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/qst/ - Quests


Soft gold envelops the edges of your mind. The light and impossible heat of the Goddess of Mercy is unmistakable. You know Her better than anyone.

You are Father Richard Anscham, leader of the Church of Mercy. The Mother has embraced you.

You have Her blessing. She has you.

There is a very ill-timed interruption. A voice, beyond the light.

You're back in the dark. The year is 605, and in your home— the country of Corcaea— the souls of mankind belong to demons.

"He's going to kill me, but two days is long enough. Father. Father Anscham! Sir? Richard? ...Dick? COME ON! Will you—"

With a groan, hand to Your holy symbol, you seize the closest nearby object with your free hand. It's soft, nonlethal, and launched at the offender.

The counter attack is increasingly familiar, and entirely unbefitting of a fellow priest. "Shit!"

In a streak of crimson and blonde, something flies up in an absence of wind. The movement is swifter than anything than your sleep-addled mind can process, though you start to piece together holy vestments and a thin strand of overgrown hair.

Brother Cyril Trebbeck smacks down the pillow you've launched. The satin and feathers fall harmlessly to the side of your bed. The priest of Flesh stands several feet away from the edge of the mattress, smirking like an idiot.

Reflexively wanting for privacy, you pull up on the disheveled sheets. Your eyes are still barely adjusting from a deep slumber. The rapid beat of your heart, the flush in your face, and a looming sense of infringed privacy is not just from the cheeky tone directed at you.

You immediately want to ask where you even are, disoriented beyond all reason by the visit from a Goddess and very poor lighting. In the dark of your spacious room, you realize you are not at the bottom of the world. You are not surrounded by enemies.

The only demons you face are the ones in your mind. The darkness is familiar, but you are not back at home.

You are still in your excellent accommodations, as a welcome guest, in a healer's room. Your room, littered with gifts from your host, is decidedly still within the exterior ward of the Church of Flesh.

Scrambling to remember how you got back to your quarters, or why it seems to now be the dead of night, you recall collapsing to the floor.

There was an invocation. Mending, regenerating, and the full replacement of a man's amputated leg. Faith rewarded. The will of a Goddess.

Her hands.

A prayer.

(1/3)
>>
>>4042082
FIRST POST LETS GOOO
>>
>>4042082
https://youtu.be/flMl5iocfcQ

More heat was on you and in you than a mortal man should be capable of withstanding. More than what's burning in you, even now, for how flushed your face likely still is.

There was an embrace.

Looking to your own hands, you confirm that it wasn't a Dream. There is a solid band of yellow-gold, nestled at the base of your ring finger.

There is still a promise.

There's more of the metal littered in specks along your skin. Though they brush off with the slightest effort, you know that there is a permanent cast of the metal in your eyes, and all throughout your hair.

Not even the Goddess of healing and compassion could mend every scar along your skin, but you've felt Her.

She wants to be with me. To serve my vessel.

The sheets come up higher around you, in the dark of your bedroom.

Despite your prolonged silence and obvious discomfort, it seems Cyril still wants an answer. You are a Church leader, a preacher, and a farmer's son. Honesty not only has great personal meaning to you— it's a tenet of Mercy.

It's been months since you were last home.

Dodging questions comes even more naturally than dodging responsibility. "I would appreciate a little privacy, Cyril. What was I— why are you— how long have you been in here for?"

"Since yesterday. I was starting to get worried, sir."

"Mercy—"

"Heard a lot of that."

It's a blessing that you regained your ability to exercise restraint. The temptation to swear has never been greater.

He has the audacity to chuckle, but at least looks to the window. "Father Wilhelm was pretty big on not disturbing you, but I figured, well—!"

There's a wave, of an arm who's sleeve has been shorn. The muscle is directed towards crimson curtains, also pulled back in full. It's more than enough to let in the moonlight. A cast of blue from a clear night sky filters into the chamber. Sleep is fading fast, as you become aware of the cold air, the scent of the frigid river below the sheer cliffs. You can almost hear the water rushing below. The end of autumn is unrelenting, against the stone floors and broad wooden rafters. The hearth within your room has a low fire, unattended to by the mischievous priest across from your bed.

Despite the lateness of the hour and the perpetual slouch in his shoulders, Cyril seems to be wide awake. His hair is tied neatly back, his robes are free of blood, and his scar-laced knuckles are cracked in one fluid motion.

You cringe a little at the noise, and more at his proposal.

"Thought you'd appreciate making something of the night. Get you back to, well, something a little more normal. I mean, it's none of my business—"

"It is not." Grimacing is always appropriate.

"I didn't mean to interr—"

"You did." Your face is starting to hurt, between the flush and how hard you're frowning.

(2/3)
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>>4042086
The infuriatingly cheeky smirk is growing by the second. "Still! It's been nearly two days."

"You waited outside for a day? Two...?"

A shrug. More dodging. "I bet we could sneak you out before Fred even knows what hit him."

Asking anything of others usually escapes you, but this is too much. "Why are you watching me?"

"Orders."

"What orders?"

"Father Friedrich's."

A long moment passes between you both. You asked what, not who, but nothing more needs to be said.

You keep every inch of your frame out of view, despite your rigid posture. Trying to not think too long on what worship was uttered in your sleep is proving impossible.

There is only one thing, one divine focus, in your thoughts. It's in more than your mind.

For all the rest you should have had, you can feel the remnants of a Goddess throughout your body. Lingering in abuse, scar tissue, and emaciation. You're exhausted. Beyond your weariness, or perhaps because of it, there is a deeper impression. It's one of mutual love, devotion, and adoration. An embrace, that only You should be capable of sharing.

It's in your very soul.

She loves you.

The blankets come up as high as your broken nose and stark cheekbones. The heat is not dying down. An old, rustic, and persistent accent plagues you almost as much as your prolonged desire for decency. Soft-spoken at the best of times, your murmur and accent becomes almost inaudible through the want for modesty. For respect.

Breaking the silence is a small Mercy. "How much did you hear?"

"What?"

"You heard me."

"Don't worry about it."

Anxiety might as well be my middle name.

"I'm not one to judge."

He definitely is.

"Okay, maybe a little. Praying in your sleep is a bit much—"

Your face definitely hurts. In fact, almost everything hurts. You could do with another two days in bed.

"You can't tell me you don't want a break from all this craziness. A few good drinks couldn't hurt. A few good women couldn't, either—"

"Brother Trebbeck—"

"Don't lie to me! You'd probably kill for a night out."

You have done far worse things, and have no intention of elaborating on why you're grimacing even harder.

"No offense or anything, Father, but it wouldn't kill you to loosen up a little bit. It wouldn't hurt anything to take a few hours out, right? I could even show you a little around Beorward. Won't have a whole lot of bastards running around the streets at this hour. Not that I wouldn't beat down anyone who'd give you any trouble, but, well, it's like I said before, isn't it?"

He knows I am more than capable of protecting myself, so why is he acting as if I'm hurt?

Another sickening pop. The movement might be compulsive. "I don't know. Maybe roughing someone up might be good for you, too. What do you say?"

(Options in next post)
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>>4042089
>A] Reprimand Cyril for directly disobeying the orders of (3) three church leaders in one proposition. You have infinitely too much responsibility to deal with his shenanigans.
>1] Go straight to Father Friedrich's office, despite the late hour. You need to have words with him regarding the state of affairs.
>2] Find Father Wilhelm. He asked to see you in the evening, and you miss Ray. Get your dog and your Dream sorted out in full.
>3] You have a visit from the very Goddess of Mercy to sort out.

>B] You are a man of excess, temptation, and no small amount of sin.
>1] You'll sneak out and be shown around Beorward, but you will not stray from your vows.
>2] Everything in moderation, including moderation. Ask Cyril what he has in mind.
>3] You also serve a God of Vengeance, and you're pissed. Settle this blatant disregard for your position and your worship in the roughest bar Cyril can find.

>C] Write-in.
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>>4042091
Archive (Avowed starts with Thread 7): http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Catalyst%20Quest
Discord (Update notifications, art, music, fan projects, etc.): https://discord.gg/24cmNWp
Father Anscham's Journal (Your tenets, inventory, observations/ability through prayer, demons faced, and much more. Strongly recommended reading/viewing. Updated regularly.): https://drive.google.com/open?id=1r-yFdCSj0VJi63LsD3Vl9T0DWw4us6wn
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>>4042091
>A2
>>
>>4042091
>A] Reprimand Cyril for directly disobeying the orders of (3) three church leaders in one proposition. You have infinitely too much responsibility to deal with his shenanigans.
>>2] Find Father Wilhelm. He asked to see you in the evening, and you miss Ray. Get your dog and your Dream sorted out in full.

Id rather not reprimand him and just lay out that we have certain priorities we must attend to, he isn't saying anything out of ill will.
>>
>>4042095
actually supporting this instead i completely forgot about wilhelm lol
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>>4042095
Yeah no need to chew him out
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>>4042093
>>4042094
>>4042095
>>4042097
>>4042099
(Got it, A2 with no reprimand. For the record, I typically prefer to integrate as many votes as possible when not unanimous, so don't be shy if anyone's lurking! Locking the vote here and writing now.)
>>
>>4042114
The brisk air is waking you up rapidly. It's easier to remember yourself, your tenets, and that you are the Father of Compassion with each passing moment.

"I appreciate the offer, Cyril. Sincerely."

The blankets are tossed aside. You straighten your collar, realize that you must have slept in the same robes for the last two days, and breathe a sigh of relief. Your journal, and the note containing the interpretation of Dream is still on your person. Right alongside the flask of a demon, and a locket from Mercy Herself.

"Please try to understand."

It grants you enough reassurance to get up, to start grabbing the rest of your things. Wolfing down a handful of dried meat seems prudent, for not having attended to your body in days. You are still attempting to uphold the teachings of the Church of Flesh, too.

One of their priests seems adamant about tempting you. "You sure? I don't think they'd mind."

"There is no rest for the wicked, Cyril— and even less for the devout. Father Wilhelm explicitly asked to see me in the evening, and I intend to honor our arrangement."

The meat is so salty, you can barely finish speaking. The flask comes out, with a murmur. "Self-heal. Boneset. Tansy. ...something to offset the flavor."

The herbal tea comes with you, piping hot, as you head for the door. You are an herbalist, a healer, and chronically full. The tea does help with the exhaustion, but a very disgruntled blonde is frowning at you. Your murmur lifts. There's an attempt at a smile. "I know you meant no ill-will."

"Father of Dream, huh?" He's following you.

"Close the door, please. Gently, to not wake—"

It's closed roughly, echoing down the hall. "Sorry."

You're headed down the corridor, blessedly silent, save for the mutterings of a blonde directly at your back. Your steps are extremely broad, given your height. It's easy to miss because of his slouch, but the priest of Flesh seems to match your pace.

"Whatcha' goin' to talk about?"

"Business, Cyril. You can leave me be."

"Orders, Father Anscham! Can't say I'm not curious, either."

Turning the corner, exiting the exterior ward, you cut straight to the inner halls. It's significantly busier, even given the Time. You're taken aback by how many men are up and about.

"What has happened—"

"Call to arms."

"Where?" Awake for less than ten minutes and there is already another issue—

"It's alright. Not in Beorward. Defenses in Murgate aren't holding. Needed to get out a few more men."

"Mercy."

Another smirk. "You said it. They'll be alright. Try to not worry so much."

Outside of the interior ward, back to the courtyard, you're greeted by a substantially smaller field of flowers. The frown permanently etched across your face must catch on the light. Remnants of gold, the blossoms of sapphire and ruby, now seem to cover only the borders of the courtyard.

"That face. You need to stop that."

"It is difficult to not take these things personally, Cyril—"

(1/2)
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>>4042175
"Don't take it so hard, then! Most of them went to the families. We lost a lot of men— more than men. You gave 'em something to remember 'em by. Right?"

There's no need to reply. Your grimace lifts, slightly.

There's still a flower of your own, a memento, on your person. Of the lives I saved.

To the southwest, another familiar sight greets you. One of the gentlemen you fought with is standing guard, healed and hale despite the late hour. The last time you saw him, he fought against insurmountable odds, and trusted his life to your shield. Your defense. Your Mercy.

His face lifts the moment you turn towards him, and he's smiling broadly once you are within speaking distance.

You match it. "Brother...?"

"Duval. Father Anscham. It's good to see you."

Cyril has his arms crossed, looking up to the top of the post. You follow his gaze, and catch a faint blue light emanating from the highest reach of the guard tower. You gesture to the light. "I have some business to attend to, with Father Wilhelm."

"Sure, sure, not a problem." Brother Duval's grip tightens, slightly, on the handle of his spear. "I wanted to thank you. You saved my life, Father. I don't— you must be busy. I don't want to keep you—"

A few steps forward. You are in a rush, but there is always a way to respect your Time. "There is no need to apologize, Brother Duval. To live is to serve— and it looks as if healing you was the greatest Mercy We could have provided. Thank you. For all of your aid."

Brother Duval looks like he wants to say something more, but he merely nods, and waves his spear. "He's up the stair. Door should be unlocked. Holler if you need anything."

"Of course."

Cyril trails directly behind you, as if he's going to be accosted for merely existing behind you. You try to not pay the childish behavior any mind, and reenter the stone and wooden defenses.

Trailing up an incredibly narrow and winding stair, you reach a narrow door. A small, hand-written note is on the iron-banded wood. It is written in blue ink, and says, "please knock softly. Dog (Ray) is asleep."

You move to do so, but the door opens before your knuckles can rap on the surface.

Half a foot below you stands a slender, middle-aged and utterly exhausted looking man. Clenched between his teeth is an incredibly fine cigar. Between the cracks in his skin and the shades of cerulean in his eyes, he seems to reflect the little light behind him. The most intense of the blue, the paint in his eyes, flashes up to you with a weary smile. It's pained, and very familiar, after having traveled for weeks together. "Richard."

"A-Atticus?"

"Relax. Father Wilhelm is fine. Atticus is fine. You brought company? Who's this?"

"Cyril— Brother Trebbeck. He insisted."

"Maybe he'll learn something. Come in, both of you. Pay a little mind to Ray, he's taking up the whole damn floor."

(Slightly over, 2/3)
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>>4042177
The room is terribly small. There are no windows, but several slits in the stone for projectiles or launching more sadistic offense. You can see small grooves from stones and hot tar pushed through the gaps, in all of the stone and some of the wooden rafters. Like all of Corcaea's buildings, it appears to be constructed on top of and into a ruin. A remnant of a forgotten age.

It's mostly covered by blue sheets, smoke, and a stockpile of bones and other toys. Ray is sleeping, soundly, right on top of a rug in the center of the room. The colossal mastiff takes up nearly the entire floor space.

You can't help but smile. He's been cleaned up from the battle, is clearly well rested, and has been outfitted with a jet-black harness.

It is absolutely perfect.

A few gold fasteners are around the edges of what distinctly looks to be designed for holding a book.

Cyril blanches. "Is that a fucking pooch pouch?"

>A] Yes, it is, you love it, and you're giving Ray some attention before you do anything else.

>B] It is not a "pooch pouch," it is (write-in your catchy name for the ridiculous invention) and needs to be taken as seriously as the business you're attending to.

>C] Ray is sleeping, and you will see to him after your business with Father Wilhelm. There is a Dream to discuss.
>1] Give full disclosure regarding your vision, and permit Cyril to stay in the room.
>2] This is a private affair. Politely ask the priest of Flesh to leave.

>D] Write-in.
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>>4042179
>>A] Yes, it is, you love it, and you're giving Ray some attention before you do anything else.
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>>4042179
>>A] Yes, it is, you love it, and you're giving Ray some attention before you do anything else.
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>>4042179
Could we get some proper armor for Ray too? I'm worried one of these days he is going to catch a poison dagger or random spear and bleed to death on us, I was thinking something like a studded gambeson. It is going to match the rest of our gear ofc.
>>
>>4042209
(To be totally transparent, the tech level in Catalyst is equivalent to armor in a VERY dystopian 6th century AD. Though there is access and ability to create chain mail, gambesons and even some plate, resources are VERY SCARCE. Metal is terribly hard to come by, and at a premium. Outfitting enough men to fight onslaughts of demons is difficult enough. Men largely favor shields for protection, and if they can afford/find/be given further armor it goes to leg coverings or helmets. Giving a dog armor would be an extreme luxury, that you should likely take up with the leader of the main military force who has already given you several gifts! I will make note of this and have you guys bring it up at the first possible opportunity. Just wanted to be totally clear!)
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>>4042210
I'm not looking for anything metal, that would be a bit overkill and reduce Rays mobility. Something relatively light that can protect him from bladed weapons, teeth claws or whatever. He is too fuck huge and full of muscle for blunt trauma to put him down that easily. I'd like to get Fred take on the best armor type too considering this is his stomping ground.
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>>4042218
(Awesome, thank you for the clarification. I wanted to illustrate the armor typically available to men since, well, outfitting a dog in this setting is highly unusual. You guys are exceptional though, and best boy definitely needs some extra protection. All noted!)
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>>4042184
>>4042195
>>4042209
>>4042218
(Alright, going to lock the vote here to keep the ball rolling. Writing now!)
>>
>>4042179
A)
weewoo
>>
>>4042245
>>4042305
"Yes. It is. It is phenomenal." You kneel down beside your best friend, and gently murmur, "hello, Ray. Want to wake up and say hello?"

At the sound of his name, the mastiff's eyes drift open. The very instant he lays sight on you, he's all verve. Over 200lbs of muscle and fur springs into the night. Panting, ears perked up, tail wagging, without hesitation, your dog launches himself towards you.

Cyril and Father Wilhelm take a broad step out of the room, as you're completely knocked back. Staying upright is absolutely impossible, but you're simply delighted to see your boy again.

"Easy! Easy, Ray— I missed you too. Down, boy! Easy!" A quick gesture immediately commands him to get his paws back to the ground, to give you a little needed space.

Dusting yourself off, you kneel back beside your hulking best friend. His old scars are barely visible, concealed largely by well-groomed fur. He looks extremely well rested, healthy, and is bursting with energy. You take him into a brief hug, and scratch behind his ears while inspecting the harness he's been outfitted with.

Cyril can't resist making another comment. "You're matching."

You grin back. "I know." The harness is the precise same shade as your own robes. The myriad pockets and pouches look to be capable of holding a respectable quantity of material. You don't want to bog down your best friend, especially after everything you've been through together, but it is tempting to consider how many bandages and herbs he might be able to aid you in carrying. More importantly, his broad frame seems more than fit to handle a simple leather-bound journal.

You fish the tome out of your own satchel, and present it in front of Ray. "Look. Ray. You are guarding this."

Several minutes are spent with a few strips of meat, instructing and rewarding your boy for recognizing and defending the item. You gingerly place it in a pouch in the center of the harness, to not have him struggle with his balance or have any issues resting.

He still looks utterly delighted, for all of the attention. You give him a brief kiss on his forehead, and glance back to Father Wilhelm.

Cyril has a cigar. He's grinning, puffing at it as if it's second nature. The two are talking in low voices, thoroughly enjoying the spectacle.

You don't care in the slightest, and give Ray a pat on the head before standing back up.

A deep blue nightcap crosses the short room towards you. Ray seems pleased by the respectable distance, without a single growl.

"Thank you for looking after him, Father Wilhelm."

"Least I could do! He slept nearly as much as you do."

"You're such a good boy, Ray." Your dog is beaming, living up to his namesake. The man beside you looks almost as pleased as you murmur, "I received your note."

(1/2)
>>
>>4042316
A glint of turquoise and divinity catches in the grin. "I will see to the Dream, with respect paid to our Time. Through city streets we will roam. Smoke and cinder, brew and tinder. He will look for me in the Night." Puffing on his cigar, the smile persists. "It was a little too flowery for a full note."

"Thank you for sharing the Dream with me, Father."

"We envisioned much during my stay." A cloud nearly obscures more mania. He's reverent, despite his exhaustion. "I fear I'll have to take my leave by the morning. It would be a privilege to make something of the evening, Father Anscham. You've seen to your Dream, and served Him dutifully! It would be a shame to pass up the opportunity, to interpret another, wouldn't it?"

Spending several weeks with the Father of Dream has given you a penchant for interpretation. You want to give the priest an answer to his prayers. To thank him for his weeks of devotion and sacrifice.

To make something of the Night? To live is to serve, is it not?

>A] You could kick up some cinder, in the seediest and roughest bars Cyril knows of. It may be a blessing in disguise, to be supervised by a local.

>B] A good brew would be an excellent capstone to Father Wilhelm's aid. Go to the coziest taverns in the city. You want to get comfortable, and share in your mutual respect.

>C] Smoking is the man's favorite habit. Try to find the finest establishments Father Wilhelm and you can afford. A cigar lounge seems proper, and befitting of men of your station.

>D] Write-in.
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>>4042325
>>C] Smoking is the man's favorite habit. Try to find the finest establishments Father Wilhelm and you can afford. A cigar lounge seems proper, and befitting of men of your station.
>>
>>4042325
>>D] Write-in.
Cyril, Wilhelm, Dick and Ray go take some cigars and beer, to enjoy around a campfire in the cozy nature next to the river.
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>>4042330
Changing to this.
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>>4042330
Support.
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>>4042330
>>4042342
>>4042346
(Damn this is comfy. Locking the vote here, writing now.)
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>>4042330
>>4042342
>"Politely" telling Cyril to fuck off when he offers to go get drinks, but being 100% down when Wilhelm does the same
Talk about shitting all over him, poor dude. Might as well not invite him at this point

>>4042325
>d] Take Ray out and procure some treats for him, he deserves it
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>>4042350
(Missed the lock by one minute but I just started writing, so going to include this. Vote is actually closed now!)
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>>4042350

Why is that shitting on him? We didn't get drinks with him because we were going to shoot the shit with Wilhelm regardless, also he is just a brother, I'm sure he understands why we would rather attend to a Father of a church first.
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>>4042355
Looking apologetically to the priest of Flesh, you give the best interpretation you're able. "I think a few drinks would be prudent. Is there any way we could get down to the river, Cyril?"

"You sure?" The room is rapidly filling with smoke. He seems altogether too pleased by the proposition. "We'll need something for the road."

Father Wilhelm is grinning like a maniac. He's seen this before. There's a flourish, as he tosses aside one of the blue sheets in the small guard tower.

There is a stack of bottles, labeled with various exotic and exorbitantly luxurious family names. "Beer or wine?"

It is excellent, and halfway gone by the time you're at the exterior walls. You all have a ridiculous hat. Where Father Wilhelm acquired several new hats is a mystery, but you have then, nevertheless.

There are so few citizens on the streets that Father Wilhelm and Cyril seem to have no concern for the context of their conversation.

"This is nothing. You should see the wenches I've drank under the table!"

"Oh? Whereabouts?"

"The Broken Drum, of course—"

They both simultaneously are laughing, "it can't be beat!"

The beer is outstanding, and nearly gone by the time you get to the river Morinburn. The blue haze of the sky overhead, the cold mist from the fast moving water, and the rapidly growing camp fire is more than you could hope for.

A break from Cyril's and Father Wilhelm's banter would be a blessing, for the context.

"Corsets, Father Wilhelm?"

"Corsets."

"Better on the floor, if you ask me!"

They're laughing. There is a lot of smoke, rising, from the cinder and tinder. You lean back, looking to the clear sky. There are no stars, but the air is awash in a streak of blue. You're as crimson as the priest's robes, and remain completely silent. The beer is perfect. It's clearly from outside of Corcaea. You've had your fill, and then some, with no pain to speak of.

Enough to listen to something less than chaste, without fear of retribution. Enough to speak candidly.

>A] Boast about your own experience. You're the Father of Mercy, and earned your title.

>B] Listen to the exploits of Father Wilhelm and Cyril, but keep to yourself. You've taken a vow of chastity.

>C] Not only are you keeping to yourself for now, you are having a lot more to drink. Ray can look after you.

>D] Write-in something a little more decent. You have to stretch your mind, in the city of Flesh, to take your mind somewhere else.
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>>4042471
>>B] Listen to the exploits of Father Wilhelm and Cyril, but keep to yourself. You've taken a vow of chastity.
>>
>>4042471
>Drink m o r e
>"Hey, wanna hear about an old flame I kinda had before I took my vows?"
>>
>>4042471
>>C] Not only are you keeping to yourself for now, you are having a lot more to drink. Ray can look after you.
>>
>>4042471
>C] Not only are you keeping to yourself for now, you are having a lot more to drink. Ray can look after you.

Mention the fuck zone but don't let too much slip
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>>4042471
>>C] Not only are you keeping to yourself for now, you are having a lot more to drink. Ray can look after you.
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>>4042471
>>C] Not only are you keeping to yourself for now, you are having a lot more to drink. Ray can look after you.
>>
>>4042471
>C] Not only are you keeping to yourself for now, you are having a lot more to drink. Ray can look after you.
>>
>>4042475
>>4042477
>>4042479
>>4042481
>>4042483
>>4042484
>>4042485
(Locking the vote here, I have a way to integrate all of these. Writing now!)
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>>4042485
>>4042484
>>4042483
>>4042481
>>4042479
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>>4042494
There is not enough beer in all of Corcaea to handle these two.

Fortunately, you have beer from outside of Corcaea. It is delicious, rivaling the contents of your flask from a demon. An endless flask.

Cyril has finished no fewer than three flagons of ale, and seems to be on his second cigar. The slouch in his shoulders has persisted, and the rest of him seems equally relaxed as he leans back against a nearby tree.

"Heels?"

Father Wilhelm is smoking two cigars at once, somehow. His hat has two more nightcaps on top, each one gaudier than the last. Where he's getting the hats from escapes you, but there they are. "You know. Not for butchers, or for riding, but—"

A gesture, vaguely resembling legs. He enjoys painting. It is obscene. You avert your eyes. You are chaste, and settle them on another bottle. It's mead, sweeter than the conversation, and altogether too curvaceous.

"M-Mercy."

Cyril is laughing, unaware of your struggle. "Better on the floor!"

There's a faint buzz. Not from the bee, but in the back of your head. The campfire is fantastic. The beer is fantastic.

"You don't know what you're missing, Father—"

"Of course I do!"

"Oh?"

Father Wilhelm is trying to talk while smoking three cigars. "Five sons don't make themselves!"

"Only five?"

"...only?"

"Father Friedrich's got nine, NINE, and more daughters than I can count."

"What about you, then?"

"Just the one. No corsets required!"

You smirk, through the bottle of honeyed liquor. It's nearly empty, and your head is full of old memories. Of demons, and sin. Vows nearly broken.

Cyril makes a spectacle of sitting upright with perfect form, turning the slightest motion into an exercise. "What about you, Father Anscham?"

Father Wilhelm groans. "It's not going to do you any good, with all the liquor!"

You can't help but disagree. The effort is devotion in and of itself. Unfortunately, your own devotion to Flesh has come at a cost. Your tremor is decidedly more pronounced, for how much you've had to drink. It doesn't phase your grimace, or your speech. "Flesh can be worssshiped in many waysh, F-father Wilhelm."

Both heads snap to you, wide-eyed and grinning.

"No."

"Richard."

"I knew you were being too quiet! Come on, you can't just say something like that—"

Murmuring into the last of the mead, you try to stay discreet. "I would prefer to not discussh the fuckzone"

Cyril gasps entirely too dramatically. "Father Anscham. You— no. I don't believe it. What? WHAT?"

You're frowning, and put aside the mead. Ray is more than happy to let you lean against him, as you uncap your flask once again. Murmuring, "my vows are unbroken, Cyril," you're back to a very substantial brew. One made by a demon.

The thirty check marks on the golden underside of the item are definitely visible as you drink.

Cyril is staring at you, flabbergasted. "You have to tell us."

(Just over, 1/2)
>>
>>4042559
Father Wilhelm is smirking. You've already confessed this to him, and he's at least showing you enough respect to not spill any details.

You literally pull into yourself, wrapping an arm around Ray, and firing an extremely modest look to Cyril. It says everything you need to say, but you are a master of deflection. You can do better.

>A] Ask him and Father Wilhelm something that will totally distract them from your own exploits.
>1] Ask them about the demons they've faced.
>2] Ask them about their old flames.

>B] Make some lighter conversation. You're uncomfortable, and REALLY don't want to relive extended torture at the hands of a succubus.
>1] Ask Father Wilhelm about his hats. Father Friedrich made a weird comment about them, and you're curious.
>2] Offer to share your flask with the men you're drinking with. See what they might pick, and why.

>C] Write-in.
>>
>>4042563
>>B] Make some lighter conversation. You're uncomfortable, and REALLY don't want to relive extended torture at the hands of a succubus.
>>1] Ask Father Wilhelm about his hats. Father Friedrich made a weird comment about them, and you're curious.
>>
>>4042566
+1
>>
>>4042563
>>A] Ask him and Father Wilhelm something that will totally distract them from your own exploits.
>>1] Ask them about the demons they've faced.
>>
>>4042566
>>4042572
>>4042574
(Locking the vote, going to combine these. Writing now.)
>>
>>4042606
The sky is spinning. The last time you were this drunk, you were in the arms of a succubus.

Your accent is coming out, hard, through the slur and more relaxation than you've had in weeks. It's almost as pronounced as the occasional muscle spasm, but you really don't mind. The beer is phenomenal. "Enuff 'bout moi daemons. What oif the ones you'ff contended wit?"

Cyril is smirking. He absolutely can't resist, launching straight into a boast. "WELL! It's face was split in two. Every inch was covered in hair. A beast, each leg as wide as Father Friedrich's shoulders! A gaping, dripping maw—"

Father Wilhelm is trying to smoke a fourth cigar.

A pause, from the priest of Flesh. "Are you even listening?"

"Yesh, yesh, of courshe." His hats are staying in place, all six of them.

Standing, the blonde continues, making a terrific motion with his arms and legs. It reminds you of a monster, for how much the world is spinning, but you're all smiles. He spins to the side, mocking a fight despite his inebriation. The man has perfect control over his form, for all of the drama. "O Flesh, I implore thee, I said, fighting to save my little dew drop's life! It was an easy blow, across my jaw! The very soil cracked underfoot from the force of our blows!"

The priest cups his hands to his mouth, mocking a screech. It's very restrained, quite silly, and has you all laughing. "His screech would have deafened a mortal man! NO frenzy would take me! I PLUNGED—" he punches forward, with perfect form, arcing his arm up as if he was digging into a barrel chest, "straight into its heart! Its teeth and maw were destroyed!"

"May oihll th' Goids be prais'd—" you murmur, knocking back a little more beer.

Father Wilhelm is beaming. "Impressive, Cyril. Impressive."

"It collapsed underfoot. I stood, triumphant, with the very God of the Material at my side!"

You lean forward. Ray is right at your side, looking to you lovingly. You pat his back, adjusting his harness, making sure he's comfortable. "Such a good boiy. F-Father Wi'helm," there's a gesture, to the pile of hats on his head. To the stupid gold-trimmed cap you're wearing. To Cyril's red and spotted night cap. "Th' haats. Sorc'ry?"

The Father of Dream looks up, taking out three of the four cigars from his teeth so that he may speak a little more clearly. "An astute observation, as always, Richard."

"Fath'r Ansccam," you correct, as well as one could hope for. Ray's ears perk up, nuzzling under your arm for how hard you're leaning on him. "'ts ahn oiwful risk, 'sn't it?"

The nightcaps come off in full, with a sweep of the priest's— the sorcerer's hand. "An experiment. It's always struck me as odd."

Cyril picks the cap off his blonde head, scrutinizing it intensely. "It's not cursed, or anything, yeah?"

(1/2)
>>
>>4042768
"Don't be ri'iculois." Leaning harder, you make an attempt to adjust your own cap. A few strands of gold are likely peeking out, but you're satisfied with the effort. "Oi trust Fahth'r W'helm coimplet'ly."

"Appreciated, Father Anscham. It's fascinating, isn't it? Our ties to the arcane are tenuous, at the best of times."

"Work oif dem'ns."

"I could never produce a holy symbol through the work, of course. But the— a more evocative symbol seems to be easy enough!" He places his old and singed nightcap back on his head, seemingly generated out of nothing but oil paints and whimsy. "Only took a few decades of practice, but easy enough."

You and Cyril are both stunned. You've had much more experience with Magic, having befriended a conjurer of immense skill.

>A] Ask Father Wilhelm what he makes of the items Yech has conjured for you. You have quite a few of them, and you know he's seen everything in your possession in the weeks you've traveled together.

>B] Cyril is being suspiciously paranoid regarding Father Wilhelm's hobbies. You're worried, and too drunk to not be honest. Express the concern.

>C] Restraint is a tenet of Mercy, and you're definitely at your limit. Magic is fascinating, but you are a man of the Gods, and need to remember yourself.
>1] Make a little more light conversation. Change the subject. Maybe you can express a little more gratitude towards Father Wilhelm.
>2] Suggest that you all turn in for the night. Sober up with the walk back to the Church of Flesh.

>D] The night is still young, and so are you. You can handle a lot more than this.
>1] Propose that you all make some fishing rods, and make the most of the river.
>2] You're itching for some deeper conversation. Do some prying into Father Wilhelm's study.
>3] You're so grateful for everything Father Wilhelm's done, and you're terribly drunk. Get sappy.

>E] Write-in.
>>
>>4042771
>>D] The night is still young, and so are you. You can handle a lot more than this.
>>1] Propose that you all make some fishing rods, and make the most of the river.
>>
(End to the balls to the wall session today, running to the store to get some groceries. Updates as usual will be at least once a day for the remainder of the thread, and far more if we have steady votes. Thanks for the phenomenal start to the thread everyone! I'll be back soon.)
>>
>>4042771
>>A] Ask Father Wilhelm what he makes of the items Yech has conjured for you. You have quite a few of them, and you know he's seen everything in your possession in the weeks you've traveled together.
>>
>>4042771
>A] Ask Father Wilhelm what he makes of the items Yech has conjured for you. You have quite a few of them, and you know he's seen everything in your possession in the weeks you've traveled together.
>>
>>4042771
>A

With a bit of >C1
>>
>>4042784
>>4042795
>>4042801
>>4042857
(Locking the vote here, going to write as soon as possible. Should have one more post out tonight minimum.)
>>
>>4043236
The desire to fish has never been greater. You channel the urge, from the depths of your restraint to the flask at hand. "Wa'err."

"Holding up alright there, Father Anscham?" Cyril is attempting to perform an increasingly complex maneuver on a single foot, arms outstretched, with a number of Father Wilhelm's hats.

"Oi'm jus' foine." There is a lot of heat in your face. It feels as if there might as well be an arm draped around your shoulder, a hand grazing the crimson along your cheeks.

In a sweep, he pulls back his arm, and catches all of the nightcaps with the same hand.

It's too difficult to clap politely, though Father Wilhelm manages. You're entirely preoccupied with the gift of a demon. It may be that you're too drunk for finer motor control, but your interest is piqued in the priest's dabbling in the arcane. A few more swigs of water later, and you point the flask at Father Wilhelm. It's as politely as you can manage. "Sorsery is terr'bly uncohmmon amon' human mehn. If Oi maey, Fahther Wi'helm?"

He nods, with a grin of absolute endearment.

Two decades of conditioning are temporarily forgotten. The compulsion to be as presentable as possible is replaced with the taste of potent beer and demonically good mead.

There's still something divine, in the heat. Through the haze, you don't forget to stick to the water, and to your questions. "Wha' do youu make oif the gif's Yech en'rrus'ed too me?"

Cyril is trying very hard to not laugh. A wiser man pelts a nightcap at his face, silencing the man in an instant.

The Father of Dream scoots around to the side of the campfire, by you and Ray. His voice drops to a murmur. He even takes the last cigar from his teeth. "Yech's Catalyst was something truly remarkable. I may have my misgivings, but it's nothing short of a miracle that you befriended such a powerful ally. Treasure what he's given to you. I doubt you'll ever find a mortal man with the same degree of skill."

It's hard to not miss the archdemon. "His skill is wiffou' compaere."

"That shield of yours seems capable of withstanding any assault, Richard."

"Yess."

"I suspect the other gifts you were granted are just as spectacular."

"They ahre."

"They're far beyond my skill to study." A very delighted smile looks up to the night sky. "The best I can do is attempt to interpret."

"You'ff been ahn incre'ible help. Oi don't knohw if Oi can ehver—"

"You don't have to thank me. Getting you back on your feet was about more than merely doing my job, Father Anscham."

Even through the soft gold, the nonexistent edges of the world, a blur and the blue, you can see weariness soaking into Father Wilhelm's frame. "Youff pushed yourseff harderr 'han you roightfully shou'd. I's not roight—"

"It has been an unbelievable privilege, and I wouldn't have traded these weeks for anything in the world."

(1/2)
>>
>>4043437
You hold a little more tightly onto Ray. Despite everyone's intoxication and weariness, you're determined to still make your mentor and peer proud. Ray immediately rises as you move to get on your feet, to make something of the rest of the night.

Were it not for his aid, you'd certainly have fallen over. "Good boy, Ray— eeasy—"

"Alright! We're heading back."

"Boi ahll the Gohds, Cyril—"

A light laugh, as Father Wilhelm's cigar is replaced in full. "Where do you think you're going, then?"

"Fisheen'." Absolutely nothing on Aerth will stop you from stripping off some nearby bark. It goes from strips into the thinnest strands that your trembling hands can manage. It's extremely ineffective, given the tremor and occasional spasm, but your determination is without equal. Ray is right by your side, for support, unquestioning as always. You're endlessly relieved for the company, eventually banding together enough twine and sticks to make three remarkably competent poles.

Tossing Cyril's to him seems appropriate, which he catches effortlessly. "Hey—!" A glance of legitimate surprise. "This is pretty good. You're not so stuffy, are ya', Father?"

A smirk, as you hand off the matching pole to Father Wilhelm.

"Eahdric is alongsoide the Morinburn, Cyril. Oi grew up fisheen'."

You all settle alongside the banks of the river, sleeves pulled back. Your skill, upbringing, hobby and obvious divinity gives you a colossal advantage over even Father Wilhelm's competency as a fisherman.

Cyril is still not catching anything. "This is bullshit. You're not lying to me, are you—"

"Don't 'nsult me. Oi've 'ad an incred'ble teacher."

You're elbowed roughly in your side by the ice fisherman to your right. Ray shoots a warning glance at Father Wilhelm's nudge, though your dog is laying comfortably beside you.

The frown fades, with the steady stream. Three smiles are reflected back against the water.

It's so clear, and the moon is so bright, you can practically see schools of fish in the streams of sapphire. Periodically, you're adept enough to nab yet another bite. Ray has been well-behaved enough to warrant a little spoiling, from three fish so far. Father Wilhelm is obviously holding back. Not only to leave any further reward of your dog to your discretion, but to try and give Cyril some encouragement.

"Brute force isn't always the answer, is it, Brother Trebbeck?"

"Yeah, yeah."

>A] You are the Father of Compassion. Fashion a makeshift spear for the priest of Flesh, so that he can keep up. You're not getting close enough to the current for how intoxicated you are, but you can do him a small Mercy.

>B] Try to teach Cyril a little about fishing, without bait. He may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer, but he seems to mean well enough.

