Dailin wasn’t having a good day, not a fine, nor even a bad one. No, it was to the point of being downright awful. In ways, he was still beginning to figure out. His children who’d he thought were bundles of joy hidden underneath a mask of cold indifference around people. Were in fact actually cold-hearted people.

“Explain to me again,” he said, “Why did you all think I wanted this?”

One of his children answered, “It's not about want, Papa.” The girl said her head down nearly touching the floor as they all prostrated themselves. “It’s what you needed, what your House needed.”

Tealhun began to talk, her voice returning after his initial outburst. She was sitting on the floor rather than bowing to Dailin like the rest. “They needed to be removed Papa, if not us the Houses Above would have eventually, and they wouldn’t have been as surgical in the cleansing.”

Cleansing, how he hated how they kept using that word. How they hid behind it rather than facing the truth of the matter, that all of them had committed parricide. ‘No more than that.’ He thought the anger that had made him acting brashly whispered in his ear. The rage that had him damage his room with an eruption of chants. Slowly began to build back up, he pushed it down, his weariness helping in the act.

He sighed, head cupped in his hands as he thought over the mess his children had dumped into his lap. All his Maidens were dead, his main down to the Giftless. By his children word, they made sure not a single one remained before coming to him. He wouldn’t hide the fact that for most he didn’t actually care they were gone. He didn’t even know many of the women’s names, the loss of Younna, Zulae, Unthee, and Sothsea however stung. They may not have cared for him personally, only gave him attention because of what he offered. But Dailin didn’t mind, he still cared, because they were the only ones in this city to take him in. To give him a chance, while everyone else ignored him, or gave threats. Now they were gone, the worst part was it’s his fault.

He grew in Worth to quick, became an object everyone wanted, his children weren’t wrong that someone would have come for him or those he cared for. He was prepared for that outcome, with the spells at his command and the difficulty it was to kill him now. He was confident that any threat these other groups would have thrown at him, he would have been able to deal with.

That had been a costly assumption to have, those better minded than him used his own family to do the work. That wasn’t something he could fight, he would be forced to choose between his kids or the women he slept with and was grateful towards.

“You could have told me about this problem first!” He yelled, leaning forward in his chair as he stared down at the remnants of his family, his voice echoing loud around the room. Not with warmth, more of heat from a fire to close for comfort.

“We couldn’t risk it,” Tealhun was on the floor the boom of his voice frightening her. “Whatever we told you, Papa, you would have gone and asked our Mothers opinion. They would have told endless amounts of lies, anything it would take to make sure they would be left in charge. Then after you were led astray, our Mothers would have turned on those who spoke out against them.”

Dailin was going to retort the claim, but he held his tongue, there was sadly truth in the child's words. He would have gone to Younna, demanded to know if the threat had merit. It was also true he would likely never notice if some of his children went missing, not with a continuing stream of them being born. No, he would only see the truth after these ‘Faceless’ appeared and started killing everyone on sight.

He grunted in frustration, this realm was driving him made. They had legions of monsters outside running amuck killing everything, yet here Dailin was dealing with an internal threat. “I can see the merit in your words Tealhun,” he said through gritted teeth. “But it doesn’t change the fact that all of you planned and played a part in slaughtering your own. No matter how needed you claim it to be, this act will never sit well with me.” His voice grew in volume with every word, the rage in him affecting the mana, having it arc across his form in a display of flashing light. None of his children could see this however, no they were shiver in fear heads touching the floor.

Tealhun pushed herself up tears falling down her face, she looked at him, their eyes meeting. Dailin saw within those orbs a mountain of determination. The tears weren’t of remorse for what she done. It was fear and hurt that he wasn’t praising her. No, his heart ached at the thought, his daughter hadn’t the slightest bit of sorrow for the atrocity unleashed. None of them did probably.

“Our own?” Tealhun finally spoke, “We went through great pains to ensure none of your Children were harmed Papa, and we succeeded.” She outstretched her arms to him, fanning out, motion to the children around her.

Dailin stared, dumbfounded, waiting for her to notice the mistake. Her face grew worried as the silence dragged on, and he remained staring at her. He had to close his eyes, focus on breathing and holding back his anger. His last outburst had been enough to cow them. That and Dailin had been lucky none of them had been hurt as Chants lashed out around him.

He breathed out, his body shivering from the turmoil this hour had brought. He opened his eyes and continued staring Tealhun down, she was looking at the floor now.

“Then,” he said “What about my children that laid within the wombs of those you killed? Did you save them as well? He waited for an answer, he knew it even though his daughter didn’t speak. The worried expression she gave him was enough.

