[[Day 23 of Month 2, Caletta]]<br/>A jaw-breaking yawn split Cricket’s face as the purple-haired man slunk into the training room.  Sleepy hazel eyes scanned the room which was near bursting with the number of Knights in there.  Though no conversation was particularly loud, the sheer number of them combined to create quite a din.  He scratched idly at his collarbone as he tried to determine what to do next.  He was surprised to note that he recognized a fair number of the Knights assembled here, but most of them were from his stint in Palaugrim less than a week ago.  A grimace crossed his face as he caught sight of unfortunately familiar yellow hair.  Great, Alfrei was here, and so were two other members of Team Prissy.  He had no particular antipathy towards Fiora and Vlad despite generic distaste for Team Prissy.  Alfrei however.. He turned his head to spit to the side, a bad habit Lethe had never cured him of, when a hand clapped on his shoulder.<br/><br/>“Cricket!  What a surprise to see you here!”  Romauld paused his greeting when his hand was no longer touching anything.  He, and the other candidates from Rasova, looked around in surprise.  Where had the man…?<br/><br/>“Why are you up there, Cricket?”  This time it was Romauld’s turn to be surprised when someone spoke up from behind him.  There were so much ambient holy magic at the Cathedral, he found it near impossible to distinguish people from the general environment.  Now that he was aware however, he did notice there was a particularly stronger holy presence behind him.  When he turned around, an amused pink-haired woman was staring up at the ceiling.  She was flanked by two other men: a wiry, pale blonde Knight and an amber-haired man in famous blue armor.  Vice Captain Adair, Knight Seraphim, and likely another member of Seraph Lethe’s squad.  Romauld followed Seraphim’s gaze upwards to where Cricket was perched on a rafter.<br/><br/>The purple-haired Knight dropped back to the ground, somehow avoiding gathering more attention to their increasingly star-studded group.  “Hey Romauld.  Hey everyone else.”  Cricket ignored Seraphim’s eyeroll at his lackluster welcome as he turned to Rasova’s Knight Commander and Knights.  “How’ve you all been?”<br/><br/>“Good.”  Romauld answered, his sentiments echoed by his subordinates.  “Looking forward to working with the famous Abel d’Arques.”<br/><br/>“Whatever for?”<br/><br/>Romauld drew back at the incredulity in his friend’s voice.  Cricket was staring at him as if he was insane.  “You do know that Abel d’Arques is famous, right?  He was a pivotal part of the First War, sealed Eve away, and is renowned for his prowess in holy magic.  He also trained the first two Seraphs, your Knight Captain included.  Training under him will be an honor.”<br/><br/>Cricket and his squadmates did not look impressed given the flat stares they were exchanging.  Seraphim’s voice was surprisingly monotonous as she stated: “Trust us, working with famous people is overrated.”<br/><br/>Romauld simply shrugged.  Even in Rasova, Cricket had been a little strange.  It wasn’t that hard to believe the rest of his squad would be similar.  They could also just be used to working with famous people already; he wouldn’t be surprised if Master Lethe constantly interacted with other legends and had her squad with her.<br/><br/>The four members of Team Blonde were all imagining the torture they’d just escaped though.  After so much tender loving care from Lady QianHua, they were quite over being trained by such “legends.”<br/><br/>“At any rate, we’re crowding the door.  Cricket, who are your friends?”  Adair spoke up, heading in a direction conveniently opposite of where Team Prissy was standing.  The rest of his squad followed and Romauld brought his group along as well.  Why not?  There was little else to do while they waited.  It would be interesting to learn more about what it was like operating under a Seraph.<br/><div style="text-align: center;">~~~~~~</div><br/>[[Day 24 of Month 2, The Golden Sun, Lindela]]<br/>“Lesus”<br/><br/>Lesus and Grisia paused their banter to look at Roland.  The brunette had been oddly quiet all dinner until now.  The named man cocked his head to the side to indicate he was listening.<br/><br/>“You mentioned seeing something unusual at the markets a few days ago, right?”  At the nod, Roland lapsed back into silence.  His two ‘brothers’ exchanged glances before Lesus spoke up.<br/><br/>“Red hair, red eyes, a very frightened expression, if I recall correctly.  Is there something about her that we should know?”<br/><br/>There was a moment of silent contemplation.  “Did you know that she appeared out of a random portal?”  The started responses assured Roland that the other two had been ignorant of that tidbit.  “Mendel says she was pushed out of a ‘swirling dark gate,’ according to eyewitnesses, in the middle of the street.  They apprehended her immediately and took her to the garrison for Seraph Guilford to examine.”<br/><br/>“Why Guilford?”  Grisia muttered petulantly, but his grumbling was ignored as Lesus questioned, “More importantly, what was the result of Guilford’s inspection?”