Benedictus Hospitalitus Motherhouse

[Azurite]

The Benedictus Servants serve three purposes in the city. Firstly and foremost, to provide food and shelter to those who needed it.. The second purpose is as training, for those who wish to learn the intricacies of Theology and Law. Those who live to serve may stay and study with the Benedictus Servants, spending their days in prayer and study unless approached by one in need. Finally, the Benedictus Servants may act as arbitrators or judges in disputes, as well as offer spiritual guidance to travellers.

Throughout the city, there are robed figures walking through. White tunics with black belts and flowing black robes are the usual garb used by the Benedictus Servants, men and women who want nothing for themselves but let the wealth be shared by the other followers of the Faith. They have their reward waiting in
Aetheria. Towards one corner of the city, these white and black robed figures are more common, and following this increasingly large group, you find yourself at a particularly large hostel run by the Benedictus Servants - their Motherhouse.

Coming before the grand building that is the home of the Benedictus Servants one feels immediately at peace with the tranquil aura that seems to shimmer in the air. The grounds of the Motherhouse is cordoned off by a waist high silver grate that served no real purpose aside from decoration as no gate stood at the opening. Behind the gate though is where the real magic of the place happens. The verdant green gardens stretch to the left and right of the crushed quartz path that leads directly to the large silver and gold doors of the building. The gardens themselves held flower beds of wild color with ponds and fountains giving contrast. Benches depicting the Gods and Goddesses of Aetheria adorned the backs of the benches that were never too hard for any to sit upon. Standing strong on the lush grass itself in places that seemed perfectly ordered were statues of the Deity's themselves with those historical figures of great importance.

The Motherhouse was made of great slabs of white marble. It was built around a centralized tower that rose four stories into the air and was capped with a large done of shining clear crystal. Branching off from the central tower are three separate wings that serve different purposes to those who dwell within the grounds. The right wing on the right side of the tower is where the Servants themselves stay. In this section is also the kitchens, storage rooms, infirmary and other such things. The left wing houses all those that have found there way to the Motherhouse seeking shelter, refuge, comfort, peace and rest. This wing has nothing but rooms that number a total of one-hundred. The final wing of the Mother is to many the most important, that of the chapel. The spiritual centre of the Motherhouse and for those in the surrounding area who find the trek to The Golden Plaza too tough.

When stepping through the double doors of silver and gold one is greeted with smiles from those within. Quickly a servant comes up to you in her typical black robes and smiles happily. "Welcome to the Motherhouse weary one, how may I be of service to you?" She asked sweetly her smile seeming to aid all those it fell upon.

Original idea by Charles Smith, rewritten by Marcus

[Elshaynwen Eruraviel]

Walking the long winding road, through the streets, Elshaynwen spotted the robed people, curiou. The young elven girl followed their directions. This could be the turning point.. she told herself making her way towards the place called the Motherhouse. The voice of some one speaking caught her attention. The dark haired girl smiled, brown eyes looking up at the robed figure. "Umm..." she said a little stunned. Tongue tied. Just calm down Elsh. "I was wondering, I mean I'd heard this place helps people like me." she looks away, for a moment a little nervous. "I've come, because I heard good things." the girl's childish voice betrays her nervousness.

[Leyon Juddah]

Fourth Cycle of Pontius
Eleventh Candlemark in the Brightening of Srennia
The Winter of Era I of the Celestine Mandate
Thirteenth Era Post Fractum, the Second Era of the Reign of Arabella
Paradigm: The Eclipse of the Sun

OOC: The story goes on from this thread.

IC:

Early this brightening, Leyon Juddah had tried to vigorously scrub the dirt off his face and arms. Of course it wasn't easy, and with each swipe his wet rug just got dirtier and dirtier, but his face didn't look any better. He gave up soon enough. He was skin and bones, eyes deep and sullen. The hollow in his cheeks showed familiarity with hunger and poverty. No amount of scrubbing could hide that, so why try?

Carefully following the instructions given him, he found himself at the threshold of the Benedictus Hospitalitus Motherhouse. He stood gape-mouthed for a few moments by the silver and golden doors before he came in. A Benedictus servant approached him, her smile sweet and welcoming.

"I--," Leyon said, "I was told to come here, I... This place-- it is beautiful!" His eyes swept through the Motherhouse's interior. "It's like a song sung to welcome the Spring; like a melody that reaches Aetheria."

