The long tred from the harbour to the Marketplaatz and then up the Almsway took the better part of an hour.<div class="floatright">(http://www.hdwallpapers.org/walls/catholic-fantasy-art-women-wide.jpg)</div>Stars glinted overhead as she passed the final gatehouse and reached the Assumption of Merriam's "front" door.  The massive petrified timbers of the doors swung open as the attendants pulled it open for her, warm night air swooping in behind her and defusing against the surprising warmth of the airy structure.  Vast vaulted ceilings and marbled floors spun off in a dozen passageways, but it was no maze to the faithful: Delia made straight for the High Almoner's chambers.<br/><br/>The Templars stood, halberds crossed, before the entrance to his chamber as she arrived.  It was clear he could not be disturbed at this moment--but before she had much time to react to the situation, the sliding of a set of gears within and popping of the lock led to them pulling back their weapons.  A woman emerged, draped in blue, bearing the rings of her office as Mother Supreme.  Her power was tantamount to that of the High Almoner, and not a common guest at this hour.  She met Delia with the faintest of smiles.<br/><br/>"Aah, the new recruit--Delia, was it?"  Something about the airy voice indicated she wasn't asking a question.  "I trust the High Almoner is prepared to receive you in good spirits now.  Don't be too long with him, however--the hardworking soul needs his rest."<br/><br/>With that, and without waiting for a response, the Mother Supreme seemed to glide down a nearby staircase, disappearing behind one of the many massive white columns of the structure.<br/><br/><hr/><br/>Within, a large man in formal robes sat at his desk, rubbing his temples.  He was not wearing most of his formal attire, and seemed to have been studying balance sheets for hours.<br/><br/>"Come in, come in," he said without turning around.  "Make yourself comfortable."  There was a small cushioned chair that did not seem to have been used in some time and his own here.  His bedroom-office was not customary for such a high official, but it was rumoured the High Almoner was a very piout man who spent his funds on the people rather than himself.  "I trust the matter cutting a bloody swath across the waterfront has been dealt with?"