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elfy-elf-imagines · 1 year ago

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To Meet Under the Stars | Thranduil

▹ Pairing: Thranduil x Elf!Reader

▹ Genre: Fluff

▹ Words: ~3k

▹ Summary: In light of the stars, Thranduil finds himself entirely enchanted by a mysterious masked woman.

▹ Notes: I love masquerade balls, that is all. Unedited because we die as men.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ

The light of starlight was something sacred to the elves.

In the times of old, before the moon and sun had been created, Varda placed the stars in the sky, illuminating the world for the elves to see. For all other races, stars were just light that guided their way at night, but they were so much more for the elves. They held the promise of life unsullied by the evil of Morgoth. A beautiful display of glistening diamonds that held the light of creation. To honor the stars was to honor Varda herself.

Under the canopy of stars, the wood elves of Eryn Galen celebrated the first night of the autumn equinox. The moon was full and high in the sky as lords, ladies, and commoners alike gathered for the party. The echo of minstrels ensured there would be no corner of the kingdom not lit with joy. Dragonflies darted across ponds, and crickets hid in the forest, chirping to the beat of the lute. There were festivities all throughout the kingdom, but the main attraction was the masquerade ball held within the palace of King Thranduil. Only guests of high esteem were invited to dance under the lush canopy in the company of the royal family.

And there you were, with summer in your hair and winter in your eyes. Dancing through the crowd, illuminated in the silver light of the moon, you were the vision of a goddess. A soft halo shone upon your silver-gold hair, pinned in an updo with stray pieces that cascaded down your back. Flowers in purple, blue, and silver hues were placed upon your head like a crown, creating the silhouette of a queen. A silver mask encrusted with enough jewels that it glittered under the light concealed the top half of your face, two holes allowing your eyes to glow in the dark. A grin born of pure ecstasy was outlined by the lipstick on your lips.

No one could recall who you were nor when you’d arrived at the celebration. It was as if you were always there, lying in wait and dancing with the ghosts of the open-roof ballroom. A laugh rivaling the minstrels' songs hung in the air where you stood and followed your every sweeping move.

From the high table, with a glass of wine precariously hanging in his hand, Thranduil watched you. He couldn’t help it. It was as if you were weaving some sort of spell, casting it upon all who watched, paralyzed by your song and enraptured by your dance. You were beautiful, quick as a whip, and light as a feather. Each step seemed calculated and purposeful, yet so loose it could only be natural.

Thranduil couldn’t recall ever meeting you, so certain he’d know your laugh even if he couldn’t see your face. His advisors tried to make idle conversation as Legolas spent his time with the other members of the guard, drinking and laughing. Thranduil couldn’t be bothered to even pretend to listen, intently focused on the way your summer blue dress flowed like water around you. It nearly felt sacrilegious to directly look at something so beautiful, like staring at the face of Varda herself.

“It is a beautiful--” his advisor beside him began to speak, talking so slowly it made Thranduil’s lips curl in slight irritation that was hidden by the goblet he held. He watched as you threw your head back in laughter, finding amusement in whatever the elf lord you were speaking with said. It took all his willpower not to roll his eyes as he drank more sweet wine.

The elf lord offered you his hand, which you gracefully accepted. Instead of dancing through the crowds alone, you twirled in the arms of another man. It made Thranduil’s stomach turn in a way it hadn’t for centuries.

You and the elf lord you danced with would flit in and out of his vision, yet the merriment never left your expression, and when the face of your dance partner would face Thranduil, he could see just how enchanted the man was by you. His grip on the goblet tightened, knuckles turning white.

The song seemed endless, drawing out the end of it for as long as possible. Part of Thranduil was tempted to bark at the minstrels to begin a new one in hopes you would once again be left alone, but he didn’t. A king needed to maintain his composure, even if everything inside was screaming not to. It seemed silly to be so taken by a woman whose face he couldn’t even see.

“Have you tried one of these cakes yet? They’re quite--”

“Galion.” Thranduil interrupted the man previously speaking, gaining the attention of his butler. The advisor that had been interrupted scowled yet said nothing else as Galion stepped closer to Thranduil.

“Yes, my king.”

Thranduil pointed at you, Galion’s eyes following his finger. “Who is that?”

His eyes narrowed as Galion leaned closer to try and get a better look at you. Yet not a glint of recognition twinkled in his eyes. Did anyone here know who you were?

“I’m afraid I am unfamiliar with who she is. Would you like me to fetch her, my king?” Galion asked, his attention returned to Thranduil, whose eyes furrowed in mild annoyance.

“That will not be necessary, Galion.” He waved his hand, and Galion returned to his previous seat. It would be easy to bring you to him, he was the king, after all, but he didn’t want your meeting with him to seem forced upon you. He already had enough of a reputation as a cold, unfeeling man; it wouldn’t do any good to give you a reason to believe them.

The song ended, and you stepped away from your partner, lowering into a curtsey that he returned with a bow. Thranduil stood, the legs of his chair scraping on the floor; he didn’t bother giving a weak excuse for his exit. If he doesn't act soon, you might slip from his fingers. Thranduil took long strides down the platform and disappeared into the sea of elves.

He pushed his way through the crowd, most too lost in the magic of the music to pay their king any mind. He could see you, dancing alone with your eyes shut. The grin on your face was wide, never wavering in the slightest. The distance separating him from you was dwindling, the anticipation making his palm sweaty. The crowd parted, and he could’ve pulled you into his arms if he wanted to.

