Fantasy Sanctus et Foedus Sanguis

[That Lass Over There]

Bursa, Takheit Republic
Geldhearth Inn

October 16th, 1029​

The only noise in the room was a small scratching noise of parchment as something scratched across the inked words, a fingernail stopping only at some parts of the documents to tap thoughtfully. A once blank piece of paper to the woman's side had been scribbled with tiny, messy notes filling every empty corner that could have been found, but far too many ended with question marks or had been scratched out. And now spindly fingers picked up the cluttered note page to set on the small desk over her lap, feather pen lifted to scratch another suspicion, another theory out before being set back in the well with a small sigh.

With a series of tiny pops her back hunched over from several long hours of staring at paper straightened up, and her arms moved to lift the short desk off her lap and free her legs under the covers. With another stretch more pops of her aching joints, messy pink hair spilling this way and that in each movement. Her head turned to the right, light glinting off the thick rectangular lenses of her reading glasses a moment before her grey eyes winced back from the bright sunset beamed almost directly through the window.

With some effort she moved herself from the center of the bed and the mess that had become her workspace, struggling to move her legs out and to the side with the little room for maneuvering she had left herself. It was a process trying to fold the limbs underneath herself and then turn to stretch them out again, feet slowly setting on the rug to steady before she stood.



The small dresser beside the door had atop it a bowl, long stopped steaming, and a letter that the innkeeper's daughter had left there on her request. It was only after she picked up the bowl of soup and brought it to her lips that she appreciated the length of time that it had been since that interaction that she barely remembered, cold liquid barely palatable in her mouth when the point of the spiced soup was to be had warm. Resigning herself to finish it later, she put down the bowl and picked up the letter, blade flashing out of her sleeve to cleanly slice the envelope open before disappearing with similar flourish.

Holding the letter with her right hand, she picked out a cold steel crucifix from her vestments and clasped it in her left, closing her eyes and offering prayer. "Heavenly Father, your servant invokes your name for this small favor, illuminate that which she cannot see and protect her from what her foolishness may expose her vessel to." The whisper was spoken at blistering pace, syllables only barely distinguishable.

The woman opened her eyes, but nothing happened.



She put away the crucifix and pinched out three pieces of paper from the envelope, unfolding each starting from the first. Seeing the seal of the inquisition and some meaningless names, she put it to the side, and looked to the other two pages.

Cardinal Cecilia Daub, seat 1.692 of the Ecclesia Parvus. Under blessed order of the Choir, the Inquisition's Daemon Hunters have dispatched an escort to your person for the sake of your safety and as an aide to your work, which till now has been obstructed by a lack of manpower and impossible deadlines. Considering your health and status, that you have been left without such...

The paper was tossed to the side, and Cecilia quickly combed the third sheet of paper - a copy of the request from the Choir passed on to the Inquisition, before tossing it too to the side and taking off her spectacles to pinch the bridge of her nose. Five years - and now, for no evident reason, the Choir decides that she has need of an escort? And a Daemon Hunter, no less? This was a multi-layered farce, and one she was too busy to care and decipher.



Deciding to move on with her life, long having given up on the large scale games the fools love to play from their cushioned chairs, she gathered the pieces of paper and the envelope, sprinkled a pinch of sawdust from the pouch at her hip, and with a short phrase the paper went up in smokeless white flame leaving no trace.

She would have to wait and see whether this new game of theirs, playing with the exile, would turn to a blessing or curse for her. In the meantime, she had her job to do.

...

Not wasting the effort she had spent to get up, she did make sure to finish the soup before laying back down in bed and immersing herself back in her studies. It was an uncertain time later, pen tracing new details on a fresh sheet of paper under candlelight, that she heard a knock on the door to her room.

"Excuse me, Lady Cecilia, are you still awake? There is a woman asking after you downstairs." The young voice of the innkeep's daughter sounded out, and there were a few moments before she seemed to realize something and spoke up again. "Would you like us to send her up?"

Cecilia breathed in deeply before replying in as loud a voice as she could - barely above typical speech, but still much firmer than what she usually managed, "You can send her up."



It was only after she heard the footsteps echoing down the hall towards the stairs that Cecilia carefully moved the desk from herself, careful of the burning candle, flipped all her notes and the records she was reading from face-down, and made sure her left side was cleared for a bit of movement. With a short, sharp exhalation she let herself down to lay on the pillows, fingers toying with the pouch at her side and glimmering metal under her sleeves even as her eyes peacefully rested shut in the dim light of the night.

...

"Come in," She mustered in response to the knock at her door a short while later, sunken eyes turning with determination to see who would be visiting her on this cold October night.

Aron the Aron

 

[Aron the Aron]

"Come in," She mustered in response to the knock at her door a short while later, sunken eyes turning with determination to see who would be visiting her on this cold October night.​

After a moment of silence, the lone wooden door to Cecilia's room swung open, it's oiled hinges still creaking with the rustic (and somewhat dilapidated) charm that came with resting in such a place. The door was held steady as the visitor behind the door made herself visible to the Cardinal... and Cecilia didn't need to guess who it was.

The rapid darkening skies outside did little to mask the sunset glow painting the woman's silvery-white hair, swishing and flowing down her back like a curtain of silk as she politely stepped inside and closed the door behind her. Strange... her footsteps created only a scant noise against the sturdy panels of wood flooring; Cecilia's ears, tired as they might've been, registered neither the ruffle of her immaculate white robes or the tell-tale jiggle of steel and leather bindings for a scabbard...

The woman's countenance was serene, doll-like even, and stoic as the stranger greeted Cecilia with a respectful bow of her head. It was the only time the Cardinal didn't have to focus on the mesmerizing sheen of her turquoise eyes. They shone like a polished jewel when they looked back up to Cecilia's own tired greys, no doubt drawing a tiny wisp of envy for the stranger's apparent youth. Her voice too, though clearly not one that the woman was used to using often, was smooth and gentle like her general air as she finally spoke.

"... Cardinal Daube..."

---

The Fortress of the Inquisition
Unknown Location
October 4th, 1029

-------------------------------------------------------------------
​

"Inquisitor Aeternitas."

The shadowed hoods of the Lord Inquisitors were a familiar site to Lumina as she knelt in the center of the Fortress' Grand Hall, the point of her blackened sword planted firmly against polished stone by her kneeling leg as she kept her gaze pointed to the floor. The looming shadows of the Monastery's gothic architecture casted her away from the shining sun or the steady candlelight that showered her superiors, as it always had every time she had been summoned to their presence. It was far from the first time that she was called to kneel before the Lord Inquisitors; there were Demons and Cults whose scale proved too much to send another Daemon Hunter, and time and time again was the Original called to take up her sword.

As it had been for the better part of a century, Lumina would be the Church's answer to the worst that the Demons could raise against them and their clergy.

"We have... a concerning request that is of utmost urgency." The voices of the Lord Inquisitors tended to blend when all of them took on their incognito hooded attire; the echoey nature of the Grand Hall made it impossible to pinpoint who exactly was speaking, a precaution to prevent any particular Lord Inquisitor from being singled out by enemies within and without the Tribunals. "The Holy Choir has bidden us to... watch one of their own."

Lumina knew enough of the politicking the Choir so poorly tried to hide to know that the request was a probable sham. The Inquisition often gave such flimsy excuses when they wanted to act on their own, but none would dare question or challenge the letters themselves. Such had been the way of life as Luminas knew it, much as she loathed such practices...

"Cardinal Cecilia Daube, though better known as Venerable (a title given to a candidate of Canonization into Sainthood) Cecilia Daube. The Choir has bidden us to send one of our own to serve her and guard her as a Sanctus Custos; they have requested that we send our best: you."

The thin line forming on her lips was hard to erase. It was a thinly-veiled order, one the Inquisition likely forged to justify acting out their own agenda, and Lumina was once more to be a puppet to dance to the tune of the Church's politics...

"Do not mistake this assignment as one without conflict, Inquisitor; Venerable Daube is an invaluable boon to our cause, one who has aided us in hunts against heretic and Daemon alike without her knowing. Her health is of the Choir's concern, and now it is of ours' as well."

"You are one of our most cherished instruments; long have you fought and led Heaven's cause with honor and distinction. We know you will not fail us."

"You will not fail us", the universal sentence that meant "get out of our sight", one that Lumina was all too happy to follow through.

And with one short, but impactful sentence, Lumina stood to make leave:

"...Dei voluntas fiat."

---

And now here she was: two weeks of non-stop travel later, standing before the very woman she was to protect and serve with her life. She was ostensibly there at the behest of the Choir, but she knew better than to take anyone's word for it. She would play their game for now, but she wouldn't let it get in the way of her true duties to the faithful masses the Church deigned to lead.

"... I am Inquisitor Felicia..."

 

[That Lass Over There]

After a moment of silence, the lone wooden door to Cecilia's room swung open, it's oiled hinges still creaking with the rustic (and somewhat dilapidated) charm that came with resting in such a place. The door was held steady as the visitor behind the door made herself visible to the Cardinal... and Cecilia didn't need to guess who it was.

