Chancel Gathering (C 2.4, E 2.4, H 2.4, L 2.8)

Location: The Roost
Time: Well after midnight




Shrike, Javan, Zephyr, and Plover have gathered everyone in the chancel to talk. Litch has something to say. Of course, the sick and wounded aren't here. But everyone else has been gathered.

Syd, do you notice that Shrike is standing near you? What's that odd scent you notice on her?

Canary, how drunk are you, and do you grab a seat or stand by anyone in particular?

Helix, the Whispers are completely silent. How is that making you feel?

Litch, they are all here - family and more. Do you have a lecturn or do you simply talk to them? What do you say?

With the Whispers silenced, I become expansive, no longer crushed beneath the weight of the words, but I also become alone. I feel too-large a target in too-open a space.

Being constantly compressed in a corner by the carousing cacophony of Whispers is a burden, but being abandoned by them is in many ways worse. For as much time as I used to spend alone in my own apartment, I'm unaccustomed to working solo.

I tuck myself in a space near the wall, attempting as much as I can, to disappear with the Whispers. I may also be attempting to hide from Edmund and his sanctimonious judgment. It surprised me, admittedly, that he has the clarity to see the Tower as the selfish, cold creatures that they are. But I can't trust someone who worked with them anyway, who wants to afford the people who have already been afforded everything a chance to grow too. Plants only flourish in the light, and the Tower is the reason the rest of us sit in the shadows. I don't want to marvel at their height. I don't want to applaud them reaching for the sun, even if their doing so allows a few extra rays to those of us left below.

The chancel is the best location if you prefer sunlight. With its tall windows flanking both sides of the hall, on a cloudless day it feels as though we have already ascended to our eternal sanctuary, bypassing the pain and suffering of death entirely. The somber tones do suit me, but I too enjoy a change of scenery. It is a holy place. It resonates with divinity, with sanctification.

Beneath the windows are three rows of pews facing each other across the aisle. Though there is a pulpit set off to one side of the raised dais at the head of the chamber, I rarely use it. My preference is to stand in the middle of the platform, merely two steps above my congregation. I stand here now, arms down at my sides, watching them enter and noting those who choose to stand or sit. I had considered keeping this a Talons-only gathering, but Syd has become a part of us - if not one of us - these last few days. He has earned his right to witness our conversation. Canary, her bright yellow jacket giving off more vibrancy in the sunlight, does stand out. But she has proven herself useful in the past and may perhaps also be a future convert.

I'm pleased that Helix came without me having to bid her join. I note how she tucks herself into what few shadows there are in the chancel, out of the sun's view. It is good that you are accustomed to the darkness, young one. Though we may need your own light to shine forth very soon.

I shuffle into one of the pews, sidling along beside Jackdaw. Given the amount of alcohol he has ingested I'm surprised at how well he was able to navigate to the chancel through the elaborate nave. I had been keeping an eye on Canary, but it seems she either paced her drinking much more wisely, or more likely, held back from drinking too much to keep her wits about her.

As I sit and turn to regard Litch, something catches my attention. When Shrike walked past me the air stirred and the scent of cool, crisp air cut through Jackdaw's aura of alcohol. It is refreshing in the same way a cold drink is on a sweltering day. The scent is a vibrant juxtaposition to her dried sweat, dirt, and bruising. Even if she had just stepped out of the bath, and used any matter of oils, I can't imagine how she has produced such a scent.

Looking at her now, I'm surprised by how bruised she is and how many small wounds cover her. Should I have offered to look her over or would that only serve to offend her?

I wonder if she hates me for not being able to do more for Aloe. Should I have lied to her?

I drunk enough that now, it hurts... I rub my temples from time to time to fight it. But I never went under the table, not that far. I stay, as I often do, near the door. Gives me a view of everything and gives me an escape, should I need it.

I note Syd in the pews and go to sit nearby. Helix trying to disappear in the shadows so I won't linger near her. And Litch... well this is his place. We'll be hearing from him soon, I'm sure.

