Church of Ilmater RP

[broham1]

With the seige over and the Bhaalist's in retreat, Brother James sends word by magical messenger to the House of the Broken God in Keltar. Father Melder of the Healing Hand smiles and contracts passage with the mages of the Pasha's court to arrive in Baldur's Gate with haste.

Brother James' report, along with the missives recieved from Layman Rente make the old priest smile. He is elated that the Crying Lord has touched one of the Ilmatari in such a close manner. Never in all his years had he heard of one so close to the Lord of the Rack.

Upon arrival to Baldur's gate Father Melder travels to the Sanctuary of Ilmater and sends messages out to the surrounding region that he wishes to meet this "Chosen" and will be awaiting her arrival..

[LeslieMS]

[Meri recieves word shortly after breakfast that she is needed most urgently at the temple. Her first instinct is trouble, but the messenger seems quite cheery. Her curiosity evident, she packs her things and makes her way back to the city, at last able to travel the road without fear.]

[LeslieMS]

[A familiar scents wafts through the temple of late... those passing smile. Sister Meri had returned to her beloved kitchen. In the stillness that had fallen after the end of the Bhaalist threat, she had resumed helping with meals, passing the late night hours baking honey cake. As people came and go, she couldn't help but smile... She was still not about with any regularity, but at least every other day. It was good to be home. It was a haunted smile, a bittersweet victory... It showed as she ladled soup for those who sought a warm meal. Work and life was slowly gravitating toward normal in the temple. Still it was evident much had changed.]

[LeslieMS]

[The last couple of days Meri is seen going in and out of the temple looking a bit unsettled. When asked she blames it on slow recovery from recent events, and lack of sleep. She is cooking less... and when she does it lacks its usual gusto. Today she salted where she should have sugared. Since then she has left the cooking to Sister Adolina. When not muttering prayers she is murmuring about shadows...]

[Special K]

Pure has been restless for the past few weeks as disturbing nightmares plague his sleep. Pure claims he dreams of a savage, foul man, dressed in a dark red attire, horrifically murdering people, who then continues to treat his victims in such an inhuman way, Pure refuses to describe it, he simply locks up in fear, remaining silent, shivering and rocking, back and forth. He has mentioned, however, that the man he see's occasionally complains that his "Subject wears away, why did my mind chose such weak flesh and bone...I need another corpse".

[LeslieMS]

[Meri wonders if this is some sort of side effect to curing the 'poison'. She seeks to consult with Sister Abby, but schedules have yet to fall together for the two women. In the meantime, measures are taken to ensure the man rests easily.

That aside, the temple and those within have fallen into a comfortable routine, and relative calm has settled over all.]

[LeslieMS]

[Meri returns to the temple after several days away. She manages to sneak in with almost as much success as she snuck out. At least on returning her expression is far less grim.

The cheer in her step only increases as she finds a cake setting on the table, missing a slice and addressed to 'Mom']

'Hadn't realized what day it was. By all the Mercy I survived another year. Maybe this year will be for more than surviving...'

[Her grin broadens as she goes to put her things away, and catch up her chores. She spends a few moments in prayer, grateful that her trip went well, ending better than it started.]

[Disciple of Bhaal]

A small child from the docks finds Saint Merielle with haste, once he leaves behind the form enveloped in shadows...

Trembling, he approaches her with a piece of parchment grasped within his little hands. Never letting his eyes rest on one place for longer than a couple seconds, he offers the note and quickly runs deeper within the city. Never looking back....

[LeslieMS]

[She eyes the alley with a glare, half suspecting him to be watching. She had been a fool to expect the calm to last. This was unfinished.

Dismayed she watches the child leave...

She crumpled the note murmuring a prayer, her anger evident as she strode back into the temple.]

'Mercy keep the little ones safe...'

[Obsidian Soul]

A robed figure veiled from sight through magics looms towards the Sanctuary of Ilmater. He takes a moment to survey the area before slowly stepping through the door. Upon entering, he spies a devoted Ilmatari (OOC: Rente) and quickly deems that this one should be capable enough to receive a simple message.

