Romani Montclaire - A Leap of Faith (5/4)

[21:27] Through the door does Sethon stumble, pristine white garments tattered and tainted, and splashed with crimson patches. His right arm hangs limp, the sleeve of his shirt reduced to naught but ash; in its place his arms hangs, skins etched and scorched black.

A temporary wound, no doubt, but no less harsh to the eyes.

With head hung low, and tear stained cheeks - with a countenance splattered in blood and grime - he makes for his seat. Away from the rest. Alone.
(Sethon)
[21:29] There was no words.

Blood was on his clothing.

Neck full of crystals.

And a face that was full of mourning and had nothing else. "Over fucking cabbages."
(Malikos Caelum)
[21:33] Midst the deathly silence of the city's heart, Filia sat in bated trepidation up until the very point those familiar faces she loved so dearly returned. There was a meeting to be held, and her white form, as pristine as ever, amalgamated into the sullied bodies that filled the halls of the church.

Her seat was taken, quietude emanating in abundance.

It was not until Sethon appeared that she moved swiftly to attend to him, urgency contorting her features into an arrangement wrought with anxiety.

"... Sethon..."
(Filia)
[21:39] Hours after the conclusion of the battle at Starfall island. Perhaps the murmurs have already reached the city. The death of Osrona's Champion in an intense fight on the battlefield.

Yet the murmurs will not do that moment justice.

Even after forces redrew, all those hours, the Priest sat upon the chair beside the Stellus' seat. Robes bloody, a smear of crimson along their cheek- Few specks dotting their hair.

None of it is theirs.

As the Clergy filed in, some assisting with others, some not. Their voice cleared- Gentle, yet shaken words left them. Del would not feign strength in this moment.

"Today's loss is unimaginable..."

Their eyes rested, a tremble a bit evident as they spoke. Yet they opened and directed to Malikos.

"Please."

Attention moved to the center, then to the two Deacons. Both quiet. One injured.

"Today, at Starfall island... Pericles Vitalisleft this world in the midst of battle... His soul returning to the Stars..." The Priest gripped at the armrest of their chair. "Killed..."

"We made a choice to participate to defend the innocent. Should the island... fall... the loss would only rise and rise--"

"He gave his flesh, his body, and his soul to see others protected..."

The Priest's words began to shake, emotion spilling out as their free hand went to linger near their lips- Eyes rested for a moment and Del stopped speaking entirely. Tears rolled down their cheek...

"There's far too much to discuss, but before we do. He will receive our prayers, our words as... he descends to the Stars..."

"For the Stars and all that's good did he give his life for... A powerful man, Stellus, combatant... But most importantly, a person with impact. His words touching the hearts of many, actions guiding those to places better...While not with us in body, his soul will watch over us from the Stars. Always with us until we join him... When our path ends and there's no where else to walk..."

Silence once more. A few seconds.

"...The seat is once more empty. Another Stellus taken by the flames of war... It must be filled, the role mantled to another..."

Their gaze shifts between the Priests beside them. They feel the need to share one point, first.

"To me, Pericles said, were he to fall, he suggested I take on as head of the Church... Such were his words, I accept his opinion, his thoughts... Yet I'm compelled..."

Romani, their eyes meet the Montclaire.

"We don't need to decide. Not yet. Not as quickly..."

"Please... Offer any thoughts you can, any words for a man taken far too soon... Even were it the will of the Stars..."
(Del mer Joyau)
[21:45] The Petrakis King enters, bloody and solemn after the battle that had just taken place. It was hard fought and in the end, they had lost. Despite the Church's contract. Despite the stars guidance.

He is silent with one hand held to a closed eye, that drops to his side as he enters the reverent room.

The prayers for the fallen Stellus, Champion of Esshar hang in the air. Alexander rei Petrakis bows his head in silent reverence.

And then, does the King of Esshar speak. His words short.

"I have one request of the Faith. And I will require all of your help."
(Alexander rei Petrakis)
[21:45] The King -

Sethon rises, a countenance crusted in blood, splattered in grim; a body battered and torn, and struck with unrelenting lightning; a body struck and flung by the most violent tempests...

And with what little energy remains, finds means to shamble from his seat, and practically collapse to one knee at the sight of King Alexander rei Petrakis. In the face of defeat, and when faced by conflicting emotions - why had they even fought?... - he kneels before his King, head bowed, reverent always, one arm hung limp and a body at the brink of collapse...

Glory to Orsona, and Glory to the Heavens.

Where was their glory now?

Sethon simply remains there for a moment before rising anew, and collapsing onto the bench at his side. He had naught to offer to this discussion. It was one best left to the King.
(Sethon)
[21:47] Romani is silent, taking a seat next to Del. The light in his eyes is dimmer, both by the injury dampening it, and the events that had transpired a short while ago. The nobleman closed his eyes, took a breath, and remained still for a few moments, smelling the blood.

Inhale. Then out.

"It was a terrible loss. Stellus Pericles Vitalis was a man that everyone could trust and respect. He was slain by the drakanite Sythaeryn, who proceeded to flaunt his body over the entire battle field." A shake of his head, falling silent for a few moments.

"We, the church, made a choice to fight in the battle to defend the tower. It has cost us. But even so, we attempted to limit the amount of bloodshed. That is good."

"Asta Hargrave has made her demands known. She desires the lives of two hundred innocent people. She desires wealth, the abdication of the throne, to instate the exiled, and the one that you wish to excommunicate, Inante, once more as nobility. She demands things, unreasonable things, and continues to want to wage war if not appeased."

But a pause, first. As Del said their prayer, Romani would close his eyes, praying alongside Del as they took a breath.

"May Stellus Perciles be a name ever remembered for what he was. He was a symbol of hope, he was a message that people would be safe. He was our friend, he was someone we could trust. May he ever watch us from above, and may his wishes ever brighten our path."

"The seat of Stellus is empty. We should discuss such here, and I am not opposed to Del becoming such. I do wish to bring up," A small pause, however, as the king entered into the room, bringing the raise of a brow.

"How may we assist you?"
(Romani cos Montclaire)
[21:47] Elora had just found out about Pericles. The woman was a bit shocked to say the least. A slight downward glance was made, followed by a dip of her head.

