2 Kennex corsairs, 3 Iron Guardsmen arrive, following Titania.

Cybele, the tall Mercy, makes their way into the Rectory with proud steps. Today, the shaman is a cat. Based on the bluish-white cloak worn with the hood up, triangle ears shifting as they go. Or possibly a raven, based on the thematics of their jewellery. Or possibly a Mercy, based on the flame-themes of their garb, and the most prominent of their bracelets. There's a nod of their head of greeting to the people they recognise, and their tall staff chimes as they make their way to the disciple table, slipping into a seat and letting out a happy little sigh. "Hello friends."

Preston is directing the last bits of set up, gesturing Balian and the other Templar squires to bring the dishes through from the kitchens and stack the tables. There are actually quite a few Templars present, given the number passing through the city lately, and that means lots of helpful squires from the Godsworn knights. Preston himself is wearing simple linens, with his Templar tabbard on to show his 'colours'. "Brothers, Sisters, Blesseds, Fathers, Disciples of all the Gods, please, help yourself to food as it comes out. And thank you for joining us all. It has been a long year already, and many missions and challenges have beset the Faith, so it is good to come together and remind each other that we are far more unified than divided." His eyes flick to the empty chair for the Dominus "His Most Holy I don't think will be joining us this evening due to his schedule, but I am sure he would tell us to enjoy ourselves and remember we are with friends."

Fortunato walks in, lean and in darks entire except for a flicker of red threaded through his waistcoat. He inclines his head deep to Preston, acknowledgement of his introduction, and settles himself at the disciple table, across from Cybele.

2 Kennex corsairs have been dismissed.

Ailith arrives from the Cloister as do many of the other priests residing in the Rectory, taking a seat at the godsworn table and greeting all present with a smile. Her attention turns toward Preston, lingering as well at the empty chair. "We are all brothers and sisters of the Faith. I am glad, Sir Preston, that you were able to arrange this dinner so we may meet more of our visiting brethren after their long mission to the north."

Titania walks in looking around she is in a simple blue dress with flat shoes and her hair is down, her sea blue eyes looking around as if a bit nervous this being her first social gathering since she became a disciple of Mangata. Her hands are clasped in front of her as she is quietly looking about.

Orazio enters, although he certainly doesn't have far to walk, considering that his quarters are just down the hall. He catches the tail end of Preston's greeting and Ailith's response, and adds with a smile, "Indeed. We are blessed to have the Faith Militant looking not only after the Faith's physical wellbeing, but also our brotherhood, as well." He inclines his head gratefully to Preston, and smiles his greetings to the rest as he moves to take a seat at the table for godsworn. "We are all blessed to be able to gather together here, under the eyes of the Pantheon, to enjoy food and fellowship together. Let everyone here be welcome; we are brothers and sisters together."

Cybele raises a hand and waves very undiscreetly to Ailith once the Seraph finishes her greeting.

Preston smiles at one of the squires and takes some of the sliced ham that has been deposited, and grudgingly some vegetables as well. Pouring a small glass of juice for himself he then inclines his head to Ailith and Orazio as the pair join him at the Godsworn table "Seraph. Father Orazio. The Faith Militant are happy to be here I am sure. Most are back in barracks, but we have a number here who fought in the campaigns in the woods. The first major deployment of the Faith Militant offensively for some time I think?" Preston pokes at his meat before he ahs "If I may, Father Orazio, I had a topic to suggest that we might consider over dinner? The question is one I think you will appreciate and consider worthy, I hope. What is the Faith to do in order to remain central to the Compact, and how far should it go in defending its traditional roles?"

While guest file through the anteroom, Vayne stands at the foot of the great golden mosaic of Gild, caught in deep contemplation. His dark eyes skitter randomly over the opulent piece, and the deep furrow between his bushy brows suggests intense internal debate. This obsessive study continues for several minutes, threatening to hold up the entire proceedings and delay enjoyment of the great feast, until all at once the Archlector of the Thirteenth comes to some personal conclusion. A wide, mordant smile breaks on his face and he finally pulls away from the wall, shaking his head in silent mirth as he moves to join the gathering. The look of some private amusement has not left his face before he dips his head in greeting and quietly selects a chair to drape his gaunt frame over.

Titania looks over to the table that has the disciples and moves over in that direction quiet and to herself, she nods to those at the table before she joins them a soft smile on her face as she does.

