I. The Tan'Rathil Ceremony
"Come, child, it is time."
Caoilfhionn was barely awake when the Hagmother, the oldest witch of the covenant, beckoned. She knew this could only mean two things. Either she had done something terribly wrong or she would finally be bestowed her own Tan'Rathil tattoos - the sign of a fully learned Witch. Caoilfhionn hoped for the latter.
The young woman stood up, leaving her bed, and followed the old crone. The Hagmother was old and nearly blind, but she moved with a surprising grace despite her age. Her white hair, only slightly whiter than that of Caoilfhionn, seemed to reach out to greet the passing members of the covenant. "Mother" and "Sister" could be heard as the two women passed, but none stopped their occupation for a chat. The covenant was rather informal about most things among each other.
