Betty
Magistrate Cassandra Melise
The Southern Pantheon House of Worship
Rikolto, Akno Province, Terresol

As the sun set, the throng of people visiting the temple began to disperse to return home, each leaving with a blessing from a Wisdom of peace, prosperity, and good health. Cassandra made it a habit to pace the halls when not busy with administrative tasks to learn about the people and their lives. She had lived among them not long ago and many were friends. Family, even. 

"All that remains is to clean, Magistrate." Cassandra smiled at the man who spoke. Wisdom Ezkria had joined the temple mere months after she had been called to be the Magistrate in Akno and they had a close bond. Her eyes were drawn to the healing scar on his temple as he spoke. Ezkria had studied in South Feyshore at Laliara and as such developed a more lax understanding of what it meant to be a Wisdom. Rumors among the Magistrates were that Laliara was where you sent Wisdoms who weren't fit to be in places that needed a firm, guiding hand. Cassandra couldn't speak to the accuracy of the statement. Ezkria had an undeniable passion to help the people of Rikolto and surrounding towns in Akno. He put others above himself even at risk of physical injury. 

Her smile soured at the visual reminder of the harm she had caused. Ezkria would deny it, of course, claiming he was dutifully fulfilling his role. "Rest, Ezkria." Cassandra laid a hand on his shoulder. "You've done enough today and should really add more alimony to that cut." She motioned to her own forehead in the place where his injury was. 

"Truly, it is no burden to help, Magistrate." He protested. 

"Rest." Cassandra continued, pointing toward the hall where the Wisdoms chambers were. "There isn't much and I used to do it all before you arrived, you know." Winking, she sent him on his way, grateful for the work ahead.

——————————————————-
*A few hours later* 
The doors of the building groaned as they were pushed open by a visitor and Cassandra heard the footsteps echoing on the floor as the individual entered. Setting the broom into the closet she picked up their copper candle snuffer and moved toward the entrance. In the low candlelight, it was difficult to see the details of their visitor. 

"Can I help you?" She asked as the figure moved father in.
Whitney
Àvaldi, The Convert
The Southern Pantheon House of Worship
Rikolto, Akno Province, Terresol


Àvaldi's eyes glanced up the robe of the woman before him. The colored robe instantly struck him as normal Wisdoms wore rather standard looking clothes or robes. His eyes glanced up to the woman and he couldn't help but let his smile of relief show for a brief moment. Standing up tall, he let out a small sigh pushing some of his hair out of his face so that way he was more visible to the Magistrate. 

Standing up better he is able to get a better look at her. The maroon dress with silver lining glints off the light she holds before her, what light was in the temple also reflecting off ever so slightly. She had clearly just been working in some manner, which Àvaldi could respect. Àvaldi wondered for half a second how she would be as a magistrate. Some were very strict, and always wanted to be addressed properly with the proper etiquette. 

From the way she held herself and spoke though, he figured it would be best to simply perform the necessary formalities and perhaps she'd be more relaxed on them afterwards. Letting go of the straps on his pack, he felt like he was going to fall over at any moment. His legs stood strong though as he allowed his hands to drop to his sides, standing somewhat at attention like he'd been addressed by a superior. Even though she had the same authority he did, he was going to be as respectful as possible. He was in her house after all and asking for her care, in his eyes she was at the moment his superior. 

Reaching down to his hip, he pulls the White Guard shield amulet danging by his side, presenting it as it dangles by the chain "My name is Àvaldi, I am a Primacy of War for the White Guard. My purpose here is to restock on supplies. I am requesting room and board from this Worship. Will you oblige?" His allows the question to hang in the air, not daring to speak again until her response was given.
Betty
Magistrate Cassandra Melise
The Southern Pantheon House of Worship
Rikolto, Akno Province, Terresol

Cassandra could feel the mans eyes on her and the conflicting thoughts that flickered across his eyes told her that he knew more of the inner workings of the Southern Pantheon than many others. It was a flicker of confusion she had seen before, but one she didn't care about. Many Magistrates conflated their importance, but her job remained the same, though her titles had changed through the years. The introduction that followed and amulet at his hip confirmed her suspicion. 

