A Kinder Solution [Mon, Lucia]

Some days had passed since Lucia had received her orders to kill one Rei Dantalion of the Mandate. Similarly, the four retainers to the Mandate's leader had all gone their way on their most recent mission. The Holy Maiden had taken a group of five of attendants with her. Four of them were armed and experienced hunters. Though nothing quite like Markus they served as an excellent guard regardless. The fifth member was a young woman, one of Lucia's handmaidens. The two women were in the center of the formation, each bearing a banner hoisted above them. In the older woman's hands was the banner of the Virubis Church, and in the handmaid's a pure white flag. The message was clear, they were of the Church but came in peace. The men covered all angles of approach to the Holy maiden with one each behind and in front of her as well as to either side.

Naturally, such a sight was far from common among the camp of the Mandate. Watchmen while the group was yet a ways off would signal their arrival and prepare for their coming. While the Mandate and the Church were technically on good terms, tensions were still running high as visits like this were never paid. To compound matters none of the retainers were present should things take a turn for the worse. Yet Lucia's group ever approached, weapons stowed and banners raised high with a smile adorning the woman's face. To any of the members who approached or asked her business her message was the same.

"Salutations brothers and sisters. I am Lucia Delacroix of the Church of Virubis. I have come seeking an audience with Mon J. your leader." she declared with authority.

The sound of trembling leaves heralded the coming of the alerted scouts. Several larger men outfitted with bows slung over shoulder passed through. A bulkier one wielded a machete, cutting thick foliage out of the way to create a path to the entourage below, trekking through slick mud from recent rains that passed over just the day before. Upon reaching a safe enough distance to talk civilly, the forefront member sheathed the blade in a leather holster. He stayed silent though for a moment, staring at the woman through squinted eyes, then to their white flag. Then he cupped his hands and turned his head back to the remaining men behind him, emulating a distinct bird call, not unlike that of a crow.

Soon thereafter, three more men with similar garb and gear emerged from the greenery as they all turned to face the entourage standing just inches into the Mandate territory border. The front man had brown hair, slicked back and tied into a top knot. His skin, much like the other men here, was a distinctly tanner shade, likely from the semi-tropical nature of the island of Kiora. He shouted, "Ho' there! We hadn't any word of your arrival. Stay put for just a minute lil' miss, we'll escort ya' in just a moment." He gave the group a nod, doing a quick count of them before turning around. "Ungo, head back to Fally's Point and get Uregard to send word to main camp. Jennings, Teylor, you're both with me," he ordered, handing a furled cloth to the one he denoted as Ungo.

The man approached, carefully stepping through the mud until he was about five or so feet from the armed group of men surrounding Lucia. "My name is Dominocas, but you can call me Dom for the time being," he said. He gave a slight bow, though inordinate and without much class. It was a mimicry of prestige at best. He turned around, whistling with fingers in his mouth as two of the other men unsheathed machetes of their own and began blazing a path through the wilderness westward toward the temple.

The journey was just over two hours long, gentle showers rattled the canopy above but little actually trickled below. Thick leaves above shadowed the forested floor below, making it seem almost like nighttime with no sunshine to peek through. By the time they had arrived at the base of the temple, a thick mist had settled on the steps of the stony architecture. All was obscured but the great stone temple above, and the emblem of a butterfly banner swaying gently from a flagpole on the uppermost platform.

"Just head on up these steps here and you'll find the man yer' lookin' for. Be wary, other guards will be posted in the area, for protection's sake ya' see," he said, gesturing to Lucia's own guard's weapons. "I'm sure you understand. Good seein' ya'll, tidings and all that," he said before giving another bow and turning on his heels, rounding up his own troop and heading back into the thick greenery. Sitting atop that stone temple was Mon, blade upon his lap like it had never left just hours before. Tea cup in hand, with no tea to drink. Instead his eyes were shut, as if lost in some deep meditation.

"Well met sir Dom." Lucia responded calmly to her Mandate guide as she returned his bow with a formal and well practiced curtsy. Her smile was uninterrupted though her handmaid seemed visibly more distressed at actually encountering the group. The four guards were fine of course, this was nothing out of the norm for them. If anything it was a relief to not have to worry about fighting Dreamborn here. The entourage trekked through a densely forested area for some time with the Mandate men, the sight of it all was somewhat breathtaking. The natural shielding from the rain that had beset them occasionally on their journey here was much appreciated.

