A Canticle for Jader

Posted on 18 Jan 2024 @ 11:55pm by Mage Kalian Winter & Warrior Rhiannon Cadash & Warrior Katya Charbonnet (Shar-bon-ay) & Warrior Knight-Lieutenant Lady Alexandra Baudelaire-Laurent & Rogue Elinowy Ursulas & Rogue Vasil & Mage Kithris Sabrae

3,551 words; about a 18 minute read

Mission: Bann Voyage
Location: Jader chantry
Timeline: Bloomingtide 19th

The chantry was always open to the faithful for prayer and contemplation, and services were held daily. But a greater portion of the Andrastrians of Jader gathered on the first day of the week, when Mother Giselle herself presided. The familiar ritual, ornate décor, statues representing the different aspects of Andraste, and the scent of beeswax candles and incense, was comforting to many.

Kalian sat impatiently at the end of a chantry pew, several rows from the front. Armin, his father, sat to Kalian's left in his wheeled chair, and Iris Kalian's four-year-old niece sat in the pew with him on the other side. Iris was paying no more attention to the service than Kalian, her focus riveted on the toy pony in her lap, an ingeniously robust representation made of soft fur and carved wood that Rhiannon had given her. The sermon was nearly over, then there would be singing, and then the service would be done.

Kalian's attention was drawn to the front pew, where Knight Captain Joseph Dunbar sat, apparently enraptured by the sermon being delivered by his long time friend, Mother Giselle. The Knight Captain was an older man with gray hair who was nonetheless known to work his recruits hard in the practice yard, and was by all accounts very capable with a sword. Other Templars sat with him, including the new one. A pretty blonde Knight Lieutenant, rumored to have come from Kirkwall.

Rhiannon did not follow the teachings of the Maker. She barely followed the Dwarven practice of Paragons and returning to the stone. So this, this was definitely different than anything she had ever experienced. Still she thought, as the sermon was wrapping up, that the singing was good. Her problem throughout the whole thing was that she couldn't stop glancing at Kalian. That night......oh that night at the baroness's place. Just that thought made this stout dwarf blush.

Yet there was a damper on her mood. No matter how much joy the thoughts of her Kalian brought to her. It was the new Templar that had been brought in. This Knight-Lieutenant Lady Alexandra Baudelaire-Laurent, this woman who could make her life......well take her life away from her. Anger flared inside the dwarf. Stoked with the bellows of dwarven determination. Rhi's crimson eyes shown with a passion that if anyone looked at her, would know to stay clear of her and who she loves.

Kalian reached for Rhiannon's hand and held it. Ever since the Summerday festival, when Elinowy had nearly died and he had outed himself as an apostate in front of all of Jader including Mother Giselle and Knight Captain Dunbar, Kalian worried that mage hunters would come for him, and how that might impact his extended family and friends. Mother Giselle had granted him dispensation, and Dunbar had honored her wishes. So far.

The rows of red robes in the choir section provided some anonymity for sister Elinowy, still her height made her quickly identifiable to any with the knowledge to seek her out. Regardless she considered herself just one of a multitude of voices proclaiming the Chant to the corners of the world. Tucked in line with her sisters it reaffirmed her beliefs, just a voice in a sea of flaming crimson. She stood listening to Mother Giselle's homily, silently praying that the Maker's word might be heard from the voice of the venerated woman. She felt the familiar shudder through her being as Giselle spoke of the Maker's love for his bride. Although she knew the Maker had taken his leave of the world until all should turn back to him, she still fervently believed she could feel his presence in the service.

As Giselle closed her reflections for the morning, the choir began the benediction chant. Elinowy's eyes closed as she felt the thrill in her soul as the words of the Maker flowed forth from her.

"And the stars stood still, the winds did quiet, and all animals of earth and air held their breath.
All was silent in prayer and thanks.
Let him take notice and shine upon thee, for thou has done His work this day.
The path of righteousness is full of hardship, but the Maker smiles upon its travelers.
And Andraste came unto them saying, "Though the danger great, the mountain high, have faith. For the Maker listens and smiles upon us."
Let each look after his neighbor, and he will be looked after in return.
For a foundation built of stone, marble, or any precious metal is worthless if faith in the Maker is absent.
And Eileen spoke unto the masses, "My hearth is yours, my bread is yours, my life is yours. For all who walk in the sight of the Maker are one."
Let all repeat the Chant of Light. Only the Word dispels the darkness upon us."

