“That’s something else to think about,” the taller one continued. She and Ava began to walk again, moving toward the rocks that barely concealed Hæra. “Few women want to be nuns today. Our average age worldwide is almost eighty years old, did you know that?”

“I might have guessed,” Ava said. Unlike her companion, she wore brightly colored clothing, along with a long piece of gray cloth wrapped around her neck. She’d be easier to seize in the water, if it came to that. If she was worthy.

She didn’t look very strong, though. Neither of them did. This was probably another failed expedition.

“The consecrated life demands sacrifices few are prepared to make. That’s cause for prayer and reflection, which is why the process has so many steps. You spend time as a postulant, then a novice. Then you take temporary vows for a few years before fully swearing yourself to the order, as Sister Agnes and I have done.”

“But you’re happy you did it, aren’t you, Sister Madeleine?”

Sister Madeleine. Hæra knew little of human nomenclature, but the words had a pleasing cadence.

“Happy?” Sister Madeleine said, after a pause. “Well…of course I’m happy. This is my life, and I can’t imagine another one. It’s just not for everyone, that’s all. There are a lot of constraints that can inhibit a person’s—” She stopped, right when it was about to get interesting, and shook her head. “Anyway, tell me: what’s your experience of the call?”

“Oh…well…”

There followed a conversation Hæra couldn’t understand, save that the call appeared not to be a literal noise but rather a summons to live in a certain way. It must be the way Sister Madeleine lived. Ava did most of the talking while Sister Madeleine listened closely and Hæra grew more bored by the second. The juvenile was definitely less interesting than her elder.

When Ava finally finished, Sister Madeleine said, “Well, how wonderful that you’re considering this. We’d welcome more young women, and when the time comes, I know we’d be happy to take you as a postulant—although we’d prefer you to get a college degree. Just as long as you understand that our way of life demands many sacrifices.”

She turned her head to look out toward the sea. At that moment, the wind whipped the black cloth back from her face.

It was a striking face. Hæra had never been this close to humans but could easily tell the difference between these two. The younger one seemed more hapless and unformed. Sister Madeleine looked resolute with her high cheekbones, straight nose, and full mouth, which she held in a serene line. The sun and wind had pinked her cheeks.