Winlay Grace

The city of Telnon hosts the main capital of the the Church. It is a large city, with many schools, libraries, and theaters. The Church of Xelta had encouraged the growth of learning and art in the city in hopes that all of the intelectuals and artists would help spread Xelta's influence to the world with their talents.

Through the city streets walked a young woman by the name of Winlay. Winlay Grace, a nineteen year old girl, was on her way to the Holy Palace. The Holy Palace was the residence of the Church's leaders, including High Priest Beldan and the Oracle of Xelta. Currently the Oracle was on a diplomatic mission to the Republic of Cryn and had left Beldan in charge. Today, Beldan was going to be meeting with the newest initiates into the Church.

Winlay was met at the steps leading to the Holy palace by her friend Mika, another initiate. Mika was waving her hand and calling to her friend.

"Winlay! Hey, I waited for you!"

"Thanks! I'm sorry I took so long. I accidentally overslept this morning. Has it started yet?"

"Not yet! We should still have a few minutes!"

Mika ran ahead of Winlay, almost dancing with excitement. Winlay couldn't help but smile. Her friend was always livelier than she was. Mika was pure joy and seemed to have an unending supply of energy. Together they made their way into the main hall, where nearly two hundred Initiates were gathered in front of a large stage. A fat man in beautiful robes of a golden color stood at a podium, preparing to speak.

"Ahem! Young initiates of Xelta, I am High Priest Beldan. Today you begin your own spiritual journey into our faith. Today, you join your new family! Look beside you. These people are your brothers, your sister! We are all one, joined together under the Light of Xelta. Our mission is to spread word of his deeds and to promote faith and good will to the people of Pandora. We live to provide an example for the world, a Holy becon from which lost ships can guide themselves home. Over the next few weeks, you will be given rooms at the convent nearby. There each of you will meet with me to be assigned you first duties as you learn more about your role in our faith."

Winlay and Mika were led along with the rest of the group to their new home. The convent was basically the training grounds for the new initiates. The retired priests and nuns taught the next generation how to behave like proper children of Xelta. The two friends were overjoyed to learn that they would be sharing a room. But soon their lives would change as they delved deeper into the heart of the church.