FG 11 - Samhain (2002)

Author: * MacMorna Niafer - 24 Posts on this thread out of 2,750 Posts sitewide.
Date: Jan 12, 2004 - 14:25

------------------------------
SAMHAIN – 2002
------------------------------

Ruis
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dawn breaks. Unaccompanied and weary from my journey, I am the first to arrive for the festival of Samhain. Journeying with the warm sea breezes of Athens behind me, I carry only a small travel-bundle and a lingering glow from the Greek Mysteries. On my feet are sturdy sandals that served me well for the pilgrimage to Demeter's temple. In my hand is a thick staff of ancient olive wood, warm and smooth, helping me climb the last hill to the Festival Grounds.

The guardians rise up with a challenge at the invisible gates. It is I, Ruis, priestess of the old ways, come again at the turning of the season! Unseen but strongly felt, the gate opens. I am home.

Before taking another step, I pause to look over these grounds. A cluster of trees on the next hill hides the holy stones from view. The bruighean still stands, empty and dark but soon to be filled with fire and festivities. The skies are streaked with swiftly moving wisps, feathered clouds blown before the new day.

The old year is already racing away.

I breathe deeply of autumn scents. Damp wood, wet leaves and something musky and wild beneath it all. Where death meets life and life meets death, the air is heavy with the weight of betweenings.

Sighing, I set foot on the festival grounds. First, the fire must be kindled on the hearth of the bruighean. Then I will go to the hill...
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted on: 9:58 am on Oct. 20, 2002

Odhanan
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Walking through the shadows, a slender man climbs the hill to get a better view on the surrounding area.

All around is a large forest where centuries old trees were living with all the creatures of the ancient time. Not far away to the west is an Ocean of Lost Disillusions.

The dwarf arrives finally on the top of the hill. He looks at the slender man and giggles. You went so far away and lived through so many adventures... and you did all that to finally come back here on Celtic grounds? You're closer to melancholy than I ever imagined my friend.

The man turns back to look at the dwarf. I either did not imagine I was, Lewin. I thought it would be a good idea to be back though. Some people need me here perhaps, or is it that I feel more close to the patterns of the Weave?

I would say both, Odhanan. Lewin walks to his companion. The Forgotten Realms were so different than you expected?

No. I feel I belong to the Realms in many ways. But my heart and soul are born here, in this forest.

I thought Brocéliande was your home ground?

It is as well, in other ways. Odhanan can't hide a smile on his face. You think I'm crazy, don't you? The fact is that this forest is my home as much as Brocéliande was and the Realms are. I don't believe humans can be summarized in a single birth place.

You are not entirely human, Odhanan.

But I am mostly, Lewin. You forget that too often.

Lewin looks down into the valley. Perhaps there is someone here that can help us and tell us the news of this region?

We have to go down the hill. Perhaps we shall meet the one we need.

Do you think Ruis is still...

I don't know Lewin, I don't know.

Odhanan goes on walking, soon followed by Lewin who stammers some more questions... but the bard does no longer care. He searches for answers, not for more questions.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted on: 12:17 am on Oct. 21, 2002

Ruis
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The fire is kindled on the hearth of the bruighean. I would like nothing more than to linger here and take the chill from my travel-weary bones. But the old stones call to me.

Taking staff in hand, I climb the hill to the sacred circle where the turning of the seasons has been observed since time immemorial. Here I feel truly at peace. All of my life's wanderings play before mind's eye, all of the journeys returning here to this spot. My ancestral home, home of heart, soul and, at the very end, dust.

Samhain marks the night when the veil that hides the otherworld can easily be lifted aside, allowing all manner of things to pass back and forth. Traditionally it is the time when the dead are especially close to us. We call to them, sing to them, and listen for their voices. Places are set at the feasting table with their favorite food and drink. When Samhain is over, we bid them a peaceful rest as the veil falls once more and they return to their mysterious realms.

It is not yet time for this but I feel the presence of the ancestors among the mist-shrouded stones. Their whispers come softly on the wind. I greet them gently. Soon...

The sun peeks out from a fluffy blanket of white clouds. I rise, stretch, and return to the bruighean to await the arrival of the other celebrants. From near and far they will come, bringing fruits of the harvest to share. Old friends will meet again, new alliances will be forged. We will will weep together and laugh together, share news of our clans and tribes, and dance until we fall down. Warriors will boast of the summer's raids, seannachies will weave tales of magic, and bards will sing the praises of their chieftains. Then, strengthened by this gathering, we will enter the barren time of winter, ready for the longest night and birth of the new year - the light that always comes out of the darkness.

