Post by Athena Fire-in-Snow on Dec 22, 2014 10:12:26 GMT -8
On the morning of the Solstice, as the 21st dawns, word starts spreading through the Caern. Spread by chatty Jagglings that approach and speak in clear human words to any nearby, it is announced that the sept will be celebrating the Rite of the Winter Winds, the traditional Seasonal Rite for the longest night of the year. For those who are unaware of the tradition, the spirits gladly explain how the Rite is performed. As the day progresses, Forgotten Song seeks out those that the spirits have not found to pass on the same word. So many of those living at the Sept have had less than traditional experiences, and Forgotten Song wants everyone to come and participate, knowing what is expected.
At sundown, a howl goes out and the sept is gathered around a giant bonfire. After glancing at Eats-The-Shoe and getting a bare nod of permission, Forgotten Song steps forward in Crinos. She starts off with a brief tale, of the first Garou being taught this Rite by the spirits to encourage Gaia’s labor in giving birth to a new sun, and to frighten off any minions of the Wyrm that might be lurking about, ready to snatch the newborn sun and sink the world into eternal twilight. And that through the ages since, this Rite has continued to be performed as a salute to Gaia and Helios and a petition for their favor through the coming year.
She leads the gathered Garou and others in an extended howl that begins as a low, grumbling growl and eventually rises to an ululating crescendo. When the air is vibrating with the joined voices, shaking the branches of the trees and the bones of the singers, Forgotten Song leaps forward, snatching up a burning branch and running into the woods. As the spirits had directed, those participating follow her, grabbing flaming branches as they go, driving deep into the bawn. Running as swiftly as they can, everyone makes as many frightening and strange noises as possible, carrying the flaming brands with them. Forgotten Song leads the howling mob into all the dark places of the Caern, so as to frighten off the Wyrm and inspire Helios’ return. Finally she leads the sept back to the bonfire, where everyone hurls their branches back into the conflagration. Once the bonfire is once again blazing high, food and drink in plenty is brought forth and a revel begins that lasts until dawn, when the sept is once again led in a triumphant howl to greet the newborn sun....
At sundown, a howl goes out and the sept is gathered around a giant bonfire. After glancing at Eats-The-Shoe and getting a bare nod of permission, Forgotten Song steps forward in Crinos. She starts off with a brief tale, of the first Garou being taught this Rite by the spirits to encourage Gaia’s labor in giving birth to a new sun, and to frighten off any minions of the Wyrm that might be lurking about, ready to snatch the newborn sun and sink the world into eternal twilight. And that through the ages since, this Rite has continued to be performed as a salute to Gaia and Helios and a petition for their favor through the coming year.
She leads the gathered Garou and others in an extended howl that begins as a low, grumbling growl and eventually rises to an ululating crescendo. When the air is vibrating with the joined voices, shaking the branches of the trees and the bones of the singers, Forgotten Song leaps forward, snatching up a burning branch and running into the woods. As the spirits had directed, those participating follow her, grabbing flaming branches as they go, driving deep into the bawn. Running as swiftly as they can, everyone makes as many frightening and strange noises as possible, carrying the flaming brands with them. Forgotten Song leads the howling mob into all the dark places of the Caern, so as to frighten off the Wyrm and inspire Helios’ return. Finally she leads the sept back to the bonfire, where everyone hurls their branches back into the conflagration. Once the bonfire is once again blazing high, food and drink in plenty is brought forth and a revel begins that lasts until dawn, when the sept is once again led in a triumphant howl to greet the newborn sun....