The Song of the Morning Temple RP Thread

[Hidennka]

The green-cloaked stranger is informed by clergy that indeed, the Knight Commander Eldarian did return and proceed to thank the hooded for his concern over the man's absence. It is said that the kind thought would be passed on along with the letters delivered.

[mireigi]

Tolan returns to the temple early in the morning, just before dawn. The warm smile on his lips seem a strange contrast to the weariness in his gaze and the appearance of his robes, clinging to his body, soaked and heavy as they are with rain.

After a quick tidying up of his person and changing to a fresh robe, Tolan retrieves any letters adressed to him. As he reads one particular letter, adorned with a purple phoenix, he cannot help but crack a small smile that rekindles the warmth in his eyes.

"An honorable man, this Rokranon."

Tolan softly mutters as he moves to his private quarters to pen a reply. Nearly an hour later, as the temple bells call to morning prayers, Tolan leaves his quarters and singles out an acolyte, handing over a sealed scroll to the acolyte along with a small pouch of gold.

"Finish your morning prayers, then deliver this to the Temple of Torm in Baldur's Gate post haste. Use the coin to procure fresh horses if you must. Lathander's Grace speed your way, Brother."

The acolyte bows respectfully to Tolan and then hurries off to join the others in his morning prayers. Half an hour later the acolyte leaves the temple in search for an able horse to bring him north. Had he detected a hint of urgency in the Morninglord's voice beyond the mere words spoken? He thought he had and picks up his step.

Looking out through one of the temple windows, Tolan watches the acolyte leave, a soft smile on his lips. A crease forms on his brow as he considers the distance between Bergost and Baldur's Gate. With a soft sigh he returns to his duties.

"I pray this letter reaches you in time, Sir Rokranon."

[Hidennka]

Within her private chambers of the Song of the Morning and dressed in the pale greys of simple but symbolic clothing, Cecilia continues to stare thoughtfully at a blank page of high quality parchment on the desk before her for, a notch of the candle melting away in contemplation. The woman then takes a deep breath, finally pressing the nib to parchment as she begins to scribe in perfect cursive.

[Miasmata]

The Dawnknight’s footsteps were anxious and hurried as he followed after Ed.

“Over here!” The man had yelped and then his finger pointed toward the field near The Song of the Morning.

Eldarian squinted his eyes briefly as his gaze moved from the man’s finger to the targeted location in the distance; disbelief etched onto his features. “Yes, sir; how did you come across it?”

Ed frowned toward Eldarian as the gravity of the situation tangled in his words. “I was going for a walk back to my brother's house and I nearly stepped on the poor gnome's face! Is it dead?”

Eldarian thought it best to let the man go back to his business and leave the matter to authorities so he gave him a few coin for his honesty and troubles and sent him on his way.

He then moved toward the body for examination, kneeling down beside the decaying form with a soured and serious expression for a lengthy amount of time.

Sometime later a blonde woman by the name of Lady Lafayette could be seen hovering near the body as well. The two talk quietly as they examine the scene and the corpse before the woman parts ways from the Dawnknight and moves back into the temple.

After the investigation is completed Eldarian can be seen talking to Templar Brian outside of the Song of the Morning. Brian nods his head to the quiet words before moving near the field with a few clergy members to carry the body into the temple.

A letter is dispatched to the local authorities.

How much more could this town take?

[mireigi]

In light of his recent success with hosting private counseling at the temple, Morninglord Tolan spends more time in the temple, reflecting on the stories and troubles told by those he counsels, and preparing himself for any follow-up counsels that he have. His newly adapted role as a counsellor is one he is slowly growing accustomed to, though it does require him to spend long evening that often stretch into the night.

One morning, after a particularly lengthy night spent in preparation of coming counselling sessions, he is seen partaking at morning prayers before heading north. Left on a noticeboard inside the temple is a simple note, written by Tolan.

• Counsel now also offered at the Friendly Arms Inn, made possible by the courtesy of the proprietor, Bentley Mirrorshade.
  
  Signed,
  Morninglord Tolan
  Song of the Morning
  Beregost

[Hidennka]

"The love of a God is no different from the love of a father. When the child is grown, the child must make his or her own choice for their path. . . but just because the child leaves home? It does not mean the father's love dwindles. Especially if the child returns home. The father will still reach out and shows that he cares." - Eldarian Al'maire

The Rising of a New Dawn

In the early hours of the 15th day of Uktar 1350 DR, three figures exited the Song of the Morning temple and made their way off the cobblestone path to the nearby grassy hills of Beregost as the polite departure of rain. It is there the two blonde haired figures kneel before the Most Radiant Kelddath Ormlyr as the dawn's morning rays break over the horizon. "I warn you, this process, though quiet on the outside, can be quite draining. And there's no guarantee of success... You will find yourself confronting many demons in your prayers. This is natural. We all have them. Trust in Lathander ..." The High Priest places a hand on each of their heads gently; Eldarian Al'maire, Dawnknight of Lathander and Cecilia Lafayette, previously known as a Paladin of Tyr and seeking a new dawn. "May you find your path."

