1 Iron Guardsmen, 3 Black Fleet Reavers, Moonsilver, the pale-feathered raven arrive, following Raven.

2 Keaton Huntsmen, Resolute, an Oakhaven bloodhound, Dart, a Kite of the Cloudspine arrive, following Kastelon.

Alberico, the Malespero aide, Louis, a Malespero Armsman, Mar, the Magpie, Aconite arrive, following Pasquale.

Karina makes her way in quietly, finding the nearest seat and taking it.

Kastelon has joined the Noble Pews.

Karina has joined the Commoner Pews.

Kastelon idly pats Resolute upon the head as he's making his way in, and easing into a pew, the better for him to be listening and not making a menace of himself, perhaps.

Pasquale has joined the Noble Pews.

Udell steps in from outside, a smile on his face as he slips into a seat quietly out of the way.

Bong. Bong. Bong. The toll of the bells high above the cathedral ring out their voices as faithful and godsworn enter. There's a few cats outside, one might see if they're looking.

But once folks have found their spot and the bells quieten, Roran steps out of the side and to the front of the altar rather than speaking from on high pulpit. Folks will see he doesn't look well, and whenever he'll talk it's almost as if he's in unbearable pain so he'll have to stop, collect himself, and continue. But he does smile seeing you here.

Wylla has joined the Quiet Alcove.

Mabelle wanders into the cathedral wearing a little shrug over the not so modest gown she is wearing, settling beside Kastelon on the Noble's pews. She inclines her head to Roran upon entry.

Udell has joined the Commoner Pews.

1 Knight of the Temple, Trouble, the waddling raccoon, 1 Templar Knight guards, Luzio, the burly Mirrormask, Spite, a rambunctious Blackram Direhorn arrive, following Giada.

Wylla is seated in the quieter corner, a bit of paper and charcoal in hand. She appears to be sketching, observing those that enter but especially Roran himself, her cheerful air tempered to a respectful calm.

Karina sits, quietly sketching one of the prettier cats she saw on her way in.

Pasquale enters at the same time as the majority of cathedral goers with Aconite by his side. He pauses, contemplative, as the question of seats crosses his mind before gesturing towards the noble benches "Come sit with me Aconite Whisper?" and heading that way. A nod is gifted to Kastelon and Mabelle as he settles.

Aconite has joined the Noble Pews.

Georgette, 1 Greenmarch Guards arrive, following Simone.

Kastelon nods back to Pasquale as he looks up from the brief conversation with Mabelle in the noble pews, and to Aconite as well when she joins. And then the single hazel eye turns back to the front.

Simone has joined the Noble Pews.

When Giada enters, her guard makes itself as invisible as possible, but she cycles past Roran on her way to a seat. Something is murmured before it all begins, and then she's off to join Wylla.

Aconite glances at the pews but Pasquale seems to settle that question and she smiles to Pasquale, "I'd be happy to, Lord Malespero." She murmurs quietly as she settles to watch the sermon with an entirely curious look.

Giada has joined the Altar and Pulpit.

Giada has left the Altar and Pulpit.

Giada has joined the Quiet Alcove.

Simone moves quietly through the Cathedral on her way towards one of the benches. Upon seeing Mabelle, she offers the woman a smile as she sits close enough. Smoothing her skirts as she settles, her attention finds Roran easily enough before her eyes roam around the grand room.

Raven slinks in and stands behind the commoner pews, her guards left outside. She scans those here, good arm crossing over her slung arm.

Roran talks, that booming voice of vigor and drive is tempered with whatever pain he's experiencing. Looking as he's walking among the aisles, there's a hand that would touch a shoulder for a squeeze or a pat of reassurance. A smile through the pain, a nod to hearing a whisper shared back. It's like talking to family.

"Life. What a simple four letter word to describe the often difficult and hard journey we experience. Now some might aspire to live a perfect life, but that's not really possible to achieve. Life is about living, and living is about learning. Growing. Changing. Through this rather turbulent and sometimes painful process, we are learning how to live."

"Have you ever found yourself at some point in time thinking after you've messed up, that's it? Throw the towel in! The gods and everyone else will be done with me now, I've made a mess of things. Looking back at those mistakes, it might just fill you with some terrible feelings of guilt, embarrassment, anger, shame. Feelings that are there to help us tug us to reflect, to see that maybe in that fuck up we have a chance to redeem ourselves. Where we plan our lives and suddenly it goes all topsy turvy with just one choice."

"The feelings we have when we mess up and make mistakes aren't good, and it might make us more hesitant to act again even if in a different way. Hold us back so we never make another mistake. But there's no passage I've ever come across that says never make a mistake and those who never have made a mistake probably haven't stretched themselves to a point of failure, whether that's physical or mental. I've made plenty of mistakes, some have hurt me, many have hurt others. I've experienced terrible mistakes such as the ones that others did which took my beloved mother when I was a boy. All this pain, this hurt, from change we desired."


