Church of Ilmater RP

[LeslieMS]

Rumors pass this way and that. Friend and Foe have flocked to the humble temple in the last few days.

Meri sighs as she finishes her duties and others go to seek rest. The temple has long since gone quiet Billy, the Sisters, Brother Marcus... All sleep. She seeks sleep for a time, but never finds it. She makes her way to the sanctuary and kneels at the alter.

'My lord Ilmater, I ask your guidance. The Tyrrans call their allies, the Bhaalists murder in the night. The rumors of Banite activity reaches me... And what of Billy and Dianne? These on top of personal plights. I ask your wisdom. You bid me wait, I wait... but if the time to act is at hand, guide me. I can ill afford to misstep...'

The prayers go on long into the night as she lays her burdens at the feet of He Who Endures. No longer did she care whose eyes watched, which ears heard. They would watch, the would listen... if they were foe then they would worry. As the night wore on desperate prayer turned to reaffirmed conviction. She knew that when the time came she would be ready.

'Mercy prevails. There is no end but this.'

[LeslieMS]

[A large wreath of daisies and poppies hangs over the temple door, bound by a crimson bow. The air is still and quiet as duty continues on. Everywhere that posters hung seeking the child who was stolen away, there are now wreaths of flowers tied by red cloth]

[g1megatron]

~It was midnight, a time to renew one's faith for some, while yet others rested peacefully.

~A figure darted through the night, looking for the right opportunity. Either Beshaba turned her gaze upon the Fist and the child in the pale moon light or Tymora smiled upon the fleeting figure in the shadows.

~It was quick, hardly seconds passed before the officer was killed, the child in shock, half in the door half out, was abducted before the eyes of Sister Adolina! A shrill later and the wayfarers in the temple were on guard and stumbling upon the corpse of the Fist Apothecary.

~It was a long night, lasting well into the day. Sneaking and searching, opposing minds antagonizing one another. In the end, the child was found, a lifeless husk of it's former self. Like one looking into a pool of water with the image expunged of color, so rested the confused gleam left in the bodies eyes.

~With heavy hearts many returned to the temple and their day to days; for some, it was a rebirth of faith and an oath to see their tasked completed. A mixed bag, the fist officer was restored, the temple of bhaal shrine broken; yet another orphan of ilmater lost"

[LeslieMS]

[Merielle called everyone together, Ilmatari and Ally alike, seeking to reassure them after the day's events. Everyone was worried about the children, about Billy, about enemies in the shadows, and since earlier in the day, about Meri herself. She looked out over pensive faces and sought to offer comfort.]

'We have made arrangements for the orphans to stay at other temples for now. We cannot waver in our task Brothers and Sisters. Tell our allies: The people must be protected. The -children- must be kept safe.'

'Who shall watch over you Sister Merielle? I do not wish to raise you again...'

[She turned to the elderly priest, and for a long moment did not speak. There were murmurs among those present. Sister Juna sought to comfort Sister Adolina, again dangerously close to tears. Merielle took a slow breath, and spoke hoping to ease their minds and strengthen their hearts.]

'As He Who Endures withstands, so must we. We will not waver. The time will come when the enemy shall answer for the wrongs they commit. We must stay strong in our faith, true to our paths, and mindful of our enemies. Hope shall light our way, Mercy shall guide our steps. It is a treacherous path, but it is one we walk because duty asks it of us. Because Ilmater walks with us: Mercy will prevail, there is no end but this.'

[She offered a determined look, and a reassuring smile as they all returned to the duty they had paused in.

She sat down later, and penned another batch of letters to Damara, and other places where Ilmatari numbers were strong, sending letters also to those of the Triad. She prayed this time that some of them get through.]

[Wildelf]

Sister Adolina glances around the kitchen with a sense of dread. Her interest in her work has waned steadily of late. Some might have guessed the reason, but she did not care.

Where was he? He had been gone for five days.

[LeslieMS]

She kneels over the body... Her face a mask of emotions. She can hardly believe it as fact, and yet... there he was. She barely heard the words of the others. The days emotions already running through her mind and this apparent victory seemed hard to grasp.

His death was swift?

If she heard the answer or not as she looked at his corpse, none could say. Her movements slow as the question went to Ilmater.

He is dead. He is dead?

I should cleanse the body and prepare it so he does not return as undead...

