Selina weighed the idea and sorted out the possible consequences that appeal to its result. Systematically, none of them are agreeable.
"For one, this will require me inside the Wall of Spirituality, unless I seek their help instead of surgically putting them to sleep. Informing another is a huge risk!
"Now considering that. If what I speculated is true then that means I will also receive the corruption. Thus, adding to my pool of already existing one. It simply wouldn't do." Selina spoke to herself with a tone of calculated doubts and oppositions.
As she said this, comes another series of whispers crawling in her ears like the chiming bells. Her thoughts went to a still and one vine segment caught her attention.
It was from Isabelle.
"The maiden inside the Primordial Moon faction..." Selina muttered slowly. "I suppose Dylan had it figured out? Let's see the update."
Upon instilling the vine, the whole world was shrouded under the thin, discernible fog. A figure clad in a dress with distinct medieval flair, a brown girdled wrapped on its waist.
Isabelle, with her curly chestnut hair and lightly freckled pale face. Assumed genuine reverence as she said, "Mrs. White, I came to spoke about our situation."
Selina remained fair and stood aloof while observing the woman.
"Lately, the Aldesh town has been under the frequent visits of the Loen Kingdom emissaries. Discreetly initiating a surveillance network targeting the local herbalists" Isabelle pressed a hand to her chest in the mix of expectant and apprehension.
The botanical folklorists are the equivalent to a tribe's herbalist that is associated with healing and procuring medicines through a set of rituals that employ the nature. The Primordial Moon has a deep influence in tribes and towns of Southern Continent due to this outdated, yet mandated traditions.
In Aldesh town, informed by Isabelle, have what the locals refer to as the Rite of the Waxing Moon. It is the assumed pre-corrupted name for the Rite of the Blood Moon.
Initially, this praises the land for its premise to allow fertility and abundance to grow. This is done in every set of high tides and round Moons, where the locals have to light a White Lily Candle right beside their cradles.
This represents their openness for birth, the gratitude of their life, and the hope for more bountiful blessings for the land. It's strictly regulated unless the said family moved in from across provinces, to which they don't have cradles that being born in Aldesh have, which are kept at the convents.
Not only that, this daily mandates is apart of a large event that is held during early of September. It is where the "true" Rite of Waxing Moon starts and where the majority of the town's infants were believed to be born.
According to Isabelle through Dylan, due to this, the majority of Primordial Moon believers settled here and awaits this ritual. It is the perfect ceremony to allow for the Primordial Moon to bestow them boons in scales rather than individuals.
Perhaps the Loen army have caught whiff of this matter? That or they're now attempting to colonize a much larger portion of the continent by enforcing a reward system for the folk herbalists... Selina remarked with consideration.
"Well, as one would naturally guess. Locals are hesitant over this new, albeit discreet models by the Loen army." Isabelle mulled over the day's events. "Local medicine folklorists like Father Zelfafa, who's been in service with the convents over generations, are simply too difficult to revoke of life."
Zalfafa has been an icon and have aided Saint Lolorma and other Saint Madams in fostering growth, maintaining a quo and tending the sick. Except for doula cares which are composed strictly of Saint Madams.
Selina chose to refix her angle of perception. With this kind of reputation, it does indeed becomes far too difficult to assimilate such models for towns of traditions...
However, it seems like the Loen force is acting due to a sort of discovery. Majority of folklorists are pastors and when sorted have nearly a hundred percent they're connected to the Rose School of Thought, especially the Primordial Moon.
This deduction was concluded through Isabelle's recounts of said pastors who came during the selection ceremony.
Unless they're attempting to add bounties to it... wait are they?
Huh... not only that, why chose to employ it now of all years? Could it be caused by an anomaly? Selina stayed silent for a bit and after ten seconds did she asked through the world, "Your current status?"
Isabelle lowered her head and upon deliberating her words said, "Dylan is intrigued. It seems he's willing to keep a closed mouth over this matter."
Intrigued that it feels familiar? Selina mused silently in her heart.
Following that, Isabelle sorted her thoughts before saying, "The ceremony is nearing, the strange seeds given to us that I used to pray to your grace won't be distributed anymore in preparation of the next Blood Moon."
Her lips trembled faintly until she exhaled slowly.
"I was placed in the list of boon recipients."
