Griffin has joined the Quiet Alcove.

Miella has joined the Commoner Pews.

Ryhalt has joined the Noble Pews.

Miella is clad in black leggings and brown ankleboots paired with an oversized cream knit sweaterdress. Her hair a wild, curly riot that hangs down to her hips. And a bright red hat that she wears sarcastically tilted to one side. She looks nervous and she fiddles with her sleeves, pushing them up over her elbows. She finds the commoner's pews and has a seat, sticking near to the back and the shadows.

As part of the walking wounded of Arx, Ryhalt shows his support for the efforts in Bastion by arriving at the Cathedral to pray. Though he doesn't have visible wounds, he walks with a slow, ginger stride and takes a seat in one of the pews. He sits there stiffly.

Griffin sidles in to take a seat in the quiet alcove, where he waits.

The Cathedral has been thoroughly prepared for the prayer vigil, and all of its polished grandeur is on display. Incense of roses and cedar linger in air as light bounces off windows and marble floors. It's beautiful, glowing with sanctified art and elaborate fixtures. Near the front stands Archlector Giada of the Thirteenth, but without her mirrormask on for once. She murmurs quietly with a couple of disciples who head off to their posts.

While people filter in, the priestess waits quietly for them to settle.

Giada puts an alabaster jar of perfume in a durable and elegant black snakeskin satchel.

"Welcome." Giada's voice carries easily. "We'll get started now. We know that the battle for Bastion will be met today, and the Faithful know the source of their power. And so we gather to give our requests to the gods, to intercede on behalf of those retaking Bastion. The vigil will progress slowly, with plenty of time for your personal prayers between ones led by Godsworn and Disciples." She lifts her hands palms up to about waist high, and she closes her eyes.

"Gods of our Faith, we call to you again. Hear our prayers. Those who occupy Bastion work without ceasing to further the agenda of the Abyss and those who align themselves with it. Your people march to retake what belongs to them, to you. We pray for your protection and your fervor. Gloria, instill unshakable valor in the hearts of the Compact's warriors."

Ryhalt nods to Giada as she starts. He closes his eyes and prays along with her to Gloria.

Azova has secluded herself in one of the alcoves, kneeling on a prayer mat rather than sitting in the pews. And, though she is not godsworn, the fervency of her faith is evident by her whispered prayers, bowed head, and the clutch of her hand around the pendant she wears around her neck. She is here until the first of the wounded trickle back to Arx from the battlefield. Yes, that might mean days (with breaks), but she is resolute in her desire to pray for their safety.

Quiet and attentive, Aelgar seems to absorb Giada's every word from his seat. The dog has lowered his massive head to the floor and appears to be dozing while the humans do whatever it is they are doing.

Five, a probationary assistant arrives, following Mailys.

Mailys has joined the Commoner Pews.

Griffin bends his head downward. Part to prayer; part in feeling guilty for not helping out in the battle. Just because he was pretty much a pacifist didn't make him not feel guilt. Quite the opposite. But he could pray!

Coming in from the cold, Mailys looks thankful to see her cousin already seated somewhere noticeable. As quietly as she can attempt, the young woman steps over to the pews where Miella sits, greeting her and nearby Udell with a warm smile. After being seated, she whispers to Miella as not to be disruptive and settle her clothing as to ready herself for a personal prayer.

Udell bows his head, his lips moving in silent prayer as his hand moves to clutch the silver skull around his neck.

Miella had been lingering in the shadows, in the back of the commoner pews. She had sunk down, just her head visible as she attempts to turn into a little puddle. At the arrival of Mailys, however, the puddle brightens a little and sits up to receive her whisper and to whisper softly back, keeping conversation quiet enough to not be a distraction.

Evander has joined the Side Alcove.

