Romani Montclaire - Uncertainty; Del's first move (5/11)

[22:26] Side talk aside, Del called for this meeting. They settled in the seat beside the Stellus seat, Unfortunate, the High Keeper is resting but, his opinion would be weighed. Alongside Priest Inante.

The Arch Priest cleared their throat to get everyone's attention.

"Hello, everyone. I hope you're having a wonderful day." Their smile beamed a bit.

"Though, what I'm bringing to the table is not as wonderful. I will get to the point... Deacon Filia was recently attacked a few weeks ago by a Teraphim. The reasoning not entirely known to me but, she was out with Acolyte Mariaan at the time..."

Del sighed lightly.

"Such a matter is serious. The assault of a Clergy member. This same Teraphim has also wandered too closely to Osronan-Alabastre borders. When told to leave by myself and Radiant Lloyd, he refused."

"It was there that he mocked the Stars and the heavens to my face. Saying that the will of Aschea dares extend from their tree walls."

"I've come to this- We are a third of the pillars that hold up Osrona. Should be crumble, the entire city falls. Morale seems low amongst the Order with the abduction of not one but three Radiants."

"We will not waver for those who preach for false deities and spirits. Not when the heavens hang true above us all." Their gaze narrowed as they began to tap at the seat's armrest.

"While this is not related to the Church, to Osrona, I've recently discovered that Myllenoris does hold sacrifices for these spirits. They abducted a dear friend of mine, Edelaide Astaret, and would have forsaken her soul to their false faith. She chose to die in battle rather than for that..."

"Will they stop? At that? Who's to say that Teraphim wouldn't have taken Filia? Or Mariaan? Or that when at the bridge, he had such intentions? We cannot say..."

Del paused now, allowing for their ideas to be processed, these thoughts to be responded to.

"We mustn't weaken, not now. Not for these people with a demon who wears a crown as their leader..."
(Del mer Joyau)
[22:32] "I will make it clear to you now," The Keeper begins, his figure set to loaf against the meeting room wall. With arms to his chest and an eye to those present, he demands of them their attention.

"From now until his eradication, I will be guarding the bridge. The Teraphim responsible will fall by my hand, and will be given but once chance at redemption.

After that, they will be cast to the Stars to seek repentance for their attack on our people and on our face. We would be unwise to be lenient on this."


(Sethon)
[22:34] Bernadette listens to Del speak, giving the Arch Priest her full attention. It seemed the felinae was much out of the loop when it came to the happenings lately, as she had not heard of any of the things mentioned by Del. Though now, she had a look of surprise.

She'd simply watch everyone else's reactions, staying quiet yet very thoughtful.
(Bernadette Avitus)
[22:35] The young Acolyte listened intently, the redness had not yet vanished from his cheeks. It seemed that the Church was under attack!? His face paled somewhat. . .had the old man been right? Was war at the doorsteps of Osrona?

The mental image of a crystalline-shadowy fanged creature sprang to the youths imagination. He had not seen Teraphim and so far had only heard of them. . .yet the manner with which they acted seemed dark and evil. Even the Arch Priests' friend died because of them?

After Sethon spoke he was quiet for a moment perhaps due to nervousness with being in a room full of senior members.

"W-what can we do to help?" he asked trying to stop his voice from cracking out of nervousness.
(Gabriel Beaulieu)
[22:36] "If I may interpose...

I am of the firm sentiment that their transgressions should be met with severe alacrity, posthaste, and without commiseration. The Teraphim claim unfeignedly to be 'beings of balance', yet I see this as little more than a shoddily erected guise to indulge in wanton realizations primarily targeting the vulnerable.

If they are as equitable as they claim to be, what is to stop them from implicitly accommodating the welfare of occultists within their very boundaries?

Experience calls for the assumption that perhaps they already may be."

The woman's traditional tentativeness and diffident demeanor are lacking. She upholds steadfast austerity in the posture maintained, magnitude laced with every word spoken.
(Filia)
[22:36] An attack upon the bridge by a Teraphim alongside sacrifices... It doesn't sit well with the Asenite, but that thing order of the cycle did remain. Rolling his jaw he'd let his hands clutch tight upon the pew, leaning forward a bit he'd idly chime in alongside the Keeper.

