After some time, the body had been moved, and most of the city arrived to the church. They crowded around to listen to the words of the Council, the wise seven Popes that reigned supreme control over the Church and Order. Archbishop Edward stood behind a lectern, gripping the edge, he would wipe his forehead, with the obvious look of fear on his face. He would move his lips, though they were shaking, and only a mumble would come out. Everyone would listen intently. He would finally work the courage to say these words...the one that all people, Human, Dwarf, and every creature alike fear. "The Dragons are returning. He is awakening." It was silent in the Church...until movement rang around. First, they were shuffles, then steps, finally into full on running.
It had begun. He was returning. Artorias was back.
Archbishop Edward would assemble the Council with him, to the backroom of the Church, where they would plan what to do next. Many people would panic to the streets, while others began to pray silently. One of the Priest would return the gem to the Dwarf, bowing to him, then stumble out of the Church, as if he had lost faith. Paladins began to guard the entrance, almost occupying the area as if it had been turned into a military zone. The news would not take long to reach every corner of the city. Even messengers, travelers, and merchants just now entering the city would report large, flying beasts in the air, crying out with a voice of rage. One, in particular, could be seen flying over the city...a black dragon, as dark as night, with a flash of vermilion coming from it's eyes. This would only increase the panic, to the point where the military, even the Royal Guard, would come out and protect the city on every inch of wall they could cover.
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Aiden listened among the many people, his eyes widened by this news. Were dragons really returning again? It couldn't be true, he would never suspect it to happen in his life. Yet, it was almost predictable, as the cycle was nearing it's end phase. He clenched his hands, a primal fear clawing from his very deepest roots. It took much of his might to suppress these feelings, for he had a duty as a Paladin, and it was to protect whomever the Chosen Maiden was. It was at that moment that a booming roar could be heard, as a dragon flew above the buildings in the city, shaking them to there very core. Aiden, who began to worry, looked through the crowd for his sister, until the Archbishop called attention to everyone again. The next piece of news would not only surprise him, but put him in a state of worry.
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Elizabeth stayed with the kind Dwarf, but also to the Merchant, for he was a known man to her. He did business with The Order, though it was for personal gain, she still respected him for making an effort. The news left her silent, as she held her own hand. She thought of the history of the world, the Great War, and it's terrible consequences. If the Chosen Maiden failed, those very events would take place yet again. Of course, this would run through most peoples heads, it was not something they would linger on for too long. The sound of a dragon overhead would snap them out of this thought. She jumped and began to crouch down, scared of what was about to happen. Her focus would then shift over to the Archbishop, who called his faithful followers attention.
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Archbishop Edward would return with the Council, looking back into the crowd. He looked out towards Elizabeth and pointed towards her. "Priestess Elizabeth of the Haythem family. You have been chosen by The Mother. Come to me and accept her blessing." The crowd around her would step back from her, leaving her in a sort of spotlight with the Dwarf. She looked down at him, then to the Archbishop. She mustered her bravery and would walk up the aisle, with the feeling of a hundred eyes on her. She grew afraid...anxious...and proud.
The Chosen Maiden has been selected.