An Interview at the Temple of the Mother (27 SAM )

[Danomel]

Amidst the flash and grandeur of some of the more showy temples sits the Mother's Temple of Citadel. A wide low building plainly shaped and missing much of the decoration apparent in the other places of worship, the Temple is constructed of the heavy gray stone that seems to be found everywhere on the isle. The workmanship is of such quality that there are no visible seams: the Temple appears one great, vaguely mound-shaped stone of various blended shades of gray.

The entrance is a wide open archway leading into an antechamber. The doors to the great chapel within are a wonder to behold: seemingly an infinite variety of woods and metals have been blended into an abstract, but comforting pattern decorating the two large doors.

Within is a large open chapel with a low ceiling. Rows of wooden benches provide seating for the large number of commoners, mostly women, that come here seeking the blessing and comfort of the Mother. A warm glow from several large oil lanterns provides both light and dancing shadows along the walls. Simple but well-crafted friezes depicting the various events associated with the Mother - planting, tending and harvest of the fields, fertility and childbirth, and gardening - to name a few.

Doorways lead off to the sides - perhaps into the separate chapel rumored to exist for the use of the Citadel's wealthier women; perhaps into the gardens and elemental shrines that are spoken of in whispers by those few devout worshippers who have been invited within. The Temple is pleasantly warm within in contrast to the chill weather that seems to have gripped the city outside. All in all, it is a sober, comforting atmosphere.


[hr]

It was only a short walk from the Repository. Danomel paused for several flicker, as again he took in the solid feel of this building, the people going about their business here, and the overall atmosphere.

Looking back at his companion, Danomel nodes towards the corridor that leads to the rooms housing the surviving panlings. “Are you ready for this meeting?” He asks Barrett.

Moving at a slow walk and maintaining a respectful demeanor, Danomel heads towards the corridor.

[/hr]

[Tristam]

They are intercepted by a young lady in the green robes of an acolyte of the Mother. "Excuse me, sirs." She greeted them politely. "We usually don't allow visitors back here without knowing who they are here to visit." She explained. "Is there someone I can help you find?"

[Danomel]

Danomel turns towards the young acolyte, and bows his head for a moment. “Yes, as it should be. I would like to speak with Noland, one of the acolytes of Pan that the Mothers Temple has most graciously offered sanctuary too. I would be grateful and honored if you could escort us.”

[Barrett]

Barrett took a few flickers to adjust to the atmosphere of the Mother's Temple. It was so different from the open fields and growth of the Abbey... but the sense of nurture was definitely there. This place served the needs of the folk here: a reassuring shelter and sense of safety on an inhospitable isle. A refuge for the coomon folk from their servitude to the more prominent residents of Citadel.

He had sensed the vast presence of the Mother herself when Elaine had sung her to attend the Caesar's bedside. Here that aura seemed more passive, or perhaps just divided into smaller manifestations.

"Er, shouldn't we-"
Danomel seemed to know where they were going and so there was no opportunity to announce themselves. Until an alert acolyte stepped up.

"Um, quite. Blessings of field and flower, soil and stone, upon you, Earth child."
He wasn't sure where it came from. It felt like down-to-earth Dortish custom and seemed appropriate here. From a priest of one faith to the devoted of another.

"My companion has been here before it seems. Odd, but true, we seek the embattled children of the Horned One in the house of the Mother."

[Tristam]

"Blessings to you both as well, Keepers of Knowledge." The priestess replied with a bright smile. When she heard who they sought the acolyte nodded in remembrance. "Acolyte Noland is not currently in the Temple. The evil within the Temple of Pan has been vanquished and Noland has taken on the task of cleainng up and reconsecrating that which was defiled." She informed them.

[Barrett]

Good news, at last... I suppose that given enough opportunities something has to turn up in a positive light. Still, best to make sure that things are as well as reported.

"Pleasant tidings indeed! With so much grief and danger about - especially for the embattled Panlings - I am glad to hear a positive note."

Barrett turned to consider Danomel for a flicker.

"My friend, I am afraid my duties cannot be put off any longer. However, I do look forward to conversing with your unusual acquaintance and exploring today's research in more depth. Perhaps you might continue on to see that all is indeed well at the temple? In these times, all of the faiths of the Isles must support each other. If I can bring my own humble influence to bear on Noland's behalf, please have him contact me."

"Also, Master Danomel, do you think I might trouble you to keep your eyes and ears open - for stories about a man with the eyes of a wolf? - Very discretely, of course, such a person might be quite dangerous. If it does not distract from your own studies. We could meet in a day or two perhaps and compare notes?"

[Danomel]

At the mention of the evil within the temple being eliminated, Danomel, frowns in thought.

Noland had earlier hinted that the physical manifestations where not the real problems at the Temple of Pan. Which gave Danomel pause to wonder if the symptoms had been eliminated or had the real problem been resolved? Well Noland would know, the answer to that, so it was probably better to get the information from him. Though he had also previously been evasive about the root of the problem.

Danomel realizes that Barrett was speaking.

“Yes of course, I understand. I also still wish to have a chance to speak with the Imperial Archivist. Can we set a meeting for, say, two days hence?”

Turning towards the acolyte of the Mother, Danomel asks “How was the evil vanquished, do you know?"

[Barrett]

"Have no fear, Danomel. I shall tell Mistress Tabeann of your interest at the first opportunity. Please seek me out at the Archives... Morningtide after next. Although, the archive itself should be open to you for research purposes before then if you have need."

With a courteous bow to both Danomel and the acolyte, Barrett was off and walking at a brisk pace.

I have to get to the Embassy before Scatha. Then again, why am I worrying. She's probably gotten into some completely unrelated bit of trouble by now. Perhaps looking for straw asses at the market...

[Tristam]

The acolyte watched Barrett leave and then turned back to Danomel. "I do not know the details, sir, but I am told a group of mages from the University were responsible. They brought one of the survivors of the attack here to recover." She informed him. "Though she has yet to waken from her ordeal."

"Since then, the acolytes of Pan have been staying here but working at the Temple to repair the damage done." The acolyte finished. "Is there anything else you need, sir?"

[Danomel]

Danomel nods at the information. "Thank you. I don't bleive there is anything else I currently need. I guess if I need to talk with Noland, then I need to go to the temple of Pan."

Danomel nods towards the acolyte with a slight smile, and heads towards the exit.

Probably not much point in seeing Noland at this point in time. I will swing by on the morrow. Danomel decides.

Upon exiting from the Mothers temple, Danomel heads back to the burpin' Dragon to rest for a bit, consider the days events, and work on perceiving the aether. He figures he might catch an early dinner and get a good nights sleep.

[Tristam]

Then I proclaim this thread closed!

-- T

[Tristam]

Archived will no skills awarded.