chapter 51

     The ceremony starts promptly at 6 p.m; we have an hour left.  All the boys are dressed in black suits, with white shirts and black ties.  Of course Grayson Jr is throwing the worst fit ever, because he doesn't want to be dressed in a monkey suit or have to be in attendance.  His father is dealing with him, while I finish getting Raven and myself ready.  I have her dressed in a black and purple dress with a matching headband.  I'm wearing a black and lavender full length dress, and my hair is in an updo with curls hanging down.  I can still hear Grayson Jr screaming and crying that he doesn't want to attend his sisters blessing ceremony.  I just let out a sigh and shake my head.  Finally after hours, Grayson Jr has calmed down, but glaring at everyone.  It's definitely not hard to see his anger.  Dawn's words playing in my mind, and the caution she gave us.  I guess after the ceremony and everyone leaves, I will sit down and talk to my husband about sending him to my parents.  I pick Raven up, and notice she is wide awake and very happy.  I smile and kiss her head, as we make our way downstairs.  We have invited hundreds of guest and family members for the ceremony.  My husband greets us both with a slight hug and kiss, and I smile up at him.

     We make our way outside, where all the guests are waiting around the area the ceremony is to take place.  It’s an altar of sorts with a black and purple cloth draped over it, with five white pillar candles circling it.  Dawn is standing to the right of Melody the priestess performing the ceremony.  As we come into their view, they both smile brightly as we approach.

“Please place Raven on the altar, and we shall begin” Melody stated while waving her hand towards the altar

     I lay her done gently, and before we walk away, we both kiss her head and smile at her.  She just let out a squeal of delight, while kicking her feet.  We took our place next to the royal family, and the rest of our guest circled around us.  Then Melody took her place at the head of the altar, and Dawn at the foot.  There was an utter silence from everyone as they watched with delight as the blessing ceremony took place.

“I want to welcome one and all to the Blessing Ceremony of Raven Underwood at her five month mark.  This ceremony is being done a little different than others due to circumstances that have come about.” Melody started off with, and both my husband and I looked at each other in confusion.

“Mr. and Mrs. Underwood please come join us.  I know this isn’t how it’s usually done, but I think it may help.  Also, I ask that King Hayden, Queen Shelby and Prince Austin come join us” Melody instructed

    We all nodded in agreement and approached the circle, before we would enter; Melody motioned for us to stop.

“I allow Mr. and Mrs. Underwood into our sacred circle, please step in and Mr. Underwood please stand to the left of Raven, and Mrs. Underwood to her right” Melody explained, and without a word we took our places

“I allow King Hayden, Queen Shelby, and Prince Austin into our sacred circle, please step forward.  King Hayden please also stand to the left of Raven, Queen Shelby to her right.  Prince Austin please lay next to Raven.” Melody stated, and assisted Austin onto the altar.  

     There were gasps from all the guests; never has there been a blessing ceremony like this.  Everyone was shocked; seeing as no one knew of the threat to Raven.  Without hesitation, Melody proceeded with the ceremony.

“I need all guest to please form a perfect circle around us” Melody commanded, and without a word the guest done as she asked, and she waited until it was done

“To all guests please hold hands, to make an unbreakable circle that no one or no spirit can cross.  Also, please bow your heads” she commanded and then waited 

“Let us join hands” she said to everyone in the center surrounding Raven, and we all took hands

“Austin, take Ravens hand” she said gently, and without a word he did

“Let only happiness and love fill our hearts tonight, on this very special nights.” Then she left her hands, and we all followed 

“Lift your heads to the sky and close your eyes” she instructed us 

    Before another word could be spoken, Raven let out a cry of pain.  My eyes flew open to see what was wrong with my daughter; as she continued to scream.

“Do not move!” Melody almost yelled “she will be fine, Austin, please calm her down” Melody instructed

    I saw Austin gently touch her cheek and she calmed right now, and a smile took the place of worry.  Melody watched in delight, and smiled at them also.  She took a breath and continued.

“We call on our ancestors to bless us this night. We call on earth as you give us ground, we call on air as you give us the breeze, we call on fire as you give us passion, we call on water as you give us calm, we call on and we call on spirit as you protect us all.  Bring to this child Raven, protection, love, and blessings.  Join the union that is meant to be between Prince Austin and Raven, that they may have a long, healthy and loving life when she comes of age.  Let all that meet her, treat her with love and respect; never hate or harm.  As I will it, so shall it be!” Melody finished

“Austin, please place a kiss on her forehead” Melody instructed, and the bond for now will be sealed

“This concludes the blessing ceremony, you may release your hands and raise your heads, the circle is now closed” Melody stated

    I picked Raven up, and my husband helped Austin down.  We all gathered to the dining area out in the garden for dinner.  Afterwards, we all talked, and had a very wonderful evening.  At 9 p.m, we sent the kids inside for bed; while the adults stayed and talked for a few more hours.  Once everyone left, we all went in and headed to our rooms to call it a night. Grayson and I entered our room, and he closed and locked the door.  I looked up and smile at him; just has he grabbed me and pulled me into his arm.

       "I love you, my darlin'" Grayson whispered

       "I love you too" I whispered back, then I noticed Raven wasn't in her bed.  I looked up at him with extreme worry

       "It's ok, Raven is in the other room with Austin and Mathew.  They insisted on having her close tonight, and I agreed.  I'm sorry that I didn't let you know" he said with a small smile

     A sigh of relief came out, and I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him passionately.  It didn't take long for him to recover from my surprise kiss, and he lead us to the bed.   We made love a few times, before we both drifted off to sleep.