"We are always happy to provide assistance to members of the Order of Mafalda. Please." She motioned for him to follow her. "I am Magistrate Cassandra Melise. You'll have to forgive the state of the kitchen as I've not gotten around to cleaning it yet." Giving him an apologetic smile, she opened the door to the room. It wasn't as dirty as she had made it seem... A few bowls and wooden spoons sat on the table from their dinner and a cauldron sat on the embers of a dying fire giving off the scent of a freshly prepared stew. "If you'll grab a piece of parchment from the table and provide us with a list of what you need I will ensure everything is prepared for you when you leave." Setting the candle snuffer down, she grabbed the dishes and placed them into a basin of hot water. "Would you care for a bowl? There is just enough for another serving."
Whitney
Àvaldi, The Convert
The Southern Pantheon House of Worship
Rikolto, Akno Province, Terresol 

Àvaldi let out another sigh, thankful that Cassandra was a reasonable person. Hooking his amulet back to his hip, he adjusted the straps once more and began to follow her, his heavier footsteps echoing through the halls as she introduced herself along with confirming his assumption that she'd been working. He shook his head at her apology "You must forgive me. I haven't bathed properly in months." He said realizing he probably smelled like sweat, mud, dirt, and all manner of the grasslands or wood. 

Once in the kitchen he chuckled silently, she had most certainly overplayed the disarray. Nothing but a few utensils and bowls strewn about. The training camp he went to for the White Guard was far less organized most days. Àvaldi nodded at her request, moving over to the wall near the table and pushing against it, removing his arms from the straps and slowly squatting down to set his gear down on the floor. 

Removing the battered and worn longsword from his hip he leans it against the wall. He had done his best to keep it from succumbing to the elements, but typical weaponry like this was meant to be cleaned at least a few times, he hadn't had the time and as such the blade had been rusted in various areas, the sheath covered in mud and such. It's a good thing he hadn't worn his White Guard sword for the journey, that blade was safely tucked away in the middle of all his gear; the hilt visible just above the surface of his gear. 

He stood there for a moment to stretch, making sure to get every muscle that he could think of at the moment. His joints popped, a series of pops sounding out from his back and neck. By the end of it it he felt much looser, but he was almost deaf from all cracks that had sounded out. With a sigh he walked over to the dying embers, reaching towards them with a gloved hand to retrieve a piece of charcoal that was certainly hot; but didn't both Àvaldi in the slightest. 

Sitting down at the table he pulls a piece of parchment over to himself. The list he writes includes: Standard longsword, 8 iron arrows, a months rations, and cleaning of bedroll and clothing. Aside from the room Àvaldi didn't need much. He gave a small smile as she offered him food, his stomach practically crying at the thought of recieving even a portion of a somewhat hot meal. "That would be lovely, you are too kind." Àvaldi responded with a small nod. 

He pushed the paper to the side "Whatever you are unable to supply I can aquire myself. Thank you, I will send word that this Worship aided me. My superiors will be most appreciative." He said beginning to remove his cloak and armor. His body was intensely sweaty underneath, some areas rubbed raw from wearing the armor so long. Folding the cloak with the armor inside it, he neatly sat it upon his pack. Now he simply wore a loosely fitted black linen shirt and pants, with some leather shoes, his medallion still dangling by his hip.
Betty
Magistrate Cassandra Melise
The Southern Pantheon House of Worship
Rikolto, Akno Province, Terresol

Cassandra wasn't phased by the smell. Many had come through their doors with nothing more than scraps on the backs that hadn't seen water in weeks. Some with infected injuries that smelled far worse than an unbathed traveler. Her eyebrow rose as Àvaldi set his belongings on the floor and stretched. The pops and cracks spoke of a man whose body had endured a great deal of stress. It was a nauseating sound to her, though she tried not to show it. She kept the thoughts to herself, however, and grabbed a vial labeled "Tanacetum" To measure out the proper dose for muscle soreness. 

As he was writing, the Magistrate moved over to the smoldering fire and spooned the remaining stew into a fresh bowl. "I've add some tanacetum to the stew, which will ease your muscles as you rest tonight. It seems you've had quite a journey." Sitting down at the table across from him Cassandra studied Àvaldi. He held an air of importance and intensity beneath the dirt of travel that coated his black hair and braided beard. She pulled the parchment towards her after he finished and read through the list, nodding as he spoke. "I can provide you everything except the weapons." She responded with a sympathetic smile. "Though there is a blacksmith in town who could assist in their procurement. I'll have a Wisdom escort you to his shop when you have time."

