Order Prompt 1

Having walked into the territory of the Order, things seemed colder, distant and more hostile than it had been with previous clans, sure the Keepers hadn‘t been the most welcoming clan out there, and others had ben reluctant to reach out to the strangers too, but the air seemed to usher a silent warning to the trio of friends that this clan harboured a particular  sense of hostility for those that didnt follow their ideals- down to their faith.

The surroundings felt meticulously crafted from stone in such a manner that Varos Katholes and Maple felt like the entirety of the Orders territory was one big fortress.

Varos had started to feel nervous about the change in athmosphere right out of the gate, after all they had always been sensitive to these kinds of mood changes. Their tail had started to droop until it started to curl under his belly, tightly tucked under them. Maple had noticed their friends discomfort and was about to ask them how to help when Katholes began to snarl. Mere moments later a group of Haedians robed in aged, dusty black robes, accessoriers such as chains dangling from their necks painting the picture of an uncomfrotable exchange of words that would follow.

Katholes put themself between their friends and the newly arrived group of Haedians, Katholes expression was cold, trying to get a read on how likely it would be that the Puller had to go to more drastic measures to protect their friends.

Stern Haedian faces studied the trio of friends with such an intensity as if they were judged for their mere presence in their territory as if it was the gravest sin any of them could have ever committed.

One of those that had descended upon them, this ones face showing clear signs that the tooth of time had gnawed on it, spoke. At first the question didnt register in the friends heads as it had been so far out of what they had expected them to say as their first meeting.

„Do you walk in the shadow of Oris?“ the question hung heavy in the air, the anticipation by the group of Haedians on the brink of turning to hostility if the group of friends would falter for too long to respond, that much was sure.

„I dont- really.“ started Maple, stumbling over her words as she tried to navigate this tough social situation.

Katholes interjected. „Why is a question about religion so important anyways.“ they retorted hoping that their defiant statement would trip the group of haedians up enough that the friends would get the opportunity to explain themselves, yet unsurprisingly enough countering intense interrogation with defiance had quite the contrary effect.

„Why did you have to say that?“ whimpered Varos from the back, seeing the Haedians faces contort with anger, appauled by the pullers question, Varos really didn‘t like where this conversation was headed.

“Blasphemy.“ yelled one of the Haedians, physically recoiling from Katholes question before bareing their fangs at the trio of friends. in mere seconds the atmosphere had shifted from uncomfortable to crackling with hostility.

Another joined in „What even is a being without faith? Is faith not what seperates us from mere kettle? Why deny yourself to live in servitude of a higher power, a higher plan, why deny yourself the chance to have impact and a meaning in your sad miserable lifes?“ Katholes had tried to interject and explain themselves but the Haedians made sure that they couldn‘t.

In truth none of the friends worshipped Oris, but admitting as much seemed like it would surely tip this verbal barrage into a physical one.

Varos had rushed to Maples side, hiding under their wing for comfort as if to excape the yelled accusations of the order clan members.

„I want this to be over.“ said the small chaser, their plea only reaching the tyrians ears for the puller was deafened by the screeching of the Haedians.

Maple thought for a moment, trying to get a read on the situation before sighing and puffing herself up.

„You asked a question. Let me answer it.“ she yelled hoping that it was sufficiently loud enough to allow the Haedians to understand her.

Silence fell abruptly over the group of friends and the Haedians, judgemental eyes all turning to look at Maple, whilst her friends glanced up at the tyrian in surprise.

„We do not worship Oris.“ said the Tyrian, standing her ground in the face of these religious fanatics. „And I dont see why anyone else should. We came down here to seek an audience with the matriarch, to figure out why Vitalus is palgued with earthquakes. If we wanted to bring chaos and destruction do you really think we would have made it as far as we have? Asking if we follow Oris is as nonesensical as asking a fish if it needs water especially when you consider what we‘ve been through.“ Maple knew that she couldnt have said anything to allow these Haedians to calm down so she decided to be honest. Brutally so. If she had to fight to protect her friends then so be it. She knew Katholes had their backs, meaning she only needed to worry about Varos. The group of Haedians all started to snarl, the eldest of them baring their fangs at the friends „Oh no that won‘t do. We must punish these heathens.“