Selina's eyes went into a still. Her breathing hitched indiscernibly, yet she remained in an aloof form.
"I won't be able to pray to your grace anymore Mrs. White." finally, Isabelle confronted the inevitable thought.
"I am in utmost gratitude for your guidance and presence your grace. This time, I will urge Dylan to aid me." she added, casting her head down.
Selina is aware of the risk of praying to her. Unlike her believers who obtained their respective turquois seed and can freely pray to her. Isabelle doesn't have the privilege of privacy, time, and resources.
Her methods are always associated with items that have connections with the Primordial Moon. Like the wilt seed that is the counterpart of her turquois seed or through a ritual of the cult.
"Please bestow us upon your blessing, Great Benevolent Mrs. White." Isabelle secretly clung to her dress and clenched her fingers.
Selina gaze at Isabelle melancholically. After several seconds, she said, "Although I cannot directly give you my blessing in my current status.
"If it was possible, you will have my blessing. Isabelle, pray to me once you fled from the Primordial Moon faction."
The mist and the land bloomed a petals and thick fog. They swirled around in a twister and engulfed Isabelle in a windy tapestry.
Just as she lifted her gaze. Selina's visage is fragmenting and turning into millions of light. The reflection of her eyes dissipating and in the last second she woke up.
...
Once the blathering voices stopped and the disgusting seed nestled on her palm wilted. Isabelle, opened her eyes to see the area underneath the bed.
She passed out and was left unconscious on the floor.
Isabelle exerted some force to her body, then sometime she pressed a hand to her temple. "Ouch..."
After massaging it, she noticed that the seed is nowhere to be seen from her hand. Knowing that praying to Mrs. White expends these seeds distributed to the non-beyonders. She sighed.
That was the last Primordial Moon altar starter she had.
...
When Isabelle's voices faded, another series entered through the vast region of the land. Selina quickly identified it as Leonard.
Is he... praying to me? she confirmed that the prayer was originating, indeed from their national poet, Leonard.
Intrigued, Selina instilled the corresponding vine segment with her spirituality. Letting the atmosphere change and became heavy.
Under the mist ladened, and cloaked clouds and sun. A young man with medium long hair and deep emerald eyes coalesced from the mounds of dirt and organs.
Leonard, in his blue stripped white gown, woke up and found himself on a hill, taking in a scene of a valley, stretching far into the horizon.
Under the eyes of Selina. She instantly saw his condition, the status of his well-being and ether body.
However, what she discovered shocked her gravely: something, a living being, is wriggling above and behind Leonard!
"He" had a stature of an aged man. Possibly appearing between the age of seventies yet retaining the vibrancy charmed from appearing fifties.
And although "His" face was blurred with multiple colors that Old Neil described and Selina speculated to be the present in the Astral World.
Is this... Leonard's evidence for his uniqueness? Selina maintain a proper pose befit for a Goddess all while trying not to agitate the being behind Leonard.
After the latter's darting eyes and head spot her at a meter distance. Leonard also appeared surprised by her presence.
"Leonard Mitchell, am I correct?" the melodious voice that came from afar arrived in zephyr.
Leonard snapped and told himself inwardly. That was a Goddess's voice. I'm conversing with a Goddess!
Although he's aware Mrs. White had yet to receive her former status. The ability to even connect with a forgotten deity and lived to tell was an exceptional trait.
I can't believe Selina had such a connection with even a Goddess at all! Leonard exclaimed one more time before nodding, "Yes. Your grace."
The world didn't add on which indicated that Leonard now had to state his reasons. A rule he at least is aware of and something he lacked of when we was praying.
By Evernight, I can't just say I wanted to try the seed... Leonard wrestled with his thoughts until he found a great excuse.
During this. Selina secretly spied on his mind through the vibration of his Astral body. How indecisive Mr. Mitchell...
As one would conclude. Through the mysticism lessons she had taken. One would eventually stumbled upon the concepts of dreams.
Of course, this would drive Selina to dig further and unearth its connections with the Astral world.
"Mrs. White." finally, Leonard said. "I wish to know the current conditions of Selina and Klein."
Hmm... good? or thoughtful? Selina mused and used Klein's seed to check him.
From the fabrics of his coat. The seed wriggled out and she quickly affirmed that Klein is moving in his sleep, a lot.
