Romani Montclaire - A Faith that can be trusted (4/13)

[19:18] Towards a more private setting, it was a shame they were missing out on a few others, but word could be spread by those within the meeting to the others that had been busy.

A seat was taken by Pericles, waiting for those within the meeting to be comfortable before speaking, Inante's words had him nodding.

"The recent skirmish against Illburg that we partook in, it should of never happened. At least, we as the Faith shouldn't of got involved in such a way. The Order could of handled the assault, but instead we marched due to the potential remnants of Elaide's bloodline and occultist within the settlement."

He paused, looking around to those gathered, before attention locked onto Inante as he continued.

"We were too quick to draw swords, too quick to march alongside and shout out our battle-cries. We were offered a chance to search their settlement, and truthfully, it's a dangerous option to take due to relations, but."

"But we should of taken that route instead of fighting against them on the battlefield, instead of involving ourselves in a matter that the Stars themselves would of looked down on us in shame."

The cosmic-codex within his hand was opened, flicked through pages till he paused on information about the past, about the Mythical Age. An index finger slid across written text.

"We're returning back towards the days where the Astya empire waged war without care, conquerors only looking to gain. Becoming the people that were almost abandoned by those we worship, because of our selfish actions."

"These are my worries, and I know others have such thoughts too. So please speak them, so we can properly come to a conclusion,
(Pericles Vitalis)
[19:20] Inante remained silent choosing to listen than speak his own feelings. After all he'd been speaking for a while and this would be a chance to know how everyone felt.
(Inante arl Salis)
[19:23] Romani would slowly rise from sitting on the nearby bench.

"The Faith can not be a hope for people if we can not hold hope in ourselves." The Noble Deacon spoke up.

"The skirmish with Illburg should not have happened, that much is true, but also the way we went about it. We were supposed to be checking people for occultism, Inante, we were not there to blindly cut people down and dye the desert red with blood. You marched church members down there, you marched children, believing that we were doing the right thing, to a settlement, ready to check for occultism."

"But instead of letting them have a chance to be checked? Instead of letting Asta's words of entry even be answered, you prayed for blood, for violence, and ordered a siege. You did not give them a chance."

Romani spoke, frowning as he did so, and shook his head.

"And your words at the end of it? 'We underestimated them. We will not thesecond time'. You spoke as if you were planning another attack already, not to check them for occultism, but to again paint them with blood."

"That is why people hold less Faith in the church. People can not hold hope in us, in what we do, if our leader demands blood first."

"My faith was shaken there. Not in the stars, but in you." Romani stared directly at the Stellus.
(Romani cos Montclaire)
[19:24] Ah, so this is what the meeting was about. Truthfully this wasn't the first time this topic had been brought up, and he imagined this probably wouldn't be the last time.

Which was a shame.

Though the moment his teacher said his peace, Sparrow would chime in.

"We... We weren't fighting against occultists, or witches, demons, or any of those things. Just people trying to defend their homes. Sure they might be bandits, but it's not the job of the church to deal with that."

A sigh escaped from his lips, as he gently rocked back, and forth in his seat.

"We're supposed to help people, not hurt them. Isn't that our job?" A swift shake of his head follows, as he ceases his rocking for a moment, saying one last thing before continuing it.

"There wasn't even a single occultist there... I joined the church to help others, not harm them."
(Sparrow cos Queen)
[19:37] Del took a seat, it was hard to get comfortable. The conditions making them weary.

They knew well what this was about and they urged for a discussion to take place and hopefully their own passions wouldn't flare with their words.

Inhaling, listening to the words of fellow Clergy members, those who fought and they who spoke against it.

A long, drawn out exhale.

"I recall speaking against the war and I was spoke against. My memory is hazy, the details of what said perhaps coated with emotion of then and now but... I did speak against war, and war was supported by he who claims the title of Stellus, a speaker of the Stars and voice of the Clergy... A voice that should bring hope, no battle cries, hands that should help, not take arms...."

A frown overtook their expression now. Once a smile from the wedding but now sorrow.

"Other actions could have been taken..."

"When I said I would notfight in any war you looked disappointed. I will not use my power from Ios against another person for lies. I will use it and holy arts to defend and help others from the dark arts... Help occultists see a different path..."

