an aid in Kennex livery, Octavian, a silken spaniel, 2 Kennex corsairs arrive, following Zoey.

Damien Pierce - A Charming Assistant, 1 Redreef Warden, Vagari The Cinder Cat, 1 Order of the Firebird, 2 House Crovane Guards, Biorna - The Protective Mastiff arrive, following Mikani.

Sebastian, an adorable gray and white tabby, Jacinthe, Arindais, a dour-looking Scholar, 1 Templar Knight guards arrive, following Sina.

Nallah, a buff-looking tortie cat with green eyes, 3 House Mazetti Guardians, Sirra, a very quiet maid, an indeterminate number of cats arrive, following Alessia.

Trini Albricci, an attractive young Lycene woman, Alessia arrive, following Dianna.

Deimos, an enigmatic barn-owl arrives, following Tescelina.

Tescelina arrives, following Ras.

Dianna has joined the pews nearest the front.

Alessia has joined the pews nearest the front.

Aleksei has joined the at the altar.

Zoey has joined the pews nearest the front.

Ras has joined the pews nearest the rear.

Tescelina has joined the pews nearest the rear.

Ramona - A Guard in Ashford House Colours, Bigsby - A Thoughtful Looking Young Man in Nondescript Clothing, 2 Ashford Archer, 1 Ashford Scout arrive, following Lisebet.

Mikani has joined the pews nearest the front.

Eira, 2 Bone Wardens arrive, following Volcica.

3 Fidante House Guards, Nevermore, the sulking raven, Cuddles, the pinch-happy scorpion arrive, following Narcissa.

Aleksei isn't a priest anymore. He really isn't. He does linger up there near the altar, though, with his thumbs hooked in his swordbelt, his stance a bit relaxed and akimbo. His eyes /do/ widen a bit when he sees people start filing in after he probably paid some money to people to go around yelling that he'd share a few things, but it's fine! THIS IS FINE. "You know, the first time I officiated a wedding, I totally puked my guts out beforehand," he cheerfully tells some of the early folks in the front rows.

Narcissa has joined the pews nearest the rear.

Keski, a nervous disciple of Petrichor, Aletta, an even more nervous disciple of Petrichor, 1 Templar Knight guards, Oswald, the war pig, a lively Ostrian gelding arrive, following Brigida.

Connal, a Northern Wolfhound arrives, following Rosalind.

Scribble, a Delicate Social Butterfly, 1 Inquisition Confessors, Pearl, a Maelstrom Forest Cat, 1 Graypeak Aerie Warden arrive, following Delilah.

Sina makes her way to the Shrine of the First Choice upon hearing that there is to be some bit about the mysterious personage known as Prism. She arrives with her single Templar, and her assistant Jacinthe. The Archscholar dips her head toward Aleksei in greeting, and then settles into a seat, smoothing aeterna robes. She glances about with interest, to see who else arrives.

Sina has joined the pews nearest the front.

Delilah has joined the pews nearest the front.

Volcica steps into the shrine, dark eyes glancing at the people already here. She doesn't settle into a pew, though she leans against the smooth stone wall off to one side.

Ras slinks in with Tescelina and quietly slides into a place in the back pews. He carries a lit lantern despite the daylight, which he holds with both hands at the end of his knees as he leans forward.

Lisebet isn't in the front seats! She does arrive though, curious as can be, as she hears folks yelling about Aleksei sharing something or other. She smiles as she drifts near enough to be able to say, "Master Aleksei, it's been some time. Perhaps we might find time to chat one of these days." Not that she expects much of an asnwer, and in fact, she turns to find a seat rather than waiting for an answer, because he's obviously gotten way busier than he was expecting.

Tescelina murmurs to Ras as they sit in the back pews. She looks toward the altar, seated prim and proper with her hat on her lap. Attention drawn toward Aleksei as her brows cinch. "I hope he does not become ill. Should we - locate a physician? Just in case."

What interesting timing! Dianna was just thinking about Prism (who isn't, these days, though - after that display at the Assembly?) and makes her way to the front pews, smiling to Sina as she finds the Archscholar there. She sits down and leans over to Sina, murmuring something quietly.

Narcissa slips in quietly, abandoning the guards in Fidante livery at the entranceway as she finds a seat among the back pews.

Like many people, Edain Valardin files into the crowding Shrine of First Choice in search of answers. He skims over the crowd, his head bowed in acknowledgement of familiar faces before fitting himself in somewhere out of the way to stand.

Somehow Rukhnis has actually managed to hear about some impromptu gathering in a timely manner! She slips quietly into the shrine and without so much as glancing around and sidles herself into an unobtrusive place near the back.

Rukhnis has joined the pews nearest the rear.

Edain has joined the pews nearest the rear.

Rosalind hurries in, because well. She has only like-one or two speeds. Not one is slow. And-shes heard about Prism after the assembly and now she's curious. So why would the Ravenseye NOT be here! She makes her way to the back pews, a smile on her freckled face.

Zoey leaves her guards outside before entering the shrine, along with her dog and her aid. She actually got here early enough to get a seat up front, and she sits ready to take notes. She watches and listens attentively.

Rosalind has joined the pews nearest the rear.

Mikani enters, growing up in Redreef they had a great maze dedicated to Skald. She had a relationship that was different from others in the isles due to that. So when Prism showed up, Mikani was more than curious about the woman. She grinned as she took a seat by the front and brought out a journal for notes.

Lisebet has joined the pews nearest the front.

Sina smiles to Dianna, and leans in to hear the whisper, before quietly murmuring something back to the Mirrormask as they sit next to one another. Her Templar stays near the entrance, while Jacinthe moves off to the side somewhere to take notes, setting up her lap desk and writing implements.