The link shared between them caused their world to spin. . . the sounds, smells and sights of Beregost fading from their conscious state as their prayers gave way to the sound of their own heartbeats within their ears. Cold. Damp. Wherever they were it was not one that could be deemed physical. "It figures I'd find you kneeling in the dirt." comes a familiar voice from the shadows, the echoes of footfalls in the cavern surrounding them as a figure stepped forth. Raising from bended knee, the two turn to face the intruder. "You always were worthless." A purple mist swirled around the female shape, yet there was no denying whom stood before them. The voice, the figure, was Cecilia's own; brought to life like a puppet on the strings of Self-Doubt. Her innermost self and her biggest adversary. "Everyone you get close to ends up being hurt by you and your selfishness and greed. Why do you even bother? You should just go back. Find an easier life to live."

Cecilia's throat tightens, eyes drifting momentarily to the ground before shooting back up to her copy. "I am mortal. I make mistakes, true. That is why I am here, however. . . because I know I cannot do this alone. None can. You and I both knew this was never going to be easy. . ." The blonde woman's words cause the figure to flinch as if dealt a blow, the purple haze rippling around her as the pseudo-Cecilia's words take on a desperate tone. "Just give this up, it's not a game, you're going to die. AGAIN." "If I die in this, than so be it. I gave my heart and soul, if it is the path given than I have learnt to accept that."

Self-Doubt disappeared with a frustrated shriek, only to return again diminished as they continued onward. Taunting. Begging for her to turn back. To give up. "Everyone you tried to save has turned on you... they think you're a joke. You know that, don't you?"... The pretty little paladin. Everyone is just WAITING to corrupt you." The cumulation of thoughts whipped and whirled, dealing blow after blow. These were not new thoughts for the woman, yet to be confronted by her demons was a startling realisation. Eldarian all the while standing close by in silent support. "They were all laughing when you were trying to take leadership of the Order. They were all laughing at us. They don't believe in us. We don't even believe in ourself, sometimes... He doesn't love you, you know! He's only here now because it's his 'duty!'. Eldarian is always surrounded by women who are interested in him! He doesn't push them away! You already abandoned your god and Tyr was always good to you, gave you power and purpose. I bet Lathander doesn't even want us." Combated with her own words, Self-Doubt shrinks and eventually disappears completely, leaving them both in the damp recesses of subconscious state with heavy hearts.

A fork is met in the road. A portal taken. A hillside bathed in warmth and light beneath a starry sky. Butterflies flutter and dance around her as she approaches a radiant, smiling figure. Her heart is at ease and she submits, willingly to what awaits her."You have faced greater trials and doubts and betrayals in your short life than many will in their entire lives. If I were to have you guide and counsel, would you be up for it? There are many who have felt like you have felt, who have lost their way and felt unwanted... There are so few there to tell them, "I know what you're going through. I've been there. You can get through this." Cecilia's eyes widen from within her bow as her future slowly shifted into focus before her eyes, a small part clinging to the desire to remain paladin and yet accepting wholeheartedly the words spoken through the Aspect. A humble soldier, a slayer of the wicked, who's actions were shown by blade rather than words. . . surely there was some mistake. She had placed her heart in Lathander's hands, relying on him to light the way for her. Was this truly the path he wished her to see her on?

"You will have to put your battle training to use still, against those who stand against life, light, and love. But you will now be a leader true. Not of soldiers. But of people. People who need you."

World shifting around her once more, the light fading and replaced with the familiar bustling of Beregost Cecilia feels a surge of divine magic throughout her being. A warmth inside her soul, a tingling in her heart, a whisper in her ear. Her heart swelled with promise as she returned to her physical self, bringing tears to her eyes and a grasping breath. This was it. This was that feeling she had felt through the sun diamond's barrier and had been seeking ever since. Weakened but beaming a hopeful smile, her fingers dig into the dirt steadying herself as her blue eyes danced between the Most Radiant and the Dawnknight. A new future had been wrought, and it was a bright one.

[Hidennka]

"Strive always to aid, to foster new hope, new ideas, and new prosperity for all humankind and its allies. Perfect thyself, and guard ever against pride, for it is a sacred duty to foster new growth, nurture growing things, and work for rebirth and renewal. Be fertile in mind and body. Consider always the consequences of thine actions so that the least effort may bring the greatest and best reward. Wherever you go, sow seeds of plants, tend the growing things you find, and plant seeds of hope, new ideas, and plans for a rosy future in the minds of all. Whenever possible, see each dawn."

In the early hours of the dawn, a quiet ceremony is held within the Chapel of the Song of the Morning by the Most Radiant Kelddath Ormlyr. Within the golden rays of the rising sun streaming through the windows, Cecilia steps forward in a tunic of pure white. Her long blonde hair is loose and flows freely, a gracefulness in her steps and warmth in her smile. Kneeling at the feet of the Most Radiant before members of both clergy and templar, the woman is met with a smile of Kelddath's own as he proceeds to anoint her with blessed and scented oils.

