Brittany (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
breezeshadow) wrote2012-10-06 02:08 pm
breezeshadow) wrote2012-10-06 02:08 pm
[Bingo Prompt] Night of the Moon
Title: Night of the Moon
Genre: Fantasy
The Troops: Nur & Co.
Status: Complete, spellchecked, briefly reviewed
Rating: PG-13 due to some minor violence and possibly unsettling topics. Also booze, basically.
Summary: It is the longest night of the year, and the vampires have a way to celebrate...
Prompt:![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
cottoncandy_bingo Caressing/Petting/Stroking, Party, Bruise, Person & loved one(s) injured/sick simultaneously, Cuddlepile
Author's Notes: This gave me a great opportunity to develop vampire culture, figure out what their lives without humans are like, and also develop Nur's backstory to the point that I feel awful for what I do to her later. Enjoy!
It was the Night of the Moon, the air crisp with the fresh snow that had started to fall at sunset. It already blanketed the plains, coating the coven roof in white, leaving the animals snorting with distaste and cramming into the lean-to as best they could. It was the solstice -- the longest night of the year, and thus, a cause for celebration, because soon the nights would grow shorter, and they would sleep longer to avoid the sun's rays.
They had gathered dung from the great elk, dried it and mixed it with dead grasses they had dug up from under the snow. Then they had taken sticks and branches gathered from the trees that lined the lake nearby, and set up three triangles of kindling, ready for the games to begin. But a fire was no good without something to brew over it. The domesticated animals would not do; they drank from those every day, wore their leather and coats, used their velvet to treat aches and stiffness. The Night of the Moon did not call for the same old boring food.
And so the hunting group set out. They had already been chosen in a series of battles, and had come out victorious, though with the bruises and scrapes from all of the smacking and pushing to prove it. Nur could not feel any of them in her excitement, however; Lutfi had given her the best massage to get rid of the knots, rubbing wintergreen oil over her muscles, and then finishing the experience with some velvet mint tea. She not only felt like she could conquer this hunt, but knew she would.
They paused a mile or so out from the coven, feeling for any animals in the area, softly so as to not wake and alert them. It took a while, but one of her companions finally alerted that he had sensed something, ears perking and eyes widening as he stepped forward a few feet. As a group, they shared his find, and Nur grinned in anticipation of it. Their great elk herds were bigger than a mere antelope, but antelope were feisty, impossible to tame, and thus a rare delicacy. It was perfect for a celebration.
The party moved swiftly, bounding over the snow mounds, doing the best they could to avoid getting into a massive, loud snowball fight. A few of them were better at it than others; two of the hunting group were left behind when they got into an impressive war involving lots of tumbling, shoving, and telepathic snow throwing. They did not seem too upset to be abandoned.
Within a half-hour they could spot the antelope herd by the light of the moon, sleeping though certainly not deeply. They paused at the outskirts of the heard, scanning for an outsider who looked promising. In the snow and the dark, however, they all looked almost the same, and the pinpricks of their minds were similar.
So they just picked the closest one and crept forward. Then, when a dozen yards away, they leapt out from the snow. The herd exploded into a panic almost immediately, racing away, the antelope they had targeted moving in a zigzag away from them. So then they began to teleport, covering the distance it did within a single pause. Nur felt like she was leaping higher than ever, like she could teleport for ages, and in what felt like no time at all the antelope was closest enough, and she leapt--
And got knocked right in the torso by the antelope's small but sharp horns, taking the wind out of her, though thankfully not her lungs. The snow softened the blow, but barely, exploding out everywhere as she hit, coughing and hissing. She heard the antelope bleat, close by; at least it had not run off, instead turning to face the onslaught. The vampire clutched at her chest as she sat up, and watched as the prey knocked another vampire aside, before the male who had sensed it in the first place got a grip on its hindquarters, digging his claws in as deep as possible and biting down on its thigh.
The beast's legs got wobbly a few moments after, and some pitiful struggling only caused it to collapse. A few of them mobbed it then, but the rest of the group sprinted off -- with so many other antelope around, why suck this one dry?
Nur struggled to her feet and got over to the antelope, grinning gratefully when she was given a space -- she had put in a good enough effort. She bit down on the pronghorn's neck, feeling its blood flow relatively quickly, and took only a bit less than her sac could hold, glancing around for any danger, feeling out for the other hunters. They were fine, she quickly discovered -- they had caught their own antelope and would soon be able to rejoin them, and return back to the celebrations.
Their antelope was dazed and weak by the time they pulled away from it, bleeding from various bites and claw marks, and still unable to move its hind legs. They dug up some grass from under the snow for it, left it within reach, and even took some time to pack snow up around it just in case the wind picked up while waiting for the other group to return. A wandering wolf would likely take it before long, but it never hurt to give it something.
The rest of the group soon returned, and they moved back to the coven, though at a slower pace. A full sac tended to be awkward to run with, and it was easy to get sick and throw it all back up again, wasting all of that meal. Nur had tested the limits of this enough times as a child to know that a steady jog was the best they should even try.
It did not take them too long, however, to get to the kindling, and by then the pots to brew the celebratory drink were already ready. They split up among the nine points and delivered the blood. Then they were free to do what they wish.
For Nur, that meant finding Lutfi for another massage.
~~~
Lutfi knew she was coming before she saw Nur, of course; her telepathic presence was soft during the hunt but returned strong upon the return, and rather than having to wait for Nur to come to her, the two met half-way, Lutfi scampering down the stairs frantically.
What in the world did you do? She pressed her hands gently against Nur's chest, feeling where she winced, pressing spots, nuzzling Nur's neck as she did so. Most of her chest hurt, and she felt the thick fur of her jacket getting pressed into blood and chuttered warningly; Lutfi pulled back, but gave her a stern stare.
I was stupid. Nur walked forward, heading toward the bathroom; Lutfi followed, undeterred.
How did the antelope hit you? I felt the hit but not the rest of it.
The coven had many small rooms filled with tubs of water, fresh collected; in the winter they would just melt the snow to save having to go to the lake. She did not look forward to the icy cold, but it would have to do. With two quick tugs she undid the hooks of her jacket and, with a wince, peeled it off, while Lutfi did not push her for an answer to her question. That could wait until later.
Most of the wounds she had received were bruises, stark purples and blues against her pale, almost ghostly skin. These then led to gashes and two puncture wounds where the horns had gotten through her jacket and skin. The coat, thankfully, was thick enough to have taken most of the blow, and she knew she could mend it within a few days. Had she lost a lung, that would not be fixed so easily.
Lutfi had already gotten peppermint oil and sage, along with some simple bandages. Nur stripped off her pants and then walked over to the cold bath, sniffing at it; it smelled clean, but even the vapours of it were cool in her nose. By then, however, Lutfi had already taken her shoulders, and gently lowered her onto one of the towels set around the bath -- and then telepathically paralyzed her, because they both knew it was going to hurt.