"Ilmatari." The voice is demonic in nature, though subtle undertones of another voice can be heard speaking simultaneously. "I have a message... a warning."

Staring in the general direction of the unseen entity, the Ilmatari responds. "What message do you bring?"

"The Ilmatari have harbored known criminals for quite some time. Shielding them within these walls, preventing them from receiving true justice."

"We offer Mercy to all. It is our duty, and we do so gladly."

"Such individuals deserve no mercy. Know that the Obsidian Soul will continue to hunt the wicked. And I highly suggest you not protect them lest you end up suffering their same fate."

"We have received threats before, and still we continue our work. We shall always follow the will of Ilmater."

"The will of Ilmater is the will of a bastard."

The Ilmatari fumes in anger, but quickly grasps control over his emotions and relaxes his composure.

"Please, reveal yourself and have a seat. We can discuss this over a bowl of soup."

The robed figure lets out a wicked chuckle. "You must think me a fool. Besides, my purpose here is complete. Pray to your god that I do not find another purpose to return here... if it will do any good. Good bye slave puppet of Ilmater."

Footsteps echo towards the door before it slowly opens and closes as if on its own. Silence was all that remained to keep the Ilmatari company.

[LeslieMS]

[Its been days since pleasant smells whafted from the temple kitchen. Sister Meri has been seen about long enough to tend her duties and her prayers. In her free time she has stayed close to those dear to her, watchful, lips often moving in silent prayer.

Strangely enough, she seems to think there not enough light. Others complain of the blinding combination of divine light that eminates from the woman, and the plethora of candles she keeps lit.

When asked what troubles her, she is quick to offer excuses and kind smiles, so far assuaging the worries of others... for now.]

[LeslieMS]

[She enters the temple, exhausted and quiet. She eyes the shadowed corners, half expecting to see something, and half expecting not to, both instances holding their own implication.

She pens a note for Sister Abby, entrusting it with Sister Juna:]

Sister Abby,

I pray this finds you well enough. At least I can say for now one set of knives will not be in your back. Be wary the shadows Sister. We must speak soon, and it is urgent. In the mean time, be cautious. I have sent extra flour... it may be of use. I will see you soon. Mercy of Ilmater to you.

Sister Meri

[She makes her way to the Sanctum and there offers a simple prayer:]

You ask me to not let my anger sway me. Forgive me my temper Ilmater. I shall seek my path as you bid, with calm and patience... through Shadow and Darkness. Mercy to those who have need of it. May we have the strength to endure our trials, the Faith to overcome our opposition. May our steps not falter.

[With a kind smile and a nod to Brother Marcus she walks away. She says nothing else as she gives each Sister present a kind smile, and each Patron who looks her way a gentle nod. She leaves teh temple with her purpose renewed, the anger gone from her features.]

[BunchofCrooks]

::Rente talking to Sister Addy::

Exarch Elias Goodmane has personally delivered a large sum of foodstuffs to the shrine. Three bags, one of bread, one of cheese, and one of salted meat. he also said....

"Our guardians will be making other deliveries in the weeks to come. Istari is overflowing with supplies that are not in use, and I can think of no better cause than offering aid to this temple."

Thank the gods for this! A great day in a hard time. Can you help me unload all this into the kitchen? When we are done I will pray for the Exarch and his weave-masters. Their donations will feed many, and allow us to save some other resources for medicine instead of food, which will save lives.

*he beams as he goes about helping the others unload all the foodstuffs*

[LeslieMS]

[A scream in the small hours of the morning, and some comotion at the temple. Those there are quiet and not speaking much on it. Sometime near dawn Meri is seen leaving the temple, face drawn and upset. She heads out of the temple murmuring prayers, leaves the city and makes her way swiftly north.]

[jeffman_4]

Ivaris walks through the doors of the temple carrying three large sacks. Inside one of the sacks is linens and blankets. Another is some various food supplies.

But the third sack is something special. He walks to the group of children playing and drops the sack down, and as they gather around curiously he opens the sack. Inside it is filled with toys and the children smile and gather round. He begins to give out the toys to each of the children, staying a few moments to play with them. Seeing each of the smiling children sets the world right once more as he opens the door with a wave and turns to leave.