“No, I see, then Tealhun you did very much kill your own!” his knuckles popped as his hand gripped the armchair tighter.

“Papa please" Tealhun pleaded “I accept fault for that, but it would have been impossible to free you if we’d been forced to wait for none of your Maidens to be pregnant.”

“I am Free!” he shouted, the room shook and his children began to whimper. Save for one, she stared at him defiantly, anger showing for the first time.

“No,” she said her voice quiet, but to him, it boomed in his ears. “You were not free Papa, you were blind, still are, our Mothers did a fine work, that I’ll admit.

“What?!” he found himself standing the chair behind him skidding away. His skin glowed, and the air around him rippled with pent-up mana waiting for the briefest of commands to be released. “I’m the one in charge, the Founder, They came to me for my approval for every decision for this House. The Soulless, the lowly Maidens, they were my choice!”

He was going to proclaim more, but the slight laughing coming from his daughter, whose head was lowered, slowly shaking side to side held his tongue.

“Tealhun.” Said one of the daughters close to her, the voice low. Tealhun waved a hand at her sister and raised her head to look at him. “False choices Papa. How many lies did they flood you with before you made a decision? It had to be a lake full, for if I’d known you were this blind Papa, I would committed this Cleansing Tempos ago.

Dailin rage flared as he stomped the floor, the room shook, and long cracks ran across the floor. “Stopping saying that cursed word!” he screamed “Stop hiding behind it, you killed your Mothers, your brothers and sisters, and the Servants that loyally followed us.” Lightning sparked from him, striking the floor, walls, and ceiling in a dazzling display.

“And I would do it again.” Tealhun screamed back at him “I do not use that word to hide from the act. I use it for that is the best description of what was done. They were vermin, leeches, attached to you Papa, feeding off you and dragging you down. They were going to be the death of us all that is most clear.”

It took all of Dailin will not lash out with a whip of power. With the mana in him so excited it would likely sent his daughter head flying off. He took larger deep breaths, his vision narrowing on Tealhun. “You think me a fool, that I would let harm come to my House?” he finally said.

“No,” Tealhun said her voice going soft “You're no fool Papa, you’re a kind man, that had Maidens use that against you. Used it to lead you astray, to keep you blind so they could remain by you when you should have brought those worthier to your circle.”

“That would have cause infighting, Maidens fighting each other for dominance,” Dailin said his voice lowering, the rage diminishing.

Tealhun gave him a look of pity “As it should, as it is, those close to you need to prove their Worth, to show they belong by your side.

“Madness,” Dailin said in a hushed whisper “You want this? Children killing each other, a House at war with itself?”

“That,” Tealhun voice growing tired “Isn’t how it goes, a Cleansing, Papa is the final act of desperation to purge those that would drag all down. The Prime Maidens caused this, filling our House with the unworthy, making us easier targets for all outside these walls. Dailin glared at his child.

“Please Papa” Tealhun bowed her head “As I said, if we hadn’t done this those Above would have, perhaps even to the point of taking you away by force.”

“They would never be able to take me,” Dailin said, though the thought had him worry, he had no interest in fighting two foes at once. The Nightmares were bad enough, but Chanters as well, that was the last thing he needed.

“True Papa, but they could kill your whole House, have you start over, make life difficult enough that you’d come to them just to have peace.”

That wasn’t a pleasant thought, the anger in him screamed he would kill them all if they dared. But that would intensive the problem, and likely have him falling into their hands.

Every kill came with a cost, a debt placed against his name. If he began killing those with great standing he would soon find himself in need of a Backer. Or worse forced to sell his services to the very people he was fighting, if he wanted to remain in Sanctum walls.

“If this is true, so well known, why did Younna and the rest risk bringing in so many lowly?” He asked, thoughts running through his mind, if this was fact, his Maidens were risking the death of all he loved merely to stay in command. Something he could have given them, even if they didn’t have the supposed Worth for the spot.

“Oh, Papa.” Tealhun looked up at the ceiling, closed her eyes, and for a moment looked to be praying before she readdressed him again. “Our Mothers ability to blind to this was, without a doubt their greatest achievement.” Dailin gave her an annoyed look, his temper rising with the act of him being talked down to by his own daughter.

She continued “Your blessed Papa, people would give everything they had just to be around you. The same for our Mothers, even if it was detrimental to your House or would get us all killed, they didn’t care. For their cursed acts let them stay by your side, be in the embrace of your divine light. The lowly our Mothers brought in helped maintain this Papa. None would have the Worth to challenge them.”

She sighed weariness showing “Yet that wasn’t enough, in their desperation, they turned to the Soulless.”