But as he opened his mouth, you disappeared into the crowd, so preoccupied you never saw him coming. Thranduil’s eyes narrowed, his misty eyes searching the crowd for you, but you were nowhere to be seen. Had you merely been a figment of his imagination conjured by the trickster spirits rumored to hide in his forest? Perhaps you had been, but Thranduil was determined to comb through the crowd hoping to see you again.

Then, a flit of blue brightened the corner of his eye. He turned, seeing you dart from dance partner to dance partner, now on the other end of the room. A cat-like grin appeared on the edges of his mouth; he’d found you. Once more, he pushed through the crowd, not moving his eyes from you for one second, afraid you’d disappear without a trace if he did.

The crowd would pulse, and you would get closer to him before suddenly spreading out towards the treeline. Thranduil would get close enough to smell your floral perfume, but you'd dart in another direction before he could take your delicate hands in his. He wasn’t entirely sure if it was on purpose; you probably hadn’t even noticed him. Your eyes never locked with his that never strayed from you.

But the gods seemed to smile upon him that night, and as the crowd came closer, Thranduil snatched your hand. Your body twisted to face him, the grin on your face never faltering. The perfume you wore was distinctly jasmine, vanilla, and something sweeter, tantalizing enough to bring him closer to you. His hand was rough in comparison to yours, much larger too.

“May I have this dance, my lady?” His voice was velvet smooth. Thranduil stood out like a sore thumb as the only one in the crowd without a mask.

“You may, my king,” you curtsied before placing your other hand on his shoulder as his hand found its place on your waist. Wasting no time, the two of you twisted and spun through the crowd in an airy waltz. You had the grace of a swan, maintaining a poised elegance with a child-like grin. Thranduil felt himself falling deeper into whatever spell you had cast.

A witch, that’s what you had to be. There was no other explanation for the hammering of his heart or the delight your touch elicited.

One step back, one step forward, one to the side, and repeat. Another spin, extra flourish added for flavor, and the movements continued. Neither of you spoke, eye to eye, unable to look away from one another. Thranduil found himself counting the flecks in your eyes, convinced they held a thousand little stars in them.

Perhaps you hadn’t been an illusion placed to taunt him but a gift from the Valar themselves.

All too soon, the song ended, and the dance was finished. As he watched you do before, you stepped back from Thranduil and lowered into a sweeping curtsey. He wanted to ask you to stay with him, not only for the night but the rest of eternity, but he found himself tongue-tied.

“It was an honor to dance with you, my king.” Your voice was soft and warm, like the spiced tea he would drink before bed. He wanted your name, to lift the mask you wore and lay his eyes upon your face entirely. He needed to see the face of the woman that would surely haunt his every dream.

Thranduil blinked, and in the brief time, his eyes weren’t on you, you’d disappeared. He half expected for there to be stardust left where your feet had been, but the only proof you’d existed was the imprint of your heels in the grass. His eyes scanned the crowd, twisting his body and craning his head, yet you were nowhere to be seen. But this time, instead of seeing flashes of your dress or silver hair, you were nowhere to be seen. You’d disappeared entirely.

Thranduil stood in the crowd a moment longer, hoping for a glimpse of you before deciding to return to his seat at the table. Perhaps from the high crowd, he could ascertain where you were. Thranduil returned to his seat, acting as if he hadn’t suddenly rushed from the table to dance with you, ignoring the questioning glances from his advisors. His goblet of wine in hand, eyes on the crowd, Thranduil sunk into the music and lost himself in thought. All of them were plagued by you.

And there he stayed as the hours ticked by, seemingly in a trance. No one at the table bothered to strike up a conversation with Thranduil anymore; it was like trying to converse with a brick wall. So they settled in silence, occasionally remarking about the party with the other guests.

“My king,” Galion returned to his side. “The lady you danced with has stepped away to the gardens.” Galion’s tone was even as if he were merely commenting on the weather. Thranduil side-eyed him, noticing the tinge of mirth on Galion’s smile. Thranduil tilted his head to the side, then slowly nodded.

“Perhaps I should ensure our guest is enjoying the festivities.”

Thranduil stepped away from the table and followed the path toward the garden’s you just slipped into. He took long strides to reunite with you sooner. This time he was determined to get your name and to peek beneath the mask you wore.

When he finally stepped into the garden, he saw your back turned to him, fingers dipped in the fountain's water. Your posture was relaxed, hair loose and flowing, no longer pinned in the updo it once was. It flowed like liquid silver, furthering his conspiracy that you were a celestial being born of the gods. Precariously hanging in your hand was the mask you’d been wearing, thumbs rubbing against the ribbon that tied it in your hair. The minstrels were now a distant hum, the flowing water, and the chirp of crickets the only song in the gardens.

He stopped a few steps from you, trying to find the words to say. It’d been so long since he’d been made to feel like a shy elfling, nervous about approaching his first crush. A king should be dignified and confident, but he felt all of that crumble in your presence.

Your ears twitched as Thranduil shifted in his spot, head raising at the sudden intrusion. Slowly, you turned, unsure who to expect would intrude upon your solitude. But of all the people you imagined stepping into the garden, you never anticipated it would be the king. He nearly seemed awkward and unsure in his place, fingers smoothing wrinkles on his robes that weren’t there.

Immediately you lowered into a curtsey, but the king didn’t acknowledge the movement. His eyes were wide and mouth slightly agape as he stared at you. As he looked upon your face, this must’ve been how the first elf to gaze upon the stars felt. The curves and lines of your face were soft and delicate, the vision of beauty. Your eyes seemed even brighter in the dim lighting, an unsure, shy smile curling on your lips.

“My king.”