"But what does it feel like..? Like this is a mere secondary army of holy individuals... I don't like it one bit... My thoughts align with Romani here, because of that, what I've witnessed personally and his own accounts, my trust... wavers..."

Del looked down to the floor.

"I want to feel how I do with Brother Vitalis.. That trust there... Like I'm listened to. Like everyone is listened to and heard and changes can be made..."

Their gaze then shifts, brows furrowing as they stare Inante in the eyes.

"Change... I want a change, one clear and direct. I want understanding that our actions in Ilburg were wrong."

There's a slight flare in the starlight around them as they keep themself composed, calm, but words passionate and straight from the heart.
(Del mer Joyau)
[19:37] The reason for the meeting was beyond him. Nobody had informed him of it before the wedding. "Tch." Evident satisfaction made aware immediately. Emil was never one to bite his own tongue, outspoken in his opionion, uncaring if others objected.

"I disagree."

Sternly stated once Pericle's speech had ended, the man jolting up from his seat. Those people weren't witches, occultists or demons, but they were monsters nonetheless.

"They have spies lingering within our walls which remain unharmed. They collect information about our people in order to organize attacks against them."

Did he have any actual evidence of this? Absolutely not, how could he. He could only go with what his companions had told him.

"I travelled there with a band of merchants. We had a simple inquiry, a request for a potion. We were attacked because I'm of Faith, even when I was out of my gowns."

The fabric veiling his shoulder is pulled aside. A sutured wound beneath is visible, a mark that'd hopefully bring truth to his words.
(Emil Rousseau)
[19:38] Sparrow cos Queen says, "Just gonna..."
[19:38] Del mer Joyau says, ". . ."
[19:38] Sparrow cos Queen says, "-That's to make sure random people don't walk in."
[19:40] Inante waits for anyone else to bring up something.
(Inante arl Salis)
[19:40] Sparrow had nothing else to say.
(Sparrow cos Queen)
[19:42] Del mer Joyau says, "Emil, while that may be true we're not the Order. Such is an issue for a military, not a Church..."
[19:43] Romani cos Montclaire says, "We should not conceal truth, Emil. If there are spies, we should give their names."
[19:43] Del mer Joyau says, "That as well.. You should report such to a Knight..."
[19:43] Del mer Joyau says, "Those aren't issues that the -Church- handles.."
[19:45] Emil Rousseau asks, "We have our Keepers for a reason, no?"
[19:45] Emil Rousseau says, "These aren't bandits looking to protect their home."
[19:45] Emil Rousseau says, "They are actively hunting the faithful."
[19:45] Sparrow cos Queen says, "Keepers are meant to seek out, and destroy witches, occultits, and demons."
[19:45] Sparrow cos Queen says, "Creatures of the night."
[19:46] Del mer Joyau says, "But- To defend the faithful, too, as Brother Vitalis once said..."
[19:46] Del mer Joyau says, "If you were aware of this, why haven't you said anything..? This is the first I've heard of it..."
[19:46] Emil Rousseau says, "It happened moments before the wedding."
[19:47] Del mer Joyau says, "Still, while they are doing it... It should be reported to the Order so the Knights can handle it..."
[19:48] Romani cos Montclaire says, "I do imagine they are more hostile towards us after we have marched on them."
[19:48] Del mer Joyau says, "That, too. I can understand why they may feel that way..."
[19:48] Del mer Joyau says, "The need to attack anyone seen as a faithful to the Church.."
[19:50] Sparrow cos Queen says, "It's a tricky situation."
[19:52] Del mer Joyau says, "It is... Though it's good to bring it up... That's something that should be spoken at length with Pericles..."
[20:02] The Stellus waited for the voices to go silent before he spoke, He heard what they said and would think upon it. While he closed his eyes he'd then open them back up his steel blue eyes portrayed his resolve.

"First, I hear your complaints, and your words. And they mean much to me. If your Faith is truly so shaken in me As Stellus, and you believe you cannot trust me going further I will step down from my position here and now. If I cannot foster trust in my own clergy then I don't deserve to be the leading figure of the Faith."

He'd give them time to think about it as he'd move on to the next topic.

