“Oh no, it was actually my sister Tabby who set all of this up!” says Renny with a laugh. “I was still trying to make my way back to Bexgate when she started on it.”
The pilgrim nods.
“It started pretty small really, but there are quite a few of us Thackerys. Tabby saw that with all the evacuations the people needed help, and then once… well, after God was killed she kept expanding it, trying to help more people.”
“People like me?” they ask softly.
Renny smiles slightly sadly, “Yes, although we always hope to reach out to people before they have to turn to demons for help. Easier within Bexgate, of course.”
“And… and all of this… it’s confidential?”
“Of course! Our main goal is to help people and make the world a better, safer place. Trust is an important part of that.”
They talk a while longer, working through the reasons they felt they had to turn to demons, and sharing their arduous journey to Bexgate. Tabby’s outreach efforts had taken a while to reach their ears, but had made ripples throughout the world; another thing drawing people toward Bexgate.
Renny steps out for a moment, and returns with a selection of leaflets. Workshops to help them find a career to sustain them. Information about networks designed to help them locate and reconcile with their family when they’re ready. Paperwork for them to be housed within West Bexgate, safe from their debts. Community groups where they can talk with other witches about their experiences in a safe space. A flyer for The Community Bean. A pamphlet covering the various churches and religious community groups in Bexgate, from St. Renagi’s to humanist groups.
The witch leaves, tentatively smiling, thanking Renny profusely around their sheaf of papers. Next on Renny’s list, a former Commission agent. It’s not the first time she’s met with them; it can be difficult to reintegrate into the community with all of the bad blood there. But following her sister’s methods and their central tenet of kindness, Renny is confident that together they will eventually help them find their place in this new world.
Tabagathette Thackery has announced her intention to not run for councillor in the 3917 election, although she will be continuing in the role until the end of her current term. Although we look forward to finding out who her successor will be and what new plans they have for the town and its permanent constitution, many will be saddened to be losing such a dedicated servant of the people. Fear not though, for in her statement, Thackery told us “I intend to continue working as hard as ever for the people of this town and beyond, putting into practice the aid that my policies provide for.”
After her work supporting everyone through the crisis following the fall of the Commission, organising the expansion of West Bexgate, and reforming the laws on the treatment of witches, there is little doubt that Thackery would have had a good chance at re-election, but instead we must simply wish her all the best in her future endeavors.
“I don’t get why we have to be all quiet today…”
“It’s Bereavement Day, Kunich. Do you remember what that means?”
Kunich pouts, clearly unsatisfied with this answer. Ananda replies instead. “Today is the anniversary of God’s death in 3914, so we go to church and spend the day in mourning.”
“Not mourning,” Tabby corrects gently, “Remembrance. It’s not just about being sad.”
“So what is it about?”
“It’s for reflecting on scripture, and what it means.”
“St. Renagi said that the sky used to be blue.” Kunich chimes in, displeased at being shown up by Ananda. “Before God died. Weren’t you there for that, mama?” he asks, wide-eyed.
“Yes. When you’re older, I’ll tell you more about it.”
“Why not now?”
“Because right now, we’re going to be late.” Says Isamu, standing by the door with Renagi swaddled in his arms. “Do you have your shoes, Ananda?”
“Ye-es.” The young girl hops to the door to put her shoes on.
Isamu resists a laugh at the obvious fib, instead checking he has everything he needs one last time. “Are we all ready to go?”
Tabby smiles. “Yes. All set.”