(1866-01-28) A Viscount, A Bishop and A Lady
A Viscount, A Bishop and A Lady
Summary: …walk into a church….And Emilia goes about seeing that Jaren is introduced to the new Bishop. It seems a few impressions are made upon Faustius and perhaps Jaren as well.
Date: 1866-01-28
Related: None
NPCs: {$npc}
Players:
Emilia  Faustius  Jaren  

Galenthia - Ironhold - Iron March Church
Newly renovated following the Succession War, the Church of Iron March is large as churches go, though not of a size or structure great enough to be called a cathedral. Still, there is room for plenty of worshippers to be had here, and on holy days and during masses it's still generally packed to the point of standing room only. A Bishop of the Faith is responsible for the church, with a few priests and lay clergy assisting them. Generally things are run with great efficiency, and there is a steady flow of parishoners throughout the week, mostly to give confession, though occasionally to meet with members of the clergy on other matters. Of course, weddings and funerals are fairly common as well, and in particular it's not unusual to find several pairs of commoners being married at once, having pooled their money to pay the proper tithes for the service to be performed. Nobles of course, can afford to have individual ceremonies, though further festivities normally occur in their homes following.
The grounds of the Church are immaculately kept, with neatly-trimmed hedges and plenty of flowering plants that make the church grounds fairly spectacular to walk through in the spring (indeed it's not uncommon to find people doing just that). A graveyard adjoins the church, with sections for those of both noble and common birth (the latter of course being much larger, while the former contains a few elaborate mausoleums dedicated to specific families, though the Cassomir family itself maintains a separate space a short distance outside the town. The interior of the church is of course dominated by the main gathering area, where services are held, but there are offices for the Bishop and a few other clergy behind the pulpit, a small dining area, and a few other rooms for various purposes (supply storage, a small library, etc…).
Wednesday the 28th of Janvier, 1866 IE

It was a fine day in Iron March and for once Jaren had a spot of time free or more precisely Emilia had scheduled it as 'you are going to finally meet the new bishop' time. Having changed out of the Huntress leathers that had become common place these days, Emilia was wear a woolen and semi-practical gown within deep green when she collected Jaren up for the venture to the church. A fur line cloak draped over her shoulders.

Thusly, her hand was settled upon a different brother's arm when she ventured forth into the church this day,"He is of of seeming a fine of sort, keeping of much a tight ship. Stern of face, though his Knightly Sir is more jovial in turn. " Lightly explaining this as her dark eyes lightly scan to see if their prey..er…Biship might be spied about.

For all the tales and honors, when at home in Ironhold, Jaren Cassomir's garb also veers towards the practical. Oh, it's certainly made for noble wear, but the sturdy woolens consist of brown leggings and a green doublet of a similar color to Emilia's gown. A brooch bearing the Cassomir seal is worn on his left breast, though, that being at least one nod towards his House. His own cloak is also fur-lined, and gloves cover his hands. Of course a sturdy pair of boots protects his feet, as well, and the Sidhe-Steel blade Winterthorn hangs from his waist, a dirk sheathed on his opposite hip from the long blade. Even here, he rarely goes unarmed.

"Well, he sounds agreeable enough." Jaren replies to Emilia, walking at his sister's pace as they enter, "Admittedly I'm somewhat surprised they would send a Bishop to us. But I suppose at the same time not altogether." The Church did help build Roseguard, after all. They probably want to keep an eye on their investment.

Activity about the church is quietly diligent. Gardeners attend the hedges and flowering plants with meticulous care, pausing only to humbly greet the Lady and Viscount as they pass by, after which they return to their duties. The graveyard is mercifully quiet - no fresh graves being excavated for now - with a few mourners approaching the odd headstone bearing flowers in honour of fallen loved ones.

From within the church itself a man weeping openly can be heard. The sound is… pitiable, that of a broken soul - and grows louder as the man (from the looks of him, a regular citizen of Iron March, frequently found in local taverns, drunk) nears the entrance to the building.

