[IC] Fate/Awakening World

[endwaar]

Karen looked at Phillia with something of a measuring gaze, her expression bland. "Perhaps the Church records would." Suddenly, Archer felt a slight tension in the air - akin to that of a battle. No, that was not quite right. This was more akin to the sense of tension that lingered at her court when her officials argued and debated what actions she should lead her people in.

The nun continued. "However, to offer such favor to one party in the Heaven's Feel and not the others might be considered a violation of the Church's neutrality, might it not?" She looked blandly at the pair for a moment before touching a finger lightly to her chin. "There are, however, certain issues that the Church would smile upon if they were resolved."

She let her hand fall, looking up towards the stained glass windows almost absently. "Of course, at the moment, any information I shared about the location of a 'vessel' would be purely speculation. They do hide themselves so well, do the not?"

[Crimmy]

@Holy Grail@endwaar

PHILIA VON EINZBERN

Interior, Stephansplatz, Vienna

The likelihood of any information obtained from either the Church records or Sister Ortensia being either inaccurate or incomplete was rather high, but as Philia lacked many leads that could be capitalised upon, she deemed that even tenuous intelligence could be of limited use, as long as she were to take into consideration the risks involved in doing so. Although the Church mediators claimed to be neutral in its dealings with participants of the Heaven's Feel ritual, she was aware from both her own experiences and accumulated Einzbern knowledge that the Romans would place their own ambitions first, and if assisting one faction was in their interest, they would be quick to discard any pretense of neutrality. She was aware that magi were little more than heretics to the Church, and the very activation of the ritual was something that they only tolerated it to an extent due to the presence of the Greater Grail.

The Church as a greater entity sought to prevent the misuse of a powerful magical artefact like the Holy Grail by magi, and while she could not certainly assign such a motive to the Sister in front of her, it was something to remain aware of when taking action over the course of the ritual's duration. With only limited resources in her possession, Philia determined that establishing a working relationship with the Church would be of greater benefit to her and Archer's activities. It would at least reduce the chances of conflict breaking out between them.

"What issues?" she asked simply, seeking elaboration from the member of the cloth. While she did not plan on acting out as enforcers of the Church's will, being aware of any situations that the Church sought to resolve was important. A better understanding of the ritual's environment would contribute to their success, and exchanging favours could give her more leads to the Lesser Grail candidate.

It was also possible that the Church's goals could coincide with theirs.

[endwaar]

"Ah, well..." Karen offered the pair a tiny, brief smile, though it seemed as though she were laughing silently at them, rather than being pleased at Philia's answer. "While tolerance of other faiths is very much embraced here in Austria, and rightly so, we have heard tell of a certain... cult. They prey on the populace's reverence for our Holy Lady Mary, and worship some sort of female figure. They are possibly associated with certain... abominations, and the Church has heard tell that they may interfere in the ritual."

She pursed her lips, apparently displeased with this. "Such a thing could not be tolerated, of course. While you are, of course, forbidden from doing any that do not participate in the ritual harm - as I warned the lost lambs before you - you may be able to learn things about them whilst you stay in this lovely city."

The offer was on the table. Now it was up to Philia and Archer to determine whether to accept it or not.

[Crimmy]

@endwaar@Plank Sinatra

PHILIA VON EINZBERN

Interior, Stephansplatz, Vienna

"I will keep that information in mind."

While there had been little elaboration from the Church representative on the specifics of the issue they were facing, Philia determined the offer was one unlikely to conflict with her - the Einzbern's - goals in this irregular ritual, and in fact wondered if the case could possibly be of interest to her as well. She lacked the antipathy possessed by Sister Ortensia towards any heretical actions by a possible cult, but if they were a possible risk factor to the ritual, it was of the utmost importance that she and Archer were aware of their impact, and if necessary, to remove them entirely. Unpredictable elements could not be tolerated if she wanted to save her family.

With consideration of both the advantages and disadvantages to following the Church's lead for the time being, the Einzbern homunculus was willing to lend her and her Servant's assistance. Even if she was still unsure as to the trustworthiness of the sister, a working relationship could still be established, and any knowledge was valuable in enemy territory.

"Where have they been sighted?"

[endwaar]

Karen offered a tiny smile to Philia before her expression drifted back to neutrality. "Well, I am certain that I know very little of the actuality of these claims, but I have heard it said by some that they hold meetings in Hietzing - the 13. District."

She shrugged slightly. "But, little lambs, do be careful. It would be most troublesome if you caused some... difficulties for the ritual by your actions. Those who act carelessly will be dealt with." Her words were utterly serious for the first time since the duo had arrived in the great cathedral. "Now," she tilted her head with an abstract smile, "do the lost lambs seek anything else? Perhaps some spiritual guidance?" This offer was clearly facetious to Philia, given that the nun clearly knew something about the Einzbern clan.

[Crimmy]

@endwaar@Plank Sinatra

PHILIA VON EINZBERN

Interior, Stephansplatz, Vienna

"None is necessary."

The purpose of Philia's visit to the Church had been completed. She had established a working relationship with the Roman Catholic representatives that, while flimsy, had provided her with an opportunity to discover whether or not there was a Lesser Grail candidate present within the city. Maintaining at least a neutral relationship with the ritual overseers was important if she were to act more freely in the Austrian capital. It was one obstacle that could be removed, particularly as the Romans were likely to be a source of trouble if her goals were to oppose theirs.

That however, was something she sought to minimise.

With the Einzberns in such a reduced state, any conflict between her and the Church was unlikely to end in her favour. Thus, she would have to work within the established rules of the ritual if any chance of success was to appear. The warning the Sister had given simply verbalised that understanding.

Philia would have to act carefully when investigating Hietzing.

"Your assistance has been appreciated," she said succinctly, nodding politely at the Sister. "Farewell."

Archer, we will depart.

The homunculus turned and left for the doors, Servant following closely behind.