Saritia's Saga Finale

Saritia's Saga Finale

         Saritia arrived at the inner keep of the Tranquility Temple. The white robe-clad angelic goddess spoke on the winds to a sibling, but sensed Saritia’s arrival. “I will not be long Astea. Trust me,” she whispered as Saritia curtsied low. Divina turned her attention to the faithful vampire, “You wanted to see me child?” Saritia stood slowly from her curtsey. She spoke with her gaze lowered to Divina’s feet, “Mistress, I wanted to return your book. Thank you for such a blessing.” Saritia held the tome forward and it vanished before her eyes. “Child, there is something that weighs heavy on me,” Divina said in a concerned tone. Saritia’s gaze raised to Divina’s waist as the goddess spoke, “You spend most of your time serving me. I want you to take time for yourself. Such personal neglect on this level will make your faith flawed. I do sense loneliness within you. Perhaps taking a mate will help.” Saritia slowly shook her head. Divina felt the emotion of Saritia’s words, “Mistress, I love you and I never plan to outright defy you.” Sable tears welled in Saritia’s fuchsia eyes, “This is one request I can not fulfill.”

         One would expect that Divina might react harshly to such a statement. The goddess solicited a reason. Saritia struggled with the answer. She turned away from Divina and mumbled, “Mistress, it is not in my nature to show love, yet alone seek it. I fear that I have only enough within me for two individuals, you and my former mistress Lynelle. If I were to take a mate in any capacity, this would compromise my physical chastity.” The sobbing vampire allowed her tears to flow. She turned back to Divina looking at the goddess’ face. Her voice came with conviction, “Mistress I have long wanted to do this. From this day forth, I pledge my virginity and chastity to you. Aside from my service, my purity is the greatest gift I could ever give. It is a gift I pray that you accept.” Her gaze dropped in humility. Divina said nothing in reply as she embraced her tearful follower.

         Saritia’s oath both surprised and moved Divina. Saritia felt a tear fall from Divina on her shoulder. She truly felt loved by the angelic goddess. They spent months discussing the lessons within the tome. Months progressed into decades and in the service of Divina, Saritia’s personal flock grew. Furthermore, Saritia’s strength grew exponentially. Things progressed to the point where Saritia felt she could not contain her vampiric power. Normally, she would seek Lynelle or some other Kindred mentor on the issue. Having no such individual available, Saritia turned to her faith. She consistently prayed for guidance.

         These prayers continued for weeks. Divina heard every prayer, but could not sense the soul attached to a being named Lynelle Broadwyn. She consulted with her siblings to no avail. Frustrated and out of options, Divina turned to her mother as a last resort. She traveled to the star Ailys and sought Lysinae. The Divine Mother reluctantly told her daughter that she took the form of Lynelle Broadwyn thousands of years ago. While Lysinae did explain this to Divina, certain other intricacies Lysinae held within. Divina understood and asked her mother, per Saritia’s prayers, to appear just once more as Lynelle. Lysinae heard the importance of the request in Divina’s pleading voice. The Divine Mother granted her daughter’s request with one proviso. Lysinae forbade Divina and the other Obsid from monitoring her or Saritia’s activities while Lynelle was on Obsidian.

         Lysinae descended as Lynelle one week later. She casually walked towards Saritia’s manor. Lynelle knocked once at the solid oak door. One of Saritia’s Dhampirs opened the door. Before the Dhampir could ask, Lynelle announced her name. The Dhampir’s face went white. Saritia’s retainer ushered Lynelle in and asked if she wanted some warm blood as refreshment. Lynelle declined then asked to see Saritia. It was near dusk. Lynelle knew Saritia’s awakening approached. Lynelle sat in mid-air after entering Saritia’s lavish sleeping chamber. Saritia opened the lid of her coffin and saw Lynelle glowing in the dark. The smell of her blood, the manner in which she sat, it all tipped Saritia off immediately. Overjoyed at seeing Lynelle, Saritia jumped from her coffin to quickly float over and hug Lynelle.

         Her former sire returned the embrace. Saritia shook a little a she spoke in a breathy subdued voice, “I…I searched everywhere. I thought…I had lost you forever. Were you avoiding me? Have I not done right by your teachings?” She tried to halt the tears, but the love within unlocked her emotional walls. “I do not believe I taught you such emotion, but know that I am well aware of your achievements.” Saritia did not respond. As Saritia continued hugging her, Lynelle spoke, “I am proud of what you have done. You could not find me, because other planes needed my presence.” Saritia gazed at her former sire, “Other planes?” Lynelle shook her head, “Worry not about that for now, as I must return in short. I sense you have many questions on the evolution of your power and skills. I have come to answer them. You have two weeks before I must depart.” Saritia replied, “I will avail myself of your time." They started that very night.

