[ - Author's Note - ]

Well, this chapter didn't go quite as I had planned but it well enough, I'd say. Anyway; we go to Alcanth, meet a friend of Maia's and Terra... Ends up with some soul searching and a little clash between two sides of a faith.

So rather then waste time let's just get into it, huh?

[ - Act II - Chapter XXX: To Have Faith - ]

Unknown Location, Late Evening
Darkened Hall

The man's footsteps sounded near deafening with each step he took even though he stepped quietly around the place. He never understood it but he could never step with full silence here. It was a dark evening; even the moon wasn't up, leaving just the stars to light the hall from the windows as the man strode forwards; a pair of glasses glinting in faint light the only clue as to who it was that walked. Finally he saw the door he was walking to, shadowed as it was in a dark night. Before he could reach it, however, the door opened as a figure exited, shutting and locking the door behind themselves. A dress hugged her figure, petite, short and small breasted as it was with her short light colored hair being the only thing one could really make out in the shadows and even then aside from the fact it bore a lighter tone few would make out the exact color. "Ahhh, well now... Ah was just coming to see ye, Inquisitor. Has our guest been givin' ye any trouble... Or do Ah need to axe him nicely to behave all good an' proper like?"

"You're too excitable for your job, you know that right?." The woman replied with a huff. "But yes, Unussol is behaving himself. Honestly, he should be beheaded for his heresy and resistance; but members of the Scorned Circle are hard to come by at the best of times."

"Aye, aye... Well, long as ye and he got it all done for in time fer the big day. Ah dare say; the dark, heathen, proditor is gonna be in fer a bad time, aye?"

"Aye indeed. Let us see the Good Father's will be done..."

[-]

Ruled over by House Stolzerlowe the Barony of Alcanth boasts many mines in it's south that uses slave labor to bring the ore up to the surface. Indeed, Alcanth is what one considers for a 'standard' slave state, if such a thing can be said to exist; relying on slaves for the worst and most back breaking of labor. Sexual slavery is also rampant, although ever since the days of Nicolas Stolzerlowe some protections have been brought about to ensure a base level of safety; if only so the next buyer doesn't find a hideous scar.

Outside of slavery Alcanth has a flourishing halfling minority, many of whom operate branches of the Banker's Guild in the barony. More importantly for those of the Larentian faithful the capital of Steelroar City is of import because of the Saint Lunam Cathedral; a famous one founded by former Cardinal Hanna Lunam and renamed in her honor it is considered one of the Anima Lux's strongholds in the region in the struggle between the Faith and the Church with the Church of Una Vertias complaining of it's resident Azure; Lady Iryna Syniy who has become famous as it's caretaker in part of being a dark elf. Indeed, she is the second highest ranked dark elf in the Faith, second only to one Zelda Holybringer.

Under her leadership the Faith has called to an end for slavery in as non-violent a way possible; even courting friendships with House Stolzerlowe over the course of the last century. Although aligned more to the Church then the Faith and in spite of disagreements over traditionalism, abolition and slavery this long standing relationship has lasted to the point that Paul Stolzerlowe named House Syniy as a House of Minor Nobility to the upset of even his allies.

In a way it does show a core strength of Eostia; that those so different and with such vastly opposing views can come together and find bonds with one another in common ground.

~Dominic James Pencraft, The Eostia Historia

[-]

Alcanth and it's capital, Steelroar City, was our next stop. Maia was oddly excited and I asked why; her only response is she met someone in Steelroar while on a job with Lulu and Kaguya a while ago and they hit it off. I was curious as to who her friend was but she wanted to surprise us, so she said. That said Maia's friend wasn't my initial concern; my concern was I had a choice to make; where do we stay?

Under normal conditions we would be expected to approach Baron Aram Stolzerlowe for hospitality in spite of the differences between the Liberalist House Noxdecus and the Traditionalist House Stolzerlowe, however during our talks with Lolek he mentioned that when Sombra and Victor were planning my assassination two other nobles were present with them; Aram Stolzerlowe and Michel Pantielle.

We had to remind Maia who Pantielle was. I was worried she'd forget who he was by the next time she saw him.

To their credit both men were against the idea but Aram's response was 'this is not my problem' and Michel's was to squeal where Maia would want to go to; they were both accomplices in one way or the other and asking someone who was listening in on a a plot to kill you if you could crash at their place (Even if they didn't know you knew that) would be a bit awkward to say the least. Maia then suggested her friend could take us in for a night or two and in response I called Aram up on the voxlux (I was fairly sure he'd have one by now and I was right) and while he seemed surprised at the call he regained his composure quickly as I lied about Maia insisting we stay with a friend of hers and with 'deep apologies' we wouldn't be sampling his hospitality; to his credit he hid his relief fairly well as he accepted my apology stating there was no offense taken and said he hoped we enjoyed his city during our stay.

At least I don't need to deal with that weasel while I was here...

Maia would direct us to the Noble's District; as it turned out her friend was a minor noble, although not one who looked over any territory of the state they were attached to. These types of nobles were often called 'city nobles' or 'town nobles' and while, socially, were equal to other minor nobles on paper they often weren't in practice. We would arrive at a nice manor; white washed with a rich, blue roof and gold trim. It wasn't a huge place; a bit smaller then Mungale Manor back home and cozy looking with a seven foot wall around it made of iron bars painted a golden color. We were let in by the manor's guard who was wearing a blue, gold trimmed tabard with, oddly enough, the Divina Crucis was on their front; specifically the Anima Lux version.

Additionally once we were in closer to the building you could see an emblem over the front, double doors of the manor. It was circular with an outline that was like a dark golden rope with thin yellow highlights and bore a blue background. Just inside the outline was a light golden olive wreath with a darker gold outline. At the bottom between them was a bell in the same colors and a standard, small Divina Crucis at the top. A series of slightly pill shaped dots formed a circle within the wreathes and inside of it was an eight pointed star that with a Celtic style to it with the knot design with straight lines colored the light gold, given a dark gold outline with white filling all the gaps save the center. In the direct center was a red dot with a slightly darker outline. I was... Unfamiliar with the emblem, to be honest.

Once by the front door we stepped out and Maia barely waited for us to march to the door with us with a bit grin on her face as she looked to the guards; dressed like the one by the gate. "Yo guys. Iryna in?" Maia chirped out with a wave to them

"Lady Maia, indeed. She's at the Manor's chapel in the back." One of the guards let off as he nodded to her. "Please, go in." He said as he opened the door for us; Maia all but skipping in; Conleth, Makoto and Aeris would opt to stay back and help with the unloading as the rest of my group came along as did Shana, Esmerie and Terra, going with their boss as well as we rose up the back stairs, then a set of side stairs to the third floor.

"So we finally meet your new friend..." Esmerie quipped with a raised eyebrow.

"And she's a pious sort." Shana added, hands set behind her neck as we walked along. "That has to be a very odd friendship."

"Ahhh, come on guys..." Maia let off with a chuckle as she led us upstairs then down a hall. "Iryna is cool; she's not too different from Celestine really."

"If she has your respect then she has to be some one decent enough." I quipped as Terra huffed.

"Or she has the best communal wine in Eostia." My Aunt let off with a snort.

