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The porthole creaks open and a figure similar to her can be seen between the bars. From beneath her hood came the gentle voice of Tunare’s children, “I am Seraphiim Helwarus, Sigil of the….” Her words halted and a smile brightens her face. She was the Reverent Student, she had felt that in her heart from the moment she had began to search for a sigil. However, they wouldn’t understand, let alone recognize, the title here so she begins once again, only to hear a voice whisper from the other side, “Maidservant Seraphiim.”

The latches on the door flip quickly and the door swings open to arms nearly as wide open as the doorway. “Seraphiim!” the voice exclaims in as loud as you can in a whisper. The figure cannot contain themselves and encloses their arms around her into a tight hug. “You’ve come back, I knew you would. I just knew it.”

“Priestess Shalla?” Seraphiim whispers pulling back and ducking a bit to peek up into the shadow created by the hood identical to hers. “Priestess Shalla, why do you answer the door? Shouldn’t there be a Maidservant performing this task?”

Shalla waves her hand slowly peeking around to ensure no one is around to see the two embracing or talking so joyfully loud. Pulling her robe back in place she gathers her hands together and they disappear into the sleeves of the pristine-white robe. Seraphiim reaches for the reigns to her mare and pulls her through the entrance with her friend quickly flipping the latches, locking the door behind them.

They walk to the stables where the mare was relieved of her gear and the packs Seraphiim had used for travel. “How perfect your timing is, Maidservant Seraphiim. The High Priestess has been inquiring if you have communicated a return as of yet.”

In less than an instant her heart sinks. The High Priestess would mistake her return as a conclusion to an issue that had not yet been resolved. She didn’t even know if there was a resolution. How could she serve as a pledged Priestess to The Mother and still be allowed to have someone occupy her heart so fully? Service to Tunare was absolute, and no deviation or alteration had ever been allowed. She barely had received permission the first time she had left the seminary, and each time thereafter just seemed as if it were more and more of a struggle to obtain permission to leave.

Shalla leans forward whispering softly to Seraphiim, “Worry not, I’m confident The Mother will guide your path to Her.” The words of comfort almost calms her worried heart and she nods silently before the two begin walking down the long corridor toward Seraphiim’s room.

Peeking up occasionally Seraphiim could see hooded figures in graduating colors of white robes flowing elegantly like soft wisps of purified clouds in varying degrees. A quick glance at Shalla’s robe renews a longing in her heart. Growing up that was all she knew, strive for the white robe of a Priestess. But her mind was always curious, and questions outside learning to serve Tunare had always been hushed or even flatly ignored.

Her dear friend escorts her into her room and hugs her once more behind the door and away from prying eyes. She pulls back the hood far enough that Seraphiim can see into the gentle eyes of someone that not only had practically raised her, but had been her dearest friend. “Remember your disciplines while here, Seraphiim. Eyes are upon you.” Quickly the hood is pulled back forward and one quick hug allowed before Shalla whisks out the door locking it behind her.

The latch, how Seraphiim had disliked the latch. She understood the purpose, and perhaps she was deserving, but it was a sore spot with her since she was a child. Her bags land on a small dresser with a soft thud, she would unpack the rest of her belongings tomorrow. For now, she just wanted to close her eyes and enjoy being in her old bed.

Soft giggles fill the air as a child with long, golden curls runs up to a man who scoops her up holding her high into the sky. “Someday you’ll fly, Seraphiim.” He said holding her up there rocking her in his hands creating a waterfall of giggles that rain down on him.

Her father lowers her into his loving arms and holds her close whispering, “My sweet Seraphiim.” The tone in his voice changes, to one equally as familiar and richly sweet within her heart, “My angel.” Within her dream she was grown now, and pulls back to gaze into the eyes of her love. His name travels across her lips in the most tender hush.

The dream is abruptly ended by the crowing of a rooster just outside her window. “How can that thing still be alive?” she thought to herself then quickly whispered a prayer of forgiveness from The Mother for such a thought as even hinting at wishing the death of any creation of hers. Even if it seemed that same rooster had purposely planted itself beneath her window to awaken her too early every day for as long as she could remember.

She finishes dressing and kneels by her bed clasping her delicate hands together and setting them into her lap as she lowers her once again hooded head. The angelic voices of the Priestesses flowed like gentle waves of love across the seminary as they sang their morning prayers. Within the confinement of her room Seraphiim would pray silently along with them until the latch on her door had been unlocked and allowing her a relative amount of freedom.

