"Father wants us to visit the abbey" Athelisa announced when she burst through the door of her sister's room, brother in tow. Briana looked up from the book that she was reading  and said, " Well, if father wishes it, then we must go. "

 "We go tomorrow" Athelisa replied. The three siblings packed their trunks that night, and in the morning, they stepped into the carriage and it rode off to the abbey.

Mina's horse came to a slow stop and she deftly let her feet hit the ground. She had told her father she was coming for spiritual guidance, though he doubted that knowing his daughter too well. There were usually other motives as there were today.

Today she wore green, a shade that brought out the red in her cheeks and blue of her eye. In her golden hair threads of silver were woven to hold it out of her face. Large curls fell down her back, the sun warming her face as she knocked on the door. She had found it better to be invited into religious buildings and homes, while she didn't lose everything it certainly had the ability to weaken her if she pushed through a threshold.

"Did father say why he wants us to visit the Abbey?" Briana asked as they rode. She had no particular wish to do so but it wasn't worth the argument that asking him would have provoked. "Does this have anything to do with Robin's possible marriage?"

In reply to Princess Briana (msg # 3):

 "I don't know" Athelisa replied. " Perhaps he wants to seek guidance from the
Abbess. "

The abbey was a large and old compound. Built in more dangerous times, it was as much a fortress as a place of worship, with a walled courtyard and outbuildings before the abbey's main structure. When the Lady pulled the bell-pull, the gatekeeper quickly opened the gate for her.

"Welcome to Byren Abbey, m'Lady. Please come in. It is an honor," began the gatekeeper, a healthy-looking woman of later years. "Will you be wishing to call on the Abbess?" So there was no difficulty in getting invited in, it seemed. Two junior Red Sisters came to take Wilhelmina's horse.

"So why are we making this journey, Father?" Briana asked. "Not that I mind getting out of the castle but I'd rather do so on Star instead of one of these damned carriages."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:03, Fri 28 Dec 2018.

In reply to Princess Briana (msg # 6):

Athelisa laughed, and looked out the window. "We're here", she said. The coachman hopped down and opened the door of the carriage, and Robin climbed out first, then helped his sisters down, and finally, their father climbed out. "Thank you, Richart." he said.

 "We're here at last" Athelisa said. "My, it's so big! And it looks so strong!" Her father turned to her. " Well, of course. It's supposed to be that way to prevent attack. "
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:19, Fri 28 Dec 2018.

As the carriage arrived in the courtyard, more grooms came to handle the conveyance and horses. Seeing the King, the gatekeeper curtsied to Duchess Wilhelmina, then immediately corralled one of the younger sisters and sent her scurrying toward the main building with a quick "Tell the Abbess!"

It was less than ten minutes before Sister Adelida came out. She was dressed in the red habit of her order, though as many Sisters did, she went bareheaded. Her only marks of rank were the ruby-studded pendant around her neck and the ash wand slung on a weapon belt. As she arrived, she gave a low curtsy to (in turn) the King, the Princesses, and the Duchess.

"Your Majesty. Your Highnesses. Your Grace. Welcome to Byren Abbey. It is a pleasant surprise and an honor to have you all here with me this fine day." She smiled. "Please come inside. I will have a parlor cleared and afternoon refreshment brought." She gestured politely toward the abbey.

The king replied "Thank you, Abbess.You are most gracious indeed." He strode into the abbey, his children and the duchess following him. Adelisa picked up her skirts to go up the front step and then dropped them. She soon fell in line with Duchess Wilhelmina. "Hello, Duchess. It's nice to see you. What did you come to the Abbey for?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:09, Mon 31 Dec 2018.

Adelida led everyone into a parlor, where a pitcher of sweetened light wine and a platter of small cakes sat in the middle of a circular table. Adelida took a seat and gestured to everyone to join her, showing no particular concern for precedence - this wasn't a banquet.

"I hope everyone has had a pleasant journey to our humble abode," the Abbess began, hoping to stimulate conversation among her guests.

Sir Bran and Sir Gareth had agreed to guard the king while he was here at the abbey. The two quietly stood in the back, holding hands temporarily.

In reply to Sister Adelida (msg # 10):

 "Yes, thank you" Athelisa replied. King Christofle glanced at his younger daughter, and nodded. "Yes, I'm glad to be here, abbess. I've got something to discuss with you later."