Dailin opened then closed his mouth ready to claim the Giftless had been needed. That blessed Servants of other Houses couldn’t be trusted. But those were Younna words, and his daughter had shown a different reason. ‘Competition’ Dailin would never have pushed Younna nor the others aside, not after they helped him in his time of need. But would they have ever believed him? After the display his children showed, how even blood would betray one another without remorse, he couldn’t think of a reason they would. ‘They’re all mad, a twisted people with dark-

‘Souls.’

‘Oh, gods have I been falling towards hell?’ Was his lives more difficult not only because of low standing, but also the people in those realms were crueler than before? His thought was disrupted as Tealhun continued to speak.

“Papa, even though it angers you, those Soulless and your children that laying them within had to be removed. Those Above would not let that slight remain, they would have come to wipe it away. You made it only worse by refusing the offer they sent, then soon after laying with beasts.”

“Was that your work?” he asked eyeing the child “Is that how a messenger got to me?”

Tealhun faced him, head high, back straight. “Yes,” she said proudly “It should have ended there, you free and away from the women who blinded you.”

“All of it for nothing.” She said exasperated, “our Mothers had already sunk their fangs deep into you, somehow convinced you to refuse your proper place.”

He grunted at her, and glanced back at his chair and had it hover back over to him so he could sit. His body didn’t want to, the mana within was ready, coursing rapidly through him. But mentally his was exhausted, this problem was not the kind he was well at dealing with. The dread hanging over him from his instinct wasn’t helping either. He let out a long drawn out sigh as he sat, trying to get comfortable before bringing his attention back to his children.

“My Maidens, your Mothers had nothing to do with that, they were just as surprised as you when I declined it.”

He could see Tealhun jaw tense, readying for another argument. So he raised a hand and continued to speak. “It was a blessed offer, no doubt about it, everything they had thought I would want to be provided in abundance. But the offer had me abandoning my House, my family.” He stared hard at his child “Did we really think I would agree with that? That I would leave you all to fend for yourselves?”

Realization showed in Tealhun eyes, but not in the manner he expected. She exhaled, her straight stance going crooked as she rubbed her eyes. “There, I see was my mistake, for all you blessings Papa, even as one of the divines, you're still in the end, a male.”

Dailin brow rose as he gave her a questionable look, she elaborated when her gaze returned and saw his face. “You’re accustomed to taking any offer given to you, never once thinking about countering with one of your own. Is it safe to assume our Mothers bought everything, dealt with bargaining with others?

He reluctantly nodded, he’d not bought anything himself since coming under his Maidens care, a boon in his view. He found the constant haggling tiresome. More than once he had wished this culture had a commonly used coinage.

“This Papa was what I meant that not knowing your Worth was our Mothers greatest feat. The Houses Above would have taken any counter offer you sent, no matter how demanding. It would have been a simple matter to bring all your children along to live in a Tower, to be cared for and treated as high born should.”

“I don’t have custody over any of you Tealhun,” He rebuked. Your Mothers would have fought me, and I would have been forced to bring them along as well, into a den of monsters that would have quickly killed them. But more importantly daughter I wouldn’t be the head of the Household anymore. If the Maidens Above was to do something I opposed. There would have been very little I could have done without committing to outright force.”

His comment left Tealhun rubbing one of her temples in clear frustration, at him, or herself he wasn’t sure. “Then you could have asked for our Mothers to be killed. The matter would have been dealt with. If you wanted to be merciful you could have offered them enough Worth that they would have handed you custody of us. As for some decision you found ill with, I find that unlikely Papa. Once in their care, the Maidens of that House would have made it a top priority to keep you happy and content, or risk you looking for a better House.”

She looked into his eyes and for a moment it felt like he was the child been scolded, he frowned at her. “I mean no slight Papa, this is my worst failing, I expected you to knew things that your group is rarely trained in. that and the Givers constantly blessing you. It has made you completely confused about your value. But don’t worry I or any of your daughters won't hesitate to train you, help you overcome this fault.”

Dailin sank into his chair. ‘I could have avoided all of this?’ he had the power in his hands the whole time? Those questions had the anger in him turning upon itself, self-hatred it was something he was unfortunately accustomed to. He’d made many mistakes over the endless streams of lives. He did his best to ignore it, such hate had never helped him in the past, and certainly, won't in this twisted society.

“There is wisdom in your words” Tealhum smiled at him “Still it doesn’t change what happened, you helped kill your own, helped enemies of our House do as they please in my halls.”

