Ethleen heart hammered in her, she attempted and failed to calm it many times, but the scene before her disallowed it. She had heard reports of the damage, even seen some visions of it, but actually being in the area was so much more revealing. ‘What were my Mothers thinking?’ that kept cropping up in her mind as she surveyed the damage caused by the skirmish to claim someone Worthy.

'That individual better be,' she thought, for her House was going to be settling this Mark for Cycles to come, and that was with the aid of other Houses. Ethleen had the feeling she was going to have many cursed dreams when the full details of the Mark was displayed. That and the many sleepless Renewals trying to complete Tasks to remove this Mark placed against them.

It couldn’t have happened at a worse time, buildings were at their premium, everyone looking for a place to hold themselves in. That was going to increase now, with the number of structures demolished. With not even an effort put into curtailing the destruction. The only buildings she seen left standing, were so punctured with holes that they were going to be brought down anyway. The walkways and passages weren’t any better, and that was after Ethleen House with others, had begun removing debris and repairing the stonework. Ethleen didn’t have any questions into why her Mothers joined now. Better to share the prize, rather than risk losing and be Marked with no gain at all.

Shouting pulled her attention, forcing her to glance back towards the way she came. The higher vantage of her floating above the masses on an Ascendance allowed her to see the mob of disgruntled Houses. With the fighting done, those who’d run for their lives began to return. Word must have spread for it wasn’t the small trickle of castoffs as before, but a Host. ‘The Marks from these lowly Houses alone is going to costs a Cycle, maybe two by the size of that group.’ It had her blood boiling, rage whispering to her that she just remove them. Their lowly, no one would really care, they would act as If they did at first, make demands. But given enough time the matter would be forgotten and not a speck of Worth lost. A tempting lie, like all of Anger and Rage illusions, but word had come from the top of their Sanctum. The Elders were annoyed, and decreed the Houses involved be forced to make amends, regardless of how low the harmed were.

‘They are, so very low.’ Ethleen thought as she turned her head and continued the Ascendance heading forward towards the Founders estate. This was her first time out so far from the Towers, away from her fellow Worthy. She had at first thought the people around her were Soulless. Their channels so thin and dim she'd overlook them. She wasn’t used to the effort of trying to notice if someone had channels or not, it was supposed to be blatant. ‘Not for the lowly,’ no they fought with one another over who was slightly more blessed. As if it mattered, all of them were nothing in her eyes, best thrown out with the true Soulless to remove the pests outside that seem to be causing a mess. How? Ethleen didn’t know, nor care. The sight of the Nightmares was repulsive to her eyes. Enough so that she avoided the topic of the things as much as possible. The matter was so far below her that she often wondered why people even talked about such things.

It should stop soon, and the cursed sights being handed around. Already the Soulless and those near enough in Worth were being rounded up. Ethleen thought people had been joking at first when word reached her ears that the Flock was being trained by Worthy, and armored with decent weapons. Rather than the fair that should be given to the Worthless. ‘Such waste, the amount of Hearts lost, even small is no lowly sum.’ A sum best used elsewhere, since Ethleen had learned that all the Houses in the Towers and lower were being forced to given a share of their goods to help equip the Flock. Another cursed Mark, they should be using that to win over this Founder she was heading towards. So many rumors circled about the man, a Chosen somehow lost and forced to live among the lowly. Blessed by the Giver numerous times, and some even said still was. None of it she had been able to prove. Even as High as she was in the affairs of her House, her mothers had become overly secretive. Beyond anything, she had seen before, to the point many didn’t even know what their Task was supposed to accomplish.

At the time Ethleen wasn’t all that bothered by it. They had tried keeping secrets from her and her sisters before. But word always got out, eventually. Except for this time, at the final act, and she still didn’t know what was so grand about the Founder her host was sent to see. The only thing sure knew or hoped she did, was the Founder was Worth all the trouble. Her Mothers had never helped in ruining a section before, no one had if the knowledge bestowed to her was complete. This was a first, which worried her. There was no past event to learn from, to see how to act accordingly. It was a long time since she’d been forced to deal with a Task without the knowledge of how to do so.