Hmm Athelisa thought. Perhaps I can listen in on it.

"So, father. May I ask what this trip was for? It was rather sudden and no mention of why was made whilst we were on our way here," Briana asked him in a polite and respectful tone.

In reply to Princess Briana (msg # 13):

King Christofle glanced at his daughter. "Yes, the reason why I came here was this. I intend to bring your mother back to the palace from exile. However, the people still think her a witch and are ready to kill her. That is why I came to consult with the abbess."

 Athelisa turned to her sister. "That's what I was going to tell you. However, you went on that hunt with Robin a few days ago, and I wasn't able to."

Adelida smiled and gestured to one of the sisters. "Have a room prepared for Her Grace," she said. The sister curtsied and escorted Wilhelmina to another room where she could refresh herself, while the Abbess spoke with the King in private.

Once the Duchess was gone, Adelida turned to the King. "You fear a revolt if she returns?" asked the Red Sister. "It has always pained me that the people should so fear magic, when it is a gift from God. It must be used appropriately and cautiously, but caution doesn't mean blind rejection and burning at the stake. We've had quite enough of that." She looked directly at Princess Briana. "This message is for you as well, child, and I hope you take it to heart. God has given you stewardship of a mighty gift, and with such a gift comes an equal responsibility. Never call upon a dragon carelessly, for that way lies suffering, and not only for yourself."

Adelida then returned her eyes to the king, tapping her lip. After a moment, she spoke. "The peasants do not call my Red Sisters witches - they are too grateful for our healing powers. So perhaps we should make a bargain." Adelida smiled. "Will you grant Byren Abbey authority and judgment over the use of magic in our kingdom?" she asked. "If you do, then send your wife here. She will face my inquiry for witchcraft, and if she is innocent of evil-doing, I will admit her as a lay sister and send her to you with my blessing."

"Do you think the people would accept that, Majesty?"

In reply to Sister Adelida (msg # 15):

King Christofle nodded. "That is a wise idea, abbess. Thank you. Yes, I do believe that the people would accept your judgement on the matter."

"I will be most careful, Abbess. I know my power can cause unbridled destruction which is something I have no wish to see."

She turned to her father. "Truly? Mother will be coming home?" She asked with a huge smile. "I've missed her so! This is exciting but do you honestly think the people of the kingdom would risk regicide and the consequences such an act would bring down upon them?"

In reply to Princess Briana (msg # 17):

The king simply answered "Our people seem to think that all witches are evil and that they should be killed. That is why I am so worried for your mother. And no, the people do not seem to care about the consequences that regicide would bring down upon them."

Adelida smiled at Briana. "If I can make it happen, I will," she said kindly. "And we can work to change the people's perceptions, one step and one sorceress at a time. They are right to be wary, but a system of training for practitioners, laws for the practice, and watchful sisters for enforcement should do a great deal to allay their concerns."

"Princess Briana, I would also like you to take oblate's vows." She looked to Athelisa. "If you have any magical talents of your own, perhaps inherited from or taught by your mother, I ask the same of you, Princess Athelisa. The vows required of lay sisters should not interfere with your futures, but they should keep self-proclaimed witch hunters at bay, and your acquiescence will send a positive message to the people of Uthea."

In reply to Sister Adelida (msg # 19):

Athelisa smiled at the abbess's kind offer, and replied "No. I don't have any powers of my own. But thank you for the advice."

Briana looked slight uncomfortable and gathered her thoughts before speaking. "Is that something I can give consideration to, father? I'm not certain the life of a Lay Sister is the life for me." She had, in truth, never been the most observant in terms of Faith went and would find vows somewhat restrictive.

In reply to Princess Briana (msg # 21):

The king said to his daughter, "You do not have to take the vows if you do not want to, but it would provide a measure of safety."

The Abbess nodded as well. "You may consider the matter as long as you require, or ask me for further clarification if you do not know what becoming an oblate entails."

In reply to Sister Adelida (msg # 23):

 "There, see, Briana, it'll be all right." Athelisa patted her sister's arm gently. Then she got up and poured herself a small glass of wine from the pitcher.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:59, Tue 08 Jan 2019.

"Thank you, Abbess. I appreciate your understanding in this matter. May I respectfully ask if we can return to the topic of mother coming home? When did this come up, father? Have you spoken to her about it?" Briana asked her father.

