“All hail the quarters, the spirits, the gods,” the two women intoned in unison. Flora and Fauna each shared the same smile, though their eyes were closed, their hands clasped over the small wooden altar Fauna had made from a kitchen island years ago.
The breeze was gentle, allowing the two young women to feel its cooling effect in the late summer night while wafting about them the scent of burning sage and peppermint oil. The trees in the yard rustled gently, having just begun to release their leaves in their dance of the changing seasons. Above them, the moonless sky was clear, a thousand stars gazing down upon the women's rite.
“We thank the Lord and the Lady for all they have done for us,” they continued, “in this life and in all others. Go if you must, but stay if you will, ever welcome in our lives and our hearts. Guard us and guide us in all things. Merry meet, merry part, and merry meet again.”
They released one another's hands, still smiling, and opened their eyes.
“The temple is clear,” Fluttershy said happily.
For a few moments, neither of them spoke. They simply stood together, enjoying the nighttime air. Finally, Wallflower Blush – Flora, when within circle – gave a small sigh.
“It's too bad Trixie couldn't make it,” she said.
“It is a beautiful night,” Fluttershy agreed.
“Last new moon of the summer,” Wallflower nodded. Then, looking around, she added, “Heck, if the weather pulls another fast one, we may have to hold circle inside until spring.”
“Oh, that's alright,” Fluttershy smiled. “I don't mind.”
As she and Wallflower gathered the four tiki torches at the circle's perimeter, she continued, “We can clear out the furniture in the living room, and still have room to dance. And it's nice using candles for the quarters. Besides, you said she was starting something new tonight.”
Wallflower glanced over at her friend, clad as she was in only a white cotton robe, feeling the blood rush to her cheeks.
“Yeah,” she managed as she looked away. “Nice night for it.”
“Oh! I almost forgot!” Fluttershy exclaimed softly, hopping daintily back to their altar.
Standing beside it, she looked upwards into the stars. In one hand, she held aloft the antique silver plate and its remaining bits of fruit and cake. In her other hand, the glass goblet with its remaining wine.
“Lord and Lady, this offering is for you” she recited. “Come in whatever form that pleases you... oh, well hello, Angel! What a surprise seeing you here,” she finished with a giggle, setting the plate on the grass. Angel, for his part, immediately attacked the leftover offerings.
Pouring the wine onto the ground as a libation, she continued happily, “Yes, you can have some cake. And some apples and strawberries, too...”
While Fluttershy chatted contentedly with the little white rabbit, Wallflower busied herself gathering as much of the ritual stuff as possible and carting it inside. Then, she stood in the kitchen, both palms leaning on the table, staring madly into its dark wood surface as her thoughts raced.
She wasn't really doing this. She wasn't. She couldn't be. Could she? Really? No.
She shook her head.
No. No. Of course not. That would be stupid.
Then, the back door opened, and Wallflower's breath caught in her throat.
Fluttershy stood in the doorway for a moment, various small animals happily nuzzling her bare feet and ankles, a tiny bat contentedly snuggling into her hair. She lit up the small kitchen with her presence, the flower garland Wallflower had made for her seeming more like a crown, an ornament fit for a modern day Persephone.
Wallflower looked back down at the table, her heart pounding. It wasn't fair. Fluttershy was her best friend. But she was also so beautiful it hurt. And every time Wallflower imagined herself in the future, and happy, it was with her.
Entering almost silently, Fluttershy said something Wallflower couldn't hear. Wallflower's eyes were squeezed closed now. She could feel her heart hammering, her breathing burning through her chest... and then, Fluttershy's gentle hand, resting gently on her shoulder.
"Are you okay?" Fluttershy asked again.
Like warm water, Wallflower felt her pain and fear flow away. At least, enough to talk again.
“I'm fine,” she sighed. “Just a little tired.”
“Oh,” Fluttershy whispered, hand still on Wallflower's shoulder. “Are you okay to drive? You can stay here tonight if you want.”
“Um,” Wallflower managed.
She swallowed, then said, “No. No, I'm fine. It's cool. In fact,” she closed her eyes again, saying, “I was wondering if you were hungry.”
Silence.
Squeezing her eyes tighter, Wallflower forced herself to say, “Like, maybe you'd like to get waffles.”
She swallowed again. “Or something.”
More silence.
Wallflower let out a breath. Not the stupidest thing she'd ever done, she told herself. But definitely up there. She could just get dressed and go, and they could both forget this had ever happened. Or she could just go as is. Her backpack was by the door. Come back later, during daylight. Pick up her clothes. Pretend like she'd never said anything.
Then, a gentle squeeze on her shoulder made her look up.
There, still standing beside her, was her friend. Her best friend. The most beautiful woman that Wallflower had ever seen.
And she was smiling.
“I'd like that,” Fluttershy said.