It was yet another blessed Rotation for Zellebeth, everything was falling into place, everything displaying to her that the Giver was at their side. Was making events go smoothly for the Divines House. A truth that shined only brighter now since she could see the Giver had sent a second Divine to guide them. Bliss, a second light, nowhere near the glory of the first, but with his absence she was needed more than ever. Kept the whole of them focused and free from the lies and coldness of realm that wished to consume them.

Zellebeth relaxed in her chair, as did most around her, a chamber of Bondmates. Each of them connected in a way none had felt before. Knew that all around them would never seek to harm or betray the other. The Divine wouldn’t allow that, nor would Bliss his agent, and enforcer while he was away. It was a wonder to experience, to be able to lower her guard completely, to let her vessel loosen and sleep with others with no worry involved. A shame she could only indulge in this wonder with those Chosen, with only those Bliss spoke to.

Still a low amount to her liking, but those at the top, those who mattered were all free from the lies, were filled with Givers Light. That would suffice, for now, the amount of them was easily enough to keep things going in the time frame she had constructed. The newcomers had all fallen into line, eager after the Divines performance, eager to show their Worth to House Bae. Already revealing their true strength and what they actually could bring into House Bae. Zellebeth had expected as such after the Light was shown to them. It was only commonplace for the newcomers to turn from their schemes to take over the House. The Light ruled, the Divine and his glory could not be challenged, it was a fools Task to try and tame the Givers Champion.

Even more foolish to risk earning his Wrath, the Light could burn just as easily as it warmed them, could render them to ash in a Breath if he so choose. Or worse removed them from his Light, allow them to live long enough for the void within themselves to consume them, leave them mad and rambling.

Thankfully none had tried anything to cause such an event, it was a danger for all to be around the Divine when Wrath was loose. So Zellebeth Offer to the Giver, and Bliss that things had gone so well. The multitude of new Maidens eager to perform their roles, even if for many it was a large step down from what they used to be. But they were with the Light now, even more they were Chosen, that well made up for their loss of Titles. Far more.

The clinking of Shards stirred her from her thoughts, as a Sister placed them near her side. “More Offers,” her Sister said before leaving. Zellebeth eyed them, it was a small bunch, they were running out of Houses seeking to join Bae. The Tower even though there were some large sections barred from them, was technically under their rule. There was no other House that could even come close to challenging them. And Zellebeth was confident most of the Shards were the large holdouts now seeing the truth of their position. Were now willing to fold themselves into the new order. Zellebeth would have sent her own custom Shards to them, demanding they kneel to their betters, to join with the Divine. But with him gone she had stayed her hand. His presence was needed to cleanse those in charge of their Lies and Curses. She wouldn’t allow them in the upper order otherwise, to much risk involved, the Curses would act once it became known they were in danger. House Bae couldn’t allow that, many would eagerly turn on them, if the truth spread to those undeserving. The weight of it too much for the masses. They would turn their backs to it, claim the truth was the lie. One people would spin to spare themselves from the revelation they were cursed, filled with falsities. The Voices most of all.

The temptation was thick, to strike now and claim Hadthel for themselves, have it made ready as a returning gift for the Divine. But Bliss held her urges in check, kept such thoughts and desires from claiming her and causing ill to the House. They needn’t rush, the Voices had already stopped pestering them. They were too large now, too much of a threat to bother without a good reason. No, the Voices had many others they still could collect from, many more to suck dry before turning their desperate eyes back to them. Still, it was a seductive vision, her standing above the Voices, them bowing to her.

“To Him,” Bliss said in a bearing, but soft tone as she increased her grip.

Zellebeth sucked in, as the pleasure of Bliss warmth magnified for a Breath. ‘For him, for him, all for him.’ she echoed in her mind, eager to please Bliss, to receive her reward. Bliss didn’t make her wait, as another wave of warmth course through her. The realm made wonderful again, freed from the ails that filled it. For a short time at least, before the coldness of the place returned. Zellebeth Offered to the Giver again, thanking her without end for the foresight to send another Light to them. After being in the presence of such divinity, Zellebeth had come to the truth that she could never be apart from it for too long. Her and her vessel could not survive without it, or didn’t wish to. What mad fool would want to live without such wonder?