As the vocal tones of the chant resonated off the great stones of the building, the service came to its close. Elinowy prayed that many would hear and repent to the Maker's love. Her eyes opened as she surveyed the crowd of the faithful. The powerful and wealthy in the front, and the common people gathered behind them. She made out the familiar stance of Kalian by his Father's chair. She smiled toward him. She rejoiced he kept to his promises to attend the Chant each week. She held out hope for his soul.

-----

It wasn't her place to question orders. It wasn't her place to question the will of the Chantry. Yet, Lady Alexandra Baudelaire-Laurent, Knight-Lieutenant of the Templar Order was confused. She had been brought to Jadar for the purpose of hunting apostates and now, the Knight-Captain had told her not to go after a known Apostate, a self-admitted one at that.

It made no sense to her. Shook her to the core. She knew her duties and her vows.

She walked with the Knight-Captain at the end of the service, striding besides him.

"Knight-Captain, you brought me here to hunt Apostates. Yet you allow one whom has freely admitted to his Apostasy to roam free? Forgive my asking, Knight-Captain, but I must know why, aside from the edict of the holy mother, Giselle?"

She turns her head as they walked to face him, whispering so that only he may hear her.

"Transfigurations 1:2: Magic exists to serve man, and never to rule over him. Foul and corrupt are they Who have taken His gift And turned it against His children. They shall be named Maleficar, accursed ones. They shall find no rest in this world Or beyond. This goes against the tenants of our very order."

"Oh. Is that why I brought you here." Joseph stopped walking and faced Alexandra. "Knight Lieutenant. I must assume you are lecturing me about about the Chant because of Kalian Winter." He turned back toward the pews where a dwarven woman rumored to be the apostate's lover was helping him tuck the small child of his sister into his disabled father's arms. "Since he did not use magic during the service or otherwise give any indication of his mage status, I must assume you've been wasting your time listening to barracks gossip."

"This isn't Kirkwall, Lieutenant. Your vocation is to protect the people of Jader from magic. Any Templar here could apprehend Kalian easily, no hunting required. That one has, so far, used his magic to serve the people of Jader. He saved Sister Elinowy's life and helped save Mother Giselle's life too." Joseph was quiet a moment, then shifted his gaze from the apostate in question back to Alexandra. "And yet, we do watch him. Edict or no, I assure you we will act if necessary."

"As you decree, Knight Captain."

She responds professionally, turning to resume walking with the Knight Captain.

As the Chantry sisters filed out from the Sanctuary, Elinowy stepped out and walked into the main naive of the church. She could see Kalian preparing his father to leave. She looked forward to greeting them and expressing her appreciation of them attending the service for the morning. She enjoyed being around Kalian. She owed him her life, twice over, a debt that was never satisfied by merely watching over his spiritual development. Perhaps it was the bonding while being healed by him, but she felt a strong draw to him. She understood he was currently involved with the dwarf Rhiannon, and she was not seeking a mate, but there was still this feeling she couldn't explain. She was almost near enough to catch his attention without drawing undue notice within the Chantry. But as she started to raise her arm to wave, she heard a familiar voice.

Knight Captain Dunbar called out to the flame-haired Chantry sister. "Sister Elinowy? Please join us, I'd like you to meet our new Knight Lieutenant."

Elinowy looked to the Knight Captain and realized Kalian would have to wait. She shifted her face into a practiced serenity as she turned to approach the templars. "May the blessings of the Maker be upon you Knight Captain." she said with grace. She smiled to the tall blonde woman standing dutifully at his side, raising her hand with a sign of blessing. "May you partake of the maker's affections. Are you new to Jader Knight Lieutenant?" she asked.

"And may the Maker's light bless you, Sister." The Knight Lieutenant responded with her own sign of the blessing of the Chantry. "Jadar thus far has been a most...interesting posting, Sister. I do look forward to exploring it more."

The scarlet clad sister smiled. "The Maker has lead me to remain here for some months now. I know most of the city, but it still continues to be inspirational and heartbreaking. So many need to hear the Chant, so much desperation, but still a strong community. I have found many virtuous and reliable people here."

She looked the blonde woman in the face with the searching gaze that seemed required by those in sacred orders. "Where have you served Knight Lieutenant? I hear a familiar Orlesian dialect," she said with a smile.

"I was stationed for a time in Val Royeaux at the white spire during my training, My Family is from the Dukedom of Drakensommet where I am heir to the Grand Duke. I have served at Therinfal Redoubt and the Starkhaven Circle in Kirkwall under Knight Commander Meredith."

