“Come stand with me, my darling one,
Among the trembling pines.
We feel His presence all around
Fire in the sky.”

Cruz Jadouin awaited Ellie's arrival under the dying light of the sun, when the strength of its rays had retreated into the softening air of a diminishing day. In the clutches of her left hand, she held onto a wooden crate, her prisoner a white chicken who lay silent in its prison. She waited at the corner of the shack, certain that it had been abandoned. Having scoped its perimeters in previous days and earlier that morning, she was sure this would be the place. She stood in silence, eyes alert. She had said her prayers, and a shrine of sorts had been constructed within the shabby quarters that awaited her and Ellie: a bin aflame with candles lining its circumference as well as a blade and a medium-sized burlap, closed and... writhing.

Ellie Vond was actually quite nervous. She had already assumed that this would be some kind of ritual. To what kind, she had no clue. Her teeth captured the inside of her bottom lip as she made her way down the beach. Deciding against heels since she'd be on sand. Green eyes look around, landing on each item before they finally focused on Cruz. A soft smile formed on her pink lip. Teeth releasing the inner skin of her mouth. "Hey...are you gonna explain to me what we're doing today?" A small gift bag was held in her right hand. The contents would be easy to figure out as the brand of one of the top cell phone companies was on the bag.

Cruz Jadouin's crosshairs locked onto the bag as Ellie came into view; it was the first thing she noticed about the little blonde after taking pleasure in the sight of Ellie's white dress. "We're gonna appeal to Bondye and his spirits -- together. We're gonna let him see us, and if we're lucky, he'll let us see him." Her eyes lowered to the bag in Ellie's hand, and despite the fact that she had, indeed, taken notice of the brand name, she decidedly asked of the other woman, "What's that?" She shifted her attention between other aspects in the meantime: Ellie's knives, the sandals she donned, the free length of her hair. She scanned the area behind Ellie in search of passers-by, making certain that the little bird had not been followed or otherwise.

Ellie Vond tilted her head a bit as she moved closer to the woman. "Who is Bondye?" Assuming her was some sort of god. "And why are going to appeal to him?" These were questions out of pure curiosity. Unlike how she usually asks questions when she worries too much. The smile stayed on her lips when she was asked about the bag. She'd first step in close enough to press her lips on the side of Cruz's cheek. Then a step back, lifting the bag in the air between them. "Your phone. I told you I'd get you one. Even set up an email address and a twitter account for you."

Cruz Jadouin reached for the bag once it was elevated, calmly latching onto it and urging it down as she turned her head enough to place her lips against Ellie's once the kiss was placed upon the Louisianian's cheek. She let the end of her tongue lap gently over Ellie's bottom lip and the edge of her upper before words were uttered on soft susurrus. "I don't need those things," she quietly commented in regard to email and Twitter. But the gift was not declined; she wrapped her fingers around the handle of the bag to release it from Ellie's possession and coax it into her own. "But I do need you." Her free hand moved for Ellie's, fingers seeking to glide between and secure themselves around those of the smaller woman. "Come inside," said Cruz. "It's time. They already know we're here." She turned on her heel to lead Ellie into the dilapidated structure and proceeded to explain, "Le bon dieu. The Supreme Creator. Vodouists direct their worship to him through the spirits that serve him. They're called loa. There are hundreds of them, some even I don't know. It's probably better that way. I want to show them who you are, especially one in particular. Stand here." She stopped Ellie on one side of the fire and placed herself on the opposite, their positions purposefully polar. She made eye contact with Ellie. "Are you ready?" she asked. "Once we start, we have to see it to the end."

Ellie Vond smiled more when the Creole woman returned her kiss with the sneak attack action. Nipping lightly at her tongue that graced her lips. She couldn't help but chuckle softly. She knew Cruz didn't need things like email or Twitter, but it was Ellie just trying to coax her into a much more digital world than she'd been living. Taking her hand without hesitation. Allowing her fingers to twist along with the other blonde's fingers. Her eyes roam around as they walked inside the hut. Hoping beyond all ope that it wouldn't fall through on them. "They do?" Head turning to face Cruz. "Le bon dieu." Repeating it, saving it to memory. The Vondling was starting to think she should do some research on Vodou. Maybe ask Julie about it. Standing right where she was placed. Ellie took in a deep breath through her nostrils after asked if she was ready. Then let it out slowly through her lips. "Yes, I'm ready." And was nervous.