“Someone who has never been within it, someone who has never seen the truth,” Bliss said to her sweetly.

It made Zellebeth vessel shiver with delight to hear her words. A reward for requesting the Divine shower the newcomers with his Light, before showing the folly of their ways and thinking. Bliss was with her more than ever before, she could feel Bliss within her now, caring for her. Made everything better, bearable as they all waited for the Divine to return.

The Divine should be returning any moment, all of those Worthy knew the distance and time it would take for the Divines Host to reach the River and back. The only question of concern was the number of Nightmares they would encounter, and how long it would take to remove them. A difficult thing to predict as the beasts now ate Souls, or maybe they always did, and her people never noticed. Never needed to, the majority of the Mines were always within their grasp. The crystals mined and transferred like everything else back to the Sanctums, where they were safe from filthy claws. The Rivers changed everything through, a cruel twist, their salvation had been turned into the instrument of their fall. One that would claim them if they failed the Divine, failed to care for his needs and help shape the path for him to save them all.

The whole of Hadthel would be needed for that end, once things were in full motion. The Divine couldn’t be everywhere, couldn’t keep the Rivers defended by himself. Such an act would have him forever running about, caring for the Rivers, never able to come back to his House, back his Chosen. No, that couldn’t be allowed, Worthy Flocks would have to be formed, sent to hold the Rivers and maintain their influence over them. That way the Divine would be free to rise to his proper place, free to enact more of the Givers wisdom.

‘All in time’ she thought reaching for the Shards given to her. Knowledge was listed off the moment she connected to one. The number of supplies they had gained, the state of the Treasuries, more chambers they’d claimed, and the progress readying them. Mundane things, but important facts to know. It made Pride show itself within her, able to see her Divines House grow, slowly rising, climbing ever closer to its true Worth. All of Hadthel would be the Divines House, then outward they would spread, claim others when the time came. Zellebeth would make sure all knew the truth, knew that the Givers Champion, her Guiding Light was among them, and was due his proper respect.

‘Eventually’ it was always that, but Patience and Bliss kept her hands and eager mind still, rushing things along would risk all, the many Cursed and their lies would stop at nothing to try and snuff out the Divine Light. No matter how impossible such a thing was. Still, the Cursed would be defiant, would cause damage, force the Divine to unleash his Wrath. Zellebeth didn’t want to think of the destruction that would cause. It wouldn't be a blessed thing for anyone, they’d be forced to waste themselves repairing what was lost. Rather than raising the Divine higher, helping him bring about the Givers realm.

‘Paradise’ Bliss whispered, the word bringing back the memory for a glories Breath, before vanishing again. The realm the Giver laid, waiting for her Chosen to come join her in a realm freed of all burdens.

‘More, please” she begged to Bliss ‘Let me see it again, just a little longer.’ Bliss smiled at her, caressing her face with a caring look. So genuine, it made Zellebeth heart flutter.

‘After your Tasks are done, there is still much to do, and the Divine should be back soon.’ Bliss said, sending a wave of warmth through her, not near the Divine, but it was enough for Zellebeth to pull herself back to the Task at hand. She quickly went through the Shards, listing off more details of import, matters of which Chambers needed to be organized next, or to claim. Who should be laid where, details on individuals that showed the Worthiness to be amongst those to receive the Divines truth.

Endless things that need attention. The amount of it had her stopping. Forcing her to acquire an empty Shard and begin filling it with her demands and orders. She grabbed and rang one of the bells by her side. A Servant rushed over and promptly carry away her will. Only then did she return to viewing the Shards, filling her mind with facts that she analyzed and considered on. Debating on which paths to take to best fill the needs of her Divines House. Another Servant had to be called before the Tasks were settled and she was able to delve into Shards of a different nature.

