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The night was growing old, the candles slowly dying in the crisp air. The figure lurking in the shadows stepped out, the full moon creating a sullen glow around her. She paused and twisted around violently, feeling something was following her. When she figured she was truly alone, she commenced the ritual. She placed the crystals around a meticulously planned circle and dotted smaller candles in their assigned places. Sage was sprinkled around and a large bunch was placed into a copper bowl in the centre, a tiny locket accompanying it. She placed an antler in the circle, sitting it north of the copper bowl and near where most of the large candles were placed. Standing back, she made sure everything was placed correctly, and closed her eyes.
♬♬
Songbirds come near,
grey morning draws close.
Turn my hymns into fear,
for the one who I rose.
Take my hand as I walk,
this path that I choose.
Grant my wish for Sh'ailawk,
that she may not refuse.
give me back what was once taken from me
give me back my freedom
♬♬
Tears rolled down her face as she opened for red eyes. She paused for a second, and proceeded to reclaim her offerings. She carefully placed the crystals in her satchel and tossed the sage into the forest. The candles, which she stole from the altar, were returned.
She did not care if the high priestess saw they were used. Maybe it would get her out of this prison. She slowly went up to the stone altar, bowing low to the deity she worshipped. A womanly figure, with the face of a snake and wings of a hawk, who controlled the fates of all under the star Vinto. Alcina loved her ruler with all her heart, but the philosophy taught, she didn't exactly like. In the teachings, it was taught that the world would be shared among all beings, that the earth, skies and oceans would be common ground for both males and females. She glanced over at the ancient book on the altar; the readings it was opened on. A man, clad with silver and diamonds, sitting on a throne surrounded by girls.
Not even grown women!
She slammed her fist on the book, breaking the golden stand it was leaning on. Anger changed to panic, and Alcina ran from the ruins and deep into the forest, well aware that the high priestess would have her antlers for breaking a holy item.