09-08-2024, 08:49 PM
The tea quickly chilled during the walk. Quillon spent the majority of their time describing the main tenants of the Brotherhood, including their origins. His companion was a rapt listener, and when he glanced, he found Samiel fixed upon him with an intensity of focus that stirred flickers of fear in his heart.
Soon, the spire of their temple peeked through the buildings. The open space in its periphery filled an entire city block. The gardens were various shades of brown and orange, entombed in their hibernation for the winter. Yet still, to Quillon’s eyes, it was a beautiful scene that filled him with pride. Sculptures and statues loomed on tall pedestals lining the concourse to main entrance— the many faces of the Ascendancy peering down upon them.
Those stationed at the front of the Sanctuary entrance were volunteers, denoted by the symbol of Embers sewn upon their shirts. They nodded at him reverently, recognizing not only the purple robe he wore but the face of one whose ascension to Veilwarden rank was still discussed behind whispered hands.
“This is the Hall of Stars,” he explained as they were swallowed by an enormous hall used for gatherings and ceremonies. The original Soviet design, featuring space exploration themes, has been preserved and integrated into the Brotherhood’s narrative.
A sense of wonder filled him as he peered overhead. The holographic system projected celestial images upon the domed ceiling that immersed the visitor into the sense of their own smallness compared to the greatness of the Ascendancy.
His thoughts were interrupted by a voice greeting him by name.
“Veilwarden Quillon.”
He turned, recognizing the airy accent. A woman approached, wearing one her signature dresses of floating creams and whites. She appeared young, though once Quillon spent time around her, he realized they were likely near to the same age. She adorned herself with eccentric, yet fashionable styles like the gold leaf on the ear with eyes lined in mandarin orange meant to reflect the CCD’s colors.
It was Seraphis, the only female Veilwarden in the Brotherhood. Despite her status as such, she smiled demurely as she approached, hands cusped in front of her. She turned her attention quickly toward Samiel, whose handsome features and stately height certainly stood out from the ritualistic otherworld culture that dwelt in the Sanctuary.
“Have you brought a Seeker before us?”
Quillon should have stood taller, proud to present such a recruit, but the way that Seraphis studied him, like a bug caught in a jar, Quillon was suddenly feeling protective. If Seekers eventually rose through the ranks, the one that recruited them earned the prestige. Poaching recruits was a common practice.
“Samiel, this is Veilwarden Seraphis.” He made the introduction grimly, subtly moving closer to Samiel’s side as Seraphis attempted to slip into his shadow to greet him properly.
![[Image: Seraphis-Veilwarden-resized.jpg]](http://thefirstage.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Seraphis-Veilwarden-resized.jpg)
Seraphis
Soon, the spire of their temple peeked through the buildings. The open space in its periphery filled an entire city block. The gardens were various shades of brown and orange, entombed in their hibernation for the winter. Yet still, to Quillon’s eyes, it was a beautiful scene that filled him with pride. Sculptures and statues loomed on tall pedestals lining the concourse to main entrance— the many faces of the Ascendancy peering down upon them.
Those stationed at the front of the Sanctuary entrance were volunteers, denoted by the symbol of Embers sewn upon their shirts. They nodded at him reverently, recognizing not only the purple robe he wore but the face of one whose ascension to Veilwarden rank was still discussed behind whispered hands.
“This is the Hall of Stars,” he explained as they were swallowed by an enormous hall used for gatherings and ceremonies. The original Soviet design, featuring space exploration themes, has been preserved and integrated into the Brotherhood’s narrative.
A sense of wonder filled him as he peered overhead. The holographic system projected celestial images upon the domed ceiling that immersed the visitor into the sense of their own smallness compared to the greatness of the Ascendancy.
His thoughts were interrupted by a voice greeting him by name.
“Veilwarden Quillon.”
He turned, recognizing the airy accent. A woman approached, wearing one her signature dresses of floating creams and whites. She appeared young, though once Quillon spent time around her, he realized they were likely near to the same age. She adorned herself with eccentric, yet fashionable styles like the gold leaf on the ear with eyes lined in mandarin orange meant to reflect the CCD’s colors.
It was Seraphis, the only female Veilwarden in the Brotherhood. Despite her status as such, she smiled demurely as she approached, hands cusped in front of her. She turned her attention quickly toward Samiel, whose handsome features and stately height certainly stood out from the ritualistic otherworld culture that dwelt in the Sanctuary.
“Have you brought a Seeker before us?”
Quillon should have stood taller, proud to present such a recruit, but the way that Seraphis studied him, like a bug caught in a jar, Quillon was suddenly feeling protective. If Seekers eventually rose through the ranks, the one that recruited them earned the prestige. Poaching recruits was a common practice.
“Samiel, this is Veilwarden Seraphis.” He made the introduction grimly, subtly moving closer to Samiel’s side as Seraphis attempted to slip into his shadow to greet him properly.
Seraphis
![[Image: Quillon-signature.jpg]](http://thefirstage.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Quillon-signature.jpg)