Titania has joined the a tall table for disciples.

Vayne has joined the a tall table for godsworn.

When Titania joins them, Cybele offers the noblewoman a bright smile and an equally enthusiastic wave as the one they gave to Ailith earlier.

Orazio gives Preston an amused look. "That seems a bit of a weighty topic for a dinner together, but it's not nearly as much so as the topic proposed on our /last/ meeting," he says, with a look towards Ailith, "so I have no objection, as long as it doesn't disturb anyone's digestion." He offers a pleasant nod to Vayne as the Archlector settles down. "Blessed Vayne, it is good to see you again. I hope that you're doing well?"

"Sister Cybele," Ailith greets the disciple and fellow tall healer. "Our paths continue to miss another at the House of Solace. I'd love to discuss a healing method at some point. Tea, perhaps? I'll send a messenger to coordinate a time if you desire." She then pivots about to prepare her dinner plate of ham slices and seasonal vegetables. As her fork spears a cut of potato, she remarks to Preston, smiling, "I do believe it is a first of that size, but was necessary for the mission as I understood. Their presence in those battles ensured there were less causalities." The look from Orazio is met with a twitch of her lips and she lifts her tea for a sip. "Not every meeting is equal to that." Tea cup lowered, she adds, "His Majesty has stated a want for everyone to act in a manner more in line to the ideals of the Pantheon the Compact follows. The more recent inclusion of the Templars and Knights of Solace by Princess Reese and your continual united coordination have made more inroads."

"Legate." Vayne breathes out the title with a deeply personal warmth, meeting the other man's eyes with a fierce intensity. "I am well, for certain, and I hope you are too." Invigorated by the reverie he had just stepped away from, the First Reflection's smile is bold and physical, sweeping from Orazio to then include the rest of the assembled. "What a feast we have prepared. So much meat, I can only imagine the din, the manic energy of the hunt that has brought it all to us." Long fingers, professionally-manicured, reach out to peel a piping hot strip from the nearest roast. "Those hunters surely invoked Gloria and Petrichor that afternoon. Who do you suppose they whisper to tonight?"

"Weighty, Father Orazio, but perhaps we can have some ideas on what we can do that will come out - I have learnt to never underestimate our brothers and sisters when it comes to innovation." Preston answers as he cuts his first bit of meat, wrinkling his nose as he searches for a sauce pot. His eyes flick to Ailith and he nods as he continues his search "It is important that we support our friends - and perhaps that is one way we stay relevant. The disciples might know best on these matters though, they are not as isolated in the faith - they may have some great ideas?" And Preston looks across to the disciple table. Ailith's last comment does get a mischevious smile from Preston though "Mm. I wish his Majesty's Inquisition understood that same desire for everyone to respect the lines and traditions in society. But well. That is for me and the inquisitors."

"Of course. I am happy to help in whatever way I can and have much interest in healing." Cybele offers with a bright smile for Ailith. "Just let me know and I will come visit." The shaman is preparing a plate of their own, following the philosophy of trying a little bit of everything.

Fortunato glances across the disciple table to the godsworn table. "The topic is, for me, a little abstract. But perhaps our best direction is always integration. The gods present at all things, not only that which is codified. Perhaps Lagoma is present in every council meeting, in a sense, and Limerance as well, of course."

Orazio also sets about preparing himself a plate. It is light, but varied, with a couple of mouthful's worth of each bit of food on offer. He doesn't dive in immediately, but rather breaks apart his roll, and slathers the steaming interior with butter and a little bit of honey. "I'm quite well, Blessed Vayne. Thank you." His eyes rove from one person to the next as they speak, listening more than offering his own thoughts, for the moment.

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Orazio before departing.

Ailith nimbly plucks the sauce pot from by the potato plate, holding it up and flicking her eyes to Preston's plate suggestively. She nods briefly to greet Vayne, but comments about one topic, "Does that belief extend to all the Inquisition or specific Inquisitors? The Master of Questions has struck me as respectful but I may have a different perspective given my position as the royal family's spiritual advisor. Though Fortunato has a right of it. The leaders at Council Meetings do listen to the advice by our Dominus and Legates. Their wisdom has shaped and altered actions many a time." Half turning, she grins at Cybele. "Do you mind if I include Lady Khanne? I know she'd have an interest in the conversation. And how are you and the Mercies after their mission to the north? Like our Faith Militant, the mission wouldn't have proceeded as well without Lagoma's healing touch."

