Evangelistener takes residence in Sanctuary

Characters in this scene: Evangelistener, Lady

Setting Location: Sanctuary

Evangelistener — 03/21/2021

*Noel, Noel*

*Noel, Noel*

*Born is the King of Israel...*

A figure steps out of the elevator doors, wearing a grey t-shirt and sweatpants. He falls silent as he takes in the scenery of Sanctuary, then strides forwards, still humming.

He begins to explore, looking for a certain door.

Stirge — 03/21/2021

There's not quite any doors in the figure's way, mostly hallways. A central welcoming area with a fountain and a tall ceiling with a big, glass dome overheard, light pouring from above. A good omen? A fountain lies in the middle of the room, across and ahead on the other side of the fountain there's a little 'PC Cafe' sign, while to his right - a wide door with the words 'Main Lobby' that is flanked by two staircases leading up on either side.

From the instructions given by Lady, she recommended Evangelistener meet her in the main lobby.

Evangelistener — 03/21/2021

He wanders up the stairs, soaking in the warmth of the light. Cracking open the door, he glances in before swinging it open.

Evangelistener — 03/21/2021

Opening the door, he enters the lobby. He glances behind him, then scans the room for the Lady.

Stirge — 03/21/2021

The Lobby is abuzz with excitement and action, a troupe of almost identical, humanoids dressed in the clothes of staff are wandering around carrying various ordinary objects, tables, chairs, shelves, etc... In their midst is an East Asian woman of indeterminate age (most likely the regular magic of genes and not the Practice) looking like the conductor of a symphony amongst the chaos. Her back is turned to Evangelistener as he walks in.

Evangelistener — 03/21/2021

Waiting patiently, he watches the hubbub around him. He takes this opportunity to see what kind of place Sanctuary is going to be when it opens.

Stirge — 03/21/2021

What Evangelistener witnesses is a well coordinated replacement of decorations and furniture. What was originally in the Lobby on his entrance looked like fine quality work - but as that furniture and those decorations\* were taken down what replaced them was *art*.

The woman, most likely the Lady of House Lim constantly shifted to her left or her right, tilting her head and then circling around the room to view it from different angles. Her hands shifted to and fro in the air and the swarm of helpers (well crafted Homunculi, Evangelistener realized) somehow understood the communication. Objects were shifted ever so slightly, a half or even quarter inch here and there.

After about 10 minutes of this, Lady nearly bumps into Evangelistener as she backs up to view the room from a greater angle, but catches herself.

The Lady of House Lim — 03/21/2021

"Oh my goodness - I must have lost track of the time, I apologize." Lady says, speaking a little hurriedly, she seems to master herself and her pacing is much slower, "I am the Lady of House Lim - and you must be the poster who goes by the user name of 'Evangelistener'?

Evangelistener — 03/21/2021

"Yes, though please call me James." He smiles softly as he sees the homunculi working on the minutia of the room. "It's my pleasure to make your acquaintance. It looks like Sanctuary is shaping up to be a beautiful place."

The Lady of House Lim — 03/21/2021

"So nice to meet you James," Lady says, bowing. She gestured towards the room, "I appreciate the compliment very much. The fine tuning of all the details is important for Feng Shui, for overall harmony and peace and wellness - as well as pleasing of the Spirits." Lady explains.

She continues, "Up until today, Sanctuary was hosting some refugees who were in a very precarious situation. If you believe it, we were ready for a brawl to break out - hence the furniture that could be considered expendable was temporarily being used." "But I digress, it is such an honor for you to visit Sanctuary and I appreciate your patience with me and my team. Would you like a tour around the area or perhaps the tea I mentioned, first?"

Evangelistener — 03/21/2021

Though his demeanor has been composed, he can't help but grin at the absurdity of this room being used as a fighting pit. "I'd love a tour, though I'm afraid I won't be able to drink the tea. Oaths of evangelism unfortunately prevent me from indulging in what I'm sure would be quite a fine drink. I'd be happy to accept a cup though, as a symbolic gesture."

Despite his casual clothing, he appears to enjoy the formality of the situation.

The Lady of House Lim — 03/21/2021

Lady gets her first good look at Evangelistener, appraising him. What does she see?

