The Song of the Morning Temple RP Thread

[DM Arrakeen]

Alesea seems to be waiting for the arrival of a certain dark-haired woman, a child, and a feline companion. She turns her gentle smile upon them when they enter the temple, which warms considerably as she sees the rose-gold holy symbol around Amanda's neck. She offers them all a little curtsy and extends a hand carefully toward Amanda to shake, if she will. The priestess would squeeze it gently.

"Glad greetings, Miss Amanda." The compassionate priestess murmurs with warmth. "We've so been waiting to meet you."

Amanda looks around, at first nervously, her eyes frantically darting back and forth. Finally, she glances to Alesea, eyeing the sun-priestess a moment. "Hello," child looks at the extended palm, then around again, then back to the hand. A frown forms on her forehead as the moment of hesitation stretches over another minute, but she gathers her strength in the end and takes Alesea's hand. Girl shakes it gently only to back off from the gesture rather quickly after it's done. "Nice to meet you miss priestess," Amanda says quietly looking away from the lathaderite and towards Ameris. She sighs softly with relief at the sight of the priest.

[finneas]

*Young Kellan returns the the church with a golden haired bardess cradled gently in his lean arms, straining slightly from the effort. Dalton Bradford, a paladin bearing symbol of the Three follows closely behind obviously accompanying the cleric. Kellan beseeches the high priest for aid to rekindle the fluttering flame of the bardess. The prayers are granted and Ms. De'lile is given place to rest and recover from her ordeal. Kellan keeps vigil over the young woman as she does so, oblivious to the other goings-on about the temple.*

[Dagesh]

After many days in Baldur's Gate standing watch in the East District, Brevin ends up standing watch in the Song of the Morning. The door behind him is locked and those who seek entrance are turned away unless given explicit consent from Kelddath or the Dawnpriestess Alesea.

Hidden: show

[Hidennka]

The hour was late for the crawled march of moon through the star-spangled maze of cobalt sky. The township of Beregost was motionless, save for the caress of wind through the treetops and the steady clop of hooves that met with cobbled stone in departure from dusty road. Atop the curve of saddled beast's back, there swayed a figure for stead's movements. Clad in the wrap of cloak's fabric and the downward slant of stranger's hood, clicking steps came to halt with a weary whinny and the tender pat of fur hide in gratitude. "Be still, my friend. You have served well." - naught but a whisper spoken for the slow dismount of swung leg, stiff from the day's travel. To the figure that emerged from barn, stifling a yawn amidst suspicions, a nod was lent along with weathered reins and a small hempen sack that clinked and jingled in the night.

The towering double doors of the temple greeted the rider next, the luminous glow of the building casting it's golden hues upon paved streets as surely as any beacon. Within the shadowed overhang of hood, a pair of porcelain lips drew to smile in a manner that could only be described as nostalgic; a painted memory upon canvas that spoke of better days amongst the circumstances of the present. The dawning of reality returned anew with the brush of gloved fingers that passed over jewelry's pearl pendant, much like it had with the received sending; a dance that melted away in hover for the pull of golden handle.

Steps that bespoke of a quiet calmth and grace took the figure, cloaked and cowled, past the wooden pews of the temple's gaudy interior toward the altar that glistened in bathed glow of candlelight and divinity both. The atmosphere was a heavy one that fell upon guest's shoulders like any mantle would - solemn, reverent - yet it did not slow nor hinder the rider as she moved to approach and offer gratitude for safe arrival in prayer. Respectful nods were shared with any whom would look her way, perhaps in doing so catching a glimpse of what may or may not have been familiar features.

It was to his Most Radiant Kelddath Ormlyr she would lift her head, several tendrils of pale blonde hair falling from lowered hood to cascade over holy symbol that depicted a sun's rise over fields. The meeting gaze was one laced with understanding, a knowing look shared and accompanied by the gentle curl of rosen lips and the courtesy of formal bow. Crumpled correspondence that bore the seal of the Song of the Morning from the Knight Commander's desk, and indeed marked with his own handwriting, was passed into the aging hands of the High Priest with little delay; that gesture and what would be read within speaking the words she need not. From Cormyr she had come, as bid. "Please," spoke the knight in a softly melodic tone. "Take me to him, Father."

[finneas]

*A tall, lean man bearing hat adorned with the tail of a red fox is rumored to be seen stalking through Beregost. His face a mask of silent fury and his heeled boots clicking loudly on the cobblestones he virtually tears open the door to the Song of the Morning and descends to the catacombs where the High Dawnknight lays in state. The interaction within is not witnessed but the man is seen leaving some time later, followed by Telia Santraeger to the Risen Phoenix. Both enter, and later, both leave. The man departs the town north, a determined set to his jaw and purposeful stride in his gait."