She knelt again, the supplies to cleanse and prepare a body for Burial laid out by Sister Rachel. Her jaw was set and her eyes dark. She looked into his lifeless eyes as she closed them and spoke before begining her prayers:

The greatest mercy I have ever been asked to bestow... Mercy to one such as this.

Through the course of her prayers, the temple was awash in light and energy. The closing words as she wrapped the body in white muslin barely a whisper, scarce heard, perhaps by no other than the Bhaalists' soul and the ear of Ilmater:

Mercy to those who have need of it. A swift death to those who withhold it...

And with that... she turned away... Praying never to see his face again.

[LeslieMS]

[There is a lightness about the faces of those in the temple. One less worry... One less enemy at the door, and dispite her other troubles, Meri can't help but smile at Billy as he studies with Brother Marcus. She stands in the door way listening to the elderly man teach dogma to the boy. It was far from over... But he was at least a little safer now.

Idly she touched the simple locket that held Billy and Dianne's picture. She looked down and opened it, looking at each face... Tears found her then, not a great torrent, but just a few. Then her composure resumed and she closed the locket. Her eyes didn't focus on any one thing as she whispered quietly:]

'He won't hurt you ever again my loves... He won't hurt anyone anymore...'

[Quickly she turned before her thoughts tumbled out of control and threw herself into her duties. When duties were completed she decided to take out her frustrations on the floors. She scrubbed them until they were clean enough for noblemen to eat from if they so wished.

She murmured angrily about noblemen as her thoughts returned to Tessian's Father. As the day began its slow descent into night, she sought prayer to ease her troubled thoughts.]

[LeslieMS]

[As letters of a less than polite nature begin to trickle into the temple Meri looks on in disbelief at what she reads. She burns the more lewd and crude ones and looks on shocked at the others.]

Could this come at a worse time?! I could handle slander against my name, but not all of the Ilmatari, not the whole of the temple!

The Bhaalists already seek to force support away from us, does this good for nothing man realize what he is doing? How, when I have never acted improper, least of all in a way these letters imply, is this even possible.

[She looks at Adolina who is very angry, Juna who looks rather saddened... Rachel can be heard muttering about 'all the good we do for naught.' Meri looks to Brother Marcus]

What do I do? I have to go to Amn now... this has to stop. Does this man feel so threatened by me that he would risk the good of the realms just to spite me? All the good we do indeed? One man with a fat pocket speaks lies and trash, and all the sudden they talk of this temple like it is a Brothel!

By the Mercy of the Lord of the Wrack! How much more can we bear? How could a friendship pose such a danger? Mercy guide us, turn away this spite, open the eyes of the people to the good we do...

[once the worst of the letters are burnt to ash she turns sadly, her face a mixture of emotions and prays her loyal friends, and so far stalwart Allies can see through the ruse and help her stand before this man topples everything to Damnation.]

[LeslieMS]

[A letter arrives stamped with Ilmater's Symbol. It is Addressed to Sister Abby Winters]

I must apologize for my hurried flight, and my extended absence. I cannot give you specifics, only that I promise to return as soon as I am able.

Keep your faith strong in your heart, Let the mercy of Ilmater guide your path. Be watchful Sister! Do not fall into complacency that peace may yet have wrought. We have won battles... The Chosen of Bhaal is dead, but once they tend their pride, they will resume their fight for young Billy.

I have many allies... but only a few who I trust in this. I have left instructions for Emrys Kerr, and Joan DeGualle of Candlekeep. They are the ONLY two aside from myself that may take Billy from the temple aside from myself in ANY circumstance.

Selah Shartess stays with us at the temple. Her sight has been taken from her by Bhaal, and I have not yet discovered how to restore it. I trust her implicitly, as a sister. She is also a good one to talk to if you have concerns. She is both wise and knowledgeable, and able to maintain an unbiased view on most things. I have found her insights invaluable in the past.

Do not Waver in this, make no exceptions. There are many of my friends who would gladly come to aid, should there be a threat to the temple. The Tyrrans are always ready to offer aid as well. Alamin Lightblade, a paladin in Ilmater's service, is a stalwart defender of the temple. If you question the motives of any, ask one of these named here.