She was no thoughtless Wardane, once the matter of this Founder was resolved. She and the Host at her command would be the ones to deal with the collection of visions and Marks. A knowledge that would have been helpful to have beforehand. Now she was forced to delay on completing the Task as quickly as possible. All because she had to wait for enough Shards to be delivered. She Offered that the Giver spare her from being the one Tasked with organizing the rebuilding of the section. A Task that would take at least an Arc for it to be done properly. Ethleen had no interest to be below and around demanding Lowly, who should be glad they still drew breath. No, she hadn’t done anything to deserve that kind of punishment and hoped her Mothers agreed. For Ethleen was already suffering cursed ill by being away from the Towers Wards, from its song. The air here was too quiet, lacking in the hymn of the Giver that echoed the halls of her Chosen. She was glad she took he Bedsister advice and wore thick clothing, though if she had known it would have been this draining, she would have worn a garment with Wards weaved in. For now Ethleen had to suffer through this odd feeling of cold.

Their way forward was annoyingly slow, even with most of the rubble cleared, and the paths to the estate repaired to a needed degree. Her Host was Task to perform a full inspection of the damages and try to figure a rough estimate of the Mark on them. Though that didn’t mean they had to perform their roles this instant.

“Brothers,” she said, “Tell those holding up our march to get back in line, they will begin their Task after I’ve had an audience with the Founder, not before.” Her words coming out ill-tempered

“By your will Herald” they answered her, hurrying off to accomplish her order. If only every problem was that easy to resolve, even if it placed a Mark on her Ethleen wouldn’t hesitate to throw this cursed Task on to one of her sisters. She pulled her cloak tighter around herself, wishing she had brought the body length one instead.

She could pull ahead of her entourage, arrive at the Estate alone, but that would look to wanting. She wouldn’t let that image show, not without knowing how blest the Founder was. His Estate wasn’t sculpting an impressive image. A common structure, its murals lacking in the details of the High. It wasn’t the largest estate in this section either. Far from it, it was more to the middle range nearing the smaller buildings that held Lowly or joined Houses. Nothing about the Estate gave the impression that a Chosen was held within, hidden away from the Lowly masses. No, all she saw was a mistake on her Mothers part. The throwing of Worth on a worthless item for their House. Ethleen hoped she was wrong, her Mothers had never blundered before, always careful about how they spent the House. Letting Offers pass them by that would have benefitted them, but was seen as to risky at the time.

Ethleen glanced around as a thought took her, ‘Nothing about this Task isn’t risky.’ Other Houses that hadn’t joined the collective could still try and meddle in affairs above them. House Vorse could attempt another grab for victory, they had already lost some much, a little more for the chance of success wasn’t hard to conceive. Nothing she saw around her proved her thoughts right, the area was empty save for the collecting mob behind her, demanding reparations.

She was left to worry and wonder as the Host finally moved at a reasonable pace, her Brothers returning order to the lines. ‘After all this, and no gain, our Mothers would be vulnerable.’ That was a tantalizing thought, her Mothers had always been untouchable, their support base within the House strong and unwavering in their loyalty. But if this venture failed, with the weight of this Mark placed on them. Ethleen was sure she or others would find people less devoted in their service. It had been too long since Ethleen had risen higher within her House, stuck like the rest in a role with no means to move. Everyone was too well supported, and a coup of any kind was foolhardy at best. But now, if things went wrong Ethleen might for the first time have the chance to claim a Worthier place for herself. The thought was a good distraction for her, as she combed through her resources, plotted in ways she could best remove rivals, and perhaps some of her Mothers.

“Herald.” Said one of her Brothers “We have arrived.” Ethleen thoughts came to a halt, as she returned her attention to the realm. The estate stood looming over her. little to no damage marring its surface even after the skirmish that wrecked the surrounding area. She lowered her throne and took the hand offered by her Brother to help rise. A pointless gesture, but her Brothers always had the need to be seen as useful. She was tempted to stretch, but refrained herself, too many eyes watching, and she had an image to maintain. It was the first time her paws touched the ruined stone, and instantly she regretted it. She had overlooked the filth of the place, dust and powered rock everywhere. It had escaped her noticed as she hovered over the waste of this section.