The cold water stung horribly when it touched the wounds, and Nur bit down a shriek. The coven could already feel she was in pain, but so long as they did not hear any sort of cry for help, they would leave them alone to treat the wound. One sound, though, and a group would come running to make sure she was okay, and then likely mob her for grooming and compresses and forcing her to sleep it off. She still had a celebration to go to, and she was not going to miss it.
We'll see about that. The tips of Lutfi's fingers were bloody as she took a bristle brush and scrubbed Nur's wounds raw, removing both the fur and jacket stuck in it, and also a nice amount of skin. Then there was more icy cold water to wash off the rest of the blood and mess, and next Lutfi pressed down a peppermint oil compress. Nur whimpered at the sting and Lutfi nuzzled her, licking her cheek encouragingly, sending soothing thoughts in her head. A blanket of warmth formed in her mind, and she could feel the pain start to fade away, enough to at least be bearable.
After a few minutes the compress was removed, and then Lutfi sprinkled sage over the wounds, whispering a soft healing mantra as she did so. She then wrapped the bandages around Nur, rotating her carefully with telepathy so that Nur would not have to move, and thus squirm away from the entire process.
But soon the wounds were treated, and Lutfi had teleported a thick warm robe for Nur to put on -- not the best attire for a celebration, but Nur supposed it would have to do.
So what did you do? The question came again as they walked out of the room, and to Nur's relief, headed toward the entrance to the coven. Apparently Nur had passed the test, though how she was not entirely sure. Lutfi grinned at her. You're stubborn. I can't hold you.
Nur smiled back. I jumped too high. I wanted its neck and well... She flipped the memory into Lutfi's head, and her mate laughed, and the vampire jumped up onto her hind legs to clap a few times.
Oh that's fantastic. 'This animal has horns? Whatever, I don't need to immobilize it. I'm Nur.' They both snickered, and Nur smacked her playfully, getting a whack in return.
They left the coven and were immediately greeted by an explosion of thoughts, excited and perhaps some of them already a bit drunk. They both paused, trying to sort through the mass -- the coven mental block had easily filtered out most of the outdoor activity, as was its job, but it did little to give them time to prepare for the onslaught of the entire community.
Eventually they adjusted, had the excitement filtered to a buzz, and then stepped out toward the bright lights of the fires. Only one in each triangle had been lit, so far, and were being regularly supplied with kindling. The first ceremonies had then already begun, and the first drink already made -- blood steeped in a small amount of ahetfaleyh nejyel leaves -- or at least only the blades of grass for that drink. The flowers were arranged in beautiful bunches near the second fire, with nutmeg sitting on the petals.
Nur wanted to rush over to the nearest fire as fast as she could -- but her chest still ached, and furthermore, a group of vampires was approaching them. Lutfi paused and stood in front of her mate, balancing on her hind legs and staring down at the other vampires. The others paused -- a few grinned, while the others stood a little lower, looking up at Lutfi with sleepy expressions. Satisfied, Lutfi lowered herself, smiling.
She will be okay.
What happened?
I saw the hit, it looked painful. Did you apply peppermint? I can smell it.
She's lucky she can walk so well; shouldn't she have stayed inside?
Nur sighed at the questions as more and more were shoved at them; one could never say that vampires were quiet creatures. Lutfi, however, just batted playfully at the group, getting a series of smiles, return swipes, and nose touches.
Of course I did, I'm not an idiot. She can share what happened if she wants. And Nur did, watching as the vampires reacted with a mixture of awe, amusement, and pointed "Why in the WORLD did you do that?" looks. Lutfi smirked. And if she has to stay inside, then so will I. When my mate is injured, so am I.
A few of the other vampires nodded or clapped, while Nur nuzzled Lutfi. It was a vampire philosophy as a whole -- when a coven member was injured, then so was their mate, their friends, the whole group. They could all feel the pain and suffering of that vampire, after all; those who did not had to seriously question themselves, and whether they were in the right place. Especially since, if that was how they felt, they would not be staying there very long.
Apparently the interrogation was going as expected, for the group of vampires soon crowded around them, exchanging greetings and then moving with Nur and Lutfi over to the closest fire. In between then and there, however, were more individuals; most just bobbed their heads at the group, but a few came running over, babbling excitedly. The male who had helped down the antelope came rushing over to Nur at such a speed that Lutfi almost took his head off with a well-placed smack; he slowed down last minute.
Nur! Nur! Hero Nur!
She stared at him, opening her mouth. Hero? How much have you drunk already?
Not enough! He grinned lopsidedly. You distracted the antelope! You're a hero!
Nur laughed out loud, and the snickers spread throughout the whole group. Oh, yes. The antelope was so busy laughing at me. Had you given him a few more seconds, he would have fallen over and you wouldn't have had to attack him.
Even the male guffawed; apparently, he was not so far gone that he did not know that what he was saying was borderline insane. Well good enough, right? Well go go, hunters get first pick of the harvest, you know that, go! He shoved Nur forward, and then teleported before Lutfi could hit him again.
She sent calming thoughts to her mate as she instinctively righted herself in a blink; she knew how Lutfi took the injuries of just fellow coven members, and could see and feel how it was affecting her to see her mate bloodied. Granted, smacking each other was a regular occurrence in the clan, and one learned pretty quickly not to take great personal grievances about it unless it was malicious or truly undeserved. Still, no party was fun if someone was being a killjoy and hitting everyone in sight.
I'm not being like that. Lutfi pouted at Nur, who just grinned and nudged her forward.
The warmth of the fire was tremendous, likely because the flames were, too; it had taken telepathy and care to be able to stack the kindling so high, and even more care to make sure that the fires would not destroy the whole plains. The snow helped, certainly, by providing a wet damper that prevented the fire from getting too hot, or too big; still, Nur already was panting by the time they got close to the pot and the poor vampire who seemed to find being naked, coated in melted snow, and panting not enough to ease the heat.
Still, he smiled warmly at them, and Nur nuzzled him.
How's the burn, Almas?
Hot. A ceramic cup floated up from beside Almas -- it was certainly too hot to touch with one's bare hands -- and leveled itself near the pot, which lifted and tipped carefully to pour the drink into the cup. It then floated over to Nur, who focused on it and thus took the job from Almas. The second she had, a pile of snow threw itself at Almas, scattering over his body and spraying onto Nur's robe and into the fire. This helps.
Lutfi and Nur both laughed while Almas served Lutfi a cup. Well have fun with that. Hopefully it keeps snowing, hm? Her mate grinned.
Does it ever stop? He had a point; it had been an especially snowy winter. Snow vampires were at an all-time high and getting more impressive and ridiculous with each day. Unfortunately, they had all been demolished to prepare for the festival; Nur anticipated some strange snow sculptures would be created and greeting them the next evening.
