Reverie Visage

Chapter 1: Masque of Sacrifice

"Friends... family... loyal disciples of The Cult of the Exalt. It has been nearly three decades since the sun, the eternal bringer of light, has disappeared from the sky. As we gather here on this day, we ask the one above not for that light back, but for forgiveness. Those few of us alive today live in shelters against the cold and the dark such as this because we are unworthy. This is not a home. It is a prison forced upon us by His Grace, and it is only through appeasement that we may see the light again someday."

The man dressed in gold and white robes outstretched his hands to his silent, masqued audience. His voice, albeit firm, was smooth and pleasant to the ear, his preaching weaving through the air in an almost sing-song, English intonation that exemplified the voice of a leader. From atop the platform he stood, his stormy gray eyes scanned his subjects, as if making eye contact with everyone, yet no one in particular.

"Today, we shall offer up our fifth monthly sacrifice to The Exalt. I am proud to act as his messenger to tell you all who will be the one to take that initiative. Everyone, please give a round of applause for this month's chosen one: our newest member, Quim Maximilien!"

He gestured to the back of the stage to a young man with his arms folded over his chest. In contrast with their elegant leader, Quim's attire was relatively less formal. Not shoddy, but certainly not on the same level as the other man or any of the others in the church. His suit consisted of a black, high collared, wool peacoat, of which he wore unbuttoned, as well as a dull, green dress shirt tucked into a pair of slim jeans. In place of a tie, he had a brass amulet that depicted two X shapes on opposite ends of a circle held around his neck by a fine, silver chain. Through the tufts of his black, wavy hair, one could almost make out those bright gold eyes that stood out like fireflies against his sepia skin.

"Do not weep for our dear friend," the man in the robes implored. "for his life will prove to fulfill a great role in The Exalt's hallowed foresight. Today we celebrate his bravery and give him a night to remember so that his name will be carried on in glory. The festivities will now commence. Please feel free to take this time to let loose and drink at your leisure. The sacrifice will begin shortly."

He clicked off the microphone on the podium, which gave off an electronic screech, and on cue, energetic music sounded off from the speakers. The once uniform crowd dispersed and went their seperate ways upon their dismissal. Most mingled in small groups of three or two, but there were the occasional stragglers who parked themselves at the bar and didn't seem to want to budge thereafter.

The large, main hall of the church had few decorations, the only exceptions being dim candles and artificial lights that gave the place a faint yellow glow. There were hardly any chairs or pews to be seen in that room, and the only ones that were there had been pushed aside to make room for the main floor.

Figuring he had time to kill, Quim ultimately decided that joining in on the party wouldn't hurt. It was made for him after all. He uncrossed his arms and stiffly made his way to the stairs off the side of the stage, but before he could even place his hand on the guide rail, he was stopped by a voice calling him.

"Your name is Quim, isn't it?"

He stopped in place and shifted his view behind him, meeting eyes with the cult leader himself. Despite his prior appearance, he spoke much more freely than before. The stoll of his robes was loosened around his neck, and his short, blonde hair was ruffled ever so slightly. The changes were small, but it made him seem as if he were taking on a different persona.

"You look a little bored there," the man said. "I hope this party meets your standards. We're celebrating you, you know."
Quim shortly averted his eyes, but looked back with a gentle smile. "Of course, your eminence. I am more than happy to have the opportunity to die for the sake of your god. I am deeply honored that you selected me."