Lucien quickly shook his head as Faolan spoke, not wanting him to misunderstand. The man's words had truly meant a lot to him, and really had made him happy. To not make things awkward, he was quick to drop the subject, and simply allowed the conversation to end, following Faolan to the docks. Unfortunately the man wasn't able to find work today, but they made the best of their outing by trying to take in as much of the colorful town as he could, until they finally made their way home. -- Over the series of the next few days, he could clearly see how hard Faolan was working, having taken on two jobs. Part of him felt bad for how little rest he would get. Whenever he was able or happened to wake up on time, the nephilim would attempt to leave him some food to take with him in the mornings for breakfast, usually beignets or a croissant sandwich, since it was one of the few things he knew how to make and prepare. He hoped it would help give him a bit more energy for his work. Today was one of the days Lucien had stayed home instead of going to the church. He knew Faolan had returned, but he had seemed really tired today, so he decided not to bother him. He had been reading a book to pass the time when Father Cyril walked into his small room. [b]"Lucien, I truly admire your dedication to your studies and reading. I figure maybe now is about time I start giving you these other books that will teach you more about the life of a priest. Father Thomas told me that you had already studied some of the subjects, and you've reached a good age for beginning the process. I've spoken to the head of the catholic school here, and he said he'd allow us to home school you, so the risk of exposure is lower."[/b] He handed Lucien the books as he spoke. It took a bit for the nephilim to register Father Cyril's words as he glanced down at the books he held. Religious texts, some he had already seen before but others appeared more advanced, philosophical ones. He replayed what the priest had said in his head. Homeschooling? Priesthood? Already? Honestly the idea of being able to go to school had been more appealing to the man, but hearing he'd be home schooled instead took that potential excitement away. What was the point if he still had to stay locked in like this? He set the books to the side, his expression filled with hesitation as he tried to find the right words. [color=burlywood]"Father Cyril I... what if.. I.. decide not to become one..?"[/color] He asked quietly. These last few days had given him more time to think about it.. and honestly the idea had become less and less appealing each time. The priest seemed surprised with this response. [b]"Why Lucien.. why wouldn't you? Priests are one of the closest people to God.. You.. being what you are.. and the divinity you hold.. think of how many people you could help guide to the right path. The comfort you could give them.."[/b] It was hard for Lucien to summon the bravery to speak up against this. For a moment it made him feel selfish again, for making this decision but.. he thought of Faolan's words.. and was reminded of the encouragement he was given to do what he wanted to do. [color=burlywood]"I.. understand that but.. I feel like I could do so much more out [i]there[/i]. Please don't get me wrong, I am truly grateful for Father Thomas taking me in as a child and keeping me safe but.. I think I am old enough to attempt to look out for myself. I.. can't even be hurt, and I've learned a lot about how the world works.. I'd like to think I'm not as naive as before.."[/color] He trailed off, afraid to meet Father Cyril's gaze. [b]"Lucien.. I don't blame you for feeling like this but.. think about the dangers. There are people out there that would exploit your abilities without a second thought. That was why Father Thomas sent you away in the first place, with how tense the situation was getting in France. He didn't want to endanger you, and truly believes staying here is the best way for no one to ever find out about you. Your father entrusted them with the task of keeping you safe, and since then they've only tried to do what was best for you."[/b] Lucien's gaze remained lowered. He couldn't even deny his words, after all on the ship he had already exposed his ability to heal to Faolan, and had gotten himself into trouble on top of that. Who knew if he would be able to keep his identity hidden if he went out there on his own but.. he didn't want to give up on that hope. [color=burlywood]"I-I know.. I.. know that my father wanted them to keep watch over me and I appreciate that.. but I never even got to meet him, or ask what his plans were for me. In the last twenty years he never even appeared before them or me again. I don't.. resent him for it but.. because I understand why, but do you really think he wanted me to stay cloistered for my entire life? Maybe.. it was only meant to be until I could take care of myself. Is.. that really so wrong? What.. is the point of having wings if you are not able to use them to fly?"[/color] He asked quietly. Father Cyril shook his head, letting out a heavy sigh. [b]"You know very well what doing that would do. I'm sorry Lucien, I sympathize with you, I truly do.. but I can't let you go off on a journey by yourself with no one to look out for you or guarantee your safety. Specially not when the church in France entrusted me with your safety. I'm sorry, but I am needed back at the church, we can continue this conversation another time."[/b] The priest's voice was stern, and didn't leave room for disagreement. With that, he left the room. Lucien was silent as he left, completely dejected. Was this really what his father had wanted for him? Did he even [i]care[/i] to follow that? This.. wasn't the life he wanted for himself. He wanted to spread his wings and see the world.. why couldn't Father Cyril understand that? They were being unreasonably too overprotective of him, but the worry of the defiance and ungratefulness he might show if he decided to ignore their words and just leave haunted him. He simply did not know what to do anymore.