Leanora I - In Light of Faith

"In the light of the Almighty, we find our true purpose, not in the clamor of the world but in the quiet strength of a heart devoted. The journey may be fraught with uncertainty, but those who walk with faith shall never walk alone, for the Almighty’s hand guides them through the shadows and into the dawn."

• Priest Calvian of the Sacred Flame, circa 290 AC

Leanora Savaria sat quietly at the table in the bustling tavern, surrounded by the warmth of her family. The aroma of freshly baked bread and sizzling bacon filled the air, mingling with the scent of strong morning tea. Despite the lively environment, a serene stillness seemed to envelop their little group, setting them apart from the clamor around them. Her father, Lord Alaric, led the family in prayer before the meal, his voice steady and filled with reverence.

“Almighty above, we thank You for this sustenance, for the hands that prepared it, and for the blessing of this day. May we carry out Your will with grace and humility, and may this food nourish our bodies as Your word nourishes our souls..” Then Lord Alaric inhaled sharply

Leanora with the rest of her family, inhaled sharply as well, her head bowed in reverence. When she looked up, she caught the eye of her youngest brother, Thaddeus, who grinned at her mischievously. She returned his smile, unable to suppress the warmth that filled her heart in his presence. He was a spirited boy of twelve, his curiosity boundless and his energy infectious. Leanora adored him, though she often had to temper his adventurous streak with gentle guidance.

As they began to eat, Leanora’s mind wandered, reflecting on how much had changed in the last decade. She remembered how, just ten years ago, people in taverns and marketplaces would pause whatever they were doing when a family like hers began to pray. A hush would fall over the room, a collective respect for the sacred moment. Now, it seemed that the world had grown louder, more indifferent. Their prayer was barely acknowledged, drowned out by the clattering of dishes and the boisterous laughter of other patrons. It troubled her to see such a shift, a decline in the reverence that once permeated everyday life. The world was changing, and not all of it for the better.

“Leanora, you’re awfully quiet,” her father’s voice broke through her thoughts. His eyes, as clear and kind as ever, rested on her with gentle concern. “Are you nervous about your new assignment?”

She looked up at him, meeting his gaze with a soft smile. “A little, Father. It’s a great responsibility, but I am ready to serve.”

Lord Alaric nodded, his hand resting over hers on the table, a reassuring weight. “You’ve been prepared for this your entire life. Trust in the Almighty, and trust in the skills you’ve honed. You have always brought honor to our family, and you will continue to do so.”

Her mother, Lady Elara, reached over to brush a stray lock of hair from Leanora’s face. “Your father is right, my dear. We are all so proud of you. Just remember to keep your faith close. It will guide you through whatever challenges you face.”

Leanora felt a swell of gratitude toward her parents. Their love and support had been the foundation of her strength, and their unwavering faith had always been her guiding light. She glanced at her siblings, Sophera and Adrian, both of whom were seated across from her. Sophera, with her delicate features and the poise of a lady-in-training, smiled encouragingly. Adrian, the musician of the family, was softly humming a tune under his breath, his fingers tapping out a rhythm on the table.

“Do you remember,” Adrian began, his eyes twinkling with amusement, “the time Leanora tried to teach me how to breathe Arcana into my heart? I nearly fainted, and she was convinced she had nearly killed me.”

Leanora laughed, the memory bringing a lightness to her heart. “You were so dramatic, Adrian. I barely even started, and you acted as if the Almighty Himself had struck you down.”

Thaddeus, eager to join in, piped up, “I remember that! You had to carry him to his bed, and then Marcien came in and scolded him for pretending to be a mage.”

“Marcien was right to scold him,” Sophera added with a smirk. “Adrian was always trying to impress Leanora.”

“And it worked, didn’t it?” Adrian retorted, winking at Leanora. “She never let me forget it, though.”

Their laughter filled the space around them, creating a bubble of warmth and love that shielded them from the outside world. Leanora savored the moment, knowing that she would carry the memory of this morning with her in the days to come.

