The Song of the Morning Temple RP Thread

[Hidennka]

Rumors travel from Beregost of more soldiers holding up in Beregost. No one is certain how long they will stay. Some say its to fight the tax corruption being experienced in Beregost. Others say its in response to the brazen attack by the Dead Crows earlier this tenday.

After witnessing the commotion in the streets as the Southern soldiers arrive in town, Cecilia is seen speaking with a number of the locals under the evening sky. Opinions are offered by the townsfolk and the reminder of safety and support on behalf of the Song of the Morning is given in return. Most of the conversations are parted with on good terms. Afterward, her golden cloak is seen fluttering in the direction of the barracks where she spends some time engaging with the newly arrived officers, welcoming them to the town and offering herself for future discussion.

[Hidennka]

Late one evening of The Drawing Down, a short impromptu sermon is given within the chapel of the Song of the Morning, following the solemn meeting between a number of guests. Though the sermon itself were more a collection of thoughts and expressed that such was not fully formed yet, the Dawnbringer Cecilia offered a devotion titled "The Morning Cloak Butterfly". Reading from a small golden notebook, she shares the following words with those seated in the pews.

"This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy." the woman reads, compiling the number of scribbled notes made within the book held in her leather gloves. Even within the halls of the chapel, the candle-light catches her gold-trimmed armor and reflects the light in dancing patterns upon the stone walls.

"Matted and torn, thawing brown leaves blanket the ground. Under a quilted patch-work of old wounds and new defeats we rest. From this landscape a morning cloak butterfly takes flight. Aptly named, this creature knows something about being a force of nature. It does not fly away or die when winter approaches. In its black cloak trimmed with gold, it waits through the long winter under a blanket of rotting leaves. After a rain, when the world starts turning toward spring, it opens its wings on a rock and is warmed by the sun. Vital energy re-enters its body, giving joy to its flight."

"We too can push aside the ailments and grievances that bury us, spread our wings toward the light, and let our spirits soar. Though all before us is shadow, the Morninglord will be our guide. He will not leave us to wander the drifting roads of the beyond; for there is no darkness in the Morninglord’s light, and nothing that he has wrought shall be lost." With a muffled snap, the book is closed in her slender fingers and she inclines her head to those present. Rising from the half-bow, she tucks the stray hairs that fell free of her braid behind a pointed ear and returns to engaging with the temple guests.

[rokranon]

A letter is delivered to the Song of the Morning via a courier wearing the livery of the Order of the Radiant Heart. The scroll is rolled up and sealed in wax with the stamp of a phoenix rising from flame. It is addressed simply 'Dawnbringer Lafayette.'

[Deathgrowl]

A short, gray robed and clearly female figure walks through the streets of Beregost at night as the rain is at its worst. She pulls down her hood as she enters the Temple of Lathander, revealing red hair and pointed ears, and sits down on a bench. She speaks briefly with the Commander Eldarian Al'maire, before writing a short note addressed to Cecilia Lafayette. She hands this note over to the Most Radiant Kelddath Ormlyr before departing out into the rain again.

[Hidennka]

Placing a hand on the large oak tree just out of Baldur's Gate, Ivan turns to Cecilia and peers out from beneath the brim of his feathered hat. "Ready?" he asks, gloved fingers resting against the wood grain. The Dawnbringer nods, taking a final glance around the Farmlands. Over her shoulder hangs a traveller's satchel, the spines of a few books protruding from it's flap. Metal boots kicking up a small cloud of dust, Cecilia moves over to firmly clasp the Druid's shoulder. "Ready."

Invoking the blessing of Silvanus, Ivan murmurs a divine spell and presses his fingers into the bark of the tree which twists and ripples beneath his touch. As if the solid had become a liquid the bearded druid's fingers plunge through the oak, forearm following. Stepping forward into the wooden portal, the two figures seemingly disappear into the tree itself.

Cecilia does not return to the Song of the Morning that evening, nor is she seen within the temple the following day.

Another evening passes.

Finally, in the dark early hours of the following day a bright flash of light is seen on the outskirts of town. Stumbling out of the luminance comes a familiar blonde looking quite ill from the method of travel, a tome and a few scrolls tucked tightly under her arm. With a weary and solemn expression, she braces herself against the wooden fence and momentarily allows herself few deep breaths to settle her stomach before making her way through the gate to the Song of the Morning.

[Hidennka]

The temple is subtly abuzz with solemn preparations of some sort, the tight-lipped clergy overseen by the Dawnbringer Cecilia. When outside of duty and the cheerful conducting of pleasant conversation, the woman's expression is found to be pensively determined but not in a manner that would be considered downcast. Quite often the priestess is seen penning notes thoughtfully or giving quiet instruction over the arrival of boxed supplies.

