Chapter 18 Halloween Festivities
2275 Words
PHOEBE
Gen was waiting for us by the stage. “Phoenix is back there,” she pointed.
“Hey guys. Have you seen Cal or Brady?” Phoenix asked.
“We’re here,” the two called.
“Ok, good—we’re just going to do a little stage rehearsal. Dad will be back any minute and we want to get as much done as we can before people start watching to see if there’s two moons or not. Either way, I’m going to try and shift tonight and I’d like to have you all with me. Sis, Kaya, I know you two can’t shift yet, but Byrdie says I need your support. Hopefully after this, I’ll be able to MindLink again.”
Phoenix gave us a rundown on how the order things would go in. I noticed he left out the birthday song. I kept my lips zipped. Perhaps he had forgotten or was skipping it to save time. I wouldn’t mind folks not singing to me. It technically wasn’t my birthday until tomorrow afternoon, anyway.
By then, we’d be on our way to Canegon.
{~>*•*know you!”
“You do, my Daughter of the Fey. A fine Nurturer you are.”
Esther beaned at the compliment. “I never really had a name for it, but I knew it.”
“It’s in your heart,” Morianne nodded. “And you, Doctor, Child of the Wise,” she said to me. “A fine Cultivator are you.”
“But, that’s not really a Gift,” I protested.
“Oh, but it is! You know how to handle garden seeds as well as the seeds of the mind. Your Ancestors simply forgot. You will remember, now that you’ve found your Nurturer. And you will be important—,”
“When the vestiges of Evil are removed,” Esther finished. “How far did it reach?”
“It’s mostly contained in the one trying to reunite itself, but something may be fueling it still.” The Oracle side of Morianne was evident.
“We will be safe in Canegon. A few rumbles and maybe some weather, but we will be safe there. Not here.”
“You can See that better than I can, Albus. I see several possible outcomes, but your Seeing is a little more focused. A weight has been lifted from my heart. Many thanks.”
“Many welcomes, Morianne. I know you have others to visit. Esther and I will be ready.”
“Until then, my friends,” Morianne blew a kiss into her hand—the sparkly dust dissipated into Esther and I’s Minds’ Eyes to use when needed.
Two by two, Morianne Enlightened The Children of the Fey and we recognized them by their auras.
“Things won’t be easy,” Esther said knowingly. “But with loss, comes opportunity.”
“Indeed, it does, my love. Ahh, there is Alpha Khane now. It seems he’s brought some others.” I recognized the names from the books Morianne had sent. The O’Clearighs, sometimes shortened to O’Clery, The Kellers, The MacFlanagans—distant relatives of Chance and his father—all half wolf, half fey—came to help spread the Magick.
We watched as Conrad kicked the ceremonies off. “How does everyone feel about the casual atmosphere? You like it?” The crowd cheered.
“Alright then! We'll have to do it this way more often. What do you think, Khane, Phoenix?
“Much more relaxed!” Khane called out.
“Come on up here you three. Stella, you can come, too, I guess.” Conrad winked. “Let’s give a round of applause and welcome your leaders to the stage!”
“Good afternoon, ladies and gentlewolves,” Khane took the mic. Phoenix looked glad to let him.
“There’s nothing like a little celebration before—well, before s**t Hits The Fan.” The audience cheered at Khane’s joke.
“I know I’m not known for my jokes and Stella will probably skin me later, but all of you know what we’re up against. If you’ve met our visitor Morianne, then I venture to say you’ll feel a lot more at peace than you did. I know I do.
“We’ve been unknowingly damned by Evil for a very long time, but we’re still caring creatures and hopeful for what tomorrow brings. This is one of the greatest Gifts a pack of packs like ours can have.
“Before I turn the mic over to Elder Brown, I want to welcome our visiting descendants of Silver Moon. They’ve graciously volunteered to help, not only with relocation efforts, but with helping us all to remember the things we’ve forgotten. I appreciate you very much. Thank you.”
Folks were on their feet clapping and I was amazed at these creatures who might be saying goodbye forever to their homes and businesses. I guess home is wherever your loved ones were.
Khane stepped back and Elder Brown stepped up to the mic with the young Alpha Calvin Jr.
“I need my wife, Gracie—Ah, there you are. Hi everybody. For those of you who don’t know, I’m the younger Calvin Goldberg and this is my wife. We have finally selected Betas we’d like to take this opportunity to initiate. Please clap your hands for Bryan and Brady Rogers.”
One twin knelt in front of Cal Jr., the other, in front of Gracie. Each touched the tip of a sword to the left shoulders then moved them to the right shoulders. Elder Brown then blessed the swords and titles before wishing the four safe travels to Gracie’s home, Blue Moon. That surprised me, but I knew they were needed there.
The Queen then stepped forward and took the mic. “Hi. I think you all know who I am. Did you notice who’s up raising hell again?” She pointed toward Phoenix amid another standing ovation. He took several bows before kissing Gen.
“Whew, is it hot in here? Or is it just my husband? Wow. Ok. So, I’ve chosen a Beta and a Gamma and would like to welcome them to the stage. This is Chance Flanagan and Natalie Stewart. I’m going to start with Natalie since Chance has other business up here.
The Gamma initiation was very similar to the Beta one.
“And now, I am pleased to announce two engagements. Chance to my sister-in-law, Phoebe and my brother-in-law, Parker, to Kaya.”
I’d also like to remind everyone to wish Phoebe an early Happy Birthday. Now let’s get in line and fill those plates!
{~>*•**•*Feel the love?
I thought someone had whispered in my ear and I looked up. The air seemed to sparkle. I noticed the couples around me laughing with each other. Calvin and Tamra. Conrad and Kelli, Natalie and Dan. My parents. Phoebe and Chance.
I looked at Gen and smiled. I did feel the love!
I stood and clinked my fork in my glass.
“Do you all feel the love here tonight?”
“Yes, your majesty!”
“Good. I want you all to hang on to that as we begin our travels. Mr. Cook said it best earlier this evening. We will rebuild and we will be great again. I think we will even find we have new friends, connections, people and things to love!
Now I would be a pretty shitty brother if I didn’t lead you all in singing an early Happy Birthday to my sister!
{~>*•*Oh, Goddess. Here it comes. I tried to disappear in my chair as the first of the song began. I hated this part!
Happy birthday to you!
“Are you ok?” Chance took my chin and turned my head. “Hey. Look at me. Look right here in my eyes.”
Happy birthday to you!
I did as he asked and the rest of the crowd seemed to fade away.
“I have something for you.” I felt him slip something around my neck. “A birthday gift.”
Happy birthday Dear Phoebe,
I felt him slip something on my finger. He never broke eye contact. “I promised you a ring. It matches the necklace.”
Happy birthday to you!
“Happy early birthday, Phoebe,” he whispered and brushed his lips against mine. I didn’t hear the song. I don’t know if the audience clapped or not as I opened my eyes from the brief, but wonderful kiss and stared into his green gaze.
“I think you should blow out your candles now,” he smiled.
- Writer
