Forgotten Magick

Chapter 4: Choices. Pt 1.

Love Blossoms

"LUNO! LUNO WHERE ARE YOU BABY?! MOMMY'S HERE!"

Celeste had shouted as she ran ahead of her mother, Raven was content with simply walking the rest of her way on her own. She trusted her daughter to make smart choices. Celeste heard Luno's low and robust barks booming through the clearing, it was the best sound she had ever heard. Celeste had been incredibly afraid that she had made the wrong decision to send Luno, she figured that the wolves would be kindest to their canine cousins. Celeste thanked the heavens when she heard the water splashing, and her legs gave out from her as she saw the happy dog running through the tall grass to her.

Celeste paid no mind to the werewolves as she dropped to her knees in front of them letting Luno jump into her arms, slobber dripped all over her as kisses were most certainly permitted. "Who's a good boy?! Yes, you are! You're so fast and smart too! Oh yes you're the best boy I could ask for! Haha! Maybe you ARE my second familiar! You did amazing Luno! In and out, just like I said! " Celeste was overjoyed and took a moment to truly praise Luno for the dangerous mission he had completed successfully.

Seth and Arys looked at the girl in bewilderment, she had completely dropped her guard in front of them. Arys was taken aback by her level of warmth towards the animal, Seth was taken aback by her level of trust in them. However, Seth couldn't help but admire the beauty of her happiness the way she laughed and praised the pup made a lump form in his throat. Her bubblegum pink eyes practically sparkled with life. Seth cleared his throat to draw her attention to him, he gave her a polite nod and said "your pup is very well mannered, didn't make a fuss when he got to us" Arys chuckled and added, "fast too, the hell do you feed him?!" Seth shot him a look that told him to hold his tongue which only got Seth an annoyed eye-roll. Seth then took from his pocket the vial of oil Celeste had left with the blanket, he was thankful it hadn't broken in the hastiness of their run. "I believe you left this behind, along with a black fleece blanket Miss..."

"Cromwell, Prime Celeste Cromwell of the Eternal Moon Coven and future Supreme of the Pacific Northwest Territories. Yes I left that behind, and thank you I worked really hard to train him, also a raw diet with all 5 key proteins. Heavy on the lamb, beef and fish." Celeste rose from the ground as she answered their questions in a flat tone, she knew the rejection was going to hurt and that this interaction would be short-lived so Celeste saw little to no point in pleasantries. Though when her eyes scanned over her supposed mate Celeste couldn't help but chuckle to herself, of course, the man who was about to reject her was stunning. He had all the standard gorgeous man features; very much in shape, chiseled facial features, a full head of luscious dark hair, a great smile, olive skin, and eyes that resembled fresh honey.

Though there was something else about him that was much more beautiful, there was a softness in his defined features. Early creasing around the corners of his eyes and mouth, she could tell this man loved to smile and laugh even if the dark circles under his eyes had told her he probably didn't get much sleep very often. Celeste snapped back to reality when she felt a small weight land on top of her head and a tail tap the back of her neck, "oh! Freesia! I didn’t think you’d come for this.. Why don’t you go find mama, help her find some herbs so that our alibi is solid.. Don’t worry this shouldn’t take to long, the rejection should be done and over with soon and I’ll find you and mama shortly.” She spoke casually to her familiar giving no mind to the two gentlemen. Freesia chirped and nodded before bouncing off her head to find Raven.

Arys gave Seth an impressed look when she introduced herself and answered their questions in one breath, she was straight to the point and he liked that. Though when his Alpha and the witch locked eyes the Beta simply chuckled and took a seat on a large rock by the riverside, he was now convinced. There was no spell. The look in the witch's eyes confirmed the mate bond, it was something that couldn't be faked, so he relaxed and let the nostalgia bring him back to the first time he locked eyes with his Missy. Both of the boys returned to the present at the sudden appearance of her familiar, the last sign of trust they needed.

A witch never showed their familiars, preferring to keep them hidden away in secrecy though the wolves had no idea why. Arys noticed the relieved smile on Seth's face when the cat emerged on top of her head, though they were both confused at how she communicated with the cat and it, in turn, understood her. How was a cat supposed to tell the difference between different herbs, much less harvest and collect the different plants?

At the mention of rejection, Seth grew cold inside and froze, Arys on the other hand grew aggressive. He didn't understand how she so casually, and with certainty threw it out like it was nothing serious?! Arys stood and was at Seth's side quickly, his eyes throwing daggers at the girl. Luno laid at her feet as she stood up after having placed Freesia on the ground and was met with two very different looks, one of dejection and the other of apprehension and hatred. Celeste crossed her arms, her face gave off an annoyed unimpressed expression.