With the last leg of their journey complete, a massive stone structure came into view. This, Lucia was informed, would be where she would find Mon. There were to be other guards but this troubled her very little. She had brought armed guards with her as well. Indeed, both her and Mon found that living in an imperfect world required some less than pleasant necessities.

"Thank you kindly sir Dom for so thoroughly performing your duties." Lucia returned his bow and slightly mangled farewell. With the escorts back off to their posts that left little else but for the Holy Maiden to ascend the stairs of the temple. Her soft smile had never faltered during the journey and now with little word she passed the banner she had carried for the church off to the closest of her guards as she took her first step.

The shuffling of metal sounded as the six virubites began scaling the stone ascent in the dark of the forest canopy. A little ways off from the top the woman waved her attendants down and had the five of them wait patiently for her business to conclude. In part, they had little need to know what all their mission was past that she was to negotiate the taking into custody of a threat to the church. But more than that she felt it would be assuring to Mon's guards that she imposed upon their leader alone. Lucia now continued upward and before long came into view a figure she could not recall when the last time she had seen it was. There Mon sat, a blade in his lap and cup in his hand, no doubt contemplating something. But whatever it was that monopolized his thoughts the woman would approach, her pace slowing as she drew closer.

"My, it has been far too long since last we met. Wouldn't you agree Mon?" came the greeting of an old friend as the Holy maiden came and stood across from him. She saw four other spots, two on either side of the man, were prepared. No doubt the man used this as something of a council room. The smile on her face widened some on thinking how well this all suited him.

Silence lingered for but a moment, as though Mon had not heard Lucia's entrance or words. One of the several sliding doors opened, revealing a shrine maiden dressed in a modest gown of pink and white. She quietly walked to the center of the room where Mon sat, setting down what appeared to be a brass kettle in front of him, before bowing at both him and now Lucia.

"Thank you, Sola," Mon said, setting down his tea cup next to the kettle. The maiden gave an earnest smile in return before skittering off to her other duties. Mon's eyes now opened, planting his fiery gaze on Lucia. His vacant expression similarly became warm, even blazing. His smile was welcoming and he appeared, contrary to the statue he was moments ago, animated and lively. The stagnant air was a warm breeze now and the silence was shattered by the jingling of decorative wind chimes.

He waved a hand to Lucia, hearkening her to come and join him. Rather than the four mats that were placed only hours ago, one ceremonial pillow sat in their place. It was a bit more ostentatious in comparison to Mon's own throne of sorts. "Please, take a seat. It has been quite some time," he said reminiscently. He picked up the kettle and poured into his cup more tea, but instead set the cup across from him, toward the pillow. "You are here on business, though, I take it? I received word only less than an hour ago, so I'm afraid I appear ill-prepared..." He seemed embarrassed, raising a hand to his head as gentle pink flushed on the edges of his cheeks.

"Always business these days I'm afraid." Lucia responded to Mon's inquiry. She casually walked toward the spot prepared for her. She drew ever closer to her friend of years gone past in the process. It had been years since a scene like this had last played out. The woman sat, ever graceful in her movement, and graciously accepted the tea as it was set forth before her. She inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly to allow the journey's fatigue to flow out of her. This had been her first real chance to just relax since departing. The group had slept at nights of course but past that it had been nothing but walking. Lucia had done much walking in her time yet rarely were her steps filled so much with anticipation. And now the moment had arrived.

"I do wish we had the time to simply catch up after all the years. It feels like an eternity ago that you all departed..." she trailed off with wistful overtones. The thought brought with it considerations of the various responsibilities Mon had been set to take on that she now bore due to his leaving as well as fantasies about what sort of experiences they might have all shared had the Mandate not formed. She set the cup down before her to gather her thoughts on how best to proceed. "But I regret to inform you that Lord Arcus has identified a threat to Judecca's children among your ranks. Perhaps you yourself are already aware of this however." Lucia continued without giving away the name as yet. She wanted to see how the man interpreted her words. On the chance he knew of the dangers Rei presented he would know well enough what a threat to Judecca's children could refer to. Whether he recognized Rei as dangerous or not even if he knew was another matter of course. But if he didn't know then her job would be simpler as she would be able to enlighten him and seek his aid.