Ras glances sidelong towards Tescelina at the murmur, and catches sight of Rukhnis past the knight - there's the sudden flash of a smile and he replies, too low to be heard from afar.

"It was Samantha and Rymarr's," Aleksei continues that story as he eyes the crowd that...continues to file in. "Deepwood, I mean." He flashes a warm smile to Lisebet for her greeting, and then quickly reassures Tescelina, "Oh, it's okay! I don't really do that anymore. I'm fine! You'd be able to tell if I was nervous enough to puke." ON THAT NOTE. "Hi! Hello, everyone! So, uh, yeah, I just kind of -- decided to throw this together. More people have been coming through the shrine lately for -- well, obvious reasons. There's a lot of 'hey uh who was that really pretty, shiny lady who interrupted the Assembly?' Which is a good question! I'm gonna try and go over, just -- who she is? And /what/ she is. And what the thing she is -- is. Hopefully. All I ask is that -- if people have questions, to try and take turns? And just not pile on and overwhelm me until I run away screaming." He beams.

Dom, an unassuming assistant arrives, following Austen.

1 Saik Guard, Micana arrive, following Lucita.

Lisebet finds her seat, settles in, and just listens quietly for the moment.

Tescelina has joined the line.

Lucita has joined the pews nearest the front.

Andry has joined the pews nearest the rear.

Lucita quietly makes her way toward a vacant seat on the benches and folds her hands in her lap, listening quietly.

Delilah slips in among the others, telltale only for the fact o fher copper hair. She is far from concerned about anyone noticing her, though she slides into one of the pews as Aleksei speaks. Sending a friendly wave his way, she drops down to a spot to listen.

Following her sister in the front of the pews, Alessia settles in beside her and merely listens in silence as Aleksei speaks.

"Okay!" Aleksei spreads his arms! And then drops them. "Wonderful. There's a ton of you here. I didn't -- entirely expect that. So! I wasn't at the Assembly, because my son says they're not exciting enough because nobody dies, and he just got here and wanted to do literally anything else. I have /heard/ about what happened, though, much like -- everyone else in the city, I imagine." He flashes a grin. "So the question I know a lot of people are asking is: who the hell /is/ Prism? The answer to that is simple, but then also complicated. The simple, direct answer is: Prism is the Seraph of Skald. She's the Seraph of Choice and Freedom. The thing is, for most of us, the word 'seraph' means -- you know, a priest assigned to a particular parish. Which is confusing when someone shows up and says they're the Seraph of Skald. The truth is that the way we use the term 'seraph' now actually has some pretty amazing roots. A Seraph of a God is that God's divine champion in the world. They're the most powerful, and the most /empowered/, servant of that God. Prism isn't human, or elven, or anything else. Prism is -- well, she's a divine being." A beat. "Who kind of /looks/ human."

Alessia has joined the line.

Sina turns her attention from Dianna to Aleksei as he begins to speak about Prism and who, and what, she is. There's a soft smile on the Archscholar's lips at the memory of seeing Skald's Seraph at the Assembly, her moonshine eyes bright. She nods slightly as Aleksei explains about Prism's divine beingness, her expression thoughtful and pleasant.

Greguin, an organized priest, 3 Templar Knight guards, Binky, an asshole crow arrive, following Aureth.

Austen steps in at the back, fairly conspicuous in his armour. He gives Aleksei a small wave and settles in to listen near the back.

You know when you host an impromptu presentation at work and your grandboss turns up to lurk in the back? That's what's happening to Aleksei right now. Aureth arrives without fanfare, handwaves his templars off to give him space, and claims a seat.

Mr. Hops arrives, following Jules.

Jules enters into the shrine of the first choice ever so cheerfully and bobbing with his step as he looks around. His hands flow at his side and while he waves, it's more restrained than might normally be given in most situations. His eyes scan around and look for some place to sit so he can listen in a bit.

Shard slips in behind several other people, steps more or less entirely silent against the sounds of everyone filling up the shrine. She finds a spot out of the way to lean, and lean she does, arms folded loosely over her chest.

Lisebet listens quietly, hands folded atop her lap, regarding Aleksei with curiosity. One hand reaches to her copper brooch, thoughtfully, just touching it like it's a new habit.

"So a lot of people have known about Heralds, whether they realize it or not, but not many people hear about Seraphs," Aleksei continues with a crooked smile. "Heralds are the Abyssal counterpart of a Seraph. The most powerful champions of an Archfiend. We've known a number of them in recent years. Tolamar Brand, the Herald of Silence, who we warred against during the Silent War. The Gyre, the Herald of the Deeps, that we /also/ fought a war against. And most people have probably heard tell of the so-called 'Horned God.'" He does the air quotes. He does them with the blandest look on his face. "Who /isn't a god/, so I /refuse/ to call him that. He's the Herald of Slavery. You could say he's Prism's counterpart, in a way. We don't hear about individual Seraphs as much. In my experience, they have to work quieter. They can't just -- enslave a big army to fight for them, you know? And the world is big. We'd like to think we're the center of it, that the Compact is the whole of it, but we're not. And there's a lot of people who need help." He pauses a beat. "So that's -- a sort of basic idea of what Seraphs are, and who Prism is. I can talk a little bit about her history, but I can also answer a few questions first--"

Turn in line: Tescelina

This is basically new to Rosalind, the red head sits and listens. Her knee bounces but she listens closely.

Jules has joined the pews nearest the front.

Austen's clearly listening intently to Aleksei as he talks, looming at the back. He does shuffle through the crowd to bump a 'hello' to Aureth from behind. Still listening though, yup.

A snort of a disgruntled pig and the clacking of a wooden staff gives indication of Brigida's entrance before she appears and the Archlector of Petrichor enters along with the waddling boar, Oswald.

