Ellie looked over at Marie again, who walked back into one of the hallways and came back with a folding chair. She placed it in the center of the room, facing the velvet chairs.

"Please be seated, child," Ellie instructed her.

Runa sat down. Then Ellie spread out her arms and looked at all of the ladies. They all proceeded to sit down.

"Welcome Runa," Sable addressed her now.

"Thank you," Runa replied.

"I suppose that you are wondering what all this strange ceremony is for?"

Runa politely nodded her head.

"The Ladies book club is an old club. We have been in existence quite some time. In the mid 1800s, women did not have the voice they have found in past 100 years or so. They could not easily meet nor were they encouraged to. 'Idle' gossip after all leads to certain frivolities. Men ruled the world. Women's ideas were not easily represented." Sable took a glass of water that was sitting on a table near her and sipped it.

Continuing, she said, "So a small group of brave Zephyrites formed a 'club' for the purpose of discussing books they had read. These discussions were a way to express how they felt and have a voice. But they did not realize the power they had unleashed. In a short time, they discovered their ability to band together and change men's minds. Clubs like this one began to spring up all over the place. Susan B. Anthony was said to have belonged to one herself; although no one has proof. The clubs were so secret that none of us know the names of the earliest members."

"Even though women's rights are far greater than they have ever been, our group continues the tradition of the Ladies book club for several reasons. The first is to remind ourselves of our heritage and the true battle we faced as women here. Also, our city needs us to stand up when there are injustices being done. We come together in order to see that our community stays true to the founding principles so many have aspired to. And lastly, it is a rather fun tradition to discuss our books. It really is a book club after all."

"That being said, due to a recent tragedy that you are familiar with, one of our seats is now vacant. We are strictly regulated to be 14 members and 14 members only. It is the tradition. It is an exclusive club. And to be chosen to be part of it; is really an honor. Runa Walker, you are the candidate for this position. If that is acceptable to you, we will have a vote on it. Would you be interested in joining us?"

Runa looked around the room. Many of the ladies were smiling at her. She had never imagined this would be so formal. But it felt right. It felt like this really was 'power' somehow.

"Yes," she said. "I would likethat very much."