Lien le Storm

Church Square
[Freezing, cloudy, strong winds from the south, afternoon]
The grand facade of the Lithmorran cathedral dominates the square, providing a stained-glass, gothic opulence to the space below. Laid in an artful pattern, red and white bricks converge in alternating bands towards a central fixture, a splendid fountain. Off to the southwest, in the tended lawn, stands a statue easily nine feet tall. Below it rests a bench, obscuring the engravings in the statue’s base. At each of the four corners of this square stands a tall stone lamp to light the square at night.

(The Square looks reasonably neat, with the fountain looking recently cleaned and polished. People wander throughout the area, conversing with one another and whispering as they talk of events that have recently passed. )
[ Exits: north east south west ]
A baroque fountain spurts gloriously into the sky. (center)
The square’s public board stands beneath a protective wood shingle roof. (northeastern corner)
Edvard is here. [App: 3]
Harund is here. [App: 4]
A golden haired boy with green eyes is lingering near the fountain. [App: 4] He looks quite sick.

[Action: Harund is standing by the statue.]

A golden haired boy with green eyes nudges Edvard in the ribs. “Eddy. How come you don’t have a weapon?”

Lien walks out of the townhall, a floppy black wool hat adorned with fluffy, emerald plumes tucked under one arm along with a whisper-thin steel rapier with a black leather hilt.

A golden haired boy with green eyes waves a hand. “I gotta go. Laters!”

A golden haired boy with green eyes is lingering near the fountain. He looks quite sick.
This young man holds himself with a defiant stance, though clearly keeping out of the public eye. His bright green eyes set him apart from common Lithmore stock, his fair features the type to come only from Vavard, and meticulously upkept appearance makes him seem like of a higher class. He has shaggy platinum blonde hair, a single braid tied in front of his right ear with bright tubori beads, and decorative seaglass. The rest of his hair is tied in a very short tail at the nape of his neck. His masculine features are just starting to show through, his face having lost the appearance of a boy as it transitions into a man. He has a rigid jawline, no hint of fat left in his cheeks, which have smoothed out, and are just as pale and hairless as the rest of his visible body. When he speaks, he has a smooth voice, his throat raised by sea air. His equipment is hidden under a hooded floor-length cloak of weighty waterproofed leather. He is taller than you by a hand.

Edvard quirks a brow to Harund, “You find that amusing?” And grunts to a golden haired boy with green eyes, “Cause I don’t. Maybe Storm here’ll let me borrow hers.” He catches sight of Lien as he speaks, offering her a smile.

A golden haired boy with green eyes leaves east with short, slow steps.

A golden haired boy with green eyes slows to a halt.

A golden haired boy with green eyes pivots on a heel and returns. “Guess not.”

Harund nods “I thought it was funny.”

[Action: Edvard stands near the fountain.]

Lien eyes a whisper-thin steel rapier with a black leather hilt and then Edvard. “I had to wait nearly two months for this to come through you know.. not going to give it up just yet.. but if you need the coin for one… can you even wield a sword without getting flogged? Cause if not, you might be needing a dagger?”

“Aye, I might be. Dagger’d be fine. Better with an axe, though.” Edvard mentions to Lien. Before glancing curiously over to a golden haired boy with green eyes.

A golden haired boy with green eyes quirks a brow at Edvard. “Huh?”

Lien skips over to Edvard’s side. Something is produced from within her cloak and offered to him hilt first. She looks over a golden haired boy with green eyes casually, her capacious eyes moving up over him.

You get a small thin bladed steel dagger with a black leather hilt from a miniature vivid emerald green silk purse piped with black.

You give a small thin bladed steel dagger with a black leather hilt to Edvard.

A golden haired boy with green eyes rocks back and forth on his sandals, grinning like mad at Lien.

Edvard slips a small thin bladed steel dagger with a black leather hilt an in inch out of its sheath, whistling quietly. “Thank’s Storm.” He slips it away for now, attention returning to a golden haired boy with green eyes, “Er.. Eriit, what are you doin’?”

“I am pretty sure grinning at me like that is a flogging offense..” Lien complains to Edvard as she eyes a golden haired boy with green eyes and waves her hand vaguely at him. “As well, he’s done no curtsy, and hasn’t greeted me properly.”

From here on you will remember a golden haired boy with green eyes as Eriit.

Harund folds his arms, and watches the show.

Eriit moves up to Lien, and gets down one one knee, a hand extended to Lien, and the other on his chest. “M’Lady. Perhaps you would grace me with your courtesy?”

Edvard chuckles to Lien, “Ya might be best off not tryin’ to flog him. An’ generally, men don’t curtsy.”

“I couldnae tell if he was a boy or girl with those curls so figured I’d cover both bases.” Lien says, positively beaming now at Eriit. She takes his hand and offers by way of introduction. “I am Lien le Storm, of the Barony Strongjaw … in Tubor. Nice place. Wines and stuff.”

“Aye, he confuses me too, some days…” Edvard complains to Lien, smiling faintly.

Eriit brings Lien’s hands to his lips, greeting her formally. “M’lady Storm. Never before have I seen such beauty produced from the Tubori islands as the visual rapture that is your eminent form. Your every contour speaks strength and grace, and I humbly request permission to admire Dav’s gift that is your angelic face.” he states in a smooth vavardi tone, keeping his eyes down.

Lien grins even more broadly, and she looks across Eriit’s head to Edvard, then back down to him again. Lapping up the compliments, she uses her free hand to sweep a dusky lock back behind her ear. “I think, it would be rude of me to deny such a request. And you are, just Eriit? I do not suppose you would like to be my man servant because I could use someone like you in my employ.”

Eriit gets to his feet, meeting Lien’s gaze. “Eriit Saoishe. Captain of the Siren’s call, and sailor born from Vavard. It is… The greatest pleasure to meet you m’lady.” he says with a light vavardi accent, his teeth bared in a crooked grin the entire time.

From here on you will remember a golden haired boy with green eyes as Eriit Saoishe.

Edvard grins to himself, eyes twinkling.

Harund awkwardly stands to the side?

“Ahh I can speak a little Vavardi but.. not very good so.. will have to excuse. It is nice to meet you Captain. You flatter me excessive -ly, and more than I deserve.” Lien says, fingers retucking the hair back behind her ear. “But still, I enjoy it none the less. Feel free to continue.” She says, grinning in return.

Eriit Saoishe continues to grin like mad, taking a step back with a low bow. “M’lady Storm. I’m afraid there are no words to further express my immense rapture at your presence. The closest I could come would be to shower you with affection, but as I am not wed to you, and I am but a humble sea captain, that would be quite inappropriate indeed.”

“It is quite alright. I -am- Tubori after all, and I am not yet wedded, so please feel free.” Lien says, still beaming at Eriit Saoishe, even giggling a little now at the excessive compliments. She places her hand upon her hip and idly toys with a wide black silk sash embroidered with tiny emerald leaves that is tied around her waist.

Eriit Saoishe extends a hand towards Lien. “M’lady, should I ever aquire title, you can be sure that I will be the first to ask for your hand. As I am now, in fact. Would you like to dance?” he asks with a twinkle in his eye, leaning forward slightly with an arm behind his back.

Edvard questions to Eriit Saoishe, “Woah there, forgetting the hopeful standing here?”