"Eh, it's kinda weak, really..." Maia let off as we came to the manor's chapel; built into a tower in the back corner the double doors were solid oak and bore a carving of the Crucis so half was on each side. Above and to each side of the doors was painted glass; made to look like a grassy field on a sunny day with the sun set into the one above the doors. Maia didn't break her stride and opened the doors wide for us as she led us in. Unexpectedly she didn't chirp a greeting as we moved in and saw the room's sole occupant.

The room was almost solely white with a series of blue, painted glass windows depicting a saint I couldn't identify off hand. Gold colored trim was about the room with a series of benches on the sides of the room; able to house maybe thirty to forty people depending on how claustrophobic a room you could tolerate. At the back was a small platform with a statue of Larentia standing within a pair of pillars connected by an arch with three figures on their knees before the first; the Knight, the Sage and the Wanderer, all facing the doors. A rich, blue carpet led to the platform, baring gold trim in intricate patterns.

As for the sole occupant she was just short of the raised platform and on both knees but I couldn't see anything save a curtain of long, long snow white hair that could qualify as a cape given it's length. Oddly enough as Maia moved closer and stopped some ten feet away she said nothing; just resting her right hand on her hip and waiting silently. It didn't take long for the woman to speak. "Maia. It has been a while, my young friend. Come to pray with me?"

"Pffft, nah." Maia said with a shrug. "Hard to think at a statue for good things when I got the closest thing to Larentia telling me to go do good things."

"A fair and honest point. What do they call such as you? 'Street wise', perhaps?" She said as she started to rise to her feet; still looking like Cousin Itt from the back as she stood at a full five foot nine in height with the tips of her hair brushing her heels before turning to face us and I could hear someone (Terra, it turned out) hiss in shock. I have to admit, I too was surprised... She was beautiful for starters and with a body type that matched Celestine's; J-Cup breasts and all. Soft, wise blue eyes glanced over us as her pointed, elven ears twitched softly.

Her dress was mostly white with blue trimmings save around the neck and it's floor length loincloth and back skirt which inverted those colors. A large cut out from the bottom of the neck to her navel showed off ample cleavage as the sides of the breasts were also uncovered, save a white with blue strap going around the back. A slight extension from the neck pointed down and a short, silver chain hung from between her breasts it leading to a small pendant with a blue, diamond shaped spell stone that stuck out just under them. Both arms were covered in detached sleeves; white with blue and wide at the wrists. A deep blue, thorn like tiara was on the head coming to a center, blue spell stone shaped like a tear and boasting an extension behind it; horn like with soft points on the sides. That was all well and good, but that wasn't the real shocker to me.

She was a dark elf.

"Ahhh, I'd rather have your plain old wise." Maia chirped as she turned to me. "Iryna this is James Noxdecus. James, Iryna Syniy; she's an Azure in the Faith."

Iryna Syniy? Now a few things added up to me; I had heard of her reputation for better or worse. Mostly the better. "Azure Syniy, it's a pleasure to meet a famed woman such as yourself. I imagine I can drop formalities from here if you're able to put up with Maia's attitude?"

"Hey! What's wrong with my attitude?" Maia huffed as she crossed her arms, Iryna letting off a soft, almost angelic chuckle.

"I think your friend means not all appreciate your free spirited nature, nor your relaxed posture, Maia." The Azure said with a gentle smile. "Rather sad; most nobility could learn a thing or two about the zest of life from you."

Yeah, I liked this woman.

(-)

Name: Iryna Syniy
Title: Faithful Azure of the Blue Cloth
Class: Sage
Level: 38
Alignment: Friendly
Reputation: 41
Status: Healthy, Calm, Serene

Romance Rating: 102
Corruption Rating: 1

Known Traits
[?]

[Embrace the Light] You have embraced the Light of your Faith as your weapon and shield. +5% Mag when casting Holy Spells. +10 Resistance to Holy & Darkness Spells
[Motherly Aura] You project an aura of loving serenity about you. Others feel calmer and more open towards you. +2 to Mnc
[Insight to the Soul] You have an understanding of the troubles of others. +25% chance to reach others with your words when they are troubled.

Born to a dark elf couple of a former slave and a refugee Iryna grew up well aware of the unique challenges of dark elves living in a land that is under attack by other dark elves. Even in the much more accepting Rad she grew up facing discrimination. Late into her adolescent years she found comfort in the faith of Larentia with the help of a bishop and would enter into the Anima Lux Church herself, rising to the level of Azure.

(-)

"A dark elf?" Terra let off with a scoff, crossing her arms as Iryna smiled and stepped closer to us.

"Yes; like yourself, My Child." She said with a serene smile.

"I am not your child." Terra let off with a snort.

"I mean that in a metaphorical sense of course; I think I would be the one to know if you came from my womb." Not once did she lose her smile as she spoke to Terra. "But as an Azure I must see all those of the faithful as my children; to guide and assist as my station allows; to ease pains and uplift spirits." She said before turning to Maia. "And I assume you have come to my home to seek succor?"

"Uhhhh... Yeah. We need a place to rest." She said with a nod. "It's a looooong story but staying with Baron Stolze-whatzer..."

"Stolzerlowe." I filled in for her.

"Yeah, him." Maia let off with a nod. "Not a good option for us right now."

"I imagine there is a story here. I will ask but not press. In the meantime please; you are yours are welcome to stay as long as needed." Iryna said moving a hand to her chest. "My home shall be your home and my bread shall be your bread."

"You are very gracious; M'Lady." I said with a slight bow. "We'll try to be well behaved guests; except maybe Maia."

"Hey!"

"We can all use a taste of the unruly; now and then." She said with a giggle as Maia pouted. "Regardless; if you are all here for a day would you mind staying another?" She said to my (Well, our) surprise.

"Eh? What's up, Iry?" Maia asked, blinking at her.

"I watch over Saint Lunam's Cathedral and every year of this time we host a celebration of her life and times. For a day a simple crown of copper is to be worn by one chosen to play her part to signify how, in the days after the end of the First Age of Conflict, she took the crown of Parquia which emerged from the ruins left of the Imperium."

"Parquin?" Miria left off... looking right at me.

"Why are you looking at-"

"We like your lectures." Riri pipped up from my other side as I sighed.

"Parquia... Existed. Verlangen made it not exist. The end." Both girls blinked at my explanation before I spoke up. "I'm aware of the kingdom but it was one of many before the Brazen Emperor decided on getting a lot of cheap land at sword point; I am not going to know the history of each and everyone of them." Iryna giggled softly as she smiled to me before she began to speak.

"The nation did, as he said, exist and was a region of faith made up of what is now Alcanth, most of Xenera, Blarion and Bongal. Steelroar was it's capital at the time and was formed by the faithful so they could worship without the Imperium's oppression. When King Victor Ironborne was slain at the end of that dark age to defend his kingdom and left no heir Saint Lunam took the crown and ruled for ten years and wore a copper crown; melting the gold one down for more coin to pay to feed the people. She would give rulership to Carlos Westlord the Brave as his line would rule until the dark days of the Brazen."

"Huh..." Miria let off as Iryna nodded and kept going.

"I was chosen to play her part and will wear it for ten hours; one hour for each year she ruled." She said before looking to Maia. "I had not invited you knowing of your duties but by the blessings of the Goddess and the Three you are here now. I would prefer it if you remained long enough to join our festivities and observed; assuming you can spare the time."