The rapid darkening skies outside did little to mask the sunset glow painting the woman's silvery-white hair, swishing and flowing down her back like a curtain of silk as she politely stepped inside and closed the door behind her. Strange... her footsteps created only a scant noise against the sturdy panels of wood flooring; Cecilia's ears, tired as they might've been, registered neither the ruffle of her immaculate white robes or the tell-tale jiggle of steel and leather bindings for a scabbard...

The woman's countenance was serene, doll-like even, and stoic as the stranger greeted Cecilia with a respectful bow of her head. It was the only time the Cardinal didn't have to focus on the mesmerizing sheen of her turquoise eyes. They shone like a polished jewel when they looked back up to Cecilia's own tired greys, no doubt drawing a tiny wisp of envy for the stranger's apparent youth. Her voice too, though clearly not one that the woman was used to using often, was smooth and gentle like her general air as she finally spoke.

"... Cardinal Daube..."

And now here she was: two weeks of non-stop travel later, standing before the very woman she was to protect and serve with her life. She was ostensibly there at the behest of the Choir, but she knew better than to take anyone's word for it. She would play their game for now, but she wouldn't let it get in the way of her true duties to the faithful masses the Church deigned to lead.

"... I am Inquisitor Felicia..."

The rapid, shallow breaths that had picked up from the moment she watched the door creak open stilled little by little as Cecilia studied the movements of the intruder - the Inquisitor who had come just a few hours after the letter announcing her. Cecilia closed her eyes and brought her hands from the armaments she had been ready to use to the best effect she could manage up to her chest, where her crucifix was stashed away. A quick, mumbled prayer through her breathless lips thanked the Father for another day she may live before turning back to the wolf that had peaceably let itself into her room.

"Cecilia... Please." Eyes lightly fluttered, the exhaustion of the adrenaline rush crashing into her, but the Cardinal did her best to fight the heavy lids and the shortness of breath that was only being exacerbated by the effort of speech. She would not be called by that name, she would not be leaving herself vulnerable in front of an unfamiliar Inquisitor - murderous intent or not, and she most certainly will not be seen as weak.

"You don't seem very fond of your 'name', Inquisitor..." Her arms moved to brace against the bed bellow her, and she hoisted her torso up to rest against the wall, sitting up to properly speak. If nothing else, she should at least manage this level of decorum. "I -" She stopped for a moment to catch her breath before continuing, "I'm glad you're the one who... walked through that door tonight..." Every word seemed to sap energy from the woman, yet she kept on all the same, the light of the candle pushed between them flickering on something in her dull, tired eyes. "I'm afraid I'll... not be able to... Say that I did my best, against the next assassin."

From her right sleeve, she pulled a dull-shining silver dagger, laying it on her lap and staring upon it for a moment, fingers tracing the nicked blade thoughtfully. Her eyes shut again, and this time she struggled to open them, though she did turn her head to face the Inquisitor, holding it high as she could. "It's... late. Ask the innkeep for a room... my tab. Tomorrow..." Cecilia picked up the dagger and lightly tapped the new set of notes she had started with it, "... work."

 

[Aron the Aron]

"Cecilia... Please." Eyes lightly fluttered, the exhaustion of the adrenaline rush crashing into her, but the Cardinal did her best to fight the heavy lids and the shortness of breath that was only being exacerbated by the effort of speech. She would not be called by that name, she would not be leaving herself vulnerable in front of an unfamiliar Inquisitor - murderous intent or not, and she most certainly will not be seen as weak.

"... Of course."

The way Cecilia almost seemed to wilt once she realized "Felicia" was a non-threat to her made the Inquisitor's eyes narrow for a split second before she could school them back into a more concerned gaze. She had been preemptively warned about the Cardinal's degrading state of health, but this was something else. Cardinal Daube should've been recalled to properly rest and recover her strength instead of sapping said strength travelling and investigating...

But perhaps she was being hasty in her judgement. It was late at night, and anyone with a weak constitution would certainly be exhausted by nightfall. Perhaps the weight of her work was also contributing to her fatigue, in which case: it's fortunate (yet baffling at the same time) that she has been sent now to aid her.

"You don't seem very fond of your 'name', Inquisitor..." Her arms moved to brace against the bed bellow her, and she hoisted her torso up to rest against the wall, sitting up to properly speak. If nothing else, she should at least manage this level of decorum. "I -" She stopped for a moment to catch her breath before continuing, "I'm glad you're the one who... walked through that door tonight..." Every word seemed to sap energy from the woman, yet she kept on all the same, the light of the candle pushed between them flickering on something in her dull, tired eyes. "I'm afraid I'll... not be able to... Say that I did my best, against the next assassin."

From her right sleeve, she pulled a dull-shining silver dagger, laying it on her lap and staring upon it for a moment, fingers tracing the nicked blade thoughtfully. Her eyes shut again, and this time she struggled to open them, though she did turn her head to face the Inquisitor, holding it high as she could. "It's... late. Ask the innkeep for a room... my tab. Tomorrow..." Cecilia picked up the dagger and lightly tapped the new set of notes she had started with it, "... work."

Assassins. So there were threats on the Cardinal's life, as Lumina suspected. It was a miracle that the woman's managed to survive up to that point, but it was clear that such successes weren't going to be continuing; the fortunes of Lumina's arrival was steadily piling on. The Inquisitor was no Peacekeeper when it came to tactics and countermeasures against human threats, but it would be remiss to say that she was inexperienced. Woe befall the next assassin to try their luck; the Cardinal would not be alone when they come.

But that was not Lumina's immediate concern...

"... You need rest."

Daring to step forward, the Inquisitor stopped herself a pace short, and laid a concerned black-clad hand on Cecilia's shoulder. She could feel the exhaustion in her, the way her body seemed to uncontrollably bleed energy as the pinkette seemed to struggle to stay conscious. Lumina couldn't gauge if Cecilia could stay awake for much longer, so the Inquisitor decided that she wouldn't.

"... Sleep..."

Any lingering suspicions Cecilia might've had about Lumina being an assassin were banished then and there as the Inquisitor merely took the mishmash of notes and neatly organized them into a single stack in her hands. She'd spend the night going through what Cecilia had already managed to investigate, which would likely mean a long night of deciphering her notes and attempting to connect the dots between seemingly unconnected scribbles and scratches. A cursory glance told Lumina enough that she a long night ahead of her if she truly meant to go ahead with her plan.

"... I'll take care of everything."

 

[That Lass Over There]

But that was not Luminas' immediate concern...

"... You need rest."

Daring to step forward, the Inquisitor stopped herself a pace short, and laid a concerned black-clad hand on Cecilia's shoulder. She could feel the exhaustion in her, the way her body seemed to uncontrollably bleed energy as the pinkette seemed to struggle to stay conscious. Luminas couldn't gauge if Cecilia could stay awake for much longer, so the Inquisitor decided that she wouldn't.

Button pressed, Cecilia's lips curled downwards and she showed a little bit of resistance in grabbing the notes she had taken and papers she was examining as Felicia grabbed them, always losing the tug of war that lasted hardly a moment but making her opinion clear of being treated like such. Even if she wasn't a genius, and her condition was getting in the way, nobody should be allowed to look at her and think that she isn't up to the task.

She'd spend the night going through what Cecilia had already managed to investigate, which would likely mean a long night of deciphering her notes and attempting to connect the dots between seemingly unconnected scribbles and scratches. A cursory glance told Luminas enough that she a long night ahead of her if she truly meant to go ahead with her plan.

"... I'll take care of everything."

And this, stung even more. While she understood that the woman meant well, the care landed poorly when accompanied by what felt to be a confiscation of duty. Fire in her eyes, Cecilia stared at Felicia with a fierce spite that the long-lived inquisitor only ever saw in cornered animals prepared to fight past the last breath. "Inquisitor... This is my job." With energy that she doubtless did not have, Cecilia straightened herself and sat tall without the wall at her back to support her weight. "Until the Father deems my work done... I will see it through."

... Though, with her point made, she once again rested against the wall to keep herself propped up, chest rising and lowering with the effort she had just put in to the show of strength. Her eyes remained focused, studying Felicia, but that was the only sign of the Cardinal's continued consciousness for a few long seconds.

After catching her breath, she reached for the inkwell on the short table she laid across her lap to use as a desk in her bed, and her other hand reached for the papers that Felicia had gathered up in her hands. "... My notes." She motioned scribbling something in the air with the hand that had moved for the inkwell, needing to fix up the purposefully obfuscated mess of ideas and words if someone else was to be reading what was otherwise used as a memory enforcement tool instead of something truly meant for reading.

 

[Aron the Aron]

And this, stung even more. While she understood that the woman meant well, the care landed poorly when accompanied by what felt to be a confiscation of duty. Fire in her eyes, Cecilia stared at Felicia with a fierce spite that the long-lived inquisitor only ever saw in cornered animals prepared to fight past the last breath. "Inquisitor... This is my job." With energy that she doubtless did not have, Cecilia straightened herself and sat tall without the wall at her back to support her weight. "Until the Father deems my work done... I will see it through."

"... Then let me help you."

