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Voidwar (Causeway / Theris)

Adrian checked the area around him before moving forward, checking the shadows for those that might try to accost him after his visit. He mounted the steps to the small shrine, his walk confident and purposeful as he reached the simple doors. He inspected the statue as he passed it, noting the detail that had gone into it, the slight rounding under the bikini top that signified the goddesses nipples, and the curve of the ass and legs. Shaking his head the young man rapped on the door before opening it, quickly stepping inside the building. It was still early for any congregation to be in attendance, likely meaning that he would be alone for his audience with the servants of the goddess. He took a long look at the interior, before looking to find anyone inside.
 
There were a couple of priestesses in attendance at the shrine, one of whom allowed him to enter. She was a young woman, wearing a red robe that was made of a material thin and sheer enough to tell that she wore nothing beneath it, yet was cut surprisingly long. "Welcome," she said gently, "to the shrine of Luminai. For what purpose have you come before the Radiant Mother, Exemplar of the Celestial Host?"
 
Adrian gave the woman a slight bow in deference, even as he inspected her form through the cloth of her gown "Greetings priestess, I come here seeking someone" he said. He gave the woman the description of the she-knight, "has she been here recently?" he asked.
 
The priestess looked him over, almost suspiciously. After a good long moment, she nodded. "Indeed, Swordsister Castiana has been attending our services regularly while she is within the city of Queensport. Do you need something of her?"
 
The Magus noticed the look as the woman inspected him, and after thinking for a moment realized that coming into a shrine dressed as he was would set off warning bells with anyone. Adrian bowed again when the woman answered him, "Indeed I do, she may have seen, or know something about someone I know... I would like to speak with her with the utmost haste" he said. "When is your next sermon? or does Swordsister Castiana visit more regularly then that?" he asked, hoping that his wording inferred his intent, and that all he wished was to speak with her.
 
The priestess seemed to consider his words a moment. "Swordsister Castiana comes here to worship every evening at sunset, regularly. If you wish, though, you may remain here under the shelter of the Goddess until she arrives. Are you familiar with Luminai?"
 
Adrian nodded his head and smiled at the woman, "Thank you... I am not familiar with Luminai, my studies did not encompass the gods, and I had a sheltered upbringing" he replied. Both of his statements were true, though the priestess likely would not realize to what degree. His martial studies while away from the order had been intense, and while he could name every major demon, he could barely remember what to call a lesser angel, much less anything farther up in the hierarchy. His time in the order was likewise focused, with only those with the correct talent learning of the gods and their designs, the rest learned to serve those that knew.
 
"In that case, if you will remain here then I shall endeavor to inform you on the nature of the Mother of Radiance." With that, the priestess began to fill him in on the nature of Luminai. She was a goddess of Light, Healing, Protection, and Love. Her disciples valued a balance of strength and femininity, which could both nurture and protect the weak, and could bring new life into the world. Males were welcome in her service, even still, and valued for their counsel, desire to protect those they love, and the part they played in the bringing forth of new life.

(Gain 1 bonus rank in Lore: Luminai)
 
Adrian listened with wrapped attention as the priestess informed him of the goddess, and at the end he bowed his head to her. "Thank you, lady of Luminai" he said, smiling as he looked up at her, "How long have you been in service to the Goddess?" he asked. He figured that he needed to fill the time before the Swordsister would arrive, and conversation was a good start.
 
"Seven years," the priestess said. "I was the third daughter of a merchant, who thought that earning the gods' favor by giving them one of his daughters was more profitable than preparing a dowry for her. But I cannot complain; I love my work, and find it brings me fulfilment. Especially in a city like Queensport. We work tirelessly to improve the lives of those who dwell here, to show them the light."
 
Adrian smiled at her, "A worthy pursuit" he said, before stretching. Looking around he located a place to sit nearby and took it. "Tell me about Castiana, what sort of person is she?" he asked. If he was going to speak with the woman, he wanted to know a bit about her going into it.
 
"Provided that you return an answer to a question of my own," the priestess said. "But I shall answer your question, though I wonder what sort of answer I can give. She only arrived recently, and I have known her for a short while. She belongs to the Sorority of the Flaming Rose, the paladin order of Luminai. She seems a devout and courageous warrior in the service of the goddess. Her bearing is regal but compassionate. Now, what is your interest with her?"
 
Adrian nodded his head in acquiescence to her request, and when she finished the young man answered her. "I am looking for 2 women, either of whom might have meet Sister Castiana during their travels, or she might have knowledge that could put me on either of their trails." he said. He avoided using names for now, in part because of Teleyna's abilities as a seer would make her an excellent target, and he didn't need a second group interested in her on his tail. His sister on the other hand, he knew would be using a fake name while traveling, and so knew that her name would be meaningless for the moment. "Would you tell me about this Sorority of the Flaming Rose?" he asked.
 
"I see," The priestess said, noncommittally. "Well, as I said, the Sorority of the Flaming Rose is a paladin order in the service of Luminai. In fact, it is the oldest and most influential, the officially ordained Order Militant of Luminai's Temple. It was founded by St. Astrid, daughter of Luminai, in order to battle the black dragon Umbra Mortalis. It has chapters throughout Validor and beyond."
 