"He's on a schedule." Terra quipped out instantly as she pointed to me for a moment; before anyone else (Namely her boss and me) could add in with an undertone of snide to it. "I don't think he can afford the time." Maia turned and gave her a half stern and half confused look as I sighed.

"It's fine." I said before Terra could utter anything else or Maia could add her own two cents. Or two copper, really. "Frankly we're so far behind schedule another day or two won't hurt much." Terra was the one to give a look at me now; an open glare as I looked to Maia. "That's assuming you don't mind; as the leader of my escort."

"Nah; you're the client so it's up to you." She said, rubbing the back of her head and grinning openly. "Sides; Iry is cool to hang with." Terra snorted but if Iryna noticed or cared she didn't show it.

"Wonderful. I will arrange quarters immediately." She said as she started to walk to the door. "Come. Share tea with me and inform me of what brings you to me."

[-]

"Ah yes... Zelda had sent me a letter in regards to these..." Iryna let off as she held a voxlux in her hand; I had decided to gift one to her. We had moved to a balcony on the manor's third floor which provided a good view of a nearby hill within the district; rather then build another manor upon it was turned into a massive flower garden for everyone to look at. "Such a small thing and yet such large possibilities. To undertake such a task as this must be a great and worthy honor to you."

"It's been an adventure, I'll say." I replied with a chuckle. The balcony had a nice banister that looked like Greek pillars holding up a blue railing. The table we sat at was one of three with six chairs set around it. Joining myself and Iryna was Maia, Miria and Esmerie. Terra opted not to join us (Unsurprisingly) and Shana who left to go after her. Riri, by contrast, left to help oversee the unloading of our stuff. "Sometimes too much of one. Fighting a hobgoblin wasn't on my to-do list, anyway."

"I would hope not." Iryna let off as she set the voxlux aside on the table before she lifted a cup and sipped her tea; a black one called Dark Royale; it was similar to an Earl Grey but with a slightly smokey aftertaste of all things; it was only a hint but gave it a nice feel. "But enough of this. Your dark elf companion... If it is not rude to ask may I ask what pains her so?" She asked as I sighed. I expected that to come up, given what happened at the small chapel.

I gave her the basic rundown; she was my aunt via my grandfather and our manor's head maid, she was estranged from the family in general and her mother in particular and so on. Given Terra's age I only had what I had heard about her earlier years as she was in her fifties, I think, despite looking closer to twenty; elven lifespan and all. She asked Maia a few things as well; as it turns out Terra was working solo when two jobs were posted for the same thing went out; with Terra's underestimating the problem a fair bit. Terra and the Roses combined forces and took both paychecks and then she was invited to the club.

"Hmm... She reminds me of myself; when I was a younger woman..." She said softly with a sigh. "But I am able to better understand the issue now; the issue of a dark elf in the land of Eostia."

"I can imagine it's not easy..." I said, sighing softly as I took a moment to sip my own tea. "To many it likely feels humans and dark elves are natural enemies between the Age of Survival and the Garan war. Even if a peace were declared tomorrow it would be generations before that stigma could be mitigated."

"And likely, despite our best efforts, never be eliminated; at least for two or three ages." Iryna said with a nod as Maia scoffed.

"Whatever. People are people; no matter what color skin they have or how pointy their ears are." The redhead scoffed as she picked up a cheese covered cracker that was set out as snacks. "Terra and Iryna are not the same as the idiots crying bloody murder north of us." She said before starting to eat the snack.

"You're right but idiots will be idiots." Miria chipped in as she sighed; being someone who had to deal with said idiots she knew what she was talking about. "That's just how it will be until they've been taught different. Of course as long as Garan is attacking consistently and causing problems the lesson won't stick."

"Hmm... Regardless bridges will be needed to be built and maintained someday." Iryna said with a sigh. "Maybe not today, not tomorrow... But soon... I hope." She looked like she had more to say before one of the manor's maids (A short haired, B-Cuped blonde wearing a maid's outfit... With a bare midriff, small Anima Lux cross over the left breast and pantyhose. Because Eostia.

It's always because Eostia.

"Beg pardon M'Lady." She said looking to her and bowing. "There's a few reports sent to you in your office. It seems one Garnet Rotenacht has appeared in Steelroar." Iryna sighed and I could, for the first time since I arrived, see annoyance on her face.

"I see." She said as I blinked.

"I'm sorry; 'Garnet Rotenacht?" I let off as Iryna looked to me.

"She's a member of the Una Vertias Chruch." She began. "More specifically their High Inquisitor."

Oooooohhhh... That's a turn of events...

Like all good (And not so good) religions there's an internal organization to ferret out things like heresy and apostates. For the Church this was the Inquisition... and for the Faith it was the Auditors (Yes they had a group too, for better or worse). While I'm sure most would, at this point, start thinking about the Spanish Inquisition here (Both of the Monty Python comedic type and the real life not-comedic type) the separation of church and state in Eostia meant they couldn't terrorize or harass normal citizens and those who took to other faiths... on paper; in practice is always different.

The two organizations instead formed different roles in their respective churches with both acting as a sort of 'internal affairs' that would root out bad actors within the organizations, police bad behavior and acting in a counterespionage role as well. Both of these were fine under Eostian law... And where things differed.

The Auditors also acted as something of an intelligence and investigations bureau; mostly spying on their rivals in the Church but also looking out for other threats to the Faith and, if needs be, Eostia in general. While I've not heard of them being a part of any dirty business it was possible.

Within the Church, however, spying and other black ops things were done by the Umbra Vigilia so the Inquisition wasn't tasked with that; although as mentioned counterespionage was in their job description. Rather they investigated normal, everyday crimes and other such things. While the Church didn't have the authority to do it on their own they could get permission from local sheriffs to do so or assist them in such actions. If the offer was taken or not depended on the sheriff, how overworked s/he was and their thoughts of the rumors around the Inquisition... Namely that they (Allegedly) would plant evidence to frame certain people, torture out confessions and a host of other, rather unpleasant things.

Needless to say that their boss paying a visit to the city at a time where Iryna, a high ranking member of an opposing organization, was hosting a festival... Yeah...

This could be... Interesting... To put it mildly...

Given how much shit has happened in the places I visited after I arrived... Yeah... To use a well worn quote; Awwww shiiiit, here we go again...

[-]

Syniy Manor, Third Floor Hall
That Evening

"Bloody Maia... Likes her drink too much..." Terra let off with a sigh as she walked along the halls of the manor after spending more time then she should have with her boss, Shana and Conleth with ale and wine... She preferred to not drink too much most of the time, but in this manor in particular... It was warm, cozy and well furnished showcasing wealth without opulence in excess... Like Mungale Manor... The very place she grew up and left when she felt ready to fend for herself... It was annoying, really. In fairness she was never really abused or attacked; most of Argon knew her mother and were less judgmental.

That wasn't to say she was never bullied nor that those bullies weren't relentless; she was and they were. Both her mother and her father took care to do what they could to mitigate the issue but even they could only do so much; or rather only do so much before causing concern among the general populace about punishing children for being children, even in regards to bullying. Her mother would take over her training to ensure she could handle herself if things came to blow but it was her father that would buy her a pair of batons she could use to defend herself with while avoiding drawing blood.

'A weapon does not cause harm', her father would tell her. 'The weapon does as it's user wills it to. To harm, to guard, to threaten and to work. A sword can cut flesh but also branches for fire wood. Sharpened steel can cow a man into backing down and thinking of peace or block a weapon or missile from the air. In the end the weapon is no more then a tool and no less then such. You are the will behind it.'

