Veiled by clouds, a pale sun rises with morning’s come. Its light rests atop a fresh blanket of snow. Today’s dawn is a weary one, as if exhaustion had dulled the colors to gray. Along the outskirts of the city, a Church Bell reverberates a mellow hum, signifying a morning commune. People gradually gathered, some young, some old; figures of all shapes and sizes. Hush chatter of mundanities liven the air.

  “...It’s gotten rather cold, ain’it?…”

  A figure breathes into his palms and rubs them against his roughened gloves. Another figure tucked his hands away and kicked at the floor; his legs aching from boredom.

  “...I swear I saw the Crimson Witch in this city!...”

  A peeping voice peeks out above teasing laughter. Some glance out of curiosity. Others shrug doubtful of this statement.

  “-Good morning everyone!”

  A priest steps out the church door and smiles towards the crowd.

  “May Ithax guide the way to this morning commune.”

  Gesturing to the crowd, they start pouring into the church. A nostalgic warmth embraces the congregation.

  The inside of the church is rather spacious, with pews arranged between decorated pillars. Below, and around the walkways, were lamps that glowed with an orange hue. Warm light pushed back the gray light leaking from the high windows. Above the lectern, a stained-glass window depicting a brilliant blaze of red, orange, and yellow. The hall was quiet; besides the hush whisperings of conversation.

  “...The crimson witch? How can you be so sure?...”

  A man with a scruffy beard leans towards the hearsayer. With a tucked-away grin, the starry-eyed girl joyfully exclaims with her peeping voice,

  “...I swear I saw her! Hemomancy was declared forsaken by the archmages after Carmenos vanished, but she displayed it...”

  The intrigued fellow’s face fills with doubt,

  “...Couldn’t it have been some bum who worships such heretic magic?...”

  Shrugging, the starry-eyed girl clutches her crimson scarf and sways her legs off the ground.

  “...That’s true, you could be right. However, I saw her cast the crimson flame!...”

  The once intrigued fellow rubs his scruffy beard and sighs,

  “...Whatever the case is, her name is a bygone of the past…”

  This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

  Without much of a notice, The frail old priest in white robes walked out the podium door. Exhaustion tucked away in the layers of wrinkled skin folding on his face.

  “Quiet down now”

  His scratchy voice bounces around the church walls. Silence soon followed. Shuffling up on the podium, He takes in a strained breath and clears his throat.

  “Good morning, it has certainly been an exhausting couple of days. We’ve spent much time handling the issues regarding the outbreaks of madness. However, do not worry, we have got the case under control. If anyone notices signs of madness, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Now to begin…”

  The old priest lets out a yawn as his trembling hands pry open an outrageously large book on the podium.

  “In the beginning, the world was a barren land. The nights were eternal, and the sky was starless. We ate off the cold darkness itself. In the distant void, a spark the size of a rice grain flickered in and out. Like a candle in the dark, a fire bloomed in the sky. Which Consumed the darkness like paper burning to ash. Fire scorched our barren land, enveloping it in its warmth. Soon after, the sky filled with stars, like moths attracted to a flame. Many gifts followed this era known as the Gala of deities. Soon, our barren land became filled with light, and life…”

  A couple of yawns force their way out from the crowd. Unfazed, the Old priest sips from a decorated cup. Amidst the silence, muted screams leak from the walls. Nervous shufflings were heard as the old priest sighs,

  “I pray that this cursed madness will go away”

  A candle flickers a bright yellow hue and wisps away into smoke. With another heavy sigh followed by a weary smile, the old priest addresses the crowd.

  “Let’s call it a day, shall we? It’s a beautiful morning and I’d hate for you all to sit in those uncomfortable pews any longer. There’s some water and bread for anyone in a hurry.”

  Stepping off from the podium, the old priest slumps on a cushioned chair. With a sense of unease, people started moving. Some leave while some stick around.

  Approaching the old priest, Cecil awkwardly clears his throat.

  “How might I help you?”

  The old priest asks in a husky voice.

  “Are we doing the right thing?”

  “What do you mean, young one?”

  Cecil takes a deep breath and holds in some air.

  “These outbreaks of madness are from the divine, right?”

  The old priest lowers his voice,

  “Why would that be a concern?”

  "…"

  Cecil nods and swiftly turns away. Letting out a shrug, the old priest sighs,

  “What could be running in that lads mind?”

  At the bread station, the starry-eyed girl nibbles on some bread. Her eyes fixated on the soft glow of candlelight in the halls.

  “Don’t stare at them too long, or you’ll go blind.”

  Cecil ruffles her orange hair and slides a cup of water.

  “Here, drink. What's your name?”

  Swaying her legs, she wipes off the crumbs on her scarf,

  “My name is Ruby! What about you, funny-looking priest?”

  “My name is Cecil. I guess I look kinda funny.”

  Ruby lets out a pleasant giggle,

  “Ya! That old priest especially looks like a silly white candle. Speaking of, do you smell something burning?”

  Sniffing at the air, Cecil shakes his head no.

  “Well I can’t stand it. It hurts my nose.”

  Out of irritation, Ruby hops off the pew and walks out the door. In the corner of Cecil’s eyes, a candle light flickered a golden yellow.

  “I must be tired.”

  Cecil rubs his aching eyes and leans back on the pew. It had been quite the exhausting morning tending to screeching patients all night. With each blink, his eyelids grew heavier and heavier; drifting off to sleep.

  ***