PM to join [Temple of All Gods] A night in silence

[Saede Lare]

Fall 514 AV Day 28 Evening The temple of all gods was massive and beautiful. The tall stone brick walls, and large colorful windows on the sides almost gave it an intimidating aura- But it was intimidatingly beautiful. At least, that's what Saede thought. The stonework was incredible, offering intricate designs and wonderful carvings running up the outer walls. The path towards the temple was the most open place she'd been so far in Syliras, with scattered stone paths and a diverse garden. There was almost no noise around, besides that of the bustle behind them. She approached the wooden door and lightly pressed it, almost afraid she would ruin their serene surroundings. Her first thought was that of awe, This must have taken years- Decades to make. The inside of the temple was even nicer than the outside. Wooden beams ran up the walls forming arches on the sky-high ceiling above them, followed my the huge colorful windows she had seen from the outside. A long faded red carpet lead down the center of the room, leading to an elevated platform with an alter. Large pews of oak filled the front, to service a mass when there was one, and they looked like they could service at least 800 people. All around her were small fountains of water that greatly complimented the overall atmosphere of the area, and small shrines dedicated to each god lined the sides of the church. "Oh wow.." She said quietly to herself. This place was amazing, and she felt like could stay here all night. Noticing that some people were meditating on some of the shrines, she made a mental note to be quiet. She'd never been to a place as impressive as such. She'd heard it was nice here, but this.. This exceeded expectations in every way. Realizing that she was just gaping at the entrance, she made her way down the aisle. Who did the god say he was again? Saede racked her brain trying to think of what the voice had said to her last season. It started with a W.. Oh, the shrines are in alphabetical order. This should be easy enough. Saede followed the line of shrines down the list, stopping at W. The only god that had started with a W was Wysar. The shrine read, "Integrity, Conviction, and Discipline." Saede tried to hold back her surprise. Integrity? Conviction? She had run with a gang her whole life. That didn't make any sense. And yet the picture of the blue flame matched her mark perfectly. She only had to think about it for a moment to realize that in her attempt to save Darson, she had triggered the Conviction part. Discipline she was good with, and she was okay with Integrity. But only okay. I'll have to work on that if I want to be worthy. She though to herself. Suddenly she was overcome in shock. Wait. Darson was a priest from Syliras. That means.. That he would have worked here. Saede's heart sunk, and she was overcome with sadness for the man she briefly knew. I'd best tell somebody, at least. She looked around for a priest of some sort, spotting none. Searching a bit harder this time, she tried to see if any of the worshipers looked like priests. No.. She sighed to herself, and sat in one of the pews. Maybe if I wait long enough somebody will come.

[Garland]

After the catastrophe that happened to Syliras on the 2nd of fall, he needed something to guide him. He wanted to give his thanks Kelwyn for giving them reinforcements during the time when things started to look bleak, but he did not know much about the god and goddess of lost causes, he knew they were twins and that they did their best to help, but not much after that. Also he heard about a god of blood that may have information about his parents and lineage, but he was skeptical.

He wasn't impressed by the architecture of the church, he had been here multiple times, never praying, only observing. He wasn't a devout follower of any religion, but he respected Kelwyn ever since he learned about the twin deities. They reminded him of himself, trying to help, but sometimes only making things worse.

He looked up to the statue of Kelwyn, his hand in his pockets. He just gave a silent thank you and looked over to the other statues, reading their descriptions and other information the mortal world knows about them.

He saw a familiar face near one of the gods he respected, Wyser. He did not peg Saede as a religious type, but neither would he peg himself as a religious type either. He went over behind her and poked her shoulder. "Hey there."

[Saede Lare]

Hearing his footsteps in the silent church, it hardly came as a surprise when the person had spoken to her. Touching her was slightly different. She jumped up at the touch on her back, and turned to him. Garland was not the one she had expected to see here, in the church. With a troubled look on her face she said, "Ah- Hello Garland. What brings you here?" She said in a discouraged tone. "I'm just.. reflecting." Her mind turning to a different thought, maybe Garland knew the priest here! He did grow up here, after all. "Say, have you seen a priest here? I'd expect there to be more of them." Remembering her promise to tell him about Sunberth that she had made a while ago, she made a mental note to do so at some point. The room around them was full of these shrines and statues, and it got her thinking. Did all of these being participate in creating the world? Would that make them all equal? How can anyone choose just one? I suppose that's why they're all here. The candle lighting and silent area made for a great atmosphere. It all felt so peaceful here, unlike anywhere else she'd been. But why was Garland here? I guess I'll find out soon.