'May he know peace among the Stars.'

The elder thought in silence then looked back up. She would say nothing and simply follow the King.
(Elora Renae Otho)
[21:48] The moment of silence hung closely the after the words were spoken telling of Pericle's death. It was like a blankness entered him and empty all thought and reason. He was the only one left....

After Nina he had Pericles's to turn to someone who knew him grew up with him, Understood why he did the things he did. But now? He had no one who would truly understand what Inante thought or spoke he and more over Osrona's champion was lost to the flames of a violent war.

A single tear shed down his face, The flood being held back by nothing more than Inante's will. As Del gives his prayer Inante tries to speak but no words come out at this time.

For the most part he's muted Unable to get the words out of his throat to even speak them. But this time he didn't question the reality. Nina was lost to the act of a selfish witch. And Percile's was lost to a war of vengeance.

It was the worst joke of his life and the striking grief that surrounded him. Was unimaginable. Yet he didn't collapse here. Not at this moment at the very least. A conversation he'd not want to have not in a billion years especially since he gave up his position only for Pericles's to be the one have it.

But for now he'd remain silent thinking in his own mind. Considering what had happened and what he would do now. How would the Church move forwards...He wondered.

His eyes glanced upward. Towards the King a sigh seeing him, The very last person he'd want to see him in a state near to him breaking down mentally. He shared no words only an expression that perhaps gave away his thoughts.
(Inante arl Salis)
[21:54] Ah.

All was lucidly understood, now. Why her companion's cheeks were stained. Coldness seeped into her veins and overtook the flow of her previously warm heart, stilled to a sluggish crawl in its pulse.

The silvery sheen of her eyes dulled, glossed by the cusp of tears that welled around her lashes and released in a stream of glittering sadness. To the king, not a move was made. To the higher clergy... A broken gaze.

And to Sethon, a hushed utterance.
(Filia)
[21:56] Silence.

There had been a strange feeling within the Queen. The warmth that had left him when he had imparted the Lifestream's blessing upon him before the war, had begun to return to the Queen.... Far sooner than it should have.

It his way of being on the battlefield while he attended to an emergency at Queen Manor.

There was a horrible knot in his stomach, that only seemed to worsen as Del spoke, and then those fateful words 'Pericles Vitalis left this world in the midst of battle.' hit him, and his face went pale.

His lips parted to speak, to question it, but no words, nothing came out. How? How could Pericles have Fallen? In all of Esshar there wasn't a man more courageous, more just, and...

And...

The Queen's head sunk, as those tears began to flow from those emerald eyes of his. Not caring who saw. His mentor, the man who had forged him into who he was today, was gone.

"I'm so sorry, Teach."

Those tears continued to flow, more, and more as his gauntleted arms moved to cover his eyes, to shield a bit of his grief from those around him, but the sound of the Noble sobbing could still be heard.

Eventually, those tears would let up for a moment, so Sparrow could say something about his mentor. The time for mourning would come later, right now they had things to attend to. Afterwards..?

Well, it's a good thing the church had a lot of wine.

"Pericl-...Teach, was an older brother to me. He was the one who brought me into the church, taught me how to harness Holy Magic, and continued to push me to strive for greatness. Because of him I'm the man I am today, and I... I don't know what I'm gonna do without him..."

A deep breath followed, as he continued to compose himself.

"Del, or Romani would make a fine Stellus, either of you are fine in my books." His sorrowful gaze then shifted towards the king. "What can we do for you?"
(Sparrow cos Queen)
[22:02] The door cracked open though it wasn't a straggler. The King himself, also stained with that of war- Blood and grime. It was well fought, the effort on Osrona's part. Del themself isn't without injury. Visible now as their hand lingered near their lips is what seems to be like marks- As thought tied tightly at the wrists.

However, Del had a few more words for Pericles.

"He meant everything to me." A slow inhale. "He filled the role of father for me when my own couldn't be with me. Then he joined him, both will watch over me as I push forward, walking down this ever... winding path..."

A slightly stained hand moved to wipe at the tears on their cheek. The blood smears and smears, but attention settled on Alexader and Elora.

The body? Pericles', perhaps? His cleaned and within the Church for now- Before a proper ceremony and send off can be held. But they look to the King with sad, teary eyes- The talk of Stellus put on a hold for now. Inante stayed deathly quiet, Romani offering his words, his thoughts as well.

"...How can we be of service to you...?"
(Del mer Joyau)
[22:07] Even now, they all look to Alexander and in this moment, the King is silently grateful. And still, he would ask more of them. There would be no words to do justice to the Stellus for everyone else in the room had said them already.

Instead the Petrakis speaks of something else. A request.

"Bring the Stellus' body and follow me."

No, an order. The least he could do.
(Alexander rei Petrakis)
[22:10] The pair of sun and moon eyes would blink a single time, before nodding. Upon the request of Alexander, Romani would delicately stand up and just as gently go towards the body of the Stellus. First, something odd, a piece of paper would be drawn from the man's corpse, something in case it needed to be brought up later. Those in the know might have recognized the contract.

Following this, Romani would softly lift up the corpse of Stellus, if not stopped, holding him tightly, bridal style, before following after Alexander with growing curiosity.
(Romani cos Montclaire)
[22:11] Of course more words could have been shared about his mentor, but those would have to come later, it seems as if the King had a task for them. His emerald eyes would flicker across the room, towards Del, and Romani.

They were with him on the battlefield, odds are one of them knew where his body was.

-Oh, it seems as if Romani had already acquired it.

Good, that makes things easier.

Slowly, the keeper would push himself off of his seat, as he followed behind his Cousin. He wasn't sure what this was about, but if there was anything he could do to help.

He was going to do it.
(Sparrow cos Queen)
[22:11] Another request of the Faith.

It is with a heavy heart, body, and mind that Sethon concedes, obliges, and rises. A wary eye befalls the presence of Romani and the figure in his arms, and his attention is torn away is quickly.