Mabelle focuses on Roran as he begins to speak, her expression changes throughout his speech from interest, to amusement, biting her lips and an empathetic frown.

Kastelon shifts in his place, his hand rising to stroke at his beard as he's listening to Roran and... briefly, that head of his nods. This seems fair and logical to him, seemingly.

Aconite smiles and murmurs something to others at her pew but she is here for Roran's sermon and so her attention is quickly given back to the front almost wholly invested.

A common sight, but Giada's elected to hold up a wall while Roran delivers his sermon. Arms cross over her chest as shoulder leans into structure, and her olive-hued eyes are nakedly analytical. Someone might be getting graded on this.

Karina sits up from her work as Roran's words radiate over the humungous room, dark green eyes narrowing, perhaps in concentration. Blindly rearranging her skirts to be more comfortable, she sets her sketchbook and charcoal aside and merely observes in quiet, focused respect.

Raven listens impassively from where she stands in the back, gaze alert as she listens though given the impassiveness it's not clear how much she hears.

Jeeves, a sophisticated valet , 7 Silvershields arrive, following Rook.

Rook has joined the Commoner Pews.

Looking around from his seat as if considering the attentions of the others briefly, Udell's focus falls on Roran once he begins, his gloved hands folding comfortably in his lap.

"When we as a child first learn to walk, we fall. When we as children climbed trees even if we heard the protests of our mothers and fathers, learning our limits, some of us fell. Those broken bones, scuffed knees and hands all are the consequences of mistakes and while some mistakes leave scars, Lagoma shows us even in our own bodies that the gods can turn our mistakes to miracles if we learn from them."

"Now, there's no way we can change the past, and beating ourselves up only creates more wounds. But learning from the past, getting help from others and looking to the gods to help guide our ideals is where we can find joy through these challenging moments. Blessed are we not only because Lagoma is known for change and that change is often a painful process, but also Lagoma is known for healing."

"Lagoma can restore your heart and body. As we experience change and often fail, there is no disappointment on the failure except if we fail to reflect and learn. Change is a process, and while we might be caught up thinking the wound of mistake stage is all there is, we need to understand and seek out that healing, and it's through that journey where we experience the miracle from the mistake. I've done a lot of reflection and talked to many on the recent matters of Bastion, of Lagoma's shrine."

It's here that Roran needs a moment in silence, he's in much pain that there's a sheen of sweat that can be seen on his brow.

Slipping in, unfortunately and uncharacteristically late, Rook tries to make his way unobtrusively into the Cathedral without disturbing the proceedings.

Roran clears his throat a few times, wincing. But he smiles through it and continues his walk.

"I'm excited there is a new shrine being designed by lady Sylvie who is working hard on that. I love how the Mercies are coming together from near and far to bring care, comfort and help as they always have. How the Mirrormasks have been counselling and guiding so many in decisions and questions. So many discipleships working hard to show the fidelity between the gods and that their disciples learn, grow and are changing for the better instead of being so unfixable against the waves of change. Lagoma brings a beginning, ending, a warmth and a mercy. And so we will say goodbye to the old shrine of Lagoma, all those memories that building represents and a new shrine will rise up. The waves of change will smooth even the hardest positions and carve new shorelines. New footsteps will be left behind on our journey."

"And it's this healing that's done by changing mistakes to miracles that helps us move forward. Our enemies seek to bring shackles of regret, to hinder us walking in the light and fullness of carrying out the work of the Gods with a grip of despair, of being wrapped up so much focusing on the past instead of looking towards the future. If a brighter and better future is possible, they wish with every part of their being to prevent us from that and if they can't bring all down they'll take whatever scraps of individuals they can. Remember that."

Raven lifts an eyebrow and her gaze stops it's roving of the room in general to follow the Archlector. She watches him for a few moments then goes back to watching the room as a whole.

Kastelon looks briefly more curious at the mention of the building of a new shrine, but this is clearly not what he'd been here to hear about. A sound from him at the matter of the foe, though, and he nods in agreement.

Mabelle watches Roran avidly, almost tempted to speak up and yet remembers it is not that kind of event. She nods on occasion to concur with some of his assessments.

Aconite's brows lift slowly as Roran continues. Her expression remains neutral but invested in hearing everything that the Archlector is saying.

There's a faint, good natured smirk on Giada's lips when the Mirrormasks are mentioned, but she's otherwise just paying -close- attention.

Rook nods slowly in agreement with the words from Roran, as he talks through all of this.

His hand touches out, patting shoulders and giving them a squeeze. There's an attendant who comes, giving Roran a drink as his forehead sweats. There's a cough, a feeling of his throat with his thumb and fingers.

