And it came to pass, as Dondorian passed through the gates of Forevermore, many followed behind them, but among those was one unlike the rest—a woman clothed in the habit of a nun, whose name was Seraphine.

  And Seraphine was learned in the ways of mercy and truth, and their heart was moved with pity toward Dondorian, for they saw within them the fire of wrath and the burden of hate.

  And Seraphine spoke, saying, "O Dondorian, mighty in strength and terrible in countenance, why have you set your eyes only upon destruction? Know you not that even demons follow law, and the wicked are as sheep gone astray?"

  But Dondorian answered not, and their face was set like flint; for their heart was hardened, and their ears were shut to all counsel.

  Yet Seraphine walked beside them, even unto the shadowed valleys, and ministered unto the wounded whom they passed by, and prayed over the slain, weeping for the souls lost to the sword.

  And the people who followed Dondorian murmured among themselves, saying, "Why doth this woman walk with us? Surely they shall perish, or be made as one of the cursed."

  But Seraphine rebuked them, saying, "I follow not for their wrath, but for their redemption; and though Dondorian be as a lion in the wilderness, I shall walk beside them until they are tame."

  Stolen story; please report.

  And it came to pass that Dondorian beheld Seraphine in the night, as the nun prayed beneath the Eterna Trees, and Dondorian asked, "Woman, why trouble yourself with prayers? The gods shall not protect you."

  And Seraphine lifted their eyes unto Dondorian, and replied, "It is not for myself that I pray, but for you, Dondorian; for the path you walk is a road of death."

  And Dondorian turned away, saying, "Waste not your prayers, for I am as I have been made, and my vow cannot be broken."

  Yet Seraphine followed still, their heart steadfast, bearing both sorrow and hope. Becoming a light beside Dondorian's darkness, and a voice beside their silence.

  Then in the quiet of the night, Seraphine came softly unto them, and spake tenderly, saying, "Dondorian, you need not bear this burden alone; let me comfort you. Lay aside your wrath but for a moment, and know the gentleness of love."

  And Seraphine reached forth to Dondorian, with a voice like healing balm; yet Dondorian drew back, with eyes which burned as coals.

  And Dondorian chastised the nun, saying "Temptations of the flesh are but one way in which demons infest the hearts of men. Begone from me, harlot, and make no move toward me again."

  But Seraphine wept softly and answered again, saying, "No, Dondorian, it was not a love of flesh I offered you, but a love of hearts; I sought not your body, but your comfort, that I might hold you and give you peace."

  As Dondorian looked upon Seraphine, their brow remained stern, and they spake again, saying, "I will only know comfort when every demon is slain; I will only be carried by my pallbearers."

  Thus Seraphine withdrew from the tent with fallen countenance, and though they were sorely disappointed, they respected Dondorian's command and troubled them no more with such offers.