She was to return home, this thought brought a bright smile to her face. She hoped Starlene was still willing to go to the seminary and speak wth the High Priestess. “What a kind soul, I am blessed.” She thought to herself thinking of Starlene and all that is between them. And now, she would come to the seminary, if only to request Seraphiim be allowed to remain with the Sigils. Fighting an ache in her heart she stands and walks over to the dresser and begins replacing her items into her packs.

Carefully set within a drawer she finds the rose and smiles taking it in her hand and lifting it to inhale the beautiful fragrance. Yes, perhaps she would even have one moment to spend with him. Placing the rose carefully into her pack she kneels by her bed. Once again she would pray until someone had come for her.

Shalla had come and escorted Seraphiim to the main gate of the seminary. A loving hug and softly whispered words calms Seraphiims heart. She took a long breath and made her way out of the city with her mares hooves clip-clopping on the ground as they walked.

The return journey was indeed easier, and seemed quicker as well. She and the mare were grateful when at last the boat docked and they could take their leave of it, with the captain shaking his head chuckling at their peekid expressions.

Starlene had been found in the great Guild Lobby and informed that her offer was accepted and they were to return at their earliest convenience. Seraphiim smiled gratefully toward Starlene, hopefully she had some sense as to how much it meant to Seraphiim that she would speak to the High Priestess on her behalf.

Starlene had agreed to make the arrangements and Seraphiim was grateful. Seraphiim needed to get rid of her sickened sea-stomach and prepare for the return trip herself. And, perhaps, there would be just a moment stolen for another urgent matter all entirely as important, if not more.

Starlene’s surprised look at Seraphiim’s suggestion to use the boat had reminded Seraphiim of what seemed like the backward ways of the Order. However, the teleporters had always made her uncomfortable. Perhaps it was the old ways she had known, perhaps there was something else. She simply nods silently and follows Starlene through the teleporter.

Delaying the inevitable. Somehow she knew this day would come, but secretly had hoped it wouldn’t. She peeks over at Starlene and smiles to herself in an attempt to hide an inevitable frown while returning her eyes to their path. She knew she had been a party to some pain that Starlene had recently, and that placed her own pain within her heart. But, to continue to accept her within the Sigils, and even more yet, within her Order, and fight to have her remain there, Seraphiim had grown such an admiration for her strength and continued kindness. This woman was special, a kind soul who had the strength Seraphiim was unsure she possessed even within herself.

Stopping at the pond Seraphiim stands quietly behind Starlene, Seraphiim was happy to see she was not the only one who had memories of this pond. A young girl who had discovered stacking crates and boxes she could toss a line over the high wall of the seminary and have just enough clearance to plink her hook into the water. A soft smile warms her face remembering how many of those make-shift fishing poles she had tossed over the wall so as not to get caught with them.

Though, her father typically would take her to the pond by the Felwithe Fish House. Not that she could see anything but the ground from underneath her hood as her short legs tried to keep up with her fathers long stride. She had learned early on when they ventured out into the city to keep her hood over her head and always look to the ground. Even into what would be human teen years she had held her fathers hand and followed behind him keeping her eyes to the ground. Though, she on occasion she would steal a glance to see the beautiful city. One time a young Paladin had caught her gaze, and her father caught hers. Her hood was quickly pulled lower and she was quickly returned to the seminary where, once again, her chores were doubled.

Seraphiim had been lost in her own memories when Starlene had spoken. Quickly a smile is provided from under the hood she now wore. “Yes, my Lady Starlene.” Was her simple answer after being caught off guard. She always had wished she was clever enough to come up with something that didn’t make her sound like a complete idiot, and this was one of those occasions.

Seraphiim turns toward a well decorated guard who stands by the entrance and nods once to him. His bow was elegant and well practiced, as well as his charming smile, which he directed toward Starlene before he walked away. He might have thought Starlene a new recruit for the order, had she not been so well dressed for her profession. Seraphiim stands at the door a moment, her heart and mind begin racing. Again, delaying the inevitable. But, what if this was a means to an end? More questions filled her mind as she stood there motionless. Feeling fear begin to get the better of her she did as she had always done as a child, taken a breath and moved forward, come what may.

The knock on the door is answered by another hooded figure, the proper greetings once again exchanged and entry allowed. A soft gasp is heard as Starlene enters and the other figure quickly retrieves a robe, a light-brown color that was nearly the color of a sparrows belly. It was obviously too long for the Feir’dal and the hooded figure quickly set about preparing to shorten it for her. A quick, simple stitching would hold it for now, but measurements were taken so they could oblige their guest and not appear too rude as to not have accommodations made for her.