[Nomster]

Telia is often seen at the Song of the Morning after Eldarian was brought there. She does not show grief but a strange determination is often seen on her face, sometimes her expression looking troubled and as if she was haunted by something.

Whenever the young girl, Amanda, is nearby, the sorceress lets her worries fall to the side and tries to converse with her about various small things. From a certain tapestry or work of art found in the Temple to the mischievous things Silvyr gets up to.


The ginger tabby seems to be all over the Temple when not at Amanda's side. Being a cat, he has little respect for what is a holy surface and what is not a holy surface. More than once, he has been seen sprawled atop the altar in the Temple as if he owned it. Once, a candle was even pushed to the floor for no apparent reason at all. He has also been seen lapping up holy water from a bowl placed out which had not been meant as a cat's water dish.

[kleomenes]

Ameris Santraeger remains within Beregost during this time.

He would approach Amanda in the morning; and would adopt a pleasant, cheerful demeanour with her, masking grief. He would ask her how she found the temple.

"This is a bright place, is it not? Is it how you imagined?"

He would make sure she had some study to undertake and would sit with her a time to assist her. Not a skill of his. If the Lathanderites had already prepared things for her to learn, though, he would defer to their judgment.

Beyond this, Ameris sets himself the task to be of assistance to the Dawnpriest Alesea in her own duties, being kindly insistent that she allocate him menial or administrative tasks to spare her time for wider duties. He would, of course, welcome tasks relating to healing, where he could use his Ilmatari expertisel, and would volunteer to do the duties that would take him out and about Beregost. Perhaps his view is that Alesea wishes to be within the vaults of the Song of Morning. Around Alesea his expression is one of quiet compassion.

Indeed his general demeanour is of saddened pleasantness.

Ameris would, when opportunity presented, request to visit the body of the Dawnknight Eldarian alone. When he emerges from the vaults, after a half hour or so, his red rimmed eyes show his grief.

[Miasmata]

A slight altercation flowed within the Song of the Morning a few hours after morning prayers and the Dawnknight's body was placed next to the symbol of Lathander for open visitation of guests.

Whispers among the streets of Beregost state that a figure cloaked in a daring cloud of darkness and lightning descended upon the temple in question and entered before a bold claim was made toward the Dead Dawnknight.

It left soon after in a flurry and three people, two men and a woman, rose from their seemingly peaceful vigil to give chase.

[Kagger911]

Word is given to the Clergy and Templars of the Song of the Morning that Kagger, with a description circulated, as well as Captain Greil of the Ebon Blade - likewise with a description, though this one is drawn by an expert's hand - are not permitted upon temple grounds under any circumstances.

The Templar guard at each entry of the temple is doubled, as are their patrols of Beregost. An honor guard presides over the Knight-Commander's reposed form within the temple at all times, unmoving in the execution of their singlar duty.

// If either of these PCs need to use the temple for raising purposes, an AFK tag needs to be employed!

The Cloaked figure shifts from side to side watching the Lathanderite temple.

///You're making me want to take out guards

[Silver_Lining]

On several occassions Desrah has been seen entering and exiting the Temple. Tearstained cheeks, dark circles beneath bloodshot eyes.. the dried and chapped lips and pale skin all betray how difficult the loss of her mentor of faith, guide of her redemption and good friend has been for her.

[Hidennka]

The day that chased guest's arrival of previous eve was one rife with duty. Still recovering from the weariness of hurried travel, both traditional and magical, that spanned unfathomable distance between homeland and Sword Coast, Cecilia was prompt in taking up prior station upon Dawnpriest's request; temporary though it may be. Whatever interactions the Templar would have with the late paladin were kept to moments of privacy.

Joining the ranks of her brethren in vigil over the public viewing of the deceased, there was an undeniable peace that clung to the woman's demeanor as she welcomed those whom would come to pay their respects with a gentle warmth. Though her own sadness was evident despite the calmth of her person, the blonde spent much of her time tending to the varied mourners and celebrating life with tales and shared recounts of the departed; her presence only absent for the timed patrol of Beregost's streets in light of earlier events.

Selune's manifestation marked the night sky with the last departure of temple's guests from the building, the doors closing in brief for the transport of Dawnknight's repose from public eye. It was during this time the Cormyran turned to filed reports of the temple's activities, the reading material keeping her occupied throughout the eve until the inevitable change of guarded shifts and the bequeathed slumber that came with such.