The duty went both ways as "Felicia" threw back Cecilia's fire at her, her eyes aglow with both deep-rooted concern that pierced the ferocity that the bed-bound woman could muster. "... My job is to help you... with your job." The Inquisitor gingerly placed a hand near the Cardinal's collarbone, not only feeling the struggling heave of her lungs, but the overworked beating of a heart that was struggling to keep up with its owner.

Feeling all she needed to know, the Inquisitor withdrew her hand and continued to shuffle Cecilia's parchment notes into one neat stack, careful to let any still-drying ink have its necessary air and time before she turned her eyes down to... the illegible scratches that constituted the Cardinal's handwriting...

Father above, she hoped that this was just a result of Cecilia's fatigue and health catching up to her...

After catching her breath, she reached for the inkwell on the short table she laid across her lap to use as a desk in her bed, and her other hand reached for the papers that Felicia had gathered up in her hands. "... My notes." She motioned scribbling something in the air with the hand that had moved for the inkwell, needing to fix up the purposefully obfuscated mess of ideas and words if someone else was to be reading what was otherwise used as a memory enforcement tool instead of something truly meant for reading.

"... Please... don't hurt yourself."

That sentence was the one that cut the deepest, because even someone like "Felicia" could tell that Cecilia was the kind that would neglect themselves for their work, and it certainly felt like the Inquisitor was intent on making sure she didn't continue that self-destructive path. Feeling that she had sufficiently conveyed her worries, Inquisitor "Felicia" surrendered the stack of notes back to its original owner.

"... Take care of yourself first... If not for you... then for the people."

 

[That Lass Over There]

"... Then let me help you."

The duty went both ways as "Felicia" threw back Cecilia's fire at her, her eyes aglow with both deep-rooted concern that pierced the ferocity that the bed-bound woman could muster. "... My job is to help you... with your job." The Inquisitor gingerly placed a hand near the Cardinal's collarbone, not only feeling the struggling heave of her lungs, but the overworked beating of a heart that was struggling to keep up with its owner.

"... Please... don't hurt yourself."

That sentence was the one that cut the deepest, because even someone like "Felicia" could tell that Cecilia was the kind that would neglect themselves for their work, and it certainly felt like the Inquisitor was intent on making sure she didn't continue that self-destructive path. Feeling that she had sufficiently conveyed her worries, Inquisitor "Felicia" surrendered the stack of notes back to its original owner.

"... Take care of yourself first... If not for you... then for the people."

Cecilia's eyes flicked away from the other woman's as she accepted the papers back, nodding meekly in response to the heartfelt request. When faced with such sincerity, it was difficult to stay upset about being treated with consideration, even if she did feel like it was excessive.

Picking up her desk she set it on her lap again, picking up the pen and setting it on the cluttered note sheet that had no space left to write. For a few moments, she scribbled on the paper over the chicken scratch that was already there, but she brushed aside Felicia's questioning stare and pulled out the second sheet of notes she had started, setting pen to paper and practically flying across the page as words were left in the wake of her pen.

It still wasn't the prettiest handwriting, using a basic script meant for speed commonly used among clergy in copying books, but it was easily readable and a large step up from the impossible to read mess that she had previously left on the pages. While she didn't write too much, skipping over all the things she had crossed out as dead-ends, there were still interesting bits of information on the page she handed to Felicia.



- Whether Bishop Kaya is corrupt and poorly disguising it or simply inept, this bookkeeping of expenses alone is grounds to request his removal from office. There are clearly many things wrong with the ledger, but it is impossible to take any leads from both on account of a lack of detail for each transaction, and an apparent lack of calculation skill on part of the Bishop or whichever poor monk he may have forced the unwanted task upon. Politely wording this in a letter to the Choir will be an interesting task, if no greater mismanagement or crime is discovered.

- Several individuals, mostly men without family, have been reported missing to the local guard according to the captain I spoke to after my identity was verified. My focus has since been on investigating the local Bishop and church, but this holds my concern and I would like to look into the disappearances when I can.

- I did not have long in the small library of the local church, but I noticed several shelves without dust and yet missing their books. However, according to records I received from the Librarian, there should only be three books checked out at the moment. It's difficult to put my finger on, but something smells suspicious about this - even the most innocuous of texts can inform and persuade a mind opened to them, and I am almost certain some books were missing from the restricted section as well. Ever since the incident a year ago at Ajjak, I've found myself being oddly obsessed with these small details.

"... I hope it is not too far below... your usual standards." Cecilia, eyes closed while she rested and Felicia read, whispered the words with a grim smile that spoke of how she herself felt about what she had managed to find thus far.

 

[Aron the Aron]

Cecilia's eyes flicked away from the other woman's as she accepted the papers back, nodding meekly in response to the heartfelt request. When faced with such sincerity, it was difficult to stay upset about being treated with consideration, even if she did feel like it was excessive.

Picking up her desk she set it on her lap again, picking up the pen and setting it on the cluttered note sheet that had no space left to write. For a few moments, she scribbled on the paper over the chicken scratch that was already there, but she brushed aside Felicia's questioning stare and pulled out the second sheet of notes she had started, setting pen to paper and practically flying across the page as words were left in the wake of her pen.

It still wasn't the prettiest handwriting, using a basic script meant for speed commonly used among clergy in copying books, but it was easily readable and a large step up from the impossible to read mess that she had previously left on the pages. While she didn't write too much, skipping over all the things she had crossed out as dead-ends, there were still interesting bits of information on the page she handed to Felicia.

"... I hope it is not too far below... your usual standards." Cecilia, eyes closed while she rested and Felicia read, whispered the words with a grim smile that spoke of how she herself felt about what she had managed to find thus far.

"... Thank you."

It was the little things that helped "Felicia" keep a strong grip on her humanity and sanity after the near-century she had served, little and insignificant actions such as feeling the warmth of the sun on her skin that made everything worth the years and decades of suffering. There, it was Cecilia's sharing her true notes that garnered a grateful look from the Inquisitor, who began scanning through the pages of more legible writing with vested interest...

- Whether Bishop Kaya is corrupt and poorly disguising it or simply inept, this bookkeeping of expenses alone is grounds to request his removal from office. There are clearly many things wrong with the ledger, but it is impossible to take any leads from both on account of a lack of detail for each transaction, and an apparent lack of calculation skill on part of the Bishop or whichever poor monk he may have forced the unwanted task upon. Politely wording this in a letter to the Choir will be an interesting task, if no greater mismanagement or crime is discovered.

- Several individuals, mostly men without family, have been reported missing to the local guard according to the captain I spoke to after my identity was verified. My focus has since been on investigating the local Bishop and church, but this holds my concern and I would like to look into the disappearances when I can.

- I did not have long in the small library of the local church, but I noticed several shelves without dust and yet missing their books. However, according to records I received from the Librarian, there should only be three books checked out at the moment. It's difficult to put my finger on, but something smells suspicious about this - even the most innocuous of texts can inform and persuade a mind opened to them, and I am almost certain some books were missing from the restricted section as well. Ever since the incident a year ago at Ajjak, I've found myself being oddly obsessed with these small details.

This... this was not a lot of information to work with. Perhaps the Inquisitor was being hasty in her judgement, but the lack of concrete leads heavily suggested that Cecilia couldn't make many headways into whatever investigation she was making. Either Cecilia had not been around for long enough to truly begin her work in earnest, or something (maybe her health) was hampering progress; "Felicia" suspected that it was a combination of both that has led to her lack of truly actionable leads. Still, 'something' was far better than 'nothing', and she had dealt with starting from nothing plenty of times before.



The curious observation of the Bishop's... 'interesting finances' were certainly worth looking into. She was sure that the Bishop was hiding something; 'gross incompetence' was different enough from 'sloppy obfuscation' that poking at the right threads would reveal what was truly going on. She would need to dedicate at least a day to searching the Bishop's properties...

The note of missing texts was interesting, if only because of Cecilia's vested interest in following this apparent lead. Perhaps paying a visit to the local Church to investigate the Bishop would provide a convenient segue into this lead...

The biggest and most important lead that stuck out to her eyes were the disappearances and the lack of explanation surrounding it. Experience told the Inquisitor that strings of unexplained disappearances never suggested anything good, and it was the little details that told her. There were patterns, conclusions that suggested that this wasn't the work of a single madman or a smalltime gang. "mostly men without family" suggested a deliberate targeting of 'undesirables' and 'untraceables', people whose absence would not be felt by majority of locals, people whose disappearances would be largely overlooked by the authorities. This would require more time to investigate, but "Felicia" felt that this would be the most rewarding lead to follow.



... These were all leads that at an initial glance, appeared to be a disorganized. They all touched upon different incidents and observations with seemingly no correlation tying them, and had "Felicia" been a lesser Inquisitor, she might've dismissed the leads. But if there was one thing "Felicia" knew, it was that time was always the link that joined even the most unrelated-looking incidents together. Cecilia made all of these observations and developed these leads within a handful of days; and this reeked of a greater problem...

"... Hm... Astute observations..."

