As the daylight hours draw closer to their dusk-time, you find yourself drawn up the mound of Alessandria. You are in good company, for the tutors likewise are making their way to the summit, faces alight with the prospect of the ritual to come.
You are able to see through your mind's eye.
Atop the Mound of Alessandria. The Even-tide has come; darkness will follow soon. Here is the very top of the legendary mound of Alessandria, the centrepiece of the ancient library of the golden forest and site of all its renowned rituals. Here you stand an ancient hill of deep grass, rising above the forest canopy around. Although the thick trees of the Greenwood grow all around, none grow upon this hill, and the view of the lush forest is staggering. Far into the distance mountains tower above the forest, which appears to grow strange and unfriendly towards the west. However, the air here is fresh and clean, a cool breeze bringing the sound of birdsong from nearby trees. His Most Fantastic Emissary Mr Foxedup, Blademaster of Thieves is here. A golden eagle proudly bears him. Worin is here. A chestnut pony proudly bears him. Someone is here. A tempest demon proudly bears him. Hyrraeus the magician stands here, his hands clasped about his midnight robes. Imogen, lady of the trees stands here, her face saddened as though a shadow has fallen across it. Entropicus stands nearby, his proud eyes observing all. Fair lady Sirenthiel the learned stands here, cloaked in white robes. A tall man stands nearby, his elegant cloak betraying him as Cassius, keeper of the treasures of Alessandria. You notice a single exit, down.
A figure flits into view in the shadows of your mind.
Mistress Eudueria is no longer following you.
A figure flits into view in the shadows of your mind.
Sapling Oshii is no longer following you.
A figure flits into view in the shadows of your mind.
A figure flits into view in the shadows of your mind.
A figure flits into view in the shadows of your mind.
A figure flits into view in the shadows of your mind.
Imogen, lady of the trees greets you respectfully.
Hyrraeus the magician greets you respectfully.
Entropicus, knight of the trees greets you respectfully.
Sirenthiel, loremistress of Alessandria greets you respectfully.
The imposing stride of a cloaked figure enters, Hyrraeus the renowned magi.
A tall woman dressed in dark greens enters and smiles towards you.
A tall gentlemen strides into the chamber, bearing arms and the golden crest of Alessandria.
A tall woman enters, her white silken robes and long black hair that of the fair lady Sirenthiel.
You notice a gentle gust of cool air, and turn to see Cassius, keeper of Alessandria stride towards you.
Cassius looks keenly about him and says, "Are all the offerings required present?"
You nod your head emphatically.
Cassius smiles at an elegant sweetshade tree and says, "Then the ritual of the sacrosanct circle will be attempted presently!". He is keeping his voice measured but you can sense a latent excitement and this in turn sends a thrill down your own spine, anticipating what is to come.
Cassius smiles at all those present and says in dulcet tones, "Let the gods of Avalon smile upon us, the good people gathered here. May their endless bountiful honours bestow glory and knowledge upon us."
Cassius bows and bids you stand in a circle about the sacred hilltop.
You brush down your clothes and rise to your feet. The good keeper of Alessandria asks of you, "Let the one who holds the watch of time offer it now to the heavens."
You offer forth the fob watch to the Genesis, the god of time, and in a flare of light your spirit is enlightened by the magnificence of His vision. The watch falls into silver dust which sparkles as it covers the ground.
Entropicus kneels and makes his prayer to Genesis, the god of time.
Cassius smiles and says, "Let the one who holds an olvar berry offer it up to the God of life so that His blessing can be upon us."
Sapling Oshii places a delicate Olvar petal to the rich earth and speaks the name of Aldaron, the god of life. It shines for a moment, illuminating you in the glory of the realm of those joyous in life.
Imogen kneels and places both hands to the ground in thanks to Aldaron, the god of life.
Cassius speaks solemnly, "Let the holder of an enchanted ring offer it to Cornelius, the god of magic."
Worin casts a ring into the air, where it explodes into a shower of deep red crystalline fragments. They fall to the ground and disappear harmlessly, leaving you invigorated by the spectacle of the power of Cornelius, the god of magic.
Hyrraeus the magi kneels and kisses the earth in prayer to Cornelius, the god of magic.
Cassius asks, "Deliver forth the golden phoenix as offering to Loki, the god of fire."
Cap'n Laslow holds forth the golden phoenix high and you gasp to see its wings spread, its golden feathers shifting with renewed life. A blessing of Loki, the god of fire, the bird rises into the heavens until disappearing as a speck on the horizon.
Cassius smiles happily at you all and asks, "But one thing remains, who would offer up the diamond of Astrea, goddess of wisdom?"
His Most Fantastic Emissary Mr Foxedup kneels and holds aloft the jewel, which melts effortlessly within their palm to scatter as drops of silver liquid upon the earth.
Sirenthiel bows low and chants a prayers to Astrea, goddess of wisdom.
Cassius bids you all give worship to the immortal gods of Avalon, and speaks one final litany in the ancient tongues so as to consecrate the offering.
A golden aura swells about you and the others present, glittering and shining in its incandescence it fills your soul with joy.
The golden aura falls from each in turn, casting a delicate waterfall spray over the soft earth. The spray whirls there for a moment before sinking into the verdant ground.
Suddenly a single golden shoot bursts from the earth where the golden spray fell. Each one climbs unfalteringly before bursting into a shining flower before the feet of each in the circle.
Cassius smiles and bows to you all. "The circle is complete, may our friendship forever bond the halls of Alessandria and the Gods smile upon us," he concludes.
The golden light fills the heavens above Alessandria, banishing dark clouds from the skies; chasing away all that is fearful and cruel to the very horizons of Avalon. The circle ritual is complete!
