Chapter 2

Serenade

They walked side by side through the Cathedral Ward, pleasant dusk slowly settling around them, as the orange rays of sunlight graced the lofty church towers and roofs of their prospering city.

When they reached the looking terrace, Ludwig took in the magnificent view, and his heart filled to the brim with pride and joy of their righteous achievements. Then he looked down at the smaller man beside him, and felt deep admiration. The Vicar of the Healing Church was a virtuous, hard-working man, entirely devoted to bringing about a better future for Yharnam and its people. Being a part of this grand design was a blessing.

When Laurence caught his look and smiled up at him, light playing on the rims of his glasses, the admiration transformed into something different. Into stirrings of profound affection that Ludwig knew he had been allowed to act upon. The leader of church hunters dared not rush this budding relationship however, this man deserved to be shown the same commitment and devotion that he gave to the people he served. They might have exchanged a jest or two sometimes but it would have been a crime against all that was holy to treat the vicar with any kind of disrespect.

Ever since that evening in Laurence's study, they strove to make time to meet this way, sometimes at the verge of nightfall, or in the desolate hours before dawn when they could be alone. Each of their encounters left Ludwig inspired and ready to topple every obstacle that stood in the way of the Healing Church and especially, any obstacle that stood in the way of its founder. With Laurence's guidance nothing seemed impossible. It felt right, to be here by his side.

"I could gaze upon this view forever," Ludwig said at last, breaking the silence. "It fills me with hope."

"Yes," Laurence agreed. "This sight fills me with purpose." He surveyed the city with a smile, then looked up at Ludwig. "The Healing Church will cure the whole world. And the enlightenment we bring will become the foundation a new golden age."

Ludwig felt great reassurance, as Laurence spoke. The vicar's voice lifted the tiredness and allayed all the small doubts that came with their everyday work. "It will truly be so." Ludwig said, with conviction. He believed it with every fibre of his being. He knew that some did not share his certainty. Laurence's detractors could cast aspersions and resort to slander but in Ludwig's eyes they were but blind men, who would never be able to look beyond toil of today and the many ordeals of tomorrow to see the promise of the bright future beyond the horizon. Laurence was a visionary, and even though he had not managed to line his brain with eyes, to him the path was clear, and even though the road ahead of them led far into the unknown, Ludwig was ready to assist him. His gaze had drifted towards the skyline but he turned again now to look at the vicar, suddenly feeling the need to voice his devotion. "On this venture, you shall never be alone, Laurence. I will aid you, each step of the way."

The vicar's eyebrows rose, and he scrutinized Ludwig through the thick glass of his spectacles. "I wouldn't ask that of any man," he said with a somewhat amused smile and patted Ludwig's arm lightly with his hand. "But it is a very noble desire on your part..."

"I mean it, Laurence." There was something in Ludwig's eyes, a strange intensity that bordered on a holy passion. For a moment, the church hunter just stood there in silence, his features drawn. Then to the vicar's surprise the man sank to one knee before him, and took his hand in his, touching it gently to his bowed forehead. "The years may be long and the work arduous but I will stand by you to lighten your burden. Revilers might whisper lies behind your back but I will silence their foul tongues. The underground maze may wind into primeval darkness but I shall disperse its shadows for you and I will fell the guardians of its secrets. Together we will stand against all odds." He lifted his gaze up to the vicar, as he added quietly, and almost questioningly. "If only you shall wish it."

Laurence stared at him speechless, devoid of expression.

He had not foreseen such a turn of events and one occurring so swiftly. Once again Ludwig managed to surprise him. The vicar studied the hunter's honest, handsome face that looked up at him with reverence and hesitation. This was too much. Ludwig was clearly of that rare breed of man in which power and true nobility mixed. A unique and precious thing. Laurence felt his stomach sink. His ego told him to accept the generous offer, but in all honesty the man before him deserved better. Ludwig hardly knew him. He was a perfect shining knight errant serenading under a balcony of a brothel.

Laurence winced at the unfavorable though accurate mental comparison.

The prolonged silence and the vicar's grimace were noted by the hunter. Ludwig pursed his lips, his expression strained, as he let go of Laurence's hand and lowered his gaze again. "I apologize, Your Reverence. I... clearly stepped out of my bounds. I should have never spoken this boldly." The tone of utmost conviction was gone from Ludwig's voice.

The vicar laughed. But before Ludwig could get any further false impressions, Laurence took a step closer and put his hands on Ludwig's broad shoulders. "My dear Ludwig, you have overstepped nothing." He smiled heartily when Ludwig looked up at him. "This was the most beautiful thing anyone ever told me." One of his hands left Ludwig's shoulder and instead caressed the side of the hunter's handsome face. He couldn't force himself to say he didn't deserve Ludwig. He probably didn't. But the man looked so hopeful. And oh so gorgeous. Laurence simply couldn't say no.

The relief that washed over the hunter was clearly evident.

Laurence would always remember how the look of broken certainty slowly became a sincere, dazzling smile.

Notes:

Their thought process while on that terrace:

Ludwig: "It would be a crime against all that is holy to treat the vicar with any kind of disrespect."

Laurence: "Take me now, on this railing."