Saint or Sinner (Open)

[Willow]

Willow rode into the main street of Alesh on Storm, her veil covering her face and Oya's ring on her finger. All was well in this bustling town; although it was no metropolis, it was a fairly decent sized village, at the center of a Y-joint in the main road through the southwest portion of the nation. As she rode, the passersby moved aside respectfully, tipping their heads in respect for the Etrurian Valkyrie. Well respected, the Valkyries held positions of admiration in the eyes of many of the common folk.

However, Willow wasn't an ordinary Valkyrie; she had married a pirate rogue, Oya, and had slowly but surely become more and more involved with dealings that were profoundly unsaintly. Now, she was a veritable grey, a blend of saint and sinner, of angel and demon. The balance was constantly shifting; there was no telling which way the scale would finally tip.

Stopping in front of the church, the prominent spire reaching skyward like a hand stretched towards heaven, the Valkyrie dismounted, tied Storm up, and went inside, where she moved with authority and certainty to the altar. Calling forth her magic, she summoned the glow of the blessed Saint and began to pray.

"Oh Blessed Elimine, give me the strength to continue down Your path. Guide me, in mind and body. Protect me, protect my husband, and protect our marriage. Bestow your kindness and favor upon our pursuits, and continue to shelter us with your aegis. These supplications I do send to you, my light and my hope."

[Miriam Gatt]

She mumbled a bit as she tossed and turned in her bed. Or well, it was not HER bed. It was the churches' bed. She had thankfully gotten a good treatment from the church once she had told them of her mission and that Father had given her good recommendations so that she could sleep anywhere in Etruria, as long as there was a church there. She had been here for... What, ten hours? She had arrived either really late in the night or very early morning, she was not exactly sure. She slowly rose up from bed, stretching herself.

She then proceeded to put on her brown robe, looking around for a moment before picking up a little comb so that she could straighten out her hair to what it usually looked like. She washed her face with the bowl of water and soap that she had been provided with alongside eating a good loaf of bread with some sausage that she had also been given by the church. She took a glance at the bucket that had been set for her at the corner of the room before deciding that she had no needs for that at the moment.

She proceeded to make her way down the stairs from the bell tower that she had been sleeping in as she then entered the "main hall" of the church, noticing someone praying. Another worshiper of the Saint, although she had not seen her before at this church. Maybe another traveler?

[Willow]

Finishing her prayer, Willow walked over to the edge of the church, her boots clicking softly on the stone floor and her staff ticking against her leg. The noise echoed quietly through the silent sanctuary, and the hiss of flame sounded harsh and discordant as she lit a candle for Oya. Turning away, Willow took off her veil and outer robe, revealing her Etrurian Order garb, and placed the garments, along with her tome-belt and staff, along the side of the altar. Suddenly, something caught her eye; someone had entered the sanctuary. She seemed to be another worshiper; her brown robe and staff gave the strong impression of an Eliminian Cleric. Good! Willow had been looking forward to talking with some of the locals of this town; it had been a long while since she’d last been caught up with the current affairs in her homeland.

Walking over, Willow gave a friendly smile and a small bow before extending her hand graciously.

"Hello! I am Willow, a Valkyrie hailin from the town of Faresh. I am a traveler here, and I was wondering if you could inform me of the latest news and happenings in this part of the country."

The Valkyrie smiled, taking note of the girl's clear blue eyes and her modest bearing. Yes, she was undoubtedly another devout worshiper. Willow was happy to speak with the girl, to see the strength of her internal fortitude. She saw a great light in her, a great light indeed.

[Miriam Gatt]

Valkyrie? Oh, she was truly blessed to meet someone of such fine cloth belonging to the church! She quickly bowed herself down in a respectful manner, correcting her hair the moment she straightened herself. She smiled brightly for a moment before then lowering her head in an apologizing manner. "Ah, my apologies, but I'm from the capital region. One of the larger cathedrals, yes!" She nodded once, clapping her hands together once out of something akin to giddyness. "You see, I'm on a pilgrimage across the whole continent! Father sent me, spritual cleansing and all that you've surely already done, heh..."