His words had Tealhun look of achievement fade, but it wasn't replaced with fear or worry. “If not me, then someone else would have, if not any of us, those higher Houses would still have sent the Faceless. This Cleansing was being planned and made ready before I arrived Papa. The moment your child were appraised and marked chosen this outcome was bound to happen. Our Mothers made it so, blinded by your Light, as I was, as many will, such is the cost of divinity.”

“So I’m to ignore this transgression?” Dailin asked is voice growing heated again. “To let it pass me by because it was meant to be?”

“No Papa, I’m just telling you why this happened, and that it could come to pass again.” Dailin brows furrowed, eyes folding sharp into a look of rage. Tealhun made her features soft, her words kind. “It’s always a possibility Papa, for you most of all, the Giver blesses you every Rotation, your Worth continues to grow, more of the eyes from Above will turn towards you, and they will be judging.”

Dailin appearance loosened, the anger slipping away. Tealhun words carried on, “They will judge all around you, decide if those that care and protect you are Worthy of the Task, if not? Well, you have already been shown what happens. But” Tealhun raised her voice “it’s your right to demand offerings for the loss that a Cleansing will occur. The House above won’t hesitate to deliver reimbursement.”

Dailin closed his eyes, held back the tears of rage and sorrow that wished to flow. He didn’t want reimbursement, he wanted revenge, retribution against those who had his children killed. Simply because they weren’t “Worthy”. A foreign thought to these people, even to his own children. Everyone saw each other as a tool, objects to be used then discarded when the time arose. His heart ached, how long would his children show love if he wasn’t so blessed? How long before they turned on him? Throw him out or just killed him for being lowly.

Dailin took deep breaths, desperately holding back the cries of sorrow, Tealhun misinterpreted his action. “I know your anger Papa, we all are, those Above and our Mothers forced us to actions that displeased you. But please Papa, don’t let rage guide your actions, even blessed as you are, you’re still vulnerable. Most of the higher Houses funded this cleansing, to act against them would have you occur a debt even you can’t ignore.

“Your right” Dailin said forcing out the words through his quivering throat. He thanked the gods it came out neutral. “Leave me. All of you, I need time to think.” He kept his eyes closed, yet could picture them all perfectly with his ears as they moved as one. They headed out, none speaking a word, and gently closed the door behind them.

When they were all gone, he let the tears drip out as he placed his hands over his face. He leaned forward head aimed at the floor. He stayed in that positions for some time, let the tears drain from him as he let his addled mind go blank. Once his need for soft moaning was done, he hummed the tears away, got his mind streaming through the words his daughter had told him.

Much of it could be lies, the same for his Maidens, it’s not like he had a way to verify their words. He stayed within these walls, he didn’t have contacts. Even when he was on his own he only went to well-known places where information could be easily found.

“What a mess.” if Tealhun was right, this will become a common event for him. One moment everyone is getting long, then he turns away and everyone begins hacking away at each other. It didn’t make Dailin feel well that he was the cause. That merely by being here he was putting his loved ones at risk.

How long would it be before the remaining children were deemed unworthy to be around him? In fact, Dailin was worried about the chance of another assault taking place soon, his House was rather empty now. All the Giftless were gone, his Maidens gone, both of whom made up the bulk of those who kept the halls clean, cooked the food, washed clothes. Basically did everything.

Dailin curled into a ball, his chin resting on his knees. He didn’t feel all that safe anymore, monsters all around him. ‘Some much for a Sanctum being a safe place for my kids to grow up.’ Even with them more gifted than most, he was pulling too much attention to them all. Dailin doubts his kids would leave him even if he told them so. They likely have a meltdown or do something reckless to prove their Worthy to be by his side.

He groaned things had been going so well, at least to him, apparently not for his House. At least he knew better now, bringing in those of little Worth was a mistake in more ways than one. Dailin could make demands, ask for payment, but how much would he really get? For the Giftless? Likely nothing, or maybe a pair of clothing if the Houses wanted to be kind. His Maidens? Most were low in Worth themselves, even Younna wasn’t actually high in demand.

A long drawn out sigh echoed the chamber “I’m an idiot.” Looking at it now, Dailin was somewhat surprised this hadn’t happened sooner, even a small family could have pulled enough Worth together to afford an assault against his home. As long as they avoided harming his grown children it would have been easy.

He began to acquire some resentment towards Younna, it was her ideas after all that led to this. It was supposed to make it so outsiders couldn’t worm into his House and fill it with spies.

Dailin chuckled ‘That went well, all my children turned against me, or for me.’ He wasn't used to people fighting over him, not in this zealous of a manner. It made the concept stand out more. That he was a prize rather than a person, even to his own kids, a realization that was making his heartthrob. It was becoming clear these people as a whole only cared about power. Nothing else seemed to be considered. No, all that mattered was one's Worth, how much better they were than everyone else.

