Nox, a kitten black as pitch with star-dappled fur arrives, following Someone wearing a fanciful stygian mirror mask.

Someone wearing a fanciful stygian mirror mask has joined the Polished Reflective Bench Seating.

Ann has joined the The Black Table.

Someone wearing a fanciful stygian mirror maskis a quiet arrival, unobtrusively black, camouflage for the occasion. She takes up a seat at an empty table, followed by a cat that first coils around her leg before leaping into her lap.

It is a cold winter's evening in the city of Arx. Large flakes of snow drift lazily down from the dark sky above to join their brothers and sisters already piled in streets and clinging to the rooftops of the buildings. The steps leading into the Shrine of the Thirteenth have been shoveled free of snow, and the roadway immediately before them is packed hard from the foot traffic of those who have been coming and going from the Shrine today.

Inside of the Shrine, the normal quiet of the Shrine is interrupted by a dull hubbub of conversation between those faces who have already arrived and mill about. Torches line the hall, casting a warm glow upon the rows of benches. The Legate of the Lost stands inside of the entry way, offering smiles and kind words to those as they make their way in.

Cold, so very cold outside and snow, almost endless snow is driving down hard and fast. Venturing reluctantly out into that mess is Lucita. Once she enters the shrine, politely shaking off her cloak and stamping clinging ice off her boots, she heads toward the warmer interior and glances around for a likely spot to sit. On seeing Cassiopeia she leans over and murmurs something to her then takes a seat beside her.

Ryhalt has come to listen and, perhaps, debate. He settles as a seat with the tender care of someone recovering from near-death wounds, evidenced by wildly mottled bruises across his skin.

Even, long-legged steps take Cassiopeia into the shrine with a confident gait. Having shrugged off whatever thick furs she wore in the winter weather, she moves with ease, a gentle expression ever present on her features. This place not unfamiliar to her, she finds a place to sit pretty easily, without much hesitation. A pause to greet those already present with a light curve of her lips. The young southern woman lets her associates, who seem to contrast each other settle in where they chose, both seem unfamiliar with this place. As Cassiopeia settles in, this means arranging the thick velvet fabric of her traditional Arakkoan gown, while fingers lace together and rest gently on her lap. Eyes sparkle with curiosity, though she does take a moment to look over at Savio. Resisting an urge to wave, unsure if waiving is appropriate in these settings, perhaps, she beams a warm smile in his direction. As Lucita approaches and murmurs to her, she turns attention to the other woman and gives her a welcoming smile, gesturing to the open seat next to her.

Raven (Wearing a mirrormask) is seated in the black benches, turned watching people fill the normally sparsely occupied shrine with dark eyebrows lofted above the edge of her mask in mild surprise. She turns around and gives a thumbs up to those at the altar.

Shaking his boots and cloak off, Griffin finds himself a seat, and makes himself ccomfortable.

Even through the blistering weather outside, a loud bellow can be heard. "Fury! Skalds bushy brows! Where t..." the weather drowns out whatever was going to be said next. Just the sound of the evening snow can be heard until the door opens, "Fury, yo..." comes the call from the entry way that abruptly stops as the caller pulls the hood of his white wintery parka from his head. "Well, f me..." is muttered and he gives a sheepish smile and a little wave to those near the door. "Just looking for my dog," Aksel says as he steps into the temple proper and scans the area. "I mean, I'm here for the event. Apparently."

Ann steps into the shrine. Most likely to hear the debate and finger waving to any familiar to her as she goes to find a seat so she she can continue people watching as she settles in to listen.

Alantir Valardin sits alone and at the far end of one of the shrine's many benches. He is completely still -- sans the intermittent rise and fall of his cuirass, suggesting that there is in fact a human (and perhaps even functional lungs) somewhere beneath all of that diamondplate. This subtle motion is all that distinguishes the knight from a stationary and well-maintained armor stand. Why the prince has come is anyone's guess. To learn, perhaps. Or maybe he just wanted to escape the cold.

Savio is here dressed in a more austere fashion than usual, newly minted Disciple that he is. Food and drink were promised at this event and sure enough, near the back of the shrine, there are warm beverages and some refreshments -- nothing incredibly fanciful or ostentatious, but it seems as though the care has been put into the quality of the fare. Simple things done very well. Savio is milling about making sure people know they can get a drink to warm their hands around and something to eat, though he mills his way forward toward the altar. "Hello, hello, everyone." Cassiopeia is fondly handed a cider as he passes her way, with a smile. "Please find somewhere to make yourselves comfortable, we will begin shortly."

Caspian has joined the The Black Table.


In the middle of all the subdued activity... a rarity for this shrine... there is the Altar of the Thirteenth God, an ancient stone thing with a mirrorred surface, large enough for a grown man to lay down. The Silent Reflections line the shrine, standing between the Faithful and anyone trying to touch the mirrors that space themselves down the walls, and Mirrormasks in their mask of office are scattered throughout the area.

Standing beside the altar is a woman in lustrous aeterna, including the tabard of the Archlector of Tehom. Olive green eyes watch from behind a mirrormask that is entirely -too- reflective, returning scattered images with crystaline clarity before a movement shatters them and creates new ones in their place. And for now?

The Voice of Tehom is silent.

Raven (in a mirrormask and Disciple vestments) lifts a hand and waves to Aksel. She doesn't know him but since he seems a lil lost he's beckoned to come join her.

Caspian slowly makes his way in, leaning heavily on a walking stick. He isn't wearing armor, and the white strips of bandages can be seen where his clothes don't block view. he pulls a cloak tight around him and moves toward one of the tables spying Ann and a mirrormask

Caspian looks to savio and gives a bright smile and a big thumbs up

Vayne offers smiles and dips of his head to each person that steps into the Shrine until Aksel makes mention of his missing canine. His eyes shift to study the room before saying, "I am afraid that I have not seen a dog, but if I were you I would ask Savio. He would probably know more than I." Lifting a hand, he points out Savio, just in case Aksel is not aware of who the man is.

Watcher's entrance is quiet, in the sort of way that's habitual rather than intentional, though she does manage to slip in right behind other somewhat late arrivals, and once inside, she picks out more or less the nearest empty seat to occupy. The red haired woman's expression is mostly neutral. Mostly. She doesn't look entirely comfortable.

3 Armed Confessors arrives, following Insaya.

Savio looks slightly perplexed on the matter of the missing pet, but promises, "We will keep an eye out," with a nod at Vayne as though to suggest they're all good to proceed, the dog situation is handled. For a certain value of handled.