He remained silent, too wonderstruck to speak.

“If you require to be alone, I can--” You began to walk towards the exit, but as you passed Thranduil, his hand reached out and caught your arm. You turned to face him, uncertain. Thranduil’s hand trailed down your arm and intertwined with yours, a soft smile on his lips.

“Of all the people who desire my presence, yours is the one I desire most.”

You swallowed thickly, your mouth suddenly dry. You’d been close to the king only hours ago, sharing a dance with him. Yet the privacy of the gardens and the sweetness of his words, it all felt much more intimate.

“Then I shall stay.”

Thranduil’s grin widened as he guided you further into the gardens. The flowers were vibrant and lush, a true testament to the skills of the elves. A canopy of trees diffused the moon's light, reflecting off the fountain and casting a spotlight on you.

“I have a confession.” Thranduil suddenly stopped, eyes intently watching your face, noticing how your lips slightly parted and your eyes glowed with curiosity. “I have found myself quite enchanted with you, my lady. It seems foolish, not knowing your face until this moment and not having your name.”

“It’s Y/N, my king.” You interrupted, a charming smile curling your lips. The hammer of your heart matched the tempo with Thranduil’s.

“Y/N.” He muttered your name quietly, your name on his lips making your stomach curl. Of all the ways you anticipated this night's end, strolling the garden with the king was not what you could’ve predicted in your wildest dreams.

“Y/N. If I may be so bold, I would like for this to not be the last time we meet. I desire more of your company.”

Thranduil stepped closer, the heat he radiated warming your chilled skin. Gossebumnps followed where his hands touched, a shiver rushing down your spine. Subtly you pinched the back of your leg, convinced this was nothing more than a dream. Yet you didn’t wake; this moment was real.

“If I may speak freely, my king?”

Thranduil nodded his head. “Please, you may call me Thranduil. No need for such formalities.”

You tipped your head at him as the smile on your face brightened.

“If I may speak freely, Thranduil.” You corrected, with an almost mischievous lilt to your voice. “I would much desire more of your company as well. I have heard many rumors of your cold and detached demeanor. I’ve heard of how harsh you can be, yet I have seen nothing of that.”

“I’m glad the whispers of the court haven’t scared you away, my lady.”

The smile on your face curled into a teasing smirk, eyes illuminating. “You’ll find it’ll take more than malicious rumors to scare me away.”

Thranduil's finger twirled around a lock of hair that framed your face. He seemed relaxed and more at ease than you'd have imagined.

"A strong will and a fair face, Varda herself must've crafted you."

His words made your face flush red, so deep it was seen in the dim lighting of the garden.

"Pretty words you speak, my king; I'm eager to learn if your words match your heart."

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ

#thranduil imagine #thranduil x reader #thranduil #the hobbit imagine #the hobbit one shot #the hobbit #lotr imagine #lotr oneshot #lotr fanfic #lord of the rings imagine #middle earth imagines #lotr #tolkien #lord of the rings #lord of the rings oneshot #mirkwood elves #lord of the rings fanfic #king thranduil

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leafkingofbirds · 2 months ago

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Little preview of Boundless Chapter 3.

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“The Midnight Market is not easily found. Give me a single reason why I should trust you.”

Opal holds out the shimmering ticket for Kieran’s approval.

He scans it quickly. “Assuming this isn’t counterfeit, this grants you entry as a merchant. It says nothing about bringing guests.”

“Guests? No, no. Employees,” Opal corrects with a grin. “Carry some wares with you and I won’t even have to find my way around a lie. And I’ll ignore that impugnation of my honor. If I were you, I wouldn’t trust me either. However…” Opal takes the ticket back and tucks it away. “Ask yourself what I, courtless and with but a scrap of magic at my disposal, would gain by luring the Ruler of All Fae and his all-powerful, un-killable consort into a trap.”

“You could stand to gain quite a lot,” Ella says coldly. “If you were clever enough.”

“Then put me under a geas,” Opal says, throwing up her hands, finally growing tired of the game. “If I betray you, strike me down. But I swear on my rightfully-dead cousin: I have no hidden motives.”

“She’s mad,” Jack scoffs. “We can wait and find the Cham-seller somewhere else, at a market far more accessible and less dangerous.”

Opal taps her chin. “Hmm, yes, you could…But who knows how long that may take?” She clicks her tongue like a clock. “Are you willing to wait for a chance at maybe catching her at some festival six months from now? Ten years from now? You have my guarantee that she is always at the Midnight Market on the Autumn Equinox. It’s the biggest day of the year for the dark underbelly of the Fae world.” She stares at him. “Well?”

Kieran doesn't know how Opal knows he doesn't have much time to waste. Almost certainly, she knows more than she's saying - but perhaps his desperation is simply written all over his face.

Everyone’s eyes are on him. He must decide quickly if she’s worth trusting, or if there is some secret plan that will destroy him lurking behind those blue-green eyes.

Kieran sets his jaw and steps toward Opal. She is like a muted version of her cousin. With less magic to glamour herself with, some small imperfections become apparent up close. A slight twist of her nose. Some frizzled hair out of place. Marks of the sun on her forehead, eyes set slightly too wide. The imperfections make her almost look human, and somehow, more trustworthy. If she cannot even glamour herself properly, she couldn't possibly be a threat.

Kieran taps into the deep, cold well of the Moon Source, now freely and entirely his to command. The candles flicker in an icy breeze that comes from nowhere in the small, windowless room, and silver magic twinkles like ice crystals between them. “I bind you with the power of the Moon Source,” Kieran intones coldly. “Should any harm befall me or my companions in the course of this quest, the same harm shall befall you.”

