Church of Ilmater RP

[Pentralia]

Alistaria can be seen trekking to the Temple of Ilmater with her little daughter in tow. They two spend hours upon hours within while Alistaria studies and Inara "helps" the sisters with the soup kitchen, showing off her extraordinary charm for such a young child.

[rokranon]

Sir Jonas Rokranon can frequently be seen walking the ever-damp streets of the coastal city heading toward the Sanctuary of Ilmater after a day of court hearings at the temple of Tyr. He spends a bit of time there before heading back out with little Inara to take her home as Alistaria keeps up her zeal to learn and commitment to clerical training well into the nights. The curly red-headed little toddler is nearly always worn out, her head resting on the paladin's shoulder as she sleeps, one little hand clutching at both necklaces that hang around her neck: the sunburst heart pendant and holy symbol of Sehanine Moonbow.

[rokranon]

Little Inara Rokranon caused a panic at the Sanctuary of Ilmater recently when she ventured out onto the streets of Baldur's Gate while her mother Alistaria was training. She wished to 'help people like mommy and aunt Meri do'. Luckily, the living saint was returning to the temple and ran into the curly red-headed child before she could get too far. Merielle took Inara back to the orphanage, where it is reported her father, Jonas, began a boring lecture that put the child to sleep.

[Charraj]

Upon hearing of little Inara's (adorable) altruistic streak, Charraj Cain devises a curriculum to teach young would-be heroes and resolves to show it to Jonas.
Surely it will be met with approval.

[Pentralia]

Alistaria stepped in to look at the cirriculum while Jonas was busy. The two ended up crossing off the majority of the list and then decided to scratch the entire thing after it was determined it was far above Inara's head with the resounding vocalization of "She's only 2!"

[Pentralia]

Alistaria went to the temple extra early today and immediately went to the soup kitchen. "Sister Meri is very busy with wedding preparations so I am here to fill in for her." She pulls up her sleeves and sets to work; her studies can wait a day or two.

[LeslieMS]

THE WEDDING OF SIR JONAS ROKRANON AND ALISTARIA ROKRANON
[THE NEWLYREWEDS]

The city was abuzz as friends, family and notable figures alike, made their way to the temple of Tyr in Baldur’s Gate. The temple was filled with many smiling faces. Friends of the soon to be, once again, happy couple sat and talked among themselves. Some even arriving from great distances for the event.

The pair’s daughter, Inara, dressed as a ‘princess’ in a hand made gown nearly matching her mother’s, beamed as any toddler would at such a showing. Family came from great distances, and were also in strong attendance. Valerius Rokranon stood at his brother’s side as
Auriel Elenviel ushered the young Ilmatari woman off to change into her bridal gown.

Thedran quietly walked to the front of the temple, having gotten the okay for First Company to offer a showing of respect. There he lay down a white cloth, and atop that, a black pillow. Then, with a great deal of reverence the small bolder was placed over the pillow. To some this may have seemed odd, but the list of fallen, and the rock, both had a history deserving of the honor.

As guests ranging from Bentley Mirrorshade, Ramas Ankhalab, Aethor Siger, several members of the Ilmatari and Tormite churches, members of the Radiant Heart, various Elven friends, including Siomir Danneren, Joan Degualle and many others took their seats, laughter rang out. Bells rang from the temple of Tyr in a cheery chorus.

At the front of the temple stood the high priests of the Tyrran and Tormite temples, Eldric Sulnar, and Celwig Olwen respectively. Standing behind the pulpit, Sister Merielle Silene of Ilmater. Music began to fill the temple as Auriel took her place across from Valerius. In walked the bride. A true thing of beauty, and… albeit nervous… grace, she stepped to the front of the temple, beaming at the man soon to be her husband... Again.

The couple’s eyes locked on one another lovingly, as the music came to a sweeping close, and the tiny Ilmatari peeked over the pulpit at the assembly. She smiled at the couple as she spoke:

"We stand here, with joyous hearts, dear and true, friends and family alike.
These two have asked us to share in a day of blessings.
One of the greatest mercies is Love. Greater still, to give that love a second chance."

All eyes were on Sir Rokranon as he was addressed.

"Sir Jonas Rokranon, do you promise, here and now, all that is yours to give to the woman who stands at your side?"

Any who looked on the pair couldn’t truly see how they could smile much brighter, and the paladin offered a confident answer”

“I do.”

Valerius juggled his small niece, and handed Jonas a ring, the pair exchanging a grin.

"Place the ring on her finger, please. May your love forever be as unbroken as the circle it represents."

The knight managed a wider smile as he placed the ring on the small healer’s finger. His voice carried through the temple as his vows were spoken:

"Since I have found you again, I have found a new life.
This decision to commit to share that life with you
is one I make happily, and with full faith in our love.
On this special day, I give to you
in the presence of the Triad
and all these witnesses..."
My promise to stay by your side,
in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow,
as we walk through times of light and in times of shadow.
I promise to love you without reservation,
comfort you in times of distress,
and encourage you to achieve all of your goals.
I promise to laugh with you and cry with you,
grow with you in mind and spirit,
always be open and honest with you,
and cherish you as long as we both shall live.”

Then, attention shifted to the bride, as Auriel handed her a ring.

"Alistaria Rokranon, do you promise, here and now, all that is yours to give to the man who stands at your side?"

“I do.”

The red-haired beauty answered, her voice barely contained the joy in her heart as it rang off the stone walls of the sanctum.

"Place the ring on his finger, please. May your love forever be as unbroken as the circle it represents."

