A Long Night

Maevrim awakened to hear Leahalani beckoning her. "My Lady, Jettblack calls for us to honour our alliance."1

Rolling onto her side, Maevrim moved slowly to a sitting position. She rubbed her eyes to clear them, hoping it would clear the sleep-fog from her mind as well.2

Danaan's voice entered the conversation before Maevrim could respond. "We have discovered the templares leader alone."3

Maevrim groggily reached to feel if any other members of the Inner Circle were present. She called out to the one she recognised. "Thelesar?"4

Leahalani corrected Danaan's statement quietly. "Not alone, Milady... Chiabella stands beside him."5

This woke Maevrim up instantly. "As an ally?" She threw her belongings into her backpack and donned her mask. Not that it does me any good, with this figure. Maevrim sighed, tying the mask anyways. 6

Leahalani continued her impromptu report. "I do not know.. she stood at his side for some time. He now has many others with him.. including Reanna." 7

The name was not familiar to Maevrim; she tucked it into her memory and moved to the local gryphonmaster as quickly as she was able. "The time is not right to attack."8

"What do I tell the ambassador, Milady?" 9

"Our ways are of Shadow and Stealth. The time will come soon. Tell them to be patient." As if Jettblack's followers ever show a hint of patience. My Love, why are you always absent when I need you most?10

Leahalani's next words shook Maevrim into action. "They call because they are dying." 11

"Where are you?" Maevrim snapped more angrily than she meant to. The answers came simultaneously from Danaan and Leahalani. 12

"Stormwind."
"Across the channel from the temple district."13

Maevrim flung the money to the gryphonmaster and asked for passage to Stormwind. She muttered her response irritably. "Thank you, Leahalani."14

Danaan was quick to follow up after that. "Along the outside of the trade district."15

"And thank you, Danaan. Please do not ever just tell me the general area." I really must curb my tone...16

"Jett is being tried for crimes against the light." Leahalani never faltered in her commentary. "Jett has been killed for her crimes, Milady.. her guildmates take her body."17

Maevrim glowered at the gryphon which she knew would not change its path. "Where have they gone?" As she spoke, Leahalani amended her statement, "She lives.. but is bad off."18

"The Druids should work on healing her. Get her to a moonwell. Where is Senthroth?" Maevrim jumped from the gryphon's back before it had landed, her extra weight throwing her balance off. She brushed past the hands of those nearby who would reach to help her, stumbling into a jog to reach the others. If there was a fight, she knew she would be no help to any there; regardless, she owed Jettblack her life.19

"They are still in the temple.. out numbered. Boscolio is putting her body in the catacombs."20

Maevrim slowed as she spied Danaan, still standing across the bridge. He made no move to show if he recognised her, a fact that both pleased and irritated her; but then, everything irritated her. She crossed the channel to the empty courtyard, sneaking past the welcoming priests and towards the catacombs. As she neared, she could hear the tense voices.21

A gathered mob stood about the barely-living Jettblack. They fought briefly over who would carry her out, then moved as one up the stairs; a few arguing beings remained. She noticed one familiar shape--the Ambassador--and thrust a thought forcefully into his mind. He spoke it almost immediately to the others. "We must get Jett to a moonwell for healing."22

Satisfied that Jettblack would be taken care of, Maevrim turned her attention to the others gathered. Various Lightsworn stood about, now murmuring greetings to the dwarf who had entered just behing Maevrim.23

She recognised Captain Vigilynce immediately; the voice was familiar, even if her face had not previously been. "I was generalizing... you were among the mob." 24

An elf retorted angrily, "I was among them yes, but I never said I supported them." Maevrim sighed to herself; these pointless arguements would not save Jett's life.25

"Are you still with Jettblack, Leahalani?"26

"Yes lady. And she is carried by Boscolio out the temple steps now."27

Several of the lightsworn knelt before the dwarf; his words immediately caught Maevrim's curiousity. "Templares. Jiaan and Agrathayn. I would give you a lesson in the Light."28

The girl in the corner looked up fom the book that consumed her attention. "Good evening, Lord Inquisitor." She returned to her reading.29

Vigilynce knelt before the dwarf, wincing as if in pain. "If I may be dismissed, sir?"30

The Inquisitor nodded sharply. "Do as you will, Captain." Vigilynce thanked him and rose, layaing beside the one called Jiaan a sword. Another Paladin spun and marched out before Vigilynce--he spit at Maevrim as he passed her. Maevrim bowed slightly as Vigilynce walked past, as much to hide her face from the Captain as to show respect. The elf who had been arguing with Vigilynce still stood outside. To his credit, he realized that he had been dismissed. "I shall depart... I hope at least one of you Templares aren't to high up in yourselves to speak with me soon..."31