Gently, the Inquisitor laid the sheaf of parchment notes on the little desk Cecilia had on her lap, before gently lifting it and everything up to be put aside. "... We'll start tomorrow..." She continued to insist, storing away the inkwell and notes to be picked up later. She was still eerily silent as she moved, ghostly even as she extinguished the faint candlelights illuminating the room; the impression that she could easily have been an apparition wasn't quite lost on Cecilia, though the very real sensations of her hands on her shoulder and chest earlier assured the Cardinal that the Inquisitor was very much tangible and alive.

"... Go to sleep... You need it."

 

[That Lass Over There]

"... Hm... Astute observations..."

Gently, the Inquisitor laid the sheaf of parchment notes on the little desk Cecilia had on her lap, before gently lifting it and everything up to be put aside. "... We'll start tomorrow..." She continued to insist, storing away the inkwell and notes to be picked up later. She was still eerily silent as she moved, ghostly even as she extinguished the faint candlelights illuminating the room; the impression that she could easily have been an apparition wasn't quite lost on Cecilia, though the very real sensations of her hands on her shoulder and chest earlier assured the Cardinal that the Inquisitor was very much tangible and alive.

"... Go to sleep... You need it."

The same grim, self-deprecating smile as when she handed over the paper appeared for a moment when the Inquisitor called her barebones observations that had yet to be truly investigated 'astute'. Her eyes opened when she heard and felt the movement of Felicia moving the desk, bleary eyes tracking the movements in the dim light, and silently watched as the Inquisitor went about the room with that odd manner of walking she had.

No more protests came from the Cardinal who inched herself down from her leaning position back into the bed with careful movements before pulling the covers over herself. Her weak, steadying breaths were the only noise in the room for a long time. At some point in the night, there was a small rustling under the covers as one of her hands came to rest on her component pouch and the other over where her crucifix hid, and afterwards her breathing slowed into the calm, quiet pace of sleep.

...

With a window facing towards the west, dawn's light was dim in the room while the city started to come alive, merchants and street vendors already out on the streets trying to set things up for the business day ahead. At first it seemed like Cecilia might not wake on her own, but movement in the bed soon proved that notion wrong as the Cardinal worked her way out of the bed with remarkably more vigor than she had displayed the night before.

The bags under her grey eyes still gave her a tired, sickly look, but she was sitting on the edge of the bed within seconds, exchanging looks with the wraith who had been watching over her from a chair in the corner of the room.

After a few moments, Cecilia was the one to break the silence that hung over the room. "Did you sleep?" Her quiet voice asked a simple question with an ambiguously low tone sounding almost like guilt.



Holding on to the bedpost next to her she straightened up her legs to stand, and after a cursory moment to make sure she was steady she moved forward to the door, pulling it open and making her way out to downstairs. At least, that was the plan, however just outside was a girl who had been setting a plate and cup on a small table. "Ah, Lady Cecilia!" The girl - the innkeep's daughter - looked up to the Cardinal with a cheery smile and bowed her head. "You always wake up around this time, don't you? I thought if I brought up breakfast for you, it might be helpful..."

In place of the confusion that had taken on her expression from the unexpected encounter, a somewhat bitter smile in the face of the kindness she was being given. "... Thank you, Peri. Could you get something for my... Escort, as well?"

The girl looked past Cecilia into the room, catching sight of Felicia, and nodded her head. "Oh, of course, I thought it was weird you were alone! I'll go ask Dad to make something, it will be just a few minutes." With that she took her leave, and Cecilia took the plate - just a loaf of bread sitting on top of it - and the cup back to her bed. She sat down and looked around the room, before looking to Felicia with a questioning gaze and miming putting down the things in her hands.

'Where did you put the lap desk?'

 

[Aron the Aron]

The same grim, self-deprecating smile as when she handed over the paper appeared for a moment when the Inquisitor called her barebones observations that had yet to be truly investigated 'astute'. Her eyes opened when she heard and felt the movement of Felicia moving the desk, bleary eyes tracking the movements in the dim light, and silently watched as the Inquisitor went about the room with that odd manner of walking she had.

No more protests came from the Cardinal who inched herself down from her leaning position back into the bed with careful movements before pulling the covers over herself. Her weak, steadying breaths were the only noise in the room for a long time. At some point in the night, there was a small rustling under the covers as one of her hands came to rest on her component pouch and the other over where her crucifix hid, and afterwards her breathing slowed into the calm, quiet pace of sleep.

With Cecilia finally surrendering herself to the siren call of slumber, "Felicia" finally relaxed and let her shoulders fall. For several moments, she believed that Cecilia wouldn't sleep, but with her concerns proven unfounded, she could finally go to sleep herself without needing to worry about Cecilia waking up to do more work behind her back. The last thing she needed was Cecilia suddenly deciding that she didn't want to sleep and pick up the feather once more, which was part of the reason why "Felicia" took it..

"Felicia" settled in for the "half-vigil, half-sleep" she would be putting herself through the night for, the small uncomfortable-looking chair in the corner of the room proving very adept for her "half-vigil" she meant to upkeep. She never knew when an assassin could possibly crawl through the window, and the idea of keeping one eye open while she slept was far from foreign to the Inquisitor...

With a window facing towards the west, dawn's light was dim in the room while the city started to come alive, merchants and street vendors already out on the streets trying to set things up for the business day ahead. At first it seemed like Cecilia might not wake on her own, but movement in the bed soon proved that notion wrong as the Cardinal worked her way out of the bed with remarkably more vigor than she had displayed the night before.

The bags under her grey eyes still gave her a tired, sickly look, but she was sitting on the edge of the bed within seconds, exchanging looks with the wraith who had been watching over her from a chair in the corner of the room.

After a few moments, Cecilia was the one to break the silence that hung over the room. "Did you sleep?" Her quiet voice asked a simple question with an ambiguously low tone sounding almost like guilt.

"... I did."

Still seated in the uncomfortable chair, Inquisitor "Felicia" looked no worse for wear from the long night of rest. The lack of fatigue on her mien was slightly off-putting, especially when she rose up from the seat to approach the Cardinal. She still had that look of concern for Cecilia, but the little show of energy in waking up and worming her way from under the covers did alleviate the worst of her concerns.

"... I've slept in more uncomfortable places."

Holding on to the bedpost next to her she straightened up her legs to stand, and after a cursory moment to make sure she was steady she moved forward to the door, pulling it open and making her way out to downstairs. At least, that was the plan, however just outside was a girl who had been setting a plate and cup on a small table. "Ah, Lady Cecilia!" The girl - the innkeep's daughter - looked up to the Cardinal with a cheery smile and bowed her head. "You always wake up around this time, don't you? I thought if I brought up breakfast for you, it might be helpful..."

In place of the confusion that had taken on her expression from the unexpected encounter, a somewhat bitter smile in the face of the kindness she was being given. "... Thank you, Peri. Could you get something for my... Escort, as well?"

The girl looked past Cecilia into the room, catching sight of Felicia, and nodded her head. "Oh, of course, I thought it was weird you were alone! I'll go ask Dad to make something, it will be just a few minutes." With that she took her leave, and Cecilia took the plate - just a loaf of bread sitting on top of it - and the cup back to her bed. She sat down and looked around the room, before looking to Felicia with a questioning gaze and miming putting down the things in her hands.

'Where did you put the lap desk?'

"... I'll go get it."

The way "Felicia" seemed to hesitate on her spot when Cecilia got up with the aid of the bedpost was thankfully missed by any possible witnesses (read: Cecilia), instead awkwardly relegated to standing close by as the Cardinal opened the door and was greeted by the Innkeeper's daughter with simple food and drink in equally-simple platter and cup. Thankfully, neither Cecilia or the girl seemed to notice how "Felicia's" throat seemed to tense up or how the Inquisitor seemed to relax once the Innkeeper's daughter left; the only thing that betrayed her was the split-second of a frown Cecilia might've spotted before she turned around.

Thankfully, "Felicia" was quick to return with the small desk in her hands, though the lack of Cecilia's notes or the inkwell was obvious when she set it down on the Cardinal's lap.[/FONT][/FONT]

 

[That Lass Over There]

"... I'll go get it."

The way "Felicia" seemed to hesitate on her spot when Cecilia got up with the aid of the bedpost was thankfully missed by any possible witnesses (read: Cecilia), instead awkwardly relegated to standing close by as the Cardinal opened the door and was greeted by the Innkeeper's daughter with simple food and drink in equally-simple platter and cup. Thankfully, neither Cecilia or the girl seemed to notice how "Felicia's" throat seemed to tense up or how the Inquisitor seemed to relax once the Innkeeper's daughter left; the only thing that betrayed her was the split-second of a frown Cecilia might've spotted before she turned around.

Thankfully, "Felicia" was quick to return with the small desk in her hands, though the lack of Cecilia's notes or the inkwell was obvious when she set it down on the Cardinal's lap.[/FONT][/FONT]

Cecilia made no immediate comment about the lack of her work utensils, simply nodding in thanks for the return of one of her most used tools these days as she set the platter and cup down. She picked up the loaf of bread and pinched a small part off, and then another, each tiny bite being brought to her mouth and disappearing like magic without any chewing. All the while, her eyes remained closed, possibly to enjoy whatever flavor the plain bit of food may have.