"More than 'appy t' 'elp. It'll be somethin' t' keep m' goin' while I try 'n gather up a party fer th' 'ole... Occultist issue we're 'parently gettin'." Hearing two were running around didn't exactly sit well with the man.

Yet, among the congregation of star-believers the Asenite was, by all means, a wolf in sheep's clothing. Though his brow does knit as his gaze falls upon Del. "Wha' three Radiants were captured 'gain? I saw Ilsa not but... A few months 'go."
(Thalis Avitus)
[22:37] "I hate to think that this teraphim would harm such a humble, nice woman, Filia. I also hate to consider that our archpriest would be attacked by such a monster."

"Surely, these devils must suffer."

The gaze rested upon the others as their sentiments will be the thing that guides them.

"I will help by all and any means."
(Malikos Caelum)
[22:39] The Stellus would take the seat in front of the Church in silence, his eyes glancing to the side towards Del as they began to speak of what they were convened for.

For the duration of the Arch Priest's explanation, he does not speak up, only listening to what would be revealed. The pair of Sun and Moon eyes would glance towards Filia as she was mentioned, initially being quiet before giving a nod.

"First off, Myllenoris is at war with Orsona. If one has attacked a member of the Clergy, it is likely that they see civilians and those on the battlefield as one and the same when it comes to targets. I can not say it is entirely unexpected; Groups tend to be hostile to the entirety of a people no matter if they participate in the battles themselves or are just a part of organizations. That said, I have the following questions,"

"What is the name of the Teraphim? What is their rank? Do they represent themselves, or the whole of Myllenoris? Is it a single intolerant Teraphim, or would it possibly be many?" The Stellus began questioning, his arms folding behind his back as his gaze looked forwards.

"Your speaking of sacrifices is, however, somewhat known. I do recall at the battlefield, Asta demanded two hundred living bodies. I imagine that these bodies would have been used for the sacrifices like you describe. Again, Myllenoris is a brutal enemy. They are willing to sacrifice innocent lives to appease their spirits, and they are willing to take these lives by force."

"With such stated, what do you suggest we take as a course of action, Arch Priest? We can identify them as a problem, but if we have a problem, we must also imagine a solution."

"In case it is not clear, I know that when Myllenoris marches, we will be defending them, as they are striking the Faithful. Do you have another suggestion rather then just defense?"

His eyes, however, does look up towards Filia.

"I have known a Teraphim for a while. I can say they are unlikely to accommodate occultism. They hate Witches as much as we do, and occultism also sparks their ire intensely."
(Romani cos Montclaire)
[22:42] "They hate Witches because Witches are rooted in their culture, Stellus. Occultism is not a product of Witches, and therefore they have no reason to repudiate it.

Their suppositions hang entirely on an asinine prospect of balance; Occultism feeds into this same balance.

You may say they outcast Occultism, Stellus, but you are wrong. Malikos himself thought a Teraphim wielding the Occult in defence of the tower. You have been misled."

The Keeper sniffs from his perch, ashen eyes surveying each and every party present - even the unfamiliar face to the left.
(Sethon)
[22:43] "In the war, I faced off against a Teraphim who captured the young Solenne in the battle."

"They did utilize the occult, and nearly killed me in the process. If such a thing is real, then the only thing that we need to focus on is why."

The fingers came together over the rail as Malikos looks at Romani with the questions.

"Why are they accepting Occult now? How many occultist are in there? What is there real thoughts on occult? And if they are against witches, then why are they easily allowing one of their teraphim to do such a thing?"

"We need to have all basis answered, and why."
(Malikos Caelum)
[22:45] Filia intakes every word attentively, and without delay, her reply eases into the air.

"Stellus Montclaire,

years ago, when Sethon and myself were still acolytes, we made a missionary trip into Myllenoris to learn more of the faith that these Teraphim cling to in hopes of better understanding their convictions; what drives them forward, and contrasting our own views. During this exchange, they claimed that the occult was just as necessary as the divine. Surely, these statements would instill some form of chariness. I'm of the stance that they have always accepted these distortions.

