Rose

Although the outside world does not know it, there are civilizations that live within the Wall of Thornes. People from the outside have tried to explore it. To get through it. But they do not know the ways of the Wall of Thornes, and quickly fall victim to the simplest of traps inside. But we are protected, because of the Rose Springs.

A ritual that happens so that we may cultivate food and be protected from the horrors. We do have soil, though it is few and far between and we treasure it dearly, and protect it fiercely so that we may have enough food to survive. But without Rose Springs, it too would die.

Rose Springs is a ritual that comes with each spring season, Rosedawn. For all but one day of the year, the rose springs flow, providing us and our crop with water, besides the scattered rain that makes it through the canopy and those that live in it. But it is on this one day, that Rose Springs happens. Rose Springs is an actual spring, more of a fountain really, that flows at the heart of our village, the thing which we hold in the highest regard. There is a ritual that must be done for the spring to keep running, to keep us and our crop protected. First, the fire wielders make an arch, holding the ritual ever burning Spruce sticks as a bridge. The fire wielders are chosen from birth to resist the flame. They are always female. Next, come the rose wielders. The sprinkle rose petals underneath the fire wielders so as to provide a kind of carpet on the path. They are always male. The stand by the Rose Spring, as the drumming begins.

A solo drummer walks down the isle, playing a song that somehow strikers your heart, and you want to cry but at the same time, makes you filled with energy. And then walks the Hextaker. They are chosen by lottery each year, and must take the Hex which comes from the spring, lest the whole kingdom be Hexed. As they walk, the petals the step on wither, as if simply touching the Hextaker is more than they can bear. The Hextaker puts their hand out as the Hex comes down. And suddenly they are weighed down, as they read it. And from the crowd we see ashs fly away from their hand, as they walk back, the Hex upon them.