Selina chuckled inwardly before answering Leonard. "Selina and Klein are both sleeping soundly. You can tell for yourself."
Leonard's emotions stirred and he expressed bafflement. I'm allowed to?
He then replied, "If it's alright. Please."
At that moment, Selina just needed to connect Leonard's body from the soles of his feet, like an extension of herself to allow another party to glimpse.
Through the seed's refined Spirit Vision. Leonard saw Selina blanketed on her bed through the vial and Klein flexing his feet once in his sleep.
Fascinating... Leonard can't help but revel at this opportunity. But it seems like I can only spectate thanks to Mrs. White, unlike Selina who can pilot it...
"Thank you Mrs. White. That's all." Leonard simply bowed, confused by what appropriate gesture to initiate for Mrs. White.
...
After checking both Klein and Leonard's seeds. Selina was just about to contemplate regarding the being behind Leonard when she was struck by the distant voices again, compelling her to leave.
However, unlike before, where these voices are mere gibberish. Strangely, they started to form few words that came from Ancient Hermes.
"No... there's a hint of dialect from Jotun and... ancient Feysac?" Selina's eyes dilated.
"Argh!"
The voices started to intensify, undulating all her senses. "... My... Child... Alive... Don't... Go..."
Without wasting any time. Selina simulated the sensation of waking up.
At the moment she did, the whole world distorted and blurred. As if she was being banished from a screen.
In the next second. Her vision turned dark and slit of light appeared. Finally, her eyes fluttered open under the dim light of the gasoline lamp.
Disoriented. Selina held her forehead and exhaled. Right now, the world felt as if it's turning, an effect achieved by swirling oneself.
When her dizziness vanished and she recovered. Selina balanced her breathing.
"... I heard that... the voices. They spoke Loenese just like the first time..."
Determined not to forget this again. Selina propped herself from the bed and swept her luggage off of paper and a fountain pen.
When she found them in not time and she stopped halfway just as she stood up. She recalled the cat's gift of glasses and afterwards took the chair from her room's table.
Taking the gas lamp from its rack and placing it right beside her. Selina glanced at the black cat briefly before writing.
...
At seven in the morning, Dunn and company prepared to set off back to Tingen from Lamud Town.
It wasn't even ten when they arrived at 36 Zouteland Street. Fyre sat behind the typewriter after Dunn, the most energized of the lot, returned Sealed Artifact 3-0782 to the back of Chanis Gate. He took advantage of the fact that the clerks hadn't arrived yet so that he could write a report on the mission and the claims of the related expenditures.
Klein looked on from the side, satisfied that the items he had expended were within the list—including the materials he used to drive the bugs and mosquitoes away.
He didn't return home immediately, for he had arranged to meet the asylum's Doctor Daxter at one in the afternoon at the agreed upon venue through a coded letter. Not only that, around six he had to take out Selina and his siblings to a restaurant for dinner.
Up until now, Klein is still sorting what restaurant is both affordable, pleasant, and could leave him a few stash for the upcoming expenditures.
Then before that, there's still the Tarot Gathering at three... Why does the boss of a secret society have such a tiring life? Klein thought to himself.
Then, right as he looked for a place to nap and catch up on sleep. He caught Royale and Seeka heading in from the partition.
Klein greeted them on the way and asked, "Another mission accomplished?"
Seeka looked at him with solemnity and commanded, "Klein, you're here. Good, follow us, we'll need your help."
Huh? Klein was baffled and slightly deprived.
Wanting to sleep a bit to prepare for today but was again dragged to a mission? How could this day possible get anymore eventful?
"Why do you need my help?" Klein slowly asked. And as he said that, another series of footsteps coming from the stairway echoed.
It was Dunn, Frye and Leonard. All seemed to be rushing to get back to the surface, except the latter being mindful of his steps.
When they arrived and encountered Klein. Dunn's eyes deepened and his expression wasn't any better than Royale or Seeka.
Klein was greatly puzzled. He quickly wished to know the sudden burst. "Captain, haven't we just returned ten minutes ago?
"What's happening?"
Dunn's voice was deep but tranquil, Though he didn't intend to incite stress, he purposefully said in a controlled manner. "A telegram from the Holy Church had just came."
A telegram? Urgent telegram? Klein solemnly paid close attention.
What followed made his scalp tingle. "In just a single night, approximately thirty people had died in their sleep."