A Vinekin's Revenge (pt.8): The Annointed

 

I need to visit the Wildebourne Chapel tonight...

Morgwen makes her way to the chapel, but her senses are heightened. The anxiety of someone potentially watching her stresses her out. Facing the front wall of the building, she sees a large wooden door... the entrance of the chapel. She notices Kevin's vines all over the chapel, showcasing their devotion to him. 

As she's examining the chapel, she notices large stain glass windows all depicting images of Kevin and his vines. She walks over around the building and suddenly, a hooded stranger approaches her from behind...

"Morgwen? Is that you?", the stranger says. Why do I recognize that voice...?

Morgwen keeps her hand on the hilt of her sword getting ready in case she needs to defend herself. She turns around and makes eye contact with a familiar face. "Morgwen..." the stranger takes off her hood to reveal her feminine face, "It's me, Selene." They both smile and embrace each other, both tearing up realizing it's been so many years since they last saw each other at their father's estate. 

"Selene, oh my god. It's you! I can't believe it's been forever." Morgwen looks at her twin sister's face and holds her tighter. I'm so glad she's safe and alive, I was always worried that grandfather's men would get to her and find her! They let go and laugh at each other, realizing how odd it is to bump into each other in the middle of night in Thornmere. Morgwen asks, "What are you doing here?"

Selene answers, "Well, I'm actually a member of the Whildebourne Chapel! There's supposed to be a service happening tonight. What about you? What are you doing here in the middle of the night?" 

Morgwen hesitates to reveal the truth, "This is my first time exploring Thornmere, I just got here a couple days ago! And you know, just trying to start over." She's hoping that her answer was good enough for Selene...

"Well, let's take a tour of the chapel! I can show you around, and you can even stay to watch the service. Maybe you can even join our fellowship!"

"Uh, not sure about joining you guys... but I will gladly take a tour!"

Selene motions Morgwen to follow her into the chapel. Upon entering, Morgwen sees the moonlight streaks flowing through the stain glass windows, illuminating the stone chapel and giving it hints of color. She looks at the far back wall of the chapel and notices an altar on an elevated stage where maybe a pious figurehead would stand to preach to the congregation. 

The twin sisters are walking through the middle of the pews and head towards the altar. Morgwen notices that there is a crown of thorns, designed by Everveil Wood Elves... the artifact needed for Kevin to perform Vineamorphosis. Morgwen points to the crown asking Selene, "What exactly is this crown for?" "That is the crown needed for humans to turn into vinekins, but you can't exactly just wear it and then BOOM you're a vinekin. It's a whole process. There is a stone altar in Everveil Hollow for this process to occur, but it has to be preformed by the priest. We don't have one yet, but we will be appointing one tonight."

Morgwen feels her chest tighten... oh god... is Kevin wanting to create an army of vinekins and take over Thornmere? I wonder if she knows more about the priest who was murdered...

She looks at Selene, "I heard about the murder in this chapel, so sorry to hear about that. That must've been hard on everyone."

Selene sighs, "Yes, it was tragic. Our communication with Kevin has been weak and we have been lost as a congregation. That blacksmith needs to be found. We need to avenge our priest's death... I don't know why they would do such a thing. Here in Thornmere, all gods and faiths should be accepted... except for us followers of Wildebourne Chapel... I walk the streets around here and feel judged."

Interesting, the followers of Wildebourne really do not know that Seoha actually did it... Seoha is doing a good job blending in... Morgwen puts a hand on Selene's shoulder, "I think people need to do a better job to just stop and genuinely get to know others."

The sisters hear the chapel doors open and see a couple of townsfolk entering in and finding their seats among the pews. Selene motions Morgwen to sit in one of the pews since the service is about to start. Morgwen recognizes Martin, one of Salo's friends, and he chooses a spot across from her. He makes eye contact with her and smiles to acknowledge her presence. Others start flooding in and Morgwen looks around to see if maybe Seoha would be in the crowd.

She turns to Selene and whispers, "Hey, do you know of someone named Seoha?" Selene looks surprised and says, "Yes, I do! Looks like you're already getting to know others and make friends!" Morgwen nervously laughs, "Yeah, look at me... haha. Maybe she's attending tonight's service?" Selene stands up to look around and shakes her head, "Hm, I'm not seeing her tonight. We might bump into her another time! She comes to the chapel every other day or so."

As the service continues, Morgwen sees Martin going up to the altar and the crowd all voted for him to be the next priest to lead Wildebourne Chapel. However, he notices that the communication between him and Kevin is still weak. Martin looks among the attendees and announces, "We need to continue the service in Everveil Hollow... Kevin is trying to communicate with me and I cannot seem to connect with him. Follow me everyone." Martin turns to grab the Crown of Thorns and he motions everyone to light a couple of torches and follow him to Everveil Hollow.

Selene tugs on Morgwen's sleeve, "Come on, let's go!"

She nods following Selene. Morgwen's mind starts to race... why is Martin carrying that crown????? Is he wanting to turn into a vinekin himself?! 

As the congregation follows Martin's lead, vines start to move and the trees start to sway... they all make it to the entrance of Everveil Hollow.... Martin takes a torch and speaks, "Kevin, show us the way and lead us to the altar."

The forest moves and a clear straight path is formed in the middle of the forest. Martin smiles and says, "Thank you Kevin for your guidance, for we are your loyal followers."