I gave the crew the note to be ready to deploy in case this meeting turns into something more... best to be prepared. But no need to stay on board, just be at earshot.

Most of the eyes in the room are on me. I spread my arms wide and clear my throat. "Sisters, Brothers, honored guests. We - Shrike and myself - have received a special vision from the Grey Wing. Despite the limitations of our earthly means, there may be a way to save the life of young Aloe." I pause to let it sink in. Many of the visions are abstract, left to us to interpret their meaning. This felt more tangible. "It does, however, require a journey to the Abyss. There exists in that realm a certain flower, the petals of which hold the essence of divinity. A cure." Again, I pause, watching, pondering how to proceed.

Litch's opening makes my mouth tighten. He speaks about saving lives, but don't the Talons crave death? The eternal embrace of the Gray Wing? I don't yet fully understand how they hold the two in tension, but as the Voice, I dare not ask too many questions. If they don't believe in my powers, they have no use for me, and as much as I don't want to be a prisoner here, right now being useless might be worse.

Then he mentions a journey to the Abyss, and I wish the Whispers were present. They came from the Maelstrom, they would know more than me what Litch might mean. I feel myself straighten from the wall a bit, alert, listening at first - not to the room, but to my own mind - and then reaching for the Whispers, for a trace of those angry, taunting, knowing voices. Can I beckon them even here?

I listen... and a pit starts to grow in my stomach.

Is this... I suddenly feel like I don't belong here. I should be out on the water... I have a job to do, don't I?

Not wanting to call attention to myself during Litch's moment, though, I fidget in my seat and curse the ache in my head.

Interest. Apprehension. Befuddlement. Eagerness. Wonder. These and many more emotions etch themselves on the faces of my audience. "Any who are willing to voyage on this heroic quest are welcome to join myself and Shrike, to seek this plant and return it and the child back to this world." I announce. "However, any who do venture forth will be forever changed upon their return. Possibly for the better, but mayhaps not. The Abyss is a mysterious realm. It holds more than just our quarry. It has the power of total transformation. Therefore, this journey is for those whose courage is steadfast. For those who seek answers to the questions that trouble them. For those who flounder. For those with something to prove. And..." My eyes lift and scan the chamber, finding Helix. "For those who have been called to a higher purpose."

"Don't do it." The words escape my lips before I realize I'm saying them, and I'm surprised at how my voice echoes in the sacred space. I immediately shift my glance between Shrike and Litch, concerned if I've broken a taboo of the Talons, or further cemented Shrike's opinion of me.

"Don't go. Spend what time she has left - with her. Here. Now." I picture Aloe, with her doe eyes and freckled cheeks, and imagine telling her that all the people she cares about have journeyed to the Abyss to find a cure to restore her body. I try to visualize her response, and I can't see her happy at the thought of the Talons risking their lives, or their minds, to save her. I can only imagine the guilt she would feel if anyone returned marred - if they return at all.

"Please consider a different kind of voyage," I look at Shrike, tears welling in my eyes, "One where she wakes in the morning with you beside her. You enjoy meals together. Tell each other stories. Go for a leisurely ride on your jet ski. Watch the sun rise and fall as many times as you can, for as long as she is able. You hold her when she passes." At this point I'm verklempt and take a moment to breathe in deeply. "You'll still bear scars, and you will definitely be changed."

I take another breath, and emphasize, "Please don't go."

As Litch explains who this journey is for and his eyes find mine, a certainty fills my belly. I have no energy for dread anymore, so instead it feels like acceptance. Perhaps everyone else can choose whether or not they participate, but I have as much a choice in this journey as I do in my current bedroom. It is, for me, if nothing else, a test.

Edmund's voice pulls my gaze away from Litch's cold eyes, and his words paint a picture of something much warmer. A kinder journey with a more certain end - a sad one to be sure, but one that is, at least, known. I can't help but wonder if Edmund has walked that journey with someone before. Perhaps it is a tack he knows too well. Or perhaps he is as naive as the princeling himself.

