La Voce da Dio (Private Aeri)

[Thoth]

Era XIII Post Fractum in the Age of the Darkening
Era I of the Celestine Mandate
Era I of the Regency of Milo
Cryxatum 16

The night following the burning of the Draco was a strange time. It was almost as if summoning of the creatures of Aetheria had opened a gate. For on that night did the spirit of Diana condescend to visit the dreams of mortals. She came to two people who were among the most faithful of her followers. Each was different and each held unique strengths. The dreams though were the same, for the mission she had in mind for these two servants was the same. Each of the two servants had retired to the bed for the evening. As they laid there heads down to rest sleep descended upon the two.

The mist of the dream world slowly faded away. Revealing what appeared to be the chapel of the Basilica. The beauty of the chamber seemed to seep into there souls. Each could see the other, but neither had meet the other before and so was not sure what to make of the other one. The glory around these two priest to the Queen of the Gods soon drew there attention back their environment. Glory surrounded them the glory that one hoped to experiences after death.

A sound soft and comforting reached there ears. A gentle and soothing noise it settled with in the ears and seemed to fill the mind with a blinding light. The sound was joy given voice, and in responses the two priest slide to the knees for only the gods themselves could give forth anything that pure.

Neither looked up as a the sound grew into a voice. The voice was not so much heard as it was absorbed. With eyes closed and heads bowed, tears feel down the checks of both priests. Their souls sang with joy that they were found worthy of the voice of there goddess.

“Oh mine sons, I great you this darkening. I have weighted your souls and found you worthy.” The voice’s praise caused a fresh wave of tears from the faithful. “For this reason I am making you mine. Already once have you given your oath to me, and now I demand more.” Before their closed eyes came images of falling meteorites, and cities burning as orcs flooded there streets. “Alleria is in time of need. I have found Aerienne Sarista wanting and for that have stripped her of her rank as my Archprelatess. To this end I need you my faithful servants to become as my voice to her. In her penances she must find a new Archprelate to lead my faithful forward and to reunite mine church. You must reminded her that time is essential. Also thoughts whom she has talked to are lacking. First of all they must be one of mine. They must send there worship to mine throne.” The voice hardened for a moment at the last statement. “Knowledge of the Gods would be advisable and training in our divine gift as well. While not completely mandatory would be a good place to search.” The voice ones again turned soft and soothing.

“Go forth and serve as advisors to her, and you shall also be mine advisor to the one whom is worthy of the Archprelate’s throne.” The world began to fade as the golden life dimmed. The felt the glory of the world around them depart as they ones again settled back in to their world.

* * * * *

Dawn rose over holy city. The marbled incased buildings once again shown with it the suns brilliances. Even at this early hour the world had risen in preparation for the day. Priest and commoners traveled the streets of the holy city in there efforts to arrive on time. There was much to be done this day. The workings of the two churches needed to be attended, numerous orders had missions to fulfill, and the people them selves had lives to led.

Admits all of this normality two priest meet in the golden plaza. Neither were identifiable by there robes. Each having discarded there robes of offices in the services of this mission. They were the agents of Diana for today and traveled as such. Both recognized each other from the night before, but nothing passed between them. Nothing could. How could one put into words what they had experienced? The two strangers know bonded deeply by there common cause and the goddess nodded towards each other.

Standing for a moment each stared into the other eyes seeing the reflection of what had been given to them. Then turning they began there walk towards that which was the villa of Aeri.

About half a candle mark later they arrived at the gates of the villa. The younger of the two stepped aside to allow the elder first entry. It was only a moment before the younger of the two was knocking on the entrance of the villa. The two stood waiting for entrance into the presences of Aerienne Sarista her self.

[Aerienne Sarista]

The Archprelatine Guards at the gates were startled to see travelers arrive at this early hour. Perhaps they were wanderers who'd gotten lost the in the Carmelyn wilderness? Helel, the Dorin member of the pair, raised her voice.

"Halt, strangers! What is your business here at so early in the brightening?" There was no hostility in her voice, just the professional wariness of the seasoned guard. Her partner Cel, a Cether, stood at ease nearby. Certainly there was help available if things should get out of hand, but he didn't think it too likely that these two wanderers would cause trouble that two elite Paladins couldn't handle.

[Thoth]

The two priest nodded towards the guards as they asked what was there reason for the visit. One of the two pushed back his hood to reveal the face of a half elf. He looked at the paladins for only a moment before answearing. "We are here to see her Holy Excellency Aerienne Sarista." He said with a wave of a hand to include the man standing next to him in his statement. The man pushed back his hood just enough to allow the two guards to see he was a human.

"This is a sacred matter that requires an immediate appointment with Her Excellency." Was all the second man said. His voice was deep the kind one could feel deep down to there toes.

[Aerienne Sarista]

The two Archprelatines exchanged a look, then Cel gave a nod to Helel. Helel rang a small bell near to hand and the sound of scurrying feet was heard from inside the wall. They turned to the two priests. "Sirs, if you'll wait a moment, we've dispatched a messenger to see if Her Holiness is accepting visitors this morning."

Fifteen minutes later, the response came and the two Archprelatines opened the gate. "You may pass. One of our order will escort you to the Foyer. Please be on your best behavior." The Cether gave a series of knocks and the great gates opened wide. Another Archprelatine was there, an Orc who gave a bow. "Follow me, sirs." He then started off.