Raven, Having invited Aksel on over to join her, Ann, and Caspian turns and frowns gently with some concerns Caspian eases into a seat.

"He'll turn up," Aksel says with a shrug of his broad shoulders, causing a little bit of snow to fall off of it. "He always does." He nods solemnly at the before typing his head to both Vayne and Savio before making his way to the offered seat by Raven pulling the bulky parka up over his head and turn inside out to sit upon. No sore ass for this Northman.

Lucita says, "The older I get, the colder these winters seem instead of getting used to them. And I am not all that old, not yet." She says as she speaks to Cassiopeia. To the other seated on the bench she says. "Hello, I'm Baroness-regent Lucita Saik should we not have met before, or if simple time passage or being amid thick crowds makes one's name difficult to recall."

Aksel has joined the The Black Table.

Griffin has joined the The Black Table.

Someone wearing a fanciful stygian mirror maskshifts her seat to people she knows, once she has a grasp of the room. As unobstrusively as she can go, , touching Caspian lightly on the shoulder in greeting before she sits.

Someone wearing a fanciful stygian mirror mask has left the Polished Reflective Bench Seating.

Someone wearing a fanciful stygian mirror mask has joined the The Black Table.

Ann has left the The Black Table.

2 Armed Confessors have been dismissed.

Angwyn the otter have been dismissed.

Mordred have been dismissed.

Abner have been dismissed.

Insaya has joined the The Black Table.

hen the appointed time has arisen for his address, Vayne makes his way forward from his pew toward the altar at the forefront of the room. Adorned in the robes bearing the sigils of his position within the Faith, the Legate of the Lost carries himself with a solemn sort of dignity, his long raven hair worn straight as a string and brushed to lay neatly upon his chest and down his back.

Once at the altar, Vayne turns to regard those who have come to participate in the occasion and fixes them with a smile. “Good evening, friends. Please allow me the pleasure of welcoming all of you to the debate hosted by the Mirrormasks of Arx for what is sure to be a delightful evening of discourse. If tonight goes as well as I hope it to, perhaps this will be the first of many such occasions to come.”

|[“Before we begin, I wished to say a few words in honor and as a reminder of the sanctity of Limerance,” Vayne says, gesturing to a tall Silent Reflection standing near the wall left of the altar, the indicated individual moving forward with a portfolio which is passed to the Legate. Opening it, Vayne begins to read...

|[“’... and so the four knelt to King Alar of House Grayson, with Queen Sugan of the West kneeling first, followed by Queen Valeria Redrain of the North, then Grand Duchess of the New Lyceum Procella Pravus, and finally King Aposyr Thrax of the Mourning Isles. And each then spoke as follows: 'Before the gods, I swear my life, my house, and my sacred honor to our Compact. I swear that when the Compact calls me to war, I will answer. I name Alar of House Grayson my king, and swear my leal service to him.' And thusly, the Compact was born and the five kingdoms made one. For the four had made oaths before the gods, and to break that was unthinkable.’”

|[Vayne reads loudly and clearly before lifting his eyes from the parchment before him and addressing the gathered, “These are the words written by Dominus Tin in his recollection of the formation of the Compact. It is Limerance that joins us together, ally to ally from the furthest northern barony to the southernmost March of the Saffron Isles. Let us not forget the foundations upon which our forefathers knelt to give to us what we have...” With that, he lifts a hand and gestures for Archlector Giada to come forward.



When the appointed time has arisen for his address, Vayne makes his way forward from his pew toward the altar at the forefront of the room. Adorned in the robes bearing the sigils of his position within the Faith, the Legate of the Lost carries himself with a solemn sort of dignity, his long raven hair worn straight as a string and brushed to lay neatly upon his chest and down his back.

Once at the altar, Vayne turns to regard those who have come to participate in the occasion and fixes them with a smile. “Good evening, friends. Please allow me the pleasure of welcoming all of you to the debate hosted by the Mirrormasks of Arx for what is sure to be a delightful evening of discourse. If tonight goes as well as I hope it to, perhaps this will be the first of many such occasions to come.”

“Before we begin, I wished to say a few words in honor and as a reminder of the sanctity of Limerance,” Vayne says, gesturing to a tall Silent Reflection standing near the wall left of the altar, the indicated individual moving forward with a portfolio which is passed to the Legate. Opening it, Vayne begins to read...

“’... and so the four knelt to King Alar of House Grayson, with Queen Sugan of the West kneeling first, followed by Queen Valeria Redrain of the North, then Grand Duchess of the New Lyceum Procella Pravus, and finally King Aposyr Thrax of the Mourning Isles. And each then spoke as follows: 'Before the gods, I swear my life, my house, and my sacred honor to our Compact. I swear that when the Compact calls me to war, I will answer. I name Alar of House Grayson my king, and swear my leal service to him.' And thusly, the Compact was born and the five kingdoms made one. For the four had made oaths before the gods, and to break that was unthinkable.’”

Vayne reads loudly and clearly before lifting his eyes from the parchment before him and addressing the gathered, “These are the words written by Dominus Tin in his recollection of the formation of the Compact. It is Limerance that joins us together, ally to ally from the furthest northern barony to the southernmost March of the Saffron Isles. Let us not forget the foundations upon which our forefathers knelt to give to us what we have...” With that, he lifts a hand and gestures for Archlector Giada to come forward.

Insaya has a brief dancing eyebrow exchange with Raven before snagging a seat at the Black Table. The corner of her lips twitch up and she breathes her greeting to various and sundry, crossing her arms over her chest as the Archlector speaks.

Lucita has left the Perfectly Balanced Bench Seating.

1 Saik Guard have been dismissed.

Micana, an efficient assistant have been dismissed.

"Oaths are the foundation of our Compact, our lives, and -- our debate this evening," Savio follows up Legate Vayne's words, framing them in context of the event. "Not to be taken lightly, but in all things, to be taken in examination and in reflection. Archlector Giada will lead us in a prayer, I will explain the rules, and we will begin."

Watcher crosses her arms over her chest as she listens, legs stretched out and crossed at the ankles in front of her. Now that things have begun, any hint of discomfort has melded into her otherwise neutral demeanor.

With fingers wrapped around the mug of hot cider, Cassiopeia looks like she can never quite get warm. Her attention is rapt, focused between the three at the front, though admittedly she smiles every time Savio speaks. There is no doubt some level of curiosity about the debate, but for the time being she is quiet, save for the occasional hushed words shared with those present at the bench she's situated at.