"Yes I know that it's probably time to eat but I didn't get to where I am by sitting with my fingers in my ears and humming loudly. No, I carry on learning and hopefully this talk won't be as boring as when Aureth starts t- Oh Hello Father!"

Delilah listens with consideration to the definition from Aleksei, though little of this looks to be a surprise to her. On the other hand, her attentive focus speaks to patience.

Aureth answers this greeting from the Archlector with a particularly bland look before returning his attention to Aleksei, who is doing his best.

Sitting quietly beside Sina and her (NOT-identical) twin, Alessia, Sister Dianna listens to Aleksei speak, a placid gaze of interest upon the priestess' face.

Zoey flips back through a couple of pages to skim some older notes, whispers something to Mikani, then goes back to listening.

Lisebet looks up at a certain voice, and a thoughtful look comes across her face. She turns her attention back to Aleksei, listening with concentration.

Tescelina raises her hand or maybe she has had it raised for a while. Its hard to tell. She is called on, however, and moves to her feet. She holds her hat in front of her and clears her throat, preparing to project her voice. She stops, letting Brigida finish, then continues: "The human cost of war serves no one but the forces of darkness. As you say, the world is vast. People need our help. I wish to make the choice to aid Prism, as a Disciple of Gloria, has she revealed a way in which a knight such as I can be of use?"

Shard makes a small noise, more air than sound, at the back of her throat, almost certainly drowned out, and her lips press together a little harder for a moment, but her attention shifts from Tescelina to Aleksei.

Sydney meanders her way in to the Shrine, and seems momentarily taken aback at the large crowd. Curiosity draws her in more than anything else, brows subtly lifted. She finds herself a seat near to the back so that she can better listen without committing to sticking around if the topic is dull.

Edain has left the pews nearest the rear.

Greguin, an organized priest have been dismissed.

3 Templar Knight guards have been dismissed.

Binky, an asshole crow have been dismissed.

Drake is here just in time to see Tescelina ask a question. But since he came in late to this, he's sitting near the back. He definitely had questions about this person too so hopes that they're going to be answered here. For now he just flops into a pew.

Captain Curls, an attentive, ebony guard poodle arrives, following Quenia.

Sydney has joined the pews nearest the rear.

Drake has joined the pews nearest the rear.

Aleksei drags fingers through his hair at that question, looking thoughtful. "From what I heard, she asked those in the Assembly to commit to liberating Eurus, not just warring with it. The thing is--" And here he pauses again, considering his words. "For a long time, we've all thought of the gods are pure metaphor. And the thing is -- they are. And they're also more. Skald isn't a representation of Freedom. Skald /is/ Freedom. He is the existence of freedom in the world. He's the existence of choice and free will. If Skald didn't exist, if, gods forbid, he were somehow destroyed? There would be no free will. Gloria is another name for Honor. The entirety of it. Limerance /is/ fidelity. The gods all /are/ those things, not just representations of them. The more we embody the virtues that they are, the stronger those virtues are in the world. If we free those in bondage, we are empowering freedom in the world around us. And Skald /is/ freedom, and Prism is its champion. If freedom is more powerful, then Prism has more power to help the world. To help us. And that's what she was getting at. So what can you do?" He takes a deep breath. "You can dedicate your heart to freedom. Commit to it. Take /action/ towards it. I know that sounds silly -- like, how can you just feel something really hard and have that do anything. But our hearts, and our wills, help shape the world. If you want to help Prism? Then take action that helps further freedom in the world. Because that helps give /her/ power to act." He pauses a moment, more sober, and then he says, "Eurus wasn't always the land it is now. Once upon a time, it's where slaves escaped to to be free. Skal'daja wasn't always the City of Chains."

Vitalis is standing at the margin of the gathering, under the boughs of the tree growing in the Shrine. Keen-eyed and -eared, he listens to the proceedings.

Brigida has joined the pews nearest the front.

Edain is overheard praising Aleksei.

"That is what I will do then," Tescelina replies and bows her head. "Thank you." She settles back into her seat. Apparently decided.

Turn in line: Alessia

Brigida shuffles her way into a seat, gently nudging people out of the way with her staff as Oswald squeezes in next to her and she focuses on Aleksei.

Sina nods along with what Aleksei says in regards to the gods, her expression one of understanding. There's a faraway look in her eyes for a moment, but then her gaze focuses once more on the former Arclector of Slakd, smiling a little as Tescelina receives her answer.

Lisebet tilts her head a bit, and she nods slightly. Her gaze goes to Tescelina, and then over to Aleksei. She smoothes her skirts briefly, murmuring quietly to whoever is near her for a moment, and then attentive again to what Aleksei is saying.

Volcica is quiet, leaning against the stone wall off to the side. She's listening, though, and she's watching each speaker as they speak. When it looks like someone doesn't know a key bit of information, she quietly steps over, quietly fills in the basics, and does her best not to interrupt.

Quenia quietly slips into the shrine, finding a spot to stand in the back so she can simply listen.

Raising a hand while Aleksei offers his response to Tescelina, Alessia waits patiently until she's called to pose her query. She smiles before rising. "Well put, messere. One question that has been occupying my thoughts is: why was she sat in the Lyceum benches? Not that I'm complaining in the least, she was a delight."

Rather like Volcica, Lisebet does speak to a few folks very quietly. Maybe even Volcica, assisting with some of the context, as she can.

Sina has joined the line.

Korka gets nudged out of the way when Brigida passes and pulls her foot back before Oswald can trample it, sitting and listening to the questions and answers with a slightly dubious look on her face.

Merek makes a way into the place and finds a place to settle in to listen.

Merek has joined the pews nearest the rear.

Aleksei blinks at the question, and then he shrugs. "She chose to sit there? She sits where she wants."

Slipping in a little late, Graziella takes a seat quietly towards the back of the shrine, hoping to learn a little more about the mysterious personage she saw at the Assembly.