She then flushed for a moment as she realized she had trailed off, quickly bowing herself again twice. "Ah! Excuse me, I did not mean to waste your time, miss! I apologize!" She blinked once, twitching for a moment like a little school girl who had just been kissed for the first time as she then bowed again. "Um, apoligies! I didn't mean bad by calling you miss, miss Willow! OOP!" She covered her face for a moment as she shook, seemingly trying to collect herself before replying again. She was obviously not that... Experienced, with handling fine people.

Dangit, where had all her experience with Father over basic interaction? She kept her face hidden inside her hands as she tried to think for what to say to this obviously more important woman. Maybe she should bail? Yes, run, run for the hills. But that would be rude, wouldn't it?

[Willow]

As the young cleric went off into her flustered babbling, Willow simply laughed good-naturedly and gave the girl a quick hug. She remembered when she was young and nervous as well...

"Don't worry about it," she chuckled, putting her arm on the girl's briefly to reassure her. "Formalities are too stuffy for me. They're fine and good when you're talking with dignitaries, but between women, none of that nonsense is necessary. I'm no higher than you, at least not in the sight of our Blessed Saint, who loves us all with an equal and unparalleled passion."

Smiling, Willow moved over and took her spellbooks and staff and sat on the steps leading to the altar. Flipping through the creamy pages of her Luce, Willow smiled and looked over at the Cleric.

"So tell me, what is your name? I know you're a pilgrim, but I'm interested in your stories. How has your journey been thus far? Who have you met? What have you experienced?"

She remembered her own small pilgrimage to the Capital, when she'd joined the Etrurian ranks. That had been an eye-opening journey. In fact, when she really thought upon it... All of her life had been a journey. Each phase had its own lessons. Each part was a story in itself; there were conflicts and resolutions to the many different lives she'd led. And now...

Toying with her ring, Willow smiled and waited for the girl to speak. Yes, this was indeed a new phase. She was a married woman now, and hopefully soon would become a mother. This was a new beginning.

[Miriam Gatt]

She calmed down exponentially from the hug as she stopped shaking, quickly nodding as she went about correcting her stance. "Oh, it's been fine this far. No major problems or any of the sort. I've met a few very holy men and women, of course including you." She nodded once. "And oh, I've experienced, truthfully told, very little new. It's probably just because this is still inside our holy land's borders, so there is nothing much new to see yet. I am very excited once I reach Bern, however. Just need to trail across that horrid Lycian border, lit a few candles for Ostia, and then continue."

Ah, Ostia. Father had told her about the fallen jewel of Lycia. Horrible story, truly. So much life lost due to such unholy beings. She almost visibly shook in sorrow just then, but managed to keep it in for now. She proceeded to shake her head quickly as she returned to the present, noticing the ring on Willow's finger. She raised her eyebrow lightly. Huh, she was married? How holy must a man be to convince such a follower of the saint to marry him? He had to be a bishop. Perhaps one of the higher men in the inquisition?

"Um... Excuse me, miss Willow, for my horrible nosiness, but who is the lucky man who wears the counterpart to that ring?" She tilted her head in a questioning manner. Best way to know was for her to be told, surely. It had to be a bishop.

[Willow]

"Ostia...? That's a terrible, terrible thing, isn't it? I'm most displeased with the demonic miasma that has befallen a land once so prosperous and beautiful. It's an awful shame. And there's only so many of us; there's truly no way we could keep up with the beasts. We must find the source of the darkness and stem it with the cleansing light of Elimine."

Willow's countenance had turned stormy and agitated; while she spoke, she had unconsciously begun to summon a blast of Luce. The golden glow crackled, and she looked down, surprised, before dismissing the power and shaking her head in disappointment.

"I'm sorry. I suppose I got a little too excited over those wicked fiends.

Oh!"

Hearing the pilgrim's question, Willow smiled.

"This is my wedding band, of course. My husband's name is Oya; believe it or not, he actually is not a member of the Church's ranks. Of course, he believes in the glory of our Saint... Which was not always the case. In fact, when I met him, he was insistent that his Hartmut was as powerful, if not more so, than St. Elimine! I was flabbergasted. But we grew closer as we continued to talk, and eventually, I found that the Saint herself had brought us together, that our meeting and our love was fated and necessary for the fulfillment of her divine plan. And thus, it bothers me not that he is neither bishop nor deacon. He is my love, and that is all that matters."