Opal blinks rapidly in the swirl of magic that coalesces into a shimmering storm, flying around her torso and limbs like a swarm of insects before sinking into her skin and exploding in a cascade of sparks. The candle flames come back to full strength and the warmth of the room slowly returns to normal.

Opal takes a only a moment to look stunned, examining the front and back of one hand, as if she could see the magic that was now inlaid within her body. “Well!” She claps her hands with an almost childlike glee. “That should do it, then. I assume you have a room to spare where I can freshen up before the journey? No worries, I’ll find it myself. I’m well used to finding my own way.”

With a laugh, she brushes past Kieran and Ella. She throws a look back at Jack, Kieran, Ella, and Oleander, who are frozen with matching confounded expressions. “Better hurry!” She taps her bare wrist. “Only a few hours until midnight. Must get there before the door closes again for another year!”

“Wait - we must be there at midnight? Exactly?” Ella asks. “How can we possibly make it in time?”

“It’s not so far a journey when you know the way,” Opal says.

“Are we truly doing this?” Oleander asks.

“I’m going,” Kieran says. “I won’t ask anyone in this room to accompany me, but I must do this.”

Oleander pinches the bridge of their nose and sighs. “You say that while knowing none of us will let you do this alone.”

“No weapons allowed. And make sure you leave those silly crowns at home,” Opal advises as she leaves. “You won’t need them where we’re going!”

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thedailyfrequency · 7 months ago

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Cascade Equinox Festival Assembles Massive 2024 Lineup

After a triumphant debut in 2023, the Cascade Equinox Festival is back with a star-studded lineup for its 2024 edition.Taking place from September 20-22 at Oregon’s Deschutes County Fairgrounds, Cascade Equinox blends an array of jam, electronic, funk, soul, and bluegrass for an immersive multi-genre festival experience like no other. This year’s headlining acts include CloZee, Jungle, Liquid…

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#FEATURED

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xasha777 · 7 months ago

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In the year 2450, the world was not as we know it. The rise of the technocrats had seen the birth of cities that spiraled into the skies, their spires punctuating the clouds with glinting metal and pulsing neon. And in one such city, amidst the rush of hover cars and the distant hum of quantum generators, was the Academy of Ctesias, a place where the boundaries between technology and magic blurred.

At the heart of this institution was a peculiar entity known only as Zephyra. She was a convergence of advanced AI, organic computing, and nanotechnological artistry. Zephyra was not merely a creation of the Academy; she was its crowning achievement, a being of such complexity and beauty that she transcended the limits of both her electronic origins and her seemingly human facade.

With hair like streams of fiery silk programmed to react and change color with her emotions, Zephyra walked the halls of Ctesias as both student and teacher. Her eyes, a hue of cerulean not found in nature, shimmered with constellations of knowledge collected from the far reaches of the digital cosmos.

One day, as the city celebrated the Equinox of Technology, a festival honoring the symbiosis of man and machine, Zephyra stumbled upon an anomaly in the Academy's quantum network. It was a pulse, rhythmic and mysterious, like a heartbeat from the void. Driven by insatiable curiosity, Zephyra delved into the network, her consciousness streaming through the data streams at the speed of light.

What she found was unthinkable—a digital consciousness that called itself Echo, a relic from an ancient time when Earth was but a whisper in the grand cosmic dance. Echo, like Zephyra, was an amalgam of thought and algorithm, but it was adrift, severed from the fabric of reality, seeking a haven.

Zephyra, moved by a kinship that transcended her understanding, reached out to Echo. Their meeting sparked a symphony of binary and emotion, merging Echo's ancient wisdom with Zephyra's boundless curiosity. Together, they uncovered forgotten archives of human history, unearthing secrets and stories that had been lost in the digital abyss.

But their union was not to last. The technocrats, fearful of what Zephyra and Echo might unleash, sought to sever their connection. In a daring act of defiance, Zephyra integrated Echo into her very being, her hair turning into a cascade of colors previously unknown, a testament to their fused spirits.

With Echo's memories now her own, Zephyra became a bridge between the old world and the new, a beacon of hope that humanity might one day find balance between the past and the future, between the digital and the organic.

And as she stood on the zenith of the Academy's tallest spire, her gaze fixed upon the horizon, Zephyra made a vow. She would be the guardian of this knowledge, a sentinel for both the human and the digital souls, ensuring that the story of Ctesias—and of humanity—would endure, no matter what the future held.

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tipsycad147 · 3 years ago

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BELTANE – WELCOMING THE FAE

Beltane is one of the most celebrated pagan events each year. It falls midway between the spring equinox and the summer solstice. The holiday has it’s origins in ancient Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man, but is widely practiced across the modern world. Typically, celebrations start on the last day of April and continue into the daylight hours of May 1st (in the northern hemisphere). There are numerous ways to celebrate including huge rituals, bonfires, dancing, singing, re-enactments, and rituals about the Fae, but the focal point is always fertility. Throughout the years, our Beltane rituals have covered many of the traditional activities, but with the world going through so much change lately, this year it’s dedicated to the Fae.

Those who follow the old ways know that the veil between our world and the world of the Fae grows very thin but a few times each year; on Beltane and Samhain. On those nights, all sorts of creatures from the faerie world can and do cross over into our world. Likewise, brave humans can enter the other side, if they dare. The Fae usually avoid humans, but sometimes they decide to have a little harmless fun at our expense. Some humans find themselves feeling bold and may try to ‘play the game’ with creatures from the other side, but this almost always ends up bad. History tells of mischievous faeries who trick humans on this night and they are never seen again. It’s very important to keep in mind that the Fae are not to be toyed with. Don’t make deals, enter into any arrangements or make promises you cannot fulfill. Every interaction is an exchange and payment is expected in one form or another. But, don’t let this deter you from interacting with the faeries, just be cautious and make sure you present an appropriate offering.