‘I suppose it's fortunate I never revealed my secret to the kids.’ He’d been planning to, once he was sure the easy access to power wouldn’t make them go mad. A good thing, since now he knew they already were. He still loved them, even as monsters, they were still his. But that didn’t mean he would be careless, even though it was to his benefit for them to be as strong as possible.

The Shards picture of the outside was growing darker. Ancients seemed to be more frequent now, and Regular Nightmares continued to grow in size at an alarming rate. The feeling of dread remained the same, but he suspected it was because of the growth rate gained from draining Hearts.

If it wasn’t due to the Nightmares outside, Dailin could leave this mess behind him, take his children, with others who wished to follow and start a new Settlement. His children would be safe, and maybe he could get people to stop killing each other in the attempted to claim him. Instead, he was stuck here, even if he left for another Sanctum it would likely be the same.

Dailin hugged himself tighter, fear taking hold. Fear of the future, for is child wasn’t wrong, this mess was possibly the first of a long line that will follow him. It will get worse for he couldn’t stop improving himself, even if it put those he cared for in danger. The threat outside called to him, and he’ll be forced to face it or hopefully have the strength to run and carry his children with him. No matter what choice he makes people were going to die because of him.

‘I just wanted a comfortable life, carefree and full of pleasant days. Is that really asking too much?’ Life seemed to be saying yes. What comfort he may have claimed, will, if he’s not ready, be ripped away. Dailin turned his head and looked to the Hearts that laid scattered across the floor. The simmering heat in his chest began to build again, the rage of people taking what he cared and tossing it aside made his body go rigid.

People were always going to want him now, pulled to his light as an insect pulled to flame. Perhaps he should become one, glow so bright that people begin to burn once they got to close when they tried to take him for themselves. If he was of high enough Worth perhaps he could stop this sort of thing from happening to his family again. People too afraid of angering him, to attempt a cleansing. If they did, if he had the Worth he could reduce them to ash.

He unfolded himself, and hummed the Hearts to him, collecting in his lap. ‘I don’t really have a choice, the monsters outside want to snuff me out, the ones in here want to cage me.’ Tealhun had been right, he wasn’t free, not yet.

“But I will be.” He said as he held a glowing heart in his hand.

--------------------

Tealhun laid face down into her pillow, Sounness laying on top of her massaging her back. Tealhun had never felt so exhausted, the enlightenment to free her Papa taking more than she could conceive. She had been terrified like the rest of her cowed sisters and brothers that hadn’t lend a smidgen of aid to console Papa. As before it fell to Tealhun and Sounness who’d been able to voice some support before their Papa wrath claimed her. He’d been a sight to behold, the Chamber alight with his Wards glowing with life, his soul displayed to all. Showing how easy it could have been for him to remove them. But Tealhun knew he wouldn’t, no her Papa cared too much, far too much. That had her worried, that he carried enough to moan even unborn, would make things difficult to keep him appeased.

But even if she’d know that piece of knowledge beforehand, Tealhun would still have ordered the Cleansing. There would have never been a chance to remove the unwanted otherwise, there would have been at least one Maiden pregnant at all times. Her Papa asked for the impossible, yet it still pained her to have failed him, to have caused him grief.

Yet Tealhun couldn’t help but shudder in relief, that it had been them to remove the filth from their home. If an outside House had done it, Tealhun had no delusions she’s would have been able to keep Papas anger back. That he wouldn’t have rushed off and killed every intruder regardless of Worth. It would have been an utter disaster, for those on High would have come down to watch the Cleansing take place. Papa wouldn’t have cared, not from the anger Tealhun had witnessed. His wrath would have consumed all, the groups that remained, would rush to place marks upon him. Demands debts be paid or settled. Her Papa even as mighty as he is couldn’t face all those Above, not alone.

If Tealhuns plans went smoothly, her Papa wouldn’t. ‘He’ll have an army of his Chosen at his back supporting him.’ The first step towards that end had been done, though it hadn’t gone as well as she had hoped. Tealhun thought she had a grasp of how blind her Papa was, how much their Mothers had cursed him. How wrong she had been, it had nearly cost them greatly. If he’d been a normal man Tealhun and all her cohorts would be dead now, or sent to the front. Her Mothers had done well in their Task to bind Papa to them, even if it was going to get everyone killed. Tealhun still admired their tenacity.

Her Mothers left Tealhun in a difficult position, though her Papa is the head of the Household, and should be making the decision, organizing the development of the House. His display of ignorance had Tealhun hesitant to let that happen, she, or however Tealhun could convince Papa to take, would have to guide him. In beginning, until he was trained, and was able to run the House all on his own. Something Tealhun suspected her Papa didn’t have the slightest clue how to do. Her Mothers seemed to be the ones handling everything, while Papa, focused on higher matters.