Harund flips a hoodless, voluminous cloak of soft woven fabric back over his shoulder.
Harund pulls closed his cloak, hiding his garments.
Harund stops using a common Lithmorran eating knife with a scant wooden handle.
Harund wields a rusty dagger.
Harund stops using a rusty dagger.
Harund wields a common Lithmorran eating knife with a scant wooden handle.

“Well, he is the one who asked….” Lien says over her shoulder to Edvard, taking the hand that Eriit Saoishe extends towards her, gloved fingers wrapping around his. “Can you dance though Eriit Saoishe, Captain of the Siren’s call?”

Eriit Saoishe pulls Lien towards himself with surprising dexterity. “Any sailor can dance. It’s just putting the movements of the waves into motion.” he states in a tone as smooth as butter, his other hand coming to rest on Lien’s hip. “But can you?”

Harund laughs “Well you guys have fun with that. I have some… Business… To deal with.”
Harund drinks water from a simple, leather water-skin sealed with a tightly fit cork.

“I am Tubori, what do you think?” Lien asks as she extends an arm across Eriit Saoishe’s shoulder and wraps fingers around the nape of his neck. She draws herself up to the tips of her toes, giving herself an extra inch and a half of height, before settling her heels back down on the ground. “Though I really wish I wasn’t wearing these Lithmorran clothes. Not sure how well that is going to go…”

Harund leaves east.

Edvard smiles, ambling over to the edge of the square, taking a seat on one of the benches.

Eriit Saoishe begins to hum a jaunty vavardi sea shanty, pulling Lien into slow gyrations about the fountain. He can’t seem to take his eyes off of hers, absolutely enraptured, and makes a point of showing it.

[Action: Edvard sits on a bench underneath the statue.]
[Action: Eriit Saoishe is dancing around the fountain with Lien, oddly enough.]

Lien gracefully matches Eriit Saoishe’s steps, at first a little slow as she gets used to his style and the nature of the song he hums. But it takes little more than a few seconds before she is up to speed and grining again. Soon she’s adding a little flare to her steps, hips moving quickly to cause her skirts to flare out around her ankles.

Eriit Saoishe pauses for a moment, his body pressed against Lien’s. “Goodness. You Are a good dancer. It is a true shame that I can’t court you, you have the most beautiful eyes. They remind me of the seas of the Vavardi coast.”

“I am.” Lien agrees, cheeks lightly flushed and a few of her dusky locks having fallen from where they had been pinned in a twist at the nape of her neck. She draws in a lengthy breath of air, and gives her head a quick shake. “You’re not so bad too.”

Eriit Saoishe draws his fingertips along Lien’s cheekbone, tucking her hair behind her ear as he’d noticed. “I should hope not. I’ve heard I’m rather breathtaking.” he states in a low, warm, and incredibly smooth tone. The fingers come up to the bottom of Lien’s chin. “If I may?”

Lien holds her self very still, capacious eyes fixed upon Eriit Saoishe and widening a fraction more for a moment. “You’re.. playing with me.” She accuses him, breath drawn sharply in at the contact to her chin but still she nods at his request.

Eriit Saoishe smiles wryly for a moment, though it melts into happiness when he sees the smile, and he leans forward to place a chaste kiss on the corner of Lien’s lips, holding a centimetre away to see if she might reciprocate.

“Dav help me..” Lien murmurs when Eriit Saoishe lays the kiss upon her lips. Still as a statue, with doe-like eyes open and watching him. Soon enough she returns the kiss in kind then starts to draws back, adding a few inches between them. “Not here.” She says when she comes to her senses.

Edvard coughs into his hand, and speaking up, “Just so ya know Storm, Eriit just finished hittin’ on me when ya got here…”

Eriit Saoishe brings his fist to his mouth in a stifled laugh. “M’Lady, wherever and whenever you should want me, all you need do is ask.” he murmurs. He shoots a wink back at Edvard.

Edvard’s words are enough to cause her to blush and Eriit Saoishe’s laugh only adds to it. “Okay, you’ve had your joke.” She quickly pushes him back, or attempts to and starts to storm off Eastward. [Lien]

Eriit Saoishe wishes to initiate a contest with you, using their dexterity.
Contest of Eriit Saoishe’s dexterity vs Lien’s dexterity!
Lien easily wins!

Eriit Saoishe calls out, “Wait! m’lady! Please wait!” He sounds genuine, grasping for Lien’s hand, but it slips out. “T’was just a joke. I did no such thing.”

Lien turns sharply and walks backwards now, eyeing Eriit Saoishe and passing a glance to Edvard. “That it was a joke. I hope you had fun messing with me, both of you.”

Edvard quirks a brow, frowning. “I wasn’ae messing with you. I didn’t want to ruin your fun or anything..”

Eriit Saoishe looks crestfallen, an expression of genuine hurt on his face. “Lady Storm, I would never be so stupid as to steal a kiss from a lady with the express intent of making her blush for all the wrong reasons. Please, forgive my reaction… I’m lighthearted by nature.”

Eriit Saoishe extends a hand to Lien.

Lien eyes the offered hand, then Eriit Saoishe and lastly Edvard whom she asks. “Was he Eddie? Is he speaking the truth now?” She asks, even as she steps forward to reach out and take the hand extended.

Edvard shrugs in response to Lien, “I wouldn’t know the answer to that.”

“Though, I wouldn’t think that Eriit would do such a thing.” Edvard ammends with a smile.

Eriit Saoishe lays his other hand on top of Lien’s. “Lady Storm. I am not the most fluent of men, but I do hope you’ll accept me as I am, for I have no intentions of hunkering down to become a prude just yet.” he says with a soft smile.

“Aye, wouldn’t it be a sight to see a prude-y Eriit..” Edvard mumbles, “Now, -that- would be a bothersome sight..”

Lien looks quickly over towards Edvard, then settles her gaze back on Eriit Saoishe then on the hand in his. “Arien, this is going to get complicated isn’t it. Alright, alright. I’m Tubori, not Lithmorran. Despite the monk like dress I’m in, I can assure you, and I’m sure that Eddie will confirm this, nor am I a prude.”

“Prune-y? Maybe, Nae a prude, though.” Edvard nods in agreement with Lien.

Eriit Saoishe waves Edvard off without taking his eyes off of Lien. “M’lady, it is only as complicated as you let it be. It could be as easy as falling drunk off of a cart, if you want to be.” he states in a husky tone, a smirk on his lips

“Ya mean ye could be as easy as fallin drunk off a cart.” Edvard states to Eriit Saoishe.

“A couple of days.. at the Blind Horse, or where ever you want me. Southside though. Send me word, or Eddie. He knows usually where to find me.” Lien looks conflicted, her capacious eyes now caught in Eriit Saoishe’s. After a lengthy pause she adds, “I have to go.”

Eriit Saoishe offers another kiss on Lien’s knuckle in parting. “Mayhap I can have an item of yours to remember you by? Perhaps a lock of hair, or a handkerchief?” he asks innocently as he raises back up. “It would be greatly appreciated, even if I have to earn your affections.”

Lien actually laughs at this, grin wide upon her lips as she eyes Eriit Saoishe. “That is a bit cheesy you know…” She shakes her head, but none the less accedes to the request, drawing a silver ribbon from her purse, and offering it out to him.