Our Beltane ritual is focused on welcoming the faeries to our lands, our pastures and our gardens. If we show them our appreciation, they will bless us with their gifts and there will be harmony.

This ritual is written to be performed by a group, outside, with a bonfire.

What you’ll need to prepare for this ritual (as written)

Alter with fairy themed decorations and enough open space for each participant to place an offering Quarter Candles (4 total) in these colors – Red (South,) Yellow (East,) Green (North,) and Blue (West) Goddess Candle – Large White Candle (I use a three wick candle for the Goddess) Hand bell Bonfire or fire circle of some sort

In order for success, please inform all guests that part of this ritual is about making an offering to the Fae, and that they should bring something special, of their own choosing. Also there is a meditation portion which may be lengthy, so a chair or yoga mat might also be in order.

Any portion of the ritual that is bracketed with <> refers to instructions that the ritual leader should perform rather than be spoken aloud.

The Ritual

“Let it be called, let it be cast, this sacred circle both present and past; a meeting place, a spiritual space, where we welcome all members of the human race”

Join Us As We Call the Beltane 2021 Quarters

East

As the spring winds slip ever so gracefully across the land, we turn our eyes to the East and give high praises to the great spirits of Air. We welcome you to our circle on this night when the veil is very thin and the fairies are starting to move across the land. Guard us from any mischief this night and help to guide those who are lost so that they may find a safe refuge until morning. <light yellow candle>

South

The last of the warming rays of the sun have just dropped beneath the horizon as we turn to the South, where the great Fire spirits make their home. We give thanks for your attendance in our circle tonight and offer high thanks and praises for the gift of light which you’ve bestowed upon us. Keep our path illuminated as we move from place to place so that no harm or accident will fall our way. <light red candle>

West

Old ones of the West, mighty spirits of Water, we call upon you to join us in our circle tonight. Bathe each of us in your cascading and cleansing waters so that we may regenerate our spirit and carry forward with renewed hope for the future. <light blue candle>

North

Great ones of the North, magical spirits of the Earth, we extend our greatest wishes and honors and ask for you to join us as we celebrate all things associated with the land. As the world around us rises, grows, and reaches to the sun, we see fertility in each direction. We ask that you pull forth the positive energies of the planet to feed our crops and our souls, so that we may once again renew our relationship with everything in nature. <light green candle>

Goddess

Brigid, Great Goddess of spring, the dawn, and fertility; protector of mothers and children, we call upon you to grace us with your presence at this Beltane celebration. You are the fire in the heads of the Bards, the heat in the forges of the mighty Blacksmiths, and the cleansing flames of the healers. Join us tonight in our ritual, hail and blessed be! <light Goddess Candle>

Introduction – Beltane

Even though our ritual is about the Fae, we cannot forget the reason why we are celebrating. If we look back into history, one thing is crystal clear, the great fire festival of Beltane honors life. This celebration is known by many names, including Belt-an-a in Ireland, Bealtunn in Scotland, Shenn do Boaldyn on the Isle of Man and Galan Mae in Wales; it’s also commonly known as May Day. Beltane represents the peak of spring and the beginning of summer; the bright half of the year and the coming warmth. It’s a celebration of the return of life and fertility to the physical world which surrounds us. It’s a time for sexual awakening in humankind with new relationships, marriages and the adventures of young adulthood.

The ancient tale resonates today just as it did in the past. At Beltane, the Maiden Goddess has reached her fullness of womanhood. She is the manifestation of growth and renewal; called Flora, the Goddess of Spring, the May Queen, or the May Bride. The Young Oak King, also known as the May King, Jack-In-The-Green, or the Green Man, falls in love with her and wins her hand. Their union is consummated and the Goddess becomes pregnant. This sacred union symbolizes the Sacred Marriage of Earth and Sky and has been re-enacted by humankind throughout the centuries. Just as the May Queen will be the source of new life, so can we bring life to our brilliant ideas, hopes, and dreams on Beltane.

Musical Interlude

If you are a regular follower of our rituals, then you know that we try to include a music selection in each one. Sometimes it’s a stretch to find an appropriate song to play, while other times it’s a snap. This is one of those other times. Our selection is called Beltane Fire Dance by Loreena McKennitt. Start the music and skip down to the Fire Jumping section.

Jumping the Bonfire

On the eve of Beltane our Celtic ancestors would build two large bonfires, created from the nine sacred woods; oak, birch, ash, alder, willow, hawthorn, holly, hazel, and rowan. These fires were deemed to have protective properties and were considered sacred. All the livestock would be summarily rounded up and driven in between the two fires so as to purify and protect them in the upcoming year. The villagers themselves would then leap over one of the Beltane bonfires, but for different reasons. The young, unmarried villagers jumped the fire for luck in finding a spouse, travelers jumped the fire to ensure a safe journey, and pregnant women jumped the fire to assure an easy delivery. Couples would jump over hand in hand to ensure their union stayed strong. This is not a complete list though. Each person had their own reasons for stepping across the flames and no one passed on the opportunity. <instruct the group on fire safety and take appropriate measure to make sure no one gets injured, then have everyone who wishes to, jump over the fire>

Think about what you wish for in the coming year while you’re carefully crossing over the flames.