If Fate can be said to be Merciful, when next I write, or see you, I will be minus a considerable trouble. Mercy of the Crying God to you Sister. Stand strong and Unwavering. Mercy will prevail, there is no end but this. We need only Endure and see it through. May Mercy guide my own steps that my travels may be swift. Be well, and when I get back... I think I owe you a cup of tea.

Sister Merielle Williams of Ilmater

[LeslieMS]

[A messenger arrives at the temple with a short note. Meri's eyes read it quickly. She tends to duties and quickly makes arrangements. She gives Sister Adolina and the others a reassuring smile as she stuffs healing supplies into her pockets. Not long after duties are finished she throws her cloak on.]

'Where are you going?'

'Don't worry Juna, I will be safe.'

[The older woman put her hand on her hips.]

'I need to speak with the others, and time is against us.'

[Sister Juna gives her a set look and clears her throat in a way that makes Meri's hand pause on the doorknob. She looks back over her shoulder and very flatly replies:]

'I am off to get something back from someone who had no right to take it to begin with.'

[Without leaving time for more protest she turns and heads out the door. Her steps so quick she was out of the City before the temple door closed behind her.]

[LeslieMS]

[Having run most of the night Meri arrives at the temple early in the morning. She looks gravely at the others and speaks without even taking time to catch her breath]

Where is Billy?

[once assured he is safe she walks the temple searching every dark corner and every cranny. She then looks to the others after seeing him safe]

'No one speaks to him without my leave, no one touches him. No ONE. I mean it! The only other person allowed to do anything without my leave is Emrys. No exceptions. Not until I have this all sorted out.'

[Without another word to anyone she turns taking Billy aside to speak with him at great length, they talk for nearly two hours as she wishes to impart the importance of what rests on his shoulders. Afterward Meri gets some tea, and for a long time speaks to no one. Those who look at her see the worry on her face... and the pain.]

[LeslieMS]

[After much time in prayer from a rather terrible pair of days... face still showing signs of the wear from the morning... Meri decides to take a walk with Billy. So they set off in good company. Meri gives little more than vague allusion to the destination to Adolina, and no exact time of return. While pained at the scathing looks from the boy she maintains composure.

As they leave Elrith excitedly offers to let him travel atop her shoulders... he happily accepts. As He and Elrith joke and sing and laugh on the way out of the city, Meri follows slowly after, a watchful eye on the pair of guards up front, and a careful eye on the boy she is sworn to protect...]

[g1megatron]

Farmers and peasants from the outskirts of gather about the sanctuary of ilmater. Some with tears, some with anger, some with confusion, a few with waves of all those emotions more.

At first, it was just one or two, easily taken in and shown comfort and an understanding ear. Yet the crowds continue to grow a bit more each day. Some carry the bodies of loved ones as proof, others bring them to be purified. Others beg for the restoration of their lost kin and children.

Frustration knitted upon the brows of many as they see what they have worked their entire lives for, snuffed out as an example. While others who have not been yet touched come in support of their comrades; perhaps it's fear that also motivates them to hide away their families, abandoning their farms, crops, livestock to the mercy of time. Yet we all know, time shows no mercy.

Soulless husk after their trials, a few seek answers among others; heading tot he farmlands of Jorn and Tom, praying to the renewed shrine of Chauntea.

Near the Sancturary of Ilmateri a shout is heard:
"hear me, all those with ears to hear." "The end is neigh, ours is eternal damnation"
It persist into the hours of the day, the doomsayers so say.

[MadSeer]

A large shipment recently arrived at the door of the sanctuary. Dozens upon dozens of bundles of warm blanckets, clothes and food is packed within the carts, wich are told to be a donation sent by a certain mister Goodmane.

[Laurk]

Abby and the other healers of the Sanctuary stow the donations after checking through everything for the usual sinister additives. The work is done hastily as Chauntee's faithful crowd into the small shelter, seeking food and healing.

"That w-was awfully kind of m-master Goodmane. Along with Ser Raj's donations, we may yet have e-enough to help all of these people."

The other healers nod in agreement as they stuff crates and sacks wherever there is room to be found.

"Just leave the clothing out, we may as well just open it now."

The Ilmateri then go back to work, all of them tired from their labors and holding similar thoughts. Abby looks across the front room; "We shall need every bit of these donations to keep up with so many." She breaths a long weary sigh. "By the rack... what is h-happening in this land?"