<span style="font-size: 15px"><span style="font-family:Open Sans">Arsène listened patiently as Felix told him his name, and then a preferred nickname, though it seemed almost too personal to use so soon. He explained that while a good portion of his scars were self-inflicted, many had been awarded to him by some of the townsfolk. His eyes followed the stories as Felix explained some of the wounds.<br/>
<br/>
“The Lord saw fit to test them. Not everyone understands his meanings, and although misplaced, they were likely inspired by the evil you hold inside of you,” Arsène explained calmly. “You should have come to us. We could have helped you sooner.” He watched as Felix straighten his posture, seemingly taking on a more serious note.<br/>
<br/>
“You may ask me anything you'd like. My time with you is what you make of it,” Arsène explained, waiting to hear what he'd have to say next. He didn't appear violent. Certainly, he didn't seem like someone who spoke with their God regularly, but that could simply be the demon putting ideas into his mind. Those possessed would naturally turn their back on the church, at their own expense at first.<br/>
<br/>
“Not all those that are innocent can still be saved. It is for the greater good, but you're talking about the little girl in this instance. I deal with everyone on an individual basis and don't make it a habit of discussing you all with each other. God will guide my path with each and every one of you. I only do as I'm bid.” Arsène didn't think that would be enough to put this young man at rest about the issue. He obviously shared a fondness for the girl, for whatever reason. He worried that the demon might have set his sights on her too, so he would do his best to keep them out of contact with one another. The child could be easily persuaded to take darkness into her heart.<br/>
<br/>
“You will not be able to be cleansed. If we were to allow you to be guided by the demon that taints you, it would have your soul in the end. I will make sure that doesn't happen,” Arsène explained, and his words were genuine. He believed them, and that he was making the best out of a bad situation. He was making Felix a well-meaning promise, even if the young man didn't appreciate it. “Death is not the worst thing that can happen to someone. You will understand that once you finish your journey.” He didn't expect thanks. He understood that his job was a thankless one. He only hoped to make things easier as the afflicted became comfortable with the idea of their own death. Ideally, they would take comfort in it when the time came. Their sin and suffering would be over.<br/>
<br/>
“How did you come about the marks on your face?” Arsène questioned, reaching for Felix with the rosary wrapped around his fingers. If he would let him, he would trace just beneath one of the marks. He was testing Felix' opposition to the touch of a holy man, and the reaction to his godly object, wondering if the demon would reject the notion, or Felix himself.<br/>
<br/>
“Felix, are you yourself when you self-inflict or are you host to something else during such moments?” Arsène added, wanting to understand the reason for the marks, and why there was so many. Would Felix need to be forgiven from self-harm, or was another responsible? Self-mutilation was a serious sin, and Arsène needed to figure out what sins were Felix's own, and which ones were brought on by some other entity if he was going to save his soul.</span></span>