One of the attending Shadowdancers asked that I keep their name out of logs. I've replaced it in the log with a generic descriptor. I hope anyone who knows who it is will respect their wishes.

And now, the ritual:

You have emoted: Amani Holds her cauldron aloft, as a call for silence and
attention. Once she has everyone's attention she stoops to set her cauldron upon
the ground.

Speaking in a soft voice, which none the less carries to every listener, you
proclaim, "We are Mother Night's own children, Her shadows in the Basin of Life.
We are the spiritual leaders of the Great Forest of Glomdoring and the teachers
of Her ways. Through us, the rest come to know the true and terrible beauty of
our Mother."

You say, "The most important role we have as teachers, however, is in the
teaching of Her Shadowbound, the young who are beholden to Her Grace. For, they
are the future of the Coven, and it will one day be up to them to lead in
service to Night."

You proclaim, "As such, this small ritual serves as a welcome and a promise. We
will deliver you into Mother Night's cold embrace. We will teach you Her Wisdom
and Ways. We will guide you so that one day, you may guide others. Welcome,
Shadowbound, into Night's Service!"

You say, "First I shall form the Coven, and then the Circle. I ask that those
Night Witches who wish to join my Coven state their names, and then move forward

Beseeching the Great Spirit of Night, shadows coalesce around your form as she
blesses you as leader of a coven.

You have emoted: Amani stares about at each of you.

Penumbra Kirovera says, "I Penumbra Kirovera, wish to join your coven, Spinner."

Shadowdancer steps forward, her arms extended on either side of her to form a circle
around the Shadowbound.

You welcome Kirovera into your coven.

Shadowdancer links hands with Kirovera.

Secutor Ishant Nightshade copies Shadowdancer's gesture, moving next to her.

You welcome Ishant into your coven.

You welcome Shadowdancer into your coven.

Lord Daem d'Illici, of Relentless Darkness steps forward nodding his head at
Amani.

You welcome Daem into your coven.

Dipping your hand into a shadow cauldron, you pull out a long shadow and release
it into the air. The room darkens with the churning darkness.

You have emoted: Amani begins moving deosil, each step graceful and precise,
moving more as if dancing than merely walking. In her right hand is a bell made
of obsidian glass. As she reaches each member of the Coven, she rings the bell,
waiting for the sound to fade before moving to the next person. As she dances
along the circle from person to person, the shadows released swirl about her
feet and up the legs of those she passes.

You have emoted: Amani returns to her original position and drive her athame
held within her left hand into the ground, closing the Circle.

You link hands with those in your coven to form a sacred circle.

You say, "The Circle is formed. The space within blessed by shadow and marked by
will."

You say, "Shadowbound, each of you in turn state your name and, if you can, your
reason for seeking out our Mother Night."

You tilt your head and listen intently to Devalia.

Shadowbound Devalia, Beholden to Her Grace says, "Devalia, and I seek Mother
Night for the embrace of the darkness of Night."

You beam broadly.

You nod your head emphatically.

You tilt your head and listen intently to Irigea.

Shadowbound Irigea, Beholden to Her Grace says, "Irigea and I wish to feel the
cold embrace of Mother Night and wish spread her darkness to all corners of the
Basin of Life."

You beam broadly at Irigea.

You nod your head emphatically.

You proclaim, "Those beholden to Her Grace have spoken of their intentions, both
grand and mundane. Just as the mighty Ravenwood Tree grows from a tiny nut, so
does their service to our Mother from these small seeds of dedication."

You have emoted: Amani raises her hands above her head and the swirling shadows
converge upon the Shadowbound standing in the centre of the Circle and begin
swirling about them, forming a boiling ring of darkness that encircles them.

You say, "Let those of us who are entrusted with your care by our most awful
Mother speak our words of intent and promise."

You say, "I swear to do my best to show you the glory and the beauty of the
Night, that you may revel in Her power and grace. That you may share it with
those worthy and use it to subdue those who are not."

Lord Daem d'Illici, of Relentless Darkness says, "I swear to always bring my
knowledge and opinions to the Shadowbound and coven so that they may form their
own and become strong thinkers. Be aware your opinion is never stifled in the
coven and you always have a voice, I feel it's my duty to make sure you have an
opinion on all matters, and this is what I wish to teach, so that you may grow
stronger and more perfect."

Softly, Shadowdancer, "I shall heed the wisdom of Night, and consider Her teachings
every day. I shall be as She is, as subtle and indifferent. Today, I shall share Her words
and ensure they are heeded and bring the Wisdom and Foresight of Night to the
Glomdoring."

Softly, Secutor Ishant Nightshade says, "I promise to guide you where I can,
showing the dual nature of beautiful Night, that where there is power, there is
also benevolence. This Coven is built on growth and community and I will do my
utmost to keep that going while i still breath, as well as bringing my knowledge
and skills when I can to bear."

Penumbra Kirovera says, "I vow to you, young Shadowbound, to show you the way to
guide the Fae into our Mother's arms. To teach you how to be able to stand on
your own so that you will be more prepared for whatever hardships might come
your way. Know that no matter what happens, you are never alone for our Mother
shall forever keep you shrouded in eternal darkness from those that seek ill
will against you."

Your mouth turns up as your face breaks into a smile.

You proclaim, "The pact is made, from teacher to student, from student to
teacher, from our lips to Mother Night's ears. May it ever hold."

You have emoted: Amani shudders as the whirling ring of shadow expands, filling
the area with a living darkness. You feel cool fingers caress your cheek briefly
before the shadows finally disperse, allowing the light to return. A lingering
chill is all that remains of Her touch upon you.

The shadows slowly start to dissipate.

You dissolve your coven.

You say, "I wish to thank you all for attending this ritual and especially the
Shadowbound."

Penumbra Kirovera says to you, "Thank you for having this ritual, Spinner."

You say, "I am afraid, once again, I forgot to bring tea and cake."

Yunli's mouth turns up as her face breaks into a smile.

You say, "It is a failing of mine."

You say, "This forgetting of refreshments."

I finally got to a ritual! Took forever but finally made one. I'm happy.