They moved away from the fire, allowing the others behind them to eagerly get their own drink. Nur blew at the steam curling from hers, hoping the snow would not dilute it too horribly. The drinks of the Night of the Moon were best served thick and as strong as possible; the faster the fun could begin, the better.
It had just begun to cool down when she heard and felt the wild cheers and excitement of other vampires. Nur and Lutfi turned toward one of the kindle corners and found that the second ones were being ignited, while a group of already-drunk vampires jumped, danced, and teased at the fire, rushing at it playfully. Some of them went a bit too far and stuck random body parts in it, which ended in singed fur, pained confused yelps, and Lutfi groaning and teleporting over to the victims.
Nur caught her mate's cup before it could fall, though a bit splattered onto the snow; a sad waste, but it was better than losing the entire thing. She sipped at her cup carefully, to test the flavour -- and found it perfect. Almas had not been around for too long, and she was not entirely sure of his cooking prowess. The leaves had been steeped for just the right amount of time, however, and there was just enough nutmeg and sassafras to give it a rich flavour. It was not especially easy to gulp the drink, but the point was usually to sip and savour it.
Of course that got boring quickly, and thus, the slightly-charred vampires that Lutfi was treating. Nur chuckled with amusement as she approached the group, cups levitating by her shoulders. She had never quite mastered the technique of teleporting herself and full mugs of any liquid at the same time; being chatty as she was, it made far more sense for her to focus her telepathy on minds and speaking than it did on objects. Lutfi focused much more on the mind and body, but Almas she suspected was highly telekinetic.
By the time she arrived the worst of the crisis was over -- Lutfi had treated and scolded the most injured offenders, who mostly laughed away her concerns. The brewer near the fire sighed and chittered to himself as he began stirring the blood, drizzling in some water and oils with precise measurements that Nur could not have even begun to replicate. Her mate, upon seeing her, gratefully took her cup back and nuzzled Nur, wrapping an arm and wing around the other vampire.
I'm glad that when you do something stupid, it at least does not involve fire.
Nur laughed at that. But sometimes it involves the sun. That's close enough.
Don't remind me. Lutfi rubbed Nur steadily, smirking. Then I may have to take back that gratitude.
A group of vampires bounded over then, chattering at each other so quickly that the words blended just into the emotions -- excitement, glee, amusement. They tried to process whatever was going on to Nur and Lutfi, but the two just shook their heads, held up their hands, trying to make it clear that no they had no idea what they were talking about, and were not entirely sure they wanted to, either. After a few moments of frustration, the bunch gave up and leaped onward to find someone else to join their plan, whatever it was.
Nur sipped at her drink and watched them go. The urge to join them was almost overwhelming; usually Nur had finished a few cups by this time and was also in a jumping, running, crazy mood. It did not matter what the plan was, whether it was a good idea, or if they may die in the process -- what mattered was doing it, because it seemed awesome. But her chest ached with walking, and she could tell from the sudden tightening of Lutfi's wing around her body that her mate was not going to let her go out there.
Let's find a place to sit. Lutfi glanced around, then gestured toward another couple. There, we can join them. I know you find me boring.
Nur snorted and nudged her mate. You know that's not true. Regardless, they walked together over to the other two vampires, who looked up and smiled, touching noses and maintaining eye contact with each of them before they all curled together in a ball.
How are you feeling Nur? Amin nosed her shoulder, but when he went to check further down Lutfi looked at him warningly. He stared back, annoyed. Lighten up, Lutfi. I'm not going to bite her.
I tried to tell her she was being a mood killer but she denied it. Nur grinned playfully at her mate, who pouted, ears going back. I'm okay.
Sorry you're stuck with us instead of with Maram's group. Amin's mate Saliha picked at a stray piece of fabric on Nur's robe. It seems fun, but it sounds like it would make me miscarry.
We couldn't even understand them. Lutfi ran her hand down Nur's mane, digging out tangles with her fingers. Nur leaned against her, purring as she listened to the conversation and watched the brewer sprinkle petals into the drink.
Neither could we. That's how we figured I shouldn't go. Saliha chuckled as she groomed Amin, occasionally giving a particularly big knot in his mane a confused look. Look at this way, Nur -- at least you get to drink.
Nur smiled sympathetically at the woman. Trial and error had proved plenty of times that the holiday drinks were not safe for pregnant women, or at least not for their child. Those who didn't die in the womb usually died shortly after birth, and looked gruesome and deformed. Even one drink was potent enough to cause a tragedy, and thus it quickly became part of the vampire subconscious that pregnant members should not even have a sip of the drink, lest they want to play a brutal game of chance.
You never struck me as much of a crazy partier anyway. Nur tilted her head at the other female, who held her hands up for a moment.
I don't mind one. And it is weird to be sitting out alone watching everyone else be idiots. But I would be bored hanging out with the other moms. Saliha sent an image of all of the pregnant vampires knitting, and they all laughed.
I'm pretty sure they are all just more tired than you are, not sitting around knitting. Amin nipped at his mate's ear playfully, getting a bat in return.
Well then maybe you should have gotten me pregnant a bit sooner so I could snooze with them, hm?
Nur snickered at Almin's shocked face, but then all of their attention was turned toward the center of the triangle by a bunch of high-pitched wails and responding howls. Though the third fire had yet to be lit, a group of vampires was leaping and dancing in the center, calling to each other and doing somersaults, laughing and tripping over their own feet and tails. One fell so badly he almost skidded right into the first fire, but teleported at the last second back to the center of the group, laughing. It did not take long for vampires to jump into the center of the other two triangles and join the insanity.
See, I want to be there. Nur gestured at the dancers, but Lutfi just snorted.
So you can break a rib? No. Lutfi continued stroking Nur's mane while carefully spreading her wing and putting it back around her mate. Saliha nosed Nur gently, smiling.
I've found that sometimes, it's just as much fun to be the sober one, and watch the drunks. Then she nosed Nur's chest, getting a wince from Nur and an angry chutter from Lutfi that she coolly ignored. And with this, it's your safer option.
She grumbled a bit, but knew she could not disagree. Instead, Nur focused her attention on grooming her mate; maybe some itchy shed fur was making her so defensive and cranky. She was still picking out stray fur and grooming out her mate's unbraided mane when the group was approached by a male with three cups rotating around his head. He curled up beside them as the four cups floated over to each of them but Saliha, though that left none for himself.
It's a cold night. With the words came a feeling of chill, pain, and vague illness -- possibly related to the drink he had had. Lutfi frowned and squirmed away from Nur's nursing, feeling the other vampire's ears and nose.
You don't feel too warm. Maybe you just drank it too fast. They moved to allow the male into the group, surrounding him with their bodies to keep him warm. Nur sipped at the drink -- it was far stronger than the first one, with the rich taste of the petals and spices. She purred contently and looked out toward the fires.