Eriit Saoishe watches the hand with abject interest, delicately winding it around his fingers. “Cheesy? To want to remember such a ravishing woman aside from the awe of being in her presence? Well, I suppose that’s just how I am.” he states the last bit as he looks up, a dangerously mischevious glimmer in his eyes.

Edvard sighs, rubbing his neck. “If ya want some of my luscious locks, just ask me too.” He states to Eriit Saoishe.

“I’m not used to it.” Lien says, lips also in a bit of a grin now. “You make me forget that I’m in Lithmore.” She adds, as she starts to draw backwards. “I really do have to go, Ari will kill me if I get home too late tonight, especially with Sien out and about.”

Eriit Saoishe offers a sailors bow to Lien, raising with a crooked grin. “This Ari… He’s… Related, yes? Not a courtier?”

“Cousin.” Lien says, darting off with a skip Eastwards. “Cousin!”

You begin to move east.

You leave east.

A Darkly-Appointed Bedroom
[Comfortable]
This chamber has been decorated in a dark, dramatic style. Walls papered in a smoky grey like stormy skies offset flooring of nigh-black nightpine, polished to a glossy sheen. A broad half-circle window presides over the northern wall, hung with floor-length black velvet drapes and shimmering silver chiffon curtains. A fireplace topped with an intricate black marble mantle, limned in silver, contributes illumination along with silver filigree lanterns whose grey glass panes gently dull the candlelight. A smaller block of windows on the eastern wall, similarly shrouded with black and silver curtains, allows extra light in. A nightpine door in the southern wall adjoins the sitting room.

[ Exits: south ]
A decorative bottle of vintage Tubori Claret from Strongjaw is set next to the bed. (southern edge)
A slim wooden practice sword crafted with a wide crossguard rests on the end of the bed. (southern edge)
A huge box of multicolor, that reads ‘Charity Ball Flowers’ has been sat here. (southern edge)
A four-poster bed of nightpine with black velvet draperies is here. (southern edge)
An elegant armoire of nightpine with silver trimmings is here. (southern edge)
You have arrived.

A town crier passes by, calling, “Father Piuso is on his deathbed!” the word is being passed amongst the people, quiet and hushed, “His home, west of the Cathedral.. that blessed man is passing to the Lord.”.

A Comfortable, Airy Study [Comfortable]
Much like the foyer, the study has been designed to maximize a sense of openness. The room isn’t particularly spacious, but is ringed with windows on the south and east walls. Thick white curtains topped with filmy silver drapes frame the windows, matching the creamy wallpaper decorated with silvery velvet fleur-de-lis. Much of it is hidden by tall bookshelves, stuffed with a wide assortment of tomes on every conceivable subject from poetry to economics. In each corner, an intricate silver filigree lantern hangs on an elegant stand, orange glass panes casting a mellow light that blends well with the fire often set in the white marble fireplace. Floor and furniture alike are crafted from pale black spruce, polished to a high sheen. A carved mahogany door in the northern wall leads back into the house’s foyer.

[ Exits: north -west- ]
An exquisite silk rose tied with midnight blue silk ribbons is in a vase on the desk. (northern edge)
A large auction package tied with several long silk ribbons containing item number Twelve. (northern edge)
A minuscule glass viol, with fragile strings and silver bow sits proudly on the desk. (northern edge)
A bronze Meritorious Service award hanging on a blue ribbon hangs in a glass case on the wall over the fireplace. (center)
Tall bookshelves of polished black spruce line the room. (northeastern corner)
A massive desk of polished black spruce is here. (northeastern corner)
A low, thickly-padded sofa of black spruce is here. (northern edge)
A regal carved wooden figure depicting King Tobin ab Samael is sitting on a shelf of the bookshelves. (northern edge)
Ari is here. [App: 5]
You have arrived.

“Ari… did you hear that…?” Lien asks anxiously, as she steps through the doorway, her steps a little uneven.

Ari is just rising to his feet from behind his desk, eyes wide. “Aye, I did. I have to go, with all haste,” he remarks thickly. He’s carrying a leather-bound book with dog-eared pages, marked with a J, which he tucks under his arm.

“I need to come too.” Lien is quick to interject, approaching Ari and grabbing her cloak to wrap around her shoulders. “He is a friend.”

“Yes – yes, of course you can, you can double up on my horse,” Ari answers, hurrying for the door. [Ari]

Ari begins to move north.
Ari leaves north.

“His home… did he move in where she lived? He must have, it was just west of there,” Ari mumbles to himself, shaking his head. [Ari]

“It’s the place right next to Church Square.” Lien is quick to add, almost running out of the house. “I didn’t even know he was sick?!”

“I didn’t either! I haven’t heard a word… if it was his wound, it could have been examined…” Swallowing, Ari sets off at a quick clip. [Ari]

A town crier passes by, calling, “If Father Piuso passes to the Lord, then so be it: let the traitor who helped the leader of the thieves, who fornicated with her more than those sinners he sent to the pyre, almost escape her sentence. Let the Lord welcome him and judge that sorry excuse for a Cardinal!”.

…………

You spread some coin around and eventually you get a tidbit from a passerby:’Father Piuso has not quite seemed himself lately. Slow moving and looking downright tired most of the time, not to mention the fact he rarely steps foot out of the monastery theese days.’.

………….

Ari leaves up.
You leave up.

A Small Cosy Bedroom [Frigid]
Though this bedroom is quite small, it is nevertheless well decorated, making it cosy and comfortable rather than stuffy. Most of this little room is taken up by a double bed, layered deeply with furs and blankets to ward off the winter’s chill, and a fireplace to its side fills the room with warmth and light. A thick, luxurious carpet of bear’s fur completes the small room, with a clothes chest at the end of the bed for personal effects. A door leads east, back into the corridor.

(Vestments along with several other personal pieces lie scattered about the room. One corner has a prie-dieu set in it before a silver Chalice hanging on the wall, rendering its purpose as a small chapel. )

[ Exits: down ]
The Last Will and Testament of Benedictus ab Piuso lies atop the books on the bedside table, a fresh quill and inkwell next to it. (southern edge)
The Book of Penances lies on the bedside table. (southern edge)
A long bladed steel kukri with a carved ivory and onyx hilt lies here. (southern edge)
An opulent hooded black cloak lined with decadent blood red hangs by the door. (southern edge)
A medium courier’s box collects dust. (southern edge)
A chasuble of white linen, falling in crimson-trimmed folds hangs in the closet. (southern edge)
A fine midnight black leather breastplate with scarlet trim lies here. (southern edge)
A long-stemmed, deep red rose sits in a vase on the mantle. (southern edge)
A large, wooden chest with wrought iron supports is here. (southern edge)
Ari is here. [App: 5]
A young, brown-haired man is kneeled next to the bedside of Bene ab Piuso. [App: 2]
An elderly priest with tonsured grey hair is standing at Bene ab Piuso’s bedside in prayer.
Bene ab Piuso is lying on the bed, seemingly close to death. [App: 4]
You have arrived.

The town crier solcits little more than a faint nod from Bene ab Piuso. “I see..” he says quietly, “Well, I suppose its a well enough verdict. Doesn’t truly matter.”

A young, brown-haired man summons a messenger and supplies a message and coins. The messenger nods and leaves.

