As the Pope writes letters for your group to deliver to the Lord Mayor and the General...
Eli, Arabeth, and Shyness wait in the sitting room.
Sister Azmaria steps out, informs a guard that she will be returning shortly, heads through the Cathedral, and finds Cernan and the rest of you waiting with the mounts and the cart. Sister Azmaria gives a brief update on what's going on and obtains the Hawkthorne family crest ring to deliver to the Pope. She returns to the sitting room to await Pope Gregory's return.
When the Pope returns to the sitting room, he seems more composed, although the skin around his eyes looks more reddish. He carries two scrolls sealed with a prominent golden wax sun stamp, which he hands to you. He gives you precise directions to the Hall of Justice and the Command Center, including which doors to knock on and exactly what to say to obtain entrance and audience with the Lord Mayor and the General. He also describes another specific door on the side of the Cathedral Complex, letting you know that if you knock there at any hour of the day or night, and say, "The light clearly shows us that..." then you can get a message to the Pope.
"After you deliver my letters, if your group should decide to spend the night here at the Cathedral Complex, then knock on that specific door and let the guard know you have accepted my offer of lodging. I will leave word that this might occur, and you would have simple rooms made ready for you at that time."
The Pope looks at Sister Azmaria, Arabeth, Eli, and Shyness seriously.
"I know not what further threat this secret enemy brings, but irreparable harm has already been done. Whether you choose to lodge here tonight or not, I hope we may continue to share information as we bring this hidden evil to light. May the grace of God guide your steps."
Once the letters are provided, Azmaria approaches the Pope, she genuflects before him, Your Holiness, I apologizes for any harsh words that may have been said or implied by any of us. here is the ring you requested. But if I may be so bold, there is a connection between you and Lord Hawkthorne, a connection closer than you wish to say.
She pauses a moment gauging his reaction, if any, Azmaria then continues, We will get to the bottom of this, And any assistance you can provide will be well received, and any assistance we can provide, I hope will be justly received as well.
when it comes time to leave Azmaria firmly ensures everyone shows the Pope the proper respect upon exiting.
Pope Gregory gazes into the crest of the ring with a sad smile.
"I took it upon myself to look out for the lad after his parents' passing. He was only fifteen. He's been something like a son to me."
He lets his hand close around the ring.
"As Pope I am Father to many. However, I suppose a few individuals touch our hearts more deeply than most. John Hawkthorne had one of the most generous spirits I have ever known. His absence will be felt by all of Resplendent."
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When Shyness softly questions her allies, Pope Gregory smiles slightly and responds.
"Church Chief, yes."
While Shyness hadn't intended on being overheard by the pope, she shows no embarrassment at the result. While he and Eli have their exchange, her expression gets a little bored as most of it is either known to her or beyond her understanding. She begins to wander around the sitting room, sizing up its worth as a raid target, poking at the tapestries and the bookshelf. Not that she would, but just as a matter of theory. She does, however, keep the pope in her sightline as she wanders.
When Gregory steps out of the room, she idly comments, "Church Chief old, frail. New chief soon."
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when it comes time to leave Azmaria firmly ensures everyone shows the Pope the proper respect upon exiting.
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Sister Azmaria, Arabeth, Eli, and Shyness, now bearing two letters with papal seals, head out of the Cathedral and rejoin the others (Chap, Marius, Aeryth, Cernan, and Poterol) waiting with the mounts and cart in the courtyard.
Marius nods in greeting to the church-going group as they return. "What's the takeaway? Sister Az filled us in a bit when she grabbed the ring... but what now? Is he going to help us or what?"
Arabeth smiles as she shows Marius her letters. "We've been given papers which will expedite our meetings with the General and the Lord Mayor." She informs him and every one else present.
"Though time is probably pressing, perhaps we should clean up and a change of clothes? Pay for a message to be sent ahead to both the Mayor and the General to better organize the meetings between them?" She suggests.
"Why pay? I'll gladly provide the service and deliver word myself. Where would we meet them and when?
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Arabeth smiles at Chap's comment. "No... I meant for some one to send messages ahead while we prepare." :)
Though Arabeth also relates all the correct procedures as well to every one who wasn't with the meeting so that they understand the ins and outs of getting to see the people who're next on the list. (^_^)
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Poterol looks around at his cousins. "Regrouping to be a bit more presentable is a good idea, but disseminating this information quickly, now that we have the information to do so, is more important, I would think. I would rather not split up to speak to both, and it is unlikely that we will be able to get them both in one room in a timely manner."
Eli taps his masked chin. "Would the general as a fighting man be less inclined to judge us based on appearance or would it be better to go to the hypothetical higher authority displaying our physical distress." Eli... states?... asks?... yes, asks... in his flat monotone.
