The Faith of Temperance started its daily routine at sunrise. As the sun burst forth brilliantly over the horizon, barely visible from the ground, a bell was rung to signal the start of the day. The entire keep had seen a miraculous transformation in the months that it had been put to use. Although the walls were still in mostly disrepair, there were wooden structures already in place for the repairs to begin. The inner walls had seen some renovations, however. The paths had been cleared of the vines, and flowers had been planted in each of the four sections where the great trees resided. The fountain at its center had still yet to be repaired, as the well had been dry for quite some time.
As the believers of the Faith came together each morning, coming from the once-dilapidated barracks, they gathered in the center courtyard for a daily sermon from one of the Angels who may preside over the keep. If, at any time, the Angels were not present, Damien himself would give the speech. It wasn’t anything fancy or intricate. It was merely a reminder of why they were here. And most would agree, the rules were simple to follow.
Children were allowed to play throughout the day, with sticks and pretend sword fighting, so long as it was in good faith. The adults were tasked with work, but in return, once it was done they could do whatever they wished after the labor was finished, as long as it was within the guidelines of the Faith.
When Damien was available, he would take those who wished to voice their concerns or ideas in his main chambers, which consisted of only a single, ortante chair gabred in red silk. It was here, where he was sitting that morning, while his Angel gave the sermon.
The only current presiding Angel was vampire by the name of Julia. With her bow strapped across her back, and cloaked to avoid the harsh rays of the sun, she spoke of how she was saved from death by the Lord Damien, recounting how she had been sold out by those she had called friends once she had turned. There were a few tears in the crowd as she spoke, but all were silent. After she finished, she stepped away from her place in front of the crowd.
“Angelus?” she called out. “Angelus? Where are you?”
A tall knight walked into view, though missing his armor that morning. He was tall, but not as tall as Damien. He held himself with a sort of pride, as if he alone were the only one keeping all of them safe. “Aye, lass, I’m here. It’s been a bit of a busy mornin’.” His accent was thick, and heavy. He had a fiery head of hair, and a medium length beard and moustache to match. “What do ye need?”
“Lord Damien has asked me to check up on that halfling, and see how she;s settling in. Since I’m the only vampire in the Faith.” She swooned slightly, as if speaking to Damien had been the best thing to happen to her that week.
“Ah yes,” he said. “Saw ‘er leave the barracks this mornin’. The wee lass should be out here. What was ‘er name again?”
“I believe…Ezrabeth.”
As if saying her name were a magical spell, she popped into view. “There she is!” Angelus said, point her out. “Ezrabeth, m’dear? An Angel has summoned you!”