-----

Katya loved to attend these services. Especially when Mother Giselle was there. She had asked Kit to accompany her and she agreed. She didn't care what others thought of her. She had grown up in the orphanage. People had always looked down on her. Now that she was considered one of the elite, it didn't change anything. She loved Kit and Kit loved her. That was all that mattered. She smiled as she listened to Mother Giselle. It was scary to think not that long ago she was the target of an assassination attempt but everything was fine now.

Kit wasn't sure what to expect when she walked in. When Katya asked for her to join her for the sermon, Kit agreed. She had to admit that she had been curious as to the shems did inside their churches. Oh she had heard the chant before, even thought some of it made sense. Yet there was the problem of her being an elf and an apostate. She knew that Katya would protect her with her life. She, Kit would hurt anyone who dared hurt Katya.

Kit shook her head slightly, ridding her mind of those thoughts and focused on Katya. She watched the woman she loved singing along and chanting along with this Mother Giselle. She could see how much this meant to Katya, could see the joy it brought her. To see this brought a warm smile to Kit's face as she shifted to be closer to Katya.

Katya loved it when Kit was close to her. She was so in love. She knew that Kit was her life and she would do anything for her. Woe to the person who tried to hurt her for they would face the wrath of Katya. As it was, she made Katya feel so wonderful. Truly, Katya felt Kit was the missing piece to complete her life.

-----

With Rhiannon's assistance, Kalian helped Armin maneuver his wheeled chair towards the outer chantry doors with Iris on his lap. The chair had been designed and built by a local dwarven craftsman, and Armin needed no help in and around his home at the Raven's Roost. But the cobblestone road from the Raven to the chantry and the chantry stairs were a challenge.

The double doors were propped open for the moment, and members of the congregation lined up to greet Mother Giselle and Lady Seryl as they dispersed. Kalian waved to Katya and Kithris. They make such a great couple, he thought. That reminds me, I need to talk with Rhiannon about how I know Kithris. He looked for Elinowy, but she was speaking to the Knight Captain and his new lieutenant.

Rhi had helped with Iris and then helped Armin with his chair. Rhi was very impressed with the craftsmanship. She made sure to push the chair where Armin wanted to go while making funny faces with Iris and talking with Kalian. "I have to say, it was interesting. Not quite sure on how it all works but interesting none the less." She gives Iris a little growling snarl then laughed. "We seeing Mother Giselle?"

Iris giggled, then yawned just as Kalian's brother-in-law appeared in the doorway and she called out "Papa!" Ben, a tall burly friendly man, thanked Kalian for looking after his daughter for the morning, then began helping Armin maneuver his wheeled chair down the chantry steps.

In answer to Rhi's question, Kalian said, "Yes. Now that the local Chantry knows I'm a mage, I think it's reassuring for everyone to see that I'm still just… me." He sighed. Just me and not an abomination, he thought. Seriously, how could anyone believe he – or any mage for that matter – would be so stupid as to try and make a deal with a demon?

Rhi took ahold of Kalian's hand, gave it a squeeze. "A man." This said with love.

Kit held Katya's hand in hers as they left. She felt different, not bad or anything, just different. What Mother Giselle had said made some sense. Still there were things that she wasn't sure about. Though for her it didn't much matter. She was just happy that it made Katya happy. Looking up at the beautiful woman next to her she smiled warmly. "Thank you darling for bringing me. Are we to say hi to Mother Giselle now?"

"Yes darling we are. I want to introduce you to her and I want to say hello to her. " she squeezed Kit's hand lovingly. "I'm pretty sure she'll like you! I know I do." she said with a smile.

Kit gave Katya a smile. "I hope she does."

Rahvin had stood in the back of the chapel during the sermon. An Andrastrian by birth, he was not a religious man. He believed though he didn't practice. When the service was over he stepped out immediately and stood off to the side as the acolytes and Mother Giselle came out, followed by the parishioners. He stood patiently for the line to finish before he would request to see Seryl and Giselle. What mission would they have sent Jaslyn on.

With grace and gentle manipulative skill honed by years of practice, Mother Giselle guided parishioners toward the chantry doors and Lady Seryl ushered them out until only a strategic select few remained. Katya with Kithris, and Kalian with Rhiannon, waited patiently. Giselle called out to the three near the chantry's rear exit, "Knight Captain Dunbar, Knight Lieutenant Alexandra, and Sister Elinowy, please join us."