Looking at the girl, Willow laughed.

"What about you? I'm sorry, I don't know if you ever told me your name... But surely you must have a suitor or two, with as fine a frame and as pure a mind as you have."

[Miriam Gatt]

"Oya..." Hm, a strange name. But, if she was like this holy woman told, he was probably a very kind man. Around the same age, yes, maybe even older than the woman. She could see him now in her eyes. Rather tall, maybe red headed, very manly in facial features. She then returned her mind to the present as Willow asked her about her own... Romantic conquests. She flushed a bit, almost visibly shrinking under her eyes as she awkwardly coughed. She did not have any experience with that, except for her books! What should she say, what should she say...

"Oh, um... No, no, no." She shook her head very quickly, just to make sure she understood. "Nobody's really... Um, yes, nobody's really paid any attention to me in such a way!" Nobody really HAD. In the church everyone had just considered her to be another sister to the large family that they were, while outside everyone had already known her as the nice orphan. He had never been blessed or cursed with such things like male... Or female, attraction. The thought was both scary and interesting to her, and if her romance novels were any close to truth...

She was trailing off. She quickly went to the subject of her name. She couldn't remember if she had said it before, but still. "Oh, I'm Miriam. Miriam Gatt, pleasure to meet you." She nodded her head down once, although she was repeating herself by greeting her after already having talked.

[Willow]

The girl, who seemed on the whole very pensive and thoughtful. That was a good trait to have. A reflective nature is essential for one whose days are filled with thinking, of self-analysis and of constant striving to improve. Willow was very happy that this girl was, on the whole, introspective. It did, however, make her always look surprised when it came time for her to respond. But that wasn't too much of an issue. She'd most likely improve with time, like every other person engaged in an honest pursuit would.

"It is a pleasure to meet you as well, Miriam. I am very much impressed with your character and your determination to serve our blessed Saint, whom we must love above all else. However...

I wouldn't worry too much. You will find someone who loves you, and who you love. I feel it in my soul. Love is a process that must be approached as one does a beautiful rose - you must not pick it hastily, for it only grows when it is on the vine. And he or she who tries to take love that is not for the taking will only end up with heartbreak and a hand full of thorns.

You're a beautiful young lady, Miriam, and your devotion is evident in the brief exchange we've had thus far. You must simply continue to follow the will of the Saint, and all will arrange itself according to her divine and perfect plan. What is to be shall be, and what is not to be shall be cast aside."

[Miriam Gatt]

"Oh, stop it." She flushed a bit from all the praise as she looked down. "I'm not that special, heh. Just a pilgrim traveling the world to learn more of the world our Saint helped protect, is all." She rubbed the back of her head. She was not sure why she was exactly being praised so much, but it did feel kinda good. But... If she was to indulge in it too much, would it be a sin? That made her wonder quite a bit. Eh, she could worry about things like that later on anyways, surely.

She then coughed slightly as she thought about what to do next. "Would you like to have some dinner? Or... Whatever is the good word for food at this time. After that though I must continue my journey." She smiled slightly to the woman. Thank goodness they were still inside the borders of Etruria, the churchmen were always ready to feed those who were holy and on a journey of some sort. And she could perhaps even ask some questions from this blue haired valkyrie. Things about the other countries, and maybe more about her husband. He seemed like an honorable enough fellow.

"I think they were serving some sort of fish or such." She nodded quickly as her mouth begun to water. She hadn't actually eaten for a while. Yesterday she had been too tired when she arrived to this church, but now she felt like she could eat a whole horse.

[Willow]

Ah... In time, you will see. You will see."

To embark on such a pilgrimage required fortitude; strength of character that was rare and worth cultivating. It would be interesting to see where this young woman ended up; following the light of Elimine was a transforming and uncontrollable journey, an unpredictable yet constant battle against the evils of the world that inevitably led to peace, joy, and fulfillment. For Miriam, it might take months for her to realize her true calling; perhaps it would take years. The blessed Saint works in mysterious and unknown ways.

The only constant thing, the one thing that could be relied on for unfailing assistance... was love. Love was a bridge, a rope, a platform. Love supported and strengthened, reinforced and reinvigorated. Love was a constant beginning, a perpetual bloom. Love was neverending summer and endless day. Love was music that never ceased.