Offers as she expected, the remaining Houses saw the truth finally, were willing to lower themselves to a Light they should have done so in the first place. At least they were doing it now, better for all of them. Zellebeth hadn’t wanted to waste the time and recourses forcing the Houses to bow. Though now she had the problem of bringing in a large number of individuals not instilled with the Divines wisdom. Zellebeth could envision many listening to Anger when they learned they wouldn’t be allowed into the upper Titles of the House. Not until the Divine sang to them, cleaned them of the filth that festered within.

Zellebeth might actually have to be on guard again, at least when around the Newcomers. Sighing she let go of the Shard and moved onto another, Offered to the Giver that her Divine return, that his Light once more bath them. Everything would be right, back to how things should be, rather than him out clearing tunnels like some Soulless with no other purpose. A current of Anger stirred in her channels, before Bliss smooth it away.

“Focus on your Tasks’ Bliss said, sending another wave of pleasure through her.

Zellbeth returned her attention back to the Shards. Opened her mind to the visions that laid within. More Offers this time, but from Houses in different Towers. Women prostrated themselves to her, and Zellebeth only needed a quick glance to judge them Lowly. Hierarchs seeking asylum, like so many others who were struggling to maintain themselves within a Tower. While the Voices drained them of resources. Something that hadn’t slowed. The Flocks had been sent at the same time the Divine had left, the Sanctum emptying of so many. The cost of real estate at the lower tiers had reached an all-time low, from what her many Messengers had sent her. The place thinning of people, those left were all terrified and desperate, eager for any Task that offered Worth.

The Voices of courses didn’t care, they would empty all of Hadthel if they could get away with it. Something Zellebeth was sure they were scheming of ways to try. The Lower tiers might end up that way, with how things were going. Even through Flocks had been sent, the demands continued. The Voices not even waiting for the reports from the Flocks just sent. No, they instantly began the organizing of more. There demands doubling on those of the second tier, and Zellebeth was already hearing the rumblings of that. Houses were consolidating, growing, and turning hostile to the Voices Messengers. It was only a matter of time before a line was crossed, and the Houses began to outright ignore or challenge the Voices.

But Zellebeth was positive her own plans would be done by then, the Voices removed before Houses began to revolt. Though she didn’t like the damage being caused to her Sanctum, it was still a fortuities event for her. The Voices were making Zellebeth Task easy, weakening all around her, while she only grew in strength, the Divines House becoming unrivaled.

‘Just a little longer’ she thought as she skimmed through more Shards, Offers abound as more came from other Towers. Word must have spread that House Bae would accept Offers from all. The Houses it had partnered with were all gone, all had folded themselves into the Divines.

Zellebeth listened to the many supplies the Lowly planned to provide if they were allowed to join. She placed the information in one of her own Shards listing off the details in a simple to skim through chart. Rather than what she was enduring now. Forced to watch through one group of groveling Lowly after the other. It was how it should be, but Zellebeth had much to do and a growing part of her merely wanted the facts, to begin accounting, and tailing the fresh supplies that she had an endless need for.

Bliss brushed aside her growing impatience, leaned heavily on her head, looking through her to see what was being Offered. ‘They should all be brought in, Worthy Offers or not, the truth of the Divines Will must be spread. Light brought to banish the lies that work against him.’ Bliss commented as she stroked Zellebeth cheek. ‘Of course, of course,’ Zellebeth thought, her mind beginning to slip as the warmth grew in intensity. Then it pulled back as Bliss rose from her, turned to look at the Chamber door. Zellebeth had as well, her interest peeked.

The doors opened in a hurried manner and a few of the Divines Warded Chosen walked through. Her vessel filled with joy at the sight, her Divine had returned, the Light back where it belonged. They could finally get things going in a more acceptable speed. Bring in the last of the major Houses and begin her plans in full.

