As Marial sits nervously on the couch, wondering what to say to the new arrivals, she suddenly feels the rush of positive energy wash over her, and stares in amazement as the cut on her arm knits itself together and heals before her eyes, as if the dagger had never touched her.
Her gaze lingers for several moments on the spot where the injury had been; magic healing was something she'd never experienced before. She quietly speaks up, still gazing at her arm. Thank you. That's...that's somethin'. Standing up, she offers Emilia her hand. Mouse...I'm Mouse. Nice to meet ya.
Then she remembers herself, and extends her hands to the others, introducing herself to each in turn, still clearly very shy. Little rough, yeah. Saw the pretty guy - and here she gestures with a nod toward Calcedon - 'bout to get some trouble fallin' on him, so we helped out. Coulda ended worse.
Whenever she called upon her divine magic to heal the wounded, it gave Emilia a sense of triumph against the darker forces at play.
The girl, named Mouse, seemed astonished by it and truth be told, if she did not have such magic, Emilia would marvel upon it as well. She was grateful to the Lady of Graves for many things.
Emilia managed a few steps closer when Mouse stood and offered her hand. The priestess grasped it, measurably, instantly surprised by the strength imparted through the grip of the slight-looking girl.
"It is good to meet you, Mouse." Such an interesting name. Was she a street urchin? Emilia chastised herself for making assumptions, again. "You are welcome to the grace of the Lady of Graves."
At the disclosure of the trouble that had recently befallen the other party, Emilia nodded at the aid they provided the fair Calcedon. "We, too, had a run-in with some ruffians and a couple of "Little Lambs" in a less-than-respectable tavern this night. Their leader fled, disappearing into the night, before we could detain him. In fact, this man, Emilia could barely speak the word for Lamm was most certainly vermin, has abducted Madam Lester's son and we endeavour to locate the boy and return him to her." Emilia levelled a quiet, compassionate look upon Carlisle's mother.
Silvio sits on the couch, enjoying the stillness of the room when the others arrive. He stands, slightly blocked by Marial as some introductions are made. The blond teenager soon steps up beside Marial, finding his voice, though he's uncertain by all the formality. "Hi, I'm Silvio. We, uh, helped out this man on the street. A couple of the Lambs were hurt, so we brought them here."
The young man could be no more than 16 with shoulder length brittle hair tied back. He's a scrawny boy, probably used to living on the street. You notice something wrong with his right hand, though right now you can't be sure of the exact nature.
Silvio seems to have symptoms of Shiver addiction, particularly the brittle hair. He does not have the shakes, though, so either he is free of the addiction or it has yet to come.
As the healing washes over the group, Silvio takes a sharp breath. He realizes that his knife cut has been healed and he relaxes. "Um, thank you, Priestess." He tries an awkward bow to Emilia, but it's clear he has no idea what he's doing. "So your son was kidnapped? By Lamm?"
As Manius walks through the great hall he can't resist giving an impressed whistle, clapping his hand over his mouth when the sound reverbrates, faking a look of surprise. Hehe, Father hated when I did that in his buildings.
When they enter the study Manius raises his eyebrow at sight of the other occupants of the room. Looks like we've walked in on another party.
"Hello friends, the name's Orcsson," Manius says with a smile and a wave, leaning on the wall nearest the door. He wasn't a big fan of churches: they reminded him of his brothers and father, and his forced attendance of Abadaran ceremonies. His churches are under taverns or bars or in abandoned warehouses, full of people ready for a fight to escape the monotony of their lives.
Manius stands six feet tall, his build athletic, less muscular than you would expect of one with orcish lineage. His short dark hair sits messily above a thick brow with bushy eyebrows (a stark contrast to the thin eyebrows and brow beneath the make-up). His skin is a dark green (courtesy of three layers of facepaint over his paler complexion) and his eyes a sky blue. Above a thick chin (also false, but the enhancement is not terribly great) he grins, revealing a pair of long tusks (false again, almost tripling his abnormally short ones). He wears a long, navy blue coat, under which can be seen a suit of studded leather.
"You guys have ran afoul of Lamm too? Huh, small world..." This night is full of strange coincidences...
Emilia, beneath hooded eyes, studied the young man and marked the brittle hair tied back with cord. Her gaze moved to his right hand but she could discern any notable tremor. Her gaze shifted to the nervous, scratching Lily and then back to the boy named Silvio. He does not show the worsening symptoms, yet. But he has a problem with Shiver, to be sure. Emilia wished the drug was not so commonplace in the districts, especially among the poor and downtrodden.
"You are welcome to the healing, Silvio."
Emilia extended her fingers so she could feel the warmth on the outer edge of the hearth.
"Did you say that you brought two Lambs to this sanctuary?" Her question was spoken quietly and she kept her eyes downcast -- lingering on the flame. "Can they be trusted? Will not their master come for them?" And in a matter of breaths, Emilia lifted her dark eyes from the grate and fixed them on Silvio.
"I don't think he has the balls.... courage to show up in here. Though, if he does, that's our job cut out for us." He snickers,"It'd be funny to watch some of the Lambs going around the Gray Quarter, that time of night, with the intention of sneaking in. You'd probably hear the teeth clacking from inside here. No offense, Em, but as much as we Korvosans appreciate the Pharasmin's help, most people are scared sh...breathless of you.", says Garvid, catching the kid's hand in his look. Huh. Poor kid. So, that's two things we got in common now...
