Cevil was surrounded by the teary eyes of those who he thought of as family. He was a ward of the state, but yesterday was his naming day, and his time be an adult.
He patted heads and checks as he waved goodbye for now. His new robes of a Virtori priest in training ruffled as he walked from the doors. Soon their turn would come, some would head to the Capitol others for guild apprenticeship.
For Cevil, there was only one calling. The Chuch in the Solstice which has given him and his friends a caring home to grow in, and where he wished to immerse himself in the faith.
He fidgeted over his collar and headed across the central yard. Covered in
Fountains and colorful flowers it sat between the Orphanage where he was raised, and the great hospital where so many illnesses were treated.
At the center stood an old gleaming Cathedral which shined in the morning sunlight, and he hurried his steps towards the heavy doors.
Horses and wagons collected about as the members of the Grand Church of the Virtori came and went about the faith. Some from far kingdoms with pilgrims in tow.
Cevil entered the familiar halls of the church, recalling the times as a child he played and studied in its large halls. Today was not for play, but to start his adult journey.
The morning was spent with scripture and the tending of church and yard, until his mentor handed him a small wrapped pouch and with a pat on his back sent him off to the markets. Raised in the orphanage he had little to his name, and though they tried to provide for those leaving, most was left behind for the next child orphan to arrive.
He bowed in thanks to his mentor and headed from the Church Quarter into the Town proper. The clang and hiss of the Town's smith which faced the quarter's walls filled the streets. The bump and trundle of carts and hooves added percussion as the strings and songs of performers splashed from the many Inns on the main road.
He turned down the street towards the open air markets where he could get the most for his coin. As the tall tents surrounded by a circle of storefronts came into view, the markets noise filled his ears. Colors in chaos filled ones eyes, he moved, excited, to the tailor's in search of robes and other daily items when he ran into a form so solid he bounced and fell to the ground.
A scarred face, covered in anger gazed down at him. Huge muscles covered him as he caught Cevil's eyes, "Oh now, how rude.."
Cevil gulped, he had studied to become a priest and had skipped all else. As the large man leaned down, in that moment realized he was at another's mercy. He closed his eyes in fear...
...and felt large hands lift him to his feet. "..of me. Forgive me for getting your robes dirty young Priest."
Cevil's eyes opened to to the same face holding a warm smile. It was then he noticed the cloth mantle of the Church's Chevalier on the man's shoulders.
"Th..thank you." Cevil managed as he felt his fear give way to relief.
"Ah I've seen you run about with the local kids." The Chevalier said, inspecting him closely.
"I've just had my name day and joined the Church." Cevil replied, subconsciously adjusting his new robes.
He could see locals he recognized pass by flash smiles at him as they overheard. One elder tucked a fresh apple in his hand, and with a pat walked off. The Chevalier waved him on with a smile.
He wove through the market crown to the tailor by the gates, visitors and locals alike trying their best to make room for those passing.
Commotion at the gate cascaded through the crowd and from here Cecil could see wagons of injured being brought in. One man limped along, and Cevil pushed forward to offer him a shoulder.
"Thank you" he mumbled through clenched teeth.
"What happened?" Cevil asked.
"Landslide to the north. Thankfully there was plenty near to help." He replied tiredly.
Cevil cast his eyes about to see Church members, Solstice guards and local healers ushering the wounded down the street with him to the hospital.
It reminded him that anything could happen in Elyria, but here, he had a home.