With a soft exhale to shed the cold, Evander quietly makes his way into the Cathedral, a slightly grim expression decorating his features. He spends a moment scanning the room as he unravels one of his scarves before making his way over to join Azova at a mat, careful to not disturb anyones prayers. He'd lower himself down, resting his hands on his knees as his eyes shut and his head tips forward, silently beginning a prayer of his own.

"Aion the Dreamer," Giada's voice continues as she calls on each god in turn. "We ask that you keep your dreams close to your heart. Preserve those who fight to preserve those same dreams. In the fight against the Reflections, we ask that you keep the truth of things before our eyes and not let it be warped by the presence of the Abyss."

"To Tehom the Nightmare, we give thanks for the wisdom of deep consideration. Remind those at Bastion that the Abyss can be countered by our efforts and those of the gods we claim." The priestess by the altar somehow manages to find a balance between projection and reverentce as she speaks her prayers to the gods. Moving around the chamber are the disciples and Silent Reflections; no light falters under their care, and the gentle swish of robes only adds to the ambiance of the vigil.

The light clinking of armour is heard as Titus enters the cathedral while prayers are being led by Giada. He joins where others are gathered.

Ryhalt continues to follow along with Giada's prayers, putting his faith that they would prevail into his thoughts.

Mailys bows her head lower as Tehom is mentioned, and Giada's words spread over the pews. Her own prayers seem to have caught her attention once more before her head rises to smile in Lord Titus' arrival.

Miella has left the Commoner Pews.

Enzo, a muscular pitbull have been dismissed.

Giada keeps going. "To Petrichor, we implore that you raise your creation to support our cause. Give us the stubbornness of unmovable earth, the indomitable resilience of nature. Give us the audacity of the hunter and the survival instincts of the prey. For you are mighty even in the weakest of your creations."

Titus has joined the Noble Pews.

Giada's hands turn, palms now facing downwards. "Lagoma, Lady of Change, we seek your favour to see Bastion change hands once again. Healer of Healers, give insight to the Mercies, Physicians, and medics that work within the fog of battle. Purify the streets and cathedral with the fierceness of your sacred flame. Allow our commanders and soldiers to be adaptable and quick as the fight rages from wave to wave."

"Mangata, goddess of sky and water, we ask for the strength of the gale winds. Be the evermoving air in our lungs," Giada murmurs as she leads the faithful in prayer. "Refresh our souls and cleanse the mind of taint. We pray that your people strike as a tempest upon your seas, with fury and unstoppable force. Wipe away the poison of the Abyss with flood and thunder."

Ryhalt murmurs something additional after Giada's prayer to Mangata.

"Limerance, we cling to the strength of our Oaths, our Vows on this day of blood." Giada's getting frank now. "The strength of our arm is rooted in the strength of our bent knee. We have given vows to liege, we have spoken oaths before the gods. Remind us of our fidelity. Remind us of our duty. Let us never falter in hearts and minds, for the enemy waits to destroy our dedication."

Once more, Giada turns her palms up. "Jayus, Prince of Stories, we crave your revelations." There's a slight smile in the tone. "Call to our warriors' minds the stories of heroes past, motivate them to create their own legend, and turn their hearts to creative strategy. What they face is beyond understanding, and we pray that your inspiration guides them through the unexpected."

Titus seems to agree with Giada's words, he raps a gloved hand on his breastplate a few times.

"May those who fight find surity, Vellichor, in the wisdom of their training," Giada says, voice lifting again. "Let them recall the footwork, the needlework, the strategies that guide them in excellence. Let them know these things so deeply that every act comes as second nature. Solidify the foundations of their skills that they may find victory."

"Skald, this is a fight that we fight in your name. Slavery seeks to destroy the greatest of your gifts to your children. They seek the obliteration of Choice, and we rise in sharp rebuke." Giada's voice takes on a hint of defiance, her chin parallel to the floor. "Let your people shatter the chains of the Traitor instead. As a key in a lock, as broken shackles in a furnace, destroy their slavery insted."