Looking around and noticing he's the only one sitting down, he stands up and offers his seat to Lily. "There you go, hon. Em's magicky stuff makes me feel much more refreshed. Also, I think I never got to thank you for this, sister, so, my thanks. For everything tonight."
"Oh?", the bard exclaimed. "Yes, again thank you for the healing." He was a bit embarrassed about not having noticed, he thought the blood was actually someone else's. He would have to be more vigilant in the future, but he was just caught up with the tragedy of it all. "Yes it could have gone much worse. One of them called me an old man, and I'm not even twenty!" He laughed a little at himself, and then was willing to change the subject.
"I also have been contemplating doing something about Lamm, as I recently discovered that he had killed my parents eleven years ago." There was a distant pain in his eyes, but he smiled despite it. "There are definite elements of fate at play, and I for one, am interested in how it plays out. It should indeed make a great story someday. Possibly an Opera."
"Em's magicky stuff makes me feel much more refreshed. Also, I think I never got to thank you for this, sister, so, my thanks. For everything tonight."
"You're welcome, Garvid. I do what I can. Especially when I have someone like yourself and Orcsson to be my strong-arms. You controlled those thugs expeditiously back at The Tasty Troll." Emilia had difficulty accepting praise and gratitude. She was not ego driven like some; knowing her own strengths and failings intimately. A smile slipped across her lips before it disappeared as swiftly. I wish Marco could be here, with me.
"I also have been contemplating doing something about Lamm, as I recently discovered that he had killed my parents eleven years ago." There was a distant pain in his eyes, but he smiled despite it.
Emilia caught the flash of pain in the bard's eyes. So much loss because of one old man. "You have suffered, Calcedon. If there is some tragedy, Lamm is at the centre of it. The old thief will need to be stopped once and for all." There was a certain conviction in Emilia's voice and demeanour. Two years she had been waiting to see the end of Lamm's reign on the streets. She would not wait another two years.
Marial, having stayed quiet after making her introductions, finally speaks up again. Anyone else noticin' somethin' strange? Looks like we almost all got somethin' of Lamm in our past...includin' me. She takes a deep, nervous breath.
I used to be one o' his, once upon a time. Had me trainin' up as an enforcer, till I didn't like what he was makin' me enforce. So I got myself out. Got a knife for the trouble - and the kid goin' after Cal today was the one tried to stick it in me. Best friend, and more, until Lamm told him I needed to die.
Her hand subconsciously travels to her neck, where a thin scar, left by a blade and poorly healed, is still clearly visible. She runs a finger over it as she continues.
That's why we was in the fight today - and why I couldn't leave those kids in the street. They ain't got any idea what they're doin', no more than I did. I'm sorry, Sister, if it winds up bringin' any trouble down on you or yours, but...that was me, not so long ago. Couldn't help thinkin', if I'd had some help, maybe I'd've got out a little sooner than I did.
She looks nervously around at the others in the room, gauging their reactions as if expecting them to turn away at hearing of her past. If I need to stay and make sure no one comes for 'em while they recover, I will. I ain't got much else - just a hole of a room in Bridgefront. My bag's got everythin' else I own, in case I gotta make a getaway drop of a hat.
If you're needin' help findin' the Madame's son...well, I know some o' Lamm's tricks. Might be I could help. Anythin' you're doin' against the old bastard, I want in. Then, realizing the crudeness of her language in front of the priestess, she stops and looks down, embarrassed.
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Silvio nods reluctantly. "I know Lamm too...And I know one of those boys recovering. They might eventually go back to Lamm--that's the only life they know--but they'll be resting here for a while. And Lamm ain't the type to come looking for them. He'll be mad they failed, but he doesn't care if they live or die."
He flexes his right hand unconsciously. You can now see that it doesn't straighten properly. It must have been broken badly sometime in the past. "If you're looking to find someone Lamm took, maybe I can help too. I, uh, know some of his hideouts and some of the Lambs who work for him. And maybe it's time someone stood up to him." He glances at Marial.
Slowly Silvio pulls out a Harrow card. "So if it's a coincidence that all of us know Lamm. Do any of you have a card like this? Maybe don't know how you got it?" He looks at the newcomers.
Manius almost falls over in shock when Silvio pulls out the card. Yup, definitely serious sorcery at play here. Maybe I should be worried? But it looks like this might be fun...
"Yup," he says when he recovers, pulling the card from his shirt with a small flourish, "I won the 'Rabbit Prince'. Not quite sure what that means..." Though I like the name. I'll need to save it for later. "Both of us getting cards seems insane. I think Lamm upset someone pretty powerful. That or he's decided to create the most melodramatic trap ever conceived."
Since her family's change in fortune, Emilia had grown accustomed to the speech of folk of the underprivileged quarters of Korvosa. In her training as midwife, too often she found herself delivering an unwanted child to some poor girl barely grown and barely schooled. The less wealthy may not have the refined eloquence of the middle or upperclasses, but they had heart and courage in abundance. Emilia was not one of the highbrows, even though at times she judged people by their intentions and past deeds, yet never by how much coin they carried in their pockets or how well they could string a sentence. The priestess had come to realise how fortunate she had been to be born into the household of a well-to-do merchant, for she did not lack a thing, and, only when they lost it all had she come to understand the true suffering (and generosity) of the poor.