<br/><br/>“Seraph Guilford was with her for about a day.  But in the end..”  Roland looked at his two companions as he tried to hide his opinion from his response.  He wanted their unbiased perspectives.  “She was released.”<br/><br/>The frown that immediately overtook Grisia’s face suggested what the former Advocate thought of<span style="font-style: italic">that</span>action.  Even Lesus looked disgruntled and the man normally subdued his reactions.<br/><br/>“This girl appeared from a ‘swirling dark gate’ in the middle of the day…There’s no way that’s innocent.”<br/><br/>“Yeah..”  Grisia agreed distractedly as his mind raced through his knowledge of magic.  “There’s no teleportation magic within the holy magic sphere or even elemental.. The Divine Flash got close to being able to teleport, but it was just super speed movement, giving him the semblance of ‘flashing’ around the battlefield.  Iria also had a similar ‘teleport’ like skill, but it was illusion based.  The only other four teleporters of renown are…”<br/><br/>“The God of Sin, Eve, Lillith, and Arenne, but we all know Arenne is dead.”<br/><br/>All three faces fell at the reminder.  They and Arenne had been close friends before her death in the First War.  Grisia had actually officiated her funeral, one of his last functions as an Advocate before he decided to retire.  Arenne had confided in him that she was a ‘direct’ descendant of the Pure Kazama.  Only those with strong enough ancestry to Kazama could use the teleporation skill Kazama had been renowned for.  “Could this girl be related to Arenne?  Though it’s unlikely given your description of how she appeared from a portal.. Arenne never needed that.”<br/><br/>“And the fact she has red hair and red eyes.  Neither Arenne or any of her relatives at the funeral looked similar to that.”<br/><br/>“I thought it odd as well,” Roland finally contributed.  It seemed that Grisia and Lesus had similar reactions to his own.  “As did Mendel.  He swears he felt a flash of Sin a moment before the commotion began, but he can’t be sure.  He’s also drawing the same parallels regarding who else could teleport.  Of course, he still thinks they’re all dead.”<br/><br/>“Which we know otherwise.”  Actually, now that Grisia thought about it, why did red eyes and red hair sound familiar?  Had Adair mentioned something about that coloring..?<br/><br/>Dinner lay on the table, half eaten but entirely forgotten as all three men ruminated this new development.  Finally, Grisia broke the silence: “We’ll just have to keep our ears open.  Where is she now?  We should check to make sure that she’s not one of Arenne’s relatives.”  The predatory smile on the blonde’s face thoroughly explained how likely Grisia thought that possible.  “As close friends of her before her death, it’s only appropriate that we make sure nothing happens to her if she does turn out to be related to Arenne.”<br/><br/>Lesus scoffed at the offered goodwill and Roland simply shook his head in amusement, but the three men otherwise resumed their meal.<br/><div style="text-align: center;">~~~~~~</div><br/>[[Day 25 of Month 2, The Grand Cathedral, Caletta]]<br/>Lethe waited for the last scribe to leave the room before she slipped in, shutting and locking the door behind her.  The reason for her visit was clutched in one hand.  As expected, Councilors Laith and Livisus were sitting by the windows, papers and drinks at hand.  Surprisingly, Councilor Cornelius was present as well. All three Councilors had turned to face their unexpected visitor.  The weekly meeting between Councilors Laith and Livius was a well established routine.  Everyone knew not to disturb them.<br/><br/><span style="color: silver">“Councilors Laith, Livius, Cornelius.”</span>Lethe spoke before Laith could start berating her.  Technically, she and the other Councilors were welcome to attend the meeting.  However, that technicality didn’t stop Councilor Laith from complaining.<span style="color: silver">“I just have something I’d like to bring to your attention and get approval on.  I apologize for my interruption.”</span>Despite the words, all three men could send that the Seraph was refusing to leave until her request was addressed.  Livius frowned at the new apparent rebelliousness; in the past, Lethe would never have been so forceful.  Laith, however, just grumbled but beckoned the Knight closer.  This assertiveness was simply a new cost of working with the more confident Seraph.<br/><br/>“How may we be of assistance, Seraph Lethe?”  Laith questioned with a sardonic lilt, seemingly forgetting that Cornelius, as leader of the Council, would traditionally direct any meetings in which he was present.  The white haired woman simply offered one of the papers in her hand in response.  It looked like a standard status report, the ones constantly circulated around the Cathedral and through the Knight network to keep everyone abreast of situations.  The seals on it indicated it was related to Palaugrim but at a low to medium priority.