Winter: Halfway to God II
(When we began...)
There are many things I cannot remember, as there are few things I cannot forget such as the first memory I have of you, the time Ash died, and the first time I walked through the door of the Glass House.

The first thing I remember about that day was the snow. The snow danced from the dark, cloud-filled sky, to the trees, before my eyes, then to the ground. My own cold hand was in the grasp of another larger warmer hand. I felt safe and, though it was cold, there was a warm feeling inside that made me feel at home.

The door of the Glass House glowed with the light of the moon. It opened on its own without even a knock, as if it knew we were outside. Then light poured out into the night. I remember shielding my eyes with my hand at first, but I let it fall as I looked up into the face of the Prophet.

He was a beautiful man. Angelic, from an old painting long forgotten. His eyes glowed with the light of knowledge. He held himself proudly; unafraid and protected by God. His presence was strongly felt even behind the door, as I knew now.

"Welcome," he said grandly; his voice rings.

He held out his hand for me to take. I went towards him automatically.

The beautiful man took me into the light behind him. I remember hearing the door close behind us as I was engulfed by the light, and nothing more of the dark world I had left behind. The last contact I had with the outside world was forgotten immediately.

The Great Hall was made of white stone. The floor is of white marble and it is so smooth you can almost see your own reflection. Dim moonlight and wintry air poured in from the tall narrow windows. At the back of the hall was an elevated podium, behind which was a small table for two, above which were three large stained glass windows.

The stained glass windows depict a pure Healer with a white rose on the left, a golden Prophet in red on the right, and a dark hooded God in the center.

The man gestured to the middle window. "That is our Lord," the man said, "and He speaks through me. I am the Prophet."

I did not speak, for what can you say when you are so close to a Prophet of God?

He did not ask me for an answer nor did he continue. He looked among the scattered people in the hall, looking for someone. He smiled as he found who he was looking for and summoned him with a single look. The youth with copper hair and a troubled expression that faded when he responded immediately and eagerly to the summon.

"Bishop Ash," he said to him, "please guide our young one."

"Certainly," Ash replied. Then he looked to me. "He is...?"

"He is our new Two of Clubs," said the Prophet, putting his hands on my shoulders. "Please take care of him." Very quietly, for my ears only, he whispered, "You are embraced by the Light, young one."

Then he dismissed us with a smile.