Their 'spirits' are no different from demonic entities if flesh and blood are a necessity for pacification."
(Filia)
[22:47] Some of the conversation went over the teens head, the dark circles under his eyes did not mean he was tired though. Gabriel was far from that. . . the conversations of demons and occult magic spun through his mind like a whirlwind.

He remained quiet, matching up the things he had learned thus far with what he was hearing. Slowly the whirlwind abated, he sorted out information and put things together. Leaving questions for a later date.
(Gabriel Beaulieu)
[22:54] The bridge- Was it becoming a hotspot once more? Their gaze turns to the Deacon Keeper.

"Mh. I would also suggest maybe looking around at the southern bridge, too. That's where our borders are and, if I recall, the attack on Filia and Mariaan occurred in that area, south, more west." They looked to Filia, speaking of balance that those of Myllenoris seek to achieve. It calls for occultism, dark arts, dark actions.

"Occultism does fit into this balance. So, there's no denying that they would reject it, yet no confirming..." Though they do look at Sethon once more. Their mind continued to wander and piece together everyone's thoughts.

"We are at war, Stellus. A bloody, greedy war. Myllenoris took blood, now they seek blood. They want our crown removed. They want bodies. They are not above taking the lives of innocents. I don't care if the blood is Therian, Ilburg, Osronan- They will willingly kill for-"

"A deity that is false."

"One or not, they will see their practices are superior. During times such as this, we must show the radiance of our beliefs- That true, bestowed onto us by the Creator. Such speak should not and will not be ever tolerated by me or by anyone present here."

"As Sethon has said, we need more patrol. The Order is lacking, therefore the Keepers will pick up in their own failure to keep Osronans safe. Occultists run about, Clergy members are being attacked. This is our time to be aggressive, and towards Myllenoris."

Del doubles back now, to Sethon, Teraphim, occultism. They weren't aware that Malikos faced a Teraphim who wielded such.

"Why is this brought up now?" Del asked, but perhaps since so much occurred. The loss of Pericles, for example. "They tolerate occultism enough to send an occultist to war. Their hatred lies with witchcraft, not with what makesup the balance they wish to keep."

"It's unacceptable on every account."

The Arch Priest inhaled.

"While at war, our walls are breached constantly. Our borders treaded by those who should not. I want a ban of Greycloaks within Osrona. They feel safe to roam the city while they worship something foul and false.."

"Even after this war reaches some conclusion, the Church needs to demonstrate its position. The Stars are true."

"I want a purge of these occultists. All of them. No more will they run through Esshar as though they run it. Their magics will be taken from them by force if necessary."
(Del mer Joyau)
[22:57] Del looked at Thalis.

"Ilsa is back? Still. There are two not within Osrona's walls. While they are okay, it's a loss for us. A big one."
(Del mer Joyau)
[22:57] Thalis Avitus says, "Aye, ain't seen Garm yet. Who was th' third exactly-- M' memory ain't th' best."
[22:57] Del mer Joyau says, "Yes. Garm and Andrew."
[22:58] Malikos Caelum asks, "And-who?"
[22:58] Del mer Joyau says, "Both not able to act on behalf of Osrona for the coming wars."
[22:58] Del mer Joyau says, "Both are Radiants, Malikos."
[22:58] Thalis Avitus says, "... Saw Andrew t' I'm pretty sure. Coulda been m' seein' shit, but I swear I saw 'im run past m' in th' park."
[22:58] Malikos Caelum says, "..."
[22:58] Malikos Caelum says, "I only know of Lloyd and Garm."
[22:58] Malikos Caelum says, "I never knew of Ilsa or Andrew."
[22:58] "In the past, they spoke of being unwilling to allow them. That occultism and Witches were a great threat. It is what they said back when Myllenoris and the Clergy jointly attempted to lead a faux Inquisition against Illburg. However, it is interesting to know that they have changed their opinions now."