Amused, Maevrim arranged herself on the steps, curious to see how much she would be allowed to hear; none of the others seemed to notice her. There were only a few gathered now. Senthroth knelt with his back to her, near the woman who continued to read. A gnome dozed off between them. The two that had been called Jiaan and Agrathayn knelt as the Inquisitor dwarf began his lesson. 32

Maevrim reached out briefly to see if Senthroth would feel her mind pressing to touch his--He made no motion to show that he felt it. As I thought, the Lightsworn cannot feel the minds of the Dark Ones...just as we cannot feel theirs. Smiling under her mask, assured of her safety for the moment, she concentrated on the dwarf's words.33

"I will speak to you, my Brothers, on the Virtues this day. Now, to the lesson." 34

Leahalani broke the silence in Maevrim's mind. "They head for the moonwell." Maevrim switched her concentration a moment to answer Leahlani. "Good."35

Before she could return her attention to the dwarf, Danaan asked, "Will she heal?" Maevrim sighed; she had not the energy to listen both outwardly and inwardly. "She will. Find Nup, it will revive her." She caught a few words from the dwarf: "...classify..Virtues into...categories. One group...and the other, active."36

Danaan pressed for clarification. "Nup?"37

Maevrim avoided the explination he asked for, and continued to issue advice instead. "If not Nup, ask Jettblack's followers if another blood doll exists." Danaan wisely withdrew, allowing Maevrim to return her focus to the here-now.38

"The first group contains one Virtue only. It is the passive Virtue, Faith. Faith must be with us at all times."39

Senthroth moved for the first time, commanding the attention of the gathered by his very presence. His voice carried clearly, "You all have done well in the service of the Light. Listen to the wisdom of the Lord Inquisitor. I have urgent matters to attend to."40

Everyone in the tomb stood and saluted. Maevrim again bowed her head slightly, to not attract attention; Senthroth strode past without so much as a glance towards the pregnant woman sitting on the steps.41

The others settled once more, the Inquisitor picking up where he'd left off. " Before we can move on to the second group of Virtues, we must have Faith most deeply ingrained within us. It is with us at all times. It is a shield and in dire times a staff to lean on when the weight of your tasks seeks to bring you crashing down. You follow so far?" The responses of the others were muted as Leahalani's voice commanded Maevrim's attention a moment. "I watch milady, she seems.. revived.. but weak."42

The dwarf stood and passed his gaze over the room, awaiting a response to a question Maevrim had missed. She grapsed at the memory of the moment that had passed, hoping that the query was directed at the Paladins kneeling in the centre of the room. She was relieved to hear Jiaan speak.43

"To me sir It is dedication to the light, dedication and service to the light without second guessing its abilities."44

Whatever the question had been, the answer pleased the dwarf. "That is good. Very good. It is in cruder terms, but very straightforward. Faith is the blood that flows within our veins and makes us able to do what we have to. It gives us the strength and the endurance to do our Light ordained tasks. This is Faith."45

Agrathayn nodded silently, drawing the Inquisitor's attention. "Brother Agrathayn, I would hear your thoughts on the passive Virtue." He assumed his waiting position again.46

Agrathayn's response was much quicker: "Faith is the strength inside of us...it is the belief in the Lights all encomposing power. Without Faith one denies the Light its foundations, its power."47

The room lost focus yet again as Leahalani's voice echoed in subtle confusion. "Boscolio the paladin.. feeds jett blood?" Maevrim closed her eyes, knowing that this would be a longer conversation; one she'd hoped to avoid. "Boscolio is a Warlock, not a Paladin. He and she were very close."48

Leahalani was not easily distracted. "Boscolio gave.. blood to ... Jett? And it made her well?"49

"As I said it would." I really must find a way to sound less abrupt...but I would like to be listening. Maevrim opened her eyes, trying to catch up with the Lightsworn's lesson. 50

"...process and how it can be applied to situations considering the Heretic, the Daemon, or any other such corruption in our mortal world, Vigilance, Intolerance, Zeal and Sufferance."51

"I do not understand milady." 52

Maevrim sent a quick response. "I'm sure you'll learn." And trust me, if I have confidence in any Scion at the moment, it's you.53

"...present a situation to which this process can be applied. Let us pose the thought that one your Brothers in the Light, gives in to the whispered promises of the daemon and falls from..."54

