Delindra (prime)/A New Apprentice

"It is time to continue your training."

Delindra stared down at the words in their elegant, flowing script, each letter formed of crimson ink. The blood-like color would be off-putting, if it were not for the glimmers of gold contouring each line and curve, lending the missive a festive look rather than a dire one. She wished she knew how they got the ink to do that. Another secret she could not know yet, though she saw fewer reasons for this one. Did one really need to obtain the rank of full Priestess to make pretty ink?

She snuck a glance at the young woman standing in front of her, then looked back down, continuing to read.

"Lareae is an Apprentice who has her sights set on the Order of Harmony. She must continue her instruction within the Temple for another year before she can be accepted as a Page. The local Templars will see to her continued combat training, but we feel additional tutelage with the clergy would be of great benefit to her. While she is passionate in following the Path of Joy, like any potential Templar Harmonious must be, there has been concern as to her suitability. There are those within the Order who fear she strays too close to the Goddess of the Moons, and we would see her set upon a path more suited to Joy than Madness."

Delindra maintained her serene expression, but it was a challenge. It somehow did not surprise her. The line between Joy and Madness became more blurred where the Order of Harmony was concerned, in her opinion. She knew of few people suited to such work, capable of walking that narrow, tenuous trail.

"Throughout your pilgrimages on behalf of Lord Cholen, you will often strive to set followers on a better path. You will also find new insights emerge when you transition from student to teacher. Through instructing others, your own knowledge and understanding grows. We know you are ready for this challenge, and we leave Lareae in your care. Guide her well."

The parchment bore the signatures and seals of the three High Priests of her home temple, their signets impressed in discs of gold-veined crimson wax. She knew each of them well enough to tell the parchment was authentic, not that she had many concerns about forgery. That was one benefit of following her path, she reflected. Few nefarious types saw any value in infiltrating the ranks of the God of Performing Arts. Secret lute techniques were likely far down on the list of things the minions of evil would seek from the side of good.

Delindra released the breath she had been holding, giving herself a mental shake, and looked up at Lareae. Jade green eyes gazed back at her, slightly unfocused, and a small smile froze on her thin, pink lips. She was Sylvan, which came as a mild surprise. Her own family troupe was something of a rarity - a group of Sylvans dedicated to Cholen, rather than the more natural path of Imaera. She could not help but wonder... but, there would be time for that. She smiled gently, trying not to let any of her own trepidation show.

"Welcome, Lareae," Delindra said, her voice warm and inviting. "It seems we have a journey ahead of us."

Lareae's tense posture relaxed slightly, and she nodded. "I'm... I'm glad to be here," she murmured. Her fingers wound together, then unwound, and her whole body seemed to vibrate with a restless energy. Delindra wondered if the young woman ever stopped fidgeting. Had she ever been like that? Surely not.

"As am I," Delindra replied, feeling a surge of determination. "Let us get you situated, shall we? Welcome to your new home... Welcome to Solhaven."