A Matter of Faith

"Pleasure to make your acquaintance." The halfling tilts his head, trying to reclaim some of his dignity, though his clothes are still marred with mud. He decides against asking them what audience they were seeking, feeling it is not his place to pry into their business. Instead, he uncomfortably shifts his weight from one leg to another, waiting for them to lead the way.

You step through the massive doors of the Grand Cathedral to find yourself standing inside a vast nave that stretches before and above you. The wealth of the Church is evident in every little detail; the painted ceiling, the pillars of marble adorned with life-sized statues, and the high stained glass windows detailing scenes from the lives of the Champions.

A few of the worshippers stop to curiously watch you, and after you find a young acolyte and ask him about the Patriarch, he directs you toward a pudgy man standing inside one of the alcoves. That man is NOT the Patriarch, but his robes do identify him as a high-ranking clergyman of the Church

"Peace be with you" the man looked a bit taken back by your rough appearance "How may I be of help?"

"The Patriach is - " he is about to say something, but then catches himself " - a busy man. I can deliver the letter myself, later tonight" he reaches for the letter, but when Will doesn't hand it over he sighs softly to himself, leaning forward just so he could inspect the seal more closely "very well. Follow me then, right this way" he turns and leads you to a side door, and winding steps going up.

The Bishop leads you up the stairs, past a couple of armed knights, into a small, narrow hallway. He knocks gently on the door before opening it and leading you inside. It is a humble small chamber, with bare stone walls with only a single window to let in the daylight. There is a plain wooden cot against the wall, with a small nightstand next to it, and a small table and a chair opposite to it.

The Patriarch himself is a frail old man in simple white robes, who sits on the edge of his bed. He carefully closes the holy book in his hands and sets it on the nightstand, before pushing himself upright and turning to face you

"Father Norbert" he nods at the bishop, before looking at you with curiosity "And guests. What brings you to me at this late hour?"

The Patriarch accepts the sealed letter from Will. He breaks the wax seal and unfolds the parchment, quickly reading the short letter. When he finishes, he passes the letter over to Father Norbert, whose face quickly turns pale as he reads the letter himself.

"Thank you for delivering this message to me" his voice is controlled, though tired "Father Diadane; make the preparation to travel to Threshold. I will depart as soon as we are able. I hope my presence there might help calm the situation" he gives him a knowing look. Even the zealots of the Crystal Order wouldn’t dare take matters into their own hands if he were there.

Father Diadane face is wrought with worry. He clutches the scroll even tighter in his hands, his voice trembles as he talks: "Your Holiness, please… I beg you to reconsider. It is a hard road to Threshold, and the season turns. The rains will worsen, as will the wind. Your health is not what it once was. Let me go in your stead. Or send word, dispatch a trusted envoy, anything but this!!!"

"If I do not stand before them myself, things could easily get out of hand" The old Patriarch lays a hand over his arm "Besides, who will tend to the people once I am gone? You must continue our work, and remind the people of the Church’s true calling"

He turns back to the adventurers "I thank you again, travelers. I pray we can resolve this situation peacefully, in the true spirit of our Church"

There is sadness in the Patriarch's eyes when Boudica kneels before him. He reaches out to her and takes her hands in his own, slowly guiding her back to her feet as if the sight of her kneeling troubles him.

"… it is my wish to bring an end to this strife too. In Threshold, and anywhere else" he offers her a small smile, squeezing her hands faintly before letting go. "I do not want you to be beholden to accompany me" he says carefully, not wanting her to feel obliged to help him by accepting her offer explicitly "But I will welcome your company with gratitude, if we do end up traveling together"