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undergrounds2016-09-16 08:27 pm
undergroundmods) wrote in undergrounds2016-09-16 08:27 pm
Entry tags:
The Exiled
It's the night of the traditional Harvest Festival, when witches from all over the city celebrate the summer harvest and the coming of autumn. But tonight, as the sun sets and the full moon rises, a darker ceremony is underway.
Five witches step out from a wagon cage – a sort of portable prison. Their wrists are bound and each one is wearing a silver choker around their necks. Escorted by two armed Guardians, they emerge from the shadows into the light of the waiting bonfire. In another time, they might have been burned at the stake, but not tonight.
Tonight Sylvia Redbright is waiting by the fire, wand in hand, to banish these witches from the city of London. A silent crowd stands before her. It is this crowd that Sylvia addresses first, her voice strong and clear.
"May the harvest moon be our witness tonight. These five witches have been found guilty of treason. They have made their bed with monsters and murderers, endangered innocent people, and betrayed their own kind. They represent a group of witches who neither share our values nor respect our laws. For that reason, we cast them out."
One by one, the prisoners step forward and hold out their bound wrists. With her wand, Sylvia burns a mark into the back of each prisoner's hand, a stylised 'x'. She declares each prisoner outcast by name, followed by the crowd repeating her words. Abigail is the last to step up.
The mark burns into her skin as Sylvia delivers the damning verdict. "Abigail Widdowson, we cast you out."
The crowd echoes her: "We cast you out."
The brand on each outcast's skin is a magical signature; it will scar but it will not fade. It tells everyone who sees it that this witch has been exiled. As the five prisoners are escorted back into the wagon cage, as they disappear behind the fire and into the shadows, Sylvia thanks the crowd before her for staying to witness justice being done. Finally, she wishes everyone a good night.
The ceremony is done and Circle Midnight will not be seen practising openly in London again.
Notes
The Harvest Festival takes place in Elthorne Park, Hanwell on the evening of 16th September. There is an anti-vampire barrier around the entire park which will last until the full moon sets. It means that no vampire can enter the park unless explicitly invited in by Sylvia herself, which in practice means that Natasha is the only one who will gain entry. There is heavy security around the area, with Guardians monitoring the prisoners and the park exits, and combat-ready witches who will put a stop to any trouble. They know that after the ceremony is the most likely time for an escape attempt, which is why the prisoners are wearing Magic Collars that prevent them from using magic, and why they will each be taken away in different vehicles that will escort them out of the city. Anyone hanging around near the park exits will be swiftly moved on before the prisoners leave the park.
See this month's plotting post for OOC planning/discussion!
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