I come down from the hill to see two figures approaching the bruighean. There is a thin shadow of a man, pale golden lights of a poet dancing about his head. There is someone walking with him, another shadow just half his size. Could it be my old friend Odhanan Samildinach and his companion Lewin?

He turns as if he hears my thoughts, then holds out his arms, grinning with the dazzling radiance of Lugh himself. We crash together in a wild embrace, dizzily spinning and giggling like two children.

Failte! Welcome, Odhanan! It is a joy to see you here. And Lewin too, a thousand welcomes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted on: 11:23 am on Oct. 21, 2002

Odhanan
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lewin smiles big: Nice to meet you Ruis! I didn't know you were so charming... Odhanan has his little secrets I see!

Stop it, Lewin. Odhanan laughs and blushes a bit. I am sorry if my friend is a bit crude sometimes.

It is nice to see you again, my friend. It is indeed the right timing: I can stay for Samhain and beyond if you allow me to. Odhanan brushes his long blond-white hair with his right hand. His pale and thin face express his inner joy, as well as his deep and large emerald eyes. He looks at Ruis up and down before crashing back against her. Perhaps I should not be so expressive with the priestress, but I don't think that the Mother would be offended by a single kiss? He kisses Ruis lightly on the cheek.

I was wondering. Would it be possible for me to pay homage to your father before the beginning of the feast? Perhaps you could lead me to his resting place and we could sing about the old ways together? I'm eager to share some time with you.

Lewin nods without saying a word. He wonders if his friend is not a bit quick to ask for favors in such ways. And he is calling him crude...
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted on: 5:25 pm on Oct. 21, 2002

Ruis
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Without replying, I take Odhanan's hand. There is a path behind the bruidean, barely more than a trace of deer tracks. Quietly we enter the thick of the forest. Through bracken and brambles, showered by falls of crisp golden leaves, we make our way. Finally a secret grove, walled by evergreens and scented with pine, opens before us.

The morning sunlight filters through the finely needled branches of fir trees a thousand years old. A linnet greets us with a song. A serene pool is fed by a softly murmuring brook.

I smile at Odhanan and his companion, enjoying the wonder that shines in their faces.

My father loved this place and so it is only right that he should rest here forever, I whisper, reluctant to break the stillness of this grove.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted on: 9:55 pm on Oct. 21, 2002

Myrrhine Philemon
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arriving at the meeting place, Ruis' scroll in hand I gaze in some wonderment at the scene before me. The quality of light is quite different here in this place, the temperature much cooler. I wrap my ephestris more tightly around my shoulders and venture down to where I see some people gathering ... among them Ruis.

"Khaire friend!" I call out in warning before I appear in their midst. Taking the small satchel from my shoulder I delve into it looking for some of the harvest offerings I had brought with me - a sack of grain and some harvest vegetables. We at the Temple of Demeter bring you these - I hope they are right for your festival!"
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted on: 10:58 pm on Oct. 21, 2002

Odhanan
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lewin opens his mouth, something is on his tongue, but right before speaking he realizes that words would mean nothing in such a place. He stays a few steps away from Ruis and his companion.

Odhanan walks a few steps forward. He turns back and smiles a moment to Ruis while his hands searches for something in his pocket. Then he turns toward the pool and gets up, suddenly releasing three seeds from his hand drawing a large bow in the air.

The seeds fall into the pool, breaking its serenity for a few lonely seconds.

With a low, fluent voice, Odhanan then sings lightly:

The thundering waves are calling me home, home to you
The pounding sea is calling me home, home to you.

On a dark new year's night
On the west coast of Clare
I hear your voice singing
Your eyes danced the song
Your hands played the tune
T'was a vision before me.

We left the music behind and the dance carried on
As we stole away to the seashore
We smelt the brine, felt the wind in our hair
With sadness you paused.

Suddenly I knew that you'd have to go
Your world was not mine, your eyes told me so
Yet it was there I felt the crossroads of time
And I wondered why.

As we cast our gaze on the tumbling sea
A vision came o'er me
Of thundering hooves and beating wings
In clouds above.

As you turned to go I heard you call my name.
You were like a bird in a cage, spreading its
Wings to fly
"The old ways are lost" you sang as you flew
And I wondered why.