>C] Focus on enjoying your Time on the shore. This will likely be the last time you see Father Wilhelm for quite awhile. (Write-in anything you'd like to say or do.)
>>
>>4043446
>A] You are the Father of Compassion. Fashion a makeshift spear for the priest of Flesh, so that he can keep up. You're not getting close enough to the current for how intoxicated you are, but you can do him a small Mercy.
>>
>>4043446
>>C] Focus on enjoying your Time on the shore. This will likely be the last time you see Father Wilhelm for quite awhile. (Write-in anything you'd like to say or do.)

Ask Wilhelm to help interpret our dream and also talk about the dream demon we fought in the ruins
>>
>>4043446
>C] Focus on enjoying your Time on the shore. This will likely be the last time you see Father Wilhelm for quite awhile.
Dream is space innit
>>
>>4043491
>>4043772
>>4043788
(Good morning everyone! Locking the vote here. I have no plans today so if we get votes in I can write a lot.)
>>
>>4044100
"Hold this," your own fishing pole is promptly shoved at Cyril, who is making no use of his own.

"Hey! What're you—?"

His smirk persists, as you stagger alongside Ray to another nearby branch. The outskirts of Beorward, like most of the country, are overgrown to the point where you could never want for a tree. Fashioning a spear takes hardly any time, for all of your experience. The small knife you generally keep only for calligraphy is applied with the same devotion as everything else in your life. In a matter of minutes, you've fashioned a weapon that even a priest of Flesh shouldn't object to wielding.

Tossing the item to him, you're pleased to see that he's more than satisfied. "Well, shit, Father, you really didn't have to." The priest immediately hops to his feet, giving you back both fishing rods.

Murmuring, you're humble, and can likely barely be heard. "Least I could do."

"I didn't want to complain, but this is a lot more my speed. Thanks—" What was surely intended as soft jab to your shoulder nearly knocks you off your feet. "Shit!"

You're righted, as the world spins from under you. Ray is more than happy to growl at the offender, who puts his hands up, back, and to the spear. Sitting back down beside Father Wilhelm, you both watch a moment as your drinking companion fearlessly wades out into the river, fighting the current to skewer multiple fish in a row. He makes it look effortless.

The priest beside you is all smiles. "Mercy, eh, Father Anscham?"

"Oh?" You've got your flask back out, trying to sober up as best as you're able. There's a heat in you that will simply not die down. Even an endless amount of water seems incapable of compensating for how much liquor you've had, but you're trying.

Father Wilhelm mutters, "there is a lot of talk."

Your frown is back in full.

"But I don't believe anyone who meets you could doubt it for a second! Your connection to Her is— well!"

If you weren't mistaken, you'd think the Father of Dream looks a little insecure. For all of the cracks in his skin, and the way he's looking up to the night sky, you want to reassure him. Your face is still beet red. There's nothing short of a full embrace around you. It's definitely not from the dog at your side, looking quietly to the water. It's not of any mortal woman, either, but you cough a moment, trying to level yourself. "You have dedicated your entire life— your entire self— to Dream, too."

It's not a question. You don't hesitate, sobering rapidly, producing the hand-written note from your pocket. The blue ink catches on the moonlight the moment it's presented. "This is your work, Father Wilhelm. Your devotion. I cannot possibly hope to understand Him as well as you."

(1/2)
>>
>>4044168
The look directed back towards you is very familiar. Father Wilhelm takes the letter back, his smile softening as he lovingly pours over the page. His brow does furrow a few times, with concern and scrutiny, but ultimately the page is shown back to you. The priest keeps it in hand, not wanting to let go so soon.

"This is still phenomenal work, Father Anscham. Phenomenal."

"Thank you."

"Dream has seen fit to bless you, has he not?"

"Yes."

"With His form?"

"In a way, Father Wilhelm."

A very unhinged look is geared straight at you. "Do you know what it feels like? For Mercy to visit another?"

Your brow knits. You're an honest man. "No."

"I assumed as much." The letter is handed back to you, with a smile. "You are gifted, Father Anscham. This is spectacular work. There was only one thing—"

"Please."

"Your suspicions, regarding the King and his court. It's incredibly concerning. This letter is tantamount to treason!" A very light laugh. A concerned glance to Cyril, who is out of earshot. "Though I suppose you have written worse things. Keep it close. I don't believe your concern is founded."

With a frown, you fold the letter back, and place it once again in your pocket. "What of the rest?"

"To interpret is to serve. But even if ours may differ, it—"

"Father Wilhelm. I— I do not believe we will see each other again for some Time. This may be our last opportunity to share, to Dream, until we meet again."

He doesn't hesitate, grinning broadly at so much reassurance. "Well. I strongly suspect that your assessment of the white thread is misplaced."

You blanch. "I am certain it is not."

He smirks, crossing his arms. "See? What did I just tell you?"

"I know that I have seen much." There are hundreds of years of collective memories, buried somewhere behind the back of your mind for its own protection. A fraction of the insanity probably leaks out, into the stare you direct to the man across from you, but he doesn't seem to mind.

"For everything that the Church of Mercy has tried to keep from you, you at least know that the Church of Spirit's symbol is a white thread?"

"Yes."

"Did you not also recently write to Father Sullivan?"

"Yes."

"Are you not responsible for sending for his aid again the very same day?"

There's a cold sweat on you. Ray whines, dropping his head on your leg for reassurance. You scratch behind his ear, murmuring, "yes."

"He is going to be very interested in your work, Father Anscham, if he is not already." The adoration for the religious work fades for the briefest of moments. It's fading into sympathy.

"What...?"

The charge of of Cyril kicking up water downstream, the rush of Morinburn, a few crickets in the distance, and Ray's steady panting are the only sounds in the air for a few long moments.

Father Wilhelm looks to you with deep concern. "You want to investigate into the Church of Agriculture. Into Mother Bethaea's death."

(Just over, 2/3)
>>
>>4044169
A nod, with absolute conviction. "It is only right."

"Please don't get yourself hurt. The Church of Agriculture has enough turmoil without someone else stirring the pot."

"I do not—"

"It's going to become increasingly difficult for us to communicate. I'll take care of the messengers, alright? Don't waste your Time with horseback." A smile. "Not with the work you intend to do! I'll use blue birds."

You're frowning. "Do you think something a little less obvious—"

The smile is lanced with embarrassment. "You're right, of course. They're all I keep at the Church. I'll acquire something else."

>A] Propose that you use a code. (Write-in any suggestions.)

>B] Suggest a phrase to use, for you to indicate any future correspondence you have is authentic.
>1] Going fishing
>2] Nightcap
>3] Write-in

>C] You are going to be on the move for the foreseeable future, and it's going to be very hard to reach you in any event. Suggest another method for you to initiate contact with Father Wilhelm. (Write-in.)
>>
>>4044171
>1] Going fishing
>>
>>4044171
>B] Suggest a phrase to use, for you to indicate any future correspondence you have is authentic.
>1] Going fishing
>>
>>4044171
>>B] Suggest a phrase to use, for you to indicate any future correspondence you have is authentic.
>>1] Going ICE fishing
>>
>>4044175
>>4044176
>>4044179
(Awesome, locking the vote here and writing now.)
>>
>>4044201
"Father Wilhelm."

"Richard, you have that look—"

"It is nothing— I am not crazy, Father."

The lack of a direct reply borders on insult, but it comes from a good place. "You worry me. You know that."

"It is perfectly innocent."

"Of course it is."

"I thought it might be prudent to place a phrase in our correspondence, that is all—"

The man beside you can't help but laugh. He's obviously terribly embarrassed. "Is that really all?"

"Yes!"

He wipes a tear from the side of his stark blue eyes. "Well?"

"'Going fishing'. If either of our writing has been compromised, we can change it to 'Going ice fishing'." A very concerned look is directed to you. It's between a smile. You've seen the look before, on your own father's face, and it's making you terribly uncomfortable. Your brow furrows tighter. "Is something wrong?"

"No, Richard. No. This is a spectacular idea."

"Something is wrong. You— you have a look, Father Wilhelm—"

"I'm just worried."

"Please try not to be. I am fine—"

"You slept for two solid days."

You're definitely still blushing, and remain completely honest. "It was a blessing."

"It isn't healthy, Richard."

"Pardon me?" Since when is it appropriate to criticize another church leader's relationship with their patron?

"Dream has seen fit to help you, to guide you, but it is abundantly clear to me why."

When it has to do with their own. This makes sense.

But it wasn't a Dream, was it? Was I even asleep? It certainly doesn't feel like it.

"I wish I had known you sooner. Been able to help you sooner. Been able to stay longer."

Every time you feel you've had one question answered, it feels like a hundred takes their place.

"Were you abusing Mercy?"

Righteous conviction and no small amount of anger at the accusation takes hold of you. A possession. "No."

Father Wilhelm pulls back, very slightly. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to—"

Your expression softens, though it may be imperceptibly. "I know. I am not offended, Father Wilhelm, I simply want to understand. Why would you think for a moment...?"

"The work you've done here in the Church of Flesh is utterly unprecedented. There has been a lot of talk. Most people who have heard of your ability scarcely can believe you're human— please don't give me that look, Richard, it's not like that! Not the work of a demon, or anything so sinister."

A hand goes to your shoulder. "They think you're something of a God, Richard."

(Options in next post.)
>>
>>4044231
>A] That's the most ridiculous thing you've ever heard. You're a common man, who's been thrust into a position you never deserved. You're just trying to do the right thing.

>B] You don't want ANYTHING to do with that sort of worship. That's blasphemy, of the highest degree, and you'll actively oppose anyone who is willing to worship you before the Goddess of Mercy.

>C] That's nice, and you do like to think of yourself as Mercy's partner, but there's still a King in the country who holds himself as "the Merciful." You are not a traitor, you are not a heathen, and you will not risk your life to acknowledge these rumors.

>D] This could be worth looking into. You have your suspicions about the King and their court, and if the people want to worship you, maybe you could do a little digging. There's no need to be suicidal again so soon, not after finding so much to live for, but you'll keep your eyes and ears out for some more information on this.

>E] You're changing the subject, HARD, back to the subject of you abusing the Gods. You have no idea what to make of this kind of talk, and want to focus on what you know: that you're a man, of ALL of the Gods, and that you simply want to know how to handle Them.

>F] Write-in.
>>
>>4044232
>>B] You don't want ANYTHING to do with that sort of worship. That's blasphemy, of the highest degree, and you'll actively oppose anyone who is willing to worship you before the Goddess of Mercy.
>>
>>4044232
>] This could be worth looking into. You have your suspicions about the King and their court, and if the people want to worship you, maybe you could do a little digging. There's no need to be suicidal again so soon, not after finding so much to live for, but you'll keep your eyes and ears out for some more information on this.
>>
>>4044232
>C] That's nice, and you do like to think of yourself as Mercy's partner, but there's still a King in the country who holds himself as "the Merciful." You are not a traitor, you are not a heathen, and you will not risk your life to acknowledge these rumors.
Aren't we seeing King Big next?
>>
>>4044232
>D] This could be worth looking into. You have your suspicions about the King and their court, and if the people want to worship you, maybe you could do a little digging. There's no need to be suicidal again so soon, not after finding so much to live for, but you'll keep your eyes and ears out for some more information on this.

though I still think we should keep the mind of

>B] You don't want ANYTHING to do with that sort of worship. That's blasphemy, of the highest degree, and you'll actively oppose anyone who is willing to worship you before the Goddess of Mercy.

but I think regardless of the people's opinion we should keep a listen out for information on the court and the king and our suspicions
>>
>>4044235
>>4044260
>>4044320
>>4044323
(We can integrate all of these, conveniently! Locking the vote, writing now.)
>>
>>4044327
https://youtu.be/Cl8a9b76GMg

The campfire in the distance is crackling. Its heat can't possibly rival the intensity of everything building in you. Dismayed, you pull back, trying to sort out your swell of emotion. "Blasphemy. Of the highest order."

There's a great deal of horror. "This is— this is a nightmare. Anyone— it does not matter who— anyone who would profess devotion to me before Mercy is a heathen."

A significant amount of deference. "A traitor. To the King, to the court, to His children and to His throne."

Fear. "If I am to see Him— while at fault for the sacrilege of His people..."

There's curiosity. "If I am to know how to best combat this menace, Father Wilhelm, I need to know what the people are saying of me. What their thoughts are, in regard to my— to Mercy's works. This needs to be rooted out and dealt with as soon as possible. I— I will oppose any of these accusations with everything I have."

"Richard."

At some point you stood up. You've been fidgeting. You probably look distressed.

"Sit back down. It's alright."

You do so, still agitated. "It is not."

"You have every right to be upset. It's difficult enough for you to attend to matters already, without any of this messiness. That is precisely why I am concerned. I didn't mean to offend you."

"It— I simply wish to understand, Father Wilhelm."

The hand goes back to your shoulder, squeezing slightly. "You know just as well as I do. What the Church of Mercy is capable of."

There's no need to respond, but you grimace anyways.

"The work you've accomplished in a matter of days dwarfs the skill of any priest of Mercy that's preceded you. It's enough to challenge the King's authority. There is talk, among men far too stupid to restrain themselves."

You both glance to Cyril. He's entirely preoccupied with lining the entirety of his spear with fish, clearly making an attempt to full demonstrate his prowess. Father Wilhelm waves, checking to make sure he isn't listening. The man shows no indication of eavesdropping, and the Father of Dream continues. "Talk of your work. Of your skill. They've been saying you're better evidence of the Gods than the King Himself."

"Nonsense."

"I know, I know, but you wanted to hear it, didn't you?"

"I cannot fathom—"

"You survived the ruins, Father, and rescued over a dozen men and women. They've been doing nothing but singing your praises— sometimes literally, I hear— for weeks now. They've been spreading your word. Now there's an entire church— not your own, mind— but the Church of Flesh. They owe their lives to you. And what's more, even after the outbreak. Men who's lives were saved in a matter of moments, thanks to your—"

"No. Thanks to Mercy."

You think the sunrise might be coming up, for all of the light in your eyes.

(1/2)
>>
>>4044419
Father Wilhelm smiles to you, looking terribly proud. "Yes, well. Try telling that to the priestess who's back on the field of battle, advocating for Mercy. To the men who can once again serve their own God, thanks to yours. To the man who's leg you fully restored."

You pull back again, certain that the sun is actually rising. There is enough of Mercy in you without invoking Her to feel the heat of day. The fire is not just in your face, in a caress or an embrace.

It's in your soul. You stand again, eager to move, to work, to make something of the coming day. "I will."

"Will you have Time?"

"Excuse me?" You are still a man of all of the Gods, and looking down on the figure at your side.

He's back to smoking, and through his teeth and the cigar is yet another smile. "Will you have Time? It's our curse, isn't it? There's only so much a man can do. Your devotion to Her is without compare, but do you honestly think you can sort out all of these affairs?"

"I am not normally a God-fearing man, Father Wilhelm, but you know I revere—"

You're cut off. "It's not just about you and the Gods, Father Anscham."

The accusation is maddening. You've dedicated your life to everyone but yourself. "Of course not."

"The world revolves around more than your congregation, as well. You cannot heal everyone with your own two hands, even with your skill."

There's a deep dread snaking its way into every last droplet of cold sweat and river water on you. You know what he's getting at, but it doesn't stop.

"I have to get back to Somerilde. I've been gone for only a couple of weeks." A cloud of smoke starts to obscure his eyes. They're melancholy. Homesick.

Your dread is growing by the second. Ray's more than happy to look up to you, but you stay your hands from reassuring him. They're on the chain, the gold, fidgeting, trying to ease your nerves.

"I've done almost everything I can for you, for all of my connection to Dream. It's nowhere near enough. I've been forgetting something horrifically important, all of this Time."

Running seems wise. It's what every inch of your body is telling you to do, for the question that's inescapable.

"Father, do you intend to return to the Church of Mercy?"

(Options in next post.)
>>
>>4044422
>A] The Church of Mercy has kept you from attending to yourself for most of your life, but still! Of course you do. Right after...
>1] ...you see to your affairs with the Church of Flesh
>2] Spirit
>3] Storm
>4] Agriculture
>5] and possibly all of the rest.
>6] Not to mention investigating multiple suicides
>7] attending to business with the King
>8] reasserting to the people that you are not a God
>9] revisiting the ruins, like you promised Yech
>10] and seeing to your own health.
>Surely, you'll still have your position waiting when you return.

>B] This is a pretty valid concern. You've already been gone for three months. Though you delegated all of your responsibility, you know of at least two priests personally who want your position.
>1] Maybe you should swing back by Eadric to check on affairs. You're leaving right away. Your work here in the Church of Flesh has been remarkable, but you have too much business to attend to, to stay here any longer.
>2] You'll visit home after receiving word back from Father Sullivan and Father Barthalomew, regardless of what's left to do at the Church of Flesh.

>C] You've never stopped being the Father of Mercy, but you might be forgetting yourself. Ask Father Wilhelm AND Father Friedrich for their advice regarding your responsibilities. You're young, and overwhelmed. This is why you left for the ruins to begin with, but you are not the same man who left to die, to shirk his duty.

>D] Write-in.
>>
>>4044426
>A] The Church of Mercy has kept you from attending to yourself for most of your life, but still! Of course you do. Right after...
>1] ...you see to your affairs with the Church of Flesh
>2] Spirit
>3] Storm
>4] Agriculture
>5] and possibly all of the rest.
>6] Not to mention investigating multiple suicides
>7] attending to business with the King
>9] revisiting the ruins, like you promised Yech
>10] and seeing to your own health.
>>
>>4044426
>>B] This is a pretty valid concern. You've already been gone for three months. Though you delegated all of your responsibility, you know of at least two priests personally who want your position.
>>1] Maybe you should swing back by Eadric to check on affairs. You're leaving right away. Your work here in the Church of Flesh has been remarkable, but you have too much business to attend to, to stay here any longer.
Should probably drop by for a bit to get things in order before we go around the country investigating
>>
>>4044426
>>C] You've never stopped being the Father of Mercy, but you might be forgetting yourself. Ask Father Wilhelm AND Father Friedrich for their advice regarding your responsibilities. You're young, and overwhelmed. This is why you left for the ruins to begin with, but you are not the same man who left to die, to shirk his duty.

>B] This is a pretty valid concern. You've already been gone for three months. Though you delegated all of your responsibility, you know of at least two priests personally who want your position.
>2] You'll visit home after receiving word back from Father Sullivan and Father Barthalomew, regardless of what's left to do at the Church of Flesh.

We did amazing work here but we still need to take care of our own church, after we make sure everything is alright at home we can take care of the others. We can't let the church of Mercy be like that of Agriculture, with us prancing around the country we are as good as dead.
>>
>>4044430
>>4044432
>>4044444
(These are almost mutually exclusive. I can work them together if I really try, but I'd rather you guys discuss your priorities. I'll leave this open for the next hour, and make the decision then on how to proceed based on what's posted.)
>>
>>4044449
I'll switch to B2 the most important thing is that we make sure our own house is in order before we go visit everyone else
>>
>>4044449
We didnt ask about the dream demon, im super curious about it
>>
>>4044462
(Shit I completely forgot, thank you for the reminder. I'll be sure to incorporate that in.)

>>4044454
(Awesome, just going to lock the vote here while there's a concensus to keep the ball rolling. Thanks dude.

Vote is locked, writing now!)
>>
>>4044524

so we can channel spirit to like see others thoughts and memories and such
can we do it the other way , make others see ours ?

would really help to clear up misunderstandings, and help others see where we are coming from with the demons...or other stuff
>>
>>4044539
(That is a phenomenal suggestion. Your knowledge of the Gods is congruent with Richard's, meaning, he has no idea how to do that.

Conveniently, you recently wrote to and requested the company of the very leader of the Church of Spirit. A man who's attempted to instruct you in how to do these things before. He may have failed you then, but things have changed! I will ABSOLUTELY keep this in mind as we proceed.)
>>
>>4044550
https://youtu.be/vT65dm7jaTA

There are at least ten immediately pressing concerns on your mind, all of which deserve months of dedicated effort, and none of which you're prepared for.

You might be having something akin to a panic attack. Your breath is short, your head is on fire, and you really don't know for several long moments what to do with yourself. Thinking about everything you need to do, and leaving it all to go back to the halls of your home is beyond your capacity. There's not enough air, it's stifling, and still altogether too dark.

Ray pulls at the side of your robes, nudging you to sit back down. You comply, wrapping an arm back around your boy. It's too hot. Your head is killing you. It's terribly hard to breathe. There might as well be a belt around your neck.

"You have no idea what it's been like."

An incredibly worried glance, a cigar that's snuffed out. "Richard? It's alright. You don't need to—"

"It— I—" it's very hard to breathe. There's a start of a headache. You haven't had one in quite some Time, for how much rest you've had. The alcohol is dulling the worst of it, you're sure. It hurts.

Deep breath.

"Richard. It's okay. We can talk about this another Time."

"No—" you choke out, "there is never enough Time." The desperation is spilling, "never. Not for talking, not for my duty, and not for any of the people in my life—"

The hand that isn't clutching at your throat and heart goes to Ray, gently. "He is the only one who knows a fraction of what I have been through. My dog, Father Wilhelm, understands me better than any man or woman I have ever known—"

A sob threatens to come to your throat. You've definitely had too much to drink. You're desperate to justify the hesitation, the absence from your position, and everything you've done. You fish for your journal, wincing from the motion.

"Richard. Really. It's alright—"

"No, Father Wilhelm, it is not fine. None of this is fine."

You press forward a page you know was read without your consent. It's smeared with blood. The pages are burnt from months at the bottom of the world. Tinged with melted ice, smeared in the best recreation you could make of a demon comprised of slurry and paint.

"This was the first demon I had shown Mercy to. I omitted it, for Celegwen's sake, but this demon robbed her of hundreds of years of memory. She saved my life. She saved Ofelia's life. She lost everything, Father Wilhelm, and it was everything— everything I could do just to keep him at bay. A demon of Dream, Father Wilhelm? Is this what He's capable of?"

Horror is flashed back at you. Father Wilhelm looks like he's going to be sick. "A demon of ice and paint?"

(1/4)
>>
>>4044707
"He looked like a man, Father. It was anything but. He wanted to take our memory. Everything we held dear. I held onto the precious few positive ones I had at the Time."

You glance, headache blossoming, to the stream at your side. To trickling water. To the priest of Flesh, blissfully unaware of what lies in the ruins surrounding the country. Who no doubt has fought other demons, to protect the lives of who he holds dear.

The gold and green in your eyes darts back to Father Wilhelm, a dreamer, who is remaining suspiciously quiet. "Why are you not saying anything?"

He looks extremely upset. "I wish I could take these memories from you as well, Richard."

You might cry. Your head is killing you. "I need them. I need to remember. I have to learn, Father Wilhelm. Only a demon would take so much. Only a demon—"

Father Wilhelm's hands are shaking, as he lights another cigar. "It's half of the work of my church. This demon was likely a priest in life. He may have been one of my own, for how close this ruin is to our borders."

You're the Father of Compassion, and definitely starting to cry. "I am so sorry."

"No— no, it's alright. Really." A blue handkerchief that vaguely resembles a nightcap is presented to you. You take it, not interrupting. "This demon was obviously of Dream. There's a little hope for your friend, though."

"...what?"

"Dream's primary gift is of the night, Richard. Of Dream itself. Your friend— did she start to remember anything? Anything at all, in your Time together?"

Does this apply to any demon?! What is this— why have I never been told anything like this?

There's a sick feeling in the pit of your stomach. "Yes— everything, right before—!" Your face goes to the handkerchief, trying to cover your eyes as you choke out a sob.

Right before she left. Like everyone else.

As you smear another out pour of tears, you nearly forget the band of gold on your ring finger. It nudges against the cloth, warm and terribly reassuring.

Your headache does feel a little better. The spikes of pain are replaced with too much heat, constant and unrelenting.

I am never truly alone, am I?

"Father, I— I'm sorry to hear all of this. This demon you face, it says here that your friend killed it? This 'Ofelia?'"

You sniff, straightening back up. "Yes."

"It won't be threatening anyone else. If I'm not mistaken, you stopped an enormous amount of suffering, for all of your work in the ruins. Isn't that right?"

"Yes." You straighten up a little more, drying your eyes. The sunrise is coming, and you know it must be bitterly cold despite how hot you feel. "I still have so much work to do, Father. I will go back to the Church of Mercy. There are a few matters here I need to see to, first, but attending to my own home remains my top priority."

A hand pats your shoulder, very briefly. It's still trembling. "Good."

(2/4)
>>
>>4044711
You try to pat the arm that's extended towards you. It's awkward, but you're trying. "I am terribly sorry. I wish— I wish there was some way I could share any of this, to help you better understand— without— without things being so miserable."

Glancing away makes it a lot easier to deal with talking at such length. "I never— I hate being like this. My Spirit is— I feel so weak, Father Wilhelm. There must be something more I can do." You grit your teeth, quelling your dread. "I intend to see Father Sullivan, before going back home, at the very least."

Your grimace is returned, by the Father of Dream. "Are you sure?"

The dread redoubles. "I know he is still— that it won't be easy. I still have to try." Your murmur sinks to a whisper. "He knows me better than anyone."

You realize you've been holding awkwardly onto Father Wilhelm's arm. Letting it go, he offers a weary smile, and replaces it. You're pulled into a hug from the side, loosely. It's just a single arm, but you start crying all over again.

"Write to me, okay?" His smile broadens. "Let me know if you catch anything interesting. The ice won't stick to Morinburn, will it?"

"N-no. Not even in winter. I'll write. I hope I haven't kept you from the Church of Dream for too long." Ray is right at your side, as always, nuzzling under your arms as you're held from the opposite side. "I know that I need to see to my work with Father Sullivan, and I wrote to Father Barthalomew as well—"

"Regarding the Dream?"

Your tears stop. "Regarding Storm."

In a flash of realization, Father Wilhelm drops his cigar.

You don't need to say it, but he's too shocked to reply. You nod your head, stating the obvious. "He's visited me, twice, now."

The cigar is picked up off of the grass, dusted off, and not replaced. "That is impossible."

"I know. It— it was terrible. He nearly killed me, both times. I— it took me months to even write to him about it, Father Wilhelm. I'm still struggling to make sense of it all. I don't know what I'm doing. Is there— you've— I've told you as much as I could. What do you make of all of this?" You're desperate, trying to sit upright, to be respectful. "I— I need counsel. Badly. Is there—"

You're both equally flustered. Father Wilhelm takes a long moment to fix the cigar, cut the end, and light it again properly.

"I think you have your affairs in order, Father Anscham, save for the Church of Mercy. The sheer amount of work you wish to accomplish is commendable. Mother Aimar would be very proud of you."

"Th-thank you. What do you mean—"

"I don't believe I have enough information for proper counsel. I don't wish to upset you any further, but I want to help you uphold your tenets, as well."

He doesn't want to lie to me.

(3/4)
>>
>>4044714
"I have no idea what you've been through, Richard. If you want to tell me, I'm here to listen. It's quite alright if you'd rather we head back to the church on a lighter note." He nods to you, pulling back from the hug, and gesturing to the river. "Cyril seems happy enough, either way."

The priest of Flesh has filled the entire length of his spear with fish, and is now purely hunting for the sport of it. Your attempt at Mercy seems to have made the man's evening.

Do I really want to start my day with this?

>A] You don't need to get into it. Thank Father Wilhelm for his wisdom, his tutelage, and make some lighter conversation while heading back to the Church of Flesh. This is something you want to decide for yourself.

>B] You might want as much advice as you can get. Briefly touch on your mistreatment from the Church of Mercy. Don't name any names, but try to convey why you left and put off your return.

>C] Name names, don't sugar-coat anything, and summarize the full extent of the abuse. Try to stay detached, for your sanity's sake.

>D] You're still extremely upset. This is a very rare opportunity, and you aren't going to pass it up. See if you can get Cyril to leave you both alone for a few minutes, and dump as much as you can. Father Wilhelm's kindness has been unwavering, and you need catharsis.

>E] Write-in.
>>
>>4044718
>>C] Name names, don't sugar-coat anything, and summarize the full extent of the abuse. Try to stay detached, for your sanity's sake.
>>
>>4044718
>>C] Name names, don't sugar-coat anything, and summarize the full extent of the abuse. Try to stay detached, for your sanity's sake.

We need at least one other person to know exactly what happened in the ruins.
>>
>>4044707
(Good thing we aren't a drawquest, dropped the pic.)
>>
>>4044725
>>4044733
(Going to lock the vote here to keep this moving, writing now.)
>>
>>4044816
Taking a very deep breath, you try to look to the sunrise. To the amber and pink, to the present day. To the light, the wilderness beyond Beorward's borders. Across from a fast-running current, away from a very amused priest of Flesh. Far from the fishing excursion, detached from the aftertaste of liquor, and beside the church leader adjacent to you.

"Richard?"

"Restraint, Father Wilhelm. They had me restrained for eight years. They took me from my home, from Pontos, after I broke every bone in another boy's body. It did not matter that we spent our youth together. It did not matter that I only did to him what he had done to me first. The Church of Vengeance never came for me. The Church of Mercy did. Restraint, and a cell without a window. Eight years. In a famine. Do you know how much food and water is allocated for prisoners during a famine, Father?"

"Not enough."

"Not enough. Sister Thorel tried to help. Brought me water, and food when she could. When I was taken into the clergy, she even brought me Ray. As a puppy. I only saw two other clergymen in eight years, Father. Brothers, Adrian Morris and Theobald Stace. Not literal brothers, mind, I believe they are cousins— and are certainly unrelated to Father Edmund. Were, unrelated. I don't believe he ever knew the full extent of the abuse."

"Was there anyone else?"

"I am not entirely sure. It was always dark, Father."

"Father Sullivan?"

"He— I believe he knew. He had to have. I begged for him to help." You murmur, "he may have not believed me."

"He must have known. You were a child—"

"I was a prisoner. Tortured like one. Restrained like one."

The scars on your face and hands are probably being intensely scrutinized. You keep your eyes downcast, to the golden band on your ring finger. "Restrain your speech. Don't speak unless spoken to. Don't speak at all if you can't temper your accent. Restrain your posture. Don't bother standing if you can't be presentable. Don't bother walking if you aren't doing so with purpose. To live is to serve. Restrain yourself. Your questions. No one wants to speak to you. No one wants to hear you. Monster. Heathen. Demon. It was beaten into me, Father. Eight years of it. Scalding water, and stakes, and burns, instruments I don't even know how to describe, so much pain I could never fathom that there would be an end to it. Stone and darkness, Father, and—"

Deep breath. The sunrise is beautiful. Ray is nestled deeply beside you, laying his head on your leg, looking up to you lovingly. You scratch behind his ears, your voice level as you continue. "and invocation. Brother Stace realized that my Catalyst was faith from a very young age. I called upon Vengeance twenty-eight times, under the pretense of training. Over and over again. Each one was a Catalyst. Each one was—"

(1/2)
>>
>>4045072
You stop talking.

The sun is up.

There's a hand on your shoulder.

"It's over, Richard."

"It's not. I have invoked Him thirty times, Father Wilhelm—" You stand up, still wavering slightly from all of the liquor, "and I still have a home to go back to."

The light of day is stunning. "I have always been fit to lead the Church of Mercy. She was there for me. She has never hurt me, not in the way that the rest of the Gods have. I will learn to serve Them all, with as much devotion. But—"

Looking to the priest of Flesh across the river, waving to you excitedly, you try to wave back. It's stiff, and you're grimacing, but you still make the effort. You always have.

"I have a lot of work to do, first."

Father Wilhelm gets to his feet, also staggering. He takes off his nightcap, and pulls a slip of paper out from inside.

It's a letter, addressed to you.

"How long have you been holding onto this for—"

It simply says, "Richard," on the exterior, but you recognize the handwriting instantly. The curled script, stamped with gold, is absolutely Father Edmund's.

"Three years. I don't normally keep it in my hat, but I figured it was safe keeping for tonight. I have seen some of this, before. Open it when we get back to the church, alright? We've got a long walk back, and I've never seen its contents. Don't want you out here if it's something miserable."

>A] Open it now.

>B] Wait until you're back to the Church of Flesh, and go straight back to your room to read it.
>1] Read it alone.
>2] Ask Father Wilhelm to do you one final favor during your journey together, and come with you.

>C] Save this for later today. You have a LOT of business to see to, with Father Friedrich, first.

>D] Write-in.
>>
>>4045078
>B2
>>
(Since we're pretty slow tonight, going to turn in and wait for a few more votes. I'll be back tomorrow morning, EST, as usual.)
>>
>>4045078
>B2
>>
>>4045078
>C] Save this for later today. You have a LOT of business to see to, with Father Friedrich, first.
>>
>>4045084
>>4046378
>>4046547
(Good afternoon! Starting a little later than expected today but I am gooood to go. Clear schedule through the rest of the day. Going with majority for this one to take care of the note right away, but noting to take care of that business straight after. Writing now.)
>>
>>4045078

Ask for an explanation. Why did he keep it from us for so long? Why didn't Ed give it to us? When was he supposed to give it to us? Why now?
>>
>>4046677
(I had the vote locked but this is pretty early in, going to incorporate this as best as I can! Appreciate the questions)
>>
>>4046638
The envelope is incredibly wrinkled, still bearing a few flecks of dust around the untouched wax seal on the opposite side. There's finally so many questions on your mind that you can't keep them all to yourself.

"Why now? Why—" the emotion that you've been shoving down through the sunrise is threatening to resurface, hard, "why have you kept this from me for so long? When were you intended to have given this to me? Why not— why not Father Edmund—"

The priest beside you keeps a respectful distance, replacing his hat. "It came from Mother Aimar."

"What—"

"If it were up to me, I would have done so the very moment it came into my possession. I received it from her, on the night I set out to rescue you from the ruins. She was extremely clear about what Time to give this to you."

You both are pale. Time's will is to be respected, above all other things.

"I understand. That still does not—"

"I know. It isn't right. He shouldn't have waited. She shouldn't have, either. I can't say I understand it at all."

A few long moments pass, as you clench onto the edges of the faded paper. "Will you do me one more— would you please accompany me back to the Church of Flesh? I know I have asked you for so much already, but— but I—"

Father Wilhelm holds up a hand. "You don't even have to ask, Richard. I would be happy to." His hand goes down, replaced by a weary smile. It's directed towards the sunrise. "The light's wasting, and we both have a long day ahead of us. Let's get going."

You stash the envelope on your person, and gingerly get Ray back to his feet. Father Wilhelm waves over Cyril. The blonde, soaked up to his knees, is more than delighted to cross back over to you both with a basket brimming with fish.

"Not going to get any shit for staying out overnight, coming back with all of this, eh?" He's always smirking.

Offering a nod, you can't help but appreciate the attempt at normalcy. "Your devotion is commendable, Cyril."

He smirks, putting a hand to his obviously aching arms. "Nothing to it. Your dog want any, before we head back?"

Frowning briefly, you look down to your boy. "His name is Ray," he's begging, like a puppy, "and yes, I am sure he would appreciate it."

Keeping a wide bearth from the colossal mastiff, Cyril tosses one of his prizes straight into the air. "Hey, Ray! Catch!"

Gallantly, your boy leaps, meeting it several feet off the ground. He practically inhales the catch, and looks to you immediately upon landing for more.

You kneel beside him, patting his side and fighting to not frown. Your voice is all affection, despite how hard you're fighting to not remain upset. "You are never going to learn to chew your food, are you—"

Cyril and Father Wilhelm are both grinning at you. The Father of Dream replaces his cigar in full, going to put out the last of the campfire. "Are we all fine to walk back? I may have had a bit too much over the night."

(1/2)
>>
>>4046809
"Please," Cyril rolls his shoulders back, stretching, trying not to yawn. "I'll see to the check points. You both pipe down, and we'll be through the city before anyone knows what hit 'em."

Crossing back into Beorward, under the light of morning, it feels as if every single face on the street is fully capable of recognizing you. Everyone absolutely recognizes the three of you, and makes no attempt to conceal their appreciation.

You're beginning to suspect that Cyril knows exactly what he's talking about, and has merely been trying to spare you from the reality of your situation.

From the farmland, a number of men and women at the fields are delighted to pause their work for moments, merely waving. A few call out to the three of you. Several more make it a point to bring over a basket or two of produce, even though winter is fast approaching.

"Please, this is the least we can do."
"You boys put up a damn good fight, if what I heard was any indication! We haven't been able to do nearly enough for the church—"
"Think you could show some of this a little Mercy? Ahaha! Kidding, only kidding. Solid gold, can you believe it?"

Getting past the first few gates and walls are decidedly more uneventful, but you catch a few murmurs, from the priests and armored civilians at their posts.

"Hear what he managed in the Church of Flesh?"
"Fought like somethin' scarier than a demon, from what I hear."
"You should have seen it. Saved the whole damn city, they did—"
"Father Friedrich himself was there, didn't hold a candle to what that lunatic is capable of—"

Getting back into the city proper, it's already been at least an hour of brisk walking. The streets are bustling with activity. Cyril is moving just as rapidly, right to your side, using the full width of his shoulders and arms to literally put you out of sight.

"Cyril, what—"

"Trust me, alright? Put up your hood while we're at it."

>A] You are not going to hide, not when you've done nothing but good for this city and its people. Take whatever comes your way in stride, but get back to the church as promptly as possible. You are the Father of Compassion. You'll uphold your word, AND give the common people due diligence.

>B] You have too much business to attend to for dealing with any fuss this morning. Oblige Cyril's request, put up your hood and stay behind him. With everything else going on, the last thing you want right now are more concerns outside of church walls.

>C] Not only are you far too busy for any nonsense, you're a little irritated with yourself for bothering to go to the river to begin with. Lead the group back to the Church, but outright dismiss anyone that tries to approach you. You said you'd actively oppose any worship, and it seems like now is as good a time as ever to make that point.

>D] Write-in.
>>
>>4046811
>>B] You have too much business to attend to for dealing with any fuss this morning. Oblige Cyril's request, put up your hood and stay behind him. With everything else going on, the last thing you want right now are more concerns outside of church walls.
>>
>>4046811
>>B] You have too much business to attend to for dealing with any fuss this morning. Oblige Cyril's request, put up your hood and stay behind him. With everything else going on, the last thing you want right now are more concerns outside of church walls.
>>
>>4046811
>B] You have too much business to attend to for dealing with any fuss this morning. Oblige Cyril's request, put up your hood and stay behind him. With everything else going on, the last thing you want right now are more concerns outside of church walls.
>>
>>4046817
>>4046852
>>4046857
(Stellar, locking the vote here. Writing now!)
>>
>>4046811
>B] You have too much business to attend to for dealing with any fuss this morning. Oblige Cyril's request, put up your hood and stay behind him. With everything else going on, the last thing you want right now are more concerns outside of church walls.
>>
>>4046910
>>4046942
You're muttering. "I do not have the Time for this." The long, black hood on the back of your robes goes up. Your distinctively broken and poorly healed nose is concealed from sight, along with the gold in your hair and the hollows of your cheeks. They're probably taking in the shadow, utterly masking your appearance from view, well behind Cyril.

Keeping to his back through the remainder of Beorward's first few gates is remarkably uneventful. The man is obviously trained as a body guard, for his efficiency at shielding you from any and all scrutiny. The basket of fish is handed off to Father Wilhelm after a matter of minutes, so that he might better attend to his work.