"I am fond of Lady Khanne and would be happy to have a good excuse to meet her again." Giving a little shrug. "I am ok. It was a strange mission. But I did not have to deal directly with the Slaver and his wasps."

Quiet, a Valardin champion, Aioni, a regal snowy white owl arrive, following Katarina.

Titania makes herself a plate taking small amounts of food and then listens to whats being talked about and whats being said, sipping from her cup.

"Is it the nobility, that class so political and pragmatic, truly where the attention of the Faith is best spent if the issue at hand is position and legitimacy?" Vayne wonders, having whetted his appetite with pickings from the assorted displays and moved on to loading his plate. "They are fickle and ruled by a panoply of competing concerns. They have the power and resources to afford themselves the privilege of changing their minds." The Archlector of Tehom's adherents upends a decanter of wine, filling his glass near to the brim. "Wet wood, producing too much smoke for too little heat. The common ranks have ever been the base of the Faith's foundation. They are uncomplicated, rarely change their demands, and eager to be told their truths."

Fortunato raises his hand. "I'm sorry. I'm common, and I'm intensely complicated."

Fortunato has no sooner said this than he clears his throat. "The wider point has some validity, though. The commons love the Faith."

Cybele also raises their hand. "I am Uncommon. But I am also very complicated, like Fortunato."

"It's true. Disciple Fortunato is one of the more complicated individuals which it is my pleasure to know," Orazio puts in. He nibbles on the bread before him. "But Blessed Vayne does speak truth, I would agree. The nobility's concerns will always be entangled with their desire - and, indeed, need - for power. Our greatest charge lies with those who look to the Faith for guidance and protection because, often, of their /lack/ of power. We must stand for them, for few others will."

"I think the nature of ministers is to concentrate power. The Faith allowed power to flow away in years past, and they won't give it back overnight. Certainly the view of the Master of Questions is that they are expert on matters of the abyss and do not necessarily need our assistance in identifying corruption." Preston answers to Ailith, inclining his head in thanks as he takes the sauce pot and adds some to his plate, on top of his ham before he cuts himself a bite to chew on as he ponders what is said. Fortunato gets a nod of his head "Mm. But do you think people acknowledge the Gods are there, but think they can do without the Faith itself to act as go between? Or is the role of the Faith there still concrete?" The question Vayne raises just gets a raised eyebrow "And I am not really anything. An orphan who has only known the Faith. Common. Noble. These are terms that mean much outside our walls and so little within. But, if that is true, do we need to re-double our efforts to be the source of charity and support amongst the poor? Do people need to know it was Templar steel that saved their home?"

Upon her entry into the main hall, and hearing Vayne's commentry, Katarina cannot help but press her mouth into a soft line of bemusement. "I suppose there is validity to such words," she relents, amenably, in soft-spoken aside to Ailith as she inches into a seat. Meat, taters, and veggies? She makes a modest fixing, sneaking in a generous pinch of seasonings. "Though I would hope it isn't the common belief that all nobility shelf their own personal power, over their Gods-given service to the very same Common people we speak of. At least, that is more my belief."

Katarina has joined the a tall table for disciples.

Titania looks to them tilting her head and speaks up, "Do you say that because someone is of noble status they can not look to the faith and believe like someone who is not of noble status?" she seems curious at this as she asks the questions pf the others.

Fortunato bows toward Orazio, in that awkward seated way. "Thank you, Legate." He returns his attention to Preston and firms his voice, slightly. "In the main, it is the Faith the commons love. It is the Faith they trust to express and act upon the will of the gods. I would not say it is common for the, hm, commons to believe they are best to go the gods themselves. Gild sees to their poverty through the Faith. Lagoma's Mercies heal their wounds and build hospitals. This is all very visible."

Cybele has said their piece and busies themselves with the slices of honey-glazed ham on their plate.