"In any case, I have come in hopes of mediating a peaceful solution between our two sides. Nay, our whole. For we are not as divided as we might think." Lucia stated with an earnestness greater than her words before. She seemed to believe that the Mandate and the Church were not so different. Or perhaps it was she and Mon who were not so different. "We would never think to simply apprehend one of yours without your cooperation." she added. The Holy Maiden's tone was somewhat playful now. Her words carried with them the expectation that the Mandate too would never take custody of a member of the Church of Virubis without consulting with them. While far from the task at hand Lucia would seek every opportunity to understand Mon's actions more. She needed to understand one who had departed the All-Mother's path.

Mon drew a hand to his lip in contemplation. He seemed attentive of Lucia's words, though ultimately his eyes, as always, were not necessarily indicative of his nature. But he nodded along with her as a show of his appreciation to her message. He wordlessly gestured to one of the maidens off to one corner of the room, dressed in a similar fiery robe as Mon's. He whispered something to her, to which she replied with a nod and vanished off into another separate room again, leaving Mon and Lucia completely alone now.

Finally, after a moment of thoughtful silence, he folded his hands in his lap and smiled. "It has been some time, I agree. But a threat, you say? This is more pressing that fleeting pleasantries. What sort of threat do you surmise has burrowed itself within these ranks?" He seemed calm despite the urgency of his words. Perhaps he was clued in to Lucia's inquiry, but still showed nothing. Within moments again, another maiden appeared and placed a cup of tea in front of Mon and then poured from the heated kettle a cup for him as well.

"Ah, but I do not forget my manners. Please," he said, bowing his head. Mon sat through a moment of courteous silence before sipping a ceremonial cup in the presence of a guest. Then set it back down at its plate. "Now, where were we...?" He seemed absent-minded, becoming momentarily lost in protocol than in the actual seriousness of the moment.

The maiden's eyes were locked onto Mon as he replied. Somehow he seemed to have lost focus compared to his days in the church. Or perhaps he was actually even more focused, not wishing to reveal everything he knew right away. In any case, Lucia ceased searching for the ferocity she knew the man capable of. Her shoulders raised and lowered as she let out a deep sigh after the two took a moment to simply drink the prepared tea.

"It would appear then I am to be the bearer of bad news to you." she began, deciding not to press him to reveal it himself. Whatever he did or did not know would soon come to light in the form of his response to her mission. In accordance, Lucia's face took on a more stern demeanor as she continued. "I have been ordered to apprehend one Rei Dantalion who we know to be part of the Mandate of Judgment. Her powers have been determined to be demonic in nature. As you well know, we of the Church of Virubis, as guardians of the All Mother's children, cannot abide those who cavort with demons. Furthermore, if left unattended she will one day pose a threat even to your own men and women." the Holy Maiden put further her purpose though she had still yet to disclose the full extent of her order or resolve in this situation. This time Lucia would allow a moment of silence to pass, not of reverence but of serious contemplation.

"So you see Mon, the purpose of my seeking an audience with you is to arrange for the peaceful handing into our custody of this Dantalion woman for the mutual benefit of all of Judecca's creations." she concluded before taking to the tea cup provided for her again. Mon's response would dictate how much more intense this needed to get but as yet she remained calm enough and still a smile ever graced her lips.

Mon sat still for a moment, his expression unchanging. He raised his cup to his lips again, his gaze lingering. "Apprehend?" he repeated. The word lingered in the air, and for a moment, one of the serving girls seemed to pause in her silent tracks. Her head flicked back to the meeting between Mon and Lucia, a small bead of sweat drawing on her forehead. "But Rei is in capable hands. I have personally overseen her progress these past years and there is naught to worry over, that I can assure," he said, setting his cup down with an unfazed smile on his face. The very picture of composure. "You and I both know that the Church of Virubis only seeks to put her despair on display. Exploiting a youth for their unfortunate circumstances... how despicable," he seemingly mourned.

