Published on The Dojo.com in May 1999.
The Ouragan
by Ron Vitale
Green--the wild power of nature is constant yet unpredictable. Full of energy and life, green can also be used for destruction.
But Florcela, a young female elf of the Yavimaya, feels the call to partake in the spell of Ouragan--the Hurricane. A spell of power that will cause nature's energy to surge up and destroy the land. Ignoring the command of the village elders, Florcela runs off in an attempt to save her mother before it's too late.
***
"You must allow me to go!" Florcela crossed her arms and fumed.
Turgon, the village elder, bowed his head and prayed for patience. Ruler of the small band of Yavimaya elves for many years, he did not remember a more feisty elf than Florcela. For as long as he could remember, she had always argued with him. Yet now she would heed him. "I understand how you feel but I cannot allow you to go." Florcela's eyes lit up with anger but Turgon did not allow her to speak. He pointed at her and said, "For your own good, you cannot go to the cliff of despair. Your mother has been called and it will be your mother who will go!"
Jojo rushed forward and pulled Florcela's mother to safety and then they both stared in awe at the circle. The flowers glowed a bright, vibrant green. And Florcela stood in the center with her arms stretched wide, embracing the sky. A smile flickered across her face and from above, a section of the sky opened up, and the clouds came. Rain, wind, and raw energy swirled inside the circle of life. Florcela stretched herself further and released her energy. First blood. First time. The flow of life surged from her and she directed the energy upward toward Freija. A battle raged on another plane and the Ouragan was needed there. Unlike before, the hurricane's wrath left the Yavimaya forest untouched. Florcela's blood flowed through her and she saw through the rift in the sky. Dragons buffeted in the winds of the Ouragan. They struggled and were tossed like timber against the rocks. Green energy swirled inside the circle, stronger, more persistent, until a steady stream of energy poured into the rift.
Florcela reached out and felt Freija's presence and smiled. The elders were correct. She did help to protect Florcela's people. The sun stretched its face over the horizon and a loud crack of thunder announced the closing of the rift. The thunder's echoed faded and then there was silence. Florcela fell to the ground and still heard the rain and wind in her ears. Her mother reached her first and held onto her. She closed her eyes and smiled. Florcela had survived.
Jojo grabbed her hand and asked, "Are you okay?"
Florcela opened her eyes and felt drained. "Yes, but tired. I'm so tired."
Florcela's mother cuddled her close and looked at Jojo. "She unlocked the doors to the Ouragan."
"I don't understand." Jojo shook his head. "Is she going to die?"
Florcela reached for his hand and said, "I am now the guardian of this cliff. When Freija calls for the ritual, I will answer. And in time I will teach the others girls in our village how to control the spell." Florcela could sense the blood between her legs. First time. Strong and sure of herself, Florcela smiled at the uncomprehending Jojo and said, "For I am a woman now."