The briefest of efforts from any traders, beggars or cut-purses are thwarted instantaneously. The visible strength of your companion, alongside Ray and an obvious church leader guarantees an utter lack of further delay. It's a smoother venture back to the Church of Flesh than what even Father Wilhelm accomplished while you were under disguise, just a few days prior.

Back to the walls of the church, you're gestured to drop your hood. Cyril steps aside, mock-bowing.

"Thank you, Brother Trebbeck," you murmur, moving to wave down a number of guards at the drawbridge.

The spear fisherman sweeps his catch back from Father Wilhelm's arms, and waves to the walls of the Church of Flesh as well. A particularly excited guard cheers back. "'Bout fuckin' Time!"

Cyril makes a particularly rude gesture, laughing, "up yours!"

Several unbecoming gestures are exchanged between the Brothers, while the drawbridge is slowly lowered. Father Wilhelm leans in next to you, whispering, "straight to your quarters, then?"

You murmur back, "if it is not too much to ask."

A nod, and Cyril is flashing a smile to you. You're too stressed to offer a genuine one back. "Thank you, again, Cyril."

"I take it you'll be alright while I go take care of this," he waves, shaking the basket enough for a number of dace and loach to wiggle at you. "Wouldn't want anything spoiling."

It's hard to not sigh in relief, "of course."

"Right, then!" He turns to leave, and looks back to Father Wilhelm for a moment. "I don't suppose you'll be sticking around?"

Puffing away, Father Wilhelm offers a broad grin back. "Can't wait for winter. The road back to Somerilde is a demon itself, without a proper guide!" He's winking again, for your sake. "I'll be taking my leave soon. No need to send for anyone for my quarters just yet, but will you please speak with Father Friedrich, on my behalf?"

"It'd be an honor, sir." He's not being sarcastic. "What do you need?"

"Please see to it that he is thanked for all of his hospitality. I'll leave a few things for him in the tower. I trust you'll ensure it gets to the proper hands?" There's another wink, for the priest of Flesh.

(1/3)
>>
>>4047139
Did Father Wilhelm honestly have me carry trade goods halfway across the country just to thank Father Friedrich and his clergy?

Cyril is grinning ear to ear. "Of course. Thanks, Father. Safe travels." He's already turning to leave. "See you around, Father Anscham!" He's walking away, muttering loudly enough for you to still be able to hear, "I'll get you to take a proper night out in the city if it kills me..."

No one has the gall, once you're back to the keep, to further disturb you. The courtyard, interior and exterior wards are all blessedly devoid of interruption, thanks to the impeccable grooming of standard church goers.

You close the door to your room, once Father Wilhelm is safely back inside, and lean against it for a moment. A prayer to Mercy seems prudent, for how exhausted you already are.

Father Wilhelm has made himself comfortable in a nearby chair, and is waving a box of dried fruit at you. Ray is eagerly inspecting the entirety of the room, dropping happily down on the large bearskin rug. Obliging the priest's offering, you pull up a chair next to him while chewing on something particularly sour.

Your face is probably reflecting your disdain for the situation at hand, more than the exotic gift. Producing the letter from Father Edmund, you pry open the wax seal the second you're situated.

The letter within is folded over, though there is writing only on one side. It's not stamped in gold. The lettering is frenetic, wavering, and obviously having been written by a man at the end of his rope.

You swallow, hard.

You're glad you're sitting down.

"April, 602. This— he wrote this just before he died—"

Countless words and lines are scratched out, illegible, written and rewritten. More are impressed, from sheets that likely were placed on top. Prior drafts.

A lot of care went into this letter.

It's a suicide note.

You try to work out the full, intended text as best as you're able.

"Father Richard Anscham,

People will try and tell you that you don't deserve the title. Never let anyone tell you otherwise.

I know I am placing an enormous burden on you. I know that you might not feel ready for so much responsibility. It will likely be years before you even begin to understand everything that this means for you. I had a lifetime to prepare myself for it, and I squandered all but the last few years."


A great deal is scratched out and crossed over. You squint, desperately trying to tease out the meaning. There's bits about trying to make amends, making the most of at least the last few years. It's infuriating, but the pen has been pressed so deeply into the parchment, it's even torn in places.

You keep reading.

"This has never been about me. This has never been about the title. This is about YOU, Richard, and one thing that I NEED you to KNOW."

(2/3)
>>
>>4047147
"You've earned it.

You have done so much good for this world, for the little time you've had in it.

I'm sorry. I'm sorry that I wasn't there for you. I'm sorry, for everything.

Everything but this.

I know it won't make things right, but there needs to be no question in any man, woman or child's mind in this whole damn country that YOU earned it.

Keep proving them wrong.

You've earned your place in our world, even though you never needed to prove a thing. You've earned all of our devotion. I trust you. I know you are more than fit to wield more than power, or wealth, or titles.

You've earned all of our love.

You've earned a life of your own.

You never have to say "yes," but I know you will.

I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, for all of the years of ignorance, and neglect. I can't make it up to you. This is not about making amends. You shouldn't forgive me, and you never have to.

I want you to live the best life you can. Not for me, not for anyone. Not even for Mercy.

I know She loves you.

I do, too.

Live for yourself.

Good bye, Richard."


It's not signed. Elias Edmund, the former Father of Mercy, seems to have trusted you to recognize his devotion one last time.

>A] This is for your eyes, only.
>1] Which are going to be crying for some time. Thank Father Wilhelm profusely for the moral support, but you need to be alone. In your room. Grieving. You have your limits, and this is it.
>2] They're red. Thank Father Wilhelm as best as you can. You can keep your composure, alone, in the city. Sneak out, and have some normalcy. Business be damned, you need to mentally regroup, away from the church.
>3] They're dry. Thank Father Wilhelm, but ask for some moral support. Simply inform him it was a suicide note, and ask the Father of Dream for his thoughts. This happened three years ago, and though the wound is raw, it's had some Time to heal.

>B] Show the letter to Father Wilhelm.
>1] Ask him for his continued support, and a shoulder to cry on. You need to vent. Father Edmund's lack of knowledge hurts more than if the abuse in his home was intentional.
>2] Ask him for his thoughts, in full. This is probably too much for you to sort out mentally. You're simply overwhelmed.
>3] Ask him for his thoughts, in full. Father Edmund skirted his responsibility, neglected you, and now you have your hands so full you don't even have Time to grieve. You've got some closure, and this takes you one step closer to resolving the laundry list of issues that have been left to you in the present day.

>C] Write-in.
>>
>>4047159
>>B] Show the letter to Father Wilhelm.
>2] Ask him for his thoughts, in full. This is probably too much for you to sort out mentally. You're simply overwhelmed.

Another reason to start looking into all of these suicides, I want back to the ruins this is too much.
>>
>>4047177
(Noted, and painfully laughing

Manual reminder that you all went to the ruins to die because this was too much

Need a mental break myself after writing that, vote will be open for a little bit while I go make some coffee)
>>
>>4047159
>B2
>>
>>4047177
+1
>>
>>4047192
Wait, didn't Ed die fighting a demon? How did he write a suicide note before that? Did he know the outbreak was going to happen? Can we send a letter to Mother Aimar and ask for some clarification?
>>
>>4047202
(It's been stated by Richard several times in the quest that Father Edmund died during a massive battle against a major demon, and named you the Father of Mercy with his dying breaths. You do not know how he could have written a note before that, or if he knew of the outbreak prior, but feel free to speculate! If nothing else I will touch on this in the next update and get to a letter to Mother Aimar for sure.

Anyone here, feel free to write-in any additional information or questions you'd like to provide. Coffee is almost done.)
>>
>>4047202
>>4047220
I mean from how it's worded it definitely seems like one of those 'open after death' letters. He could just have decided to appoint us his successor even before then.
>>
>>4047159
>B] Show the letter to Father Wilhelm.
>2] Ask him for his thoughts, in full. This is probably too much for you to sort out mentally. You're simply overwhelmed.
>>
>>4047196
>>4047197
>>4047202
>>4047244
>>4047280
(B2, and a letter to Mother Aimar with some pointed questions! Got it. Back to writing.)
>>
>>4047327
For the first time in nearly two decades, you lean back in your chair. Putting a hand through your hair, to your temples, you drag your palm down the side of your face, and try to compose yourself.

The letter is extended out, to Father Wilhelm, wordlessly. You're too overwhelmed to speak.

He takes it, and reads it, while you nervously try to eat a little more. The dried fruit and beer does help. You have as much as you can tolerate, resigning to the fact that your training in the Church of Flesh has been utterly derailed.

Father Wilhelm is taking more Time than he should. You've finished the fruit, and are picking at more marzipan.

He must be re-reading the letter.

You sit back upright, after a few more minutes. Though your posture is impeccable, it feels like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. It's pressing out questions, more than you can stand, and you don't want to restrain them. "What do you think?"

He immediately begins to hesitate, "I..."

"I need your honesty, Father Wilhelm. Now, more than ever. Please."

The priest of Dream looks so exhausted, you fear for a moment that he'll pass out. He pulls a few times at the smoke on the end of his cigar. You drag an empty wrapper underneath the gesture, helping him to discard the ash cleanly, while he gathers his thoughts.

"I wish this was given to you sooner."

It feels like a knife lances your chest, as you choke out, "so do I. How could— you said that Mother Aimar had this in her possession?"

"She sent it to me, with no explanation other than when to give it to you."

At this rate, I'll be writing to every Church leader before the week is out.

"What do you— how could she have— why—?"

"Richard." You're cut off, and pulled into a full hug. Both arms. There's probably some ash getting on your shoulder, but you don't mind. "I don't know. I wish I did. I am terribly sorry for your loss."

Your arms are being pinned, and you don't try to raise them to return the gesture. "It is— I mean, th-thank you. It is fine. I—"

Father Wilhelm pulls back, brushing off your shoulder. "If you say so. Sorry about that."

"I— I really don't care."

"He was right, you know." The smile is back, and tragic. "Still is! About everything. You absolutely have earned your title. I've never met a more Merciful man in all my life."

You almost wish he'd go back to fussing over your appearance. Trying to take the compliment in stride is beyond your capacity. You would redirect the subject again, but this is too much.

Your hand goes back to your temple, trying to sort yourself out mentally.

Every Time I get my affairs in order, something new crops up. This— this is why I left to begin with. Everything has only gotten worse in my absence. Nothing has been resolved. No one waited for me. The world has moved on, and up, and I can't be left behind— I am still trudging through the past, and can't sort out the present or future—

(1/2)
>>
>>4047435
A hand goes to your shoulder, gripping it firmly. You're almost shaken. "Richard. Richard."

It's like a bolt of lightning went through your spine. "Y-yes?"

"Do you need a minute?"

"I— I am not entirely certain— I don't— it feels as if I don't know anything. I— I still need help. I have, for such a—"

"Hey. Listen. Look at me, alright?"

You hadn't realized how unfocused your eyes must have been. They're perpetually downcast, avoiding eye-contact at all costs. You lift the gold and green, to an incredibly worried and sympathetic priest. The cracks in his skin are taking in the light of morning, from the expansive window at the end of your room. The curtains were left open all night, and a little dew from the dawn is littering the edges of the sill. Ray is stretched out, laying on the bearskin rug, looking to the fresh air and birds flying in the distance.

There's fine lines in the edges of Father Wilhelm's eyes. He's likely had more rest than most church leaders, but his age and weariness are still written on him. The lines deepen, as he gives you the weary smile you've come to be quite familiar with. "Good. That's a lot better. You should keep your chin up, alright?"

It's knocked very lightly against his fist. "He was right. You can't let anyone get you down. You've earned all of this, and a whole lot more. Give yourself some rest. Cut yourself some slack! You've been through more than—"

You frown. "You don't need to say it."

"I do. Probably anyone. It's alright if you need some Time, to heal, but you need to get back home." His smile is getting more pained by the second. "I can't imagine how hard it is for you. How hard it will be. But they need you, Father Anscham, even if none of those bastards will admit to it."

Both of Father Wilhelm's hands go back, to the table, as he moves to stand. "We both have families to get back to."

He's already stayed longer than he should have.

You look up to him, as he lingers beside you. His nightcap flops over stupidly as he looks down. He doesn't even bother moving it for a moment, obviously enjoying your response.

"Richard."

"Yes, Father Wilhelm?"

He adjusts his hat, and properly smiles. "I know you'll be alright. Please, take care of yourself. I trust you, too! You'll do the right thing. I know you're more than capable of looking after all of us. You've never let me down. I appreciate you, and you never have to ask me twice to say it." He pauses. "Even if you do, I'll be just a letter away, alright?"

"Thank you. Again. For everything. You know I'll write."

He's heading towards the door. "Come visit Somerilde some time. The Church of Dream's door are always open to you. Or, well, even drop back by the retreat!" The cigar between his teeth almost bends, for how hard he grins. "Just give me fair warning!"

(Options in next post.)
>>
>>4047441
>A] There's one more thing you want to say to Father Wilhelm, before he takes his leave. (Write-in.)

>B] You have business of your own to attend to. Write that letter to Mother Aimar. (Write-in any additional questions, concerns or conversation you'd like to make in your first letter to the Mother of Time.)

>C] Let the man get back to his home, and to his work. You are still in the Church of Flesh, and for everything that needs to be done, you have to see to yourself. Take a little extra time this morning to work on your body, before doing anything else.

>D] Immediately get back to Father Friedrich, before Cyril will likely meet him. You have a LOT that needs to be discussed, and you do not want a single interruption.

>E] Write-in.
>>
>>4047444
>B] You have business of your own to attend to. Write that letter to Mother Aimar.
>>
>>4047444
>>B] You have business of your own to attend to. Write that letter to Mother Aimar. (Write-in any additional questions, concerns or conversation you'd like to make in your first letter to the Mother of Time.)

And after

>D] Immediately get back to Father Friedrich, before Cyril will likely meet him. You have a LOT that needs to be discussed, and you do not want a single interruption.
>>
>>4047444
>C] Let the man get back to his home, and to his work. You are still in the Church of Flesh, and for everything that needs to be done, you have to see to yourself. Take a little extra time this morning to work on your body, before doing anything else.
>>
>>4047447
>>4047454
>>4047456
(Three separate prompts? Perfect time to call the vote. I'll integrate all of these. Writing now.)
>>
>>4047496
Nodding, you already are moving to get a spare piece of parchment. Father Wilhelm shakes his head, laughing, and waves to you as he leaves. "Take care, Father Anscham."

Through a mouthful of salted candy, you lift your head for a moment from your work. Murmuring, "you, too," the door to your room is shut.

You're left to attend to your own affairs. There are at least half a dozen concerns on your mind, and you are determined to attend to as many as possible.

Scarfing down a fair amount of the supplies Father Friedrich's left in your care, you stand, using the back of your journal to pen a letter to Mother Aimar in the most respectful fashion you're capable of. All the while you keep to your feet, trying to make the most of the extravagant supplies left in your care.

It takes quite awhile, enough to have a proper breakfast. The liquor in your flask is replaced with some tea, green, energizing. You rewrite the note a few times, pacing, practicing on the back of the same sheet before committing everything to a singular page.

(1/3)
>>
>>4047630
Mother Aimar,

It has come to my attention that you were in close contact with my mentor, the prior Father of the Church of Mercy. Elias Edmund's final letter was given to me just this morning, despite having been penned over three years ago.

I am in need of immediate clarification. The following questions require your full attention, and a swift reply. They are pertinent not only to my ability to best serve our country, but to the continued integrity of our respective churches:

- Why was Father Edmund's letter withheld from me? There is no conceivable reason that the validity of my title should be withheld for any period of Time.

- If you were aware that I was to be appointed his successor after his death, why have you abstained from delivering this to me, personally? Father Wilhelm had this item in his possession for several weeks, at your instruction. Why was he instructed to wait?

- Regardless of the 'need to know' basis the Church of Time operates on, Father Edmund perished during a catastrophic outbreak of demons. He died on the field of battle, in an attempt to save the lives of hundreds. If you possessed knowledge of how to reach him, or where to obtain this letter, it must be made clear to me with all due haste. This is to say nothing of the events of his death, or any preventative measures that could have been taken.

I trust that you will not withhold any details regarding his sacrifice from me.

I will be made aware of any matters regarding my Church's affairs, especially if they pertain to my leadership, our security, and our collective safety.

Her will is unchangeable.

My deference, to your wisdom, your experience, and all of the Time we have diligently served Corcaea together is eternal.

In all ways, I aim to uphold the Church of Time's tenets. Let us both make the most of the Time that is given to Us.

My prayers go out to you, for your service, and for a swift correspondence.

-Father Anscham


You feel more than a little sick, and it's not from how much food you've forced down while trying to write.

The letter is folded up. You don't have any envelopes, but you have business to attend to, with an incredibly influential leader. For the scarcity of literacy in Corcaea, most clergy are trained in reading and writing.

Each Church leader is dependent on written word, and you know Father Friedrich will have the supplies you need.

Stashing the note on your person seems like a poor idea, for all of the exercise you intend to do. You fold it up, carefully, and place it inside of your journal. Ray is stunned by the extra attention and food you happily share with him, as you place the item back inside of his harness.

"Easy, Ray. You've been such a good boy, haven't you?"

There's business to attend to, and you likely don't have another second to spare.

(2/3)
>>
>>4047631
A little madness takes you, for how badly you want to get back to your routine. Shoving down more of the dried meat and tea, you beam over to Ray. He looks at you, quizzically, as you make his favorite gesture. The words that follow have him back on his feet, panting and running to your side.

"Want to go for a run? Come on. Let's go."

The curtains are closed, your robes changed, the room tidied, and the doors to your quarters firmly shut. Working in some exercise on the way to Father Friedrich's office warrants no scrutiny in the Church of Flesh.

It seems to garner an enormous amount of respect from virtually every priest and priestess that sees you.

Ray keeps right to your side, and you bolt down the halls of the keep. He matches your pace with ease. You weave around a number of clergy, leap clear over a number of cleaning supplies, and make it out to the courtyard in a matter of seconds.

A few guards look up, grinning broadly. Brother Duval breaks from a yawn to wave to you, from Father Wilhelm's tower. You hail him quickly, before tearing back across the few golden flowers persisting. In a few more moments, you're back to the interior ward, and nearly crash straight into a member of the Church of Spirit.

"Excuse me, but-" her hands don't even come up from the colossal book in her arms, for all of the annoyance lacing her voice.

You slip to the side, far from out of breath, and move straight past the wiry form. Her white robes remain untouched. It's a slender woman, young, though she sounds decidedly more mature than what her unmarred face indicates. Pale skin blanches, even paler, as she recognizes you.

"Father Anscham?"

She stops to adjust a very strange item on her face. They look to be rounded pieces of glass, and are outfitted in front of her eyes with a leather harness. They make the dark brown irises much more prominent than they normally should be. It's terribly strange, and makes you pause, nearly skidding to a stop.

>A] First impressions are too important. Stop fully, just for a moment to introduce yourself, and then get back to running. You REALLY can't afford any more distractions.

>B] You're going to lose your mind if there's one more interruption. Call out an apology, but keep moving, and get to Father Friedrich's office with all due haste.

>C] The Church of Flesh has so much to deal with, you can't be bothered to care anymore. Stop, and take a moment to talk to the Sister of Spirit. You're the reason she's here. See what her thoughts are on this insanity. Spare a few moments for someone more cerebral.

>D] Write-in.
>>
>>4047632
>>C] The Church of Flesh has so much to deal with, you can't be bothered to care anymore. Stop, and take a moment to talk to the Sister of Spirit. You're the reason she's here. See what her thoughts are on this insanity. Spare a few moments for someone more cerebral.

Too many damn fires to put out
>>
>>4047632
>C
>>
>>4047640
>>4047848
(Locking the vote here, might take a minute but want to get one more update out tonight. Writing now!)
>>
voting C v.2
>>
>>4048447
>>4048742
This church might as well literally be on fire for every problem I've had to put out.

The run becomes a skid, into a full stop. You turn on a heel, to look back to the Sister of Spirit.

She's all gauze, shawls and holy vestments. Full bangs peek out over the large lenses over her eyes, concealing more leather and barely framing her raised eyebrows. You're not one to judge appearances, especially not under scrutiny, and close the distance between you two as tactfully as you're able.

Ray looks up to you, quizzically, as you extend a hand towards the priestess. It's a simple gesture of the Church of Mercy, and seems appropriate given your near collision. "My apologies, Sister. Are you alright?"

"Yes," a raised eyebrow, and no hand extended in reply, "are you? You were running like a man possessed."

The hand goes back down, as you sheepishly look to the hall ahead. "I have some business to attend to." A glance back, downcast, avoiding the wide stare. "It can wait."

"Don't let me keep you."

Mercy, this woman is curt.

"Were you coming from Father Friedrich's office, Sister...?"

"Yes. Cardew."

Not even a first name?

She's still staring. You might be fidgeting. There's no indication that she cares. "Harriet." There. That was not so difficult. "Are you sure you're alright?"

"Yes." The reply comes a little too quickly.

The book in the woman's arms is closed so rapidly that you don't even catch the name on the spine. She tucks it under her arms carefully, walking a little closer. She's whispering. "You're not."

You're uncomfortable. "Pardon me?"

"You were running."

You're honest. "Yes." Exasperated. You pause, catching your breath in full. "May I be perfectly honest with you, Sister?"

She doesn't reply, inviting you to continue with a further raise of her eyebrows.

"I was expecting a fair amount of work here, but this," you are overwhelmed, "has been significantly more, well..."

"Insolent," she offers, straight-faced.

"That is an— that is certainly an interesting way to view the situation."

"Do you disagree?" She's still whispering, visibly irritated.

"Insanity seems more befitting." It's difficult to not match her aggravation.

"Father Sullivan would have had this mess cleaned up long before it ever began." It's becoming something of a contest. "I must confess, Father, that I am entirely displeased to have been called to such a madhouse when Murgate's borders have been compromised."

There is always something. Your brows furrow deeper, though your voice softens. "I was informed just last night, of reinforcements being sent. With all due haste."

Sister Cardew's shoulders visible relax, but you continue.

"No fewer than several dozen men, and I am certain there are more en route that I did not personally witness going to your home and family's aid."

(1/2)
>>
>>4048936
Her brow unfurrows, however slightly.

You press your advantage, grimacing. "Your efforts here are sincerely appreciated."

Sister Cardew clutches the large tome back to her chest, looking up to you. "I have a full report for you, Father Anscham, when you have a moment to look it over."

Ray looks up to you, whining, for your immediate distress.

Mercy, this is the last thing I need right now.

The building panic is immediately addressed.

"If you like, I would be happy to give you a consolidated version. I know you're a busy man. I have extended only an abbreviated version to Father Friedrich, given the state of affairs here, but I suspected you would want the full picture."

Her voice, already a whisper, drops even further. You have to lean in to catch it.

"I cannot overstate how relieved I am to see you." She doesn't look it, but you take her word for it. "This church needs Mercy now, more than ever." Harriet pulls back, straight-faced, her wide eyes unreadable. "If you would prefer, I could disseminate the most important details of my findings to you." She extends a palm, removing it from her book for only a moment. "I defer entirely to your judgement."

>A] You sincerely do not have Time for mind games, let alone a book's worth of reports. Ask for the abbreviated version to be delivered to you, this evening, when you know you'll likely be available.

>B] A consolidated, verbal account, even if it's lengthier, will give you Time to ask questions if you have any. Tell Sister Cardew that you'll send for her as soon as you can.
>1] Request for her to join you for tea. You'll find a place you can drink without any pain, discreet enough to not worry about any prying eyes, and far enough away from the Church to dismiss any worries of being overheard.
>2] Say you'll meet her in an empty room, in the exterior ward, for the most discreet conversation you can manage. There won't be any eavesdropping in the quiet sick halls. Not that you couldn't hear coming from a mile away.

>C] You need the full picture, even if you're already exhausted and don't have a minute to spare.
>1] Ask Sister Cardew to leave her record with you, now. You'll see to it that it's returned to her just as soon as you're done reading it. (Write-in when you intend to read it. Otherwise it will be seen to when you have any moments to spare.)
>2] Inform her that you'll send for the record as soon as you have the Time, and will look it over yourself. You would appreciate it if she could deliver it to your quarters, but it's reasonable if she has other business of her own to attend to.

>D] Write-in.
>>
>>4048940
>D] Write-in.
Invoke Spirit to convey all the Knowledge in the ledger Sister Cardew carries. We do not have Time to linger.
>>
>>4048948
(To be totally clear, while you possess the ability to invoke all of the Gods, you have been told for most of your life that the way you use them is abusive. They are intended to only be called upon when mortal affairs cannot be handled otherwise. Matters of life and death, that sort of thing.

If you have the ability to learn of something without invoking Spirit, and still choose to do so, it would be tantamount to blasphemy. Especially right in front of a member of Her clergy.

Having said all of that, Richard is pretty fucking stressed, and this seems like something he might consider. Especially on the heels of a particularly horrific morning. Can't promise that it won't go badly, but if several other people back the vote you can certainly try.

I really appreciate the creative write-in, and I'll put this forward if there is no other opposition or other votes cast.)
>>
>>4048940
>>C] You need the full picture, even if you're already exhausted and don't have a minute to spare.
>>1] Ask Sister Cardew to leave her record with you, now. You'll see to it that it's returned to her just as soon as you're done reading it. (Write-in when you intend to read it. Otherwise it will be seen to when you have any moments to spare.)

We should read it with Fred, this is his church after all.

>>4048948
I wanted to do this so bad just to see her face but alas I need to use my better judgement here.
>>
>>4048953
>blasphemy
Nonsense, only such event is Richards obvious lack of drinking coffee as part of a healthy cicadic cycle.

Alas balls to the walls and god channeling for the keks of it is fun.
>>
>>4048956
+1
>>
>>4048948
>>4048957
(We're going to do something with all of this creativity anon, and I appreciate you. I enjoy the keks just as much as you do, but)

>>4048956
>>4048960
(Looks like our boy is taking the sane, wholesome and God-fearing route. Locking the vote here, writing now!)
>>
>>4048982
(Clarification, God-worshiping, over-invoking, righteously-smiting, Dick "Thunder" Anscham'ing. Don't want anyone getting the wrong idea while I'm writing the update. ;^) )
>>
>>4048982
>>4048987
There's an obsession at the forefront of your mind. An itch, a pull, and an overwhelming compulsion to indulge in temptation.

A very large and inviting book is right in front of you. Held in the arms of a Sister of the Church of Spirit.

I could learn everything in this volume in an instant.

It would be effortless.

I could see everything. Have Spirit in my eyes, my veins

The tome is pulled in closer. A priestess is looking to you, wide-eyed. There's no need for her to say anything.

She couldn't even imagine it, could she?

What it's like, to be with Her. The Goddess of the Immaterial. Her blessing.

You hold out a hand, trembling. "Your diligence and devotion to Spirit is commendable, Sister Cardew."

There's a tilt to your voice, that you shove down, restraining yourself with every last ounce of strength left in your tortured mind.

There are no demons here, save for the ones left in my thoughts.

Hasn't that always been the case?


I have to stop pushing myself so hard.

I know I have better judgement than this.


There's probably still something unhinged in your eyes, but your voice levels out. "Your deduction was correct. I would appreciate seeing to the full report, now. I will have your work returned to you the moment I finish reviewing it."

She hesitates.

"You are speaking to the Father of Mercy. Share your honest thoughts with me, Sister."

"You're going straight to Father Friedrich."

"Yes."

The tome is extended to you. You take it as quickly as you can without appearing desperate. Your hands are shaking, badly, and barely steadied against the hard leather binding.

Both of Sister Cardew's hands are folded in front of her, steady, relaxed. Her face is immutable. You glance away, back down to the pages tucked within. The promise of more knowledge. There is a small bookmark, comprised of only a single white string.

You pluck it out of the pages, and extend an open palm once again to the priestess before you. "You would leave Her symbol with me?"

She still refuses to accept the gesture. "You need Her more than I do."

The constant, overwhelming stress that's plagued you since arriving in Beorward feels like it intensifies tenfold.

"This is exactly what I'm talking about. Take it. Call for me if you need Her services. I'm staying in a spare room in the exterior ward as well." Large brown eyes flicker down to the book in your hands. "Even if it's unrelated to the Church of Flesh, I'll be residing here until you bid my leave. Father Sullivan insisted."

What?

There's a flare of gauze and shawls, as Sister Cardew makes a perfect curtsy. "The immaterial must be known, Father Anscham."

(1/3)
>>
>>4049047
The priestess leaves, as quickly as she's able, off to attend to her own duties.

You try to quell the Storm brewing in you. You're wanting for control, for some sort of power over this whole situation more desperately than anything, but you are a righteous man. An honest man.

Looking down to your dog, back to the hallway ahead, you resume walking in the opposite direction of Sister Cardew. "Come on, Ray."

The hulking mastiff is more than happy to get back to moving. You both cut a clear path through the remainder of the interior ward. Yet another banded door lies at the end of it.

Rapping on the planks and iron, you bark, "Father Friedrich, it is Father A—"

The door opens, promptly.

There are no fewer than fifteen men inside the office. It's more of a strategy room, with how many maps are splayed out on the large wooden table in the center of the chamber. The lack of chairs is pronounced, for everyone standing, and staring straight at you. You don't recognize a soul around the table. About ten are clearly clergymen of the Church of Flesh. Three more are decidedly noblemen, for their finery and posture. The rest are dressed very discreetly, in leggings, tunics, and hats befitting of the upper class.

All of the myriad gifts are gone, replaced with haphazard piles of personal effects. Bloodied pieces of armor, neatly folded robes that were clearly worn by men before they perished, a stack of holy symbols smeared with soot, and countless weapons litter the edges of the space.

It occurs to you that many of the men are dressed solely in black.

Father Friedrich, in his usual skin-tight garb, is right in the doorway. The gray and white of his hair is extremely prominent, against the morning light filtering in from the few large openings in the wooden and stone walls. He whips his head from you, back to the meeting. "Fifteen minutes. Go stretch your legs. We'll reconvene then. Leave us. Now."

Glancing up, the Father of Flesh mutters, "get out of the door."

You step aside, permitting over a dozen men to filter back out to the hallway, muttering as well. You can't catch anything in particular, as Father Friedrich grabs onto your sleeve and practically pulls you straight out of the hall.

Ray is snarling in an instant. You quiet him down, gesturing with a free hand, and keeping the other firmly on the tome that is now in your possession. "We will likely need more Time, Father Friedrich, for everything I have had to attend to—"

Your sleeve is released promptly, as you shrug off the grab. The priest responsible for accosting you firmly closes the door, and looks to you with bags under his eyes. "You don't know the half of it. You remember one of the first things I said to you? About what had to be done?"

(2/3)
>>
>>4049050
"Of course." Your memory is impeccable. "That I have to get home, safely, and set things right. I fully intend to do so."

"After that," he waves his hand, impatiently.

"That the entire country is in disarray? That—" you're grimacing, "that you need my help."

"Yes, Father Anscham. You've been asleep for two damn days. I've been sorting out everything you've helped me with." His fists are clenched. "I was hoping we could have a little friendly training, educate you on Our tenets. Show you some thanks for aiding me with the outbreak." He's pacing, now, and keeping his eyes straight on you. "I would still like to, but Father Sullivan has been so far up my ass—"

>A] "The situation regarding the sick and injured required immediate attention. I could not sit idly by while lives were being lost. If I could have called upon the Church of Spirit sooner, I would have. I have a full report, right here, and would like for you to look it over with me."

>B] "I am going to be completely honest with you, Father Friedrich: I still have no idea how such a severe outbreak could have taken place within your home. This entire situation has been utterly insane, and you need to explain to me why the intervention of THREE church leaders was necessary to get your church back under control."

>C] "I know you are just as overwhelmed as I am. Can we please take a moment, from all of this? I sincerely appreciate your attempts to instruct me, Father, but I cannot tolerate a single additional problem from your church thrust on me. I have a church of my own to get back to. You need to get your affairs in order, and I am not going to instruct you on how to do so."

>D] "I need full disclosure regarding whatever responsibilities have you so distracted. The state of affairs in the Church of Flesh are almost inexcusable. Do not spare me the details. We can make Time for this."

>E] Write-in.
>>
>>4049052
>A] "The situation regarding the sick and injured required immediate attention. I could not sit idly by while lives were being lost. If I could have called upon the Church of Spirit sooner, I would have. I have a full report, right here, and would like for you to look it over with me."
>>
>>4049070
+1
>>
>>4049052
>A] "The situation regarding the sick and injured required immediate attention. I could not sit idly by while lives were being lost. If I could have called upon the Church of Spirit sooner, I would have. I have a full report, right here, and would like for you to look it over with me."
>>
>>4049052
>>A] "The situation regarding the sick and injured required immediate attention. I could not sit idly by while lives were being lost. If I could have called upon the Church of Spirit sooner, I would have. I have a full report, right here, and would like for you to look it over with me."

If we don't sort this out first we risk another outbreak and im not sure we can weather it as well.
>>
(Going to take a quick nap and I'll update when I'm awake. Vote is open until then.)
>>
>>4049070
>>4049095
>>4049102
>>4049116
(Thanks for your patience lads, vote is locked, writing now!)
>>
>>4049488
"Father Friedrich." It's not often that you see fit to interrupt others, but there is the work of a representative of the Church of Spirit in your arms, and you are not about to squander it.

"The situation here— regarding the sick and injured— required immediate attention. I could not sit idly by while lives were being lost. If I could have called upon the Church of Spirit sooner, I would have. I— I have a full report, right here," you lift the large and increasingly weighty tome, "and would like for you to look it over with me."

He's unamused, and stops pacing. "The report. I have only just finished speaking with the priestess you summoned."

"Did she recount any of its contents to you?"

"Briefly, and to be frank, Father Anscham, I did not see any further cause for concern.

"You did not get the full scope of your church's affairs?" You might be sneering.

"I trust in my men and women to attend to their duties.

"If we do not sort this out— first— we are entirely at risk of another outbreak."

He is extremely unamused. The priest's sneer definitely matches your own.

Dropping your voice, you murmur, "I am not sure if I can weather it, as well." The room feels a lot smaller, for how many items of the deceased are scattered throughout. The large table at the center of it all thuds as you set down the book in hand.

Father Friedrich silently moves next to you, with all of the swiftness of the Gods. "14 minutes. I know you like to read, Father Anscham. Make it fast."

The bindings of the book are sturdy, of hardened leather, bound with an exotic glue. The Church of Spirit possesses one of the only two libraries in Corcaea, to the best of your knowledge. It comes as no surprise for so much parchment to be readily available to one of their clergy women. The tome must have a hundred pages.

Unlike your journal, the pages are clean, devoid of any blood or marks of battle. No stains or soot from flame and war adorn the edges of the crisp, unscented animal skins. Sister Cardew's handwriting is immaculate, clearly penned in devotion to her Goddess. The margins are broad, and she has provided full illustrations for a number of the patients in the ward. Depictions of various disease, before and after your treatment, are described in excruciating detail. There are dozens of patients listed that you did not have the Time to visit, who were in far less acute stages of illness.

It seems that the Sister of Spirit attended to every single patient in Beorward, over the course of the last two days, and chronicled their mental capacities in full. While paying due diligence to the state of their Flesh, with the assistance of more mundane healers, her primary concern appears to have been of their mind.

Their Spirit.

(1/2)
>>
>>4049580
Flipping through the pages, skimming, trying to take in as much as you can before a proper read, several entries catch your eye. You know that 14, "Thirteen minutes," is not enough to cover every word in full.

The entry on the gentleman who was covered in lesions spans no fewer than six pages, given Sister Cardew's extremely ornate penmanship.

Flipping ahead, you see that the demon you spared has also been attended to. His record spans at least 10 pages. There is mention of the work Father Wilhelm attempted on the monstrosity, and you cannot discern the full scope of the issue with a single glance. One thing is certain, though.

He is still alive.

The man who was restrained within the confines of his room, in the exterior ward, has an even longer entry. Twenty pages are dedicated to his mental condition, treatment, and recommendations for transfer to the Church of Spirit.

They are both still being held here.

The intensity of your grimace is hurting your face.

There is a short entry, on the man who's leg you completely restored. It is incredibly concise, less than a single page, for his humble and well-adjusted soul.

Over five are devoted to your work on him.

He has been sent home. May all the Gods be praised.

Based on reports from the patients and Sister Cardew's assumptions, there are over thirty pages on an assessment regarding your own mental state. She has left over a third of the book in the back open, labeled "acute assessment incomplete, further report will be provided pending approval of Father Richard Anscham."

(Options in next post.)
>>
>>4049584
>A] (Select only ONE prompt from A. The following will determine how much information you can review with Father Friedrich. Majority vote will decide.)
>1] You'll work with the Time that's been given to you. You have more than enough to worry about, and can read this at your leisure after the meeting.
>2] Risk offending a fellow church leader, and demand that Father Friedrich set aside his company to discuss this with you. Immediately. With due diligence, and as much Time as you deem necessary. You'll back off only if this meeting of his is a matter of life and death.
>3] Flex your position, if you have to. He does, ultimately, defer to the Church of Mercy. There is nothing more important to this church's security than the health and well-being of its people.
>4] REALLY flex your position, and remind him that the King is Merciful. No man, woman or child in this country is to question the validity of your authority, as His hands, and His Father.
>5] You have endured the knowledge of a demon of Spirit. Convincing another man of the Goddesses' might is nothing. Intimidate Father Friedrich through sheer force of devotion. You do not need to call upon Her to demonstrate your conviction and zeal for the immaterial.

>B] (It is safe to assume each page will take a minute to read. Prioritize what you would like to cover, based on how much Time you think you've been given.)
>1] One page, on Dumphrey and his normal, healthy, completely healed condition.
>2] Six pages, on the gentleman who was covered in sores, that you healed to full.
>3] Ten pages, on Jonathan, his treatment, and his current condition.
>4] Twenty pages, on the civilian prisoner with the broken Spirit.
>5] Over thirty pages, on you.
>6] The entire book. You are making Time for this.
>>
>>4049594
>>A] (Select only ONE prompt from A. The following will determine how much information you can review with Father Friedrich. Majority vote will decide.)
>>1] You'll work with the Time that's been given to you. You have more than enough to worry about, and can read this at your leisure after the meeting.
>3] Ten pages, on Jonathan, his treatment, and his current condition.
>1] One page, on Dumphrey and his normal, healthy, completely healed condition.
>>
>>4049603
+1
>>
>>4049594
>>2] Risk offending a fellow church leader, and demand that Father Friedrich set aside his company to discuss this with you. Immediately. With due diligence, and as much Time as you deem necessary. You'll back off only if this meeting of his is a matter of life and death.

>B] (It is safe to assume each page will take a minute to read. Prioritize what you would like to cover, based on how much Time you think you've been given.)
>3] Ten pages, on Jonathan, his treatment, and his current condition.
>4] Twenty pages, on the civilian prisoner with the broken Spirit.

These are the absolute worst ones, if their spirit broke it wouldn't matter what other plans Fred had if his church is going to be on fire again. Make this point very well known, he needs to make sure his home is safe before anything else.
>>
>>4049603
>>4049608
(Going with majority for A, as previously stated, while covering B3 and 1)

>>4049610
(Which leaves a few minutes to touch on B4 and offer a few choice words.

Vote is locked, writing now)
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>>4049663
I have spent my entire service as the Father of Mercy with due respect paid towards every other church leader. No matter how much my patience is tried here, I will uphold my tenets.