Evangelistener — 03/21/2021

A Hispanic young man, either in his very late teens or early twenties with short black hair. He is dressed in various shades of plain greys, the only thing on him deviating from the scheme is a large leather tome at his left side. He seems calm, though takes every opportunity to grin. His deep brown eyes darted around, taking in the workforce at Sanctuary, though now they are trained on Lady. Almost unconsciously, his right hand drifts to his right shoulder every now and then. He stands relaxed, yet focused.

The Lady of House Lim — 03/21/2021

"Pardon me for my wariness. You see, I find that a man or woman who has no desire for physical comforts or needs is a much more dangerous person than one who has many vices." "I think you know exactly what I am saying and that I am treating you with the appropriate amount of respect, now."

Evangelistener — 03/21/2021

"I appreciate it, and knowing that you think so makes me that much more confident in Sanctuary. To be entirely honest, I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I made my way over here. I'm very pleased with what I've found."

"Shall we walk and talk? There are things I'd like to discuss."

The Lady of House Lim — 03/21/2021

"I'm very glad. I'm happy to give you the tour - but, to perhaps soothe your nerves more, I'll tell you what I see." The Lady waits for a nod of acquiescence or similar before she goes on, "When I first read the name 'Evangelistener' - beyond its Angelic connotations, I wondered if perhaps you were a fellow lover of music like me. While you may be, what comes to light now is not only someone who Listens to Angels - but because they have Listening for so long, when they Speak - the Angels hear them."

Lady goes on, "Such a prodigical feat at a young age suggests to me some kind of tragedy, or a great confluence of events to occur. Seldom do such natural talents exist out of the blue. That you're here, in those comfortable clothes but not completely at comfort suggests to me that you are in the lineage of a Knight-errant, a Samurai, a Gunslinger. You are both always alert but nearly completely at ease, despite being in the Demesne of a relatively unknown Practitioner."

Lady turns slightly to face Evangelistener head-on, seeming to 'show' her whole body's posture. It is even more at ease than James', despite the clear power and danger reflected in Lady's eyes, of the visage of the Evangelist. "Cancel my other, afternoon appointments." Lady says off-handedly to a homunculi, "I believe this conversation will go on longer than planned." She turns toward the garden, holding open her elbow for Nathan to take hold, "Escort me?"

Evangelistener — 03/21/2021

He takes her arm, but gazes off into the distance. "I feel honored. While the 'evangelist' part is self explanatory, the name comes not from the Architects, but from mankind. I find that people have interesting reactions to silent patience. Some grow bored, restless. Others demand a reaction, shouting to make themselves heard and felt. Some bare their deepest secrets, wanting nothing more than someone to listen to them. Very few have the patience to wait alongside. I suspect patience is once of your many virtues. To consider mine talent would be doing those who raised me a disservice- a lifetime's worth of practice can instill powerful ideas. While I may be in unfamiliar territory, I am still Me. That knowledge keeps me secure. I am at least the sum of my life's experiences and, frankly, I like those experiences. Some have hurt, and some have scared me, and some have brought me very close to death or worse, but I like to think I've grown because of them."

They enter the garden, and his eyes absorb their surroundings. He doesn't seem to analyse them individually, but looks at the garden as a whole.

Stirge — 03/21/2021

The garden itself is perhaps surprisingly, untamed looking. Sure, the average looker at a distance would find it pristine - but to the keen sight of James he notices that every single plant has something unique about them in the way they've grown, as if the whole of the garden was a metaphorical string of snowflakes. Whether it was color, or 'posture', or the type of plant or subspecies - individuality flourishes here, all the while seeming to fit into a greater pattern. At the far end of the garden, towards the end of Sanctuary is a large wooden table with several children sitting. Each child seems happy, smiling, but there's something slightly vacant about their expressions, as if they were partially medicated. Still - the vibe isn't sinister, mostly just a little sad. One of the children, a girl of seemingly Indian descent with her hair worn in two braids is the most lively of the bunch. She seems to be refilling tea to each for each of them. To Nathan's trained senses, she is definitely Other - but emanating a soft kind of Benevolence.

The Lady of House Lim — 03/21/2021

"A good storyteller, humble, and a flatterer as well." Lady smiles as Nathan takes her arm. She lets him continue speaking as they stroll across the garden.

Evangelistener — 03/21/2021

He rolls his eyes gently, accepting the compliments with a soft smile. "Still, we've been discussing me a lot. I wonder, what drives someone to turn their Demesne into a place for those in need?"