She held back the grimace that wished to form. Did her best to push the filling of filth seeping between her paws into the back of her mind. The burden she was forced to bear for forgetting to have her paws wrapped.

She walked towards the Gate as fast as she could without being seen as eager, her Chosen close behind, and some hurrying along to outpace her and march in front. From the corner of her eyes she could see the Host fanning out, already mapping the damage of the area and starting repairs. Adding their numbers to the multitude of others already around from the first Host to be sent to remove House Vorse.

The Gate to the estate was guarded by only two Chanters of House Bae. More to usher in guests rather than anything else. But as she studied them and got a clear look, she found herself almost missing a step. All the reports and rumors all stated that the members of House Bae were young, not yet a Cycle old. Nothing about these Chanters said they were young. Their channels were vivid, surpassing many of Ethleen siblings. But most of all their Channels were evenly spread out and matched one another. It could be the lines changed underneath their clothing. As she could only see their face and hands with only a small position of the arm shown. But what she saw had her wanting. Both displayed to her would make excellent Bondmates, both belonged in or near a Tower. Not out here in the second tier mingling with those far below them.

Her Chosen came to a halt in front of the Chanters of House Bae, bowed to them as custom dictated.

“House Yorn wishes your Founder well, and audience on matters most High.” They said to the Chanters of House Bae. Both gave her Chosen a passing glance before moving eyes towards the rest of her entourage. Then finally her, she stood straight, accustomed to being ranked for Worth. Only when they were done measuring her did they return attention back to her Brothers.

“Blessing to you House Yorn, our Founder may except when the time is right. But while you wait, House Bae will do its best to keep you accommodated as you wait with others already inside.” The Chanters said neutral toned, the verse spoken likely well-worn now with the number of Houses wishing to speak with their Founder.

“Most gracious of your House, we humbly accept,” said her Brothers, their words as practice, respectful. The Chanters nodded and the two of them pulled the doors open and motioned them forward. The interior was getting full, Ethleen saw as she and her Chosen entered, many families already lounging in chairs or couches eating their fill of the provides foods and refreshments. The decor of the main chamber had much to desire, the art woven into the walls and floor simple compared to the fair she was accustomed to. The ceiling of glass she inspected with a quick glance was also lacking. None of it she could hold against House Bae, they hadn’t been the ones to construct the Estate, nor given an appropriate amount of time to fix the many flaws they inherited when acquiring the building. Not that It mattered in truth, the Founder would be heading to live within in a Tower. The only question to be answered in the whole affair was where, and which House he was going to join. Something Ethleen wasn’t aware of the details. Only the Matriarchs of the various Houses knew. The workings of the plan so new and quickly made Ethleen doubted any in the Chamber had an idea of how the venture was going to come out.

The Giver be willing, the Founder of House Bae would be revealed soon, Ethleen was sure her Mothers had displayed everything to him through the Shard passed into his possession. Ethleen hoped it would be an orderly affair, none of them could afford another skirmish to take place, even if someone won the turmoil that insured. None of the Houses involved from the start would have the Worth left to Host the Founder they’d been trying to claim.

Her musing and Brothers were stopped as a woman obstructed their path forward. “If you follow me,” the woman said, “I will guide you to a place you all can relax comfortably.” Her brother’s nod, Ethleen, and her entourage led through the crowded chamber into a hall. She could hear the echoes of conversation coming from many of the rooms that connected with the passage. She appeared to be one of the late arrivals. ‘The others must have been waiting nearby, even as the battle continued.’ It showed of desperate want. The Matriarchs of those Houses more in need of the Founder than her Mothers.

“Here you are.” Said the woman as they came to an empty Chamber. It was then Ethleen got a good look at their host as she was guided by her Brothers. The women had channels similar to the Chanters outside, and just as vivid. ‘Another child with the appearance of an adult.’ If that woman had been part of Ethleen House, she would have seen the woman as a dangerous rival. Ethleen had to assume, for that was now three, which matched each other. That all of the children of House Bae had channels of such degree. Each powerful Chanters that would have held lofty titles in any of the Houses that have come to display Offers.