The king replied, "I simply thought that it was time to see my wife again and to let her see our children.  And yes, I've spoken to her about it. It was she who suggested that I consult with the Abbess about bringing her back."

Adelida sat back as the father and daughter talked.

She smiled beatifically at her father, obviously excited at the idea of mother coming home. "This is wonderful! We've all missed her so and it's been too long since she left. I must admit to some anger at the people for threatening her to the point she was forced to flee and making her return dangerous.

"I as well," said Adelida. "It was a disgraceful thing, to threaten an innocent woman like that out of blind superstition." She sighed. "All that we can do now is mend the wrong done, and do our utmost to put an end to such evil."

"When can we expect to see her back, father? We must prepare the palace at once and plan a great fete in her honour!" Briana's excitement was both obvious and contagious.

In reply to Princess Briana (msg # 30):

Their father replied, "We will be expecting her on the twelfth of next month. Yes, Briana, a fete is an excellent idea. When we get back to the palace, I shall begin making plans."

"I will escort her back myself, if you like."

In reply to Sister Adelida (msg # 32):

"Yes, abbess, that's a wonderful idea." the king replied.

This message was deleted by the player at 23:39, Sun 10 Feb 2019.

Garin was mounted on an assuming grey rouncy which matched his own grey hooded cloak. He guided his mount with a steady hand, despite his anxiety. The counsel of the castle chaplains wouldn't suffice today and he hadn't the patience to consult the holy texts with the respect they deserved. As he approached the abbey's gates he lowered his hood so the gatekeeper could recognize him.

"The gates are open," he stated in a loud voice without much of an inquisitive tone. He didn't bother with the formality of announcing himself, trusting his voice would be enough to identify him.

"The king and the royal family had just arrived, Lord Garin," called the gatekeeper. "You may enter the abbey. The abbess will be informed of your arrival."

Garin nodded in acknowledgment and rode through the gates into the courtyard and swiftly dismounted his horse. He stayed at its side as he awaited his family's departure. Already, his anxiety was lessening at the thought that they were nearby.

When the visit was done, Athelisa and her family left the abbey, where the abbess bade them goodbye, and Athelisa caught sight of one of her uncles.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:58, Sat 23 Feb 2019.

Garin gave a bow to Christolfe when the king and his followers entered the courtyard. He was eased to see Sirs Bran and Gareth with them. Together, he reckoned, the two could hold off an army with the help of the abbey's defenses. He acknowledged the pair with a nod before turning back to the king.

"Your Majesty, I hope you'll excuse my lack of courtliness today," he said in a somewhat casual tone. "I hadn't expected to find yourself and the rest of the royal family here. I only came for a quick word with the Reverend Mother."

A small smile crossed Garin's face at the sight of his nephew and nieces. Robin might have been mighty enough to be a fine king, but Garin didn't think he would ever be satisfied that his heart would be hard enough for the task. He was more concerned about about the boy's encouragement of Briana's past-times, though. In particular, he was afraid she saw them as more than past-times. It was her destiny to create a strong alliance for Uthea, not put her life in peril on some battlefield. He heard she was quite a quick study, though. He tried to hide his pride as he eyed her. She could have been me, in another life, he thought to himself. Though she brought him the most irritation, he knew it was only because she was closest to his own heart. Which was not to say Athelisa was nothing to him. His spring rose brought the most delight to him and to all.

Garin addressed them all curtly.

"Good to see all of you here, and not even on a holy day, besides. Is this to be a new routine for you kids or was there some new announcement for the Reverend Mother? A betrothal, perhaps?"

Saying this he raised an eyebrow at Briana.

Briana's eyes widened at her favourite uncle's words. "Umm...nothing like that, uncle. Something even more wonderful. Mother is coming home!" She said in obvious delight.

Garin's smile was strained and a nervous laugh escaped him.

"Is that right, dear?" he said quietly, with some uncharacteristic affection. "I had no idea."

He eyed Christolfe only briefly before looking around himself to see if anyone else had heard what Briana said.

"Ah, you kids must be so happy to be seeing her again after so much time," he continued after restoring his composure. "She'll be happy to be back as well, for certain. But do try to keep your future in mind, Briana. There would actually be nothing more wonderful for you or to your mother than a good match."