12 House Velenosa Guards, Ibasia, the Velenosa Lady-in-Waiting, Ellani, the palm sized spider arrive, following Jaenelle.

There is a quiet nod from Aelgar at this passage, although it is subdued and he is otherwise motionless and silent as Giada continues.

Titus has a frown form hearing the prayer to Skald. He says something in agreement with what Giada says though. "Let the Compact's enemies earn a lesson that choice comes with consequence and responsibility to own it, delivered by Skald's children and allies."

Mailys looks pleased to see others join as Giada continues doing a marvellous series of prayers for those gathered. Seated beside Archlector Udell in the commoner pews, she holds onto a sash in her lap as she listens; her prayers seemingly finished for now.

Ryhalt continues to pray silently throughout as Giada leads them. If his face grows a little more pale and he looks increasingly uncomfortable as time goes by he still doesn't break his concentration.

Jaenelle has a fondness for the newly built Cathedral, she got married here after it was completed after all so it holds a special place for her. What better place to go when anxiety overtakes than the place you equate with new hope and strength of forming alliances. The Archduchess moves through the large room on soft steps, not wishing to interrupt anyone's silent prays as she moves towards the front to sit.

Jaenelle has joined the Noble Pews.

"From you, Sentinel, we ask that the weakness of the Abyss be made manifest to those who battle against it." Giada leaves plenty of time after her prayers for those gathered to aid their own prayers be they audible or not. "Show your people how to find and strike mortal blows to the very essence of Corruption. Give them insight and an unrelenting pursuit of that which is holy and right."

Titus adds his dead words to the prayer to the Sentinel, "May the actions taken by all be judged and the rewards of justice break through all attempts to hinder it."

Evander has left the Side Alcove.

"Queen of Endings, we come to you on a field of war," utters Tehom's archlector. "Your presence among us is inescapable. As we strike at the Abyss, there you are; as we rage against slavery, there you are. With eery ended creature, shriveled remnant, and broken weapon, we send you your due, recognising your power." A slight breath is taken. "There are those that will lose their lives, and their souls will return to your care. We beg you for your kindness to these and ask that they return to us soon. Nevertheless, we ask for your blessing. Take those who trespass against the gods, and spare your people."

Griffin adds his prayers to the Queen of Endings. "May they come back on the Wheel's first turning." Is his small, quiet prayer.

Udell dips his head reverently as he intones after Giada's words, "Welcome them into Your care as You have before, until You bless us with their presence again in Your promise of new life."

The prayer to the Queen of Beginnings has Titus bow his head. "May you welcome each of the fallen of the Compact as a long-held friend, and take the sting of leaving comrades momentarily with a smile and a laugh as their stories Vellichor shares of what they did. Let each who die strengthen those who survive."

Coming to the last of the individual gods, Giada begins. "Gild, author of our civilization and gifter of prosperity, we stand against those who stand against you. They would tear down that which you built, bring it all to nothing, break it into rubble. We cannot and will not let this happen. You give us pride in what we are, protecting us with traditions and compassion. Today, the Compact fights for its own. Bless those in Bastion, and show the enemy that what you wrought will not be so easily crushed."

Perhaps one might think that the vigil is over, but there comes more. Giada turns from the Faithful and faces the altar. Aeterna whispering with the movement, the priestess places her hands on the middle of the altar and begins to pray in a language pure and beautiful, the sound of it a warm glow.

"Strength for those who survive," Mailys restated in agreement. Those who spoke before her were better at putting words to shared thoughts. Her head bowed again for a moment to pray to the Queen of Endings once more, listened to Giada speak of Gild, and then watched as the priestess speaks in a language that sounded lovely and meaningful. The sound of which had the young woman's full attention.

Giada's head dips as she prays. "Gods of our hope, surround your people with your grace and mercy. Spare us defeat, because we are fighting for everything that you have taught us. We are your people. Our hearts and homes are found only in our love of you. Your people need you now, and I plead with you all for the salvation of us all."

