[center][h1][color=CCCCFF]December[/color][/h1]
[@Stern Algorithm][/center]

[quote]
[color=a187be]"I will protect her with every fiber of my being,"[/color] Lexus Dominiel declared. Upon hearing that December wished to go to the Mage's Guild, rather than find lodging, Lexus Dominiel asked, [color=a187be]"Shall I follow you to ascertain your place of lodging first, or shall I head straight to the temple until I am summoned?"[/color]
[/quote]

[color=CCCCFF]"As long as you keep Akena safe, you're free to do as you please, Lexus. Just don't cause trouble for the people here."[/color] She hesitated upon speaking those last few words. If she were honest with herself, she was more concerned about Lexus stirring up trouble than Himitsu. Its narrow view of the world was troublesome enough, that fact that December herself was the center of it only complicated matters further. While she appreciated his loyalty, she didn't enjoy having to choose her words carefully around the golem, and wouldn't mind a little bit of time apart.

[color=CCCCFF]"Once we find lodging, I'll come find you."[/color]
Keeping track of his whereabouts wouldn't be too hard. December was bonded with Akena in more ways than one. In YGGDRASIL, she could pull up the map and see where Akena and her heartstone were. Even though the map feature was now unavailable, she intuitively knew where they were at all times. It was just one of many strange things December had to acclimate to during their trip.

[hr]
[center][h1]Faithful of Tesarion[/h1]
[@hivekiller][/center]

[b]"My great-grandmother prophesied that a savior would come during my generation,"[/b] she said with quivering lips. [b]"We've awaited your return for centuries. Even I began to question my faith."[/b] Tears streamed down Lethe's cheeks as she struggled with a tumultuous roil of emotion, but her eyes held an implacable resolve. 

[b]"We can finally sing a song of victory!"[/b]

The others began rejoicing loudly. Every one of them began singing an upbeat tune which instilled any listener with an exuberant energy. As if having broken an invisible dam, magic filled the air, heavy and oppressive, but warm and inviting like a summer rain. Motes of golden light began to collect along the ground and float into the air, only to dissolve into the winds blowing overhead.

The performance was infectious.

The fog began to clear as the precession danced their way out of the ruins: every step, twist, and turn flawlessly coordinated to match the rhythm of the choir. Every blade of grass danced along with them; every stretch of vine pulsed to their music, and the diminutive streams held a faint amber glow.

[quote]
[color=00aeef]"Let us go back to your families and home. We have a lot to discuss."[/color][/quote]

[b]"Yes, Lord Kalduk!"[/b] Lethe brushed away her tears of joy and bent forward, quickly bowing to SilverCoffee in reverence. [b]"Please forgive me! I've gotten carried away. I swear on my life that I will become the finest servant of Tesarion to have ever lived."[/b] She drew in a breath, trying to calm herself.

[quote]
[color=00aeef]"Lethe... I wanted to know, how much do you know about The Lands of Fright, The Lord of Tesarion and the Neverborn."[/color] SilverCoffee asked. If he was to pose as one of their lord or god, he should know all of their cultures and religions. 
[/quote]

[i]Is... is this a test?[/i] Lethe almost ventured a direct look at her lord and savior when he broached such questions. [i]I will not fail![/i]

[b]"We have done just as you bid and stayed true to our Blood Oath, keeping our history alive in dance, song and prose. The high priestess whom martyred herself at your altar to become the bridge between this world and the Lands of Fright is my honored ancestor. As the first servant of Tesarion, her blessing of divine knowledge resides in my heart now."[/b] Her hand unconsciously moved to cover her chest. [b]"Only through blood rituals have we been able to preserve it."[/b]
Tears began to well in her eyes again as she boldly met SilverCoffee's gaze.
[b]"I must confess I know only what the Lords taught my ancestor before they left to defeat the Neverborn, but the memories of our people flow through my blood. If it is your desire my Lord Kalduk, then I will offer my heart to you, so you may feast upon on it, drink my blood, and learn everything I know for yourself."[/b]
Lethe hesitated to speak. The words caught in her throat as a glimmer of fear raced behind her eyes. It was fleeting, and quickly replaced with a shining resolve. 
[b]"My duty is fulfilled in guiding you home. You have the power to call the other Lords of Tesarion, so the first servant is no longer needed. I would never presume to overstep my bounds and will gladly sacrifice myself for you."[/b]