𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝔹𝕚𝕤𝕙𝕠𝕡

She would find none. “We have a deal then.” And her word was her bond. There would be no prying, at least not from the Bishop.

“Now, Hannah, tell me, where do you come from?”

The woman smiled softly. “A gift for you…. For being curious, for seeking knowledge.” If Clarice opened it, a small but ornate pendant would rest inside. Its shape was a seven point star with the shape of an eye engraved in the middle.

“It is a good luck charm.”

If anything was trying those barriers, Hannah would not feel it. The Bishop would help Hannah to her feet then release the hand.

“I would ask that you try not to probe my mind without allowing me to… safeguard certain memories.

But I do understand being afraid to trust.”

“But you tried. The pursuit of knowledge, not the acquisition, is the true quest.” The woman turned, offering a small wrapped package, tied with a lace bow.

“For you.”

“It is alright to not be calm.

What you saw was painful… unexpected. Your emotions are valid and I do not blame you for lashing out. Just understand, I did not mean for you to see it.”

The Bishop offered a hand, standing up, dust and dirt falling from her robes like water. She was still clean.

The Bishop would be near the same spot, knelt down and examining a small bit of green against the dry brown. “This is a daffodil, the beginning of one.

Now, tell me, what have you learned?”

“If you would like to go now, I would happily lead the way,” she offered with a small sweep of her hand.

“Or would you visit to come at another time?”

“The Ones Before do not have a preferred means of worship. Some pray, some give offerings.

Worship is not required to use the chapel. The doors are open to all, for shelter or worship.”

As the light crept back in, the woman stood. “Should you wish to join me in prayer again, or simply are searching for company, the chapel is almost complete.

You, like all others, are welcome.”

+ in a blanket by their mother.

A silence hung in the air, the prayer was complete. “Thank you. They will watch over you.”

+ being watched.

Above them, an aura began to dance and shimmer, first softly then not-quite violently, like a the sheen of satin being pulled apart.

And in the tears, the Akladian would see stars. More stars than were possible.

And then, a comfort, like the kind when a sick child is wrapped +

The woman smiled softly behind her veil.“To the ones from before.”

She spoke softly in a language forgotten by most. Tabitha would feel a chill settle on her skin as the world around them seemingly darkened, like an eclipse that took the warmth of the sun. And with the cold, came a feeling of +

Will you make me holy?

And so many have to learn it at too young of an age.

(She’d kneel before the woman, offering a hand.)

May I say a prayer for you?

We don’t know when time will run out.

It is unfair. It is why it is so important to cherish what we have while we have it.

It is a sad truth that all things end. Eras, lives, worlds…

Oh, my dear. I am so truly sorry.

To lose a home you will never truly know, it is a deeper pain than most will ever understand.

Tabitha meaning gracious. It is a pleasure to meet you.

Tell me, where do you hail from? You are truly beautiful.

Oh, my apologies, child. Many refer to me simply as the Bishop.

I meant no harm nor did I mean to intrude on your musings.

Only a truly compassionate heart would look at the promise eternal life and see past the gilded exterior, would have their heart ache for the loneliness of it.

I won’t interfere with your rule or your settlement. Pretend I am not here.

“Then, I have a test for you. Discover why and return here. If you do, I will have a gift for you.”

Do not worry yourself. I am here to help.

Bless you.

“And do you know why that is?” There was a mixture of actual curiosity and probing for Clarice to keep talking about her passion areas.

“It is always so good to see young ones with a love for knowledge.

Tell me, what is the most fascinating thing you have learned?”

Something is coming.

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Clarice.

And do you enjoy science as well?”

“That is a simplification of them, but yes. You are quite smart for one so young.

Many call me the Bishop. May have something to call you?”

“To most, yes.” She knelt to be at eye-level with the teen.

“Oaths like that… they hold power for many.”