For the most part, the Cardinal seemed content with the silence, barely a sound or movement to disturb the peaceful atmosphere of the room. It remained that way for a few minutes until footsteps could be heard in the hallway outside, and Cecilia's eyes opened to look toward the door.

A knock on the door sounded out, and Cecilia knocked on the bedframe in response, producing a resonant sound for the little force she used. With that signal Peri came through the door, the girl carrying a more sizeable plate than what Cecilia's loaf had come on laden with cuts of meat decorated in flecks of vivid red and yellow color, several thick slices of cheese, and small yellow biscuits with a wide cup in the middle all skillfully balanced on her right hand. She came over to present the food to the Inquisitor, but seemed to hesitate at the last moment, holding a finger to her temple. "Ah, I'm sorry, I forgot to ask - do you mind spicy food? I could see about getting you something instead of the jambon..."

Cecilia, whose eyes had followed the plate on its journey with interest, noticed the blank look from the inquisitor before the girl did, and after thinking a moment she connected the dots and spoke up - well, about as much as she had any other occasion so far. "It will be fine, Peri. I'll let you know later if she likes it. Go back to helping your papa, I'm sure he could use it." The girl nodded in response to the gentle reminder and left, closing the door behind her and leaving the two alone again.

Cecilia cast one more glance to the plate of food that Felicia held before tearing her partially-eaten bread in half, offering out the larger untouched chunk to the Inquisitor. "... Trade for a bit of meat, if it isn't good."

 

[Aron the Aron]

A knock on the door sounded out, and Cecilia knocked on the bedframe in response, producing a resonant sound for the little force she used. With that signal Peri came through the door, the girl carrying a more sizeable plate than what Cecilia's loaf had come on laden with cuts of meat decorated in flecks of vivid red and yellow color, several thick slices of cheese, and small yellow biscuits with a wide cup in the middle all skillfully balanced on her right hand. She came over to present the food to the Inquisitor, but seemed to hesitate at the last moment, holding a finger to her temple. "Ah, I'm sorry, I forgot to ask - do you mind spicy food? I could see about getting you something instead of the jambon..."

"... ... ..."

The awkward silence that followed was almost palpable as "Felicia" blankly looked down at the large and colorful platter that the young girl laid on her lap (since she was sitting down next to Cecilia). The wild splash of reds and yellows certainly had that exotic appearance that typically came with far-flung regions distanced from the Church; it reminded "Felicia" of some of the more novel plates she had come across over the decades.

Still, the problem that arose was the girl's transparent look of discomfort at her silence.

Cecilia, whose eyes had followed the plate on its journey with interest, noticed the blank look from the inquisitor before the girl did, and after thinking a moment she connected the dots and spoke up - well, about as much as she had any other occasion so far. "It will be fine, Peri. I'll let you know later if she likes it. Go back to helping your papa, I'm sure he could use it." The girl nodded in response to the gentle reminder and left, closing the door behind her and leaving the two alone again.

Cecilia cast one more glance to the plate of food that Felicia held before tearing her partially-eaten bread in half, offering out the larger untouched chunk to the Inquisitor. "... Trade for a bit of meat, if it isn't good."

"Felicia" noticed the glance Cecilia made towards her plate, and without even garnering a second thought, gently pushed the offered chunk of bread back towards Cecilia's plate. She didn't need to make a trade, and the Inquisitor was never one to selfishly hoard food if someone else desired bits of her plate.

"... It's alright... Here... I eat light."

Instead, the white-haired woman tore small pieces from different parts of her color-bombarded breakfast. A torn cut of the spice-rubbed ham and a half-slice of cheese later, and Cecilia's small plate looked that little bit more colorful without adding too much for her to eat. It was clear that the Cardinal was a light eater (and her poor health also explained the rudimentary nature of her food), but "Felicia" didn't see much harm in sharing a little bit of her own breakfast, even if the Cardinal might've insisted on at least trading for more flavorful foodstuffs.

 

[That Lass Over There]

"Felicia" noticed the glance Cecilia made towards her plate, and without even garnering a second thought, gently pushed the offered chunk of bread back towards Cecilia's plate. She didn't need to make a trade, and the Inquisitor was never one to selfishly hoard food if someone else desired bits of her plate.

"... It's alright... Here... I eat light."

Instead, the white-haired woman tore small pieces from different parts of her color-bombarded breakfast. A torn cut of the spice-rubbed ham and a half-slice of cheese later, and Cecilia's small plate looked that little bit more colorful without adding too much for her to eat. It was clear that the Cardinal was a light eater (and her poor health also explained the rudimentary nature of her food), but "Felicia" didn't see much harm in sharing a little bit of her own breakfast, even if the Cardinal might've insisted on at least trading for more flavorful foodstuffs.

Cecilia's mouth broke into a small smile when Felicia shared a small part of her breakfast with her, the spiced meat and cheese a highlight of the one meal she had taken to appreciate the local food served in the inn. However, the accompanying gesture of refusing the trade that she had offered caused her to knit her brows, shaking her head. "Me too."

While she could eat a bit more every now and then, her appetite had shrunk tremendously from what it once was and just the small loaf of bread she had been given was plenty if not bordering on a bit too much for her. The extra bits she had been given by Felicia, while delicious, were even heavier on her stomach than the bread and she would be making a mistake to finish all the food. Again, she tried to give the bread to the Inquisitor, leaving it on Felicia's plate and hoping it would not be returned. If it was, she hated wasting food, but there was nothing to do.

While they ate their food, Cecile treasuring the stronger, spicy flavor of the ham she had been given, the Cardinal's mind still ultimately rested on work. The few things that had caught her attention, and what the priority should be. Technically, as far as her duties went, she was purely to be concerned with the interests and functionality of the Church and its members.

However, she already had plenty of reason to sack the local Bishop even without further investigation. The missing books were an odd little detail that caught her interest, but unlikely to actually lead anywhere beyond perhaps a book thief or someone making some coin on the side by selling Church property to collectors.

Meanwhile, the missing person reports were truly concerning, and that was something that she might be able to make an actual difference with looking into.

"... Do you think we will find anything else in the local church?" She posed the question to her new companion who, regardless of Tribunal, was an Inquisitor doubtless of much more experience and training than Cecilia herself in these matters of investigation. It was worth hearing a second opinion on whether it would be helpful at this point to look into the place that so far appeared to have no greater crime than gross incompetence.

 

[Aron the Aron]

Cecilia's mouth broke into a small smile when Felicia shared a small part of her breakfast with her, the spiced meat and cheese a highlight of the one meal she had taken to appreciate the local food served in the inn. However, the accompanying gesture of refusing the trade that she had offered caused her to knit her brows, shaking her head. "Me too."

While she could eat a bit more every now and then, her appetite had shrunk tremendously from what it once was and just the small loaf of bread she had been given was plenty if not bordering on a bit too much for her. The extra bits she had been given by Felicia, while delicious, were even heavier on her stomach than the bread and she would be making a mistake to finish all the food. Again, she tried to give the bread to the Inquisitor, leaving it on Felicia's plate and hoping it would not be returned. If it was, she hated wasting food, but there was nothing to do.

The silence shared between Cardinal and Inquisitor was, pleasantly, an amicable one spent just silently enjoying the food their first meal of the day. Both Cecilia and "Felicia" enjoyed the taste of local cuisine, though amusingly, the latter always twisted her lips into a partial-grimace every time she took a bite of the flavorful ham. Unsurprisingly, neither women could completely finish their separate meals, which meant there was still plenty of food leftover with nowhere to go and nobody to consume them.

The young girl who brought up the plate... Peri, was her name? She had clearly overestimated "Felicia's" appetite and capacity for food, not that the girl had any fault for it; the Daemon Hunter tended to surprise people on a lot of fronts, and not just the obvious ones relating to her job as Daemon Hunter.

While they ate their food, Cecile treasuring the stronger, spicy flavor of the ham she had been given, the Cardinal's mind still ultimately rested on work. The few things that had caught her attention, and what the priority should be. Technically, as far as her duties went, she was purely to be concerned with the interests and functionality of the Church and its members.

However, she already had plenty of reason to sack the local Bishop even without further investigation. The missing books were an odd little detail that caught her interest, but unlikely to actually lead anywhere beyond perhaps a book thief or someone making some coin on the side by selling Church property to collectors.

Meanwhile, the missing person reports were truly concerning, and that was something that she might be able to make an actual difference with looking into.

"... Do you think we will find anything else in the local church?" She posed the question to her new companion who, regardless of Tribunal, was an Inquisitor doubtless of much more experience and training than Cecilia herself in these matters of investigation. It was worth hearing a second opinion on whether it would be helpful at this point to look into the place that so far appeared to have no greater crime than gross incompetence.

"Felicia" only paused her eating to ponder for all of about two seconds before tilting her head to the side. "... It depends..."