Shaky legs draw him upward, and with head bowed in reverence, he follows King and Company.
(Sethon)
[22:13] The Priest blinked. Just once before staring towards the King. There's a brewing mix. One of confusion at his very sudden request. Yet they move from the chair and to the room where Del had moved the Fallen Stars' body. It's been cleaned as best it could with one person working in such few short hours.

But the way he died clear as day.

Luckily Romani carried him. Without a soul he grew so, so heavy... Del hadn't the strength or heart so soon. Their head was low as they moved to follow the King.
(Del mer Joyau)
[22:13] The demanour of the Kings voice spoke in was as if he was assured of something Hope he once felt as well, It was a dark road but he didn't know exactly what young Alexander had in mind.

But Inante could only wallow in his own despair not really much to say beyond following the flock for now. He'd continue to think to himself keeping his words and his thoughts only swimming in his brain.

He'd know what to do after this was settled and continued to finish what he started...
(Inante arl Salis)
[22:26] They are led to Petrakis Castle and then somewhere more. Down the stairs of a sacred tomb, a place most of these people would only see once in their life.. and this was it. For most, they would never lay eyes upon it. A sacred area with a statue of Angel Maltziel sitting at the head of the room. It was the Petrakis prayer room.

In the corner there is Alice as requested.

The Petrakis King stops once leading them down the stairs and he looks over to the group.

"Romani, please place his body in front of the statue. And the rest of the Celestial Church gather around and lend your magic and your hearts," Alexander says and then goes on to say more.

"This has not been attempted before in my lifetime. But. It is the least we can do for a man that fought for the good of Esshar. We will try."

Alexander rei Petrakis gestures Elora forth.

"Lady Elora, please lead the Celestial Church in bringing the Stellus back from the dead. Follow what the stars and angels tell you." He had only heard rumors of White Magic, so they would have to put their trust in Kraus and Avalon above.

And with that, Alexander rei Petrakis takes a kneel, his hands clasped in front of him. He would not interfere in the Church's blessing or their attempt, he would only serve to aid it.
"Alice, if you could help me."
(Alexander rei Petrakis)
[22:28] Inante arl Salis says, "...."
[22:29] Romani would follow after Alexander into the sacred tomb. A small sweat dropped rolled down his brow, both from the reality of this situation, and also recalling the last time he had entered in here. A glance was made towards the angel, but he did not speak, carefully maneuvering the Fallen Stellus' body so that it would lay down in front of the statue.

Attempt to bring the Stellus back from the dead? He did not know if such a thing was possible. Even so? It was something worth trying, in his opinion. A nod would be given towards Alexander, laying down the body of Perciles in front of the statue, and closing his eyes, before backing up slightly. The holy magic, dimmed from his injury, would attempt to spark to life and fill the air around.

It was what he could do. What he could attempt to do at least.
(Romani cos Montclaire)
[22:32] That forlorn gaze of his rises, up and unto the King...

And he can do naught but... laugh? It is a quiet chuckle, concealed beneath his breath, as he is left flummoxed at the insanity of the situation. Those unlucky combatants among them - King included - had been battered across a battlefield, and now the King had commanded...

Resurrection?

The muted silvers of his eyes scour the room, surveying the countenance of those around them. Did they, too, think it mad to play God? To act as the divinities did, and interfere with the natural order of things?

Did they too believe this was... right?

He does not question it. He would not question it. His King had commanded, and so would he rise - though sluggish in his movement. He stumbles forth set after step, and sets himself aside Romani, a place of comfort.

Starlight is called upon, and those thick ebbs of mana which whip and wind so fervently about his figure await its part in this ordeal.

...at what cost did they dabble in this arts?
One could not take without first giving.
(Sethon)
[22:35] The call had been made. The one in which she knew would come to her eventually.

When they were down in the depths, before the angel statue, she would stare. Upon its face and into its eyes. Had this been the one that had called her so long ago?

Looking then to the King as he spoke the elder offered a single, small, dip of her head.

Climbing the small set of steps Elora would walk around the podium. Coming to stand before the body of Pericles. Looking down upon him she would wait for the others to gather.

What would come next would require an amount of Faith unrivaled compared to any other. All of them would have to be resolute, certain, willing and able.

Elora was all of these and ready to begin. She would simply wait for the others.
(Elora Renae Otho)
[22:35] Wordlessly the Keeper would follow behind the King, through the Petrakis Castle, and down towards something few people would ever see. The Petrakis prayer room.

Sparrow's emerald eyes flicked around the room, soaking in as much detail as he could, before focusing back on the task at hand. It... It seems they would be attempting to bring Pericles back to life?

Was such a thing even possible?

Did it truly mater? If there was even the slightest chance to return his teacher to his side, Sparrow was going to do everything in his power to achieve this.

Up the stairs he would go, following after Romani, as the lifestream itself coiled around his features. His eyes would slowly close, as he kneeled down beside his fallen brother, allowing the lifestream to flow from himself, and onto his teacher.

All he could do was hope this would work.

(Sparrow cos Queen)
[22:37] She had heard the news- of course she had. The princess had already composed herself well before coming down to the sacred shrine. For Petrakis only... but she didn't have it in her to complain today.

The young girl moved quietly, standing besides Alexander. Her brows shot through the roof at what he proposed. This white magic..? The one that she'd seen attempted so hap hazardously before in the town square? Did the church really believe that they could just revive every single person that went astray?

But this was not just another person- it was Pericles. The man who had trained her. A figure whom had fought witches and villains, one that had taken up the mantle of Stellus even though he loathed the idea. A man who embodied self sacrifice.

If there was chance of anybody receiving the benediction of the father, it would be he.

There was no passive waiting from Alice. She squinted over at those present, as if daring them to try andruin the moment, before placing her hands together.

"... Eternal father. Kraus and Maltziel, whom saved the Astyans from their own folly. Take pity on us and remember the First Contract. The Empire rests on the precipice of dissolution, carried by the Faith of your servants and those whom truly believe. Have mercy on the Stellus, Pericles, to whom service in your name was greater than all others. Have mercy on Esshar, and on your people forever."
(Alice ras Petrakis)
[22:38] Inante would shake his head from left to right...

He'd been researching white magic for a while now if anyone would know much about it was him. Inante remembering his failed attempt how he drew on the power of stars and Angels and yet it yielded no results to help Faira.

