She would find none. “We have a deal then.” And her word was her bond. There would be no prying, at least not from the Bishop.

“Now, Hannah, tell me, where do you come from?”

If anything was trying those barriers, Hannah would not feel it. The Bishop would help Hannah to her feet then release the hand.

“I would ask that you try not to probe my mind without allowing me to… safeguard certain memories.

But I do understand being afraid to trust.”

“It is alright to not be calm.

What you saw was painful… unexpected. Your emotions are valid and I do not blame you for lashing out. Just understand, I did not mean for you to see it.”

The Bishop offered a hand, standing up, dust and dirt falling from her robes like water. She was still clean.

“If you would like to go now, I would happily lead the way,” she offered with a small sweep of her hand.

“Or would you visit to come at another time?”

“The Ones Before do not have a preferred means of worship. Some pray, some give offerings.

Worship is not required to use the chapel. The doors are open to all, for shelter or worship.”

As the light crept back in, the woman stood. “Should you wish to join me in prayer again, or simply are searching for company, the chapel is almost complete.

You, like all others, are welcome.”

+ in a blanket by their mother.

A silence hung in the air, the prayer was complete. “Thank you. They will watch over you.”

+ being watched.

Above them, an aura began to dance and shimmer, first softly then not-quite violently, like a the sheen of satin being pulled apart.

And in the tears, the Akladian would see stars. More stars than were possible.

And then, a comfort, like the kind when a sick child is wrapped +

The woman smiled softly behind her veil.“To the ones from before.”

She spoke softly in a language forgotten by most. Tabitha would feel a chill settle on her skin as the world around them seemingly darkened, like an eclipse that took the warmth of the sun. And with the cold, came a feeling of +