Loud footsteps on the stairs announce Ari, who comes in along with Lien; his eyes are wide, a leather-bound book with dog-eared pages, marked with a J folded under his arm. “Bene, is it true? I’d heard nothing before now…!” [Ari]

Lien hastily follows Ari up the stairs, her pale blue eyes seeking out Bene ab Piuso’s form on the bed. Without waiting for invite to do so, she sits herself down on the edge and reaches out to try take his hand. She looks around her, to the an elderly priest with tonsured grey hair and then to Bene ab Piuso, asking “What happened to him?”

Bene ab Piuso looks up to Ari, “Sadly, my Lord, my Lady, it is.” he says quietly with the faintest of smiles. “It seems the Lord has finally decided to take me back. Long overdue.. I’ve cheated death far too many times now.” he coughs a little into his fist, “Father Francis has already taken my last confession.”

An elderly priest with tonsured grey hair looks over to Lien and quietly advises, “He’s been rather reserved of late.. pained one might even say. I cannot say, but life has been passing him by. His time, it would seen.”

A young, brown-haired man shakes his head “No, you have not cheated death, you have gotten what you deserved.” he presses his lips together “And you shouldn’t go now, people still need you here Bene.” he says holding on to the nearest item firmly.

A town crier passes by, calling, “Although I would like to remind everyone of who consoled you when you were troubled, gave the last rights to the sick, and helped all with no gain to himself.”.

“But you seemed so well…” Ari shakes his head slowly, his expression blank and uncomprehending. “The, the wound – did it sicken? Is that what happened?” [Ari]

“But.. you can’t. You’ve not even had a chance to take my confessions yet this month.. and I have lots of them. LOTS.” Lien says anxiously, her fingers tightening around Bene ab Piuso’s hand, but it is to Ari who her eyes go to. “Can you .. do something? Get a doctor? Ten of them. The best in Lithmore. Make him better.”

A third town crier. “That one.. far too kind.” Bene ab Piuso notes before responding to Ari, “I think that might have been it.. it was troubling me a little lately. I’ve been so.. tired lately. Its time, I think.” he then smiles over to Lien, “My Lady.. you shall be fine. I promise you that.” his expression is peaceful as he lies back, “I go with peace. I’ve lived my life..”

Edvard arrives from below.
Bryne ab Porter arrives from below.
Setina ab Rethvin arrives from below.

“I can pay for the best doctors in all of the Realm,” Ari remarks softly, gazing down at Bene ab Piuso with a deep furrow in his brows, “but if the humors of the wound have sickened… there is nothing anyone can do, Lien, not the finest in all of the land.” He turns at the sound of more footsteps, inclining his head unsmilingly. [Ari]

Bryne ab Porter wanders in… with his messenger apparently. He takes a black cavalier’s hat sporting long multi-hued blue plumes off and looks down to Bene ab Piuso. He looks over to Ari, “What’s happened?”

A town crier passes by, calling, “And I would like to remind you all how convenient it is for a priest to forgive his own sins, and that the last person we can be sure he made see the Lord was his little Sapiente friend. But! I digress, ladies and gentlemen, the Lord decides all.”.

Edvard slips quietly into the room, approaching Bene ab Piuso’s bedside sitting onto the edge of the bed next to lien, watching Bene ab Piuso’s face.

Setina ab Rethvin follows close behind Bryne ab Porter, frown yet again taking hold of her lips as she looks over the solemn gathering. Her hands push a black velvet cloak, lined with flower-damasked, pink silk back from her shoulder as she quietly listens to everything.

Lien quickly rubs the base of her free palm across her eyes, collecting tears which are quickly replaced. She gestures broadly for a moment at Bene ab Piuso, her brow creasing and looking more anxious with Ari’s words. “Father- Bene, you’re my friend. You -can’t- die. Who else is going to look after me when I hide Southside…” There’s a brief glance towards Ari, before she sets her gaze back on Bene ab Piuso again.

Bene ab Piuso squeezes Lien’s hand, “Please. Don’t worry. Doctors best cure for those who it will profit to cure. My wounds have worn on me, both those of body and soul. I need my rest and I think I shall soon have it, Lord be willing.” he coughs harshly, “I do not fear death. I’ll dine with the Saints tonight, I hope. Seems I shall soon have that chance to meet St. Remiel. I have more than a few questions for the man.”

Ari summons a messenger and supplies a message and coins. The messenger nods and leaves.

Ari turns to fetch a crier, his expression hard as he dictates softly, “Tell them that this continued back-and-forth over a man’s death is utterly inappropriate and I suggest that the Father be allowed to depart this Urth in peace, regardless of where anyone personally may think he is going.”

“Can we -please- stop it already with the crier.” Bryne ab Porter adds, pinching the bridge of his nose. He moves to Setina ab Rethvin, reaching for her hand, before looking to Bene ab Piuso, “Ben… ” He mutters, looking at him a bit blankly. [Bryne ab Porter]

An elderly priest with tonsured grey hair steps from Bene ab Piuso’s bedside to greet the newcomers soberly, “His wounds, it seems, took a turn for the worst. He has been so reserved of late.. He went to take a short nap and well, this happened.” he steps back, “Brethren, now is the time for last rites and last words.”

“This is what I am hoping to do with that message, Porter; God willing the heckler is listening,” Ari remarks tightly, turning back to Bene ab Piuso. “I… am sorry, Bene,” he adds, his voice softening. “Perhaps if we had found you sooner…” [Ari]

“Someone should fetch the Archbishop..” Lien suggests, her voice wavering as she listens to Bene ab Piuso and then an elderly priest with tonsured grey hair, struggling to keep the tears at bay and failing miserably as they pass freely down over her cheeks.

A town crier passes by, calling, “The Lord le Orban suggests that this continued back-and-forth over a man’s death is utterly inappropriate and suggests that the Father be allowed to depart this Urth in peace, regardless of where you yourself may think he is going. “.

Bryne ab Porter summons a messenger and supplies a message and coins. The messenger nods and leaves.

Bene ab Piuso fingers slowly through a silver chain strung with ebony prayer beads, his hand slowly withdrawing from Lien’s. “Its fine, Ari. Its fine.” he says quietly, “Its all in order.. my will.” he points to the paper that lies beside him, “Please. See that its carried out in some part.”

“Aye, if we… if -I- had’nae been so eager t’ get Latago, if I had just given more o’ a damn about makin’ sure you were alright.” Bryne ab Porter adds to Ari’s words. [Bryne ab Porter]

A town crier passes by, calling, “Whoever is sending saying these horrible things, I have been told to advise you to go to confession, soon for Bene is a penitent man and deserves better. And if you do not choose to see this then you must.”.

Setina ab Rethvin draws a hand up to brush gloves acrossed her eyes. Her eyes appear wet as she watches Lien, taking half a step in her direction before halting herself and placing a hand to Bryne ab Porter’s arm.?

Ari gets an ordinary white handkerchief of clean well-starched linen from a spacious black linen backpack, with several large pockets.

Bene ab Piuso is growing faint but musters up his strength as he continues, “Do not blame yourselves. Do not weep for me. I go to God tonight, there is no sorrow in that.”