Honestly she loved her father... The ideal man in many ways; wise and kind but strong and decisive. Many lords who had someone ask for their daughter's hand in marriage who was like Merlin, an orphan of unknown stock, would simply rejected them out of hand with scorn. Xander saw something else; a man with the intelligence and courage to rise upwards through adversity, making the best of opportunities given to him and becoming a respected baron to the point his lowly origins were overlooked by his peers who had learned not to underestimate him. Xander saw who Merlin was but more importantly who he could be.

As for her mother...

She let off a snort before pausing. In spite of being in a guarded manor her hands shifted to her hips where her weapons were... She could hear it, the soft steps of someone else, no longer alone...

"What pains you, my child?" Only for her to relax and turn to the holy woman who owned the manor who was walking towards her, hands folded before her lap in a clam manner.

"I'm not your child." Terra spat out, turning away from her once more.

"Indeed, we were over that. But my question is unchanged; what pains you?" The woman said, walking closer until stopping a mere five feet away.

"I have no reason to tell you." Terra said, turning her head to look out the window and the stars filling the sky.

"I have reason to ask." Terra frowned as she turned her side to the woman; her head now turned to glare at her. "I am an Azure of the Anima Lux. To ease pain and burden is part of my duty. When one such as you is before me I must do as I can to help them."

"I don't want your help you dr-grrr, you nosy holy gossiper." She huffed before turning back starting to walk down the hall to her quarters and away from the damned-

"I've been called a drow many a time." She said calmly. "From others it always stung... but the most pain came when I called myself that."

For the first time since the woman walked up to her Terra looked to her with something other then a glare or a frown; a look of shock on her face. "Wh-what..."

"There was a time... Longer then I wish to admit and before I came to wear the cloth that I hated my parents... Hated myself..." Iryna said as she walked closer and closer to Terra, step by step, stopping two feet away this time. "Such evil beings, drow are... Genocidal in their aims, spending seven centuries causing harm and hurt, killing and raping and worse up and down the borders of the north... And being one of them I suffered the scorn and hate of my human peers growing up but the worse wounds were the self inflicted; hating what I was, hating was I was born as, wishing I could be as human as those I lived around and hating that I wasn't... So I blamed my mother and father for spawning me; for giving birth to a drow and making me into such. Perhaps had they never had children I could have been of a more respectable race... But that is not how life and the world works... And it took decades for me to overcome it... To see myself not as a drow but as a person. And if it is in my power I would spare you that pain; the deepest hurt of self-hatred... But I can do only so much... I can help you only if you're willing to accept the offer."

"You... You..." Terra let off, looking to her in shock before gritting her teeth and taking an aggressive step forwards. "You know nothing of how-"

"-how many potions it takes to heal and hide wrist scars?" Terra's face paled, her jaw going slack. "It is true; elven skin is much more more resistant to scarring then humans and will fade in full given time..." She said, holding an arm up, palm and wrist up as her other hand pulled her sleeve back. "No one can see them... But I still do. Some days... In my weaker moments I still feel them... Here..." She said, pointing to a spot further back and closer to the middle of her forearm. "I scored myself here with a sewing needle until it bled, where I could hide the bandages under my sleeve. I'd even press the point into my skin in various parts; trying to turn mental pain to physical ones. I ended up losing it and found a small knife and used that instead... And bled so much I passed out; found by he would become my teacher and guide... Someone who would listen to my pain, my hurt and my anguish and guide me from them and towards calm and serenity."

"... You make it sound easy..." Terra said as she huffed.

"It never is, my child." Iryna said, shutting her eyes for a moment. "Nor am I fully unhaunted from my past as I stand before you today... But the hurt eases every day. What was once agony became a dull ache and what was once a dull ache is a now an easily ignored discomfort... But even so it never leaves you... All you can do is rise above it... And help others rise above theirs." She said as Terra looked away before she slowly walked to a window, Iryna moving to follow her before setting a hand on her shoulder. "You do not need to join the cloth as I have and while my ears and doors are both open for you you need not speak to me if you are uncomfortable with it; if anything I could see how it could make it more difficult. But you have allies and friends who care deeply, and by what little I've gleamed family." Terra was still silent as Iryna spoke once more. "It took time but I mended bridges with my parents. I faced old bullies and defeated them with kindness and patience... And I rose to a place of respect within my faith. You too can rise and defeat your sorrows."

"...I... I'm not..."

"You need not fear." Iryna said, squeezing her shoulder. "I will not press you hard. If you are willing I shall await... And if I am not who you will seek solace from then one of your friend's shall accept your need, I am sure. Go and rest... And think over things."

"Sure... ... How did you become friends with someone like Maia, actually?" She asked, turning to her fully.

"Ahhh... Some... Six or so months ago there was a rather large bandit uprising around a man who claimed to embrace the ways of the Brazen; enough so that Ladies Maia, Kaguya and Lulu were summoned to fight them." Iryna said with a chuckled. "During their stay Lady Kaguya came to the Cathedral and we spoke over various theology and philosophy We then agreed to meet for lunch and she brought her fellow Shield Princesses and I found Maia's candid nature rather... refreshing. Too many people censor their words and thoughts around an Azure to the point it can be stifling. She's a breath of fresh air, really."

"Heh... She really is. Never judged me for what I was for a second." Terra said with a huff before pulling away and starting to leave, pausing after a moment. "Uhh... Night... And... sorry for being... rude."

"No offense was taken at all. If I have helped then I am grateful. Good night, my child..." Iyrna said as she watched Terra leave, smiling serenely as she did. It was only once she heard a door shut she smiled wider. "You may come out now."

[-]

I nearly flinched but I stepped out from behind the corner; a set of armors were set up at there and I stood behind one to avoid being seen. I had stepped out for some fresh air and as I came back only to overhear the pair talking and stepped aside to not interrupt. I sighed and looked to her. "My apologies. I wasn't intending to overhear but..."

"What is done is done." She said simply as she walked over to me. "Had she not been so agitated she might have heard your approach, elven ears as they are. Still, I thank you for letting me speak to her without interruption... I think I prompted her towards the light of hope; although she can only make that journey if she is willing to do-what are you..?"

I had taken her arm in my hand and pushed her sleeve up with my other hand, setting two fingers to run up and down the underside of her arm as I looked it over. "You really can't see them, can you?" I said as she sighed.

"The benefits of elven physiology, I suppose." She said as she let me look and touch her arm without stopping me. "I am sure she has caused you harm; unintentional as it might have been. When the time comes do forgive her; such pains are... difficult to understand if you do not suffer them yourself."

"I was never offended just... Worried. She's my aunt; how could I not be?" I replied as I sighed, letting her arm go as she lowered her hands to her lap.

"She is lucky to have such a caring family." She smiled warmly as she nodded her head to one side before walking away. Getting the hint I walked beside her down the hall. "I do hope she will speak to me more... But she may speak to you instead. If this happens please; listen and do not judge."

"Of course." I said as I nodded. "And... Thank you... I've been trying to figure out what her issue was and once we met you I started to get the idea... But I don't think I'd have put it together myself like that. You've already been a great help."

"I thank you... Although it may be I who will be in need of your help soon."

"Garnet?"

