The Selkie wrote:
Samira Tanqulia.
The two tourists waved back, then turned back to their food.
There was only one problem, namely, that one of the bowls for the Tribute was close by their tree, close enough to warrant an apology.
“Excuse me, lad, lassie.”, Kay started as we came close enough, “There is a small something we need to take care of nearby.” With that, she raised her basket, which contained the foodstuff for the Tribute. “Please, do not let us disturb you!”
I nodded, an apologetic smile on my lips as well.
And then, there rose a cheer from the direction of the Main Group and the large fire.
Ceridwen Golau, of Tralee Descent had been ancient when Macha had been a little cub and she had quite a long list of former students – Nia Sneachtúil, of Cefnffordd Descent was but one of them – who had, in turn, a lot of famous students themselves. And Ceri, as friends were allowed to call her, was a Priestess of Neto, the God of War of the Spiorad.
What few people realized was, that Neto was also the God of Fire of the Spiorad, a rather fitting combination, if one asked her. Still, as a Priestess of that God, she had an important job. The boss of BI himself had asked her to do that and dozens of young men and women, their lifespans merely a blink of an eye compared to hers, watched her with respect and, in several cases, reverence. Those were, most prominently, the two huntsmen, who had killed the Bull Boar, who was on the main menu tonight.
“Milady Ceridwen.”, Kean began, the handsome young man (who was also already taken) lowering his head, “Please honour us by awakening the fire, by igniting the grill.”
Ceridwen herself was not dressed in traditional robes usually appropriate for her station, but in a swimsuit, a competitive one piece, a rash guard over it. From a pocket of said rash guard, Ceridwen took a small bundle of dried herbs, as well as two pieces of flint.
She nodded. “Child of the Great Woods, with pleasure I will do as you request.”, she said.
Of course, she was aware, that many of the people here had lighters and other means of making fire, but thing was, she had been requested to do that ceremonially, so she would do that ceremonially.
By now, the large fire was before her, a fire well over two meters in diameter and well over three meters high. Around half a dozen fire extinguishers were nearby, plus buckets of water and other means to get it out, if something went wrong.
Ceridwen knelt down, knees closed, placed the herbs before herself and spread her arms. In the ancient language of the Spiorad, Tafod, she recited a prayer, almost sang it, then went to work.
Three strikes of the flints against each other and a spark had ignited the dried herbs, which were now burning.
Someone with a fire extinguisher stood nearby, just to be safe.
That was unnecessary, though, as Ceridwen took the bundle and, with a flick of her hand, threw it onto the wood-pile, which caught fire and which spread quickly.
As the cheers rose, Ceridwen rose herself, raised a hand. “We might now bring the cuts of the Bull Boar, for the grill needs something to grill!”
Cheers replied to her as the first trays and utensils were brought.
The two did noticed the two girls, they gave them a friendly nod in response. They’re not disturbed at all, just surprised.
“I see…” Nasrollah quizzed.
“Oh it’s okay, no problem~. We’re not in the rush or anything~.” Roksana quipped. She and her husband turned around in response to the commotion regarding the main group and the large fire.
“Oh? What’s going on over there? It looks like they’re cooking something over there.” The redhead woman asked. “It looks yummy~.”
“…what kind of ceremony is being performed over there?” Nasrollah simply asked Samira and Kay.