Plover's closeness makes the absence of the Whispers a little less frightening, but it is her words...her words that make me start thinking. They're so simple, but they...might be enough to solve everything. If I can convince everyone of it. If I can try a dangerous plan one more time. I wish Hard Strike were here to tell me if I'm being stupid or if the plan is sound, but I'm glad she's not. Her son is the true target after all.

I give Plover a small nod, and step out from the wall, away from the shadows. "I have Seen this voyage and the flower, though I didn't know what it was meant for until now. The destination is ethereal, but the journey doesn't need to be." I wet my lips and look at Litch. "We will sail into the heart of a storm, seeking the Abyss that breathes between the drops. The biggest storm will require the biggest ship. The Merrimack will deliver us to our destination."

The Merrimack - a ship in the hands of the Sipps. Lucky won't want to leave it. He'll have to come with us, and if he is away on a voyage, he can't kill Wells. As Plover said "I'll keep you safe when we go." It will give time for his temper to simmer so he doesn't strike out at Wells too early and sink the Sipps in the process. It's a stupid game, but it's the only one I know to play.

That did it. Quiet murmurs begin all around the chancel. Syd pleading with Shrike that the quest is a lost cause. Plover speaking to Helix in words I cannot hear. The others have curious or incredulous looks. Shrike ignores Syd, resolute in her decision. I'm about to continue and call for volunteers, when Helix emerges from the darkness, with a tangible plan of action. I can't help myself, I grin and nod to her. Whether she truly has seen the flower matters not. She - for now anyway - has decided to buy in. I have long desired an alliance with Lucky Strike, and the Sippians by proxy. The Talons are mighty, but the Sippians have numbers and resources.

"Aye, that is our path. All that is left to decide is who will take the journey. We will need some to remain behind, for we cannot leave the Roost uninhabited. Who else wishes to journey the whale road?"

I look to other Talons, I won't argue any longer if I'm the only dissenter - but maybe if one of them agrees with me. Mynah, wondering if I could see any worry for the future of her daughter and husband. I turn to Merlin, curious if he is just interested in following Litch to Hell. Do Javan and Zephyr want the change that this adventure promises? Or do they have a different future in mind? Will each of them do what the Gray Wing, and Litch say, no matter the risk?

Regardless of whether the other Talons sign up for this voyage, I know there's one person I want on our side for sure. I cross over to stand close to Canary.

"I want you to pilot the ship," I tell her softly. "You're the only one I trust to get us there and back safely. And..." I lean closer, lowering my voice to a whisper only she will hear, "you know how I am on the water." I draw back enough to meet her eyes, to see if she remembers how hard the sea is on me. The expanse of waters seems to make the Whispers louder and more insane, and this time we'll be going right into a storm, right into the heart of where the Whispers attached to me in the first place. I wouldn't go so far as to call Canary and I friends, and this ask feels too big for the history we have, but I don't have another choice. "Please."

Here I am thinking... selfish? Thoughts... when Helix makes her plea.

I'm a bit stunned at first, then she starts to make sense. I have other things I should be doing... but... the abyss?

"Ain't no place on the water anyone can say I'm afraid to go..." I answer in whispers as I stare through everyone into the unseen distance. "Even I don't know what's gonna happen... if this is even possible..."

I meet helix's eye, then let my gaze drift towards Litch... and I know this quest may be doomed, but it's for a true cause.

"Since it's you askin' helix..." how she said 'please' melts my heart, "how can I say no?"

I sit quietly with Helix... the right moment will come along to stand up and volunteer... I hear Syd, too... I respect him. I want to hear if others agree, too.

I let out a soft breath when Canary agrees. There was part of me absolutely prepared for her to say no, and the fact that she doesn't makes the flicker of hope in the dark void of my chest glow just a little warmer. I reach over to put my hand on her arm, squeezing it. "Thank you," I whisper, hoping she can hear how earnestly I mean it. I keep a hold on her arm as I look to the rest of the room, curious which Talons will volunteer and which might stay behind.