From under her hood Seraphiim peeked over an apologetic smile toward Starlene as she was fussed over relentlessly. After a short time a Priestess wearing a snow-white robe appeared in the doorway bringing all, including Seraphiim, to their knees. There was a vague difference between the white that Seraphiim and the girl had worn and the one of the figure now in the doorway who spoke with eloquence lowering into a deep curtsey with a warm smile before lowering her head and eyes humbly, “It is our honor that you have come, my Lady Antares.”

Rising she addresses the one who has been preparing Starlene’s robe as she stood there, “Maidservant Aaileen, please do not fuss over our guest so much that she is uncomfortable.” Her face barely seen from beneath the hood she smiles toward Seraphiim who, from her training, dare not raise her head, “It is good to see you again, Maidservant Seraphiim. I’m sure it warms your fathers heart as he looks upon you this day.” And Seraphiim’s head sinks lower as if expressing gratitude.... “We do hope you find the accommodations acceptable, my Lady Antares.” she finishes stating as she turns exiting out the doorway. Seraphiim’s delicate fingertips pull her hood back slightly to peek over at Starlene, just hoping she is pleased with the seminary.

Rising Seraphiim motions Starlene to follow them out the doorway which opens to a beautiful courtyard where Tunare’s love shone through the suns rays upon a large grassy area lined with weeping cherry trees that created a flourish of beautiful green leaves and flowers softly colored in various hues of pink, purple and white. Their branches sway softly in the breeze of Tunare’s embrace, creating a wave of lace around the edges of the grassy area. Within its center stood a wide based tree that seemed tall enough to touch the heavens. Stone walkways shored up from the ground with thick planks of wood surround the courtyard with many doors leading to individual rooms. To the North a large double-door sized opening sat, with a few wide steps into a room that shone with its own beauty so brightly it was as if the suns beams shone on the glistening steps. Once again Seraphiim peeks over to Starlene, but this time a bright smile is upon her face and her eyes are kissed with such happiness that the tears they hold sparkle.

They are directed to their rooms, and the Priestess’ explanation subdues Seraphiim’s confusion. “We had decided it best to provide you both adjoining rooms. In the case you would need to seek each others counsel. There are articles for you to refresh yourselves and food on the tables should you each have needs. If something here is not sufficient, please do let us know.” With that the Priestess bows once more before exiting the room and latching the door.

Ugch, the latch. Again, Seraphiim had understood why, but still did not prefer it none the less. Seraphiim lowers her head that was still covered by the hood toward Starlene. “I beg forgiveness, my Lady Starlene. I’m sure this is all so different to you.” She had managed a bit of a smile as she pulled the hood back.

Seraphiim peeks a smile over at Starlene and stifled a giggle at her appearance. The poor Half-Elf was draped in a robe obviously much too long and the Maidservant who had met them at the door did not quite finish the alteration. Although, she was not much of a seamstress she pulls a sewing kit she had kept on hand to repair her robes for the many occassions her clumsiness had caused her to rip them. Or, at the very least hide from the Priestesses she had ripped them. Kneeling by Starlene she looks up at her with a warm smile holding in her hands a needle and thread, her voice carried a simple tone to indicate all was well and normal, "Oh, yes, it will be locked until we are summoned." Without missing a beat she continues, "If you please, my Lady Starlene, I would like to help you with your robe. It is a bit,,,," she pauses trying to think of an unoffensive word and smiles, "unfinished."

Seraphiim smiles and nods then sets to work adjusting the hem of the robe. Small gasps, with whispered prayers accompanying, for every time she stabbed her finger with the needle. She was definitely not a seamstress, but Seraphiim thought anything was better at this point.

Seraphiim’s shoulders shrug slightly at Starlenes question, another gasp, another whisper, and then a reply. “It is rare we receive visitors. And, well, some have seen fit to wander the seminary,,,, inappropriately.” She shrugs once again not giving the issue much thought.

Yet again another gasp, and another whisper before she begins to giggle softly. She raises her blue eyes, that were typically so gentle, up to Starlene and they were sprinkled with a bit of mischief. “And to keep a young girl from sneaking out at night.” With that admission she quickly lowered her head giggling once again before another soft gasp, and following whisper, came.

