Two years, and the fire grows - birthday feast

Theodoric Martin · 12-17-2010, 07:35 AM

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When the call came, Theodoric was caught napping. He woke at his high-top kitchen table, cheek imprinted with the uneven grain of the wood, hand still resting on the open pages of a book. Theodoric read because he knew he should read, not because he particularly enjoyed it. In other words, the book had been boring and he had dozed off while reading it. Of course, yesterday’s energy expenditures had left him a little more lethargic today than normal, but that was not a real excuse. He woke up quickly enough, and recognized the summons for what it was. Curious and afraid he was going to be late, he grabbed his sturdy navy traveling cloak from its peg by the door and raced to the Great Fire. The chill of the winter season struck him with the force of a fist, removing the last of his remaining drowsiness.

Nearing the circle of flickering flames, he slowed his pace so as not to disturb the ceremonies that were already underway. He slipped quietly into the group of gathered wolves and looked up in time to see a figure emerge from the shadows of Town Hall. It took him a moment to recognize the alabaster figure under the tribal paint, but he eventually put a name to the dancing form. Ralla moved with dignity and grace, and as far as Theodoric was concerned, her performance was over all too quickly. Without a pause, another figure – this one he recognized as Sanuye -- exited the Hall, and made dancing with looping fire look easy. Again, Theodoric was impressed at the dancer’s skill. At the conclusion he felt that he should applaud their performances, but didn’t know if applause was in keeping with the ceremony. Instead, he contented himself with tapping a foot along with the rhythm of the drumbeat.

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