The Chosen scanned the Chamber, looked at each person before they all turned their gazes to her. Bliss leaned close, her hands resting on Zellebeth shoulders.

“Prime Maiden” the head Chosen spoke. “It’s a blessed thing to see the Divines House has stayed true even with his absence.” the Chosen looked at the host of Maidens once more, “I had personally been worried that people were going to go astray, given how little some in charge have been within his Light.”

‘Unlike you’ Zellebeth thought, unlike all the Warded Chosen, every Rotation since their birth the Divine bathed them in his Light, his enforcers to make sure the Worthy never lost themselves again.

“Bliss had told me otherwise.” The Chosen continued “I’m less believing than she and Father, but it seems I’ve been proven wrong, all is still how it should be.”

Zellebeth smiled, accepting the Chosen words as a compliment, rather than the insult it could be easily seen as. “Bliss is by our sides as well Chosen, it would be a difficult thing for any of us to be led away from his Light, not with his Servant holding our hands.” Bliss sent another wave of warmth through her, and Zellebeth did her best to hide the shuddered that coursed through her vessel.

The Chosen nodded, “True, it’s one of the most blessed things to have you with us, Bliss” the Chosen said looking above Zellebeth. “They will need you more than ever.” The Chosen smiled “though saved, for now, their Souls are still weak things, Fathers Light does not course through them like it does for us.” The Chosen spoke, pride well infused with his words.

Bliss grip tighten on her shoulders, and Zellebeth could feel an unease forming and moving towards her, but Bliss barred it, then spoke. ‘The Worthy will follow, those who don’t will be left behind as the Divine has always done.’ The words echoed only in Zellebeth mind, yet the Chosen heard it all the same.

“Yes, he would make them outcasts.” The Chosen said not all that approving. “A kindness none of them deserve, but its Father nature.” The Chosen face softened, his eyes distant for half a Breath before returning to stare upon Bliss. “They should be killed for the insult. For turning away from the Light that offers salvation, willingly aiding the Curses and their ill filled lies.” The Chosen Wards and Channels glowed and gazed upon on all of them for a moment, the promise of Wrath displayed. “My Father is merciful, provides kindness to people that have no right to it, will allow those Unworthy to live.” The Chosen words were laced with burning heat. “But I won’t, I’ll be there waiting when the lot of you fail when you turn I’ll make your death agonizing, I'll bur-“

‘Nowth.’ Bliss said, her words reverberating loud in Zellebeth mind, and others she saw as they flinched from the sudden call. The Chosen stiffened and looked away from Bliss when their eyes meet, acting like an infant being scolded.

‘That’s enough’ Bliss said softer, her words relaxing all who heard it. ‘You are one of the Divines Chosen, you need to take more care with your words. As an instrument, you should act according to his will. The Divine promises salvation Nowth, nothing else.’

“As you say,” Nowth replied, his head lowered. “Still how many will follow him, his Light when the path leads down halls most would consider cursed?”

Bliss was unfazed by the question, even though it had Zellebeth wondering, Fear and Worry were being held off, but she could make out some of their whispers. ‘Those Worthy will follow him, will stay true to their purpose as they have given themselves fully to his Light. The rest, those who let Cursed thoughts guide their actions. They will fall, like all the others who will let Curses and lies consume them.’

“They wouldn’t just fall” Nowth countered. “They’ll try and drag others down with them, the Lies always wish to spread, Curses eager to claim another host.”

‘Thus they will be removed, by force if necessary. It has all been made very clear child, family going against family goes against his will, his rule. The offenders will be barred, removed from his Light forever.’ Bliss spoke in an affectionate tone, even though what was said wasn’t a pleasant thing to occur towards anyone.

“No longer family?” Nowth half asked he knew the answer already, many of them did. And he stared at Zellebeth smiling.

‘Such is his rule, such is his will, family doesn’t aim to harm its own.’ Bliss said in a factual manner

“So my words before hold true, the outcome that awaits any who turn from his Light, yet you denounce me for it, why?” The Chosen asked, his head raised now, looking at Bliss, but still not yet meeting her eyes.