She paused and watched him. The questions prodding at her conscious were becoming harder to hold at bay. Why here? She had requested assistance from the Abigreth, but a White Guard? No one had said anything about murder. *'Surely there is another way to handle the Pilgrimage.'* She thought, reasoning through the possibilities in her mind. *'They wouldn't arrange a murder so publicly... The people will rise against us and we'll lose what little strides we've made in maintaining order.'* Shifting, Cassandra crossed her legs and fixed her gaze on Àvaldi. "Why are you here, Àvaldi?" Her demeanour had changed, subtly but suddenly, from one of hospitality to business. "If it truly is to restock supplies then my next question is about where you are headed."
Whitney
Àvaldi, The Convert
The Southern Pantheon House of Worship
Rikolto, Akno Province, Terresol 

"Thank you." Àvaldi sighed in relief as she set the food before him, informing him of the relaxant she had decided to give him made Àvaldi tense up slightly. Normally he wouldn't eat the food if someone else prepared it, especially if they told him they'd laced it with something; but as a Magistrate he knew he could trust her, at least so long as he was a Primacy of War or higher. Grabbing the spoon he dipped it gently into the stew, picking up some food and blowing it gently before bringing it to his nose. Breathing it in slowly he did detect the hint of Tancetum. It was faint and not too overpowering, indicating a small dose and one that wouldn't practically paralyze him. 

Conflict turmoiled behind his eyes, he'd almost been poisoned before and one had hoped the intense smell of Tancetum would've masked the underlying scent of death; instead it just betrayed him in a different way. Telling Àvaldi the man was trying to paralyze him at the very least. His mind told him as a Magistrate she wouldn't betray him, but she had more to her character than she was letting on. Àvaldi placed the spoon back in the bowl slowly and responded "Quite a journey indeed." With a grunt he responded. "The occasional bandit and highway-man made it interesting though. Certainly not as interesting as a Magistrate who tells the truth though." He says gesturing towards the bowl with his index finger. 

He knew she was being honest in her application of of the relaxant. Yet he knew to eat the stew now would betray his own rules he held himself to, despite his stomach growling more and more intensely by the moment. With a deep breath he steels himself, his trials had put him through worse and he was prepared to continue going hungry for some time if needed. Gently he pushed the bowl in between him and Cassandra "I do believe you are being honest by the way." His words were genuine, yet hardened by experience. 

As the first question left her lips, Àvaldi remained unphased, allowing silence to hang for a moment before responding in Soltongue, "One moment." He breathed out deeply, wondering what he should disclose to Cassandra. His orders were a need to know basis and she did not need to know, yet disclosing the information may appease her worries. Duty comes before honesty in his eyes, though he could certainly tell her what he is not here to do though. Continuing in Soltongue, "I am just passing through for supplies. I cannot tell you what my mission is, but I can tell you what it is not. What do your concerns entail?" He questions back, keeping his interrogative tone low as he still wished to show her respect and did not want to come across as dishonest or hiding something important to Cassandra.
Betty
Magistrate Cassandra Melise
The Southern Pantheon House of Worship
Rikolto, Akno Province, Terresol

The Magistrates eyebrow rose at his suggestion that she would lie about what was in the stew. It was quickly followed by a knowing smile and gentle chuckle. He had seen through her ruse and was being noticeably cautious by pushing the bowl away. 

"I understand your hesitation, but the stew is safe and as I'm sure you were able to detect yourself contains only a mild dose of Tanacetum that will truly help ease aches from travel. Here..." She paused a took a spoonful herself. "If we continue conversing for the next half hour you'll know I was honest and I hope will eat the stew." 

Cassandra was surprised when he returned her question with his own in Old Soltongue. It was not a language used often except in texts or among the high ranking clergy when discussing private or sensitive matters. She assumed it was for good reason and followed suite, answering in the same tongue. "Is there... Other business to be taken care of while you are here?" Her demeanour was calm, but her voice caught slightly in her throat. With everything that had happened in Akno over the previous year she could imagine the Abigreth would not be overly pleased with how the situation had been handled. Having penned her willingness to have Ezkria become the next Magistrate she considered perhaps he had arrived late in the evening, alone, for the purpose of making her disappear.

