Valor's light 1

[17:59] The priest waiting by the altar would give a single nod to the offer. "Of course, my love." He would say briefly as feet would follow Elise's steps with a pitter patter gentle enough it made not a sound. They would take him away, to a nearby room east of the pews... They disappeared for only a couple of minutes, before he was the first to return,

In his hands was a tray draped in a velvet cloth. Upon its width were two chalices, one of true silver adorned with ornamental rose-vine engravings along its rim. Another was golden, and marked with the symbol of the Asperan Cross. He would set these down, each atop the altar on either side.

The one he had invited would arrive! Though he had failed to mention this, his glance and nod Sasha's way would show there was likely a reason she was given invitation.
(Bell A. Montelione)
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[18:00] Bell A. Montelione whispers: I hope you do not mind I invited my cousin... She was curious about the faith. I wanted her to see this herself.
[18:01] Phoenix Altan whispers to Bell A. Montelione: Not at all
[18:02] Säsha C. Montelione returned the nod, remaining silent. Clearly there was something important happening.
(Säsha C. Montelione)
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[18:20] The pair walked calmly while the youngling was preparing herself for the ceremony. Their feet would move silent as each step was being muffled by the dark carpet beneath them.

Their frame would vanish for a brief moment from the peers sight but when returning to the center of the church, they would each be seen carrying a pair of items in their hands. While Bell had a set of gold and silver chalices in his hand, Elise carried a tray with two glass bottles, each with similar adornments.

As soon as Bell finished placing both chalices at the altar, Elise would fill each with each bottle. Her hands would grasp for a dark red stained glass and, upon tuning it over the silver chalice, a fluid of similar color began to be poured within. Once it was full, she'd put the bottle away before grasping for a colorless bottle, one that seemed empty by how transparent were the liquid inside. Once again, she would tilt it over the other chalice, the golden one, and slowly pour the oil-like substance inside.

"Thank you, my dear." She'd say, giving Bell a slow nod of head, one that was now crowed by her ceremonial crown. With everything in place and with young Phoenix bout and ready...it was time to begin.

A pair of hands would rise, slowly being uncovered as the long sleeves of the black robe would glide downwards. Both palms were facing the ceiling as if receiving a grace from the sky and then, words began to escape the priestess lips.

"Thou who came here today be blessed for is about to witness the rebirth of a child into a new life." She would say, opening a warm smile while peering at young Pheonix and then at Ramintha.

"To baptize someone is to cleanse their body and soul from their sins and welcome them with open arms into a new life within the Asperan church, within the protection of Aphelios and guidance of Enarr. Let's all kneel and pray together, draw the attention of the gods for this important happening"

Her eyes would close, hands would join together before her head would slightly lean down for a prayer.

"Athelios, son of Ymir, Warden of Hel, bearer of the duality of man. Please,

Cast you protective eye over those in need;

Cast your righteous fury over the sinners;

Guide them so no innocent lives might be taken;

Guide them so no wrong path might be taken;

So in your name they may serve one day"

Words would halt...with the ending of her prayer her eyes would open once again. Her expression seemed relieved as she scouted the room. "You may sit again. And now...come forth, my child, it is time for you to be baptized." She'd say, extending her arms towards the girl for her to approach.
(Elise Montelione)
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[18:29] With the prayer being said and those in the church taking their seats once more, the young kitsune would do as beckoned. Her hands resting at her side at first but then be brought up in front of herself. Small finger's intertwining with one another as she would begin to join in the prayer silently. Her head would bow slightly and her eyes closed while Elise spoke only to raise her head and open her eye's once she was done. Her hands remaining where they were in the prayer like position for now. Upon seeing the set of chalice's be set down onto the alter before her, she thought back to her reading. Sapphire hue's rested onto the item's placed on the alter as the liquid I the bottles was then added. The sight of the liquid drew the girl's curiosity as she watched Elise pour the transparent substance into the clear chalice.