Adrian sat in silence, contemplating what he had learned, it wasn't much, but it would have to do. If the sword sister had arrived recently then she might have met the lady on her travels, or even his sister. While his objective was to return Teleyna to the order, it was also a good opportunity to look for his sister, who had vanished a few years ago. Looking up from his contemplation he smiled at the sister "Thank you sister, for the education and information... Might there be something that I could do for you in return while I wait?" he asked her.
 
The priestess smiled gently. "That will not be necessary, all of our needs here are met. Though, if you wish, you may make a monetary contribution. Luminai knows, we are perpetually short of funds in this city. Few here see the value of Charity's virtue."
 
Adrian reached into his purse, and withdrew 5 gold coins, which he offered to the sister "here, take these" he said. He had more gold then this, but he knew that it would be all he had for his mission, and would need to make it last. Still, it felt good to give some to these people. He remained seated, and soon his eyes drifted shut as he began to meditate, a way to pass the time without losing awareness.
 
The priestess took the coins and placed them in an urn near the altar. "You are, and will always be, welcome here," she said.

As he meditated, Adrian thought that he sensed someone outside, observing the temple. They were careful to disguise their intention, and would leave for a time only to return later, but they were definitely casing the place. Having little to go on, the magus filed it away for later when the information would be useful.

Evening was approaching when the doors to the temple opened, and Adrian saw her. The young human woman appeared as she did in her dreams, but the visions in his mind had not accurately portrayed how beautiful she was. Her platinum blonde hair was worn with a crown braid, the rest of its wavy length cascading down the back of her neck. Her skin was like alabaster, white nearly as new driven snow, nearly without blemish save for two scars that looked like they were inflicted by talons, one on her cheek and one along her jaw. These had healed well, though, and only simply seemed to provide a harmonious counterpoint to her soft features. Her features were gentle, but not soft. She was clad in armor that shone like silver, covered in holy texts etched into it, her plates gilded and decorated to appear like pages of an illuminated manuscript. The armor was cast in a manner that accentuated the ample curves of her flesh.

At first, the woman did not seem to notice Adrian, only casting her gaze to him when she realized that he was interested in her. It seemed as though their connection was only one way, for now. Smiling pleasantly, she approached. "Luminai's blessing upon you, sir. I do not believe we have met?"
 
Adrian felt the sensation of being watched as he meditated, something which troubled the Magus. Yet he remained where he was, accepting the presence, and watching for it as it left and returned. As night fell the young half elf awoke from his meditation, feeling someone drawing closer, a different presence from the one before. Turning his head the young man watched as the doors opened, and an angel stepped through them. Adrian was struck speechless as the woman approached. Fortunately the woman did not notice him right away, giving the young man time to find his voice when she did see him. "Indeed we have not, I am Adrian, and you must be Castiana. The sister has told me something of you" he said, giving the woman a bow. "I was hoping we could speak, as I believe you might know something of the people I am looking for" he finished.
 
Castiana listened to him as he spoke, noting his appearance, and that the priestesses seemed to trust him, at least to a degree. "Pleased to meet you, Adrian. I would hear what you have to say, though I must warn you that I have a quest of my own which I must attend to, and so cannot overburden myself with promises of aid at the moment. And also, my time in Queensport has taught me to be prudent with my charity, for there are few trustworthy here. However, if I can aid you and your cause is just, the I shall do what I can."
 
"I understand" The young man replied, before standing from the seat that he had commandeered during his meditation. "I am looking for a woman, Likely in the company of others" he said, and then he gave the sword sister Lady Teleyna's description. "My sister is also missing, and might have been through here" he said, giving the paladin Lyanna's description as well. As he finished, he could feel hope building, if perhaps this paladin had at least seen either of them, then at least he was on the right track.
 
Castiana listened to the descriptions of the women, seemingly in thought. "I have not seen any such women," she said, "though I do believe that we can help one another. You say that they were last seen in the Reach? My order has heard that recently, many maidens have been reported as missing, some vanished right from their beds. I was sent to investigate. If you would be willing to aid me in this task, perhaps we can find those whom you seek, if they are connected to the disappearances in general."
 
Adrian was disappointed when Castiana gave her answer, and was about to thank her for listening, when she made him the offer. The information was surprising, and would explain much. It had been a day like any other, when he had awoken and gone to the Ladies bedchamber. The guards had been in place, and nothing had been amiss, until he had entered the room. She had been missing, and nothing had been out of place, not the furniture, not the glassware, not even the bed sheets. He had been thrown out that same day, a coin purse thrown at his feet, and told to find her. Since then he would receive messages on the wind, telling him where to search. "I agree, we both would benefit from working together" he replied, smiling at the Sword Sister.
 
Castiana nodded, her smooth, plump lips curling upwards in the slightest hint of a smile. "I thank you for your assistance, it should make our quests more fruitful, Luminai willing. We can begin in the morrow; I believe that I have acquired a lead that will bear fruit, though it could bring some violence as a result. I fear that there are those in this... morally drifted settlement that may be profiting from this particular misfortune, and will not take to being brought forth willingly."
 
Adrian nodded his head at the woman's words, "indeed, one must start somewhere... Do you have a place where we could meet come morning?" He asked. He had not been totally isolated during his training, and knew that Castiana would most likely disprove of his current choice of inns. Asking her for a meeting place would avoid any... disagreements.
 
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