Scene: Temple Gates – Afternoon
The grand temple gates stood open, sunlight stretching across the white stone courtyard. A carriage rolled in, drawn by silver-maned horses. Temple maids followed closely behind, their robes catching the light. The wheels slowed to a stop at the edge of the stone.
The banners fluttered lightly. The breeze passed. Stillness lingered.
A paladin stepped down first, then turned and offered a hand.
A boot touched the ground—refined, precise. Serenya stepped out, straightened, and looked toward the temple entrance.
"It's been a while," she murmured.
---
Scene: Outer Hall – Minutes Later
Several Luminarchs walked beneath the outer corridor's open ceiling, sunlight striping their robes. Their conversation was light, almost casual, until one of them paused mid-step.
"Serenya? You're back?" Luminarch Roen asked. "How was the journey?"
"Peaceful," Serenya replied with a gentle bow. "The gods have been kind."
"May they continue to bless you," another offered. "Stay as long as you like."
Serenya smiled faintly. "If I may… what was that gathering earlier? The crowds in the courtyard?"
There was a brief pause. Then Luminarch Lerzen answered.
"A welcome ceremony. For the envoy."
"An envoy? Of the gods?" Her brow rose slightly. "A prophet? From another branch? Do I know her? I've worked with nearly every healer across the regions."
Before anyone could respond, Luminarch Revery's voice cut through.
"She's a commoner. That should tell you enough. You don't need to concern yourself with her. Just rest."
He turned, robes brushing the marble.
"Let's move."
---
As the group walked further, tension remained in the air.
"That was uncalled for," Lerzen muttered. "You humiliated her. She's the daughter of a marquis."
"And?" Revery shot back. "The envoy's performed miracles neither the Saintess nor Serenya ever could."
Roen lowered his voice. "Still... what if the Grand Luminarch was wrong? What if this is all just temporary?"
Revery didn't hesitate. "I had every incident investigated. They're real. Every miracle."
Arcwell folded his arms. "Strange. You've always been harsh on commoners. Why believe her so easily?"
"Because her blood isn't common," Revery said.
The others paused.
"You found something?" Roen asked.
Revery (smirking faintly):
"Let's just say… her name isn't as simple as it looks on the surface. Two noble houses. Names no one would dare place together—unless it was real."
He paused. Then, calmly:
"I saw it myself. The Grand Luminarch and I handled her registration. Her parents aren't just anyone. They're beyond anyone."
Revery's smile was slight. "She's tied to Grand Duke Morvain. And her mother came from a noble line—one that nearly produced a Saintess."
Lerzen stiffened. "You mean Avarielle Arclite? The one who vanished before the selection?"
"Exactly," Roen confirmed. "She was meant to marry Marquis Wendell. Ran off. No one knows how she met the High Luminarch, but he protected her."
Arcwell blinked. "And she was stronger than Josephine? The Duke's daughter?"
"For a time, yes," Roen said. "But once her affair with Jinnar Morvain was exposed, everything fell apart. The Church dropped her. The Duke disowned his son."
"And the envoy… is their child?" Arcwell asked, slowly.
"Yes," Revery replied. "Jinnaviera Avarielle Morvain."
A silence followed.
Arcwell looked shaken. "So she's not just strong—she's the blood of two noble lines."
Revery's eyes narrowed. "And she carries power beyond both."
"She's not just an envoy anymore," Roen whispered. "She's becoming something else."
They all nodded.
No more doubts. Just understanding. Just the beginning of something greater.