The Indeterminate Mate

Chapter Two: Exams and Circles

The following week passed in a blur. Kaia was busy preparing for her midterm exams, and she and Kimmy were studying furiously, trying to digest as much content as they possibly could. The girls dedicated all their spare time towards their studies and extra tuition, so that they could have their pick at any university of their choice.

Not far from Kaia's mind though, was her meeting with Kadon. She reflected on their childhood together and smiled. Kadon was her comfort and the best company during those gatherings at their priests quarters. Her parents took to him immediately and loved him as they would a son. For many years, they spent a lot of time together, however the gatherings became far and few between, as life occupied Kaia's parents. She still ensured she attended the elderly priests annual gathering, to offer praise to Selene. With the new harvest, they cooked food and performed the necessary rituals, mainly casting of a circle and smudging, amongst other rituals. Their crystals that they used for healing were also charged during this full moon ritual. Kaia thanked the moon goddess that her exams would finally finish today, giving her enough time to clear her mind in preparation for tomorrow.

Kaia was especially excited, as this weekend, she would cast her very first circle, having recently turned 18. She had already bought an amazing dress in preparation and she couldn't wait as Kadon would be leading her, chanting as she performed the ritual. Casting a circle involved invoking each of the five elements, wind, fire, water, earth and finally the element of ether. It was to be a private ritual, conducted with only Kaia and Kadon present, as it only required the person leading the chant, and the priestess casting the circle. Kadon could also have the option of letting Kaia drink from him at the end... mixing a little of his blood with wine. It wasn't nearly as intimate as drinking from the flesh of an individual, but intimate nonetheless. It was an act that completed the circle, and connected them to the goddess. It was pure luck actually, that the lead happened to be Kadon. They were in fact the only youth in attendance...

Kaia would be seeing Kadon on Friday night... after an entire year. She shivered in anticipation. What would he look like? Kaia was not allowed a phone until she had finished her senior year, and that left her seriously out of touch with all her peers... and most importantly, Kadon. "It would be interesting to see how much he's changed though", she mused....