12-13-2024, 12:47 AM
Theron entered the Hall of Stars with purpose, his stride measured and deliberate. The message from Seraphis had been brief but precise, summoning him from his more pressing duties to greet the visitors who had found their way into the Sanctuary’s inner sanctum. Though it was not uncommon for him to appear in the Brotherhood's magnificent atrium, his role was far greater than engaging in idle conversation or fostering curiosity. That was the work of the faithful—those like the Embers, who played their part in the ever-burning flame of the Ascendancy’s reach. Even the smallest sparks could kindle belief, and belief was the Brotherhood’s most valuable currency.
The Veil hologram, glowing and intricate, dominated the center of the Hall as it so often did when Veilwardens demonstrated their sacred purpose. Theron allowed his eyes to flick toward the dazzling display as he approached. He understood its power, not just as a tool of instruction, but as a symbol—a vivid representation of the Veilwardens' connection to the unseen. Their role as bridges between the physical and metaphysical realms was vital, but Theron existed on a plane above even them. It was he who communed directly with the Ascendancy, he who had named the divine channeling as “the Veil.” It was Theron who had prophesied the coming of a new age, heralded by the Ascendancy’s power. And it was Theron who had written the Celestial Codex, the Brotherhood’s most sacred text.
His appearance was no less a statement of his position. While his robes bore some similarity to those of the Veilwardens, his attire was unmistakably distinct. Draped over his shoulders was a modernized cape that balanced perfectly between drama and elegance. The deep black of the garment was accented by fine golden threads that lined the seams, catching the light as he moved. Beneath it, an amulet rested against his bare collarbone, a talisman of authority nestled in the open collar of his tailored shirt. The design was understated yet regal, a testament to his role as the Luminar, the highest earthly emissary of the Ascendancy.
As he entered, the Veilwardens—Quillon and Seraphis—immediately turned toward him with reverent precision. They bowed deeply, their gestures imbued with the respect his presence commanded. Theron, in turn, nodded once, a slight inclination of his head that both acknowledged their devotion and reinforced his place above them. His gaze moved past them, briefly brushing over the Aethermancer before finally settling on the Seekers. He noted there were now three of them. It was precisely this state of being—caught between wonder and hesitation—that the Brotherhood sought to cultivate in new recruits.
Theron’s voice, when he finally spoke, carried a depth and resonance that seemed to fill the Hall. “Sapere aude,” he intoned in Latin, his tone both commanding and inviting.
Without hesitation, the Veilwardens lowered their heads once more and responded in perfect unison: “Docendo discimus.”
Theron brought his hands together, steepling his fingers in front of him as his piercing gaze swept over the group. “Only one who dares to know,” he continued, his voice steady and deliberate, “will find the truth of what they seek.” There was a pause, deliberate and heavy, as if the very air in the Hall waited with bated breath. Then he inclined his head slightly toward the Seekers, his expression thoughtful yet unreadable. “Welcome, Seekers, to the Brotherhood of Ascension. Your journey has brought you to this place, and for that, you should take pride. Please, join us in the Chamber of Echoes, where only in reflections will you find answers.”
He gestured toward the adjacent space, the motion fluid and assured. The Chamber of Echoes was not far, its entrance subtly tucked to one side of the Hall of Stars. Unlike the expansive grandeur of the Hall, the Chamber was smaller, more intimate, a ceremonial site meant for deeper introspection and enlightenment. It was a place where words softened, where belief took root in the silence between sounds. Theron moved to lead the way, his steps slow and deliberate, offering the group time to process the invitation.
As they followed, the light from the Veil hologram flickered and danced across the walls, as if bidding them farewell and urging them forward. The transition from the Hall of Stars to the Chamber of Echoes felt symbolic, as though they were crossing from the realm of observation into one of revelation. Theron’s presence remained steady at the forefront, his posture straight and commanding, his aura one of unshakable purpose.
The silence stretched as they walked, broken only by the faint sound of footsteps on polished floors. Theron glanced briefly over his shoulder, his expression calm but contemplative as he observed the group. Seekers, he thought, were as much a test of faith as they were potential disciples. It was his role to plant the seeds of their belief, to guide them toward the truth of the Ascendancy. But it was up to them to decide whether they would take root. In the Chamber of Echoes, where reflections gave way to revelations, they would begin to find their answers—or they would leave, unchanged, shadows fading back into the light of the mundane world.
