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.