You're all restraint and diligence, silently flipping to the entries on the demon of fear.

[November 25th, 605. Jonathan Friedrich. Attended by Brother Griffin and Sister Durville. Supervision by...]

You gloss over no less than two dozen names, of every single guard and post that may have come in contact with the demon.

Sister Cardew is extraordinarily thorough. She wanted accountability, in case there was any mistreatment, didn't she?

[Catalyst of Fear recorded and witnessed by 49 civilians, 7 priests, Father Galterius Friedrich and Father Richard Anscham on the eve of November the 23rd. Full list of names can be found on page opposite.

Testimony is consistent with Father Richard Anscham, leader of the Church of Mercy, to be capable of controlling a demon's faculties in full.]

This is your life's work.

https://youtu.be/ce8TIqEsBSU

You lean in.

["Minor" terminology, though archaic, is suitable. The demon possesses extraordinary capacity to control its own Flesh, but exercises no desire for domination or control over any other form. The influence of Father Anscham's "Relic" may be responsible for its shift in personality. Further analysis will be required.]

The locket about your neck feels as if it's on fire. You lean a little closer, as the item practically hangs over the page.

You place a hand over it, letting the heat and relief spread through your palm while you read.

[Testing reveals that the demon cannot demonstrate fear in any capacity. With its sole emotion restricted, its threat has been neutralized, in full. Form can be changed from material to immaterial on command, with possible applications for weaponized...]

Flipping the next few pages, your hands are shaking once again. The tremor is severe enough to threaten to tear the precious parchment. Steadying your wrist with one hand, releasing your hold on the Relic, you turn over the pages with the other. There are a number of stunning illustrations, depicting the man in life, his transformation, and every other form he surely has taken.

The final one is of a small mound of Flesh. Dozens of eyes are protruding from it. Staring.

[November 26th, 605. Intense observation is unsuitable for continued health of the patient.]

Despite the caution, there are still several more pages.

[Jonathan has yet to act on professed desire to maim or butcher his guard. Further questioning yielded similar fear of assault, without action.

Burgeoning control of its Catalyst is tempered in full with any demonstration of compassion.

The demon's restraint has been unwavering, pending change in observation.

Condition appears to be stable enough for interrogation.]

(1/3)
>>
>>4049916
The next several pages are blank.

You flip them over, wide-eyed. You try the edges of the page, ensuring nothing is stuck together.

Father Friedrich is scowling, reading over your shoulder. "She informed me that all research regarding the Catalyst was strictly within the domain of the Church of Spirit, and refused to defer to any further orders. I will be taking her insolence up with Father Sullivan, personally. I told you, Richard, this is a waste of our Time. We have the situation here under control."

I may have to see to her, personally.

Frustrated beyond reason, you flip back, to a patient you know you have saved.

[November 24th, 605. Dumphrey Hayward. Attended by Sister Enart. Patient is reported to be 36 years old, a laborer, yet examination reveals he has not a single injury or complaint. All sign of decay in his amputated limb has abated, as attested to by Sister Enart. Father Anscham's full administrations will be reported in a separate entry of this document. Mr. Hayward is mobile, capable for duty, and fit for immediate release. His mental fortitude is matched only by his restored physical prowess.

Strongly recommended for inclusion into the Church of Flesh's forces.]

There is a signature, beneath the recommendation. It's Father Friedrich's.

Said military commander is tapping his foot. Loudly. "Father Anscham."

You turn to him, snapping. "I am not finished. Do you have such little regard for the welfare of your children?"

"You know I don't want to hit you again, Richard—"

"If their Spirit broke, would it even matter? What other plans—" you gesture to the door, to the men that are likely eavesdropping, "even your best laid plans will go to waste if your church catches fire again."

His fists have not loosened since you entered the room. "So help me—"

"Do you understand me, Father Friedrich?" You don't know whether to shout or drop from exhaustion. "I simply want to help you. To ensure that your home is safe."

The fist closest to you moves, and you flinch, instinctively.

It goes to the book between you both, flipping to the entry regarding the man within the exterior ward. The one who's Spirit was broken.

You look to Father Friedrich, baffled.

"I had a feeling. Put your damn nose in the book and read, will you? We don't have all day."

Scowling, you comply, and turn to the page. There are footsteps coming back down the hallway.

[November 24th, 605. Albert Urrey. Unattended. Allegedly under direct supervision of Father Friedrich. Last seen by Sister Enart, Brother Trebbeck and Father Anscham. All neglected patient care. Questioning revealed transfer from a stable to quarters within the exterior ward of the Church of Flesh. Endangerment of the lives of the patients within said ward is to not be understated.]

Father Friedrich is seething. "Words. With Father Sullivan. About the girl. You're welcome to join me, if you like."

(2/3)
>>
>>4049918
[Textbook cesspool. Symptoms align with reference report 965, shelf 62, chain 3.]

What?

[Disassociation from Spirit has led to a severe buildup of...]

The door to the room is knocked on, hard. An incredibly refined, accented voice picks up over the banded planks of wood. "Galterius. I will take my leave the very moment I suspect my Time is being wasted—"

The priest barks back, "I'll throw you to the battlements from here if you call my devotion into QUESTION, Sir. Hold the door and your insults, and I will be right with you."

A little laughter, at the nobleman's expense, comes from further beyond the wood. There's absolutely no question in your mind that every word you're uttering can be heard by a number of strangers. Father Friedrich looks to you, sympathetically.

"Thank you, for everything you've done here. You know you're welcome to stay for as long as you like," he smirks, "though that isn't going to be for very long, now, is it?"

"I intend to stay so long as I am awaiting correspondence from Father Sullivan and Father Barthalomew."

"The girl."

"Pardon?"

"The— Sister Cardew. She said she had word for you, from Father Sullivan. I haven't heard hide nor hair from Bart yet. I'll pass on any word from either of them the moment I receive it."

"Father Sullivan— you don't mean to say—"

"No letter. No direct correspondence. The man's a psychopath, for all the FUCKING mind-games—"

A deep breath, from the priest across from you. He pulls a little on his beard, looking as if he could desperately use a drink and a vacation.

"Excuse me, Richard."

"It— I understand completely, Father."

His voice is lowered, substantially. "No. Honestly. I'm sorry you've had to see things in such a sorry state. To see me in such a sorry state."

The man is easily twice as broad as you, and so imposing it's difficult to not make some kind of comment.

(Options in next post)
>>
>>4049925
>A] Not only do you understand completely, you badly want to still make the most of your time in the Church of Flesh.
>1] More physical training would be a Mercy. It made you BOTH feel substantially better last time.
>2] You need something more sophisticated. A proper lesson, in the Church of Flesh's tenets and service to the country.
>3] You need a drink. Ask Father Friedrich if he'd like to simply get out and have some time away from the church for the night. You could both use the break.

>B] There's still no excuse for this mess.
>1] Insist that Father Friedrich contact you the moment he's able. You do wish to speak with Father Sullivan, too, and need to arrange a personal meeting as soon as possible. You're ready for whatever games he wants to play.
>2] You're taking up all of these concerns with Sister Cardew. Keep things respectful, but you're alarmed to an extreme.

>C] Simply thank Father Friedrich for his Time, and get moving with the rest of your day. You have more than enough to worry about, without all of this mess.
>1] Ask for the supplies necessary to send a letter to Mother Aimar, with all due haste.
>2] Go find Cyril, and head out to the countryside, for your investigation into the Church of Agriculture.
>3] Reconvene immediately with Sister Cardew, wherever she might be, and address her report.

>D] Write-in.
>>
>>4049927
>>D] Write-in.
Tell Father Friedrich we totally understand; after all this was one of the reasons that made Richard run away from everything
Then
>2] You're taking up all of these concerns with Sister Cardew. Keep things respectful, but you're alarmed to an extreme.
>>
>>4049927
>>A] Not only do you understand completely, you badly want to still make the most of your time in the Church of Flesh.
>2] You need something more sophisticated. A proper lesson, in the Church of Flesh's tenets and service to the country.

>2] You're taking up all of these concerns with Sister Cardew. Keep things respectful, but you're alarmed to an extreme.

>1] Ask for the supplies necessary to send a letter to Mother Aimar, with all due haste.
>>
>>4049930
>>4049932
(I think we can find a way to incorporate both of these. Locking the vote, writing now!)
>>
>>4050749
Parting your fingers from demons and sin, you run a hand through strands of gold. The hand in your hair moves to your temples, matching Father Friedrich's exasperation. You look to him with a very pained smile. "Believe me, I understand. More than I could possibly say."

This is a primary reason I left for the ruins to begin with.

"This is about more than any responsibility. Our respective leadership. I— I may be the Father of Mercy, but it would set my mind at ease to know that you are— that you are being looked after, too."

He matches your smile, as earnestly as you could hope for. "I've got the most qualified man in the country right here, don't I?"

It's very hard to not give a genuine smile back. "Yes, well— at least— if you could try to not be so hard on yourself."

He matches the smile, and ruffles the side of your hair with you. "I know. You don't need to hear any of this shit."

"It would still—" both of your hands part, to respective nervous habits. He's pacing again, putting more distance from the door, to afford you both an extra moment of privacy. You're fidgeting, murmuring, "I will attend to Sister Cardew."

"You are a Mercy, Richard."

"I insist." Your frown is back as quickly as it came.

Thirty of those pages cannot be all praise. If she has the faintest idea of what I have done...

The voices opposite Father Friedrich's door are getting louder by the second.

"Father Friedrich!"
"We do NOT have all day!"

You turn on a heel, asking as promptly as you're able, "if you can forgive me—"

"Just name it. Make it fast."

"An envelope, and insurance for the fastest messenger you can afford. To Eanlac." The knocking is increasing in volume. You try to ignore it. "To Mother Aimar."

Father Friedrich pales, "ah. I— well." He seems to be reconsidering, and struggling under the strain of even more pressure on his doorstep.

"If it is too much to—"

"No, no. It's fine, Richard. You know it might be a few weeks before you get a reply?"

"She will know where to find me."

There's a very nervous silence between the two of you.

The knocking is incessant.

"Right. Here, just a moment..."

A stream of crimson cloth around the man's waist kicks into the air, for the speed at which he moves back across the room. From beneath a floorboard underneath the colossal table, he kicks up a panel. Beneath is a number of incredibly lethal weapons, a number of closed satchels, and a few strange items you do not recognize on sight. Suspecting sorcery, you lean in, but the board is replaced in an instant.

One of the bags has been produced. From it, a coin purse and ten envelopes are promptly handed to you. You're provided with a generic seal, several deep red sticks of wax, and several more pens. "You need this far more than I do right now."

(1/2)
>>
>>4050918
You accept the items as graciously as you're able. "The Church of Mercy will reimb—"

A wave of his hand. "It's been collecting dust. Don't bother. You'd better get going."

The knocking and complaints are increasingly more irritated. You begin to head for an opposite door, wanting for quiet. Lingering just a moment longer, backing up as you speak, you stash the items you were entrusted with. The colossal report goes back to both of your hands, which has been entirely necessary for you to handle its full weight.

You're wanting. Not just for strength, but to best serve the God of the Material. This is an unparalleled opportunity to learn of Flesh, and you are not passing it up, no matter how strained your mentor is.

"Father Friedrich, it has been nothing but a pleasure to study under your tutelage. It would be an honor, to receive further instruction, if you would have me."

"Sure thing, Richard." He's smirking. "You sneaking out again tonight?"

"You—" you're flushing, "there— I—" the stammer becomes a murmur, and immediate acknowledgement of your excursion last night. "I am available this evening—"

His laughter meets you as you scramble to call Ray to your side and slip away from yet another accusation. "Go on! Run!"

You're backing up rapidly, flushed with embarrassment. "Possibly— we could have a more sophisticated lesson when next we meet—?"

"Sure, sure. I'll draft something this afternoon. Don't bother me until tonight, you hear?"

"Of course."

"Don't forget to eat!"

You wave, as reassuringly as you can. Ushering Ray with the opposite hand out of the office, you emerge back into the halls of the Church of Flesh.

The door closes firmly behind you. A fair amount of griping, complaining and various other forms of insubordination can be heard from the door opposite.

(Options in next post).
>>
>>4050919
>A] Eavesdrop for a few seconds. You're an honest man, but you're also a glutton for information.

>B] This is none of your business, and you have MORE than enough of your own affairs to attend to. After you send off the letter to Mother Aimar...
>1] Go back to your quarters, and read the report in full. You can make the Time, and you want to be fully informed before meeting with Sister Cardew.
>2] Locate the Sister of Spirit as quickly as possible, and try to go over the document with her. You don't want to make any assumptions.
>3] You are at your limit for patience and compassion. Find Sister Cardew, and demand that she explain her insolence.

>C] You need a few minutes to decompress. There's only one thing a man with your level of devotion usually has in mind, to heal your mind, body, and soul. Go get some peace, quiet, and prayer.
>1] Pray to Spirit. Her symbol was provided to you, and you wish to ask for guidance.
>2] Pray to Flesh. You are in His church, and seek His blessing.
>3] Pray to Agriculture. She forsake you, and you want to start making amends.
>4] Pray to Mercy. She has always been there for you, no matter what you've been through.
>5] It's not the first thing that comes to mind, but (write-in a better idea you may have to unwind, before beginning your afternoon.)

>D] Write-in.
>>
>>4050921
C1 then B1
>>
>>4051256
+1
>>
>>4050921
>>A] Eavesdrop for a few seconds. You're an honest man, but you're also a glutton for information.

>C] You need a few minutes to decompress. There's only one thing a man with your level of devotion usually has in mind, to heal your mind, body, and soul. Go get some peace, quiet, and prayer.
>1] Pray to Spirit. Her symbol was provided to you, and you wish to ask for guidance.

>B] This is none of your business, and you have MORE than enough of your own affairs to attend to. After you send off the letter to Mother Aimar...
>2] Locate the Sister of Spirit as quickly as possible, and try to go over the document with her. You don't want to make any assumptions.

Id rather talk to her, she is the more important aspect here.
>>
>>4051256
>>4051457
>>4051575
(Nice, I think I can incorporate all of these without any issues. Locking the vote, writing now)
>>
>>4051575
>>4050921
Supporting
>>
>>4051575
+1
>>
>>4051622
>>4051623
>>4051727
It's impossible to resist lingering for a few more seconds. Glancing behind you, ensuring that the hallway is clear, you confirm the obvious.

Absolutely no one cares that someone is waiting outside of Father Friedrich's office.

You inch towards the door, easily able to overhear the start of an argument.

"This is an embarrassment and an outrage, to say nothing of—"
"...did not ride from Calunoth through barricade and—"
"Wasting my Time, Galterius? I thought you were more—"
"It would be wise, to be more mindful of the company that you keep—"
"A demon seems to be of more concern to you than our—"

The sound of a fist impacting an open hand is so deafening it interjects every complaint.

"If a single man here takes issue with the company that I keep, or anyone's conduct in my own fucking home, I am all ears. Go on. Say so. One at a time. Now."

A long silence follows. You can hear the footsteps down the hall, of the dozens of men and women within the interior ward. The bustle of a church that is meant to defer to a singular leader.

There's some throat clearing.

"Oh? Lord Talbot, sir?" Knuckles pop.

A few papers are shuffled. "Our acquisition of the Crepuscule was intended to be made known on merrier terms, Father Friedrich. A festival is to be set in Calunoth, and further forces are to be allocated at once. Resupply—"

Several priests immediately interject.

"We've been in the fucking Fen for—"
"Father—!"
"Murgate has needed reinforcements for months and we've—"

You pull back from the door, as three priestesses walking down the corridor turn their heads to you. Assuming a neutral stance, you keep your eyes averted.

They pass, without issue.

You listen for a few more moments.

"You, too, Lord Quincy? Well? Out with it."

He sounds apologetic. "The civil unrest in Calunoth—"

"We've been over this. You have your own men. Acquire more zealots if you need to, I'm not—"

"If you could speak with him, perhaps? An appearance could quell the dissent—"

The slam of a fist onto something wooden, papers rattling, and a complete silence takes over the room.

It's eventually punctuated by Father Friedrich's voice. "Waste my Time as much as you like, but you're not speaking to Father Anscham under my roof. Don't make me repeat myself again."

The silence persists.

You decide to pull back. For all of your curiosity, this seems to be worse than pulling teeth, and you don't have the Time to spare.

More business lingers in the hall behind you.

"...funeral services..."
"...of Spirit requested for further aid..."
"...for reallocation..."

Taking several deep breaths, you steel yourself against the book in hand. Wordlessly, a quick gesture is made towards Ray, who blissfully follows your broad steps.

They're headed straight back towards your room.

(1/3)
>>
>>4051757
This is too much. I need some peace. Quiet. Prayer.

Not a soul dares to do more than give you a friendly wave or "good afternoon, Father Anscham," as you make your way back to your quarters.

Closing the door firmly behind you and Ray, you slump back straight against the door.

"Mercy."

It looks as if your room has been tidied in your absence. The myriad boxes of imported goods have been straightened, but you're such a neat individual, it appears that almost nothing else has been attended to.

The broad leather bindings in your hands are set on a clean table. Ray politely settles back on the bear skin rug, after walking about the room a few more times in a show of protection. You look to him gratefully, give him a few words of reassurance, and command him to stay put.

He's asleep before you take out the bookmark Sister Cardew left in your care.

She is sharper than even I would have expected.

Grasping the thin white thread in hand, you cross the room, close the curtains, and put out the last of the dying hearth. Every candle is snuffed, up to and including the one in hand, as you kneel down on an open expanse of the stone floor. Your voice drops to a whisper.

"Nothing before me need be seen. Through darkness I have endured. You have shown me, more than any other, not to trust what lies before my mortal eyes. Spirit, Goddess of the Mind: hear me."

If you weren't mistaken, you might imagine the soot and smoke from the extinguished fire smells of white lilies. It's familiar. The scent usually makes you feel sick.

In the halls of the Church of Flesh, it's an immediate comfort. This is no invocation. You have nothing to fear. Nothing is infecting your mind, or intruding your thoughts. There is nothing divine working through you.

You are all devotion, reverence, and love, as you close your eyes and look inward. To yourself. It's informal, but you feel as if your connection to the Goddess has never been stronger.

"Thank you, Spirit. Thank you, for granting me the wisdom to seek my own truths. May no temptation may lead me astray. You are the immaculate teacher, the divine mentor. Grant me your counsel. Permit me to search alongside you. I seek a righteous path. I seek your love. I seek your guidance."

You're on bended knee, smiling. It's dark, but there is a white thread in hand. You can feel, and see, beyond what is directly in front of you.

"I walk now not through a valley of death. The halls of my own life are far more perilous, far more winding. I only wish to understand. Permit me to best serve you. I am listening, Spirit."

You remain on your knees for a few minutes, in the dark and quiet, with the scent of white lilies..

"I am more than Your vessel. I am Your student. The immaterial must be known."

(2/3)
>>
>>4051759
The gentle sound of Ray's breathing is all you hear. There is a soft breeze, from the window at the far end of your room. It kicks up the curtains from time to time, though you cannot even see their crimson.

There is no need for a further response. There's the smell of flowers, and a calm at the back of your mind.

You know She is listening.

Rising to your feet, you cross the room, careful to not trip. Tossing open the drapes to your quarters is an immediate necessity.

Light from the afternoon sun pours into the room, stirring Ray right out of his slumber. He lazily remains on the bearskin rug, looking to you as you gather your things once again.

"We've got our work cut out for us, don't we, boy?"

He is unamused, and yawns.

"My thoughts exactly."

The fire at the hearth remains extinguished. You don't intend to return to your quarters for some time today. Shoving down as much food as you can stand, you stash a small bag of marzipan and dried meat on your person.

Looking to your flask, you murmur, "energy? Vitality? Something... exotic?"

Steam filters out of the top of the unopened cap. The liquid is dark as night, and likely nothing you've tasted before.

A sip confirms it. The drink is bright, crisp, and terribly bitter. There are undercurrents of caramel, something woody.

You're a masochist, and absolutely love it.

It feels as if someone's put a shock to the back of your skull, for how much livelier you feel after a few minutes. Stashing the book under your arm, you resolve at the last possible moment to simply go straight to Sister Cardew's quarters.

Calling Ray back to your side, you head out. Your prior examination of the exterior ward was far from thorough, but you locate your quarry quickly enough.

Down the hall, at the eastern wing, adjacent to the least of the ill, is a single sign. It's hand-written, in the same ornate text that is adorning the book in your hands.

"Keep out. Don't knock. I don't care if the building is literally on fire (again)."

>A] Knock, and make yourself known. You are not playing any games.

>B] Be cheeky, don't knock, but announce your presence. You're determined to get some mutual respect.

>C] Slip a note under the door requesting that Sister Cardew join you somewhere outside of the Church of Flesh. She's obviously upset to even be here.
>1] The courtyard. She's somehow almost as pale as you are.
>2] Out for tea. Keep it light.
>3] Out for lunch. This could take awhile.

>D] Write-in.
>>
>>4051761
>C3
>>
>>4051761
voting 3 C
>>
>>4051761
>>C] Slip a note under the door requesting that Sister Cardew join you somewhere outside of the Church of Flesh. She's obviously upset to even be here.
>3] Out for lunch. This could take awhile.
>>
>>4051761
Take the string with us too, let her know we appreciate the thought and we spent some time with Spirit
>>
>>4051767
>>4051770
>>4051771
>>4051781
(Hell yeah, let's get this ball rolling. Vote is locked, writing now.)
>>
>>4051787
The corner of the cleanest sheet of parchment you have becomes a note. You are a gentleman, articulate, and have a bad habit of talking in circles. It rapidly becomes longer than you initially intended.

"Sister Cardew,

I have returned with your report and bookmark, the very first moment I was able. These records, and our mutual desire to be rid of this place, could easily be amended over lunch. Please correct me if I am mistaken, but I have reason to believe your desire to escape these halls eclipses even my own. Would you accompany me this afternoon, that we might attend to our work in a fairer surroundings?

Your efforts are sincerely appreciated, regardless of your reply. The thoroughness of your study is worthy of praise, and you were right, once again. I was able to give proper devotion to Spirit this afternoon, thanks to your generosity. Enclosed is your holy symbol.

The immaterial must be known,

Father Anscham"


Slipping the letter under Sister Cardew's door takes only a moment. You step back, fidgeting, and wait a few more minutes.

There's a rustling, as the slip of paper is obviously picked up. It has to have been read with inhuman speed, or glossed over entirely, for how quickly the door opens.

A slender, short and wide-eyed woman is standing in a room you don't get to look at. She closes the door rapidly behind her, nearly catching some of the white fabric about her sleeves in the frame.

Flustered, she looks up to you, through wide lenses. "Yes."

"Yes?"

The note is in her hand, and she doesn't seem to want to let go of it. "Yes. Give me just a moment."

A swirl of fabric disappears back inside of the door, which is closed again, promptly. You hear a scatter of papers, some very wholesome swears on things like "by all of the papercuts" and "dog-eared, water-stained, good-for-nothing inkblots."

After several moments, the priestess reemerges, looking utterly identical. The door behind her is shut firmly, the note is gone, though she appears to have acquired a small bag. It is thrust at you to carry, immediately, and weighs almost nothing. You suspect it has a little coin, and more writing supplies.

She sets to locking her door, her back turned to you as she fusses with the lock.

Why was I not given a key for my quarters?

"Where are we going, then?"

(Options in next post.)
>>
>>4051828
>A] Go find a guard you know you can trust, and ask for a recommendation.

>B] You have no idea what's in Beorward, but you have traveled extensively. Trust your instincts, and simply look for a nice place.
>1] A well-off inn. They'll be used to accommodating clergy, and you won't raise too many eyebrows. You'll likely need to purchase a full room, or spend a good deal extra for the service, but it's worth the extra expense to get out.
>2] The best cook shop you can find. It will be busy, and likely poor for conducting business, but you'd rather have some normalcy given the circumstances.
>3] A food vendor, at a nearby market. Take whatever you can find to the most discreet location you can manage, even if you have to walk a bit.

>C] Ask Sister Cardew if she has any preferences. You are a gentleman, and she did ask first, but you'd rather her take the lead.

>D] Write-in.
>>
>>4051831
>D] Write-in.
Find Cyril and ask him.
>>
>>4051834
Seconding

Even if we are going to get made fun of for going on a date i trust him most.
>>
>>4051834
+1
>>
>>4051834
>>4051835
>>4051838
(Beautiful, locking the vote here and writing)
>>
>>4051844
You're honest, at times to a fault. "I know just the man to ask."

"You—" she could not sound any more irritated, "you have no idea where—"

"Right this way, Sister."

She has the discipline and good breeding to not sigh, as you both take leave of the door.

"Do you take your dog out to all of your lunch arrangements?"

"Yes."

There's whistling. It's down the hall that your room is located in.

You follow it, straight to the sight of a slender ponytail, and exposed arms behind a crimson robe. Cyril is leaning against the wall opposite your door, his shoulders slouched as he finishes his own lunch. The man is trying to whistle in between mouthfuls, and it's absolutely terrible. You have to stop him at all costs.

"Cyril!"

"Father Anscham!" He nearly drops everything in his hands, for his eagerness to wave you down. There is a very broad grin across his face, as he sees who's in your company. "And who might this be?"

The woman at your side is happy to point out the obvious. "We spoke only two days ago, Cyril."

Cyril pretends as if he didn't hear her. He could not be any more smug. "Father Anscham?"

While you cross over to him, Sister Cardew lingers several feet back. Murmuring, you try to ask for Mercy. "Sister Cardew and I have some business to attend to today, in Beorward. She will be my supervision this afternoon. Do you understand me, Brother Trebbeck?"

He snaps upright, at full volume, laughing. "Sir! Loud and clear, Father, sir!"

It's hard to not smile back at him. "Do you know of anywhere in the city befitting of a lady of the cloth? For lunch. Preferably somewhere more discreet."

This is coming out all wrong, and you're punched on the shoulder. Cyril might be hurting his face, for how hard he's smiling. "Father, I never would have thought—"

"Do not start thinking now." A smirk. "A recommendation will suffice, Cyril."

"Hope," you can see his gums, a little, "on a Prayer."

"Pardon me?"

"The bar. 'Hope.' It's on the second story of the tavern: 'A Prayer.'"

Sister Cardew giggles. You whip your head around, stunned.

She's terribly amused. "That is horrible. It's not clever at all."

"Don't look at me!" Cyril puts his hands up, almost spilling the fish stew inside. You get a peek of a fish head that threatens to drop. It's of one of the perch he caught last night. "They're a respectable enough place. A little pricey," he's grinning at your hair, flashing his eyes to your ring and locket, "but I don't suppose that's a problem for you, is it?"

"Thank you, Cyril," you murmur, trying to dismiss the comment. He drops it, and you manage, "how might we get there...?"

You and Sister Cardew leave the Church of Flesh within a matter of minutes. Cyril happily stays to the exterior ward, with the promise of having the entire afternoon off.

(1/2)
>>
>>4051943
https://youtu.be/RpRvk8x60Xw

Cutting through the battlements and remainder of the keep, you wind down the streets of Beorward, past several extremely ancient fortifications. The afternoon sun is almost directly overhead, and not a cloud is in the sky. You can't help but murmur your thanks to Storm, for what a beautiful day it is.

A few birds flit overhead, and the streets are full of commotion. You were instructed to take a winding path along several narrow streets, to avoid as much scrutiny as possible. The wealthier districts are blessedly devoid of beggars or cut=purses, and Ray's presence ensures your safety. The priestess at your side even seems to appreciate the dog's presence after an hour or so of walking without issue.

The myriad stone foundations, carved up and into the city are terribly inviting. Tall wooden structures protrude from the ruins, re-purposed into houses and halls. Each one is a little tilted, having been reconstructed Time and Time again. You keep largely to their shadow, passing from the residential buildings and commerce, narrow back alleys and hidden passages.

You're traveling in almost complete silence. It takes you back.

Just when Sister Cardew is about to start complaining of her aching feet, the alleyway opens into a bustling main road. Several pack horses are going by, accompanied by men from the capital. Dozens of farmers and craftsmen have laid out their wares in stalls and the streets themselves, hollering, bartering.

A number of inns line the street. You catch The Scale and Ale, a single-story hall balanced precariously along the ruins. It's bustling, dingy, more typical of a tavern along a main road than its neighbor. Beside it is an unbelievably noisy tavern, that you recognize the name of.

The Broken Drum appears to have enough revelry within its hall to rival a festival itself, and the merry-making has poured somewhat onto the street.

Opposite of them, closer to the residential district, is your destination. Looking up, directly next to the road you're on, is A Hope. The structure is sound, far nicer than anything else you've laid eyes on save for the finest of halls, closer to the Church of Flesh.

You enter the door to A Prayer, holding it open for Sister Cardew and Ray. A little bell rings on the door, announcing your entry to the gentleman waiting right inside.

"Welcome, sir— and ma'am, welcome. Women and men of the cloth are always honored guests, come right inside."

The entrance to the inn is remarkably small. A single square room, comprised of wood, has another door opposite, transparent for the frosted crystal that constitutes its bulk. This chamber, as ornate and unusual as it is, seems to be strictly for filtering in guests.

(Slightly over, 2/3)
>>
>>4051947
This place takes itself quite seriously.

Through the incredibly valuable glass, you can make out a darkened chamber, lit with low candles. It is nowhere near as populated as the rest of the street. The entryway itself is immaculate, and staffed by a very well-dressed tavern keeper. The man, with his neatly trimmed, graying beard and spotless apron, is growing increasingly pale.

"Will you be staying with us this evening? Or perhaps— excuse me. Sir."

He's looking down, to Ray. Your boy is sitting politely.

The wrinkles around his eyes crease as he gives your dog a weary smile.

You have to answer on his behalf, "yes?"

The smile persists. He's trying to be respectful. "No animals, save for the ones we are serving this evening. No exceptions."

>A] You're taking your business elsewhere. No arguments necessary. No place is nice enough to warrant leaving your boy behind, even if they serve meat.
>1] You're going to the Broken Drum.
>2] Go to the Scale and Ale.
>3] Go elsewhere. (Write-in any suggestions.)

>B] Your business is more important than anything else. Find a nice and safe place for your boy, command him to wait, and get back inside.

>C] You are very, very well off. Enough that you should be able to go where you please, as you please.
>1] Literal gold should be enough to satisfy the businessman. Bribe him with enough to permit any company you wish to enter his establishment, and to avoid any further questions.
>2] A brief reminder of your title will ensure that your every need is met to here.

>D] Write-in.
>>
>>4051950
>C] You are very, very well off. Enough that you should be able to go where you please, as you please.
>2] A brief reminder of your title will ensure that your every need is met to here.

This dog has better manners than you do, he also saved a lot more people than you did.
>>
>>4051950
>C2
>"Not even for the Father of Mercy?"
>>
>>4051950
>C2
>>
>>4051956
>>4051966
>>4051982
(Locking the vote here, I can definitely incorporate all of this as well. Writing now!)
>>
>>4051989
"Excuse me, sir." You're nearly a foot taller than the man before you, though he's significantly broader. You look down, gesturing to your extremely well behaved dog. "We understand."

"Pardon?"

"It is terribly easy to forget that the men of the cloth owe their lives to who they fight alongside. Ray is too polite to correct you." You lean in. "Please, allow me."

The tavern-keeper shirks back, almost imperceptibly.

"This ally of the Church of Mercy appears to have better manners than you do."

He's definitely leaning back.

"For every life he's saved, up to and including my own, I think speaking on his behalf is prudent." You lean in a little further, dropping your voice. "He doesn't want to embarrass you in front of the Father of the Church of Mercy."

Standing fully upright, you look down your nose at the clean aprons and well-sewn tunic. "I believe proper accommodations for myself, and the Sister with me, would be sufficient contrition. A table. For three."

A very deep bow follows. "I am terribly sorry, Father Anscham. Of course. Any member of the clergy is welcome in my establishment. It would be an honor to serve you, and anyone in your company. Please, right this way."

Sister Cardew seems unamused, but defers behind you. She's beckoned to step into the inn first, and you come along right behind her. Ray picks himself up, glancing to the master of the house with curiosity. The innkeeper remains bowed, holding the door open for the three of you.

The interior of A Prayer is jaw-dropping. Goblets and crystal lines the majority of the tables, which are all of a fine hardwood. The same material constitutes much of the floor, though a number of exquisite rugs line the back of the hall. A small hearth is visible beyond them, surrounded by better seating and smaller tables. Hundreds of candles line the walls, which are windowless, for security and discretion.

There may be only ten figures in the entire space. One woman, middle-aged and finely dressed, is attending to half of them at once. It looks as though a number of the upper class are engaged in a meeting around one of the tables by the hearth. A smattering of other guests are seated about the remainder of the room, mostly drinking.

Stretching even further beyond the hearth at the end of the hall are a number of corridors. Assuming the bulk of the patrons are out about town, or in the rooms that surely lie beyond, you turn your gaze upwards.

(1/2)
>>
>>4052073
The hardwood under foot makes way for a steep and narrow staircase. You cross over to it, right behind the priestess. Her shawls trail on the step behind her, and you keep several feet behind, lingering. Etched into the rails are a number of prayers and methods of devotion to the Church of Flesh, but you catch a couple of litanies scratched in to Agriculture and Spirit. Most have been carved out of the wood, leading to it having a pockmarked appearance, but several seem to have slipped past the inn-keeper's notice. Obscenities and a number of crude drawings are intermingled with the prayers.

You stay on your feet, despite the distraction, and at the top of the stair are greeted by A Hope. It is a blissfully empty lounge and bar.

Several empty tables adorn another well-decorated floor, with more crystal glasses and goblets spread over candle-lit tables. Two more women are attending to cleaning off the area, which likely was just emptied of more customers. Only two other figures are in the room, sitting quietly at a table in a corner to the west. It's two men, with their hats off, drinking a very large bottle of wine. There is no paper on the table before them, but they are deep in conversation.

Sister Cardew, without prompting, goes to the table on the exact opposite end of A Hope. The barkeep follows after her, moving gracefully to pull out a seat. You try to ignore the raised eyebrows you and Ray get, from the pair at the other end of the room, but a quick grimace at them has their faces back in their drinks.

You sit alongside the priestess of Spirit, before your chair can be pulled out, and are bowed to once again.

"Once again, my sincere apologies, Father Anscham. My name is Sir Rainecourt," Sister Cardew's eyebrows lift, "and I am at your service. My daughters, Bernice," a nod towards the short brunette, "and Delia," a raven-haired and willowy girl opposite her, "will be happy to assist you if I am unavailable for any reason. If you would care to stay for the evening, we have had the tremendous privilege of hosting a band of gentlemen from Calunoth. Masters of the hunt, and make no mistake, supper will be comprised of deer. Which, if I may...?"

You're trying to be patient. "Yes?"

"Would be prepared to your preference, Father Anscham. If you are to stay for the afternoon, we have a large offering of wines. Wearmoor's finest vineyards provide our finest offerings, but it would be an honor to present one of our Elvish imports to you and your—"

Sister Cardew flushes. You interject, "the import would be excellent, Sir Rainecourt. We intended to stay for lunch. A little privacy would be greatly appreciated."

The woman beside you is obviously grateful for your tact, but your host is lingering. You are getting impatient, for all of the business you both have to attend to.

(Options in next post.)
>>
>>4052076
>A] This actually might take long enough to go over to warrant staying a few hours. You don't want the room, but you'll hold off of lunch in the name of wild game for a priestess of Spirit.
>1] Have it prepared however the cook sees fit, but made into pies. You're trying to bulk up, and even if it's painful, the luxury is worth it.
>2] Request that it be spit roasted with a wine sauce. The hearth in such a large establishment should have the equipment. Maybe cutting the meat with something imported will ease the pain?
>3] Write-in.

>B] You're really only staying for lunch. Thank Sir Rainecourt for his excellent service, and request...
>1] That you simply be brought whatever he has to offer for the Time being. Anything more than just wine.
>2] Decline any further hospitality and accept only the wine. Get something light for Sister Cardew, if she really needs it, but you'll abstain.

>C] Write-in.
>>
>>4052081
>B] You're really only staying for lunch. Thank Sir Rainecourt for his excellent service, and request...
>1] That you simply be brought whatever he has to offer for the Time being. Anything more than just wine.
If we really spend enough Time here then maybe we can consider supper. Also after the food comes we'll call them if we need their assistance so they can leave us to have our discussion in private.
>>
>>4052081
>B1
>>
>>4052081
>B] You're really only staying for lunch. Thank Sir Rainecourt for his excellent service, and request...
>1] That you simply be brought whatever he has to offer for the Time being. Anything more than just wine.
>>
>>4052081
>B1
>>
>>4052099
>>4052107
>>4052186
>>4052344
(Locking the vote here, writing)
>>
>>4052361
Setting aside your things, placing Sister Cardew's book on the table, you politely say, "Thank you, Sir Rainecourt. Any commodities you have at your disposal would be sufficient. The wine, and some cheese, or fruit, perhaps. We are simply here for lunch. I will not hesitate to call for you if we require any further assistance."

Another deep bow. "Of course."

Sister Cardew manages to remove most of the gauze about her face and hands, while Sir Rainecourt vanishes off to a room beyond. There are several orders made, which you pay no attention to.

"Thank you for the opportunity to leave the church, Sister Cardew."

She's straight-faced, unreadable. "Business is business. Shame about the fuss."

You're still frowning. "I am afraid it is unavoidable, at a decent establishment—"

The proprietor of A Hope makes his way smoothly back to your table, nestling a visibly aged bottle of wine in his arm. The opposite has two wine glasses in hand. Behind him is Bernice and Delia, who wait a moment with trays perched just out of view. Each one is topped with an assortment of fresh fruit, and you spot a wedge of soft cheese, amidst several crystal-handled knives.

Your good breeding and years of conditioning make the affair relatively painless. The label, Paradoux Clarum, promises something pink. The cork is visibly unspoiled, and offered one of the glasses before Sister Cardew, you accept a sample.

Swirl on the table. Aerate. Swiftly, bring up the glass. Concentrate on the aroma.

Fruity. Citrus. It's been months of rations and demon's liquor. This is probably too sophisticated for my palate. There's something pleasant, rhubarb?

Small sip.

No pain.

It's Elvish. It must be. Nothing unexpected, save for an exotic fruit. It's crisp. Can't place it. Too much business to attend to for any trivial questions. Something to consider if we have the Time later, possibly.


You nod your head to the server, who immediately offers a humble smile and pours you half of a glass. Sister Cardew's is filled as well, while you reiterate your earlier point.

"Our discussion is to be made in private, Sir Rainecourt. Missus Bernice? Delia?"

Both women, very young, perk their heads up. They're entirely too respectful to address you verbally.

"I will call for you if necessary."

"Yes, Father."
"Certainly, Father Anscham."

Looking to their father, you repeat, "we are not to be disturbed, otherwise. Thank you for the excellent service, Sir. That will be all."

(1/2)
>>
>>4052449
Another incredibly deep bow. The bottle of wine, cheese, fruit and knives are left to the table, which is entirely wide enough to situate all of the trays alongside Sister Cardew's report. You pull it back for a moment, to her visible relief, before sliding your chair around the table. She does the same, so that you are both sitting with your backs to the other two figures in the room.