There was nothing that would assume this time would be any different. He didn't want Pericles's to go through that. For everyone to have hope only to watch that slowly drain form their faces.

He had to say something at the very least to snap everyone from their hopeful grief and back into reality.

"No one here has that kind of power to will someone back from the Stars your grace. Trust me I have tried..."

It was true prayer and holy magic rituals could combine and create many feats but this? He was uncertain if it was even possible or if it was something that they even Should Do.

"Even if we were to do this...the cosmos would ask for a price. One we would have no idea how large it could be or what it would entail. And the chances are even slimmer than that. Are you all really willing to pay that price here and now....?"

His voice cracked, Trembled with seeing Pericles's body splayed before him, He tried not to get to emotional and kept his words clear and conscious.

"Please just consider what you're asking....Its not been done in not even few era's perhaps even more...We don't know the forces or the toll it will take..."

His protest was in weak spirit mostly because he knew already how it would end, And even if success did occur. At what cost? Was all he could continue to think to himself.

(Inante arl Salis)
[22:40] "If it requires him to come home to us..." he muttered.

"I'll do it."
(Malikos Caelum)
[22:42] Inante spoke words of disbelief. And perhaps there was some disbelief of his own within Romani. The stacking feeling of failure, the weighing of his light ever dim. And yet..

At most, he could try this. He would close his eyes and bring his hands together. A breath was taken, the holy magic under his control moving forwards, attempting to aid Elora. While that inkling of fear, that he would fail once more, that it wouldn't work,

He wanted to at least try. If he could at least try, perhaps see a glimmer of hope, he wanted to reach for it. His holy magic was ever dark around him from his wound, but what it represented was still alive inside.

"If nothing else, we must try."
(Romani cos Montclaire)
[22:44] Filia gazes ahead, observant and full of trepidation. Of grief.

While she understood that sparse instances of white magic have been utilized to reanimate the dead, the probability of such an occurrence in the present were practically unachievable, even with the combined capabilities of the clergy in attendance.

It was far too late. It had to have been.

And yet, she could not completely blot out the glimmer of hope that manifested within, however thin of a strand it was.

She awaited.
(Filia)
[22:44] Down several sets of stairs and into a place they had no idea existed. It felt sacred... Yet Del did not sit, their stood stiff and standing- Perhaps a corpse themself, but their eyes, on Romani, on Pericles. Resting yet cold. At least his soul moved on.

Could they pray for him together in this sacred place? It was Del's first thought. It'd allow for them to begin healing from such a traumatic event--

Most here did not witness the horror they did.

Their eyes just stare, stare, stare. Then widened. The King said what?

"No..."

It's quiet, their words.

Del shook their head slowly, for a few seconds as they stared at Pericles' body. His death flashes- The cries of battle ringing in their ears as they saw his body crash against the ground. Specks of his blood from the impact splattered along their body.

Inante's words of reason ring clear. No one here had that power. No one. To attempt and fail would only kick those who are down. Strikes to the gut, to the face.

"It will not work." Shaken words as the Priest stood paralyzed in place. Such a feat would require a person of unparalleled abilities. No such person existed in this room- Likely even Esshar. The dead walking once more was an impossible feat.

"We will try and we will fail..."

Like a tiny light. It's so faint it's not even there-- And it's thousands of miles away.

"I saw him die. I- I can't..."

Unmoving. The Priest stood absolutely still.
(Del mer Joyau)
[23:01] Words of doubt and words of conviction from differing people. Strands of hope, small glimmers that were almost blot out by darkness. Still, Alexander rei Petrakis does not lose hope, for he would never. The city of Osrona, the Astyan people sat on his shoulders. And he would bare that burden until the end of time.

"If we fail then we can shoulder that failure, but if we do not even try and Osrona falls, then I do not see how we can answer to the stars above. They are coming for us, for our cities, for our walls and make no mistake, the sacrifice of this war will be far too much. Angel Maltziel put faith in us before and saved us from tremendous failure. Let us not let it get to that point again, where all of our people die before we finally take action."

"Cast aside your doubts. Hold hope in your hearts. Bring your magics together and have faith in the stars and angels above. They will not forsake us."

And with that, the Petrakis summons forth his own magics. Reaching out to something in the cosmos, the starry sky. Whether people would doubt, whether it would not work, to Alexander it did not matter. Here they sat in the sacred prayer space of the Petrakis family, calling upon help before calamity struck and Osrona was sieged.

The least he could do was try. For a man as stout and devout as Pericles Vitalis, the speaker of the stars and Stellus of the Church.

With Alice's prayer said, he does the same, eyes quiet as Elora would begin. Both Petrakis calling upon Angel Maltziel in their time of need.

If nothing else, they must try.

"Kraus and Avalon above. Lend us your strength in these trying times and give Pericles Vitalis a second chance. Allow us another chance so we do not falter in the face of darkness."
(Alexander rei Petrakis)
[23:07] It didn't matter if it couldn't succeed. What mattered was their intentions- and this moment of reverence. Alice's lip twitched at the doubt behind her. Oh, but this was not the time to scold people for their lack of faith. Now was the time of putting everything to a higher power.

There was no magic cast from the Petrakis princess. Only her stalwart belief. It was hard to keep tears from forming in her eyes.

Pericles...

She earnestly believed- there was no man more selfless than him. Her faith reached out to the will of the angels. Even should they fail, it didn't matter- it meant that the man was free to rest in Avalon.

The rest of her prayer came in silence.
(Alice ras Petrakis)
[23:10] "We pray to the Stars every morning and night for a miracle.
We gave prayer for the safety of our people. The survival of our Brothers and Sisters."

His index finger is set harshly in the direction of Pericles, who lays as motionless as he had upon being executed and hurtled across the battlefield, before his very eyes. It felt wrong to glance upon him, almost.

"We received no aid, and yet we still offer prayer. We still call upon the boons of the cosmos, as if we have a right. We still bare our devotion for all to see, because we believe in something greater than ourselves. And yet here and now, called to stand, to aid, with but a glimmer of hope that we might bring him back, and you...

Hesitate?"