Lucita has joined the Perfectly Balanced Bench Seating.

Raven is chatting with those seared nearby. She spots Cassiopeia and offers a polite wave then turns around and spots Ryhalt. She offers a polite wave to him where he sits all by himself.

Caspian looks to Vayne as he speak, sand nods along with the words of the original oath of the compact. Then as Savio speaks, he looks to the man with nothing but pride on his face. he looks over to those at the table, points at Savio and in a whisper that really wasn't a whisper, pointed and muttered, "Thats my patron" the pride in his voice was palpable.

Someone wearing a fanciful stygian mirror maskplaces her elbow on the table and her palm bends, establishing a pedestal for her pointed chin, with her fingers crooking like a cage over herr lips. She appears attentive to the legate.

Lucita spots Raven waving and since she is sitting beside Cassiopeia, just smiles and waves back. She remains silent as she listens to those speaking.

Ryhalt returns Raven's wave with a brief smile and incline of his head, but doesn't speak lest he interrupt Giada's prayer.

Ann ahs when Caspian says that. She has heard Caspian talk about the man. Otherwise, she's quiet and listening.

2 Armed Confessors have been dismissed.

Angwyn the otter have been dismissed.

Mordred have been dismissed.

Abner have been dismissed.

Raven's face is partially concealed by a mirrormask and she's wearing disciple vestments but the accessories she wears. She too bows her head as she awaits Giada's prayer.

2 Armed Confessors have been dismissed.

Angwyn the otter have been dismissed.

Mordred have been dismissed.

Abner have been dismissed.

And finally, the masked woman beside the altar moves. When Vayne gestures and Savio introduces, Giada steps forward to greet the Faithful, her voice carrying easily despite the stygian mirrormask bound across her features. "Good evening." An unseeable smile colours those words. "If you would, let us prostrate our hearts before the gods."

She gives those gathered a chance to shift directions and focus. She turns to face the altar, hands lifting with the palms held upwards towards the shadow shrouded ceiling above. "Lord Tehom, Dark Reflection, Thirteenth God -- Your children have gathered in your shrine to honour you. It is you who prompts us to face that which we fear, who whispers to us the value of questions, who inspires us to venerate the space for doubt. In this space, we find the completion of our highest hopes. We test our values as if in a crucible, refining our hearts and souls constantly to walk with faith no matter the darkness. And it is you who teaches us how to face that darkness: boldly and wisely, turning neither from one or the other but discovering the truths that exist within the arcs of a pendulum."

"For your gifts, we thank you. In your name, we praise you. Dwell among us tonight, Lord Tehom, and inspire us to seek Balance in all our ways." The hands spread apart as her prayer ends, and she bends forward at the waist to 'kiss' the centre in reverence. Rising again, she motions silently to Savio... and slips back into the background. Just watching behind that unnaturally reflective mask.

Insaya mutters, "Heart doesn't have ... ... to fall on, but ... just ... to ... know... ... ... ask ... ... ... ... all ... time."

Caspian bows his head at the prayer, then shoots a sideling glance to insaya after and smirks for just a second. he looked to Savio then, eagerly awaiting what was next.

Savio's head is bowed respectfully through the prayer, and only after its conclusion does he step forward! "The premise of our debate is this:

'It is moral to break an oath if doing so would prevent a greater evil.'

We will take two volunteers, drawn at random. The first person will flip a coin: Heads, you argue for the premise. Tails, you argue against the premise. Your partner will take the opposite position. This may not be your personal view, but in the spirit of the Thirteenth, this random assignment is intentional. You will have three turns to make your case. (ooc, 3 poses). After your three turns, the audience will vote to determine the winner, to see who has made the most compelling case in the debate. Comments from the audience during the debate are allowed when they are invited by one of the moderators," he gestures at himself, Giada, and Vayne, "-- but remember, you are only judging the arguments of the two main debaters."

Savio pauses there to ask, "Any questions?" A hint of amusement. "If there are no volunteers, I'll have to debate." It's a THREAT.

Lucita respectfully prays, paying heed to the words spoken. Her smile fades into a neutral expression one sees when one is meditating or thinking hard. A little shake of the head seems to indicate she is declining to debate.

Caspian has joined the line.

Griffin keeps head bowed for the entire opening prayer, and then look up.

Ravenpre path;amds orthodox and tehom

Aksel has joined the line.

Ryhalt chuckles with quiet amusement as Savio announces the structure of the debate, but nods at the cleverness.

Ann doesn't volunteer yet but looks up and over when her tablemates do. An interest look to her features.

Aksel lowers his head as the prayer begins his lips moving silently as he offers his own prayer. He raises his hand as there is a call for volunteers, before whispering quietly at the table. It may be that he has no idea what he's gotten himself into.

Ryhalt has joined the line.

Insaya has joined the line.

Legate Vayne bows his head along with the others as the Archlector begins to pray. Once finished, he makes his way around to where Watcher reclines and takes a seat near her, smiling as Savio introduces the topic for the evening, then watching as hands begin to rise.

Aisha arrives late, and in an obvious rush. She quiets as she enters the shrine, however, and pauses near the door as the prayer is said, spreading her hands and dipping her head when the prayer has concluded. As Savio states the rules, she approaches a bench and quietly takes a seat on it, and sheds her warm and fluffy coat. As it slides over her shoulders, it reveals bright, sunny silks, like a crocus emerging from snow. She perks up as Savio finishes explaining, and a newly-focused look solidifies in her eyes.

Aisha has joined the line.

Raven looks around and a broad, pleased smile splits her features as she sees hands go up.

Watcher tips her head toward Vayne as he approaches, her expression unreadable, though her eyebrows twitch upward when he takes a seat. Her lips move slightly, but whatever she says is far too quiet to be heard.

Sydney enters the Shrine quietly, with a good bit of her typical swagger shaved off from its normal. She's not exactly limping, but she's moving stiffly. The bandages there seem to be a giveaway as to why. She sucks briefly on her teeth as she determines where to sit, swaying her head about for familiar faces. Her features briefly lighten and she approaches The Black Table, pulling up a seat and wincing down into it.

Sydney has joined the The Black Table.

Aisha has rolled 1 50-sided dice: 45

Insaya has rolled 1 50-sided dice: 3

Caspian has rolled 1 50-sided dice: 4

Aksel has rolled 1 50-sided dice: 16

Ryhalt has rolled 1 50-sided dice: 50

Aisha has joined the Perfectly Balanced Bench Seating.