Cruz Jadouin set the bagged gift down away from where the ritual would take place. Deeper into the shack and one could make out the other objects that lay within: a dark, wooden box containing an assortment of things that seemed unrelated to each other (two taper candles, a small mason jar filled with white, viscous liquid, another filled with honey and an egg placed atop a small hill of flour). There were also two silk scarves, both white, folded together. The expression on Cruz's face began to fade as she listened for Ellie's response, but when it came, the smile returned to the Creole's countenance, and she replied, "Then let's begin." She knelt down and picked up the aforementioned scarves, handing one to Ellie and instructing her, "Tie your head with this," before doing the same. "Leave your knives over there." She pointed toward a corner of the shack. In the meantime, she bent down to retrieve the burlap sack, leaving it on the ground as she opened it slowly, and before long, the writhing shape that dwelled within emerged with its tongue flicking through the air. The snake slithered over her right forearm, and she allowed it to wind around her.

Ellie Vond watched as the woman grabbed all the necessities for the ritual. Looking at each object. The mason jar filled with a white liquid freaked her out a bit. What if it was cum? Ew! Oh well. This will make Cruz happy, so she is doing this. No turning back now. Ellie nods her head and begins to undo the straps that held her knives. Moving to where the gift bag was and set them down there. She even slipped out of her shoes. Cruz was barefoot, she should be too. Feet barely made any noise as she walked back to the fire. Wood squeaked lightly underneath her weight. She took the scarf and began to wrap the white scarf around her head. Covering all of her hair. Then tied a little knot. Eyebrows raised, and eyes widened at the sight of the snake. Shit. Please let's not eat any live animals or eyeballs today?

On Cruz's side of the fire lay a single cigar and an unmarked bottle of rum. They would remain untouched for the duration of the ritual. Extending both of her arms, she raised them with palms exposed, spreading her fingers with limbs opened in invitation. She reclined her head and projected her voice. "Papa Legba!" the Creole called out, halting a moment. "Open the gate for me!" In a far, far region of her consciousness, her commencement of the ritual triggered a curiosity in what thoughts might have emerged from Ellie's sight of this. But she could concentrate on anything else. "Atibon Legba!" she boomed over the fire. "Open the gate for me! Open the gate for me, Papa, that I may pass. When I return, I will thank the loa." She allowed her words to hang ghostlike in the air.

Ellie Vond's hands fidgeted with the bow around her waistline. Watching as Cruz started to get in the groove of the ritual. How she called out to Papa Legba. How she nearly commanded for him to open the gate for her. She wondered how her parents would feel about this. Colton was pretty open on some aspects. Maybe he would have accepted this. In that moment, she felt sorrow. It was always like this when her father flickered through her mind. She missed him so much, it ached. She took in a deep breath, letting it out slowly. Trying to concentrate on Cruz, Papa Legba, and the loa. Closing her eyes, bowing her head. Mouthing the words 'I love you mommy and daddy'. She would then look back up, watching Cruz again.

Cruz Jadouin had to give herself to this fully. Thus, Ellie's silent lament went unbeknownst to her. Her eyes remained open for some time, and she was quite still, arms opened to receive the gatekeeper upon whom she called. Winds passed through the coastal chantey, and she held herself in place, eyes lowering to a close then as she quietly, deeply inhaled through her nose. She felt a chill, goosebumps covering the exposed olive of her skin. The fire crackled wildly like the steady breaking of bones. "I feel you..." she spoke out in cautious tones. The shabby structure moaned with age. She slowly opened her eyes. "Ellie," she said, the little blonde's name uttered with a depth to the southerner's timbre, and simultaneously, she reeled her head forward, chin dipping as she eyed the other woman from across the small blaze. "Hand me a knife." There was a gravity to her tone and a dark sentience in her eye. The snake slid freely around her arm, lapping at the air.

Ellie Vond shifts her lips to side as she waited patiently. She wondered if the flames would burst higher. Or maybe the snake would turn into Jafar. Would that make her Jasmine? As the wind passed through, a chill ran up her spine, causing her to shiver. She looked around, hearing Cruz's words. Wondering exactly what she was feeling. Ellie nodded her head lightly as she was given the direction about the knife. Moving towards it and picking it up. She turned it so the point was facing her, and the handle facing Cruz. Remaining quiet as she handed it over.

Cruz Jadouin accepted the knife into her hand once it was offered and bent down to the side of the wooden crate that she had carried with her to the site. Unhurriedly, she opened up the container and revealed to Ellie the white hen that lay within, a small hood over its head to obstruct its vision. She hoisted the creature into her arm and proceeded with the next phase of the conjure. "Repeat after me, Ellie," she instructed. "Damballah-Wedo! I salute you!" the Creole cried out, repeating more loudly, "Damballah-Wedo! I salute you!" The winds continued to sneak through the crevices, maintaining their quiet, but constant passage. "I am here!" she continued. "I am yours! I offer tribute to your name." She tightened her grip on the handle of the proffered blade, and in a single, fluid motion of her hand, she swept the knife across the chicken's throat, killing it instantly. The blood splattered across her dress and into the flames, and she grit her teeth with a twitching grin, her breathing becoming heavy through her nose.