She fixed a gentle smile on her lips after Mouse had grown silent.
"The Sisters can defend themselves well enough in the Cathedral. They are not without resources - divine and mortal. If you have intimate knowledge of Lamm, then you would better serve us in our search for Madam Lester's son, Mouse. According to Madam Lester, we only have a day before Lamm means to act upon his threats toward the boy." Emilia gave a definitive nod as if the matter had been fairly resolved.
When Silvio spoke up and admitted that he, too, knew Lamm, Emilia wondered how many past and present Lambs they were protecting within the temple walls. She never trusted the Lambs as they carried out Lamm's orders, but she supposed she would have to readjust her stance and preconceptions now.
At mention of a card, and sighting Silvio's and Orcsson's respective cards, Emila put her hand in her cloak pocket and withdrew the card she had found in her healer's kit back in The Tasty Troll Tavern.
She held the card up so it would catch the light from the fire and be better seen. Her throaty voice filled the dim-lit chamber, "I received 'The Midwife', which is fitting since I am one. Mine speaks of meeting others at Lancet Street at dawn."
Gazing across at Orcsson, she added, "This is what I wanted to speak to you and Garvid about, when I mentioned I had some information, back in the tavern."
Ain't just you guys got 'em. Mouse produces her card with its message scrawled on the back. Mine's sendin' me to Lancet Street, too. This is too strange...
As cards are pulled out in plain sight, Garvid checks his pocket. Turning to the sister, he grins. "Well, I got 'The Bear'. Which, isn't terribly fitting, since I'm not a bear on a unicycle. Anyway, I'm being sent to the same place as you, Lancet Street. So, it seems there's somebody paying special attention to us. I suggest we rest for the night, and get to there in the morning." Maybe, just maybe, luck's on our side for once.
"Ehm. I'm going to mention this now, me and the Sister were talking about taking out Lamm, once and for all. That's the reason we were in the Tasty Troll tonight. Her plan was for us to work together, and hit him harder than we could by ourselves. I'm guessing you're not exactly the bestest buddies with him at the moment, so I'd like to invite you in for the long haul." Very, very long. And an actual haul. "What do you say, shall we take out Korvosa's trash?", he looks at everyone else in the room. That's, hell, 8 people. Not too sure about Lily and the bardess, but the rest seem like they aren't Lamm's biggest fans.
A Halfling male dressed in black silk servant clothes soon comes in and out of the room several times bringing various trays of food. The first tray is filled with several types of dried meats and cheeses. The second tray is loaded with different types of fruit. The final tray is loaded with rolls. He also brings several bottles of red wine.
After delivering the last of the refreshments, he bows and begins to leave. "Priestess Ollera will be right with you all. Please make yourselves at home. You have all invited to rest here for the night."
Her brown eyes studied Garvid. The man did not possess any subtlety that she could see - Emilia wondered how he would be with keeping secrets. Still, he had taken the initiative to discover who would ally with them against Lamm.
"Dinah Lester, it is you!" He crossed the room and took her hands with enthusiasm. "I did not expect to see you this evening. I'm glad that..."his voice trailed off for a second. He realized her condition was not great, and he was concerned that her health might be in jeopardy. "I wish that it were under better circumstances. Perhaps when you are feeling better, you'll come to visit us at Fordyce manor and sing. It's been a few years since I've heard you and it would be such a treat."
Dinah brightens up a bit at the realization that Calcedon is present. "It is great to see you Cal. I do wish it was under better circumstances. As Em mentioned, this criminal you are discussing has taken my only son and is telling me to pay for his return. I was supposed to meet him tonight in a tavern. I highly doubted he would return him, but I did not know where to turn. I know how crooked the town guard can be and Lamm threatened to send me body parts daily if I told anyone." She begins to break down and cry for a minute, but is able to compose herself.
"If you all would help return my son, I would forever be indebted to you." She attempts a smile. "And I would love to sing at your manor Cal...your mother was a lovely lady."
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Em knows the Halfling well. His name is Gimble and he has been a servant in the Cathedral for quite some time. He was orphaned at a young age and was taken in by the Church. He has always been kind and he possesses a servant's heart.
What he lacks in divine ability, he makes up for by being extremely handy. He supports the clergy to the best of his abilities.
Priestess Ollera returns to the room. "Sister Emilia...the Bishop would like to meet with you in the small sanctuary. I am sure you remember the way." She waits for Em to leave and then continues speaking. "Please take time to enjoy the refreshments. We are preparing rooms for you all tonight. Some of you may have to sleep in the same rooms. We have several bunk style beds. Do any of you have questions about the church that I may answer before I assign the sleeping arrangements?"
"Good evening, Gimble." Emilia greeted the familiar Halfling servant. She had met him the first day she walked through the hallowed grounds and up to the door of the Church. She was out of her mind with grief and anger and Gimble showed her kindness when others would have fled.
