Zodiac Circle

Chapter 5: The Joining Ceremony

After receiving the scroll and the brush from Erisa, Tamie decided to walk down into the basement where casual members had bedrooms and see hers. Erisa gave her the key to her new chamber - room Number 6. 

Tamie descended the stairs and walked into her new room. It was bright and clear, with a tiny window at the top that showed the pavement outside in the street. The room had one bed, a writing table with a chair, a bedside table, a wardrobe, and a little private bathroom behind the white door. It was perfect for casual living. 

Hmm, of course, it could've been more comfortable... But, I guess, when I make more money doing jobs, I'll afford that one too. Tamie thought. Like most of the Libra, she was keen on comfort and luxury, and being forced to live in such a little room was not unacceptable. Reassuring herself that it was temporary, she felt less uneasy.

She brought in her backpack and began unpacking things when she heard voices from the neighbouring room, Number 7.

"I hate it... I hate when such fools as he mocks my spirit!" the familiar voice of Tiger, the redhead girl from before, sounded. 

"Relax, sis, he's just a fool! Why pay attention to the likes of him?" Riza's voice followed. 

"But, how long is he going to tease me like that?" Tiger cried, "I've had enough of it! It is not funny anymore! It is insulting!" 

Her dog's barks and cats' meows accompanied her angry shouts as if the pets tried to comfort their owner. 

"Hey," Riza said, "he's not going to do it anymore, or he's going to get beat up by all six of us, your sisters! You'll see!"

Tiger laughed.

"All nine of us," she corrected. "Don't forget Blizzard, Christo, and Astra!"

"Oh, of course, they will take part too, for sure!" Riza said.

Tamie blinked in surprise. Tiger was still upset about that pinhead Rick mocking her? She walked out of her room and knocked on the door Number 7.

"Who's there?" Tiger called out.

"It's the newbie, Tamie Wingfield!" Tamie cried, "I'm your new neighbour!"

No voice answered. The door opened and Riza appeared at the threshold.

"She's not in the mood to receive guests!" She gave her a courteous smile, not wanting to sound too bad to the sister of Nick Wingfield, the Elder of the Order.

"I'm not a guest. I'm a fellow member," Tamie smiled back, insulted by Riza's hostility. 

"I don't want to sound rude, but you're yet not a member," Riza said. "You will be when the Joining Ceremony is held and you get a ring." She showed the ring of a rose-and-cross emblem she wore on the middle finger of her right hand. 

Tamie flared up with anger. How dare she talk like that?! There was no doubt she'd be accepted, so she was a member!

"The Joining Ceremony is just for formality," she retorted, "I've already been accepted when the invitation was sent to me!"

"The Joining Ceremony is a ritual held since this order's foundation centuries ago," Riza said. "Don't get cocky just because your brother is a Lord in the Order!" She shut the door before Tamie's nose.

Tamie blinked in surprise but then snarled.

"Ugh, fine, cry alone if you want to!" She shouted and banged on the door. 

She returned to her room and slammed the door behind her. She fell onto her bed. 

I thought Rosenweld was different from the gloomy people of Mandragore. She thought. It seems I was mistaken, people are the same in all countries!