But wait. Back to the real world...

"That would indeed be wonderful, Miriam! Let us dine. We can continue our conversation over some good food, and then I can bestow a blessing upon you before you leave. It is truly a wonderful journey, a pilgrimage. Lead on, my friend, lead on!"

Smiling, Willow waited for Miriam. Having just arrived in the church, she was unfamiliar with its layout, save the sanctuary. Thus, allowing the girl to lead was more prudent. As she waited, Willow collected her belongings - spellbelt, staff, and outer robe. She left her veil off, but slung it over her arm. She was in an informal setting, after all.

[Miriam Gatt]

She quickly nodded as she bowed down, motioning for Willow to follow her as they begun to make their way the church. It was smaller than the cathedral she had lived in for years. It took them a few moments to finally find the right room after first having accidentally entered the bathing rooms. After quickly apologizing and leaving they found the mess hall of sorts. It was empty at the moment, although there was a rather large pot in the middle of the room, some steam rising from it. Once Miriam took a step closer to the pot she could smell...

Well, it wasn't a bad scent, but it was clearly rather strange. On a closer inspection it was clearly a pot of fish soup. Heavily spiced, if one could say from the scent. She stared at the bubbling soup for a moment before shrugging as she then poured some of it into a wooden bowl she just picked up from the table nearby to the pot. She then motioned for Willow to pour hers before heading down to sit down onto a table.

She then took a careful sip from the bowl with her spoon, letting the soup swirl in her mouth for a while before then gulping it down. It tasted... It tasted... Eh, it tasted pretty good. She begun to spoon it up more and more, enjoying the little bits of fish that were mixed to the soup. After a short amount of time she was already halfway done with her soup.

[Willow]

Following the pilgrim, Willow entered the mess hall and served herself some of the fish stew. It certainly looked like traditional Etrurian. She hadn't had a thick soup for too long. Looking at it, she realized what was missing - hard-crusted bread.

Looking around, she saw a small door, which was slightly ajar. Getting up, she entered the door, which she found led to a kitchen area, and found a loaf of hard-crust bread laying there, still warm. Taking it and a knife out to Miriam, the Valkyrie cut slices of the bread and then began to eat her soup, spooning it and sopping up the thick broth with the bread. It was truly delicious. It had been far too long since she'd last partaken in such hearty and wholesome food. Too long indeed.

Looking over, she saw that the Cleric had indeed been hungry; she was consuming her portion at a staggeringly fast rate. Impressed, Willow continued to eat, stopping only to slice another piece of bread. After another few minutes of silence, punctuated only by the gentle clacking of wooden spoons on wooden bowls, the Valkyrie finished her food. Taking up the knife again, she smiled in a guilty manner and sliced another chunk of bread. It was just so good!

"Thank you, Blessed Saint, for this nourishing and wholesome food which I have been able to share with this wonderful young woman. Protect Miriam on her pilgrimage, and always keep her behind your veil of protection. Shield her and guide her, Elimine."

[Miriam Gatt]

She kept eating and eating, even getting some seconds. Halfway trough her second bowl she blinked ever so quickly as her companion had begun to pray. D'oh, she forgot to pray before eating! Her head sunk low for a moment as she let out a groaning sound. Father had already berated her for the same mistake a million times, yet she always forgot about it in the end. She still ate as gloomy thoughts ran inside her mind. She probably looked like a horrid sinner to her holy companion now. Crackers! She shook her head as she finished her bowl, coughing.

"Thank you, Blessed Saint, for this nourishing and wholesome food..." She didn't really know what to wish out to Willow. Wishing well to her marriage was probably moot, since they were already probably pretty happy, and wishing well for her general being would just seem like she had no idea on what to wish... But not praying for anything would seem rude! She kept visibly struggling at this for a while before once again hanging her head low for a moment, admitting defeat inside her head. She then stood up and picked up her bowl, moving over to return it to where she took it from.

She then simply decided to wait until her companion would finish eating. She was not truly sure on what to do after this. Her schedule did tell her that she should start leaving soon if she wanted to reach the next town during the evening instead of having to take the roads during the night.