"It is good to see you. Thank you for the food and invitation to stay. We will await Ollera's arrival."
Emilia moved to the trays and picked up cheese from one and fruit from the other. She had not finished her evening meal at the tavern (Garvid happily did so on her behalf) and was still a little hungry.
It was then Ollera entered the chamber and told her that the Bishop sought an audience in the small sanctuary.
She took a clean kerchief from her pocket and carefully wrapped the cheese and fruit and returned the small parcel to her pocket. I can eat after the meeting.
"Hello, Sister Ollera. I shall go now, and, yes, I remember the way. Thank you."
Emilia cast one last look around the small group gathered by the fire and then left to meet with Bishop d'Bear.
The small sanctuary is just as Em had remembered. The entire room is only about 30 feet squared, but appears larger due to the 60 foot ceilings. Behind a small altar, where a statue of Pharasma rests, is a floor to ceiling stained glass window that depicts Pharasma on her throne assigning souls their final resting place. Other parts of the window show battles between her clergy and undead creatures. The only light in the sanctuary tonight is cast by a large candelabra on the altar in front of the statue of Pharasma.
Bishop D'Bear stands hooded at the altar with her arms extended towards you. "Welcome home Sister."
As she had nimbly walked the passageway to the small sanctuary, Emilia stowed the black rose inside her cloak.
Entering the chamber, her eyes flicked across the space, noting every detail -- the chamber unchanged from the first day she started her training. Her hand moved the Lady of the Graves' holy symbol around her neck.
She stepped forward, the candelabra's warm light leading the path toward the abbess by the altar.
Emilia moved eagerly toward the Bishop's outstretched arms. "It is good to be home, Holy Mother. Sister Ollera said you wanted to speak with me and I would speak to you on the matter of the people I brought to the Church this night."
"Good evening, Gimble." Emilia greeted the familiar Halfling servant.
The Halfling smiles at Em. "Welcome home sister. You are always missed when you are elsewhere." The Halfling appears rather happy to see the Priestess. Her demeanor was always warm and caring compared to most of the other clergy who tended to be more serious and often aloof.
Emilia moved eagerly toward the Bishop's outstretched arms. "It is good to be home, Holy Mother. Sister Ollera said you wanted to speak with me and I would speak to you on the matter of the people I brought to the Church this night."
The Bishop gives Emilia the customary hug and kiss on each cheek before stepping back and addressing the young Priestess. "Yes...I would like to hear of the group that has gathered in the study." She pauses and looks into your eyes. It seems like she is able to look straight into the soul of those she chooses to communicate with in person. "The diviners have been very busy Sister. Much is happening behind closed doors in Korvosa...dark plans that will bring evil upon this great city as well as upon our clergy. Unfortunately, the visions have been shrouded to this point. As of yet, they do not have many specific details, but it involves the King."
She invites you to sit on the front pew with her. "The diviners say that you will be heavily involved in the outcome as well, though they are unsure what part you will play."
More darkness to fall upon the city? And upon her fellow Sisters?, silent, troubled thoughts occupied Emilia's mind and she fought against them.
Turning her mind to the meeting at hand, Emilia sat on the pew beside the Bishop and moved a little to face the abbess. "Holy Mother, I visited The Tasty Troll Tavern this night. I had a companion, a guard to protect my person and virtue, and he is settled in the study with the other guests."
Bishop Keppira was an insightful woman and one could not hide actions and intentions from her.
"I visited this tavern to gather new information on Gaedren Lamm. Unfortunately, things did not go well and a fight ensued not long after we were seated. A man was killed and others' injured. I managed to leave the establishment and rescued, with the aid of the males Garvid and Orcsson, two women, Madam Dinah Lester and a serving girl by the name of Lily. Madam Lester's son has been abducted by Lamm and who now seeks payment for the boy's return or else he will dismember the child and return him to his mother in pieces. Lily is addicted to Shiver and seeks our aid to overcome the addiction and set a new path for herself. She seems eager to join the Sisters and be useful and she has no other place to go, no family to turn to. The ladies and men of my party seek sanctuary this night. Lily would like to stay and earn her keep, thereafter."
Emilia paused to give the Bishop time to process her report and request.
"As to the Diviners' prophecy, I hope I can step up and fulfil my responsibilities. I must show you something" and with that Emilia removed the card from her pocket and handed it to the Bishop.
"I found this card in my healer's kit this night. The Midwife card. What make you of this, Holy Mother?"
When they are set down, Silvio takes some food and drink. He's not used to the finery, but he manages to at least be polite as he gobbles down some of the meat, cheese, and fruit. To him, this was a feast fit for a King.
He takes note of Lily's symptoms and in a quiet moment, asks the young lady about herself. "You with them?" He nods to Garvid and Orcsson. "I noticed your arms. You got the addiction don't you? I'm Silvio. I, uh, I had it too." He holds out his arms to show some old scars from the scratching. "But I beat it. You can too. It's hard, but it ain't impossible."
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"I visited this tavern to gather new information on Gaedren Lamm."