As Ethleen sat within the confines of the cushioned couch, she glanced at her Brothers. The ones that have been leashed with the Task of protection for many Cycles, had the strength not to eye the guide. The newer however weren’t, nor were they subtle as they watched the woman go with their heads fully turned. It was a blessing the guide had hurried off and missed the looks of utter want in her Brothers eyes. It had her worried, a House full of such individual could easily pull many into their fold. Those lower than Ethleen would find it a hard Offer to slip by. For the children from them whether they be the men or women, would deliver blessed souls. ‘No wonder the Houses went to such lengths to try and claim House Bae Founder.’ For if his children were of such Worth, what would he display?

Ethleen was being to see why her Mothers had been so secretive, why so many Houses had joined together. If the Founder was of enough Worth it could have started a coup in various Houses. It was common enough when the Givers Chosen were being displayed for Offering. She held the knowledge of many such coups attempted, all foolishly ill-timed, and poorly organized. But that was often the case when such ventures were led by people blinded by Worth.

Something Ethleen hoped her brothers weren’t weak-willed enough to fall prey to. She was in no danger, as House Bae wouldn’t let violence ensue within their estate. But her Brothers could leak information, be turned into spies, or plants for later coups waiting for the right moment to strike.

“You’re Offering that look again Herald.” Her oldest and most senior Brother said by her side. She stopped the urge of a frown, kept her appearance neutral as she turned her head to look at him.

He smiled at her, a true smile, rather than the ones she was accustomed to. Her brother finding enjoyment and peace in this little ritual of theirs. “Thank you, Noen.” She said, well past the point of arguing with him. He had called her out correctly enough times to believe his words. That she was somehow displaying a look that was revealing the workings of her mind.

“Not the best environment for such talks,” Noen said looking at the room around them. The Chamber was furnished only with the absolute necessities to keep a guest comfortable. The walls lack decorative displays, nor was their tables holding artily carved vases or statues. Ethleen was of the mind that the room she was currently residing in, was used for some other purpose. Maybe storage, and had only recently been changed.

“It’s a place for me to wait, nothing more brother, I doubt the other Chambers are much better.” She said while inspecting her manicured claws.

“You find no offense to this?” Noen said mirth in the words, as there was nothing she could do even if she was. “Normally I would, but House Bae has been under stress. The members of this House were never given time to prepare for so many guests.” Not that they could have, what with the skirmish taking place around the Estate for Rotations. Any attempted to venture out and gather the needed supplies for a proper meeting of Houses would have been a curse for all.

“I doubt we’ll be here long, once the last of the Houses arrive all will be eager to get affairs moving.” She said, “The longer we wait the greater than chance lesser Houses might group together and interfere.”

“I find that hard to consider,” Her brother said “With the Hosts outside and the Lowly streaming back into the area. Any attack would be short-lived, especially with the seven Chosen still lurking about.”

“High Worth blinds the weak-willed” Ethleen said, “and this Founder, we all are dancing for, is rumored to be very High.” He had to be, if not Ethleen wouldn’t be the only one rushing to remove their Mothers from the titles of control.

Her brother remained quiet, lost in his own thoughts, ones Ethleen surmised revolved around defensive measures to make sure his Task was completed. The others never once spoke, the newer to fearful, and the veterans not interested. She spent some of her time partaking in the food and refreshments left for her. An assortment of plants, not a speck of meat provided, accompanied with water or fruit juice. There wasn’t even a cup of Spirits added to the fair. Perhaps for the best, it would have been an ill event for one of the Houses to get taken by such drink and act in a manner that could offend House Bae.

By the chronicler hovering above the entrance door, she was forced to wait over a Round before one of the Founder children returned. She knew this, by the way, her guards posted outside, straightened.

They let the woman pass without even a token effort on their part to make sure she was of House Bae. Ethleen let that behavior slide when she looked upon the newcomer. Channels like all the others, in the same place, and at the same strength. The woman smiled at her when she entered the chamber, Ethleen brothers all watched the woman with great interest. Their Task of protecting Ethleen completely forgotten as they eyed the host with wanting gazes. Ethleen and thankful the newcomer pretended not to notice the looks.

