The sanctum of the Moon Tribe's giant tent was dim, the air heavy and incense-scented with the aroma of ancient oils and desert plants. Walls made of sewn lunar hide closed out all light, leaving only the soft glow of spirit lanterns hanging sloppily above. It was quiet, subdued, like stepping into a vault of ancient memory.
Yu Rael had donned her ceremonial dress after a quick change. It was dark blue with silver threads embroidered into it, representing the night sky of their ancestors. Her moon sigil rested upon her forehead, no longer hidden. It had been over a year since she'd last donned this robe not since the clan heads had last convened. But here she was once more, standing tall with chin held high and hands troubadour-fashion behind her back, the weight of her heritage weighing like chainmail on her shoulders.
By her side was Vaen, dressed in his usual black. His blindfold hid his eyes, but not the stillness that engaged him. His robe, belted with a simple belt, bore no symbol of power whatsoever. No bloodline, only darkness; and yet that darkness had the power to thicken air around him.
Both of them bowed to the raised platform where the Clan Leader of the Moon Tribe sat, a bearded silver-haired elder with whites on him, his flesh white as moonlight, his fingers long and still. He was a colossal presence, not of skill, but of authority gained over decades.
Rael kept her eyes lowered. Even though she led her own mercenary company now, here she was still a child of the Moon Tribe. A daughter and a saintess.
The elder's voice cut through the silence. "Rael, my granddaughter.You've returned."
"I have, Grandfather."
Vaen didn't flinch, but she could almost feel his awareness sharpen.
The old man continued, "I assume this is regarding the delivery of the Corpse Spirit Flower?"
"Yes," she said. "The Immortal Organization's agreement is to be honored. The flower will be delivered. I'll do it personally."
There was a long silence.
"You don't have to, Rael. There's an elder—"
"No," she said in a soft but firm tone. "I know what this flower represents. I was the one who went and brought it. I'll ensure that it gets to the castle in Ashspire Abyss personally."
The old man leaned his head. Then his eyes flickered to Vaen. "And him?"
"A trusted one." she answered. "Strong. He walks an odd road, but he has no loyalty in the Chaos Region. That makes him quite useful."
Vaen stood, without moving and speaking. Not even nodding his head. She didn't know if it was rudeness or confidence, probably both.
The older man gestured to the small black box upon the stone pedestal beside him. "The flower has been sealed. It should not be opened, not even looked at. It will try to tempt you, to bring its soul to life too early."
Rael stepped forward and knelt in front of the box. "I understand."
Then the talk shifted, whispered voices, names not spoken publicly for years. Rael listened intently, but she also knew Vaen's ears were faster than the others.
"You know," the elder said in a low tone, "once you enter Ashspire Abyss… you can't turn back. The flower won't be the only one keeping an eye on you."
"I've come ready," she replied. "And the Organization will receive it. As is custom."
He looked at her forever. Then, only when it looked as if he would speak no more, his expression softened. "The Moon Tribe was party to the pact that formed the Organization. Years before your birth. Even before your father's. You are the last Saintess to remain alive freely."
Vaen shifted.
"I know," she answered, her voice gentler now. "But this mission is not about titles or bloodlines. It is about holding the pact."
The world had forgotten the Immortal Organization. He spoke quietly. "But they have not forgotten us."
He stood up, raising a skeletal hand towards her. "Go. But do not be tempted. The castle is deep within Ashspire. The Abyss has ruined many."
Yu Rael bowed once more. "I will not be swayed."
They prepared to leave, but as they emerged from the sanctum, she felt the shift in Vaen. Not in his movement. No, he still moves like darkness, but in the thickness of his silence.
"You heard everything," she told him once they were well out of earshot.
"I did," he told her curtly.
She took a breath. "So, do you have anything to say?"
"No," he told her. "But I think I'm beginning to understand you, a little."
Rael clicked her tongue. "I'm not sure if that's good or bad."
He remained silent.