Elinowy's attention was pulled away from the conversation by the gentle request of Mother Giselle. "Dear friends, let us see what happenings are about." she stated as she stepped back to turn the group toward the elderly sister.

The Knight Captain bowed his head to Sister Elinowy. As the sister turned away, he spoke in a low voice to Alexandra. "You are about to receive your first official assignment, Knight Lieutenant."

Mother Giselle acknowledged the presence of Warden Rahvin with a grave nod and added, "There is a matter of importance Lady Seryl and I must speak to you all about. We are awaiting one more –" She paused as Jessamir Cadash, captain of the Night's Kiss, strode into the chantry trailed by what appeared to a slim member of her crew.

Seryl shut the door behind the newcomers, then she stood next to Mother Giselle.

Rahvin gave Mother Giselle a small bow in return. His attention turned to the dwarf and a young human that just came in. He had seen the dwarf woman before, knew that the other was her daughter. The young male though was new.

"I see." Katya said. Somehow it just felt disappointing. She had hoped for a more social occasion. She wanted to show off Kit but if Lady Seryl and Mother Giselle thought it was important, then she'd listen. It didn't escape her notice that Rhiannon's mother had come in as well. It would seem it involved the Night's Kiss whatever the problem was. "What is the problem and how can we help?"

Kit stayed close to Katya and stayed quite."

Elinowy was intrigued to see her usual compatriots remaining at Mother Giselle's request. The reputation of their company had grown with their recent exploits. She stepped into the gathering circle of friends and elves. The presence of the Warden was ominous and bode gravitas to whatever was to be revealed. Elinowy waited patiently, praying for the Maker's guidance in the unfolding events.

Vasil reminded himself of some pet dog loyally trailing it's master as he followed behind Jessamir...oops...Captain. He was already in a part of the city he would normally never go in. He had always stuck to the docks, the crowded street markets (with it's oh so many tempting targets to relieve of valuables), and yes, the slums of the poor. This was supposedly holy ground (if one believed in that sort of thing, he'd never had any religious upbringing). It made him a bit uncomfortable but he put on his usual self-assured face. He was more than content to let the Captain do the talking, he could not imagine what sort of small talk he could even engage in with all these mostly red robed folk. Least his new garments didn't make him stick out like his former filthy rags.

Rhi spotted her mother as she came in. This was a bit unexpected, though the young man who was with her was definitely unexpected. Rhi looked to Kalian, gave him a smile. "Something is up if my mother is here."

Jessamir strode in through the doors, almost as if she owned the place. She knew enough to show respect. Seeing Mother Giselle and Seryl, she gave a respectful nod. Spotting her daughter and Kalian, she made towards her and stopping close to the two of them. Without hesitation, she gives her daughter a quick hug then gave a hug to Kalian. This one just as quick but she made sure that Kalian felt how much she loved him. She let go and looked to Vasil. "Rhiannon, Kalian, this is Vasil." She sees that the young man had stayed a little behind her. "Vasil, is now in charge of our security. With all that entails." She motions for Vasil to stand next to her. "Remember Vasil. You are now a part of our crew. You have a say in what our crew does."

Vasil stood there as Jessamir approached a young couple and hugged them both. Alright, fair enough. He had no clue. But then she turned and presented him, also giving the couple names to go with faces. Vasil nodded respectfully.

"Hullo," he replied softly.

Next the Captain explained his duties, he was in charge of security. For that that meant, Vasil still wasn't sure. But that was the deal.

"Yes, ma'am...I mean.. cap'n," he nodded once more.

Kalian returned Jessamir's embrace. Somehow he always felt a bit nervous around Rhiannon's mother, and he appreciated the gesture of acceptance. "A pleasure to meet you, Vasil." He regarded the young man curiously, and wondered at his title. Kalian had once accompanied Rhiannon and Jessamir for security, and Kalian wondered if Vasil was also an apostate. Unlike most of Jessamir's crew, Vasil wasn't a dwarf.

"You too...ummm, Kalian," Vasil meeting Kalian's probing gaze.

Rahvin moved stand off to the side of the new Knight-Lieutenant, Knight Captain, Mother Giselle and Seryl. He had seen the rest at one point or another when he would come into Jader. His voice low, though it carried as he spoke. "Mother Giselle. You have asked for my presence for this meeting. How may the Grey Wardens help?"

OOC(Sprite): Continued in post "A Warden for West Hill"

 

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