Graziella has joined the pews nearest the rear.

Vitalis has joined the line.

Turn in line: Sina

Sina raises her hand to ask a question, and smiles to Aleksei. "I am curious... Prism said, and now you have said, that Skal'daja was not always a city of slavery. Can you explain what is meant by that? From what I understand, most of the Dune Kingdoms were founded by the Prophet of the Sands and the Magisters of the Mirror, at least in their current state. I am curious to know what Skal'daja was before it came under the Prophet's influence?" she asks curiously.

Diane, a bright-eyed peregrine falcon, Sini, a very fluffy Northland shepherd puppy arrive, following Orrin.

Otho has joined the pews nearest the front.

Orrin appears quietly at the back, just to listen.

"I don't know a lot, to be honest," Aleksei admits to Sina. "But I know that the Dune Kingdoms did exist before the Reckoning, and before the Prophet of the Sands traveled there. They were settlements populated by people who had fled slavery. They were originally a place for people to /find/ freedom. Before they were corrupted."

Otho has left the pews nearest the front.

Sina smiles as Aleksei gives his answer, and nods. "Well then, that might be an interesting subject to research in the future," she notes, seemingly to herself for the future. "Thank you," she says.

Turn in line: Vitalis

Vitalis listens attentively to the questions asked and answers offered. He nods at the answer to Sina’s question. The young Scholar clears his throat when bid to speak, “It is an unfair question, perhaps, given a matter of faith, but how can we be certain Seraph Prism is who she claims to be? Prince Mason spoke eloquently to this recently, and I do not doubt him, but as the expression goes, ‘Fool me once, shame on you...’ We have been lead astray before.” He has the grace to look faintly abashed, but curious nonetheless.

Inquisitor Jonathen, Salvadore, a fire salamander arrive, following Laric.

Jules has a messenger approaching him and hands the man a paper. He looks at it and then tries to depart rather quietly.

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

Korka has joined the pews nearest the rear.

Aleksei doesn't seem offended by Vitalis's question; if anything, he seems thoughtful. Not in the sense that he seems to doubt his /own/ conviction, but that he wants to have a good answer for others. "Well," he says. "I could tell you that Skald has said she is. But then I'm sure you could be like, 'How do we know SKALD is who he says he is!' I can tell you that I have known her enough to believe her with every fiber of my being, but that's /me/. My experience. I can tell you that she built this shrine, and that I know that because I helped to lay the stones that she brought -- from very far away. Does that prove anything? I don't know. I guess it'd prove she's magical, seeing as she kept the shrine hidden for the entire construction before revealing it, with Skald's altar suddenly here instead of in the Shrine of the Lost. I could say that I have witnessed how she's fought, but -- that's the same thing." He spreads his hands a bit helplessly. "I don't know the answer here."

Jules has left the pews nearest the front.

Mr. Hops leaves, following Jules.

Tescelina raises her hand a little.

Narcissa has joined the line.

Sydney has joined the line.

Tescelina puts her hand back down QUICKLY.

Lenne heard of this particular gathering rather late, sadly. She doesn't always have a finger on the pulse of the city's comings and goings. But as soon as she caught wind, she rushed over. A free exchange of information, about an interesting topic? Well. She can't miss it. Though, as is normal for the girl, she doesn't exactly fully commit to a social situation. She steps into the room, and moves off to the side for anyone pouring in behind her. To look, and listen, and find out what's happening. It seems she's faced with two choices for groups. Family, or friends. And, of course, the queue.

Laric enters the shrine only accompanied by the one Inquisitor, which suggests he's /probably/ not here to break up a party or arrest anyone for discussing flagrantly crazy things. That conclusion would be further supported by the fact that pretty much the first thing he does is bend down to collect the salamander scampering across the room from its hiding spot to his waiting hand. He lifts Salvadore up and lets him gently step off his hand to his shoulder, taking a short look over the speakers and those looking to speak next as he clears the entrance and finds somewhere to stand for now.

Vitalis nods at the answer offered, curiosity not dampened, rather stoked. He inclines his head, “An unfair question. I thank you for your words all the same, Paladin.” He eases back to listen again.

Turn in line: Narcissa

Lenne has joined the line.

The Poet of Tor rises from her seat in the back pews slowly, offering a polite and respectful dip of her head to Aleksei when addressed. Narcissa's voice carries loud enough for those gathered to hear, albeit having a notable lack of fluctuation in tone as she speaks. "I have no questions regarding Prism's claim, or nature, and do believe her to be the Seraph of Skald. There are no qualms, conflicts, nor bickering I wish to set forth considering her aims or what must be done for the scathing scourge that is slavery. There is a difference between conceptual idealization, and practical realization of the wish fabricated to our every day knowing. Has any advice on strategy been offered by her as Seraph, or just the well wishes? Pardon my ignorance if I missed it, for I do fear I was unable to attend the Assembly myself nor the time to scan every last bit of text from the public records." A beat and she folds her ink-stained fingers across the flat of her abdomen. A meticulously manicured brow arches over her aureate eyes. "I ask for clarification, for the sake of my banners that have been called, for those we seek to free, and those who might lose their life in the process to return to the Wheel."

"She's not exactly a war strategist," Aleksei says, brow creasing a bit as he considers this question. "Maybe if she were Gloria's Seraph! But -- as far as I know? She didn't offer well wishes. She asked the people of the Assembly to consider liberating Eurus instead of destroying it. To hold that goal in our hearts as we committed our actions. And, if we did -- if enough people work towards freedom -- she will have more power to help us. But I don't think she can tell us where to send our armies or direct our ships. She's not all-knowing. I'm afraid that, if you want something more specific, you'll probably have to ask her." And he does sound a bit apologetic at that.