"Indeed." She said as she frowned deeper. "I can't imagine why she's here. The only two reasons I can imagine is that her usual duties have brought her to our doorstep... Or she is here in regards to the festival." She said, reaching a door and opening it, a gesture used to invite me in as I stepped inside. A gesture of her hand and the spell orb lights in the ceiling turned on.

"I have had a brief run in with Una Vertias in Ur. Didn't impress me much." Not to mention I saw the Archbishop and his closest cronies at Foeh; question mark titles for all of them and Lucilius himself somehow sensing my Observe had me... more worried about them.

"Indeed; they've had naught but ill things to say of myself and my fellow dark elves in the Anima Lux; Zelda in particular. And Garnet has a reputation." She said, moving to her bed and sitting down as I moved to a chair, turning it to face her before sitting down. "I've heard much of how she gains her 'confessions'. We can not prove them, of course, but the rumors are... unsettling."

Not sure I wanted to know...

"Either way, once the copper circlet is on my head the festivities will begin." She said with a calm thoughtful look. "I imagine she will try and-"

"Wait..." I said as I heard a very loud, very profound, very clear 'click' in my head at that. "Did you say... circlet?" She blinked to me in confusion, wondering about why I called that out of all things.

"Yes. The ceremony calls for a crown of copper; although it mostly takes the form of a circlet. Why does that of all things worry you so?"

"Because I've run into a couple of circlets that have been nothing but problems." She blinked at me before I started to explain... The fate of Peter Hacksaw, Cyrus' ploy to kidnap Riri, Kaguya's report... And each one made her brow furrow more and more...

"You think the circlet to be tampered with?" She said, cupping her chin in thought.

"Or replaced. This situation doesn't match the other circlets that have shown up but the assumption is they're all test runs." I told her as I crossed my arms. "Assuming, for the moment, someone in the Church is behind this or is sponsoring this..."

"The Archbishop's pockets are deep enough to fund an endeavor such as this..." Iryna admitted after a moment. "And even if they have different aims then this I wouldn't put it past him to take a chance to undermine me and mine; him or another with the authority and knowledge to order it."

"I mean if he has the ability to do so... Why not?" I mused as I sighed. "I want to see the circlet tomorrow. First thing. If it is tampered with I'll be able to tell."

"Agreed. First thing after breakfast we will look into it." She said with a smile. "I'll let you go for the night then. Thank you for escorting me to me room. If you are right... Well..."

"Hmm?"

"Never mind." She said with a soft giggle. "It is too early to say more..."

[-]

Come the next afternoon, after my work with Iryna was done, Maia saw fit to drag me off to another eatery; this one called Tenkyoen's Ramen. Apparently Kaguya found the place when she, Maia and Lulu were on that mission that brought them to Steelroar City and Maia took to the flavor of ramen like a duck to water. I was more then happy to accommodate her and with us was Makoto (Also eager for a bowl), Riri, Shana and of all people Terra who was... quieter then usual. And less grouchy. Maia and Shana picked up on it but said nothing; instead they just drew her into conversation and while she stayed on the quiet side she still engaged in some small talk.

The restaurant had a very Japanese look to it; an 'L' shaped building with wooden walls with those rounded tiles on the roof. A large porch was set up with a window you could order at and a waitress would bring you your order when it was ready. The tables were set up outside and I could feel a soft shield spell overhead to protect from rain and weather. I had ordered a large, pork bowl, Terra a beef one, Shana a spicy beef, Riri a vegetable one, Makoto a seafood one and Maia... ordered a bowl of pork, beef and seafood, all extra spicy.

Where does it all go?

Either way we were enjoying ourselves, getting ready to see what shopping was about in town when I saw them; the red and gold tabards and golden plate armor of the Sancta Gloria; the elites of the Una Vertia Church. Four members of the order were walking to us and, between them, was a woman. She was short; five one perhaps, and was dressed in a priestly manner. Her dress was black with red sleeves with a cut out under the neck and between her A-Cup breasts with a gold design going between her breasts down to just above her naval. On the back of her forearms on the sleeves was a black design outlined in gold and around her shoulders was a bicep length cape; red on the front and black in the back; trimmed with gold with a line between the two colors.

The bottom of the dress bore a loincloth in the front with the sides and back covered with a skirt, trimmed with gold and lined with red on the inside. She had thigh high, black stockings with a strap higher up on her thighs with attached, red and black garters; attached to each strap was a black, gold trimmed holster with red handled pistols set into them; I couldn't tell what kind though but I imagined revolvers. Black gloves on her hands and gold shoes on her feet finished the outfit. Her face was soft and girlish but her expression was chill and neutral, yellow eyes gazing over to our direction as a bob of white hair hung about her head. I had my guesses as to who she was before she walked to our table, her bodyguards staying off the porch. I finished eating a what was in my mouth then set the bowl down as she spoke.

"Lord James Noxdecus of Mungale, I presume?" She let off as I turned to her.

"You presume correctly... Lady..?" I said, awaiting her introduction.

"High Inquisitor Garnet Rotenacht of the Una Vertias Church; the blessings of the Goddess be upon you." She said smoothly but without a hint of passion. "A pleasure."

(-)

Name: Garnet Rotenacht
Title: ?
Class: Gunner
Level: 42
Alignment: Hostile
Reputation: 41
Status: Healthy, Smug, Calm

Romance Rating: 157
Corruption Rating: 156

Known Traits
[?]
[To The Pain] You know how to cause significant harm to others; in many creative ways. +2 to pain to all bound targets.
[Quickdraw] You can draw your weapons as fast as lightning. +2 to draw speed. +3 to Dex & Agi

[?]
[Deadeye] You are accurate at any range. Compare your Acc and Dex. Whichever is lower is increased to the one that is higher or by ten, whichever is lower.

The daughter of a prostitute and one of her customers she wanted to escape the life of the red light districts and found it in the faith of the Una Vertias Church; joining it at the age of fifteen and entering the Inquisition at the age of twenty one. She would rise to the position of High Inquisitor at the age of thirty two and is fear from within the ranks and without.

(-)

...

I'm not sure what worries me more; that I can't see her title, that she's level forty two, that she looks like she could be sixteen despite being over thirty, that she's listed as hostile or that she has both a corruption and romance rating that damn high!

I was able to maintain my composure but half of that was that I suspecting I could run into her. "Likewise, Inquisitor. What brings you by?" I asked her.

"Oh you know; I had heard you were town and wanted to introduce myself." She said, setting a hand on the table as she leaned in to look at me closer, smiling sweetly as she looked into my eyes; but a false sweetness in this case. "I've heard a lot about you and your voxlux; I had to come meet the man himself." She said, her arms pushing her small breasts together.

I doubted she came here just to see me... "Oh, well that nice. We were taking the time to have some lunch; ramen is a rare treat in Mungale." I said, smiling back as she giggled.

"Hmmm, I never got the point of the food... Seems to be an odd noodle soup to me; but who am I to judge?" She said standing up fully as she grinned. I could see Makoto's eye twitch from the corner of my eye but she said nothing. "Maybe I'll try it sometime... If a lord can bring himself to eat such then something about the food must be good."

"It's a wise idea to be open minded." I replied smoothly. "Speaking of; we've met with Iryna Syniy. I'm sure you're aware of her."

"Indeed, the... Azure born from the heathens... Something you seem to enjoy the company of..." She said giving a pointed look to Terra who glared back.