He looked the Benedictus servant in the eye. "Is there something I can do in exchange for some food and clothing?"

[Azurite]

Elshaynwen

Clarisa still smiling at the Elf took her hand in hers and spoke. "We help all those who ask for it or need it, what is it that we could do for you?" She asked guiding her by the hand to a pair of chairs situated to the side of the grand entrance tower. "If you are looking for training we are limited to what we can teach here, but we would be more then happy to find some one to teach you though." The Servent told her. "If that is not the case then do tell me what it is you need."

Leyon

The gasps and looks of shock that ran wild through the entrance chamber of the Motherhouse were astounding. To see the bedraggled young man in the state that he was in stumbling through the doors sent some of the more emotional ones to tears and sobs. The young girl who was in charge of greeting all those who passed through the Silver and Gold doors rushed to his side immediatly. "You do not have to do anything for food nor clothing." She said in ernest as another Servent came rushing up. "Quickly Clarisa get him to the kitchens and I will find him clothing, go now." The matronly woman rushed them along with her hands before running off herself.

As Clarisa led Leyon through a set of doors that were on the ground level of the crystal domed tower. The hallway that the two were going down was rather sparse compared to that of the entrance hall yet had its own sense of granduer. Passing door after door Clarisa finally came to a halt before a door that had a knife etched into it. From behind the door came sounds of pots crashing and the loud words of the cooks. "Behind this door are the kitchens for the Motherhouse, we will get you something to eat then go out into the dinning hall." She told him pushing open the door.

After the two of them had finished taking whatever would fill Leyon up from the kitchens they made their way out into the dinning hall. The dinning hall itself took up the back part of the right wing of the Motherhouse. There were rows upon rows of long wooden tables and high backed wooden chairs. There was always plenty of patrons within in the hall either eating or talking to one another. It was a common gathering place within the compound grounds and was filled with mirth and laughter. "So tell me how did you come to be in such a sad state my friend?"

[Leyon Juddah]

The warmth of the dining hall seemed to emanate not just from the Benedictus Servers but also from the diners themselves. It was like an embrace that melted the chill that the winter had pierced Leyon's body (and heart) with.

There were freshly baked loaves of bread served with jam made from the nectar of a flower that grows only in the Benedicus gardens. There was freshest water, and some choices for tea and milk. Fruits were always bountiful in the hall, and Leyon took his fill. He was regaining his strength. Strength enough, perhaps, to tell his story.

"I came from the ruins of the City of Zinn'Sunn. My family, we were always singing, always making music. That was what always made us joyful, what kept us together: the music.

"One day, a great fire swept through the city, consuming everything in its path. In it, my whole family perished, and if not for my brother laying his life for me, I would have perished with them. I survived, but not without deep burns on my back, now scars, serving a painful reminder of that evil night of massacre.

"I was cared for the monks in Zinn'Sunn, and it was in that monastery that I learned where the fires came from. It was an illusion. Mystics had come and tricked all of our minds into believing fire was eating up our homes, our lives. I was enraged when I learned about this. So I escaped from the monastery to search for my family.

"They were gone, my family. Our house stood where it was, not one single piece of wood was singed, not the smell of smoke hung in the air. The fire, it was indeed an illusion. My heart was mixed with anger, confusion, and hope; hope that if the fires were fake, then my family would be alive.

"But not one of my family could be found. What remained were the scars all over my back. I was nearly driven out of my mind. If those fires were an illusion, then where is my family? How come I have burn marks across my back? I took with me my father's dagger hoping I might never have to use it.

"With all my strength I took a trip to Diana to inquire of the gods what evil tragedy has befallen me. Me? I have never hurt another living soul, and this happens! I was angry. I was bitter. But in the Church, I have seen anger and strife bigger than what was in my heart. It was the Chasm of the Faith, and it has greatly troubled me why people would turn violently one against the other because of this difference in belief. I escaped that rubble, losing everything I have ever owned, save my father's dagger, now rusty and useless.

"This season's winter has been most unkind, and I sought it in my heart to leave this cruel world. I went to the Divine Hammer Forge to sell my father's dagger, eat my last meal, and die.

"It was there that I met with kindness I haven't seen in a very long time. The Smith directed me here instead. She said I will find help here. And I did. Thank you very much. If there's anything I can do, please, let me return this favor. I feel as if I was standing at the edge of a cliff and somebody pulled me back to safety."

ooc: Sorry for long post, Marcus.