Ellie Vond moved back to her spot on the other side of the fire. Watching as the woman pulled out a hen. Oh god. Oh god. She was going to kill it. "Damballah-Wedo! I salute you. Damballah-Wedo! I salute you!" trying to mimic how Cruz said it. Then, she saw the knife come down on the neck, and she yelped. Instant tears filled her eyes. Her hands trembled at her side. It was like she was the one hurt by the knife and not the hen. Like, she was mourning a human soul that she loved. Ellie closed her eyes tightly, trying to be respectful of Cruz and staying quiet.

The animal's corpse was set down atop the crate, limp and drained of all its life. It would later be decapitated, plucked of all its feathers and used for gumbo. Cruz moved on to the next stage. "Ellie," she said, peering over the waves of gold and red to connect their stares, "hand me the second knife." She opened a hand and turned it over, fingers unfurled for the provision of the requested item. The pain in Ellie's face was written across that youthful visage in plain indication. She understood; once upon a time, she, too, had been in Ellie's position. But she had learned: this was not meaningless slaughter; it was sacrifice. And no practitioner dared invoke a spirit without sacrificial offering.

Ellie Vond sniffled lightly. Lifting a trembling hand to wipe away her tears. Opening her eyes to look over at Cruz, nodding her head. She quickly moved over to the other knife. Picking it up and and handing to Cruz the same way she did before. Letting out a heavy breath, trying her best to show how brave she was to her new girlfriend.

Cruz Jadouin wrapped the fingers of her left hand around the hilt of the blade and sauntered over to Ellie, bringing the fowl into her arm as she approached. She set it down between them. Her free hand was covered in its blood. Cruz looked into the other blonde's eyes and nowhere else, lowering her chin to align their gazes. "I invoke you, Sky Father," she said, and it was clear that, despite her eye contact, the words had been meant for someone else. "Give me your eye." She marked her eyes individually with short, vertical lines. "Give me your mind." The tip of her finger swept briefly down the middle of her brows. Cue pause. "Give me your hand," she told Ellie, aiming to press hers into that of her girlfriend.

Ellie Vond was about to move back to her spot when Cruz moved closed teh space between them instead. She looked right into the woman's eyes. The right corner of her mouth twitched into a little smile. Trying to avoid any eye contact with the bird. She takes in a deep breath as the Creole spoke and marked along her eyes, then between her brows. Lifting her hand slightly so that Cruz could touch it. She actually expected the woman to slice her palm open.

Cruz Jadouin placed her hand onto that which was offered to her, aligning their palms and fingers as precisely as she could until liquid crimson coated Ellie's milky flesh. She issued a single, solemn nod. It was Ellie's turn now. "Repeat after me: Give me your eye." She waited. "Give me your mind." The serpent on her arm had fortified its hold, using the southerner's limb as a pseudo branch. She placed the knife into her opposite hand and pointed the tip of the blade at the bed of her right, middle finger. She pricked the tender skin and let the blood flow freely down the length of her digit, hovering it over the fire. She allowed three thick drops to fall into the flames in representation of her reverence of the gatekeeper, whose sacred number was just that.

Ellie Vond kept her gaze into Cruz's eyes as she felt the hand press her hand. Covering it with blood. It was trembling less now that she felt a bit comforted by her girlfriend's touch. "Give me your eye." She would then try to lift her bloody hand, raising both brows in question if she should mark Cruz's face or not. If she was given the okay, she would do the same vertical marks that Cruz did to her. "Give me your mind." If she had indeed done the markings for the eyes, she would do the same marking between the brows. The snake wasn't even a bother to her now as it was before. She wasn't scared, she wasn't as nervous as before. Cruz was by her side.

Cruz Jadouin allowed it willingly. She closed her eyes and listened to the little bird's voice, singing her snake song. Its accuracy pleased her, and in turn, she knew it would please Damballah. Once Ellie had finished, she handed the other blonde the knife onto which she still held, the blade's end facing outward. "Three drops into the fire. Let Papa Legba receive you." Should the knife have been accepted, the Creole would have stepped to the side, allowing the smaller woman to take her place in front of the fire and perform the deed asked -- nay, required -- of her.

