Sanctum Aristeia, Balairung Caelestis
A Month After the Forging of Excalibur
Jeanne and Joanna stood beneath a night sky adorned with new stars.
In Jeanne's hand, Excalibur emanated a gentle glow—not a light of power, but a light of remembrance.
A profound silence enveloped them as the sounds of nature held their breath, honoring this sacred moment. Each star in the sky represented hope, promising light at the end of darkness. The illusion of night deepened the meaning etched within their names and souls, like an ancient mantra forever engraved in the collective memories passed down through generations, reminding all who looked up of the resilience of the human spirit.
"This sword is not a symbol of strength." Jeanne gazed into Joanna's eyes.
"But rather the burden of a choice we must bear together."
Both felt a vibration in the air, as if witnessing the silent weaving of history between generations. In every passing moment, the soft light of Excalibur depicted peace, urging them to understand that true strength lies not in dominance, but in sacrifice and humility, illustrating the profound lessons learned from those who came before them.
"It is time for us to choose those who will share this oath with us," Joanna responded.
"The First Oathbearers."
They were not in search of the strongest.
They were not seeking the brightest.
Nor were they looking for the most gifted in magic or technology.
The soft whispers of the wind among the leaves seemed to agree with their statement, gently shaking the ancient trees that had witnessed many stories. Every root embedded in the soil provided support for this commitment, weaving an unbreakable bond between them and the world waiting beyond this Sanctum.
"What we need are those willing to choose, even knowing the weight of their decisions," Jeanne said.
Jeanne's gentle lament resonated with the shimmer of stars dancing on the surface of the nearby lake, creating a radiant glow that seemed to feel the heaviness of the choices at hand. As the calm water reflected their faces, it became evident that each drop embodied a journey from different backgrounds—something that connected them in a bond greater than themselves.
"Those who do not impose their will on others,
but also do not shy away from the responsibility of change," Joanna added.
Joanna's words resonated like a soft rumble of thunder, igniting their spirits to fight against the waves of difficulty ahead. In that moment, it was not merely a call for unity, but also a reminder that the nature of change requires the courage to take steps forward. With Sheena and Saint Maria's approval, they prepared to confront the challenges that lay ahead.
"What we need are those who are willing to choose, even when they know their choices are heavy," Jeanne remarked.
"They who do not impose their will on others,
but also do not shy away from the responsibility of change," Joanna added.
In the gentle breeze of the twilight, it seemed as if nature itself was listening to this sacred conversation. The wildflowers blooming along the path vibrated with feeling, reflecting the spirit embedded in the hearts of the aspiring Oathbearers. Each droplet of dew upon the leaves sparkled like a hope that never fades, signaling the important moments to come. The golden twilight danced among the trees, casting shadows that swayed like spirits witnessing this commitment.
With the consensus of Sheena and Saint Maria, the quest began.
For four weeks, Jeanne and Joanna interviewed dozens of candidates from Gaia and Earth. During this ritual, they trained not only to seek strength but also to find souls brave enough to confront uncertainty and commit to protecting peace, even while facing unpredictable waves of change that could shake their foundations.
Among those selected:
Kael Yuno — A fluctuating wizard and Joanna's apprentice, who has led the defense of Custodes Mutatio against the infiltration of Luthar's ideas. The droplets of last night's rain reminded Kael of the promise he must fulfill; he knew that every decision represented more than just himself, but also the fate of humanity. Kael's heart resonated in harmony with the voices of the natural world as he raised his index finger to the sky, weaving a bond with a greater power.
Eryndor Valtheris — The architect of the magic laws of Vita Harmonia, who designed the Codex Harmonia to evolve with the ages. He stood confidently, believing that every word he penned was a seed planted for the future. Beneath the silvery sky, ideas and dreams rolled among the stars, as if the universe bore witness to his call to create unity among all who dwell in light and shadow.
Selira Veyrun — A female scholar of Earth renowned for creating the Glyph of Life, serving as a bridge between humanity and natural magic, facilitating the flow of knowledge and harmony with the environment.
Rythian Carvell — The inventor of Etherium, a symbol of the fusion of magic and technology that does not dominate but instead provides new strength without disrupting existing balance.
Saphira Olith — The young Praetor of a non-human race, who taught the philosophy of free will to her community following the event known as Fractura Lux.
And one unexpected choice:
Aureth Caereth — Luthar's cousin who rejected the Nullborn path and vowed to restore his family's name through honorable means.
"Courage does not mean never being wrong; rather, it embodies the strength to acknowledge and rectify our mistakes," Joanna said as she welcomed Aureth into their circle.
But the courage to rectify mistakes," Joanna said as she received Aureth.
In that moment, a gentle wind whispered through the leaves, signaling that the universe resonated with this sacred ceremony. Moonlight danced upon the surface of Lumina Caelestis Lake, creating an image as if the world had split open to reveal profound mysteries. Each Oathbearer felt the ground beneath their feet vibrate with a powerful life force, an unspoken mantra illuminating the souls present, deepening their bonds with one another and with the breathing universe surrounding them.