"You didn't have to find such a nice place. This wine must be worth a small fortune." She looks deeply impressed, sipping at the rose.

You can't be bothered to care. "My concern lies solely with your account of the exterior ward, Sister." The record is flipped open, to the very first page. "You saw to every patient in the building, did you not?" Another sip. The wine really is too excellent to leave alone.

She's sneering. "Someone had to. How much have you read?"

"The account on Mr. Hayward and Jonathan Friedrich in full. I began to look in Albert Urrey's account. I am extremely alarmed by your findings, Sister."

The sneer is intense. "So am I."

>A] Read the entire record alongside Sister Cardew.

>B] Ask her directly about your immediate concerns.
>1] Her refusal to elaborate to Father Friedrich regarding the Catalyst.
>2] The omitted pages on Jonathan Friedrich.
>3] The obvious slander regarding yourself, Sister Enart, and Brother Trebbeck.
>4] The thirty solid pages detailing your psychological profile, that you have yet to read.

>C] Ask Sister Cardew to elaborate on her concerns before you get into reading anything.

>D] Write-in.
>>
>>4052457
>>C] Ask Sister Cardew to elaborate on her concerns before you get into reading anything.
>>
>>4052457
>>C] Ask Sister Cardew to elaborate on her concerns before you get into reading anything.
>>
>>4052464
>>4052488
(Locked, writing now.)
>>
>>4052680
"Please elaborate."

The sister of Spirit seems eager to share her thoughts. "It's as I wrote. Mr. Urrey's condition has been stabilized, and I have recommended his immediate transfer to Murgate." She sets down her glass. The lenses in front of her eyes catch on the candle light, obscuring her irises from view. "My concern lies entirely in your works."

"I have done nothing to warrant your concern. Jonathan—"

"The demon."

"Brother Friedrich—"

"My patient."

You set down your glass as well. "Our patient."

The priestess quiets down. Her rounded nose goes back to the wine, her eyes still utterly shrouded.

"Please. Continue. I—"

"You have done everything to warrant my concern, Father Anscham."

You're grimacing, and trying to not think about over two dozen pages in the medical document before you dedicated strictly to the state of your mind.

"The physical matters of Beorward are mundane, to an extreme. Father Friedrich's neglect was entirely a consequence of overwork." There's a sneer. "Despite all appearances, his faculties have not been compromised." It softens, slightly. "Your arrival was well timed. I mean no offense, Father Anscham, but given your extended leave of absence..."

The exotic fruit that you can't place is fantastic, though still unfamiliar. The wine isn't helping, but you listen, regardless.

"Father Wilhelm was certainly responsible for your arrival, and I strongly suspect that Mother Aimar had a hand, in all of this," she swirls her wine, "insanity, as well."

Ray sniffs, and lays down beside you, accepting that he won't be getting any table scraps. He hates cheese and fruit, and you remind yourself to get him something nice later, for being so well-behaved.

In a much lower voice, Harriet continues, "my assumptions and speculation make very little difference, when the immediate reality of our situation requires the full attention of multiple cities. It is an outrage. The Church of Flesh has been stretched excruciatingly thin. I have made no assumptions in my report, regarding your knowledge of the situation at hand, but I strongly suspect you are unaware of their position."

She picks at a stack of grapes, eating one quickly, unphased. "Father Pevrel's men are entirely insufficient for our continued defense, leaving Father Friedrich responsible for staffing the vast majority of our offensive and defensive capabilities. The leadership within Calunoth is entirely too preoccupied with their own problems to attend to more rural affairs. Father Sullivan has been placing our men on the line," she narrows her eyes, "given the continued efforts at Murgate," they narrow further, "which must now be supported as well."

(1/3)
>>
>>4052926 (Accidentally dropped trip)

It's a challenge to calmly sip at your wine. The tremor in your hands is worse than usual today. Likely due to the lack of sleep you had last night, you manage to keep the glass from spilling by taking it with both hands. "I am assuming this is the cause for the lack of support— in recent history— from the Church of Spirit."

The sneer is back in full. "Obviously. If we had a single clergyman in the building, this entire charade would have never needed to take place. It's more than outrage. It's an embarrassment." She's sipping as well. "This is terrible conversation for such good wine."

"I know."

"You know more than you let on, don't you?"

"Pardon me...?"

"You attended to the exterior ward without any instruction or request to do so, did you not?"

Not only do you not care for mind-games, you are brutally honest. "I am the Father of Mercy. I never would have forgiven myself if I neglected lives in need." You lower your voice, taking a much larger drink of wine. "Our children."

"You were asleep for two days. To say nothing of my concern for your physical health," the sneer is gone, "the majority of the patients you attended to were in no condition to properly thank you."

"It would have been unnecessary, even if they could have." Another large drink. "To live is to serve, Sister Cardew. Their continued devotion is more than thanks enough."

She's frowning. "You should have heard how grateful they all were. At the very least, you wished to hear my concerns?"

"Yes." The priestess is earnest, and staring. "Would you please—"

"I believe I may have to keep repeating myself. You are a terrible listener."

"I am very overwhelmed, Sister Cardew."

"I know." The frown is softened. "You are my primary concern, Father Anscham." Pages upon pages at the table are flipped through, as the parchment and leather is pressed to lie flat open. The start of the entry on you remains face-up. "I could bore you to tears on the affairs of a church that does not even belong to you. We can recap the injury and illness that will heal in Time or with sufficient Mercy. You can stretch yourself thin, work yourself to the bone, and spend the next ten years trying to fix other people's problems..."

"You have made your point—"

"Have I? You seemed eager to spend all afternoon on a report I would have been happy to consolidate."

She's pointing to a few key phrases in your entry. Obsessive, paranoid, and circular reasoning get tapped on multiple times.

Your frown could not be any more intense. "I fail to see how this is relevant to the care of Beorward's patients, or to your continued conduct within the Church of Flesh."

(2/3)
>>
>>4052933
A tight smile is directed towards you. In a whisper, as discreetly as she can manage, Harriet confesses, "you are a patient within the Church of Flesh, Father Anscham, and I am assigned to your care. So long as you remain in its halls, and so long as you will permit me to aid you, I have been instructed to monitor your progress." Another grape. "I do firmly believe that you would make rapid progress." Another sip. "This is already the most pleasant assignment I've been posted to, and you seem quite agreeable."

She looks up from her wine glass, apologetically. "I know this must be difficult to hear. You don't need to stop fidgeting, but are you aware of how often you...?"

Your hands go from the stem of your wine glass, to flat, on the table. "Yes— I— usually. I— I believe so."

"You aren't. It's alright. I won't torment you. I want to help you, Father Anscham. You may be staying in the Church of Flesh, but your neglect of your Spirit has certainly cost your body, hasn't it?"

You stand corrected, as your frown is absolutely more intense now. That was uncalled for.

"I'm sorry. I assumed you would prefer for me to be honest. It's true, though, isn't it?"

>A] You're really not ready for this kind of help, and have more than enough to worry about. Respectfully decline Sister Cardew's aid, and insist that she return to Murgate as soon as possible. Her report is staying with you.
>1] You're destroying it, and it's not getting read.
>2] You're keeping it, and pouring over it as best as you're able. If there comes a Time when you're ready, you'll go over this with Father Sullivan personally.

>B] She has several valid points, and you have said many times that you have no use for pride.
>1] You'll accept her aid, but it's staying as discreet as possible. You'll only see her outside of the Church of Flesh, and on your terms.
>2] Furthermore, no reports are being conducted on you. The record she created should be gone over with you, but it is being destroyed.
>3] FURTHERMORE, she is to remain respectful. No matter how honest she wants to be, you need to be treated with some kindness.

>C] Not only do you have no use for pride, you're acutely aware of how badly you need this.
>1] You'll accept Sister Cardew's assistance in full. She's already left her home— you are a gentleman, and want to make this as painless for both of you as possible.
>2] The priestess can keep her lengthy report, but you want to see anything and everything she writes on you.
>3] Demons and men alike have said worse things about you. You don't want the truth to be obscured from you by sugar-coating. Honesty is a tenet of Mercy, after all.
>>
>>4052936
>>C] Not only do you have no use for pride, you're acutely aware of how badly you need this.
>>2] The priestess can keep her lengthy report, but you want to see anything and everything she writes on you.
Trust her to be blunt about it regardless of whether we see that report or not
>>
>>4052936
>>C] Not only do you have no use for pride, you're acutely aware of how badly you need this.
>>1] You'll accept Sister Cardew's assistance in full. She's already left her home— you are a gentleman, and want to make this as painless for both of you as possible.
>>
>>4052933
>C1
>>
>>4053320
>>4053478
>>4053656
(Good morning guys! Locking the vote here, writing now.)
>>
>>4053722
"I trust you to be frank with me, Sister, regardless of whether I wish to see your reports or not."

Her tight-lipped smile seems to relax, if only a little. "Is that a yes?"

The scars along your hands reflect back against the stem of your wine glass. They're still trembling. It's easy to forget how much active effort has to be allocated towards keeping your hands still. A lifetime of repression quells the worst of the fidgeting, as you keep your eyes downcast. "I know just how badly I need this. Men— people like me— we have no use for pride—"

"Father Anscham?"

You lift your eyes. Sister Cardew has stopped eating, and pulls her record a little closer to herself. It looks like she wants to fish for a pen.

"Yes...?"

"If I may?"

"Record whatever you wish," you murmur, "but I am to see anything and everything that is written in regards to my person."

For the first time, you think you see a genuine smile from the stern priestess. "I see." She flips to the back of the entry on you, and with a flourish, begins to scrawl a few additional notes.

November 27, 605. Father Richard Anscham. Participation in study accepted on condition of full transparency. With due respect to participant's position, request for access to written records is to be honored barring explicit refusal from Father Sullivan. Contact will be made to the Father of Spirit for explicit confirmation. Determination made by Sister Harriet Cardew for the Time being will be in favor of honoring the participant's request. In respect to Spirit and Her will, all further recordings will be made in document

A large blank space is left at the end of the note. "May I see my purse, please?"

It's with your things, and immediately produced. From it, the Sister of Spirit extracts another book.

Your eyes widen.

The cover is of white leather. Stamped into the face is your name, in yellow gilt. The entire cover is bound with black strips of hide, which are unwound in an instant. No fewer than a hundred blank, white, vellum pages are within the luxurious tome.

It's easily one of the most beautiful things you've ever seen. Sister Cardew's hand hovers over the first page for a moment, lingering, before looking to you with another small smile. "Do you want to...?"

"Yes. Please."

She gingerly extends the book to you. It's weighty. There are no entries, no secrets. The Sister of Spirit seems incredibly earnest, for the lack of obfuscation in her work. You flip through the pages a few times, trying to soak in the feeling of so much vellum. There is no indication of a bookmark, no indication of the item ever having been used. You hand it back, gingerly, after a few more precious moments. "Thank you."

"Of course. You know I'm eager to get started."

"I can see why."

(1/3)
>>
>>4053855
"We'll come back to this." Your mutual love of the craft and the empty record is set aside. "I'm getting ahead of myself."

Sister Cardew slides the large tome regarding the Church of Flesh back towards you, opened right to the start of your log.

[November 25, 605. Father Richard Anscham. Escort to be provided solely by Cyril Trebbeck. Under supervision of Father Friedrich and Father Wilhelm. Cross-reference for this document may be made available per Father Sullivan's approval.]

Your heart sinks.

"Is something wrong, Father?"

"This is not the first time I have been attended to by the Church of Spirit."

"I see." Harriet picks a little more at the fruit on the table. She's unreadable. You keep your eyes to the pages on the table.

[November 26, 605. The following observations are a second-hand account. Per instruction of Father Wilhelm, he is to remain undisturbed. Patient has long-standing history of abuse. Inability to receive treatment for chronic sleep disorder indicative of butchered invocation of Dream. Father Wilhelm has remained an obstruction to further inquiry. Father Friedrich has remained equally obtuse in regards to his care. Both...]

You're grimacing, but there's a great deal of appreciation laced throughout.

A confession is truly safe in the hands of a church leader.

There is a significant list of charges Sister Cardew intends to press for having her job made so much more difficult, but you're definitely smiling by the Time you finish reading the list.

She sneers. "You think this is funny."

Your nose goes to the wine, burying your face in the glass. "I would be lying if I said that I did not appreciate their support, Sister."

Finishing your drink, you notice Sister Cardew's is empty again, as well. You move to refill your own, only gesturing to offer her another. She puts up a hand to decline. "Some of the talk has some truth to it."

You want to keep grimacing, turning your eyes back to the book, but your attention is called back for another moment.

"You're still a gentleman."

Your grimace falls, if only slightly.

"Don't take any of this the wrong way." She's trying to soften her voice, stern as it is. "It is extraordinarily poor form to share any of this with you, but," she frowns, "I'm sure you'll be fine."

[Anonymous interviews with a number of clergymen, civilians and attendees within and around the Church of Flesh may be a poor indication of Father Anscham's faculties. Consistency between reports within the Church of Flesh bears repeating, but the following observations will require further investigation:]

The remaining twenty-something pages are detailed interviews with consistent claims regarding your behavior. Your eyes want to glaze over. It's nothing you haven't heard before.

(2/3)
>>
>>4053858
The remaining twenty-something pages are detailed interviews with consistent claims regarding your behavior. Your eyes want to glaze over. It's nothing you haven't heard before.

[Obsessive. Paranoid. Withdrawn. Anxious. Self-harming. Lecherous. Neurotic. Overindulgent. Masochistic. Gluttonous. Blasphemous. Abuser. Reckless.]

You stop, and take another large drink. It's a lot easier to swallow.

Sister Cardew leans over, a little, and places a hand beside the record. "I was sincerely hoping you wouldn't want to look over the entire thing."

"How— how could I not—?"

She taps obsessive three times. "I assumed some of it had merit, but—" the book is closed. "I am infinitely more concerned with what you have to say."

You're frowning, very deeply.

So is she. "I don't want this to be any harder for you than it has to be. I know taking out any Time, even for work, is enough strain on you as it is." She actually looks fairly sympathetic.

You're reminded for a moment of your mother's devotion to the Church of Spirit, for all of the good that they do throughout Corcaea.

The way that I've used Spirit is not normal. Only Mercy...

Sister Cardew folds her hands over one another, looking up to you earnestly. Her eyes are comically wide, behind the clear lenses, as she tries to smile. "Is there anything you want to talk about?"

>A] Your use of the Gods has nearly killed you on several occasions. For all the good They've done for you, you're still hurting.
>1] You can't eat or drink anything from your home without severe pain. You're suffering, and need a solution that isn't so prohibitive.
>2] Masochism is a bad look for a fighter and a man of the Gods. You're not lecherous, you're horrified, and want it to stop.
>3] Internalizing hundreds of years of knowledge from other races and a demon has not been good for your mental health, in general, and you have no conceivable way of knowing how to process everything you've learned.

>B] Regardless of your work with the Gods, your personal affairs are probably an easier place to start.
>1] It's hard to even look at people, and for how insecure you are about your appearance, it's hard to be looked at, too.
>2] Talking about anything resembling normalcy is borderline impossible for you without direct prompting. You want to be capable of functioning, socially.
>3] You may not have any use for pride, but you are struggling to not internalize all of the things that are said about you and to you.

>C] You're miserable, period, and need a way to cope with the overwhelming reality of your life. It drove you to want to kill yourself before. You're being reminded of why with ever increasing frequency, and do not want to have it happen again.

>D] You aren't even certain what constitutes abuse, when it comes to the Gods. Mercy is the only deity you've invoked in the Church of Flesh. How could anyone see your worship of Her as anything but righteous?

>E] Write-in.
>>
>>4053863
>>C] You're miserable, period, and need a way to cope with the overwhelming reality of your life. It drove you to want to kill yourself before. You're being reminded of why with ever increasing frequency, and do not want to have it happen again.
Kind of sums up A and B as well
>>
>>4053863
>>C] You're miserable, period, and need a way to cope with the overwhelming reality of your life. It drove you to want to kill yourself before. You're being reminded of why with ever increasing frequency, and do not want to have it happen again.

As long as it covers everything in A and B, if not then im voting for everything in A and B
>>
>>4053863
>>C] You're miserable, period, and need a way to cope with the overwhelming reality of your life. It drove you to want to kill yourself before. You're being reminded of why with ever increasing frequency, and do not want to have it happen again.
We probably have to go through our entire life story at this point desu
>>
>>4053876
(Just for the sake of brevity

do you guys WANT to simply go over everything with Sister Cardew?)
>>
>>4053896
Honestly yeah, try to avoid saying too much about the ruins tho
>>
>>4053896
It's going to take a long ass time but for the sake of Richard's mental health yeah.
>>
>>4053896
>>4053899
>>4053901
For now how about we cover everything from that first time Richard invoked Vengeance on the bully till when he left for the ruins?
>>
>>4053907
Most of the bad shit happened during or after the ruins desu, id rather talk about everything so she has context for everything.
>>
>>4053911
He was already suicidal when he left though. Better to deal with those matters first before we start talking about consorting with demons and nonhumans
>>
>>4053912
But he isn't suicidal anymore due to the events of the ruins, there was a shit ton of growth at the bottom of the world for Richard. We need to get the whole picture out, things are already complicated enough.
>>
>>4053907
>>4053911
>>4053912
Either way its going to be long as hell so we must as well go through the entire thing
>>
>>4053896
I would also like to get into what Tsilorm and that Dream demon did to us.
>>
>>4053896
OVERSHARING IS CARING, yes.
>>
>>4053867
>>4053868
>>4053876
(A, B, C)

>>4053912
(Deal with stuff prior to ruins first)

>>4053917
>>4053918
>>4053941
(Majority still wants to talk about everything)

>>4053926
(And get into what Tsilorm and Menniath did.

JFC this might take a minute, but I'm going to do my best! Thanks for the stellar feedback guys. Vote is locked, writing now.)
>>
>>4053945
You take a deep breath.

There has not been a day I have spent in the halls of a church without being reminded of why I wanted to kill myself.

Another breath. Ray sits upright, dropping his head down beside your leg, nudging you. You put a hand to his back, trying to reassure him that you're alright.

I am not a liar.

You pull your hand back.

I am many things, apparently, and not a single one of them is alright.

The entirety of your glass of wine goes down. You practically choke on it, and the immediate horror has you set the empty glass back down, much more firmly than you should.

It is a miracle that I can even tolerate this.

You shift uncomfortably.

After everything a real demon of Flesh put me through.

The glass is staring back at you.

There is no use telling this woman about my blatant abuse of Spirit. There is no need to tell her of demons, or heathens, or calling upon her Goddess in the name of something she surely could never hope to understand.

It takes a minute, before you take your hands from the empty glass. You run a hand through your hair. The strands of gold are enormously reassuring.

You hear a throat clear.

Sister Cardew's voice picks up, for how hard you're avoiding her stare. There's the sound of your wine glass being filled. You're probably too distressed to focus on anything, but her words are clear.

"It's alright. I know you're overwhelmed. Start from the beginning, if you can. Let me know if you need to stop."

"I can handle my—"

"Not the wine, Father."

There's a rising pain in your skull, and it's not from the liquor either.

"Go on. I'll be writing." Her pen is already scratching. "We can go over this together, later. It's okay."

"I would not want to— Sister Cardew, I mean no offense, and I would never wish to make your work more difficult than it already must be—"

"Father Anscham, I assure you: there is nothing you could tell me that Father Sullivan hasn't prepared me for."

You snap your gaze back to the woman across from you. She's straight-faced, the vellum and quill in hand already scribbling. Pausing her work for a moment, the Sister of Spirit meets your stare. "I take my assignments quite seriously. I assure you. I would like nothing more than to treat you with the same respect and diligence that you show to all of your work, Father."

This woman is truly serving the Church of Mercy.

Sister Cardew's face remains utterly unreadable. You try to remain as detached as possible, as clinical as possible. It's your story, but you have told it in pieces so many times. Tearfully, to strangers and loved ones. Wholesale, to demons and blasphemers. It's impossible to discern how much personal investment the priestess could possibly have in your tale, and you want to give her the same respect she's showing you.

As calmly as you're able, you launch into the story. From the beginning.

(1/4)
>>
>>4054076
All the way back to rural, little Pontos. The fishing village nestled between a famine, breaks and beatings. Loving and devout parents were not to blame, but mortal affairs. A world that they could never have possibly protected you from.

Pain. Desperation. Retribution.

Your first invocation to Vengeance. A life destroyed, at your hands, though no one could understand that you had suffered just as much in turn.

Weeks of hiding and fear. The estrangement from your family. A constant threat to your collective safety.

Sanctuary.

The Church of Mercy.

Restraint. Confinement. Prison. Eight years, of suffering, and torture in the dark. Starvation and thirst. A detachment, from all of the Gods, save for who you were commanded to serve.

Vengeance. Again, and again.

Mercy. A savior. Your first mentor. The Father.

You wanted relief from your pain, more than anything.

A trial by fire. Your first sermon, held in the same town you were exiled from.

No one could have possibly understood how much it meant to you.

A second chance.

You saved the lives of hundreds. It would have been easier to strike them all down where they stood, but you have always done more than deserve to wield divinity.

It wasn't enough.

Escape. Hiding. Attempts at normalcy, at a life away from the halls of the church. Brawling, drinking, flirtation. Any and every distraction you could fathom.

Recognition. Discipline. Agony. Beaten within an inch of your life, Time and Time again. It became routine. As routine as your prayers, to all of the Gods.

Through recovery, weakness, and strength.

They answered, with ever increasing frequency. Each and every time you returned, it felt as if you had more to prove. More to learn. The world was vast, and you could never escape for long enough.

You had to go back. There was nowhere else for you.

It has been an obsession.

To every outbreak you answered, to every mission you embarked on. You garnered a reputation for more than your devotion. Your unwavering conviction. Your righteousness.

The power you wield has always been without equal.

The Church of Mercy was never family, but you were still made their Father. It was on the heels of a death. It would be the first of many, but you did not know it at the Time.

The abuse had to stop.

They found other ways. Casting you out, into a world you barely knew, into the halls of hunger.

You found kindness. Sacrifice. Through the Goddess of Bounty, you were granted plenty, through horror you could not yet have conceived.

Sister Cardew seems to have slipped in her composure, as she moves to refill her own glass of wine.

The candles about your table have dropped significantly lower. You try to not pay any heed to the motion, and she reassures you once again.

(2/4)
>>
>>4054080
"I'm grateful, Father Anscham— and my hand needed the break." She flexes her fingers a few times, wrings her wrist, and re-positions her quill back over the vellum. Several dozen pages have already been filled. "Please, continue."

You take a few drinks as well, and wind up emptying your entire glass once again. Sister Cardew moves to refill it, as your hands go to maneuvering nervously along the chain around your neck.

Losing Father Edmund and Mother Bethaea began to make more and more sense.

Only a few months after her passing, after the start of the constant pain.

Responsibility was delegated. There were no possessions to give away, save for the unrelenting burden. Every day was another catastrophe. Countless outbreaks in and around Eadric fell to you, to your hands, to your healing. Blood and viscera came, in volumes your fractured and grieving mind could not possibly withstand. Beggars at your door, the weary, and what felt like every lost soul in Corcaea was to be sent to the Church of Mercy.

No personal task could be attended to. No respite could be given. Getting out and away became nearly impossible.

Days turned to weeks, and weeks into another year.

You were, and still feel like a husk of a man. Sleep came infrequently, and too heavy when it did. Losing weight was a daily occurrence. Tremor and pain were bedfellows to you, but your partner remained a Goddess.

She had been your only Mercy.

The obvious solution was blasphemy. It was the only relief you could conceive of, at the time.

Everyone who looked at you knew it was suicide.

https://youtu.be/n3Ew2JlklE0

No one took your remarks with any sincerity, but as the year wore on, they were taken with ever increasing fear. There was protest. There was outrage. For all of the complaint regarding your position in the Church, there were appearances to keep.

You drafted formal requests, to the capital. They were months in the making. Presentations regarding your proficiency and skill. Testimonies from the countless men and women who's lives you had saved. The careful allocation of your duty to veteran members of the clergy. Contingencies and plans to be executed in the event you failed to return.

No one complained about more power.

No one was outraged when it became abundantly clear that the young farm boy from Pontos was abandoning his position.

No one protested the delegation of your wealth or power.

You were happily waved out the door, escorted only to the border of the wood.

"It was four months ago, yesterday, that I left."

You want to break down sobbing.

"I keep thinking that I should have stayed. I miss them, Sister Cardew."

No detail is spared.

Your suicidal plunge back into the darkness. Wandering, seeking the first death that might take you.

Relief from your pain.

Battle. War. Strange men and women from other lands. Hundreds of thousands of steps taken, down, to the bottom of the world.

(3/4)
>>
>>4054085
Liars. Blasphemers. Heathens. Women you thought were your friends.

The loss of memory, and the gain of more trauma than your fractured mind could stand.

Over, and over again.

Gods.

"There was never any Time. Not for Them, not for anything else but to simply fight. I never knew what I was doing. I never knew what I needed. Not until it was shown to me. Not until She..."

Mercy.

The promise of relief. The guarantee that you were blessed. Taken into the embrace of the Mother, and shown Her light, Her gift.

Demons.

Ones who challenged everything you thought you knew.

Demons who were able to teach you more about the Gods than any member of the clergy. Friends. Lovers. Mentors.

Allies.

Some of the happiest moments of your life took place at the bottom of the world. The blessing of your very Goddess was not given to you out of pity, or as a mere gift.

You earned it.

An escape back to the surface.

Weeks of rest, and recovery.

Rediscovering the will to live. To fight another day, under the sun.

By the time you're caught up to the present day, you can't imagine launching straight into more questions. Sister Cardew likely has hundreds of her own. "I imagine— you— is it alright, if I—"

"Father Anscham?" Her voice is wavering, very slightly.

"Yes?"

"May I hug you? Briefly. We can discuss whatever you wish. The company at the other table seems to have left."

You look around the bar, wide-eyed.

It seems that Sir Rainecourt cordoned off the entire second floor for you both, with an elegant "reserved" sign placed at the top of the stair. You strongly suspect there is another at the bottom. The other tables are completely empty, as is the bar.

The woman sitting across from you has magnified eyes, and they're swimming. She also looks like she's struggling to maintain her composure.

The book on the table is closed.

It's already full.

>A] You can spare another second for this. Yes, she can hug you.
>1] Hug her back.
>2] And cry.
>3] Hard.

>B] You're numb, and have been hurt too badly for this. Keep things professional, and launch straight into your questions.
>1] Address the issues with Tsilorm, Menniath, and all of your personal affairs. Your need for guidance.
>2] She's not going to call you a heathen, or a pervert, or a demon? After learning all of that?

>C] Write-in.
>>
>>4054088
>>A] You can spare another second for this. Yes, she can hug you.
>>1] Hug her back.
>>2] And cry.
>>3] Hard

>2] She's not going to call you a heathen, or a pervert, or a demon? After learning all of that?
>>
>>4054092
+1 and dont you dare to hoverhand hug.
>>
>>4054101

We are going to ruin her perfect white shawls with our golden drool and snot because we have earned it dammit
>>
>>4054092
+1
>>
>>4054092
>>4054101
>>4054103
>>4054119
(Damn straight. Vote is locked, writing now.)
>>
>>4054132
Nodding your head, fighting hard to not break down on the spot, you move your chair back. Gesturing for Ray to stay put elicits a whine, for how distressed he knows you are, but he complies.

The slender woman sitting next to you scoots imply right over, and takes you into a firm hug.

It catches you entirely off-guard.

Her shoulders are shaking, despite how tight the embrace is. She's clearly struggling to keep her composure, but her voice remains level. "It's alright. I won't bite, I promise."

Harriet has expertly left your arms free. There's no hesitation, as you wrap your arms around her, bury your face in her robes, and cry. Hard.

A delicate hand lightly goes to your back. "It's okay."

Through the heave in your chest, and the sobs wracking your frame, you manage to stutter, "y-you're not g-going to call me— aah—"

Your face goes back to her shawls, smothered against the fabric for a moment. It's difficult to breathe, but for how hard you're crying, you don't want to be heard.

The hand at your back moves very gingerly, trying to be reassuring. "Go on. It's alright."

"A he-heathen—?"

She begins rattling off point after inarguable point. "You have been visited by three of the Gods themselves."

"Y-yes—"

"I believe Father Sullivan himself would be interested to hear of your work regarding Spirit."

"P-possibly—"

"You've invoked multiple deities at once, and Mercy seems to have blessed you with an ability I have never read of, in all of my study."

"Sh-She i-is Merciful—"

"Anyone who calls you a heathen is an imbecile."

Your sobbing redoubles. It must take at least five minutes of clutching, desperately, to regain enough composure to say anything further. "R-Remi— Flesh— M-Mercy— everyone— they think that I— I'm some kind of pervert—!"

"You are not a liar."

"N-no—"

"Every word I've put down is nothing but the truth, is it?"

"I w-would hope so—"

"Do you think Father Sullivan would have sent a woman to help you, if he sincerely believed you would place my safety in jeopardy?"

"O-of course n-not—"

"Do you think I would let you touch me, if I were concerned for my safety—"

"It's n-not l-like that—"

"What you're dealing with is nothing to be ashamed of. You're no pervert. You're a righteous man, aren't you?"

"Y-yes."

"A holy man."

"Yes—" you sniff, trying to compose yourself.

"We'll understand it. I'll do everything in my power to help you through it."

It sets you off all over again, sobbing even harder, "please, I— I can't s-stand this— I can't stand being like th-this..."

You trail, off, into another heave of your chest.

"You are going to be alright. Being like what?"

They have all had something disparaging to say.

(1/4)
>>
>>4054273
"A demon— I— I cannot believe that you w-wouldn't call me one, too." It's only working you up harder, as you cry, "how can you take all of this— to listen—" you want to pull away, for how miserable you feel, "h-how can you stand to even touch me—"

You're held a little closer. "You are nothing like any demon I've ever seen. Not even like the ones you've told me about today. Not even Yech could have so much humanity."

"Th-that's a lie—" you want to smile, and are so conflicted that you fall even deeper into your own abyss. It feels like you've never cried so hard.

"You're the Father of Mercy. Not a monster. Not a demon."

She pulls back, very slightly, looking to you. "You are not a demon."

Your heart breaks into a thousand pieces, as you redouble your sobs. The priestess doesn't complain, fully taking you back into her arms while you work out the grief.

"What did they do to me?"

"They?"

"Tsilorm, and the demon of ice and paint— M-Menniath. It— it's hard to even remember that they h-had names, Sister. They were s-sadists, m-monsters—!"

A very gentle pat on your back. "I must confess, Father,"

"Th-that's n-not funny—"

She grins, slightly. "I'm not joking. I don't have every answer at this precise moment. I'm going to give all of this a great deal of thought. Your research into the ruins of Ostedholm is remarkable. It's a tragedy, that you had to endure so much to gain the knowledge you did," she pulls back.

You're looked straight at, despite your tears. You instinctively want to look away, but Sister Cardew's eyes are dry, and full of so much religious fervor you have to admire them. "Your work will not go to waste. We are going to make something, of all of this."

Her hands go to your shoulders, which are still heaving. "You have already come out of this with more than anything else your companions did. You are going to live with more than any of us could ever hope for, but not to your detriment. Not forever. Not for much longer, if I have anything to do with it. Mark my words."

"Th-thank you—"

"No," she smiles, the glint in her eyes not abating, "thank you." Both hands slip to your back, returning the hug. "Cry for as long as you need to. You don't need to hold anything back. It's okay."

The sheer relief of being treated by another person with respect and compassion has you crying for so long, you completely lose track of the Time.

It hurts, for how tight your lungs are, fighting for air. Nestling your face back against Sister Cardew's robes is entirely too comforting, and you can't help yourself. The last woman to hold you so sincerely was your own mother. The last time you held someone for so long was deep within the ruins, and you'd rather not compare the priestess in your arms to either event.

She's softer than you'd expect, and the scent of lavender is all over the gauze you're holding onto so desperately.

(2/4)
>>
>>4054275
Sister Cardew doesn't bother, not even once, to interrupt. You are offered a handkerchief at one point, which is stark white and embroidered with the initials "H.C." You feel miserable taking it, for how much you've likely gotten on the gauze and shawls, but again, the priestess doesn't seem to mind in the least.

After what is likely an entire hour, your eyes raw and your throat hoarse, you manage to wind down, and see to the handkerchief. Sister Cardew tactfully and silently unwinds the shawl around her shoulder and sleeve. Her blunt bangs, fully revealed, are coupled with straight, brunette locks that cast down just past her shoulders. Her hair straight as a pin, and thinner than her lips, which is saying something. She still has enough fabric to drape across her shoulders, to remain decent, and looks to you with a very straight face.

"You haven't said a word about my glasses."

"Your— sniff what?"

A finger points to the lenses and leather about her face. Her hair is neatly arranged so you can't tell how the harness is resting, but it looks terribly uncomfortable. "These."

You murmur, "I— just— this is—"

Very deep breath.

Another.

"There is so much work we have to do, Sister, that I cannot imagine covering it all in a single sitting." You manage to find yourself, clearing your throat a bit more, "speaking— socializing, in any capacity— communicating with anyone is still quite difficult."

Sister Cardew takes the Time to drink, and to finish off the bunch of grapes. "I've been interrupting you almost constantly. I hadn't even realized. I'm sorry, Father."

"It— it is quite alright."

"It's not. I'll be more mindful of it. May I ask you a few more questions?"

"Y-Yes. Of course."

"I understand the concerns you've voiced, in full. We will absolutely see to them. Is there anything else you wish to discuss?"

There's a sigh, and a wrench of grief. "The pain, Sister Cardew. It's unsustainable. Most men would have been unable to withstand three months of it, let alone three years."

She gestures to the empty grape vine. "Agriculture."

"Yes." Another cringe. "I— I am horrified by the way that I respond to it otherwise."

Another, vaguer gesture. It's not obscene, merely to the scars along your face, your holy symbol.

"It is not indicative of my character. I am not a deviant. My use of the Gods has— I cannot hope to possibly fathom everything that they have enabled me to understand. I want to feel healthy. Hale. Normal. Even now I—" you're choking up again, "it's a struggle to even speak at such length."

(3/4)
>>
>>4054278
Despite the struggle, you are still a masochist, and continue, "my— I feel terrible. About myself. About how I must come across. For everything that is said about me. To me. Not all of it is a lie, Sister. I know that I have neglected myself— that I am difficult to speak to. It— it is telling, that you could fill an entire book on me."

It feels like you might be rambling, but Sister Cardew is diligently penning every single word you've written. You know this for a fact, as she immediately slides the parchment across the table to you, to show you every word in verbatim. "I promised you, didn't I? I don't believe it would be wise to go over the rest today, but you are welcome to look at my notes at any Time."

"Thank you."

She takes the parchment back, folding it and placing it back within the white-backed book. "We will fill as many as it takes to get you the help that you need."

The two of you sit in relative silence, for several very long minutes. You find the courage to break it.

"It is particularly difficult for me to speak at length, regarding anything—" you grasp at a kind way to phrase it, and fail, "anything that isn't regarding myself, my work, or the Gods, Sister Cardew. Asking questions, in particular. I— I would like to improve on a lot of things, Sister."

A weary smile is directed at you. "It makes sense."

You're almost relieved. "It— it does?"

"Your communication. It's a skill, like any other, Father. I didn't ask you about my glasses, did I?"

"Not necessarily."

"I've been interrupting you, haven't I?"

You pause a moment. "You seem to have corrected yourself quickly enough."

"You're sharp, too. You'll learn quickly. This is as good a place to start, as any."

You want to die.

Sir Rainecourt seems to have materialized on the stair, and is rapidly climbing the steps.

Turning your face away from the gentleman, you're immediately accosted.

"Father Anscham, I do hope that our accommodations—"

You could not be more dismissive, for how badly you want to be left in peace. "They have been excellent, Sir Rainecourt. Thank you."

He clears his throat. "Yes. Well. Mercy has set on Beorward," the irony is not lost on you, and you're grimacing, "but Dream is welcome here, in A Hope, in equal measure. Has the wine been to your liking?"

Sister Cardew saves you. "It was phenomenal, Sir. Father Anscham has been feeling a bit under the weather. If I may?"

"But of course, madam," a ridiculous bow follows. This is a nightmare. You go for your glass, still keeping your face to the side, and finish the bottle of likely priceless wine.

"Your hospitality is without compare, Sir. The Church of Spirit will be compensating you, in full. If it's not costing your business too dearly this evening, our seating arrangement...?"

(Mistakes were made, 4/5)
>>
>>4054282
At compensating, the man is already all smiles. He bows again, somehow more absurdly, and asks, "is there anything else I may see to, for you both?"

"A little more privacy would be remarkable," Harriet dead-pans.

Another swift bow, and your host is gone in a flash.

A new bottle of liquor and two small glasses seem to have been left on the table, in his wake.

"Sorcerery." You're too impressed to not comment on it. It seems to be finer than the first bottle. Black label, whiskey, written in a script you don't even recognize.

Sister Cardew is setting to open it immediately, with remarkably less class or skill than you're capable of. It seems she has a taste for drinks.

"Allow me, please." It's a very simple matter for you. Your muscle has wasted, but you still possess more than enough dexterity to work open the item. A smoky, caramel, herbal scent hits you the moment the cap comes off.

"Have you ever seen this font before?" The priestess is fascinated, looking to the bottle wide-eyed. The letters of the runes are practically swimming over the text on the exterior.

To your utter amusement, Harriet gestures for the bottle from you, and begins to peel off the label.

You look around, legitimately concerned. "You are going to get us thrown out—"

"Ssshh!"

Hurriedly, a strip of parchment is smeared with charcoal, and wrapped back around the bottle.

It looks absurd.

"This looks absurd."

"It might buy us a few more minutes."

>A] You're honestly fine staying for dinner. Getting all of that misery out of your system has you feeling remarkably better. Call for Sir Rainecourt and request that Sister Cardew be taken care of. Apologize for the bottle.

>B] You're feeling a good deal better, but you're not eating anything that's going to hurt you. Stick to the whiskey, and resolve to make up for your poor form today once you're back to the Church of Flesh.

>C] You have an appointment to keep with Father Friedrich, but you can have a few more drinks. Try to practice what you preach, and make an attempt at normalcy. Leave the evening on a lighter note.

>D] Business is business. Ask Sister Cardew, directly, if you can wrap up your meeting with some more discussion related to your mental well-being. You're still feeling pretty miserable, and want to know what Sister Cardew intends to do about it.

>E] Write-in.
>>
>>4054287
>>A] You're honestly fine staying for dinner. Getting all of that misery out of your system has you feeling remarkably better. Call for Sir Rainecourt and request that Sister Cardew be taken care of. Apologize for the bottle.
>>
>>4054287
>>A] You're honestly fine staying for dinner. Getting all of that misery out of your system has you feeling remarkably better. Call for Sir Rainecourt and request that Sister Cardew be taken care of. Apologize for the bottle.
Also since she brought it up ask her about whats so special about her glasses
>>
>>4054287
>>A] You're honestly fine staying for dinner. Getting all of that misery out of your system has you feeling remarkably better. Call for Sir Rainecourt and request that Sister Cardew be taken care of. Apologize for the bottle.
>>
>>4054329
+1
>>
>>4054302
>>4054329
>>4054386
>>4054816
(Hope you all had a nice morning/afternoon. Locking the vote here, writing now.)
>>
>>4055374
"Sir Rainecourt!" You swiftly take the whiskey bottle, rip off the fake label, and crumple it in hand before Sister Cardew can protest. She begins to open her mouth, to balk at the destruction of her terrible ruse, and is defeated before she can begin to argue.

