The elite guardians of Zion populate an area of The White City that is called The Cloisters. The structure has a high wall surrounding the many barracks within. None may enter who are not housed here without express permission from the commanders. The gates and walls are watched by a squad of the newest Powers to be assigned to the compound. Their performance will weigh heavily on whether or not they are promoted upward and make into further training. Getting past them, therefore, is an especially grievous task to attempt.
The interior of the cloisters is maze like. The barracks, halls, and gardens are many and it is a wonder that the powers who live there do not get lost. Another unique aspect of the space is the seeming solitude and silence to be found there. It is almost monastic in environment. Although it is heavily populated, one would not see that many powers in a walk through the compound.
Powers who become guardians in the cloisters come from any one of the other orders. They retain their order penannular, which is then fitted with an overlay of the silver tree that symbolizes their 
new vocation. This piece is what turns their armor into the full silver suit, with red lenses in the helmet, and articulated plate for their double set of wings. Their stature and the complete armor makes them one of the most formidable of all guardians. Many guardians linger in this evolution, citing that it is the most satisfying stage they have encountered to that point. The ability to take long reflective periods intermingled with their elite training, the proximity to the perpetual light, all contribute to a pervading sense of contentment.
The guardians of the cloisters are also charged with keeping watch of the way gates. No one uses them without their knowledge. The location of the gates do not matter. For instance, Shen’s gate in Gyuto is the responsibility of gate guardians (the same types of squads as mentioned above), but you will not see them at each station. They should not be confused with Watchers.
As mentioned above, the symbol of this sect is a many branched tree, emphasis on a braided trunk and the branches that bloom from it’s apex. Some leaves are depicted, in the acuminate shape like the osage orange. This symbol has made it’s way into various cultures throughout Samsara. On earth, you would recognize it as The Tree of Life.
The commander of the post is a very unique erela, Praefect Verchiel (pronounced fair-kie- ell). She is unique of aspect because her skin, hair, wings and eyes have variant pigmentation, either pale or dark. Her eyes are black with stardust. The other attributes have blotches of dark pigmentation alternating with light. On earth, this is considered a disorder of pigmentation called vitiligo, but is not considered a disorder in Zion. It simply is variant of coloration, and it’s rarity makes it one to be treasured.
A well-known member of the cloisters is Decurio Oriael. Once of the Moon Order, he fell from Zion and lived on earth for a time due to the loss of his younger brother to Jahannam. It is believed that Captain Maiel will rise through this path.
Click here to learn more about Orders and Places in The Trailokya Trilogy, and let me know what Order you think you’d belong to, or what place is your favorite in the comments. Check out the online companion, only on Wattpad.
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