The Bishop cringes at the name. "Ah yes...Gaedren Lamm. He has plagued our city for far too long. Recently, we have taken an increased interest in him. As you know, one of our duties to our blessed Lady is to eradicate the creation of undead. It has come to our attention that an unknown Necromancer has been creating foul abominations. We have learned that Lamm has been funding him. We are guessing that Lamm is growing tired of using children to do his dirty work and is hoping to benefit from this financial support. As a church, we are actively pursuing this Necromancer. If you and your group could deal with Lamm..."
D'Bear suddenly stops as she takes the Harrow Card from Emilia. She immediately closes her eyes and begins mumbling an inaudible prayer. After a few moments, she opens her eyes. "There is much illusionary magic involved in this card. I do not sense evil though. The sender has felt much pain. She seeks others who have been harmed by Lamm." She hands the card back to you.
"As I was saying, I would like for you and your group to deal with Lamm. It is not our job to judge between evil and good, but there is nothing wrong with sending those who choose to do evil an early appointment with Our Lady of Graves." She smirks and pauses a moment to let her words sink in.
"It is a good thing you have done for the noble woman and the serving girl. Madam Lester is welcome to stay until you have resolved her issue. I hope that it is not too late for her son. As for, was her name Lily...yes...As for Lily, she is welcome to find her way in these hallowed halls just as you found yours. I will begin her treatment in the morning."
She pauses to await Sister Emilia's response.
"You with them?" He nods to Garvid and Orcsson. "I noticed your arms. You got the addiction don't you? I'm Silvio. I, uh, I had it too." He holds out his arms to show some old scars from the scratching. "But I beat it. You can too. It's hard, but it ain't impossible."
Lily smiles kindly at the young boy as she finishes a roll. He immediately notices her rotting teeth. She nods confirming that she is with the two men and then responds to his second question, "Yes I do...unfortunately. I was forced to take it at first by my boyfriend. After that, I couldn't stop. He used it and..." She pauses and her eyes fill with tears. "other measures to ensure I didn't leave." She stops talking for a minute to compose herself. "Em said they will help me here. I am glad you were able to beat the addiction. I hate shiver."
Silvio takes a hard swallow. He knew the problems shiver caused, but sometimes it was easy to forget how it could shatter lives. He had never thought about someone being forced to take it rather than choosing to. I guess we were forced to be exposed too. He nods. "I hate it too." He hated it, but knew it was the reason he had survived the way he did with Lamm. He might owe it his life.
"We'll see what we can do for you, Lily. What I wouldn't give to shut down the whole shiver network. That way no one has to suffer from it again."
Lamm in league with a Necromancer? Such revelations this night! Is there no end to his foulness?! Lady of Graves give me strength to end his tyranny.
Emilia retrieved her card and looked upon the image on the forepart before pocketing it.
"I, and my companions, will seek out the woman behind the cards and message. If she has been harmed by Lamm, then I would hear her story and collaborate. You have my promise that I, and those who would join me, will deal with Lamm once and for all."
She noted and revelled in the Bishop's smile; the image of Lamm facing the Lady of Graves was a mighty one.
"I will put to Madam Lester that she can remain here until we locate her son. She said the distance to her home was too great to travel at this time of night and so she followed. I hope we are not too late to save her son. And I shall inform Lily of your consent for her to stay and make the Church her home. I am certain she will be pleased to begin treatment as soon as the morrow. Thank you, Holy Mother." Emilia kissed the Bishop's cheeks and her right hand.
"If there is nothing more you wish to tell me, I will return to the others and speak with them before we retire." The Holy Mother spoke of the Church dealing with the Necromancer and leaving Lamm wholly to her party... Emilia understood the minor crimelord was her primary mission and she would work until the matter was dealt with to the satisfaction of the Church and those who had suffered under Lamm. Marco, you will be exonerated! And your soul will find peace.
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You have not heard anything about the situation. It is your guess that those associated with the Necromancer have been very tight lipped and that the church would not have known either if it had been for their own diviners.
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"If there is nothing more you wish to tell me, I will return to the others and speak with them before we retire."
"There is one other thing." She reaches in her cloak and pulls out an object wrapped in black silk cloth. "Though your divine powers have grown, you have not had much experience in combat." She pauses and frowns, "I do not enjoy sending my daughters into harm's way, though it is often necessary. I would like to give you THIS."
"This holy symbol is an artifact of the church. Its power will grow with you. For now, it will ensure that your healing power will only affect those you desire for it to affect."
She steps back and performs a blessing over you. "May Pharasma go with you my daughter."
Marial stares at the trays of food as they're brought in. She waits for a moment to let others go first, then descends on the trays, piling a plate high with the various offerings. Seeing the wine, she pours only a couple of inches into a goblet, filling it the rest of the way with water. Ain't had much spirits before. Wouldn't do to get too crazy.
Holding her plate and cup, she again retreats to the edge of the room. At first she attempts to eat slowly and politely, but soon begins to speed up, stuffing chunks of fruit and cheese into her mouth and dunking large chunks of roll into her watered wine. Hadn't realized how hungry I was...
At the priestess's remarks, Marial responds, mumbling around a mouthful of melon. Ain'd mush bovvered - Then she realizes her faux pas, throwing a hand in front of her mouth and swallowing quickly. Ain't much bothered by sharin' a room if need be. Nothin' I ain't done before. And thanks, for the room an' the food an' all. Walkin' back to Bridgefront weren't soundin' like much fun to me.