The dancing was still continuing, of course -- that would never stop, not until the participants dropped from exhaustion. At least now they were dancing at an appropriate time, though -- the third fire had been lit, a bit earlier than usual. Perhaps they were feeling festive, or wanted the dancers to not seem out of place. Nur smiled either way, nuzzling her mate's neck and breathing in her scent. As always, she smelled vaguely of herbs, even when in the cold snow far away from her job.
Nur would always love that smell. Lutfi rubbed her hand along Nur's torso in respond, purring softly.
It was never truly quiet in a vampire coven, but the actual words had ceased. Nur could feel, though, that Amin was wondering if he could pawn his drink off to someone, as while he appreciated it, he felt bad drinking when Saliha could not. Saliha, of course, did not mind, so long as he did not leave her. She was more concerned with watching the dancing, and waiting for the actual ceremonial dances and offerings to begin.
The offerings were all symbolic, though once far in the past, a time where the memories were so faint Nur could hear only whispers, they involved animals and sometimes even each other. They all agreed this was barbaric and unnecessary -- why would the gods and seasons want them to die, when they had created them to live? And so instead, they made gifts; everyone took part in making one of the gifts, unless they were making their own. Nur and Lutfii had worked on theirs together, a knitted antelope doll filled with herbs and oils -- an offering to a good harvest.
Those would not begin until the final drink had been made, though. It likely would be saner to have the offerings before everyone got drunk, but it was certainly more fun this way, and that was what the ceremony was mostly about.
She could feel the drink relaxing her; her chest ached less, her mind felt freer, and with it came the desire to go running around. But Lutfi tightened her wing around her mate, nuzzling her and pulling her close. There was no escaping from that grasp, and Nur was not entirely sure she wanted to, truly. She sipped at her drink with a sigh, feeling the sleepy, hazy thoughts of the male they surrounded -- he was no longer cold, but he still did not feel well, and hoped he did not vomit on his companions.
Nur could handle it; she had had worse happen at a ceremony.
And so they all lay there, listening to their own thoughts and the musing of those around them. Eventually they had all finished the drinks and sent the cups floating back to the nearest fire; the brewer took them and set them aside, to wash out and reuse if need be. Nur wondered, as she rested her head against Lutfi, if they were going to get cups of the third drink. Amin had finished his reluctantly, since no one was around to give it too, while Lutfi showed no clear interest in getting up from the pile. The male had fallen asleep beneath them, and it would be rude to leave him to the cold.
Yet Nur wanted one; she could not recall a ceremony where she did not have all three drinks. Lutfi huffed beside her, frustrated with her mate's antsiness and inability to rest properly -- and then a cup of the third drink, with an opened bud resting in the rich red liquid, appeared before Nur. When she touched it and pulled it close she felt the wry amusement of the brewer, and sent him thanks.
By the time she finished it, Nur was feeling the familiar affects -- like she could either sleep deeply, or run around with no need for rest, but not both. She snuggled closer to Lutfi, purring louder, feeling the vampire's wing close around her while her mate rubbed at the small of her back. Saliha, they both noticed, was half-asleep against Amin -- either she was more tired than she claimed, or the male beneath them was infecting them all with his fatigue.
Then a firecracker went off in the central triangle of fire, and they all snapped to attention, though the male did it with a bit more groaning than the rest. As the smoke cleared, the coven leader was revealed shaking debris from her coat, earning laughs and advice from the members.
Yes, well, next time one of you stand next to an explosive, eh? Fidda gave the whole group an amused look, no doubt ignoring the many offers to set off more firecrackers and see who could come out the cleanest.
"It is time for another Festival of the Moon." The leader's voice seemed to echo off of the air itself, though Nur knew it to be an auditory illusion from Fidda sending both a mental and physical voice. Vampires usually did not vocalize much when telepathy was so much faster, but just like this night could not have normal food, it could not have a normal voice.
"We are all gathered here to celebrate the longest night of darkness, and to give thanks to those that have let us come this far." And to get drunk, of course, but Fidda left those words out. She tended toward formality, and besides, most of those who only cared about the drinks were already out having fun. "We have all worked hard this year, and in the years past. The gods have given their thanks in the form of good hunting and harvesting, but they have also sent us a great challenge in the form of these humans."
An uneasy burst rushed through the assembled group, and perhaps even beyond. No one liked to think about or talk about the humans, but they were a constant threat; Almas perhaps knew that most of all, and Nur could feel his pain from across the way. Nur felt very neutral about the humans herself; her few interactions had been relatively positive, though Fidda had forbidden all contact once the attacks on the other covens had begun.
Nur then could not agree that these humans were a challenge from the gods. She thought they were outside of their control, some intruder into their realm that the gods had no control over. She wondered then, as Fidda gave thanks for their good year and asked for another one, how much they could do to protect them. They certainly had not protected Almas's coven.
Fidda's words were brief, however, and soon she had returned to the main event. One by one, she announced the offerings to the gods -- what they were, what they were for, and who had made them. It was always the longest part of the ceremony, and soon Nur's attention wandered back to her mate, who nuzzled her but otherwise focused intently on the coven leader.
Eventually all of the gifts were announced; and then came the fun part.
"To this we offer the gods, the world, and the universe. Let our devotion and work be known, and let our fortune continue into the years ahead."
With that, Fidda invited them all up. It took a bit to disentangle themselves, but Nur and Lutfi approached and found their gift; they then waited as the crowd milled about, finding their gift, or the clan gift they had helped work on. More than a few vampires stayed out of the ceremony, simply watching. It made it that much easier to prepare.
Soon, the fires were clear of obstacles, and with cheeky grins at each other, Nur and Lutfi took their antelope gift and chucked it into the fire; almost immediately it lit up, sending the smell of herbs into the air. The oils inside popped and sent embers scattering. Soon, other gifts came crashing into the fire as well, though the brewers kept the pyre from collapsing and causing misfortune.
"To the moon!" The shout came from Fidda, but it was quickly taken up by the whole group, even those sitting, and the call came back from those out and about. Nur pulled Lutfi in for a nuzzle and a kiss, and her mate returned the favour. They smiled as the shouting continued around them.
"To the moon!" The call came up again, along with dancing; vampires leapt and ran around them while Nur and Lutfi joined the steady clapping that had begun. They then looked up at the sky, though the moon was not visible through the snowy clouds.
"To the moon!"
And Nur thought that, considering it was a hopefully single-time misfortune, spending the Festival of the Moon quietly with Lutfi rather than running around was not so bad.
Genre: Fantasy
The Troops: Nur & Co.
Status: Complete, spellchecked, briefly reviewed
Rating: PG-13 due to some minor violence and possibly unsettling topics. Also booze, basically.
Summary: It is the longest night of the year, and the vampires have a way to celebrate...
