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"Silence my sisters, our new child has come," Zanderia proclaimed, her hands rose in the air as she stood up. Immediately the room became quiet; Sandra could hear herself breathing loudly. Ten pairs of eyes stared at her, sizing her up. Sandra slumped down in her chair. "Why don't you all introduce yourselves?" Zanderia suggested. They all nodded solemnly. "Begin," she declared.

The one to Sandra's right cleared her throat, "I am Clarissa, Keeper of the Winds." To demonstrate, Clarissa lifted up her hands, and a great wind stormed through the room. She waved her hands again, and the wind ceased.

"I am Katarina, Keeper of Fire," the one to the right of Clarissa said. Katarina held out her hand and blew. A tiny flame danced on her palm. Sandra watched in amazement as the flame flickered and danced, and then it suddenly disappeared. The introductions went to the right, with each woman standing up as she introduced herself.
"Isabella, Keeper of Truth."
"Augusta, Keeper of Love."
"Majestinia, Keeper of Beauty."
"Navina, Keeper of Mischief."
"Sasha, Keeper of Serenity."
"Voracia, Keeper of Evil."
"Olivia, Keeper of Nature."
"Jessalyn, Keeper of Joy."
"And, I, Zanderia, am Keeper of all Keepers." Zanderia stood up, and looked down at Sandra with her powerful intense eyes. "You, Sandra, are the new Keeper to join us. You shall be the Keeper of Fear."

Sandra gazed up at Zanderia in awe; she felt important. For once in her life, she felt needed by someone. She had a place. This was her place in life. This is where I belong. This is where I'm meant to be. Sandra smiled blissfully up at Zanderia. I'm home.

"You are one of us, Sandra. We shall teach you the ways of our Craft, and you shall learn," Zanderia proclaimed, "Let us sit sisters, and teach the new one our ways."
Instantly everyone sat down, as if they were one being. They all smiled at Sandra as they waited for Zanderia to speak. Sandra felt her cheeks glow with hot fire, but she was happy that she finally found the place where she belonged, where she wasn't an outcast. She was accepted by everyone here; no Rachel, no bullies to tease and torment her. Kevin had led her home.

"Ahem," Zanderia cleared her throat. "As you all know, this is Sandra. Sandra please stand up." Sandra did as she was told. Zanderia snapped her fingers and smiled widely at Sandra. A bright glow rose up around Sandra's feet and engulfed her body. She felt her skin warm up, her insides tingled with the heat. She closed her eyes and breathed deeply. It was a peaceful feeling, nothing like the agony before. Soon the glow faded away, and the heat diminished as well. Sandra opened her eyes and was surprised to find herself dressed in a brilliant silver dress. Dazzling silver necklaces adorned her neck, and white gloves graced her hands. Sandra reached up and found that her hair was pulled up into a French twist. She felt like a winner of a beauty pageant. Sandra's eyes twinkled as Zanderia presented her with a huge wide brimmed hat, with a veil hanging down from it. Zanderia perched the hat on Sandra's head at an angle, so it covered one eye. "There my child, you look stunning." Zanderia smiled proudly at Sandra, "You are dressed like one of us now, because you are one of us." Sandra bit her lip shyly and turned around to face the rest of the women. Everyone applauded politely. Sandra blushed furiously, glad that they couldn't really see her face under the big hat. "Sit down Sandra," Zanderia gestured. Sandra sat down, feeling extremely grown up.

"Now that you are dressed to fit, we shall begin," Zanderia nodded to the Keepers, who all nodded back. "Sandra my child, do you have any idea why you are here?" Zanderia asked warmly. Sandra shook her head no. "Well my dear, you shall find out I suppose! Come!"

Sandra followed Zanderia to a dimly lit back room. The other Keepers followed her. Another round table stood in the center, its ancient stone legs supporting the huge slab of marble on top. Zanderia took her seat at the end of one side, and gestured for Sandra to sit at the other end. The others filed in a filled up the rest of the table.

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