As breakfast continued, Thaddeus, ever the eager helper, insisted on carrying one of Leanora’s bags. “It’s not heavy at all!” he proclaimed, though the bag was nearly half his size.

“I’m sure it isn’t,” Leanora said with a smile, her heart swelling with affection for her youngest brother. “But you must promise not to run off with it. I need that for my journey.”

Thaddeus nodded solemnly, his eyes wide with responsibility. “I promise.”

Lady Elara stood and began gathering the last of their things, her movements graceful and efficient. “Shall we, then?” she asked, looking to her husband.

Lord Alaric offered his arm to Leanora, a gesture both gallant and tender. “Shall we?” he echoed, his voice filled with the kind of love that only a father can give to his daughter.

As they left the tavern, the bustling streets of Alustria greeted them with their usual morning energy. Leanora walked arm in arm with her father, her siblings close by, each holding one of her bags. The streets were busy with merchants setting up their stalls, children running errands, and the distant sound of a bell tolling the hour. Leanora couldn’t help but feel a pang of sadness at the thought of leaving them behind, even though she knew this path was the one she was meant to walk.

They walked in companionable silence for a time, the family’s presence a comforting anchor for Leanora. As they neared the meeting place, the towering spires of the Tower Citadel looming behind, Lord Alaric gently slowed their pace. “Leanora, remember that no matter where you go, or what you face, you are never alone. The Almighty watches over you, and your family’s love goes with you.”

“And never forget,” Lady Elara added, her voice soft but firm, “that true strength lies not in power, but in the purity of your heart and the clarity of your purpose. You have always had both in abundance.”

Leanora nodded, her throat tightening with emotion. “Thank you, Mother. Thank you, Father. I will hold your words close.”

They reached the point where they had to part ways, and the family stopped to pray together once more. As they bowed their heads, the familiar rhythm of the prayer brought Leanora a deep sense of peace.

“Eternal Guardian, as the sun reaches its zenith, Shine Your light upon us, dispelling the shadows of doubt and fear. Grant us clarity of mind and purity of heart, So we may carry out our duties with unwavering faith.”

As the family finished their prayer, the words lingering in the air like a protective shield around them, they resumed their walk toward the docks. The morning sun had risen higher, casting a golden glow on the bustling port. Ships of various sizes lined the harbor, their sails catching the gentle breeze. The scent of saltwater mixed with the earthy aroma of fresh produce being unloaded from nearby merchant vessels.

As they approached the dock where the Lady Midnight awaited, Leanora spotted a figure standing tall and commanding near the gangplank. Even from a distance, she recognized Endric Aragaust, the leader of her new Circle. He was dressed in his customary black Inquisitor uniform, the stark color contrasting sharply with the bright surroundings. His doublet was fastened meticulously, and his wide-brimmed hat, pinned with a silver brooch, shaded his face, but even so, there was no mistaking the intensity in his eyes as he observed the activity around him.

“Is that your Circle leader?” Lord Alaric asked, his voice low but tinged with curiosity.

“Yes, that’s Primemage Endric Aragaust,” Leanora replied, her gaze lingering on Endric’s distant form. She couldn’t help but notice the way he held himself—rigid, almost to the point of severity, as if the weight of the world rested on his shoulders. There was an air of authority about him, but also something deeper, something that seemed to set him apart from the world around him. Like an sojourner in Rucitania.

“He looks… intense,” Sophera remarked, her eyes narrowing slightly as she took in Endric’s posture and demeanor.

“He has to be,” Leanora said softly. “His role demands it, and just think about where he comes from. What he’s gone through.”

Then Lord Alaric sniffed the air, “All I care about is that he keeps you safe. And judging by his infamous duel with Mateó Anno’Talorian, you’ll be safe.”

Thadeus chimed in quickly, “What did he do to the Talorian?”

Lady Elara smiled at Thadeus, and said, “Defeated him one on one in a duel to determine the top of the class. It was quite the scandal when it happened.”