"Yes Mistress.. my understandings of the world does not fit what I just saw?"55

"...detect this corruption in a Brother, a stranger, or yourself, you must be ever Vigilant."56

"There are many Ways in the world, Leahalani." We need to begin teaching the Lore and Histories... 57

Leahalani spoke now across the threads that connected the Order as a whole. "The ambassador bids you thank you for your advice."58

Ah, so he did recognise the source. "Tell him to think nothing of it; it was to settle a score." One that requires more work, when the time is right.59

The volume of the dwarf's voice increased as his words became empassioned; what he now spoke of was obviously his main dedication. "Nothing, I repeat, NOTHING, should pass your scrutiny. You must be Vigilant against all! You must not let the Corruption go unchecked." He settled back again, his voice lowering but the passion remaining in his blazing eyes. "Next in the process comes Intolerance. Once you have detected this festering of the Daemon inside your Brother, you must have the bravery to do what you must. You must end the heresy. You must never let the corruption be free to run its course."60

A tense silence fell over the group listening. Heads bowed as a palpable regret and pain echoed. Even Maevrim felt herself affected, and she reached to her brethen for comfort, trying to lighten her heart and the effect of the irritation she'd expressed. "This is very interesting. I've read and studied Paladin lore, but to hear it "preached" firsthand is....enlightening." Maevrim tried to enforce her comment with a sarcastic chuckle; no one acknowledged her.61

Leahalani spoke as if Maevrim had not said a word. "They have poisoned her. .. with a timed poison.. she returns for trial or dies."62

Always akward with those I should find it easy to support."I see...when is this Trial to be?"63

"24 hours."64

Maevrim crept forward to listen more closely; she sat at the very last step.65

"Once you have detected the corruption, with the use of Vigilance, and decided to put an end to it, with the use of Intolerance, you must now make use of Zeal."66

The gnome in the corner woke suddenly, jumping. Smacking his lips loudly, he looked around with a smile as if he had never fallen asleep.67

Jiaan took advantage of the distraction, apologising and making gestures to leave. The dwarf dismissed him cooly and immediately began to speak again.68

"Zeal is a state of mind. It is a tool we use, to sharpen the weapon of our Intolerance. Let us consider our situation. You have discovered the corruption..."69

Maevim spoke to the Scions quickly, giving word to the ideas forming in her mind. "I assume Chiabella was not involved after all?" 70

Leahalani was the one to answer again. "She was with Senthroth for about two minues.. but after that.. moved away. I do not know."71

Maevrim considered the possibilities. "If she was with him, for any reason, she must be desperate." 72

"I can only report what I saw, Milady."73

"I'm sorry, that was speculation, not knowledge." 74

The dwarf was shouting again, but this time an air of change in action followed his words. "No! You must want to put a stop to it. You must yearn to feel your blade sink into him and feel ecstatic at your Holy Redemeption of your Brother. You must need to end the Shadow. If we do not yearn for the Death of the Heretic, how can we possibly acheive our ends... when the Heretic often takes the pose of an innocent, to further its goals and counter the unsteady?!" 75

The gnome stood, hobbling to the Lord Inquisitor's side. The dwarf turned his attention, letting his voice trail off. "That is our...Duty."

Part 2

The girl in the corner shut her book quickly, yet carefully. She sat upright and shivered once; an uncomfortable chill breeze swept through the room. She frowned, listening to voices outside the room. "Forgive me...I must away for the moment." 76

The gnome spoke softly as well, "Lord Inquisitor, when you have a moment of time.."77

Two quick nods, and the girl disappeared in a flash of light. The gnome removed from behind his tabard an envelope, sealed with wax, the impression of 'Knights of the Flag' on it. He cleared his throat and spoke strongly, "Pantzeri, submitted himself to the inquisition. This contract I drew up binds him in blood."78

Now this is what I've been waiting for! Maevrim's elation was immediatly dampened by Leahalani's voice. "The Widows go to the templars to bargain for an antidote."79

Of all the times..."Tell them to stop, I have already begun. It will take time, if they can be patient for once." She made a mental note to add to the Lessons of the Eredar the strategy she'd found on awaiting the correct time and place.80

"I got them to wait milady."81

"Thank you. I owe Jettblack a life debt that will be repaid through this." Despite this, Maevrim knew what time she had would be short; but the situation was not in her favour at the moment.82

"They wait near the altar.. but they do not seem to have patience."83

Maevrim was half-aware that she was missing the exchange between the dwarf and gnome. The irritated tone returned to her voice in full force. "That is their weakness, as always..."84

