By the hands of Iosta [Nora & Alina]

Although the Iostanity Monastery was of stone, it was full of light, as was the way of Iostanity. When build, it had been made sure that all halls had large windows, placed at the top of the walls so no passerby would be able to view into the Monastery, while still letting all the possible sunlight and clear skies into the grand building. The glass of the windows where placed in mosaic patterns, however none of them were tainted with color, as was the way of Iostanity. It was all clear, it was all one. Made out of limestone, most of the interior building sandblasted and polished to smoothen and lighten the rooms. With no depictions of Iosta hanging on the walls - since such was frowned upon in their religion - there was barely anything else but light. A fool might even have believed it to be empty. But the priests who resided in the monastery were no fools. They understood how the building was full of Iosta, her energy seething through the corridors. A room was never empty in the home of their God. And even on gloomy days where the sun didn't manage to break through the grey clouds with its rays, the rooms still managed to consist of light. Therefore the light must had been coming from within these walls. From the blessing of Iosta.

However, this day was a day with sun and as it shined through the mosaic windows, its rays created patterns of light on the floor of the assembly hall in which the priests were standing. They were all gathered, sitting on rows of chairs, waiting for Nitrius to speak. He was wearing his typical outfit, a suit of white with only hints of light grey tones to add layers - even in Faith, he was a man of style. Slowly, he walked step by step towards the center of the dais, where his speech would take place. He knew to take his time. Patience was a virtue after all.
He stopped by the lectern. Then, he made sure to let his eyes travel across the priests at the front row of the hall, a faint smile on his lips. His eyes rested at Alina, the future High Priest of Iostanity, and he sent a nod her way as a greeting and as a recognition of her being here to observe his work.
Then he started his speech, leaned a tad forward to speak into the microphone.
"My friends," he greeted them all, his voice warm and welcoming, "In you I can always confide, for none know the ways of Iosta as well as you. So I will speak candidly and without reserve."
He straightened his back, not needing to speak into the microphone any further. The room was quiet enough for him to speak freely without it.
"It is my hope that we can all see the light in this dark era." He rested his hand on his chest, over his heart. "As you know, I attributed in my eulogy the crown prince’s tragic death to the work of Tarron. Certainly, it was in keeping with the demon’s vicious image."
He took a few steps to the side, keeping with the rhythm of his speech. "The crown prince was hanged, parted, left to rot," he said, making sure to emphasize each listed description. "That is a death reserved for sinners. And for it to befall a man as celebrated and virtuous as Theodore Armani of Ilomar..."
He stopped, looking across the hall. "What could this be but Tarron’s doing?"
He let this part of his speech echo through the room. Then he started walking back to the lectern, slowly yet again, while continuing: "Never has there been a wider call for the defeat of the Destroyer of Energy and his wicked followers. The people are outraged. They will demand the Nachon Warlocks be brought to heel."
He stopped for a moment as if he was reflecting on his own words before nodding. "Indeed. As cruel as the crown prince’s end might have been, it has brought many to our cause. Those unconvinced by our teachings, heedless of our warnings, see now what demons are capable of when loosed upon our world."
He stopped at the lectern again, resting his hand on its surface. Once again he looked across the hall. His faint smile was that of determination. Of faith in his own sayings.
"Tarron would not have wanted this. He is more cunning than to tip his hand for all to see. No, my friends. This was not, after all, his doing. It was the will of Iosta."
Once again he paused, letting the confused, although enticed, whispers spread throughout the hall. The High Priests claiming that their god was behind such a brutal murder? It was too absurd to be anything but the truth.
He didn't care to lean forward to speak into the microphone. He simply raised his voice, letting the energy of Iosta fill his lunge while preaching his insights.
"Iosta saw Theodore at his core, a perverse man, prone to sin, as many whisper but few know. And she saw fit to redeem him. The crown prince has died a martyr’s death. He made the ultimate sacrifice to serve our mission, to serve Iosta. His Spirit, soiled by temptation and debauchery, has been cleansed."
He raised his arm towards the priests, his voice again filled with warmth: "I say this to you, my friends, for I know you see the greater purpose. The commoners are too shortsighted for the truth, and so it would be wasted on them."
Both his arms were now raised, towards the ceiling, towards the windows where the light shined through.
"Let us rejoice tonight, let us sing praises of Iosta in her infinite wisdom. She has brought us not a great loss, but a great victory."
This being his finishing words, he awaited the applause, knowing it would be full of cheers and praise. With the blessing of Iosta, they know had the opportunity to uplift the good and bring down the evil. As was the way of Iostanity.

It had been one day since the funeral, basically a lifetime in the eyes of media. Anything else would have been old news by now and everyone would have moved on to the next social media trend or a funny cat video. The murder of the crown prince had the opposite effect. It had caused uproar and chaos in the city and probably the whole country. It was blamed on nachons and the hunt for them was top priority among the godia warriors. More than ever before. Who else could have done something horrendous like that? Spawns of Terron. At least that’s what they were made to believe.

