Even for the most devout clerics, communication with the Aboves happens, at most, thrice throughout their lives. The burden of the mere gaze of the Aboves, much less the full attention, is so burdensome that most mortals - and even some demi-divine individuals - instantly go insane. But as is the case for every known law, it’s far from an airtight rule. The youngest of House DeTwix was the most recent example of these exceptions.

Shortly after birth, the children of the nobility are taken to Cathedral Square, where they are baptized and given an initial quest for their life. It's considered a ceremonial affair, as the quest is invariably something along the lines of: ‘Grow into a respectable young man/woman.’ But this baptism was special.

The contingency of House DeTwix watched in horror as the Baptism of Light - their family’s chosen baptism for twenty generations and counting - was rejected by their youngest son. Desperate, they inquired at the other cathedrals in the square, but each was unable to baptize the newborn boy properly. Eventually, the only remaining option was to begrudgingly inquire at the Cathedral of The Night, the antithesis of their family’s tradition.

The Night and The Light have seemingly been at odds since time immemorial. One was the bastion of wealth, riches, hard work, and life, while the other was the guardian of rest, dark activities, and death. All who worship The Light are taught that The Night is never to be trusted, while the Night’s worshipers are supposedly taught that the Light only cares about their wealth. Yet they were shocked to be welcomed as honored guests when they entered.

The young DeTwix boy, who had yet to be named - as the naming is part of the baptism itself - was gently lowered into the murky depths of the obsidian bath. The water lit up with increasing intensity the more the infant was submerged until only the head remained above the water, and the lights turned corporeal, lifting the young baby and embracing him.

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A servant of The Light

blessed by The Night.

a victim of the dark

his symptoms shall be stark

As the child was lifted, an unknown voice rang out throughout the cathedral, and the masses gathered chanted in reply:

Change he shall bring,

raise him well

for all debts shall be paid

at the toll of the bell

The light’s embrace of the child tightened, yet there was no panic except from the guests, unfamiliar with this specific rite. Slowly, the child was lowered as every voice in the cathedral joined together:

A rocky road

far from the beaten path

alone, he must walk it

or face the heaven’s wrath

rejoice! rejoice!

for the champion is here

one foot in the dark

another in the light

Fredro, his name shall be!