She forced the voices of the Lightsworn to full focus. "When will this Inquistion be held?" the dwarf asked.85

"The Kaldorei also, must return to me within twenty four hours with a confession or her entrails will boil out with the virus I have tainted her with."86

The dwarf nodded in understanding. "I see."87

The gnome finished, the sparkle of his merry eyes contradicting the nature of his words. "If the Kaldorei does not return, then he is to take her place."88

Another Paladin suddenly strode into the room. Along with him, Maevrim could feel the sharp relief cast by the sudden presence of a Darker mind. She sent a barbed thought to Boscolio; her trained demon-sense (( yes, I keep it up at all times now. )) and continued run-ins with him made his presence easily recognisable. "I feel you, warlock. This is taken care of. I owe Jettblack."89

His answer was angry; something she'd expected. "Do not speak to me."90

She chose her words carefully, hoping to distract him and force him away from this place. "What have I done to you?"91

A flurry of salutes went about the room as the Lightsworn greeted each other. 92

Boscolio's anger darkened deeply. "Bite your lip or I will make you suffer, I am not to be crossed or questioned right now."93

Maevrim was taken aback a bit. Has he gone to Chiabella's aid as well? I suppose that would not be a surprise. Let's see then..."You dare threaten me? Fine, throw your life away, I will pick up the pieces when you are gone. Go cry to Chiabella, who betrayed us all."94

To her relief, this silenced him. She turned her attention to the ones before her.95

"I am giving a lesson to Brother Agrathayn. On the Virtues." The dwarf explained to the new arrival. 96

"Ah." The Paladin nodded.97

"And Brother Tibb here had some information for the Inquisition." The gnome, Tibb, nodded emphatically. 98

The Paladin nodded once more. "Good, I am sure they will be pleased." He motioned his compliance as the dwarf turned to Agrathayn. "Let us finish with the remaining Virtue: Sufferance." 99

The urgent whispering of Leahalani reached her once more. "Careful milady, Chia entered the temple."100

Time to test again.Maevrim answered her on an Order-wide level. "Boscolio threatens my life...interesting." She was vaguely aware of Leahalani's responding as she sent another thought to Boscolio. "I'm sure you had a hand in that." His anger again flooded her mind, delighting her. "My life has already been thrown away. When you threaten a Demon with nothing to lose, you will not win. She is dead to me."101

Maevrim drove her last barb home, glad to feel his presence retreating from the immediate area. "You are ignorant then."102

"And you are foolish to continue to cross me. Do not make me feed your blood to my minions. You know you do not stand a chance against me. I can prove to you how inferior you are if you wish..." Maevrim chuckled to herself as she shut off his voice completely. Now that he was gone, she could concentrate on the matters at hand.103

The room before her was stunningly casual now: the dwarf rumbled on in his deep voice, and Tibb shared some ice cream with the Paladin. Maevrim stifled the urge to laugh aloud at the sight, shaking with restraint as the gnome waved his hand and conjured candy sprinkles that arranged themselves on the dessert.104

"Vigilance has allowed you to detect corruption in a Brother Templar. You will not tolerate such Heresy and decide to take action. So that the corruption has no possibility of spreading form your beloved Brother, you must have the Zeal needed to WANT to kill him."105

A solid figure clomped down the steps now. Maevrim cursed herself for thinking Boscolio was the only one nearby. 106

The elfish girl spoke with a thick accent, demanding attention. "Hello. Grand Man here, no?" 107

The Paladin coughed suddenly, holding his mouth open and gulping for warmer air. "My teeth freeze!"108

The dwarf ignored both the Paladin and the woman. "Now is the moment of decisive action."109

Tibb waddled over as the girl spoke again. "Hi .. I Rive.. I seek Grand Man."110

The gnome transformed harshly. "Your mistress has twenty four hours to return to me or she faces a most gruesome death."111

Behind him, the Paladin grabbed his head. "Uuugh frozen head.... haha.. so much pain for a sweet taste.. odd..."112

Maevrim was shocked to hear Leahalani. "Can the Ambassador tell them why they wait?" They're not waiting!113

Rive tilted her head to one side, peering at the gnome. "You...Grand Man? I need beg for my master's life."