"Really? I thought you'd be overjoyed I understand the circumstances we find ourselves in. I may not be a wolf, but we witches pride ourselves on the extensiveness of our libraries. I know the base of this whole mating thing, if you don't like your mate you get to reject them. You might have a second chance mate, but as I understand it the chances are rather uncommon. Even then, I can only imagine that the idea of being alone for the rest of your days is a much more comforting idea than being a witches consort. So go on, as I understand it you have everything you need; My full name, station, and title. I'm well ready for the pain and side effects." She said as she closed her eyes and braced herself for the wave of unbearable pain.

Arys and Seth exchanged confused looks, they had no idea how to approach the situation. 'She doesn't know she can initiate the rejection?' Arys linked, 'that or she doesn't want to but is willing to let me do it?' Seth replied. She had summarized every thought and feeling he had had the last couple of days in a single breath like she was already linked to him. Seth cleared his throat, which made Celeste squeeze her eyes shut just a bit tighter, Seth's heart ached at the certainty of pain she had convinced herself of. Instead of fulfilling her request he just asked "What do you make of this situation? You assume that I'd be alright with this outcome but what about yourself?" he asked gently, Celeste opened her eyes in confusion but uttered only a single word "Implausible".

Seth chuckled a little, he had no idea why but he relaxed. She didn't seem disgusted by the idea which to him felt like a win, Arys on the other hand was conflicted by this all. Not that his opinion mattered in the issue but he could not help but have one, as Seth sat down on a rock beside him Arys crossed his arms and looked Celeste down "do you have any idea who you're talking to? The circumstances of an Alpha finding his mate is a little more complicated."

Celeste nodded at the new information, her suspicions were confirmed he was in fact an Alpha. "Well that would make the pairing make a little more sense, a leader pairing with another leader and all regardless of magickal frequencies.. Even still, I don't comprehend how that makes this more complicated. If anything it makes it less so. Would your pack really have you be mated to a witch? and be certain of your answer, I would hate to be burned at the stake in the middle of the night and have mutiny rise against you" Celeste also then took a seat on a rock as she addressed the two of them.

Arys was left dumbfounded as she spoke, her concern being for Seth and the pack rather than for herself but it also angered him. It felt as though she were implying that the reason for their Alpha's suffering would strictly be on them "and I'm sure your people would LOVE you being mated with a werewolf!" Arys shout back with sarcastic venom, he didn't mind the looks Seth gave him but it was Celeste that stopped them from going at each other. Her head bobbed side to side as she considered what he said "while you aren't completely wrong Beta, pairing among witches hold little to no value when it comes to a Supreme. All that really matters is power and knowledge. Mutiny isn't really a thing either amongst witches either, a Supreme has multiple blessings and is worlds more powerful than the average witch and/or mage. Supremes and their Primes are also privy to multitudes of forbidden magic for the sake of protection and defense, take Supreme Luna Elina for example. Not just anyone can cast that spell or to its magnitude as she did. So in reality if I were to take your Alpha as my consort it would be a matter of begrudging acceptance for my people, no one would challenge me because that would be a death wish for them. I will always have the upper-hand." Celeste had calmly explained.

"Sounds tyrannical" Arys replied, which garnered a cheerful laugh from Celeste. Seth could only close his eyes and drink it in, letting Arys take control of the conversation as he knew he would not be able to interrogate her as Arys would. "Yes! Yes it does doesn’t it? On paper at least. However each Prime is taught that that kind of blind devotion must be respected, power is a complicated thing. Magickal power even more so. My people have no say on who is too lead them, so it isn't unfounded that one would find scrutiny at every turn which is why Primes are taught a very valuable lesson; being Supreme isn't about the power or authority, it's about proving one is worthy of the blessings they were gifted with and the authority that it commands . Constantly. Every decision you make will be added to a tally, that tally will eventually show whether or not one truly honored the commitment of leadership.” Celeste explained in a matter-of-fact tone, taking a breath she raised a hand to stop any other questions. She wasn’t done explaining herself.

