Speak when spoken to and not before. The Order of Stone began every year with the vow of silence for the ascending fifth years. They were adults now, moving onto the somber gray robes and quiet reflection necessary for their studies. The vow lasted two years and both the older and younger students took great delight in harassing their defenseless classmates. Unless they were asked a question, the fifth and sixth years had to remain silent lest they fail the Order’s ‘simple’ test of wills.

The Knights were always watching, but interceded only if the vow was broken. They were not there to comfort or protect, those who could not stand the torment were imperfect souls unworthy of their ranks. Like diamonds, Knights were born from that pressure, molded impervious to the temptations of the Dark.