It took a little longer than that, since holding still was apparently not one of Aervyn's better skills. Beth, somewhat dazed, wondered if her flower was also as big as her head. Apparently fire witches liked their hair pretties big and flamboyant.
Ginia slid into the small crowd, a gorgeous waterfall of bright yellow flowers running down her braid. Beth made a mental note to ask for their name - they would suit Mellie down to the ground. She looked around for the second witch who would call to earth and saw Sophie, yellow in her own hair and pinning purple into Jamie's.
Jamie waved, rolling his eyes. "I hear you're the one who got us into this."
Beth was sure he was teasing - and if she hadn't been sure, every mind witch in ten feet was gently projecting that fact. Helping the Aspie stay on her feet. "They look beautiful, but I thought air witches liked pink."
The joke pleased a lot of people, perhaps herself most of all.
"We do." A girl Beth didn't know stepped up beside Jamie and waved. "I'm Sierra - you don't know me yet, but I can usually be found around here somewhere."
There were a lot more than eight people in the back yard. And lights and decorations and the pressing feeling of a party about to happen. This wasn't a simple circle. Suddenly Beth felt short of air.
"It's okay - you're doing great." Lauren spoke quietly over her right shoulder. "Will it help you if we move to our spots now?"
She breathed out as slowly as she could. Order. That almost always helped. "Yes, please."
Beth had no idea what Lauren did, but heads snapped up instantly, and what had been genial disarray moved sharply toward assigned positions.
A hand slid under her elbow. "Help an old lady cross over, would you?" Moira had a stunning purple flower in her hair and a smile on her face. "The uneven ground sometimes trips me up."
Order and a job to do.
Air flowed back into Beth's lungs. She touched Moira's hand in gratitude and began to move across the yard. One step, and then another. It felt like a procession somehow. One with dignity, even amidst all the dizzy light and laughter.
"We'll be doing a simple call to the elements," said Moira, stepping delicately over a toy fire truck. "Two of us at each position. You'll join with each other and then link with the circle as your turn comes. Aervyn will share the words with your mind in case you forget."
That was thoughtful - and entirely unnecessary. "I have a good memory for words." These ones had been delivered to her kitchen in pretty script, along with a delicious omelet.
"Excellent." Moira patted her arm. "Then you can help him to remember. Lauren will be our monitor, much as your Liriel does for your circles."
Beth could feel herself relaxing. The trappings were different, but the core was the same.
"And Nell, up there in the tree, will keep us all safe."
In the tree? Beth looked up, shocked to see Nell tucked in a crook, a happy Kenna in her lap. "What can she do from up there?"
"Just a precaution. She'll catch any stray bits of magic that leak from the circle." Moira let go of Beth's arm and took her position beside a man who looked exactly like Jamie except for the mischief in his eyes.
Beth hoped dearly it was Devin - she wasn't ready to meet any more Sullivans.
That's him. Lauren's mental voice bubbled with laughter. And don't worry - their brother Matt is the most reasonable one of the lot.
One of three. Such a strange and fascinating way to live.
Soft music drifted up behind the circle. That's Nat. We've kept the outer circle small today.
Beth frowned. She had no idea what an outer circle was.
It's where non-witches and witches who aren't needed in the circle join us.
Non-witches. Shock hit Beth hard. There was a place for those without power?
There is. Lauren's mind voice was careful now. They provide love and support for the circle. It's not a small job, and we don't take them lightly.