Righteous Alliance

“Glad that you could join us Marshack, we are honoured to welcome one such as you to our humble city.”  Malachi Arelius stated as Marshack emerged from the long range teleportation centre in Eidea city.

“I am honoured that you would even consider having me Malachi.”  Marshack replied before looking around, the usually disorienting effects of the long range teleporters having minimal effect of the Perfect Tier channeler’s form.  “Eidea city is a beautiful site.”  He continued.

“We are but blessed Marshack, this city’s beauty is as much a gift from God as it is the work of our own hands.”  Malachi replied, causing Marshack, also a religious man, to nod his head gently.  Malachi smiled as he watched Marshack’s eyes continue to scan the area, no doubt still curious about the surprise which Malachi had told him of in his previous visit to Odessa.  “You seem vigilant Marshack, is there something which you seek?”  Malachi inquired with the mildest of amusement, causing Marshack to look slightly embarrassed.

“So it would seem my friend.”  Marshack replied with an embarrassed smile.  “Should we be on our way?”

“Indeed we should.”  Malachi replied as he led Marshack towards a large white vehicle.  The exterior hull seemed to be made from a substance which resembled ivory, while the trimmings were literally made from gold.  Marshack was absolutely astonished by the intricacies of the designs on the vehicle, marveling briefly before he entered.

As Marshack entered the vehicle he was greeted by two guards, wearing large white armour.  This armour mimicked the ivory and gold design of the ship which they had boarded, mirroring the same intricacies of the designs found outside of the ship.  The two men would scan his form to ensure that he was not carrying anything that would be considered contraband or anything that might potentially be used to put the passengers of the vehicle at risk.  Marshack would smile as they did this, having already had the sense of mind to leave behind his Holy Blade as he ventured to this city.  This made their search particularly short, before Marshack would be led to his seat in the back of the vehicle, next to Malachi.

Also seated in the back of the transport would be some familiar faces.  Malachi would be joined by a number of his charges, whom Marshack had met at the monthly debates which the Xelots had with their Cleis counterparts.  Marshack would waste no time greeting these men, whom he had not seen in some time, inquiring as to their well being to ensure that they had kept well since they last time he saw them.  As everyone caught up, another two soldiers would emerge from the front of the vehicles, escorting a young lady to the back of the car now.  Once again a look of amusement would break across Malachi’s face as he shook his head slowly, an action that quickly caught Marshack’s attention, turning his gaze to the young lady that occupied Malachi’s gaze.

“It would seem that patience is a virtue which you both need to work on.”  Malachi stated out loud now, causing the young lady to displaying an embarrassed smile as she made her way towards the small group of men in the back of the vehicle.

Marshack would stand in the lady’s presence, as was his knightly custom, inclining his head to her as Malachi also rose to introduce her.  “This is Abigail Hannah Angelus, daughter of the High Priest of the Cleis del Angelus.”  He stated, causing the young woman to stick out her hand, a rather forward gesture for a lady who Marshack assumed would be more reserved.

“I am Lord Marshack Almed III of the Council of Xelots, it is a pleasure to meet your acquaintance.”  Marshack stated, taking the woman’s hand gently and inclining towards it.

“This is the young lady whom I wished for you to meet, the one whom I had mentioned to you after our last meeting Marshack.”  Malachi stated now, shocking Marshack slightly with his honesty, not even attempting to hide the fact that they had spoken about Abigail prior to this meeting.

“I see.”  Was all Marshack could say, unsure of Malachi’s motives and how much of these motives Abigail was aware of and shared.  Noting this, Abigail smiled lightly, interjecting now.

“Father Arelius has told me many things about you Lord Almed.”  Abigail stated, causing Marshack to dawn a reserved smile.

“I hope that it has all been acceptable in the eyes of the Angelus family.”  Marshack replied with confidence, causing Abigail to laugh lightly.

“Very much so.”  Abigail replied before pausing.  “Should I assume that Father Arelius has not yet told you the reason why he has been so keen on our meeting?”  Abigail inquired, causing Marshack to reply in the negative.  Malachi simply laughed.

“Lord Almed would have been informed on his way to Lixandria Fortress, where the high priestest should have been waiting.”  Malachi stated, causing Abigail to laugh lightly.

“What is it that you always say Father, ‘tarry not’?”  Abigail quoted smartly, causing Marshack to smile lightly now.  “I preferred to avoid Lord Almed being coached prior to our meeting.” She stated calmly, causing Marshack to smile at the thought.

“As you can see Marshack, our young High Priestess is…”  Malachi paused now.  “Spirited.”  His reply would cause Marshack to actually laugh rather heartily now, drawing audible laughter from Abigail as well, while Malachi retained only a smile.  “The High Priestess has been interested in your Faction for some time now and has taken a person interest in following the progress of the alliance between the Cleis del Angelus and the Council of Xelots.  Like most of us, she was skeptical of your alleged righteousness as proclaimed by your charges; however she was unable to accept my word when I vouched for you personally.”  Malachi explained.  “She insisted on meeting this man of righteousness herself.”  Malachi finished, causing Marshack to laugh lightly.

“Well then, I can only strive to exhibit a level of righteousness which lives up to all that Malachi has purported.”  Marshack replied, drawing a smile from Abigail.

“I hope that you shall.”  Abigail stated.  “The time has come for the High Priests of Angelus to make a final decision on whether or not this alliance between us should be a tentative or an absolute one, once and for all.”  Abigail explained.  “Your deeds, and philosophies have been confirmed to be in line with that of the Cleis del Angelus, so all that is needed is an analysis of the man who leads this council of zealots.”  She stated, causing Marshack to smile, purposely not correcting her.  “So you should be on your best behavior, Lord Almed.”  Marshack just laughed lightly.

“As a Knight of Righteousness, I have none but my best behavior High Priestess.”  Marshack replied confidently.

“Very well.”  She stated, before turning to her personal guard and motioning for them to lead her and Marshack back to the front of the vehicle.  “I trust that you will not mind if I spend some time along with our guest?”  Abigail inquired to Malachi, who confidently waved the two off.

“Lord Almed needs no chaperone, high Righteousness is… unwavering isn’t it?”  Malachi replied with a smile, causing Marshack to laugh lightly.

“Indeed it is my friend.” Was all Marshack would reply as he followed Abigail to the front of the vehicle.