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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Whizbang Dustyboots" data-source="post: 3596122" data-attributes="member: 11760">Although still hours from sunset, the sun is hidden behind the rooftops of Middleborough as an acolyte greets Bufer and Emmerson outside St. Yessid's in the Woods."Lothian bless and keep you both," he murmurs before leading them inside the cool darkness of the church. They wind their way behind the pews and up one side of the building until he opens the door and lets them into an antechamber. Excusing himself, he ducks through a door on the far side of the room. A quiet conversation is audible from beyond, and after a moment, the acolyte opens the door, ushering the pair into Bishop Jurgen Lehmann's private office.The Bishop of Midwood is going through some paperwork, sucking the grease of his late lunch off his fingers -- a thoroughly picked-over chicken carcass sits on a silver plate nearby on his massive wooden desk -- as he does so."Good afternoon, gentlemen. I understand you had a proposal for me?""Your excellency," Emmerson says as he enters the room with Bufer. He approaches the bishop, kneels on his left knee and kisses the bishop's ring. Behind him, Bufer remains where he was, bowing slightly. "Let me present to you Ebuferpaly Whitethatch Malpractice Potentloins, cleric of Garl Glittergold and apprentice of High Priest Boddynock of Wit's End.""A pleasure to meet you, your worship. Father Grant and I most appreciate you taking the time out of your undoubtedly full schedule to meet with us."Bishop Lehmann acknowledges Bufer and Emmerson's greetings and gestures for them to take a seat."It has not been that long since your Excellency gave me the mission of ministering to those living in the shadow of Green Mountain, and I've done some work in that regard.""One would hope so," the bishop says, his voice even."I started by cleaning up the chapel, built some cots for the sick and infirm and gave invites to the services, but so far, my efforts have been fruitless."The bishop remains silent."I have seen the registered Lothianites go to church and participate of the services, but the non-believers and the flock of dwarven and gnome gods go more willingly to The Cat & The Fiddle than to the chapel."Bishop Lehmann begins to visibly grow less interested. Emmerson flushes, remembering his father's admonition that important people have little time for small talk."Your Excellency, as it stands today, Maidensbridge Chapel is a place for Lothianites, but hardly anybody else ventures there. If folk want to gather, they go to the nearest tavern. If they want to unburden their souls, they turn to the bartender. Master Potentloins and I wish to make Lothian's chapel a beacon for those around Maidensbridge. We propose to open up the chapel to also hold services for the dwarven and gnomish gods."The bishop's steely blue eyes are fixed on Emmerson. The young priest feels his voice quaver and beads of sweat start to form on his forehead. Bufer smiles kindly and lays one hand gently on the boy's forearm."Your worship, Emmerson and I have long lamented this state of affairs," Bufer begins. "And when you granted him leave to assume the ministry of Maidensbridge, we saw an opportunity to restore Maidensbridge Chapel to its rightful place as the beating heart of the village."What we propose may seem somewhat ... cosmopolitan at first, especially given that church doctrine has not always looked favorably on other religions, but we respectfully ask that you hear us out, and reserve judgement until we're finished."The bishop remains silent, but nods in assent as he sits back and steeples his fingers beneath his chin. Bufer glances up at his companion, and Emmerson, his face white as a newly laundered sheet, nods for him to continue. Bufer nods back in return, and turns back to the bishop wearing a grave expression."Your worship, although it may not seem so on the surface, the people of Maidensbridge stand deeply divided, by race, by culture, by religion. Just yesterday, a riot nearly broke out between members of Clan Glangirn and Clan Farrin, which might have consumed the entire town if not for the quick actions of Constable Bridger, Deputy Gallaway and Father Grant, here. This simply cannot be allowed to continue, especially now that the various factions of the Green Moutain Kobolds have been united against the people of Midwood. It's long past time that all Bridgers, be they gnome, dwarf or tallfolk, be made to see that only united can we weather the coming storm, as Lothian the Lightbringer would undoubtedly have us do."Father Grant and I propose that Maidensbridge Chapel be the means through which we unify the town, by rededicating it to serving all of Maidensbridge's sons and daughters, including those -- especially those -- who do not walk