nexus_crossings | New Years Tradition

Micolash is back in the Nexus again after a long period away, though that part's understandable, given the state he was in that time. He's no longer in a wheelchair nor hooked up to an IV, but his eyes are still bandaged tight behind his cage. He at least looks a little healthier in general and curiously well-dressed today. Clean pinstripe trousers, polished (but still untied) shoes, a fitted waistcoat, a new light blue ribbon tied at his throat, a clean white button-up with the sleeves rolled up to the elbows.

He has two things of note with him: a table with a lot of writing supplies and a cat. The cat is a handsome, plush creature, mostly white with patches of tabby orange. One such patch on its forehead looks a lot like an eye. Another on its back looks a lot like a skull. Markings are funny like that, huh? Said cat is always close to where Micolash is seated, curling around his ankles, napping under his chair, hopping up onto the table to lazily peruse. Sometimes it even perches on the top of Micolash's cage for an even BETTER vantage.

The table, meanwhile, looks to be loaded up with pencils, strips of paper and gilded envelopes. On the far end, opposite of where the scholar is seated, is a wax sealing kit as well.

"Ahem. Soooo," Micolash starts in that nasal drone of his. "This past weekend marked the celebration of a new year back in Yharnam. And while I am very much not there at this time? I thought it would be. Interesting to still observe at least one tradition we have. Namely, writing down a wish. Or wishes! You have for the coming year and seal them away, only to be read at the start of the next year. To see what did and did not come true. To see how much you've changed from one New Year celebration to the next."

He pauses, almost looking to be lost in thought for a time, staring sightlessly somewhere into the middle distance. Eventually, he adds, "...Do you have any taboos for these sorts of celebrations? Where you are from? Things that you avoid to not have the new year sullied? Or set into an...unfortunate pattern?"

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Henry spots the younger cat and gradually sits himself up to watch it cavort. He looks calm about there being another feline nearby, so THAT'S good. No one wants a screaming cat fight in the middle of the Nexus. (Even if they can't hurt one another due to the AVF, that's still a lot of yowling and spitting and menacing paws.)

Micolash replies with a brief laugh and bringing his hands together in front of him. "You're not supposed to tell! You have to write it down, then seal it, and hide it in a special place until next year! Just like wishing upon stars. If you tell, then that negates the magic!" Or so he's always been told. He'd never thought to apply any research to these supposed spells once he reached adulthood.

CJ is curious, but stays a respectful distance away. The other cat will indicate if he wants company. Right now, CJ sits by his witch.

"You would not want to negate the magic." Hermione smiles.

Henry watches CJ for a few moments longer before giving a slow blink and then settling back down and looking a new direction. There. Safe.

"Will you be...partaking then?" Micolash reaches to tap a crooked finger on the table next to him, since he can't exactly see to get pencils and envelopes ready for others. "I would even. Volunteer to hold others' thoughts and wishes until this time next year. If that would be simpler."

"I observed the rituals I normally do. Are you asking me to partake in yours?" Hermione sits down nearby.

"I would be so terribly gratified if you did!" He even blindly gropes for a strip of paper and pencil, knocking into a couple before pulling them closer for the young lady to use. "Perhaps just to placate a homesick old professor, if you would. Oh, and speak to me of these other traditions? Are they like the ones that had been going on a few months ago?"

Hermione takes the offered pen and paper. She will have to think about this for a moment.

"The Solstice? Not quite. We have different rituals for the Lunar Phases. It depends on the season. And the stage of the moon."

"Do you have Pagan or Wiccan rituals in your world?" Hermione wants to know his reference point, before she goes into too many details.

"Wick...in? I'm not familiar with the term. But pagans, certainly. Oh, the term is said with derision, of course. But I've long since learned the value of the witches of Hemwick and Charnel Lane. Their ways are old, but so are the Great Ones. We've a great deal to glean and learn from the crones who keep the graves and Mensis was resolute upon that."

Micolash seems to sense he was rambling, making a small apologetic huff when he feels as much. "Forgive me for going on and on. I just mean to say that. Yes, I'm very familiar with paganism. Why do you ask?"

"I have found that many of the rituals and rites that witches of my world practice are most familiar to those who know paganism."

"For the lunar rituals... you start by purifying the area by smudging. And you surround yourself with lunar symbols. Mirrors. Silver ribbons. White crystals."

"Usually, the prayers to the moon are private and sacred.... depending on the witch."

"Smudging? I'm not familiar with the term. Or practice? Perhaps both." Micolash's fingers fiddle with the hem of his waist coat, feeling slowly along the threads with one fingernail especially. His seating shifts a little as well, trying to keep still despite growing interest of what his conversation partner is saying. Like a child trying not to fidget in excitement.

"Mirrors? Really? May you...perhaps elaborate? Upon that having a connection?" Micolash bites his lower lip after asking, again looking strangely eager.

"Smudging is when you burn sacred herbs and allow the smoke to cleanse the area." Hermione explained. "Some witches will also use the ashes to smudge marks on their body."

"You use the mirror to catch the light of the moon. With the right angles and many mirrors, you can make the light of the moon fill the entire area."

New Years Tradition

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