“The courtyard is beautiful, it’s funny that it takes minimal work to maintain it.” she began again. “The seminary was built around the tree. Some muse The Mother resides within its trunk.” She shrugs her shoulders slightly stating, “As beautiful as it is, I’m sure The Mother has a much more beautiful place to rest. At least,” she pauses peeking up the same mischievious smile that is quickly hidden as she looks at a pricked finger, “I’ve never found her in that particular tree.”

A soft giggle fills the air around them as she cannot contain it while thinking how many times she had found a way to climb the tree. The base of it so wide she would wrap a rope around it and shimmy her way up. She never could catch onto a branch, but oh how close she had come a few times. Her stubbornness to catch at least one branch kept her trying for many years until she had grown old enough to realize The Mother most likely didn’t live in this particular tree.

Finishing up the alterations Seraphiim hides a disappointed look with a smile. It was still quite off and very imperfect. She smiled apologetically up at Starlene and shrugged, “I beg forgiveness, my Lady Starlene. Perhaps a more fitting robe will come soon, I’m sure a Maidservant is working on one for you.” She smiles with hope, more that Starlene would forgive her poor sewing skills than anything else.

Seraphiims smile brightens nearly immeasurably and she quickly lowers her head in gratitude, "Oh. My Lady Starlene, if you would find that kindness in your heart I would certainly be forever grateful." To be able to stand before her Goddess. How much more of a blessing could she receive? Goosebumps covered her skin at even the thought.

Seraphiim walked over to a platter with an abundance of fruits, vegetables and breads and picked lightly at a few pieces while Starlene repaired Seraphiim's seriously inadequate attempt to hem the robe. "It is my honor you would allow my attempt, my Lady Starlene. I do beg forgiveness that my skills were lacking and you must now repair my mistakes." She giggled softly at Starlene's comment of falling when meeting the High Priestess and she looks over at her trying to comfort her, "You are much too sure-footed, my Lady Starlene. With such grace I'm sure you would have saved the misstep." Placing a few pieces of fruit aside she shakes her head addressing Starlene's question, "Oh no, my Lady. That was one of the Priestesses. I'm sure we will meet the High Priestess soon, she is very strict about being prompt."

Beautiful voices began to spill into the room filling the air and Seraphiims heart with a comforting warmth as her head raised with a smile of familiarity and warmth. She peeked over an excited smile toward Starlene and moved to where the late-afternoon sun had shone into the room and knelt within it's beams of light that washed over Seraphiim's pristine-white robe. Pulling her hood over her lowered head and placing her clasped hands into her lap Seraphiim begins to sing along, her voice falling in perfect harmony with the choir of Maidservants and Priestesses. Here she was content, singing in worship of The Mother. No troubles had found their way into her heart and it was peaceful. And she thought, perhaps, her father could hear her sing once again. Their songs had gone on for nearly an hour until a calm silence was present. Though, Seraphiim stayed a few moments longer, to linger in The Mothers presence she felt in her heart. Now was the time to ask for her blessings, and Seraphiim's requests were many.

A knock on the door and Seraphiim quickly ends her prayers while the latch was flipped and a Priestess entered, her robe much whiter than Seraphiims. The hooded figure closed the door then lowered her hooded head toward Starlene, her voice was soft as it was trained, "Greetings, my Lady Starlene. I am Priestess Shalla, I am to ensure you are well cared for until the High Priestess can see you this evening. I pray your accomodations are adequate?" Seraphiim had turned toward the hooded figure from her still kneeling position but her head popped up as soon as she recognized the voice and heard her name. She peeked up a bright smile and nearly couldn't contain herself, it was Shalla, who glanced over at Seraphiim, her smile growing broader as well. Quickly returning herself to her duties and returns her attention toward Starlene.

“My apologies, my Lady. Of course you’re accustomed to more freedom. A Druidess should be roaming the forests. I shall see what accommodations I can arrange. The High Priestess will see you two immediately.” She glances toward Seraphiim then returns her attention to Starlene lowering her head slightly. “But first, if you will please excuse me a moment, I do wish to say hello to Seraphiim. She bows her head low toward Starlene then walks over to Seraphiim taking her hands and pulling her to her feet.

The two hold each other in an affectionate embrace as a mother would her child. Shalla pulls herself back a bit pushing Seraphiim’s hood back slightly to look upon her face cupping her cheek tenderly, “You grow so much each time I see you it is as if it had been….” She stops herself and just smiles at the young woman who now stands before her. Pulling her into another hug she whispers, “Be wise with your answers.” then releases Seraphiim walking back over to Starlene bowing one more time then exits.

