Saritia's Saga Three

Saritia's Saga Part Three

         The trip to House Divinia took just under two nights. They traveled at speed and on arriving at the estate, both Tonthurs and Saritia rested until the beginning of the event. Early that morning Saritia pushed the lid off the coffin that the House provided for her stay in the estate. Saritia knew the difficulty of remaining awake and outside in the sunlight all day, but she didn’t care. This was her opportunity to meet the goddess that championed all of her sacred values. Tonthurs knocked on the door just as Saritia finished dressing. The ecstatic vampire brought along a special outfit for this occasion. Because of the summer humidity and her resistance to sunlight having multiplied, Saritia wore a long white cotton dress. She wore golden sandals, a golden ribbon choker on her neck, a loose fitting belt made of thin golden thread, golden earrings and golden bracelets on her wrists. Saritia picked this particular outfit to pay homage to Divina. She soon allowed Tonthurs to enter, and then he escorted Saritia to Divina’s temple on the grounds.

         A massive crowd awaited Divina’s arrival. Divina descended to the temple precisely at midnight. Saritia could not believe her eyes. The tall radiant goddess was by far the most remarkable picture of femininity that Saritia laid eyes on. Her wings and robes glistened starlight white. Divina emanated the same color aura. Her wavy golden blonde hair fell to her feet and her golden eyes sparkled with their own light. As the Mistress of Tranquility sat in mid-air, all present either bowed or curtsied before her. She welcomed them to the Faithful Communion and then began her lecture concerning True Faith. She talked all day holding a few question and answer sessions. Saritia did not ask one question. She quenched her thirst for knowledge by simply listening. As Saritia ingested more and more wisdom, she fell more and more in love with Divina’s portfolio. Divina’s senses detected the welling feelings inside Saritia’s heart.

         The conclusion of the event found Saritia in tears. For over six hours, sable tears periodically fell from her eyes. Divina phased from mortal sight and the crowd dispersed. Tonthurs tried to comfort Saritia without realizing she cried from an overwhelming love for the goddess. Saritia told Tonthurs that she needed some time alone to reflect on her thoughts. She walked to the northern side of the grounds for some solitude.

         “Tell me child. Why do you love me so?” came a soprano voice to Saritia’s ears. As she turned towards the voice, Saritia jumped at the abrupt appearance of Divina. Saritia curtsied again trying to compose herself. “I have never felt this way for anyone. What you champion is within my nature. I have also studied your way extensively. I can not explain it in words, but I do seem to love you greatly.” Divina’s concerned expression softened to a compassionate smile, “You are of Broadwyn blood yes?” Saritia nodded and Divina continued, “I sense my mother’s aura around you. This is odd.” Divina’s words greatly confused Saritia.

         Questions poured from the vampire’s lips in a frustrated tone, “Why do I feel so in tune with you? What did you mean about your mother’s aura? Why am I so drawn to you?” The tears returned. Saritia went mute as she silently cried before Divina. The angelic goddess’ voice softened to an alto, “Child, your love pleases me. Such spontaneous passionate flame for me is warming. As a goddess, I love those that truly love me.” Saritia fell to her knees still crying. The humbled vampire shook as her crying intensified. “Kindred…we are taught to love no one…to trust only the blood. We lead our lives in political circles…paranoia…materialism. I am so confused…”

         The strength of Saritia’s love moved Divina to hug her tightly. This surprised Saritia as she never expected a goddess to care so much for mortals. The vampire’s arms embraced the goddess. Divina smiled and spoke softly, “My child, you need not say anymore. The summation of all this is that you feel called to follow me. I am looking within your heart. There are still things you need to accomplish, before you will follow me.” The goddess brought Saritia’s gaze up to her own, “Trust me child. When the time is right, you will follow me.” With that, Divina vanished from view. A single starlight white feather from Divina’s wing lay in her place. Divina’s voice came to Saritia’s mind, “When the time is right, hold this feather and pray. I will come to you again.” Saritia picked up the feather and sent telepathy to the goddess, “One day, I will belong to you.” She finished composing herself, stood up and went to find Tonthurs.

         After spending another day at House Divinia, Saritia returned to Aisentralys. She took Divina’s words to heart. Saritia needed to become a member of the next rung of Jyhal society before trying to follow Divina. She decided to spend her time in Aisentralys working to build relationships and seek out potential retainers. Saritia befriended many of Divina’s followers. They helped her to acclimate to life in Aisentralys’ society. Aside from her occasional need to feed, she lived her life as a follower of Divina should. As time went on, Saritia summoned Jaemasu Cabano. She spent several weeks speaking with Jaemasu about being a retainer. Fortunately the young Drow opened her mind to the idea of serving a vampire. Jaemasu accepted the lifestyle of being Saritia’s retainer. The arrangement for Jaemasu to become Saritia’s first Childe, solidified their initial bond. As Saritia’s senior retainer, over the course of the next twenty years, Jaemasu Cabano assisted Saritia in finding and acquiring three more retainers.