Vayne blinks in surprise as Watcher murmurs so quietly that even he can't hear what is said. His brows perform a similar sort of twitch up before he addresses her again.

Insaya walks behind the hobbling champion, hands up, ostensibly to make sure he doesn't fall on anyone. Of course if he falls on her, she'll be the one crushed. That would be sad-- for her. Probably. "Take it easy there, handsome. You're only a few hours out from sponge baths and dribbling soup on your chin." The Senior Inquisitor glances toward Aksel, and says, "Do you usually tilt when you should withdraw?"

Someone wearing an artful and unnaturally reflective stygian mirrormask looks at Insaya from behind her mask.

Insaya has left the The Black Table.

Mirrormasks pass a basket around to the participants who wish to debate, allowing each to draw a slip of paper: upon each is written, THE LOWEST SPEAK BEFORE THE HIGHEST, and a number.

As each is drawn, they do report each to the room, allowing a bit of tension when there's a THREE and maybe a sympathetic laugh or two for the Fifty.

In the end, all the results are in, and Savio raises his brows. "Our speakers tonight will be Insaya Bergere and Aksel Nygard. Messere Insaya, please begin --" One of the helpful mirrormasks is handing her a coin. "Flip the coin, and that will determine the position you take. HEADS you will support the premise. TAILS you will argue against it."

The line has been dismissed by Savio.

Insaya flips a coin and it lands on heads.

Oriana, the girl behind a mask at the black table who is not Raven, Hms. "Poor sod, stumbles in looking for his dog, and set such a task as that." Her lips almost form a smile behind the cage. Oh! But apparently she had it wrong.

"I'm still alive, Inquistor," Aksel says getting up from the table, "Though, usually I don't use words when it comes to a debate." The Sword moves towards to listen to Savio and the instructions. "Wait.. you want me to what??" His green gold flecked eyes widen and he puffs out his cheeks as he tries to decide how to tackle this one.

Aksel has left the The Black Table.

Insaya clears her throat, "Is this a timed exercise, or simply speak and be answered?"

Ann chuckles as she listens and watches her surroundings. The debate hasn't even started yes and she's already finding humor in something or another.

Raven (In a mirrormask) smiles broadly, "Ooooooooooo, I didn't think we'd be arbitrarily assigning positions. Excellent!"

Savio casts a slightly amused look toward Aksel and does note, "You may decline and pass the role to another, if you wish. Do you accept?" To Insaya, "You will each have a chance to make three statements -- an opening, a middle, and a close."

Aisha looks disappointed at the high number she had drawn, but soon all that matters is the debate at hand, and what can be learned from it. Closing her eyes in a quick additional prayer, she then scoots toward the edge of her seat and watches Insaya and Aksel with great interest.

"If you are looking for a spirited debate of the highest caliber, you're asking the wrong fucking man." Aksel replies to Savio, "But I don't back down from anything, so.. We'll see what the abyss I can up with, yeah?"

Someone wearing an artful and unnaturally reflective stygian mirrormask makes a sound when Aksel speaks that sounds very much like she just choked on a laugh.

\\"Your willingness to engage is a credit to you." Savio quirks a smile at Aksel. "And an honor to the tenets of this Shrine. Messere Insaya: Yours is the opening position, and you may step up to the altar and begin when you are ready."

Both brows lift, and he looks out at the audience. "Think lively, onlookers. You will be asked for your input, after both speakers make opening remarks, and you will need to determine the debate's winner at the end."


Raven (Masked) offers a beaming thumbs up, sitting up strait. She turns again to admire the crowd.

Savio does note as well, while Insaya prepares her thoughts, "I encourage those of you in quiet communication with one another to debate the matter among yourselves, as well. There is some nuance to be explored here, and if one side seems the easier case to make, why is that?"

Cassiopeia has left the Perfectly Balanced Bench Seating.

6 Arakkoan Free Guards have been dismissed.

Flopio, a soft grey rabbit with huge floppy ears and wild hair have been dismissed.

Councilor Aresea, a perspicacious and persnickety Quartheen woman have been dismissed.

Hyde Letterman, a soft-spoken and mild-mannered Arvani gentleman have been dismissed.

Cassiopeia has joined the Perfectly Balanced Bench Seating.

Cassiopeia has left the Perfectly Balanced Bench Seating.

Cassiopeia has joined the Perfectly Balanced Bench Seating.

Someone wearing an artful and unnaturally reflective stygian mirrormask checks composure at hard. Someone wearing an artful and unnaturally reflective stygian mirrormask is successful.

Lucita has left the Perfectly Balanced Bench Seating.

1 Saik Guard, Micana, an efficient assistant leave, following Lucita.

While she might not be the one leading this circus, Giada remains beside the altar to watch. Green eyes move from face to face, growing softer and warmer with each person she sees. Those watching closely might see something akin to -emotionality- there, but that's surely just a trick of the light. Perhaps the best way to avoid drawing any attention is merely to remain quiet and unobtrusive. Hands switch to face palm up and her head bows for a few moments as if in prayer.

Insaya nods and lifts her chin. Being first, going first is like dropping down a hole into darkness, and she looks very small, standing there with a suddenly very dry throat. "A promise is a promise. That is what we are taught as children, and that a moral person honors their commitment. It should be simple, right? Keep your word, you're the good guy, or break it to your peril, and no one can ever trust your word. But we don't live in a simple world. We're not simple beings. Even right and wrong are not SIMPLE."

Insaya says, "As moral people we cannot conduct our lives as though we live in a world of absolutes. It is important that when we swear, for example using Archlector Vayne's example of going to war, to answer our liegelord's summons when he calls that there be that provision? in the case that person turns out not to be serving right or good. Look at the Isles right now. Whatever you want to call Thralldom, thralldom passed heriditarily is slavery, plain and simple. It is better to break your oath to a man, and do your penance to Limerance, than to sully your soul by serving the cause of the Reflection of First Choice. Nothing that is absolute, that leaves no provision for changes in circumstances can be just.""

Savio does not voice any particular comments for or against Insaya's opening volley, only dips his head in gratitude and acknowledgement for it. Then attention turns next to the other side of the debate. "Messere Aksel, we invite your opposing response."