"That said..." he finally took a long sip of his cup, setting it back on its saucer. "I believe you have been misinformed of my mission here. I simply provide sanctuary and care for those who seek it. If Rei would go of her own volition, that is her choice to make," he said candidly. He began to pour himself another cup, but paused as he tilted the teapot. He furrowed his brow for a moment, taking slower breaths. His eyes fluttered between shut and strained, then after one long sigh, returned to pouring his drink. "The freedom of choice is to be savored. That is their will, after all," he said matter-of-factly, as he poured himself another drink.

Lucia could only sigh deeply as Mon responded. Somehow she knew this response would be coming. The man before her would not simply hand over one of his own to the organization he left. But in a way it would be easier if he had simply defied her. This peaceful way of saying Rei was in good hands, his hands, and that they would have to ask Rei herself was difficult to argue with. Difficult enough that were the Holy Maiden not under direct order to contain a demonic threat she may well have relented.

"While I do not disagree Rei's agency must be considered or that you have taken good care of her, it is you that is misinformed Mon. My orders from Lord Arcus himself were to kill the girl. It was only his and my own mercy that allows us this brief exchange, else I would even now be undertaking the loathsome task of ending her demonic existence. I fear she would misunderstand were I to approach her directly. Your presence is necessary to ease her mind that we are acting in her best interest." Lucia began explaining, a more stern expression taking over her face. Her posture remained relaxed and she made minimal movements. This was to escalate only verbally.

"And surely you do not mean to imply Lord Arcus intends to make such an abhorrent spectacle of the girl. Say what you will of the All Mother and the faith of Virubis, but I know of your respect for our Saint." she said, shifting subjects. "In any case those are the facts of the matter. Should this meeting fail to come to a resolution I will stand by my orders. I will do all in my power to obtain peaceful cooperation but above all, I will not defy the will of the mouthpiece of Judecca."

The mere mention of Arcus brought taut lips to an upward curl. "You are right, Lucia. I have great respect for Arcus and all he has done for the good of man," he replied, wistfully. "But as you said, he is the mouthpiece of Judecca. And for that, his decree is little more than words," he said, shutting his eyes. Mon stood up and stared far out of the temple, toward the rising mist around the base of the temple. A gentle breeze separated the fog and waved the tapestry that hung so delicately behind Mon; a moth with outstretched wings, amidst fire and flame.

"I welcomed you as a friend and colleague into my home, Lucia. But Arcus' words or not, I cannot condone a threat on the life of those close to me. I will not be swayed by her presence, Judecca, again. I am afraid I cannot be of more help in that regard," he said, fiery gaze returning to Lucia and her spot at their small dining arrangement. His sword hung loosely at his hip, holstered in a fine leather sheath, decorated by gilded fire and spirals of twine around it. He rubbed his temples briefly thereafter.

"But I see my headaches begot ill omen indeed. The Will of Fire still aids me yet," he muttered in thanks. "Nevertheless, more important matters need tending to," Mon said. "The peace of the island is disturbed by strange creatures. Is the Church aware of this intelligence?"

"So the flame that called you away from us, now calls you back to matters that are no longer of your concern." Lucia spoke solemnly. She had remained seated even as Mon stood and began voicing his vexation with the topics at hand. The man had undermined the authority of Lord Arcus, expressed his refusal to cooperate and questioned her concerning the church's knowledge of recent events. To say this was going well would be quite the gross exaggeration. Lucia now stood to face Mon, lifting the banner of the church she kept always by her side in the process which she tapped to the floor with a resounding echo through the spacious halls of the temple.

"You speak of Kiora, and an incident the Church and government are as yet still investigating. Those involved were ordered to remain quiet until proper conclusions could be drawn. That word has reached your ear is sign enough that the oath was broken. A reproachable act, and one for which God will punish the parties guilty of it." she spoke now with more zealotry present in her voice and form. She was becoming angered even.

"If you wish to know more you would do well to renounce your false god and return to us. But I know you will never do so, Mon. It is most regrettable, but by withholding your aid you cast Rei Dantalion to her fate. My men and I will pursue her relentlessly in the strength of the Lord. And should she resist I will strike her down and banish her foul powers from the realm of man. Should you or any of your men stand in our way, God shall smite the lot of you where you stand." she declared. A light began shining around her body. She had obtained her powers after Mon's departure but she would gladly show it to him now.