Behind him looms the figure of Bishop Faustius Fogg - clad entirely in black - quietly, but firmly, ushering the poor fellow out into the sun. The man stumbles over his words to offer a farewell of sorts: "…B-b-blessings 'pon ye, Your Excellency… A ch-ch-changed man, I am, I swear it under the eye o' the One…"

Upon spotting both Lady Emilia and Viscount Jaren, the man stiffens and falls silent. Faustius himself looks up and over the man's head (with ease) and walks forward.

There is an incline of Emilia's head to the gardeners in passing, who are really dealling with snow. Truly. "He was of seeming so, though he was of making Henric bristle of a bit. But you know of how he gets, when any is of looking even of cross of eyed at me." To say Henric was like a rapid guard dog around Emilia was an understatement. "Perhaps with of being of County now, they were of thinking it of worthy?" Offers Emilia. Or perhaps wanting to keep an eye upon their investment, or Emilia considering the talk Sirrah had with her last.

Though it is the weeping that does draw those dark eyes of Emilia, her features bearing that ever solemn expression. Before glancing up to Jaren a brief moment, before looking back to the mismatched pair. A incline of her head goes along to the local semi-drunkard, a gentle,"Good of day," is offered to him as well. Before she does offer a bow of her head to Faustius,"Your of Excellency, a good of day to you of well. I pray the One has made it of a blessed one for you. I was of hoping to be of finding, so that I might introduce mine-brother of proper now that he has of returned to Ironhold. " A light motion to said brother,"Might I be of presenting, Viscount Jaren Cassomir…..Jaren, the Bishop Fausitius Fogg."

"Perhaps." Jaren accedes to Emilia's suggestion that it may be due to their recent ascension to higher station. At Emilia's greeting, Jaren then inclines his head towards the Bishop's erstwhile company, briefly and with a neutral expression, before his attention turns towards the Bishop. At the introduction, Jaren bows his head slightly, a polite smile appearing on his face as he intones, "Your Excellency, allow me to belatedly welcome you to Ironhold, and our not-entirely-little Church here in Iron March. I do hope your time here so far has been comfortable." He chuckles softly, "I was rather surprised when Emilia told me a Bishop of the Faith had taken up residence here."

The Bishop smiles, and although the flesh about his eyes crinkles with a degree of warmth - the angle of the eyebrows still offers the impression of a frown, even if one is not quite intended. Mimicking the Viscounts head-nod, Fogg spreads his hands in a welcoming gesture, his eyes glancing between both brother and sister at the same time.

"Blessed are they who walk uprightly in the sight of the One," he intones as a greeting. "For theirs is the kingdom of heaven, and stewardship upon the earth." He pauses briefly and clasps his hands together in front of him, bony fingers interlaced. "I am but a humble servant of the One and His holy Church, Your Excellency - and the Faithful are always in His divine thoughts. Lady Emilia - it is a pleasure to see you again. Will you both join me inside? Make the best of the One's warmth?"

Ever quiet as a church mouse as the two men exchange their pleastantries. Emilia does gently incline her head at the greeting Faustius intones. "As it is of a pleasure to be again of seeing you, Your of Excellancy." A small nod comes when the questions arise from Faustius,"Of course," gently stepping to enter the church. Her movements continuing to show that etherael grace that always seemed to exist about her. "I am hoping you and Sir Gaird have been of settling in of well though? Of aye?" Not that Emilia had not been by for prayers with some frequency. But she was not one that needed to bother the Bishop simply to pray.

"Of course, Your Excellency." Jaren notes, moving behind the man along with Emilia. A flicker of bemusement briefly flits through his head. It seems like he rarely uses the front entrance to the Church. "Sir Gaird would be…part of your security detail?" Jaren asks, noting offhandedly, "If he and his fellows haven't already, they would be welcome to spar with our Knights and soldiers if they wish. No doubt you've seen them at training." It's quite a common occurrence around here, after all. "Have you all that you need? Supplies are stretched somewhat thin at the moment, but if there's anything in particular we can provide, you have but to ask."