"I am reminded of something once done by Theria. An attempt to keep a Witch and an occultist there and they claimed it was to fight against Orsona. I believe that Myllenoris might see it the same way then. That occultism is fine to justify under an act of war. Hearing such, I am gravely disappointed in them."

Romani would shake his head towards the mention of an occultist Teraphim, a look of ire on his face, not denying that there may have been one, but also sharing what he knew of the past.

"Hypocritical then, of them. To outcast Occultism when it benefits them, and welcome it when it may be used for their side." His head once more straightens.

"I have the ability to remove occultism. If this one has not fallen too far, it may be worth it to purge them of the taint of the darkness. To purge and question exactly what makes their balance extend to occultism now. But then again, such can be obtained from any captured Teraphim."

"And if the spirits do demand blood, then we must judge them as the demons they mimic, as Filia says."

His eyes close for a minute, as if in ponderance, before opening anew.

"I approval increased patrols. It is one thing to know there is a problem, but if this is the suggested solution, I am all for it. As for the ban of Greycloaks within Orsona?"

"I was unaware that they were allowed. We are at war. If there are those we are at war with within the city and not there for the delivery of letters, they should most likely be incarcerated. If their aim is talk or diplomancy, we should not interrupt it, but otherwise?"

"They should indeed be banned. But that would be something to be ordered from the King. I however, also support the ban of occultism, and if we find any using it, bring them to me so that we may purge them."

A slight pause.

"Garm and Andrew, from what I was told, remain in Alabaste incarceration. I am told they are not being freed before the end of the war. However, I am happy to hear that Ilsa has been released."
(Romani cos Montclaire)
[23:00] Romani cos Montclaire says, "If Andrew is out, perhaps the terms have been changed? Or he could have broken away. But I was told that those two Radiants were currently held in Alabaste the last I heard of them."
[23:02] There is a slow nod from Bernadette. It seems she agreed with Del completely on all aspects of their words. Though her gaze drift to Thalis for just a moment, and then Romani. There's a nod of her head at some points.

Though still, she would remain silent. It wasn't her place to give input.
(Bernadette Avitus)
[23:06] "I will speak to the King on the matter of the Greycloaks, then, when I pass through to check up on His Majesties siblings. We are left in a tremendously difficult situation, but Del is correct:

There is no room for forbearance and incertitude in this. While the Knights dither, doing naught to protect our walls, are people are battered and intimidated; our Faith is made a mockery of; sacred lands are befouled and desecrated.

This war is more than political, now. It is a battle of paradigm.

They are given one chance at repentance. And then they burn."

His tone, so buoyant usually, is this evening anything but. Indignation pecks at those cool, dulcet tones, and his declaration is one without hesitance.
(Sethon)
[23:06] "All lies," she asserts. "Their 'balance' is a crude sham that I will see an end to as soon as soon as circumstance permits."

There was no tint of softness to her voice, no gentle cadences to carry forward the usual saccharine conveyances. "Will cleansing their bodies of the foul fetor that resides within truly emancipate them from their nature? The promise of power to conserve this so-called balance...

I think not."

Few could extrapolate what she meant, Sethon namely.

"Assuredly a revelation of a higher caliber is required."
(Filia)
[23:09] The Arch Priests' words were impassioned. It seemed the Teraphim worshiped false deities? What kind of deities were they? Was it like the stars and saints?

The youth glanced at Romani. . .so that was the Stellus? More importantly it seemed he had a history with the Teraphim! The agreed ban on Greycloaks seemed to be unanimous between both the Stellus and the Arch Priest but would the King approve?

It seemed the Teraphim were targeting the clergy in particular. Why? What point was proven by slaughtering people that only looked to aide those around them? His fists clenched ever so slightly on the pew.

Some amongst the clergy seemed to be calling for stricter actions against the Teraphim! The youths' eyes blazed with emotion, he was still a child it was easy enough for a setting to create a mood for him.
(Gabriel Beaulieu)
[23:12] Hypocrites, all of them. Theria and Myllenoris. Power and strength left them starving. Like addicts craving something foul. Such is an effect of the art. Now the forest dwelling Teraphim feel it.