“We… we can’t know how things could have gone differently…” Ari shakes his head, searching through his things. Pulling out a handkerchief, he reaches down to offer to Lien, his own eyes dry under lowered brows. “Bene, of course your will will be followed. Everything will be put in order as you’ve requested…” [Ari]

Lien sinks her teeth into her bottom lip, the hand that Bene ab Piuso had held coming to her mouth to cover it. She struggles, and then brings her hand away from her mouth, gesturing again before finally saying. “No.”

Ari gives you an ordinary white handkerchief of clean well-starched linen.

A young, brown-haired man notices Bene ab Piuso growing weak “No Bene, don’t die, it’s not your time. Don’t die.” he clenches the item closest to him harder.

A town crier passes by, calling, “Now that we have your attention, let me tell you, there’s currently a fire sale in honor of Father Piuso’s death at Clark’s Clothing Carnival: 25 percent off, and everything must go!”.

Edvard leans over bene, brushing his lips across a cheek. “Rest well, father.” he whispers into his ear.

Bryne ab Porter looks to Setina ab Rethvin and offers a faint frown. He looks back to Bene ab Piuso and shakes his head, “Ben, I’m sorry for… pretty much every bad thing that’s happened in your life over the past year.” He says with a sigh, “I hope you find peace with the Lord o’ Springs. You’ve more than earned it.”

“No one can know all our times save God.” Bene ab Piuso counters to a young, brown-haired man before turning to Bryne ab Porter, “Thank you, Sir. You were a good and noble friend.” to all, “My rest.. It has been long waited for. I am pleased to go with my friends.. nay, my family. Whatever comes next, do not fear. All things shall be equal in time. Death takes everyman as does life.”

Ari ‘s brow twitches at the message, but he simply shakes his head. “Don’t give that wicked fool the satisfaction of a reply,” he suggests, voice low, before he refocuses on Bene ab Piuso. “The Lord will take you into his embrace, Bene, and… I know she will be waiting there for you, too.”

“Wicked? No.. just full of misconceptions and doubt. I am pleased that I am his punching bag and not another. Better that a dying man bear his attacks than one who must live with them.” Bene ab Piuso closes his eyes, “Aye. She will.. again, we shall meet again.”

Lien takes the handkerchief from Ari, but twists it in her fingers, seeming to be at a loss for words. Following Edvard’s action, she too leans forward and attempts to lay a light kiss on Bene ab Piuso’s cheek.

Setina ab Rethvin actually manages a faint smile at the mention of her, and Bene ab Piuso’s words. Still she remains hushed and at Bryne ab Porter’s side as she watches the seen, that smile soon fading.

Bryne ab Porter leans a bit into Setina ab Rethvin, and folds his arms over a black leather doublet adorned a Silver Morning Bird. He opens his mouth to say something, but immediately shuts it.

Cardinal arrives from below.
A tall yet heavily muscled knight with fair features has arrived.
A strong and imposing guard with red-brown curls has arrived.

Edvard squeezes Bene ab Piuso’s shoulder once. He slips off of the bed to make room for another, slowly walking towards the door.

“She will be… so very happy to see you,” Ari tells Bene ab Piuso, his smile weak and his eyes soft. “She has been waiting quite some time, but I am sure she shan’t hold it against you.” [Ari]

Cardinal steps quickly into the room, looking near a state of shock. “Father?” She states softly, before straighing herself and speaking more clearly. “I am here when you need last rites…”

The sound of footsteps stirs Bene ab Piuso a moment, “Cardinal..” he greets, “Ah. And just when I was beginning to worry I’d not have my last rites. Please, commend me to God.” he looks to Ari, “I pray not. Lord knows I have missed her oh, so much.”

A young, brown-haired man releases the object he was holding and looks to the sound of the footsteps, he moves aside a bit for Cardinal to do the last rites.

Lien maintains her position sitting on the edge of the bed Bene ab Piuso lies in, not yet ready to give up her spot even when Cardinal enters. She does, however, draw a few inches further down, giving her more space. Tears lay tracks down her cheeks, falling into her lap as she twists an ordinary white handkerchief of clean well-starched linen between her fingers.

Cardinal nods solemnly, moving to stand at the side of Bene ab Piuso’s bed. “Of course then, Father.” She bites her lip, looking as if about to cry.

Ari moves out of the way to allow Cardinal more room, his face pale and set. He approaches the will, aiming to lift it and read it in silence.

Ari gets The Last Will and Testament of Benedictus ab Piuso.

Bryne ab Porter reaches down to gives Setina ab Rethvin’s hand a small squeeze. He looks over to Cardinal, offering her a faint, reassuring smile.

Setina ab Rethvin leans back into Bryne ab Porter, her hand squeezing his arm for a moment before relaxing. She bows her head, lips moving silently as if in prayer of her own to the lord.

Ari returns the will to its place after a long, silent moment of reading, his eyes sliding shut as his brows clench all the deeper.

Edvard’s steps falter, he puts an arm out to steady himself. Changing direction, he quietly moves over to where Ari has set the will down, reading through it as well.

A young, brown-haired man gets up from his spot next to Bene ab Piuso, he moves to the will and picks it up gingerly to read it.

Edvard gets The Last Will and Testament of Benedictus ab Piuso.

Cardinal bites her lip, composing herself for a moment before pulling a single wax candle out of her satchel, lighting it, and placing it on the stand next to Bene ab Piuso’s bed. “I light this candle, to represent the infinite light of the Lord that you shall follow to the altar of Dav. The Lord shall bless you, and bring your soul to peace.” She takes a small, golden chalice, and holds it up to Bene ab Piuso. “I give you your last communion, before you join the Lord and all of the good at the gates of Heaven.”

Bene ab Piuso recieves the water, “Lord cleanse my soul, I pray.” he says quietly, “And support me unto my last.” his eyes close again as he breathes slowly, “I am in God’s hands, Holiness. Please, I do not know how much longer I’ll be on this Urth.”

Lien draws her feet up onto the bed next to her, knees raised and arms wrapped around her calves. Her chin comes to rest against the top of them, dusky locks falling over her eyes.

Bryne ab Porter doesn’t say anything, his eyes fleeting to the will for a moment, though it’s only a cursory glance. He lowers his head down as Cardinal begins the last rites, but his expression is hard to pin – perhaps simliar to the Grand Masters, but a touch more scowel-y.

Edvard looks pained, carefully placing the will back in its place.

Edvard drops The Last Will and Testament of Benedictus ab Piuso.

A young, brown-haired man gets The Last Will and Testament of Benedictus ab Piuso.

Cardinal nods slowly, trying hard not to cry. She takes her hand, and draws a chalice over bene’s dying form. “The Lord shall guide you to peace. Let your heart not be troubled, for God shall protect you, and bring your soul to rest with the loved ones that have left this world. With the chalice I have drawn on your form, you shall anointed with the grace of our almighty Lord and absolved of all past sin, free to take your place in the eden He has prepared for us.” She falters a moment, clenching her fist before continuing. “A… And so, I commend you into the arms of God, and bring you to peace.”

Cardinal covers her mouth to keep from crying, before bowing her head and taking a deep breath.

Ari traces a sign of the chalice with an unsteady hand, moving back toward Lien to let it fall onto her shoulder in silence. He opens his damp eyes again, the other hand still clutching the handkerchief tightly in a fist.

Lien says not a word now, her shoulders shuddering beneath the touch of Ari’s hand as she bites down hard against the side of her arm in an attempt to keep sounds from escaping her lips. She glances across to Edvard and gives a slight nod, swallowing quickly back the sob.