They were gathered in the Monastery, waiting in silence for Nitrius to hold a speech. Everything the high priest said was important, but something told them it was even more important today. After everything that had happened to one of their own. Alina didn’t know Theodore personally, but there was several things about him to admire; his influence, cultural value and power among other prestigous things. Things Alina valued most of all. It was truly a shame.

Nora was seated beside her, as she more often than not was. Though Alina didn’t pay her too much attention, she was watching the man in front of them. Taking his time before he spoke into the microphone, no one would dare complain. Not even Alina, who was not the most patient of people. Her mind wandered back to the cermony the other day when the late prince’s widowed wife had burst out sobbing in the middle of her speech. Alina had been the one to help her off stage, pretending to be nothing else but understanding and pitying of her. It was only pretending of course. In reality, she thought it was quite pathetic and embarrassing to show yourself weak in front of a whole cathedral of people. It was sometimes a wonder she managed to keep the act up for these people. But it was a part of her role as upcoming high priestess.

Nirtrius gaze landed on her and gave her a nod of acknowledgement which she returned with a soft smile. He started by relaying the ways Theodore had been slaughtered and left to rot and how all of this could have been nothing else but the work of Tarron. Everyone, including Alina nodded silently in agreement, not to disturb the high priest.

What he said next caused murmurs of confusion, as he seemed to change his mind and the direction of this service.

"Tarron would not have wanted this. He is more cunning than to tip his hand for all to see. No, my friends. This was not, after all, his doing. It was the will of Iosta. Iosta saw Theodore at his core, a perverse man, prone to sin, as many whisper but few know. And she saw fit to redeem him. The crown prince has died a martyr’s death. He made the ultimate sacrifice to serve our mission, to serve Iosta. His Spirit, soiled by temptation and debauchery, has been cleansed.

I say this to you, my friends, for I know you see the greater purpose. The commoners are too shortsighted for the truth, and so it would be wasted on them."

Admittedly even Alina looked confused about this new revelation. The crown prince was killed by Iosta herself because he was tainted with sin? If anyone else had said it, it would have been deemed absolutely crazy and stupid to think. Pro-nachon warlocks propaganda. But Nirtirus had everyones faith, as the one closest to Iosta. For now… They had no choice but to believe it and it did make sense. The rumors about the late prince must have come from somewhere. It had turned even more people against nachons, which would be the last thing Tarron would want for his spawns.

As he called for praise to Iosta and that this was a victory for them, the room gave him a round of ovations. It had been a truly enlightning speech and Alina was pleased where it ended. Afterwards, she stood and approached her mentor, about to thank him for today. It never hurt to show her feet forward.

”Thank you, your highness. That was truly inspiring.”

The mosaic windows of the assembly hall had turned the room kaleidoscopic. The rays of sun lighting up the airy room, splitting colours like a prism. The effect was even greater, given everyone was wearing white. The colour of the Iostanitarian order. Or the Enferi. White to symbolise the purity of Iosta. The Creator. Who had blessed them with light. Blessed them with energy. This light was the physical representation of said energy. Something as pure as a beam of light, as a ray of sunshine. You needed but step into the hall to be confirmed in the presence of the god. Nora had no need of such confirmations. She already knew Iosta was ever present. She had been saved and placed here in the loving midst of Iostas own. She was even seated right next to Alina herself. In the front row of the assembly hall.

She ran a hand over her white robes to smooth them out as she waited for the High Piest to begin his speech, wanting to look her best, most presentable. It was an honour being so close to the high priest himself. Nora didn't mind the time he took getting ready to speak. She adored his presence anyway. And when he had found his place behind the lectern and looked over the front rows of seated enferi, he almost looked at her. Even if he was only acknowledging Alina, it was enough to make her sit up a bit straighter. Then he started speaking, and she was enthralled. His voice was so inviting, so friendly and familiar. It was so clear to hear that he spoke the words of Iosta. So plain to see. Nora was not alone in thinking this. The whole room had quieted. Listening.  

As he started talking about the death of the crown prince Nora shuttered. Even here, trying to act her very best, she could not help herself. She was terrified of the Nachon and of their evil plans. How could they be sure they wouldn't come after the High Priest next? Or Iosta forbid, Alina? The death had truly been the work of evil. What could this be but Tarron’s doing? So of course the Nachons would have to pay! The words of Nitrius yet again echoed in her head, the wicked followers of Tarron. Spawn of evil they were. She clenched her fist as she nodded eagerly. Then he spoke the unimaginable. It was the will of Iosta

The confusion ran through the room, and the silence broke. It couldn't be. Surely? What did he mean by that. Nora looked around confused, hoping to find the answer somehow. Not even Alina seemed to understand what was going on. And yet; as the High Priest once again spoke; this time about the sins of the Crown Prince... There had been rumours. Of course. But Nora had thought them all to be wicked lies. If some of them were true? Had Iosta indeed elected him to die for his sins? Had she cleansed him? If so; what did this mean? Would people finally see the glory of Iosta and turn to her guidance?

