rawrtacular

Long ago, in ancient Ireland, a young girl of perhaps twelve years of age was running for her life. The night shrouded forest closed in around her, forcing her to flee from her pursuers blindly. Breathing hard, heart pounding in her ears, leaves slapping her face and branches catching at her clothing and tangled blond hair, the girl still heard every sound they made. The eerie "K'Tic, K'Tic" noises were punctuated by the occasional lingering howl, "Arooooooooo!" as they glided through the trees after her. The girl tripped over a root and tumbled down a short slope. Trying to get up, her ankle wouldn't support her. Turning in terror, she saw the shadowy forms of her pursuers emerging from the trees. "Murowa!!" The commanding voice rang out behind her as a bolt of magic lanced out, striking the nearest pursuer. As one, they howled in anger. Turning, the girl saw the glowing figures of two women emerge from the gloom, wands held out, magic wreathing them in power. The taller

On the other side of the Irish Sea the sun was shining warmly on Wicklow, a modest town nestled between the mountains and the coast an hour south of Dublin. The unusually nice spring weather had brought quite a crowd to the music festival. Delicious smells wafted from the line of food stalls and the vendors were doing a brisk business selling memorabilia and merchandise. The grassy pitch in front of the main stage was packed as the current band finished its last number and bowed off to thunderous cheers from the crowd. One of those cheering the loudest was a short brunette bouncing up and down while holding onto the arms of her two companions. Her long hair was flying about with her enthusiasm, and her trademark lucky star bandeau was peeking out between her bangs. "That was awesome!" she shouted to her friends, "Wasn't that awesome, Ashling? I told you this band is great! What did you think, Aine? I've been wanting to take you to your first concert for ages!" "Yes, Aoife