7th of Uktar - Dark Morning Skies
In the early morning hours many townsfolk on their way to church were startled to hear the bells ringing before the dawn service.
As townsfolk arrived at the church, they were greeted at the Church doors by Saril and the other acolytes. They were informed that Abbott Toler had passed away last night.
The news caught many people off-guard and tears were flowing from every corner of the town. Saril took the pulpit and presented a warm sermon to the parishioners.
"My fellow Lathanderites, our beloved leader, Abbott Toler, has passed from this world and gone to meet Lathander. It appears that we passed peacefully during the night. Last night, father Chaver and Seraph worked with Abbott Toler to seal the dreaded portal that was unearthed in the recent earthquake. Through great effort and sacrifice, they were able to finally seal the gateway. We no longer need to fear creatures coming forth from that place ever again. "
He paused a moment to let the words he had just spoken sink in. There was lots of quiet murmuring coming from the crowd as they quickly whispered amongst themselves.
"The fountain that now graces the center of town is an after effect from their efforts last night. The flowing waters now help nourish the tree planted to Pyril. Clearly a positive sign of things to come."
Saril takes another short pause to quickly take a sip of water from under the altar.
"You know, it is moments like this that remind us that our time on this plane is limited. I encourage you all to take a moment out of your busy day today and reflect on what you feel is most important to you. Abbott Toler felt that the safety and well being of this community was the most important thing to him, and I think he passed peacefully knowing that a grave threat was finally removed from our midst."
He nodded to a pair of acolytes who carried forward a floral arrangement and placed it in front of the altar.
"We are currently preparing him for a public viewing for tomorrow morning's services. Until preparations are completed, we have placed these morning lilies in his memory. "
All of a sudden, a bright beam of light appeared through the stained glass behind the altar and illuminated the altar and floral arrangement. A feeling of warmth and calm permeated the room.
With that Saril bowed deeply to the crowd and ended the service by placing a holy symbol of Lathander by the flowers before moving off to the side.
As townsfolk arrived at the church, they were greeted at the Church doors by Saril and the other acolytes. They were informed that Abbott Toler had passed away last night.
The news caught many people off-guard and tears were flowing from every corner of the town. Saril took the pulpit and presented a warm sermon to the parishioners.
"My fellow Lathanderites, our beloved leader, Abbott Toler, has passed from this world and gone to meet Lathander. It appears that we passed peacefully during the night. Last night, father Chaver and Seraph worked with Abbott Toler to seal the dreaded portal that was unearthed in the recent earthquake. Through great effort and sacrifice, they were able to finally seal the gateway. We no longer need to fear creatures coming forth from that place ever again. "
He paused a moment to let the words he had just spoken sink in. There was lots of quiet murmuring coming from the crowd as they quickly whispered amongst themselves.
"The fountain that now graces the center of town is an after effect from their efforts last night. The flowing waters now help nourish the tree planted to Pyril. Clearly a positive sign of things to come."
Saril takes another short pause to quickly take a sip of water from under the altar.
"You know, it is moments like this that remind us that our time on this plane is limited. I encourage you all to take a moment out of your busy day today and reflect on what you feel is most important to you. Abbott Toler felt that the safety and well being of this community was the most important thing to him, and I think he passed peacefully knowing that a grave threat was finally removed from our midst."
He nodded to a pair of acolytes who carried forward a floral arrangement and placed it in front of the altar.
"We are currently preparing him for a public viewing for tomorrow morning's services. Until preparations are completed, we have placed these morning lilies in his memory. "
All of a sudden, a bright beam of light appeared through the stained glass behind the altar and illuminated the altar and floral arrangement. A feeling of warmth and calm permeated the room.
With that Saril bowed deeply to the crowd and ended the service by placing a holy symbol of Lathander by the flowers before moving off to the side.
posted by GM/Brannic | 12:53 PM
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As Saril moved off to the side, the villagers began coming forward in small groups to pay respects to Lathander and Abbott Toler.
Several council members and other town dignitaries went over to speak with Saril after the service was complete. Saril instructed the remaining acolytes to tend to the questions and issues of the parishioners as he went off to have a private conversation with several others.
Brannic walks up to the Altar and bows deeply before it.
After offering a silent prayer to Lathander, Brannic stands and walks over to the floral arrangement. As he does so, he notices a figure hiding in the shadows of a distant pillar in the church. As he turns his head to get a better view, the figure darts out a side door and disappears.
Not sure of what he saw, he mentally notes it for later.
As Brannic bends over to leave a donation to the Church in Toler's honor, he overhears a conversation between several farmers talking about Chaver. Apparently the priest of Shandukul has announced that he is planning on going on a long overdue extended sabbatical. The church will be tended by the 2 remaining acolytes in his absence.
Seraph sits near the altar in what appears to be a deep meditation. His thoughts are distrubed only by Brannic's presence.
Seraph stands and motions for Brannic to approach. "Brannic" states the kindly Mystic of Lathander, "what seems to be bothering you, my son?"
Brannic walks over to Seraph, and says "Did you happen to see who that was over by that pillar just now?"
He points to one of the stone pillars on the South side of the church, currently covered in shadow.
"I couldn't make out who it was, but it seems strange that someone would be skulking around in here."
He then, takes a seat next to Seraph, "also, did you hear about the Chaver the Cleric of Shandukul? Sounds like he's leaving town very soon."
He shakes his head, "What's going on around here?"
Seraph looks around to where Brannic indicated. "Well, I don't see anything now. I'd gather that it was a former parishoner who wanted to pay respects to the Abbott. As you may know those that fall from the church sometimes are viewed with suspicion and concern."
"As to your concern regarding Chaver, well I'm sure it's nothing. As you know the followers of Shandukal are known for their wanderlust."
Pausing a moment, Seraph asks, "Anything else troubling you Master Thrower?"
Brannic lets out a long sigh.
"I'm not sure, it just seems that despite all the good things we've done this past year, the situation for the town has only gotten worse. I don't know. I've just got a bad feeling about how this year is going to end."
Jellen steps up to the Altar and kneels and begins a silent prayer to Lathander. Then leaves a large bag of gold for donation on behalf of Abbot Toler.
After the silent prayer, Jellen notices Brannic and Seraph discussing something quietly and walks over.
"What are you guys whispering?"
Rohavic, having spent much of the evening wandering the area in contemplation of the life of Abbott Toler, gets up to join Jellen, Brannic and Seraph.
Noticing that Seraph and Brannic appeared to be having a private conversation, Rohavic decides to check on Saril. Waiting patiently as Saril finishes his private conversation, Rohavic steps forward, saying.. "Once again, my condolences to the clerics of Lathander and to Abbott Toler's extended church family. Is there anything I can do to assist with the transition?".
Saril finishes his conversation with Council members Iskara, Leighton and Olgrim before turning his attention to Rohavic
He gives the Ranger a deep bow and offers his hand in friendship.
"Welcome to the Church of the Morninglord, Rohavic. What can I do for you this morning?"
Meanwhile, Brannic slides over in the pew to make room for Jellen.
"I was just mentioning to Seraph here that I saw someone skulking in the shadows over there."
As he motions towards the South exit.
"Also, I overheard someone saying that the Priest of Shandukul is planning on leaving soon as well."
Shaking his head, "For some reason I have an ill feeling about events about to be played out."
"Brannic, not all is hopeless. We will prevail as surely as dawn rises."
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