"Welcome to the Song of the Morning Cecilia Lafayette, Awakened of Lathander."

Cecilia's heart warms, cheeks the faintest of pinks at the cheering and clapping of her brethren as they officially welcoming the converted amongst them. With a radiant smile on her lips she clasps hands, pats shoulders and embraces those around her. From across the hall her eyes meet the gold-flecked blues of Eldarian's, laughing softly at his waggling brows before moving to embrace him also. Much joyous eating and drinking follows the morning prayers.

[Hidennka]

Cecilia retreats to her private quarters with a large leather-bound tome and throws herself into her new found duties. When not hunched over her desk writing a seemingly never-ending pile of reports she is found studying alongside other awakened, patrolling the town at all hours, engaging with the locals and aiding superiors as asked; keeping herself constantly busy.

[Hidennka]

In the week following the baptism of Cecilia Lafayette, a large wooden crate arrives at the Song of the Morning and with it a roll of parchment bearing the wax seal of a thorned rose family crest. Both are delivered to the Lathanderite's private chambers, much to her surprise. Thanking the courier and dropping a small pouch of coin into his open palm, she closes the door softly after herself and paces over to the large crate. Wedging the tip of her blade between the slats, she easily pries off the lid and places it beside her kneeling form.

Blue eyes widen at the contents, slender fingers reaching in the brush over the metallic surface within before lifting a set of armor into the air with an expression of awe. Ornate in it's design, the full plate was surprisingly light, Mithral, and rustic brown in colour. Trimmed with gold and boasting intricate designs inlaid with gold it was clear that such an exquisite plate was worth a great deal. Engraved within the collar was a phrase she knew all too well. E si arrepeeeenteaes a teaehtchoharrenes che eselleepeee a beeedees oheph arrohesees. Placing the suit gently on the floor and removing the additional pauldrons, bracers and greaves from the crate, Cecilia then reaches in for the remaining sack which clinks and jingles as she lifts it. A sharp inhale of breath passes through her lips as she peers within, quickly reaching for the accompanying parchment and unfurling it with piqued curiosity. Her eyes scan over the Cormyrean words within, quickening in pace the more she reads.

"You have one year. . ." she echoes a particular set of words out loud in Common, staring at the parchment a few moments longer after finishing it. The blonde snaps into action mere seconds later and abruptly rolls it, leaning over to place it beneath her down-stuffed mattress.

[VanillaRose]

A note addressed to "Lady Cecilia Lafayette" arrives at the temple.

[VanillaRose]

A sealed letter addressed to "Knight-Commander Eldarian Al'maire" arrives at the Song of the Morning Temple.

(( PM sent! ))

[Hidennka]

The Song of the Morning temple has been seemingly bustling with activity as of late - a number of guests coming and going; from armor clad paladin, to wounded travellers and more. After a brief conversation with the Mystran Priestess Aeili Azenci, an offer of aid was given and well received. Additionally, a few elves and druids spend varying lengths of time in within the chapel over recent days; a copper-haired woman frequent among them.

[Hidennka]

The evening previous, weary and bathed in blood, Cecilia and Eldarian are the talk of the temple as they return from the town barracks. The Commander was seen carrying the shackled body of a lifeless black-haired drow, who's throat had been savagely slit. Having been killed on the outskirts of town the body held a stench, dead for hours already. Slung over the shoulder of the priestess, a shackled male - limp and unconscious. Both bodies are taken down to the crypt and laid next to each other, secured.

Within the infirmary, Elril of the Order of the Radiant Heart remains passed out following his kidnapping. Members of the clergy keep a close eye on him, rumors of poison keeping them on edge. Jonah Vixerius finds sanctuary in the guest's quarters of the temple. The atmosphere of the temple is both shocked and concerned as news comes to light of an attack not only on Sheriff De Oca and the Amn Guard within the barracks, but those whom turned over the guilty in the name of the law.

That day that follows sees the clergy of the temple putting the bodies of slain wizards and amnian guard put to rest, the names provided for the deceased recorded with priests of the Jergalite faith.

[Hidennka]

Early in the day a billowing tower of smoke is seen rising from the temple pyre. Templars and clergy present would witness the body of a small female with pointed ears reduced to ash in the crackling flames.

Despite the tense atmosphere of the temple following recent events, respite is found that evening when a former Tymoran offers himself up to the Morninglord. Jonah Vixerius is welcomed into the halls of the Song of the Morning temple as an Awakened of Lathander, casting aside all darkness in the name of light. The conversion is performed by Cecilia Lafayette in the company of the Most Radiant Kelddath Ormlyr and the Knight Commander Eldarian Al'maire.

[rokranon]

After spending several hours seeing to important aspects of duty, Jonas Rokranon and his squire Erza are seen escorting Paladin Elril out of the temple.