"Second, I've already made steps to distance ourselves from the war, I already informed all the Leaders of the Osronan, Myllenoris alliance that the Church will no longer be participating in any war like campaigns. With the combination of both military forces its unnecessary for us to get involved. Unless a nation of Occultists or demons arise the inquisition will not be called."

As he spoke the holy aura around him continued to brightened. His words were spoken calmly and clearly no hint of emotional or tenseness.

"Third, And let me be clear, Whether you like it or not the Church is going to have enemies and be embroiled in conflict, We will be attacked, We will be assaulted and we will have all sorts of plots and schemes to uncover and deal with, If any of you believe that not to be what you want and you can are better suited for Stellus I'd like to hear you're plans going forwards.

I'll be the first to admit that Illburg was a failure in my judgement. But I'll be sure to clear any disillusion you have. But to be clear nothing about occultism and witchcraft is known, If anyone has any better way to detect or to make certain you're free to enlighten me. But as far as I know There is no way to 'check' for occultism and there was never one. Touching someone with holy magic to sense their dark power is a lie, Especially one witches can easily fool."

He'd now rise up gently as he spoke.

"The fact is people were getting hurt. People were getting kidnapped. and no one was doing anything about it. So I stepped up to do something. But when I see my people being hurt, I had to act. The Faithful were being attacked and the Order was doing nothing of it.

If the type of leader you'd like is someone who does nothing except heal and help the poor that person is not me. I am a fighter as well. And I will not stand back and watch my Faithful get harmed. Peace was not an option. as much as you'd like believe the opposite it was not, I have personally sat in front of multiple leaders of Theria, Trying to attempt it. Illburg's choosing never to even send a representative but bandits to attack our faithful instead."

He'd sit back down his voice still calm in his approach.

"So Again I ask, If you believe yourself or anyone else here and no to better suited to be the Stellus and everyone here agrees to it, I will give up my position before we leave this room, Or Alternatively I will keep going so the Church is In the direction I believe the stars desire."

(Inante arl Salis)
[20:10] Alexander leads his two loyal retainers down the halls of the Church and up the stairs to where the meeting of the Faith was taking place.

Oddly quiet at a time like this. A contrast to the usual small-talker he was.

"Apologies for the interruption, Stellus, members of the Faith. I have some news. My retainer, Andrew has something to say if you will allow us. Until then, we will wait outside."
(Alexander rei Petrakis)
[20:10] Inante arl Salis says, "Its fine your grace please take a seat."
[20:11] Inante arl Salis says, "You may sit here with me if you'd like."
[20:12] Alexander rei Petrakis says, "I would be honored but I would like to address the room first."
[20:12] Inante arl Salis says, "Hm sure."
[20:14] Romani's arms would be placed behind his back, listening to the words of the Stellus. Things in his mind that he had originally been thinking of bringing up calmed, if only a little, by the words of the Stellus, and yet..

"I want to believe what you say. I want to believe that our words are heard, that we will distance ourselves from the war. But I have always found it hard to trust words without proof. I want something that I can whole-scale believe in."

A nod is given towards Del.

"The High Keeper often listens to us. Our words, and how we are feeling. At the same time, I recall a moment in the market place where you, Stellus, did not. You said a Felinae was a bandit, stole something, when we had no names of who was robbed, or what items. In the end, you said that only the people you wanted there could come."

"Or there was the time with the remote where you asked for it, when the Queen told me to hold onto it. I felt embarrassed. I felt like you did not put your trust in me to watch over the people that I brought in, that the Queen said to me I was to rehabilitate."

"Because of these things, I have a hard time trusting your words." Romani said calmly. "And if the foundation of the Faith is rocky, the entire thing will be rocky."

A pause, just nodding towards Alexander as the King came in out of respect, before looking back towards the Stellus.

"While I believe it is right to fight against people who hurt and kidnap others, I do not think it is right to spread lies to do it. There is time and responsibility to step up, that was not our responsibility in that moment. And if it was, we should have been honest about what we were doing from the start."

"If you wanted to protect the faithful, you should have said that was the reason. Not Witches."

A pause. With that, Romani would glance towards Vitalis.