More things she needed to fix, a Task that would take an Arc at least. Depending on how helpful her Papa would be, some males don’t take to learning the ways of Household care all that well. Finding it tedious, or below them, so they take in the information halfheartedly.

If her Papa was the same Tealhun would live with it. Assign herself or a sister to help run the House. If their Papa agreed to it, she hoped he would, that he would forgive them. That he would let go of his lowly grievances. All they do is for his benefit, how Tealhun wished he would understand.

She sighed into her pillow, moved her head to the side and glanced at Sounness. Her sister was in a trance, the outburst of Papa anger had caused fear to run freely though Sounness. “Thank you, sister, for backing me in our confession, I know it took much from you to voice against him.”

Sounness eyes became undazed her vision returning as she stared into Tealhun eye. “I wished I could have said more, but his radiance was too much.” Sounness hands stopped massaging Tealhun back, her sister instead deciding to lay on top of her. Both of them exhausted by the Rotations turning events. “Is Papa going to remove us Tealhun?” her sister asked, the only one in the chamber willing to voice the question all had on their minds.

“I think not.” Tealhun said “If he had such thoughts he’d have acted on them while rage held him. Instead, he stayed his hand and listen to our words. Our Papa is a kind man, which as you’ve seen comes at a cost. He cares too much, even for those that lessen him.”

The chamber was quiet for a time, all them spent, even though much still needed to be done. Removing their Mothers other children had been more taxing than Tealhun had expected. The others had been planning a coup of their own, luckily it was only beginning. Still, it led to pockets of resistance as Servants railed together. Tealhun brothers and sisters won of course, not even coming close to losing one of their own. But it had taken longer than expected, and cost them more soul than Tealhun wanted. Not with the possibility of the Faceless coming back with new Tasks.

“I still have done it”, Sounness said interrupting Tealhun thoughts. “Even though it angers him, I wouldn’t have hesitated in the task of Cleansing our Home.” Sisters around them murmured in agreement, the act had pride whirl within Tealhun. To have sisters willing to do what was necessary, rather than lowly scum only trying to gain Papas favor.

“You’re a guide to us all Sounness”, Tealhun wishing she could reach around and hug her sister. “It is likely something that will happen again, our Papas kindness will get in the way of necessity. It’s up to all of us to do what he will not, even if it leads to us earning his scorn.” The room quieted again, her words bringing home the truth of how needed they all we’re for their House, and Papas wellbeing.

“I’m sorry,” Tealhun said breaking the silence. “I wanted you to be there when Unthee died, but she proved a difficult one to corner.”

Sounness rubbed her head into Tealhun back, “No grievance was taken sister, I’ve found peace with the knowledge that she’s dead, and died unable to even fight back. That’s enough for me.”

Tealhun wasn’t sure what to aid, so she let the matter settle, if Sounness found peace Tealhun wouldn’t disrupt it. Her sister needed that more than anyone. Unthee always loved to use Sounness as an example, something about the eyes their teacher always said. ‘Too much will inside.’ Unthee would claim ‘Needs to be diluted, she needs to know her place.’

It didn’t work. Unthee never did break Sounness, but her sister did learn to hide it, to give eyes of an empty mind, ready to follow any command without question.

Tealhun let herself slip into sleep, allowed two Rounds to pass before willing her body to attend to higher matters. The House had to be put into order, for the first time all of her sisters and brothers had a Task to complete. Something many were thrilled about, even if it involved cleaning. They’ve had idle hands for too long, all of them knew this. They were supposed to be out earning Worth, spreading the name of their House. With no Maidens around, and the chain of their Mothers gone they could finally do as they pleased.

A list needed to be formed, there was numerous Tasks they could do. Sadly they would be confined to the many Tasks that didn’t provide the most Worth, but it was a start. Once their names and souls became well known, better Tasks, perhaps even offers would come to them. Her brothers could even follow in their Papa steps, selling their seed to lower Houses. They had fine channels, inherited many of Papa blessings, people would come to them. There was so much they could have done they had the souls to accomplish most tasks. Yet they have been left to linger bored within their House halls, contributing nothing.

Tealhun Mothers were to blame, thinking only of quick gains, it was no secret that their Mothers wanted to send most of them off outside to earn easy Worth, even at the cost of their lives. Yet another thing Tealhun was gratefully towards her Papa for. His outright refusal to have them placed into Task that could get them harmed or killed was a boon that helped Tealhun the most. It saved Tealhun brothers and was one of the main reasons they turned against their Mothers.