Aksel steps forward, rubbing at his face. He kind of slouches, a bit, but before drawing in a breath and letting it out slowly. "I assume you are talking about Oaths, and not vows, so here we go." He speaks in a normal voice, but some how it carries. "Our Oaths are what binds us. It is the corner stone and tenant of the compact. It is the cornerstone of our faith isn't it? Our oaths to the gods? Of the priests and the disciples of even the layperson." As he speaks his stands a little taller, his green gold flecked eyes scanning the room. He's used to speaking to soldiers, not in front of a room full of people such as this, but still he doesn't falter. "This question is crap, but for the sake of it, my stance is that breaking your oath reduces you to nothing more then the very "evil"" Yes, he totally did air quotes. Even as he moves as he talks, no movement seems to be wasted. "If we cannot find a way to remain true to the oaths that we willing choose to follow and made, then we might as well break this compact down and throw away the beliefs in the gods and give up any fight. And while you all do that, I will be sitting on the walls of Stonedeep with Stone's Remorse daring any and every one of you to come make me break my oaths as Sword."

Aisha glances over at something said at her bench, and briefly watches Lucita as she rises to leave. Soon enough, however, her attention is back up front. She nods along to a couple of points, and then catches herself doing so, and looks conflicted.

Just as with Insaya, Savio offers no particular commentary on Aksel's words -- though in this case, he fails to hide some amusement for THIS QUESTION IS CRAP. He looks next to the audience. "Gentle onlookers, now is your time. If you would like to speak to the matter, and perhaps to provide some thoughts for, or against, or toward nuance, speak your mind."

Raven's eyebrows knit and she chimes in wonders, "Wait-What's the difference between Oaths and Vows? They serve the same purpose don't they?"

Ryhalt listens to each Insaya and Aksel as they make their opening arguments.

The not-Raven masked woman says, in a refined accent of warm, southern climate, "I might think a vow is to an idea, an oath to an entity? Nevertheless, as impressed as I am by our first speaker's effort I must ask-- what is the use of any oath if the oath giver may be deemed judge of when to break it? Otherwise, when one asks for an oath, one would simply be asking someone to do what is agreeable to one to do. So why make an oath at all."

Ann has been listening and gave small applause for both debaters. She turns to look at Raven when she makes that inquiry. A glance more for Aksel. But in general she's processing what she just listened to from both parties so far.

Caspian looks between the two debaters, clapping his hands and smiling. "well argued, both of you!"

Raven (masked) purses her lips, "Cause you're asking for something and it's crass to ask for something without offering something in turn? It's currency of faith?"

Taking a long sip of the hot cider, she shifts it around in her clasped hands, holding it there as she listens to both present their arguments. There is a moment where her brows lift upwards, but she doesn't speak any opinion. Rather she seems content to listen, to consider that of others, there is a lack of judgement in her expression, merely curiosity, trying to be part of an environment that encourages others to speak. When there is a pause, she wiggles her fingers at Savio, sharing an expression that shows an interested and captivated audience.

"And what of Oaths made to those who betray their Oaths?"

Giada's voice finally rises again, carrying calmly to the others.

Calling out from where he sits near Watcher, Legate Vayne says toward the two debating, "What of Oaths sworn at the point of a sword? For example, when one enemy conquers another and oaths of fealty are sworn... Neither the person swearing the oath does so willingly, and the person receiving them is unlikely to accept them as genuine or truthful. What of these?"

Sydney looks thoughtful, drumming her fingertips against her cheek. "...There are exceptions to near every rule. An Oath is one's very honor. Going against it, one must be willing to make such a sacrifice. Not something to be done lightly."

Someone wearing an artful and unnaturally reflective stygian mirrormask nods at Sydney, a subtle thing.

"The only way an oath has any meaning is if the one making it -could- choose to break it at any time," Aisha says, quietly. "Certainly, there are many things which work upon a person so that they -will- keep their oaths -- but in the end, it is a bond entered to willingly, not a collar that is bestowed on someone by another."

Raven says, "The faith says choice is sacred-that one must not be bound by any choice or commitment they cannot break, no?"

Savio holds up a hand (his left, his right side seems messed up by some sort of injury, motion hindered) to forestall further contributions from the onlookers, then turns a smile to Insaya. "The floor is yours again, Inquisitor."

Someone wearing a fanciful stygian mirror mask says, "/Can/ Break and /should/ break are different."

Considering Giada's question, Cassiopeia shifts slightly canting her head to the side, without poking anyone near by. "Well, do two wrongs make a right?," she doesn't quite answer the question, rather she poses one in return, that is more a statement than anything, though she seems uncommitted to it, either way. Rather, Cassiopeia is merely enjoying a bit of banter, tossing the ball in someone else's direction.

Watcher is quiet, though she's clearly listening, and there's a brief arch of her eyebrows when Vayne speaks up.

Of course, right when she says that, the Legate and First Reflection would bring up such troubling circumstances surrounding oaths! Aisha's lips press together wrily. She nods to Raven, and then quiets to listen to the chosen debaters again.

Insaya says, "Its one thing to make a promise intending to wiggle out of it, which seems to be what you are getting at? and choosing to break a solemn oath you have made, fully intending to honor it, because you would do more harm to others in keeping your word than in breaking it."

Insaya says, "No one (okay, not no one, this is Arx and I just cannot with some city people abusing the concept) makes an Oath before Limerance lightly precisely BECAUSE of the dire weight, and the equally great responsibility of weighing the consequences of breaking that oath for the greater good. Our ultimate goal is to create more good than bad in the world around us."

Insaya says, "Each of us in making oaths, solemn vows, has to be the immediate judge of the outcome of those consequences, to ourselves and to others, and act accordingly. Say I've sworn two oaths that come into conflict. Must I not choose which one to keep and which to break? Those choices define not just my trustworthiness, but who I am. And I would be happy to shoulder the reputation on untrustworthiness, or dishonor, if it meant that innocent lives can be spared by falling on that sword."

Savio dips his head to Insaya and invites Aksel next. "Sword of Stonedeep, you have the floor."

"The Inquistor brings up a valid point, flawed, but valid. To break your oath to a man (or woman), is in doing so breaking the oath to the gods. Is taking what we hold so dear as a principle of our society and tossing it aside?" Aksel shrugs his broad shoulders, "Doesn't that make you just the same as the evil that you sought to prevent?" He purses his lips and looks towards Giada and considers her words a moment. Before looking back to Insaya.

"If one is throwing oaths around, making them without care or consideration then they need to have there head slapped and examined. Oaths are our promise that we will do better. It's our promise that we will not enter into something without thought. Our Oaths, seperate us from that damned Horned Asshat and everything else that threatens us."