         Saritia trained her retainers with discretion on how each one would serve to sustain her. In addition, during those same twenty years, Saritia learned the politics of Aisentralys. This equipped her to handle the vast majority of people types that she encountered. The time came when she felt ready to return to Jyhal. Almost thirty years had passed since she left. Saritia wanted to see if the council felt she held true to Lynelle’s teachings.

         Saritia spent two weeks briefing her retainers about their place in Jyhal society. She spoke at length about how retainers often remained silent to await orders. Satisfied at their level of understanding, Saritia left Aisentralys with her four retainers in tow. Her planned route allotted for a six-day trip. At various intervals during the journey, Saritia’s retainers noticed that she floated several inches above the ground. Jaemasu informed the unknowing Saritia of her new ability. In teaching herself how to control her levitation, Saritia further discovered that she could phase her body over long distances. At first, she could only use this skill over several hundred yards. By the time they reached Jyhal, she could easily phase her body over dozens of miles. She announced herself at the Broadwyn estate. Neither Jyhal nor the estate had changed much. After getting an update on the state of clan affairs, Saritia learned that Lynelle left on a training journey just after she went out on her own. Slightly saddened, but not perturbed, Saritia made a request for the council to test her.

          They granted her an audience one month away. She spent the time working on her bonds with her retainers, her blood abilities, and mingling amongst members of her clan in the Inner Circle. When the test commenced, she received word that Lynelle left her recommendation for approval years ago. Three weeks of testing passed before the council approved Saritia’s entrance into the next echelon of the Jyhal Racial Guild.

         They spent two months teaching Saritia more secrets about the general abilities of vampiric blood. She excelled at the lessons, planning to implement a few after her training. The council released Saritia and gave her the new rank of Methuselah. Kindred society welcomed the aspiring Methuselah into the middle tier of Jyhal aristocratic circles. In all, she spent one hundred years securing her place. As time passed, Saritia established an immense network of associates. All of her retainers were of long-lived races, so one hundred years was only a fraction of their lifetimes. Her retainers became experts at both maintaining the manor in Aisentralys and sustaining her affairs in Jyhal. Now that the dust settled from her entrance into Kindred society, Saritia wanted to attend to a few personal matters.

         Saritia called a meeting of her four retainers. They met within one of the subterranean catacombs of the Broadwyn estate. Due to their fierce loyalty and quality of service, three of them would receive one of two special honors. Non-Kindred vampires found they could not make other vampires through the Clasp, due to thin blood. Kindred blood, however, thickened every year. Their blood carried many more magical properties. While the creation of a fledgling vampire would result from the Clasp, simply feeding the living a bit of Kindred blood over time would result in the creation of a Dhampir. A Dhampir reaped the benefits of vampiric blood, while gaining an undying devotion to their Master or Mistress. Dhampirs also remained alive. Saritia spent hours telling them their new duties as Dhampirs. Three weeks passed and Saritia completed the transformations.

         One night, she summoned Jaemasu Cabano to the antechamber of the Broadwyn estate. The loyal retainer arrived quickly, “My lady, you needed me?” Saritia floated around the room not looking at Jaemasu as she spoke, “I know you do not understand why I made them all Dhampir’s instead of you. Sit and I will explain a few things.” Jaemasu sat on her knees. Saritia spoke still not looking off in other directions, “I have not established arrangements with my other retainers yet. I wanted them to prove themselves. I made your arrangement first because you already have. I was literally born to become Kindred. When I awoke as a new vampire, I saw the most beautiful sight I had ever seen to that point. As my sire before me, I still take time to look at them. They remind me of her.” Saritia looked over to Jaemasu, “When you see them, I want them to remind you of me. I have a higher purpose for you than being a Dhampir. You promised your loyalty and service. I promised you the reward of being my first Childe.

         You start that process today.” Jaemasu looked excited and tried to speak. Saritia stopped her by holding up a hand, “I have spoken with members of my clan that represent the Obsy Inner Circle. They are also pleased with your service.” Saritia produced red and black robes trimmed with the crest of clan Broadwyn. “Wear these every day. I have told you many times about my Clasping Ceremony. I do not believe you are ready just yet. The duration of your learning period shall be one year. I expect you to act within this place as you always have.” Jaemasu cried silently. She composed herself quickly and spoke in a subdued voice, “Throughout this year, I will endeavor to make you proud of me each day.” Saritia replied in the same gentle tone Lynelle used so long ago, “I am already proud of you. Keep doing what you are doing.” With that, Saritia phased from the room. Several senior Broadwyn retainers collected Jaemasu from the antechamber.

         Two days later, Saritia held another meeting with her other three retainers. She gave them a long speech of how they needed to gain more worldly experience. Saritia conveyed that they would represent her in the world. She also wanted them to ask around for information regarding Lynelle’s whereabouts. Finally, Saritia went over the geographical directions that each Dhampir would travel. Before she sent them off, Saritia established individual arrangements for their service. They set out in their assigned directions with instructions to rendezvous at the Aisentralys manor in two years. Her plan entailed spending another year in Aisentralys while Jaemasu remained in the Broadwyn estate. After securing provisions for Jaemasu, Saritia left Jyhal bound for Aisentralys.

