"Let's play something?" Candice asked, but Jamie and Mia were so lost into each other, discussing something only between the two of them, and Candice was sure they hadn't heard any of the words she'd said  in the last twenty or so minutes.

She really missed Eadan in moments like those, but'd told her he wouldn't come.  Besides, she could absolutely couldn't imagine him dressed in leathers or anything the tradition suggested. 

Granted- Ryker didn't give a shit, but even Felix had changed into a waistcoat and white shirt.

He had The Tree of Life embroidered on his vest- the symbol of his family, as they were all healers;

it represented the bonds and links of all life together. 

Anyway, he paid zero attention to her too, since he was now talking to а girl.

And the girl was blushing at whatever he was saying. 

Felix had that effect on girls.

And not only on them.

But he was completely oblivious to any of it.

One of the older ladies, talking to her mother turned and said

"I could teach you the kale pulling."

"No, Mary, those superstitious games are just for kids," her mother said " besides Candice's not very fond of any prophesies."

Eleanor turned to her. 

"I know, Mom- but it's still better than me eavesdropping and interrupting other people's conversations. So let's try maybe?"

"Are you sure?" Mary asked. 

"Well, yeah, I have nothing better to do anyway. "

"See, Eleanor." the woman said "maybe she does not dislike prophesies that much."

***

She sat down on the nearest log and closed her eyes, hervision tinted with red and green at first;

then it began turning darker, as someone put the blindfold on her face and tied the knot.

Can dice still didn't know why she had agreed to all of this- she'd never believed in old superstitions and rituals- especially the blood rituals- she'd always believed respecting the ancestors that way was more for the sake of the  living, the same way humans respected their elders. 

 All that  was probably weird, considering what she and the others from the dream catchers did, but anyway-  she didn't expect much would happen. 

The slow wind touching her face brought her back to the present and she caught the faint scent of sandal wood and burning resin from the wood used for the fire.

The woman's voice already sounded distant and muffled when she said

"All right, Candice, now you have to pull out a kale. Once you've done it, hold it in your hand and you'll see your future. "

Candice knew her friends had gathered nearby, watching

"You won't hate me if I see the basketball team's captain of the school, will you?"

Ryker snorted and took a long swig from his glass. 

" Yeah, trust me, baby-  way too many girls want him in their dreams. Pick someone else." 

"Hushhh..." Mia shushed him " Let her do it."

"Okay, okay. This might be fun, actually."

"Fine, I'm ready."

Candice outstretched her hand blindly and pulled the first stalk that touched her hand and held it in the air.

"Y' all, it's a big oneeee." Ryker again and she laughed.

"Shut up."

Felix this time. 

She heard her friends joking, but besides that- nothing. 

"I don't see anything. " 

"Relax and let the spirits guide you." Someone said. 

"Uhhh...okay." 

Everyone was quiet, the only sound was the burning wood now.

No. Nothing.

She tried to focus and when still nothing happened, Candice dropped her hand and decided that's bullshit and tried for her blindfold.

The kale stalk was still in her hand when suddenly her vision turned red again.

She felt the metallic taste of blood filling her mouth, as if she was chewing copper. A shiver ran through her body when she heard a voice in her head

And those who pacify with blood accursed

Savage Teutates, Hesus' horrid shrines,

And Taranis' altars cruel as were those

Loved by Diana, goddess of the north* 

The wind started blowing stronger and she saw flames. 

Two bright yellow-green eyes were staring at her.

The animal was big and strong like a wolf, but it's coat was bright red - like the one of a fox. 

Her heart began beating faster- the animal was wearing the same necklace as the one the boy in her dream did. 

It was a silver chain, with little ornaments and in the center of it was a small stone in black and red.

She realized it was a blood stone- the symbol of justice.

Her eyes trailed lower then and she saw a symbol, part of it hidden in the animal's thick  fur. 

She looked up and met its eyes.

  For a second she had the wild thought the the animal was regarding her, the way a real human would.

Then another feeling filled her senses- recognition.

Had she seen the wolf before? 

She stepped in and the animal rushed towards her. 

She heard the sound of a  thunder breaking and then everything burst into flames.

Voices.

Distanant. Then they were closer.

Hands.

Candice felt someone untying her blindfold and when she opened her eyes Felix was kneeling in front of her.

"Candice?"

She tried to speak.

And couldn't, really.

"Candice, wake up. "

He was shaking her, big brown eyes filled with worry.

He looked paler than usual, the fire of the light dancing on his face. 

"Candice, do you hear me?"

"I...heh. I never noticed you have so many freckles."

She leaned towards him and the voices from around them became distant again.

"She's delirious."

She heard Felix saying, then ordering someone to bring water with blessed thistle.

"Hey, Felix..."

she slurred and looked around. Everyone had gathered nearby.

"What happened?"

"You lost consciousness for a...a few seconds."

Jamie said.

He rarely looked or sounded concerned and now was one of those rare cases. 

She closed her eyes and shook her head. Everything was still blurry, but she knew she was coming back to her senses.

The sensation was similar to the times she was waking up from a really bad nightmare.

"Really?"

"Really. What did you see?"

"Is this normal?" she looked at the others. 

"Candice, what did you see?" her mother was asking. 

"I don't know...fire and..." she gestured around

"some voice saying something about Taranis, then..."

she shook her head again and took a sip from the water Felix passed her.

"Yeah, something like this. "

Her mother and grandmother exchanged looks.

"Does it mean anything?" Candice asked the two women. 

"No, I can't say it does. Was that all?"

"Yeah,"

Her mother frowned.

"Your grandmother and I can check the books tomorrow, but I don't think so. Let's go back to the feast. Can you stand up?"

"Yes, I'm fine. "

She got up, her thoughts a total mess.

Maybe sha had spared them a few details here and there.

She didn't tell them about the wolf, or whatever the animal had been the way she hadn't told them about the dream she had a few nights ago.