As they neared the dock, Endric’s gaze shifted toward them. His eyes, sharp and calculating, softened slightly as he recognized Leanora and her family approaching. With a curt nod, he signaled to a pair of Thal slaves nearby. The Thals, broad-shouldered and thick-limbed, moved with practiced efficiency, awaiting Endric’s command.

“Primemage Aragaust,” Lord Alaric greeted him with a respectful bow of his head. “I trust you are well.”

Endric returned the gesture, and removed his hat in respect, though his expression remained impassive. “Lord Alaric, Lady Elara,” he acknowledged them before turning his attention to Leanora’s younger siblings, who stood dutifully by their sister’s side, carrying her luggage. “Thals,” Endric ordered, his voice firm but devoid of harshness, “take the Demimages Leanora Savaria’s bags to her cabin.”

The Thals moved without hesitation, gently taking the bags from Thaddeus and Sophera. Thaddeus looked up at Endric with wide eyes, his admiration for the commanding figure evident in the way he watched the Primemage. Sophera then whispered to Adrian a little too loud, “How does he know mother and fathers name?” and a slight smile broke through Endrics front, then returned to neutrality. 

Then Leanora looked into his eyes which would not return the gaze, and she saw that they were slightly red, and puffy, almost unnoticeable. “Thank you,” Leanora said, offering Endric a polite smile as the Thals began carrying her belongings up the gangplank.

Endric nodded curtly. “It is nothing,” he replied, though his gaze lingered on Leanora for a moment longer, as if assessing her readiness. “The Lady Midnight will set sail shortly. I trust you are prepared.”

“I am,” Leanora affirmed, her voice steady despite the flutter of nerves in her stomach.

“Good.” Endric’s tone held a note of finality, as though he had already mentally shifted to the tasks ahead. “You will find your cabin toward the stern. The journey will take the better part of a day, so I suggest you settle in.”

Lord Alaric stepped forward, extending his hand to Endric. “Take care of my daughter, Primemage. She is precious to us.”

Endric clasped the offered hand, his grip firm. “She will be under my protection, Lord Alaric. You have my word.”

With those words, Leanora’s parents stepped back, giving her space to say her goodbyes. Leanora embraced each of her siblings once more, receiving their well-wishes with a heart full of love. When she finally turned to her parents, the weight of the moment hit her fully.

“Go with the Almighty, my daughter,” Lord Alaric whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

“And may He keep you safe,” Lady Elara added, her eyes glistening as she cupped Leanora’s cheek.

Leanora nodded, unable to speak past the lump in her throat. She offered them one last, grateful smile before turning to board the ship. Endric stood by the gangplank, watching her with a critical eye, as if already measuring her against the challenges that lay ahead.

Once on deck, Leanora was directed to her cabin by one of the crew members. The cabin was modest, with two narrow beds, a small writing desk, and a porthole that let in the morning light. Leanora was relieved to find that she would be sharing the space with Cydia Orclain. The seasoned Elementalist was already there, unpacking her belongings with practiced ease.

“Leanora,” Cydia greeted her with a warm smile. “Looks like we’ll be roommates for this journey.”

Leanora returned the smile, grateful for the familiar face. “It seems so. I’m glad to be sharing the cabin with you.”

As they settled in, the ship began to move, the gentle sway of the water becoming more pronounced as they left the dock behind. The day passed in a blur of activity as Leanora familiarized herself with the ship and its crew, but as evening approached, the sense of anticipation for what lay ahead began to weigh on her mind.

Later that evening, Leanora found herself on the forward deck, the night air cool against her skin. The sky above was a tapestry of stars, the moon casting a silvery light across the water. She was joined by Cydia, Daud, Galient, and Tabi, all of whom seemed eager to unwind after the long day.

“This is nice,” Galient remarked, leaning against the railing as he looked out at the sea. “It’s good to have a moment of peace before things get… complicated.”

