Preparation for the Key

June 12, 2003

"Cardea, help." I asked rather plaintively.    What do I need to do to get ready for the Council. 

"Lot's of things, so start a list.  But the first thing is to decide who will present you?"

'Why Merlin of course, with Athena's blessing.  I am who I have always been.  I may have hobbies and other skills but my life's work was committed long ago.  I'm not sure what's next but I'm sure of that.'

Cardea gave me a rather quizzical look that I interpreted as meaning.. "ok if you're sure."  I wasn't really sure of anything but I thought I had made the right decision, so I nodded my head.

"All right then we'll need to have you accept promotion to Faldeirfiur tomorrow.  Friday the 13th is a fairly powerful day.  I suggest you plan on something for early tomorrow morning.  Tomorrow your green robe will do. You have your talisman already.  Now the question is when should you accept your fáidhbhean from Irfind?  You could do that after 9:00.  We'll work out the details in a moment

I stood nodding my head knowing tomorrow would be a busy day.

"If you were thinking of doing something this Saturday I don't know how we'd get it done", she continued, "There's a completely unfounded rumor that it's done sky-clad.  That's an option of course but for about the last few thousand of your years it's been done in a plain linen cotton shift of the palest lavender possible  Once you've answered the questions you'll be given both the key and a gown of purple. Over that you'll place a sash with your all the other colors you're entitled to wear  It will take you a week of sewing to get everything done."