Within the church, the air is notably warmer - people pray in the pews, or in quiet corners. The hour of Canticles is past for now, and so the footsteps of the Bishop, the Lady and the Viscount can be heard clearly echoing throughout the stone walls and ceiling.

Faustius nods politely to his guests. "Sir Gaird leads my entourage, aye," he tells Jaren first of all. "I know he would welcome the opportunity to spar with more soldiers than his own - he is not one to turn down some well-earned bruises." The man smirks, then eyes Emilia sidelong. "We have all settled in well - Sir Henric proved most useful in that regard. I am confident the One will supply our every need, have faith Your Excellency." Turning to Emilia as they near the altar, Faustius adds: "Shall I see you in confession later, my child? You have been missed."

A hand reaches up and pulls the hood of Emilia's cloak back allowing the dark hair to better be seen. Even if she'd managed to slip into a dress and actually appear more Lady-like for a change, her hair was yet secured within the braid that it was often kept to. A slight nod at Jaren's offer,"I am of sure they would in of turn, enjoy the chance to spar with someone of else, a test against new of skills." There was a slight glance towards Jaren when Faustius does speak of Henric's aid. See, their brother could be helpful! There is not so much as a hestiation but a smooth little incine of her head at Faustius' next,"Of course, Your of Excellancy, you shall. With mine-sister away, I have been of a bit delayed with settling into my new of dutie, but I would not think to be of remise and miss of confession any of longer." Besides, she hadn't eaten any souls of late..er.. She's been good. Really!!

"Fair enough." Jaren notes, glancing briefly between Faustius and Emilia at the mention of confession. There's a flicker of curiosity there, but not of alarm. "I last confessed in Firen before my departure. I should likely look into making an appointment soon." The Viscount notes almost offhandedly, "So if I might ask, Your Excellency, was there anything in particular that brought you to Ironhold?" Not one for coyness or beating around the bush, Jaren.

Faustius stops.

The altar is before them now - an impressive piece of work, hewn from fine stone in homage to the One - and those petitioners that had been occupying pews nearby make their way out, in deference to the Viscount. The Bishop lifts his chin whilst taking a breath in though his nostrils, then he releases it slowly.

"Where there is pain, the hand of the One must be seen - setting it right," he replies rather vaguely, although there is a slight edge to the words 'setting it right'. He pauses. "Ironhold has felt its share of pain, seen its share of betrayal methinks you will agree, my son." There is a notable shift in his terms of address to Jaren. "Ironhold was my home - in my youth. I feel a certain responsibility. Be assured of my resolve, Your Excellency." Despite addressing Jaren verbally, Fogg also nods to Emilia.

There is just a quiet look to Jaren from Emilia at that look of curiosity, she was still a devote enough goer, even if the One certainly made her life trying enough. Her confessions likely were trival affairs compared to most, especially say compared to that other brother's. Her eyes briefly settling to the familiar altar before drifting again to the Bishop, both having impressive enough features. While her solemn expression does not shift in the slightest at Faustius' words, Emilia does note softly,"Not all pain, can be set of right. Some of times, it requires of simply taking of another of path then of returning to what was of before."

"We have been tested, there's no doubt of that. And now when it seemed we were near to full recovery, Thorns spring unwanted in the Garden once more." Jaren notes, his expression solemn, "I have no doubt of your resolve, Excellency. But welcome home, regardless." Jaren considers a moment, "We are pleased to have you here. We've played host to a succession of Priests of late, but few stayed for overlong. Some stability in the management of the Church would be most welcome, I think."

Jaren is silent a few moments, before he adds, "I ordinarily hold Council the morning of the first day of the week. We often break our fast before attending to business. Your voice would be welcome at that gathering, should you have the time and inclination."