"Banned. All of them." There's no hesitation in this bold demand. "For too long have they not felt our light. It ceases now. I witnessed a group of three enter our borders, Stellus. Do couriers travel in packs? Sethon, see that you tell me of what he rules and I will make an announcement immediately."

"We will not tolerate any mockery. None. Actions have consequences, especially those unrepentant."

"Aschea's will does not extend here."

"This war has become much more than anything political. The Church must take a stance more than ever. Our strength and faith far stronger than no amount of allies they have. No spirits, demons that they worship."

"We will display this the coming march. Proudly will we show the valor of the Stars, the heavens, and the Creator."
(Del mer Joyau)
[23:14] A glance would be made towards Sethon, a nod, before pausing when Filia spoke. The eyes would rest on her for a moment.

"It may not. However, there have been some who have imbibed occultic taint, and been cleansed of it, who then lived lives that were better. If rehabilitation is not attempted and we slay every single person who may hold darkness in them, it cuts away any form of redemption beyond what the stars can offer. But sometimes, the stars can give us that redeeming chance in their lives."

"If they have fallen too far, we do not make a fool's errand to save them. But all the same, we save those who have just begun the path, and have a chance to correct their choices. If they have any form of advanced occultism? They are simply beyond saving." Romani clarified simply, giving a small nod. "Those who do not fall far get what Sethon has said, a single chance of repentance."

His head turned to look towards Del, frowning at this mention.

"If they travel in more then one, we are to capture them if they are within our borders. A courier does not carry with them back up. They send one and a single letter."

"And indeed. We must show the Church's stance with our actions. More patrols, more work against those that would accept occultism, and we must fight against the forces that otherwise would attempt to trample the haven of Orsona."
(Romani cos Montclaire)
[23:20] His thoughts on the matter prior were cut short when a foreign body entered the room. His eyes went to Kofe as they walked through the meeting hall and approached the Stellus? What was going on.
(Gabriel Beaulieu)
[23:20] Romani cos Montclaire asks, "I have not heard of anyone inducting Kofe yet. However if he entered without knocking.. Kofe do you have key to here?"
[23:20] Del mer Joyau asks, "Or is the door open...?"
[23:20] Del mer Joyau says, "Locked..."
[23:20] Romani cos Montclaire says, "Door is locked."
[23:20] Del locked it, from this distance.
(Del mer Joyau)
[23:20] Sethon says, "I will go and locate His Majesty. I will find you when my meeting has concluded, Del."
[23:20] Gabriel Beaulieu says, ". . . . "
[23:20] Sethon says, "I do believe you all understand my stance on this. Filia can offer insight on my behalf in my absence."
[23:20] Del mer Joyau says, "Yes. You're free to go."
[23:24] Romani closes his eyes a moment.

"It is true that this church was a place of your rehabilitation and staying after being caught. Still, there are places in here which are reserved for use of the clergy at times. This meeting room is one of them, used mainly for private meetings, which this was."

"Also the seat you are in is for the higher ups of the Clergy. The seats for those who are not Priests, or Keepers is the benches. That said,"

The Stellus would glance around the room.

"Did we have more to discuss? I imagine if not, Kofe may have something to speak with me about?" He assumed, from Kofe's placement. "And if such is so, We can do such while patrolling the bridge."
(Romani cos Montclaire)
[23:25] Filia says, "I've no more to say. I must be on my way."
[23:25] Filia says, "Farewell."
[23:25] Romani cos Montclaire says, "May your path be bright."

[23:26] With Sethon off to complete a key to the meeting, Del looked forward, shifting in their seat.

"Yes, Kofe. While you've lived here you've never showed much interest until recently." They add. It was disrespectful really.

"Everything has been discussed. With that, those Keepers or pursuing such will congregate together for increased patrol at our borders. All of them, not just the bridge."

"Please speak further with the High Keeper, further inform him of the actions to be taken on the part of Keeper." Their words to Thalis and Filia.

"With that, you're all dismissed."

"The Heavens and Stars may shine brighter for us all for such proactive actions on their behalf. Do enjoy your day and take care of yourselves."
(Del mer Joyau)