed her power. Shouting to the winds and the rumbling the Matriarch drew the power back to herself.

Elenwe struggled against the debris to catch a glimpse of the Matriarch. The words in her throat were raw and her voice hoarse from screaming the holy incantations. Her body quivvered as she continued to harness the endless expanse of power. Every cleric had the ability to guide the path of nature and life, that is how they healed, that is how they grew crops. They channeled the life from the source into the world. Small tendrils, and vanishing threads could cure the infirm and delay a famine. Elenwe felt her entire being tremble as she did not pull at threads or trickles. The source was fathomless. It was everything. Screaming silently into the roar of the wind, Elenwe continued to direct the deluge of power to the Reverand Matriarch, who took it and sealed away the awry magics.

The winds slowly stilled, the storm suddenly suppressed itself and dissolved as quickly as it came. The once dressed meadow now was decimated and ravaged beyond recognition. The careful calendar had toppled and the stream had rerouted itself entirely. Hundreds were slain, twisted in the wreckage. As the last petals and leaves fluttered down, stillness overcame The Grove. The final casualty was the dome. The magics shattered, broke, crumpled, and vanished. The world had been spared the cataclysm that just happened within the clearing.

The animals had fled, mystical and mundane, long before the screams for help started, Elenwe heard none of it. She already knew. She instead heard the call of the forest, the voice of life itself speak her name. She stared at the ground in front of her as she felt the access to the limitless power she had tapped into withdrew itself from her. In place of the power she heard a voice who she had heard speak to her soul before. At first she thought it was Adanya, but soon her eyes aligned with the actual speaker.

The crowd frantically moved to heal and weave magics to mend and grow. The dead were dead, but the injured were amidst the best healers and naturists in the entire world. Through this crowd Elenwe kept her eyes on the Reverend Matriarch who approached her directly, The chaos did not touch her.

~ " Elenwe, you are one of the Seven Annointed." ~