"EDEN'S GATE. REVIVAL. JOIN US."
Green eyes flickered between the flyer and the small tent sitting just ahead of them in the empty field.
Joseph Seed was doing one of his famous - or infamous - sermons near where Wren usually stuck around so they decided they would see what was going on. Maybe theyâd actually find some sort of purpose after all of these years.
A true purpose. Now how glorious would that be?
The only knowledge they had gathered before this point in their life was only brief knowledge of Joseph - the leader of this religious group. He was commonly known amongst his followers as The Father. The true prophet of God.
They knew vaguely of his brothers and sister from passing comments on the streets, they could maybe recall their names but that would be all.
With limited knowledge yet desperation fuelling their steps, they lifted the fabric and stepped into the tent, eyes scanning around the enclosed area. Most people of different ages and genders sat clothed in beige and white, their eyes barely diverting from the front, from the man talking. Others sat in their usual clothes, clearly pointing out the people that were new there, just as Wren was, and their eyes couldnât leave the man speaking either. Everyone seemed to be caught and almost hypnotised by every word the Prophet spoke. Wrenâs own eyes eventually moved to follow everyone's gaze.
Their eyes landed on all four of them up there, three of them watching over everyone as Joseph spoke.
To Josephâs left was the one who Joseph himself referenced to as John. Wren could already tell he was somewhat of a prick. The way he stood and the slight smug look on his face to the clothes he wore. He wore much finer clothes than the rest of the people in here.
To Josephâs right was a beautiful woman dressed in a white dress covered in flowers, Faith. If Wren were to compare her to anyone or anything, sheâd be akin to an angel. She seemed to be glowing, more than happy to be amongst her brothers and the crowd before her.
And finally, a little further to the right from Joseph was a tall, well built man. A soldier. A soldier like they were once upon a time.
He, Jacob they assumed, immediately caught their interest - how could he not? They had a big part of their life in common. They glanced around the tent once again, how many others would have thought the same? How many other people like them have found their home within this community?
This could be their home.
They spotted a space at the end of one of the wooden benches near the back of the tent and made themself comfortable, the woman in beige beside them gave them a warm smile as she made more room for them.
They listened, suddenly pulled to this community more, feeling more of a connection than ever before.
âIf something is coming, you can feel it, canât you?â Joseph continued his speech and they listened intently. Every word he spoke was true and that just kept pulling them in.
âSee, weâre all just like frightened animals, just creeping towards the edge.â Each time he spoke felt more and more like he could see into their mind, like he knew every thought theyâve ever had.
âBut Iâm here to tell you the suffering.. well, thatâs a choice. And you can choose a better path.â
âWe love you. We want you. We accept you exactly the way you are. Every single one of you.â
One tear slipped down their cheek.
âAnd I stand here asking you to join us, and you will find your peace with us.â
âI am your Father, and you are my children. And together, we will march to Edenâs Gate.â
A round of applause erupted in the tent. People stood and cheered, but Wren, they stayed on the bench, small tears slipping down their face.
This was the push they needed to join. Somewhere that would take them in, accept them, keep them safe.
They took a deep breath, they felt content and felt they now had a purpose in life for the first time in too many years. One soft word left their lips as they exhaled.