"I would ask thatthe High Keeper, someone I feel has maintained all our trust be named Stellus. I feel that, as it currently is, if you are to remain Stellus, it would be better for me to leave the church and instead create something else, something I can believe in with all my faith instead of the rocky worries I hold now."
(Romani cos Montclaire)
[20:17] Deixis is covered in dagger stabs, but seems unfazed. She enters, and sits down.
(Deixis Hymn)
[20:20] Emil returns to his seat, no longer answering any rebuttal. The Stellus's words were anticipated. And when they came? His silence remained. His sentiment, his leadership, he agreed with it all.

The Keepers were meant to fight against those who threatened them. Depending solely on the Order was as foolish as they were incompentent.

Though he disagreed with their withdrawal, he understood the reason. They possessed a joint army now, the addition of Church would be excessive.

And so he remained silent and content.
(Emil Rousseau)
[20:21] This entire situation was tricky.

Well, perhaps tricky was putting it lightly. There was a lot of weight behind this conversation. There were fair points being made, and how the Stellus addressed each issue also seemed reasonable.

It seems like everyone here was being honest, he might as well do the same.

"Do I think there's someone who can do the job better? Eh, it's hard to say. Real hard, considering how difficult the job you have is. You made a mistake with the whole Illsburg situation, but it seems you've already made steps to at least try, and fix that."

A sigh follows, as the Noble rubbed at his chin a bit, pondering everything going on around him.

This was one of the few times Sparrow wasn't entirely sure what to do.

"Personally, I don't care, so long as something like this doesn't happen again. We're the church, we're all about giving other's chances, so I'm more than willing to give the Stellus another chance. Though it seems others aren't as forgiving as me."

Which wasn't a bad thing.

"I'd just rather we not get thrown into another war that we don't belong in, like I said before. We're meant to help others, not harm them. That's the job of the church. I'm all for crusading against witches, and their ilk. People, albeit bandits are..."

Sparrow simply sighs.

"Are still people that can be helped. I'm unsure what else to say here, truly. If the other's wish for you to step down, then so be it. I for one, am willing to give you another chance."

Though the question remained, what did Pericles think of this whole situation? Romani had just tossed his name out to be Stellus. Was that something the Champion even wanted?

Only time would tell.
(Sparrow cos Queen)
[20:21] Pericles remained quiet as everyone added their own opinions, his attention fully focused on those that wished to speak, his interest piqued most by Emil's words.

Other's he had already heard, and was the reason that this meeting had been called, but Emil's had his head tilting to the side, attention on the man.

"With recent tensions between Osrona and Illburg, and our own participation in the skirmish, I can understand why they would assault those within the Faith when we enter their territory, emotions running high due to he losses caused by our assault."

And after it seemed everyone had stated their opinions, he shifted his blue eyes onto Inante. Smile upon his lips as he nodded along to the second matter, it seemed the Stellus already had such plans.

It was a welcoming sign.

"Enemies are expected, but we shouldn't be the ones to create them. We shouldn't lie when it comes to our true reason to marching onto those that had assaulted the Faithful."

"It paints a horrible image, and makes the reason we even marched, why lives were lost tainted."

Schemes within the dark, hidden daggers waiting to plunge into their sides. He had expected such when the Faith's power rose and other's began to start to listen to the past once more.

"Checking for occultists, witches. We can only hope for reports, suspicious activity and out right reveals by those with the bloodline. Taking a more forceful approach like we did recently will only, like Romani said."

"Lessen the faith in us, and allow the darkness to scurry away into their holes."

Unacceptable within his eyes.

Talk of a leader, of Inante stepping down. That was something he didn't expect to be brought up, and when Romani's words entered his ears, his attention snapped towards the Keeper.

This was bad. Fractures was something he didn't wish to have happen when the meeting was called forth. A chance to have the church's opinion thought on, and a united front to be displayed.

That took a sharp turn.

And so he remained silent, flickering his gaze towards those that still had to speak, index-finger drumming against the cosmic-codex in anxiety. The future was looking bleak.
(Pericles Vitalis)
[20:26] As side talks conclude and the Stellus speaks on all said, Del remains quiet, processing it all from his point of view.

As expected, he wouldn't try to fight against it really. The clear wavering of trust in some members of the Clergy. Were they to find it better for the Church to be as a before and with a council of Priests and Keepers or a replacement entirely.

To them, it was a tough decision or thought process, maybe easier for others. For now, they don't speak on it. Instead his second point, going down in order to keep their own thoughts clear.

