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Summer was stood on the dimly lit porch, occasionally piping in with the odd comment, but otherwise remaining quiet. She loved the moment when day slipped into night. It was peaceful and one of the only times that she didn't feel controlled by the sea of emotions threatening to overtake her. Sure she still felt nervous and excited and frustrated, but they were all just that little bit [i]less.[/i] It was at times like this that she knew she was ready to be a witch. It was the only way forward. There were no other options for her. And although her stomach was in knots and she could feel her heart beginning to race faster, she was certain it would be okay. It just would. 

Twirling a piece of hair between her fingers, she was soon dragged out of this moment by the arrival of one of the elders. Lark to be specific. Summers gaze strayed over to the young witch, raising an eyebrow at the bundle clasped between her arms. It looked to her like a pile of very questionable fashion choices. 

[color=f6989d]"Really? We're going to wear [i]that?[/i] Great."[/color] Summer rolled her eyes as she was handed the extremely unflattering robe, still slipping it over her head in spite of her protests. [color=f6989d]"Didn't realise we were still living in the 1700s..."[/color] She muttered this last part to herself, not really having any great desire to upset the elders. Lark also requested that they leave any magical items behind and she briefly fingered the simple silver bracelet that was clasped about her left wrist, before reluctantly handing it over. It wasn't something she liked parting with but she wasn't stupid enough to argue the point. 

Not that there was time for that anyway. The group was soon led off towards the forest, Summer landing somewhere in the middle of the pack as she carefully began to tread the dirt path. Her eyes flitted once, twice, over the spot of land where the illusion had been cast. It was an impressive piece of magic and something which she hoped she'd be able to replicate herself one day. To be able to alter someone's perception of reality, now that was truly magic to Summer. Thoughts occupied by this, she barely acknowledged that her previously pristine sandals were getting dirty, nor how long they had been walking for. It was only when the Wellspring was suddenly upon them, that she took note of her surroundings. Even Summer had to admit it was beautiful. No, beautiful was too inadequate a word. It was magical and mesmerising and otherworldly. It was like nothing she had ever seen before. Summer could instantly see why witches were drawn here, why they stayed with the coven, why they sought its power. In that moment, it was the only thing that mattered. 

Eyes still on the water, she carefully knelt down on one of the red pillows, hands instantly reaching for the dagger. Rolling the handle between her fingers, she barely took a moment to think before she had cleanly drawn the blade across her wrist. The blood easily began to flow and she quickly held her wrist over the cup, watching as the droplets began to turn the water a deep red. Picking it up, she resisted the urge to smell the bitter metallic liquid, before swiftly downing it in its entirety. She shuddered at the foul taste, stifling the urge to wretch. But, this was soon overtaken by something else entirely. Something that completely dulled her awareness of any discomfort. At first, she felt ecstatic. The rush of power was intoxicating and she could feel her body thrumming with magic. It washed over her like a wave, and she freely let herself be taken. Yet, this was soon replaced by what she could only describe as a sense of impending doom. It scared her, it truly did, and for the briefest of moments, she thought that she wouldn't be able to tolerate it. It was too much. Too powerful. Too overwhelming.

But just as soon as it had begun, it was over. Summer was dragged back to reality, her mind once more aware of her physical body. Although she briefly took note of the girl who was floating in the water, her attention was soon drawn to the pulsing, aching pain that was coming from her wrist. Gritting her teeth, she clasped a hand over the freshly bleeding wound. Her head begun to spin and for a couple of seconds, her vision lost focus, the teen teetering on the edge of consciousness. Waving a hand uselessly at the spots of light that had gathered in front of her eyes, she somehow managed to keep herself awake. Just. So this was why they encouraged them to eat first...dammit Summer. 

Woozily, she glanced down at her hand, taking note of the bright red blood that was smeared halfway up her arm. It was messy and the cut stung, but she would refuse to ask any of the healers for help. They'd probably mess it up anyway - she didn't trust newly initiated witches not to do a botch job. And besides, it was a matter of pride. A couple of years ago she'd sprained her ankle whilst trying to do a particularly tricky move in one of her gymnastics class. It had been excruciating but even then she had refused to let her family heal her. Better to grin and bear it than to submit to them. Never.

As she tried to stem the flow of blood, her attention was abruptly snapped away from the pain by the sound of retching, Summers already washed out complexion paling further. Tilting her head up to see where the offensive noise was coming from, she couldn't help but let out a blurt of laughter as she saw Calypso vomiting all over herself. [i]All[/i] over herself. It was gross sure, but also kind of hilarious. 

[color=f6989d]"Ew! That's soooo disgusting. I can't believe you just vomited! That's super embarassi-"[/color] Her words were suddenly cut short. Forgetting the predicament she had been in only moments ago, Summer had abruptly stood up and before she could taunt Calypso any further, a wave of darkness had fallen heavily about her. Her legs buckled as she slipped out of consciousness and the newly initiated witch had one last thought as she left the waking world. That, even though she had fainted, at [i]least[/i] she hadn't thrown up everywhere. Yeah, at least she hadn't done that.

[@canaryrose]