Prompt:
cottoncandy_bingo Caressing/Petting/Stroking, Party, Bruise, Person & loved one(s) injured/sick simultaneously, CuddlepileAuthor's Notes: This gave me a great opportunity to develop vampire culture, figure out what their lives without humans are like, and also develop Nur's backstory to the point that I feel awful for what I do to her later. Enjoy!
It was the Night of the Moon, the air crisp with the fresh snow that had started to fall at sunset. It already blanketed the plains, coating the coven roof in white, leaving the animals snorting with distaste and cramming into the lean-to as best they could. It was the solstice -- the longest night of the year, and thus, a cause for celebration, because soon the nights would grow shorter, and they would sleep longer to avoid the sun's rays.
They had gathered dung from the great elk, dried it and mixed it with dead grasses they had dug up from under the snow. Then they had taken sticks and branches gathered from the trees that lined the lake nearby, and set up three triangles of kindling, ready for the games to begin. But a fire was no good without something to brew over it. The domesticated animals would not do; they drank from those every day, wore their leather and coats, used their velvet to treat aches and stiffness. The Night of the Moon did not call for the same old boring food.
And so the hunting group set out. They had already been chosen in a series of battles, and had come out victorious, though with the bruises and scrapes from all of the smacking and pushing to prove it. Nur could not feel any of them in her excitement, however; Lutfi had given her the best massage to get rid of the knots, rubbing wintergreen oil over her muscles, and then finishing the experience with some velvet mint tea. She not only felt like she could conquer this hunt, but knew she would.
They paused a mile or so out from the coven, feeling for any animals in the area, softly so as to not wake and alert them. It took a while, but one of her companions finally alerted that he had sensed something, ears perking and eyes widening as he stepped forward a few feet. As a group, they shared his find, and Nur grinned in anticipation of it. Their great elk herds were bigger than a mere antelope, but antelope were feisty, impossible to tame, and thus a rare delicacy. It was perfect for a celebration.
The party moved swiftly, bounding over the snow mounds, doing the best they could to avoid getting into a massive, loud snowball fight. A few of them were better at it than others; two of the hunting group were left behind when they got into an impressive war involving lots of tumbling, shoving, and telepathic snow throwing. They did not seem too upset to be abandoned.
Within a half-hour they could spot the antelope herd by the light of the moon, sleeping though certainly not deeply. They paused at the outskirts of the heard, scanning for an outsider who looked promising. In the snow and the dark, however, they all looked almost the same, and the pinpricks of their minds were similar.
So they just picked the closest one and crept forward. Then, when a dozen yards away, they leapt out from the snow. The herd exploded into a panic almost immediately, racing away, the antelope they had targeted moving in a zigzag away from them. So then they began to teleport, covering the distance it did within a single pause. Nur felt like she was leaping higher than ever, like she could teleport for ages, and in what felt like no time at all the antelope was closest enough, and she leapt--
And got knocked right in the torso by the antelope's small but sharp horns, taking the wind out of her, though thankfully not her lungs. The snow softened the blow, but barely, exploding out everywhere as she hit, coughing and hissing. She heard the antelope bleat, close by; at least it had not run off, instead turning to face the onslaught. The vampire clutched at her chest as she sat up, and watched as the prey knocked another vampire aside, before the male who had sensed it in the first place got a grip on its hindquarters, digging his claws in as deep as possible and biting down on its thigh.
The beast's legs got wobbly a few moments after, and some pitiful struggling only caused it to collapse. A few of them mobbed it then, but the rest of the group sprinted off -- with so many other antelope around, why suck this one dry?
Nur struggled to her feet and got over to the antelope, grinning gratefully when she was given a space -- she had put in a good enough effort. She bit down on the pronghorn's neck, feeling its blood flow relatively quickly, and took only a bit less than her sac could hold, glancing around for any danger, feeling out for the other hunters. They were fine, she quickly discovered -- they had caught their own antelope and would soon be able to rejoin them, and return back to the celebrations.
Their antelope was dazed and weak by the time they pulled away from it, bleeding from various bites and claw marks, and still unable to move its hind legs. They dug up some grass from under the snow for it, left it within reach, and even took some time to pack snow up around it just in case the wind picked up while waiting for the other group to return. A wandering wolf would likely take it before long, but it never hurt to give it something.
The rest of the group soon returned, and they moved back to the coven, though at a slower pace. A full sac tended to be awkward to run with, and it was easy to get sick and throw it all back up again, wasting all of that meal. Nur had tested the limits of this enough times as a child to know that a steady jog was the best they should even try.
It did not take them too long, however, to get to the kindling, and by then the pots to brew the celebratory drink were already ready. They split up among the nine points and delivered the blood. Then they were free to do what they wish.
For Nur, that meant finding Lutfi for another massage.
~~~
Lutfi knew she was coming before she saw Nur, of course; her telepathic presence was soft during the hunt but returned strong upon the return, and rather than having to wait for Nur to come to her, the two met half-way, Lutfi scampering down the stairs frantically.
What in the world did you do? She pressed her hands gently against Nur's chest, feeling where she winced, pressing spots, nuzzling Nur's neck as she did so. Most of her chest hurt, and she felt the thick fur of her jacket getting pressed into blood and chuttered warningly; Lutfi pulled back, but gave her a stern stare.
I was stupid. Nur walked forward, heading toward the bathroom; Lutfi followed, undeterred.
How did the antelope hit you? I felt the hit but not the rest of it.
The coven had many small rooms filled with tubs of water, fresh collected; in the winter they would just melt the snow to save having to go to the lake. She did not look forward to the icy cold, but it would have to do. With two quick tugs she undid the hooks of her jacket and, with a wince, peeled it off, while Lutfi did not push her for an answer to her question. That could wait until later.
Most of the wounds she had received were bruises, stark purples and blues against her pale, almost ghostly skin. These then led to gashes and two puncture wounds where the horns had gotten through her jacket and skin. The coat, thankfully, was thick enough to have taken most of the blow, and she knew she could mend it within a few days. Had she lost a lung, that would not be fixed so easily.
Lutfi had already gotten peppermint oil and sage, along with some simple bandages. Nur stripped off her pants and then walked over to the cold bath, sniffing at it; it smelled clean, but even the vapours of it were cool in her nose. By then, however, Lutfi had already taken her shoulders, and gently lowered her onto one of the towels set around the bath -- and then telepathically paralyzed her, because they both knew it was going to hurt.
The cold water stung horribly when it touched the wounds, and Nur bit down a shriek. The coven could already feel she was in pain, but so long as they did not hear any sort of cry for help, they would leave them alone to treat the wound. One sound, though, and a group would come running to make sure she was okay, and then likely mob her for grooming and compresses and forcing her to sleep it off. She still had a celebration to go to, and she was not going to miss it.