"We're just spreading word of what happened, does it matter? Let's go talk to the Mayor first, he is probably more likely to listen to people that just had the Pope's ear."
"I agree, though I still think the General is going to be of the most real support in any matter of defense. Talking about protecting the city and actually doing it are two very different things."
Rex glanced up at Marius with a soft whine, sensing his friend's unease. Marius pat the wolf gently and he settled down, little different from any other canine wandering the streets. In truth, he hadn't the slightest idea how to go about protecting a city of this size from a threat of indeterminate size. Too many people, too much brick and mortar.
"I agree, though I still think the General is going to be of the most real support in any matter of defense. Talking about protecting the city and actually doing it are two very different things."
Rex glanced up at Marius with a soft whine, sensing his friend's unease. Marius pat the wolf gently and he settled down, little different from any other canine wandering the streets. In truth, he hadn't the slightest idea how to go about protecting a city of this size from a threat of indeterminate size. Too many people, too much brick and mortar.
"Let's be careful in that regards with the general. I'm sure he is already doing the best he can to ensure this city is protected from significant threats. I feel that treating him like he isn't doing what's necessary will do more harm than good."
"Yes... the important thing here will be getting everyone on the same page."
Marius grumbles, nearly mimicking Rex's whine. "Fair enough. We'll be sure not to ruffle anyone's feathers too much."
They couldn't be done with the city fast enough. This place was already getting to him.
Your group travels a short distance from the Cathedral to the massive and impressive Hall of Justice to speak with The Lord Mayor.
Aeryth volunteers to wait outside with the cart and mounts.
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"I'll stay and watch Aeryth... er I mean the horses. Good luck, and try to stay out of trouble."
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Arabeth is happy to present herself t the Mayor, though again she does her best to look as presentable as possible.
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"Ah, politicians. Not quite the same level as a village mayor, but hopefully my experience will hold. Shall we?" Poterol grins wryly at the doors.
Eli nods, walking with his cousins to meet the mayor.
Politicians were no more Marius' forte than religious leaders, but at least the man could be counted on for some degree of practical reasoning. He hoped. "Let's get this over with," he sighs, following the others in and keeping Chap's warning close in mind.
Cernan comes along; as long as he doesn't talk too much, he's got no problems talking to people in authority.
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Aeryth and Chap wait outside in the still-bustling plaza in the dim twilight with the cart and mounts. (and Rex?)
Poterol, Cernan, Eli, Shyness, Marius, and Arabeth (and Sister Azmaria?) bypass the massive columned main entrance of the Hall of Justice and head to the specific side door described by the Pope.
You knock and speak the specific passwords given to you by Pope Gregory. Upon entry, you hand the sun-stamped scroll from the Pope and your letter of recommendation from Lord Mayor Vertin of Vigilant over to be given to Lord Mayor Lincoln of Resplendent. You are asked to wait in a simple room with wooden benches for a reply.
After some time, you are summoned to meet with Lord Mayor Lincoln. You are ushered into an impressive hall, where a grim man with a goatee leans his chin on his fist and stares at you as you approach. He sits on a massive marble chair, almost like a throne, but not so high-backed. Several guards stand at attention nearby, and a scribe takes notes. The grim man speaks in a booming voice...
"So. You are the fiend-slaying messengers. You bring disturbing news. I have read the letters from Gregory and Victor. What more have you to say?"
Azmaria was rather quiet after the church meeting. she seemed focused on being presentable, and going through what she wanted to say and how to present everything.
she was practicing speeches, jotting notes in her journal book. looking for information as to proper methods to address the various officials. should she bring her weapons?
finally when it was time to go she was in her best outfit. her pistol was holstered, ammo pouches sealed and neatened up.
she made sure her holy symbol as well as the symbol of her order were readily visible.
after the long wait and the lord mayor addresses the group. Sister Azmaria steps forward and with her best practiced speech Lord mayor, I am Sister Azmaria, of The Holy Order of the Didache, in the city of York. my order was sent me here on behalf of the Council of all Saints to ascertain the extent to the demonic troubles in this part of the world. What you read in those reports may only be the beginning. I have been gathering information and sending it back to york. But until additional resources from york arrive, I present my services to this city to combat the potential demonic incursion into this world.
she presents her journal with all the notes to the mayor. Here is all the information I have gathered thus far. beyond what is presented in those letters.
"I see. Thank you, Sister."
The Lord Mayor gestures to a guard who quickly steps over to Sister Azmaria, takes the journal, examines it, opens it, and then carries it up a few steps to the Lord Mayor's chair.
