It was a cold fall morning in the Ashwood community, and the sun had just begun to rise, illuminating the fog-shrouded streets. The community was carefully planned to reflect the values of the founders, who believed that strict adherence to doctrine was the key to achieving salvation. The community is led by Elder Elliot, a highly respected clergyman known for his unwavering devotion to the faith and his piercing gaze that seems to see into the souls of others. At Ashwood, believers follow a strict daily schedule, with their daily lives dominated by prayer times, scripture study, and community service. The community's leadership is zealous about adherence to doctrine, and minor transgressions are quickly discovered and corrected. Ashwood is a dangerous place for any form of dissent or criticism. Anyone perceived to be suspicious or hostile is dealt with immediately, and public punishments are intended to shame and intimidate individuals into compliance. Those who dare to question the status quo are often labeled heretics or apostates, and their ideas are dismissed as poisonous. One community member is Emma, a young woman who exudes warmth and curiosity, and who can't help but question the doctrine. She wonders if there are implications behind the Master's teachings that she has yet to understand, and if there are other perspectives that are worth considering. However, she knows not to ask these questions; expressing such thoughts publicly would be asking for trouble. One day, while gardening, Emma stumbles upon a stranger who wanders into the community, seeking refuge. This stranger, Joe, is a traveler with uplifting senses and a willing listener. He is intrigued by the community's values and practices, and offers Emma several benevolent suggestions that break the shackles of her rigid mindset. Other members of the community quickly become wary of Joe, viewing him as a potential threat to the status quo. Elder Elliot summons Joe to his presence, accusing him of spreading harmful ideas and putting the community at risk. The entire community gathers to witness Joe's public trial, with Elliot's scolding and warnings echoing in the silence. As tensions rise, the community is forced to face the consequences of their actions. Emma finds herself torn between loyalty to her fellow men and her growing sense of reason and compassion. The more she thinks about it, the more she realizes that Ashwood's methods may have strayed from the values and principles they originally sought to uphold. Ultimately, the community is forced to face constant challenge and outside scrutiny, with their practices and actions questioned and doubted by outsiders. Ashwood’s leadership is forced to make a choice: continue to adhere to its dogma, or risk reevaluating and refining its values. In the process, the community will be changed forever.