Thread: Follow the Leader

There was something bright and pure shining within Sam now. Whether it was the way he held himself, upright and tall, filled with a sense of purpose and confidence, or just the way he looked now without his hair, clean and dignified. Either way, something changed. And Ben considered himself the author of those changes. INK, which was founded by him more than a year ago, was about achieving purity through the unity of it's members. Through the strength of their community and their family, cleansing and purifying the self as they became one with the fold. Sam had reached the highest stage in that process of unity, just like a few of his brothers and sisters had. But none of them were anything without Ben. After all, without their Leader, INK would fall apart. And then where would they be? These were the people that society had rejected because they just didn't fit in with the status quo. The world said fend for yourselves and pitted everyone against each other, all for the sake of egotism and individualism. All of that potential was just rotting away because some people weren't strong enough to make it on their own and nobody gave a shit. There was nobody else in the world who cared about these people... his children. Here, they belonged, and they belonged to him. Still, he silently watched as Sam sat amongst a row of others, a couple with shaved heads and a few without. People listened and watched with hopeful eyes when Sam spoke, and they opened up to him. He was a shining example for others to follow. And there were several who Ben personally felt were already well on their way to recovery and unity as well. Then there were a few others, newer members of the family, who still struggled. A couple of months ago, everyone sort of blended together. Everybody was new and scared, full of defense mechanisms and walls that the world had made necessary but which were volatile to the growth of the group as a while. As time wore on, and through Ben's support and teachings, the lines became clearly drawn between those who were committed to the group and those who were still attached to their identities and egos. The one's who still needed help and encouragement. Like Merela. Ben would have liked to say that he had a personal relationship with all of his children, but as INK grew, he found less and less time to dedicate to each individual person. Now, however, with Sam's final ceremony completed and more of them among the higher ranks, he didn't have to spend so much energy on cultivating everyone at once. It was time to dedicate a little more effort to those who might be struggling and get to know some of his newer children. The tables were set in long rows next to each other and although he was across the room from her, Ben was positioned just so, that he was able to see her from where he was sitting. Pausing to regard her for several moments while those around him continued to eat, he finally broke his unwavering stare to set his meal aside and rise from his seat. Sauntering through the room, he took his time, looking over his flock, making eye contact with a few and sharing an encouraging word here and there. The reactions always intoxicated him, like a lantern in a darkened cavern as he walked between the rows, eyes and faces lighting up as he passed by. All attentive, all meek and looking to him for the guidance and leadership he provided. Lunch was almost over by now, so the tables he already passed were being cleared and people were going off for their afternoon exercises and chores. Later on, they'd all gather together in this hall again, for dinner and then evening activities before finally heading off to the barracks for sleep. Coming to Merela's table, he stopped and gave her a neutral smile and said, Merela. You'll be doing your afternoon drills with me today. When you're done cleaning up after lunch, meet me at the Training Grounds D. It was the most isolated out of all the different sections of the property that they used for these purposes. Getting her alone and away from the others would be a good way to see how she acted when on her own and feel out any problem areas. The order was given with his usual air of authority, but was tossed out casually. He didn't even wait for a response before he was moving further down the table, continuing to shed light into the glistening eyes of his faithful followers even after he was out of sight.