Plover already said she would keep me safe, a promise I now realize I didn't respond to directly. I wince a bit at the realization and tell myself I will speak to her later. But it's Zephyr I'm most curious about in this moment. She spoke of leaving the Talons soon. Will she take this as an opportunity or...and I see the stupidity in the next question before I even think it...but will she stay with me?

Mynah is feeling distinct unease. She doesn't want to counter Litch, but she just lost a son and now she might lose more of her family for a girl that isn't blood-related?

She's going to approach Litch privately and see if she can help with the selection of who to go (volunteering to go to keep Zeph and Javan from going).

This starts the ball rolling. Javan and Jackdaw throw in, followed by Kestrel. Merlin and Mynah remain quiet, their silence a statement about "staying back", most likely. After all the other Talons have spoken, Zephyr looks to you, Helix, silently asking if you want her there.

What do you do?

I nod when each Talon, and to my slight surprise Canary, step forward or signal that they wish to join our expedition. I grin when Plover announces her declaration, proud of her enthusiasm. Those who hang back are not shamed. Their role is of equal importance. I trust both Merlin and Mynah to hold the fort while we're away...and to carry on our legacy if we do not return.

I note the silent question Zephyr gives. My eyebrow arches ever so slightly. They must have hit it off well. Good. That will help.

Plover's bold declaration after her whispered reassurances make me wonder if her true motivation lies more in protecting me...or in impressing her father. I suppose it makes no difference as long as I have her as a shield.

When I catch Zephyr's look, though, and the implicit question behind it, I feel myself freeze. It doesn't have to be weird, I remind myself. I want to tell her that she should make her own decisions, that she should decide if this journey is one she wants for herself or if this is the chance she's been looking for to fly free, but my body betrays me. I nod at her, subtly, my own sense of self-preservation making me ask her to come along.

The assenting voices encircle me like a whirlpool, sweeping my concerns away. Mynah and Merlin are unmistakably quiet. Have I misunderstood the purpose of this room? It is a place for religious declarations. Acceptance. Litch's law. It's not for challenge or debate, it seems these sentiments are drowned immediately.

If they don't listen to my voice, maybe hers will work. I stand and walk back through the sanctuary, the tapping of my footsteps on the venerated floor lost in the excited flurry of the Talons. I hurry to Aloe's bedside. If she is able, maybe she can talk some sense into her family.

I'm a bit dismayed that Syd departs the chancel. It would've been useful to have his expertise with us. But, I suppose that would have been too much to ask of him. He has already given so much aid, more than I would have asked of him. And he has his own path to follow, I suspect. I want to tell him myself that the Roost will remain a haven to him for as long as he wishes to use it, but that will have to wait.

I nod and give my volunteers a small smile. "Very good. I am proud of all of you. Those who wish to go and those who will remain behind. I know we don't have much time to plan for our journey, and I would like to depart tomorrow, so make your preparations." I continue to divvy up tasks, even to those who aren't joining, so that all have an equal share of preparing us for our voyage. Once everyone has their assignments, I stroll over to where Helix stands. "So," I mutter, "How are going to get the Merrimack? I don't think Lucky will let us simply borrow it."

I do step forward, at Helix's urging. Our hands still touch as I take a half-step. A glance back at Helix, then I call out loudly... [i]sea voice[i] if you will, "I'll pilot your ship. If you'll trust 'er to me."

I track Edmund departing the way I've seen rival gangs watch their enemies leaving the Belly - wary, relieved, halfway tempted to follow. I have to give him some respect for being willing to stand on his earlier words, but part of me wishes he were coming. Despite my personal proclivities, a Tower servant with all the necessary skills to save a life if we need it isn't worthless here. I wonder what it would take to convince him. Certainly more than the brief nod it took for Zephyr. Probably more than the sincere ask that got Canary on board.

There's something powerful in constructing this cadre around me - Plover, Zephyr, Canary. With Litch and Javan already promised to watch over my interaction with Lucky, I feel I can count them too.

I have survived for so long by quietly playing my role. Perhaps it's time I play a louder part, if I can keep the confidence to do so.