"I'm glad that you've steps to distance. Thinking more on Emil's words, and what I've heard from Pericles, it is the job of Keepers to protect the ideals of the Church and defend the Church, the Clergy..."

"There are those who will think us as an enemy.. For our place her in Osrona or otherwise... Mhh.." Del wasn't afraid to admit that they're wrong. "So yes... Keepers will do that-- But we don't march onto cities.. While there's no way to detect it, the way to figure it out shouldn't be war... or a march. Were we to journey there together and ask on behalf of the Church and the Stars then...."

It feels like the right and wrong time to think of what could have transpired from such a day.

"As for the leader that's right for the Church... Not someone who only heals. A Stellus feels like both a Priest and a Keeper. But a Stellus is not the leader of an army..." Their frown remains. Of everything that was their main issue as of now.

But the frown fades as the door opens and the King enters, Andrew and Lloyd in tow. A slight smile appears, and a bow out of respect for the entrance of the King. They return to the discussion at hand, hearing Romani's words.

A suggestion given, they nod however...

"I want to trust you, Stellus Salis... I want to believe in what you say and what you plan to do. I don't have an opinion on if you should step down as Stellus because of this. The more I think on it... like Sparrow said, we give people chances. And Stellus Salis does express that it was a failure, what happened in Ilburg..."

Their thoughts conclude for the moment, listening now- A gaze to those who entered a little late. Dianna, Deixis. Their eyes widen on the.. dagger wounded Acolyte.
(Del mer Joyau)
[20:37] A bad time to enter, to say the least. The Petrakis King looks to all those inside, hearing talks of worries and doubts. It causes feelings to stir but he is quick to shake away any of that.

The Kingly frame of Alexander moves forward to address the room as a lull comes in the Faith's meeting.

"It is a bad time for me to interrupt but this is important. And because of this news, we will need the Church now more than ever." He looks down the rows of priests and acolytes, deacons and Keepers. "So I implore you all to try your best in this meeting for the sake of the future," he speaks some words, choice words in regards to the discussion held.

And then, after a moment of pause, he speaks again. Much more somber. Serious.

"I have received warning from Myllenoris that red-eyed visitors have come. My aid and retainer, elder Elora has also received such a warning. That there are demons afoot."

"My retainer Andrew Lancaster has suffered an attack at the hands of this. Now, Andrew, tell the members of the Faith everything you know. And Lloyd, add anything you feel is relevant."

Alexander steps to the side and gestures his friends forward.
(Alexander rei Petrakis)
[20:39] Emil Rousseau says, "ooc ...."
[20:45] As diligent as possible, Andrew remained behind the king while the meeting continued to be conducted. This was a poor time to enter, specially hearing about the inside issues of the church when he was not keen on knowing these at all. There were things best left inside his ignorance.

A brief nod is given to the other members of the room. "I believe that it was a demon - Or at least, something that looked strangely akin to one. From what I understood, it had been terrorizing the outer parts of Osrona for quite a while, and..."

One hand rose to point at the gauze-covered wound, reeking with occult magic; Some of the black mark still spread around, although it was mostly contained by a warm glow that emitted from the retainer's chest, fueled by his own cosmic magic. "I ended up fighting it. It looked like a wolf, with overgrown fur and its head exposed in a skull."

It did look like what he heard from the tales. He was certain - This wasa demon, or something equally bad. There was meaning to everything that happened in this. "I believe what I fought was one that remained from when the demons first invaded this part of the continent. It is... Individually, not a great threat. I was nearly able to kill it, but a lucky strike saved him from me. A lucky strike did also allow me to free, however."

A sigh. "Although it did rely mostly on illusions, I believe it was not alone." It could be sheer paranoia; The fight did rouse him in a bad way, no matter how much he denied it. The rattling still haunted his dreams so far. "If there is one, I believe there may be others."
(Andrew Lancaster)
[20:50] Lloyd returns a soft smile to Del with a slow nod of his head towards the king shortly thereafter. His face goes a bit stern now as Andrew explains the happenings, and his arms fold in front of his chest with a sigh. He'll turn to peer over at his friend, then his real hand raises up, and he shows it.

There are minor burns and scratches, negligible, but there.