Ailith smiles gently at Katarina upon her entry. "Mm. I can only speak of those in my Parish. Most of the royals have been more seeking the guidance of the Faith; however, they do have responsibilities as a liege to their vassals." She slices her ham into strips, then forks one before adding, "In recognition to what Archlector Vayne broached, since my post as Palace Seraph, I've considered my Parish to include all of the Palace -- its staff included. We visit their homes or about the Palace, adjust services and counseling sessions to meet shift changes, and I've encouraged my disciples to do the same as to build a greater relationship with our Parish and community. I've seen the same with," she nods to Fortunato when he mentions the Mercies and Gild charities.

Orazio considers Preston for a long moment. "I believe, Sir Preston, that the Master of Questions does have the best interests of the Compact at heart; he's proved a valuable partner in the past and the present. We may not agree on the disposition of the Inquisition, or the limits of its power, but I vastly prefer Prince Laric in the seat to anyone else outside the Faith itself." He pours himself a glass of wine, and takes a sip. His gaze moves to Titania and Katarina. "I don't think it's a matter of belief, so much as a matter of submission. Many among the nobility are accustomed to being the final authority in their lives, and those of others. This can cause...spiritual chafing when the Faith does not tell them what they wish to hear. An internal tension between adhering to those closest to the gods, and ruling oneself."

Vayne gestures expansively with his glass of wine, already half-empty, around the table. "Of the commons we can, it seems, rely on the Gods to deliver us their most complicated and remarkable." His tips back the drink, swallowing a healthy mouthful while careful to avoid getting any in his neatly-trimmed beard. "And from the nobility, the most devout. But if the question is existential, hm? If the matter at hand is our continued place at the heart of Compact as the good Templar has posed it? Well.. I think a fisherman who thinks of the Gods all day while they cast their net goes home at the end and sleeps well beside their spouse. But the noble whose mind is similarly split places themselves at a disadvantage when their fortunes conflict with their beliefs." A knife is taken into his hands, helping to pull apart a particularly thick slab of meat. "And I think many nobles think about this as well. For the fisherman, if he chooses his beliefs over his profession he can rely on Gild to fill his tummy when the obvious occurs. Can a Baron rely on us to fill his coffers?"

    Nestling herself into a seat, and pouring herself a glass of water from a pitcher, Katarina does not yet taste her meal - far more interested is the girl in Orazio and Ailith's responses to her own words. "What is submission if not an act of belief? It requires an understanding and faith in one's identity to be able to submit to an authority not other than one's own, and separation of pride to take counsel." Fingers curl under her chin, leaning comfortably in prop as she looks aside to Titania. "It's what I've noticed - the inability to set aside that pride - that often seems the culprit. It could also, perhaps, be a lack of trust between the nobility and the Faith. Or misunderstanding, too. All three, I've seen as of late. For distrust and misunderstanding, however, how would you personally advise on taking steps to correct that?"

"Faith tells a common man what he doesn't want to hear, he's far more likely to change himself rather than opt to change the Faith," Fortunato says, folding his hands atop the table. "He's unlikely to see the Faith as a rival. More the kinder part of his environment."

Preston swallows his mouthful of ham and veg, coughing a little, as Orazio addresses him "Mm...just to point out, Father Orazio, I never said he didn't. They gather power exactly because they feel they are best served to defend the compact. We hold onto our power for the same reason. Though we are careful not to stray into their boundaries. But, the inquisition used to be of us. It blurred that line, and not in our favour. It is a disagreement, and disagreements can exist between friends. It is when that disagreements turns to obstruction we need to worry." The debate over nobility and the commons just causes Preston to look a little flummoxed. A new way to view external interactions!

Titania nods her head listening to them all speak, "Being a diplomat as well, I would take steps to reach out and speak with them. I think many feel the faith tries to control instead of lead and give aid and help, I think many feel that at tines the faith over steps themselves instead of giving ways on how to aid. The first step to correcting this is to sit down and just simply talk, communication is a very bog factor." she sips from her cup.

Gregory, an unassuming disciple, Binky, an asshole crow arrive, following Aureth.

Aureth has joined the a tall table for godsworn.

Caras comes in and picks up a plate of meats and vegetables. He settles in at a chair.

Caras has joined the a tall table for godsworn.