[Mendoza]

Dorne stands near the dais at the Song of the Morning Temple alongside his fellow Templar. His gaze is locked on the temple's entance and he hardly engages in any meaningful conversation with those that visit. Should any visitor attempt to disturb the Vigil, he and the other members of the Honor Guard quickly remove the nuisance. Occasionally there are 'cracks in the armor' and Dorne's grief is evident for a few moments, but otherwise his face remains statue-like and he hardly moves. He would remain in Vigil over the body of the Knight-Commander for the duration of the ceremony, not leaving for even a moment nor does he appear to rest and take food or water.

[Darkcloud777]

*A conversation occured in the Temple of Latherdar. Guards and priests would have born witness to the following conversation.*

"My friend Eldarian", Terri Lalani choked up, "Why did this happen to you? If there was any way possible to switch roles with you I would do so in an instant" Eldarian Al'maire's form laid perfectly still, despite her words. "You are the only true friend who ever showed any compassion towards me. I know it is selfish of me to think of myself when you lie here, but you was my sun, my dawn. You saw something in me that no other has. It saddens me that no one informed me of this occurrence. She wiped a tear from her eye. "Rumors is how I learned of your demise. rumors of you being murdered. I don't know who did this to you but I will attempt to find out. I have no one now. She collapsed to her knees before the Prone form of Eldarian. "I have no physical gift for you Eldarian, No physical gift would properly convey just how much you meant to me. Eldarian's form remained silent throughout her words. She laid the note upon his prone body, taking care not to touch him. "please bring him back to us Lathendar" she began to pray. "I need him so so bad. His work has saved me from the shadows of evil." Dorne entered the temple with a smile that quickly faded. He saw Terri's face tear streaked and praying reverentially. He took a few staggered steps forward before stumbling and catching himself on the bench. She wiped her tears away upon hearing the doors open. Dorne slowly fell into the bench, his mind slowly grasping the scene before him.
Loud sniffling was heard coming from Terri as she slowly regained her composure. "I will see justice is served on your assailant" , she vowed and slowly stood. Dornes head hung silently in disbelief. She sobbed one last time then quickly turned and walked out turning her head to conceal her tears from Dorne as she walked past.

[Hidennka]

- A Dawnknight's Passing -

With the rise of dawn and the bathe of moasic imagery upon temple's windows in the warming rays of morn, so too were the ritualistic daily prayers held during the Morninglord's most cherished hours. The praise was warm in spiritual offering, yet there remained the same solemn atmosphere of several mornings past and an increase of candlelight in the lining of pews. With the softening voices of song in conclusion, a blonde woman moved gracefully to the podium at the incitation of announcement and the nod of dark-haired priestess. Layer upon layer of sheer fabric pooled at the soles of strapped footwear, forming puddles of rich peach hue upon cobbled stone as she cleared her throat in preparation for address.

"Brothers, Sisters, Guests." spoke the Templar with a thick Cormanthan accent, the soft melody of her voice reaching the back of the room with little effort. Slender fingers and clean nails curled gently upon the wooden edge of the lectern with the brush of rosen tongue to dampen full lips in pause. Exhaling a slow breath, a gentle smile painted sadly upon celestial features that shifted with solemn expression and heaviness of heart. "Many of you are aware of present circumstances that have kept the temple busy over recent days, yet there remains need for vocalization of tragedy." A single hand lifted from it's grasp to gesture at the behest of gown's billowing sleeve and the subtle lift of rounded chin for deliverance; her own personal feelings reserved for privacy in light of duty. The weave of sapphire gaze slowly drifted over those present, making gentle contact with all that would meet the travel of her vision.

"On behalf of the Song of the Morning temple, and the Most Radiant Church of Lathander, it has fallen upon me to speak these words. Ser Eldarian Al'maire, Knight-Commander of Templar and Honorary Knight of the Order of the Aster... has perished in the line of duty."

Gently, a hand lifted with tender understanding to quiet whatever reactions may follow. Several strands of pale blonde tumbled from the circling braid that adorned the Templar's crown as she shook her head in a calm manner, slender fingers lifting to tuck them behind the elongated point of ear. The thread of digits then moved to clasp anew on angled podium with the quiet radiance of peaceful countenance, the intermingle of faithful acceptance and the sadness of loss a painting upon canvas of porcelain. "It is known that a ship is it's safest in harbor, closed off from the dangers of the open sea. That, however, is not the purpose for which a ship is built. Duty, honour, justice, chivalry. Commander Al'maire maintained a strict adherence to these virtues among countless others, and it was his selfless devotion to faith that shone as beacon even in the darkest of hours." The subtle grasp of holy symbol forged from rosen quartz and wood bespoke wordless prayer for strength as the words settled upon the gathering; lingering upon her own lips for several beats with inevitable fade.