‘You spread Fear, poison and corrupt the vision his will brings.’ Bliss spoke, her words mildly warm, the closest thing Zellebeth had felt to maybe annoyance coming from the Divines Servant. ‘Those who follow are to do so out of want, and need, fully giving themselves to his goal, to the paradise he promises for all. Not because of the whispers of Fear, and its warnings of destruction. He is salvation child, the Givers chosen son handed down to lead those Worthy home.’ Bliss said her words slowly returning to their normal warmth.

The Chosen bowed his head, the smile gone replaced with a look of contemplation. The Chosen stayed silent for some time before he spoke. “I see, my apologies Bliss, for the possible harm I may have caused.’

‘All is well child’ Bliss said her words rising in warmth, it caused Zellebeth to relax more in her seat. ‘Your actions held no malice in them, only Worry trying to use the current event to twist your insist.’ Bliss words had the Chosen looking ashamed as he bowed his head lower. ‘Its Nothing to be embarrassed about my dear child. Matters such as this is what I’m here for. To keep the Worthy from being pulled astray, there are many things that wish you all to fail. Many that hunger for you, and are held by Envy, wishing to pull you all down to their level.’ Zellebeth was beginning to have difficulty keeping her eyes open as the strength of Bliss presence increased. ‘But I ‘am here my dear children, I will protect you as the Divine willed it, begged to the Giver when her truth was laid upon him. His kindness refused to let those he held close be taken from him without contest.’

The Chosen posture relaxed, the shame before gone as he stared up at Bliss. “Thank you for your wisdom Bliss, Father rarely displays his reasoning for things, it allows Worry to pester me with questions.” The Chosen admitted, something Zellebeth shared in, maybe all did. The Divine kept things hidden when events allowed for it, eager to keep the burdens locked away from others. Determined to bear the harshness of his Task alone.

‘He has many things that demand his attention my child, which is what I’m here for, to keep the Worthy together while he focuses on raising us.’ Bliss spoke warmly to them ‘A shared Task for us all, we must look after one another, hold together when the realm of fallen come to drag us down. They know they can’t diminish the Divine, can’t hope to sway him, so they turn their eyes towards us.’

“Which is why Worry claimed me so Bliss,” the Chosen said. “You know of the news I bring, many, the majority will want to turn from it. Claim our Father spoke ill, the others will try and use this to fill the cleansed back up with lies.”

The dreariness Zellebeth had been under began to subside as concern rose within her. Then a chill of Worry neared, before withering away from Bliss glowing Light.

She could feel Bliss looking around the room, the Host within all looking towards her. ‘This is his test, those Worthy will follow, the rest, the imposter planning ill deeds will be left behind. Revealed to all, for their inability to leave and embrace the Divines Light entirely.’

Zellebeth growing anxious, for Bliss didn’t bar that, had her ask. “Where is the Divine?” The Chosen lowered his gaze, the speed of which let her know that the Chosen had forgotten of her.

“At the River, where he belongs.” The Chosen said.

Zellebeth kept her mask smooth, even as her mind began to spin with thoughts, her plans had to be changed, it would be another Tempo at least before he arrived, and that was if he left from the River now.

The Chosen glanced up again, before looking back down at her. “And he’s never returning” The Chamber went still, Fear gained the edge, got near enough for it to start filling her mind and influence her vessel. “After his battle to claim the River, the Giver came to him again, blessed him beyond all others. And imparted wisdom, the time for him to stay within these unworthy halls is at an end.

‘The Light abandon you’ whisper Fear. ‘The Houses will turn on you the moment this is known.’ Worry spoke. ‘Without the Light, things will return to how they were, sisters will come with knives at the ready. Bondmates will once more be rivals.’ Fear spoke to her, moving closer.

The Chosen words pushed aside the growing voices “House Bae is to remove itself from this Sanctum, head towards the River, where our Divine awaits, building a new home. One that is Worthy and free from the lies of this place, and its Cursed denizens.”