I give Canary a grateful look before Litch issues orders and approaches for answers.

"I don't expect that either," I agree. I try to play my tune confidently as I continue, "The Sipps don't own the Merrimack outright. They're indebted to the Vaulters for it." I don't name Wells specifically - it seems too fine a point. Lucky can share as much, or Litch will learn it on his own. "I don't know how deep the Talons coffers run, but I'm sure the Sipps would be amenable to having some debts coming due to them too."

Outside of the cacophonous chamber falls a melancholy silence, pierced now by the sounds of my brisk pace. I navigate the halls with haste, and soon find myself at the threshold of Shrike and Aloe's room. I take a few deep breaths to try to slow my heart rate before moving to Aloe's bedside.

The blankets I had smoothed out over her are russled slightly, a good sign that she has moved at least a little bit since Merlin and I left her. I take her small hand in mine and squeeze gently. I smile to myself knowing that her warmth has returned. I begin to push on her shoulder, firmly yet gently, hoping she will wake soon and pray - to whatever might be listening - that she will be receptive to what I have to say and willing to do something about it. "Miss Aloe, I'm sorry to wake you, but I need you now."

"Hello Miss Aloe," I speak to her in hushed tones, though even at that volume, in this stillness it is easy to hear. "I hate to wake you when you were resting, but I really need your input on a matter that involves you." I look toward the door, then back down to her. "Shrike and Litch are forming a team to take to the Abyss to find a true cure for your affliction. They say the Grey Wing is guiding them to something that will help you, but the way is perilous and some, if not all, of them will return changed."

I choke up again as I speak to her, fully aware of the weight of the information being put on Aloe's frail shoulders. "They plan to leave as soon as possible. I thought since this matter concerns you, you should have the opportunity to speak your voice - be it in blessing or dissent. Would you like me to take you to them?"

We have enough funds to live reasonably comfortable in the damp morass of our city. We're certainly better off than many. Though, I don't know that coin and barter will be enough to sway the Sippians to our cause. I gesture for Helix to walk with me away from the others before I ask, "Besides the name you are going to give Lucky, what else would he want. How else could we persuade him?" She seems to know the Sipp chief well. She certainly seemed like she was in a higher status position than I previously considered. "Did your vision show anything in that regard?"

"Thank you Miss Aloe. I'll stand with you no matter what you say, so be brave and make your feelings known." With that I reposition the blanket over her and scoop her into my arms. Though she is about Paisley's age, she feels so much more frail. We head back to the Chancel together.

Litch's questions seem heavy when I have already given him the best answer I can think of. Who isn't swayed by jingle in our world? Always chasing a better place to lay their head...or someone better to lay with.

I hesitate to offer it, considering how terribly it went with Wells, but when there's nothing more to give, there's always..."Me." I look away, jaw flinching a bit as I consider that Lucky might not want me any more than Wells does after everything. I look back at Litch. "It's nothing I saw in a vision, but he asked me to be his advisor. I declined. If he were still interested...it might sway him."

Syd re-enters the chancel, carrying a swaddled Aloe in his arms. Shrike gasps at the sight of her adopted child, while Jackdaw scowls and looks away, uncomfortable with the sight of the tiny girl.

My eyes harden resolutely when Helix admits that she thinks Lucky might still want her. It's possible, I allow. But she places a higher value on herself with him than is likely. And it's not going to happen on my frelling watch. I am starting to wonder whether Lucky Strike means more to Helix than merely a master to whom to serve out a sentence. Jingle may indeed have to suffice. Or we can take another crack at Plan A. I wonder if Lucky knows that the brothers in his gang are planning to cut the feet out from under him.

I'm about to mention that to Helix when Syd returns carrying Aloe. My eyes narrow. "What are you doing, Edmund?" I inquire, forgoing the alias.

I ignore the livid looks the Talons display. Instead, I walk close enough to Litch and Shrike so Aloe won't have to speak loudly for her words to reach them - lest her already weakened lungs act up. My steps have been steady and intentional for the entirety of the time Aloe has been in my arms.