         Saritia asked questions about her phasing abilities, her floating abilities and her enhanced mental prowess. Lynelle went into extreme detail about the advanced powers of the Broadwyn Clan. Saritia understood every answer. She even told Lynelle about Divina letting her read a divine tome. Lynelle did not look surprised when Saritia told her that she could read it. Lynelle mused that the gods probably designed it that way.

         They spent the better part of that first week handling the issues that Saritia needed to have addressed. During the second week, Saritia concentrated on simply spending time with Lynelle. They discussed the changes in Jyhal and Saritia having actually become a member of the Obsy Inner Circle. Lynelle spoke a lot about her pride in Saritia. This warmed her former student and at the end of Lynelle’s time, it sparked a conversation that gave Saritia perspective.

         The night before Lynelle’s scheduled departure, the two flew to the Veo Burial Grounds. They landed in the rear of the site. This area provided a private setting for them to talk. The two vampires sat down in mid-air to enjoy the lukewarm autumn breeze. “I see you have found my favorite place to think around here,” Lynelle said in a casual tone. Saritia looked surprised, “I have learned much about this place over the years. Did you…” Lynelle interrupted her, “Saritia, I was here when the nightmare that plagued the Veo occurred. The reason why you are drawn to this place is the founder of the Obsy Inner Circle caused this atrocity.” Saritia’s gaze remained fixed on Lynelle as she recounted the tale. Two hours passed before she finished. Saritia asked, “So do you really have to depart tomorrow night?” Lynelle nodded slowly, “I believe you are the picture of a successful Broadwyn. Saritia, you no longer need me. Even your childe has two retainers now.”


         Saritia knew that Lynelle’s words held truth. Jaelyn had her own estate near Aisentralys. Through use of Saritia teachings, Jaelyn acquired two retainers and the Ancillus rank within the Jyhal Racial Guild. Saritia mentally noted these facts and spoke, “To you and Mistress Divina I owe all that I have. I would be nothing without you and her.” Lynelle smiled, “Saritia, we have only helped in the fulfillment of a destined role. Give yourself some credit.” Saritia hugged her and they continued conversing throughout the night.

         The following night, Saritia walked Lynelle out of Aisentralys’ western gate. She bid Lynelle good journey and her former sire took a few steps away. Lynelle turned around and said in a compassionate voice, “Do not worry. You have done well and I will keep up on your progress. All you have to do is follow your heart and everything will be fine. Several thousand years from now, we will see each other again. My aura is on you, and yes I do love you.” Lynelle faded from view as a revelation dawned on Saritia. Before walking through the gate, Saritia smiled and whispered to the sky, “I love you too. Thank you Mistress Lysinae.” Saritia returned to the manor and went about her business for the night.

         Many decades passed bringing forth a new emissary for Divina. Aside from an aversion toward Kindred, Opuersa Riccul got along well with Saritia. One might foresee a stressed relationship between the two due to their differences in age. The reality proved that Saritia listened intently when Opuersa gave a lecture. Eventually, a promising Graeli took the junior emissary position to assist Opuersa. Talial hailed from the Aisentralys Monk guild via the noble House Divinia. Fair-minded and patient, Talial brought a sense of cohesion to Divina’s fold. Divina’s followers respected Saritia and Opuersa, but they gravitated towards Talial when they needed to rally together.

         When Opuersa and Talial swapped positions, Fate brought two major events to Saritia’s path. Each situation tested the powerful Kindred’s devotion to Divina. The first occurrence involved Saritia suffering an unprovoked attack from five members of House Caine. A member of House Caine suffered a robbery at his mansion one fateful summer. People from House Caine comprised the investigative party. Due to shoddy detective work, the party confronted Saritia while she was hunting with some of her retainers. The heated House Caine members did more attacking than questioning. Forced to defend herself and her retainers, Saritia used her skills and killed them all. She openly explained her actions to the Aisentralys authorities. While the council acquitted her of any charges, Opuersa and Talial told Saritia that she could have handled the situation better. In the end, Saritia felt no remorse over her actions save for the fact that they might displease Divina.