Jeanne stood in the center of the circle, Excalibur planted in the earth.
The blue and silver light shimmered in the lake's waters. As the light reflected, its glimmer revealed ancient stories buried deep within the collective memory. Each second felt like a series of hara-kiri with time, a fusion between history and the present, reminding every soul that they were part of a larger narrative.
"Today, you do not swear to Gaia or Earth.
Not to magic or technology.
Not to Jeanne or Joanna."
"You swear to one principle:
That free will is a right that must be chosen and protected."
"We will not force the future.
We will pave the way for anyone to choose the future."
Their voices echoed in the stillness of the night, imbued with meaning and responsibility. Each word flowed like a river carving through stone, dissolving boundaries and winding towards an unexplored destination, affirming the true essence of this oath and the heavy implications it carried for both their present and future. The symbolism of this vow was not merely a matter of words but a divine plan intricately tied to the secrets of nature, signifying the long journey ahead that would require their unwavering dedication.
With their hands upon Excalibur, they proclaimed:
"Vel'thar Vitae Custodia."
"We safeguard the will to live."
"Non Tyrannis, Non Negatio."
"Not for tyranny, not for denial."
"Flux et Continuum."
"Change and continuity."
The light from Excalibur enveloped them, radiating a gentle glow that seemed to penetrate the depths of every soul present. The aura of grandeur awakened buried awareness, inviting them to reflect deeply on the meaning of each word spoken. Amid the whispers of the wind and the gentle ripples of the lake, one could sense a timeless strength merging with this sacred moment.
The Circle of the Initial Oath was formed.
"From this day forth, you shall be known as Custodes Pactum Primaris — Guardians of the Initial Oath."
"And one day, your names will become the foundation of Knight of Stones and the guardians of the world's will in the future."
"You are not rulers.
You are witnesses.
And witnesses are the last bastion of truth."
Jeanne raised Excalibur, and in that moment, it felt as if the entire universe fell into silence as a mark of respect for this grand covenant. There were no sounds, no movements; only the vibrations of souls synchronizing to a single rhythm: a hope for the future, where every heart is connected by one purpose and every eye shines with a spark of spirit and profound sincerity.
Everyone bowed, not out of power,
but out of respect for a choice greater than any individual.
As the ceremony concluded and the crowd dispersed, the light that once shone gradually dimmed, yet not before leaving an enduring imprint on each soul, weaving invisible threads that would bind their destinies forever. Jeanne and Joanna sat by the edge of the lake, their feet touching the water, creating gentle ripples that symbolized every decision spoken earlier.
"I never imagined we would come this far," Joanna said softly, her gentle voice seeming to dance with the waters, bringing a calmness that was unparalleled.
"Neither did I," Jeanne smiled. "But I'm glad we are walking this path together."
"Whatever happens next...
even if time tries to separate us again...
this circle will witness that we once chose each other."
Joanna leaned against her sister's shoulder, feeling the grace of that bond—a connection unbreakable, forged from trust and unconditional love.
"And if someday I fall...
I know the choices we made today will call upon the next to carry on."
"I believe," Jeanne affirmed, kissing Joanna's forehead and sealing their promise with a gesture filled with warmth and love.
Above them, the stars shone brighter,
as if the world acknowledged the courage of human choice.
In the deep silence of the night, the gentle whisper of the wind seemed to carry an important message from the universe: that the synergy between these two souls transcends time and space, binding them in a greater tapestry of purpose and destiny. As Jeanne and Joanna held hands tightly, the moonlight reflected a sparkle in their eyes, painting a picture of hope and peace that words could scarcely express, embodying the culmination of their shared journey.
They stood before a circle of objects placed on the ground—several stones, a bay leaf, and a grain of salt, symbols of strength and sincerity. Each element spoke of unity and perseverance, reminding them of the promises made and the responsibilities shouldered. In this mystical atmosphere, every heartbeat felt like a melody from the spirits guarding tradition, witnessing every step taken with brave and resolute hearts.
As she gazed at the twinkling stars, Joanna felt as if thousands of eyes from their ancestors were watching over them, their silent guidance enveloping her in a shroud of familiarity and strength. This was not merely a ritual; it was an affirmation of identity and steadfastness, not just as individuals but as part of a greater history and legacy, reminding them that every star above stood as a witness to their determination and commitment to one another.
As the night deepened, the silence stood as a sacred witness to their vow, reverberating with the energy of their commitment. Could they feel the vibrations of that promise coursing through them? The sanctity of their oath transcended physical boundaries and struck deep into the recesses of their hearts, forging an unbreakable bond. They understood that the choice to be together marked the beginning of endless journeys, with the sky as their only limit, each star above a guiding light illuminating the way into a life filled with mystery and wonder.