The timeframe of Cecilia's discoveries would lend "Felicia" greater insight into what the Cardinal knew and discovered with her limited resources and what context "Felicia" hadn't immediately gleaned from the notes she studied the prior night. If she was correct in guessing that the pinkette made those discoveries within a few days of each other, then they had even stronger reason to investigate the local Clergy's recent activities. If the local Bishop was even remotely tied to the disappearances, then this was no longer a mere case of incompetency; fouler activities were abound, and that garnered closer inspection, and perhaps more depending on what could be dug up.

It all depended on the keyword of "when".

"... When did you make... all these observations? ... A few days apart? ... Same day?"

 

[That Lass Over There]

"... It depends..."

The timeframe of Cecilia's discoveries would lend "Felicia" greater insight into what the Cardinal knew and discovered with her limited resources and what context "Felicia" hadn't immediately gleaned from the notes she studied the prior night. If she was correct in guessing that the pinkette made those discoveries within a few days of each other, then they had even stronger reason to investigate the local Clergy's recent activities. If the local Bishop was even remotely tied to the disappearances, then this was no longer a mere case of incompetency; fouler activities were abound, and that garnered closer inspection, and perhaps more depending on what could be dug up.

It all depended on the keyword of "when".

"... When did you make... all these observations? ... A few days apart? ... Same day?"

Cecilia was no idiot, and receiving any other response than a clear 'no' told her several things about the possibilities running through Felicia's head. Rather than validation or anything of the sort, though, Cecilia felt dread. As someone sent to investigate the outer reaches of the Church's influence, she always hoped to find nothing. Part of her hoped that the extent of her investigation would end at the conclusion that the Bishop was incompetent, and there was some sort of small criminal activity she could easily resolve behind the missing persons.

However, "... You think they might be connected." The inquisitor, doubtlessly senior in these sorts of investigations as far as experience goes, thought there was something that might be here.

After a moment of thought, nibbling at a slice of cheese, Cecilia started listing off the dates she had observed each detail. "The missing people... the 10th. Faulty ledger, 12th... dating back to when he took office." After a moment of unease, still uncertain it actually meant anything and that she wasn't just getting caught up on an odd little detail, "Missing books, yesterday... Gone for a while, I'd guess." With that, a clearer timeline was on the table to piece together.

Cecilia, waiting for the verdict from her new companion, stared at her plate of a half-eaten loaf of bread and some bits of ham and cheese that she had been given before seeming to get an idea, tearing off bits that she had bitten into and then wrapping the leftover food in a thick cloth she procured from nearby, tying a little knot on the impromptu sack.

 

[Aron the Aron]

Cecilia was no idiot, and receiving any other response than a clear 'no' told her several things about the possibilities running through Felicia's head. Rather than validation or anything of the sort, though, Cecilia felt dread. As someone sent to investigate the outer reaches of the Church's influence, she always hoped to find nothing. Part of her hoped that the extent of her investigation would end at the conclusion that the Bishop was incompetent, and there was some sort of small criminal activity she could easily resolve behind the missing persons.

However, "... You think they might be connected." The inquisitor, doubtlessly senior in these sorts of investigations as far as experience goes, thought there was something that might be here.

"Felicia" grimly nodded in affirmation, her own misgivings about the situation worsening the unease that was in Cecilia's grey eyes. There was something that tugged at her intuition towards the three seemingly isolated events; the timing was far too close together in the Inquisitor's mind to be written off as mere coincidences. They lacked in connectivity though, and "Felicia" would almost certainly have to make sure that the leads Cecilia had found were proper and correct, but they were a worthwhile start that could bear fruit.

After a moment of thought, nibbling at a slice of cheese, Cecilia started listing off the dates she had observed each detail. "The missing people... the 10th. Faulty ledger, 12th... dating back to when he took office." After a moment of unease, still uncertain it actually meant anything and that she wasn't just getting caught up on an odd little detail, "Missing books, yesterday... Gone for a while, I'd guess." With that, a clearer timeline was on the table to piece together.

Cecilia, waiting for the verdict from her new companion, stared at her plate of a half-eaten loaf of bread and some bits of ham and cheese that she had been given before seeming to get an idea, tearing off bits that she had bitten into and then wrapping the leftover food in a thick cloth she procured from nearby, tying a little knot on the impromptu sack.

"..."

One week. In the span of six days, Cecilia managed to notice each detail and note them down before "Felicia" got there, and with the new context also came new information. "Faulty ledger, 12th... dating back to when he took office." So the discrepancies dated back farther than anticipated, and while it was more than enough to get the local Bishop dismissed from Clergical duties, the fact that it dated that far back could mean something bad if her instincts were not mistaken.

It was far from the most comprehensive start she could've wished for, but it was a start that she could leap off from, and that was more than enough for the Inquisitor.

"... We need to search the Bishop's desk... see if he's hiding anything beyond incompetence..." It was the first step "Felicia" would take. If she could learn more about the reasoning behind the Bishop's dubious financial records, then it'd be a step closer towards proving or disproving any links between the local Diocese and the other events. If she could look a the ledger and see the financial bookkeeping for herself, then she'd get a better idea of what was going on. If she discovered more... well...

"... We also need to question the guard... about the disappearances..." It was the other logical trail the leads pointed towards, and one "Felicia" was more keen on following. The disappearances were the biggest cause for concern; the more she knew about those disappearances, the better a conclusion she could form, one hopefully based in worthy cause to further press on with...

 

[That Lass Over There]

"... We need to search the Bishop's desk... see if he's hiding anything beyond incompetence..." It was the first step "Felicia" would take. If she could learn more about the reasoning behind the Bishop's dubious financial records, then it'd be a step closer towards proving or disproving any links between the local Diocese and the other events. If she could look a the ledger and see the financial bookkeeping for herself, then she'd get a better idea of what was going on. If she discovered more... well...

"... We also need to question the guard... about the disappearances..." It was the other logical trail the leads pointed towards, and one "Felicia" was more keen on following. The disappearances were the biggest cause for concern; the more she knew about those disappearances, the better a conclusion she could form, one hopefully based in worthy cause to further press on with...

"A full search?" Such was certainly within Cecilia's right and authority, but she normally avoided it at all costs. First, it was practically screaming that she was suspicious something was going on to dig that deep and wide, and it was no good if she alerted someone to hide whatever skeletons might be in their closets before she knew to look. Then, a full search like that took time - the number of letters, notebooks, documents, and other miscellaneous items a Bishop would have is no small amount, and even with two people now it would be a substantial workload to comb through each piece of writing to look for signs of whatever might be going on. They could trim corners by focusing on particular things like letters and personal notes, but they might miss something that way and still suffered the first issue of such a brazen search.

Of course, if it was unknown that they had conducted a search... Such options had not been entirely available to Cecilia before, but with Felicia's help? It was possible. She couldn't imagine how the Inquisitor planned to spot any meaningful evidence in the short amount of time she would be able to get unsolicited in the office, though. "... You'll sneak in? There will be a lot to look through..." She decided asking was the way to go - perhaps there was some sort of trick her compatriot had up her sleeve. "Maybe we should investigate the missing people, first..."

 

[Aron the Aron]

"A full search?" Such was certainly within Cecilia's right and authority, but she normally avoided it at all costs. First, it was practically screaming that she was suspicious something was going on to dig that deep and wide, and it was no good if she alerted someone to hide whatever skeletons might be in their closets before she knew to look. Then, a full search like that took time - the number of letters, notebooks, documents, and other miscellaneous items a Bishop would have is no small amount, and even with two people now it would be a substantial workload to comb through each piece of writing to look for signs of whatever might be going on. They could trim corners by focusing on particular things like letters and personal notes, but they might miss something that way and still suffered the first issue of such a brazen search.

Of course, if it was unknown that they had conducted a search... Such options had not been entirely available to Cecilia before, but with Felicia's help? It was possible. She couldn't imagine how the Inquisitor planned to spot any meaningful evidence in the short amount of time she would be able to get unsolicited in the office, though. "... You'll sneak in? There will be a lot to look through..." She decided asking was the way to go - perhaps there was some sort of trick her compatriot had up her sleeve.

"Felicia" nodded before she explained herself. "... People panic when they know... there's an Inquisitor around... ...They hide..." Her incognito status within the city was her biggest advantage, one that she wanted to make as much use of before someone got a whiff of her true identity. "... The bishop... might not have his guard up yet... ... He'll be sloppy... careless... ... He'll leave important information... lying around..."

"Felicia" was banking on the fact that the Bishop Kaya didn't fully raise his guard up yet, likely due to the fact that Cecilia lacked the overriding authority and fear of an Inquisitor like her. The Bishop likely thought himself safe and wasn't fully wary of the Cardinal; he likely had crucial information lying around because he thought Cecilia wouldn't be able to dig deep enough...

"Maybe we should investigate the missing people, first..."

And thus was one of the many problems "Felicia" had. If Cecilia wasn't so sickly, she might've offered the idea of them splitting up to cover separate leads, but the facts that the pinkette was in such poor health and the regular target of assassination attempts (the Inquisitor would have to figure out who was so bent on getting her charge's head) meant she couldn't compromise on safety. Plus..

"... Alright." ... she was to be Cecilia's aide and protector first and foremost. "... Let's talk to the Guard Captain... whenever you're ready to go..."