A great victory, the High Priest said, and Nora cheered. So did the rest of the room as the applause turned into a standing ovation. What a wonderful man, Nora thought, as the clapping died again, what a true prophet of Iosta. She hung back, keeping near Alina, as the other girl approached the High Priest afterwards. Not daring to speak to the man unless spoken too, she showed her gratitude by nodding eagerly as Alina gave her thanks.

As expected the audience turned into a standing ovation. Nitrius watched as the priests stood up to cheer on the words of Iosta that had gone through him, and he pressed his lips together, keeping his smile at an appropriate degree. The ovation wouldn't stop until he had lowered his arms and so he did - after some time - before thanking the priests and breaking up the gathering. That didn't necessarily mean that the priests left the room. This was a shared space, a place to meet up in the light of Iosta. Some priests did leave, having other tasks to take care of, but most priests simply used this assembly to connect with others, updating each other on tasks and current events, planning future rituals, sharing energy with each other. It was a time of fellowship.
Nitrius didn't partake in such fellowship. He simply watched over them, making sure it was taking place. Such was the duty of the High Priest. He was not on the level of the other Enferis, closer to Iosta than any living man. He could not share his Spirit in such a casual setting. That would be reckless of him. Improper, really.

He only stood by himself for a short period of time. That he had also expected, already prepared to meet whoever wanted to talk to him with warmth and his imperishable focus. To his delight it was Alina who came up to see him. She and the novice Nora, who knew not to dominate the space with her clear admiration of the High Priest.

Alina thanked Nitrius, and he smiled at her, showing full gratitude for her words. "Thank you, Alina. I'm glad it was so," he said,  "I understand the consternation such unanticipated words of mine may bring, but bear in mind I would not have spoken them if I distrusted your ability to comprehend them."
Not taking his eyes off Alina, he took a step towards her to be able to lower his voice. This wasn’t unusual for Nitrius to do – it was a matter of privacy and respect of the secluded conversation. Not even the novice standing beside them were let into the conversation, though she would be able to hear what he was saying as she was standing close enough to do so.
"Please - may I speak to you in private?” he asked Alina, politely, “You and -" He then looked to then novice, turning his upper body towards her to open the conversation to her. He smiled at her, while examining her. "Novice Nora. Yes, that would appease."
This, too, wasn’t unusual for Nitrius, wanting to speak privately with the future High Priest. Alina and he had shared many conversations in his sacristy. There simply were some aspects of Iostanity that only a high priest would understand. However, it was unusual for Nitrius to invite Nora, a novice, along. But there was always reasoning behind his wishes and commands. He needed them both for something he would soon enough explain to them.

It was indeed a surprise to say the least to hear the high priest suggest the Crown prince basically deserved to die because of his sins. It made sense though, didn’t it. All rich and famous have skeletons in their closet. Now she just felt stupid she hadn’t realised sooner, but she fully believed it to be so. Theodore was apparently a little cunt and got what he deserved, by godly powers or not didn’t matter. At least it sent a message to the world and would benefit their cause.

Nitrius asked to speak to her in private as he stepped forward and lowered his voice to not be overhead. She nodded with a polite smile. Of course. Was it really a question though? "It's always enlightening to speak to you, your highness." Alina always found out the most juicy gossip from Nitrius, even if he himself didn't realise it.

Then to her surprise, he turned to Nora and invited her along aswell to their conversation that she had first interpreted as much more exclusive. They often spoke in private about matters that the others simply was too simple minded to understand just yet. Or ever, in her opinion.

Alina glanced at the novice coldy, a sceptical expression on her face. Though it was unclear if either of them noticed. What could he possibly want with her that Alina couldn’t do a thousand times better? There was no arguing with the high priest however, so she didn’t voice these thoughts about how Nora was neither worthy or ready for what he was about to talk to them about. He always had his reasons.

Around them the life of the monetary returned to normal; the buzzing of voices discussing what the High Priest had just talked about, the sound of chairs being moved and so on. But for Nora, everything had taken on an air of abnormality. But it was a peculiarity in the best possible sense. She had been addressed by the High Priest himself. Well, she was radiant, he even knew her name. Of course, he probably knew the name of everyone, he was a smart man, very capable of doing his job. A great leader. No wonder Iosta had chosen him. She straightened a bit at his invite, feeling chosen, blessed. How often did this happen? Never to her that was certain. Was this the best day of her life?

Whatever he could possibly want with her, she was eager to do her best. Intent on not disappointing. Iosta had finally given her a chance to prove herself. She barely noticed the coldness in Alina's eyes when the other girl glanced at her. And if she did, she was quick to dismiss it as a play of the light or something. "I am always at ready to serve Iosta," Was her reply, meaning yes, he could speak to her.