Your host materializes once again, right at the stair. You do see him run up the steps, with more grace than a human should be capable of, but the mastery of his craft makes your summoning difficult to discern from Magic.

"Father Anscham." A bow. The corners of his lips twitch, as he sees the violated whiskey bottle. "What is the—"

"Your service is without compare, Sir." You keep the parchment in hand, which crinkles slightly under your tremor. "It would appear that your spirits are of impeccable quality. So much so, they warranted further study from a priestess of their very church."

She's trying to not smile. Sir Rainecourt is still decidedly unamused, but tolerates your extreme attempt at covering the blunder.

With a wave of your free hand, you murmur, "my health appears to have improved significantly, thanks to your hospitality and our esteemed company. I would hate to occupy more of your Time or business—"

A flourish. A fine apron, a number of towels, and the bottle in question is disguised, then poured perfectly. The two forgotten glasses on the table are filled. With a glance between you, Harriet and Ray, your host bows once again. "It would be an honor to continue to serve all of our esteemed company, Father Anscham. How may I better serve you?"

"You have outdone yourself, Sir Rainecourt, by providing us with as much discretion as you already have—"

Another deep bow.

"Sister Cardew, if I may...?"

The year is 605, but you are a gentleman. She is unable to suppress her smile. "Of course."

"We would appreciate your continued company through the evening." A glance to Sir Rainecourt, hoping your eyes aren't too red, "dinner, and your continued service, would be excellent, Sir."

"Right away," his nose is parallel to the floor, "Father, of course."

A flurry of pomp and servility whisks the whiskey bottle and Sister Cardew's utter failure at respectable behavior away.

Your posture is too stiff to lean across the table, and you resist the urge, merely lowering your voice. "What were you thinking?"

Her smile is gone, her lips as straight as your back. "To study is to serve, Father." She still has the label in hand, with its floaty script. Eyes wide, she can't help but scrutinize it.

It's impossible to not comment on how strange her appearance is. "You mentioned your glasses on several occasions now—"

The priestess goes to speak, realizes she's interrupting, and promptly closes her mouth.

You continue, "they are more than unusual. Do they have any special properties...?"

(1/2)
>>
>>4055616
A minor adjustment of the harness, as the woman across the table from you unfastens some latch at the back of her hair. Her glasses are unhooked, the lenses suspended between several bands of tanned hide. Sister Cardew immediately squints, as the frame comes off, but she's all smiles. "You should see for yourself."

Palms outstretched, in the symbol of your church, the brunette holds out her glasses for you to try.

The immaterial must be known. The material cannot be neglected either, can it? This couldn't hurt. Surely.

Curious, you take the harness, and simply hold the lenses before your face.

The world easily becomes twice as large. Your head swims, for only a moment, as you immediately pull back. Blinking several times, trying to get the spots out of your eyes, you hold the device back out. "Mercy, this— how can you possibly hope to see with such a device—"

A light laugh replies, taking the item back immediately. "It has a few other properties, but it's mostly to help me see. Father Sullivan had it commissioned for me, as a girl, but the lenses have had to be adjusted a few times, over the years."

Blinking a few more times, you shake off the start of a headache by taking up the glass of whiskey before you. It's caramel in color, and so smoky that the scent hits you from arms length.

"Other properties?"

"It can help me discern a few hidden inks. They are terribly uncommon, a kind of sorcerery. It spares my eyes any further strain. I rarely get to give it any use. For all I know, the charm is gone."

"I see."

A snicker. It's difficult to keep the eye contact, but you suspect there's something of a smile with the mild amusement.

You raise your glass, to the Sister of Spirit. There's no need to say anything, to show your appreciation.

She raises her glass in turn.

The drink is perfect. All of the herbs you caught from opening the bottle seems to be from a brewing method you're unfamiliar with, but the aftertaste is phenomenal. You're almost reminded of the scent of coals, but can't linger on the exotic luxury.

Sir Rainecourt re-materializes, with his daughters in tow. Commanding Ray to come closer, you keep a hand to him as a veritable feast is laid out on the table. Harriet clears off all of her books as quickly as she's able, while you murmur a few words of reassurance to your boy.

The deer appears to have been spit-roasted, cut into chunks, and served alongside a number of local vegetables. The man of the house confirms this in elaborate detail, agonizing over every sauce used. You remain polite, letting him rattle off the list before another deep bow and his departure.

Bowing your head to begin a prayer to Agriculture, you're cut off.

"You really didn't have to, you know," Sister Cardew says, bluntly.

"Pardon?"

A nod, to the table. She's still refastening her glasses. "The meal. You shouldn't hurt yourself. You've been through more than enough."

(Options in next post.)
>>
>>4055619
>Choose from BOTH A and B.
>A is mutually exclusive, majority vote will decide.
>B may not be mutually exclusive, please choose at least ONE option.

>A] This is a primary concern of yours, for your well-being. She has a point...
>1] ...and you don't want to offend your host. Stick to the drink, and let Sister Cardew enjoy the meal. You can eat back at the church.
>2] ...but you are still staying in the Church of Flesh, and have an appointment with its Father this evening. You can handle the pain, with an entire bar and good company all to yourself.
>3] Write-in.

>B] Working on your communication with a (relatively) polite woman is more than you could hope for.
>1] Ask Sister Cardew about herself. (Write-in any suggestions! Otherwise your QM will assume Father Anscham's standard skill.)
>2] You have a little common ground, with the Church of Spirit. She seems homesick, but maybe she'd be interested in discussing some books?
>3] You're normally terrible at this, but surely, a man with your intelligence can come up with SOMETHING to talk about. (Write-in.)
>>
>>4055621
>>A] This is a primary concern of yours, for your well-being. She has a point...
>2] ...but you are still staying in the Church of Flesh, and have an appointment with its Father this evening. You can handle the pain, with an entire bar and good company all to yourself.

I have been through worse, and this is for my betterment.

>B] Working on your communication with a (relatively) polite woman is more than you could hope for.
>2] You have a little common ground, with the Church of Spirit. She seems homesick, but maybe she'd be interested in discussing some books?

The books we found in the ruins of Ostedholm, the books we have in our own collection.


>3] You're normally terrible at this, but surely, a man with your intelligence can come up with SOMETHING to talk about. (Write-in.)
We were away for a very long time, ask about news, the state of Murgate and general affairs. I would also like to know what Father Sullivan thinks of us.
>>
>>4055621
>A] This is a primary concern of yours, for your well-being. She has a point...
>2] ...but you are still staying in the Church of Flesh, and have an appointment with its Father this evening. You can handle the pain, with an entire bar and good company all to yourself.

>B] Working on your communication with a (relatively) polite woman is more than you could hope for.
>1] Ask Sister Cardew about herself. (Write-in any suggestions! Otherwise your QM will assume Father Anscham's standard skill.)
>2] You have a little common ground, with the Church of Spirit. She seems homesick, but maybe she'd be interested in discussing some books?
Want sum ocular healing? Free of charge!
>>
>>4055631
>>4055621

I would also like to ask her if she would accept our help in healing her eyesight. It would only be fair.
>>
>>4055629
supporting along with ocular healing - wish i could get some of that myself haha
>>
>>4055629
>>4055636
+1
>>
>>4055629
>>4055631
>>4055636
>>4055651
(You got it guys! Vote is locked, writing now.)
>>
>>4055653
(Missed ya, you too)
>>
>>4055631
>>4055654
"Something for the pain" t: Flask Yech
>>
>>4055673
(Shit. I haven't quite started writing but this was fast enough to incorporate. Vote is locked now, but I can squeeze this in.)
>>
>>4055654
>>4055656
>>4055679
"I have been through worse, and this is for my betterment."

The priestess appointed to monitor your mental health seems unamused. For the way she's reached across the table to serve herself only from the dishes closest to you, you'd think she's ignoring your statement entirely.

"You do not believe me."

"I know you're being sincere, Father, but I have to disagree. The Church of Spirit isn't nearly as obsessed with the material as our current hosts."

"I have an appointment this evening with Father Friedrich. I intend to keep it, and to serve his church just as diligently as any other." An entire chunk of deer meat is skewered, which you serve to Ray with a frown. He licks your hand before the food, with more discipline than any priest you've ever met.

"You are such a good boy. Sit, Ray."

He inhales the entire wedge, looking back up to you with visible delight. You serve him a few more pieces before attending to yourself.

Piling up a number of vegetables, stews, sauces, and an adequate amount of meat to qualify for Father Friedrich's regimen, you start fishing for your flask.

Not even the finest dining in Corcaea can rival a demon of Agriculture.

Taking out Yech's gift gets you a sideways glance, from Sister Cardew. She's already murmured a prayer to the Goddess of Bounty on your behalf, but looks nervous. "Father Anscham, is everything alright?"

"Something for the pain. Yes, Sister— Mercy this looks terrible—"

You pull back, from the flask. It's brimming with steam, and one of the most bitter, earthy teas you've ever smelled.

The brunette across the table looks doubly concerned. "You said it was safe?"

"Let me see your glass." Her whiskey glass has already been emptied. Wiping out the interior with a napkin, you pour a fair quantity of the tea into the clear crystal for further inspection.

It's cloudy, dark, and might as well be mud for how well you can make out any particles of whatever seeds constitute the blend. The aroma is intense, deep and herbal. Sister Cardew immediately blanches.

You hold it to the light, and can pick out a few seeds still intact. They're jet black, pin pricks, and seem to be unwashed.

Whatever this is, it's incredibly potent.

(Options in next post.)
>>
>>4055760
>A] Don't use the flask again until you have better supplies and adequate Time to test the beverage. Enjoy the fine dining and good company as best as you can, and deal with the pain.

>B] Try the drink.
>1] Have a VERY small amount, and wait to see its effects. Get back to your conversation and the meal as soon as possible.
>2] Drink it normally, hope the excellent food makes up for the taste, and trust that you'll be alright. Yech would never poison you, and you're probably in the safest environment you could hope for.

>C] Double down on the whiskey, and ask for a more standard drink from the flask instead. You're far too paranoid to be bothered with this, when you badly want for a normal evening.

>D] Write-in.
>>
>>4055762
>>B] Try the drink.
2] Drink it normally, hope the excellent food makes up for the taste, and trust that you'll be alright. Yech would never poison you, and you're probably in the safest environment you could hope for.
>>
>>4055762
>>B] Try the drink.
>>1] Have a VERY small amount, and wait to see its effects. Get back to your conversation and the meal as soon as possible.
>>
>>4055765
+1
>>
>>4055765
>>4055769
>>4055777
(Locking here with majority for B1. Writing now!)
>>
>>4055779
(Typo, meant B2, sorry.)
>>
>>4055779
Taking a deep breath, you hold it, bracing yourself. Knocking back the tea as quickly as you can, you wonder for an instant if it actually is poison. It's revolting, easily one of the most bitter brews you've had in your entire life. It's not even as hot as the steam would indicate, and several whole seeds are still intact through the mush. It tastes earthy. You're reminded of having your face shoved into soil and mud.

Sister Cardew looks moderately horrified, as you slam your glass back down and look for something to get rid of the taste. Coughing through the tea, you try to choke down some of the deer.

It's cooked perfectly, and immediately makes up for the drink.

There's still pain. The carve into the back of your throat from what might as well be a knife is an immediate indication of the meal being prepared in Corcaea. It eventually all goes down, and you try to defend your friend's honor.

"Yech would never poison me." The cough and struggle is not convincing. You hope your devotion is. "I do not believe— not for a moment— that he would ever intentionally cause another person harm. Not when they could be helped. Certainly not a friend. Never through his work."

The human woman sitting across from you looks skeptical. "If you're sure."

"I am."

A long pause, as you suffer through more of the meat. The cough doesn't abate, and neither does the sensation of shards of glass as you murmur, "Sister Cardew?"

"Yes?"

"I have been away for some Time. It has been four months, now, since I left Eadric. News is difficult to come by."

"It's poor dinner conversation."

It's very difficult to come by. "I— I see—"

A priestess of information can't resist the temptation. "Our efforts in the Dark Fen are doing miserably. Father Friedrich has lost many good men. I believe the outbreak was initially caused by several demons of grief."

Swallowing more deer might be akin to eating shrapnel, but it feels easier to choke down than what you're hearing.

I must have arrived moments too late.

"The demon of fear—"

You interrupt her. "Jonathan." It's important to you. You saved at least one soul, for a Time.

"Yes. Well. I strongly suspect that he was one of many demons that have complicated the affair. It's bad enough to war against Cyno's armies. To have our own— our defenses can only hold for so long. There was a recent victory, at the Crepuscule."

You try to not look too guilty. Your eavesdropping earlier in the day aligns completely with what you're being told, and you try to assume the rest of the information you hear is as credible.

She continues, "King Magnus has declared a week long celebration in Calunoth, and almost every road from here to Eadric has been temporarily shut down. Half of the country is in an uproar."

"That seems terribly excessive."

"I presume he's trying to quell the unrest on his doorstep. Brother Algrith has been stirring the pot."

"Who...?"

(1/4)
>>
>>4055974
A very hard look is given to you. "He didn't tell you his name?"

You stare back, trying to swallow a little more tea.

"The man you saved. I assumed you were simply to upset to provide it. You did say he had red hair, didn't you...?"

You nearly spit out your drink, at the realization. "My—" congregation, "from Ostedholm—"

"You were told that they went to Calunoth."

"The majority, but— it's been a nightmare to get any information."

There is a very warm feeling in the back of your head. You're not certain if it's a Mercy or from the pain, but you continue, "I have heard a few rumors, of the— the blasphemy—"

https://youtu.be/HQC9sToSdmM

The sensation is becoming more pronounced by the second. You feel a little numb.

"Father?"

"Thank you, for bringing this to my attention."

It's not numbness. It's an absence of pain.

"It's the tea, isn't it?"

There is something much better than the mere absence of agony, working up and through the relief.

"I believe so."

"Yech was—"

"Is." I am paranoid, but not that paranoid.

"Is a demon of celebration, isn't he?"

The temperature seems to be increasing, along with the elation.

This is better than any liquor.

"He— he enjoys— confetti, and explosions, Sister. Agriculture. Plenty."

"He's right about one thing. Don't stand up until we get some more food in you."

"I do not intend to go anywhere." Pleasure is equalizing into an all-encompassing euphoria. If you weren't mistaken, your tremor has completely stopped.

Several minutes pass, as you ride out the complete absence of pain. Setting the flask aside seems prudent, and you find your voice. "I am terribly sorry about the situation in Murgate." It's been months since you last signed an official document. "It was brought to my attention, prior to my absence—"

"It's not your fault. These things happen."

Trying to keep your voice level is becoming easier by the second. "There are reinforcements coming."

"Father, I would prefer to not discuss it, if that's alright with you."

"Of course. What of," you wave a hand, and pause. It feels incredible. There's no spasm, no twitching. A smile crosses your face as you ask, "general affairs?"

It's absolutely better than any liquor. The steady warmth and relief has you reminded more of the embrace of a Goddess, the compassion of divinity, than any mortal affair.

At some point you may have stopped listening.

"...has been all over the place." The brunette is possibly referring to the weather, for how disinterested she looks. "I hear Father Bennett—"

"Bennett?"

"Sorry. Barthalomew. It's hard to keep track of them all. I always forget he prefers his first name."

"You do not strike me as forgetful."

"Easier to remember what matters. Speaking of which, you stopped touching the meal."

(2/4)
>>
>>4055981
There's something clouding your mind, and you absolutely have forgotten what's right in front of you. "What would Father Sullivan say?"

"Oh?" She looks amused. A wide pair of eyes gets a little closer, as Sister Cardew slides around the side of the table again.

"A priestess of Spirit— concerned with material affairs. A Father— of Mercy— who barely knows how to show any to himself." You're not too drugged to avoid self-deprecation, but it's made lightly.

While taking your knife and placing it gingerly aside, said priestess sets up a smaller portion of food for you, and begins watching you intently. "While we talk."

There's no reason to complain, for the relief and heat running through you. The knife being moved away isn't cause for concern. Ray is sitting politely next to you, keeping a close eye on you both, too well-behaved to beg. Satisfied, you get back to eating.

A few more answers follow. "You weren't listening. It's alright. Father Sullivan has had his hands full, trying to attend to the Spirit of a dying country. It's bad dinner conversation. He wouldn't mind. He's never minded. I don't think he holds a thing against you, Father Anscham, but..."

You lift your eyes, hazy, from the candlelight and crystal.

Sister Cardew may not have anything from a demon in her, but she's certainly had too much to drink. The way she's trailed off demands finishing the mouthful of roasted game, and starting a proper line of questioning. "Please, I— you said you wished to be honest with me."

"There's a lot of talk."

"Is it all valid?"

"No. No." She leans in slightly, pushing a little more stew towards you. "I insist. While we talk. I'll give you answers, don't worry. We don't want any more issues tonight. The wine was already a bit much."

You want to frown, obliging her request, but it's impossible to remain dejected. Not even your Relic could make you feel so spectacular. The arms of Mercy may be warmer, and kinder, but this is a close second. There is no ache, no tear, no knife digging into the back of your throat or skull, save for the one you hear.

"Father Sullivan is a very ardent critic of your works, Father Anscham. Of you."

"Of course."

"You're high."

"Yes."

"Probably for the best." She laughs lightly, and murmurs, "to properly answer your question: he'd be terribly ashamed of both of us. It's alright. He's too stern for his own good. You're better off focusing on yourself right now."

There's a slight smile creeping across your face, for how much relief there is. "I have been through so much. I've never felt better. Yech— I really have to find a way to thank him—"

Sister Cardew is giving you a look. It's endearing, but she's clearly worried, and still pressing more food at you.

She seems to actually care. This is as good of an opportunity as any.

"Sister." Your eyes lift.

"Yes."

(3/4)
>>
>>4055983
"You—" your gaze is back down to the glass, the table, to Ray, and anywhere but on the woman at your side, "while we talk, is there anything you could tell me? Of yourself?"

A long silence follows. You try to finish the rest of the meal, but your head is swimming so hard that it's almost too difficult to sit upright.

It occurs to you that you haven't been fidgeting since the tea kicked in.

Glancing back up, with disbelief and more relief, you're taken aback.

The priestess at your side seems to have dropped her furrowed brow, to smirk back at you. "You're better at this than you think you are."

It's hard to not sheepishly grin. Muttering, "that is not an answer to either question," you pick at the last of the food before you with some effort.

A proper reply finally comes, as Sister Cardew gets herself the remainder of the whiskey. "I was born and raised in the church. Five brothers, three sisters. Father Sullivan is actually my great uncle—" she frowns, "and this is the first time I've been outside of Murgate. Always kept to home. Ruined my eyes spending so much Time under candlelight. Never mattered."

With absolute sincerity, you turn fully towards the priestess, looking straight at her eyes. They brown irises are hazy, swimming with liquor, but you can recognize potential when you see it. "I could heal them."

She balks. "My eyes?"

"Yes."

"You shouldn't. I mean—"

"We could heal them. Mercy has never hurt me, Sister Cardew. It wouldn't—"

A finger goes up, wordlessly asking you to stop.

"Thank you, Father Anscham. I need some Time. To think this over." Her finger lowers, her hands folded on her lap. "We can enjoy our evening with me and my glasses, right?"

"Of course." Shifting gears is effortless when there's not a shred of tremor or anxiety in your entire frame. It feels as if a God of relief is working through you. "What never mattered?"

"Stories suit me much better than the world we live in. I don't have much. Not in the way of hobbies. Nothing else of the sort."

This is perfect. "You should have seen the tomes and codexes within Ostedholm."

The bleary eyes before you light up. "How many stories did you say the building was?"

Looking up to the shallow eaves of A Hope, you grin. "The peak of the city touched the top of the world." You glance back down, to Sister Cardew, who is delighted. "Its deepest recesses reached the lowest recesses of the abyss. It took hours to traverse its halls."

"You said some of the books had to be destroyed?"

Tapping your temple, you murmur, "a blessing, then and now. It was nothing that Spirit has not seen fit to preserve."

Scooting forward in her chair, Sister Cardew asks, "what, exactly?"

(Just over, 4/5 options in next post.)
>>
>>4055986
"Stories of other lands. Other races. Old Kings, and Gods worshiped by blasphemers halfway across the world. Titans. Desolation."

The priestess of Spirit is absolutely riveted. "All of my study has pertained almost strictly to Corcaea. Not even Father Sullivan's archives are complete. Would you tell me of some of it?"

>A] You're already cutting things very close to your appointment with Father Friedrich. Wrap up the evening with Sister Cardew, and try to honor your other obligations.
>1] Switch the subject back to her. Promise to tell her some of the stories next time you meet, and ask when that might be.
>2] Thank her for everything, and have Ray escort you back to the Church of Flesh.
>3] Ask where you could have your next meeting. Not even the Church of Mercy can afford to dine out like this often.
>4] You'll trust Cyril to help you both with a better arrangement when you next meet. You'll track him down after seeing Father Friedrich to properly thank him.

>B] Father Friedrich can wait. He was understanding of you missing an appointment before. The tea you've had was incredibly potent, and you have no idea when it will wear off.
>1] Tell Sister Cardew about what you read on other lands.
>2] Elaborate a bit on what little you found on other races.
>3] Expand on the archaic text pertaining to the old Kings.
>4] Get into your knowledge of ancient religion.
>5] See if she's heard anything regarding Titans.
>6] Ask if she's read on Desolation, or the Throne of Ellor.

>C] Write-in.
>>
>>4055988
>>B] Father Friedrich can wait. He was understanding of you missing an appointment before. The tea you've had was incredibly potent, and you have no idea when it will wear off.
>>1] Tell Sister Cardew about what you read on other lands.
Walk and talk as we head back
>>
>>4056054
This is a good plan. Supporting
>>
>>4056054
>>4056059
(Locking vote here since we're unanimous, writing now.)
>>
>>4056087
"Yes. While we head back," you grin. "I promise."

The complaints are immediate. "You can barely sit upright. It took half the day just to get here."

"Ray has escorted me through infinitely worse circumstances, Sister Cardew." Looking up at his name, your boy happily nudges you. He's not one to beg, but insists on being scratched behind his ears. You comply, reassuring everyone in your company, "I will be just fine."

Sister Cardew attempts to scowl, but she can't hold it for long. A slight laugh escapes from her at your attempts to stand unassisted. "Fine. Have it your way. I'm only helping you so long as you keep the story coming."

The room does not tilt. Everything seems to soften. It's difficult to feel anything. There is no pressure, no sharp reminder of anything other than pleasant company. Harriet scribbles something onto a piece of parchment, stamping it, and takes the item in hand. "Have you seen—"

Sir Rainecourt reappears almost instantly, with both of his daughters. They elegantly set to clearing the table. You're offered another complimentary drink, and politely refuse. Your host is all smiles, beaming to you both, "I do hope everything was to your standards this evening, Sister...?"

"Cardew. It was impeccable." The note is handed over promptly, which the gentleman scrutinizes for only a moment.

"Everything appears to be in order, then. May I be of any further assistance?"

"Some extra attention for any guests at the bottom of the stair, Sir."

This woman is a blessing. The last thing I need is any further scrutiny.

A bow, with an impossible flourish. "Of course. May your evening be as blessed as the company you keep."

"Likewise, Sir. Thank you."

There is a flurry, as Sir Rainecourt and both of his daughters make quick work of disappearing to the bar. You're helped to your feet, steady yourself, and wait a moment for the lord to descend back down the stair. The 'reserved' sign goes with Delia, as his daughters trail behind.

There is a great deal of commotion from downstairs, as Sister Cardew gestures for you to hurry along.

As you both leave A Hope behind, gingerly descending the steps, you see a full house. There's a great number of drunken noblemen standing and sitting about A Prayer. You recognize a few faces in the crowd from the Church of Flesh, priests wearing plainclothes and attempting to get away from the keep for an evening out.

They're all revelry and excitement, as Sir Rainecourt appears to have given out several bottles of extremely fine whiskey on the house. You hear, "compliments of the Church of Spirit," and "appropriate as always," mixed in with "can't get a fucking seat in this place," and "about damn Time."

(1/4)
>>
>>4056215
As quickly as you can, keeping your head down, you head out of the building. The small entry room is packed with waiting guests, none of who seem to care that you're leaving or pay any notice to the company you keep. It's likely that Ray's presence at the front of the pack is what's giving everyone such a wide berth from your procession, but you don't care.

The front door is held open by a particularly well-mannered gentleman, and a blast of cold air practically sobers you. Slinking out of the last of the crowd, Sister Cardew practically pulls you from the inn back onto the street.

It's freezing. A strong wind has picked up, and Storm clouds are overhead. You both look to the shades of blue, the night sky lanced with amber clouds. The priestess pulls her shawls closer, and drags you a little harder. "We had better get moving."

Nodding your head, thoroughly enjoying the warmth still coursing through you, you set back out to the city streets. There are smatterings of men and women going about their business, but significantly less than before. For the coming rain, almost every stall and vendor has boarded up. No hollering or bartering seems to be taking place in the street, but every tavern and inn looks to be packed. The revelry follows you both as you pull away, into the residential districts, and narrow, winding passages leading away from the heart of Beorward.

As you begin to fall into old routine, walking in the dark, enjoying the chill against the heat within you, Harriet knocks you lightly on the arm. She's so much shorter than you, it's as high as she can comfortably reach. "You still in there?"

"Yes. Absolutely."

"Cold air doing anything?"

"It is— this has been lovely."

"Haven't forgotten your promise, have you?"

"Of course not."

It's a long trek back to the keep, if you remember correctly, and you have an impeccable memory. Ray is right by your legs, winding around you, nudging you when necessary. It's comfortable enough to permit a little distraction, to let your mind wander. "It was easily a library's worth of information. Not in an age could every page have been read. Not without Her blessing."

The Sister of Spirit remains respectfully quiet. Her gaze is ahead, paying close attention to navigating along Cyril's route while you tell the tale.

"There was legend of a trade route that once ran north of Corcaea. Father Friedrich's maps align with the telling. Beyond our borders, past the Sunless Sea, lies a colossal desert. Xerocole. It spans the length of Anor, but there is even more, beyond the sands. A civilization eclipsed in an eternal night. Deeply nestled under a red moon."

"Didn't she...?"

"I never asked."

"I'm sorry."

"Idonea may have not hailed from Corcaea," you deflect, and then elaborate, "Ostedholm's fall took place over 700 years ago, Sister Cardew."

"Ah. It's a little difficult to keep track of it all. Go on, though."

(2/4)
>>
>>4056217
"Farther north still, in ages longer past, there was record of heresy." You look around, to the corridor beneath a great ruin you're currently passing through. Underfoot is a great network of irrigation, running through the stone. Above is a network, a bridge spanning the distance. It's empty on all sides, as everyone is hiding from the coming Storm.

"I should not— it would be blasphemous to even speak of it—"

A groan. "You can't just say that. Go on. You know I won't hold it against you."

"Well." You resume walking behind her. Leaning down, you drop to a whisper, "fantasy. Myths. A Time when men determined their own fate. It was written that we predate not just the other races, but the very Gods themselves."

The priestess stops walking, spinning around to you, wide-eyed. "That is blasphemous."

You put up both hands, taking a step back. "I did not write it. I am merely retelling the tale. Stories, fiction, Sister Cardew."

Worry knits the priestess' brow, but she pulls slightly on your sleeve, ushering you to keep walking. "Alright. Come on, then. What else?"

The warmth running through you, the relief and euphoria is too much to linger on any concerns. "Aside from the deserts, darkness and blasphemy, there was a great deal written on the lands surrounding our own home. Far more than I would have suspected. Did you know that halfling civilization once worshiped Agriculture?"

"You're joking."

"No. Hundreds of warped deities, for every leaf, seed and grain. It was— is ridiculous."

"What of the land, then?"

"Folorast has protected us from a spoiled country to the south, it seems. Tainted by abuse of sorcery, through worship and attempted preservation of the land. I presume that the ruins there are untraversable."

"Fascinating. We've been pushing to the east. Was there anything on Cyno?"

"Nothing, but to the west—"

Sister Cardew turns her head back just for a moment, so curious that she can't help but take her eyes off of the road. You grin.

"More heresy."

She groans. "Out with it."

"It seems that our relations with elvenkind have been strained for ages, Sister."

"Not very surprising."

Your grin fades. "No."

She stops walking again. You do, as well. Ray trots ahead, nose in the air, trying to lead you on for the trickle of rain that's beginning to fall.

"You did everything you could to help her, didn't you?"

"Yes."

"You said it yourself: you were fighting for your life. She's lucky to have had you."

The priestess turns a bit whiter, realizes what she's said, and blinks a few times. With a frown, she continues, "it's not right." There might be an attempt to save face, as she sneers, "suspicious, is what it is."

"Suspicious?"

(3/4)
>>
>>4056224
A great deal of conviction comes into the woman's voice. "The way you were treated. It sounded sterile, Father. It's not right. Something was wrong with those women." She turns back around, walking firmly ahead. In a murmur, you overhear, "I intend to find out what."

Bewildered, you pick your pace back up.

Emerging from the tunnel reveals a great deal of rain beginning to come down. You rush ahead, throw an arm over Sister Cardew, and panic sets in even through the drugs.

"No."

That harness was made overnight. As a gift. It is not meant for travel—

"Ray. Here, boy—"

The cloth harness about his body is absolutely not water-proof. Kneeling beside him, you extract your journal from the (pooch) pouch, and nestle it within your robes as best as you're able. The rain is rapidly becoming sleet.

It's all you can do to run back to the Church of Flesh.

Unfortunately, Harriet cannot keep your pace. Ray practically runs circles around you both, as you help her along, having to constantly slow down.

Your journal is safely nestled away, but every other inch of you gets soaked to the bone. It sobers you up rapidly, between the exertion, the cold air, and the frigid rain. Your hair sticks to the back of your neck, your robes are clinging, and there is a flush in your face.

The woman beside you is clad in at least five layers of fabric, but it's white, and leaves almost nothing to the imagination by the time you both arrive at the gates.

It seems prudent to take Ray's harness, wrap it as best as you can around your journal, and sacrifice your black robes for the priestess beside you. Your shirt and trousers, in the same hue, are modest enough for your needs. Resenting the large meal is easy enough, as your clothes are sticking to you as well, but it's a small sacrifice.

Sister Cardew graciously accepts the offering, as you walk up to the drawbridge. "Thank you."

You're so much taller than her, your garment easily conceals her entire frame from view. It's a little too difficult to reply, as you both try to avoid as much scrutiny as possible on your return.

Thanks to the weather, it seems almost everyone has returned to the confines of their respective posts, and are too busy going about business to comment on your appearance.

Clearing the battlements and towers, interior ward and courtyard, you arrive back in the exterior ward. Wiping sleet off of your brow, slicking back your hair away from your forehead, there's a familiar heat, in all of the strands of gold. Having so many fewer scars along your hands is enormously reassuring, and you try to tell yourself that Father Friedrich's tutelage will pay further dividends in the coming weeks. Steadying the sister of Spirit, who is trying to not slip on the stone, you both make your way to the exterior ward's hallways.

(Just over, 4/5)
>>
>>4056228
Passing just outside your door, your heart drops. A weight heavier than your dinner sinks into the pit of your stomach, alongside the sight of a stupid blonde ponytail and uncovered, extremely muscular arms.

One is waving.

Cyril is in the exact same spot you left him in. In the same pose.

Sister Cardew's face drops, whispering, "he hasn't left...?"

"He hasn't moved," you murmur, dripping onto the stone.

The cheekiest smile you've ever seen is directed at you both.

>A] You can explain.
>1] You've taken a vow of chastity.
>2] It was a business meeting.
>3] This is your therapist. A counselor.
>4] Further meetings you have together are entirely sanctioned by the Church of Mercy and Spirit. The Church of Flesh is not to intervene.
>5] You aren't high, she isn't drunk, you had to run in the rain. It sobered you up. The flush in your face is from the run.
>6] You are on your way to see Father Friedrich, and don't have Time for any teasing or further explanation.

>B] His directions were impeccable, the recommendation for A Hope was outstanding, the service was phenomenal, and the weather was even in your favor. Thank Cyril profusely. Later. After you've escorted Sister Cardew back to her room.
>1] Insist that you find a way to make it up to him. (Write-in anything befitting of a wing-man of this caliber.)
>2] Ask him if there's any way you can make it up to him. Plainly. This was one of the best evenings you've had in ages.

>C] Write-in.
>>
>>4056232
>B] His directions were impeccable, the recommendation for A Hope was outstanding, the service was phenomenal, and the weather was even in your favor. Thank Cyril profusely. Later. After you've escorted Sister Cardew back to her room.
>2] Ask him if there's any way you can make it up to him. Plainly. This was one of the best evenings you've had in ages.

No need to be rude and no need to explain - our business is our own, and he DID assist us in having a pleasant time! Also maybe ask if he's been out here this entire time
>>
>>4056232
>B2
>>
>>4056232
>B] His directions were impeccable, the recommendation for A Hope was outstanding, the service was phenomenal, and the weather was even in your favor. Thank Cyril profusely. Later. After you've escorted Sister Cardew back to her room.
>>2] Ask him if there's any way you can make it up to him. Plainly. This was one of the best evenings you've had in ages.
>>
>>4056232
>>B] His directions were impeccable, the recommendation for A Hope was outstanding, the service was phenomenal, and the weather was even in your favor. Thank Cyril profusely. Later. After you've escorted Sister Cardew back to her room.
>2] Ask him if there's any way you can make it up to him. Plainly. This was one of the best evenings you've had in ages.
>>
>>4056246
>>4056250
>>4056276
>>4057301
(Woke up very early today and took care of everything before my alarm even went off! Got ample time to write, let's do this thing. Vote is locked.)
>>
>>4057335
There's no use resisting the temptation to ask Cyril, "have you been out here this entire Time?"

Helping Sister Cardew along the steps, you continue walking past your guard. Making a very brief nod to the guard, darting your eyes to your door, you wordlessly make it as clear as possible that you'll be right back.

The smirk plastered across his face threatens to get wider. He gets it. "Yeah."

Harriet looks like she wants to sneer, but clearly is too miserably sodden to comment.

"Didn't want to miss a thing" The smirk does get wider, as you both proceed past him. "I'll see you around. Never a dull moment, eh, Father?"

Smoothly, the priest sweeps up the various pieces of dishware and trash about his feet, and strolls back down the hall in the direction you came from.

It's all you can do to shake your head.

The sister of Spirit is quick to sigh. "He's a handful, isn't he?"

"He means well. Are you shivering?"

Arriving outside of Sister Cardew's quarters took only a matter of moments. Her shoulders are trembling, but she insists on taking off your robes, and giving them back to you. You hand the woman back her purse as quickly as you're able, glancing down both ends of the hallway multiple times. It's completely empty, for all of the sick and wounded that are resting behind closed doors.

"Thank you, again, Father." She's fussing with her keys, and having a hard time due to the obvious cold that's coming down.

"Thank you. For everything."

The sodden robes in your hands are steadily dripping onto the floor. More water still is trickling from your hair, your soaked clothes, and the priestess standing before you. There's a chill in the garments you're holding, but you've always been hot-blooded. The blessing of a Goddess is in you, like fire, in the Relic you carry, the band of gold about your ring finger, and the warmth coursing through your frame.

Maybe it also has to do with the tea.

Tonight has been more than a Mercy.

For her sake, you try to stand behind the priestess. The white gown she's wearing beneath all of her shawls and gauze is clinging. A slender and devoted figure is demanding your attention, for all of your vows.

>A] Briefly thank the priestess for the wonderful evening, and keep things professional. You don't want to give her the wrong impression, and you have an appointment to keep.

>B] Ask the woman as tactfully as you can what her intentions are. Reading people does not come to you as easily as reading books, and this is one person you don't want to push away.

>C] Make your intentions clear. Ask Sister Cardew when she'd like to meet again. No business required.

>D] You have a window of opportunity, but you've spent most of your life in a cell. It might take a little creativity to make the most of this moment. (Write-in.)
>>
>>4057378
>A] Briefly thank the priestess for the wonderful evening, and keep things professional. You don't want to give her the wrong impression, and you have an appointment to keep.

Restraint.
>>
>>4057378
>>A] Briefly thank the priestess for the wonderful evening, and keep things professional. You don't want to give her the wrong impression, and you have an appointment to keep.
Tell her if it's possible we'd like to keep in touch. At the very least Richard needs more friends that he can rely upon
>>
>>4057378
>B] Ask the woman as tactfully as you can what her intentions are. Reading people does not come to you as easily as reading books, and this is one person you don't want to push away.
>>
>>4057378
>A] Briefly thank the priestess for the wonderful evening, and keep things professional. You don't want to give her the wrong impression, and you have an appointment to keep.

Weren't we also gonna heal her eyes if we could?
>>
>>4057387
I think she refused, we could try asking her again later.
>>
>>4057387
(She asked for some time to think about it, but you certainly can remind her/ask about it.)
>>
>>4057379
>>4057382
>>4057384
>>4057387
>>4057388
(Alright, I think we can incorporate all of this. Locking the vote here, writing now.)
>>
>>4057395
Clutching a little harder onto your holy vestments, you're all fire, and devotion. There's a golden band around your ring finger, searing, as you look earnestly to the priestess before you. "Sister Cardew?"

She glances over her shoulder, having managed to work the lock before her open. Straight-faced, she lifts her eyes, looking to you questioningly. Though they are still swimming from liquor, the woman is maintaining her composure as well as ever.

Your chasteness easily eclipses hers. "Thank you, again, for the wonderful evening. I hope we can keep in touch."

A slight smirk, weary. "Father Sullivan wouldn't have it any other way." The smirk becomes a lot more sincere. "It was wonderful, though." The priestess holds her purse a bit closer, for all of the precious vellum concealed within. "I have a great deal of work to do. I'll contact you as soon as I've gathered my findings."

"It is such a relief," you earnestly remark, trying to not let your composure slip.

Ray shakes himself off a little further down the hall.

Another questioning glance, and a raised eyebrow is directed at you, from the priestess.

You elaborate, "I can't tell you how nice it is— to have friends I can rely on."

A current runs up your spine, as Sister Cardew turns around fully, and takes you into a brief hug.

You're too shocked to return the gesture.

She pulls back, smiling fully, and straightens her robes. "You deserve— no, earned, is it?"

It's hard not to smile back. It's melancholy, but you can't deny it.

"You absolutely have earned some good in your life. Have a good night, Father."

Catching her with your voice, you ask, "Sister, before you go?"

She lingers in the door a moment longer.

You tap to your temples, right beside your eye. "My offer stands. Take as much Time as you need to consider it."

With a nod of her head, the priestess offers you one more small smile. "Good night, Father Anscham."

"Good night."

The door is shut, and you hear the lock jingle for a moment as you call Ray to your side. Your boy is almost perfectly dry thanks to his efforts, and you can't help but feel a little jealous as you turn the corner.

Cyril is back, with a flask, leaning against the wooden pillars of the exterior ward. Opposite the door to your room. In the same position as before.