<br/><br/>Laith scanned the report but found it no different from the last time he’d seen it.  He passed it to Cornelius who similarly re-familiarized himself with its contents.  No wonder Lethe had only brought one copy; there was no new information for them to read.<br/><br/>“Is there something wrong with the report, Lethe?”<br/><br/><span style="color: silver">“Yes, Councilor Cornelius.  I find the attacks very unusual, given both the locations and the aftermaths.  Please note how paragraph seven mentioned that in one attack, several key locations--the town hall, the major school, and the garrison--were not destroyed, and yet a mass of dwellings were attacked.  Please also note how the final scene resulted in a rook shape.  It seems to me that the attack was meant to draw the final image, rather than for operational significance.  However, who would have the time, inclination, and ability to do such things?”</span><br/><br/>Lethe paused in her speech to look at her audience.  Councilor Laith was frowning as Councilor Livius idly towed with his frink, a sure sign that he was thinking.  Cornelius appeared to be rereading the highlighted section and then the paragraphs around it.  None, however, answered her.<br/><br/><span style="color: silver">“I don’t think that this is as innocent or random as it appears.  I would like to go to Palaugrim to investigate.”</span><br/><br/>“Will that be safe,  Lethe?”  Cornelius wondered with a paternal frown.  Master Guilford’s return from the dead had restored some vigor to the old man's countenance, but he still appeared older than before. Again, death, even temporarily,  had its consequences.  And some could not be undone, like the new wrinkles in Cornelius's face.<br/><br/>“Yes. Abel had said that he feared Eve would target you, Lethe. It wouldn't be safe to have you out so defenseless.  In addition there is the worry that the Cathedral may be attacked.  Gless has already been breached.  If the Cathedral were to sustain damage.. morale would take a hit, all logistics would become exponentially more complicated, not to mention the countless artifacts and records stored here that may be destroyed.”  Livius chimed in, straightening in his seat as an unconscious cue that he was more invested in this discussion.<br/><br/>The old man’s gaze darted over the other three to gauge their reactions.  The Cathedral, the Council, and the Seraphs were all high-profile targets that Eve could attack to destroy the Light’s resistance.  The first two especially was most important; if something were to happen to the Cathedral or if the Council was to be destroy, the results could be catastrophic.  What beacon would pierce the darkness that was Sin?  Who would lead the masses away from Sin’s temptation?  It would be best to bolster the defenses in Gless and the Cathedral, keep the Seraphs close by in case an attack were to occur.<br/><br/>In contrast, Laith had picked up his drink and had settled into his seat with an amused look.  Though he was still displeased with the disruption, he was at least gratified to see it would be an amusing one.  Livius was clearly resistant to Lethe’s idea.  Cornelius and him could be swayed either way.  Which of the two would win in their arguments?<br/><br/>“Moreover, I believe that Abel is training you in the use of divine magic?  Master Guilford had mentioned that it was the only chance we had to defeat Eve.”  Livius continued his arguments.  “If this magic has such a potential, it would be remiss to neglect its study, especially given your proclivity towards the magical arts, Master Lethe.”  Perhaps flattery would work on the young woman?<br/><br/>Alas, she simply shook her head, seemingly ignorant of the praise.<span style="color: silver">“Captain Abel is now training the candidates in how to release and utilize divine magic, councilors.  I believe that he started a few days ago with them; he visits occasionally to offer feedback, but I have actually switched to Lady Mei’s command.  She has already expressed her willingness to travel with me through Palaugrim and investigate these attacks while continuing my tutelage.”</span><br/><br/>Councilor Cornelius still looked uncertain.  “I’m still not convinced that it would be a good idea, Lethe.  The situation is so uncertain right now.. and there are still Livius’s concerns to be addressed.  Though I would prefer us able to equally defend all places that follow the Light, we currently are unable to do so.”  He shook his head sadly as he admitted, “And the Cathedral is an important symbol.  Having you and Guilford here would be a great boon in ensuring the people don’t lose hope.”<br/><br/><span style="color: silver">“And we are so willing to forsake Palaugrim after just liberating the land?”</span>Lethe retorted with unusual heat.<span style="color: silver">“If we let Palaugrim fall into SIn so easily, the campaign will be for naught.  All our fallen brethen will have given their lives in vain.  Never mind that it will tell the citizens, including those on Palaugrim and Gless, that we don’t care for them as much as saving ourselves.  