 

[That Lass Over There]

"Felicia" nodded before she explained herself. "... People panic when they know... there's an Inquisitor around... ...They hide..." Her incognito status within the city was her biggest advantage, one that she wanted to make as much use of before someone got a whiff of her true identity. "... The bishop... might not have his guard up yet... ... He'll be sloppy... careless... ... He'll leave important information... lying around..."

Cecilia nodded along in response to the inquisitor's thoughts, thinking that it was something similar for her as well. Rarely was she taken seriously and things were left out in the open like the poorly managed ledger of the bishop that was handed over without concern. Only when she finally made a major move was she taken seriously and effort was put in to concealing things from her. Taking advantage of the early lack of concern was something she had fallen in the habit of doing herself, so she agreed with what Felicia said.

But, that still didn't answer how Felicia intended to sort through hundreds of documents and letters to find the few that would serve as evidence for something greater than incompetence, though... 'Lying around' would still place the papers among many irrelevant to whatever might be at hand.

And thus was one of the many problems "Felicia" had. If Cecilia wasn't so sickly, she might've offered the idea of them splitting up to cover separate leads, but the facts that the pinkette was in such poor health and the regular target of assassination attempts (the Inquisitor would have to figure out who was so bent on getting her charge's head) meant she couldn't compromise on safety. Plus..

"... Alright." ... she was to be Cecilia's aide and protector first and foremost. "... Let's talk to the Guard Captain... whenever you're ready to go..."

It seemed like that concern of how the Inquisitor intended to search would not be relevant at the moment, though. As expected, no recommendation for them to split up came, and whether because of a decision her companion had made or a misunderstanding that Cecilia had decided on a course of action, it seemed like Felicia was ready to go.

While Cecilia hadn't decided that investigating the missing people would make a good first step, with no obvious good move it seemed like the better action to take. If the Bishop wasn't connected to the disappearances, then investigating him wouldn't help with a very real problem in the city at the moment. And if he was connected, then investigating the missing individuals may turn up the answers as to whatever greater conspiracy may be taking place. She felt like there was a risk of setting off some alarms for the culprit if they pursued the mystery too aggressively, but she now had someone she could get a second opinion from to try and avoid that possibility.



"Mm, one moment." Cecilia reached down again and grabbed out another thick cloth, offering it to Felicia and showing her own packaged leftovers as reminder. "Don't pack anything you've bitten into." It was an odd stipulation, but Cecilia didn't elaborate further on her own, only standing up with some effort and standing next to the door waiting for her companion to follow.

...

They moved downstairs, Cecilia waving goodbye to the Innkeep and his daughter on the way past, and outside - rather than onto the streets, Cecilia turned, heading towards the stables of the inn. Her gait wasn't fast, but it was far from the hobble that Felicia may have feared to see from the apparently frailer than reported Cardinal. Cecilia also seemed to pout and pick up her pace a small bit when she noticed how close her escort kept to her, clearly somewhat dissatisfied with the attention.



Entering the stable there were several horses, but Cecilia made her way to two in particular at the end. They were quiet animals that made no stir unlike many of the others who reacted to their intrusion. One of the horses was clearly an older beast of burden, a grey coat turning white near the hooves and its skin hugging its bones and muscles in a way that only old animals get. The other was a slightly younger looking and smaller horse with a dusty brown coat splotched black.

The two were quiet and peaceful while she came near, holding a hand out to each when they put their heads forward. "Lind, Del. Good morning." Her hands affectionately stroked their heads and necks, far as she could reach, a faint smile on her lips. After a look from Felicia that she happened to see, she remembered her responsibilities, and patted the dusty brown horse - Del - on the neck with two clicks of her tongue before unlocking the door. The horse came out on its own, nudging the door open, standing in place patiently while Cecilia moved to a nearby rack and tried to wrestle the saddle off of it.

 

[Aron the Aron]

"Mm, one moment." Cecilia reached down again and grabbed out another thick cloth, offering it to Felicia and showing her own packaged leftovers as reminder. "Don't pack anything you've bitten into." It was an odd stipulation, but Cecilia didn't elaborate further on her own, only standing up with some effort and standing next to the door waiting for her companion to follow.

"... Nn."

The strange grunt of affirmation was perhaps strange, but not out-of-character given "Felicia's" taciturn responses thus far; taking the lion's share of the two's leftover breakfast, she deftly piled them away with the impromptu sack, complete with a more utilitarian knot unlike Cecilia's more plain and simple one (AN: search up a slip knot if you're curious). It was a touch heavier and larger, but it was negligible to someone who was used to eating light everywhere everyday. With both girls ready to make good on the day, Cardinal and Inquisitor left the room together, out into the greater world.

They moved downstairs, Cecilia waving goodbye to the Innkeep and his daughter on the way past, and outside - rather than onto the streets, Cecilia turned, heading towards the stables of the inn. Her gait wasn't fast, but it was far from the hobble that Felicia may have feared to see from the apparently frailer than reported Cardinal. Cecilia also seemed to pout and pick up her pace a small bit when she noticed how close her escort kept to her, clearly somewhat dissatisfied with the attention.

Entering the stable there were several horses, but Cecilia made her way to two in particular at the end. They were quiet animals that made no stir unlike many of the others who reacted to their intrusion. One of the horses was clearly an older beast of burden, a grey coat turning white near the hooves and its skin hugging its bones and muscles in a way that only old animals get. The other was a slightly younger looking and smaller horse with a dusty brown coat splotched black.

It was almost amusing to see Cecilia already be rubbed the wrong way at how close "Felicia" was while walking together; the way that bit of irritation had become a miniscule half-walk-half-shuffle matched the slight puff of her cheeks and stuck-out lip was endearingly refreshingly childish compared to the previous night's weariness. The Inquisitor paid Cecilia's internal misgivings no heed though, her steady and strides still anomalously silent even in the varied textures of the outdoors. The only sounds "Felicia" audibly made were the muted exhales of her breathing, perhaps the only indicator that Cecilia hadn't gone mad and imagined an entire person for a whole night.

The silence between the two didn't last long however, overtaken by the usual neighs and whinnys of a busy stable. Some of the horses kept in pens were certainly impressive sights, but most looked of the local variety: smaller than the thoroughbreds more endemic to regions strongly influenced by the Church, but no less impressive in their own ways. The two horses near the back, clearly ones Cecilia was familiar with, were hard to properly pin down for some reason; maybe hybrid breeds?

The two were quiet and peaceful while she came near, holding a hand out to each when they put their heads forward. "Lind, Del. Good morning." Her hands affectionately stroked their heads and necks, far as she could reach, a faint smile on her lips. After a look from Felicia that she happened to see, she remembered her responsibilities, and patted the dusty brown horse - Del - on the neck with two clicks of her tongue before unlocking the door. The horse came out on its own, nudging the door open, standing in place patiently while Cecilia moved to a nearby rack and tried to wrestle the saddle off of it.

"... Do you want help?" It was the only thing the Inquisitor could offer without butting in on Cecilia's attempts to wrangle the saddle free from it's hanging rack, carefully standing herself adjacent to the open door in case Cecilia accepted the offered help. The tawny horse -Del, if she heard correctly- looked slightly apprehensive at being near "Felicia", and the woman in all-white could hardly blame the creature. All animals had a natural aversive instinct towards her, which sometimes made life difficult for her. Hopefully Cecilia's two horses were not skittish...

 

[That Lass Over There]

"... Do you want help?" It was the only thing the Inquisitor could offer without butting in on Cecilia's attempts to wrangle the saddle free from it's hanging rack, carefully standing herself adjacent to the open door in case Cecilia accepted the offered help. The tawny horse -Del, if she heard correctly- looked slightly apprehensive at being near "Felicia", and the woman in all-white could hardly blame the creature. All animals had a natural aversive instinct towards her, which sometimes made life difficult for her. Hopefully Cecilia's two horses were not skittish...

Cecilia, upon hearing Felicia's offer, looked at the saddle and gave one last attempt at pulling the heavy piece of equipment off the hooks it hung on before stepping aside with a sigh. Gesturing with an open hand to the saddle she gave some space for Felicia, placing her right next to Del.

With Felicia passing by and getting closer Del's nostrils flared with a huff, head laying between the inquisitor and Cecilia while nudging its owner back a bit. It shuffled on its legs, positioning itself between them much as possible, watching the inquisitor with a wary gaze, an odd shift from the quiet discipline it had displayed on their entrance. Cecilia looked concerned for a moment, looking up to the raised ears of the animal before fixing a questioning gaze to Felicia's figure busying herself with the saddle. Whatever ran through her mind stopped as she shook her head, patting Del's neck and humming a low note to the disgruntled horse.

"She's friendly." Cecilia said after a moment, and the horse settled down, but remained watching Felicia with its ears raised high.

 

[Aron the Aron]

Cecilia, upon hearing Felicia's offer, looked at the saddle and gave one last attempt at pulling the heavy piece of equipment off the hooks it hung on before stepping aside with a sigh. Gesturing with an open hand to the saddle she gave some space for Felicia, placing her right next to Del.