Ethleen inclined her head to the women, somewhat pained to do so to someone so far below her in Cycles. ‘The Giver is unfair in her gifts at times’ she thought.

“Herald,” the woman said still smiling “I’m here to guide you to the Chamber our Founder will make an audience in.” She took notice of the many guards around her. “You're allowed to bring four” she gave an apologetic look. “There wouldn’t be enough room for everyone if everyone brought all their members with them.”

“As your Founder wishes.’ she said the words enough for the Guide as she turned from them and headed out the door. Ethleen followed, Noen and three of the seniors of the group closing in around her. The Guide took them deeper into the estate down many halls, all poorly garbed in fineries, or worse bare wall. Perhaps such things didn’t affect House Bae as they’ve been forced to live with the Lowly up till now. But for Ethleen it was a glaring oddity, all her life every surface had always been covered in visages of art, patterns displaying vivid colors. The offer of gray stone, had her feeling colder as the sight showed none of the walls held the Givers Wards. The lack of sound in the air was also dampening her mood, giving Fear and Discomfort marks for the emotions to influence her. ‘A little longer Ethleen, soon I’ll be back in the halls of the Chosen, away from the Lowly and Fallen.’ She held that thought in her mind, used it to push the cold back lessening its grip on her.

The walk to the audience Chamber didn’t take long, as the Estate to Ethleen standards was small, and something only the lowest of her House members would have been held in. A mark that Ethleen House and those allied with them planned to remove quickly. Such a Worthy individual staying in a place so unworthy was something that couldn’t be allowed any longer.

The door to the room was closed, and like everything else in this Estate it was mundane, a mere slab of rock shaped into a door with the basic display of workmanship applied to it. As it opened and Ethleen and her honor guard enter, she found the audience room was, in fact, this Estate main Dining Chamber. A suitable large circler table placed in the middle of the room, covered in trays of refreshments and food. Smaller tables were placed evenly about the area, most of which was already occupied by Houses brought before her. She gained the looks of many at first when they entered, but that subsided quickly as groups returned their focus back to one another. Or the plates of food with better quantity fair on them. Cooked dished and soups with freshly made pastries that were still fuming.

Their Guide was quick with having them seated at an empty table, where trays of their own were brought and placed about them. Her guards took a short Sequence to take stock of the surroundings, looking for any obvious threats before motioning to her that all was well. Not a Breath later they sampled the food presented to them and relatively ignored Ethleen. Save for Noen who remained stoic in his Task and kept an eye on the goings around them. A glance was enough for Ethleen to see most of the males in the room were doing the same. If something happened or one of the others Houses tried to pull some form of stunt she would get plenty warning. Enough that Ethleen allowed herself to indulge in the cooked food, hoping the heat of the dishes would warm her.

They ate in near silence, Ethleen brothers more interested in their meal, or watching to make sure nothing threating got in range of her. Those around them did the same, occasional broken by the soft murmuring of conversation that Ethleen couldn’t understand. For those truly paranoid were using Chants of silence. Ethleen only noticed because of the unnatural void of noise that would occur in an area of her hearing. She could consider it rude, that allies were acting so suspicious of each other. But in truth, she would be doing the same if she had anything Worth talking about to her brothers.

They may be allies, but for all long? Nobody here knew, nor the range of cooperation the Houses was involved in. Ethleen assumed anyways, her Mothers had avoided going into any form of detail of the alliance their House was joined with. For all she knew the joining could be about over. The agreement done the moment the Founder all of them were here for, accepted an Offer. She doubted that even if that was the case any fighting would ensue. The risk was too great, and the mixing of Hosts outside would be an utter mess to organize a battle formation.

Ethleen let out a small sigh as she placed another slice of cooked Wardane into her mouth. She disliked the act of her being kept out of important affairs. As Herald she was the voice of the House, the one to make and accept an Offer if it met the criteria her Mothers laid out.

A rather difficult Task to complete when she hadn’t been told said information and was only ordered to meet with the Founder. The chiming of a bell disrupted the rest of her thoughts, as everyone in the Chamber turned their attention to the abrupt noise. Ethleen saw one of the Founder daughters ringing a handbell. She stopped with the incessant noise the moment the Gate next to her opened. An assortment of Servants came into the room, with Chanters as Ethleen laid eyes on the men, each Worthy, each she would gladly take for herself.