Sounness pulled Tealhun from her mussing “Uoth is wanting for us in the Council Chamber” she said heading towards Tealhun then walking with her. “Our sister says the number of watchers outside has doubled, and there have been scuffles down passages that lead to our estate.”

Tealhun felt her pulse quicken, she knew her Papa was wanted, but she’d expected more time before offers would be sent towards them in bulk. “Have anyone of the Messengers arrived to display their offers?”

“No” responded Sounness “There appear to be multiple groups fighting it out in the open right now. When one gets close to us, all the others turn to remove the threat.” Sounness paused their talk, focusing on a sister walking passed them and Signed. Tealhun didn’t see the message but the sister hurried off after. “Things are getting bad out there Tealhun. Uoth claims even Faceless are getting involved, the streets around us have emptied. Those Above aren’t being sublet nor careful, many walking the streets near the estate have found themselves either harmed or killed by accident.”

Tealhun forced herself to take a deep breath, this was expected the fighting inevitable. “Papa is without Maidens, he’s unclaimed, I imagine the skirmish outside will heighten till Guards and Sanctums Chanters are called to return order.” By the Giver, Tealhun hoped and offered that would happen.

They hurried to Uoth, pushing the double door to the side as they entered. Uoth sat at the table, Shards all around her. She flinched at the sound of the doors, but otherwise remained where she was. An improvement Tealhun was quite pleased to see. She hadn’t taken to Unthee training well, beaten to the point of near death. Even then Uoth didn’t hide her distaste. But she did learn to hide. Hurrying off without a sound the moment someone that wished to harm her appeared. She would vanish down some hidden tunnel or nock she made for herself. A perk from how small Uoth was, once hidden it was unlikely any would find her.

“Sorry, Uoth we didn’t mean to frighten you,” Tealhun said as she and Sounness joined their sister sitting around the table.

“Apology accepted,” Uoth said while staring up into Tealhuns eyes. Another one of the reasons she got into trouble, always looking at those above her. Tealhun pushed away the irritation, she smiled and, reminded herself that Uoth was a bed sister. There was no titles to separate them in Worth, not when they were alone to discuss cursed matters.

“Sounness told me you’ve seen troubling things outside? Care to share them and” Tealhun swept her hand to the Shards “What these held within.”

“The Shards?” Uoth questioned “I’ve just started with these, not much so far, these were the Shards Younna been carrying with her when the Faceless finally put the smug vermin down. From what I’ve seen it’s the average visions. Items of worth, pricing of common goods, images of lowly they seemed ready to bring in.” Uoth shrugged glancing at the Shards around her, “Nothing of Worth so far. As for outside?”

Uoth shivered, looking nervous “I think things are going to get real bad. When I took a look, before heading here, bodies were beginning to pile up.” Uoth stared hard into Tealhun eyes “There not clearing the bodies sister, just letting them lay where they fell, nothing remotely custom about this. I didn’t see or hear any Corpsmen headed this way, so their either late or were never informed.”

“It’s possible this wasn’t planned at all, merely a House acting on its own wanting their offer to reach Papa first.” Sounness said, displaying a blank expression. Her default look when matters became worrisome.

“If that’s the case”, Tealhun spoke, keeping fret from voicing itself. “Then other Houses answered in kind, and now the situation is spiraling out of control.”

“I don’t like this” Uoth began picking at her claws “These are High Houses, it may been some time before someone comes to stop this mess. Leaving me troubled, I have Tasks to do, and I can’t very well do them with an all-out skirmish going on outside our door.” Panic hummed in her voice, but Uoth was uncaring of this display.

Tealhun found herself showing concern, noticing she was fondling one of Sounness braids. She let go and did her best to ignore the act. “Sounness could go and send sisters to watch the matter-“

Uoth interrupted her, “I already did seemed needed.” She gave a half-mad chuckle “Don’t need Faceless rushing at our doors to finish us off.”

“That would be unwise of them,” Tealhun said her jaw going tense. Sounness noticed her distress and leaned into Tealhun shoulder. Tealhun found another one of Sounness braids in her hand, but this time she didn’t let go. “We’re not lowly, most of us could be Chanters for any of the High Houses. If they attacked even few in number there’s enough of us to repeal any attack.

“I suppose” Uoth admitted “But that doesn’t mean they won’t try. They're making an unwise choice now, No? Killing each other openly for all to see, even those on High have to adhere to the rules at some point. But I’m mostly worried about our Founder.”

Tealhun sighed and made her voice soft. “You can call him Papa now sister, no one will harm you, not anymore.”

