The Weight of New Bonds

[Nora Saint-Clair]

She stepped off the tram with a coffee in one hand, the other jammed into the pocket of her long coat. Dark charcoal, cut sharp at the collar, it was formal without being stiff. Beneath it, black jeans and boots with just enough heel to give her presence without flash. Her henley was deep rust, soft and collarless, buttons flicked open at the collar. Her hair was down on purpose falling in thick tresses, not too neat, not too wild. Her makeup was clean, matte, but her eyes were ringed in eyeliner, sharp enough to be taken seriously. 

The closer she came to the Sanctuary of the Ascendant Flame, the more that coffee cup felt like a lifeline. Her fingers were warm from it, steady, even though her heart stirred with something quieter than fear but deeper than nerves.

She passed the stone sculptures outside with barely a glance. She remembered the first time she’d come here almost a year ago now, under a different sky and under someone else’s orders. That visit had been secret, cautious, and very brief.

Inside, the Sanctuary smelled faintly of incense and cold stone. The air was still, the kind of stillness that made her feel like someone was always watching her. Morning sunlight poured through stained glass windows, casting fractured reds and ambers onto the tiled floor. She wasn't sure how to go about doing this, so she stepped forward mustering as much confidence as she could, and approached the first person she saw.

“I’d like to join,” she said simply, voice firm.

There. Said.

[Quillon Hawke]

Seraphis Arden
Veilwarden

PPC

An early riser, it was Sera who was on duty this morning. The Sanctuary was open 24 hours a day, with at least one Aethermancer or Veilwarden in attendance at all times to greet Seekers. The Veil might move a soul at any time of day or night and the Brotherhood would be prepared.

She rose to greet the penitent that wandered in the Sanctuary. The woman was unfamiliar to Seraphis, and her blunt greeting took her by surprise.

“Join? Of course, my child, what brings you to us?” She said, tone friendly, but inside she was beaming. Those who welcomed a new member to the Brotherhood were always rewarded with accolades.

She escorted the Seeker to a place they could sit and speak. “My name is Veilwarden Seraphis Arden. What is your name, my dear?”

[Nora Saint-Clair]

So that was easier than she expected. Did this cult just let anyone off the street join up? Seemed like a red flag to Nora.

She did allow herself to be escorted aside with as much flexibility as she could muster. She half expected this Seraphis lady to lock her up in a cubby under the stairs; there was just something about her she couldn’t place. It felt like they’d met before, but she would have remembered it.

For a split second, she pondered sharing a fake name before uttering, “Nora Saint-Clair.” It felt odd to admit out loud, but this woman was unlikely to recognize her family.

Seraphis nodded, but the way she looked at Nora made her feel as if she could read her like an x-ray. 

Then Seraphis said something that made Nora’s jaw drop slightly. “You’ve channeled before, Nora. I can sense it in you.”

“Um, yeah, actually. How did you know that?” Nora asked.

“It’s something us Veilwardens are trained to sense. I will teach you in time,” and she pat her hand. “How long ago have you channeled? Do you have the Sickness?”

Nora cleared her throat. “I’m not sure, but actually, I came here a while ago to help with the Sickness. That’s why I am back, I guess. To help others like you helped me?” She tried to say it as confident as possible.

Seraphis just looked at her as if she was the most patient person in the world, but behind those eyes Nora wondered what she was thinking. “Well, Nora, we are pleased to have you with us. Since you were previously a Seeker, you may undertake the Ceremony of Reflection whenever you’re ready, and your status will then be as an Ember, to carry the spark forward to your brothers … and sisters.” She added with a coy smile.

Nora suppressed a sigh. “What’s this ceremony about?”

“It is that one may demonstrate that they have confronted their innermost doubts and demonstrate the ability to self-reflect. Afterward, you will nurture the spark of the faith.”

Nora actively had to suppress rolling her eyes. Self-reflection? Innermost doubts? She was nothing but doubts!

“Very well,” she agreed. “Show me what to do.”