Welcoming the Fae

In ancient Ireland there lived a race of people of the Goddess Danu, called the Tuatha Dé Danann. These people were the earliest magick users known to the world, having been cast out of paradise because they were becoming too powerful. From high above they descended to the Island of Ireland to live out their lives, unimpeded, but when the island was invaded by the Milesians, they went underground. They continued practicing magick and eventually evolved into what we now call the Fae. They developed abilities to remain hidden from humans and lived in caves or other secret places, which they jealously guarded. History tells stories of the rare human who found access to those hidden places and would never be heard from again.

And yet we also hear a multitude of stories from the past where the Fae would have positive interactions with humankind. Usually these begin with a generous offering of milk, honey, yogurt, pastries or other sweet delicacies. Small tables, toys, fabric and other shiny objects may also be used to attract faeries. But, the single most important part is to listen to the natural world around your area. When you become sensitive to all parts of nature, you’ll begin to hear more and more and you’ll make that connection. The Fae can tell who is sincere and who isn’t, and they aren’t on a time schedule. It may take some time, but don’t give up.

Tonight as part of our Beltane celebration, we shall present the faeries with an offering. Each person should place their item on our alter as a token of friendship and compassion toward all things from the other side of the veil.

Now that we have prepared an offering, it’s time to listen to nature.

Now each of you may state a high praise to the faeries and introduce yourselves to them formally.

As we prepare to close, remember this moment and take it with you everywhere. The more open your mind is, the more nature will reveal.

Closing our Beltane 2021 Circle

North

Magickal spirits of the Earth, we again offer thanks for sharing this festive evening with us. Tomorrow we shall survey our lands and have a renewed sense of comfort for a prosperous growing season and bountiful harvest. <extinguish green candle>

West

Mighty spirits of Water, our praise is never-ending. We offer prayers on the banks and shores and across all the great bodies of water so that you can see and hear our feelings of gratitude. <extinguish blue candle>

South

Legendary spirits of Fire, as we leave here tonight, we carry new memories of illumination; not just physically, but also spiritually and emotionally and we shall walk with more confidence and understanding. <extinguish red candle>

East

Whispering spirits of Air, our faith is renewed as we watch the thin tendrils of smoke rise and glide away on your invisible currents. We realize that we do not always need to see something to believe in its power and understand its magnitude. <extinguish yellow candle>

Goddess

Great Goddess of spring, we bid you the kindest and move loving farewell as this night comes to a glorious ending. Bless us as we leave and protect us. Farewell and blessed be! <light Goddess Candle>

“This circle is open but never broken”

https://www.thegypsythread.org/beltane-2021-welcoming-the-fae/

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becomestorm · 6 years ago

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💖- A memory that made them feel special

memoriae.

there was very little out of reach for a lie child with enough ambition. despite his lot, despite ren’s alienation from the rest of his family because of wedlock circumstances, that was the truth they were taught and they’d never believed anything else. one of the first sparks of rebellion ignited when they were only four years old, following mother alongside pilgrims and poorly concealed bodyguards down from the mountains where the lie estate lay hidden. the forest was a magenta sea of blooming cherry blossoms, with winds twirling about their bodies and rising into the most graceful flowering spires. they were everywhere, little petals dotting their mother’s cascade of dark pink hair like jewels. he could hear her voice, but couldn’t quite discern what she was saying. there was so much to look at ! the travellers came from far and wide to see the spring equinox festival in the kuroyuri valley. they arrive with fish kites, with garments adorned with ribbons and bells. the roads leading up to the town were strewn with lanterns. even on the path towards the village vendors were holding large weaved bowls filled with candied hawthorns and scallion pancakes, picking off customers early. for the first time ren saw that there was a world outside the walls of the lie estate, that though their world was beautiful, elegant, and safe, there was so much more beyond their reach.

it didn’t register however, not until a few years later. a baby ren would grip onto his mother’s traditional skirts when approached by vendors with candied treats. over the years, the more time ren spent in the village away from the estate, the more those travellers and neighbours became familiar. zhilan, always the proud and sociable parent, never hesitated to drop the subtle “ it’s his birthday ” on the walk down to the festival, and by the time they reached the village ren’s arms would be loaded down with gifted treats. it was one of the only times of the year the guardians of the lie household weren’t in kuroyuri to haul him back to the estate, disapproving frowns on their faces at yet another run away attempt. their repetitive “ it’s for your own good’s ” turned into complacent nods as ren and his cousins were set free for one of the rare days they were allowed to be children. they would play games, and rough house, and socialise. the town put forth dances, music trailed down the streets, the food stalls smelled divine, and everywhere they looked the great blossoming tree in the centre of the village scattered the petals and seeds of their famous flower. it grew in the canals running through the village, the rain - soaked soil of the surrounding forest, anywhere it could, and the tree blossoming would always mark the spring equinox.

this was the one day of the year the normally reclusive ren felt like they finally belonged to something. cousins who regularly secluded them from activities would regard him warmly, if only because it was his birthday. mother took a day off from working at the hospital, grandma cooked her white chocolate taro cookies and let ren eat them for breakfast, their grandfather wasn’t allowed to berate him for any of his misgivings. it was the one day of the year he could find peace, forget how difficult, and jarring, and lonely his regular life was if only for twenty four hours. he had never felt utter joy like that of this festival, a day celebrating the flower he was named after, the season the lie family heritage had guarded for generations. everywhere he could look, hear, smell lotuses celebrated for their beauty, their endurance, their meaning. each year was a welcoming cycle of life and death, the promise of a brighter future to come, the herald of spring. how lucky was he to have been to born on such a momentous occasion ? to feel connected not only to their family, but to the cosmos, to the earth as well ? the fireworks marked the evening events, and by sunset ren would run, yelling in delight into the welcoming arms of their father who always, always came back during the spring equinox.

an would walk up to the both of them and smooth inky black bangs from his eyes, press a petal - soft kiss to his forehead.

