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A dark alcove in the priory. Two boys, digging at a not-so-hidden chamber in the wall

A figure in the shadows, watching. "Don't mess with that." the person calls. The boys glance up, laugh and shake their heads at each other. "We'll do what we want, so buzz off."

Fools.. I warned you.. the figure dissapears back in to the shadows.

Several days later-

A stranger is found, sitting against the wall of a seldom used hall, arms wrapped around their knees, head resting on their arms. The girls who found the stranger ask questions. Who are you? How did you get here? Are you alright?

A slight nod to the last. The stranger stands, leaning heavily on the wall, form thin as if nearly starved. Long dark hair, brushing the ground. A once white rob, now grey and black with age, looking as though it would fall into pieces any moment. THe girls gasp and whisper amongst themselves. What should we do? Poor girl, they say, she needs food and rest. Come with us, they tell the stranger leading the way to the kitchen. The stranger barely touches food, claiming no appetite, too long since the last meal. Plenty of water. A bit of color returning to the skin. The first smile, barely there. "thank you.."


Later-

The stranger, dubbed 'sister' for now since no name has been given, sits in the class, half listening to the schoolmarm. Her eyes closed. The girls had been nice, the stranger thought, had given clean clothes, the long dress of the women here, had tended to her hair, tying the long curls up under a veil as was proper. Still eating little, but looking better. Not quiet so pale.

Listening.. Constantly listening..

A large rumble surges through the grounds. The girls whisper and mutter to each other. One screams. Another comfots as best she can, she was scared too. The marm rushes out, many of the girls follow. The stranger lags behind, wary.

"My lord, forgive me. We had no idea there were still those kept away." The preist. Talking with a man, obviously furious. Tall, hair tied back with a leather but still reaching past his shoulders. A dark robe.. crumbling at the edges with age. Too hard to tell what color it may have once been. "Excuses father.. I do not need your excuses." the man growls, stalking off, the father close behind.

Whispers. Suspicious glances.
Those who found the stranger lead her away. "Sister, you should rest.." The woman only shakes her head. "No.. no more rest.."

A ball is planned. Something to lighten the mood. Many of the girls are still wary of the Lord. His harsh demenor, the boring stares, the glint of something dark in the occasional smile.

Sister has a request.
A plan..

The other girls, all ready for the dance, head to the private dressing chambers, the stranger between them, dressed in a modest gown. Not the right clothes she says. THe girls wait in the sitting area, waiting for their friend. Behind the door, the woman gazes at the mirror, sighs, and sets to work.

"I'm finished" the stranger calls, the girls chattering anxiously. "Come one then, let us see how you look." calls one, giggling to herself. The door opens.. silence.

A graceful bow. A gentle smile. Once long hair, cut just above the shoulders. A fine suit. The slightly androgenous features, now obviously masculine.

Unsure, many of the girls back away. Glancing around nervously.

Explainations are needed. The stranger guestures to the sitting area, taking a seat seperate, so as not to frighten the already skiddish girls.

Long ago, many with strange talents. Some, radiating energy. Others, able to drain the energy of others. Most paired together. Balancing each other. Able to live normal lives. One, too overwhelming for any hope. Giving off so much energy, people and lings nearby, all distroyed. Dissintagrated. One, too powerful for any freedom. Sapping the energy and life from those around. The two paired together. Locked away deep beneathe the earth. Awake, meditating, resting..

A mistake.. a problem. Ground is shifted to build on. The chambers move, ever so slightly. Just enough. THe mind of one, not fairing well with time, begins draining the life of those above. Fields turn baren, livestock die.. many years pass and fewer and fewer children are born. People believe they are cursed.

The other.. finally able to focus the energy. Tries to make use of the time alone. Caring for a tiny seed. Growing ever so slowly, a gaint tree appears on the barren landscape. People come, offer their prayers. Some feel younger, healthier, happier.. Children are born to those who visit most often. The people of the town start to think the tree is on holy ground.

Now, with the pair awakened, the balance must be restored again.