So weary, battered, and worn, those harsh, intransigent tones speak true. They are accusatory, almost, as he sets sights upon Del and Intante. Perhaps he had no right to speak out of turn. Perhaps he had no right to dictate to them. But they -

"Where is your Faith now? In our King? In the Stars? Everything we do is personal sacrifice. Why is this any different? Why will you not put your Faith in the heavens and try, so that we might give for him as he gave for us?

A Stellus who will not sacrifice is no Stellus at all, Priest Joyau. Do you remember what I said to you all those years ago when you helped me? Have faith."

And so his eyes turn toward Perciles anew, and hands clasp -

"Kraus above, you are Holy above all others, and all of the strength that we need is in your hands. Grant us strength to return our beloved, so that we might see light in the darkness. Have mercy on Stellus Pericles, your humble servant, and return him to this World, we beg of you. You are our rock and our fortress; our strength, in whom we trust; our shield and the horn of our salvation, our stronghold. We call upon you Lord, who is worthy to be praised."

(Sethon)
[23:13] Pericles, the beacon of hope that kept the church held together. If there was a chance that this would work on anyone, it was him. There was no one more courageous, more selfless, or kinder in all of Esshar.

All doubt would be cast aside, the lifestream continued to flow through him, and into his mentor. No audible prayers could be heard coming from the Keeper, all of his prayers came in silence.

The doubt that linger from bellow the stage would be ignored. His full attention, and faith would be required here, and anything that even threatened to derail that could result in him falter. Which... Well, it's best to avoid that.

Instead, the Priest remained kneeling beside his fallen brother, his silent prayers never ceasing, as he hoped against hope that this worked.
(Sparrow cos Queen)
[23:16] The others had their doubts. Of course they did, who would not? Elora watched Inante try to bring back her granddaughter Faira but was unlucky in his attempt.

However, he had tried.

What they all needed to do, what they all should do, for Pericles, was try. That was what Elora was going to do. If they were successful it would likely bring a great cost upon them all.

Likely at the stakes of their own life force. At least for a little while.

But as the King spoke Elora would closer her eyes. She would begin to take slow deep breaths. Inhaling through the nose and exhaling from the mouth. In that time the Holy aura around her began to amplify.

Not only were the effects seeping from it strengthened, but its overall size increased as well. Filling an area nearly five or so feet in diameter.

'A life was taken from us, one too early. Pericles deserved.. deserves better.

For a life that had touched so many and was to touchso many more, it was taken too early. He is a good man, a man of courage. A man of Faith.

Please bring him back to us.'

Her own prayer whispered in her mind. As the others made their prayers and offered their words the elder would eventually open her eye. Allowing them to look upon Pericles once more.

"We of the Faith are of the Faith for the very word. Our Faith in the Stars and those above. Our faith in that they will guide us through the harshness of life.

Our faith in that they will show mercy unto those truly deserving. Stellus Pericles is a man deserving of such mercy. More so than any I have ever met in my life.

Through our faith we will see our Stellus brought back to us. We must try, for him. As we tried for Faira."

She made the note then reached her right hand forward. Closing her eyes once more the elder began to channel the energies of the power behind her ability to grant one Their blessing. That of herown life force, which she had temporarily granted to others.

Only this time she was attempting to preform this task upon the fallen Stellus. With the aid of the others, their mana, their faith, Elora would channel it all through herself and on into the body of Pericles.

She carried no doubts. She held only faith in that They would hear their plea and bring back to them their Stellus.
(Elora Renae Otho)
[23:17] "...."

Would they suspend belief in hopes of doing something they'd not know the cost of? Was Osrona really in such a desperate situation that this was their answer?

The King Ordered it and it was for only that reason did Inante make his moves. But he wouldn't like a second of it. This...was far to premature even he knew that.

His own failure to bring Faira back to life...His failure to do anything for Nina. And now? He would have to suffer with the failure of Pericles's as well.

It was a cruel misfortune. But he'd not win this debate they're hope was powerful, But not what was required.

"As powerful as it can be, Faith and Hope can be it cannot bring back the dead. Not with our current understandings of the mortal coil. White Magic is beyond us. And once again I ask you. All of you. Are you willing to pay the cost?"

He steps up, His face clearly showing resentment in this process. It wasn't something Pericles's would even want. He would want to rest...

"The stars do not answer to mortals, Nor do Angel's young Sethon, and when they do it is for a reason beyond loosing a good friend I assure you. I wish for nothing more than for Pericles's to return but people live and die. Death cannot be unwritten with extraordinary circumstances....that's what I want you all to understand."

He takes his place looking at Pericles body sadness taking hold of him again...Was he willing to risk the cost? He wasn't sure but if this was what they wanted...Then Inante would at the very least give it his all.

Illumination flooded his body as the brilliant wings of rainbow are woven onto his back. The silk like Ribbons of rainbow mana curling around everyone serenity, inspiration, and despite his personal feelings even hope.

Inante's body now illuminated in a pillar of the Lifestreams very light he'd join everyone else in this attempt. If nothing else he was willing more than willing to give his life in exchange of Pericles's if it meant he could raise...

"A Stellus sacrfices huh...we shall see.." he whispers under his breath.


(Inante arl Salis)
[23:22] {NARRATION} Perciles' was covered in blankets of white light, his skin glowing just under the surface while his body remained still. Runes took up into the air near his body, angelic in pattern and strange to all here who couldn't really understand it. And though their prayers and power was concentrated and pooled together, the slumbering Stellus did not wake.

The lights reached upward, clinging to the angel statue that overlooked the Pericles' form, until it reached those ever watching stone eyes. Near the corner of the right one, a glimmer of shining magic came into view, only to drop downward, like a tear of ether.

It appeared to have fallen somewhere near the Champion's chest, but there was no mark or stain that could be found. Instead, only a sign from Malztiel himself.

A sign that the angel heard their cries for help. A sign that these Children of the Faith were not alone. But a sign that this magic was still beyond the hands of those present, and that it was the fate of Pericles to give his life valiantly this day so that his soul and spirit might pass on undisturbed toward the next life.
[23:29] Prayer, hope, the dim holy magic.

