Evening's Rites

Evening's Rites Summary: Seval's first scene. Rallus, Light-Proven, comes to the temple for his evening rites. Dean Seval prays with the man after a short conversation. Cast: Rallus Seamel, Seval Mikin Air Date: Sometime in the year 623 (Friday April 22, 2011) Setting: The Temple In Light's Reach It's a mild evening in Light's Reach and there are few passersby on the roads aside from Mikin House Guard or the occasional patron shambling out of the tavern. One such figure emerging from the tavern in the center of Light's Reach is a tall man bearing the more notable armament and armor of a Shadowscourge, the trademark half-plate with a platinum sheen and the Church's heraldry emblazoned all over it. He carries a calm expression, light blue eyes carefully scanning the square before they settle on the temple. With the shifting of plate and jingling of chain, he calmly walks his way over. The door to the temple slowly swings open as a citizen emerges. From within, the light spills out into the street. And turning a log over in the hearth, Seval Mikin peers into the light as it dances out at him. He thoughtfully regards it for a moment before heading to the temple door, his arms clasped in front of him. Contents: Exits:

"No need to trouble yourself, I'll take care of that," offers the voice of the approaching Scourge in a friendly, welcoming tone. He steps inside the temple, ensuring that the door is shut properly behind him before he turns to bow politely to Seval. "Light's blessings upon you, Father. I am here for the evening's rites, though I understand myself to be a bit late. I hope I do not trouble you with my presence."

"No Light-Sworn ever troubles me by mere presence," Seval says looking toward Scourge, his brow lifting. He pauses for a moment and then puts his hand onto the young man's shoulder, "Come, my son. You'll have to try a little harder to trouble me." A half-smile creeps onto his face. "I am Dean Seval."

"Thank you for the hospitality, Father Seval. I am Brother Rallus, Light-Proven of the Scourges. It's a pleasure to meet you," answers the Scourge to the Dean, lips forming into a smile to match his tone as he makes his way toward an altar off to the side of the main one, reaching a bit under his hauberk to withdraw a medallion hanging around his neck and take it into a gauntleted hand. "With the Right Hand personally leading an investigation into the recent assassinations, I've been spared to serve as the Church's emissary alongside the Imperial Inspector of the Emperor's Blades. I know the Light has chosen me to guide them, but sometimes it is an...arduous task," admits Rallus, a small chuckle escaping from his lips. "How has your congregation here in Light's Reach fared?"

Seval's hand withdraws from Rallus' shoulder as he walks beside him to the altar. "Oh, Light keep them. Duke Hobet Mikin was beloved. We have been grieving over my kin since it happened." The Dean's brow curls then, "How many from your order have they put under your charge, Proven? I'm curious," he exhales in a very soft, hushed tone, "is all."

"At the moment? None. I am effectively under the command of the Inspector per my current orders, so long as nothing demanding I take jurisdiction arises. However," he pauses, thinking for a moment as he twirls the medallion between his fingers, "Before that, I oversaw a dozen or so younger Brothers and Sisters at any one time, since I was granted the privilege a few years back."

Seval looks toward Rallus, his arms clasping together behind him. He stands there thinking for a moment before nodding. "Very well," he says, finally. "It is curious this event. It troubles me but doesn't surprise me, if I could be frank. There has been a mounting tension building for quite a time. I'd say since the last Wilding War. I fear this isn't the end of our troubles, Brother Rallus."

Rallus nods in response, kneeling before the altar he was approaching and reaching into the pouch at his side for some flint and tinder. With little effort, he manages to get a small fire going and begins to light a few of the unlit candles on the altar. "The Light tests us to ensure our faith, Father. The Shadow corrupts - as it always does - and those behind this atrocity will be brought to justice. In an effort to bring notice to their 'plight', they have proven why we treat them as they do. Because they ultimately become monsters who will murder innocents for their own desires. We must rise to beat back the Shadow at every opportunity."

With sad eyes, Seval nods in agreement reluctantly and after thinking on it. "Do you want me to pray with you, brother?" he says in a warm voice.

"I'd welcome that, Father," answers Rallus in an appreciative tone, growing silent as he takes his medallion and clasps it in his hands before him. He bows his head in silence, holding the symbol to his forehead as he prays.

"Light Keep you and preserve you," Seval prays, "Let it guide your Toil. Let it guide your Honor. Let it guide you to Truth. Especially now." The Dean puts his hands atop Rallus' head before blessing him one last time, "Light Keep you." He then removes his hands and then taps the man's shoulder once lightly. "Continue to pray, my son, if you wish. I'll be seeing myself to my solar. If you wish to converse some more, I welcome the company."

"Thank you, Father, but I think I would prefer to be with my thoughts for now. I may be staying in Light's Reach for awhile, however, so if you would have need of me for whatever reason or to help with services, do not hesitate to ask. Light guide your steps, Father," Rallus bids in farewell, offering a bow of his head to Seval before turning back to contemplate the altar.

"I can sympathize," Seval quirks with a half-smile. "I could use some time with my thoughts, too. Perhaps I will head home for the night," he says then, as if just then deciding. "My Lady wife should be happy to see me."

"Light Keep." Seval disappears behind the altar and the soft groan of a heavy door is heard creeping open and then slowly closing with a thud.