“I understand your aggression Beta, trust me I do. Accepting me would mean your Alpha would have his perfect half, a bond stronger than anything else in this world. Witches studied this bond closely in the before times, when we had access to those who experienced it. In this instance it would seem I'm placing the blame strictly on you and your pack if your Alpha would weaken as a result of all this, the social pressure to reject his fated mate. However that isn't the conversation being had Beta, I'm not talking about social pressures. I'm talking about pride. I'm well aware of the complete hate and disregard your people have towards mine, you'd all rather deal with hunters than run to the safety of the coven house. Would your Alpha put away his wolf pride aside to truly accept a witch?" Her last words were said with a hint of disdain, though she tried to keep her tone professional she could not help but voice her own judgments.

Seth was now not only insulted but angry, the image of his grandfather's face appeared in his mind as she talked about the past. "You think that was pride?! Do you not realize the bloodshed and horror witches subjected us to?! Your silence and disdain caused the unnecessary death of countless pups!" Seth's eyes softened as Celeste's eyes filled with remorse and her mouth tightened to a thin line, her eyes were on the ground as she spoke "I will admit, High Priestess Destany was one who did not foster an atmosphere fit for unity. She did look down on werewolves and spoke of witch superiority. BUT. she did lower the barrier. She left us wide open to attack as she sent a raven to the Alpha at the time advising that sanctuary was available to those who sought it, and cooperation between our guardians and your warriors would be guaranteed. Make no mistake Alpha, we suffered as well. We suffered deeply. So much so that when High priestess Destany saw that her efforts were for not the barriers were not only raised but strengthened. She cut out the outside world from our coven completely until Supreme Zena came to us in order to train me..." there was a deep pain in Celeste’s face as she explained herself. A pain that resembled his grandfather's.

It was evident to Seth there was more to that story than he was led to believe from his grandfather. That should have been evident to him, he was being told the story from the perspective of a fearful ten-year-old pup. Most of the elders of their pack were young fearful pups during that event, it was only natural that the events would be skewed. Both Arys and Seth looked at each other uncomfortably, in that moment they were having a hard time doing what she had done moments ago; admit the truth. Perhaps wolves were a bit too prideful. They wondered what she had meant when she had said that they had suffered deeply as well, but if it mirrored anything to the stories they had been told then the wounds would run just as deep.

Silence fell upon the three of them, Arys seemed to be out of questions and Seth still could not meet Celeste's eyes. Celeste checked her watch and gave a deep sigh "I don’t have much time, I came out here with my mother under the guise of finding new healing herbs to reinvigorate her healing process for familiars. So unless you want a bunch of guardians to descend upon us and cause trouble I suggest we get this rejection business out of the way.." Seth and Arys looked up at the girl, Seth was set in a panic he didn't want her to leave. Not yet at least, so much was left unsaid.

Arys was still confused by her very nature, she was honest and transparent with them. Seth finally spoke, "So what is it that you want to do about all this?" Celeste chuckled before sighing heavily "as I told you, what I want and do are of little to no consequence in this situation. I came here expecting rejection, what I found instead was an interesting conversation between unlikely people. I've learned something new today, I thank you both for that. However this meeting is time sensitive, for that I apologize I wasn't sure when my next free day would be. My last one was three weeks from the previous one!" Celeste smiled kindly at the two, she meant her words wholeheartedly.

It was clear that there was a large misunderstanding and miscommunication that had happened between their two peoples, she had made a mental note to open an investigation into the events of that night. Either their raven was ignored or intercepted, and regardless of rejection or acceptance, Celeste believed it was time to open up communications a new.

"So that explains a lot!" Seth said with a hearty laugh, his insanity was explained so simply by a busy schedule. Celeste looked at him curiously, but she couldn't deny the way his laugh made her heart beat faster. His smile was bright and his eyes even warmer as he explained "I've been going crazy for the last 3 weeks! Your scent was caught in the wind, it was faint but I smelt it and it kicked started all this madness! I didn't know why I couldn't consistently smell it, but you only come here when you have time to yourself.. when you do what ever that ritual of yours is.." Seth rubbed the back of his neck as he relaxed comfortably.

Celeste smiled back at him and nodded softly "Yes, I apologies for that. Believe me I had no idea this would have been the result, in all reality I've been doing it for a while now but that day really was particularly windy! It's a rejuvenation ritual, every time I have a day to myself I come here to revitalize my spirit. I find it helps me be a better Prime and future Supreme, makes the lack of free time more bearable." she explained herself to him, Seth hung onto every word she spoke. To him the topic was fascinating "kinda like recharging a battery?" he postulated "exactly like a battery! Though what I've experienced is that each time I've done the ritual it also extends the battery life, making it easier to go for longer stretches of time between recharges." Celeste explained enthusiastically.