Setina ab Rethvin looks up from her prayer, chalicing herself following the delivering of Bene ab Piuso’s last rights. A glance is spared to Bryne ab Porter, features troubled and eyes wet.

Bene ab Piuso lets a long breath go. There is a moment before he draws another, “Is there any more?” he asks, “Else, I shall now pass. My Lord and God summons me forth.” his face is calm, a smile even is reaching across it as he whispers a last prayer, “Out of the depths I have called to you, O Lord. Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to the supplications and beggings of so low and downcast a man. For if You, O Lord, shall mark iniquity, Lord who shall endure it? With you have forgiveness. I have always tried, God, to stand by Your Law. My hope is in You, so I have want. My life You have filled with goodness and for that, I cannot be thankful enough. Accept me this night. I make my last journey.”

As a young, brown-haired man finishes The Last Will and Testament of Benedictus ab Piuso he does the sign of the chalice and sets the paper on the place it was before for anyone else to read “I do have something to say before you leave us Bene.” he swallows and presses his lips together “I pray Dav take you into his blessed hands and into his home for you to be forever happy.” he does the sign of the chalice again “God speed Benedictus, god speed.”

A young, brown-haired man drops The Last Will and Testament of Benedictus ab Piuso.

Cardinal slowly shakes her head, tears lightly falling now down her face. “That is all, Father Piuso. May the Lord take you into his arms, and bring you to the peace you so deserve.”

Bryne ab Porter gives Setina ab Rethvin’s hand another tight squeeze. He keeps a mostly expressionless gaze settled squarely on Bene ab Piuso.

“Goodbye, Bene,” Ari says simply and softly, his voice thick and choked with unshed tears. [Ari]

“I will miss you,” Lien whispers, hands coming again to the corners of her eyes and attempting to wipe away the tears. “Thank you.. for everything. For chaperoning me, for indulging me, for …” She draws in a long breath, “Your advise.. for.. everything. I love you… goodbye and Dav bless..”

Bene ab Piuso ‘s face is disturbed a moment as he mutters, “Oh, evil creature! Oh darkness of the Abyss!” he says in a hiss, “You come to me now? Begone. Leave me in peace, O ancient enemy. Leave me in peace, o Mage.” a cough racks him, “But, I forgive you. I pray you find peace as I have.”

Edvard cants his head towards the floor, a tear falls to splash upon the ground.

At the word mage, Ari’s demeanor shifts instantly. He drops his hand from Lien’s shoulder, tensing and whirling to search the room with intent, focused eyes. [Ari]

Setina ab Rethvin arches a curious brow at Bene ab Piuso’s words, though her eyes stray to the ground. Stinging wet in her silence, creamy features pale.

Bene ab Piuso explains carefully, “A thought. They assail me even now.”

Lien anxiously twists an ordinary white handkerchief of clean well-starched linen in her hands, her own eyes too darting around the room but soon returning to Bene ab Piuso’s face.

Bryne ab Porter a hand reaches down to touch the hilt of a steel longsword with a leather handle, “Might be the fever takin’ him.” He says in a whispered tone. He looks down to Bene ab Piuso, raising an eyebrow up.

Cardinal continues to stand over Bene ab Piuso’s bed, weeping slightly. “Father, be at peace.” She looks to him, drawing a smaller chalice over herself. “Let God guide you to peace, and do not trouble with the Urthly things you are now to leave behind. Be with the Lord.”

Ari nods slowly to Bryne ab Porter, a soundless sigh escaping him as his gaze reorients on Bene ab Piuso. The readiness slowly bleeds from his posture, though a hint of tension remains.

Bryne ab Porter whispers to Setina ab Rethvin, “Do you have any mandrake, maybe make it easier for him t’ go… Or is it too late for that?”

Setina ab Rethvin looks into her things before she shakes her head, “No, I have absolutely no herbs on me, Sir Porter..” She whispers back in reply, gaze lifting.

Ari gets a mandrake root from a neat, small box stamped with the words ‘Medical Kit’.

As the last comes, he raises his right hand, shaking as his fingers are fixed in blessing, “Thank you, Holiness.” he says, his voice is little more than a forced whisper, “May the blessing fo the Almighty Lord of the Springs come upon you all and remain with you forever. I loved you all in my life. You were each dear. I await you all.” and with that, he breathes his last. [Bene ab Piuso]

At Bryne ab Porter’s words, Ari’s brow furrows thoughtfully. He takes out a neat, small box stamped with the words ‘Medical Kit’, but pauses at Bene ab Piuso’s words, not moving to actually offer it; he instead watches in silence, his own breathing ragged. [Ari]

Bene ab Piuso has died, may the Lord of the Springs bless him. [Death]

Lien closes her eyes tightly, fingers sliding in amongst her dusky hair and tugging tightly as she brings her head back down against her knees, openly crying.

Cardinal bursts into actual sobs, and nods to everyone. “E… Excuse me, please…” She practicly runs from the room, looking quite distressed.