My offense here seems clearly exhibited on Litch's face, so when I speak back to him I try to be a model a different approach for Aloe. Each word is calm and gentle, yet carries the weight of my seriousness. "This matter directly concerns her. She deserves her voice to be heard." As we come to a stop, not more than a couple of feet from Litch and Shrike, I prop Aloe up in my arms slightly allowing her to look straight at the men and women who have raised her and loved her.

I whisper to her, "Please Miss Aloe, speak your mind."

I watch Litch's eyes turn to stone, steely and steadfast, at my second suggestion. It makes me feel small and stupid and...safe? The mixture isn't something I'm familiar with and before I can suss it out, Edmund reappears with a husk of a child in his arms. I know who it must be even before he speaks her name and when her sunken eyes come to rest on me, I am frozen to my place. I couldn't run if I wanted to, and I want to. I can only imagine what the Whispers would be saying if they had their voices here, and I can only imagine what it will be like if this voyage fails and this child's voice joins the unholy chorus trapped between my temples.

I wonder if her acceptance of our journey will be enough to convince the Tower servant to join us. I take advantage of the distraction to slip away from the conversation with Litch and return to Canary's side. She may not be my best friend, but she is my oldest friend here, and somehow things feel safer near her. Maybe it's her gruff sea-worn way, maybe it's something that bonded us in the admittedly short and unimpressive time I spent on the water with her.

I smile kindly at the child in Edmund's arms and walk over to them, where I reach out my arms to take Aloe from his grasp, saying, "Lass, your life is worth any turmoil we might face. We love you as well. For as long as the Grey Wing breathes her essence into your soul, you are a treasure to us. And we want to enjoy our precious treasure for as long as we are able to." I look back at Shrike, giving her a nod and a faint smile as if to say that her cares are shared by me and I would do anything for her as well.

Aloe's response catches me off guard. My concerns were for her happiness and her well-being when the Talons made what I now recognize as their declaration to head to the Abyss. As Litch reaches for Aloe, I slightly contort my arms to ensure her transition is as smooth and comfortable as possible.

I will respond to this new information the same way I hoped the Talon's would have responded had she asked us not to go.

"It seems my concerns, while they have yet to be proven wrong, are the sole deviation. Forgive my hesitation for wanting to rush to the Abyss." I soak in Aloe's happiness, her relief. Her energy is infectious. "I will likely always be deliberate and calculating in situations like this. If you'll have me, I believe I can offer a unique set of skills on this journey."

I lower my voice to a hush, hoping that only Litch can hear me. "Before you cast your judgment on me, allow me one last offense - though I feel it must be asked. The way you've been favoring one leg this evening, are you sure your own presence won't be a liability to the journey's success?"

With the girl now in my arms, I lean down and kiss her forehead softly. "You have nothing to apologize for, Edmund." I reply. "Caution can keep you alive and it's good to not rush into things without a measure of thoughtfulness. And I would be honored that you would choose to accompany us, despite the dangers. You're a useful fellow to have around."

When he murmurs his concern about my leg, I don't immediately respond. Instead I turn to hand Aloe over to Shrike first, caressing the back of the child's head with one hand and clasping the other around Shrike's shoulder, smiling to both of them. Eventually, I address the butler again, motioning him away from the others. "I think you can forgo the alias now, my friend. Wise to use it with outsiders, but among the Talons, you're family. In fact, I would have just the name for you if you wanted to...blend in a bit better. And aye, my knee is giving me some trouble. But perhaps you can take a look at it before we depart?"

The offer surprises me, particularly after I thought I committed such a wrongdoing. It also seems like it would carry some sort of commitment to their family, and I'm not ready to do that. "I'm honored and rather taken aback Mister Litch. At least for now, I must decline a new name - though I am intrigued. Edmund is the name I chose and still matters to me for as long as Madame Parker, Miss Paisley, and hopefully Mister Prince still live and breathe. It's still who I want to be. I will let you know if that changes. For now, let's go look at your knee."

End Scene