Lenne seems to decide toward a spot further into the chapel, nearer the altar, to make her desire to ask a question known. See? Now she doesn't have to make that choice between sections with friends and others with family yet. How coy! Besides, a chance to sate her curiosity! How could she turn that down? The fact that the chapel is increasingly stacked with inquisitors, and salamanders, is probably a concern. But she'll just pretend that isn't happening, and surely it'll all work itself out.

Tescelina checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 15, rolling 23 higher.

"A matter of semantics. Wanting us to free slaves is wishing the world better, and well. Better of than it currently is." Narcissa remarks. "It is a big wish, and a worthwhile aim, but some help or assistance would have been beneficial. I want to help, truly, but I truly wish there was a way to do it with less bloodshed. I fear that is the bleeding heart within me. Thank you for your time and response, First Liberator." The deathly pale woman reclaims her seat then, with only -one- croaking caw of protest at the movement from the raven on her shoulder.

Lyle, 2 Redrain Guards arrive, following Kieran.

Kieran has joined the pews nearest the rear.

Aleksei's expression does gentle there. "It doesn't have to involve bloodshed," he says. "You don't have to go to war to further the cause of freedom. The Liberators have never gone to war, it's not one of the knightly orders of the Faith, but we still work to further the cause." But he nods to her thanks and offers a smile nevertheless.

Turn in line: Sydney

Kieran belatedly heard there was a talk about Prism, so he has rushed to the shrine. His fast breathing hints that maybe he ran. Once he takes a seat in the back to avoid disrupting things, he quiets and gives a nod of greeting to those around him.

Sydney meanders her way forward, hands tucked in to her coat pockets. "First off, thanks for doin' this. Earlier, you mentioned that any act we take that brings about freedom, or emboldens those about us to be able to exercise free choice is a thing that empowers Skald. I imagine a great many of us felt inspired by Prism's call for us to choose, but aren't as well-situated to throw hundreds of soldiers or call their banners, or what have you." A quite random example, to be sure. "Can you think of anything that us local, non-solidering sorts can do to help empower Skald from within Arx? Other than by doing 'whatsoever they choose?'" That last bit is delivered with a wide grin, and a flashing teeth. "You rather just touched on it, but I'd press you for examples, if you're so bold."

Korka has left the pews nearest the rear.

Aleksei sucks on the inside of his lip a moment in what is surely a /super/ charming tic. "Learn more about Skald," he starts first. "Help teach others about Skald. Help those who have lost their choices. That's not just a matter of slavery; often it's a matter of circumstance. I'd like to think that charity doesn't /only/ honor Gild; you can hold in your heart that you wish to return to people the choices that poverty or ill fortune has taken from them. Help people who have been freed from bondage. Right now, hundreds of thousands of slaves from the Saffron Chain are arriving in Arvum, and many of them are Eurusi who are now facing prejudice here. Help those people. They only just found their freedom."

"You can provide outreach for those that have been freed, give them homes, find work for them; at least those freed here in Arvum. Make sure that they have a means to survive now that they are no longer chained. That's a start," Quenia offers from the sidelines, but only after Aleksei has made his own answer to the topic. "It's not much unlike what happened with the thralls of Thrax when House Kennex banned thralldom from their lands. They needed places to go, they needed to be able to create a lives for themselves, and with the slaves they will not know how to do that. How to work and live free. They'll need help getting settled. They need help to understand they can make decisions for themselves, and that no one is going to hurt them for it, especially if they make a mistake."

Sina speaks up quietly, in reply to Sydney's question. "There are a great many things you can do. Even little things, like hosting an auction to help feed and clothe refugees from Eurus who are fleeing slavery, is an act that is aimed at promoting freedom and choice," the Archscholar notes quietly. "The Scholars are working on a project with Brother Felix to build a school for ex-thralls and refugees, though really, anyone will be able to attend. Mother Ailith is working on one of her famous rites. Everyone can do something that promotes freedom and choice, if you think outside the box. It doesn't have to necessarily be a war, or a crusade. Though sadly, there must be some of that too. The enemy we face is strong, and there will be fighting, for those who can. For those who can't... be creative."

Tescelina stands slowly from her pew - stops to say something to Ras - and turns to depart with a brisk and head-lowered gait through the doors.

Tescelina has left the pews nearest the rear.

Deimos, an enigmatic barn-owl leaves, following Tescelina.

Bree has joined the pews nearest the rear.

Dame Marra, a limping fennec fox, Disciple Ismay, Disciple Fulgence, 3 Templar Knight guards arrive, following Ailith.

Sydney offers a rather simple bob of her head in response to Aleksei, "Thank you for the advice. I can think of many and more in this very city who have lost their ability to choose through no fault of their own, or as you say, have only recently been given it." She casts a wide glance about the room, "And that should be more than enough to keep a person busy." She casts a parting smile to Aleksei, and then meanders back toward her seat, offering a further bob of her head as Quenia and Sina satisfy the nature of her question.

Turn in line: Lenne

Lenne straightened up when her turn is called. It's never the most pleasant to have all eyes on her. But she will just have to hope she won't put foot into mouth at any point. "Two questions, if I may. I was a bit delayed in arriving, so I hope they haven't been asked. I'll try to avoid questions that are likely to have been touched on." She holds out a hand, one finger raised. "First. An academic one. My knowledge of seraphs is sadly lacking, compared to their counterparts, I'm ashamed to say. And I was too young to have been there to witness the Seraphs helping in the Gyre War. Are there limits to how Seraphs are allowed to help us? Are their actions limited by, say, reprisal from their counterparts, or do they act freely? What can we expect from Prism, in other words?" A second finger raised, then. "And two. Beyond this war, and thinking to our likely next, which will hopefully wait its turn. Do Seraphs oppose their opposites, especially? When the Horned God makes his move, or we do, should we be likely to suspect her reappearance? Or interest?"