Nodding, Inquisitor "Felicia" obliged the Cardinal and passed her by towards the hooks, giving the heavy-looking saddle a light and experimental tug to test it's weight. Her being a full half-head taller and an order of magnitude stronger than Cecilia, the taller of the duo easily reached up with one hand under the saddle; a simple upward push from underneath and the saddle lifted up free from the hooks. She could understand Cecilia struggling though; she wasn't sure why anyone inside the Choir would leave someone with uncertain health like her to essentially fend for herself. Most Cardinals never traveled without a hefty escorting body surrounding them wherever they went; a Cardinal and a Venerable all by her lonesome? Something reeked...

With Felicia passing by and getting closer Del's nostrils flared with a huff, head laying between the inquisitor and Cecilia while nudging its owner back a bit. It shuffled on its legs, positioning itself between them much as possible, watching the inquisitor with a wary gaze, an odd shift from the quiet discipline it had displayed on their entrance. Cecilia looked concerned for a moment, looking up to the raised ears of the animal before fixing a questioning gaze to Felicia's figure busying herself with the saddle. Whatever ran through her mind stopped as she shook her head, patting Del's neck and humming a low note to the disgruntled horse.

"She's friendly." Cecilia said after a moment, and the horse settled down, but remained watching Felicia with its ears raised high.

Pursing her lips, "Felicia" felt out the weight of the saddle in her hands before turning around. She didn't miss the guarded stare Del (and pretty much every animal in the stable) was giving her, but she didn't let it pause or break her rock-steady image. There was little, if anything she could do about it; it was just another sad side-effect of her personal curse.

"... Can I help saddle the horses? ... I'm afraid I'm not as familiar as you... with your horses."

 

[That Lass Over There]

Cecilia was still trying to calm the horse down when Felicia spoke, petting Del and humming that same low note close to the animal's head. She was distracted, only humming a different note in response to the inquisitor so show she heard, brows furrowed as she studied the normally so well-behaved steed.

"Just Del today... Lind carries my luggage." She finally answered, realizing that it may have seemed like she planned on taking both horses. Lind had been with her since the start of her journey, but the animal was old when she had received her and she liked to give the old girl a break when possible.

With a continued effort to calm the surprisingly small Del, hand slowly brushing the side of the horse's neck, Cecilia beckoned Felicia closer. "Pet her first? I can't have my two guards fighting each other." While the Cardinal had a small, cheeky smile as she declared the horse to have an equal role in protecting her as an inquisitor, she didn't sound very much like she was joking. Yet, such a ridiculous idea was difficult to take seriously.

There was a tense moment where it seemed like possibly Felicia wouldn't come closer, and Del was staring her down, but when she finally took a step forward the only response from the animal was another huff from flared nostrils, and even that quieted down with Cecilia's reassurances and pets. After a long few moments of wraith-like approach Felicia stood beside the horse on the other side from Cecilia, who shot her a reassuring smile before turning attention back to Del.

... And, after all the tension, the only reaction Del gave was a flick of her long tail and eventually leaning into Felicia full force, causing the inquisitor to be almost pushed back by the weight of the animal and causing Cecilia to laugh, a light, airy note before it was cut short by unsteady breathing. "... She likes you... Good." Del's attention immediately turned to Cecilia, head lowering to the height of the Cardinal's chest and pressing into her with concern, garnering a wry smile in response. "I'm fine, Del... Let's get the saddle on now."

 

[Aron the Aron]

Cecilia was still trying to calm the horse down when Felicia spoke, petting Del and humming that same low note close to the animal's head. She was distracted, only humming a different note in response to the inquisitor so show she heard, brows furrowed as she studied the normally so well-behaved steed.

"... Can I help saddle the horses? ... I'm afraid I'm not as familiar as you... with your horses."

"Just Del today... Lind carries my luggage." She finally answered, realizing that it may have seemed like she planned on taking both horses. Lind had been with her since the start of her journey, but the animal was old when she had received her and she liked to give the old girl a break when possible.

With a continued effort to calm the surprisingly small Del, hand slowly brushing the side of the horse's neck, Cecilia beckoned Felicia closer. "Pet her first? I can't have my two guards fighting each other." While the Cardinal had a small, cheeky smile as she declared the horse to have an equal role in protecting her as an inquisitor, she didn't sound very much like she was joking. Yet, such a ridiculous idea was difficult to take seriously.

It took a long moment until "Felicia" realized that Cecilia had been utterly serious in her petting the horse. The light smile on the Cardinal's face had not matched the undertone of her voice, which rubbed the white-haired woman the wrong way. Cecilia likely didn't mean to imply that "Felicia's" station was no better than that of an animal, and being compared to a horse beat out the nicer set of nouns the Lord Inquisitors liked to label her with instead of her true name. To say nothing of the fearful disdain she received from the few who truly knew her...

There was a tense moment where it seemed like possibly Felicia wouldn't come closer, and Del was staring her down, but when she finally took a step forward the only response from the animal was another huff from flared nostrils, and even that quieted down with Cecilia's reassurances and pets. After a long few moments of wraith-like approach Felicia stood beside the horse on the other side from Cecilia, who shot her a reassuring smile before turning attention back to Del.

It was slow, careful progress that saw "Felicia" inch closer and closer to the horse, who had to be calmed by the Cardinal with every progressive step forward she took. The two-second walk from one end of the small stable pen to the door felt like two minutes with each tentative step the Inquisitor took, both woman and horse not backing away from the impromptu stare-down between them until after an age and a half, she was within arm's reach.

... She couldn't believe she was going through with this...

"Felicia's" hand, clad in a black glove to keep it free of mess during her typical Daemon Hunts, raised up from her side, the other hand still awkwardly holding onto the saddle (the fact that her arm wasn't trembling from the weight told Cecilia a lot about her physical strength). Finally, after almost three or four minutes: "Felicia" had placed her hand on the long bridge of Del's nose...

... And, after all the tension, the only reaction Del gave was a flick of her long tail and eventually leaning into Felicia full force, causing the inquisitor to be almost pushed back by the weight of the animal and causing Cecilia to laugh, a light, airy note before it was cut short by unsteady breathing. "... She likes you... Good." Del's attention immediately turned to Cecilia, head lowering to the height of the Cardinal's chest and pressing into her with concern, garnering a wry smile in response. "I'm fine, Del... Let's get the saddle on now."

"Felicia" made sure she was facing away from Cecilia to sigh to herself, a relief borne from a mixture of ease that Del wasn't immediately rearing up to slam her hooves on the Inquisitor's face (never pleasant), and ease from knowing that she mentally won the staredown... Which she 100% did; the horse blinked first.

Once all was said and done, "Felicia" wasted no time, carefully draping the saddle over the small horse's withers... and "Felicia" immediately realized that the saddle she had been carrying was vastly simpler than the ones she had been used to, ones that were more geared towards large warhorses on long campaign marches... It definitely explained overall simplicity of the one she was attempting to put on Del, who seemed a little unpleased with a foreigner handling her.

 

[That Lass Over There]

"Felicia" made sure she was facing away from Cecilia to sigh to herself, a relief borne from a mixture of ease that Del wasn't immediately rearing up to slam her hooves on the Inquisitor's face (never pleasant), and ease from knowing that she mentally won the staredown... Which she 100% did; the horse blinked first.

Once all was said and done, "Felicia" wasted no time, carefully draping the saddle over the small horse's withers... and "Felicia" immediately realized that the saddle she had been carrying was vastly simpler than the ones she had been used to, ones that were more geared towards large warhorses on long campaign marches... It definitely explained overall simplicity of the one she was attempting to put on Del, who seemed a little unpleased with a foreigner handling her.

Cecilia watched Felicia's efforts with the saddle for a few minutes until the inquisitor started tightening the cinches of the saddle around Del's body. There was a small huff of dissatisfaction as Del's long tail whipped around the best it could to tap Felicia awkwardly on the side while she was close enough to be in range, the horse looking back to stare at her. Cecilia, seeing this, worked her way around and tapped Felicia on the shoulder, reaching in herself and pulling the bits of leather looser. "Too tight... Del's picky about these things, so she tells you." Cecilia spoke with a soft tone, looking at Felicia to see if she understood before lifting a foot up into the stirrup.

A little bit of weight, and the saddle stayed in place. Nodding her head, Cecilia attempted a few times before lifting herself up, awkwardly turning to sit side-saddle before getting to work unhooking her foot from the now oddly angled stirrup and placing her other foot in backwards. While it wasn't the most elegant process, the Cardinal clearly struggling a bit with the effort and coordination of the actions, she did seem to have a lot of practice with the movements. Finally, she tied some odd belts that Felicia hadn't recognized on the saddle around her waist and lower around her legs and skirt, fixing herself in place.

There was a heavy sigh, Cecilia's chest rising and falling after the effort, but the Cardinal quickly shoved away all signs of her exhaustion. She gripped the horn of the saddle with one hand, looking over to the open stable doors. Her boots pressed lightly into Del's flank and the horse started to move, walking its way out of the stable, Cecilia beckoning with her free hand for Felicia to follow.