Ellie Vond took in a deep breath once she had finished repeating the words and marking Cruz. She couldn't help but smile. This was such an intimate moment for them, together. Something she would never forget. Now, more than ever, she wanted to learn Vodou. Ellie smiled to Cruz, taking the knife from her. Nodding her head just slightly. She turns to the fire, pricking her middle finger. Wincing, from the light pain it gave her. Then held her hand over the fire so it wouldn't touch her, letting three drops fall into it. She closed her eyes, still holding her hand over the flames. She kept quiet and mouthed the words 'whatever it is I need to receive, I will'. Ellie then took her hand back, turned to face Cruz once again and held out the knife for the woman to take.

Cruz Jadouin took the knife and knelt at Ellie's side, lowering her hand toward the floor and encouraging the snake's descent with the gentle pressure of her left hand. The creature could smell the blood on its mistress's skin. Swayed, the serpent loosened its grip on Cruz's arm until the entirety of its form had reached the floorboards. It sank into the mound of flour that the Creole had set aside to honor Damballah, and after lingering near the egg, it began unhinging its jaw to draw the oval offering into its mouth. Meanwhile, Cruz rose to a standing position and faced the flames a final time, opposite Ellie as she had been at the commencement of the ritual. "Thank you, Sky Father. Receive me, Sky Father. Thank you, Papa Legba. Thank you, Antibon Legba. Thank you, Vye Legba." She called to him using all three of his common names. The winds had begun to die down. Suddenly, the Creole released a heavy breath and appeared weak in the knees.

Ellie Vond moved away from the snake as it slithered off of Cruz's arm. She blinks a few times, watching it swallow the egg whole. Oh that was a bit gross. Eyes trail back up to Cruz as she started to say her thanks to Legba and his many names. Was this the end? She expected some big thing to happen, but nothing really happened. Her head tilts, not sure if it really was the end of not. So she would just continue to stay quiet, watching the Creole woman before her.

Cruz Jadouin felt lightheaded. It could have been the effects of the ceremony. It could have been a number of things. Whatever the case might have been, she didn't hide the weakness she felt, eyes closing as her head fell to the side, legs struggling to keep the rest of her upright. She stumbled across the boards to reach Ellie, lifting both hands to either side of the other woman's face before capturing Ellie's mouth with her own. Her affections were rough, animalistic. She claimed her girlfriend's lips in heated frenzy, sending desperate kisses down the side of Ellie's neck before she pressed the edges of her teeth into the little bird's flesh, teetering between pleasure and pain as her hands coursed through waves of red and flaxen.

Ellie Vond knitted her brows when she realized how off Cruz was being. "Are you okay?" Watching as the woman made weak steps towards her. She tried to wrap her arms around the woman's waist in case she needed help not falling. The kiss came suddenly, and she fell right in tune with it. Craning her neck, as the lips fell down until she was bitten. Parting her pink lips, the pain felt so good she moaned softly. Pulling the woman as close to her as possible.

The tip of Cruz's nose dragged up the side of Ellie's neck, over jawline, over cheek, and she paused with her mouth placed before Ellie's ear. She breathed hisses phrases, all impossible to make out, but her face pressed hard to Ellie's, her hold on the little bird's hair tightening with aggression. "Ellie..." she whispered in conclusion, the utterance forced past her lips slowly, her entire frame suddenly drooping as she idly held on to the loose tendrils entwined within her fingers. Cruz took in a sharp breath and opened her eyes, distant and confused in her stare before her face began to relax. "We have to leave," she drawled to her fellow femme. She took the chicken and placed it into the burlap sack, the snake left to roam the area freely. "We don't belong here now." She grabbed Ellie's hand and bent down quickly to snatch up the gifted phone, facing the entrance to the shack in preparation to depart from it.

Ellie Vond closed her eyes as she felt the touch of the woman's nose glide along her soft sun-kissed skin. She just continued to hug her close until the words were uttered near her ear. "Where do you want to go?" She whispers. Loosening her hold until the woman started to pull away. Following behind her, grabbing her own things then stood by her side. Ready to leave when she was.

The fire was left to burn privately. The door had been opened to the other side from within the small shack, and the influence of that other world had not removed itself from the area. Cruz's skin crawled the longer she remained there. "Anywhere but here," she replied post haste. She sounded almost nervous, frantic, perhaps even paranoid, eyes searching the immediate vicinity as though she expected something -- or someone -- to be waiting for them just beyond the threshold. She tugged Ellie along with her, very clearly in a rush. She led the little woman to the beginning of the boardwalk, and only then did she speak again, turning to look Ellie in the eye, a seriousness to her tone. "He might come to you in your sleep," she warned her. "Let it happen. Don't be afraid."