[ghostly_rose]

The small young woman known as Eleanore arrives at the temple late in the afternoon. A stack of bright cushions almost hide her face completely as she asks the guards to open the door for her. Once inside she makes her way to the front row and places three cushions on each of the first benches. Each cushion is made from high quality fabric and has beautiful gold embroidery of a rising sun on it. Once satisfied with the placement she nods to herself and turns to Kelddath wishing him a wonderful day before she departs once more.

[Hidennka]

"Undead are spotted to the north." comes the voice of the Most Radiant, Kelddath Ormlyr, his words echoing in the halls of the chapel. A frown is evident on his brow, the news delivered to him in hushed by Templar Ross is met with contempt.

Standing at his left and right respectively, Dawnbringer and Dawnknight snap to attention; their calling awakened. "Your orders, Most Radiant?" asks the blonde haired woman, fingers resting lightly on the pommel of the winged longsword at her side. The golden-haired male is equally fast to respond, a frown plain on his features. "Indeed. We bow to your wisdom."

"Destroy them."

With only the briefest of glances toward one another, the two march wordlessly toward the heavy wooden door marking the entrance to the Song of the Morning. Golden cloaks trail behind them, armor clanking in unison with determined strides as they exit in the company of Druid and Bird.

[Part Two]

[Hidennka]

Under the leadership of Commander Al'maire, a large stone tablet taking a great many persons to lift is carefully maneuvered through the ornately decorated chapel. While an unusual sight, the slab of rock does not appear to be anything more than that. Behind them comes the Dawnbringer Cecilia, the corpse of a man dressed in Talossan robes cradled in her arms. Brows slick with sweat, the small army inch their way through the back doors and out of public view. After some time the group reemerges, slight looks of relief evident on the faces of a few. Neschera and Cecilia hold a brief funeral for the departed whom is then laid to rest.

It doesn't take long for attention to shift onto other things, however. As those present dissipate, the Lathanderites return to their preparations for upcoming trials and the chapel is buzzing with optimistic activity once more.

[Hidennka]

It was still dark in the hours of morning before the approaching dawn when a small group gathered in the chapel of the Song of the Morning. They came with their swords, their staves, their bows, the blessings of their Gods and together stood united. The cause was a solemn one, the risk high but an act born of affection for another and her future. Within the company of those of the dawn, the temple was replaced with raw dirt, fresh grass and the gentle breeze of the early morn.

Bathed in the light of Lathander, the trickling of holy water, words given, prayers murmured, blades clashed, hours passed.

A battle was fought and won. All became still once more.

[Miasmata]

After two weeks absence from the Song of the Morning, a golden-haired Dawnknight can be seen hovering around the temple once more. He coddles a rather interesting looking sack over his shoulder on his first day of return.

No sooner is he through the door and duty beckons him like an old friend. Familiar faces and warm smiles help his travel-worn spirit rise.

There was no mistaking it; the temple bustled with life and activity as a new dawn approached.

[Hidennka]

As the sun sets and a cold rain falls upon Beregost, the town sheriff and several guards are seen approaching the Temple of Lathander. They encounter several Lathanderites and their guests as they are leaving the temple following a meeting. Rumors begin to spread around the township that the Amnian Authorities arrested the Lathanderite Eldarian Al'maire, and took him to the town hall. They say he surrendered without incident, though there may have been some altercations inside the town hall that night.

As dawn rises over the town, a small crowd is already gathered outside town hall. Please can be heard near the front of the crowd questioning why the guard would contend with the town's beloved divine protectors. Near the rear of the gathering, a few anti-Amnian slur's can be picked up over the chatter of the bewildered and anxious crowd.

After some time, the Dawnbringer Cecilia whom was seen following the Dawnknight and Amnian guard leaves the barracks with a grunt of pain as she holds her wrist; storming angrily in the direction of the temple. Returning to the Song of the Morning, she collects a series of pre-written letters from the Commander's desk and sets out to deliver them to their addressed recipients.

After a lengthy period of time and once all letters had been delivered, she returns to the barracks looking quite drained. Cecilia does not leave again for some time, finally emerging with reddened eyes and her head held high. The woman comes and goes from the barracks at regular intervals during the night.

[mireigi]

Dawnpriest Tolan follows Eldarian and Cecilia to the barracks. A few minutes after Cecilia is seen leaving the barracks, so is Tolan. As he walks to the Song of the Morning temple, he rubs his hand against his cheek, a wince of pain on his features. Upon his return he resumes his duties of tending to Antolina Burgoz and preparing for the mystery ritual.

[IAmDiagnosingYou]

Hannah Bradach had not seen within the temple since the arrest of Commander Al'maire. Rumors spread that she'd been seen leaving with Jandar that night and that ever since her behavior had changed.

[mireigi]

Early in the day on the 11th of Hammer, Dawnpriest Tolan is spotted outside the temple, conversing with Sister Hannah, also of the temple. A short while later the two head south, presumably towards Nashkel. Hours pass, and nearing the end of the afternoon, Tolan returns to the temple, alone, a mixed expression on his face. After some time to refresh himself, Tolan is seen tending to Lady Burgoz once more.