The Lady of House Lim — 03/21/2021

"If that's how you want to play this conversation, I'll let you Listen." Lady said with a small, melodic laugh. She gently nudged their side-embrace towards the children's table, but in a lazy gait. "It's perhaps as you surmised. Everything here is moving at double tempo and seemingly in a rush, but Sanctuary has been in the planning for well over a decade." "My cousin Jonah, 4 days older than me and never let me forget it - was Subsumed by an Incarnation when he was not much older than our guests here." Lady indicates the children up ahead, sitting at the table. "As you might guess, those kids are 'under a spell' of sorts, by the Alabaster who prefers to be called at this point, 'Raina.' Unlike my cousin, they are all very willingly here, haven been given informed consent before their choice." As Evangelistener and Lady approach the table closer, Lady lifts her chin up in a reverse nod and a large smile in greeting. 'Raina' the dark skinned girl with two braids' face lit up even brighter than before (was this possible?). Lady introduces them both, "Raina, this is my new acquaintance and I suspect, Ally, James. James, this is Raina - an Alabaster who lived up until very recently in India." "Pleased to meet you." The little girl said, curtsying to James . She wore a simple, sleeveless white dress, with live flowers braided through the bottom, shoulders, and neckline - where cloth met skin.

Evangelistener — 03/21/2021

His expression falls slightly as he hears her tale. He nods to the Alabaster, slow enough to almost be a bow. "Pleased to meet you too, Raina. An Alabaster here honors Sanctuary."

"If I may ask, Raina, what brought you here? The presence of a being of compassion solidifies my confidence in the virtue of this place."

The Lady of House Lim — 03/22/2021

"It maybe shouldn't." Raina said, serious and solemn. Lady's smile didn't falter - it seemed this conversation topic was expected. "I'm not sure if I would've considered coming if I and my charges weren't being Hunted." The Alabaster explained, "As it was, we were..." Lady filled in, "By a particularly prominent Rakshasa - Others in India's branch of Oni." "The Charlatan had been on me and mine's trail for nearly two years."

Evangelistener — 03/22/2021

True to form, James listens, the silence prompting.

The Lady of House Lim — 03/22/2021

"But where are my manners?" Raina said, "Care to join us for some tea - or..." as if the breeze or sunshine were speaking to her, "Some water?" Lady looks toward James to see what he would want to do.

Evangelistener — 03/22/2021

"Water would be excellent, thank you." He settles into a seat sized for children, but doesn't seem to mind.

"A rakshasa? I admit, this is the first I've heard about them." His brows come together ever so slightly as he tilts his head. "The Charlatan?"

The Lady of House Lim — 03/22/2021

Raina went over to one of the nearby flowering bushes as James and then Lady took their seats. She knelt down on the grass, her dress pooling beneath her as she pet the brush as if it were a furry animal. She whispered words to the brush, the language Unheard to even James' trained ears though the tone was soothing and inquisitive. While she was doing this, Lady explained, "While similar to the Oni in desiring to obscure their nature, Rakshasa adhere to certain Archetypes in order to further empower and set themselves apart. The Charlatan is a particularly potent, if middling Lord - of the Trickster variety. Besides the Alabaster's power, that's the reason the Hunt took so long - that sadistic beast wanted to terrify Raina and her charges."

Raina and the bush seemed to reach some sort of accord, and she plucked two flowers from it. She gave two kisses in return and the plant turned just the slightest hint of a shade more vervant. Returning to the table, Raina slid across the two - orchids - in front of Lady and James. As the flowers traveled across the table, they spiraled in and up, forming two pink-wooden goblets. Inside Lady's was a liquid that smelled sweetly of Nectar while James' was filled with dew as if from the morning.

Evangelistener — 03/22/2021

James takes a sip of the brisk water. His face darkens at the story of the rakshasa, though he listens silently to it all. "I'm glad they've found refuge, then. Even if the circumstances of their arrival here were fraught with danger, I suppose that's the idea of Sanctuary; a shelter for those who need it. An Alabaster is an honored guest to set the pattern to the Spirits."

The Lady of House Lim — 03/22/2021

"Very much so. But you were still hesitant, Raina. Can you please explain to our guest? I'd like to be as up front and transparent as possible."

