Chapter 2: The Order of Enlightenment
As a young girl growing up in the Chantry, I always felt there was something more to this place than met the eye. As I grew older, I could sense a mysterious energy emanating from within the walls. I couldn't help but wonder what secrets lie hidden within the shadows of this ancient temple. I crept closer and closer to the old Chantry temple, each step feeling heavier than the last. I had heard tales of its ancient secrets brought with it from distant lands. The thought of hidden knowledge so tantalizingly close made my heart pound in anticipation. What strange powers did this place hold? Drawing a deep breath, I peered into the shadows that seemed to consume every crevice of the structure. They felt almost alive with potential possibilities. My curiosity and desire to learn more led me to become a priestess in training. Each day I rose early to attend classes and lessons on the teachings of the Chantry. I worked hard to learn all I could about the religion and teachings of my faith.
As I trained with the other students, I noticed there were certain priests who seemed to carry a mysterious aura around them. They never spoke to anyone and seemed to be in a constant state of contemplation. I wanted to know more about these mysterious priests, but no one seemed to have any information about them. I was determined to uncover their secrets, and so I began to watch them from a distance. As I was watching the priests from afar, I noticed a peculiar figure emerging from the shadows. He was wearing a long black robe with a hood pulled up over his face. I couldn't make out his features, but it seemed he was avoiding detection.
He made his way into the Chantry and disappeared into the shadows. I was determined to find out what he was up to, so I followed him. I kept my distance so as not to draw attention to myself, but I was able to keep track of him as he moved through the Chantry's corridors.
He eventually stopped in front of a large door, and with a wave of his hand, the door opened. He stepped through, and as I watched, the door closed behind him. I was now determined to find out what he was up to, so I quickly made my way to the door and tried to open it.
It was locked from the inside, and I could not open it. I was about to give up when I heard a voice from within the room. It was the mysterious priest's voice, and he was speaking in a strange language. I could not understand what he was saying, but I felt a chill run down my spine as I heard the words.
I watched as the priest emerged from the room and made his way back into the shadows. I was more determined than ever to find out what was going on in that room, and so I decided to follow him.
I followed him for days, waiting for the right moment to strike. Finally, one night he was alone in his room and I decided to confront him. I approached him cautiously, watching warily for any sign of surprise or alarm. He seemed to sense my presence though and turned to face me before I could say a word. "What do you want?" he demanded gruffly. I gulped, inwardly steeling myself before speaking in a steady voice. "I heard about the secret order of priests," I said firmly, gauging his reaction carefully. His answer shocked me; instead of dismissing me outright, his expression shifted into one of surprised curiosity.
"You've heard of them have you?" he said guardedly as he looked around to make sure we were truly alone.
He began to tell me more, his words careful and measured. He said that they were a group who went after dark magic, searching for ancient artifacts of immense power, hidden and forgotten by time. "Right now," he went on, "we are tracking down an ancient werewolf clan. Our goal is to find their insignia so we can use it against them. We believe it holds some kind of power over them.
I raised my eyebrows, intrigued by the secrecy of this order. I asked him what was so special about them, that they needed such privacy, and he told me that it wasn't special but something to be expected, since the chantry saw them as important allies. He went on to explain that their task had been given to them ages ago by the Goddess Solaria herself, a mission intended to bring light back into the world.
I had stumbled upon something quite extraordinary. I couldn't believe that this man was not only aware of the mysterious order of priests, but he knew their purpose and affiliations as well! "It's true," he said in a low tone that could barely be heard over the crackling fire.
You know that it is a secret order only comprised of highly selected individuals?" I nodded slowly, my heart beginning to beat faster in anticipation.
He continued with a dramatic flourish, revealing that these priests were renowned for their wisdom and ability to apprehend the hidden knowledge all around us.
He nodded, his eyes twinkling with surprise. He seemed to be looking deep into my soul as he spoke of this strange Order of Enlightenment. From what he said, they followed the old ways and had kept them alive in secret for generations; sharing mysterious teachings about the Goddess' faith in hidden corners of our world.
"You're right," he finally said and put a hand on my shoulder. He told me that if I wanted to join them and accept their teachings, then they would gladly accept me as one of their own. His words carried an odd chill that made my skin crawl; there was something thrilling yet terrifying about his offer. I silently marveled at his words, feeling overwhelmed by his showing of trust in me. Nonetheless, I accepted without hesitation and thought about what this could mean for both my life and faith from here on out.
As I stepped out of the stone chamber, my head felt oddly light. Despite an unreadable expression, the priest welcomed me into the order with a courteous nod and said he had to return to his prayers. Before leaving, though, he gave me one last instruction: meet the group at the greenhouse tomorrow morning. I should meet the group for further instructions.
My mind raced as I emerged from the depths of this centuries-old complex; what lay ahead of me?
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone