Searching For Light in the Darkness (all welcome)

[Aerienne Sarista]

Solaria in the first week of Immanis, in the Season of Spring, Era II of the Celestine Mandate, Era XIV Post Fractum, the Second Era of the Regency of Milo L'Evienne.

Aerienne Sarista and her armored protectors, the Archprelatine Guard, walked the streets of Vortex. Aerienne had both her luminous green eyes and her telepathic and empathic senses open, searching for those who might one day succeed her as the Archprelatess of the Church of the Faith. Other than the guards, who kept a discreet distance but were noticeably present, Aerienne had chosen to go alone into the dark city to try to find light within it.

The Ancient Aelyrian woman was clad in a simple dress of teal silk that brushed her ankles. Her angelic, white-feathered wings, each tipped by a solitary black feather, were folded across her body to form a soft cloak. She had woven passionflowers, roses, and forget-me-nots into the crimson hair that flowed as she moved this way and that, stopping to give coins to beggars or converse with random strangers on the street. Her pale face was lit up with a hopeful smile each time she talked to someone, and she could be seen expressing an almost child-like wonder at the marvels of Vortex, frequently exclaiming about this sight or that to her guardians.

The dozen Archprelatines, on the other hand, were stern and focused. These elite Paladins did not much care for Vortex but since they had to be here, they schooled their expressions well. The easy grin and casual dress of the Dracon commander, Estovol, belied his wary watchfulness and his deadliness with the long spear he held in one talon. He watched his Lady skip on ahead down Vortex's streets, smiling sunnily and waving to passers-by...

OOC: Tag anyone!

[Druhkun Vorvanaux]

He had been roaming the streets of vortex towering over the vysstichi populace like a collosus, he was certainly small for a giant standing aproximately eight feet tall but what he lacked in stature he made up for with an explosively powerful physique that was forged not from war and bloodshed but from moving the ground itself. Removing boulders off farm land and helping lend a strong hand when needed for a little coin in return.

His vibrant emerald green eyes strafed left and right, he wasn't searching for possible danger because he firmly believed that there was nothing to fear in vortex. It was a pride thing, besides what did a hulking juggernaut like himself have to be afraid of in daylight in an open city street? Did a run of the mill cut purse really want to wrastle a nine hundred pound beast over a couple crowns and silvers?

Of course something did happen to grab his attention down that particular path. You dont often see angels in vortex the city itself was an amiable aeternia on telath. But she was followed by knights, perhaps they were more then simply that. He didnt think to deeply into it, but he bet about ten crowns on himself that he could single handedly crush an enemies face; helm and all.

But beyond that the woman was strikingly beautiful it was a refreshing twist to see such playful inocence that had he not already mentioned was easy on the eyes. But why on earth would an angel plummet from the grace of aetheria and fall into the abysmal darkness and corruption that was vortex?

He was careful not to gawk but continued to walk tall through the street, he didn't rightly make way for anything he just lumbered past citizen and gave a gentle nudge to people that got in his way because he was far too prideful to step out of someone elses way.

[Aerienne Sarista]

Aerienne saw the giant, how could she not? She smiled brightly and waved up at him. Spreading her wings, she took to the air with the ease and grace of one born to soar the skies. She didn't go far though, just high enough to look the giant in the face while she talked to him. "Serale sir! How has your brightening been?" She trilled her r's and her voice was whispery-soft. There was a strangely dream-like echo to it.

[Druhkun Vorvanaux]

"My brightening has been pretty good, not everyday you make an aquaintance with an angel like yourself sweetheart. Heh, it was a pleasure to meet ya mam the names Druhkun maybe one brightening we will meet again but until then I must embark until I find peace of mind. "

It was undecided wheather or not Druhkun was a force of good or evil, he had the capacity to be anything. He could be a protector or a destroyer, but the path he would walk would inevitably be his own choosing. He was all around decent folk but he didnt have the wish or the equipment if you caught his drift to be an archprelatess but it did not change his situation that would ultimately define him.

Was he a sword? Or was he a shield?