You cross over to him, soggy, trying to not think too hard about how you must look. It's relatively easy to not dwell on anything, as there's still a great deal of heat in you.

After such a spectacular night, some gratitude is in order.

"Cyril."

The smirk is as smug as any man could possibly muster. "Father Anscham."

Standing a few steps away, you're surprised to hear the uncouth priest address you so formally. He continues to surprise you, uncrossing his arms, and dropping the smirk.

He pats you very firmly on the back. "You're too devout for your own good, aren't you?"

(1/2)
>>
>>4057447
Sheepishly, you try to not fall over. Looking down to the slouch in his shoulders, the simple strand of string his wooden holy symbol is dangling from, you straighten upright. The needle is an easier sight than maintaining eye contact. "Thank you for the directions. 'A Hope' was phenomenal. Everything— it was wonderful. I have no idea how I could make it up to you—"

"I have several ideas."

"Do you?" Your earnestness must be showing. His smile is immediate.

"Do I? Are you kidding me? I told you I'd find a way to get you out properly. Some hoity-toity hotspot is fine, sure, but—"

"Cyril." Straightening upright, you try your best to convey your gratitude without looking like a wet dog. "This was easily one of the best evenings I've had in ages. I would like to make it up to you."

Mischief flashes in Cyril's eyes. "You're busy tonight, I take it?"

"Somewhat. Father Friedrich intended to—"

"He won't be long, I'm sure. Not for where we're going."

"Pardon?"

The glint borders on demonic, for all its good intent. "The Rub and Grub Pub."

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me!"

"This sounds indecent."

"It is!" His grin, impossibly, has widened further.

"This sounds like a terrible idea."

"You wanted to make it up to me?"

"You are insatiable. We spent the entire morning drinking and fishing."

"I'm a priest of Flesh, not Mercy." He seems quite proud to say it. "Besides, we don't have to go tonight."

"I— I see. That— you are a little more reasonable—"

You're patted on the back again, very hard.

"Would you please stop that—?"

"Fine, fine. Need me to get you some other robes?" He's wiping his hand on the side of his pants leg, getting the sleet off.

"No, thank you." You're already eager to slip back into your room, into something dry.

"Go on, then. I'm actually heading off."

"I thought—" you start, but the blonde is already peeling away, back down the hall. His back to you, he waves off-handedly, whistling once again.

Shaking your head, you return to your quarters.

Cyril seems to have stoked the fire at the hearth, and set out a basin of hot water. The room is swept clean once again, with nary a cobweb in sight. Ray trots ahead, dropping himself near the fire, immediately enjoying himself.

As you glance around, your heart comes to your throat.

The priest has scattered flower petals on the bed. They're yellow. Likely roses. You have no idea how he could have obtained them, but it doesn't matter.

You close the door firmly behind you, and there is heat on you in an instant.

For the briefest of moments, you think you might be coming down with a fever. Putting a hand to the back of your head, you nearly drop to the floor.

The slightest touch is more intense than any drug you've ever had.

It might not be helped by the tea, as your head is still swimming, but it's unmistakable.

Mercy—

You have been VERY Merciful.

(Options in next post.)
>>
>>4057450
>A] A hot bath and a fresh change of clothes couldn't hurt, not when the Goddess of Compassion is working through you. The night is still young, and so are you.

>B] Sober up with something from your flask, let the bath water get cold. Get your head on straight, and get to Father Friedrich as quickly as possible.

>C] A prayer couldn't hurt. Certainly not before, after, during, or anywhere in between a hot bath, and the bed. Absolutely not when Mercy is demanding your attention.

>D] This is not too sudden. You've been dying for an opportunity to invoke the Gods. Mercy is truly the Goddess of Compassion. You are not an abuser. Your love for Her is pure, and you are going to invoke Her without a second of hesitation.
>1] Stay with Her for a little while. You still have mortal affairs to attend to this evening.
>2] You're making the most of this evening. Keep up the invocation for as long as She wants to stay with you.

>E] Write-in.
>>
>>4057451
>>A] A hot bath and a fresh change of clothes couldn't hurt, not when the Goddess of Compassion is working through you. The night is still young, and so are you
>>
>>4057451
>>B] Sober up with something from your flask, let the bath water get cold. Get your head on straight, and get to Father Friedrich as quickly as possible.
>C] A prayer couldn't hurt. Certainly not before, after, during, or anywhere in between a hot bath, and the bed. Absolutely not when Mercy is demanding your attention.

I'm guessing showing up high won't sit well with Fred. Also, while praying primarily to her, spare some prayers for the other gods - no reason not to, right?
>>
>>4057451
>>B] Sober up with something from your flask, let the bath water get cold. Get your head on straight, and get to Father Friedrich as quickly as possible.

Restraint!
>>
>>4057451
>B] Sober up with something from your flask, let the bath water get cold. Get your head on straight, and get to Father Friedrich as quickly as possible.

>C] A prayer couldn't hurt. Certainly not before, after, during, or anywhere in between a hot bath, and the bed. Absolutely not when Mercy is demanding your attention.


Prayer and restraint!
>>
>>4057456
also restraint all day every day
>>
>>4057455
(Bath and change of clothes)

>>4057456
>>4057458
>>4057460
>>4057463
(Restraintpostinghours on lock, prayers to all of the Gods, not showing up high, etc. We can do all of this! Vote is locked, writing now.)
>>
>>4057472
A very concerned mastiff whines, picks up his ears, and trots back over to you, as you stagger to the bed.

Kneeling down beside the frame and mattress, leaning hard against the sheets, you try to reassure him. "It's fine, boy. Go lay back down."

His obedience is immediate, glancing back to you occasionally as he saunters to the hearth.

There's more heat in you than a kindled flame, as you clasp your hands together. Muttering, "Mercy," in between hitched breaths, it takes a few minutes to regain anything resembling composure.

Prying your hands apart for a moment, you manage something more coherent. The flask in your pocket is slick with sleet, nearly as wet as the rest of you. "Something sobering, anything that will clear my mind and body."

Another tea is rapidly produced, from the endless flask.

It's cold, cream-colored and fragrant. You take only a sip, and are greeted with a sugary, exotic brew. It's reminiscent of raisins, sweet as honey, and as restorative as the energizing brew you had this morning. It easily eclipses the properties of both strange beverages you've had from the flask today.

Almost immediately, you begin to feel a bit more like yourself. The tremor in your hands is back after a few more swigs, but you don't mind in the slightest. Straightening up a bit more, still on your knees, you put the flask away in lieu of clasping your hands back together.

It's been a long time since you last prayed to all of the Gods. At the bottom of the world, desperate for forgiveness, you implored them all to not forsake you.

Now, with far more confidence, you hold onto your vessel. Fingers intertwined, you bow your head, and pray.

"Mercy," you try to start.

Bringing your hands just below your lips, biting down, hard, on your knuckles, you manage to stifle a moan that wants to rise. There is a current of ecstasy wrapping in and around the slightest movement. The stick of the fabric against your skin, the digits interlocked between one another, the dig into your skin. Only your unparalleled devotion to a Goddess of Compassion keeps you from drawing blood, for all of the heat, gold, and a surge of divinity.

With a very deep breath, you are the embodiment of discipline.

Self-control.

Restraint.

A little sterility comes into your voice, trying to stay detached, to keep the Goddess on the edge of your vessel.

"You permitted me to give everything I had, freely, to another. To sacrifice myself, Your tenet, to a demon. I feel you, Mercy. My heart goes out to you. My restraint. I never once doubted that I would feel You again. You have always been with me. Thank You, for Your blessing. Thank You, for Your compassion. Thank You for Your love, and endless devotion—"

(1/5)
>>
>>4057637
It's too much. It's as if She has you in Her arms, Her bosom, for the soft gold that's infringing on the borders of your mind, heart, and every last inch of your body.

You pull back, with another breath, maintaining your composure through every hairline crack in your soul.

"My love for you is endless, as your vessel, the Father, and a man of all of the Gods."

She's still on you, as you try to ride out the overwhelming pull.

At some point, you must have keeled completely over the bed.

A few long moments pass.

You drag yourself upright. Using your elbows for stability, kneeling, you bow your head, and implore another.

"Flesh of my Flesh. Your home has been opened to me, yet I know you have forsaken this vessel. I ask not for your forgiveness. I will earn the right to show you my devotion. It will be Your strength."

It's hard to breathe. For the chill on your shirt and trousers, the fire in you is stifling. There's an intense urge to pull away from the prayer, to attend to the water that's been set out for you.

You quell the compulsion.

You are a man of all the Gods.

"Spirit. Goddess of Knowledge, Wisdom, and Sight." She's listening. Your eyes are closed, attuned to what cannot be seen. "I have been blessed by your very children. I will serve You, as diligently as any other. I have strayed from Your sight, and wandered, long, in the darkness. You have helped me see. Thank you. The immaterial will be known."

Another deep breath. It's impossible to not unclasp your hands for a moment, to clutch at the sheets, to bury your face for another blessed moment.

"Mercy—!"

Dragging yourself away from ecstasy, looking earnestly to the wash basin across the room, there are two words on your mind.

"Cold water."

It's scented with clove and sage. A gift, as you cup the water in your hands and clean your face with it. The relief is frigid, and jolts the last of the drug out of your system.

There's still the promise of divinity.

There are not enough herbs or cold water in all of Corcaea to rival Her blessing.

Even the rush of cold water and remedies from the Church of Flesh do not hold off Her caress. From your discarded and sleet-stained clothes to the last of your scars, there is the sensation of something delicate.

It's tender. Reassuring.

Up, along your spine. Around the base of your scalp, caressing along your broad shoulders.

The frigid bath should have you shaking.

You attend to it as quickly as possible.

Prudence is all over you, as you quickly dry off and get dressed.

There's still a caress.

A few sounds escape you, fighting with the sensation.

(2/5)
>>
>>4057642
You slip back into a clean set of jet-black clothes, stiffly, and quickly. The high collar of your shirt is rapidly fastened with a few cloth buttons. It's nowhere near as revealing as the usual attire of the priests of Flesh, long-sleeved. There are no tears or lace along your trousers, the simple linen.

The spare robes you throw on are in the same hue, just as modest, and optimistically loose-fitting. The Father of Flesh clearly hopes to do some good for you. You have to wonder where he acquired so much exorbitantly dyed fabric, and realize you're a lot more sober.

Despite all of the heat still in you, you stoke the hearth a little higher, and kneel back beside the bed.

For how pressing your engagement is later this evening, there is another prayer that demands your attention. Someone who you have paid an enormous amount of devotion to, and still want to respect.

"Time."

The heat falls from you in an instant, replaced by a cold sweat.

"You seem to always escape me. I ask not for Your eternal grace, not for a single moment. I wish only to serve. To pay respect to You. The sands. The shadow. The Age. Here, now, then and after. Your will is unchangeable."

With the cold sweat on you, wishing to make the most of your courage, dedication, and restraint, you reach out.

Hands still clasped, head bowed, you glance to the flame. The fire. The hearth.

A current of fear is running through you. You wince, wanting for stability. Not convulsions, or the might of the Gods, but a simple prayer.

"Storm."

The temperamental deity does not inflict anything so much as the opportunity to speak. You continue.

"You have blessed me with the vision of Your tempest, without my service, without my life. Without my dedication, without ever knowing Your family. I wish, more than anything, to understand. To better serve. To sail beneath Your sky, to grace Your open shores, to feel Your flame and ride the lightning that is Your fury. Your calm. Your form. Thank you."

With another deep breath, you try to still the tremor in your hands. The twitch in your wasted muscle. The weight, sunken into your gut, taken in without pain, has you worried. Not for your appearance, or anything so petty, but for blasphemy. For the gifts of demons. The curse of ages past. Sacrifice. Agony.

"Agriculture. Your harvest has been bountiful, your generosity without compare. Help me best serve you. Your children have thrived. Your lands have blossomed, yet the halls of your home are ravaged with grief. Help me nurture the seeds of prosperity. I do not wish to blaspheme. I have suffered, that our country may flourish. Help me. Permit our prayers to blossom. Guide me, that I may grow."

(3/5)
>>
>>4057643
The heat is nearly gone. The warmth of the fire across the room is more than compensating for any autumn chill. The linen shirt against your skin, the wool robes adorning them, are all reassuring, and a constant reminder of who you first served.

It's all in black.

"Vengeance."

Nausea threatens to infringe on your chill. The memory of blood, bile, and thirty Catalysts. Clasping your hands together as tightly as you're able, you grit your teeth and manage to spit out a prayer.

"Your retribution is always proportionate. Your will, Your unremitting justice, Your judgement is faultless. Your vessel, Your balance, Your level hands are here. Grateful. Reverent. Thank you, again."

With a very deep breath, you close your eyes, and try to keep your composure.

No blood comes to your lips. Neither does bile. There is no heat, no lightning, no spasm, no convulsions. No loss of weight or muscle, no break in the back of your mind.

"The Gods are Merciful."

There is simply a caress, and an embrace. The Mother of Compassion, holding you, keeps the Father as close as She can.

With a ragged sigh, you get back to your feet, and look to Ray. "Come on, boy."

Leaving his harness out to dry, you stash your journal back on your person, and leave everything but a handful of parchment and a few pens on your person. Carrying them in hand, you leave your room behind, and head out the door.

Almost every hallway is empty, save for a few patrols. It's not too late in the evening, but rain is pelting down so hard on the Church of Flesh you think it might be hail.

Sticking to the interior of the keep, you and Ray cut a path to Father Friedrich's office. The door is closed, as usual. Rapping a few times on the iron-banded wood, you announce yourself.

"Father Friedrich. It's Father An—"

The door promptly opens.

Father Friedrich is alone. He's wearing a red smoking jacket over his tight-fitting attire, and has a cigar between his teeth. His neatly trimmed beard bristles upon seeing you, and pats you firmly on the shoulder.

You catch a glance inside his office. There are two chairs set up, both next to the large table in the center of the room. A number of plain, lead-filled objects appear to be scattered about the floor, but all of the items from earlier in the day have been cleared. There are no suits of armor, no objects of grief.

"You brought the dog— forget it, come on inside. Mind the door."

(4/5)
>>
>>4057646
Hurrying inside the office, you call for Ray to follow you and make himself comfortable, far from the seats in the center of the room. Your boy nestles himself adjacent to another hearth, looking to Father Friedrich with a warning glance or two.

"He really can't stand me, can he?" The Father of Flesh gestures for you to take a seat in one of the over-sized armchairs, closing the door behind him.

You sink into one, trying not to smirk. "He does serve the Church of Mercy, but I doubt he would forgive you for hitting me."

Your host crosses the room, a box in hand. It's filled with cigars, open and offered to you.

"Atticus left me a few. Smoke? Heard you had an interesting night." The older man's brow is furrowed. He's trying to be polite, but he seems bothered.

> (Choose one option from A. Majority vote will decide, as they are mutually exclusive.
> (Choose at least one option from B. They may not necessarily be mutually exclusive.)

>A] You normally don't smoke.
>1] Make an exception, for Father Wilhelm's sake and Father Friedrich's hospitality.
>2] You'll abstain.

>B] Brother Trebbeck and Sister Cardew have been doing a phenomenal job of taking care of you.
>1] Let Father Friedrich know how much you appreciate Cyril's efforts. He deserves some praise.
>2] Inform him of Sister Cardew's care, too. She's not as bad as he thinks.
>3] Try to remain respectful of his animosity towards the Church of Spirit, and ask if he needs you to speak to Sister Cardew or Father Sullivan.
>4] Ask explicitly about Father Sullivan's alleged slander towards you, and the harassment he's been giving Father Friedrich.
>5] Your evening was spectacular. You have more to say. (Write-in.)
>>
>>4057648
>A2
>B1,2,4
>>
>>4057648
>A] 2
Restraint!
>B] 1, 4
>>
>>4057648
>>A] You normally don't smoke.
>2] You'll abstain.

>B] Brother Trebbeck and Sister Cardew have been doing a phenomenal job of taking care of you.
>1] Let Father Friedrich know how much you appreciate Cyril's efforts. He deserves some praise.
>2] Inform him of Sister Cardew's care, too. She's not as bad as he thinks.
>4] Ask explicitly about Father Sullivan's alleged slander towards you, and the harassment he's been giving Father Friedrich.
>>
>>4057658
+1
>>
>>4057653
>>4057654
>>4057658
>>4057677
(Unanimous for A2
B 1, 2, and 4.
Got it! Vote is locked, writing now.)
>>
>>4057711
With a wave, you decline the offering. "I am sure I have already had too much this evening, Father."

"If you're sure." The box is closed, set on the table. The priest sweeps a piece of vellum into his hands, alongside a needle, and looks to you expectantly.

He's smirking.

You elaborate, "Cyril— Brother Trebbeck— has been a God-send."

The smirk is significantly wider, and surprised. "You don't say."

"He has been nothing but helpful and attentive. He deserves the recognition. His aid—" you search for a tactful way to phrase it, "regarding my care with Sister Cardew was phenomenal. I believe I owe the quality of my evening to his help."

Father Friedrich leans back, puffing on the cigar. He's straight-laced, torn between sneering and smiling. "Well, well. This is news to me. Appreciated."

"She is not as severe as you would think, Father—"

The sneer surfaces, fully. "Feminine wiles, Father Anscham. Two wives taught me something!"

You frown back, "nothing of the sort. The Mother of Compassion has shown me more than enough to recognize sincerity when I see it. Harriet means well."

More puffing. There's a cloud growing above the man's head, likely mirroring the one that he alludes to now. "They're nothing but trouble."

"I know Father Sullivan has been harassing you."

Puff.

"Sister Cardew alluded to— well, to nothing short of slander. I believe he is something of a problem for both of us."

"Well? Do you want to do something about it?"

You have to blink a few times. "Excuse me?"

"I don't take kindly to men sticking their noses in my business. Planting their people in my home where they aren't wanted. Spreading rumors. He's been— well, shit, Richard, I really don't know how to put this."

Your grimace could not be any more intense. "Go on."

"He's been a strong advocate for your replacement. Brother Morris, last I heard. There's been others."

That was fast.

"Old 'Merciful Magnus seems to have withheld his judgement on it. In your absence."

"He is Merciful."

"Well. Henry—"

You give a questioning stare.

"For fuck's sake, Richard. Father Sullivan. Henry Sullivan."

"Ah— I—"

A wave of his hand. "Forget it. Not literally. Don't worry about it. Listen— my point being, he's got no fucking right meddling in any of our business. Not my home, not my church, not my family, and not with you. Not under my watch. Do you want to do something about it?"

Confusion, hesitation and no small amount of fear is intermingled with the rise of old abuse and memories of neglect. This is a man who's sent one of his family to help you. Who left you to rot when you needed help most. Who is tearing down your reputation, when you're struggling to build yourself back up.

(1/2)
>>
>>4057779
More puffing. He's pissed. "Atticus and I have been more than happy to extend ourselves to get you back on your feet. We appreciate you, Richard. All the good work you've done. Saving my home. Your research. Staying out of our business. You've always been respectful. I know you're a righteous man, no matter what anyone says—"

Exasperated, you mutter, "I am sick of hearing this—"

"Hey. You hear the other words coming out of my mouth?"

"Yes."

"We appreciate you. I appreciate you."

"I understand."

"I'm going to kill him if you get all this help and go home to a church on fire."

The anxiety written across your face must be plain as day.

"Not literally. I'm not going to stand for all the slander. I can take care of myself, but do you want me to do something about Sullivan? For you. It's the least I can do. We'll get to the lesson," he waves the vellum, "but— this is important. As important, if not more so. You'll have to get back to the world at some point, and I don't want it to get back at you."

>A] Ask him to drop it, and get to your training. You are a righteous, pious, honest man, and don't want anything to do with this.
>1] You don't understand what he's implying, and you don't want to know.
>2] You get it, but you have a lot of issue with this. (Write-in the start of your political career.)

>B] You want in.
>1] You have a few ideas of your own. (Write-in the start of your political career.)
>2] Leave the work to Father Friedrich, and trust in his ability, connections and judgement.
>>
>>4057785
>C) write in
That is a question we should tackle once Our physical condition has been fixed. We will stand up and face Father Sullivan on our own terms but with any help Friedrich can provide as deemed appropriate by Us.
>>
>>4057785

Try to get Father Sullivan neutered by filling in the void his church left, this outbreak could have been prevented if there was a single Spirit clergyman in the city. Flex our soft power as much as we can and try to neuter Sullivan himself without damaging the Church of Spirit as we still need them functioning at peak capacity. He knows his church better than us so we still need him to micromanage it, we should get into a position where we get to call the big shots and go over his head as much as possible. Undermine him and claim jealousy or spite when he keeps coming after us, ask Fred what he and Willhelm can do because...

>B] You want in.
>1] You have a few ideas of your own. (Write-in the start of your political career.)

I also propose shifting priorities from the church of Agri investigation to this, we can't help anyone if we lose the trust of the King.
>>
>>4057785
Can't think of any decent write-ins, but I just wanted to make it known that I am in camp B
>>
(If anyone's lurking, just a head's up that any comments/discussion or general sentiments on how you'd like to proceed is just as valid as a write-in! I'm down for answering any questions you guys might have, too. Going to leave the vote open for the next few hours.)
>>
>>4057785
>A1
>>
>>4057852
Sure
>>
>>4058010
Some other stuff to add:
Ask the Father is this feud purely political or did anyone somehow personally offend him in the past or something.

Also just to ask considering many of the other Fathers seem to have large families is the Father of Mercy the only church head that's supposed to be chaste?
>>
(Had a few things come up tonight, leaving this open until tomorrow morning EST but still should be able to drop in for questions before then.)

>>4058118
(All of the church heads are sworn to chastity, in that they're sworn to their respective deities. The exact phrasing or nature of the relationship each leader has with their patron is unknown to you, but you're at least certain that it's universal.

The real anomaly is that it's precedent for someone to only take up the position as a veteran member of clergy, typically at an older age. Long after they've already had offspring. Doubly so for female clergy members vying for the role.

It's almost unprecedented for someone so young, outside of the church, and unmarried to be called the Father of any church. It's been mentioned VERY briefly throughout the quest but most people are too polite to make more than passing remarks (to you directly).)
>>
>>4057920
(Unfortunately this is directly counter to every other vote so I will not be able to include it, but appreciate you, anon)

>>4057852
>>4058010
>>4057910
(Majority in favor)
>>4058118
(With some other stuff to add)

>>4057794
(I think I can still find a way to incorporate this too.

Locking the vote here, have to go run an errand but I'll be back to write in just a bit.)
>>
>>4059230
(Writing now!)
>>
>>4059481
"Are your complaints purely political, Father," you're so tense you are practically spitting out each word, "or is this a personal concern for you as well?"

"I think I speak for all of us when I say that this is about more than the work. It's about family, Richard." He grimaces, "it's personal. Even if I was only sending the sons and daughters of other men to their deaths," he clenches a fist so tightly, several knuckles crack, "having my judgement called into question is unacceptable." Puff. Sneer. "He's been doing worse, for your name, for too long for my—"

This is the breaking point.

I am sick of hearing my name dragged through the mud. My good name.

"I want in."

You extend a hand, the symbol of the Church of Mercy.

The priest of Flesh joins the gesture without hesitation, clasping your hand in his own.

"I trust your judgement, Father Friedrich."

"Damn straight." He's back to smirking.

"I have a few ideas of my own."

You release the grasp. The priest goes back to his cigar, dropping some ash along a box on the table, scrutinizing you intently. He seems worried, but doesn't interrupt.

"The absence of the Church of Mercy in your home is inexcusable. Likewise, the Church of Spirit could have prevented this last outbreak from ever occurring."

Any and all amusement has been replaced with an inscrutable frown, mostly hidden behind Galterius' beard.

"You do not need apologies," you look apologetically, regardless, "you need support. Recovery. Mercy. The entire country does, Father, and there is good reason I have remained in the King's graces." Your teeth are grit, your frustration inescapable. "I cannot help anyone if I lose His trust."

The puffing intensifies, a lot more stiffly.

Your own grimace is only exacerbated. "I am certain that I do not need to hear just how severe things have become in the capital. Not at this moment. I need— I want to focus on my own recovery." A glance, to the vellum in Father Friedrich's hand. "I will defend myself, our name— our family."

Another glance, down to your horrifically thin wrists, clasped nervously beside your Relic. "I will do so with my own two hands. Father Sullivan ultimately defers to the hands of the King." Something darker, that hasn't had the chance to flourish in months, comes back to your eyes. "They will put him in his place."

Enough frustration and conviction works itself into your voice, to part your hands, and clench them in fists along your lap. "I will undermine these efforts at destroying our good names, Father Friedrich. This jealousy, spite, and utter failure— of recognition— of my work— will not go unpunished. The Church of Spirit is to operate at maximum efficiency, and the many— they will never be punished for the actions of one."

(1/4)
>>
>>4059608
You tense a little further, "the one, however— the wild dog— is to be neutered. Immediately."

"I shouldn't be surprised."

You glance up, from your fists, to a smiling priest. A war general.

"You run like a demon. I'm remembering that you know how to fight like one, too."

Another ragged sigh escapes from you.

How can Father Sullivan claim to want to help me, while this has been going on for... months? Years? Defending my vessel, from demons, through the Gods, is one thing. But facing other men— sane men— who wish to do worse to my reputation is another issue entirely.

I'm not ready for this. Not alone.


"I will need your help. There is very little that I can do— at the moment— so separated from the Church of Mercy. My power lies with Our children. I cannot expect to seize control of the Church of Mercy in my current condition. I cannot hope to mend my months of absence and supplant the authority of another Father without your aid."

"You're right." He's still grinning, madly.

"Is there anything you and Father Wilhelm—"

"Thought you'd never ask—!"

Cutting into his own interjection, you set your foot down, hard. "Within reason. In respect to the Church of Mercy."

The cigar is removed, and set down, so that the fellow church leader can better use both of his hands. The lesson is set aside, the holy symbol placed on top of it. He leans across his chair, and places both hands on your shoulders. Though he's all control, his grip is unbelievably strong. It's almost enough to make you wince, though he's clearly using enough restraint to avoid inflicting any harm.

"What do you think all of those noblemen and traders were here for?"

"Business."

"Yes. In the capital. I've had a few esteemed guests pay Beorward a visit. We've been in talks from the moment you wrote."

"I— you know I trust you, Father, but—"

"I'm not knocking him off, if that's what you mean." He leans back, sweeping the cigar back up to puff again. "Seems like every fuckin' one of us has a death wish, doesn't it? I'm not doing him the favor."

Downplaying your immediate concern is impossible. "Father— if—"

He laughs, uproariously. "Don't be ridiculous! I'm right as rain. Even your little bookworm—"

A frown, "Sister Cardew."

"Our nosy little guest— couldn't complain. Father of Flesh. Hmmph." He's puffing again. "I've paid my respect to Spirit, well enough. Even used to get along with Sullivan." The cloud is growing. "He'll see this coming." His voice drops, infinitely more threatening. "It's not going to matter."

It's reassuring, but you still have your concerns. "Father Wilhelm...?"

(2/4)
>>
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>>4059612
"On the road. Probably got caught in the fuss around the festival. Shit timing. I'll get some legs on the ground to find him. We'll mobilize a few men to Somerilde, just to be safe. He'll know." A smirk, "he's been taking after you a good bit lately. A little too close to Dream for comfort, if you ask me."

"I did not ask." You're frowning.

This is more than improper, it's disrespectful by any definition.

The slip of vellum is pressed to you. "Take a look over it. Let me gather my thoughts. This shit has me all worked up. It's fine, though. No better place to learn than a few real lessons, right?"

It's obvious that the subject is being dropped, in lieu of something more devout.

There's no resisting the temptation, for all of your obsession, devotion, and healthy curiosity. Setting aside your own stacks of parchment and pens with your journal, hands trembling, you prop up the single slip of paper.

It's concise. Written in flourishes even more ornate than your own, though haphazard and a little difficult to read.

"Tenets of Flesh. (Courtesy of Father Galterius Friedrich.)" You glance up to see him pulling on his beard, finishing off his cigar, and moving across the room while you look it over.

"Combat uncertainty. Conditioning. Temperance. Prudence. Even piety must be taken in moderation."

A shout, from the opposite side of the room. "See? What did I tell you? We'll get to it, though. Keep reading." He's messing around with a number of small, leaden objects, testing the weight of each one. You turn your gaze back to the page.

"Strengthen your vessel. Stamina. Endurance. Vitality. Devotion to the body is devotion to the soul." A pause. This is very familiar. "Our earlier lessons...?"

"Only the start, Richard." He's enjoying himself, spending an extra moment with the weight before deciding which one to choose.

"Strike down your weaknesses. Rest. Healing. Growth. Respect the Church of Flesh in all its forms." You frown, "tenets of Dream, Mercy and Agriculture?"

Father Friedrich has placed nine different, progressively larger weights in his arms, and is making his way quickly back over to you. He's not even responding. You glance at the page again, reading the remainder silently to yourself.

Conquer your failures. Monitor. Perform. Improve. To achieve is to serve.

"Alright. There's a method to my madness, Richard. Ready?"

"I—"

The weights are all collectively dropped to the stone floor. You're surprised that the rock doesn't shatter, for the sound it makes. Ray barks a few times, but you turn quickly, to quiet and reassure him.

Turning back, the priest of Flesh is right at your side, with two of the smallest weights in hand. "We're working your quirk out of you, even if it kills me."

Dread creeps into you. This is going to hurt, isn't it?

(3/4)
>>
>>4059614
"No fancy lessons here. You're getting some discipline while we talk. I'll chase you around the damn room if that's what it takes. I'd run you out the hall, but the weather isn't exactly—"

"I— just to be clear—?" There's already a hundred questions on your mind.

Two words, a very simple answer, follows. "Hands out."

Begrudgingly, you nestle the vellum in your journal, alongside the holy symbol, and put away the page.

Hands outstretched, both of the seemingly small weights are dropped in hand. "This is not so—"

"Overhead. Keep your elbows slightly bent." He is not bending himself, or budging from his position only a foot away from your chair.

Complying seems harmless enough, for a minute. The burn sets in rapidly, and more intense by the second. "I see." You drop your arms, rolling your shoulders back slightly. Father Friedrich takes both of the items back from you, grinning.

"Got any questions before we really start?"

>A] You trust his judgement. Go along with the lesson, regardless of what he asks. You know you can take it.

>B] Respectfully ask the Father of Flesh to take it a little easier on you. You've had a hell of a day, too much to eat and drink, are reeling from a hundred different issues and simply want proper tutelage.
>1] Request that you lay out a boundary or two. (Write-in.)
>2] Simply ask him for a break or to pause if things get too painful. The issue of your masochism makes you uncomfortable enough that it can wait.

>C] It was a lot easier to show devotion to Flesh from empty corridors and abandoned ruins.
>1] You have a lot of questions, before he begins. (Write-in how these teachings conflict with a lot of what you've experienced, regarding your worship of Flesh, or any other questions you might have.)
>2] This doesn't sit right with you, at all. Ask for a verbal lesson, and see if the strength training can be omitted, for now. Father Friedrich is notorious for pushing people beyond their limits, and you don't trust him to know when to quit.

>D] Write-in.

(The tenets of Flesh have been added to Father Anscham's journal, in our Google Drive: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1r-yFdCSj0VJi63LsD3Vl9T0DWw4us6wn

I intend to update with the remaining entries from the ruins in the near future, but it should be completely revised and updated up to this point for Avowed.)
>>
>>4059619
>A] You trust his judgement. Go along with the lesson, regardless of what he asks. You know you can take it.
Harder daddy
>>
>>4059619
>>A] You trust his judgement. Go along with the lesson, regardless of what he asks. You know you can take it.

The church of Mercy didn't raise a coward.
>>
>>4059619
>A] You trust his judgement. Go along with the lesson, regardless of what he asks. You know you can take it.
Tell Freddy we aren't here for a Ladies workout routine.
>>
>>4059620
>>4059624
>>4059634
>>4059634
(Locking here while unanimous, comments duly noted. Writing now!)
>>
>>4059654
"Did you think—" you take both weights back in hand, smirking, "that I was here for a woman's routine, Father?"

Both weights are promptly taken back, with a hearty laugh. "That's what I'm talking about! Alright. Stand up. Make sure your pockets are empty. Set your robes aside."

Your journal, parchments, pens and flask are taken out, your robes folded, and everything is set neatly atop your chair. Fidgeting slightly with your belt, regretting not being able to tighten it further, you at least mentally try to prepare yourself.

Two, slightly larger weights are held back out to you. The Father of Flesh shows no indication of strain, as he holds the items fully out to you. "Take this." You do. "Lunge." It's uncomfortable. "Hold it." Increasingly uncomfortable. "Arms out." Fully? "Keep your damn elbows bent. Not that much." He smiles, finally. "Alright!"

The position is horrific, and within seconds you're feeling the strain, but you look to Father Friedrich earnestly. "Go on."

One of the most sincere grins you've ever seen is fired back at you. Father Friedrich happily matches your position, keeping his hands free, to properly show you the correct form. You still made several mistakes, but correct them instantly. "You don't want to slack. We're not going to kill you, either. I've been as polite as I can—"

It's hard to not give the priest a frown.

He laughs. "Moderation should be taken in moderation, but up to a point, Richard. You were drinking right up until you showed up at my door, weren't you?"

"Not necessarily."

"Cyril seemed to think otherwise. Or worse. Now— don't give me that look. Bend your back knee a little more! I'm not one to judge. There's nothing wrong with it, now and then. Just don't go making it a habit." He's looking at your belt. You hate it. "We'll work all that shit off of you, but there's only so much you can do in a day, you got me?"

The impact of three huge meals, nearly a bottle of wine, whiskey, and three mysterious teas is hitting you hard enough to make the briefest of exercise immediately taxing. The sear in your calves and thighs is easy enough to dismiss, for how used you are to walking and running, but your arms are burning more with each passing moment.

Gritting your teeth, you try to give a little reassurance. You're not certain if it's more for your sake, or the priest's beside you. "I know enough of restraint, Father Friedrich. There may be more overlap between our tenets than even a cursory glance warranted."

"We'll see about that. Unlike Mercy—" he sighs, standing upright. "My patron is combative, Richard!"

I have melted demons into puddles of pure gold. This is child's play. She is more than capable.

"Don't you argue with me."

"I didn't say anything."

"You looked like you could kill me." He smirks, "maybe that's for the best! Flesh asks us to tackle temptation! Look, give me that."

(1/5)
>>
>>4059908
You aren't permitted to drop your arms. Father Friedrich insists on taking the weights back, while you maintain your form.

"Self-control. Go on and stand up, but take your Time. Feeling it?"

The sear persists in your limbs, as you manage to get back into a relatively normal position. Standing upright, there's a twitch along your right arm, now almost constant. The wasted and abused muscle is complaining, but you maintain your composure. "Yes."

"Good. Pace around a little. Burn off some of that shit."

You comply, glancing over to Ray. He seems eager to join you, but you command him to stay, not wanting your boy near so many heavy objects and mistaking them for play.

Father Friedrich continues, the moment you get to walking. He moves alongside you, leaving the weights for a moment. "Not only Agriculture, Mercy, Time or any other God's gifts should be taken in moderation, Richard. The Gods themselves do, too."

You're frowning, but try to not interject.

"You don't believe me."

"Invocation is perfectly justifiable when lives are on the line."

"How's that worked out for you?"

You whip your head around, and stop walking. The urge to strike the man beside you must be written all over your face, as he almost flinches. "I beg your pardon—"

The momentary hesitation might have been smugness, for the smirk directed back at you. "Let's see. Go on and get down. Copy me."

In an instant, he drops to the floor, and stretches out both legs behind him. Balancing the majority of his weight along only his feet and one hand, the free limb waves you down. It looks easy enough, and you put your concern into mimicking the motion.

"Oh, no. Weight on your right arm."

The twitch is back, in full, and growing more irritating by the second.

"Stay there." He jumps to his feet, crosses the room, running. Your elder is back in seconds.

"Left hand."

A heavier weight than before is placed in your palm. It's larger and far more difficult to manipulate than the first. You tense, managing to keep your elbow from buckling instantly.

"Go on! Make your talk count for something. Strengthen your vessel."

Fighting through the burn, you keep the absurd position, and get the weight back overhead. It's difficult enough to have you sweating within the minute.

Father Friedrich takes only a step back, watching you closely as he resumes speaking. "Stamina. Endurance. Vitality. Your abuse of Flesh has completely robbed you of it. I've heard a few rumors. You can hardly stand half the Time after They've worked through you, isn't that right?"

"Yes," you spit out. The vocalization practically makes you drop the weight, as your arms scream in complaint.

"Don't forget to breathe."

At the reminder, you take a deep breath in. Righting the weight fully, the burn is intense, but you've pushed yourself infinitely harder before.

Another minute must pass by.

(2/5)
>>
>>4059913
Father Friedrich's eyebrows raise, as you continue to hold the position without complaint.

"You have a lot of strengths, Richard. I'm giving you a hard time, but don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise."

The tremor in your arm is easy enough to still, thanks to a lifetime of discipline and repression. Within a few more seconds, sweat sticking to you, you've equalized the worst of the struggle.

"I don't need to tell you how important it is, to foster them. Know your strengths. Serving yourself is one of the best ways to serve Him."

Something between a growing burn and the all-encompassing obsession has you grit your teeth. You suffer through twitch, the wasted muscle, and keep breathing.

"More importantly, Flesh can't, and won't, make use of an abuser. That's enough. Slowly set it down. Don't drop it."

Moving to do so is a mistake. Your arms threaten to give out completely.

Swiftly and smoothly, the priest beside you takes a step forward and catches the weight before it can begin to fall. He doesn't move to help you, letting you get back to your own two feet.

Your arms are already searing with enough fire to rival the invocation of the God, but your legs seem hale enough. You don't move to pace, keeping your eyes downcast while you wipe the sweat off your brow.

"I'm sending you back to your quarters with a few exercises to do in your own Time. Keep up." He's walking again.

In a couple broad steps, you're back beside him. Holding your right arm, trying to still the tremor, you attempt to shake the limb out for a few seconds. "That— this can't be all—"

"Don't insult me. We're just getting started! But you need to learn when to give yourself a rest. You're the fucking Father of Mercy. Don't seem to understand how proper healing takes place."

Swallowing the nausea that's building, you spit out, "of course I do."

"Sure you do. That's why you can barely lift your own fucking weapons, is that right?"

Father Friedrich is smirking. He's being terribly rude, you want to punch him, but he seems to mean well enough. "A demon of growth gave them to you? This," a sneer, "Yech?"

"Yes." The spasm is not subsiding. You're grimacing, and absolutely going to punch him if he insults one of your best friends.

"He sure as shit wasn't—"

"Is not."

"For fuck's sake, Richard— isn't a demon of Flesh. Some lightweight shit might get you through a few fights now, but you need to know your weakness."

He spins on a heel, stopping near a few mats laid out on the floor. "Striking down an enemy without understanding it is luck, at best! Get back down. This time put your hands behind you. Like this."

(3/5)
>>
>>4059917
Moving to a seated position, Father Friedrich places his hands behind his back. Elbows bent, he's balancing his weight between his hands and his feet. With his entire core lifted off the stone, it looks a little ridiculous, especially while he's still wearing a smoking jacket. You try to not meet his insults with any banter.