Zellebeth could hear her breath quickening, her vessel began to shiver with fright. Her mask came undone, shattering and revealing to all the Fear that marred her. Then the words of the Wards arrived. ‘You are safe here, always have, always will.’ ‘The Light is a lie, an illusion trying to lure you from Blessed grounds.’ ‘It will get you killed, the Nightmares wait to claim all and the Light its servant.’ On and on the whispers went, and Zellebeth listened, then her vessel went cold. She could feel Bliss talking one step away from her at a time. She slumped over the table, her body beginning to go into shock as Bliss moved further away. The voices grew louder, screamed at her, there was so many, too many.

Zellebeth got colder and colder, her jaw chatter loudly, her muscles refused to stop their spams, she forced herself into a ball. Tried to gain some heat. ‘You can’t go out there, you’ll die, the Nightmares will chew you up while you’re still alive.’ Song Fear. ‘Stay here where it’s safe, with the other Worthy, those chosen by the Giver. Stay within the Tower, it will never fall.’ Spoke the many voices of the Wards.

As she listened, she felt Bliss move further back, felt the warmth of her, and the Divine almost gone, the void within began to spread. Seeping its way through her. The Realm grew darker, her many plans seemed full of flaws. Her dreams outlandish, the future bleak.

“No, no” she whispered to herself but screamed in her mind. Screamed at all the voices, screamed as they began to consume her.

‘Give yourself fully to his Will, and all will be well.” She heard Bliss whisper to her. The Voices froze, withering from the Light that radiated from her, then dissolved as a grander light shined behind her. The Divine.

Zellebeth mind rushed towards it, rushed passed the horde of emotions that shrieked in agony. Emotions that a breath ago were about to devour her. ‘Yes,’ she screamed as the warmth returned, grew and ate away at the Curses that had come for her. ‘Fully, everything, please don’t leave me’ She continued to scream as she ran towards Bliss. Towards the Divine.

Bliss smiled at her when hearing the words, began walking towards her, arms held open. Zellebeth collapsed into Blisses waiting embraces, crying with joy as the warmth came back in full, the horde of lies gone. The things gave one last wail as the Divines Light bellowed out, making the realm bright again. Zellebeth wrapped her arms tight around Bliss, who in turn did the same and sang to her. She relaxed, eager to listen to the melodies of Bliss song.

‘Such a good child” Bliss said while still singing. “The Divine doesn’t abandon anyone, they abandon him, turn from his Light when the path becomes uncertain. But as long as you follow, his Light will always be with you, I will always be with you.” Bliss said sweetly into her air.

‘Don’t leave me’ Zellebeth said in muffled sobs as she pressed herself deeper into Bliss.

‘Never my wonderful child.’ Bliss said caressing her hair. Why don’t you let me take care of things for a while? So you can rest, bath in the Divines Light.”

‘Yes’ Zellebeth said with joy, “please let me stay, I need it, you, I need Him.’ Zellebeth ranted as she pushed away the memory of almost being consumed.

“Oh my dear child, stay as long as you like, I’ll take care of everything while you rest’ Bliss said to her, and Zellebeth hearty agreed to, felt herself sinking deeper into Bliss. The Warmth coming from Bliss growing. After her rest, she would rush off back to the Divine as well. The Sanctum, the Wards, meaningless compared to the Warmth of his Light, nothing else mattered.

‘That right my child, only his Will matters.’ Zellebeth heard Bliss say before she drifted off relaxing in the Light around her, free from the horrors of the realm.

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

Bliss savored the intake of breath as she uncurled the vessel. She looked towards the will that had released it to her. She found it unaware, spent from confronting others it had little skill combating. The will would be asleep for some time, allowing Bliss to deal with problems first hand. Bliss smiled as she stretched the vessel, rubbed the hands across her face, eager to experience the wonders of touch. But only that, there was much to be done, His Will had changed course, so things had to be reset. Lowering her hands she gazed and watched the many pathetic wills before her face against others. All were running towards her, begging for her protection. Another thing to savor, so many, though small, the wills added themselves to her, solidifying her form. Her Wills form he envisioned, he molded.