"The second I saw, I immediately attempted to cleanse it with my holy magic. It washed away most of the taint, and I had a friend of mine properly treat the wound for what it was rather than its more magical influence. I was personally hoping that we might be able to make sure that there isn't some sort of lasting effect, but that's unlikely given what we do know." He explains.

He'll quiet down before long, standing at attention once more.
(Lloyd Durages)
[21:01] The words came at him heavily mostly Romani while it was true he never trusted Romani he'd always hoped to fix that relationship however his duties always lead him somewhere else.

As more and more people named Pericles or alluded to him in the very least Inante would glance over towards the High Keeper.

"Pericles you've been nominated to take the seat of the Stellus, As the current reigning Stellus if you accept the duties of becoming the Leader of the Celestial Church a member of Osrona's Triumvirate. And to carry the Trust of the Faith with you as long as you serve. I will pass it on to you. Losing even one member of the faith with the darkness that threatens us ahead is not worth a seat of power. At least to me."

Which pretty much summed up how he felt about the situation. But he thought for transparency sake he'd offer another clarification.

"You've all spoken thus far and have said you don't have faithin me to lead, Half or choosing to give me another chance is apricated but if I have failed you I will not aim to rectify my actions by making you follow someone you don't believe in. Thus since the Faith calls for it had Perciles Deny becoming Stellus, and None of you holding faith in me I will return to the rank of priests. The Triumvirate will be severed from the faith until another Stellus can be named"

The burden was heavy but he listened to his people to what they said and how they felt, Even if it didn't inspire the hope they'd wanted It wasn't he who could inspire them that's what they were saying And Inante wasn't a man to stick around where he wasn't wanted Its always been his philosophy.

After Addressing the faith he'd then point his attention to the King and his Retainers, Hearing their reports before nodding his head. This again...

"I've already personally seen the monster you speak of and nearly killed it myself, Although it escaped me at the last moment. And because of other pressing issues as you can see I've been unable to go and end it properly. Although I thank you for brining this to my attention again As soon as I am capable I will probably go personally to defeat the if necessary."

There were bigger things to fry...and he'd figure he might as well let it off the hook.

"The Archdruid payed me a visit and warned me already about the suspected Demons that are lurking around I assure you that Demon in the Swamps is not the biggest threat Osrona faces. Its the ones that can shapeshift to look like humans that are our real enemy. And if Aerilon's words are true there is a coven here who had summoned it."

His eyes flickered towards Romani first and then towards the others.

"After an investigation into the sewers we uncovered much information but none that would lead us into real evidence in these cases. I've been doing much work to fight back the evil that lurks in Osrona and Esshar but I am unable to do it alone I'm afraid. And with the instability of the Church due to my presence It seems I must step away from what I've been doing so far."

He moves up from his seat where the Stellus was supposed to sit and instead moving towards the other side, Having given Pericles plenty of time to think about it he'd come to him once more.

"Pericles its time you made your choice. So the faith can move forwards and the Triumvirate can know how to move forwards." Perhaps it was for the best the King was here so he didn't have to let him down right away...
(Inante arl Salis)
[21:04] Deixis, unfazed by her earlier encounter, listens for a moment. She contacts Sae to help her understand the situation, and the star opens her mind, giving her some more context than what was said.

She posits the question to Andrew:

"Where was this exactly? You said the outskirts of Osrona. The King said near Myllenoris. This appears to border on Ilburg's Territory, if both testimonies are consistent."

She releases a heavy sigh.. The last thing she wanted was further incitement of Ilburg.
(Deixis Hymn)
[21:05] Andrew Lancaster says, "It was closer to the swamp, on my case."
[21:05] Alexander rei Petrakis says, "Myllenoris gave us a warning of demons in Osrona. A different sort than the type Andrew faced, judging by what Stellus Salis said."
[21:06] Inante arl Salis says, "Yes the swamp monster is a Demon but a different threat than what Myllenoris fortells."
[21:06] Inante arl Salis says, "Myself or Pericles will see to ending it so it causes no further harm."
[21:08] Andrew Lancaster says, "... I'd like to request to end it myself, sir."
[21:12] Inante arl Salis says, "I believe your oath was to protect the King not to slay demons."
[21:12] Inante arl Salis says, "But if King Alexander allows you to I won't intervene."
[21:18] More information to be gleamed as the King's report came alongside Llyod and Andrew's words. More occultic appearance, a frown over took his visage as he leaned forward from his chair.