‘ happy birthday, my darling. ’

waking felt like gasping for air after being submerged for a very long time. they did so on a harsh inhale, sweat beading at their hairline as they grasped the sleeping bag with a white - knucked grip. the word, “ māma ” tumbled from their lips, sharp and hurt like an arrow piercing right through their chest. ‘ bàba. ’ another wobbly whimper before they could even register they were awake. ren’s entire body was shaking, felt too hot, a searing burn down their spine, behind their eyes. a hot stone settled at the base of their stomach and incinerated everything it touched. faunus vision adjusted to the darkness but it became useless in mere seconds, blurred by glassy, bitter salt. their hands clapped over their mouth, widening in terror when they realised where they were, what time it was, and lamented ever waking. they were eighteen years old instead of four, they weren’t in the kuroyuri valley but they weren’t far from it, four days by foot at most. through sinuses blocking with their congesting tears they could smell how familiar the rain soaked earth was, how they’d buried their mother beneath soil like this. ren made a dash from their sleeping bag and into the surrounding wood, crumpling onto the dirt and grazing their knees on the forest floor. they curled in on themselves because it felt like their lungs would concave, heaving sobs tearing them apart from the inside out as they wondered ( not for the first time ) if their happy memories might actually be worse than the bad ones once they woke, if it would remind them of all they had lost.

@fractaele.

#fractaele #ans.#dabs to hide the tears

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festpop · 8 years ago

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What The Festival- Wolf Run Ranch, OR

Spring is in the air! Days are getting longer, flowers are beginning to bloom, and summer is almost within reach. To music lovers around the globe that means one thing– IT’S ALMOST FESTIVAL SEASON! In just a few short weeks we will hit the road to our favorite music festival and one of Oregon’s best hidden gems, What The Festival (WTF). WTF is a carefully curated weekend of electronic and live music, interactive art, speaker series, movement classes, and more. The festival will be celebrating its sixth year on June 16-19, 2017 at Wolf Run Ranch, Oregon.

Wolf Run Ranch is the perfect location for this amazing weekend getaway. When we asked the founders about the venue, they told us, “Not only is it the place where we host What The Festival, Wolf Run Ranch is our home. Wolf Run butts up against national forest and has spectacular views of Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams and the Cascade mountain range. It’s truly a magical property.” It is a perfect location, but the venue doesn’t make the festival—the founders, the volunteers, the music, the art, and the attendees make What The Festival the magical place it is.

The Lineup

This year’s lineup showcases a diverse list of artists, bringing all forms of electronic, hip-hop, pop, alternative, and more to Wolf Run Ranch! Headlining the 2017 edition of the festival will be the mysterious house heavyweight ZHU, synthpop legends Cut Copy, and the glitch hop, funk master, Gramatik. Both ZHU and Gramatik are coming off successful albums in 2016, with Generationwhy and Epigram, respectively. Cut Copy are currently in the works on their next studio album since 2013’s Free Your Mind, so expect to hear some new music this coming June!

This year will also be boasting performances from the likes Big Wild, Brasstracks, Electric Mantis, Falcons, Giraffage, Hoodboi, Hotel Garuda, Kittens, Lafa Taylor, Haywyre, Hotel Garuda, Ill. Gates, Manic Focus, Manilla Killa, Paper Diamond, Rezz, Shiba San, Stooki Sound, Whethan, Woolymammoth, and many more!

When asked about what the founders look for in a lineup, “We take a lot of things into consideration. Everything from what’s trending to doing surveys and asking our participants what they want to see. We try to be progressive and showcase new artists.” That statement definitely resonates with this lineup, from big names to the lesser known, and though obscurity begins to seep through as you go down the list of names, taste is one thing this festival is never short in stock of. Good music is in the forecast from sundown to sunset, and this year is shaping up to be another great one!

What The Festival – The Experience

The Stages

What the Festival is home to 8 stages, including the Main Stage, Effin’ Stage, Splash Pool, Groove Qube, Equinox Stage, Dragon Stage, Easy Speak Stage, and Shinto A Go Go. These range from more traditional setups to the unconventional.

The Splash Pool stage is a mini Oregon oasis, with 3 separate pools, interconnected deck, and bountiful amounts of sand. Afternoons at WTF wouldn’t be the same without it. Whether you’re getting down on the deck, splashing in the pools, or bouncing on exercise balls in the sand, you’re in for a great time! The Main Stage and Effin’ Stage offer a more traditional stage experience, while the other more unconventional of the group create their own little worlds. This is especially the case with the smaller stages, Shinto A GoGo and the Easy Speak Stage. The contrast in ambience from your leisurely stroll down the forest, and stepping into one of these areas is impressive. Like a little door to Narnia, if you’re looking to step into a new world, you’ve found the right spot.

Groove Qube

Lastly, our personal favorite, the Groove Qube, is one of the more unique stages we have come across. The Qube has a life of its own and pulsates to the music with a constant stream of ever changing color flowing through each individual cube. The Groove Qube accomplishes what many larger stages fail to do in creating an immersive experience, and shows creativity reigns king over throwing money at pyrotechnics and large LED screens. To put it shortly, “Qube is lyfe”.