"Who are you calling a-"

"There's more to a person then race of birth." I said smoothly before Terra could generate an outburst. "Doesn't the Primum Verbum say 'to judge one on the circumstance of birth is folly and refuses a chance to spread the light. To accept a person as a person is a wisdom and shall help ward off the darkness'?" I replied as Garnet's eye twitched softly as Terra gave me an odd, curious look.

"Y-yes. You understand your scripture." She said, maintaining her composure and even her false smile before turning to Terra. "I apologize."

"...I've heard worse." My Aunt said, crossing her arms.

"Regardless..." I said, lifting a hand up to call her attention back to me. "She also heard you came to town and wanted a message passed along if I were to meet you." Her smile faltered finally as she looked confused. Terra also gave me a confused look and a blink. "I assume you haven't heard from someone else then?"

"No, not yet." She said, standing up fully. "Given our Churches... divided nature we don't always speak on... warm terms." That was putting it mildly to say the least...

"I'm sure you know of the Saint Lunam Festival at the Cathedral with her name tomorrow; yes?" She said, smiling (Falsely) and nodding. "She wanted, as a gesture of good will and a means to promote peace between the Church and the Faith to extend an invitation for you to join them." She blinked and you could see her lips twitch. "Furthermore if you were willing she wanted you to be a part of the crowning ceremony with the circlet itself." Maia and Terra both shared a confused look before glancing to me with a bit of surprise and worry.

"Is that so..." She let off with a twitch of the lips that turned a side up before she forced it back down. "Well... I needs consider things of course... But I shall send my reply to her invitation by dinner. If you see her before then inform her of such, shall you?"

"Of course."

"Well, if you excuse me... Busy day and all." She said before turning on her heel and leaving The Sancta Gloria would salute us before turning to leave as Maia leaned over to me once they were out of earshot.

"What's going on and what do you know that we don't?" She asked as I chuckled.

"Sorry Maia, Iryna asked me to keep things quiet; it's a bit of a surprise." I told her with a chuckle. "But by tomorrow there should be quite the show..."

"James..." Terra let off as I looked to her and for the first time since I've seen her again she gave me a worried look. "Are you... sure about this?"

"...I will say there could be an issue..." I said lowly. "But there is a plan Auntie. Trust me." She sighed softly and leaned back, crossing her arms.

"Fine. ... And don't call me that." She huffed out.

The reality was... It was hard to know exactly what would happen until it did.

[-]

Steelroar City, Barony of Alcanth
Backroom of the Sir Canton Church
Early Afternoon

"Really... Just like that?" Harrison Hamilton let off blinking at him under his glasses as he turned to her fully, his glasses shining in the light with his wicked grin. "Ye got invited to have a front row seat to the bloody festivities!? By me uncle's short hairs, Ah'd love ta be gettin' a front row seat ta what's ta come!"

"I know, right!?" Garnet let off with a wicked grin to match his. The backroom was mostly empty save some crates pushed to the sides of a wall and a table with a large, Una Vertias banner on it that was under repair. "Goddess Almighty! I couldn't ask for anything better! I swear, my birthday came early... He he he he... I could even be part of the ceremony... If I put it on her head myself..."

"Ha! Tis an honor I'd kill fer..."

"That said..." Garnet said as she moved to sit on a crate, her neutral expression returning. "I got a good look at the Noxdecus boy's eyes. He's a bloody Dragonborne, just as we thought."

"Ack... Fer fuck's sake... Aye, we worried 'bout that." Harrision said as his expression sobered. "Bloody hells. Bloody hells... No idea if he's the one that Archbishop Albertson's prophecy talked 'bout but any Dragonborne can be... Ach, Well, Ah can go an' grind me axe to-"

"No." Garnet said firmly, holding a hand up. "No. No. He's a lord with the attentions of the High Queen as well as the Council of Lords. Not to mention his work can be a benefit to us as well as we unpeel it's secrets. He lives. For now." She said firmly. "Besides... It would be a shame to kill him before I could have a taste of him in my playroom."

"Ack... Ah feel sorry fer him if ye get to him 'fore Ah do..." He said with a grin coming back to his face. "Ah'll let the good father know of his situation. Wish Ah could stick 'bout an' watch the show but Ah need to be runnin' back 'ome and dealin' with other duties. Be sure an' tell me all the details, eh? Ah want to know everythin' from the beginnin'... ta the heathen's endin'!"

"Oh I do promise..." Garnet let off, giggling darkly. "It'll be a festival to remember..."

[-]

The morning of the festival came and the whole city seemed excited. You could see a line of people wearing white or gold sashes over their shoulders lining down the street to Saint Lunam's. We'd arrived early at the Cathedral and it was quite the sight; it bore four large, round towers and was about ten stories tall; whitewashed with gold trim and blue tiling on the roof. Inside the front double doors was a set of stairs on either side leading up to three more stories with seating up there like a theater. A raised platform was at the back of the front room where the podium was. The back wall bore a very nice fresco of the goddess and her three segments while under their image was a series of humans accepting two books.

A large pipe organ was set up on a floor above the platform with a man playing on it, filling the room with some theme or another I couldn't place. I was in the front row on the right hand side, first floor with the Roses, my gang and a few other notable members of the Faith. Garnet and her bodyguard detail were on the left hand side; the woman sitting with her legs crossed, the top leg bouncing as she waited. Finally the music ended and you could see Iryna walk out of the back to the platform. Behind her was a series of priests and priestesses with one, young girl in likewise wear who was maybe eight holding a pillow and a circlet made of copper on it; a design carved on it not unlike thorned vines.

Iryna stopped at the podium and smiled to the room, parting her arms wide before she began to give a long speech with a spell stone in the podium helping project her voice. It was a tad dry but but gave a brief history on Parquia, Saint Lunam and the festival. Thankfully it was brief enough that no one would tune out fully. "Now then..." She began, bringing her hands together before smiling in a serene manner. "As I'm sure some of you know a high ranking member of the Una Vertias has arrived recently. As a gesture of good faith I would like her to partake in the crowning." She said, turning to the small girl and squatting down and moving to pick up the copper circlet. "Come up, Garnet Rotenacht." She said as Garnet stood up as she kept her face in a smile; but I could see her lips twitch.

The petite girl moved to the platform and walked up to it, even ruffling the girl's head as she walked past, moving down the line. "Well, I must admit this invite is a bit of a surprise that you'd be so eager to have me join you; opposing Churches and all... It's an honor to be the one to crown the representative of Saint Lunam." She let off with a wide smile.

"Oh. I beg your pardon." Iryna said in a calm, friendly tone as Garnet's smile faulted a hint. "Mayhaps my invitation was misunderstood somewhat but I had intended for you to be the one to bear the crown, actually."

Garnet's composure cracked and she looked as if she had just been slapped as the crowd murmured; at first with surprised that someone from Una Vertias would be the one to wear the crown... Then confusion as Garnet's reaction to the offer was as if Iryna had psychically cracked her across the face with a fan, snapped it open and did that annoying/endearing 'ohhhh-ho-ho-ho!' laugh.

"Ahhhh, n-no..." She let off, chuckling nervously. "I couldn't take such an honor from-"

"Ahh, please. It is an offer not just of an honor but a gesture of good will." Iryna added as I tried not to snicker; somehow pulling off the feat. Garnet waved her hands before her, smiling nervously as she shut her eyes...