I can handle this.

Mimicking the motion, your right arm nearly gives out.

"Mercy—"

Struggling back into the pose, gritting your teeth, you tense as best as you can. Duplicating Father Friedrich's form has almost every inch of you burning. The sear in your arms is rapidly becoming painful, but you fight through it as best as you can. The worst of the tension and stress seems to be in your arms, but it somehow stresses your core and legs as well.

"That's more like it. We'll build you back up!"

It feels like every muscle in your body is being broken down.

"Go ahead and drop it. We've got a few more. Try this. You'll want to do these along another schedule. I've got it set aside..."

There's no fewer than ten other exercises of the sort. You're glad to have set your robes aside, for how badly you're sweating by the end of it.

"No weights. Not for now. Don't run the same day you do them, if you can help it. You got me?"

"Yes." The building nausea is getting worse by the second. It's hard to say if it's from the tea having worn off in full, or the sheer amount of food you've had, but as the priest goes back to the pile of weights, the feeling is unmistakable.

"Don't you dare complain now." He's got two of the smaller items, that look lighter than the first.

You take them both, without complaint. "The Church of Mercy did not raise a coward."

"Back down. Legs together. Raise 'em. Knees bent. A little more. Keep your back straight. Weight in the center. All of it. Not letting you get soft on my fucking watch."

With a frown, you comply. The position takes a huge amount of strain off of your arms, but goes straight to your gut.

"Copy my movement." Father Friedrich drops back down, kicking your legs a little higher, before demonstrating a series of bends, twists, leg raises and other odd gestures.

It's agonizing, after less than a minute.

He's laughing. "Keep it up!" The man gets back to his feet, pacing around you as he resumes the lesson. "To achieve is to serve, Richard. We are not defined by our failures! We're defined by our successes. The Gods are Merciful, aren't they?"

"Y-yes." There's a lot of heat in your limbs, but it's not rivaling what's in your face. The agony is wrapping back around into something a lot better, and you really don't want to complain.

"Our devotion doesn't need to be a constant effort. There's no need to go so fucking hard, you hear me?"

You disagree, but permit him to continue. The physical aspect of the lesson is rapidly proving better than any other part of it.

(4/5)
>>
>>4059924
"It's alright to rest. You need to, if you want to actually get some results. You've pushed yourself further than— shit, Richard, if I'm going to be honest, it's nothing short of a miracle that you came out of those ruins alive. You did, though. You're crazier than any of us, but you're going to be alright. Keep your feet up."

You comply, the heat in your face redoubling with the effort. It's no mere burn, but absolutely a significant amount of pain that's worked through your arms, torso, legs, and the recollection of so much old abuse.

It's perfect.

"So, you may have nearly starved to death. You might've pushed yourself past your breaking point before. That's fine! You've got His fire in you. Don't you?"

"Yes." There's more than a fire in you. It's pain, and relief, mixed into something divine.

"You can stop."

The motion, the pause, the sudden absence of exertion, is almost too much. Your breath hitches, as you drop the weight to your side. Curling in on yourself, in an agonizing movement, there's a rush and a thrill.

"Richard?"

Slick with sweat, breathing hard, you try to move your hair aside. There's heat and gold lacing through the slightest motion, and your fight for decency is more than your fractured mind can take. A little insanity comes out of every last unhinged syllable, as you ask, "can we go harder?"

Your training partner's face could not be any more unamused. It seems you might have already killed him. "We're stopping here."

>A] You didn't mean it. Try to apologize, save some face, and get back to the lesson.

>B] There's nothing to apologize for. You didn't mean it, and need help, but can recognize your limits. Try to remain respectful.

>C] You meant every word. Don't elaborate, and see what he says. You have a problem, and don't want working this kink out of you to break Father Friedrich. You want him to break you.

>D] You meant it, and mean a good deal more. Nothing like the Fathers of Flesh and Mercy to try and understand an invocation to both deities. Elaborate, even if he doesn't want to hear it.

>E] Write-in.
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>>4059930
>C] You meant every word. Don't elaborate, and see what he says. You have a problem, and don't want working this kink out of you to break Father Friedrich. You want him to break you.
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>>4059930
>D] You meant it, and mean a good deal more. Nothing like the Fathers of Flesh and Mercy to try and understand an invocation to both deities. Elaborate, even if he doesn't want to hear it.

Fred boy doesn't really understand just how crazy Richard is, let's try to get the point across.
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>>4059930
>D] You meant it, and mean a good deal more. Nothing like the Fathers of Flesh and Mercy to try and understand an invocation to both deities. Elaborate, even if he doesn't want to hear it.
Now we'll show daddy what REAL harder is.
>>
(Going to be back in a few hours at the earliest, sorry about the stall in the session but got some business to take care of IRL. If nothing else I'll update again first thing tomorrow.)
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>>4059967
>>4059980
>>4059988
(Back sooner than I thought, vote is locked! Writing now.)
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>>4060259
Arms resting against your knees, you make every attempt to steady your breath, to maintain some sort of control over yourself.

There's enough working through your limbs to rob every rational thought from you. It beats out the tea, the liquor, and rivals the invocation of two Gods.

A gift of Flesh and Mercy.

Leaning into the pain, the pleasure, eyes closed, you murmur, "you do not understand."

"I understand plenty." Father Friedrich drops down, onto the floor beside you. He's within arm's reach, right beside you, and obviously looking straight at you. "You don't want to go anywhere. You're not ready for this. Atticus wouldn't even tell me plainly what you needed. I hadn't realized it, either—"

"This is exactly what I need—"

"Richard."

You're worshiping at an altar of pleasure, hardly able to move. Paralyzed, curled in on yourself, it's leaking into your voice. Hitching, you mutter, "want— have— to have. To feel."

The gold and green in your eyes lifts up, wide, imploring your mentor.

The lack of amusement seems to turn to a sneer. "I want to help you, Richard, but I know someone sick when I see it."

"You do not even know the half—" relaxing your arms slightly, enough to move them from your legs, to move, is a mistake. It redoubles the relief, and you gasp, pulling closer into yourself, tensing all over again.

A few long minutes likely pass, as you fight to keep your composure. Quelling any sounds that want to rise. Burying your face in your arms. Ray disobeys your previous orders, sitting alongside you after you're sure several minutes have passed.

Your boy has no idea how to respond, keeping his distance. You gesture for him to stay back with only a wave of your hand. He's trained well enough to obey the movement.

I am not hurt. This is a blessing.

Dragging your head off of your arms, stilling another gasp, you stare straight at Father Friedrich.

The priest's patience is befitting of a Father's. His lips are tight, as much as his fists, which are clearly fighting to not put you in your place. He's too bothered to speak, so you break the silence.

It seems fitting, to show him Mercy.

"You know half of the picture— what it is— nnn— to serve Him—"

He's holding up a hand, palm splayed, as he gets to his feet. "Stop." The other is absolutely clenched into a fist. "I know enough of Mercy to stay my hand. I don't need to sit here and listen to this."

(Options in next post.)
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>>4060401
>A] You WILL teach him, in the only way he seems to want to teach you.
>1] You can egg Father Friedrich on to hit you without ever making it personal.
>2] You've invoked Flesh plenty. It won't take much talk about his patron to get Father Friedrich to strike you. You're desperate.

>B] You do serve all of the Gods, and your lesson with a Sister of Spirit today taught you something.
>1] Oversharing is caring. Spill your guts regarding the dual invocation, even if your mentor doesn't seem to want to hear it, even if he's explicitly asked you to stop, and even if you're fighting to maintain your composure. He might lose his temper. That's fine, and you're happy either way.
>2] You know how to run from your problems. Excuse yourself from Father Friedrich's office before you do something you might regret. Try to avoid anyone else along the way.

>C] Write-in.
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>>4060407
>B]
>2]
Restraaaaaaaaint!
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>>4060407
>B] You do serve all of the Gods, and your lesson with a Sister of Spirit today taught you something.
>1] Oversharing is caring. Spill your guts regarding the dual invocation, even if your mentor doesn't seem to want to hear it, even if he's explicitly asked you to stop, and even if you're fighting to maintain your composure. He might lose his temper. That's fine, and you're happy either way.
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>>4060407
>>B] You do serve all of the Gods, and your lesson with a Sister of Spirit today taught you something.
>>1] Oversharing is caring. Spill your guts regarding the dual invocation, even if your mentor doesn't seem to want to hear it, even if he's explicitly asked you to stop, and even if you're fighting to maintain your composure. He might lose his temper. That's fine, and you're happy either way.
>>
>>4060407
>B] You do serve all of the Gods, and your lesson with a Sister of Spirit today taught you something.
>1] Oversharing is caring. Spill your guts regarding the dual invocation, even if your mentor doesn't seem to want to hear it, even if he's explicitly asked you to stop, and even if you're fighting to maintain your composure. He might lose his temper. That's fine, and you're happy either way.
>>
>4060407
>B] You do serve all of the Gods, and your lesson with a Sister of Spirit today taught you something.
>>1] Oversharing is caring. Spill your guts regarding the dual invocation, even if your mentor doesn't seem to want to hear it, even if he's explicitly asked you to stop, and even if you're fighting to maintain your composure. He might lose his temper. That's fine, and you're happy either way.
>>
>>4060598
(Valiant effort, restraintposter)

>>4060674
>>4061196
>>4061198
>>4061200
(Overwhelming majority in favor of oversharing. Locking the vote here, may be a bit before I can update but will as soon as I can.)
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>>4061235
https://youtu.be/ErTbScSd_LM

Eyes on a clenched fist, your breath is erratic, unable to keep up with your enthusiasm. Pulse racing a mile a minute, trying hard not to smile, you murmur, "then stand."

"I swear, on all of the Gods, Richard—"

"You have never felt Her, but you understand a fraction—"

"Spoiled little shit." He takes a step forward. "You've never had someone stop you from running—"
"—of Their blessing—!"
"—your fucking mouth—"

"—it was more than any mortal man could hope to comprehend, Father."
"Did I fucking stutter?"
"I could scarcely tell what was happening at the time."
"You can't tell what the fuck is happening now—"
"Daggers."
"You're making a fucking—"
"Blades."
"—fool of yourself—"
"Imps, in the halls of Her Church—"

You're being lifted to your feet, by the front of your sweat-soaked shirt.

Father Friedrich could not look more disgusted. "I don't want to hear it. I can't do anything for you if you won't even listen. You need my help. Our help. You're sick."

Something in the back of your mind tells you to slip away, to run. To go back to your quarters, to get some sleep, to pretend that this never happened. To save face, to show some restraint.

Every other inch of you is soaked in relief, aching with agony, and begging to share.

With a smile, you are more than happy to say, "I know."

The fist around the cloth on the front of your shirt tightens. The Father of Flesh is keeping you on your feet effortlessly, the edges of his lips twitching as you continue.

"I do not regret anything. This outbreak was child's play—"
"You shut your fucking mouth—"
"I saved every life in my care— staved off a dozen imps without— nnn— suffering— more than a few more scars, Father—!"

The hold on your shirt persists, as your mentor gingerly sets you back to the floor. His shoulders are shaking, for how visibly frustrated and angry he is. Every inch of him reads that he's going to hit you at any moment, but something is staying his hand.

The motion is more than enough to elicit another wave of delirium. Memory. Ecstasy.

"Glass. More than you've ever seen, stained in Her light. It was like rain. Daggers. I can run, Father, but I didn't need to. They healed all of them. It should have killed me. It was a gift. Do you understand?"

Father Friedrich grabs you, very firmly, by your shoulders, with a single hand.

"It's sick. You don't know what you're saying. Shut the fuck up, Richard—"

"I loved every second of it—"

(1/2)
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>>4061338
He strikes you.

Clean across the face.

In the same spot on your jaw as before.

The impact is deafening.

Flecks of blood and gold dance in your vision.

Something might have cracked.

It's hard to hear.

There's a second impact, as you reflexively move to save yourself from hitting your face on the floor.

It's impossible to see.

The floor hits you, hard, as your exhausted limbs fail to cooperate. It's not for lack of effort.

The mere motion simply sends so much pleasure through your limbs, you don't want to stop more from coming.

Blood is dripping from your mouth, hot, copper, crimson. Dragging yourself upright on instinct, there is a moment of respite.

Your pulse is in your ears, so hard and fast that nothing else exists. The throb, and a steady drip.

Drip.

Throb.

Drip.

It doesn't last for long.

A flood of heat is in the site of injury. It's growing by the second.

Flesh.

Hot and fast, taking over every notion of running. Your sole focus.

Pain.

The fire and throbbing agony eclipses any sane or rational thought.

The trickle and drip amplifies every motion, as you lick at the blood pooling.

Gratification.
Bliss.

Mercy.

There's a tremor in your hand, for how much more you want to draw out.

Father Friedrich moves forward faster than you can lift your arm, intending to press a digit down, into the wound.

"Don't you dare!"

Bone, skin, wasted muscle and scar tissue is taken in a second into restraint.

The priest standing beside you had to have kneeled down at some point, to rush forward, to pin you back to the ground. Both wrists are being grasped by his hands, tightly enough that escape seems impossible.

Would a dislocation or a tear be sufficient?

The very thought threatens to destroy the last of your composure.

You want to bite down, on something, to still the sound.

Tensing your mouth in the slightest sends another explosion of pain, through a blossom of ecstasy.

"Aahhhhhnn—"

"Richard."

The motion is only making it worse.

"Mercy—!"

"Father Anscham!"

"Flesh—!"

"I am going to find a way to shut you the fuck up if you don't stop yourself, right now."

>Write-in
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>>4061340

Reeeeeeeestraint! Call to ray to snap us out of it, he was always there whenever we needed him.
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>>4061340
>"Can't stop. Please help."
>>
>>4061340
A little skeleton told me, Father Friedrich doesn't even hoist.
>>
>>4061526
+1
>>
>>4061526
+1. Also, RESTRAINT.
>>
>>4061526
>>4061611
>>4061655
(Going to go with majority on this one)

>>4061346
>>4061551
(But we can integrate some of this, too. Vote is locked, writing now.)
>>
>>4061691
There is a moment, of lucidity. An absence of struggle, replaced by a plea.

"Can't stop— please help."

No hesitation meets you in reply. There's a tear of fabric. One of Father Friedrich's hands part from your wrist, but it's pinned again in an instant by one of his knees. The weight is crushing, but the moan that threatens to escape you is muffled.

"Sorry about this, Richard—"
"Nnhhnn—"

A strip of cloth is firmly shoved into your mouth, forcing your jaw open.

"Mmrryyyy—"

Any and all attempts at self-control are pushed to their absolute limit, as you remain on the floor for several moments, fighting with yourself.

The worst of the noise is stilled.

Staying as motionless as possible, you ride out the heat, the agony.

It's perfect.

The weight comes off of your wrist immediately, replaced once again with restraint.

The sear along your limbs, the constant throb in your chest, and the pleasure coursing through the rest of your body will not abate. There's enough heat to make you sick, but you lean into it, forcing yourself to stay down, to relish the pulse, to feel your Flesh.

Anguish should be filling your mouth, as packed with blood that the cloth is becoming. It's stifling, heady, the scent of copper hot and all through your face. It's trickling down your chin, right over the sight of the injury. The white-hot pain that lanced through you seconds before is pulsing, thrumming, matching the beat of your heart.

It's interwoven, beautiful, laced with yellow-gold. A blessing. Something pure, that needs relief.

It hurts. Suffocating the sensation, you exercise as much discipline as you can muster. You silence yourself, with as much devotion to yourself, and your mentor, as you've shown to the Gods.

The crimson and gold has not been in your vision. You realize your eyes have been closed for some Time.

There's growling.

Vision hazy, you realize that Father Friedrich is still pinning you down, and Ray's teeth are firmly clasped around his left leg.

The Father of Flesh seems utterly unphased by the warning.

I have trained Ray to never harm or kill unless he is directly commanded to. He is trying to protect me. Father Friedrich will be fine.

The priest leaning over you, and must have been speaking for some time.

This is far from fine.

"...chard. Richard. Father Anscham. Nod to me when you've gotten a hold of yourself. We're going to get you help. I shouldn't have fucking— are you in there? Can you hear me? Richard. Come on. Cut it out. Richard."

Mercy. I don't want it to stop.

(Options in next post.)
>>
>>4061824
>A] Nod, and gesture to get your hands free. Wordlessly move for Ray to back down, and stay gagged. You don't trust yourself to not make matters worse.

>B] Nod, and try to get the gag taken off. Command Ray to stay down, and do everything in your power to maintain your self-control. (Write-in anything that might help.)

>C] You're really not alright. Stay down for a few more minutes. Trust Ray to have not seriously maimed Father Friedrich, and leave it to your mentor to get some control over the situation.

>D] Write-in.
>>
>>4061824
>>A] Nod, and gesture to get your hands free. Wordlessly move for Ray to back down, and stay gagged. You don't trust yourself to not make matters worse.
>>
>>4061827
>>A] Nod, and gesture to get your hands free. Wordlessly move for Ray to back down, and stay gagged. You don't trust yourself to not make matters worse.
>>
>>4061827
>>A] Nod, and gesture to get your hands free. Wordlessly move for Ray to back down, and stay gagged. You don't trust yourself to not make matters worse.
>>
>>4061827
>A] Nod, and gesture to get your hands free. Wordlessly move for Ray to back down, and stay gagged. You don't trust yourself to not make matters worse.
I wonder if we could make matters worse
>>
>>4061827
>A
>>
>>4061830
>>4061836
>>4061838
>>4061839
>>4061841
(Unanimous vote, awesome, locking here. I can run a full session from now until 6PM EST, if we keep the votes rolling in! Writing now.)
>>
>>4061883
You nod as gingerly as you can to Father Friedrich. Down, towards your wrists.

His brow furrows. "Alright. Don't do anything I wouldn't."

With absolutely no regard towards your dog, the priest slowly takes his hands off of your wrists. They go to your shoulders, firmly, still keeping you down. "Don't get up. I mean it."

It only takes a few motions to command your boy to back off, to release his target. Ray instantly removes his bite. There's no blood, no viscera, only a little slobber. He rushes straight to your side, to Father Friedrich's chagrin, but you appreciate the effort.

The stone against the back of your skull, the trickle of punishment down the side of your jaw, the packed fabric in your mouth, the stiffness of your back and every other inch of you is uncomfortable to an extreme.

It's hard to not love it.

Restraint.

"Richard."

The haze in your vision parts for a moment. Wide-eyed, glancing up, your reddened gaze falls to white hair and a very worried frown.

"I'm not going anywhere. You're going to be alright."

The beard and slicked-back gray atop your mentor's head might be going grayer by the minute. His frown twitches again.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have struck you. I won't let this happen again. We're going to get you help."

He's upset, but smiling, pained.

"Would you look at that?"

There's no hold on your hands.

The litany of reassurance falls from the priest once again. "You're going to be alright."

Ray is attentively laying beside you, nose towards your attacker. He's stopped growling, at your command, but his silent presence is enormously reassuring.

"You've got a lot of friends here, Richard. It's going to be okay."

The pain in your jaw is not abating, but there's a current of devotion, and dedication to your tenets. To your Goddess. Respect for yourself, and the man that's trying so hard to help you.

A lot of the heat is subsiding. Your jaw is still on fire, and you strongly suspect something was damaged, but it's difficult to say.

I have been struck far harder before.

The heat is mostly in your face, wanting, desperate, conflicted.

The Father of Flesh is pulling his punches.

"I can't imagine what it's been like. You're right. Don't you worry."

Even Yech would balk at how much he is trying to give me.

"Listen. Richard. Can you hear me?"

Another nod seems harmless enough.

"Good. Try to stay with me."

The weight of the swollen cloth in your mouth makes the movement awkward, but it doesn't disturb the injury. You try your best to indicate that you're at least capable of listening, eyes wide. It's hard to stare, for how disturbed your mentor appears. Flitting your vision back to Ray, to the side of the room, is all far easier.

"Richard. Listen to me. Look at me for a minute."

You do. He's trying to smile. It's awful.

"You okay?"

(1/2)
>>
>>4061980
Nodding does not seem appropriate.

"I thought so. You want to stay put for the night? I don't think anyone needs to see you like this, but I can call for Cyril. If you want. We can get any extra hands you need." The hands on your shoulders tighten, very slightly. "You're going to be alright. No one is going to hurt you. You just let me know. No rush."

>A] Just nod. Leave it to him to decide how to help you. This is miserable, and you really don't know what to do with yourself.

>B] Take out the gag, CAREFULLY, and ask...
>1] If you can stay put in his office, for the night.
>2] Permit Father Friedrich to get help from Cyril, if it will make him more comfortable.
>3] Ask if Sister Cardew can come by, if she has the Time. You need all the assistance you can get right now.

>C] You don't want anyone to see you, and you don't want to impose anything on Father Friedrich. Ask if you can be discreetly escorted back to your quarters, to sleep in a bed, and to get out of this situation as fast as possible.
>1] Insist that you be left unsupervised.
>2] Accept whatever additional help Father Friedrich deems fit.

>D] Write-in.
>>
>>4061982
>>C] You don't want anyone to see you, and you don't want to impose anything on Father Friedrich. Ask if you can be discreetly escorted back to your quarters, to sleep in a bed, and to get out of this situation as fast as possible.
>>1] Insist that you be left unsupervised.
>>2] Accept whatever additional help Father Friedrich deems fit.
>>
>>4061982
>>C] You don't want anyone to see you, and you don't want to impose anything on Father Friedrich. Ask if you can be discreetly escorted back to your quarters, to sleep in a bed, and to get out of this situation as fast as possible.
>>1] Insist that you be left unsupervised.
>>2] Accept whatever additional help Father Friedrich deems fit.
>>
>>4061982
>C] You don't want anyone to see you, and you don't want to impose anything on Father Friedrich. Ask if you can be discreetly escorted back to your quarters, to sleep in a bed, and to get out of this situation as fast as possible.
>1] Insist that you be left unsupervised.
>2] Accept whatever additional help Father Friedrich deems fit.
>>
>>4061982
>B] Take out the gag, CAREFULLY, and ask...
>1] If you can stay put in his office, for the night.
>>
>>4062005
(Unfortunately this directly conflicts with the overwhelming majority, appreciate you though anon)

>>4062002
>>4061995
>>4061990
(Vote is locked, writing now!)
>>
>>4062015
https://youtu.be/FvluBVhfGcw
courtesy of a voter, update inbound
>>
>>4062015
>>4062070
With your shoulders pinned, hands free, you try to at least glance to Father Friedrich. A nod. As delicately as possible, you move your hands, approaching towards your face.

He doesn't interfere, moving his grasp off of your shoulders. Your jaw is on fire, but nothing seems to be damaged. Suspecting that the Father of Flesh had enough self-control to have not seriously injured you, you ply the cloth out from your mouth.

It's soaked so thoroughly in blood that it sticks to your teeth. Taking in a deep breath, stilling any sounds that want to arise, you get rid of the suffocating fabric. The absence of any stifling material is a massive relief, but your breath is ragged, hitching.

A few moments pass, before you try to speak coherently.

"I would— hhh—"

It's agony. Speaking is just making it worse.

You're too eloquent, masochistic, and well-bred to not speak at length.

"—like to go back to my quarters, Father— if you could escort me. I— I do not want to impose on you any further—"

He leans back, sitting on the floor beside you. "I really don't mind."

Taking in a deep breath, steadying yourself, you get back upright. Back straight. Trying to be presentable. Wiping the blood off of your chin, away from your lips, there's now a smear along the back of your hand. The deep red seems to have clotted. The taste of copper is on every word, but the flow seems to have at least stopped from within your mouth.

"As much as I would— if I could stay, Father, I would— but I would like to get some rest. Unsupervised. Some privacy—"

"I can't do that, Richard."

"I insist."

"You're not well."

"I would appreciate your assistance in any other capacity—"

"We'll make sure that you're not disturbed. Come on."

"I—"

You're taken by an arm, and hoisted to your feet. Ray immediately begins growling again.

"Easy, Ray. Easy— Father Friedrich, this is entirely unnecessary."

The hand comes off of your arm. Your legs are unsteady, as worn out as you are. It must be fairly late, for the exhaustion that's weighing on you, but it pales in comparison to the continued pulse in your face, the nagging perfection. It's during and after every sentence, spurring you on, begging that you bring out more.

"I am fine—" standing further upright, dusting off your shirt and pants, "enough to be left well alone—" moving towards the chair with your possessions, "and I can walk myself—" you sweep up your robes, toss them on, and start putting your things back into your pockets.

A hideous realization dawns on you.

Their works are perfect, immaculate, divine, but I have had Mercy's relief with me all this Time.

None of this was necessary, was it?

What's wrong with me?


(Options in next post.)
>>
>>4062088
>A] Take your Relic in hand. Get immediate relief from your pain. Stick to your demands. Fight Father Friedrich on it, tooth and nail, if you need to. You are the Father of Mercy, not a lunatic, and you do not need to be watched.

>B] Prove to Father Friedrich that you can rely on your own Flesh. Tough it out, and get back to your room. Maybe he'll change his tune if you show him some healthy diligence towards his tenets.

>C] He might have a point. Concede that some observation might be prudent, suck up your pride, and go back to your quarters.

>D] Write-in.
>>
>>4062091
>>B] Prove to Father Friedrich that you can rely on your own Flesh. Tough it out, and get back to your room. Maybe he'll change his tune if you show him some healthy diligence towards his tenets.
>>
>>4062091
>>C] He might have a point. Concede that some observation might be prudent, suck up your pride, and go back to your quarters.
>>
>>4062091
>C] He might have a point. Concede that some observation might be prudent, suck up your pride, and go back to your quarters.
>>
>>4062091
>C] He might have a point. Concede that some observation might be prudent, suck up your pride, and go back to your quarters.
>>
>>4062096
>>4062097
>>4062108
>>4062109
(Locking the vote here, writing now.)
>>
>>4062124
"You—" fidgeting, straightening your robes, trying to adjust the links of gold holding your Relic without touching the item, "you do have a point."

I can prove my devotion to Flesh. There is a point. He has a point.

"It's fine. I don't mean any offense." The priest crosses the room back over to you, hands behind his back, looking to you with legitimate concern. "I want you to be safe. Nothing excessive. Come on. Put your hood up. That bruise isn't doing you any favors."

"Mercy, is it really that bad—"

"Try not to worry about it." He's trying to be kind. "You'll heal in no Time at all." A hand goes to your back, very gingerly, as you're led towards a side door.

Ray stays right at your side, without prompting. He's looking up to you, worried, as you put up your hood and try to keep your composure.

The rain pelting on the walls of the keep can be heard even through the stone and wooden rafters. With your possessions and dog in tow, you shake off Father Friedrich's aid.

"I appreciate the effort, Father, but I can rely on my own Flesh."

You stride over to the door, pulling ahead just enough to let yourself out of the office.

Even without being seen, the sincerity of the priest's smile can be heard. "Good to hear. I'll try to keep up."

The pace you keep is much slower than usual, for all of your efforts to not aggravate your injury. Eyes downcast, you only glance up occasionally to ensure that you're heading through the nearly empty corridors in the right direction. The steady pounding of sleet against the roof, walls and Storm shutters of the Church of Flesh have ensured an early retirement for its residents. The halls are quiet, devoid of revelry, business, or more than a few guards.

The few men and women at their posts hail you all out of courtesy. No one dares to comment or question your escort. The affairs of two church leaders are to be respected, regardless of their appearance.

Ray trots ahead of you, as you make your way back to the exterior ward. He stops just shy of the door to your room, anticipating you opening the chamber.

Father Friedrich strides ahead, getting the heavy, iron-banded, wooden defense open for you. He's still smiling, quite sincerely.

You swallow your pride, and don't complain as he follows you back inside.

The hearth has gone out, the embers cold for how long you had spent in training, exercise, agony and ecstasy.

Every inch of you wants for privacy.

A graying beard goes out of sight, as your escort closes the door to your room, and takes a deep breath.

He turns back around, straight-faced. You frown, as he closes the distance, and looks around your quarters.

There are still yellow rose petals on the bed.

Horror sinks into you.

He is obviously trying to be respectful, not commenting, but there is a look of abject horror on his face, as well.

(Options in next post.)
>>
>>4062209
>A] You would REALLY like to sleep in peace, and quiet. Tolerate being watched, and get some rest.
>1] Clean off the bed. Try to remain presentable.
>2] Drop onto the sheets without another word. You're too (write-in how you feel) to care about appearances.

>B] Cyril put them there. This is his fault. You are chaste. The sheets are disturbed because you were praying.
>1] You would like to get back to some prayer. To Mercy, specifically. Stress your position, if necessary. You know what company you want to keep. You know what relief you really want.
>2] You would like to straighten the bed, put away the flowers, and ask Father Friedrich how he deals with his oath. It might be over the line, but you're far past the point of caring, and he seems to want to stay.

>C] You have done nothing wrong, and have nothing to be ashamed of. Sit down, and try some semblance of normalcy.
>1] Ask Father Friedrich what he intends to do regarding your supervision. Be polite.
>2] Tell Father Friedrich that you're feeling significantly better, and stress your devotion to the Gods as a healthy method of worship.

>D] Write-in.
>>
>>4062212
>>C] You have done nothing wrong, and have nothing to be ashamed of. Sit down, and try some semblance of normalcy.
>>1] Ask Father Friedrich what he intends to do regarding your supervision. Be polite.

Also explain that Cyril left these here, that rascal.
>>
>>4062212
>B] Cyril put them there. This is his fault. You are chaste. The sheets are disturbed because you were praying.
>1] You would like to get back to some prayer. To Mercy, specifically. Stress your position, if necessary. You know what company you want to keep. You know what relief you really want.
>2] You would like to straighten the bed, put away the flowers, and ask Father Friedrich how he deals with his oath. It might be over the line, but you're far past the point of caring, and he seems to want to stay.
>>
>>4062219
+1
>>
>>4062217
>>4062219
>>4062224
(Locking the vote here, pretty sure I can incorporate all of this. Writing now.)
>>
>>4062250
As calmly and smoothly as you can muster, you cross over to a chair, and sit down. Ray ignores everything else in the room, going right to your side, and sits down as well. You don't complain in the slightest as he drops his head on your leg, looking up to you with worry.

You scratch his ears, and look straight to Father Friedrich. "Cyril is a trouble-maker."

Crossing the room as well, your mentor pulls up a chair, lounges, and leans back fully. "Yep."

"A rascal." You're trying to remain level, fighting with every fiber of your being to keep yourself steady. Your voice, your breath, your pulse. Restraint. "A reprobate. This was his doing," you glance to the sheets, "and I was in prayer, Father." You glance back to him.

He's smirking.

"I am chaste," you remind him, trying to keep a grimace from surfacing.

The smirk isn't abating.

"The bed was disturbed because of righteous devotion, and I have done nothing wrong—" you get up slowly enough to not bother Ray, and swiftly cross over to the bed. It's impossible to convey the full extent of your frustration, as you sweep off the flowers, and straighten the sheets. "How do you manage it?"

"Are you serious?"

It's a bad idea to whip your head around, for how bothered you are by merely speaking. You keep your eyes fixed on the bed, finishing tidying it, clutching the petals in hand. They're fresh, delicate, soft, smooth, and you're trying not to groan as you mutter, "do I sound as if I am joking—?"

There's no reply, for at least a minute. You cross back over, to the wooden table, the modest armchairs, and sink into one. Ray is right there, looking to you earnestly. You can't comfort him, for how bothered you are, muttering again, "I am completely serious."

The smirk turns to a worried glance. "Elias didn't do you any favors, did he?"

You glance back up, mildly horrified. "Leave him out of this."

"Sit still for a second."

Your fellow church leader stops leaning back, to put his elbows down on the table, to look at you earnestly.

There's something mad dancing in his eyes. The red irises, full of divinity.

You've felt it before, when you've called upon a God of the Material. Smoke, flame, and more strength than you could stand.

The stare persists. He's clearly scrutinizing the metal in your hair, around your ring finger, and all through your own eyes as well.

"You love Her, don't you?"

How is this even a question?

"Yes."
Yes.

"Let Her love you back."

Without another word, your mentor kicks back his chair, and moves to stand.

"What— I thought— what were you intending to do—?"

"What did I tell you?"

"About—?"

"Flesh, and Mercy."

"Your— your patron is combative?"

"Unlike yours."

(1/2)
>>
>>4062335
Despite the surge of pain it elicits, you can't help but frown. "Yes— I— I would— I wish to return to my prayer, but—"

"I would never want to tell you how to handle yourself, Father, but I think you need the advice."

Your frown intensifies. It feels wonderful, and you really don't want to interrupt.

"It wouldn't hurt to call on Her. Just Her."

The first few moments you saw the Father of Flesh sparks into your mind. The heat and fire in his eye, kindled several times in the same day.

It has been easy to forget. It's hard, now, to not think back to Father Wilhelm's treatment of Dream. Night after night, for weeks on end. A love and devotion to his patron that could easily eclipse the night. The cracks in his skin, plain as day, littered with the God's gift.

Father Edmund couldn't even pen a letter without impressing it with gold.

I am not crazy, am I?

This is insanity.

Are they all mad, too?


>A] Thank Father Friedrich for his advice, but you are sticking to simple prayer. Chastity. Cold water, and sleep. Today has gone on for far too long, and you need to rest.
>1] Let him know you don't mind if he still wants to have you supervised. If Ray is insufficient, his company is fine, too.
>2] You are horrifically frustrated, lonely, and exhausted. Ask him explicitly if he'll stay while you try to get some sleep.
>2] Ensure him that you're in Mercy's care. You are a man of all of the Gods, and will serve Them all diligently.

>B] Thank Father Friedrich for his advice. Tactfully inform him that you'll take it to heart. Invoke Mercy, the moment he's out of the room.
>1] Stay with Her long enough to heal your soreness and injury.
>2] Stay with Her for the rest of the evening. Not for the sake of medicine, combat or restraint, but purely for the sake of being with Her.

>C] This is wrong. He's wrong. Is this why so many clergy kill themselves? (Write-in any concerns or questions you might have.)

>D] Write-in.
>>
>>4062339
>>A] Thank Father Friedrich for his advice, but you are sticking to simple prayer. Chastity. Cold water, and sleep. Today has gone on for far too long, and you need to rest.
>2] Ensure him that you're in Mercy's care. You are a man of all of the Gods, and will serve Them all diligently.

>C] This is wrong. He's wrong. Is this why so many clergy kill themselves? (Write-in any concerns or questions you might have.)

You talk of abuse, how is this any different from that? Her blessing is hardly necessary here, there is nothing trying to kill me, no one to save. How isn't this selfish? How is this more warranted then what happened in Ostedholm?
>>
>>4062339
>>B] Thank Father Friedrich for his advice. Tactfully inform him that you'll take it to heart. Invoke Mercy, the moment he's out of the room.
>>1] Stay with Her long enough to heal your soreness and injury.
>>2] Stay with Her for the rest of the evening. Not for the sake of medicine, combat or restraint, but purely for the sake of being with Her.
>>
>>4062339
>>B] Thank Father Friedrich for his advice. Tactfully inform him that you'll take it to heart. Invoke Mercy, the moment he's out of the room.
>>1] Stay with Her long enough to heal your soreness and injury.
>>2] Stay with Her for the rest of the evening. Not for the sake of medicine, combat or restraint, but purely for the sake of being with Her.
>>
(Calling the session here, I'll be back either later this evening or tomorrow morning, EST. Vote is open until then. Thanks so much for all the votes and participation guys!)
>>
>>4062363
>>4062365
>>4062385
(Going to lock the vote here, may be a bit again but you guys can expect the update by tomorrow morning, EST.)
>>
>>4062933
"Thank you, Father Friedrich— but— "

"Yes?"

"I am already in Mercy's care—"

"Oh, really? Are you now?"

You're standing.

He leans back again, smirking.

Livid. "You talk of abuse? How is this any different from that? There is nothing— nothing trying to— to kill me. No one to save. How is this not selfish? How is this more warranted than— what happened in Ostedholm— more than anything—?"

"Richard."

"What?"

"There is someone worth saving right here."

The pain in your jaw has not faded. You're aching, every muscle in your body worn, stressed, frustrated, tense.

"Your vows aren't only for Her. They're for you, too."

"I— I know." You try to relax your fists.

"There is nothing selfish about your partnership. Nothing abusive about sharing yourself with who you love."

The wind is taken right out of your sails. "You have a point."

Father Friedrich stands.

"What— where do you think you are going—?"

He lingers a moment. "Get some rest." He's moving towards the door, still smirking. "Not too much."

You call after him, "thank you. For the advice."

The smirk is a smile, barely visible as he departs from your room.

"I— I completely understand. Thank you."

A wave, over his shoulder. "Good night, Father Anscham. I'll see to it that you aren't disturbed."

The doors are closed.

"...good night."

You're still up.

Pacing.

Stoking the hearth.

Making sure Ray is alright. Setting aside enough clean water. Commanding your boy to stay, to rest.

Drawing your curtains shut, tying them.

Moving to the cleared, made bed, you try to take a few deep breaths. Sitting down, amidst the silk and pillows, you steady yourself.

As a man of all the Gods, you know how to invoke Them at any time.

You need Her.

Not for healing, or battle. Not for a matter of mere moments.

This is something that should occupy the rest of your evening. For the sake of your vows.

Your conviction is without equal. Your devotion is without compare. No injury or insult can come between you.

You are the Father of the Church of Mercy. You want Her, the Mother.

There is light, invocation, and something more than a Goddess.

She wants you.
>>
>>4063433
https://pastebin.com/CJeDdzMV
>>
>>4063433
(END THREAD.)

Archive: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Catalyst%20Quest
Discord (Update notifications, fanart, music playlists, fan projects, etc.): https://discord.gg/t7F4yJH
Father Anscham's Journal (Your tenets, inventory, observations/ability through prayer, demons faced, and much more. Updated regularly.): https://drive.google.com/open?id=1r-yFdCSj0VJi63LsD3Vl9T0DWw4us6wn

With that we conclude our second thread of Catalyst Quest: Avowed!

Thank you all so much for your votes, participation, and discussion. Please feel free to provide any additional feedback, constructive criticism, or ask me any questions in the coming days. I'll be sticking around the thread until 404, but will be starting a new job and need to balance my new schedule before we resume.

Having said that, we will likely resume Catalyst Quest within the coming week. If the thread is off page 10 by then, as always, I will announce via our Discord and /qtg/ before we launch again.

Looking forward to resuming the quest with you all again soon!
>>
Thanks fer runnin
>>
>>4064167
No problem dude, a pleasure as always. Thank you!
>>
>>4063438
Thanks for running!

If our body is in such bad shape, how are we so adept at fighting even without invoking any gods? We were literally running circles around Friedrich, who is supposedly the best in the whole combat oriented church of flesh. Then later when we were working out he said we had no stamina or vitality, which didn't seem quite right considering what we've done.
>>
>>4066085
You're very welcome!

You know Anon that's a great question. Why do you think the leader of the Church of Flesh is criticizing you? Is there a good reason you should be able to fight as hard as you do, despite the condition you're in?
>>
>>4066663
Are we literally a demon?
>>
>>4066691
I'll leave that up to you all to contemplate.

Catalyst Quest: Avowed #3 will launch this Friday afternoon (EST)!
>>
>>4067351
New thread
>>4073467
>>4073467
>>4073467



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