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[sub][color=c0c0c0]"If I be not in a state of grace, I pray God place me in it; if I be in it, I pray God keep me so."[/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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	It was not surprising to Mary that the Pope was in declining health. He was a man of eighty years, no small feat even with the benefits of the Papacy. Still, it invoked an instant sadness. They knew each other personally; Mary knew him as a truly good man, wiser and kinder than many who had sat in his chair before him. She would have to inquire into the specifics of his health when it was appropriate. What was surprising was that this Russian noblewoman had heard stories about her. [i]Her[/i] - Mary Hale, one of many anointed Knights and Dames of variable reputation. It was a little flattering. Then again, maybe it was meant to be flattering, for specific purpose. 

	Even if it was, it was no reason not to extend every courtesy she could. Mary was the interloper in this situation, her church or no. Mary beamed a quiet, angelic smile in response and accepted the noble's hand with practiced gentility, the action at odds with the callouses on her own hands; hands accustomed to labor and wielding weapons. [color=c0c0c0]"It is a genuine pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady Elizaveta. ...I apologize, formality is within my nature, I fear. I shall attempt to suppress it as it comes to speaking with you directly, if this is your desire."[/color] 

	With some hesitation, the Apostolic managed to look her guest in the eye and say, [color=c0c0c0]"[i]Veta[/i]... I insist that you call me Mary, then, for the sake of reciprocity. Also to give me reminder."[/color] Mary shifted the conversation back to something she was more comfortable with. Veta had mentioned that she was in fact just in prayer, but belonged to a denomination differing from her own. The young Dame assumed that she was discussing the Russian Orthodox Church, a belief structure very similar to Roman Catholicism, but with a few key differences that set apart. Hats notwithstanding. And they did love their hats. 

	[color=c0c0c0]"Greek or Latin, Heathen or Hebrew, Christ is all and in all, Veta. Even as his face is upon the waters and stones of the earth, so too can he be found here. Invoking His name is all that matters, regardless of the trappings around it. The Lord our God and the caretakers of St. Etheldreda's bear full support, I am certain."[/color]

	[color=c0c0c0]"My own supplication will be brief. I have a new charge, upon whose behalf I must pray. Young boy, attacked by a Ryne in the marketplace nearby. With God's grace, I have Healed him and preserved his soul, but he still sleeps. The people who bore witness became very nervous, riotous even. I am concerned by the implications. You may want to stay on the grounds of Ely for a time yet."[/color]