Even if it might not work, even if he might be seen as a fool, he tried, hoped, prayed all the same. The body would be blanketed in light, the signs of the angels appearing in the air around it.

'No, it will not work', a frown towards those words of Del, and again at 'We will try and we will fail'.

A sigh at the words Inante. 'Faith and Hope cannot bring back the dead', and 'white magic is beyond us'. Ever frowning, shaking his head.

"Is that the type of people you all see yourself as? We are the Faith. If we do not have Faith in what we do, no one can have faith in us. We have lost a great man, we have lost the Stellus, but would you two give up hoping, give up dreaming or working for things, just because you are afraid of failure?"

Romani would glance up from Perciles. True, like they said, they failed to revive him. But all the same, the sign fromthe Malztiel had come. His glance would linger on Inante, and Del.

"If you give up, then you can not change anything. Even if it may be fruitless, one has to at least try. That is what holding Faith is."

He had never won on a battlefield, yet still walked to wars in hopes of bringing peace. He had always tasted defeat, but it did not stop him from trying to stand up.

"We have been given a sign from the angels. A sign to try. A sign to go forwards. A sign that our attempt was not in vain."

"Do you really think we should not have tried at all?"
(Romani cos Montclaire)
[23:31] There was never doubt in her heart. Even in this most distressing of times, hope was something she'd clung to for so long. While the complaints of those nearby disappointed her, she couldn't be angry at them. It was only reasonable to despair.

A sign would come; she knew it would. Romani (FOR ONCE) spoke wisely. This was not about magic. It was the will of angels and nothing else that could return a soul to flesh. Their strength didn't matter; only the great tapestry that had been written long ago.

She looked up at the statue as things started to shift- a small gasp leaving her form.

So they were heard. It was the decision of the high heavens that Pericles rest in peace. He had fought so hard, and for so long. He deserved his rest.

Alice rose, sniffling.
(Alice ras Petrakis)
[23:32] There are simply powers that no one possesses. It's clear as the Stars in the sky. It relied heavily on the individuals own power. Their capabilities and skills.

No one here was worthy of such.

Even if combined- To pull a traveling soul from the Stars. Such is an immature and disrespectful belief. It's hasty and was given no thought.

Their eyes met the King's visage.

Lines have been crossed and danced on. Words spoken that truly lack understanding. Young and inexperienced. If anyone had more knowledge of this process, the act of revival, it'd be Inante.

No one had the training, the ability.

Del felt far to distraught. For this to be asked of them mere hours after watching him die. It really felt like a spit to the face. It won't work, but their body moved to at least try.

Could they feel anyworse?

The Priest walked forward slowly, up the stairs and to Pericles' resting body.

"Sacrifice...?"

"Do not question. I would have died in his stead had I the chance."

Quiet, sharp words as a cool azure surrounded the Priest's frame. Del wanted a prayer, not a revival attempt. To see him sent off properly not trying to bring him back only to fail. Like a tease dangled before them.

The Stars were true, powerful. Yet such a power beckoned to those deserving. For now, maybe a tiny, unnoticeable glimmer in the grand scheme of things.

To try and fail so miserably- Especially with life, with Pericles. If they could bring him back they would. But here and now with those beside them?

No one is strong enough.

Shaky hands rose to add to the light that surrounded the fallen star's resting body. Tears still shedding yet quietly. Del had faith. More than anyone here-- Faith that he'd be carried and taken care of in the Stars.

Yet something occurs. A growing light that dropped onto Pericles' body from the statue.

Del could only... stare. Silent. Silent for a very, very long time. They don't speak.
(Del mer Joyau)
[23:37] The display of so many variations of Holy and Cosmic Magics pouring into the former Stellus' body were perhaps one of the most beautiful spectacles anyone would see in their life time. Illumination and radiance that could barely be spoken out of words.

Only experienced. The runes however were an interesting thing, Inante hadn't used them and being one who often casts runes for his magic spells he'd immediately focus his eyes to studying them symbols and shapes unlike any he'd ever seen before.

They were quite literally Burned Into his memory like visions obscuring his mental faculties and it caused him to suddenly fall back out of shock, His mind scrambling with runic words he'd not seen in his lifetime or within any culture.

Something that would surely need to be studied more closely...After the recoil subsided and it proved that Pericle's did not wake...that's when he could no longer hold back his flood of emotion...Once again it was all for naught...

"Romani...He was my best friend someone I loved and was closer to than anyone. I'm sure all of you feel the same, I would never forsake him if I thought it not impossible. I was once again proven correct..." He shakes his head.

"It is not for us to decide who lives and dies. Its never our choice. Never." He stood up trying to regain his composure. Yet his sobs were all the much to distracting.

"We are not conduits of the stars. We are not vassals of Angels. And in the end? Death is the final resting place within Avalon's gates is where Percile's is at now. We had no right...This was not faith it was grief. And only for that reason I will forgive you all. Including myself."

He didn't want to lose his friend. No one could blame him or anyone else for wanting to at the very least try and he didn't. But the results were proven true.

Tears left red streaks on his face as he scoured them off his skin. Moving away not looking anyone in the eye.

"I will do what I can to atone for this mistake. And one day I hope to bring Real White Magic to Osrona."
(Inante arl Salis)
[23:37] Looking forward she saw the bit of magic before them. However.. instead of bringing the Stellus back the Light simply lingered there. Until it was no more.

As if it mocked them.

Everyone was going to say what they were going to say. They were going to have their own opinions on all of it. But when it came down to it all Elora had failed.

She had failed them. She had failed her King. She had failed her Faith. She had failed Pericles.

After a moment the woman would simply lower her arm back to her side. She'd stare at the fallen Stellus in silence for a minute or so after.

Why..? Why had the presence of those they called to been shown if only do nothing? Why would they have even shown themselves to them in the first place? Surely they were mocking them. Had they not been good servants? Or was it simply a sick game they played..?

Surely not, at least Elora hoped so.

"They have spoken. Our Stellus will lie in rest while his soul waits for us among the stars.

I will step away and allow you all your time with him. May he know peace among the stars."