Either way, Theron would ensure they never forgot what they saw here today.
Sapere aude, Latin for “Dare to know”.
Docendo discimus, Latin for “By teaching, we learn.”
The Veil hologram, glowing and intricate, dominated the center of the Hall as it so often did when Veilwardens demonstrated their sacred purpose. Theron allowed his eyes to flick toward the dazzling display as he approached. He understood its power, not just as a tool of instruction, but as a symbol—a vivid representation of the Veilwardens' connection to the unseen. Their role as bridges between the physical and metaphysical realms was vital, but Theron existed on a plane above even them. It was he who communed directly with the Ascendancy, he who had named the divine channeling as “the Veil.” It was Theron who had prophesied the coming of a new age, heralded by the Ascendancy’s power. And it was Theron who had written the Celestial Codex, the Brotherhood’s most sacred text.
His appearance was no less a statement of his position. While his robes bore some similarity to those of the Veilwardens, his attire was unmistakably distinct. Draped over his shoulders was a modernized cape that balanced perfectly between drama and elegance. The deep black of the garment was accented by fine golden threads that lined the seams, catching the light as he moved. Beneath it, an amulet rested against his bare collarbone, a talisman of authority nestled in the open collar of his tailored shirt. The design was understated yet regal, a testament to his role as the Luminar, the highest earthly emissary of the Ascendancy.
As he entered, the Veilwardens—Quillon and Seraphis—immediately turned toward him with reverent precision. They bowed deeply, their gestures imbued with the respect his presence commanded. Theron, in turn, nodded once, a slight inclination of his head that both acknowledged their devotion and reinforced his place above them. His gaze moved past them, briefly brushing over the Aethermancer before finally settling on the Seekers. He noted there were now three of them. It was precisely this state of being—caught between wonder and hesitation—that the Brotherhood sought to cultivate in new recruits.
Theron’s voice, when he finally spoke, carried a depth and resonance that seemed to fill the Hall. “Sapere aude,” he intoned in Latin, his tone both commanding and inviting.
Without hesitation, the Veilwardens lowered their heads once more and responded in perfect unison: “Docendo discimus.”
Theron brought his hands together, steepling his fingers in front of him as his piercing gaze swept over the group. “Only one who dares to know,” he continued, his voice steady and deliberate, “will find the truth of what they seek.” There was a pause, deliberate and heavy, as if the very air in the Hall waited with bated breath. Then he inclined his head slightly toward the Seekers, his expression thoughtful yet unreadable. “Welcome, Seekers, to the Brotherhood of Ascension. Your journey has brought you to this place, and for that, you should take pride. Please, join us in the Chamber of Echoes, where only in reflections will you find answers.”
He gestured toward the adjacent space, the motion fluid and assured. The Chamber of Echoes was not far, its entrance subtly tucked to one side of the Hall of Stars. Unlike the expansive grandeur of the Hall, the Chamber was smaller, more intimate, a ceremonial site meant for deeper introspection and enlightenment. It was a place where words softened, where belief took root in the silence between sounds. Theron moved to lead the way, his steps slow and deliberate, offering the group time to process the invitation.
As they followed, the light from the Veil hologram flickered and danced across the walls, as if bidding them farewell and urging them forward. The transition from the Hall of Stars to the Chamber of Echoes felt symbolic, as though they were crossing from the realm of observation into one of revelation. Theron’s presence remained steady at the forefront, his posture straight and commanding, his aura one of unshakable purpose.
The silence stretched as they walked, broken only by the faint sound of footsteps on polished floors. Theron glanced briefly over his shoulder, his expression calm but contemplative as he observed the group. Seekers, he thought, were as much a test of faith as they were potential disciples. It was his role to plant the seeds of their belief, to guide them toward the truth of the Ascendancy. But it was up to them to decide whether they would take root. In the Chamber of Echoes, where reflections gave way to revelations, they would begin to find their answers—or they would leave, unchanged, shadows fading back into the light of the mundane world.
Either way, Theron would ensure they never forgot what they saw here today.
Sapere aude, Latin for “Dare to know”.
Docendo discimus, Latin for “By teaching, we learn.”
![[Image: Theron-avatar.jpg]](http://thefirstage.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Theron-avatar.jpg){kind=avatar}