In honor of [@Leslie Hall]
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✠ [i]Chapter 1[/i]: [url=http://www.roleplayerguild.com/posts/4115692]The Rite of Ascension[/url] ✠[hr][h3]7th Hierarchical Realm: [u][b][color=SkyBlue]Y'Shtola[/color][/b][/u][/h3][color=silver][i]Phanuel Province | York[/i][/color][/center]

Deacon Peter glanced nervously at the sky. Dark Clouds loomed closer and closer to the town. [i]I hope it doesn't rain.[/i] He thought. [i]No doubt they would have the ceremony anyway, and I'm too old to stand in the rain.[/i] He stopped to talk with a man he recognized. This man was in charge of the workers who labored to build the grand stage, and the ones who were to make sure everything was working properly. So far, everything was perfect, the stage, a massive raised semi-circle with a curtain that could be drawn, and doors set in the floor for the various acts was finished ahead of schedule. The props were just being finished and everyone set to preform, give a speach, as he himself would, or work behind the scenes was accounted for. Except for Elvira, but for security purposes, she was to come last during the show itself. But dispite this, or maybe because of it, Deacon Peter couldn't shake the feeling that something was going to go wrong. He dismissed the manager and continued his survey. He took great pains to avoid Mother Superior when their paths crossed. He never was too fond of the Sisterhood, their policy of requiring families to give up their daughters to their service created an endless stream of headaches for him; families rarely understood why they must give up their children. Of course, he found the practice disturbing, but he kept his opinions carefully hidden. He had worked his way up to Deacon, and he wasn't about to let all that hard work go to waste. [i]Besides[/i], he idly thought, as he shook hands with various dignitaries. [i]It wasn't as if they were going to murder them.[/i]

An hour later, He stood in front of a vast crowd of people with every eye on him, droning on about the responsibilities of every citizen in Librarium, and how this was such a proud moment for their little Town of York to produce a Sister who was chosen to ascend.

Above him, the first few raindrops begain to fall.

[b]The Smiling Parrot[/b] [right]Captain Abrose [@Denny], Lazulin Mulciber, Marianne Shimizu [@Raijinslayer], Asahi Han'ei [@Altered Tundra], Ezekiel Benson [Lmpko], Pythia Nsiferum and Sania Belchardt[@Gowi], Henry Machina [@floodtalon], Irene Takashi [@Demous], Laila Durrani [@Mercurial], Avicenna Nemu [@BurningDaisies], Reynolf Nestal [@Inertia], Indra Chen [@Indra], Theodore and Ignis Barthandelous [/right][hr][hr]

Before the Guild members in the Smiling Parrot could leave, there came a sudden loud pounding at the door that startled everyone. The next second, the door was kicked open and soldiers burst through, with the one at the head wearing livery denoting him as a man of some rank. He surveyed the room, his lip curled in disgust. [i]Drunkards and lowlifes one and all.[/i] He sneered. There was brief moment of crystalline tension, during which no one moved or spoke. Then the lead soldier grunted and proclaimed, "All citizens and visitors are required to be at the ceremony in the town square. No excuses. A few of my men will escort you there. To ensure your [i]safety[/i], of course." His tone brooked no argument.

With that, he spun on his heel and stode out, with about half of his force following him. The rest would stay behind to wake the drunks, search the rooms, then lead the customers and the proprietor to the town square.

"[color=silver]At least Ye coul' pay fo' me door while yer at it.[/color]" Maude muttered. She looked up and adressed the molty lot before her. [color=silver]"Aight, you lots. Looks like me bar's closin' early taday. Don't worry 'bout payment, last round was on te house. Be sure and tank the good soldier boys for tat. Now, ev'ry one of ye are on your own. Keep yer drunk wits about ye and don't go causin' no trouble, or there'll be hell ta pay, you 'ear me?"[/color] She said sternly, her gaze resting on Lazulin most of all.

[b][u]Smiling Parrot, Upper rooms[/u][/b] [right] Kage [@Crimson Raven], Theodore Shimizu[/right][hr][hr]

Theodore watched Kage wave her hands around with a mystified look on his face. "[color=turquoise]Lass, you know I don't understand your hand waving. Either come or stay, your choice.[/color]" He said, irritated, then leaped out the window. Kage made a rude gesture after him, but she followed suit, her cloak fluttered oddly as she fell. She found Theodore peaking around the corner. "[color=turquoise]Shit, soldiers.[/color]" He hissed. They backed away when they heard a shout. "Hey! You two!" Another group of soldiers stomped up to them. "All citizens are to attend the ceremony! You're coming with us!" Theodore glanced at Kage, and she lifted her shoulders into a shrug. They seemed to have no choice, unless they wanted to make a scene. They ended up being herded there with the rest of the Smilling Parrot group.

[b][u]En Route to Town Center[/u][/b] [right]Whirlwind [@Crimson Raven], Ullyses Callistrophous [@Lmpkio][/right][hr][hr]

At Whirlwind's words she stiffened against Ulysses. "[color=LemonChiffon]Kind words, sir.[/color]" She said in her usual monotone, with a small curtsy. She said no more as she let herself be guided out the door. The journey was quiet and tense, every step they took, Elvira visably grew more and more tense. Her little feet would occasionally drag, and she slowed and shortened her footsteps. She also gripped Ulysses tighter and tigher, her little hand putting out an impressive amount of force for her size. Her knuckles had tuned bone white, her jaw clenched, and her hand became sweaty and clammy. It was obvious something was wrong with her, but with Whirlwind leading the way, he didn't notice.

[b][u]Elsewhere around Town[/u][/b] [right] Marianne Shimizu [Raijinslayer], Sayuri Takashi [Demous], Marth Takeshi [@pkken][/right][hr][hr]

About that time, a harried and dirty messanger ran up to Marth and Marianna. He skidded to a stop then leaned over, with his a hands on his knees, gasping and wheezing for breath. He was young, and in good shape, but it was quite clear that he was exhausted. Awkwardly and unaware of the delicate situation, he tiredly saluted the two. "Orders...all citizens..and officers...are to attend the...ceremony. Soldiers are...to round up stragglers and escort them...there. Then take up...their posts around..town." His message delivered, he limped off, obviously off to spread the the word.