Amethyst and amber skies created the perfect backdrop for a wholesome summer evening at the New York Sanctum. All masters, apprentices and novices that resided there (and a few from elsewhere) stood outside in the pretty courtyard that was decorated with bright torches amongst the pale-pink cherry blossoms. The Ancient One stood proudly at the front of the crowd with Mordo by her side, who held a large, thin, smooth wooden box, delicately detailed with runes. Towards the front of the crowd, Marcus stood, beaming, with his hand upon a sixteen-year-old Tessa's shoulder. The girl still wore her crimson tunic and trousers but did so with pride. Elijah stood by their side also, his mouth a slightly curved line.
"Masters, students," The Ancient One smiled warmly at all of them, "Today we gather to admit another of our fellow sorceresses into the rank of Master...To become a Master of our ancient mystic arts, it requires an enormous amount of self-discipline, patience, perseverance, courage and integrity. Once an apprentice has truly mastered these values, it is not only a time for them to progress in rank in order to further their knowledge but it is cause for a celebration that an individual has chosen to pursue such a difficult and demanding path, all for the greater good. Particularly celebratory in this case is the fact that I award the title to one so young." Her eyes, full of motherly satisfaction, landed on the teenager, "Master - Kent, please could you present our newest member of the rank."
Marcus nodded, gently pressuring Tessa's shoulder to encourage her to head to the Ancient One. Walking beside her, he looked at Tessa, content that he was presenting the girl he had raised - although, not by personal choice. Of course, he did wonder what it would have been like if Jackson saw his daughter now. But he immediately quashed that thought with a delusional one instead, contemplating what Thea would think of him raising her child so well.
Oblivious to his twisted thinking, Tessa smiled brightly, thrilled that she was the youngest to go through with this ceremony.
"Before I present you with your robes, you must undertake the oath. Are you ready?"
The teenager nodded, turning to face her fellow sorcerers, before an solemnly announcing, "I sincerely vow to do my best, to be loyal to my fellow sorcerers and develop my understanding of the mystic arts, to serve this reality and its people, to protect the multiverse and to uphold the natural law."
Placing a hand on the girl's shoulder, the Ancient One said, "I declare Tessa Hanna Hyde, daughter of the late Master Jackson Hyde and Master Thea Hyde, our newest Master of the mystic arts."
The crowd clapped for the girl as Mordo, smiling, stepped beside her and opened the box he held to reveal robes of the same forest green that her late father once wore. The Ancient One squeezed Tessa's shoulder tenderly as she fished her robes out of the box.
"Congratulations, Tessa." Mordo said.
"Thank you." She grinned, ecstatic over her achievement.
Sometime later, after the girl had changed into her long-awaited robes and had been congratulated by many fellow Masters and student sorcerers, only Marcus, Elijah, Mordo and the Ancient One remained with Tessa.
"Well, I'm going to turn-in." Elijah smiled, patting the young Master on her shoulder warmly, "Well done again, Tess."
"Night, Eli! Thank you." She waved him off with a smile.
"I suppose we should head in too." Marcus said wearily, "Got lots to practice tomorrow."
"I am sure she can be spared a day to bask in her achievement," Mordo suggested, much to the silent relief of Tessa.
"Well, Karl - "
"You can address me as Mordo - "
Marcus ignored him, "You'll learn that us protectors of the realms are not spared rest often. Come, Tessa. Bed."
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An Entity Within | Stephen Strange
Fanfiction{~BOOK 1 in THE ENTITY SERIES~} Everyday life has become difficult for Tessa Hyde when her odd migraines become increasingly worse after the death of the Ancient One. Secrets have been kept and lies have been told to keep Tessa 'safe' but how much...