"I've been honoured being Lagoma's archlector for many years and what I'm proud most is seeing how much we've grown while walking in a world dark and full of fear, hurt, pain and sorrow. Seeing you all sacrifice when a call goes out so others you don't even know can be protected. Your generosity having no bounds whenever there's an opportunity to bless others and show mercy as you let Abandoned take the steps to be prodigals and valued members of society. We've seen horribleness and horrors that seem to be things right out of our nightmares. Yes, looking back it's a long journey and our footsteps have gone through dark valleys. But remember this, the past is not our destination but just the way to measure the change we've experienced and ultimately the growth we'll be able to share when it's time to say goodbye."

"Hmm....goodbyes."

He reaches in a pocket of his robes, pulling out something very tiny that he holds.

Picking up her sketchbook and charcoal without looking away from the talented orator -- expression shifting to empathetic lines of raised brows and pursed lips when his pain is particularly evident -- Karina begins to explore the Archlector's face in line. There is no need to look down at her work to correct anything; for any wandering eyes, the sketch -becomes- Roran in motion on the page. Glancing up as he pauses, she watches curiously for a moment before continuing her work.

Mabelle tilts her head a little when Roran speaks of goodbyes, eyes drawn to whatever it is he pulled out.

Aconite's brows draw together over her studious expression and she leans back in the pew as her head takes on a curious angle.

Mabelle has left the Noble Pews.

2 Laurent trained guards have been dismissed.

Cupcake, a cookie girl have been dismissed.

1 Laurent veteran guards have been dismissed.

Mabelle has joined the Noble Pews.

Karina notes Rook's attention to her page after a few moments; recognizing him from several days prior, she offers a quick, sunny smile before returning to Roran and her manifestation of him.

Mabelle has left the Noble Pews.

2 Laurent trained guards have been dismissed.

Cupcake, a cookie girl have been dismissed.

1 Laurent veteran guards have been dismissed.

Mabelle has joined the Noble Pews.

Raven's eyebrows furrow and her lips are drawn into a sharp frown, focusing on Roran.

What's in his hand? Is it a kitten or cat? It is, right? Roran walks towards the middle of the aisle he's in and in that old-fashioned dramatic fashion, the fingers twirl and in a flash he holds up.........

A single copper bit. It's not shiny, it's well worn. Again he speaks, each word uttered seems to be extremely painful. He smiles though to Karina before he speaks in pain.

"I'd like you all to reach into your pouch and remove one copper bit, hold it up, look at it. The lowest amount, some might not even think to pick one off the ground and how often without thinking are they tossed in a cup for a poor beggar. Imagine the hands that have touched this bit, their lives it impacted, their stories and journeys it's travelled. Just one little copper bit, it doesn't mean much by itself some might say, it might not even be missed if it isn't there. But a hundred change into a silver knight and now we're getting somewhere. A hundred silver knights to a gold count, now we're beginning to do things. Ten counts to a platinum duke. A hundred dukes to an orichalcum king. And a hundred kings to one beautiful alaricite queen. But all that glory and power, all that beauty starts with just one copper bit. How easy to think that with all our flaws, all our mistakes and failures, that we might not even feel like we're worth a copper bit. But the gods can take that copper bit offered to them and multiply it with so many others offering the little bit they can do too. All those little bits and soon the miracle is performed and it changes to an alaricite queen. All our bits together are worth something impossible to fathom and enemies who cast doubt in our hearts and fill us with fear or shame simply want to make sure one tiny little bit isn't offered, missing. They desire to steal that bit. Remember this when you look at a copper bit, remember that you are valued, desired and you are part of a great work."

"It's easy to hold a burden of your mistakes around you, weighing you down. Lagoma says don't carry your mistakes, use them as stepping stones to go higher. Let your faith trump your failures. Faith no larger than a grain of sand can be used by the gods for tremendous change and that is where mistakes are turned to miracles for we are all flawed and weak by ourselves but far stronger with the gods."


Caught looking! Rook offers a smile in return towards Karina, and a brief nod of his head in acknowledgement of the artwork. That seems to have shaken his reverie, as his attention now turns back to the flesh and blood version.

Kastelon does briefly pull out a bit as directed by the archlector, the single eye turning to it for a few moments as he turns it this way and act in his fingers... and then it disappears once more from view.

Mabelle looks at the bit of cooper with a bit of irony in her gaze.

Karina slips a piece of copper from somewhere in her skirts (of course there are pockets, you heathens!) and does as bid. She studies it whilst listening.

Copper? Giada's hand pauses on her way to her coin purse, a dubious wince on her features; the pouch is opened, and she tries to rummage around for a copper as quietly as possible. Eventually she gives up the ghost and crosses her arms again to continue listening.

Raven's weight shifts restlessly as she listens, a distinct troubled frown focused on the archlector. She pulls out a copper tucked away somewhere on her person for some reason but her worried gaze doesn't stray from Roran.