Lord Mayor Lincoln begins to scan the pages of the journal, pausing to read a few parts more closely.
You wait (I assume) as Lord Mayor Lincoln reads through the journal.
At one point he gestures toward the scribe who hops up to hand the Lord Mayor a quill and paper.
Several times as he reads, Lord Mayor Lincoln raises his eyebrows a bit and glances at the group of you, but otherwise his expression remains impassive. He occasionally scribbles some notes on the paper handed to him by the scribe.
Finally, he closes the book, and sits back thoughtfully, regarding you carefully.
After a moment he gestures to a guard with the journal, who steps up to hand it back to Sister Azmaria.
"Again, thank you, Sister, for your most detailed observations."
He surveys the rest of you.
"Does anyone else have anything to add?"
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Shyness starts to fidget and look around the room as the mayor peruses the journal. When he finishes and asks his question, the naive girl doesn't realize she should hide her expression, and she is clearly looking at him as if he is a dunce. "How we know? Sister's book."
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Poterol steps forward and bows. "Lord Mayor, as it should be obvious by now, we do not actually know the direction of the fiendish plot is taking. We believe that a simple village was burned to hide the death of one man, but we know not the fates of those also of his line. As well, at this point it seems more prudent to spread our warning far and wide, to Lord Mayor Vertin and yourself. At this point, my Lord, our searchings end. We were attacked on the way to Endurant. We were attacked on the way here. We know not where or when the next spark shall be ignited."
Poterol bows again, and steps back.
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Arabeth presents herself and adds what little she can to the telling of events about which there is much concern.
When first introduced, Eli bows, but leaves his eyes always on the mayors, whether or not that man is looking at him.
He stays carefully neutral in this exchange, asking only to see the journal to read through it in order to know if there is anything else to add.
As he flips through the journal , he does stop long enough to stare at the Lord Mayor and give a single question.
"It must be asked," states Eli flatly, "who you would believe stands to benefit from the death of such a lord." Eli says.
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In general the Lord Mayor seems somewhat guarded. He clearly presents himself carefully, as authoritative, yet a bit weary. His facial expression only changes slightly throughout your exchange, his eyes narrowing just a tad at Shyness' comment, his head nodding at Poterol's address. Overall, he seems to like your group well enough, as unusual messengers go, but he does not seem to want to reveal his reactions to your news or anything else, other than grimly polite acceptance, the mark of a career politician. His true feelings on these matters, and the extent of his emotions, remain carefully protected at present. In response to Eli's query, his voice booms...
"Lord John Hawkthorne, whom you now believe to be dead, was an upstanding and charitable citizen of Resplendent. His death, if true, would be a terrible loss to our fine community."
The scribe continues to record the conversation.
"Permission to approach or speak privately." Eli asks flatly, searching for anything.
You notice the guards tense, just a bit.
Lord Mayor Lincoln just replies calmly...
"Denied. Personal correspondence may be addressed to my home. The address is a matter of public record. Public concerns shall be heard here, and are a matter of public record."
He sounds almost bored as he speaks this seemingly much-used line.
Then, he focuses on you again, and booms...
"The concerns you raise are grave, and will be addressed quickly and appropriately. Considering you come from Pope Gregory himself, our experts on fiendish threats have already been informed of the alleged situation. All necessary precautions will be taken to protect the people of Resplendent should a significant threat arise. In the meantime, your information will be further analyzed and investigated. Your names will be taken by the scribe before you leave. Where in Resplendent can your group be reached if further questions arise?"
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Marius bites his tongue, knowing that anything he wanted to say would certainly not help their reputation. This man was exactly the sort of reason he stayed out of cities. He remains near the back of the group, watching the mayor's guards for any signs of foul play. Everything about the Lord Mayor was practiced and artificial; there wasn't a hint of sincerity in any of it. Marius makes a mental note to never turn his back on this man...
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"The concerns you raise are grave, and will be addressed quickly and appropriately. Considering you come from Pope Gregory himself, our experts on fiendish threats have already been informed of the alleged situation. All necessary precautions will be taken to protect the people of Resplendent should a significant threat arise. In the meantime, your information will be further analyzed and investigated. Your names will be taken by the scribe before you leave. Where in Resplendent can your group be reached if further questions arise?"
Arabeth curtsies at the Mayor's summation and seeming closing of their meeting. She offers the information of where 'most' of the group is currently in residence and makes it known that she is more than happy to meet further with the Mayor at his leisure and convenience.
She looks to the others to see if any one might wish to say more 'Officially' before, perhaps, bidding the Mayor a good day and thence seeing to the group's other business?