I Wish, I Wish...

So many had shown up to celebrate with her that Iolaire's heart brimmed with happiness. Each new arrival was met with a smile and a nod of greeting. Some came up to applaud her hard work and she thanked each of them. Deathbelle arrived, seating herself to watch the festivities and Iolaire offered her a wink and canted her head towards the silver and black brute beside her in a casual, 'this is the guy I was telling you about' gesture.

Once the trickle of participants died down, Iolaire moved to the center of everyone and began to speak. "Thank you all for joining me on this special occasion." Again she smiled at the congregation of faces before her. "I asked you all to bring something with you that held deep meaning. By giving this special item to the river, you invite the balance to be filled with good luck." The small, dark woman winked. "A wish, if you will."

Moving to the squares of skin that she'd prepared, Iolaire took one and placed a stone upon it. The stone was swirled with silver and black and was smooth and small. "I brought this stone all the way with me from my homeland. Today, I give this stone to the river in the hopes that good health and prosperity will find me and mine." Placing the square of skin into the gently moving river, the current slowly swept the object away.

Stepping back, Iolaire swept one dark arm outward, motioning the others forward. "Feel free to share your wishes aloud if that's what you prefer, or hold them tightly to your hearts. The choice is yours." The small woman seated herself beside the river, eager for the rest of her family and friends to take their turns.