[OOC] Bennie: “Well, thank you all. It was a great run.. this character was truly one of my favorites, thank you for giving me such a chance to play him. Give me a few months and you’ll have a brand new happy little Priest bouncing around Lithmore!”
[OOC] It’s ARI: “Aw Bene, you’re awesome <3" [OOC] --'-@ Maia: "BENE!!! WE'LL MISS YOU!!!! *bursts into tears and runs away*" A tall yet heavily muscled knight with fair features leaves down. A strong and imposing guard with red-brown curls leaves down. [OOC] Bryne eats Ben's corpse. [OOC] It's ARI: "Like a cat without an owner. :(" [OOC] Atholos: "No no no no no no no no http://nooooooooooooooo.com/ Bene no can die (hits Bryne)" [OOC] Stormy: "<3" [OOC] Jiraiya: "So long and thanks for all the fish bennie" [OOC] Gavin: "<3 Bennie." Bryne ab Porter tightens his grip on Setina ab Rethvin's arm for a moment, but releases as soon as ben expires. "For all his faults, the Order will be at a loss without him." He looks to a young, brown-haired man, "Bury him beside Julea. He'd want that." Edvard places a hand on Lien's shoulder, squeezing. His other hand delves into a pocket, coming out with a powdery white sugar cube in hand, quickly raised to his mouth. A young, brown-haired man can not hold back a tear as bene breathes his last "He did want it, it's in his will." he looks to Bryne ab Porter "He said something to you in his will by the way." "He did, it was in his will," Ari agrees with Bryne ab Porter with a weak smile. Sinking down, he reaches to wrap Lien in a tight embrace, not commenting for once on the sugarcube. [Ari] Edvard eats a powdery white sugar cube. Setina ab Rethvin grimaces slightly at the grip from Bryne ab Porter, glancing aside as she bite her lip. A breath is drawn, perhaps a bit shuddery as she listens to the speak of burials. "I'll hear it at the readin'." Bryne ab Porter states to a young, brown-haired man. He looks to Setina ab Rethvin a bit apologetically, and brings an arm around her shoulders, "This... is'nae what I had expected. I did'nae know he was in such poor health... " [Bryne ab Porter] Lien wraps her arms tightly around Ari, shoulders trembling beneath Edvard's grasp. She struggles to find her breath, so says nothing teeth sinking into her bottom lip in an attempt to maintain her silence. A young, brown-haired man nods and shakes his head "I can't believe that he had to go like this. But now that I think of it, he was happy, he had his friends around him when he died." "It was a terribly difficult wound... even with Florense's art, this... this was always a possibility, it sickening at any point. It likely reopened," Ari narrates, his voice numb now, "and was susceptible to bad influences imbalancing the humors. Lien," he adds at a murmur down to Lien. "Lien, do you need to go home? Get some rest?" [Ari] Edvard shudders, "I was talkin' with him earlier... Told him he wasn't lookin' good, that some sleep would do him some good." A young, brown-haired man performs the sign of the chalice before looking to the corpse of Bene "Are there any last words before I bury him?" "Mention that he was a Cardinal, that he lived passionately an' died peacefully." Bryne ab Porter replies to a young, brown-haired man, before looking to Setina ab Rethvin, "Let's get out o' here." [Bryne ab Porter] "You... can't just bury him yet. The Archbishop hasn't seen him yet." Lien says with an unsteady voice, glaring over towards a young, brown-haired man as he speaks, slowly starting to slide from from the bed and come up to a stand against Ari. A young, brown-haired man sighs and looks to Bryne ab Porter for confirmation. "His will wishes for a ceremony," Ari agrees quietly, nodding to Lien. "Let it wait for a day, he... it will keep that long." [Ari] Edvard grunts something about not being strong enough, drawing another sugar cube out of his pocket, rolling it around in his palm. Lien holds onto Ari with one arm and reaches over and plucks up will, looking over it before setting it back down and looking towards where Bene now lays. Her breath catches and she finds Edvard next, her eyes fixing on the sugarcube he holds. You get The Last Will and Testament of Benedictus ab Piuso. "Listen t' Lord Orban. But if Deviah does'nae get to him before his body takes t' rot, bury him regardless." Bryne ab Porter states to a young, brown-haired man. [Bryne ab Porter] ======================================================================= You examine The Last Will and Testament of Benedictus ab Piuso. Subject: The Last Will and Testament of Benedictus ab Piuso Date: Sun Apr 8 21:43:26 2012 Eldes, Novembris 23 My Friends, So, it has come at last. Finally, I do lie upon my deathbed. This life has been one long and all at once short. I have not lived as many years as many do upon this Urth, but yet, I believe I have lived enough of them. I have seen much, enough for my days. I die content. Firstly, as I do pass, I shall express my undying and unwavering Faith in the Lord of the Springs and in Dav. All that I did, I did in their light. I thank them for the graces they have given me. I thank them for my Priesthood, for the time I spent as Cardinal of Lithmore, and I thank them for Jules. I wish to dedicate all my good to the glory of God. If any of you who should happen to read this think kindly on me, think it not to my merit but to His, for it indeed is to Him that all my virtue is due, what little I have. As for the far greater side of me, mine sin, attribute it in the end to my own frailty and I beg your forgiveness for it and your absolution for the pain I have undoubtedly caused. I always had the best of intentions. Alas, the best of intentions far too often are polluted by human sin. In this end, I make again my profession, my dedication to the Holy Church to whom I gave my life. O, Holy Mother! I know how I have wounded thee. Please, accept the supplications of a son who is at the end of his days. Lithmore, I do recall, so foreign to me and yet it has become my home in the last years. Each of you, every last one, I desire you to know now that you were my friends, more than that, my family. I loved each one of you dearly, like a child loves a parent and indeed as a parent also loves his child. I understand, looking back as a dying man does, that my life was one which was filled with much change. As is so oft true, the way that it came to pass is so different than I would have thought. My thoughts turn to a certain bright eyed Acolyte from Irisum who was so full of life and so happy and who, in the end, grew to a man who was so far different than the path he should have followed. I have seen much of what this world can offer. I have seen the brown wools of youth, the plain white of humility, the high red silks of prelacy, and the pure and true reality of love. I was born poor and, indeed, I die now poor. Yet, for what I can, I bequeath what little of my Urthly possessions as I can as well as give my last words to some of you: To Cedany: Holiness, I apologize to you firstly. I am sorry that I gave you the heavy mantle far before it was proper. I know it is heavy, I know there are days where you shall fall under the weight of the office. You shall have the nights when you want to cry for sorrow, seeing the worlds state. But, I beg of you, take heart! For in the midst of the sorrow, you shall find joy. Do not be afraid. Forgive and find joy in God. To that cause, I give to you my copy of St. Remiels Gospel as well as whatever money remains in my personal account. The money, please, give unto the Holy Church and find it a place where it may alleviate the burden of the poor. Remember Southside. It needs you.

To Deviah: Eminence. You have been one of my dearest friends in this life. You were my father, my brother. I give you everything which I own that once was Juleas. You were dear to her also, our father. I wish that it could have been different, that you could have been the one to have wed us and to have blessed our children. Either that, or I wish you could have seen me to my grave as Cardinal. To you also, I ask, stay strong and hold fast to your Faith. Also, my copy of the Book of Penances. It holds many things.

To Edvard: Ed, another dear and close friend. To you, I give Juleas home.. If you have legal troubles, you shall find Juleas letter to me with my things, she gave the house to me there I give it to you now. My passing advice is to find God and to find joy. You have so much potential. You have such a chance at happiness, do not let it pass, do not throw it out. You shall find love in time, do not give up hope in your heart and when you do find that love, pursue it! Deus caritas est. The roads of this life are often difficult and one of our most potent temptations is to lose hope. Do not lose hope. To second greatest temptation is to make of ourselves less than we are, to assume that since we are frail humanity, that we must suffer and sin. No. Man is beautiful in the eyes of God, do not enslave yourself to your own shadows. That will be a mistake youll regret to your last.

To Ari: Ari, if I can still call you that, you were like a brother to me. I can remember many of our moments, to the beginning. Never forget how far you have come. Never forget that you are meant for greatness but also remember that God is joy. You have a long and happy life ahead, enjoy it and I pray that you find God in its midst. Forget not forgiveness either, especially for Lien. She is a good girl, dont give up on her. I wish it could have been different with us on somethings, Julea especially. I do not blame you for what you did. But, I ask that you look for her goodness. The Tower changed her, she had changed. Perhaps you shall see it by the end. Her book, the one with the poetry, is yours. Keep it safe, I pray. At any rate, never forget mercy and know that one of the prayers I beg with my last breaths shall be for you and your work on Southside.

To Eriit: I know not what to really say to you. We never got a chance to know each other well.. You too have goodness, deep down. Look for it, follow it. I am sorry to you for the losses you suffered. I carry some of your pain with me.

To Lien: Lady le Storm, I knew you not long. In many ways, I wish I could have seen you grow and to have found happiness and love in the end. Never forget that you were made for greatness, you were made for God! Never, ever sell out your soul for anything less. No matter how many pretty clothes or happy moments. You were like a daughter to me, the annoying teenage daughter I never had. I loved you like one and if God should be so willing, Ill keep a close eye from above. Never be afraid to search after God and do not fear Sien. The Truth shall find her in time.

To Gavin: Justiciar, you were a good man. I wish we could have gotten to know each other better. God bless you and give you long life and joy.