Part 3

The Lord Inquisitor continued to speak in the back of the room, ignoring the one who called herself "Rive". Maevrim suddenly recalled the dwarf's name from the Templare rosters: Bolden. She ground her teeth in frustration; she hadn't been paying enough attention, and hated herself for it. 114

As if sensing her thoughts, the Inquisitor raised his eyes to look in her direction. "You must slay the Heretic and the corruption she carries must end. But to kill a Brother of the Faith?"115

Tibb leaned back to glare up at Rive. "I am the one who inquired her. Have her seek me within twenty four hours or her insides boil to the outside." She dropped to her knees to beg, "No hurt!" He stood stiffly, impervious to her wretched state. "I have spoken and stand as I said."116

In the corner, the Templare let out a loud belch, finished with the ice cream. He nodded to himself in approval.117

An angry crowd began to flow down the steps; Leahalani whispered anxiously. "Should we join you? Do you need us to call for others?"118

Maevrim seethed silently as she watched the pitiful drama unfold beside her. "No good, another already has come and angered them again. Are all who follow Jettblack such fools? I am fine, I am safe. I am not stupid as they are."119

Danaan entered the conversation once more, sighing as he did so. "Is it a Druid?" Maevrim worked hard not to roll her eyes. I bet you wish it were. "It is several." 120

He answered, "I see," just as Leahalani asked what to tell those who waited. 121

There are ones actually waiting? "I will not bargain for fools. Tell them to do as they wish." Maevrim felt Bolden's gaze pass from his student to her again, then to the group at the doorway.122

One of the elves spoke clearly. "I have come as ambassador from the Black Widows." 123

Bolden stated firmly to Agrathayn with uncanny timing, "The best thing you could do for the soul of your Brother is to end his Heresy. Once the corruption has set in, he is gone. He is no longer what he may used to have been."124

Tibb ignored the elf, still looking to Rive who knelt before him. "She must confess." Bolden's voice echoed through the room, punctuating the gnome's statement. "Sufferance."125

Not dissuaded in the least, the elf pressed for conversation. "Confess what, Sir?"126

Bolden lowered his voice as he continued, "We of the Faith must suffer many hardships, so that we can protect the good of the greater people."127

The gnome, Tibb, took notice of the new elf this time. He answered in his best 'isn't it obvious' tone, "Her heresy."128

The elf took no heed of Tibb's manner, clinging to the fact that the gnome was now acknowledging him. He began to push his cause. "What crimes do you accuse her of? And what proof is there?"129

Rive looked completely lost, looking from the gnome to the elf in confusion. "She must..."130

Tibb now ignored the female elf. "Assault on members of our Order." He turned so that he would be closer to the "ambassador". 131

Rive stood, stepping forward as well. "..What? I no understand good. She must...assault your Order?"132

Yet another Paladin strode into the room; this one, though, stood behind the elves haughtily. "'ow am I not surprised to find ye all be'ind this." It was a statement, not a question with which he adressed the Templares gathered.133

Tibb smacked his palm against his face in mock exaspiration, rubbing the bridge of his nose. He spoke slowly, enunciating carefully. "She hurt.. us.. now she hurts.. she apologizes or dies."134

Rive leaned towards the male elf, speaking in low tones and gesturing. "O ri anu ash'therod shar ri balah su lo ri su ethala o aman do alah anu osa fulo..."135

The Paladin walked forward, a sly smirk spreading across his face. " I see ye continue to speak with a forked tongue, just as the Caelestis always 'ave." The Templare in the corner walked forward to stand behind the gnome, sticking his tongue out and attempting to check to see if it was forked.136

The voice of the inquisitor rumbled on in the background, forgotten by all but Maevrim and Agrathayn. "And so, we must see the day wherein we kill a Brother, so that he is not wholy corrupted by the Daemon and opens a rend in the fabric of our world."137

Rive nodded at the ambassador, prodding him. He assented, looking down at the gnome again. "A simple apology would suffice?" Rive jumped in, adding what she could. "I say sorry for her."138

"No", the gnome was stoic. "She knows what she must do." 139

Rive tried again, as if she thought she'd not communicated what she desired the first time. "She sorry...very big sorry. If good no...now?"140

"Not good enough."141

Rive gestured widely. "She sorry bigger than cow. Sorry." She smiled broadly. "Bigger than house!"142

The Templare behind Tibb piped up. "I ate a cow once! Well...a bit of one anyway." Everyone ignored him.143

Tibb spoke flatly. "She must seek me out. She must come to me."144

Rive muttered, looking at the ground. "Oh. O rini ri osa fal."145

Maevrim moved away from the crowd, closer to Bolden who had never stopped speaking. ""...to suffocate a hellspawn that has taken the form of a small child, or slay a village who have unknowingly dug up ancient summoning relics. And so, we of the Light who protect the mortal world, live by these Virtues."146