Stirge — 03/22/2021

"The Lady is not like you, James. Pure of heart and soul - even if you are, a little artificially so." Raina begins to explain, "She is ruled by her head as often as her heart - and even blames herself for letting a child die, rather than risk a large karmic hit to this Sanctuary at the crux of its destiny." "It was not my Judgement that held me back, but the Lady's herself." She explains.

The Lady of House Lim — 03/22/2021

Lady smiles ruefully, "I find it nearly impossible to keep clear the dichotomy between doing what is Good and what is Right." she explains, "Do you know what I mean?" she asks James.

Evangelistener — 03/22/2021

"Unfortunately, I understand your plight all too well. The beings I work with are inflexible and absolute, which can make life difficult in a world of greys. I do my best work when Good and Right are one and the same; when certainty is absolute. Some people love to pose moral quandaries to evangelists, questions like the trolley problem and such. Even in day-to-day, life is in greys. Things aren't as black-and-white as I'd like them to be. My answer to those quandaries are always similar: I'd do whatever I felt was right in the spur of the moment, trusting myself and the Spirits to be as close to Good and Right as can be. "

"Angels are beings of pure Right. Humans have the capacity for Good. I'd like to think evangelists are a happy medium."

The Lady of House Lim — 03/22/2021

"Very well put," Lady lightly compliments James. She takes a deep breath and as she speaks, the Evangelist's ears hear the very familiar tone of a Confession. "There was a boy named Evan, who went by 'The Fool Who Dreams of Being a Sorcerer' on Occult Magic Online. Very prodigious, very intelligent - and very reckless. At the time nearing Sanctuary's opening, I considered inviting him as a guest - he beat me to the punch, invited himself." "This hotel, my Demesne is meant to be first and foremost a place for young People and Others - a place where they can shine and grow, and perhaps most importantly, a place where they can make mistakes without paying a price they cannot afford."

"The Fool had embroiled himself in a conflict with a very, very ancient Other. One that I could maybe defend from, but not defeat - and he was very much in the mind of taking the fight to the Evil he saw - but not for Good's sake, I'd imagine. For Adventure and Opportunity were my guesses." "I searched my heart, I did the divinations, I even paid for a few favors to a Wise Seer of the Fall Courts and every one said the same thing. He was going to die and it'd be Just. He had gotten himself into this mess and even if I could save him - and it was, a 5 or 10 percent chance of saving him - he would most likely die shortly thereafter, anyways. Such was his Nature."

But what is Right and Just is not always Good, and I was so close to opening Sanctuary and saving...so many more children. So I made a Decision that was ultimately a calculation...and it's taken me quite a while to forgive myself."

"I might never would have, were it not for some of Sanctuary's current Wards - if we run into them later, I'll introduce you." "Anyways, for me, my earthly temptation is not about worrying what is black or white per se, so much as a hunger for the Power to make the world Right and Good. My difficulty is that I know that my heart, the wiser vessel in me, knows that the acquisition Power seldom lines up with the gift of Freedom that our Creators gave us. So instead of seeking power, I know it is wiser to seek Surrender...which is much, much harder to find in my experience." Lady finishes, then downing the cup of nectar in one gulp.

Evangelistener — 03/22/2021

James is silent for a while after the end of her tale. He looks contemplative, processing (judging?) her decision. He opens his mouth to speak, hesitates for a moment, and continues. "I think," he begins slowly, "that you did the right thing. While you may worry you did him wrong, I expect everyone in need who comes to Sanctuary will be thankful you made the choice. As much as I hate to admit it, we can't save everyone. Best to focus on what is within your grasp- or what could be. With this Demesne, with Sanctuary- your reach might have expanded just enough to be able to save those who need it."

"I sense your intentions, and I feel that the Power you seek is one that can be achieved. Maybe not the whole world, and maybe not Pure Good or Pure Right, but if you really, truly, in your heart of hearts want to make the world a place of Right and Good..."

"I would be proud to aid such a noble cause, for there are few causes that righteous."

The Lady of House Lim — 03/23/2021

"Be careful not to compliment her too much, or she might turn smug." Raina joked, refilling some tea and water to her other charges. "That is my sincere hope." Lady responded, bowing her head towards James, "and it would be an honor to accept your aid, however much you deem fit."