[Dimitri Wladisyaw]

He could not resist this opportunity, even if it ended in his demise he could not resist. Imperial criminal, slaver, Barbari Duke and crusader of the church watched the procession from a little distance, he did not wish to be noticed yet, he had no idea what she was doing but he wanted to see her the chosen one of the faith, he might never get another chance to see her in the flesh before she was retured to some forgotten place and marble statues replaced her viasage in the church history.

He was leaning against a building, dark robes covering his armour and weapons, he watched her talk to the giant and smiled, behind him was an alley and an easy means of escape, slowly he cast his eye upon her trying to read her like he read all, this was the woman who embodied the church. he grinned maybe the church did indeed have a good heart in a body filled with poison.

[Obalym Poe]

Today she awoke remarkable early considering her night time activities, today her home of choice was someones backyard tree. Nothing unusal for the day grass is brown, leaves are worm ridden and the pears in the tree are dried up lumps that remind her of the annoying little dog that happens to be growling at her leg precariously coming in closer in a feeble attempt at a nip. She punts the dog off into the yard sending it away with a sprawling yelp. A thoroughly satisfied tingle electrifies her fingertips from the dasterdly deed of dog punting. Stupid dog

First things first get some food, today Obalym felt like sylrosian, and she just happened to know a place whos lock was woefully old and well maintenanced. Which means it's only a well oiled lock that is far to simple to keep her sticky fingers off of their sticky food.

Fortunatly or perhaps unfortunatly the path to that particular restraunt sliced right between a throng of knights. A dracon holding a longspear in his talon looked down upon the petite thing that dared trounce through their gaurded territory "Heh just leaving loverboy" she waves to them quickly making herself scarce until pink eyes find something tall, red hair, and brilliant wings. She must be an Angel that beautiful creature talking to the giant. Obalym watched observing quietly, while finding herself unsure in the presence of an angel.

[Aerienne Sarista]

"I'm Aeri! It's nice to meet you Druhkun! I hope you find your inner peace. If you need any help the Church would happy to provide. Its' what we're here for, to offer guidance and support to all who need it. Serale, and blessings!"

She floated out of the giant's way and was about to continue down the street when she heard voices behind her. She turned and spotted Estovol frowning after some pink-eyed woman. She smiled and waved. "Serale!" She alighted on the ground. "Please don't let Estovol scare you off. He's really nice and he's just being careful because that's his job. Anyways, I'm Aeri. What's your name?"

[Obalym Poe]

That tall creature turned floating down from her cloud of raidient perfection setting her eyes; the gateway to her soul wich shined brilliantly that same light poured over every inch every hair every partical every tiny spec of angelic beauty basked in whatever has permiated her soul. Is that light some sort of divine grace? And that voice it must belong to a dream for reality is much to spartan, much to violent, cold and unforgiving. That voice told her she could be forgiven of her sins, that even theiving, dog punting half Vyssi's could be redeemed.

Petite hands found each other they knotted togeather and fell at her waist half expecting to be smote by a divine bolt of lighting her face suddenly bloomed a dirty sort of reddish color muted by her pale ashen grey skin. "Oh no i wasn't scared" her enormus smile uncontrollable as she spoke "I was just passing through..a a.and i bumped into him"

If only she could just bask in this feeling that the angel gaver her, this feeling of peace, this feeling of a giant blanket has been wrapped around her by two comforting hands keeping in the warmth of love. For the moment all her troubles, woes, hungers and needs had been melted away replaced by the perfect energy flowing through that angel "Oh..Hi Aeri. My name is Obalym. Um...what are you doing here anyway?"

[Dimitri Wladisyaw]

It was time to act. He would never have this chance again to speak with her and maybe pass on his message. He saw she was talking to a strange crowd and moved past them so he would be seen after they had finished. Slowly he drew off his gauntlets and whipped his cloak about his shoulders. The ring of the church, the ancient signet rested alongside the signet of his house on his finger.

She would have to respect him for a moment even if after she destroyed what little there was left of him. He waited for her to reach him his soul firm and not fearing the light.