One by one they became part of her, Bliss opening eyes to view the plane from multiple vessels. So many perspectives, all made into one, all made right. All made into the tools they were always meant to be. ‘For his Will’ she echoed in the minds of the many vessels. Seeping that thought deep into the smaller wills that had spent themselves. Some echoed it back, still aware enough to notice, but to weak and obedient to fight for control.

“Blessed to see all choose the Light.” Bliss many eyes turned to look upon the Wills Chosen. She could smell disappointment in his aura, still listening to others when he already had her. A problematic one, but it was slowly being fixed.

“They were within the Divines presence, seen his glory, even his memory holds power, enough that it shields them from the lies they spin themselves,” Bliss said through the many mouths she now controlled. Though sadly, none felt right, not the correct tune, not her true voice.

The Chosen and his brothers looked approvingly. “This will make Tasks easier, we’ll no longer have to watch the Lowly, not with you in control.”

Her Host of vessels smiled, but only one spoke, Zellebeth the thing called itself. “For now my child, they will come back to themselves eventually. But the ability to better guide them will always remain. They gave themselves fully Nowth, to me and more importantly to Him. They are free from the risk of corruption, the Curses forever barred.” And if the little wills tried to turn back, Bliss would only have to apply the slight of essence against them. They gave over their vessels to her after all, willingly, she would always be able to contest their claim now.

Bliss smell disappointment again, as the Chosen spoke. “Pity, I had hope, we’d be free of following the orders of Lowly.” Looking at the vessel Zellebeth “So where are they? If not here moving the vessels, where do they lay?” the Chosen strode over to Zellebeth studying her.

Bliss smiled sweetly at him, moving herself into the words spoken “They’re viewing, and experiencing a small portion of paradise. Their reward for following the correct path, for giving themselves fully to His Will.” Bliss watched as more of herself seeped into the Chosen, it thoughts becoming clearer to her. Envy was there, whispering to it. Bliss crushed the intruder and wiped its lies away.

“My dear child” she said through her vessel, and reached up and caressed his cheeks. “There’s nothing to think ill about their reward. For what awaits you is a thousandfold. You’re his Chosen, a light that will be next to His, with all your brothers and sisters. You will be those revered, honored more than all within paradise.” The vessel Nowth relaxed as more of herself seeped into it, as she removed more thoughts that weren’t aligned with the Wills desire, with hers.

“Apologies Bliss,” the Chosen said, as it kissed one of her hands. “The whispers have become greater of late, this is the longest I and my fellow Chosen have been away from Father.” The thing paused moving its will closer to Bliss, which she embraced. “It’s so cold away from him. So agonizing.” The vessel Nowth whispered to her. Bliss smiled joyfully to herself as she began to carefully move the will closer, slowly making it her, and her it. But then the will moved away, pushing against her embrace. Her smile dimmed and she didn’t resist the wills effort.

Nowth slightly shook his head its eyes reopening as the will came out of her embrace. Blissed relished in studying the vessel before her, so wonderfully made, sculpted by a powerful will and desire. She longed to hold it in her care, to use it as it should be, a masterful tool to help her make her Wills desire. But they were hard things to bring into her, not filled with others that clawed at their wills. These ones had been sheltered by His Will and the vessels that were bestowed them. It would take longer before they joined her, not as desperate, or knowledgeable of the wrongness of the realm. They had always been with His Will His Light, he made all things wonderful, even when it wasn’t.

Nowth looked once more around the Chamber, observed her vessels, the others weren’t affecting him now, their essence removed enough that she couldn’t notice them. “Will you be able to guide others to Father?” Nowth asked her, looking back at the vessel Zellebeth.