The thundering waves are calling me home, home to you
The pounding sea is calling me home, home to you.
The thundering waves are calling me home, home to you
The pounding sea is calling me home, home to you.
The thundering waves are calling me home, home to you
The pounding sea is calling me home, home to you.

Odhanan looks at Ruis with a smile. A seed for the portals, a seed for the tears and a last one for the festival grounds. Those seeds will grow and bring us happiness.

Lewin notices then someone approaching the pool.

Khaire friend! We at the Temple of Demeter bring you these - I hope they are right for your festival!

Lewin cannot resist... Hello my dear! Nice to meet you! Demeter evokes enough memories to me to feel happy with this new meeting. Is your temple far from here?
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted on: 11:19 pm on Oct. 21, 2002

Ruis
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The sunlight pours down on us like honey while Odhanan sings and casts three seeds into the pool. Time seems to stand still, as if we are encased in a drop of amber, forever suspended in this moment. Such is the magic of this season, when the door between worlds swings wide.

A familiar voice brings me out of my half-dream. Warmly I welcome Myrrhine to the festival.

Beautiful offerings indeed! I grin as she shows us the bounties of the harvest brought all the way from Athens. Come, let's go to the bruighean. There is a fire where you can warm yourself! It is a bit cooler here than in Demeter's land, my friend...

Lewin's comment makes me chuckle. The temple of Demeter is quite far from here indeed. But it is very close in our hearts.

I throw my woolen brat around Myrrhine's shoulders and lead the way back to the large round hut at the center of the festival grounds.

Inside the bruighean I show Myrrhine where to place her offerings on a long table against the wall. Some of the offerings will become part of our feast, some may be given to the fire - given to the old gods - during the Samhain ceremonies, I explain.

Other people arrive while we talk. The bruighean, empty and lifeless at dawn, begins to fill with happy noise.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted on: 9:42 am on Oct. 22, 2002

Iris
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Iris , at the last moment, had decided to travel with Myrrhine....She had not been able to take part in the Mysteries....but could not resist this chance to travel to another place....another culture....

She looks around her in awe, as she listens to Myrrhine and Ruis talking. It is so different from Athens, but so beautiful.....She gulps....in excitement.

Shyly, she walks behind Myrrhine and Ruis, this beautiful stranger, whom Kyria Atheena had met at the Eleusinian Mysteries. From her air of authority and bearing, it was obvious that she was a priestess as well....

She shivered even though she had taken Atheena's advice to dress warmly and pulled her woolen chalmys closer around her.

She walked over to the table and lay her offerings to the Mother....figs, dates, and garlic...

"Holy Mother, I ask that you accept these humble offerings that I bring to you."

She backed away and backed into someone else who had come to place their offerings on the table.......the hall was quickly filling. Iris apologized, her face, red, "I am so sorry; I did not meant to bump into you."

She turned quickly to follow Myrrhine and find their sleeping places. She stowed her belongings in the sleeping area, where she and Myrrhine would sleep, and turned impulsively to ask Ruis, "I have never been to a Samhain celebration before; what will happen?"

Iris turned red once again, realizing that she had interrupted Myrrhine and Ruis talking. "I am sorry, Kyria Ruis. I am just so excited to be here."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted on: 12:19 pm on Oct. 22, 2002

Odhanan
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lewin smiles invintingly when Iris bumps into her. Oh don't worry... people hardly notice me usually. I am used to it. Feel free to call me Lewin. That's my name.

The dwarf seems especially pleased that a lady blushes in his presence. He follows her to be with the other talking.

Iris then asks Ruis, I have never been to a Samhain celebration before; what will happen?

Iris turned red once again, realizing that she had interrupted Myrrhine and Ruis talking. I am sorry, Kyria Ruis. I am just so excited to be here.

I can understand your excitement, my dear. Odhanan bows to the young lady. I wasn't originally english-speaking when I first came here. It was a long time ago, and I was happy to be part of this ancient site. Odhanan is tall. His hands are delicate... they are those of a musician. His white hair seems smooth as silk. It is long and straight. He wears a white cloak with a hood that is not on his head for the moment. His smile is warm and welcoming, and his emerald eyes are joyfull and wet with emotion.

I hope you will feel at ease in those lands as I felt soon after I arrived for the first time, Iris. He looks at Ruis, searching for an agreement he knows for existing in her heart.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted on: 3:29 pm on Oct. 22, 2002

Myrrhine Philemon
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The bruighean is warm and cozy and after laying my offerings on the table I take a moment to warm my fingers by the hearth.