         Her new phasing abilities made the trip a lot shorter. When she arrived at a secluded spot near Tairla Lake, Saritia held Divina’s feather. She sank to her knees looking into the clear night sky and prayed, “Lady of True Faith, Mistress of Tranquility, please grant me your presence.” No answer came to Saritia’s prayer. The patient vampire sat on the ground to wait. The third hour came and went, but a resolute Saritia waited faithfully. A blinding light flashed before Saritia giving way to the beautiful goddess Divina. The angelic goddess greeted Saritia with a warm smile. They talked for over an hour with Saritia asking very specific questions about Divina’s ways. Divina thoroughly answered each question and listened to Saritia speak her feelings. Saritia did not know that Divina already felt the pure passionate flame in Saritia’s heart. The mark came quickly from the goddess. Saritia felt a bond with Divina manifest.

         A surprising turn of events came when Divina offered her the office of emissary. Divina spoke at length about how Saritia’s spontaneous love never abated. Divina further noted the purity of Saritia’s faith. She cited the joyful vampire as a true example for others to follow. Saritia respectfully declined the offer, but told Divina several reasons why. The biggest of these being that Saritia wanted to both pay her dues as a follower and still work on being the best Broadwyn vampire she could be. Divina accepted the decline with full intentions of revisiting the idea later. The Mistress of Tranqulity vanished from the area leaving Saritia to her own ends.

         One night later, Saritia entered Aisentralys. She spent the next year there serving Divina faithfully. Divina watched Saritia from the heavens, staying ever prideful of their bond. At the end of the year, Saritia returned to Jyhal to Clasp Jaemasu. She entered the Broadwyn estate close to dawn. The following evening came and Jaemasu awoke. Jaemasu found Saritia in the northern corner. “Has this past year educated you well?” Saritia asked in a warm tone. Jaemasu nodded as she replied, “Lady Saritia, I missed being in your service. Is tonight the night?” Saritia nodded without saying a word. She opened the door to Jaemasu’s quarters and ushered the female Drow into the hall. The two proceeded to the antechamber. A ring of Broadwyn Clan members awaited them.

         Entering the circle, Saritia asked Jaemasu the same questions that Lynelle asked Saritia. The rest of the ceremony went on as usual. Saritia performed the Clasp on Jaemasu by draining most of her blood through the Caress. Soon after, Jaemasu fed on gulps of Saritia’s thick vampiric blood. Jaemasu perished and rose as a fledgling vampire. Saritia helped her up and smiled, “The female Drow Jaemasu is dead. Your new name is Jaelyn Broadwyn. I pieced this name together from Kindred lore. This name means Beloved Truth. Our clan name means Divinely Noble. Placed together in our old tongue, your name means Honorable One of Heaven.” Saritia continued by telling Jaelyn other pertinent information as was done for her.

         Saritia took an unconventional approach to Jaelyn’s education. She decided to train Jaelyn in Aisentralys. In the central city, Saritia spent the next year carefully nurturing Jaelyn. Saritia somehow balanced service to Divina and mentoring Jaelyn with ease. Soon, her three Dhampirs returned as their mistress ordered. Her mental abilities having increased, Saritia literally extracted the gained knowledge through the force of her mind. She sent two to serve in Jyhal and kept one in Aisentralys to tend her manor. Things went smoothly for the next century. In the process of Jaelyn’s continued education, Saritia acquired two more retainers. In addition, Divina doted on the superior faith of her first Kindred follower.

         Saritia felt very successful with her growing fold. The only negative aspect about her retainers having returned centered on their lack of information about Lynelle. Not one found any information that might lead to her whereabouts. This frustrated Saritia, but she moved past it. Saritia spent more time serving Divina over the next century. The goddess regarded Saritia as the picture of True Faith. Jaelyn took over the duties of seeing to the needs of Saritia’s Dhampirs, while Saritia continued to mentor Jaelyn. Over the next one hundred years, the whole group went on frequent trips to Jyhal, Gash, and other parts of the world.

         Unknown to Saritia, Divina wanted her to study a tome written by her mother Lysinae. The large extensive tome covered all aspects of every faith and the ethos of True Faith. Divina asked Lysinae for permission. The Divine Mother consented immediately. The angelic Obsid inquired about the aura around Saritia. Lysinae tells Divina to ignore the aura, as it fell beyond her scope of influence. Divina heeded her mother’s words and dismissed the issue. Divina gave Saritia the tome telling her to take as much time to learn it as she needed.

         Because a divine tome never fell into the hands of a mortal before, Divina forgot to teach Saritia how to read the Obsy language. After not hearing from Saritia for several days, Divina appeared to her during a private prayer session in the Justice Temple. The goddess found Saritia praying to Lysinae to thank her for writing such an intricate tome. Divina inquired how she could read the Obsy language. Saritia told her the language looked like a derivative of ancient Kindred. Divina found this interesting, but decided not to press any further. The knowledge-hungry Methuselah studied every letter of the tome for one thousand years. She took every concept and committed them to memory. Having memorized the book, Saritia asked for an audience with Divina.

End Part Three