Rook nods on response to Roran's point. Idly wondering just how many coppers and silvers have passed through his fingers over the course of his life. And how many lives each of those have touched...

"Some of you might remember a great woman named Copper, named just like this bit and how she encouraged folks to act today to help bring a better tomorrow. When you see all the silver knights, the gold counts and other things, remember that there are hundreds of thousands of bits that were given to make that. So protect and offer your bit. Without each and every one of you, we cannot together accomplish the greater goods. You are loved and cherished by theh gods, even when we make mistakes and feel worthless. But I'm here to say, you are far from worthless. Let go those weights dragging you down, use them as stepping stones and seek healing the hurt we and others cause."

He lowers his hand and just holds the copper bit in a hand. He makes his way towards the altar, facing it.

"Join me in prayer, friends, and if you'd like, repeat."

"Gods most holy, you have placed such wonderous gifts in all of us to carry out in your name such amazing and divine works and yet we are given choice to do what we desire to do. What a mind-blowing revelation that is. That you believe in me, a being who is weak, frail and often fails and yet you reveal your blessings to those who put their faith in you."

"When Lagoma's shrine was harmed by those who seek to sow seeds of doubt and hurt, and how they relish in our failures so those seeds can grow to make us hesitant to do your works, I felt in myself great doubt. My zealousness to inspire others came from pride, and pride blinds us. It blinded me, surely. And so when vines grew and twisted the shrine and we were unable to remove them, I felt like there was no way back. That I would never see Lagoma's flame burn brightly and pure in her shrine. And so in my grief and despair and weakness, I forgot your grace. I began to think that only a new gardener could tend a new shrine and keep bright the flame of Lagoma, that it was time for me to step down and wander in the wilderness simply as a brother like I've done many times. That it wouldn't matter if my little bit was missing from your coffers."

"Forgive me Lagoma, and I ask those I help guide to forgive me."

"Help me cast down those weighty stones of doubt, grief and despair so that I might live every minute of every day for the rest of my life in certain knowledge of your grace. The wounds I've caused to myself and others, may the scars be a reminder and teacher. But may those scars also show that healing has happened."

"And I ask as you've done with so many in the past, take my mistakes and turn them into miracles for the glory of the Gods. Take my bit that I offer in humility, just like this copper bit in my hand, and use it in a way to multiply and bring your glory to the world with your divine grace. Use me for your will, and may Lagoma purify my heart so that her change might flow through me. Your will, not mine. Your plans, not my ego. My bit is yours and with it, let it change and grow to touch the world and others in ways I can't possibly fathom. My bit is yours. Let us see the miracles from a mistake."

Roran goes silent at the altar and from on high, the bells toll again to signal that the sermon has finished.

Mabelle takes a delicate set of prayer beads cast in silver with charms of Lagoma and Gild from a fashionable hand bag.

Raven's hand lifts and she actually facepalms.

Aconite's brows lift finally from their knit as the final bell of the sermon rings. Those nearby will hear a small noise in ehr throat, a thougtful thrumm, before she leans to mumrur something to Pasquale and then stands. The tall Whisper slipping for the exit quickly as if she has somewhere to be.

Kastelon nods once more, though there's the hint of a smile beneath that shadow of a beard of his. And the tall huntsman nods slowly, clearly approving of what he's heard, before that one eye looks upwards a bit more.

Raven siiighs and pushes away from the wall and moves to beat the crowd out of the cathedral.

1 Iron Guardsmen, 3 Black Fleet Reavers, Moonsilver, the pale-feathered raven leave, following Raven.

Aconite has left the Noble Pews.

Mabelle respects the station even if her gown suggests otherwise. When the call for prayer is heard, she takes out her beads and offers her own few murmurings before inclining her head to Roran in gratitude.

Giada's head bows as the prayer is said, a small smile on her lips as her eyes close. She listens as the words roll through the cathedral, murmurs her own prayers in support of the Archlector leading the Faithful. And when the bells begin to toll, she looks up. "Blessed gods, hear our prayers," she intones, mostly to herself.

Absorbing the lesson at hand, Rook nod solemnly in response to the points made by the Archlector. He murmurs in echo to the rest as he acknowledged the wisdom of the words, and then he slowly rises moving to join the crowd as they begin to filter out.

Pasquale bows his head alongside the others when prayer is called to although he does not repeat the words. Not out loud at least. He leans slightly towards Aconite when she goes to whisper to him, nods, and then moves back up to his feet so that he can file out along with all the others.

Udell's head hangs and his lips begin to move in a silent prayer before he smooths his cassock and stands at the peal of the bell, but makes no effort to leave.

Udell has left the Commoner Pews.

Pasquale has left the Noble Pews.

Alberico, the Malespero aide, Louis, a Malespero Armsman, Mar, the Magpie leave, following Pasquale.