Shard snorts softly when Lenne mentions the possibility of the next war 'waiting its turn'.

Ailith quietly makes an entry though lingers to the outskirts of the shrine, choosing to settle upon a log lain flat along the edges. Her blue eyes warm, lifted when directed toward the altar and later to the sky as her smile softly broadens. She pulls from her satchel a tiny green journal and she watches, listens.

"Ah--" Aleksei's brow furrows a bit, and he pauses a moment as he thinks. "Well. I don't really know how to quantify a Seraph's power. She can act more when freedom is stronger in the world. I think that there's a bit of a counterpart situation with the Herald of Slavery, but not in the same way as there is between the Gods and their Reflections. A Herald could die, and the Seraph of the reflected God would still live. I can't really tell you everything Prism can do. It probably depends on a lot." He spreads his hands a bit apologetically. "I think she's most especially concerned with forces that directly oppose freedom, which would include the Herald of Slavery. She tends to be where -- she can be. I can't track her movements or promise where she'll end up."

Ras has joined the line.

Lenne checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 15, rolling 6 higher.

Aleksei gestures generally to Ailith when it looks like she wants to add something to his answer.

Lenne hunches her shoulders a little bit, when her questions are met with a snort from the audience, somewhere. Pale cheeks burn with a rosy blush. Well, that's something straight out of her nightmares. But she manages to iron out a bit of that tension, in time for Aleksei to talk. She bobs her head, in a nod. "Of course. I'd expect no such promises. But that's useful information, in truth. Making the world a better and freer place having direct and tangible benefits in our fight, beyond the moral ones. Thank you. 'Tis always nice to know that the better we do, the easier it may be to do better." She does glance toward Ailith at that gesture, for her part, she's more than happy to have anyone else's input, too.

Sydney offers a rather resolute nod of her head to Lenne's sentiment.

Brigida has left the pews nearest the front.

Keski, a nervous disciple of Petrichor have been dismissed.

Aletta, an even more nervous disciple of Petrichor have been dismissed.

1 Templar Knight guards have been dismissed.

Oswald, the war pig have been dismissed.

a lively Ostrian gelding have been dismissed.

Ailith rises gradually, bowing her head to Aleksei in gratitude before turning to Lenne. "Your question is best answered by focusing on the right question, Lady Lenne. It is natural when faced against opposition that appears to tremendously out power you to focus on how much power can be offered as a counter. Our Gods and their Seraphs have power beyond our understanding. That is not the true point or focus to make. With a flick of her wrist, Prism could destroy all the slavers. Our Gods could wipe out all opposition. But to quote Prism -- At what cost?" Ailith bows her head as she draws a breath and then focuses again on Lenne. "With every act by the divine, the darkness acts in turn and what could that unleash? As Prism says, there is a pull for every push, every light, a shadow." She motions toward Aleksei. "Prism is as Aleksei said, the embodiment of freedom and choice. When so empowered, there are great opportunities that can open for those who make the first step. Scholars will say even knowledge doesn't come too freely. There is blood and sweat put into the research. For Knights, it is hard work and practice. With what Prism offers? A choice and we show it by our actions. However, her blessing is not one that can be known until you stand within the great darkness, but in that darkness, she will stand for you. She will fight for your choice. And those are much of her words shared with me to impart to anyone with questions." She then sits down again.

Bree has left the pews nearest the rear.

"Skald once freed countless souls, human and elven alike," Aleksei says quietly. "They were enslaved by the Rex'alfar, thousands of years ago, and he freed all of them in a moment. And the price for that was loosing his archfiend on the world. For him, fighting Legion, wrestling it and binding it, was cleaning up a mess that he made -- but it didn't come before Legion had been able to plant its influence throughout the world. People died. Was it worth it? He didn't know what would happen when he acted; he was the first to act in our world like that." He shakes his head. "Prism doesn't have Skald's power. She's not a god. Her power comes from him, though. Skald is freedom, and she's freedom's champion. She's the one meant to act for him. But, as the Legate says, magic -- even divine magic -- always has a price."

Andry has left the pews nearest the rear.

Ras checked willpower at difficulty 20, rolling 9 higher.

Quenia winces visibly when the Archfiend's name is spoken so openly.

Turn in line: Ras

"Which is why our actions are so important - because, in them, we choose, as well, whom we support with them. It's quite powerful, to think in such ways - and difficult, heavy, to bear the fact that we may inadvertently support something we do not wish to, simply by our lack of action... or neglect to behave in ways reflective of our pronounced beliefs," Dianna adds with gentle sobriety.

Visibly steeling himself, Ras stands up, the lantern in his hand jangling softly as it shifts to hang at his side. "If Prism's stronger when freedom's stronger, why don't we get rid of the peerage?" he asks. "Make everyone equal. More'n half the city weren't even free to talk where she showed up. The merchant who told me about it said you gotta go to that shit just so you'd know what's gonna be in the sausage you get stuffed in your face next." Despite the coarse, affected toughness of his Lowers-accented tones, his question is delivered with more grudging honesty than with malice. More of the controlled bitterness can be sensed in the tightness of his posture than in his voice. "And we've still got thralls. I know they're tryin, but c'mon. It ain't that hard to just live without shittin on someone else." Likely easy for a person with no dependants to say. "At least, can you make Grimhall free Mimi's family?" Although the request might sound petty, he raises his head stubbornly about it, as if Aleksei could even do this if he wanted to.

Sina clears her throat, too, as Aleksei speaks Legion's name aloud. She glances toward Ras then as he speaks up, her eyes blinking at the young man a few times at the barrage of questions directed toward Aleksei. She glances toward Aleksei, to see how he respond to those questions. She's been fairly quiet throughout Ailith's speech and all the rest, her expression contemplative, as if her thoughts are elsewhere, but now she's focused again.

