The Fated (PWH)

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"Takers, the Heartless, the Coldbloods—the names folks have for us ain't exactly designed to make a body warm up to us, are they? I think it's just screed, myself. The multiverse needs us. Not that we really care if we help others, mind you. That's a concern for the weak and foolish. The multiverse helps those that help themselves. 
"That's the key, see? If a coin falls out of your pocket, it's mine if I'm quick enough to grab it and strong enough to keep it. If I'm tired of berks knocking me around, I struggle and sweat until I reach a position of respect. Wealth, power, friendship, happiness—it all belongs to the capable, to those who know how to obtain it. Take all you can, and push till you can't push any more. Those who make it to the top belong there. Those who complain about bad luck or unfair treatment don't deserve any better. 
"Does this make us heartless? No. Just practical. You can't deny how the multiverse works. If you try, some canny cutter'll take your place, your jink, and your rights while you sit around and whine. Do I love my husband? Do I care for my children? Sure I do. I'm not a self-centered witch. But I teach my kids to take what they need—what they want—and not to waste pity on the sods who can't make the grade. 
"I'll give the Cagers this, though: They were smart enough to let us run the Hall of Records. It takes a sharp mind to keep track of the city's deeds and business dealings, and a strong heart to collect the taxes. Basically, the Fated keeps records of everything, especially what everyone has, and who better? 
"I was just a young girl when I went to the Hall of Records and applied for faction membership. I had to pass a long series of mental and physical tests, but I remember in particular one perfectly barmy challenge. Faction high-ups maneuvered me into a situation where a bag of jink was just sitting on a table in a bar. No one was around, so I took it. Then a bunch of Takers came in and told me I'd failed the test—I took the money when I hadn't worked for it. They said that a member of the Fated can't have anything she hasn't earned. 
"I told them that was a bunch of wash. By just taking the bag, I showed that I deserved it, 'cause no one was able to stop me. I earned thejink by being in the right place at the right time, and by not letting ethical qualms get in the way of taking what I wanted. Well, the high-ups said they didn't want the Fated to be a bunch of thieves, but they couldn't argue with my reasoning. Needless to say, I got in, and they sent that test to the dead-book." 
- Tava of the Fated
Category:Sects