[Garland]

He hadn't been here much when he was younger, but he did notice a few people lacking, but priests were uncommon here, Syliras doesn't follow one religion, so a priest holding sermons was somewhat uncommon. Most of the people that visit here are cleaners that help keep the statues clean. Though there are a few devoted priests here worshiping one god, but helping others that are lost in the temple. This was a place of worship for all gods, so you expect a few disputes here and there, but the more seasoned priest usually defuse the situation before things get worse.

"There aren't many priests around here, mostly because this is a temple for all gods, and not many people spend their time here. A few minor... 'Debates' happen if there are a lot of priests here from different religions. Mostly the ones that can keep their cool stay for longer. Some priests just avoid each other as much as they can. That's the problem with having a temple for all the gods, some gods don't get along with each other." He sat down beside her and looked at the god she was at before.

"Why are you here?" He paused and remembered he hadn't answered that question himself. "I should probably answer your question before I ask you mine. I'm here to pay respect to Kelwyn." He said, looking at the statue of the twin deities.

[Saede Lare]

"Right. I suppose that would happen." Saede replied. She hadn't considered that some deities didn't quite like each-other, and it could often end in disputes between the priests. It made sense, and she though silly of herself for not thinking of it. It seemed such a simple thing. Garland said he was here to worship Kelwyn, but she really didn't know who or what it was. Besides a god, of course. Why would he worship anything else? He was at a worship temple after all. Maybe Kelwyn was the god of strength or knights or something. The amount of offerings at his/her shrine made it seem commonly worshiped enough. "I'm here to find somebody that knew a priest named Darson. I met him in Sunberth before I left.. He'll never get the chance to leave though. He mentioned he was a priest in Syliras so I thought I'd inform one of them that he wont be returning." Saede spoke these words softly and slowly, with a hint of regret in them. This wasn't the main reason she was here, but it would definitely be good to tell somebody while she was here. Maybe Garland would know him as well. If he did then Darson's family wouldn't have to wonder if he'll ever return. Just the thought of telling his family made Saede shudder. She was in on the killing at the time and she felt terrible for it. She was anything but worthy of delivering the news. Saede shifted uncomfortably in her seat and ran her hand through her hair. "You didn't know him by any chance.. Did you?" She looked up at him with jade green eyes. Half hopeful that she could inform his family, and half afraid that she would have to do so. After a moments decision she decided that she didn't want to inform the family, but she would if she had the chance. The bell chimed at that moment, providing a conversation gap for her to realize how depressing she sounded. Well, to be fair it was a depressing topic. The death of a good person was never to be celebrated or ignored. Acknowledging that she sounded quite sad, she accepted it. Sometimes sadness is just the way it should be. She glanced at the shrine for Wysar, and recited the three words in her head once more. Integrity, Conviction, Discipline. They sounded like grand morals, and she would adopt them as her own. When the bell chime finally faded she turned her gaze back to Garland, almost eager to hear his response.

[Garland]

Garland thought for a moment. The name Darson sounded familiar to him, but he couldn't place his finger on it. "There should be that one person here... He became like a sort of caretaker here. Maybe you could tell him." He said, he could feel the guilt from her voice, but he didn't inquire about it further. He grabbed her hand, trying to comfort her. "Look, I dunno what happened, but you can tell me. Your past doesn't define who you are, all that matters is that you are here now, and you are trying to do the right thing." He gave a small smile. "If you're worried about telling his family, I would gladly accompany you." He offered.

He gave a small smile and got up. He offered his hand to help her up. "Let's find someone here that can help." He looked around the area, he saw only one person there. He was wearing a dark brown robe, and was busy praying to some god he didn't know. He looked like he was about finish though.

Garland walked up towards the praying monk. "Morian? We have some questions." He looked at the monk. He had only met him once. "Ummm remember me? Garland? Do you know a man named Darson?"

