Outside the Double Moons rode the sky to their zenith. Each one casting a pearly and amethyst glow down upon those below, giving everything it touched a seemingly eerie glow. The tree branches boasted of tendrils of moss, gently dancing upon a slight wind or were they merely dancing of their own accord? Clusters of fall leaves rustled across a dirt path as the wind gave chase. An owl hooted into the darkness.

On the inside of the Double Moon Castle, a shrouded, veiled figure moved gracefully through the corridors of the castle. A slender delicate looking hand of a female reached out from the folds of the dark gray garment, fingertips caressing the chilled wall or so it seems. An imperceptible click was heard as the what appeared to be a wall shifted, sliding open and the figure moved into the dark interior followed silently by a man dressed all in black, carrying a huge tray. As the graceful figure moved further into the chamber, the man moved counterclockwise and began to move into place the four floor candlestick holders. Each one was set in a direction of, North, East, South and West. The woman stood toward the center of the forming circle, a soft indiscernible click once more heard and a circular part of the floor began to move upward, forming a table. Each one, man and woman, moved about the room in silence, setting up the Reflection Chamber. An elegant tablecloth was smoothed across the expanse of the stone table, candlestick holders made of silver with tapered white candles found their setting. China plates were added, ringing the table along with the accompaniment of crisp linen napkins and polished, gleaming silverware. Wine was poured into twinkling crystal goblets, and fine foods were placed upon the table.

When all was done to their satisfaction, the man looked across the table, into the eyes of his Mistress. Crossing the room with a silent tread, he joined her. His hands came out to push back the cloak's hood from her face before they reached out to unclasp it. Leaving her veil intact, for he knew that the night was still young, he moved to hang her cloak. Together they lit the outer circle candles, moving clockwise. He held out a chair at one end of the table for her. After seating her, he strode to the other end and sat in the chair there. On each side of them, plates ringed the circle, places left for those now departed. Both voices, male and female, intoned as one...

" We issue an invitation to those dearly departed whom we have loved and known, to come and partake of the celebration we now offer. We offer up our love, recognition, and memories of times now past. May the veil that separates us thin so that we may feel once more thy loving presence evermore closer than before. "

Across the table, they passed the food, placing bits upon each of their plates. Their conversation was softly murmured between them across the table's expanse. The candlelight flickered warmly from the gentle breeze that came and went through the open window. If shadows crossed the walls, they did not notice, so lost were they in their own remembrances. When they had eaten their fill, a look was shared between them. Pushing back their chairs and rising, he quickly joined her, covering her body with her cloak. Now it was time to feed other appetites.

The room they had left behind was ghostly silent until its human occupants had passed through the doorway and the door once more became a wall. The breeze that wafted through the round chamber, extinguished the candle flames. As the wind died away each candle flared to life again, casting shadows upon each of the empty chairs and plates. The shadows gave way to substance or so it would have seemed if mortal eyes had fallen upon them. The clinking of glasses, muted laughter and the murmur of voices reverberated around the room as the Double Moons, with their knowing faces, looked on...

Reflection Chamber

Night of Ritual
All Hallows