We'll see about that. The tips of Lutfi's fingers were bloody as she took a bristle brush and scrubbed Nur's wounds raw, removing both the fur and jacket stuck in it, and also a nice amount of skin. Then there was more icy cold water to wash off the rest of the blood and mess, and next Lutfi pressed down a peppermint oil compress. Nur whimpered at the sting and Lutfi nuzzled her, licking her cheek encouragingly, sending soothing thoughts in her head. A blanket of warmth formed in her mind, and she could feel the pain start to fade away, enough to at least be bearable.
After a few minutes the compress was removed, and then Lutfi sprinkled sage over the wounds, whispering a soft healing mantra as she did so. She then wrapped the bandages around Nur, rotating her carefully with telepathy so that Nur would not have to move, and thus squirm away from the entire process.
But soon the wounds were treated, and Lutfi had teleported a thick warm robe for Nur to put on -- not the best attire for a celebration, but Nur supposed it would have to do.
So what did you do? The question came again as they walked out of the room, and to Nur's relief, headed toward the entrance to the coven. Apparently Nur had passed the test, though how she was not entirely sure. Lutfi grinned at her. You're stubborn. I can't hold you.
Nur smiled back. I jumped too high. I wanted its neck and well... She flipped the memory into Lutfi's head, and her mate laughed, and the vampire jumped up onto her hind legs to clap a few times.
Oh that's fantastic. 'This animal has horns? Whatever, I don't need to immobilize it. I'm Nur.' They both snickered, and Nur smacked her playfully, getting a whack in return.
They left the coven and were immediately greeted by an explosion of thoughts, excited and perhaps some of them already a bit drunk. They both paused, trying to sort through the mass -- the coven mental block had easily filtered out most of the outdoor activity, as was its job, but it did little to give them time to prepare for the onslaught of the entire community.
Eventually they adjusted, had the excitement filtered to a buzz, and then stepped out toward the bright lights of the fires. Only one in each triangle had been lit, so far, and were being regularly supplied with kindling. The first ceremonies had then already begun, and the first drink already made -- blood steeped in a small amount of ahetfaleyh nejyel leaves -- or at least only the blades of grass for that drink. The flowers were arranged in beautiful bunches near the second fire, with nutmeg sitting on the petals.
Nur wanted to rush over to the nearest fire as fast as she could -- but her chest still ached, and furthermore, a group of vampires was approaching them. Lutfi paused and stood in front of her mate, balancing on her hind legs and staring down at the other vampires. The others paused -- a few grinned, while the others stood a little lower, looking up at Lutfi with sleepy expressions. Satisfied, Lutfi lowered herself, smiling.
She will be okay.
What happened?
I saw the hit, it looked painful. Did you apply peppermint? I can smell it.
She's lucky she can walk so well; shouldn't she have stayed inside?
Nur sighed at the questions as more and more were shoved at them; one could never say that vampires were quiet creatures. Lutfi, however, just batted playfully at the group, getting a series of smiles, return swipes, and nose touches.
Of course I did, I'm not an idiot. She can share what happened if she wants. And Nur did, watching as the vampires reacted with a mixture of awe, amusement, and pointed "Why in the WORLD did you do that?" looks. Lutfi smirked. And if she has to stay inside, then so will I. When my mate is injured, so am I.
A few of the other vampires nodded or clapped, while Nur nuzzled Lutfi. It was a vampire philosophy as a whole -- when a coven member was injured, then so was their mate, their friends, the whole group. They could all feel the pain and suffering of that vampire, after all; those who did not had to seriously question themselves, and whether they were in the right place. Especially since, if that was how they felt, they would not be staying there very long.
Apparently the interrogation was going as expected, for the group of vampires soon crowded around them, exchanging greetings and then moving with Nur and Lutfi over to the closest fire. In between then and there, however, were more individuals; most just bobbed their heads at the group, but a few came running over, babbling excitedly. The male who had helped down the antelope came rushing over to Nur at such a speed that Lutfi almost took his head off with a well-placed smack; he slowed down last minute.
Nur! Nur! Hero Nur!
She stared at him, opening her mouth. Hero? How much have you drunk already?
Not enough! He grinned lopsidedly. You distracted the antelope! You're a hero!
Nur laughed out loud, and the snickers spread throughout the whole group. Oh, yes. The antelope was so busy laughing at me. Had you given him a few more seconds, he would have fallen over and you wouldn't have had to attack him.
Even the male guffawed; apparently, he was not so far gone that he did not know that what he was saying was borderline insane. Well good enough, right? Well go go, hunters get first pick of the harvest, you know that, go! He shoved Nur forward, and then teleported before Lutfi could hit him again.
She sent calming thoughts to her mate as she instinctively righted herself in a blink; she knew how Lutfi took the injuries of just fellow coven members, and could see and feel how it was affecting her to see her mate bloodied. Granted, smacking each other was a regular occurrence in the clan, and one learned pretty quickly not to take great personal grievances about it unless it was malicious or truly undeserved. Still, no party was fun if someone was being a killjoy and hitting everyone in sight.
I'm not being like that. Lutfi pouted at Nur, who just grinned and nudged her forward.
The warmth of the fire was tremendous, likely because the flames were, too; it had taken telepathy and care to be able to stack the kindling so high, and even more care to make sure that the fires would not destroy the whole plains. The snow helped, certainly, by providing a wet damper that prevented the fire from getting too hot, or too big; still, Nur already was panting by the time they got close to the pot and the poor vampire who seemed to find being naked, coated in melted snow, and panting not enough to ease the heat.
Still, he smiled warmly at them, and Nur nuzzled him.
How's the burn, Almas?
Hot. A ceramic cup floated up from beside Almas -- it was certainly too hot to touch with one's bare hands -- and leveled itself near the pot, which lifted and tipped carefully to pour the drink into the cup. It then floated over to Nur, who focused on it and thus took the job from Almas. The second she had, a pile of snow threw itself at Almas, scattering over his body and spraying onto Nur's robe and into the fire. This helps.
Lutfi and Nur both laughed while Almas served Lutfi a cup. Well have fun with that. Hopefully it keeps snowing, hm? Her mate grinned.
Does it ever stop? He had a point; it had been an especially snowy winter. Snow vampires were at an all-time high and getting more impressive and ridiculous with each day. Unfortunately, they had all been demolished to prepare for the festival; Nur anticipated some strange snow sculptures would be created and greeting them the next evening.
They moved away from the fire, allowing the others behind them to eagerly get their own drink. Nur blew at the steam curling from hers, hoping the snow would not dilute it too horribly. The drinks of the Night of the Moon were best served thick and as strong as possible; the faster the fun could begin, the better.
It had just begun to cool down when she heard and felt the wild cheers and excitement of other vampires. Nur and Lutfi turned toward one of the kindle corners and found that the second ones were being ignited, while a group of already-drunk vampires jumped, danced, and teased at the fire, rushing at it playfully. Some of them went a bit too far and stuck random body parts in it, which ended in singed fur, pained confused yelps, and Lutfi groaning and teleporting over to the victims.