With that the Elder stepped back. She was disappointed in herself for not being able to do this for them, for him. She was defeated, she was weak, she was just another magi. Just old. Old and grey.
(Elora Renae Otho)
[23:38] There would be do doubt within the mind of the Priest, as he knelt by Pericles' side, the warmth of the lifestream still flowing all around him. The chances of this working were of course slim, but that wouldn't stop him from putting the entirety of his faith into it.

He had to.

Yet, despite all of that... It wasn't enough.

A sign had been given, the angel's had heard their plea, and yet as they were this power was still out of their grasp. Hesitantly Sparrow rose to his feet, the light around him dimming as he does so.

"At least... At least we did something."

That's all he could manage to get out, before his gaze would shift away from the lifeless body of his mentor, and towards the floor, doing everything within his power to hold back the tears.

For now he was succeeding, but when he returned home well... Odds are that damn would burst once more.

A single thought echoed throughout his mindthe entire time he stood there in silence.

'What am I going to do without you?'
(Sparrow cos Queen)
[23:44] It was not the fear of failure that stifled him, but that of not trying.

Of retreating at this last hurdle. Of never knowing whether their Faith was misplaced. Of never knowing if their devotion and sacrifice was not enough. Of never knowing...

Of never knowing...

Though their efforts bare no fruit, there is a glimmer. A light. To peer away for but a second was to miss its extraordinary presence... a sign of something greater than themselves. A sign of success.

A sign of Hope.

"But we are conduits of the Stars. That is precisely what we are. Precisely what the very starlight we wield means. And we have received a sign, here, today, that our efforts were not misplaced. We have called to the heavens and They have decided it is the Stellus' time to rest.

You are misguided. Nobody made a choice - nobody decided - that it was not his time to pass. We looked to the Stars, our guardians and protectors, and we pled.

We cried to the heavens for salvation, as Mikhail Petrakis once did, that They might return him to us. His sacrifice has been judged necessary. Your commentary of our actions is disingenuous, as if we stepped forth to play God in His stead. No. What we did here today was right."
(Sethon)
[23:46] The princess turned to the priests, hands on her hips as they squabbled amongst each other. Her eyes settled on Inante in particular, as the eldest- the former Stellus.

She had grown much older now, more confident. And in the face of what had happened here... she had to speak.

"We are blessed every day of our lives," she'd begin. "To even be acknowledged by the angels is an assurance that we will always be safe. When you all despair, I know it is not for a lack of faith- but you believe that resurrection is tied to... power? To one individual? To White Magic?"

Her voice rose as the full implications of what Inante said dawned on her. "You -forgive- our prayers? You've grown truly arrogant, Inante. Reflect upon the Astyan folly. Resurrection does not fall to the power of a man. Whatever you have heard of White Magic is misguided. All claims to life are derived from the angels, and the vessels that they choose. Magic is a misnomer."

She dipped her head. "If they had wanted to choose us, they would have. Pericles can find peace. There is nothing wrong with that."
(Alice ras Petrakis)
[23:51] The Petrakis King's form remains silent, unmoving in prayer. This was the type of person Alexander was. One to try even if it did not seem possible, against all odds.

Though, it was not all for loss. Light blesses the room, shimmering and taking hold of the Stellus before moving up to the statue. A single tear of ether falls.

There is a long moment of silence after where Alexander watches but does not speak. And then does the King's form rise. One eye was still half-shut, crusted with blood but his face does not fall to a frown.

"I will never apologize for trying to save Osrona nor would the Angels want us to," Alexander says, reflecting over what had just happened, a pause. "Now he rests in Avalon above so do not fight."

"You are all permitted to use this room for a short while, for your silent prayers for Pericles and then he can be laid to rest by the Church."

The man would not ask anymore from them. Now was a time for mourning after one last attempt at life.
(Alexander rei Petrakis)
[23:52] 'At least we did something.'

Those words cause Romani to turn, lightly pressing a hand onto Sparrow's shoulder, and giving it a squeeze. A nod was given to the other priest.

"An effort failed is still worth the effort put into it. A time ago, a friend assured me of that, after I failed to protect someone else. Even if we fail, even if we are unable to do something, we must believe that our efforts were not in vain."

"I tried to save someone from a mugging. I failed to, but she remembered later, and she was ok. We may fail, but the things we do are remembered. We may fail, but there is always the chance we can succeed. So we must try. We must have faith. We simply must."

A small, sad smile crossed his lips, before finally releasing Sparrow's shoulder, and turning to all else.

"Inante, even if we feel something is not possible, we should always try. If we do not? There may some day be a chance to dosomething that we are too afraid to move towards. We can not let ourselves be passive. We have to try. You say we are not conduits of the stars. But they choose us in our initiation. You say we are not vassals of angels, but if not so, what was that light a moment ago?"

"We must keep moving through our pain and grief. Because we are the church. Because we are the things you just said we are not. You can say it was grief, but I believe there was something more to this moment."

"Or the angels would not have given a sign."

A turn towards Elore, a small bow. "Thank you. If nothing else you attempted. Thank you. If nothing else, it was a small moment of hope, and a message to keep trying from above. To not give up our faith."

A glance is made towards Sethon, nodding in agreement. And another nod towards Alice. A small exhale as he turned forwards, towards the body of Perciles.

"But for now, I believe we should give him a proper burial. And though no Stellus is named? I would like to begin the process of Canonization."

"I put forth Percilies name as a saint." With that? He would fall silent and pray.
(Romani cos Montclaire)
[23:55] Fleeting.

Oh, so fleeting.

Such was the tear of gold that slipped from the heavens and descended upon the stilled heart of their Stellus.

"P..." A tiny sound eased away from her chest as tears of her own spilled without relent down reddened cheeks. "Pe...ri...cles..." A sob into her sleeve, and then silence. Silence that persisted for some time, until a resolution was reached.

Failure was not at the forefront of her mind. This concept was discarded in exchange for fury, palpable and pure. From her sleeve, a foreign appearance emerged; deeply tensed brows, eyes alight with glistening wrath.

A final, softer glance drifts to Pericles, and a quiet prayer is conveyed within her mind to be shared only with the angels above.

