[H2][color=yellow][center]Utrye[/center][/color][/h2]


[Img]https://pre00.deviantart.net/d778/th/pre/i/2017/044/3/2/bastion_of_sun_by_flaviobolla-dayx8x7.jpg[/img]

Esreth- Holy Capitol of Utrye.

In the holy city, life went on fairly similarly to those of other nations. Town guards patrolled, watching for law breakers or counting clouds. Children ran themselves in circles in a sea of innocent laughter, and people in the many marketplaces enjoyed hunting for that special bargain. All was well in this part of the world. 

Further into the city sat the keep itself. Among its many wings and ornate spires, one room in particular did blue birds love to perch. The main chambers of Marcelles, highest priest of the Argent church. The birds melody seemed to brighten many peoples hearts, helping to alleviate their sorrows of working day after day. 

To many a people's sorrow, the birds took off in panic as the main door to Marcelles chambers slammed open, revealing a very ill-tempered Elise. "Did you know about this?" she shouted before storming towards Marcelles desk. Elise noticed her chair was faced away, which only fueled her frustrations. 

Elise never bothered to sit down but rather slammed a small piece of parchment onto her desk. "From the holy throne if King Louis IV, Utrye has taken the official stance as to recognize Princess Abigale d'Montigue as the rightful ruler of Lynnfaire. All official matters of state between Utrye and Lynnfaire will be through Queen Abigale or her appointed delegates." she took a deep breath. "Signed King Louis IV." 

"Did you know? The only thing here to recognize is that they are Infidels! Why do we pander to these swine." Elise balled her fists, "Tell me!"

Nearly a minute went by before a soft, calm voice replied. "Are you asking me? Or ordering me?" Marcelles replied, slowly rising from her chair to face Elise.

Elise's voice grew shaky as Marcelles form became apparent. "I-I meant no offense."

"I suppose your comments missed their mark then." Marcelles replied dryly. She took a few moments to collect her thoughts before circling her desk to meet Elise face to face. "I shall.. Humor your [i]question[/i]. Times are changing Elise, you have to understand that." 

Elise frowned, "Times are changing? Advancing time means we can forsake our ideals?"

"You presume too much." Marcelles snapped. "The way things work. Crusades alone cannot accomplish as much as before. Politics, military posturing, trade embargoes, all are the new tools of war in these times."

"Military posturing? If we call a crusade, the prophetess will protect us, we will have justice on our side." Elise replied confidently.

Marcelles shook her head, "You have to put yourself in the prophetess position. if you were her, what wou-"

"Blasphemy!" Elise shouted, "How could anyone, especially [b]you[/b] compare yourself to a god!" before she could continue though, a massive force of unseen energy burst forth from Marcelles now outstretched arm. Elise flew backwards into the chambers door, where she found herself unable to move. Pain began to fill her mind as Mercelles, still holding her hand out, walked closer. 

"Elise! I've warned you before! A firm.. Yet just hand. That's what you must deliver. But all you deliver is pain." Marcelles shouted, before pushing Elise into the wall even harder, drawing screams that echoed through the room. "Our own people afraid! You're too heavy handed Elise!" 

Marcelles got as close as she could and with her free hand, withdrew a bracelet from her cloak. She shoved the bracelet onto Elise's left hand and with a gentle wave of her hand, the bracelet shrunk down to Elise's wrist width, firmly settling on. After a few moments, Marcelles let up on Elise entirely, watching her tired body slide onto the ground.

"Submit Elise, There's no reason to continue this path. Be the inquisitor you were born to be." Marcelles said proudly, staring right into Elise's now wide eyes.

With her head now bowed in defeat, Elise examined the bracelet, "What is this?" She said calmly, with the clear intent to not provoke Marcelles again.

"It is a tool to remind you of your service to Utrye and Argenism." Marcelles answered.

Elise slowly began twisting her wrist, as if to try and adjust the bracelet.

"Don't bother." Marcelles said, watching every move. "That will be on until you have regained the trust of the inquisitors." 

"What must I do." Elise said dryly, followed by a long sigh.

"Hmmm." Marcelles turned her back to Elise and moved towards a nearby window. Outside she saw the rolling green hills before her. "There is a situation that only a true inquisitor could solve, this will be your test. There has been an affront to the gods in the south. The land itself seems to have been torn asunder, Like a god had cleft through it with malice."

"It will be done." Elise said simply. 

Marcelles turned to her and took a stern tone, "No. Not as you are." Elise stood up and gazed about the room.

"What do you mean?" She asked.

"Remove your armor and surrender your sword." Marcelles said, motioning towards her desk.

Elise didn't question it, though her confusion was beyond apparent. After a few moments of silence and the degradation of nearly fully undressing in front of another, Elise stood with only a faded blue loose fitting belly-cropped shirt, and worn beige breeches. 

Some pity did fill Marcelles mind as she watched Elise place her armor upon Marcelles desk, "You may keep your knife." Elise turned to Marcelles who then continued. "Help yourself to those sandals, and take that map next to your armor. Take your leave, earn your position back."

Elise was quick to leave, and promptly left the city walls. All the while, Marcelles watched from her high window. As Elise crested a hill and disappeared from sight, King Louis walked in. "Is she gone?"

Marcelles smirked, "Yes, that problem has taken care of itself." She chuckled a bit before returning to her chair. "Your problem in the south will likely be dealt with as well. Two problems gone at once."

Louis frowned. "Is getting rid of her really wise? Her power is..." He rubbed his chin, "Intense."

"To say the least." Marcelles added, "It took everything I had to hold her in place. She was barely resisting and I had to put my all to... just maintain control. It's too dangerous. She is a woman out of time. Imagine her glory when Utrye was first born."

"You seem to envy her." Louis said, moving in to examine Elise's armor. 

Marcelles shrugged, "I only envy her ability to wildly tip scales in what ever she believes in. Soon the prophetess will embrace her, and welcome her into the silver legion. It will bring her glory, a peaceful end."

"Making excuses to ease your conscience. Though, I cannot argue with it." Louis replied before turning to the door and taking a few steps. He stopped and turned his head for a moment, "I just hope... this works like you hope it does."

"As do I."

---------------
Days later, in the south.

Elise's heavy steps and nearly fixed furrowed brow had done wonders keeping both bandits and citizens from socializing with her. Even the wild animals seemed to have no desire to interact with her as she strode through the country side, stopping only to eat, drink, and relieve herself.

Upon finally entering her target village, she saw a crowd near the town square where men were telling of the crags. The Inquisitor in her wanted to detour, harass the locals about the situation, but something in her, a pure focus brought on by near rage sent her straight by the group of people. 

Instead, she found herself at the house that the map had described. She went to the front, seeing the door swung open. Something didn't feel right, a feeling that caused an natural reaction to draw her knife. "Hello? Anyone inside?" She said softly, but clearly into the door.