He purses his lips and looks to Giada, "I do not know how to answer your inquiry. Is it really an Oath if you are forced with death? It's..." his brows furrow and he shakes his head as his features darken a bit. He shakes his head and that storm cloud has passed, "I'll think about that one some more."

Caspian has left the The Black Table.

Savio has another smile to stifle at Horned Asshat, but nods, and looks to the audience. "Gentle onlookers, I invite your comments one last time, while our volunteers -- who are both deserving of your praise, regardless of outcome -- prepare their closing remarks."

Vayne is overheard praising Aksel: A fine debate participant for the first Mirrormask Debate!

Vayne is overheard praising Insaya: A fine debate participant for the first Mirrormask Debate!

Raven is overheard praising Savio: So glad he's joined the fold.

Raven says, "To have an oath or vow you cannot break is to be bound. There must always be choice-it is a complex crazy world we live in and Skald is so important to remember that we may unshackle outselves-but the reasons-and the consequences-matter. There are consequences for Keeping and for breaking-only the person suffering that and those impacted by that-and the gods of course-may judge."

Watcher lifts a hand - she's not really raising it, as if this were a class, it's more a gesture of intent that she immediately drops - "I'd point out that the Horned Asshat," There's a look on her face that suggests she doesn't enjoy saying the term, "or, rather, his father, had many oaths sworn to them. A'kioh was a king. His subjects came under the influence of Skald's reflection when he willingly swore himself to it, and most of them *did* fall as well. Those who didn't, those we praise, those who hid themselves away? All oathbreakers, every single one. Weren't they?"

Ann has no questions at this time. again. Taking it all in and she lowers her head to talk to her table mates for a quick moment. Only to quiet when Raven speaks up.

Ann has joined the The Black Table.

"An oath must be freely given or else it's more like a bargain, and not even quite that," the masked girl with the southern accent opines. "Yes, one can choose to die instead, and some do. But life itself is an oath we make to our families-- to be there to protect and serve them. In death we seldon do that well. So, I do not think an oath made on threat of death, or threat of anything, is truly an Oath." She adds after a moment, "All broken oaths must have consequence, or else the oath is meaningless. One may break an oath, and one may do so for some moral or ethical reason. But it must have consequence. Well done, both."

From his position near Watcher, Legate Vayne's brows lift in surprise as the woman speaks out to the group, though her comment is digested with some honest introspection from the man. He doesn't voice anything else to the two at the altar, and rather considers the input from the others about the room, nodding here and there.

Aisha finds herself nodding to various things that Insaya says, and looks -really- conflicted about doing so. Yet she nods to what Raven says, as well, and tilts her head curiously at Watcher. In the end, however, she also nods firmly to the words of the woman in the reflective mask, spoken in an accent that is so much like her own.

"But, what of your oaths? Are they to show everyone, or are they between your god, or the person you made the vow to, and you? This is too much like a fashion show." Griffin shakes his head. "Shouldn't it be something that you decide for you - including when it is better to break it? What should you care if so and so watches you keep your promise, instead of what an oath should be - private." Something is still whirling about in his brain, refusing to pinpoint what his argument should be.

Watcher adds, in contrast, "an oath made in private is an oath that no one else knows about. Oaths are sworn in public for a reason."

Savio holds up his left hand one more time, though it doesn't seem to be a tremendous problem if a few comments are still wrapping up. "Inquisitor, we invite you to speak your final conclusion."

Letting her gaze sweep the room, it's a unique place, unlike any other and she cannot help but take interest in everything. The people there, too. While she never stares, she takes in each expression and when someone is speaking, she is considering them and their words. Fingers curled around the cup of cider, she takes a sip, looking into it like there isn't as much left as she'd expect. Canting her head to the side, she takes in a small breath, curious to see how this particular debate will end.

Insaya says, "Slapping and examining?? Oooh, you're fun. They'd enjoy you at work," Insaya says to Aksel, pertly. "You must believe then, that the gods do not mean or intend for us to make difficult choices for the purposes of testing our mettle, then. That's interesting. Simplistic, but interesting. What if the POINT, and the intention is to STRENGTHEN us by making our morality supple, and nuanced, and complex rather than rote obedience.

Insaya says, "Look, at its root, its all fine and good to try and simplify your intentions by saying, 'I will always behave in a certain way given this circumstance.' We LIKE simplicity. It's an admirable thing to strive for, but you can't throw away your goodness mindlessly for its sake. We have to look at the outcomes to know the good and evil of our choices. We can't see the future, so we have to assume the Gods want us to think, weigh, and judge, to be discerning and to question. And to be FLEXIBLE.""

Someone wearing a fanciful stygian mirror maskactually unseats her chin from her hand when Insaya retorts. She sits back, folding her arms, her chin aloft in space.

They'd enjoy you at work! "Inquisitor," Savio replies in a tone that he can't prevent from being wryly amused. Attention turns to Aksel next, and a nod of Savio's head. "Sword of Stonedeep, please bring us your final remarks."

Insaya puts a stiff leather badge affixed to a chain necklace in leather satchel with a comfortable strap.

Insaya gets a set of forceps with filed teeth from leather satchel with a comfortable strap.

Insaya gets a dark ampule of hungry leeches from leather satchel with a comfortable strap.

Insaya puts a set of forceps with filed teeth and a dark ampule of hungry leeches in leather satchel with a comfortable strap.

Aksel eyes narrow as a bit as he studies the masked girl with a Southern accent a moment, "It is still an oath. It still binds them. The choice made to survive, even if choice was taken away. It still binds." It's spoken quickly and in a blink he's jumping into his concluding thoughts.

"As I stated this is a crap question. A thought exercise that doesn't spark debate, but derision. But, I still stand by my statement, to break an Oath we are no better then the evil that we seek to defeat. Oaths and vows are different. Oaths are public, when I swore to protect Stonedeep it was done in the presence of my liege, Duchess Nadia Nightgold and the Seraph of Nightgold and a host of other people whom I forget. I have made hard choices. I've killed more men then I can count. Life is hard. We've seen things that test us. But we stand strong don't we? We stand strong because of oaths and values. To toss that aside we might as well pack our bags and travel the country side as abandoned."

Insaya is overheard praising Aksel: Its hard to argue the unpopular dissent.