Evangelistener — 03/23/2021

He grins at Raina then stands up from his perch gently. "Moving on to practicalities," he says, pulling out the leather-bound tome at his side and *plonk*ing it on the table, "I would be happy to create a guardian at Sanctuary for the duration of my stay, and should the worst come to pass and Sanctuary fall under attack, you need only to call my name three times, as is tradition, and I would come as soon as I could. Within reason, of course. Please call me James Reyes, I would be horribly embarrassed if you had to call out my screen name during a crisis. If it wouldn't be a bother, I would at least like to stay until the Grand Opening. Both to keep an eye on the place during a possible time of vulnerability, and because I'm interested in meeting the attendees. I have a vague understanding of a few different Practices, but I haven't met very many Practitioners. I'd enjoy a chance to meet some of the people who would need Sanctuary."

The Lady of House Lim — 03/23/2021

Lady mirrors James as he stands up. "James Reyes..." The Lady repeats, the words soft. She seems to reach a kind of decision and responds, "Christine Lim," holding her hand out, "Nice to finally speak to you as an equal." "Sanctuary and I will gladly accept your help, at least until the Grand Opening as you say. Should at that time you wish it, we will be rolling out a long term residency program, offering contracts to would be residents for a year and a day. If we continue to find our goals aligned, I would be honored to think of you more as a partner than a guest." Christine offers.

Evangelistener — 03/23/2021

He takes the offered hand and shakes it, gentle but firm. "I'm glad. I think this is the kind of place I'd be proud to be associated with." He leans over, flipping open the cover of the tome and paging through its contents. About halfway in, he stops, seeming satisfied. "This conversation and this garden have left me with a profound sense of peace. I am ready to cast." He takes the tome from the table and, eschewing seats, settles cross-legged near the bush Raina gifted vitality, the book in his lap.

Stirge — 03/23/2021

"Already?" Lady responds, but it's not really a question. She simply takes a step back and lets James do whatever he needs to. Raina looks on curiously, but it seems like she already knows whats coming.

Evangelistener — 03/23/2021

"For evangelism, one must be sure of themselves, harboring no sin. In this moment, I am absolute." He inhales, breathing in the life around him, and begins to recite. To the Lady's version of Sight, more than hearing, she *feels* the power of the words he intones. Twenty words to call to forces beyond human comprehension. If before he Listened, now he Speaks. "**Star forger. A force to lift the heavens, order worlds. To hold, to pull, I bid you appear, Hamil Alsamawat.**"

Evangelistener — 03/23/2021

The light in the room seems to hold still, drawn together into a form. An enormous suit of ivory armor lined with gold and steel, easily over seven feet tall, coalesces in the garden. In its hands is a maul made of the same materials, almost the size of a man, which the hollow suit hefts with no resistance. Though it appears to weigh over a thousand pounds, the figure does not disturb the land around it, plants feeling nothing more than a soft breeze as it brushes by. One huge foot after another, it strides off while James- Evangelistener- mutters a soft chant under his breath, repeated and stilted.

After a few more seconds, James releases the chant. The power in the room fades. "It's taken up a position near the entrance. It won't move while I do, and in order to conserve energy it will basically act as a statue until it should be commanded otherwise. Currently, it only is set to act in self-defense, though should I need to start moving it around it would be on a timer." He grins ruefully. "I know a maul-wielding suit of armor isn't exactly subtle, but I chose it from a choir of Order rather than Peace. Things from Order are made to last, and I hope the same goes for Sanctuary."

The Lady of House Lim — 03/23/2021

"Carrier of the Skies." Lady whispers to herself. Raina smiled, to her it was just another Monday, apparently.

At the Angelic Constructs appearance, Lady breathed a small sigh of relief - were it a full angel, the metaphysical implications of Sanctuary would grow all the greater for its presence and influence - something that may one day be hoped for, but this would have been, too soon. She watches the angel moves effortlessly, struck with awe, before mastering herself. Turning to James she says, "Thank you, James Reyes."

Evangelistener — 03/23/2021

He stands shakily to his feet, with a slow nod of acknowledgement. "I hope it will serve Sanctuary well. I hate to leave such excellent company, but that took more out of me than I was expecting. If it's alright with you, I would like to retire to a room to collect myself. I'd hate to inflict subpar conversation on you, though I do hope we can chat again sometime. I really enjoyed this."

"Best of luck to Sanctuary. May it prosper."