Orazio nods to Preston. "Just ensuring that we remember that 'friends' point; the Inquisition does not have the cleanest past in the centuries since it parted from the Faith, but I believe their efforts to move towards justice are sincere, at least among the leadership. Friendly disagreements about territory, aside." His grin flashes out at Preston, a hint of playfulness there. He finally turns his attention to his meat. "'Aid' means correction when necessary, Lady Titania. As well as the many things the Faith does every day, for every fealty: education, clothing the poor, healing the sick, taking in and sheltering those who have no where else to go. But much as a parent with a child, we understand that loving our flock does, sometimes, mean telling them when they are doing the wrong thing, and expecting obedience when obedience is due."

"When is obediance due?" Cybele wonders. The question seems mostly aimed at Fortunato, but the shaman did speak perhaps a tinge too loud.

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Katarina before departing.

Caras says, "Obedience is due to the Gods, for their protection, leadership and enlightenment."

Aureth arrives in the Rectory, dressed down from the great bulk of his formal regalia but still sporting various signs and portents vis a vis Death. He paces lightly over to the godsworn table and claims a seat, sitting down with his elbows bracing against the table. "Sorry, we had a surprise delivery, which required some surprise blessings. What'd I miss? Have we thrown down? Is everyone mad?" He's clearly here to be a helper.

Ailith dips her head to Caras and Aureth, "Archlectors." She continues to eat of her meat and potatoes, eyes darting between whomever converses. A swallow and she adds to Orazio's point, "And in some cases, children do not listen and as a loving parent, we are patient until the child is ready to learn and understand. This extends to even a Palace Seraph accepting a lesson from the Faith's leaders. We all continue to grow and become wiser in spreading the words of the Gods and the Faith."

When her question goes unanswered by the Legate, Katarina's expression becomes one of soft pensivity. A missive is taken, reviewed, before she makes to rise from her seat. "There is a difference between telling one when they are wrong, and educating them on why and how they might do better as leaders. It is that form of communication that could be missing in the interactions between the spheres," she muses aloud, finishing the last of her water and meal before deigning a deep bow toward the Godsworn. "As always, these meetings leave me with much to reflect on. Excuse me."

Katarina has left the a tall table for disciples.

Quiet, a Valardin champion, Aioni, a regal snowy white owl leave, following Katarina.

Preston slices his meat, but the fork pauses on its way to his mouth as Aureth comes in. Preston smiles at the Archlector "Blessed Aureth. We were just discussing how the Faith can remain central in the lives of the compact...I think people are not yet fighting. So in that I consider myself more diplomatic than the Palace Seraph." And a little teasing grin is given to Ailith

Rey drifts into the hall, her light step a little bit more trepidatious than usual, especially after Katarina brushes by her on the way out. She hesitates in the doorway and looks around, balancing right on the edge between here and gone again.

"If the role of the Faith isn't to encourage everyone in the Compact toward the high ideals of the Pantheon, not just the humble, instructable commons," Fortunato appends with another sitting bow, "then what is the purpose of the Faith?" He looks more specifically at Cybele. "Perfect obedience is impossible. The Pantheon covers too many concepts, all of which are difficult to live by. To be obedient is to struggle toward, hm, better. Always better."

Aioni, a regal snowy white owl arrives, delivering a message to Rey before departing.

"We seem to have lost some of our focus and I believe there is now a choice of several topics to discuss." Vayne observes, having taken the opportunity to lapse into silent companionship with his plate. Now clean, the Archlector of the Thirteenth lifts a glass to the newcomers. "Join us in a drink and perhaps we can identify which will make the most fertile soil for a rousing fight."

Ailith pffts at Preston. "It was /one/ dinner. I'm never going to live that one, am I?" Her eyes wryly roll with a shake of her head as her soft chuckle muffles when she takes a sip of her tea. At Katarina's rise, the Seraph remarks warmly, "Have a good evening, Princess Katarina. We can discuss more of this during our dinner."

"I like the virtues the gods represent and I think that it is our purpose to educate about them and guide the people when they falter," Cybele muses. "But obeying obediance? I don't know. I want to provide an example instead. But I am just a Cybele. And a Cybele is just a Mercy of Blessed Lagoma." There's a little shrug. And then the Shaman focuses back on their food. Mm, honey-glazed ham.

Orazio raises an eyebrow at Ailith. "Your parents were very different than mine, clearly," he teases. "But yes, there is a time for patience. But patience can be abused, and when it is wasted on those who are not, as Disciple Fortunato says, struggling to be better, then all it teaches is that misbehavior will be tolerated. No one expects perfection. But the Faith is the single unifying strand across the different regions of the Compact, the one guiding light universally acknowledged. We must /be/ that guiding light, and shine clear, even in these times of change." He smiles his greetings at Aureth, Caras, and Rey as they come in.