The cathedral - it's maybe the most beautiful place I ever seen. But...why's it seem so spooky outside? Ain't never seen a place that got my knees to shakin' like the walk in here.
"We'll see what we can do for you, Lily. What I wouldn't give to shut down the whole shiver network. That way no one has to suffer from it again."
"If you can stop Lamm, it will be a good start."
"The cathedral - it's maybe the most beautiful place I ever seen. But...why's it seem so spooky outside? Ain't never seen a place that got my knees to shakin' like the walk in here."
Ollera looks around. "Yes...It is quite beautiful."
She walks a bit closer to Mouse. "Pharasma, who is also known as The Lady of Graves..." the Priestess performs a holy ritual with her right hand which involves touching her holy symbol and kissing the finger that touched it. "is the goddess of death, prophecy, and rebirth. She shepherds Golarion's recently-departed souls to their final reward. You see...upon death, all souls migrate to her Holy Boneyard to be judged and assigned to the place they will spend eternity."
She continues, "Being the clergy of the deity of death and rebirth, it is our job to oversee the protection of the bodies of these departed. I am sure you saw the thousands of graves outside of our cathedral? She hates the creation of undead...they are an abomination. She commands us to destroy any we find. Well, we have learned over time that it is much easier to stop their creation if those who would perform necromancy lack subjects to practice their evil arts upon."
"I guess that is why many find our dwelling so...spooky. People do not like to think about their end. We embrace it as a natural process."
Free food and boarding? That's one less problem tonight, then! Manius tries his best not to appear too keen to eat (he completely forgot his bangers and mash, darn!) but is most likely first upon the served refreshments. Armed with grub and an entire bottle of the wine, he takes a seat on one of the sofas.
"Qwuerstion!" Manius says, mouth full of food, with one hand in the air. He swallows before continuing, "Our rooms won't be overlooking aforementioned vast, incredibly creepy field of buried corpses, will they?" He shudders slightly at the thought, wrapping some meat around a piece of cheese and putting the whole thing in his mouth. "Jurst curiours!" He takes a good swig of wine. Probably shouldn't mention anything about those Necromancy lessons here...
Then a thought hits him. Oh bugger, shared rooms? How the hell am I going to take my face off and put it on again without anyone noticing? "Sercownd, erhem *gulp* Second question! Private one!" This time he gets up and stands next to the priest, speaking quietly to ensure no eavesdropping. "Not that I don't trust these wonderful people I have known for minutes but could I possibly have a single room? I have, uh... special needs."
"There are no windows on this floor, so you are safe."
She steps back a step as Orcsson approaches. Whispering, "Yes. We can find you a private room if you have a...special need."
"Thank you very much, sister," Manius says with a smile and a wink, before quickly moving back to his seat to finish his food and wine. Phew. Arrow dodged there.
Emilia caught the flash of pain in the bard's eyes. So much loss because of one old man. "You have suffered, Calcedon. If there is some tragedy, Lamm is at the centre of it. The old thief will need to be stopped once and for all."
"Well, I wouldn't go as far as to say he's the heart of every tragedy, but he's certainly started more than his fair share. The world would be a much better place without him in it, a purpose I mean to encourage and take part in until it's accomplished."
"Both of us getting cards seems insane. I think Lamm upset someone pretty powerful. That or he's decided to create the most melodramatic trap ever conceived."
"You know, I said pretty much same thing when Silvio showed me his card." With a flourish, he pulled out his own card with matching invitation. "I've got the empty throne, which is properly fitting, although I've always thought of myself as a man who appreciated the theater card more."
Concerning staying for the night, he sat down and pulled out his violin while he was talking. "Until we have Lamm taken care of, it's probably not good for me to be out in the city at night. I'd hate to have to fight more children just to get home. It's this Dawn meeting that might be difficult. Waking up early has never been a strong suit of mine." That was a bit of a lie, but since he didn't like to acknowledge that he used to be a hellknight, at least not in polite company. At that time, he learned to be awake and ready no matter the time, but he really did prefer to sleep in.
He pulled off his gloves, revealing his scarred hands with missing fingers and started tuning his strings by ear. "I suppose I should ask if it's appropriate for me to do some playing. I can use the practice to be honest. I have a pretty important concert coming up, and I wouldn't mind an opportunity to play through a few songs. Do I have any objections?" he specifically asked their host.
"I suppose I should ask if it's appropriate for me to do some playing. I can use the practice to be honest. I have a pretty important concert coming up, and I wouldn't mind an opportunity to play through a few songs. Do I have any objections?"
"Some music would be nice."
"It's this Dawn meeting that might be difficult. Waking up early has never been a strong suit of mine."
Garvid grins. "I wake up an hour to dawn every morning, pal. Want the shouting or the good old hazing awakening? I'm sure I can find a bucket of water as well, if need be." Garvid reaches in his jacket's pocket, drawing a card. "Hah. All those cards seem to be well fit to yourselves." He looks at the card again, smirking. Hah. It's on a unicycle. "Don't really know what a bear on a unicycle has to do with me, but, the message is still there."