To Bryne: Sir, you are another who was close to me. Like the son I never had. I hope that you find your life long and happy as well. My wishes for you are that you learn to forgive. Justice is nothing without mercy and life very little without love. I know, it is hard at times. You shall find joy when you no longer wash your hands of people… Let them make their mistakes, we all have our faults and errors. Through making them and overcoming them, we are formed to who we are. Give people a chance to make them. I wish I could have seen you become Earl Marshall or Grand Master or whatever lies ahead.

To Jei: To you, I give the same advice as Bryne. Forgive, Vicar General. You do an excellent job hunting mages but remember that your work is not vengeance, but mercy. A sword drawn in anger and hate shall profit little by its blood. You are a good man, as good as any I have ever seen. Thank you for your faith in me so long ago. I am so, so sorry it was betrayed.

To Cellan: My Lady, I want you to know that if there was one person for whom my heart broke the most over the pain I caused, it was yours. You are so wonderful, so great, so kind. I wish we had many more like you in thenobility. Keep strong, fight the tears, find joy. My prayers go to you with my very last of breaths. Thank you for everything you did for me, all the love you gave and the comfort you rendered when I was being torn apart. You were like a sister to me. Please, remember me well.

To Tobin: Your Majesty, I wish it could have been better between us. You shall be a good King, I apologize for everything I did that caused you trouble. I had the best of intentions. You shall be a great monarch, a great Patriarch.

To Qadriyya: My Lady, my advice to you is strength. Remember who you are and do not let it be violated. You are young, you have a long life ahead. As with Lien, you were made for God, made for greatness. Achieve both and you shall find peace. Try not to let the harsh words get to you. If need be, my shoulder, even when the corporal one has gone passed, is there for you to weep upon.

To Florense: I think you shall make a fine Inquisitor. Keep to the Truth and stand strong.. You have done much for me, much more, I think, than I am worth. Thank you for it.

To Atholos: You, Esquire, were a little joy I did not see enough of. You have a lot of strength and a lot of joy. Go after it, stay close to God, and try not to cause too much trouble.

To Martine: You too have much ahead, Martine. I liked you a lot. You shall be happy, of that I am sure. I hope that you find what you desire in this life and that in its end, you find God. You have much ahead, do not let weariness, sorrow, or sin keep you from that what can be yours in the end. You came to confession often and I remember each.. I only wish I could have consoled you all the better.

Miss Jester: Another one dear to me.. Not sure what you were. A child?? No. A sister? No.. But, your work, the work of bringing smiles is valuable and you do it better than any other I know. Its the great unrecognized work of God, I think. Never give it up. There were very few who could make me smile even in my darkest and coldest times. You were one
of them. God bless you, Miss Jester. Sorry for murdering you that one time. I wish we could have had more dances.

All that is not here bequeathed goes to the Church.

I ask that I may be buried by Julea and in the robes of the Cardinalate, should her Holiness allow it. A simple ceremony, I beg, but one which any may attend should they desire it. I leave all else to the Holy Order to decide and arrange.

As I leave from this world, I commend my soul to the mercy of the Almighty with the fervent hope that I shall find eternal life on other side of the darkness. I pass my blessing on you all with my very last, rasping breaths. To any to whom I, though unworthy, may have been a father, I thank you for the love you gave me. In the end, what brought joy to my heart on the coldest of nights was the smiles of you all. My days of late have held pain, it is true. My time of recent days has weighed on me greatly.. I shall miss you all but I shall also await you all, Lord be willing.

Do not weep for me. I leave with peace in my heart, happiness, joy. The threshold of heaven lies out before me, I hope. I will come to my God humble, though I have longed to see His face. I shall finally see Julea again. We shall be together, happy. Life is long, it is hard, it is rarely fair. But above all, beneath what can be a harsh exterior, it is
beautiful. If any should read this, I wish that you find that beauty. We have all made our mistakes in our days, but it is not our sins that make us who we are, but our victories over them. I believe I was made finally victorious over mine in the end.

May the blessing of the Almighty Lord of the Spring come upon you and remain with you forever.

Thank you and farewell.

Father Benedictus ab Piuso
Abbot of Willhelm
Cardinal of Lithmore
Priest of God

=======================================================================

Setina ab Rethvin looks between the men as they speak, turning her head into Bryne ab Porter, with a sigh. Dark eyes close for a moment as she rests against the man.

“Aye, that seems… that seems to be wise counsel. He has named no executor for his will,” Ari notes with a low sigh. “I will mail it to Her Holiness, once… once all of you who wish have read it.” He keeps an arm around Lien, but doesn’t seem to notice where her attention strays. [Ari]

“Thought he mentioned that he wanted you t’ ensure the terms o’ his will were properly followed.” Bryne ab Porter replies to Ari. He shakes his head slightly, “Take the body somewhere where it will’nae be disturbed. Unless we’re needed, Lord Orban, Lady Storm.” He looks to Setina ab Rethvin, “You mind if we go someplace where we can talk?” [Bryne ab Porter]

A young, brown-haired man nods sullenly and stares at the body for a while once more.

You drop The Last Will and Testament of Benedictus ab Piuso.

“Oh, Of course.” She murmurs to Bryne ab Porter in response, releasing a bit to her lip as she looks to Ari and Lien, frown crossing lips rather than what would usually be a smile. [Setina ab Rethvin]

Lien seems a little stunned as she reads the last will and testament, her eyes passing down the page and it is with a few fresh tears that she looks up, searching for Ari. She then scans the room, looking to Setina ab Rethvin and Bryne ab Porter and lastly Edvard.

“I did promise I would see it done…” Ari exhales raggedly, nodding. “I’ll – I’ll take his keys and lock the door until the burial. Lien…” He sighs lowly. “I don’t want to abandon you right now but I must handle all this. Will you be all right…?” [Ari]

Bryne ab Porter nods his head to Ari and Lien and then back to Setina ab Rethvin. He offers a faint smile and begins to move downstairs.

Lien nods at Ari’s words, “I’ll be fine..” She says, fingers coming up to her hair, and tugging through them. “Master Stirke will see me home or where ever yes?” She asks of Edvard.

Bryne ab Porter leaves down.
Setina ab Rethvin leaves down.

Edvard finally draws his gaze from Bene’s face, surprisingly sober, allowing for what he has just ingested. Lien’s words snap him out of his reverie, “Oh, aye. If ya wish for me to.” He answers quietly.

Ari casts a somewhat reluctant glance to Edvard, but allows lowly, “Aye, I suppose you… shouldn’t be alone right now, Lien. I’m sorry; I cared for him too. I’ll be home once… everything is settled.”

Lien walks over to Edvard and reaches down to take his hand, clutching it tightly. “I’ll be there… I think I need a drink.” She murmurs, as she nudges Edvard.

Edvard allows Lien to grasp his hand, though he cautiously waits for Ari’s judgment on Lien’s decision.

“Go ahead. Don’t do anything too rash, but seek a little comfort if you need it,” Ari tells Lien with a tiny hint of a smile. “Do not abuse my trust, Master ab Stirke. [Ari]

“I .. I won’t.” Lien reassures Ari, her eyes darting towards the form of Bene upon the bed. She swallows sharply and then murmurs to Edvard, “Get me out of here.”

“Aye.” Edvard answers Ari softly, already moving towards the door.

Edvard leaves down.

You leave down.