Having stepped forward she waited further instruction on what she would have to do next. The nerves she once held in her showing no signs of surfacing.
(Phoenix Altan)
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[18:32] The priest who had helped to set the altar stepped aside, just close enough he was at hand, facing away from the pulpit. Eyes would close, and a head would bow as he joined in on the prayer...
(Bell A. Montelione)
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[18:33] Ramintha B. Altan keeps her mouth shut throughout this baptism. Silent respect is ushered forth towards Elise and Bell, and most importantely, for Phoenix.
(Ramintha B. Altan)
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[18:46] Phoenex took an step forward, allowing Elise to grasp for her shoulders gently yet in a firm way. A confident nod is given, one that could be read as proudness.

Her frame would turn towards the altar and her left hand would reach for the golden chalice, pulling it closer to her enough for her left hand to deepen within the liquid. Her hand would raise and those same fingers would anoint the girl's forehead with the drawing of a cross.

"Thy cross will cleans your body from your sins-

purify your soul from any evil that might corrupt-

prepare you to receive the blessing of our mighty Aphelios..."

She would say, taking short pauses between eat phrase as if reading a poem. Her voice would echo around the stone walls of the church, allowing everyone present to hear, and the vast empty spaces between each row of benches, would allow everyone to see.

The oil on her fingers would have dried already and so, her hands would grasp for thesilver chalice containing the scarlet liquid, one known by many as wine! Slowly, the chalice rose, carrying it with the tip of her fingers in an arch motion, halting it briefly at its peak before returning its movement towards the girl.

"By drinking from this chalice, Phoenix Altan, you will be reborn as a new member of the Aspera church. You will be imbued by the holy spirit of Aphelios, you will pledge loyalty to the Asperan ideologies and start your new path as an acolyte of our faith. Do you accept it?" Finishing her words, she would extend the chalice for her to grasp.
(Elise Montelione)
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[18:57] The kitsune then turned to face Elise, the smile shown on the woman's face giving her a sense of warmth within her. As the oil of the silver chalice was dripped onto the girl's forehead in the form of a cross. Her aunt's words echoing through the church, a nod given in response to the woman's question. "I am ready."

Confidence in her voice as she would take a small step forward, both of her frail looking hands coming to grasp the chalice and then take it from Elise. The golden chalice then being brought up to the lips of Phoenix as she would slowly take a sip of the liquid. The taste being that of a slightly bitter ashy flavor. The young girl doing her best to not make a face of disgust from the consumption of the wine.

With the chalice in yet still in her hands she would take in a deep breath, her eye's drifting to those in the pew's for a short moment before coming back to rest onto her aunt, a final nod then being given toher before she would make her pledge.

"I swear to uphold the ideal's of the church from hence forth, to pass on the ideal's of Aphelios from this day forth."


(Phoenix Altan)
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[19:07] Elise's hands would reach for the chalice, once again carrying it by the tips of her fingers and gently putting it back at the altar, right beside the golden one. Once again her fingers would deepen at the golden chalice and anoint the young one's forehead.

"Then, as priestess of the Asperan church, carrier of Athelios grace, I accept you,Phoenix Altan, as an initiate of our faith!"

The glimpse of a smile could be seen forming in her lips as she gives the young Altan a nod of her head. Proud! That was what she was feeling as a new member has joined the church!

"Let us all welcome young Phoenix with open arms! Amen!"
(Elise Montelione)
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[19:18] The light of the windows fanned in, a brilliant and vibrant orange. Beams of twilight fanning from windows, each focused upon the young initiate... The Leigo. The Acolyte. Outside, the sun would set... Ending one day of Aspera's history, and ushering forth one brand new. One, which would welcome in a new member to their faith.

The priest who stood within that beaming brilliant shadow of the setting sun... Smiled, from where he stood. He could not be more happy to the events of to-day. He stepped forward, eyes glancing between the three familiar faces... And arms would rise at either side of him. Whether he were speaking to a crowd, or few, he would have said the same words.

"Amem! Oh, what a joyous day this is! Let it be known, on this day, that Athelios welcomes all! Let it be known, that Aphros devotes herself still to her father! Let it be known! That on this day, one dedicates her soul with alacrity to He Who Sits Upon the Edge!

Ad Astra Per Aspera...