The women were equal in Worth, all dangerous rivals to have if they were part of Ethleen House. The Servant who rang the bell signed to one of the new arrivals. Telling the newcomer that all were here and had been attended to. The rest of the mob fanned out once they had a good look of all those present. Half a sequence later a new figure came matching in, attended by a few Caretakers that stayed close to his side. From head to paw the new arrival was garbed in decent clothing. Even the face was covered, hidden behind a mask. None of it matter, Ethleen could feel the presence of the individual soul, knew in vague term of the Worth being hidden from them.

She could feel the cold that had been gnawing at her receding. Her heart began to speed up as she and everyone else’s attention focused on the Founder in their presence. Ethleen was sure they, like her, were coming to understand why the Houses had decided to join together. Ethleen had thought it was about the mark placed on them. That it was of such weight they would be hindered in their role to care for the Founder. Now she had a growing thought that it was the Founder himself who was the heavyweight they couldn’t support.

“Greetings honored guests,” said the Founder. His voice that of the Giver as it washed over them. The ailments of cold at the lack of Warded song vanished as the Founder words truck Ethleen. Her body relaxed on its own, consumed by the warmth and the feeling of safety that was emanating from the Founder before them. Her thoughts went still, her entire being focused on the masked individual before her. Her eyes desperate to peel the layers of clothing obstructing her view on the man underneath, of the display of Worth hidden behind layers for fabric.

“It’s a blessing to see so many Houses interested in me, and my House. Know that I’m satisfied with the display performed to gain my attention, to garner an audience with me.” The founder continued, his every word a wave of bliss to Ethleen senses. “But” amusement mixing with the warmth “Perhaps a smaller skirmish would be best next time. We can’t have sections of the Sanctum wrecked everytime someone wants to prove themselves to me.” The Founder looked around, gazed at them, as they as a whole looked back, unblinking. The Founder looked to one of his Caretakers, a quick glance, one the Caretaker answer with a smile, and a motion of her hand.

The Founder retuned his attention to them, to all their delight, as the gaze of the Founder's eyes upon her sent rippled of warmth coursing through her vessel. “For, any of you that may be wondering about the attire I’m wearing, know it’s not a slight against any of you. The Matriarchs of all your Houses requests that I hide myself. It’s for all your benefit I’ve been told. My Worth can be very tantalizing and your Matriarchs worry the site may have you all forget your Tasks you’ve been sent to complete.” Again the Founder paused, looked at them as if expecting something. They remained fixated at him, Ethleen mind still blank even as the words entered her mind, but she gave no thought to them.

One last look around and the Founder finally stopped waiting for an action to take place. Instead, he looked at his Caretaker and motioned to her. She inclined her head to him and signed to the women. They departed from the Founder each heading towards a table. “Your Matriarchs sent a great many Offers to me, everyone Worthy”, he added emphases to the last words. “But not Worthy enough.” That finally stirred Ethleen awake, enough for alarm to register in her mind with growing worry. “Fear not, for your Matriarchs planned for this, expected it in truth. My daughters, as you see are giving each of you my Counter Offer. Know that not a single part of what I displayed within can be negotiated against. These are my terms, you can add to it if you wish. But that’s not for any of you here to decide. Your Matriarchs had been very clear on that matter, nor” the Founder added quickly “Are any of you allowed to view the Offer held with the Shards. All of you here are, by your Matriarchs decry, are to return these Shards to your Houses as quickly as possible. So those on High can decide on these lofty matters in the environment best suited to them."

The Founder paused as the Shards were delivered, each given to the Heralds representing the Houses in the room. Ethleen barely noticed the Caretaker as she entered her vicinity and offered a Shard to her. Ethleen absentmindedly took the Shard not even glancing at as she rested it in her lap. No, during the whole affair Ethleen, like everyone else remained looking at the Founder, waiting for his tender words to continue bathing them.

