Prayers of the Lycanthrope

Learning the Ways of the Order

The morning light streams through the window pane and I am immediately overcome by anxiety. With a slight hesitation, I finally forced myself out of bed to begin my journey. I take a deep breath, feeling my heart racing.. The anticipation slowly builds within me, questions racing through my mind as to what awaits me there. I am a part of The Order of Enlightenment now, but how will that be put into play? What kind of orders await me? Nervously twisting and fidgeting with my hands, I followed directions to the location written down on a piece of paper.

The sun shone down on me as I walked; a bright reminder of Solaria, our goddess of light. We had studied for years to prepare us for her coming and were warned constantly about keeping darkness away from our lives. We believed that if we could somehow purge out the darkness in this world, it would bring forth a new era of enlightenment and hope. But I knew not what sort of supernatural phenomena or ancient magic might be required to make such a feat possible. No one did. Little did I know at the time where my thoughts would eventually take me.

I pause for a moment as I take in what lies ahead of me on this new journey. Will it bring retribution or hope?

Practicing our faith involves stepping away from any kind of darkness that may be naturally occurring or self-inflicted. Such ambition made me quiver with excitement as I approached the greenhouse. This place embraced both light and dark forces, blurring their boundaries for a shared learning environment. I slowly stepped inside the glass enclosure and a strange chill surged through me as if some invisible force was warning me that something didn't feel right.

The warmth of the humid greenhouse air hit me as I opened the door. As my eyes adjusted, I surveyed the space, dozens of figures in dull brown robes and cloaks stood around the main podium, seemingly engaged in some type of ritual. Unsure where to look or what to do next, I felt out of place amidst their chanting and singing. An eerie silence filled the air and none of them seemed to notice me standing there watching curiously from afar.

I stepped nervously into the greenhouse, taking in my surroundings. Half a dozen elderly men were milling about. Suddenly, I noticed there was one other person who looked to be close to my age. He gave me an inquisitive look and offered his hand for introduction as he introduced himself with a warm voice of allurement. I shook it cautiously, never breaking eye contact.

I was immediately taken aback by his presence, he towered over me like a giant. He had dark brown hair and a strong angular face that was highlighted by his striking hazel eyes. His perfect smile lifted up the corners of his lips in an inviting way, sending warmth throughout my body at the sight. I shook myself out of my daze after realizing he introduced himself as Anthony.

I stood there mesmerized by his tall figure, dark brown hair and chiseled face framed with hazel eyes. His presence commanded attention and I couldn't help but let my guard down in front of him. I tried to introduce myself as Alina, yet the words got stuck in my throat. A million thoughts raced through my mind as butterflies fluttered around in my belly, making it difficult for me to think straight or make a sound.

The priest I met yesterday glanced over at me indicating that I should go to the middle of the circle that had been formed. I took a deep breath and moved forward into the center of the gathering, a group of strangers all clustered around me but feeling strangely like family. My eyes wander around their faces, curious yet also reverent, as they chant prayers in unified harmony for what felt like eternity. A few murmurs ripple through The Order of Enlightenment before everyone falls into a respectful silence. As I stand in the center of the circle, surrounded by my fellow Order members, I can feel a sense of energy emanating from all sides. We close our hands to complete the circle and begin to chant in harmony. As we continue our chanted invocations, an unearthly light begins to appear around us.

The priest I had met disclosed his name as Mikhael and he talked to me about the order. I could see he was older and of a humble disposition, with clear blue eyes drawing my attention to his soulfulness. He tells me how long they've been in this place dedicating their lives to worship; yet there are still no words strong enough to describe its power. His voice held a curious comfort that made it impossible not to listen, expressing the importance of our lives having meaning and purpose beyond our own narrow views. As he continued to explain, I was mesmerized by every word; it felt like each one carried infinite wisdom that transcended my current understanding.

Mikhael informed me that I had been granted the title of apprentice. He explained that I would be paired up with Anthony, who had just been promoted to the title of adept. According to Mikhael, this meant Anthony would be my mentor and he would teach me everything he knew about The Order.

My hands trembled as I heard the orders given to me and Anthony. We were told to go retrieve a parchment from a mage called Julian, who lived in the far-off town of Silvestia. A mysterious force seemed to thrust my feet forward despite my reservations; I must obey this summons, for it was said that great fate awaited us should we do so. As we commenced our journey therewith, I questioned what kind of power could reside within such an object?

My stomach churned nervously, thinking about what was ahead, but steeled myself for what lay before us. I estimated that it would take us roughly an hour on foot to reach Silvestia, since its path is one often traveled. In preparation for the journey, we gathered what supplies we could muster, and readied ourselves for the challenge ahead.

As noon approached, we discussed plans for our arrival in Silvestia. We discussed plans for our arrival in Silvestia, and it was decided that we should seek out the mage Julian. It was known that he dwelt in the deepest parts of the Magerim forest, a place none of us had ever ventured before. As tales were told, this realm could be full of treacherous twists and turns as well as magical creatures both friendly and hostile.

Anthony and I arrived at the gate, ready to leave for our journey. The sun shone brightly in the sky as we stepped out onto the path. As we left the town, I took one last look over my shoulder to make sure nothing was following us. Anthony and I had prepared for this journey, understanding that anything could be waiting down our path. As soon as we reached the gate, a gust of wind blew by us like some sort of sign. We knew then that danger lurked all around us but continued regardless; there was no turning back now.