As has been typical this entire time, Savio does not offer his own commentary for Aksel's closing remarks, but nods his head to thank him. Then attention turns to the Audience! "The time has come to cast your votes: in keeping with the spirit of the debate, this is not a time to vote with your personal opinions or based on the personal opinions of our volunteers. Cast your vote for the argument that you feel to be the most reasoned and well-considered, or perhaps for the one that made you see something in a different light than you did before."

Mirrormasks begin to circulate to hand out voting slips and collect them in a basket!

Aisha shakes her head at Aksel's assessment of the question he'd been chosen to argue about, but she listens politely, and from the way she nods and her expression smooths more serenely as she does, she sees merit in his stance.

Raven's eyebrows loft upwards, peeking out from behind her mask, "Goodness. I've never...well. I've /rarely/ seen someone get so angry over a question."

Ryhalt listens to the closing arguments with a slight furrow in his brow. He smiles to the Mirrormask that hands him a slip and marks his vote within it before handing it back.

Aksel is overheard praising Insaya: I don't know half of the words I have spoke or if I believe. Let's get drunk sometime.

Ann nods at the mirrormask when it comes her way and she drops her slip in once she's made a decision.

Aksel has a whispered conversation with Insaya. It's jovial and he even cracks a smile at something she says before responding back quickly.

Slender fingers reach for a little piece of paper as baskets circulate, she holds it open, blank and looks upon the unwritten surface. Lips press together, her face shows signs of concentration, seeming to take the process of selection, seriously. Cassiopeia's empty mug sits next to her, while she uses a little piece of charcoal to make her selection on the surface. "An argument is skillfully crafted, an opinion comes naturally," she murmurs to no one particular as she writes something down and when a basket comes, she slips it in. Then, she's seeking more of that hot apple cider and the warm mugs it comes in.

(155At the end of the lively debate, in which the participants are arguing about Oaths and when it is permitted that they be broken, there is a sound that fills the room, not unlike the sound of ice cracking over a frozen river as it begins to weaken and eventually melt. Except, it is not ice that has cracked. Several of the mirrors in the shrine crack down the center. Smaller cracks begin to run like spiderwebs across the surface of the glass until the reflection that is offered to the viewer is eerie and disjointed, shards of what can be seen instead of a whole picture. Despite the cracks across the surfaces, none of the glass falls nor shatters. The mirrors simply hang there, cracked, offering a broken reflection to the world.

Someone wearing a fanciful stygian mirror mask is overheard praising Insaya: Splendid job

At the end of the lively debate, in which the participants are arguing about Oaths and when it is permitted that they be broken, there is a sound that fills the room, not unlike the sound of ice cracking over a frozen river as it begins to weaken and eventually melt. Except, it is not ice that has cracked. Several of the mirrors in the shrine crack down the center. Smaller cracks begin to run like spiderwebs across the surface of the glass until the reflection that is offered to the viewer is eerie and disjointed, shards of what can be seen instead of a whole picture. Despite the cracks across the surfaces, none of the glass falls nor shatters. The mirrors simply hang there, cracked, offering a broken reflection to the world.

Someone wearing a fanciful stygian mirror mask is overheard praising Aksel: Loyal and passionate, has worth.

Raven checks composure at daunting. Raven fails.

Speaking up once again from where he sits near Watcher, Vayne calls out, "Delightful job, both of you! Well argued! I would like to remind all of you voting that the prize of one hundred thousand silver will be donated to the winner's charity of choice!" And then there is that cracking of mirrors all around and Vayne springs to his feet, eyes wide as he stares around at them, looking into the shattered surfaces.

Someone wearing an artful and unnaturally reflective stygian mirrormask checks composure at daunting. Someone wearing an artful and unnaturally reflective stygian mirrormask is successful.

Watcher starts to say something in response to Vayne - they've been holding some sort of quiet conversation the entire debate - but the noise draws her immediately away from it with a small start. It seems to take her a moment before she can pinpoint the source, but when she does, he's not the only one who springs up. She exhales sharply, momentarily distracted by something, and then she pushes off toward the exit. "...I think it's a good idea if we all go outside now."

Sydney startles at the sound of cracking and her hands immediately shove into her coat pockets, and she just as immediately flinches and regrets the fast activity. She lifts her head at Watcher's suggestion, and pushes out of her chair, stiffly moving, "...Not... sharding opposed."

Ann checks composure at daunting. Ann is successful.

Aisha closes her eyes for a moment, either praying or just having a quiet moment of reflection before she writes a name on her slip of paper. Just as she is handing it to the mirrormask, there are those cracking noises. She jumps in her seat, letting out a frightened-sounding gasp. A hand lifts to her chest as she watches the cracks appear in the mirrors with wide eyes. Being a mirrormask, she isn't exactly squeamish about mirrors, but there is a look of intense dread on her face as she gets up and gets close to one to peer into it, almost as if she feels compelled to do so.

"It is important to ask questions that cause us discomfort," Giada says as she steps forward once more. She stands before the altar, hands at her sides, mirrored face turning as she looks at each attendee in turn, from Watcher and Vayne in the back to the debaters at the front and then further still to rest on each Mirrormask and Silent Reflection present. "Whether they cause us to doubt or exasperate us with their stupidity." Her eyes twinkle at Aksel before they continue to move. "When it comes to the subject of Oaths, it is of equal importance that we understand the -exact- nature of the vows we swear. To what is your Oath made truly? When you stake your honour, where does that honour lie?"

The cracking fills the Shrine, and Giada falls silent. She looks from cracked mirror to cracked mirror. Nothing. Not a sound, not a twitch, nothing to show any surprise in the slightest. "I think Watcher is correct," she says calmly. "Silents, Mirrormasks. Please escort the Faithful outside." She looks to her Templar guards as they fall in, Luzio the Mirrormask nervously cracking his knuckles as he attends his priestly charge. She herself does not move. "No one touch a godsdamned thing."

Someone wearing a fanciful stygian mirror mask checks composure at daunting. Someone wearing a fanciful stygian mirror mask marginally fails.

Raven's verdant eyes go wide and round as saucers. Her face drains of color and she looks to Giada shaking her head in a small motion for some reason, "Ahhh...Fuck?" she offers in a shellshocked tone, "Is that the Thirteenth or is something else trying to defile his shrine?" like anyone's in any position to answer THAT question.

Someone wearing an artful and unnaturally reflective stygian mirrormask says, "Fifth Reflection Raven, please help people leave, and we"

Votes were being gathered in the little baskets, and ferried up to Savio, who as moderator is dutifully counting them! There is a prize to be given to charity, after all! Everything is wrapping up and even the participant debaters are bantering over there with one another, and then... cracking... mirrors are cracking.