Her slender fingers slid the ring onto his finger, her blue eyes shimmering as she looked at the man before her. Her voice did not waver as she spoke her vows:

"Since I have found you again, I have found a new life.
This decision to commit to share that life with you
is one I make happily, and with full faith in our love.
On this special day, I give to you
in the presence of the Triad
and all these witnesses..."
My promise to stay by your side,
in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow,
as we walk through times of light and in times of shadow.
I promise to love you without reservation,
comfort you in times of distress,
and encourage you to achieve all of your goals.
I promise to laugh with you and cry with you,
grow with you in mind and spirit,
always be open and honest with you,
and cherish you as long as we both shall live.”

Merielle took up a length of red cord, and silently the couple joined hands, offering the joined wrists to the Living Saint. The ceremony took on a more reverent note now. Merielle quietly wrapped the cord, intricately around the pair’s writs. She prayed a soft-spoken blessing. Her words then were offered to the couple and the assembled guests:

"Let all bear witness under the eyes of the Triad:
That which Mercy draws together no mortal hand can sunder.
Love in faith cannot be shattered by any but yourselves.
Love and Duty, one in the same.
In all but the final death, Together you will remain."

As Merielle tied the binding in place, the other two priests offered their own blessings on this union.

"May the Triad walk with you all your days.
Allow the Even Handed steer your judgment.
The Loyal Fury will ever protect you.
When you weep, Mercy weeps with you.
When you rejoice, the heavens rejoice with you.
By the Hand of Mercy, and with the blessings of the Triad, I now declare husband and wife!”

There was a pause now before she finished:

"Sir, you may kiss your bride."

The pair managed to smile even more so. With his free hand, and all the kindness and love a man dared offer and then some, he kissed his bride. The guest cheered wildly, laughter and applause rang out. Finally, the kiss was broken.

"Ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you, Sir Jonas and Lady Alistaria Rokranon!"

The couple turned to the crowd of dear friends and family who still cheered them. The entire group made their way to the Helm and Cloak. Gifts and laughter was exchanged. This grand affair was even visited by Duke Eltan and Duke Silvershield themselves. Well wishers came and went, as food and wine flowed freely.

The happy couple made their way about the gathering, and the joy of the moment could not be dampened by any. There was music and plenty of happy banter well into the late evening. Finally the tremendous party was brought to a gradual close, family and friends going their own ways… The noble pair, so willing to give unity a second chance would take a few days for themselves.

[rokranon]

Since shortly before the wedding, Flaming Fist First Company soldiers have been keeping a constant watch on the orphanage once again. They stop anyone trying to enter the orphanage, including Jonas himself. The paladin is very closely scrutinized each time before being allowed to continue into his temporary home. Their vigilance seems to be unrelated to the wedding itself, as their presence remains even after the event.

Little Inara is seen remaining at the orphanage as Jonas and Ali head south on horseback with what appears to be a few days' provisions.

[LeslieMS]

[For the time being, Meri leaves the temple in the care of Brother Marcus and the others. She remains at the orphanage. She keeps a closer than normal eye on things, most especially Inara. When not working on her normal day to day duties, she is seen happily chattering with her two year old niece.]

[LeslieMS]

[Things are remaining... tensely subdued... both at the temple and the orphanage. Guards are extra strict around the orphanage, and the Ilmatari do not travel between orphanage and temple without an escort.

Since a fair amount of commotion several days ago... things have been -very- quiet. Meri is seldom out of eye's sight of Inara... She seems... distracted and out of sorts. Careful observers would note that her usually well tended gardens are suffering because of this.

The temple's only Novice has not been seen for a couple of days.

Brother Marcus and Sister Rachel are running the temple themselves mostly. Sister Adolina is tending the soup kitchen. Sister Juna is almost always at the orphanage helping with the children.

The only other traffic of note is that of an elven woman, and a young girl who seem to be staying at the temple with Meri's blessing...

Questions are met with vague answers, or no answer at all. Duty continues for those who tend the orphanage and the temple, quietly, and swiftly.

Guests to the temple and especially the orphanage are asked to please keep faces uncovered and weapons out of sight. This 'request' is being very strictly enforced.]

[Charraj]

A crumpled parchment is found at the orphanage. Upon inspection, it becomes obvious that it dropped out of Charraj's pocket.

[LeslieMS]

[Meri swiftly tucks away the bit of parchment with a smile, before Jonas and Ali see it.]

[Jaden]

[a messenger delivers six books, most are children's stories. two are for the older orphans. A note is placed ontop]

As much as i would of liked to delivered em' myself, i would be scared that mad fist man would try to gut again... May Torm guide all of the residents of the Mercies house.

- John Roland

[LeslieMS]

[Meri reads the note, and grumbles about Anti-Fist rubbish and bad influences, as she tosses it away. She scans the titles of the books, noting they are ones she already has on hand, and sends the books to Candlekeep where they may be of better use to others. She sighs as she goes through things:]

"Sister Juna, how are the food stores?"

"We are still well supplied. We are well stocked in most things, save for medicinal supplies and bandages."

"Good, and we've no want for shoes or clothes either. This is good. With luck we will have some new initiates soon too."

[The older woman smiles at the younger.]

"Go ahead and tend to things at the Temple for now, Sister... I will remain at the orphanage. I've some letters that need writing... send a runner if you need anything."

"Of course, Sister Meri."

"Thank you, dear."

[Meri watches as the older woman makes her way back to the temple, before going in to restore order to the gaggle of children.]

[Pentralia]

Alistaria has not been seen at the temple or the orphanage in over a day. No one knows of her whereabouts.