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[sub][color=c0c0c0]"Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it."[/color][/sub]
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	[color=c0c0c0][b]Location:[/b][/color] St. Etheldreda's - [url=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/73/St_Etheldreda's_Church_Interior,_London,_UK_-_Diliff.jpg]Chapel[/url] [/center]
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	There was hesitation on the part of the green-coated guardsmen, possibly confusion on their part. This was a young lady in a formal cassock carrying a Swiss halberd, and a formidable looking hand cannon, introducing herself with earned title. It didn't seem proper. If she were speaking falsely and caught by the officials of the Ely Palace, she could look forward to highly unpleasant actions taken upon her as a result. They might have even gleaned a sense of impending justice when Bishop Mansfield turned the corner to view the scene unfolding. 

	The appearance of the Bishop was heartening to Mary. She had hoped that he was done handling the situation that was brought to their doors by herself and the Reverend Clerc, and was on his way to give her leave to pursue her duties. He could surmise the situation immediately; Mary looked to want inside the church, the guards were under orders to prevent anyone from doing so. He raised a hand and quelled the situation before it could come to hard words or harder blows. 

	"Sister Mary is an anointed Knight of God, elevated by Pope Pius VII and appointed to this church by the Grand Cross of her Order. She is a valued ally to St. Etheldreda's, and is obligated to assist in the defense of all who are granted refuge here. Mary is of no threat to you, nor your charge." 

	Bishop Mansfield turned just a few degrees to indicate that he was addressing Mary, then continued. "You may enter, Mary. Remember your manners, we have an important guest." He motioned toward the interior doors, behind the guards. 

	[color=c0c0c0]"Certainly, Your Excellency. If I may be permitted, Excellency, has the other situation been resolved?"[/color]

	"In a moment, Sister Mary. For now, attend to your duty in the Chapel."

	The truth was that Mary didn't have need to be in the Chapel, nor the undercroft at that point in time. She merely wished to find out more about their visitors and continue with her day. If she didn't leave for Almack's before too long, she would have to send word declaring her absence. It also might be a slight upon the honor of her Order, unless she could declare a more pressing reason than providing security against the Soulless at a high-profile social gathering of Gentry and Peers, for which she was requested personally. However, as the Bishop had vouched for her and the Russian detail grudgingly stepped aside, she felt compelled to enter. It wasn't quite deception, but this was likely something else she would have to confess to Bishop Mansfield later. (Wait, he was involved... does she need to confess? Eh, probably.) 

	Mary quietly curtsied to the guards and slipped through the doors. As soon as she was in, the pair of green clad soldiers followed her. A voucher from the Bishop notwithstanding, they apparently believed there was a need to keep an eye on her. 

	The chapel was noticeably darker than the grounds outside, though the ever present candles common to Catholic ceremony assisted with this, giving the illumination a soft, orange note. In front of the altar knelt a woman, dressed in very opulent attire. Expensive, ornate clothing, obviously reserved for not only the richest, but most highly socially placed of persons. She was seemingly deep in prayer, appearing not to notice Mary's entrance into the Chapel proper behind her. 

	After a quiet moment, she rose. Slowly, gracefully, almost as a spirit rising from the earth, completely unencumbered by the complexities of her layered and long [url=https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/2b/6e/d3/2b6ed3e6824afe501edbd65c4e2ce73c.jpg]costuming[/url]. For another moment, she stood motionless. Then she turned, revealing an impossibly slender [url=http://38.media.tumblr.com/b7f05cad976600c1539dff698e89e7b2/tumblr_inline_nrxsipeAuk1t5prjz_500.gif]lady[/url] with pale skin, ice blue eyes, dusty lips, and squared jaw - the very image of Russian Aristocracy. This was doubtlessly a Lady of importance, and from the Imperial Russian Court, though her exact identity was a mystery to Mary. She did have the forethought to assense the woman under the scrutiny of Tanter, just to follow up on her similar treatment of the guards a minute ago.

	It was difficult to curtsy correctly to a noblewoman while carrying a polearm. The lengthy of it made placing one's hands in the proper place cumbersome. This was perhaps why men preferred to bow. Mary supposed she should start doing that, be it a very unfeminine practice. But then again, so was openly wearing a howdah pistol and carrying a halberd. Either way, she left the one hand on her weapon, using it as subtle balance as she performed the best one-handed curtsy possible. [color=c0c0c0]"My Lady,"[/color] she began in English, [color=c0c0c0]"I apologize if I have interrupted your supplications to our Lord. I am Mary Hale, resident Dame here at the Ely Palace."[/color] She paused briefly to see if she needed to attempt dialogue in a different language. The nobility was fond of teaching several languages to highly placed, but there was no guarantee that English was in the visitor's skill set. Provided they could communicate effectively, Mary continued. 

	[color=c0c0c0]"I ordinarily come through here to practice in the dark of the undercroft; it keeps my ability to blindfight honed. But I was wondering if you would mind so much if I joined you in prayer, my Lady."[/color]