How can they believe in the Divine Light if we, its delegates, abandon them so easily?”</span>The amused chuckle broke through her sudden passion; Lethe flushed and pressed her lips together, as if physically restraining her words.  She ignored the heavy gazes on her as she took a moment to compose herself.<span style="color: silver">“As for Councilor Livius’s concern about the Cathedral’s defenses, Captain Abel is here.  In addition, every candidate for divine magic is gathered as well.  All of them can wield divine magic and will help defend the Cathedral.  I daresay that my absence would be overshadowed by their presences.  Finally, Knight Commanders Romauld and Krista are here as well.  Not only do their attendance here bolster the Cathedral’s fighting capabilities, it leaves Palaugrim lacking in both manpower and leadership.  My going to Palaugrim would resolve both these issues, allow further investigation of these attacks, and bolster support.”</span><br/><br/>Lethe turned her head to look at Laith specifically for her next argument.<span style="color: silver">“And though I have full confidence in my squad and their abilities to convince the populace to embrace the Light, I strongly believe the presence of a Seraph would further return the people of Palaugrim into our folds.”</span><br/><br/>“And you would be the appropriate Seraph, Master Lethe?”  Laith finally spoke up to challenge the implicit claim with an amused smile.  He was well aware that Lethe was trying to entice him to support her choice by playing up the PR aspect.<br/><br/><span style="color: silver">“I believe that my travel through Palaugrim while undercover gives me a better understanding of the situation on the ground than Master Guilford.”</span>The white-haired woman countered with surprising poise.  In the past, Lethe was more likely to shy away from such a bold statement.  And though she had padded her words with a reasonable explanation, Laith could see the assertion underneath: she was better than Master Guilford, at least in this instance.  It was another reminder to him that she had changed from before.<span style="color: silver">“Moreover, I have worked closely with you these past years, Councilor Laith.  Ihe skills I have learned from you will undoubtedly be an aid in persuading the population to adopt the Divine Light into their lives.”</span><br/><br/>Laith chortled at Lethe’s taking a page from Livius’s book.  Did she think stroking his ego would make him more welcome to her idea?  However, her reasonings were all still valid.  His gaze slid to his fellow Councilor, who seemed to realize he was losing his support.<br/><br/>“I’m still not convinced this is a good idea, Master Lethe.”  Livius spoke up with a regretful shake of his head.  Laith must be going soft if pretty words could move the crotchety old man’s mind.  However, he knew that the Cathedral, and by extension the guidance it and the Council provided, was the most important priority for the Immaculate right now.  However, he still had a chance to keep Cornelius on his side.  “This could be a plot by Eve to draw Knights out in the open and into a trap.”<br/><br/><span style="color: silver">“If that’s the case, Councilor Livius, then who better to handle this situation than me?  To speak frankly, few other Knights can boast my skill or experience.  Most of those few have already retired or have been inactive for some time.”</span>Lethe spread her hands out helplessly.<span style="color: silver">“I fought in the First War, I was at the Final Battle against Sin, I have remained an active part of the Immaculate and the Knight program this past decade, and I’m still young.”</span>She paused to catch each of the Councilors’ gazes, letting her words and their implications sink in.<span style="color: silver">“With only Lady Mei and I, we can travel quickly and lightly.  We’ll be able to investigate these attacked areas; stop at any villages, towns, or cities that need a personal touch to help persuade them into the Light; and even provide assistance to the Knight forces stationed on Palaugrim, as needed.  And finally…”</span>Lethe trailed off before adding bluntly,<span style="color: silver"> “I have Lady Mei with me.. <span style="font-style: italic">Tsuchiura</span>?”</span><br/><br/>Color slowly seeped out of Livius’s face as he was reminded of The Tsuchiura Incident.  Cornelius appeared similarly discomfited and the amusement had finally vanished from Laith’s face.  The Tsuchiura Incident had marked the second beginning of the First War.  Previously, all the Knights had been commanded to try to save every Sinner, even those met in battle.  As Sinners had no such restrictions, the Light forces had sustained debilitating losses till the average life expectancy of Knights were a mere two weeks.  After the Incident, the Council had modified their directives to<span style="font-style: italic">trying</span>to save all the Sinners, as deemed reasonable without unnecessarily endangering civilians or fellow Knights.  