They had spoken long into the night. She was not accustomed to speaking about herself, but the tenderness and care with which Starlene had used put Seraphiim at ease. The discussion was in-depth and meaningful, and exactly what Seraphiim had needed. Starlene’s guidance, especially being from another soul outside the seminary, was reassuring and supportive and very much appreciated.
Seraphiim’s eyes sparkled with delight when Starlene had offered to visit the seminary on her behalf. Perhaps this was what was needed to ensure Seraphiim could take the vow and become pledged a full Priestess of the order where she was raised and yet still be allowed to live outside the seminary.
Her horse loaded with packs filled with provisions she pet the white mare on the nose whispering softly, “Thank you for your service. I pray The Mother give you strength to make the journey.” A soft snort and Seraphiim giggled softly. “Talking to a horse?” she thought to herself and shook her head.Sliding up on the large mare Seraphiim settled herself into the saddle and sighed. Returning to the seminary was always bittersweet. Her heart longed for her extended family, but at the same time she had found that she believed her heart belonged here as well. The thought of a dark-haired man with a charming smile brings a smile to her face that softens her fair skin to a gentle glow. But the last discussion of him had gone unresolved with the Priestesses and she knew that would be a question presented upon her arrival as well. There was no more delaying the inevitable and she gently pulled in her heels and the un-named mare begins a slow pace.
The journey was long, the ship had made both Seraphiim and the mare seasick as they traveled on for days that seemed much longer. Standing at the railing she smiles remembering when Lord Zandrame had accompanied her on a round-trip journey to Freeport. His attempt at fishing was comedic, and his exclamations at finding mostly seaweed brought a soft giggle from her lips. She remembered where she even had found herself pulling in on an empty line on occasion so he wouldn’t feel too badly for not having caught any fish.
Her smile broadens when the port closest to Kaladim comes into view. “Almost home.” she whispers to the mare who paws at the deck. It was nice to have company on this journey. Even though she couldn’t reply, just being able to talk to someone, anyone was a welcomed comfort.
Her stomach still churning she looked at the mare and decided to walk her a while in hopes of walking off the nausea for the both of them. Her mind wanders and the long trek became much shorter as she found herself looking upon the grand entry to Felwithe. Her lips pull upward into a bright smile as goosebumps tip-toe across her skin. “Look there girl, home.” Her eyes sparkle and, for a moment, she is that young Priestess who had only known this city with the rest of Norrath being a mystery.
She pulls a long, white cloak from her pack and slides it over her shoulders tying the front securely to ensure it couldn’t open. The cowled hood is pulled over her head hiding her face in the shadow of discretion. She exchanges her armored gauntlets for white cloth gloves and slides the metal armor from her boots placing them within the pack. She turns toward the gates taking a deep breath before moving herself forward.
Between her humble garb and posture, a slow nod toward the guards was all that was needed to allow her passage without question. Very little was known about their order, but respect was given them by the city employees and merchants regardless. The hooves of the mare clip-clop on the stone, echoing off the buildings as the pair move deeper into the city. In the far NorthWest corner of Felwithe, by the bridge leading to the Enchanters Guild, a thick door is surrounded by ivy. A small opening of the door sits about eye height and is closed securely with a locked porthole-window made of a piece of thick wood sitting behind three strong bars.
Again that bittersweet feeling filled her heart, she was excited and worried at the same time. It will be wonderful to once again visit with the other Priestesses, to have a sense of home and family that an adult feels when returning to their childhood home. But…. What if they inquired about the one who occupied a deep portion of her heart? The situation left unresolved could be a potential eruption of an issue that simmered quietly below the surface. What if they refused Starlene’s request? How would she explain the refusal? What if they denied the request for her to live outside the walls of the seminary as a representative for the Sigils? More questions than answers filled her mind rapidly and she felt the fear begin to overwhelm her.
Taking a breath that doesn’t have the calming affect she desired she knocks solidly on the wooden door.