Faustius takes a moment to consider Jaren's invitation, then nods his head with pious solemnity. "I would honoured to attend, Your Excellency," he replies. "And it pleases me to hear you speak of stability and order - as surely as it pleases the One, Himself. I look forward to the days ahead. I understand also you have need of an Alchemist; I have - for the moment - stored my equipment here in my quarters for now. Would it serve better to move it to the Keep?"

He pauses and looks at Emilia.

"The peril in other paths is that they may lead one astray - but he (or she) would be a fool not to consider them, with proper guidance of course, my child."

There is a slight nod to what Jaren says, for Thorns were springs up anew. They were being tested once more. Though there was a mild sign of interest that the Bishop did call Ironhold home originally. It was a bit of information to perhaps store for another time. A glance to Jaren at his words of Council, noting softly,"Though I am of fearing, in absence of mine-brother, it is of mine-sister of I who see to those meetings, you may of wish to stray from them then." The delivery is quite deadpan, hard to say if she means it in jest or is serious upon the matter.

It is a steady gaze that meets Faustius,"There is of peril upon of any path, Your of Excellancy, for shadows might lay of traps within of the Light, and of Light yet may be found within of the shadows. I have of faith that guidance of the Archbishop and of that which I shall receive from you, that of from mine family shall continue to aid of me upon the path of which the One has set me upon. "

"We do have a small lab in the corner of the Courtyard. You're welcome to make use of it." Jaren replies to Faustius, watching the interplay between him and Emilia still with that touch of curiosity. "Having been born here, you well know that Ironhold remains a rather untamed land. But it's people know that it takes discipline and focus and vigilance to thrive here." His mouth quirks in a bit of a half-grin at Emilia's philosophical reply to Faustius, though he does not comment upon it.

The Bishop has nothing to say in reply to Emilia (at least at first), although from the subtle changes in his stern expression one might come away with the impression that he has tested, mentally, a number of reponses and disregarded each one in turn. Finally, the pinching at the corner of his lips and the muted gleam in his eyes would seem to say, "Wise beyond her years, this one…"

To Jaren, he slowly nods his head. "I completely agree, Your Excellency," he tells him, nodding. "But it would be self-indulgent of me to keep you from your responsibilities much further. I should be glad to establish myself in the lab you have mentioned, when time permits. Is there aught else that I might do for you?" That last question slightly accents the words 'I' and 'you' as he awaits a response.

Dark eyes do gently drift in the converastion as Jaren offers up the small lab to Faustius should he wish to make use of it, and that reminder that Ironhold remains much as it always has. Though Emilia's eyes do remain upon Faustius as she speaks that refrain, and there after. That solemnness not seeming to really change or shift upon her features, it simply her natural expression. There is perhaps a small rise of a brow and a flirt of her eyes briefly towards Jaren as the Bishop does seem to be trying out various reponses in his head. Did she jut hurt the poor Bishop's head? Does that mean he's distracted enough for her to snatch his soul..er..I mean…Ummmm… Bad Inner Voices! Though as she is not addressed directly, and questions do seem directed along towards Jaren, Emilia does fall into a turn of silence.

"Not at this particular moment, but you are correct in that there is much to yet be attended to this day." Jaren smiles, politely, but not entirely without warmth, "I will no doubt speak with you again soon, Your Excellency. I'm pleased I've now had the opportunity to meet you. The One watch over you, and us all." Jaren inclines his head once more, awaiting the Bishop's farewell before departing from the church.

Faustius makes the sign of the One Faith across his chest, and inclines his head firstly to Jaren, then to Emilia. "In prayer, reverence. In rest, solace. In vigil, diligence. And in trouble, valiance. Go in peace, my children." The sunken-eyed Bishop offers a quiet, pious smile of farewell to the two Cassomirs, and then takes a step back from as he attends to a nearby clergyman.

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