We are thankful for you invitation Ruis, it is important I think for we who love the gods to learn as much about those far across the lands as our own. I don't believe you have met Iris - she was not at the Mysteries this year.

Ruis and Iris are soon deep in discussions about the nature of the Samhain celebration and I listen eagerly. The striking man I had seen earlier with Ruis had joined us in the bruighean with his friend and we had been introduced to Lewin and Odhanan.

We must thank you for your hospitality, I say to the two of them as they sit by the hearth. Athens is such a long way away and I think Iris and I were wondering if the road would ever take us here.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted on: 7:11 pm on Oct. 22, 2002

Zoe Xanthippos
------------------------------------------------------------------------
I looked at the scroll containing the invitation, trying to still my excitement. I had always wanted to travel to the lands far to the north of which I had read so much, and here was the perfect excuse. I knew I had duties in the Library at Daidalidai, but...

By boat and over land I made my way north. Ruis' directions proved invaluable and I at last came to the Festival Grounds. The change of the season was very visible here and I could feel the holiness of the place as I walked toward the fire on the hearth of the bruighean. I could hear the voice of song, a great bard perhaps, singing words of his home.

I was quite surprised to find Myrrhine and Iris here. Apparently, I was not the only Greek who had felt the call of another mystery.

"Hello, my fellow travellers! And greetings to you, Ruis! I have come in response to your invitation, to meet your compatriots in this land and to learn of your ways. I have brought an offering to your gods, a small amphora of the best olive oil. Perhaps they are unfamiliar with the bounty of Greece, but perhaps they will find it pleasing."

Ruis welcomed me and introduced me to her friends, and Myrrhine and Iris seemed glad that another Greek had decided to make the long journey.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted on: 12:53 am on Oct. 23, 2002

Odhanan
------------------------------------------------------------------------
We must thank you for your hospitality says Myrrhine to the two of them as they sit by the hearth. Athens is such a long way away and I think Iris and I were wondering if the road would ever take us here.

I've never been to Athens so far, answers Odhanan. I went to Aegypt and Perse long ago, but I know very few about the hellenists except their mythos. I see now that I was wrong to miss it: the charms of Greece seem invaluable indeed...

Ah and here he is again tempting to charm inspiring ladies! Lewin laughs again. Myrrhine, don't feel too confident with this bard! He has a taste for Eros' arrows as far as I know!

That's because you taught me how to use them, Lewin. Odhanan joins his companion's laughter. Excuse our bad manners, my ladies, but we are so used to each other now that humour has become like a second nature to us. Please tell us if that sounds wrong to you.

The last time we tried to joke this way we were talking to a very believing christian that disliked humour generally. She called us crude and hypocrites... Lewin shakes his head as he talks. He is interrupted as arrives a newcomer.

Hello, my fellow travellers! And greetings to you, Ruis! I have come in response to your invitation, to meet your compatriots in this land and to learn of your ways. I have brought an offering to your gods, a small amphora of the best olive oil. Perhaps they are unfamiliar with the bounty of Greece, but perhaps they will find it pleasing.

Ruis then welcomes her and introduces the two travellers to the newcomer, Zoe Xanthippos.

It is nice to meet you, Zoe. Lewin bows deeply. We were just talking about the many beauties of Greece, but I think we found another one that we didn't know so far. He smiles widely.

I think we know each other, as I know Myrrhine too from other times, it seems. Odhanan's gaze goes from Zoe to Myrrhine. You remember me perhaps... or perhaps not. Anyways, I am glad we found each other this year. This will be a great Samhain definitively.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted on: 3:09 am on Oct. 23, 2002

Moss ONiall
------------------------------------------------------------------------
I tug on Roisin's mane to let us pause before entering the Festival Grounds. A small fire marks the path to the bruighean. Who tends this fire, I do not know. But it is always here to light the way in welcome.

I slip down from the mare's broad back. She sighs softly with relief. It has been a long journey, a chara, but soon we will rest. Rewarding her with a handful of oats from the pack she carries, I stroke the graceful arch of her neck.

We linger by this fire for awhile. All the memories I have been trying to keep away now come rushing into my head. Memories of other Samhain feasts, especially the time when Feargus and I first danced together...I smile through tears as I remember the dear faces of my clanspeople, lit by torchlight and moonlight. So many of them gone to the summerlands or lost in the mists of time. Samhain is for these rememberings. I stand by the fire, warming my hands and daydreaming for a long time.