As soon as the others start enjoying the meal, he grabs an apple and begins chewing it, not really hungry after the two plates back at the tavern, and not willing to drink after the ale either. "If need be, I can even stay on one of those seats, they're bigger than my matress back home." Cleaner, too. I always say tomorrow.
Seeing Calcedon's fingers, or the lack thereof, Garvid raises his brow. Still playing the violin after that? That's dedication, if I seen one. "Can we get something cheery? It's been a gloomy night for all of us, I can imagine."
"Don't really know what a bear on a unicycle has to do with me, but, the message is still there."
Expecting the comment to go over the man's head, she answers against her better judgement. "It represents pure strength that cannot be truly tamed or trained...or stated in a less complicated way... a lot of power with very little control..."
Holy Symbol gift
Emilia carefully accepted the Bishop's gift and ran her finger over the onyx mark of the Lady of Graves at the centre of the silver, scarab pendant.
"It is beautiful, and, I am most honoured to accept and wear it, Holy Mother. Thank you."
She removed the silver holy pendant she always wore about her neck and mindfully stowed it in her leather pouch. Lifting and unclasping the chain of the new one, she secured the holy artefact in its place and lifted her head so the Bishop could see it on her.
Upon the Bishop's blessing, Emilia added reverently, "And with you, Holy Mother" before bowing her head and departing from the small sanctuary.
She closed the door to give the abbess her privacy and made her way down the corridor, back toward the study and her companions.
"Please take time to enjoy the refreshments. We are preparing rooms for you all tonight. Some of you may have to sleep in the same rooms. We have several bunk style beds. Do any of you have questions about the church that I may answer before I assign the sleeping arrangements?"
"You mean, we get something even better than this?!" Silvio points the leather couches. The excitement is written all over his face. He realizes everyone is looking at him, and how his outburst might seem to the others. He shifts uncomfortably and explains, "Been a long time since I've slept on anything other than old blankets on the floor. I don't need much, Priestess, honest. Just be nice to not have the rats try to chew on me, that's all. Really, you all can have the beds."
"Been a long time since I've slept on anything other than old blankets on the floor. I don't need much, Priestess, honest. Just be nice to not have the rats try to chew on me, that's all. Really, you all can have the beds."
"Tonight you will sleep in comfort Master Silvio."
She turns to see Em walk in the study. "Well then...lets see you to your rooms."
Ollera offers for you to take the food trays if you would like. She guides you down various hallways and ends in one that has multiple doors. "There are four rooms with two bunks in each room. Em, Mouse, and Madame Lester will take this room. Orcsson this room. Garvid, Silvio, and Cal this room. If anyone else needs to be alone, please use the last room. Lily, you will come with me."
Four ladies dressed similar to Sisters Ollera and Emilia come down the hall a few moments later. They begin casting arcane spells. As they do, all of you and your clothes slowly come completely clean. It takes a few minutes, but the cleaning is thorough. As a matter of fact, even Cal is cleaner than he can remember.
"It is not as enjoyable as a warm bath, but time is of the essence. Some of you need good sleep to prepare for your day tomorrow. May Pharasma grant you all a good night of sleep."
She turns to Cal, "I am sure everyone would enjoy some music to help them rest. I think you will find the acoustics are phenomenal."
Sister Olerra waits a moment to see if there are any last requests. After everyone enters their rooms, she leaves.
You are walking in the cemetery around the cathedral playing your violin in the dark. Suddenly you hear a familiar voice. "Cal...Come here NOW! It is YOUR time!" You are suddenly thrust to a familiar room. You are strapped to a chair and your uncle has a straight razor. "You won't play...then you will pay! He takes the razor and begins cutting fingers off one by one. You scream in agony as he removes your thumb. You look down and both of your hands are fingerless. "Your tongue is next you little s@+@!"
You suddenly wake in a cold sweat and look around the room. It is still dark. Garvid snores in the bunk next to you and Silvio sleeps on the floor. Your heart is beating out of your chest. You lay back down and close your eyes. After a few minutes, you hear the voice again. This time it is laughing hysterically. You wake and see your uncle sitting in a chair by your bed. His face begins to distort and his fingers grow. Within seconds he changes into THIS. As he speaks these final words ("They killed me, but I have been risen. I am coming for you!"), you awake once again. This time you hear others in the cathedral starting to stir. After a night of fitful rest, you realize you are finally truly awake.
Hearing the priest's explanation of Garvid's harrow card, Manius laughs. "Yeah, like the power to kill a man with the wrong end of a glaive, haha!" Manius hiccups. He looks to his bottle of wine with a frown and puts it down. "Ok, no more of that, got work in the morning," he mutters, relaxing back in the chair and chomping some more cheese as he stares at Calcedon tuning his instrument.
Manius takes only what's left on his plate to his room. When the four ladies clean them with their magic he continues to eat his food, unimpressed by minor cantrips. Looks like some people got past their first day studying the arcane. "Thank you, sisters!" he says cheerily when they finish, turning to Priestess Ollera, "And thank you for the room, sister. Much appreciated!" He then turns to the others. "Good night, friends! See you in the morning!"