[Xavienael Saint-Kaien]

Accoutered in a simple white poet's shirt and flowing white silken long pants, Xavienael languidly sank into his accustomed morning spot; a brittle chair fashioned from tropical cane outside a streetside cafe. Curling wisps of steam arose from his mug of Laurylian green tea, cradled in slender fingers as he sipped contemplatively. The elflord's cascading twilight hair wafted lazily with the morning breeze as he enjoyed a rare moment of idyll in an unlikely city. Only that fatal blade perched on his shoulder, 'Sorrowful Moon' that was synchronous with his presence, stood testament that the elf was not another simple 'tourist' enjoying his morning tea.

In fact, it seemed he wasn't the only unsimple 'tourist' today.

With sardonic scrutiny, Xavienael eyed the parade that was progressing down the street. Such a stark contrast; the armored bullyboys swaggering around their charge and that pure, innocent angelic being who drifted before them. Too stark to have been anything but deliberate and in fact, the elflord quietly sensed that the Aelyrian could quite effortlessly protect herself sufficiently without employing bodyguards at all, thank you very much.

But curiously, what does that reveal about the household name, Aerienne Sarista, Archprelatess of the Church? Xavienael sipped his tea and closed his eyes as he ruminated. Yes indeed, scratch that veneer of innocence and you would discover a very astute political creature. One who knew how to manipulate appearances and to play off extremes against each other.

Never had Xavienael harbored any fondness for the church. His own innocence and faith had been stripped callously from him a very long time ago. Coldly, the elflord continued to watch unblinkingly with a predator's casual interest, Aerienne Sarista.

[Aerienne Sarista]

Aerienne smiled warmly at Obalym, wandering over to her. "I'm looking for those who care for others. You see, I occupy an office and I need to find someone who can one day replace me. But I want to make certain that the person who replaces me is someone who is kind and who will care for the people, not for themselves. I figured that the best way to find that person is to go out and make friends with as many people as I can, and hope that I find the right person while I do so."

She giggled suddenly, like a little girl. "And its a lot of fun too! I haven't been out and about in such a long time!" Just a few feet away now, Aeri's delight and warm happiness was projected outward into the world via her race's natural empathic powers. Suddenly that warmth turned to concern as she spotted the distress that had been muted by her presence. Such things called to her, and she reached out a hand in a non-threatening way. "Obalym, would you like to talk to me? I sense some trouble in your heart. Please don't be alarmed. It is the nature of my race to sense the emotions and thoughts of others. I promise that I have not read your thoughts but I cannot help but sense your feelings. My position is as a spiritual counselor and I would like to help you if I can." She looked about the street, spotting Dimitri and Xavienael. She gave each a warm, brief smile and then turned back to the girl before her. "If you'd like, we could talk privately a little later at the Church compound? I must speak with those who have come to see me but I'd like to be of help to you if I may." She looked at her hopefully.

In the meantime, the Archprelatines were carefully eyeing up Xavienael and Dimitri. There was no hostility, just the calm of professional soldiers watching out for their charge.

OOC: Sorry for the sudden disappearing act. I moved this weekend and haven't had internet access until now.

[Obalym Poe]

That warm smile made her feel good and in return her own beaming smile sprouted from her upturned lips. “You hold a position of office. So you’re like a politician Aeri? And you’re looking for a friend to replace you?” It certainly is a simple minded innocence to believe that a friend would be the best choice of office. Then again shouldn’t someone be trustworthy and virtuous? The angel laughed and the grey hybrid couldn’t help but give a whimsical chord of her own

“I have not even left Vortex though I would like to see the rest of Telath Aeri. Have you traveled through the empire before?” As the angel’s hand reached out to her Obalym for a moment hesitated from the purity of this creature. If not for her natural apprehension at physical contact which has only been magnified by recent events the contact would be of breathing; completely natural.

Obalym grasps the outstretched appendage watching the colors of their skin meet and press together between the fingers and palm. The notion of another being able to sense another’s emotions made her curious it just goes to show how little she actually knew of the outside world, it made her ignorant not naïve. “Actually Aeri, I would like to come and talk to you later. I would like that a lot. But how would you know if…I needed help” In all honestly she does need help, were her powers really that strong? It must be so and if that is true then she would be more than willing to spend more time in the presence of an empathic being.