Titus has a frown come to his skeletal face again with brows knitting together over the blood red eyes. It's concern written on his face.

Giada bends over the altar, hands spreading apart as she touches her brow to the wood. When she rises, she turns back around and looks at Udell. Uh oh. She might be looking to hand off the mic.

Azova has left the Side Alcove.

4 Redoubt Buccaneers, Orion, a healer's surly Assistant, Fernando, the pygmy bear leave, following Azova.

Jaenelle and the gentlemen she sits with hold a quiet convervation on their pew, though the woman also gives her attention towards Giada as she speaks, eyes tracking those who share their own prays afterwards. She does not offer something of her own at the moment though any louder than the words heard from the people closest.

Udell meets Giada's gaze before he rises from his place among the commoners, his light steps carrying him towards the altar after which he smiles warmly to his fellow Archlector. His amber gaze then ranges over the assembled faithful before he clears his throat and begins to speak: "Blessed Giada gives such wonderful entreaties and prayers to the Gods of our faith, and I have seen and heard the prayers of those among you for the well-being of those who fight to retake Bastion. Regardless of their reason for doing so; whether it be for honor, fame, devotion to the faith or duty, or to protect and defend those who are important to them, we pray for them."

Giada doesn't hesitate. Udell now in place, she hoofs it to the side to sit. Praying through the whole Pantheon is an exercise in breath control, and she looks grateful for the opportunity to watch and pray quietly herself.

A gentling smile is given over the crowd as Udell continues, his fingers closing around the silver skull at his throat, "I know that there have been many hardships which have fallen upon the Compact in recent times, I myself have been among a handful of them as have many of you. We not only pray for the fallen of Bastion, and those who fight to reclaim it now, but we also pray for ourselves and each other. For strength and guidance, for wisdom and protection, for cleansing and peace. But most forget the fortitude that lies within each of us when reflecting upon our faith, and it is in this troubling time, and in any which are to come that we are most in need of reminding of this immutable fact."

Utterly informal, Giada crosses her legs just so that she can put her elbow on it and prop up her chin with the palm of her hand. Her olive green eyes are on Udell, watching him and listening with focused attention.

"Let your prayers abide in your words, your deeds, your hearts.", Udell offers almost as a challenge to the throng, "In this, you will draw upon this strength and providing it to others who are lacking. Whether they are silent prayers, or shouted with all force, let them be earnest and in this, we can overcome any obstacle." He smiles over to Giada and dips his head before standing just off to the side, seeming to not wish risking usurping a vigil and turning it into a full-blown sermon.

"Perhaps Blessed Udell would be willing to close us out with a prayer?" Giada prompts with a smile.

Looking as if she were far less stressed than she had when she entered, Mailys continues to listen to Archlector Udell speak of commonality that sends the common pews to rumble softly with agreement. Many commoners continued to nod their heads along with prayers for that wisdom and protection he touched on. From the attentive reception of the Archlector Giada guided prayers to Udell's uplifting finish, the section of the pews generally shared in Mailys' more content expression as a closing prayer drew their attention to Udell once more.

Udell chuckles and nods his head before he looks upward and spreads his hands out, "We ask again that the Gods of our Faith watch over us, not just over those in Arx, or in Bastion, but all of us. May we receive Your gifts and serve You until our time upon the Wheel is done and ever after."

Mailys is overheard praising Giada.

Mailys is overheard praising Udell.

Aelgar is overheard praising Giada.

Giada stands for the final prayer. When Udell is finished, she looks to the gathered. "You may stay and pray as you wish, but the vigil will now focus on personal prayers. May your words find the gods' ears." And then she steps quietly to the side.

Aelgar is overheard praising Udell.

With the benediction and prayer from Udell lifted up on behalf of all, Titus bows his head and then slips out.

Titus has left the Noble Pews.

Aelgar rises and moves from the alcove unobtrusively.