"Cheers." Aureth leans back in his seat and crosses his feet beneath the table with a slightly quizzical lift of his eyebrows. His smile, tipped in Rey's direction, is quite sunny, though they've only met the one time and it's not clear whether it's sunny with recognition or just general good humor. "Nobody's perfect," he says. "Though I think Death's precepts are pretty easy to get along with, generally speaking. 'Don't destroy souls.'"

Caras says, "Without the assurances that every ending was the necessary step to a new beginning, the world would be a grim place indeed."

Rey is about to step further into the room when the flapping of wings behind her startles her. She takes the note from the leg of the owl and reads it, looking a little bit baffled as it flies away.

Ailith laughs brightly at Orazio. "My parents were ruthless. Punishment involved labor often in the fields or the stables. Afterwards, we'd grumble and soon, if we were wise, learned what the lesson truly meant -- we were ready to listen and understand. That's what I mean by patience. My parents didn't coddle or interrupt the process. The Faith tends to show a similar hand."

Ailith adds, "But not as ruthless."

"If I were being controversial, Father Orazio..." Preston starts "I'd point out that you make an excellent case for why attempting to tolerate abandoned tribes who refuse our ways and refuse to rejoin society is futile. That in trying to make ourselves feel good while treasure trains are raided, and pilgrims are hurt, is not as neutral a position as it is a privileged one." Sidelong at the Legate, Preston gives a mischevious grin before he finishes the bite paused to greet Aureth. The conversation with Ailith gets a mock hurt look "Are we now bragging about having not-dead parents?"

"Some parts of it do Archlector." Caras agrees. "But I would agree that ruthlessness, actively seeking to punish others, not allow them to choose freely, that is not the role of the Faith. Parents guide, but ultimately, they must allow children to stand on their own, else, how will they ever learn to walk before the Gods, and to love them, as we do?"

Fortunato leans back in his chair enough to smile toward Aureth. "I was about to add that Death asks relatively little." Over to Cybele. "I'm happy with providing an example, if sometimes a bad one, but I'm also just a disciple. We end up with an organization who asks nothing of those it purportedly instructs, then we have an organization that has ceded its power." He nods toward the godsworn table and Orazio specifically. "At which point, it may also lose its power to aid. And the commons relies on the institution of the Faith, among others, for its protection and care. Don't think anyone's saying there's not need for diplomacy and communication, just that-- the core of the Faith's purpose must stay intact."

Titania has left the a tall table for disciples.

3 Iron Guardsmen have been dismissed.

Rey drifts towards the tables, still looking hesitant. Her faint smile and general air of good humor fade as she listens to the conversation unfold, and something sad dims her glass green eyes.

Orazio arches an eyebrow at Preston. "The disposition of people on their land is a matter for the lords to decide, so long as their decisions are not contrary to the will of the gods. And not all of the Shav'Arvani are corrupted - those who are, certainly must be brought to just account, but a Crusade against the Shav'Arvani as a whole is both unjust and unfeasible." He takes a sip of his wine. "Punishment is a part of guidance, and every choice carries consequences, Blessed Caras. One is free to stab one's father. One is not free to escape punishment for that act."

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Orazio before departing.

Aioni, a regal snowy white owl arrives, delivering a message to Orazio before departing.

"It would seem to be that all agree Balance is important in the handling of others." Vayne remarks, setting down his glass. "Something I can agree with quite easily. But in my experience Balance cannot be discussed beyond pithy aphorisms without a concrete example. Perhaps we might reduce the number of topics we are discussing by merging all three?"

"How best should the Faith reclaim it's rightful oversight over matters of heresy from an Inquisition that claims it for themselves?"

"Neither family nor Faith can live people's lives for them; for one thing, it would stand against what Skald represents." Aureth winks at Fortunato, and then starts breaking a piece of bread into bits. Presumably he got food at some point idk. "For another, it's just not very effective. Now, personally, I was a shit parent, but one thing I got right is that Hana can live her own life." He scratches at the back of his head, and then adds, "We don't really have the manpower to punish every Abandoned tribe in the world. There's thousands more of them than there are of us. Ministering to people beyond our ministry sounds like a good way to get dead, really."