Nur caught her mate's cup before it could fall, though a bit splattered onto the snow; a sad waste, but it was better than losing the entire thing. She sipped at her cup carefully, to test the flavour -- and found it perfect. Almas had not been around for too long, and she was not entirely sure of his cooking prowess. The leaves had been steeped for just the right amount of time, however, and there was just enough nutmeg and sassafras to give it a rich flavour. It was not especially easy to gulp the drink, but the point was usually to sip and savour it.
Of course that got boring quickly, and thus, the slightly-charred vampires that Lutfi was treating. Nur chuckled with amusement as she approached the group, cups levitating by her shoulders. She had never quite mastered the technique of teleporting herself and full mugs of any liquid at the same time; being chatty as she was, it made far more sense for her to focus her telepathy on minds and speaking than it did on objects. Lutfi focused much more on the mind and body, but Almas she suspected was highly telekinetic.
By the time she arrived the worst of the crisis was over -- Lutfi had treated and scolded the most injured offenders, who mostly laughed away her concerns. The brewer near the fire sighed and chittered to himself as he began stirring the blood, drizzling in some water and oils with precise measurements that Nur could not have even begun to replicate. Her mate, upon seeing her, gratefully took her cup back and nuzzled Nur, wrapping an arm and wing around the other vampire.
I'm glad that when you do something stupid, it at least does not involve fire.
Nur laughed at that. But sometimes it involves the sun. That's close enough.
Don't remind me. Lutfi rubbed Nur steadily, smirking. Then I may have to take back that gratitude.
A group of vampires bounded over then, chattering at each other so quickly that the words blended just into the emotions -- excitement, glee, amusement. They tried to process whatever was going on to Nur and Lutfi, but the two just shook their heads, held up their hands, trying to make it clear that no they had no idea what they were talking about, and were not entirely sure they wanted to, either. After a few moments of frustration, the bunch gave up and leaped onward to find someone else to join their plan, whatever it was.
Nur sipped at her drink and watched them go. The urge to join them was almost overwhelming; usually Nur had finished a few cups by this time and was also in a jumping, running, crazy mood. It did not matter what the plan was, whether it was a good idea, or if they may die in the process -- what mattered was doing it, because it seemed awesome. But her chest ached with walking, and she could tell from the sudden tightening of Lutfi's wing around her body that her mate was not going to let her go out there.
Let's find a place to sit. Lutfi glanced around, then gestured toward another couple. There, we can join them. I know you find me boring.
Nur snorted and nudged her mate. You know that's not true. Regardless, they walked together over to the other two vampires, who looked up and smiled, touching noses and maintaining eye contact with each of them before they all curled together in a ball.
How are you feeling Nur? Amin nosed her shoulder, but when he went to check further down Lutfi looked at him warningly. He stared back, annoyed. Lighten up, Lutfi. I'm not going to bite her.
I tried to tell her she was being a mood killer but she denied it. Nur grinned playfully at her mate, who pouted, ears going back. I'm okay.
Sorry you're stuck with us instead of with Maram's group. Amin's mate Saliha picked at a stray piece of fabric on Nur's robe. It seems fun, but it sounds like it would make me miscarry.
We couldn't even understand them. Lutfi ran her hand down Nur's mane, digging out tangles with her fingers. Nur leaned against her, purring as she listened to the conversation and watched the brewer sprinkle petals into the drink.
Neither could we. That's how we figured I shouldn't go. Saliha chuckled as she groomed Amin, occasionally giving a particularly big knot in his mane a confused look. Look at this way, Nur -- at least you get to drink.
Nur smiled sympathetically at the woman. Trial and error had proved plenty of times that the holiday drinks were not safe for pregnant women, or at least not for their child. Those who didn't die in the womb usually died shortly after birth, and looked gruesome and deformed. Even one drink was potent enough to cause a tragedy, and thus it quickly became part of the vampire subconscious that pregnant members should not even have a sip of the drink, lest they want to play a brutal game of chance.
You never struck me as much of a crazy partier anyway. Nur tilted her head at the other female, who held her hands up for a moment.
I don't mind one. And it is weird to be sitting out alone watching everyone else be idiots. But I would be bored hanging out with the other moms. Saliha sent an image of all of the pregnant vampires knitting, and they all laughed.
I'm pretty sure they are all just more tired than you are, not sitting around knitting. Amin nipped at his mate's ear playfully, getting a bat in return.
Well then maybe you should have gotten me pregnant a bit sooner so I could snooze with them, hm?
Nur snickered at Almin's shocked face, but then all of their attention was turned toward the center of the triangle by a bunch of high-pitched wails and responding howls. Though the third fire had yet to be lit, a group of vampires was leaping and dancing in the center, calling to each other and doing somersaults, laughing and tripping over their own feet and tails. One fell so badly he almost skidded right into the first fire, but teleported at the last second back to the center of the group, laughing. It did not take long for vampires to jump into the center of the other two triangles and join the insanity.
See, I want to be there. Nur gestured at the dancers, but Lutfi just snorted.
So you can break a rib? No. Lutfi continued stroking Nur's mane while carefully spreading her wing and putting it back around her mate. Saliha nosed Nur gently, smiling.
I've found that sometimes, it's just as much fun to be the sober one, and watch the drunks. Then she nosed Nur's chest, getting a wince from Nur and an angry chutter from Lutfi that she coolly ignored. And with this, it's your safer option.
She grumbled a bit, but knew she could not disagree. Instead, Nur focused her attention on grooming her mate; maybe some itchy shed fur was making her so defensive and cranky. She was still picking out stray fur and grooming out her mate's unbraided mane when the group was approached by a male with three cups rotating around his head. He curled up beside them as the four cups floated over to each of them but Saliha, though that left none for himself.
It's a cold night. With the words came a feeling of chill, pain, and vague illness -- possibly related to the drink he had had. Lutfi frowned and squirmed away from Nur's nursing, feeling the other vampire's ears and nose.
You don't feel too warm. Maybe you just drank it too fast. They moved to allow the male into the group, surrounding him with their bodies to keep him warm. Nur sipped at the drink -- it was far stronger than the first one, with the rich taste of the petals and spices. She purred contently and looked out toward the fires.
The dancing was still continuing, of course -- that would never stop, not until the participants dropped from exhaustion. At least now they were dancing at an appropriate time, though -- the third fire had been lit, a bit earlier than usual. Perhaps they were feeling festive, or wanted the dancers to not seem out of place. Nur smiled either way, nuzzling her mate's neck and breathing in her scent. As always, she smelled vaguely of herbs, even when in the cold snow far away from her job.
Nur would always love that smell. Lutfi rubbed her hand along Nur's torso in respond, purring softly.
It was never truly quiet in a vampire coven, but the actual words had ceased. Nur could feel, though, that Amin was wondering if he could pawn his drink off to someone, as while he appreciated it, he felt bad drinking when Saliha could not. Saliha, of course, did not mind, so long as he did not leave her. She was more concerned with watching the dancing, and waiting for the actual ceremonial dances and offerings to begin.