Lothian's path."As expected, the bishop visibly bristles at such a bold pronouncement, but before he can open his mouth to object, Bufer plunges forward."Please understand, your grace," he says in a rush, "That the chapel will remain a temple primarily devoted to the worship of Lothain, as most of Maidensbridge's residents remain faithful in their devotion to the Lightbringer. That is not in any way in dispute. But in an effort to appeal to the gnomish and dwarven popluations of the town -- as well as those tallfolk who have elected not to follow the Lightbringer -- we plan to hold services devoted to Garl Glittergold, Yurabbos and Hanseath. I personally plan to permanently relocate to the chapel from Wit's End to oversee the Glittergoldain rites, and Master Grant and I have a dwarvish cleric in mind -- although we have not yet approached her, pending your worship's approval -- to take on the rites of Yurabbos."Although unprecedented by church doctrine, your grace, in taking such a 'big tent' view of religion, Maidensbridge Chapel will take on a special relevance to everyone, even those who aren't Lothianites.""Indeed," Emmerson says, his voice cracking slightly out of nervousness, "Not only that would be a good way to bring back those who have strayed from Lothian's path, but an excellent way of bringing to Lothian those who have never walked with him before.""Your Excellency, I am but a humble tool for Lothian to use as he sees fit, but I pray that perhaps you will look upon this plan with sympathetic eyes. Master Potentloins and I will place our hearts and souls into the project and, if in one year's time, the number of faithful has not significantly increased, we will leave it to your Excellency to decide its fate.""Your grace," Bufer says, "As has become most evident this morning, there are indeed troubled times for Maidensbridge ahead, which Father Grant and I believe can only be survived if we overcome our prejudices and differences, and stand shoulder-to-shoulder, as the Lightbringer would doubtlessly have us do. Although a Glittergoldian, I have always held a healthy respect for --"Bufer pauses and chooses his words carefully."-- for those who walk the true path of Lothian, as I believe Father Grant does. And I would be most honored to partner with him in bringing this most noble and holy endeavor to its fruition."Bufer glances again at Emmerson, then exhales quietly and bows again to the bishop, a little deeper this time."This concludes our proposal, your worship. We thank you for indulging us, and eagerly await your decision."The bishop says nothing for a long time, instead standing up and opening one of the thick windows of his office, letting him peer through the small gap at the tree outside. He appears to listen to the birds singing outside and breathe in the wet scent of spring as he thinks.Finally, he turns."If, as you say, your aim is not to tear down the faith of Lothian, but rather to bring those who have strayed back into the light, Master Gnome," Lehmann's eyes drop to Bufer, "Then you would not be adverse to proving your willingness to further the glory of Lothian before I agree to such a ... novel suggestion."Bufer raises an eyebrow, bemused."A gesture of good faith, your grace?" he asks. "Within reason, of course. I am still a Glittergoldian, after all, and not a --"Emmerson pointedly clears his throat."-- most honored and holy servant of Lothian. However, as the aims of our respective deities are not altogether dissimiliar, I imagine Garl would be only too pleased to give me leave. What did you have in mind, your worship?""Surely all who live in Maidensbridge know the story of Maidensbridge Abbey and what happened there with the Sisters of the New Dawn. It is time their pain was ended and the unquiet dead there are sent to their final rest." The bishop looks up at Emmerson. "Gather the clergy of whatever faiths you hope to share the chapel together, and bring them to Maidensbridge Abbey and lift its curse. Lothian will come to greater glory, the people of Maidensbridge will walk through the forest unafraid and your commitment will be proven."I will have an acolyte gather all the information the church has on the abbey and the Sisters of the New Dawn and bring it to you, Father Grant, in Maidensbridge."Let us not see another Brightfather's Day with the abbey still under the shadow of its tragedy." The bishop's face darkens, and he looks towards the window again. "The sisters deserve peace."Emmerson stands straighter, smiling broadly and with tears threatening to spill down his cheeks."Your Excellency, it shall be done."His expression completely blank, Bufer slowly turns his head to stare at his overjoyed partner."Or, you know, we'll die trying," he sighs in resignation, then turns back to the bishop and shrugs. "Either way."</blockquote>

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