"Extraordinary!" Seth commented which garnered him a bashful smile from Celeste, it was adorable. The more time they spent together, the more he could feel the bond between them strengthen. Arys was well aware of this as well, the excitement was practically radiating from his Alpha and it seemed like the dark circles were receding from under his eyes as well. Arys backed off a little, deciding the witch was harmless and trustworthy. She didn't seem like she wanted to pick a fight, she was just prepared for anything. Very much like his best friend.

Raven, on the other hand, had found her way over to her daughter, staying out of sight she was sitting in the tall grass under the shade of some trees listening to everything that was going on. She was proud of how her daughter handled the situation and herself, she was kind and understanding. She was sure now more than ever her daughter would be a legendary Supreme, elevate her people into a new future. Raven even found herself liking the Alpha and Beta she spoke with, sure the beta seemed a little hot-headed but she never knew a young man that wasn’t. At least they seemed understanding.

Arys felt his wolf come up to him and comment on how competent of a leader she seemed to be, and that she wouldn't be an awful Luna; perhaps a clumsy one in the beginning but his wolf was as ancient as Seths and knew how adaptable witches could be. 'You have our support Alpha, and by proxy Missy's as well.. Go get her dude..' Arys linked to Seth, his friend and Alpha looked back at him with shock but Arys only gave him an approving nod before turning away and announcing "I'm uh... I'm gonna head back, Missy's yelling in my head. Something about disappearing on her, I need to head back and make sure she's alright.." though before he could leave Celeste stood and nodded in agreement before saying "yes and I'm sure your pack is missing their Alpha as well, so if you don't mind please stay, you seem like good friends and from what I understand the rejection process requires friendship to heal properly. I would hate for your Alpha to be alone and end up unwell as a result of all this..."

Seth gave Arys a puzzled and panicked look, she was still under the assumption she would be rejected and Seth didn't know how to change that. He had made up his mind on the matter, he would have her even if it meant mutiny. Regardless of being who he was Seth was never one for womanizing and dating when they were young, Arys chuckled and linked him again 'didn't I say it already? Go. Get. Her! Dumbass...' normally Seth would have engaged his friend in the name-calling but decided against it, instead the Alpha leaped over the river and closed the gap completely between him and his mate.

Celeste’s eyes were wide with shock "I.. didn't read anything about having to be so close for the rejection-" Seth cut her off by taking her hand in his, bringing it up to his lips he kissed the back of her hand and said "that's because I'm not rejecting you, if the decision is being left to me and me alone then I have to apologies for not making my intentions clearer sooner. Celeste Cromwell, Prime of the Eternal Moon Coven and future Supreme of the Pacific Northwest Territories. Goddess that's a mouthful. You are my mate, and also future Luna of The FrostFang Pack. That is, if you'll have me... You can reject me as well you know, this whole mate thing is a two way street after all, my name is Seth Lycagrus Alpha of The FrostFang Pack..."

Celeste's wide eyes shot between Seth and Arys, Seth's eyes spoke of earnestness and confidence while Arys was amused yet very cautious. Now that she knew for a fact she had equal power in this he wasn't sure what the answer would be. Celeste staggered backward a little to give herself some room to breathe, Seth looked down at her with concern. This was one outcome she had not prepared herself for, and Seth was worried about how she'd react. "Are you prepared for the consequences?" Celeste asked nervously. "Yes." Seth responded immediately. "Are you prepared to be a leader of something much larger than yourself and your pack?" She asked gravely.

"Whatever it means to be with you Celeste, it will be worth it. Please, give me the chance to prove to you that I'm not only meant to be by your side by the power of the Moon Goddess but I’m worthy of it as well. Start the tally. right now! Make each word I speak its own tally mark! I don't care, but please... If these last three weeks are indicative of anything, I'll go insane with out you..." At this point Seth was on his knees on the ground, both of her hands in his as his forehead rested against the backs of her hands as he pleaded with her. Without seeing it Luno had moved to sit beside Seth and Freesia had taken a seat on the other side of him, Celeste's eyes shot between her two animals before looking up at Arys with panic in her eyes. She had no idea what to do or say.