Orazio smiles at Vayne. "I think Blessed Vayne speaks wisdom, and that's an interesting topic. But perhaps one better discussed at a later date, in a less public venue. As all of these rather political subjects might benefit from, if we're honest."

"Humbly I submit that actively seeking to punish someone is not guidance, guidance comes from love, not a desire to punish." Caras points out that his word choice did not condemn all forms of punishment.

Fortunato does not wink at Aureth. He almost glares at him. Then draws his attention brief over to Rey with a little, "Ah! It's been a while, hasn't it? We're talking about institutions, aren't we." He picks at some tiny finger food.

"If you care to experience it, Sir Preston, I know the perfect set of stables to put you to work," Ailith grins with a flash of her teeth before taking a moment to eat. Between bites, she mms softly to Caras and nods. Swallow. "Everyone of us, every child of the gods, deserves the grace of the Pantheon. But they'd have to choose to accept the grace." Her silence following in hearing Vayne's question leads her to study Orazio briefly.

"Punishing Abandoned tribes will only lead to Abandoned rising against you more than they already do." Oh, look, the Prodigal Cybele feels strongly about this. "Show them the Compact is not to be feared, and defend against those who do raid, those who do turn to corruption. Cleanse those, yes. But do not say, all Abandoned must be punished." The shaman huffs, crossing their arms. Then uncrosses them, because a Cybele needs to eat and that honey-glazed ham is really good.

Rey flits between the tables of food with a plate in hand, although she never really takes more than a morsel or two of any one thing. It's hard to tell if she's paying attention to the discussion at all. At least until she answers Vayne in a small voice, easily overlooked. "Maybe enforcing isn't what the gods want us to do."

Orazio sighs. "A love without the courage to correct and stand on its principles, is no love at all. Merely cowardice dressed in pretty clothes." His gaze passes over Cybele to rest on Rey. "The canon differs, Disciple."

Caras looks Cybele over. "I think that is the point that Preston is making Mercy Cybele." Caras says. "That the logic of the church extending their influence over how Lords conduct their demense would extend to other things than thralls, for example, Abandoned tribes."

Orazio shakes his head, and adds, after a moment, "The policies and canon of the Faith are not a matter for public referendum, and I don't see the point of continuing this particular topic further. We should find another one." Although his tone remains conversational, there's no hint that this suggestion is optional in the Legate's stern features.

"It is enjoyable to make your blood chill a little from time to time, Father Orazio. If I don't stress you, how will you ever cope with the seemingly ever younger disciples? But, it is our pilgrims and our wagons that come under attack. If the lords were not to act, I do not think it would be unreasonable for us to do so. But they are, and you know we have supported Princess Reese in her attempts to bring in as many as she can." The last is said across to Cybele as well, offering a small smile. Preston leans back into his seat "If I can be anti-climactic, there have been three incidents since we started working with the lords more. The first two - where our Archlectors were being ignored in assessing corruption, and then when our healers were treated roughly by noble lords - were fixed with a private word with the nobles. Reminding them of what we provide and our expertise, they then will use it. The third incident, was with the inquisition over who should look after abyssal artifacts. And that was won because in the end, the Faith were there on the mission and there were more of us - and no-one is going to draw their sword on a Templar. So we won by engaging, positively, and by talking quietly to the nobles, as equals."

Rey, thus shut down, says nothing more. She goes back to picking morsels of the dishes on the buffet.

"What exactly is the issue, then?" Aureth eyes Preston over a speared broccoli floret.

Acquiescing to the Legate's suggestion with a nod, Vayne lifts his glass before his face to consider the reflections there. This occupation consumes his attention as the conversation continues around him, until Rey's interjection pulls his dark gaze away. The Archlector of the Thirteenth fixes his dark eyes on the young woman, scrutinizing her as if he had only glimpsed her for the first time. When she again shies away from the din of the debate, the gaunt priest of Tehom quietly lifts himself from his place among the Godsworn and detaches to drift in her direction.

Orazio tilts his head towards Preston, eyes widening a bit. "You think that my life lacks stress, Sir Preston? Have you been in the city long?" He laughs, softly, then, and turns back to his dinner, watching and listening.