As for how this sudden change in policy had been enacted…<br/><br/>There was a long silence as the three men simultaneously remembered the event, tried their best to forget it again, and tried not to look around them nervously for any hidden seals.<br/><br/>Seeing her point had been made, Lethe continued once more, though less emphatically.<span style="color: silver">“I believe it would greatly reinforce the people’s confidence in the Divine Light if I were to go to Palaugrim personally.  Especially in the aftermath of Master Guilford’s supposed death, it would be best to have a Seraph on site there.  I’m sure many are confused by the contradicting reports of his death and not death; I can help confirm his continued existence among the living.”</span><br/><br/>Livius blinked rapidly, trying to focus on the woman’s words over his terror of the Tsuchiura Incident.  Cornelius seemed to have recovered the fastest despite his still pale pallor.  The Head Councilor sighed in resignation but acquiesced, “Very well, Lethe, if you believe so strongly in this quest, then you have my backing as Head Councilor.”  The words snapped Livius from his stupor but it was too late.  Approval had already been granted.<br/><br/>“Thank you, Councilor Cornelius.”  Let it not be said that Lethe wasn’t gracious in victory.  “I will have the assignment parameters on your desk in a few hours for official approval.”<br/><br/>Cornelius only nodded his head with another bone-rattling sigh.<br/><br/>Seeing her presence was definitely not wanted anymore, the Seraph bowed to the Councilors, excused herself, and left the room.  Once outside, Lethe released her own anxious sigh.  She hadn’t expected such resistance from Councilor Livius.  She was lucky Head Councilor Cornelius was there to approve her request and that Councilor Laith hadn’t spoken against her.  With a final calming breath, she opened her eyes once more and walked towards Lady QianHua’s quarters.  She needed to finish writing up the assignment request and have it delivered to Councilor Cornelius’s desk posthaste.  If all went smoothly she’d be out of here in three days.<br/><div style="text-align: center;">~~~~~~</div><br/>[[Day 25 of Month --2, Tethel]]<br/>“And then they lived happily ever after!”  Centienne finished the story with a flourish, closing the book she’d been reading from.  Around her, the previously enraptured kids erupted in a cacophony of chatter.<br/><br/>“That’s so romantic!” “Ugh, why wasn’t there more fighting?” “I want to find my Prince Charming someday too!” “Read another one! read another one!”  “Is the Knight King your Prince Charming too?”<br/><br/>The Queen of Tethel giggled at the last question but nodded her head.  “Yes, my King was my Prince Charming as well.  We fell in love at first sight!”<br/><br/>Her admission elicited giggles of delight from the girls who’d heard her.<br/><br/>“You’re so lucky, your Majesty!”  One of the girls sighed in admiration, “The Knight King is so cool! and strong! and brave!  But he compliments you perfectly since you’re so graceful and pretty and nice!”  The child turned a smile to the Queen, “it’s like you two were made for each other!”<br/><br/>Centienne smiled at the child’s words, well aware of how lucky she was.  She knew from the moment she saw Verlassen that he was meant for her.  He had come right in her most bleak hour to comfort her and support her.  It was only destiny that they’d fallen in love, gotten married, and now ruled such a peaceful kingdom.  Even though Gless and Lindela loomed ominously to their side, the wretched Council would never dare attack her Kingdom as long as she sat on the throne with Verlassen beside her.  Not even those Seraphs, of which one was already dead or dying if she recalled correctly, could match her and Verlassen’s combined might.  As the child had said, they had been made for each other.  Her thoughts were suddenly interrupted by the sound of a clap.<br/><br/>“Alright alright, that’s enough children!”  The schoolteacher clapped her hands twice to get the class’s attention, the din quickly quieting as the students sat back down on the carpet.  “Did everyone have a good time?”  There was a chorus of agreements and many nodded heads.  “What do we say now?  Her Majesty has been kind enough to take the time to come read you all a story.”<br/><br/>“Thank you your Majesty!”<br/><br/>“Thank you all for having me today!”  Centienne responded with a smile, her previous thoughts pushed aside temporarily.  It was important she maintain her citizens’ goodwill, which was why she was spending her afternoon away from her beloved and reading storybooks to kindergartners.  “And thank you all for the cards!  My office has been needing some more decoration!” Her conspiratorial wink sent the children into a fit of giggles.  She glanced over at Paige who tapped her wrist, a clear indication it was time to leave. “Have a good day, everyone!  Remember to study hard and listen to your teachers!”<br/><br/>She stood up and gave a final wave to the students before she was led out of the room by the school’s principal, her guards, and Paige.