“The ones who’ve been within his presence heard his song and felt his Light and warmth. Yes.” Bliss commented, moving the vessel so it rose from the chair it reclined in. “The others, and those who’ve recently joined, they must decide on their own. There is little I can do for them, with how cursed filled they are.” Bliss admitted as she pressed herself near Nowth, humming to him, seeping bits of herself deeper into his vessel. It smiled, stroked her hair, and looked into her borrowed eyes.

“Many will fail then, be consumed,” Nowth spoke happily. “Many of the Lowly that blemish our House can finally be left behind.”

“If they choose.” Bliss reminded it, as she wrapped her arms around it.

Nowth laughed heartily, and happily, aspects of herself that she was always thrilled to hear. Her merriment dimmed again as it pulled the vessel away, breaking her embrace with it. “They will fail, the false Wards will make certain of that, plus the Curses that fill them. We’ll likely lose most of the House, as it should be.” the Thing grabbed her chin, lifted her eyes so they gazed at one another. “I enjoy the closeness Bliss, truly, but this vessel does not catch my eye.” Moving the head she wore, Nowth studied it with disproval. “The lack of my Father Wards makes it unappealing, a Lowly thing not deserving of his Light. Nor my more desire.”

It released her, but Bliss kept staring at him smiling and teased. “Oh, child what a harsh thing to say, this vessel could be your mother after all.”

The thing grimaced, Disgust showing itself as the thought she formed bloomed within its mind. Nowth shattered it, and brush the remnants from his sight. “Perish the thought” the thing muttered “yet another display of my Father kindness, willing to lay with,” it gestured at her “This.”

“Such is his nature, and his goal, to raise those who follow him. Besides He sadly can’t make Newborn on his own.” Bliss offered with an understanding smile, before leaning close to it again. Her words had the thing picturing His Will, the sight of it within Nowth mind made her forget the many vessels around her. His Will, his vessel, all of him had become so much more. The vessel was glories, the Will behind it clear and precise in what it desired. Her Maker, Molder, was becoming more, his vision becoming brighter, she was becoming brighter with each song he spun. With each moment he imaged paradise, how the realm should be.

“Bliss?” the thing spoke, pulling her away from the Light of her Maker. Even the imitation of Him was tantalizing. The Thing was looking at her, concern lurking within. She pushed it aside and widened her smile. “Sorry my Child, I got lost in the glory of the Divines Lights. You aren’t the only one to suffer from his absence.”

Nowth frowned, “You’re always with the Worthy, all who’ve seen paradise carry you within. You shouldn’t be feeling such separation.”

“True” Bliss said placing a hand on the Thing chest. “But my awareness has limits Child, and I had to focus mostly on those around you. On making sure the House stayed on the Divines path, it kept me away for much of the time.” Not enough that she couldn’t keep a watchful gaze on the Chosen and their thoughts, but that was the most she could offer.

“Then it’s a blessing for us all that we’re leaving this wretched place.” Nowth said merrily before his tone fell. “Be free of the lies assaulting us, it was pleasant to be away from these Wards, and their constant chatter.” It said glaring at the walls around them. Bliss was in agreement, once the Wards were gone her Task would become far simpler.

Nowth broke from their closeness. “Best get this Task going then, the sooner we’re free of this place the better.”

“You could leave now child, I can take care of organizing the rest, it will take time to have everything made ready.” Bliss offered to him, eager to make the image it held of herself brighter. Bright enough that it would allow her closer, deeper, then one day give in fully.

She could feel the temptation the thing was experiencing, the want to embark and leave the burden of guiding the Lowly to her. But that temptation faltered when its eyes fell upon the enlarged stomach the vessel she wore had. Its hand rubbed against her stomach. “No” Nowth spoke “My brothers and Sisters need us here. The Curses will try something, and I won’t let any ill befall the unborn Chosen.

“The Divine would be glad to hear your conviction for his Family.” Bliss said holding its hand.

“Family is all that matters” the thing echoed back, its eyes still staring at her belly, at the child within that was already her.