"A wolf demon that's terrorizing the outer-parts of Osrona? Worrying, especially with how confident it seems to appear even after being beaten back before. The one you spoke of before then Inante? We can have a patrol look for it after the meeting is done then. Specifically when it goes to hunt for more prey."

A matter he could confidently talk on, it seemed recently Esshar has had a sharp increase in such beings that had been tainted by the occult, his index-finger already tracing along his cosmic codex.

The talk of red-eyed visitors had him recalling their previous conversation, gaze flickering towards Inante for a moment before returning towards the trio.

And then Inante was rising up from the seat. A frown remained on his visage, watching as his childhood friend so easily rose up from the position that he was given.

That they had decided between the three of them seemingly so long ago. It was heart-breaking for the High Keeper, in more ways than one as he remained silent.

Talk of the Faith losing a Stellus, and holding on till one can be decided by a council, that was a matter that wouldn't be allowed by the man. Even if it meant he took up the position he truly was scared of taking.

So much responsibility, so many meetings.

"I understand."

Knuckles turned white from the grip he held on his cosmic-codex, his attention solely remaining on Inante, the others blanked for a moment as he spoke again.

"I'll take up the role of being the Speaker of the Stars. And, if any of you have doubts In the future, or even now. Please, come and talk to me, or organize a meeting like we've done now."

"Let there be no secrets between us. Unitedwe're stronger, and those that flock to the Faith for guidance won't have to worry about such matters festering within those they trust."

Taking a stand, his free-hand idly traced the chair's arm, a final moment of hesitation taken again before he plopped right down in the seat.
(Pericles Vitalis)
[21:26] The girl had been mostly silent throughout the entire meeting. She had nothing to add, nothing to say, she was just tired, so very tired. After some time of silence, she perked up slightly, realizing what was happening in front of her.

The Stellus was stepping down... and instead, Pericles was stepping into those shoes. She didn't know how to feel about it- after all, the man was more of a fighter than a peace-talker.

Still, she nodded her head. No clapping, no nothing, just a nod, an acknowledgement of the exchange.
(Dianna)
[21:29] Change required more then words, it required action. It was a lesson that Romani was taught when he was young. As the talking continued, he had started reaching into his coat. The cloak of the Faith had been taken out, started to be neatly folded, in preparation of what he expected next.

He was the minority. The only one who said they would leave the Faith, that they did not believe in a second chance serving under the Salis. Certainly, past incidents only cemented a belief of the type of person that Inante was in his head, and so as no one else spoke up with a name, he simply brought out the celestial star of the Faith, putting it on top of the folded clothes.

It is only when Inante and Perciles speak that he pauses. A passing of duty, from the Stellus to the High Keeper. His lips remain a line as it happens, only watching for a few seconds. He does not cheer, or smile, the weight of what was happening was not one of delight. Instead, he simply gave a nod.

"I can trust Stellus Vitalis."

He said, once again stowing the outfit into his coat. Romani would rise from the bench, looking over to the King.

"I heard outside of Orsona and Myllenoris forest. Where was the exact location that this attack came from? I will assist with efforts, but I am also looking for a bandit named Bastion currently, who I am told is assaulting and robbing people within Orsona."

He is oddly quiet, for once. His trust in the Celestial Church is not lost, as he breathes out. He turns back, if only a little, to give a nod towards Sparrow, Del, Percilies, Inante, Emil, and Deixis, before moving towards the door.

"I do not think it does a lot for me to dwell here further. I believe it is time for us to get to work and be on the lookout for those of red eyes."

"Working is the least I can do to show my own Faith in the Crown and the Faith."
(Romani cos Montclaire)
[21:30] A brow was quirked as Inante offered his position. The Church's Stellus giving his role up so loosely. This would undoubtedly stir rumours, even if done confidentially in the meeting room. People were quick to chastize.

Emil was no different. The leader that he had just placed faith in had resigned. Perhaps he should've expressed his trust further than he did. A mistake that he couldn't rectify.

It had been decided, nothing more could be done that stave from celebration. Though, he wasn't bitter enough to do that.

"I hope that you'll guide us in the right direction Stellus."
(Emil Rousseau)