Seraphiim manages a smile toward Starlene before pulling the hood forward and sitting on the bed. Her heart ached, and she had only the hood to hide her fear and aching heart. Her clasped hands open to catch a tear that her delicate fingers embrace. She had grown so much, experienced so much, and fallen in love. Had she changed so much that she had outgrown her own home?

She had always been the curious one. Of all the young Koada’dal maidens who had come to the seminary, she was always the one who wanted to know more. The one who had studied writs outside of the holy books. The girl who would shimmy the trees and find ways to climb the walls of the seminary just to see what was out there.

Just studying the holy books were never enough, and it was more than once she had heard a Priestess say she was just like her mother. When asked, her father would change the subject and none of the Pirestesses would provide any information at all. So, she never knew anything about her mother, so it was always a mystery for a curious young girl.

Seraphiim jumps as there is another knock on the door and she glances at Starlene with an encouraging smile. The latch flips and an Shalla enters the room once again. She bows her head slightly, her well trained voice soft with a gentle soul of Tunare. “If you please, my Lady Antares. The High Priestess will see you both now.” Shalla glances at Seraphiim, and notices the young womans worried eyes. Her smile is warm, and would normally comfort her if she has not also been so worried.

The Priestess bows her head toward Starlene once more then steps out of the room, stopping in the hall with the door open waiting for them to follow. Seraphiim takes a soft, cleansing breath then rises waiting for Starlene to exit first and follows directly after.

The seminary is quiet, and the priestesses hurry about here and there to finish their chores for the day. Seraphiim looks at the tree of The Mother and she places her delicate fingertips to her lips. She silently whispers a prayer to Tunare, asking for strength and wisdom for the meeting.

They enter a great hall, sparsely decorated, the walls, ceiling, floors and furniture were made of stone and as white as could be. In the middle of the room sat a long table with six chairs surrounding it. One, quite larger and decorative chair sat at the head, obviously for someone of importance.

Shalla sweeps her hand toward the chairs closest to the head as five Priestesses begin filing in, their heads covered with the snow-white hood of their robes. They stand behind their chairs with Shalla and another Priestess standing at the foot of the table.

Seraphiim took a soft breath before moving behind one of the chairs at the head of the table, to sit this close to the High Priestess made her nervous. Especially given the only time she had been in this room was due to her needing to be spoken to, and even then she was only permitted to stand at the foot of the table where Shalla and another Priestess now stood.

A tall, lithe figure enters last, bringing the heads of the other Priestesses, including Seraphiim, to a lowered position out of respect for the High Priestess. Her robe was of the finest cloth to be woven within the seminary and nearly shimmered in its icy-blue color. As the elder Koada’dal her every movement bore grace and beauty.

Still yet, in her respect to their guest she lowered into a deep curtsey, similar to that which Seraphiim had always performed. Her head and eyes lowered beneath the hood, the melodic chime of the Koada’dal sprang forth with a tender voice, “Well met, my Lady Antares. I am High Priestess Elan. We are very blessed to have you visit us.” Rising, a delicate hand with the fairest skin gestures to the seat across from Seraphiim. “Please, do sit and be comfortable.”

The Priestesses slide into their seats after the High Priestess sits, with Shalla and the other Priestess remaining standing at the foot of the table. Seraphiim was grateful for the hood, praying it concealed her nervousness, though she could swear everyone could hear her nervous breath and loudly beating heart. Once again she felt like that young girl that had been summoned to the High Priestess’ chamber for climbing the tree for the first time. She had sworn she would die for how loudly and rapidly her heart had beat.

The High Priestess turns her head in Starlene’s direction, “I pray your accommodations were acceptable, my Lady Anatres?”

The High Priestess lowers her head slightly in recognition of Starlene's comments. "I do apologize, my Lady Antares. I am sure a grand-daughter of Norrath does find some of our, traditions, quite confining. I will arrange for you to tour the grounds. Perhaps in the morning? Until then, I beg forgive our traditions that conflict with your own. We have found it best to have our guests remain within their quarters, for the safety of our girls and artifacts. I'm sure you understand." Without waiting for Starlene to answer the High Priestess turns facing Seraphiim, "It is good to see you again, child." Seraphiim respetfully, and silently, lowers her head in response and the High Priestess turns once again toward Starlene. Never one to waste time she returned her attention toward Starlene, "My Lady Antares. It is my understanding you have come to speak on the childs behalf? She has delayed her vows due to, many reasons, two of which include your organization." Seraphiim's head lowers once again and the dread in her heart overpowers her causing her to place her fingertips to her lips.