Merek does lift a brow at the name being used openly, then he listens to Ras. He doesn't comment, he instead watches to see Aleksei's reasoning, perhaps curious of the answer. It is an interesting thing to point to, "Hmm."

Rukhnis had already been watching Ras with some curiosity as he stood up to speak, but at those very first words her eyes widen and she noticeably jerks up straighter as if a bolt of lightning had just passed through her. Her dark eyes bore into his back from where she stands behind his shoulder, but the warmth that's appeared to them isn't angry, however bright-hot it might be. After a moment she shifts her gaze towards Aleksei, a keen if wary expectancy in her look.

Graziella does not seem overly startled by the Archfiend's name -- at least, outwardly. If anything, she seems more surprised by the question being posed by Ras, though like most she turns her gaze with interest towards Aleksei.

Lenne smiles rather brightly, at Ailith's impromptu sermon. At its conclusion, she offers a little grateful bow. "That does answer my questions in much the way that I hoped. And likewise, satisfies some of my curiosity about Seraphs. Thank you." Even luckier, it sparks a bit more from Aleksei, too. She tilts her head slightly to one side, during it. New information, to be filed away, it seems. "And so too does that provide some idea of what we should reasonably expect." Seemingly satisfied, she turns, to perhaps go find a seat. Though she pauses somewhere along the way, when Ras begins to speak. During that, she winces. She seems undecided on if she should speak, at first. It all wasn't addressed at her. But, at least, since she knows Ras, she feels emboldened to speak, somewhat. Her voice is rather soft. "And if there were suddenly no nobility, would everyone at once be free? Would there be no rich, or powerful, directing things? No vice, or corruption? Would nobody serve? Would we all be given a voice? With no taboo, or restriction, or convention? Is the Lowers free, under the commoner families that rule with a brutal and iron and immoral fist?"

Rukhnis slides her gaze from Aleksei to Lenne and says, just as softly, "Simply because you do not know true freedom here is no reason to doubt the possibility of its existence, however difficult the achievement of it may be, or how very long the road that must be traveled to reach it."

Aleksei actually laughs. It's not at all mocking; there's a sincere warmth to it. "Well that's a question," he says cheerfully. "I mean, I don't know that getting rid of the nobility is exactly furthering freedom, although I can see the argument. Then again, you do that? And you just end up making Gild's presence in the world weaker, dismantling a piece of civilization like that. Everything's got an effect, you know?" His answer comes kindly in the face of all of it. He grows more sober at the second half. "It's really not," he agrees, softer, about how it's not hard to live without shitting on someone else. "It's easy to say that everyone in the Isles will be free in another few years, but how do you tell that to the people who are in bondage? 'Just be patient'?" He shakes his head. "No. You can't say that." And he does glance over at Sina and her throat-clearing with something a bit more sardonic in his features. "Let it know that I'm talking about it. It can't be a surprise."

Ailith glances about the shrine once hearing a name, squinting at the trees and walls as if seeking something, then proceeds to shake her head very softly. Into her journal, she scribbles a tad before arching a brow in passing thought.

Sydney raises her arms casually to cross behind her head, as if she hardly has a stake in this at all. "...Oh, I don't know. At the very least, I like the freedom not to be able to speak when better, more important people are talking. It's positively liberating not to have a People's Voice in the Assembly, at least. That seems like a rather obvious place to start." Rabble rabble. Rabble rabble.

Dianna checked composure at difficulty 20, rolling 12 higher.

Dom, an unassuming assistant have been dismissed.

Ras bites his lip, seems to hold his breath for a moment, and shifts uncomfortably at the eyes on him. He doesn't press the point, and slumps back into the pew with an iron clunk of the lantern against the edge of his seat. Far from mollified, his air is cautious and sullen, but at least quiet. He glances down at a note in his hand.

Shard remains quiet, arms still crossed, though she's listening far less casually than she was a few minutes ago. Her eyes narrow just a little, though it's not clear at all from her expression what she might be thinking.

With no more hands in the air that he can see, Aleksei's gaze travels across the crowd. "Are there more questions?" he asks. "I guess I didn't really get to Prism's history. It's both very old and kind of new, in a funny sort of way."

"I don't have a question, Master Morgan, though I do have something I'd like to say to those gathered here tonight," Laric speaks up from where he has remained for the past hour, near the back of the shrine. "If I may?"

Glancing at Ras as he sulks back to his seat, Sina turns her gaze back to Aleksei. The look is a concerned one. But she doesn't voice her thoughts here. Instead, she seems content to remain seated where she is, and listen to what is said about Prism, though her eyes turn toward Laric as he speaks up.

Lenne looks from Ras, to Sydney, to Rukhnis. There's a bit of indecision there. It's a topic she'd not mind arguing with them over, in some friendly capacity. But perhaps not in front of everyone, at a shrine. It does make her veer a bit away from the direction of her travel, though. It's suddenly rather an uncomfortable thing, to be the Silk in the group in that section. Instead, she simply moves off to the side, to seemingly watch, and perhaps listen happily to a history lesson. That is, until Laric speaks up. She looks on curiously. Is everyone to be chastised for speaking so openly? Is he framing the sudden kicking down of the door by Inquisitorial squads? It is sure to be interesting, regardless.

Aleksei's brows sweep up in clear surprise when Laric asks to address the crowd. "Uh," he says. "I mean, sure. Gotta imagine that, if there's a place you're free to speak your mind, it's here."

The Mirrormask priestess turns with interest to look at Laric as he lifts his voice to add to the conversation.

Ailith remarks to Aleksei, "I think we all have been learning of Prism. She has been one to enlighten us or awaken our eyes to choices we hadn't considered." And she quiets upon hearing Laric make his request.