"N-no, it's really something I shouldnnnn't!" She let off... The tail end of the word 'shouldn't' squealed out as Iryna set the circlet on her head with no warning while her eyes shut for that brief moment. That made her eyes widen open before grabbing the circlet and shoving it off her head, backing up in shock as the copper crown hit the floor, spinning about for a moment... Then her eyes widened as realization that nothing happened to her.

"Oh my... Why such a strong reaction?" Iryna said as she moved to the circlet, picking it up from the floor as everyone murmured around the building. Finally she moved to set the circlet back to Garnet's head, this time without her flinching away. "I mean you'd have thought someone had... tampered with it, or something with how you acted."

"Grahhh... Ninnnn..." Garnet let off, her eye twitching as she looked constipated as she tried to regain her composure.

"But surely you'd not think someone would do such a thing during a holy festival, yes?" Iryna said sweetly and calmly. "That would be rather unsightly." And I finally snickered a bit, but covered my mouth before I did so.

The other morning when we checked the circlet there was no maker's mark but it had enchantments like the others I had handled... As well as a second enchantment I had almost missed. I wasn't sure what it did but one of the local priests volunteered to don it having Iryna restrain him with her magic and myself pulling it off once the effects were understood.

He went berserk not long after; screaming about heathens, evil humans and the like... And professing fealty to Garan. It took a lot more effort then usual to get it off then the others; to the point I needed a second pair of hands. But once it was off you could see the maker's mark the rest of the circlets had appear on the inside.

I could only guess what that means but if I had to imagine the maker wanted them marked... But couldn't for some reason so triggered the mark to reveal itself after it had been used once; possibly when pulled off a living head. Why this way?

I could, once more, only guess but my theory is if the maker was an unwilling part of it he (And if what Kaguya said holds true, it's a he) wanted to clue people in but his means of doing so were... Poor. Having the mark show itself only when removed from a living victim made some sense as the Church would just kill the wearer to get it back. It was a piss poor way to do it, mind you. The mark was a clue; to what exactly I didn't know. I wasn't a detective and even if I was I had little to go on.

Regardless once we got it off I immediately reported to Celestine about the find and she was curious about the new information and we made arrangements to send the circlet to her. More over she, like myself and Iryna, suspected who was to blame... Knowing Garnet was in Steelroar then Iryna fashioned a plan to invite her in and offer for her to wear the circlet. The reaction to the offer would tell us all we needed to know. If she could get the circlet on her, all the better. To this end an older circlet used in previous years was found, cleaned up and, with some work and a little illusion spell from yours truly it looked like the real deal. I think the real circlet was stolen somehow or rather one was made as a copy in advance and replaced with the tainted one. And Garnet's reaction told us all we needed to know.

That said what we could do about it right now was limited. The Council of Lords wouldn't let Celestine crack down too much; while Garnet's reaction was evidence (Recorded on the voxlux to be sent to Celestine later, of course) it wasn't hard evidence and the Church had a lot of allies in Eostian noble houses; Draken, Caelum, Solrex, Whitelance, Rigald, Angelus, Magister, Xelbar, Moonchilde... Blitzhaus. And that's only the start of it. I think maybe over a third of the Council was allied to the Church in some way which meant if an additional sixth of the Council could be talked into backing them they could offer a lot or protection.

For now.

But this show was more then just a means to be sure of who's behind the circlet; it was a chance to let someone high ranking from the Chruch embarrass themselves.

"Now then, that we are all relaxed..." Iryna said, taking Garnet, circlet and all, by the shoulders and leading her closer to the podium. "Let us begin the ceremony!"

[-]

And it was quite the ceremony. The local park was converted into a small fair with games, foods and such being on offer. Stalls were set up along the streets around the park selling almost everything and anything as Maia dragged me about to play game after game. Once we had a private moment I informed her of what happened and she was torn between wanting to kick Garnet's ass and laugh her ass off at her.

Meanwhile the copper circlet wearing guest of honor was dragged to game to game and offered treat after treat. She was clearly not enjoying herself while trying to act like she was having the time of her life. My guess was she expected a front row seat to Iryna's reputation and position imploding and was still smarting by having it backfire in her face as well as having to play nice with the common folk... for ten hours.

The poor girl. Oh, excuse me, I'll clean up that dripping sarcasm over there.

Once the day was over Garnet left in a hurry; clearly bubbling with rage and once back in my quarters I called up Celestine and gave her the run down of events.

"I see... I can only imagine what harm Iryna would have suffered if their plan went off without a hitch." She said as I had the voxlux on the desk, propped up on a book to angle it. "I have received the recording and had a chance to look over it. I've also forwarded it to the Blackwatch. We now have a focus to our investigation on the circlets but I think there will be issues going forwards."

"The Council?" I asked, sighing... And to my surprise she shook her head.

"They are an issue; they are always an issue, but no. Not this time. The real issue is Lucilius." She said to my surprise. "The Archbishop is very cautious and once he realizes that we know the Church is connected to the circlets he will stop employing them. He is also willing to play the long game; more so then most humans. If I were to guess he'll sideline his circlets for the time being. He'll leave instructions so that another Archbishop following him, four or five generations from now, will pick them back up and use them once more when most have forgotten about them."

"Makes sense, I guess... But that means he cares more about the Church winning and completing their aims then completing them himself." I said as I rubbed my chin as Celestine nodded.

"Yes... Lucilius, while something of a coward, is more wise then many of his peers and predecessors." She said with a sigh. "He knows better then to make risky, attention grabbing gains and prefers slower, quieter and more permanent gains. He would conquer Eostia by inches over centuries then risk doing it in a year and possibly failing. For all of his shortcomings he is a respectable opponent. Under better circumstances he would be a wonderful ally."

"Iryna is also going to inform the Pope of all of this as well; just in case." I told her as she nodded. "She wants to be sure no one else gets something put on their head that causes crazy. But... Are you sure he'll abandon the plan? The Archbishop?"

"Fairly." She said with a nod. "Further cases could lead back to places he doesn't want people looking into. That's a risk he'll be unwilling to take. Be on your guard for more cases regardless."

"Of course. And keep me informed of this; if I can help find who's behind this-"

"I will let you know. Until next time my friend, be well." She said before the communications ended. I sighed and leaned back in my seat for awhile, thinking it over.

How do I look at this? On the one hand Garnet and whoever helped her in the attempt to sabotage the festival got away without punishment (Beyond a little humiliation) and would be left to cause more trouble. On the other hand they failed, caused a spectacle people would be talking about for a time and their main aim to undermine Iryna failed miserably.

I'll call this a partial win; I wasn't in a position to challenge Garnet in a fight yet (Level wise or otherwise) nor tackle the Church head on but their goals were stalled here. That was something. Once I was stronger and in a better position maybe I could do something to bring them down a peg.

After a moment to collect my thoughts I went back to working on my spell for a time. I started hitting a bit of a breakthrough; really. Thanks to Victoria Oxwell's book I was making some real headway into building my new spell's framework. I had decided to change my approach; working out how to combine holy and fire and then making them into a Dark Flare style spell. It was making things a lot easier to understand and more importantly piece together.