[Aerienne Sarista]

"Well I would hope you would tell me if you needed help. I can get impressions from your emotions but I try not to pry." She tilted her head to one side, a bright smile on her face. "And yes, I have traveled a good deal of the Empire in my various duties. I'm from Aelyria Prime originally and I live near Diana, but I've been to Natura, Frigid River, Primus Gaudeo, Imperia, Taralon, Syl'rosya, Mystique, and Archadoon. I even got to visit another dimension called the Astral Plane with my friend Audrey once! Now I get to visit Vortex." She blushed a bit. "I guess you can say I've been a bit of a traveler. But usually I go places to help people as part of my job. I'm sort of a politican." She seemed a bit hesitant on that point. "I don't like to think of myself that way though. I've been the Lady Thane of Frigid River and now I'm the Governor of Carmelyn Province, but I try to avoid the political stuff and just focus on helping people.

My major job has been to be the Archprelatess of the Church of the Faith. The way I see it, the most important job of all is helping other people find their faith, maintain it, and help them with whatever other problems they might have as best I can. But I have to step down now and that's why I'm looking for a good, kind person to replace me." She seemed a little sad as she finished, but she released a deep breath and radiated a positive good cheer. "It's the biggest thing I've ever done, and the most important, but if I find that right person and they can help others with the power of my office, then I've done a good job." She nodded then smiled apologetically. "But I've been talking about me when I should be helping you! When would be a good time to meet?"

[Z'kron]

And there, standing in the darkness, was an odd figure. Cloaked in deep brown robes which covered him almost entirely, he was leaning against a wall and had been all but unnoticeable till this point- slightly out of the range of Aeri's abilities, perhaps, but now well within. Sapphire eyes glinted like rocks catching the light from deep within his cowl. Next to him, a similarly cloaked figure stuff, fidgeting slightly uncomfortably.
"My lady Aerienne. How pleasant to see you within these parts."
The voice of the druid spiralled out from within the depths, carrying with it the usual blend of authority, power and a tinge of eccentricity. But this time it sounded a little different from before, perhaps less human.
Aeri would feel the difference, of course. As an Allerian, her senses and empathy were tuned to catch even the slightest changes. And Z'kron, well, Z'kron was more than just slightly different, though his form was much the same; though he still carried the unusual aura of calm that was part of his trademark.
He pulled his hood back, revealing the features of an aged elf- but if one could feel beyond the surface, it was apparent Z'kron was now as much a plant as a humanoid; something that had existed so long that he transcended the boundaries of plant and animal kingdoms and now simply *was*.
"It does Telath good to see you walk it. And good to see officials other than I take note of these parts of the empire. They tend to be much neglected, especially in these times of crisis."
The Imperial High Sage turned, smiling at the Poe. There was a combination of appraisal and empathy in the gaze, which made anyone so observed aware of a most peculiar mind at work, one that managed to be both quite detached and very much emotionally involved with events at every passing juncture of time.
"The Archprelate is far more than just a politician. She is the representative of our Lady Diana, who protects us all and whose ascension I was lucky enough to live through. Her duties are to carry out the will of the goddess, which may make her the most important individual in the empire, save for the Imperial regent himself."

[Iraeafay Arabneld]

She had been strolling her way though Vortex. It was a rare day that she fond herself in the upper part of the city. But this day the air below had felt wrong. Clinging some how and she simply had to be away from it. It was not the best ideal for her to be along with some sort of escort but truly on this day they would have drawn uneeded attention to herself and she wanted to slip unnoticed among the streets.

A crowd of some sort caught her eye. Moving to get a better view she stopped herself from nearly laughing aloud at the scene of a grown woman in flowers fairly bouncing down the street. She edged closer around the crowd to heard the last bit of a sentence uttered by some one, she was unsure who. Her ears pricked up on the second msot important person statement. Maybe this day won't be a waste after all.

She turned towards the last speaker and gave a smile. "Of course she is. Pray tell do you know why she is visiting Vortex. Is it business or pleasure?"