Garin's gaze was unconsciously drawn to the abbey's main structure. He pondered that perhaps providence had guided him here after all. He caught himself and looked back to the family.

"I'll not hold you all any longer. Have a safe journey."

He seemed to have a sad smile as he gave them a quick wave.

There'll be more dirty work ahead... I know it.

A minute later, Sister Adelida came out of the abbey's main building toward the front. Busy, busy, always more to arrange and less time to be casting spells. The magical life she had been promised!

"Your Majesty and Your Highnesses, it was good to see you again. Do have a safe trip now," she said kindly. She then turned to Lord Garin. "Ah, Marshall Garin!" she said, though the two had not spoken often. "Welcome to Byren Abbey. We are honored to have so many distinguished guests today."

In reply to Sister Adelida (msg # 40):

 "You are welcome, Abbess." The king replied before he got into the carriage.

Briana dipped into a shallow curtsy. "Good day, Abbess. Thank you for all you have done and will do for our family." She stepped into the carriage after her father.

"I still despise these things," she said in a low voice once she was settled.

Content that his family was in good hands, Garin kept his attention focused on Adelida as the carriage left the abbey. From his own observations, although there was certainly a boldness about her and she did not always seem to be in keeping with the spirit of Christolfe's rule, the abbess's wisdom had always seemed second nature for her. He hoped she could help him today.

"Yourself and the abbey are a great honor to the kingdom, Reverend Mother. I've come for your blessing if you would give it. And perhaps a quick consultation about something in private."

Adelida nodded, not missing the subtext. "Of course, Your Highness," she said sweetly. She smiled. "Come, your brother's chair in the sitting room should still be warm," she said just a little jokingly as she escorted the King's brother back inside the building.

Once alone in the sitting room together, Sister Adelida gave a little smile. "In most nunneries, to be unchaperoned like this would be a scandal. Fortunately, we never paid much attention to such things. How may I advise you?"

After following Adelida into the room, Garin sat down slowly into the available seat. He almost seemed to not notice Adelida's quip. To Garin, the beauty she possessed was only a testament to her talent, to have risen to her position so young. It was these inner qualities that he valued. As he spoke, he gazed at a piece of furniture or an implement in the room about as often as he looked at her.

"Thank you for meeting with me. It wasn't my hope that my family would be of much trouble to you today. And, from what I heard in the courtyard, I fear another of our number may be about soon. Not 'fear', I mean..." he finished quickly in a low voice.

He cleared his throat to fill the space in the air before continuing.

"My question today was regarding some unusual dreams. Vivid ones, though unclear, if that makes much sense. There doesn't seem to be any religious consensus on what role dreams ought to have in our lives. Divine guidance, infernal guile, or just delirious mutterings of an exhausted mind. But even so, some dreams are clearly different from others. What are your thoughts on the matter, Reverend Mother?"

"You need not fear your sister-in-law, and I am sure you will not have to fear for her," replied Adelida. "The people call my magic holy, and while it's a false distinction to divide between us, I'll use it if I must to protect her."

Adelida paused at the question. "Dreams are usually not omens," she said. "Usually, they are from the mind alone, and are a natural function of the human psyche. But God and the Adversary have been known to send messages through them. The difference is hard to tell for an untrained mind, but I would advise that if you had a vision as clear as reality, that remained so in your mind after you awoke, that you should speak to the clergy for guidance." She smiled just a bit. "As for which side is sending the visions, that's easier to tell. If the vision will lead you into sin, then it does not come from God."

"Have you had a particular dream you wish to share with me?"

Garin observed Adelida with care. He had never witnessed her use the offensive magics she spoke of but there was no good doubting a mage's power, before or after the fact.

"I will pray that you are correct about Her Majesty. I appreciate your willingness to help with your powers, but if something ill were to occur, being Marshall, I would be the one with the responsibility."

Garin then turned his attention to the room's shadows as he worked his memory.

"As for the dreams, they recur from time to time. I'm in darkness but surrounded by a field of white. A wasteland, I think. Snow? Ash? I never think to check... I'm focused on a smouldering flame before me instead. It fills me with..."

Garin's eyes darted back to Adelida, momentarily filled with a new hardness.