From the mud, all might rise to the stars! Carry these words within your hearts, and remember that Athelios smiles upon all!"
(Bell A. Montelione)
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[19:18] Ramintha B. Altan clasps her hands together
(Ramintha B. Altan)
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[19:18] Ramintha B. Altan says, "Amem."
[19:19] Elise Montelione exclaims, "Wonderful words, darling!"
[19:21] The chalice being taken from her grasp, a soft smile being returned in the direction of Elise before Phoenix would turn to face those in the church. The radiance of light shinning bright through the stained glass of the hallowed grounds. "Amem."

The girl said softly under her breath, feeling as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulder's. The worry of the ceremony having gone to her head after all.

"May Athelios smile upon us all."

Her hands coming together in front of her form, small digits resting in one another.
(Phoenix Altan)
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[19:25] Would step down from the alter, her gaze resting onto her mother as she would approach. "Mom, would you let me say a prayer for you?"

She asked a bit shy.
(Phoenix Altan)
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[19:25] Ramintha B. Altan says, "O'course bunbun."
[19:25] Ramintha B. Altan bows her head, and closes her eyes
(Ramintha B. Altan)
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[19:26] A couple of steps were taken by Bell... He approached Elise's side, having much to discuss with her about the church now the young acolyte was occupied. "Do you think we have time to see Azalea, dear? Or should I arrange a meeting tomorrow?"
(Bell A. Montelione)
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[19:27] Elise Montelione exclaims, "I believe we have time, dear!"
[19:28] A nod was given, though first Bell would guide Elise to their family who had come to bear witness to the baptism. He offered Sasha a smile. "Thank you so much for coming, Sasha... I thought you would glean a lot from today, better than any lesson I could give."
(Bell A. Montelione)
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[19:31] Sasha had watched the baptism, a faint sense of deja vu washing over here. The words and faith were vastly different, but the general concepts seemed much the same as far as she could tell.

Regardless, a new follower of the faith had joined the church, and that was always nice to see.

"Mm, I have learned much indeed. I thank you for your invitation Bell."
(Säsha C. Montelione)
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[19:35] With the permission thus being granted the child would raise her hands up in front of herself, bowing her head slightly as her eyes would then close. Her heart opening itself up for a moment as she would ask for Athelios to head her words.

"Oh great Warden, I ask you to listen to my request on this day. Please watch of my mother Ramintha. Through her years of service she has become tired and weary and I simply ask that you grant her good health and tidings as she walks down the path of life."

A momentary pause was taken, a small breath then exhaled and another breathed in.


"May you protect her in her time's of need from those that may wish to bring her harm Oh great son of Ymir."

A faint warmth radiating from the child as she spoke, her words echoing across the stone walls of the church. No real emotion was shown on her face as she continued to pray, her show of concentration resolute. With her words finishing up a light would begin to shine through the window's of the church, the light falling onto her and Ramintha blessing the woman with the grace of Athelios.

(Phoenix Altan)
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[19:36] {ITEM} You accepted and consumed a Chocolate from Ramintha B. Altan
[19:37] A light bow of his head was given, much more formal than he normally was with the friend so close to him. Of course, he was in his church, so this was to be expected. "I am only glad you got to see it. I would love to stick around and chat with you like usual... But there's some business I would like to speak on with the wife. So I will see you around, hm?"

The prayer given so near to him brought Bell a warm smile... Sasha and Elise both, could see it so clearly how proud he was today. Evidently, he approved of Phoenix's actions thus far!
(Bell A. Montelione)
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[19:39] Bell A. Montelione asks, "We will be just outside if you need us, Phoenix! But take care, hm?"
[19:39] Phoenix Altan says, "Mhm."
[19:39] Phoenix Altan says, "You as well Uncle Bel."
[19:43] Subtly her hands would go to grasp onto her childs. As the prayer, a calling from Athelios, would dance from within Phoenix. Her weary and tired demeanor, becoming blessed by the son of Ymir. Good health, would eventually find its way, thanks to her daughters wishes.

Phoenix's words echoing throughout the halls of the church. They were concentrated, definitely so. Then a light would shine from the window, gracing through and eventually landing upon the duo. Ramintha, would have officially found herself blessed.

Her eyes would open... before glancing upwards to face, her daughter with pride in her eyes. "Amem…"

"Very well done, sweetheart."
(Ramintha B. Altan)