Cydia nodded in agreement, her expression thoughtful. “We’ll have to be ready for whatever we find in Braemor. But for now, let’s enjoy the calm.”

Daud, ever the pragmatist, folded his arms across his chest. “I’m curious about our new leader. What do you all think of him?”

Cydia was the first to respond, her tone positive. “He’s impressive, no doubt about it. He’s young, but he’s proven himself capable. I’ve seen him in action—he’s quick, decisive, and focused. I think he’ll be a good leader for our Circle.”

Galient’s expression softened as he spoke. “I admire him, honestly. What he went through with his family… it’s something I can relate to, in a way. The High Kingdom hasn’t been kind to everyone, but Endric carries himself with dignity despite it all. He’s a good man, even if he doesn’t always show it.”

A silence fell over the group at Galient’s words, the weight of his statement hanging in the air. Leanora could see the flicker of tension in Daud’s eyes, but he didn’t voice his thoughts, choosing instead to focus on the horizon.

“I’ll admit, I’m cautious,” Daud finally said. “He’s got a lot of power and a lot of potential. But power can corrupt, and I’ve seen what happens when people let it go to their heads. I’m willing to give him a chance, but I’m not going to blindly follow him.”

Leanora considered her own thoughts before speaking. “I liked how he mentioned the Almighty in his introduction. It showed me that he’s a man of faith, and that means a lot to me. I think he’s someone we can trust, even if he is still finding his way.”

Tabi, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke up, his voice carrying a note of warning. “Endric is a good leader, and I care for him deeply, but I need to say this: his view of the Almighty… it’s different from what most people would expect. To him, the Almighty is like a force of nature—something powerful, something to be respected, but also something that can be harsh and unforgiving.”

He paused, his gaze serious as he looked at each of them in turn. “Don’t be fooled. Endric is deeply hurt, and while he’ll do his best to lead us, sometimes his best means being a Nethering pain in the arse. Don’t take it personally if he’s hard on you. He’s trying, but he’s carrying more than any of us can imagine.”

The group fell into a contemplative silence, each of them processing Tabi’s words. Leanora felt a pang of empathy for Endric, a deeper understanding of the burden he bore. She couldn’t help but wonder what had scarred him so deeply, what had shaped him into the man he was today.

“How can he be a nethering Inquisitor if he’s a heretic himself?” Cydia asked, resting her hands on her hips.

Tabi’s eyes winced, regretting even opening his mouth, then fast as an arrow he launched into a string of recoveries, “I wouldn’t say heretic,” his tone hushed, “there is of course active, and passive heresy, “The Book of Law states that one can be a passive heretic not of your own free will due to you experiences, or invincible ignorance. He can defend the tenants of the Concord like an apologist, and knows it all inside out, but knowledge without faith can lead to personal turmoil. He’s not an active heretic. No he's not a heretic at all, he is just… broken and hurt.”

Daud then interjected, surprisingly neutral, “The individual is not infallible, not even the High King is. Only the Divine Breath. The High King only speaks infallibly when the Divine Breath pours out from him in the book of Canons, or Royal Decree. Lets act in charity and prudence. It is ill befit of an inquisitor to assign heresy where they may not be. Besides, private belief is one thing, public decree, another.”

Leanora timidly added, “Besides perhaps this conversation, with all due respect, mages, is imprudent? We are potentially scandalizing each other out of a proper opinion of Primemage Endric.”

Tabi’s head fell, “No you are correct. Forgive me, it was indeed imprudent. My intentions were not of ill will, but I see how I might’ve caused scandal. Forgive me all, and Almighty have mercy. I will see the Priest at the temple at once in Braemor.” 

Galient cocked an eyebrow, “Scruples, scruples, scruples.”

As the night wore on, the conversation drifted to lighter topics, and the group shared stories and laughter under the starlit sky. But even as they bonded, the thoughts of the mission ahead—and the enigmatic leader they followed—remained in the back of their minds.