“An investigation may not be sufficient, but it’s a necessary first step” Thea noted, looking over at the Runeblade abandoned in the corner of the room. “This ‘White Hand’ will find great difficulty maintaining clients in this city if they are under suspicion for harbouring cultists. Those photographs will be invaluable, and Apprentice Lennox will need to give evidence of course…”

The priestess’ eyes strayed back to Sharon. “…meaning hiding the Night Elves involvement will be almost impossible, I’m afraid”

Observing the look of dismay on the High Elfs face, the priestess raised a finger to interrupt as he opened his mouth to complain. “I am sorry Mr. Dal’dieb, but a full investigation was inevitable the moment your retinue brought an [b]unbound rune blade [/b]into this Cathedral. This is not something we can overlook, and the church is not in the habit of concealing evidence. Once the matter is taken to the city guard I rather doubt anything can be concealed from the papers, and so your retinue will in all likelihood have the choice of: leaving the city, or becoming its celebrities”

“….”

“Of course if they do stay, their behaviour will have a substantial impact on the reputation of the case”

Thea let out a small sigh, before finally looking at the last Night Elf, Rithrynn, who remained in the room. “Don’t misunderstand me Miss Syndial, I am extremely grateful for your assistance in returning my apprentice. If it were up to me, you would be heroes of the city”

*

“Don’t worry, I’ve studied anatomy. I won’t damage anything” Kathlin reassured Aleena as she continued to root around in Lithrielles loincloth. Thankfully, her efforts were soon rewarded as her hand came out with a very, very dishevelled and sweaty Bella. “Are you alright, Bella”

Gasping for breath, Bella stared into the near distance with a distinctly vacant expression on her face. “….I’ve seen things.”

“Ah. Well. You’ve seen it before” Kathlin said, with a poor attempt at sounding consolidatory. It did very little to comfort the little human, who craned around to give her a death glare.
“This never happened. [b]Never[/b]. Have you got that?”

Kathlin opened her mouth to stay something, before aborting it to stare up the corridor as the sound of thudding footsteps entered her awareness. Moments later, three Paladins rounded the corner with two Priests chasing along behind, Paladin Damon in the middle and leading. “Move aside! Go upstairs, Apprentice. This isn’t a good place for you”

*

In the room where Thea and Sharon sat, the quiet was abruptly ended as the door slammed open and Damon and his retinue stormed into the room. Two of the paladins and one priest immediately headed over into the corner to start examining the runeblade, Damon and the other priest approaching the table where Sharon stood and Thea sat. “Priestess Thea. You should come with us. The Bishop will need a report of what has happened”

“You should probably have a check-up too, Thea” the priest chipped in at this. He was a middle aged, kindly looking man that smiled down at the priestess, while giving Sharon a brief confused look. “Paladin Damon told us you were taken ill. And is there anything we can do for your…uh…friend?”