As he enters his room he closes and locks the door behind himself, and immediately pulls his fake tusks off his face. "Uuuugh, why do these things need to be so uncomfortable?" he growls quietly to himself, fumbling around in his backpack for his disguise kit. He gives the tusks a wash before returning them to their home, then removes his false brow, pointed ears and the body paint that had made him greener.
"Right, used that green," he mutters, checking the paints and ordering them for tomorrow. "Used the 'bushy 3' eyebrows, the orcish ear points... should've brought something to write this down on, ugh." He ensures everything is in place to resume his disguise when he awakes tomorrow before retiring.
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Appreciating the cleansing and the acoustics, Calcedon nods to their host and gives her a wink. "Cheery, I can do that. I have a song that was created with the intention that it would be so hard that no one could play it. Since it's invention four hundred years ago, there have been only six who could pull it off on a regular basis that I know of, this is The Dance of the Goblins."
After that blistering piece was over, Cal retuned his strings. "The tough part is keeping the violin in tune with all that plucking going on. Here's another old piece that merely shows off the beauty of the violin from an avid fan. This is King's Walk. And as you could probably tell, it's rather proud of itself."
"Lastly tonight, I'll play one of my favorites. Though it's not cheerful, there's a strength in it that I'm sure you'll see. This is The Song from A Secret Garden. I've often played it as a lullaby to those who have suffered much, to let them know that even though the believe they are the only ones who know, there are actually many who have experienced the same things. There is comfort here, if you're willing to accept it." As he played this song without magical accompaniment, it had an even more haunting tone than usual, but all the same, it resonated beautifully in the cathedral's beautiful acoustics, resounding deeply in the soul of everyone who had ever felt pain.
Not really having words after his performance, he quietly put his instrument to rest, and then found his own way to bed.
As soon as Emilia walked into the study, she made directly toward Dinah Lester and Lily.
To the elder woman, she relayed the Bishop's offer to stay until her son could be found and brought to her. To the serving girl, Emilia shared the Bishop's consent for her to remain at the church and informed her that the addiction treatment would begin in the morning.
Her stomach growled softly yet audibly and Emilia took out the small parcel of food she had prepared earlier and began to nibble on the cheese and fruit. Between delicate bites, she relayed to all Bishop d'Bear's instruction to keep hunting down Lamm and informed them that Lamm was now working with a Necromancer in the city. It was imperative the others understood the urgency of finding and putting a stop to all of Lamm's schemes.
"There are darker forces at play, here. Our alliance must be united and steadfast if we are to succeed."
When Caledon began to play, she allowed herself a true reprieve to eat her food and simply enjoy the melodies the bard executed so deftly.
"Well played, Calcedon. Thank you."
She bid the others a "good night" as they moved down the hallways toward their respective chambers. Mouse and Dinah Lester were her sleeping mates. She watched as Ollera summoned Lily to follow and gave the serving girl a gentle smile so she would not be anxious; nodding her head in encouragement.
In the room, fixed with the three simple but clean pallets, Emilia moved to the one in the back. She sat down, her clothes freshly cleaned by the other Sisters, and looked to the singer and the ex-Lamb, "I must undertake my nightly prayers to the Lady of Graves before I sleep." She placed her pack on the floor by her cot.
A single, lit candle stood on the plain wooden side-table. She watched its flame for a moment before placing her hand on her new Holy Symbol, and closing her eyes, Emilia began to reach out to the Lady of Graves, contemplating the day's events and all that lay before her. She sat for an hour, by candlelight, petitioning her god and preparing her spells for the day ahead.
Marial listens to Cal's music with rapt attention, entranced by the quality of the performance. Music is something rare in her world thus far, and most of what she's heard is revelers belting out drinking songs or the lone voice of a lullaby heard through a window. The intricate melodies, with their complex accompaniments from unseen instruments, are fascinating to her, and she drinks it in wide-eyed. By the time the last note resounds through the room, she is near tears, and simply nods in acknowledgement of Calcedon's skill.
Having bolted down the contents of her plate in short order, Mouse takes no food to her room, although she does take another glass of watered-down wine along - it does wonders to calm the nerves, doesn't it? The magical cleaning is new to her as well, and she stares in wonder as the stains on her clothes and skin disappear before her eyes. Boy, all of this...puts my hittin' things to shame, that's for certain.
So many new experiences in the last few hours have left her bewildered, and the wine has only helped it along. She lies on the pallet closest to the door, cleaner and softer than any she has rested on in a long time, and watches Emilia perform her devotions. She trusts so hard in the Lady...almost makes me wish... Then she sees Madame Lester lying on her bed, weeping softly, and her thoughts harden. She sees Emilia completing her prayers, and speaks up softly.
How d'ya trust her so much? The Lady of Graves, I mean. What's she ever done, makes ya believe she gives a rat's ass about ya? Seems to me the gods are right bastards, they let stuff like this happen. She nods toward Madame Lester. What'd she do that they let her suffer like that, her kid goin' missin'? Or those Lambs what came in with me, how'd they deserve Lamm's gang bein' the only life they know? Don't mean no offense - and here she nods both to Emilia and to the iconographic painting of Pharasma on the wall - but it don't meet up to me.
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As Marial nods off, her Harrow card rests in her hand, and she ponders the image of the Keep on its face. Unshakeable strength...a safe place...seems a tall order for a little Mouse...