I maybe worked for an hour before a knock sounded on the door. "Come in." I called out as the door opened, Iryna slipping In and shutting the door behind her. Rather then her usual Azure robes she showed up in a well made but comfortable short robe tied around the waist and a long skirt that hugged her figure well. "Iryna. Can I help you?" I asked as she walked closer.

"Oh no. I wanted to thank you." She said, setting a hand to her chest as she walked to my side. "You prevented a possible disaster for my reputation and flock as well as offered Garnet humility; although I doubt it will stick. Still; I imagine this shall cause you trouble down the line."

"I have a feeling the Church has eyes on me thanks to the voxlux as it is." I replied, turning in my seat to face her more fully. It wasn't the only reason, but it was one.

"Regardless this will cause you trouble down the line, I am sure." She said, smiling calmly as she bowed slightly. "So I feel I need to show my appreciation in a more physical manner."

"... You led me to your room before the circlets came up to seduce me, didn't you?" I accused as she smiled warmly.

"I may be an Azure but I'm still a woman with her needs." She said without missing a beat as she undid her robe. "May I presume you don't mind?"

"Not at all." I said, seeing her massive set of breasts come into view with darker nipples. If I had a copper for every dark elf with big tits I was seduced by... I'd have two copper... but it's nice it's happened twice. Once her skirt hit the floor (No underwear, of course) I had gotten up and pushed the chair under the desk, moving to get my own clothes off; although Iryna was quick to kneel down and undo my pants, pulling them down with my boxers to my ankles so I could step out of them. She was quick to latch onto my cock with a hand, stroking it slowly before moving her lips to it; suckling it in. There was something rather erotic; seeing her long, cape of hair behind her.

Really; a long haired elf with giant boobs... She was like Celestine in that manner...

As she worked I reached down with both hands, gently pulling her hair back behind her head to help keep the long, silky curtain from getting in her way. And honestly; she was doing good work as I groaned out softly. It was hard to put it into words but she was taking most of my cock into her mouth before wrapping her tongue around it one way the the other and back around and it was divine...

No pun intended...

I groaned as she pulled her lips back up my cock, keeping the tip in and suckling on her, her tongue swirling around it in slow, deliberate circles. I shivered hard over her, sucking in a breath as I looked down to her eyes as she smiled to me as she pulled off my dick fully. "Ahhh... Been awhile since I've had fun with a man..." She said, giggling as she kissed the tip as I leaned over and helped her to her feet, taking hold of her hands to do so. She was turning to the bed but I caught her off guard by pulling her in close, reaching under her hair to grab her by the ass and lift her up.

She yelped in surprised but wrapped her legs about my hips, adjusting them to hook her ankles behind my back as I worked my cock to position and, once in place, dropped her down onto it as we both groaned out; her folds wrapping around me until her pelvis pressed to mine. Once she bottomed out I started to rock my hips, using my arms to swing her body into mine as she used her legs to rock herself into me.

"Mmmm, yes... It feels good..." She let off before kissing my lips, the two of us groaning. Her hair tips brushed my toes and it made it a bit odd as I groaned into her mouth.

"Mmm, you're quite tight yourself." I let off as I rammed my cock into her sex; the contrast of her darker skin and my lighter making for a visual enticement as well as I went in and out of her. I didn't get to look for long as she pulled me back into a welcomed, enjoyable kiss. She then started to gyrate her hips about in a circle, making me groan out deeper and deeper.

Once I had the chance I broke the kiss and adjusted her a bit, leaning down to suckle on one of her massive breasts (Just missing the nipple) before I started to walk back towards a bed (I would have walked forwards but I was worried about stepping on her hair) turning once I was close enough before moving her hair aside to move us to the bed proper, laying her down and moving my hands to her breast, sinking my fingers into the sizable, plush flesh and adjusting my lips to get the nipple into my mouth properly. God she was a babe...

She moaned under me, arms moving to grip my biceps as I slammed my hips down into her, groaning louder and deeper into her tit before she squeezed with her legs.. I groaned as well, getting closer myself to a peak before I finally came into her, thrusting twice more as she cried out and shuddered in her own, angelic moaning climax. As I finished I pulled out and moved to lay next to her ash she gently pushed me to my back to lay on my side, head on my chest. "Ah, Goddess... I needed that..."

[Fucked List]

Iryna Syniy=100xp x 5 First Time Bonus=500xp
+20% Dark Horse of Eostia Bonus
Gain 600xp Total

"I'll admit, I found it enjoyable as well." I said, cuddling her to my side as she giggled and kissed my cheek.

"Well, when next you come to Steelroar you must return so we can share... prayers together." She said smiling as she stroked my chest gently.

[-]

We loaded up the next day to ride out; although our departure was delayed slightly. Maia said some goodbyes, of course, and gave Iyrna a large hug before she came to join us. However it was Terra who spent time speaking with her on the lawn and away from us. I didn't pry, of course, but I could see quite a bit of thoughtfulness in her body language. She was... well, not calm but more... relaxed then usual. Even Maia seemed surprised that Terra was being civil to Iryna, given how they met and she let the Azure pull her into a hug and, hesitantly, she returned it. Terra would then move back to us towards one of Victor's 'donated' horses but I moved towards her, waiting until she mounted to speak. "Terra." I called out simply as she looked to me. "I'm not going to ask what you and Iryna talked about but I do want to say... If you need to talk I'm here for you. Okay?"

"Sure..." She said, offering a tiny 'blink and you could miss it' smile. "I'll keep it in mind. ... I haven't been much of good company, have I?'

"We all have our problems." I said chuckling and reaching up to pat her thigh softly. "And I might not fully understand them all... But if I can help I will. Like it or not you're family. And I'm here for you, Auntie."

"...Thanks James. Thanks." A last smile and a nod and I piled into the carriage with Maia and Miria, this time with Aeris joining us before we turned and left to go south to put in the final booster of Rad...

In the County of Xenera and the holdings of Insidiae... And... Well...

Houses like Highreign, Draken, Erotique and Adelle all had reputations but Insidiae... Insidiae...

Insidiae had a real reputation...

[ - Author's Note - ]

Well, that's a chapter. Terra had her issues explored and set on a path... If it stays to that path will be something to see. And Iryna pulled a fast one on Garnet and the Church as a whole.

I will say my idea for this was a bit different; with an Anima Priest running around the streets in a crazy and James having Maia cut the circlet off of him... But as it went on I didn't know how to fully make it all work. I had some ideas but I thought James might see 'Una Inquisitor visiting plus Circlet' and come to a conclusion. I try to write everyone to have a level of competence that befits them which sometimes doesn't always mesh with how I want things to work out.

That said the next chapter and House Insidiae is one of those things I have a plan for but pulling it off will be the hard part. Have to wait and see how it goes.

As for James getting with Iryna... well, the Roman numerals for chapter thirty is XXX how could I not have a little sex scene in it? And (With luck) it'll be the only chapter thirty in this fic.

I didn't know what I was getting into with Act two, huh?

Anyway, if you haven't already the Best Ken's Banners Poll is still up. The link is on twitter on eoatian or you an go to the link directly at strawpoll (dot com) /polls/w4nWDJQ5WgA /polls/w4nWDJQ5WgA and could use some more votes to it. Please, if you haven't voted yet I'd appreciate it if you did, it means a lot to me and it's a bit of fun to see what everyone likes.

Anyway, next chapter should be the end of the Rad section as we go to Xenera. Hope to see you then!

~~Eostian Scribe