"Anxiety," he made himself say, before returning his gaze to the shadows. "I didn't know what worried me more. That the flame would die out or that it would... burst all about me. I don't remember feeling either hot or cold, or anything else. But I hear a loud hissing from the flame and that's when I awake."

Free of the hold of his memories, Garin leaned back in his chair and exhaled.

"That's it. No angelic voices calling to me. No mocking demons. No ledgers or coins dancing around my head. You say if the dreams lead me to sin, they're from our Enemy. But where are they leading, then? What are they warning?"

Garin sighed again at the thought that he was only spreading his troubles. He was supposed to be his brother's shield and a little dreamed smoke was overcoming him.

"You misunderstand. I mean to use the false distinction between 'holy magic' and 'witchcraft' to protect her. If the people accept that the Queen's power is sanctioned by the heavens, because I said it and my magic is trusted, that should solve the question right there." Adelida smiled.

Adelida considered the dream. "Well, it seems to have the marks of a vision, including the allegory," said Adelida. "I would say that the core of the message is not necessarily the flame, but the anxiety. You will be faced with a choice in a crisis, and there will be no perfect answer. Inaction will lead to ruin, but action will also be destructive and quite likely self-destructive. Now, a hissing sound? That's a new one and I can't tell you any meaning for that."

She paused. "The best piece of advice I can give you is this. When you face a crisis in your capacity as Marshall, be decisive. Obviously, don't be stupid, rash or hasty, but it's better to err on the side of action than vacillation."

"Well, that doesn't sound sinister at all to me," Garin mused after hearing Adelida's opinion on his dream. "I did my utmost to not dwell on the dreams but they kept coming to
me. Perhaps, I handled that poorly. I've not been one to believe in a situation without a perfect answer so I bear my battle scars, for instance, as reminders of my past errors. But perhaps, there was never any better way. I'll be mindful of my choices all the same."

Garin straightened up in his chair and looked back at Adelida.

"I'm quite convinced I'm not possessed by some fiend now," he said without a smile, perhaps making it difficult to tell if he was joking. "All the same, an invocation may please the Lord enough to let me sleep better. What do you suggest?"

"Well, there are many methods, Your Highness. What you can do is pray every night before bed," responded Adelida, "and I can give you a prayer book with marked passages for better communion with God. For the nights where you cannot sleep for the dreams, any herbalist should have poppy milk, but mind her instructions and do not take it every night." She paused. "If you have tried those methods already, I can send a healing sister back to the palace with you, but her fee will not be cheap. There are never enough women with the gift and the calling to be healers, and fewer yet with the delicacy to heal the mind as well as the body."

"Ah, that reminds me," Garin began suddenly. He diverted his attention to a pouch on his belt and produced a few gold coins which he placed on the desk before him."Just a personal contribution of mine to the Abbey. Don't be mistaken. I am still in your debt for today," he said as he stood up from the chair.

He paced slowly towards the exit as he continued.

"I don't believe there's any need to bother any of the sisters. The less who know about this matter, the better. Besides, my body and mind are not yet lacking to be of service to the crown. I'll be happy to see what passages you'd recommend when next we meet. Thank you again for your counsel."

When he reached the door he paused and looked over at Adelida.

"I wish you success in your task for the Queen's sake. The common folk do greatly value your opinion, however tread carefully with the nobles and clergy. They may not trust everything you tell them based solely on who is telling them."

Adelida nodded. "Thank you for your gift, Your Highness. Safe travels back to the castle, and I will see you again soon." She calmly slipped the coins into the desk.

Garin left the Abbey astride his horse with hardly a word directed to anyone else, still lost in his now less troubled thoughts. The Abbess had warned him of a potentially fatal danger to himself; "self-destructive", she had said. But he was not one to fear for his own life, not when so much more rested on his shoulders. He had braved dangers to maintain order before and would do so again if he had to.

Adelida had seemed somewhat guarded to him during the meeting, and Garin wondered if she had thought he was something different than what he was, like so many others. Thoughts of Queen Auisia came to his mind then, as well. There was much suspicion surrounding her, but nothing proven. She had a good enough reason to see Uthea rot for what happened during that war, but there was no reason to judge her like this too quick. After all, wasn't her own son the heir?

As the town came into view, Garin picked up his mount's pace. The rest of his day's tasks had been delegated, so he found he still had some time to spend before the new day. Connecting with the townfolk was something that was long overdue.