[Saede Lare]

They approached the man to their right, who was praying at an alter. He had short grayed hair and was wearing a simple brown robe. He seemed the kind of person you could tell was enlightened just by looking at him, and it was clear he must spend plenty of time at this temple. When Garland had first addressed him, he didn't seem to respond. After a moment, he got up from his kneeling stance and turned to face the two, showing pleasure in seeing them. "Ah, good day Garland. I do in fact know of a man named Darson. He is not here, for he left to seek peace in other ways." He spoke slowly and wisely. The way she'd imagined an all knowing profit would. Although his response made her uncomfortable. He did know Darson. She hesitated, and after a moment she simply said, "He has passed away." The monk stared at her, bewildered at her response. "Excuse me?" "I- He was killed when he got to Sunberth. I saw it happen. I- I got revenge for him though." She couldn't explain more, she was on the verge of tears. She turned away from the two men and hid her face in her hands. She summed up her courage and finally said, "He said he had a family. I came here to tell them that he wouldn't be able to.. return." she finished. The guild welled up inside her, and she couldn't continue speaking. Tears streamed down her face that she frantically tried to wipe away. Crying wasn't something that she was supposed to do. She was strong.. Or so she thought. What would Garland think? Would the monk be mad at her? She had hardly known the man, why did she feel so sad about this? None of these stopped the tears from coming down. The monk looked from her to Garland, hoping he would say something to comfort her. OOCYou mentioned you've met him once before, if I portrayed him wrong PM me and I'll fix it up.

[Garland]

[img]http:/tinypic.com/2hekprd.png[/img]

oocI just said that because my PC has lived here his whole life

He grabbed Saede's shoulder, giving her a tight hug. He tried reassuring her, but he didn't know what to say. He took a deep breath, giving himself confidence. "Saede... It wasn't your fault. You tried your best to protect him, and that's all anyone could ask for." He made sure to wipe her tears as he talked, trying to show that he cared.

He rubbed her back trying to get her to calm down a bit. He could hear the guilt in her voice. "Morian, it wasn't her fault." He said with undoubted confidence in his answer.

Morian gave a sad nod. "I understand, it is a shame he had to pass away, he was a good man. He was much nicer and calmer than most priests here." He said, scratching his chin in thought. "I would go tell his family, you don't need to come if you don't want to." He said, respecting Saede's courage for telling him. "Tell your name, child. I shall tell them the brave fighter that tried to protect Darson."

[Saede Lare]

Allowing the firm hand onto her shoulder, she removed her hands from her face for Garland to wipe them away. She continued to stare into the ground. Garland had believed that she had nothing to do with it.. He had faith in her, which made things seem a bit more hopeful. She remained silent during their exchange, and responded quietly after the priest's question. "Saede. I am Saede. And.. I'd prefer you go without me if that's alright." Her voice was shaking as she said her name. She would be praised by them as a hero. It was almost ironic, considering what happened. Morian nodded in response. "I see. I will do so now, if you don't mind. Anything you want me to add?" Saede hesitated for a moment, not wanting to make the child seek revenge and kill himself or something of the like. Or her for that matter. "Well, tell them that.. He was stabbed in the back by a murderer by the name of Zenvys. Who is alive no longer." She was shocked that she managed to say so much without breaking into tears again. Leaning against Garland, she finished. "That is all.. I hope I don't bring too much misfortune unto them." She realized that they would have one day found out one day weather she told them or not. But at least this way they didn't have to fear that he had abandoned them. The thought saddened her further, and she returned to her quiet sobbing whilst she leaned on Garland's chest.

[Garland]

Morian nodded, solemnly. "Alright, if there is nothing else, I will be leaving. I have to tell his family and prepare a proper burial, even without the body."

Garland nodded as Morian left the two alone. "Why don't you take a seat, Saede..." He offered and went over to where they were sitting earlier. He helped Saede sit down, he felt sorry for her. She must have gone through a lot just to get here, and tell the church about the priest's death.

He lifted her head with his hand. "Saede... Its over, Darson and his killers are dead, you should never forget what happened, but this time... You need to let go." He said sympathetically, it must have been hard to kill, he felt guilty about killing the few mercs during the attack earlier this season, but that didn't make him slow down, it was either them or the people he was sworn to protect, and it was an obvious choice.

Garland gently pressed his lips on the girl's head, trying to comfort her as much as he could. After that he hugged her close, hoping to make her feel less venerable, and feel more protected. "Shhh... You can stop crying now... You're strong and this proves it. You could have just walked away and never have dealt with the guilt, but instead you came here and told Morian. Others would have just told someone else and let the other person be the one to tell the message."

He felt happy that someone he knew was this strong, if he was in her so shoes, he might have just left and not tell any of them. He sat there with her, enjoying the silence of the temple, hopefully her crying had died down by now. He just wanted to see her back to normal after the emotional ordeal she went through.