It was then Cecilia departed the lectern, the graceful sway of skirt's sheer fabrics taking her to center step so that she might open her arms in heartfelt proclamation; one tenderly mindful of shock and sorrow yet strong in conviction."Take heart, Children of Light, in the knowledge of divine reward. Eldarian Al'maire, of the City of Splendors, has found his peace and bathes now in the radiance of our Morninglord. Grieve as is needed but weep not for the loss of life. Mourn not for what was taken. Rather, celebrate what was shared. Treasure the memories, cheer the accomplishments, and hearken to remember there is always another dawn."

The gentle curl of the woman's tapering lips did not falter in the warmth of a smile genuinely expressed. Clasping a slender hand to the curve of breast with the elegant poise of a grateful bow in place of armored salute, the templar would rise from formalities with the set of weariness upon slender shoulders for spoken conclusion. "Funeral preparations are presently underway, with details to follow upon... finalization. The Song of the Morning graciously and humbly offers it's thanks for condolences received prior, present and for those to come. In light of such, and standing as tribute to the late Commander, friends, family and associates are invited to scribe final thoughts in guest book memorium, should they wish to do so."

A quiet 'thank you' punctuated the templar's deliverance of public statement and conclusion of congregation; her tranquil departure from the rostrum accompanied by the swirl of peach about her ankles and the subtle brush of light-toned fingertips at the russet origins of framed blue eyes. The church bells ring thrice.

[DM Arrakeen]

In the light of recent happenings at the Temple of Lathander, the lone child and her furry protector were left to their own devices under a not-so-tight supervision of some of the younger clergy. The first few days since the arrival had been a strain on girl's sensitive mind. Only thanks to the persistent presence of the cat and most likely due to his mischievous nature that has been slowly, rubbing off on her, Amanda explored some of the areas of the Temple; cautiously and when she thought no one pays her any attention.

After the body of the fallen Knight Commander had been delivered to the Temple and later on put on display, the church turned into a rather busy place with many people visiting. The crowd forces Amanda to keep her distance. She does, however, observe in silence all the proceedings she can.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Telia is often seen at the Song of the Morning after Eldarian was brought there. She does not show grief but a strange determination is often seen on her face, sometimes her expression looking troubled and as if she was haunted by something.

Whenever the young girl, Amanda, is nearby, the sorceress lets her worries fall to the side and tries to converse with her about various small things. From a certain tapestry or work of art found in the Temple to the mischievous things Silvyr gets up to.

Amanda answers when asked questions and if her anxiety doesn't bother her much she even tells Telia about Silvyr's adventures or about a piece of chicken the cat has stolen from the kitchen.

The ginger tabby seems to be all over the Temple when not at Amanda's side. Being a cat, he has little respect for what is a holy surface and what is not a holy surface. More than once, he has been seen sprawled atop the altar in the Temple as if he owned it. Once, a candle was even pushed to the floor for no apparent reason at all. He has also been seen lapping up holy water from a bowl placed out which had not been meant as a cat's water dish.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Ameris Santraeger remains within Beregost during this time.

He would approach Amanda in the morning; and would adopt a pleasant, cheerful demeanour with her, masking grief. He would ask her how she found the temple.

"This is a bright place, is it not? Is it how you imagined?"

"It was bright. In the beginning. Now it's not," Amanda looked away from the book she was currently reading and towards Ameris. "When people die, the dark comes," she says quietly in a thoughtful voice. "But he is not in the shadows. Does this mean he is not lost?" The little girl directs her serious question at the priest.

He would make sure she had some study to undertake and would sit with her a time to assist her. Not a skill of his. If the Lathanderites had already prepared things for her to learn, though, he would defer to their judgment.

Whatever schooling tasks are given to Amanda she fulfills them as long as she doesn't have to write anything down. She would stubbornly refuse even if urged to write.

Beyond this, Ameris sets himself the task to be of assistance to the Dawnpriest Alesea in her own duties, being kindly insistent that she allocate him menial or administrative tasks to spare her time for wider duties. He would, of course, welcome tasks relating to healing, where he could use his Ilmatari expertisel, and would volunteer to do the duties that would take him out and about Beregost. Perhaps his view is that Alesea wishes to be within the vaults of the Song of Morning. Around Alesea his expression is one of quiet compassion.

Indeed his general demeanour is of saddened pleasantness.

Ameris would, when opportunity presented, request to visit the body of the Dawnknight Eldarian alone. When he emerges from the vaults, after a half hour or so, his red rimmed eyes show his grief.

~~~~~~~~~~~

If not prevented from doing so, Amanda could be seen watching the body from afar while pulling at the red cord around her neck. Oddly enough in those moments of observation she would appear calmer and more at peace than usual.