“Oh, I know,” Uoth said smiling “Just one can only get whipped on the head so many times before the body acts on its own, and says the correct word. Don’t worry I’ll gain back control in a few Rotations passing”

Tealhun nodded in understanding, more than once she had thought Uoth had died from such a strike. Her body going limp, a large gash across her forehead. “You’re worried Papa might act? She asked pushing the cursed scene from her mind.

“Quite,” Uoth nodded wildly at her. “You all saw his temper after all”, she laughed. “Never been so afraid, not even when Mothers searched for me, glad I was hiding behind one of the larger brothers, wouldn’t want to look small and weak in front of our Founder.”

Tealhun gave her sister a warm smile, “He wouldn’t have been ashamed of the sight of you Uoth. Likely he would have walked over and cradled you, you know how he is with his affection.”

Uoth eyes glowed, her cheeks warming as she pressed her hands against her face, “You think?”

“Yes,” Tealhun said honestly, she was sure of it, Papa never was one to hold back his warmth, be it daughter or son he cared for them all. Her remark left Uoth lost in a dream has her eyes became distant. Uoth whole face began to redden and Sounness coughed to bring back their sister to the realm.

Uoth gave a start, becoming aware of them. “Oh, yes where were we?” she said looking innocent.

“Considering our options” Sounness voiced, turning her attention to Tealhun. “I propose we send all our brothers out to guard the Gates, let those outside know they’re unwelcome.”

Tealhun exhaled “That appears wise sister, the Faceless know the layout of our home now, at least the basics. We can head to the vault, see if there aren’t same Hearts we can spare for our brothers to use.”

“We should send sister as well,” Uoth said as she fiddled with a Shard. Tealhun shook her head. “We still need to clean the halls, the stain of Cleansing haven’t all been removed. I don’t want Papa to see any if he decides to wander about.”

There was a series of knocks on the door, one marking a brother coming with a message. “Come in” Tealhun spoke, and the door pushed open. From it, her brother Vollow entered looking tired and worried. “There you are, Father wishes to speak with you.”

Tealhun chest tightened, “Of course,” she said forcing the words out and failing to hide her concern. She rose, looking to her sisters “I’ll be off.” Turning her attention to Sounness “please take care of matters I’ll be back as soon as Papa allows.” Her sisters nodded to her, and Tealhun hurried out the door, Vollow following behind.

“I don’t think he’s going to mark you sister,” Vollow said doing his best to make his words warm like Papas. “He’s calmed down, back to his normal caring demeanor.”

Tealhun breathed, centering herself “The Giver must have blessed him with clarity, another sign of her favor.”

“Perhaps,” her brother said, “Still be careful with your words this time sister, I don’t want our Father upset again, not during these cursed Rounds.”

“My words,” Tealhun said turning to face her brother. “You find fault with my words when you said nothing to defend us, to show our right in the need of a Cleansing.”

“I showed respect.” Vollow said walking closer to her, “Let our Father speak his grievances. Instead of speaking as if higher than him.”

“Papa was blind, cursed by women who would drag him down from his rightful place, was I to lay and saything?” Tealhun said.

“You were to grovel.” Vollow said in a harsh tone “To lower yourself to one so divine, instead you spoke as if you yourself were above him. Held your head high, and dared look him in the eyes.” Vollow pulled away “That alone could have been the end of us, no matter the wisdom in your words.”

“Papa would never harm us,” Tealhun said defensively “Even when consumed by rage he stayed his hand.”

Vollow shook his head “Even Father had his limits Tealhun, yet you continue to push, how do you not understand? It only takes a single moment of judgment, the rage to claim him for a breath and all of us reduced to ash.”

“If we had grovelled as you wanted, we would have appeared in the wrong.” Tealhun said her own gaze turning ugly as her patience ebbed.

“So be it,” her brother said “better than what you did, challenging your Father as he was grieving the loss of those he cared for. Pushing him to commit an act he may regret later, just so you could appear blessed rather cursed. Vollow features loosen the anger showing itself lipping back under the surface, while worry came to reveal itself. “I know our Cleansing was in the right sister, but be gentle next time. I fear that we may one Rotation used up our Father warmth, and be left with something as cold as our Mothers.”

Tealhun let herself relax, Vollow wasn’t trying to replace her, only airing worries that he and likely others had. “I will do what I can brother.” Forcing her words to soften, “but our Papa is very blind, and we have little time before those Above come looking to claim him.”

Tealhun turned from her brother, hurrying to their Papas chamber, for Vollow wasn’t completely wrong. Their Mothers had forced them to push Papa into a situation he found ill. Now was not the time to test his devotion to them.