The offerings were all symbolic, though once far in the past, a time where the memories were so faint Nur could hear only whispers, they involved animals and sometimes even each other. They all agreed this was barbaric and unnecessary -- why would the gods and seasons want them to die, when they had created them to live? And so instead, they made gifts; everyone took part in making one of the gifts, unless they were making their own. Nur and Lutfii had worked on theirs together, a knitted antelope doll filled with herbs and oils -- an offering to a good harvest.
Those would not begin until the final drink had been made, though. It likely would be saner to have the offerings before everyone got drunk, but it was certainly more fun this way, and that was what the ceremony was mostly about.
She could feel the drink relaxing her; her chest ached less, her mind felt freer, and with it came the desire to go running around. But Lutfi tightened her wing around her mate, nuzzling her and pulling her close. There was no escaping from that grasp, and Nur was not entirely sure she wanted to, truly. She sipped at her drink with a sigh, feeling the sleepy, hazy thoughts of the male they surrounded -- he was no longer cold, but he still did not feel well, and hoped he did not vomit on his companions.
Nur could handle it; she had had worse happen at a ceremony.
And so they all lay there, listening to their own thoughts and the musing of those around them. Eventually they had all finished the drinks and sent the cups floating back to the nearest fire; the brewer took them and set them aside, to wash out and reuse if need be. Nur wondered, as she rested her head against Lutfi, if they were going to get cups of the third drink. Amin had finished his reluctantly, since no one was around to give it too, while Lutfi showed no clear interest in getting up from the pile. The male had fallen asleep beneath them, and it would be rude to leave him to the cold.
Yet Nur wanted one; she could not recall a ceremony where she did not have all three drinks. Lutfi huffed beside her, frustrated with her mate's antsiness and inability to rest properly -- and then a cup of the third drink, with an opened bud resting in the rich red liquid, appeared before Nur. When she touched it and pulled it close she felt the wry amusement of the brewer, and sent him thanks.
By the time she finished it, Nur was feeling the familiar affects -- like she could either sleep deeply, or run around with no need for rest, but not both. She snuggled closer to Lutfi, purring louder, feeling the vampire's wing close around her while her mate rubbed at the small of her back. Saliha, they both noticed, was half-asleep against Amin -- either she was more tired than she claimed, or the male beneath them was infecting them all with his fatigue.
Then a firecracker went off in the central triangle of fire, and they all snapped to attention, though the male did it with a bit more groaning than the rest. As the smoke cleared, the coven leader was revealed shaking debris from her coat, earning laughs and advice from the members.
Yes, well, next time one of you stand next to an explosive, eh? Fidda gave the whole group an amused look, no doubt ignoring the many offers to set off more firecrackers and see who could come out the cleanest.
"It is time for another Festival of the Moon." The leader's voice seemed to echo off of the air itself, though Nur knew it to be an auditory illusion from Fidda sending both a mental and physical voice. Vampires usually did not vocalize much when telepathy was so much faster, but just like this night could not have normal food, it could not have a normal voice.
"We are all gathered here to celebrate the longest night of darkness, and to give thanks to those that have let us come this far." And to get drunk, of course, but Fidda left those words out. She tended toward formality, and besides, most of those who only cared about the drinks were already out having fun. "We have all worked hard this year, and in the years past. The gods have given their thanks in the form of good hunting and harvesting, but they have also sent us a great challenge in the form of these humans."
An uneasy burst rushed through the assembled group, and perhaps even beyond. No one liked to think about or talk about the humans, but they were a constant threat; Almas perhaps knew that most of all, and Nur could feel his pain from across the way. Nur felt very neutral about the humans herself; her few interactions had been relatively positive, though Fidda had forbidden all contact once the attacks on the other covens had begun.
Nur then could not agree that these humans were a challenge from the gods. She thought they were outside of their control, some intruder into their realm that the gods had no control over. She wondered then, as Fidda gave thanks for their good year and asked for another one, how much they could do to protect them. They certainly had not protected Almas's coven.
Fidda's words were brief, however, and soon she had returned to the main event. One by one, she announced the offerings to the gods -- what they were, what they were for, and who had made them. It was always the longest part of the ceremony, and soon Nur's attention wandered back to her mate, who nuzzled her but otherwise focused intently on the coven leader.
Eventually all of the gifts were announced; and then came the fun part.
"To this we offer the gods, the world, and the universe. Let our devotion and work be known, and let our fortune continue into the years ahead."
With that, Fidda invited them all up. It took a bit to disentangle themselves, but Nur and Lutfi approached and found their gift; they then waited as the crowd milled about, finding their gift, or the clan gift they had helped work on. More than a few vampires stayed out of the ceremony, simply watching. It made it that much easier to prepare.
Soon, the fires were clear of obstacles, and with cheeky grins at each other, Nur and Lutfi took their antelope gift and chucked it into the fire; almost immediately it lit up, sending the smell of herbs into the air. The oils inside popped and sent embers scattering. Soon, other gifts came crashing into the fire as well, though the brewers kept the pyre from collapsing and causing misfortune.
"To the moon!" The shout came from Fidda, but it was quickly taken up by the whole group, even those sitting, and the call came back from those out and about. Nur pulled Lutfi in for a nuzzle and a kiss, and her mate returned the favour. They smiled as the shouting continued around them.
"To the moon!" The call came up again, along with dancing; vampires leapt and ran around them while Nur and Lutfi joined the steady clapping that had begun. They then looked up at the sky, though the moon was not visible through the snowy clouds.
"To the moon!"
And Nur thought that, considering it was a hopefully single-time misfortune, spending the Festival of the Moon quietly with Lutfi rather than running around was not so bad.
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This is really interesting, and absolutely packed with information about the world you've created. I thought that the introduction, through the hunt section, and into Lutfi treating Nur following that, was a really good balance of action and exposition, but then it turns out that I made it about halfway through the piece before realizing that your vampires are quadripeds, and by choice communicate entirely telepathically (or mostly telepathically with nonverbal sounds for emphasis?), and then later that they have wings and an oral language after all. So maybe it needed some different facts about your setting up front :)
For example, I think the paragraph leading to "The Night of the Moon did not call for the same old boring food" is really excellent in describing their community in general and the importance of the event you've chosen to tell this story through. I also really liked the emphasis of Fidda's choice to speak out loud, but it was disconcerting to me as a reader to be trying to create an image of the characters and have it be so thoroughly wrong twice in one piece.
Of course, that's me assuming what I was intended to know, and when, but I didn't get the sense from the rest of the text that I was supposed to be surprised.
I also thought that Nur and Lutfi's relationship and their contrasts were beautifully written. That's a lovely realization that Nur has at the end, that still (and maybe even cautious) needn't be boring.
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