In the pre-dawn, much of the beauty of the estate's gardens were shrouded in darkness, though the great trees and carefully tended bushes still rose high. The visitors were led along a marble path that led past a fountain shaped like an Archon, from whose hands flowed water into a great marble basin. Leading them around the fountain, the Archprelatine led the two past others of his order and up a small set of stairs to a great set of double-doors. The door was carved with imagery, and those with keen sight could tell that the images depicted the Aetherian Gods stretching their hands forward in benevolence towards Telath. The two were escorted into a massive space, nearly empty save for a plush sofa and a table in front of it that sat on a red Arakmatian rug. Flowers and plants were draped in many spaces about the room.

Aerienne stood from the seat, clad in a simple blue dress. "Serale sirs, and good brightening to you. May I ask what brought you by at so early an hour?"

[Thoth]

The two priest looked at the guards and nodded their head. They both placed there hands in the sleeves of there robes. They followed followed the guards throught the large villa neither paying particular attention to were they went, but looking forward there eyes focused on the guards.

They both moved to stand next to each other. The half elf shoulder length hair was pushed back from his eyes. His blue eyes looked intently at Aeri. The human stand next to him had shortly trimmed brown hair with eyes to match.

"We are here to honor the command given us by the Goddess." The Half elf said in a clear and friendly voice. "We are here as her advisors." he said as with a bow towards Aeri.

[Aerienne Sarista]

Aeri sat upright, her green eyes showing her startlement. For a brief moment the pain, loss, and confusion, and hurt she'd felt since Diana's judgement came to the fore, but then it was lost by wonder. "The Goddess spoke to you?! What...I mean, how would She have you advise me?"

[Thoth]

The two stood looking at the Archprelatess. The human looked at the half elf who looked back. "We are to serve as your advisors for a new Archprelate, and also to serve as advisors to the new Archprelate as they take the reigns of Diana's church." The soft voiced half elf said in responces to her question.

[Aerienne Sarista]

Aerienne bowed her head in acknowledgement. "What does She advise in terms of finding my successor then? I am sorry, what are your names? You may call me Aeri." She looked up and smiled at them both.

[Thoth]

The human who had remained relatively silent up till now finally spoke. "Time is of the essence. The Empire is in a time of turmoil. Union and spiritual guidencess is crutial at this time. With out it the souls of the Children of the Gods will be lost." He said with a humble bow.

The half-elf turned towards Aeri. "While she would like one who has priestly trianing she doesn't care and leaves that to you judgment. She did state. that she wanted one who did worship her." The half elf said in a quiet voices.

"We were not sent here to be punishers. We have been sent here out of love for you and the people of Alleria. We are here to be friends and a support. We are here as fellow worshipers of the Goddess." The human once again spoke. "I am Chrison Readlow." The human appeared to be in his late twenties possible his ealy thirties.

"I am Astellione" The half-elf said. "My college speaks the truth. Were not her to condem, we were sent as advisors not judge and jurry. We hope that you will one day see us as such." He waved to the human. "Us three hope for an enlightened future were the faithful once again pray not fight with each other." Still pointing at the human. "I faithfully serve Diana in the Church of Faith, while my fellow here is a rising leader among the Church of the Sacred Three." The human gave a bow. "Let us joing as priests and priestess to Diana and prepare the way for a glorious future."

[Aerienne Sarista]

Aeri nodded. Her sympathy went to the one from the Church from the Sacred Three. She could not take her frustrations at those who had misled him out on him. It was not the way to restore peace. Instead, she addressed the both of them.

"Then welcome the both of you. We have much to do to help save our troubled land. Besides saying that She wants one who worships Her, did She say anything else to either of you that might help us? I have to speak to Milo and the others and any Divine guidance recieved is a blessing in these times."

[Thoth]

The two looked at each other. The half elf raise and eyebrow in thought the human also was lost in thought but began to slowlly shake his head. "Nothing guidances wise. Just worshiping her, gave recomendations towards thoughts who have a knowledge of religion." The man said after a moment.

"I would love to hear about anyone you have discovered up to this point in your search?"

[Aerienne Sarista]

Aeri nodded, though she was concerned that she would have to trust in her own judgment here without any specific guidelines from the Gods. "Well I have considered two so far. One is Llanwyn Siannodel. He is a good and pious man, one who cares deeply for the welfare of others. The other is Bethel Beanhopper. She's a woman of great spirit, courage, and faith. I have asked of others, but they rejected the responsibility for one reason or another. I do not fault them. Being the Speaker of the Faith is a great joy but it is also a great responsibility. I am considering leaving Diana and exploring the Empire to look for others who might be suitable, although first I have to get the effects of the Divine visitation clear in my head." Her eyes became troubled and she fell silent.

[Thoth]

Chrison gave a half smile as he listened to Aeri. "I think most of us need to always spend time understanding divine visitation or visions." He said as he raised his hand to tap his chin. "I think that would be the best idea. Diana might have some people how would be good choises, but we might also find more success from outside of the city in the other churches first and then among the faithful."

The half elf nodded and looked towards the Archprelatess. "Is their some way we could help with preparing yourself?"

[Aerienne Sarista]

Aeri smiled and shook her head. "No, but thank you. I will speak with a good friend of mine and ask her to take over my responsibilities here in my absence, and then I'll go in the summer or the early fall. I do have to enroll my little girl in the schola and see to her needs in my absence. Much as I would love to have her with me on this trip, I do have a responsibility to ensure that she is properly educated."

[Thoth]

The two priest nodded strangle they nodded in unison. "So were is that you are going to look at first?" Chrison asked as the two sat down.