He remained silent, waiting on his daughters to finish their Task and return to his side. All the while the Founder continued to glance about the room, his gaze moving from person to person. As the last of his daughters returned his voice echoed out, to Ethleen relief. “I’m sure your Matriarchs will be quick with their deliberations. That all of you will be here once more in a suitable amount of time. Then we can finally put this whole venture behind us, and I hope, the Giver willing, we have a long productive relationship,” he paused looking at them one last time. “Do any of you perhaps have questions needing answers, a clarification on the Task at hand?” No one answered the room remained deadly silent as everyone remained fixated on the Founder.

“Well then,” the Founder said, in an uncertain tone. “I wish you’ll a blessed Rotation, that the Giver guide you all in your Tasks.” The Founder turned from them, heading back through the door he had emerged from. His Caretakers hastily following behind, as they closed the door. The echo of its closing, a signal for Ethleen mind to return to order, as everything that transpired flashed before her. She stood straight even as the cold came crashing down with a reinvigorated ferocity. Far worse than it had ever been before, so much so that she began to shiver. She mastered it, ceasing the lowly act, thankfully she wasn’t the only one to succumb. Everyone, Heralds and guards alike shook for a short time. When that passed the Chamber filled with noise as members of Houses began talking to one another in hushed tones.

Noen and the rest of her guard leaned heavy on the table. “Giver, what was that? Was she herself within this room a moment ago?” None of the others answered, still under the same shock.

“Close enough” Ethleen commented after she regained full control of herself. “That my brothers was likely the closest any of you will get to someone so blessed and Chosen by the Giver.” She now knew in perfect clarity why her Mothers and the others from every House here were being so secretive. ‘Blinded by Worth.’ She had never had it happen to her before, she thought she was above it. That Founder displayed with abrupt ease she was not, nor was anyone in the room. All of them blinded by his words alone.

“Shall we leave Herald?” Noen said, sounding weary. “Our Mothers, as the Founder stated, will want that Shard in your hands as soon possible.” His words had her looking down, only now remember it. She rubbed a finger across the Shard surface, the temptation to look within so very potent. But the Founder had told them not to, and she wasn’t about to cross such a soul. “Yes,” she said holding the Shard close to her chest, hoping it would offer even a small portion of the warmth the Founder had displayed to them.

She and her brother’s rose, mimicked by others around the room who came to the same conclusion. They all had to make haste in truth. The individual they'd been in the presence of could have been a lost Elder, or something close to those above them, something Divine. Everything was clear, the overly large skirmish, the rush of Houses joining together, the near perfectly secrecy of their Mothers. All of it an attempted to get that Founder in his proper place before his Worth blinded too many weak-willed. Before the Lowly took up arms to claim him for themselves. Ethleen and most of the assembled Houses hurried towards the exits. Not even waiting for the Founder children to guide them. They had a rough layout of the Estate, not something difficult to accomplish with how small it was. Ethleen group stopped only to find and regroup with the members of their Houses they had been forced to depart with. Afterward, they followed the line of others racing to leave.

Once outside she looked to her brother Noen, “Gather only the needed few for my safe travel home, the rest are to stay, we’ll be back soon enough.” He bowed to her before removing himself and heading off to accomplish his Task. Ethleen headed for her throne, quickly sitting within its confines, rising and hovering low to the ground as she waited. Her legs itched to keep walking, to move with purpose back to the Tower. She instead pulled herself into a trance, calming her mind and asking for guidance. Her dreams of a coup over low minded Mothers was gone, struck dead by the Worth displayed. Even now with her eyes closed, she could picture him perfectly. Every detail, from the gown he wore and its woven patterns, up to the mask. The dark-colored glass doing well to hide his eyes. But not well enough, no, she could see the Soul, the glow of his Worth even obstructed. The act only showed her more of the soul that laid within, that she could still see it at all spoke volumes.

“Herald we’re ready to depart at your word,” her brother said, the sound breaking her from the deep trance as her eyes flickered open. It's only then she noticed the cold return in full, the very memory of the Founder enough to impart a speck of the warmth he displayed.

“Forward brothers, with all haste. That Founder must be within the confines of a Tower at all cost.” Ethleen said glance back at the Estate one last time. ‘Please, Giver let it be the one I’m housed in.’