Delilah inclines her head slightly in Laric's direction, a respectful gesture couched in silence.

"I chose to be polite," Laric seems comfortable ribbing Aleksei. "Thank you." The salamander on Laric's shoulder 'echoes' his thanks with a happy chirp, though after Laric gives it a mild look it crawls over his shoulder and seems to flop into the hood of his coat, staying there. Laric ignores it after that, voice raising just enough to be heard clearly throughout the room. There's an easy veneer over his frankness. "And particularly, thank you for taking the time to do this, Aleksei. You have a talent for explaining these things in a way anyone can digest, and we all benefit for it." He directs a short smile towards the man at the front of the room and waits a moment before continuing.

Laric is overheard praising Aleksei: He's pretty okay.

Mikani is overheard praising Aleksei: I do this with my free will.

"Though many of you will leave this shrine more knowledgeable than when you entered, you must remember that even if it seems like everyone knows what we've discussed, they don't. This conversation is, unfortunately, not normal. Our enemies have spent centuries making our people ignorant, to make us laugh off what was once accepted fact; that the gods are real, that demons are real, and that magic is real. And just like thralldom, that cannot be overturned in one night." Laric pauses to let his words sink in before making his point. "Be mindful when you talk about these things. Make sure when you bring up the supernatural, whomever you are speaking to is prepared for it. Don't force it on them. Be ready to explain things to them if need be, and be prepared to be patient with them if they have questions or need time to wrap their mind around it."

Merek offers a nod up to Laric's words understandingly while he keeps chugging alcohol.

"Aw, thanks." Aleksei does smile at that, but mostly he looks kind of warily curious to hear what Laric will say. And then he listens, nodding once or twice at various points in that brief speech. "Thanks for that."

Ailith so

Lenne is overheard praising Laric: A purveyor of sage advice, for inquisitive minds. Different sorts of inquisitive.

Sydney casts a sympathetic look over to Lenne as she awkwardly veers away, but doesn't immediately close to make it less awkward. Her attention is instead drawn to Laric when he speaks. She regards him levelly, and listening rather attentively in spite of her rather recent snark. Her lips thin and she puffs a breath, sighing at something that goes unexpressed, and offers a nod of her head in simple, if perhaps rueful, agreement.

Merek is overheard praising Lenne.

Merek is overheard praising Laric.

Merek is overheard praising Aleksei.

Lenne is overheard praising Aleksei: The spreading of knowledge is ever a worthy goal.

Orrin, oh so quiet there at the back, offers Prince Laric a wry smile for those words. One might imagine that every single gray hair and line around his eyes might spring from someone not following that exact advice. There are... a few.

Quenia seems to be nodding her head in conjunction with what Laric is saying, seemingly in /complete/ agreement with that, as someone who was more or less thrust into the world of the supernatural at one point.

Quenia is overheard praising Aleksei: Thank you for talking about Prism. It was very informative.

Quenia is overheard praising Laric: Thank you for reminding people that not everyone may be prepared to talk about certain topics, that it can be /very/ overwhelming to learn new things.

Sina is overheard praising Aleksei: He has a way with words that makes things easy to understand.

"Well! With that said--" Aleksei looks about the crowd again with a bright smile. "Thanks to everyone for coming. And bringing questions and whatnot. I certainly hope it was helpful, even if I am /far/ away from having all the answers."

Vitalis is overheard praising Aleksei: Sharing about Prism

The priestess to Tehom rises from the front pew, shrouded in a golden fox-fur cloak, and turns around to face the crowd. "And don't be afraid to send them 'round to us in the Faith, if they have questions? If we cannot find a way to answer them directly, we very likely can find someone who does," Dianna advises gently, turning her amber gaze across those gathered here. "There need not be anyone who feels alone in this."

Ailith solemnly nods to Laric. "I would further say much of what we learn is a journey -- it's like choices we make in our lives which build our wisdom. If we were to decide for you, how could you fully understand or absorb what we shared? If people choose to decide what you say is false, it is not up to you to force them to agree. Over time, they may come to understand -- or not. It's doubly so when a person had been thrusted into this awareness or experienced trauma. As Prince Laric astutely says patience is needed and I would add compassion. We simply do hope that our words of caution are taken to heart." She smiles over to Laric and lastly to Aleksei. "Thank you for such a clear reminder, Prince Laric. And Aleskei, as always, you have a way to cut to the heart of the matter to bring understanding. I am glad that you held this gathering this evening."

Sina rises to her feet, and quietly makes her way out of the shrine, after giving an inclination of the head to those she was seated with, and to Aleksei. The Archscholar doesn't linger, her Templar following in her wake, along with her assistant. Soon, they are heading off out of sight up the street.

Sina has left the pews nearest the front.

Sebastian, an adorable gray and white tabby, Jacinthe, Arindais, a dour-looking Scholar, 1 Templar Knight guards leave, following Sina.

Dianna is overheard praising Aleksei: An excellent impromptu meeting; my thanks.

Lenne wears a content little smile, when Laric makes his speech. It's rather a fine point to make. She grew up as a shamanistic child of the Gyre War. She had the benefit of encounters with supernatural things, that many did not. It's a fine thing to be reminded of the difficulties most face, now and then. She does speak up, at Aleksei's talk of not having the answers. "There is more use for these gatherings than that alone. Others can pool their knowledge. And it gives us all some idea of who might be counted as allies and fellow inquisitives on such topics. I found it quite helpful, myself. I hope that there are other such meetings on topics of the day, in the future."

Graziella is overheard praising Aleksei.

Rosalind has left the pews nearest the rear.

Connal, a Northern Wolfhound leaves, following Rosalind.

Sydney eases to her feet, and offers an easy wave as she meanders her way out, having little enough else to add, and other business to attend.