[Azurite]

The young lady gave the frail Kemite all her attention as he told his story. Her eyes misted over several times and she had to wipe them before the tears ran down her face. One part of the story did make her face light up, the part about the Gods and how he wished to find them. "We shall find a way for you to seek help from the Gods of Aetheria." She told him reassuringly as she patted him on the shoulder softly. "I will arrange a room for you here where you can stay for as long as you like. I can take you to the temple of your patron diety and introduce you to the bishop of the temple." She explained as the matronly servent once again showed up.

"I am afraid these are the only things I was able to find." She said as she came puffing up to the table. Holding out a two pair of brown slacks and two blue tunics with the usual undergarments and such. "These should fit, they are donated to us by those who no longer need them. I know they are not the best in appearance, but I am afraid that is the best we can do." She explained setting them down in front of Leyon. "I have also made ready a room for you. It is on the third floor of the left wing in room number seventy nine." She told him as she held out a golden key attached to a silver chain. "It should be comfortable enough for you while you stay with us. There is a bathroom of sort located on every floor of the left wing. It is located at the end of the hallway. Granted you will be sharing it with the rest of the floor it should do well considering what you have come from my young sir." The elderly woman explained as she turned to take her leave.

When the older woman had left Clarisa looked after her. "She has been here for so long that I don't think she even knows. She was like you once, came stumbling in here asking for help. Now she is the head of our order and one of the most faithful I have seen in these times." She explained to Leyon after he had finished eating. "Come I will show you to your room."

Leyons room wasn't exactly big to say the least. It was big enough to hold a single bed, a dresser, small table with two chairs, a sofa and a small single shelf. "Here we are, you can put your clothes in here." She told him as she opened the dresser and placed his new clothes inside. "Oh well look here, there are still clothing from the previous occupant." She said laughing to herself as she took them out. "So yes, this will be your home for as long as you like. If there is anything you need feel free to ask and if there is nothing else I will take my leave." She asked him standing in the open door.

[Leyon Juddah]

"Thank you very much," Leyon said.

The room was but a poor shadow of what he had in his youth with his family, in their own home, but he couldn't complain. After seasons of hunger and confusion, he now has a home and clothing. He is fed. "Thank you," he said again.

He wanted very much to change into his new clothes, to throw out the rags he wore, to jump into bed and bury his face into the sheets and find out how they smell like. He wanted to touch the furniture, to lie on the floor, to look out the window and see the streets from the third floor. But he felt he pollutes the room's cleanliness with the grime he is covered with.

He smiled at Clarissa sheepishly. "I think I need a bath now," he said. "If the bathroom's vacant, I should need to use it. I certainly can manage on my own now. But thank you very much."

[Leyon Juddah]

Fifth Cycle of Cryxatum
Late in the Afternoon in the Brightening of Aslanica
Spring, Era I of the Celestine Mandate, The Thirteenth Era Post Fractum
The First Era of The Regency of Milo L'Evienne

For most of this brightening, Leyon Juddah had been cleaning the garden of the Motherhouse. Now that last winter's snow has fully melted away, the lawn is teeming with grass. His task was to dig out and clear the sods so that the gardeners among the Benedictus Servants can come and plant vegetables and other medicinal herbs and flowers.

It wasn't an easy job, and by noon, when the suns were at their hottest, Leyon had only finished about a quarter of the digging. With a coconut midrib broom, he swept the sods and placed them in a wicker basket. When they decompose, they can be used as fertilizer.

Now that daylight's almost over, Leyon straightened up to stretch his back. He has been bending over all the time and his back hurt. "Why can't we the Motherhouse buy a rake?" Leyon wondered, secretly cursing his broom. "This will take me eras to finish."

Leyon massaged the sore joints of his fingers. With a sudden flash of hope and optimism, he whispered "Today is going to be it." It's a few brightenings before the next month. If his request is approved, then his training can start the next cycle, on the very first brightening of Aperitus. He has been thinking about this for the past cycles. Now he hoped for the best.

The bell clanged, signalling the call for the afternoon break and invitation to the chapel for prayer or meditation. Leyon leaned his broom next to a tree and proceeded inside the Motherhouse. Maybe he can catch Mother Superior when she leaves the chapel after the meditation. Maybe then he could share with her his request. Maybe.

It's Spring. You never know what this season can bring.

OOC: Leyon's life in the Motherhouse is further described here.