The yellow sash wrapped around my waist is faded and tattering around the edges. My green leine has seen better days but it is my best clothing. I brush dried mud from my skirts and run fingers through my tangled hair, wishing I could untangle my thoughts as well.

A sudden breeze makes Roisin lift her head from grazing. She snorts and restlessly paws the ground.

Aye, little one, we must be on our way, I murmur to her.

The bruighean looms ahead. Smoke curls from the hole in the roof and the sound of laughter drifts in the air. Who will greet us this year? Who will lead us to the hill? Who will dance with me?

Around the hearth, a small group of celebrants are already comfortably gathered. Some of the women are outlanders, judging by their dress, but they smile warmly at me as I enter the bruighean.

Failte, Moss! So good to see you again! Ruis calls out, rushing to greet me with a hug. She introduces me to the others. This is Moss of the Niall, herbalist and healer, she says and adds with a wink, We may need her remedies to cure many an aching head on the morning after Samhain!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted on: 8:37 am on Oct. 23, 2002

Dobhar
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The festival grounds are not far from the holdings of Clan NiaFer. It is a pleasure on this bright morning to escort the Rian Flidais in leading our people to the Samhain gathering. Flanked by an honor guard of champions, we ride at the head of a long train of people, carts, and animals.

The gods have been good to us this year. The wagons are heavy laden with grains, fruits, and ample stocks of our famous mead. We carry ourselves proudly, still puffed up from a victorious raid to regain possession of a small herd of very special cattle, stolen from us by a neighboring tribe. Only a few days ago we returned to Inver Colpa with not only our recovered faery-blessed cows but with a new alliance intact and a dozen hostages given to us as a show of good promise.

Those hostages adopted by our clan, six Cruithne women and a passel of orphaned children, go with the rest of us to the Samhain feast in merry procession.

Our russet and gold banner flutters in the wind. The horses, frisky with the chill of autumn, prance under us.

I steal a glance at Verica, the Cruithne princess who was among the hostages and now serves as handmaiden to the Rian. Riding alongside Flidais, she is dressed in finely embroidered clothing that befits her new position. Her new pony is black as her own silken tresses. With her wild hair flying and her face flushed with excitement, she looks more beautiful than ever. I stare so hard that she must know I am looking at her, yet she tosses her head and stubbornly gazes ahead. Perhaps the Samhain bonfire will melt her coldness, I smile to myself.

With a nod and a wave of my arm, I send the youngest of the war band on at a gallop to herald our arrival.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted on: 10:04 am on Oct. 23, 2002

Theneva
------------------------------------------------------------------------
As I trudge alone, yet with the other hostages, I am thinking of my husband Ru. If not for this captivity I would have gladly sat on his grave all night in honor of one of my countries traditions for Winternights. Ah, to know the ways of the divine and find much power in the honoring of the dead. Perhaps this feasting will not lend me to knowing the shamans or bards ways but, still it could be less than nothing if Nevvyn had not spoken of his interest toward me.

As I muse I find that the ways of these people are not much different than my own. Would that this festival could be the end of all my aloneness amongst them. Would I be truely accepted or will it prove that bad omens are all that I am taken for?

I watch Dobhar in his attempts to gain the attentions of Verica. She is obviously wanting, yet, fiercely defends her rights to choose. I admire her stand as only a woman can.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted on: 2:31 pm on Oct. 23, 2002

Odhanan
------------------------------------------------------------------------
We may need her remedies to cure many an aching head on the morning after Samhain!

Odhanan laughs joyfully. That is more than obvious! I mean me and Lewin will certainly need your help, Moss. With that he takes Moss' hand and skims it with his lips. May the Mother grant you health and satisfaction in your desires.

Lewin bows once again to Moss. Pleased to meet you... but, he turns to Ruis and the other, please tell me, are we the only males to come for Samhain so far? That is not that I dislike women, he winks, but I would like the men to show a bit more respect to the traditions.

You are so picky Lewin! Odhanan puts a hand on his companion's shoulder. Wait that everyone is here before making such comments. Oh but that makes me remember... Odhanan searches in the leather pack he carries in his back. I hope you remember this Ruis...

After searching a moment, he draws out a ribbon of silk. I kept it all this time, Ruis. It is yours now.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted on: 4:19 pm on Oct. 23, 2002