Ailith opines a tad briskly, "Has everyone had the opportunity to view the books in the Archives? I find myself eager to pen my next sermon using the book plates."

Rey looks a little leery of Vayne's approach, but something she sees when she looks into his eyes lights a glow of empathy in hers, and she winds up, rather than pulling away, setting her plate down and taking a couple of steps towards him.

"You only have to be you, Father Orazio - some of us have the duty of keeping you safe, often despite yourself." Comes Preston's matter of fact answer. He skewers himself some more ham - though no more veg, he has been a good boy already as he mulls over Aureth's question "I think, Blessed Aureth, that my experiences are one way, but all of the positive ones were with the Graysons. They will listen to us and work with us. But, every other fealty? Tends to have concerns or feuds with the Faith over various things. So we will need to build those bridges and demonstrate we are useful. Or of course we could be righteous and smite and excommunicate our way to a brighter tomorrow. But much as it would be straight forward, I was taught by my mentor that much as people like to pretend it is, politics is not war. It is something far more devious."

Despite Aureth's ordinary vocality on pretty much any issue, he seems to suffer an attack of attention deficit disorder whenever discussion of Inquisitorial overreach comes up. He scratches thoughtfully along the line of his jaw and lifts his glance to Ailith with a slight lift of his brows. "I'm at my best at least a little extempore, personally, which is good because there won't be much about Death in the Archive."

Rey seems to be about to ask something of Vayne, but he gets a question off first, and it makes her cast her gaze down. She twists the hem of her sleeve between her fingers as she answers.

Orazio glances at Ailith. "It's worth mentioning that the entry submitted by Guardsman Sparte is...highly acanonical. I only allowed it to be included as a work of thought, not as a true reflection of prayer or service to the gods. The binding is lovely, though, and I very much enjoyed reading Disciple Calaudrin's work."

Fortunato glances up from a conversation across the table to put in, "I haven't looked at them yet! I'm very excited to, though."

Ailith grins. "I've a bookplate I use. Guardsman Sparte's was yes. That." She agrees and finishes her meal.

"I haven't found the time to look at it yet." Caras admits. "Bookplates have not been much on my mind lately."

Something in the low conversation between Rey and Vayne elicits a short but audible chuckle, and the First Reflection takes a long pull from his wine before resuming in politely quiet tones.

"At least it is an improvement from Disciples accusing you and my brothers of butchering people, Father Orazio. Speaking of, I have not seen Disciple Merek in a while. It is a good choice on his part." Preston takes a long sip of his juice to clear his throat and he looks around for the squires "Mm. If anyone fancies anything sweet, the squires can fetch what you might like" He says, his voice raising "For my part, I am grateful and full."

Aureth has left the a tall table for godsworn.

Binky, an asshole crow have been dismissed.

Gregory, an unassuming disciple have been dismissed.

"They're both lovely," Orazio says, sounding a little wistful. "I could wish that we'd had some of the Scholars or Disciples of Jayus participate, but I suppose they have a great deal of work - I can't blame them for not wishing to take on further effort, even for a quarter of a million silver." He gives Preston a quelling look. "Let us not speak ill of those of our brotherhood not present, please."

"If recounting his actions speaks ill of him, I would say that is on him - but as you wish, Father Orazio." Preston pushes his plate away from him and stretches back in his chair "With your permission Father, I will call the dinner concluded, and people can linger and discuss matters over what sweets and drinks they might wish?"

Fortunato finishes what meager food he's opted to eat and stands. He bows deep and generally. "Thank you for the dinner, Sir Preston." With that, he slips out.

Fortunato has left the a tall table for disciples.

Rey blinks at Vayne as he talks to her. About halfway through what he says, she starts to go distant; her pale eyes lose their focus, and she hums a snatch of some bit of music under her breath. But once he's done, she snaps right back to focus again. Her attitude is one of helpless worry.

Orazio smiles at Preston. "Of course. Thank you for taking the time to arrange it. It is nice to see many of the brethren in the same place - we are often so scattered it can be difficult to keep in touch with one another." As Fortunato rises and slips away, the Legate's eyes follow him, and he makes to rise himself. "Thank you all for your company. It was greatly appreciated." He bows, then leaves, as well.

Orazio has left the a tall table for godsworn.

Caras doesn't seem to be in a hurry to leave but he nods as Orazio departs.