Another thought occurred to her soon after her question had been asked. Before he could answer, she continued. "Or is this because of the rising conflict in the Gray Hills?" The more she thought of it, it made sense. Archon Hecate had received word recently of plans John de Burgh had of retaking the Gray Hills and attacking Sol. The Wisdom of Archon Hecate had asked her opinion on what advice to give the Archon. Though... It didn't matter now that he was dead. If it was a dire as the note from the Exarch De Lysse suggested perhaps it warranted the involvement of the White Guard.
Whitney
Àvaldi, The Convert
The Southern Pantheon House of Worship
Rikolto, Akno Province, Terresol 

Àvaldi chuckled at her reassurance. It was an attempt, but the old warrior unfortunately couldn't compromise on his code of conduct he had set for himself. "Maybe another time, Magistrate Cassandra." Is all he responded with in regards to the stew, turning his attention to her questions about why he was there in the first place. 

Àvaldi thought about the question for a moment, not yet responding as she continues on to mention the Gray Hills. She was intelligent that was for certain, and even if she was correct Àvaldi knew he could not disclose such information. In his mind though yes, she was correct. He was being sent to act as a General for the De Lysse House. He'd heard much about their problems and what they were facing, he had also read various scrolls on the members of the De Lysse House and knew more about them than they probably could afford each other. Their birthdays, family members, friends, mannerisms, old blood or new blood, he had the information necessary to complete his job. 

Keeping his expression stagnant he allowed the silence to filter her words, reflecting upon them carefully before responding "I've no other business aside from restocking to take care of here, so far. If you are requesting help for something I may be able to spare time, but not much. I cannot discuss matters regarding the Gray Hills as the church is keeping such information closely guarded. Just know, my duties only brought me here because the road passes through, I've no intent on staying her longer than necessary, or if you need something that requires immediate attention." He states matter of factly and in a very blunt way. 

He was being honest, whether she accepted that or not was up to her. He'd understand if she couldn't set aside her trust issues for it, after all he didn't afford her that respect in regards to the stew. He admired her tenacity to push him with these questions though, no wonder she was the Magistrate. Whilst she'd earned Àvaldi's respect, trust was something that Àvaldi only afforded to the ignorant.
Betty
Magistrate Cassandra Melise
The Southern Pantheon House of Worship
Rikolto, Akno Province, Terresol

Àlvadi's choice of phrase was interesting to Cassandra. *'Closely guarded? Cannot discuss?'* Her eyes searched his face as he spoke trying to glean anything she could about the nature of his orders. He had, perhaps unintentionally, piqued her curiosity and in a round about way confirmed her suspicions as to his destination.

"I understand." She nodded with smile, hiding her relief. "To be frank with you Prime Àvaldi, I'm not sure there is much you could do that would be helpful." Pausing, she considered her next words carefully. "Normally, I would not ask this of a Primacy, but I would appreciate if you kept your presence quiet. Rumors of a White Guard amidst us would do little to inspire calm." Cassandra looked apologetic, but her eyes had hardened. Standing up, she moved to the ashen cooking fire and lifted the iron cauldron before moving it to the side with a quiet grunt. 

"If you intend to travel further you really should eat. There is a tavern just across the way." She started, removing the bowl of stew from the table and adding it with the other dishes. "I will have finished by the time you return. Come find me in my office on the second level and I will be happy to show you to your room."
Whitney
Àvaldi, The Convert
The Southern Pantheon House of Worship
Rikolto, Akno Province, Terresol 

Àvaldi nodded as Cassandra told him she understood. Thankful that at least on the surface, he appeased her fears. With a sigh he shrugged slightly as she told him there wasn't much he could do to help, her request of him keeping his position quiet was noted. With a nod he glanced towards the door he'd come from "Better inform Pilgrim Derrin that he shouldn't speak of my presence then. He saw my amulet." Àvaldi tells her rather bluntly. "Do not worry about me though, I don't intend to flaunt my position around. Being the center of attention is not something I strive for." 

Àvaldi furrowed his brow slightly, more at discontent than anything else "If you wouldn't mind, Magistrate Cassandra, I don't really trust to leave my belongings sitting down here. Perhaps a wisdom could show me to my room, maybe even be my guide to a tavern and blacksmith; if you've the manpower to spare that is." He says returning to the normal everyday tongue. He was being truthful as well, his gear was important to him and the idea of leaving it unattended was not something he was looking to do today or in the future. 

Standing up, he walked towards his gear and began to make sure he had everything that he needed on his person, stashing everything except for the clothes he currently wore, a dagger concealed underneath his shirt and one in his boot, a pouch of currency (enough for two meals and at least a longsword), and stashed his amulet into another pouch which carried his documents and such.