Streams of heat materialized around her figure as forceful strides carried her away in a flurry of increasingly lustrous twines.
(Filia)
[23:55] Misguided?

There is no one more torn in this moment than they are. Still a bloody mess from having no time to properly mourn. For them to be swept here after hours ago watching their Stellus die?

Del looked up, a glance made to Sethon. They had absolute faith in the Stars and the Angels but they are aware of their place in the world. Mere men, flesh and bone.

The Stars did not hear the pleas of a young child for their father to return home. Where is he still?

Nothing is spoken still- Truly, a distaste begins to form. To have this with nothing spoken of prior. Zero time given. Del just stands, silent as ever.

Everyone's words just mere sound replaced with the horrors of war. Their stare lingered on Pericles' resting face. Blood shed and cries. An absolute terror that they witnessed and went through. Body once more bruised for the sake of others.

Screams and blood, yet there's a light. The Stars.
(Del mer Joyau)
[23:56] "My Arrogance? Refelct on the Folly of the Astyan Empire? I-"

His hands would only scruntch into a tight ball and begin to bleed, Those words, In this situation? It was the most hypocritical thing he'd ever heard in his day.

His tension subsided, Even in a fit of emotion Inante couldn't bring himself to truly express himself he'd spent years after all mastering his feelings and emotions never to let the negative over take him.

He allowed his anger to subside and merely left his commentary to that.

"If my presence is no longer required. I'd like to leave."

This was something he'd failed to see within the church. Just how blinded they were by the light that they couldn't see reality. It was something he'd noticed once or twice even within himself but this?

It shook his understandings and how they spoke about it...It really dissatisfied him. Inante took his steps to leave unless stopped.

He'd stop at Romani's words looking towards the exit for a moment...

"I agree, Saint Perciles will be remembered."

But he'd hope this would not. Inante learned a few things today. The most important lesson was...that hope can be just as volatile as Hatred. If this was the biproduct.
(Inante arl Salis)
[00:01] Saint..?

The girl paused.

"So be it," she said simply, wiping her eyes. It was a good thing she'd had time to let out her emotions before this event. Her eyes glanced sidelong to Inante, frowning. Certain that he hadn't properly interpreted what she said.

"Were there ever a day that we believed it was magic, and not faith, that could bring a man to life... the church would be no more. This sign is more than enough. King Alexander will begin the process for canonization..."

Which was just a bunch of documents to be looked over across a few months, listing all of his deeds, his life and an in depth screening of everything he'd ever did.

The saints of Esshar numbered in the dozens; he would be guaranteed a spot in heaven.
(Alice ras Petrakis)
[00:04] Sparrow was snapped back into reality by Romani's sudden grip of his shoulder. His sorrowful gaze shifted up from the floor, and over towards his cousin.

Familiar words graced his ears, words that he had spoken towards Romani in the past were now being used on him. Which in any other circumstance would have resulted in a smile from the Keeper. Although a small, sad smile does grace his features, if only for a fleeting moment.

Quite words would be whispered towards his cousin, before he'd look one last time at Pericles. His teacher, and his friend. No those weren't strong enough words to describe his bond with Pericles. He was his older brother.

Memories flash before his very eyes, of the numerous times the duo had departed from the city in order to mine, in order to be accosted by bandits, or the laughs they shared while in quarters within the church, and the numerous times he sought him out for advice.

The loss of Pericles had left a hole within the Priest, that likely would never be filled.

"Rest easy, Teach."

A deep breath followed, as the tears were once more held at bay. His eyes drifted from the corpse, and over towards Romani.

"I agree. If anyone has earned it, it's him."

A nod follows, as he stood side, by side with his cousin, his gaze once more finding it's way towards Pericles. As he once more found himself silent in prayer.


(Sparrow cos Queen)
[00:06] Inante arl Salis says, "*continued to hold his words back against the princess his exit only haulted until the cannozation was completed."
[00:06] Inante continued to hold his words back against the princess his exit only haulted until the cannozation was completed
(Inante arl Salis)
[00:08] If there were ever a time for a clash of belief, it was now. Ever a time for a battle of faith, it was here. For their pleas to the Heavens, if naught else, had been recognized, and their faith reward with a promise...

Stellus Pericles would step faithfully beyond the Gates of Avalon.

"I agree. Let his name be remembered."

It was a singular, quiet interjection, lest he be teased to contest the ignorance of Inante arl Salis in his departure.

No qualms with seizing a power as incomprehensible as White Magic themselves, but a prayer - a plea - to the Heavens themselves was two steps too far.

Interesting.

"He is deserving, and has taught me a great many things I will cherish, and hold close moving forward."
(Sethon)
[00:14] Everything grew hazy, blurred and spinning. Their body felt weak as they gazed upon. Del rose their hands a bit, an idle glance to their hands, their wrists.

Perhaps if they prayed more this morning the outcome would be different. A call out to the heavens as they do each morning, each night. Yet fate cannot be changed, especially had they placed themself between the Dragon and the Stellus. Del knew that but in this exact moment, no one could feel what they feel.

To be placed on a bloody battlefield when they didn't belong there? Then expected to think with a degree of rationale after seeing Pericles die, dragging his body away on their own?

The Priest froze, but their head spun-

Del collapsed, consciousness fading entirely. Adrenaline fading and their body felt every strike to them- Heart especially.
(Del mer Joyau)
[00:15] Alice ras Petrakis says, "... I hope that young man is alright- but I would like to go and make an address."
[00:15] Alice ras Petrakis asks, "Is that alright, King Alexander?"
[00:18] There was no disagreement from within for the canonization process. Romani would nod, staring at Pericles for a few moments longer, reaching forwards, not touching the corpse but ever longing for it to open its eyes. Ever longing for Percilies to tell them it was a joke.

But of course, such was not the case. Prayers were uttered in silence, no more argumentative words and a nod towards Alice when she spoke of Alexander starting the process of canonization, before the sudden collapse of Del. For a few seconds, he says nothing, then walks forwards to Del. The dimmed holy magic would go forwards, lightly trying to heal them as he would then pick Del up carefully.

"I should take them back to the medical center of the church. It has been a hard day for all of us."
(Romani cos Montclaire)