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| “I have been brought up at the Eastern branch of the school since shortly after my birth. Here, my sense of oneness with all life has been my guiding principle, and the temple’s masters have graciously given me the tools to become a better human being in harmony with the universal energies of life. It is my greatest honor and privilege to do what service I can in helping others unfold their sacred place in the grandness of the cosmic tapestry -- and discover more about who and what they are in the depth of their spirits. I was ordained Guardian Priest in 1344, almost three years ago. Though most Guardians wait at least 10 years before leaving the temple to perform their Pilgrimage of Service with the outer world, the circumstances of late have forced these standards to be reconsidered. I have been called to my Pilgrimage, and after consulting with the Master Guardians, they have given me permission to depart much sooner than is customary, given what they have learned about events in the Far East and how those same conditions contain much potential for happening here in the West. Time – though at one level is an illusion and meaningless – is not understood as such by the masses in society. That, along with their fears and beliefs about death, and the illusion of separation of themselves from all else, make my mission imperative in this perception of the moment.” |
RACHEL |
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“I have been truly blessed by God. I am so grateful to Him for giving me such a loving and encouraging father to get me through in this life. It hasn’t been easy, of course, during these times of hardship and toil. My father has had to take care of me on his own – but by the Lord’s good graces we have gotten by. I never knew my mother – she was called to Heaven at the occasion of my birth. Thankfully, by the love of my dearest poppa, he has given me solace that it is not my fault she passed away. He misses her terribly. Though he doesn’t blame me, I sometimes wonder if he blames himself. Perhaps had he not … well … She would still be here and they would be enjoying life with a love not commonly known. In the meanwhile, I have taken up learning his skill and being his assistant as a cobbler. I consider myself quite pious, as I intend to make it from Purgatory into Heaven so I can hopefully meet my mother … But I shall not be so cold and rigid as some other ladies I have seen during those days of celebration at Mass. I do not know how, or why God has gifted me so, but the kindness of a nobleman’s son has also been given me. It is sweet, but I am very insistent on being the kind of woman God asks of me, for my father and mother’s sake, as well as my own.” |
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GIOVANNI |
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“I don’t know why my father named me after an Italian. I really don’t like the Italians. I guess he had a really good Italian friend once, and I’m now stuck with his name. Anyway … I’m still my father’s son, which means I am forced to spend most of my time working out in the fields. We have a small home in the rural countryside with a bit of land that we use to raise sheep and grow vegetables, and a small orchard of fruit trees. Well, it’s not ‘ours’ -- we pay rent to the Duke as well as being forced to work on his Lord’s estate. The Lord is a busy man with much to curate, and being a general in the Pope’s army, so I understand why we belong where we do … and he is appointed by our Heavenly Father, I guess … But it sure would be nice if his son showed us a bit of respect for all we do. I am the oldest of five children, and there is much burden to come with the place. When I can, I do like visiting the city – outside of just simply attending Mass – and have made some good friends there. One or two who have shown me it doesn’t matter if I work in the fields or not. I do enjoy the acquaintance of a finer gentleman, though I cannot say I am anywhere near that of any acquaintance with the nobility but am humbled that the Duke has treated me with a kindness not afforded by his son.” |
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FINA |
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“I am the oldest daughter of my family, but younger than Giovanni. You won’t find my elder brother setting the table or washing the clothes – yet I am expected to also help in the fields along with him in addition to all these other duties given only to the ladies. Occasionally will he watch over our younger siblings, but he would prefer to leave that to me. Still, I know I must be grateful for what our Lord has given us … and me, in particular. I just pray to God and His good graces that a decent, kind, agreeable and good-looking man will someday steal me away like those princesses we hear about in the fairy tales. I can’t wait to be of good service in the making of a home, and if my husband is the kind of man I choose, also give him as large a family as he may dream -- and keeping the bed warm during the coldest of those winter nights.” |
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JEHAN |
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“Being of noble birth has both its advantages and disadvantages. The advantage is that, thankfully, I do not have to worry about getting caught up in the muck that seems to cling to those of the lower gentry. Not only are they mostly unkempt in their dress, a great many of them also lack the slightest sense of proper behavior. Why my father feels obligated to treat them sometimes as almost equals is beyond me – clearly God wanted to keep the classes separate. Of course, I am very generous, like my father. I don’t speak poorly of the peasant or merchant class openly. In fact, God’s challenge to me is that he has made all the women of noble birth hideous in looks and appeal, and instead given those qualities to the ladies of the lower classes. I often dream of breaking the social rule to take one of these dirty ducklings and making her my swan. What’s more, they are easy to sway, given as how I am favored by God in my rank (therefore, I speak from experience of how these ladies really are diamonds in the rough). But I also prefer a woman who at times can challenge me … Pious, but not too pious. I think I have found my challenge – this young lady who already shines with beauty beyond her class, but is so far unwilling to please me, which makes me want her even more. So far, all she has given is a wonderful pair of shoes, being as that she is the daughter of the town’s cobbler. She is kind yet reserved. I look forward to making her flower blossom.” |