         The other major occurrence happened when Saritia left Aisentralys to stop a group of House Caine members and members of Clan Broadwyn from killing each other. Saritia heard about the impending skirmish form several sources. Well outside of Aisentralys’ scope of influence, the Aisentralys Host remained neutral. Saritia immediately formulated a peaceful solution to the conflict. Her emissaries counseled that her interference would fracture the Divina’s teachings and set a bad example for other followers. Saritia left to intervene despite the warnings of Opuersa and Talial. Things might have worked out positively, but Saritia found herself in a compromising predicament on her arrival.

         The Broadwyn Clan sent all Neonuses to the confrontation. The vampires of House Caine were all very strong and victory was only a matter of time. Of the eleven Kindred that came, only four still stood. Five of the other seven sat as piles of dust. The other two lay on the ground wounded. All six members of House Caine were active and engaging the remaining Kindred. When Saritia called a halt to the senseless fray, the raging members of House Caine all turned on her.

         They moved faster than she anticipated. Saritia ended up actually having to dodge swings of weapons. Her inability to focus prevented her use of her phasing abilities. The powerful Inner Circle Kindred went on the offensive. Using her will alone, she pulled every drop of blood from three of her foes. The others backed off. Saritia made to walk the opposite direction, but the deceptive enemies attacked again hoping to surprise her. Saritia sensed this and turned again to defend herself. She decapitated the first with a slash of her own Phantasm Sword. Saritia sheathed the weapon and locked arms with the next enemy. Using her superior strength, Saritia pulled his arms off. The vicious move put her two remaining enemies in fear for their lives. They tried to genuinely withdraw, but Saritia refused to risk another sneak attack. She chanted, “Storms manifest, flow strong and pierce!” Successfully casting the Storm spell, Saritia caused a violent storm to surround them. The spell electrified the hapless vampires to cinders.

         After gathering the remains of the fallen Kindred, Saritia commanded the surviving Neonuses to return them to Jyhal. Since Saritia meant no harm to House Caine in the first place, she transported all of the remains of their dead bodies to the estate personally. During the trip, Saritia often prayed to Dvina for their souls. In addition, she said several prayers to Canius for House Caine’s understanding.

         When she arrived at their gates, Saritia asked to speak with the elder. Sardon Caine arrived and a floating Saritia curtsied. The vampiric elder recognized her immediately. “Why have you come here Saritia?” Sardon asked with an emotionless gaze. She replied in short, “Lord Sardon of House Caine, I come only to explain what took place. I also wished to return your dead to you. They…” Sardon shook his head, “I knew they went to risk their lives. Your clan met them my House was defeated. There is no need for an explanation.” Sardon bowed to Saritia, “Go in peace, Saritia Broadwyn.” She nodded and vanished from the area leaving the remains behind. During her journey back to Aisentralys, Saritia stayed at Jaelyn’s keep for two days. She enjoyed Jaelyn’s hospitality whenever staying there.

         When Saritia arrived in Aisentralys, her emissaries summoned her for another counseling session. Apparently, Opuersa and Talila knew the full details of what transpired. In the previous sessions, Saritia felt a gut feeling of wanting to leave the church. Her growing powers and influence made it increasingly difficult to remain bound by Divina’s teachings. When she left their office, Saritia went to her manor and prayed to Divina for guidance through her frustration. Due to her absolute love of Divina herself, the confused Kindred cried herself to sleep as morning approached. So began the downward spiral of Saritia Broadwyn’s fall from grace.

         We find it necessary to note that in service to Fornax, Saritia developed a misplaced love for his way. In fact, Saritia never actually loved Fornax himself. She merely followed Fornax because she loved Lust. Lust allowed her to fulfill the passionate flame of both her faith and being true to herself. The brilliance of Saritia’s faith in Despair is revealed when one examines her use of Lust. While it is true Saritia did fulfill more than one of Fornax’s causes, she consistently did it through Lust. This ensured that Saritia kept Fornax happy and she would never have to break her pledge to Divina.

         Finally, what must be understood, Saritia’s creation fulfilled an evolutionary change in the line of vampirism within Jyhal. While we knew what might happen from putting such potential inside an individual, by allowing her free will, we could not guarantee the future. Such a basis of potential is what sparked Saritia’s influence to gather and ultimately disband Fornax’s Finest Four regardless of Fornax’s knowledge. Throughout said process, she again displayed utter genius in walking the line of loving one god’s ways, yet not loving the god himself. The complexity of her choices is mortally immeasurable.

The End