That is not normal.

Long pause.

Eventually, and with a detached calm like his brain just stopped being connected to his emotions, Savio remarks, perhaps in agreement with Watcher, "Safe to say this debate is over."

Maybe they should go outside.

Someone wearing an artful and unnaturally reflective stygian mirrormask says, "Fifth Reflection Raven, please help people leave, and we'll discuss it later."

Someone wearing a fanciful stygian mirror masksaid something about stiffies snapping and then something made a loud and snapping noise. She glances at her fingers, as if wondering , did she... No. No.
She turns slowly to look. Though she is far from unperturbed, her reaction is sedated. Perhaps it's a sort of shock. She quickly picks up her sleeping cat, causing it to myeowl angrily.

Ryhalt startles at the cracking of the mirrors, sounds of the horrors of the fall of Artshall still loud in his mind. While he had taken care previously not to look at any of the mirrors directly, proper Oathlands Duke that he is, he looks at the cracked mirrors now. "Well, that's...fantastic. Probably." That probably is sarcasm, though, as he draws his eyes from the mirror at Watcher's words and rises with the same deliberate care with which he had sat. Scurrying and such is sorta, not this week's scheduled activities.

Ann straightens when she hears the noise of breaking glass and tells her table mates and others who may hear her, "Stay calm everyone, but let's go." She begins to head out as if this is an everyday occurance.

Griffin looks up as the mirrors start to crackle. This is not a very good sign, indeed. He stands up, and begins to leave, as ordered.

Raven's nostrils flare and there's a flicer of defiance with her uncertainty. She rises and steps out, "Everyone out, I'll bring up the rear. Go, go, go. Out, out, out."

Looking from Watcher to the mirror she seems to be looking to, Vayne stands where he is and calls out in an authoritative voice, "Everyone, please do as the Archlector says! Move for the exit!" He makes a motion then, gesturing for the Silent Reflections to file outside as well, and urging his own Templar guards to insure that no body is left behind or shunted away from the exit.

Watcher doesn't instantly leave, she lingers right to the side of the door, watching intently as others file - quickly - in that direction. "...And for fuck's sake, no one try to *lick* the mirror breaker."

Guided by one of the mirrormasks, Aisha tears herself away and turns to go. Not without an imploring look to the First Reflection, however, and a stricken look around the shrine. ...She remembers to grab her coat up and hug it to her at the very last moment as she whisks past her bench.

Insaya crouches with a gasp as the glass screams and pops and there and now thousands of versions of herself and everyone else glaring on in judgment. Was it something I said? And then they are being herded out.

3 Armed Confessors leaves, following Insaya.

Griffin has left the The Black Table.

Aisha has left the Perfectly Balanced Bench Seating.

The masked woman with the cat stands still, having done nothing but rise. "I don't want to go," she says softly, staring towards the shattered mirrors. She shoves her angry cat into the arms of one of the Silent Reflections who is headed for the door.

Someone wearing an artful and unnaturally reflective stygian mirrormask says, "OUT."

Ann has left the The Black Table.

2 Armed Confessors, Angwyn the otter, Mordred, Abner leave, following Ann.

Ryhalt takes up somewhat rear of those fleeing on account of his slow, ginger stride. He is...hurrying in slow motion, yes.

Having cast her vote and found a mug of hot apple cider, Cassiopeia returns to the bench to settle in for a warm drink. As the young woman sits, she hears the crack and it's enough to make her jump. The cider splashes onto her hands and she gasps loudly. It's hot. Eyes go wide, looking about to take in the sight of everything, watching the crack down the centre and how those paths forms. For a moment she cannot look away and then she is glancing about, looking for one person in particular, brows lifting as if to see if help is needed. Then people are shouting and she is trying to find a place to put her cider down, hands are brushing the drink off the velvet of her gown. Cassiopeia starts to head towards the gathered masses, canting her head to the side when she hears the warning of not licking it.

Ryhalt has left the The White Table.

2 Farshaw trained guards, Suzette - a Westrock Aerie Page leave, following Ryhalt.

The moment the mirrors start to do there thing, Aksel immediately to stand tall and move to protect Insaya from the potential falling of glass. It's a brief moment when he realizes it isn't all going to hell. Well, it's all going to hell, just not immediately going to cause bodily harm. He studies the mirror a moment before shaking his head. It's not his home so he quietly goes and picks up his oversized white parka, calmly turns it right side out and places it over his head as he heads into the nights air. Not quick. But he leaves with the rest of the people.

Alantir, having nodded off halfway through the debate, is startled awake by the sound of cracking mirrors. Though he hasn't the slightest idea of what this might mean, he is ordered to leave by those in positions of power, and so he obliges -- standing, turning, and moving steadily in the direction of the exit.

Watcher, absolutely bizarre suggestion/warning given, vacates the room.

Sydney has left the The Black Table.

Cassiopeia has left the Perfectly Balanced Bench Seating.

6 Arakkoan Free Guards, Flopio, a soft grey rabbit with huge floppy ears and wild hair, Councilor Aresea, a perspicacious and persnickety Quartheen woman, Hyde Letterman, a soft-spoken and mild-mannered Arvani gentleman leave, following Cassiopeia.

Alantir has left the Perfectly Balanced Bench Seating.

Raven says, "Archlector!" She lifts her chin, "I ain't leaving you." She turns and looks at Fanciful mask of Stygian, "My lady, I ain't above carrying you. Go on. Now.""

Raven has left the The Black Table.

3 Black Fleet Reavers, Moonsilver, the pale-feathered raven leave, following Raven.

Someone wearing an artful and unnaturally reflective stygian mirrormask checks mana and occult at daunting. Someone wearing an artful and unnaturally reflective stygian mirrormask is successful.

Vayne stands beside the door, gesturing everyone outside, and once people finally vacate, will leave as well.

Someone wearing an artful and unnaturally reflective stygian mirrormask does NOT leave. She steps forward a little away from the altar. Her hands lift again, palms upwards as she prays under her breath and watches.

So ends the first inaugural mirrormask debate... with a bang? The Mirrormasks and reflections herd the Faithful out, while the Archlector, at the last, prays and acts.

Someone wearing an artful and unnaturally reflective stygian mirrormask says in Celestial cant, "Gods of Faith and Gods of Might, be with me now. Give me sight to see."