"You're just as hopeless as he is at this kind of stuff aren't you?" Arys spoke from the other side of the river, slightly impressed by how his friend decided to go about it all. Luno whimpered and Freesia mewed softly in favor of Seth, Celeste's heart was beating faster than it ever had before. Seth wasn't looking at her still, all she could muster was a pleading look directed to Arys who erupted in a burst of hearty laughter. "Dude, you're killing her! Stand up at least. Something tells me she's not used to people kneeling in front of her like this." Arys called out to Seth who looked up at her panicked and confused face, Seth stood up concern pouring from his eyes but not daring to let go of her hands.

He rubbed her knuckles with his thumb soothingly before asking again more gently "will you have me, Celeste?" She loved the way he said her name, taking a second to swallow the lump in her throat she said gently as her cheeks blushed bashfully "I suppose I can afford you the same goodwill my people afford me.. So yes, I will have you. I will have you and your people, I will be your Luna."

At that moment Celeste’s and Seth’s eyes began to glow intensely, now that they had completely accepted the bond that was forming between the two of them the Magick had begun to flow freely between the two of them. Slowly but surely the northern lights like veil started to form around the two, as her pinkish hue mixed and mingled with his dazzlingly green. Ribbons of purple, yellow, and blue started to form tying the two to one another. Celeste could feel her magick grow stronger by the second, the bond formed felt incredible but she could feel herself growing drunk on this much power.

Seth had cupped her cheek in his large hand, rubbing her soft skin with his thumb. Looking down into her eyes he could feel himself getting lost in the swirling mixture of every shade of pink, purple and blue. Words flew from his lips before he could even think of what he was saying “your eyes are so beautiful.. Like nebula clouds surrounding a black hole.. Like all of the beauties, mysteries and secrets of the universe are held with in them. I can’t say I’ve ever seen anything like it before..”

Celeste blushed deeply at his words, she had never been spoken to so intimately before. She could feel herself getting swept up in the moment and powerful emotions were coming up, she needed to keep herself under control this was a new kind of magick she had no idea how to control. Celeste didn’t want to hurt him, but she couldn’t bring herself to pull herself away. Thankfully her mother was there.

Raven had come out of hiding and placed a gentle hand on her daughter's shoulder, Arys grew tense at her sudden appearance but Raven simply shook her head. “It’s alright, I’m just here to calm her down” Raven spoke calmly, which brought Seth back to reality. He looked confused as Raven started to rub Celeste’s back and saying “it’s alright, he’s yours now. You can come back to this feeling whenever you want, but you need to come back to earth now dear. Don’t let the magick consume you…”

Seth remembered what Regal had told him about magick consuming witches and what happened as result, Seth let go of Celeste and stood back looking at the two women with fearful eyes. As he stepped away and Celeste closed her eyes, she took a few deep breaths, and the magick that surrounded them dissipated. He wanted to hold her, comfort her, but he didn’t want to risk it. He was still so new to everything. “Celeste?…” Seth spoke meekly.

Celeste opened her eyes a new and smiled at Seth confidently “Seth, meet my mother. Mother, this is my consort, Seth Lycagrus” Raven relaxed as her daughter had re-centered herself before opening her arms and giving Seth a big bear hug and cheering “welcome to the family! Treat my girl well, and look after her please?” Seth returned the hug happily before saying “of course, and thank you Mrs. Cromwell.. I promise to protect her and uplift her for the rest of my life..”

Raven let go and slapped Seth’s bicep playfully before saying “stop that, Mrs. Cromwell is my mother in law. You can call me mom.” Seth blushed lightly which made Celeste giggle, he hadn’t expected to be welcomed so quickly and warmly. The question was what now? They had their own sets of responsibilities but he just wanted to take her home with him as every Alpha would once he found their Luna, Seth couldn’t help but reach out to Celeste his hand finding her cheek again. “I don’t.. I don’t want to leave with out you.. Come with me! let me introduce you to my pack! Missy, Arys’ mate, she’s dying to meet you!” He said excitedly. Celeste’s hand found his, she could feel a slight tingle on her skin that felt more than wonderful.

Celeste looked back at Arys, who had quietly leaped over the river and joined their small group, and smiled kindly as she said “I’m sure she’s lovely, and I would love to meet her as well but I can’t..” Celeste frowned as she looked back at her mother, almost as if she was asking permission to run off with Seth. Though when permission wouldn’t be granted she looked back at Seth with sad eyes and explained “I have to go back to my coven... I need to meet with Supreme Zena at 12:30 to start my preparations for the birthing ritual tonight..”

Both Celeste and Seth looked lost, sad and lost, as they were both slowly pulled away from each other and back towards their respective responsibilities. It wasn’t fair, but it was the life they led as leaders. Their people came first.