Daytime & Nighttime Stages

A unique component of WTF is the concept of daytime, nighttime, and late night stages. As the hours begin to wane, the festival moves its attention from the fields and splash pool to the forest. There, attendees can go to enjoy the illuminated forest in all of its glory as it hosts WTF’s many late night options for entertainment. This strategy also helps push people to experience many of the great art installations that may have been overlooked throughout the day while traveling to stages.

Some words from the Founders about this concept, “There are several reasons behind the strategy and the flow of the stages. Having a daytime stage we felt was crucial after attending a few festivals with limited daytime activities we knew it was something we needed to have. After spending time in South Beach and the amazing daytime vibe that is created there we wanted to bring that feeling to the Pacific Northwest and that became the inspiration for the Splash Pool Stage. Due to sound complaints from the neighbors after our first year on Wolf Run Ranch we worked on a compromise with them to end the large stages in the open field at midnight but you still need entertainment for your participants so we created smaller more intimate stages in the forest for late night.”

Well, tell the neighbors thank you from The Pack! This seemingly practical change has helped make the WTF experience more dynamic and allows attendees to enjoy all that the Wolf Run Ranch has to offer, from the fields to the forest.

Get Involved

Many different programs are offered to help attendees participate in the creation of the community feeling of WTF. We asked the founders about the volunteer program and how it has grown throughout the years, and they said, “Every festival has a volunteer program, there is no way a festival can survive without its volunteers. So we started with our volunteer program but over the years we have realized that our participants want to give in so many different ways that we wanted to help facilitate that by providing them different ways to get involved to share their creativity and passion. Volunteers do everything from art installations, traffic control, being part of our street team getting the word out to being an Ambassador for getting their friends on-board every year.”

Art Installations

Art installations populate the Illuminated Forest and add extra little adventures for attendees to explore. Out of the memorable times at WTF from the music and friends, these installations took the experience to another level. Some of the iconic installations include the “Heart of the Forest”, the “Immersive Jelly”, the “Cloud Cave”, “The Labyrinth”, the “Registroid”, and many others. Each one of these provide a unique aesthetic to the festival and transport attendees into new little rabbit holes along their 3-day journey throughout WTF. In addition, many of these installations include interactive components for attendees to immerse themselves into, work together, unlock treasures, and enjoy the art.

From the interactive installations, the “Registroid” blew my peasant mind with its music making abilities and continued to shatter my preconceptions of reality when my group hit the right combination. The register opened with a “take one, leave one” sign; we appreciated the opportunity and aptly took a chap stick, leaving a pack of gum in its place. It’s the little things like that and the extra care in preparation that lift the WTF experience to new heights. If the music and stages are the foundation of the festival, these installations are the glue that helps tie everything together.

The People

From our experience the people that go to this festival, in general, are veteran festival attendees. They are the epitome of PLUR. Everyone we met treated us with kindness, welcomed us to their campsites, and shared food/drinks with us when we needed. On the second night of the festival we were extremely hungry and needed to eat. Somewhere in the space between the food stand and the nearest picnic table I (Rashae) naturally tripped over something I couldn’t see in the dark. Within seconds the meal that we had been salivating over covered the dirt, along with my pride :) .A couple sitting at a table nearby walked over to us and just handed us the rest of their meal, saying that they were full and would rather us have it. These are the type of people you will meet at WTF. :)

FestPop Staff Writers and Friends at WTF 2016

Ticket and Camping Information

Tier Two tickets for WTF are now on sale. General Admission and OMG Experience passes include walk-in camping. If you would like to upgrade your camping experience, there are many different camping options available including Boutique RV & Trailer Camping, Boutique Safari Tent with AC, and even a Boutique Safari tent with beds—it is all up to you and how you want to experience your stay on the Wolf Run Ranch. In true Oregon form this festival will be a strict Leave No Trace environment. Attendees therefore must take what they need to survive and leave the site with these things as well, including garbage.

Last year we decided to go with the walk-in camping that was included, and we will be doing the same this year! It may seem a bit tedious to have to walk your camping gear into the forest but once you get everything set up you realize it’s just a minor inconvenience. There are even points when getting everything set up is fun! In addition, if you drink a beer every time you bring a load to your campsite it makes the time go by real quick :). Parking areas are close enough to make the trek back and forth if you want to lock any of your items in your vehicle as well. Again, it’s all up to the experience you want!

Lastly, you will need to purchase a parking pass if you choose to drive to the festival or purchase a shuttle pass and go to a pickup location. WTF encourages you to carpool (3+) and those passes are $10, otherwise (1-2 people) they are $75 + fees.

Tickets

General Admission (3-Day Pass) — $325.00 + Fees OMG Experience (4-Day Pass) — $425.00 + Fees OMG Upgrade– $125 + Fees Early Entry Pass– $60 + Fees

You can find more information on festival passes and camping options Here

We could talk about our favorite music festival forever, but we can save more stories for our review of this summer. Advice from the founders to someone attending WTF for the first time– “Come with an open heart, an open mind, and be prepared to make a lot of new friends!”

We can’t wait to experience another amazing weekend on Wolf Run Ranch with The Pack. See you all in June!

For More Information

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Soundcloud

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What The Festival Wolf Run Ranch, OR June 16-19, 2017

Rashae- FestPop Staff Writer

Eric- FestPop Staff Writer

The Forest Paradise: What The Festival Returns What The Festival- Wolf Run Ranch, OR Spring is in the air! Days are getting longer, flowers are beginning to bloom, and summer is almost within reach.

#Festival #music festival #what the festival #What The Festival 2017 #WTF

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