[RPG] [FEI] [MAE] Magna Aenilia Ecclesia

[Dorian Gray]

Orphaea stood on the great platform in front of the newly erected Temple.
Magnificent in size and scope, it had been erected in truly inspired speed
by the dedicated workers and volunteers of Aenilia. A grand entrance was
framed by two great pillars, decorated with intricate engravings of Aenilic
scripture. Statues of Aenilians of legend graced the outer path and stairs.
A number of towers reached for the sky, dwarfing even the palaces of Idapur,
as if to shame the very heavens.

My people, in the time I have spent restoring the sanctity of our realm, I
have not appropriately observed the sanctity of our faith. However, today
marks a great moment in Aenilic history. The Vandaenil has been torn down,
the Great Aenilic Faith stands in its place, cleansed from the corruption of
old and restoring our path. No longer will corrupt
bureaucrats-called-priests rule supreme. The Church and Realm of Aenilia
stand now separate but equal, each sovereign and great, independent but
faithful, working only to improve.

Orphaea walked down from the platform, trailed by most of the nobles of
Aenilia. Come, he said with a wave to the people, No longer will the church
be invisible to the people. Let us throw open the windows and let the sun
come in, the people and faith are one. Raising his hand, the doors to the
temple flung open by some unseen force.

As they reached the mighty doors of the Temple, they entered into a peculiar
dome of crystal glass which showered the outdoor antechamber with the bright
midday sun. There, in the very centre of the terrace before the doors stood
a marble statue of Luyten, his sword held a loft as he looked out into the
heavens. As they reached the statue, Luyten walked up before it his eyes
glazed over in amazement, looking up as it towered above him. He reached out
and touched the base of the statue his hands trembling. Then, turning back
from the edifice he approached Orphen and bowed deeply, muttering something
undistinguishable to the others, but what was undoubtedly a word of thanks.
The party of nobles continued on to the doors.

The great entrance hall was encased completely in white marble. Massive
tapestries spanned most of the side walls, showing the history of Aenilia
from the creation of Taith Aenil to the schism and rise of Greater Aenilia.
Two statues more statues, even larger than the pillars outside, framed the
arch dividing the hall and the cathedra. Approaching these statues, Orphen
dropped to kneel, the massed crowd of the faithful following his lead.

Luyten's kneel however was not forthcoming.

Kneel, Orphaea hissed, glowering at him. You will not disrespect me in this
time, in this place. Orphaea turned back to the statues. She died a heretic,
but she was holy once.

Grudgingly, Luyten kneeled before the statues of two of the three greatest
individuals to influence Aenilia; the saviour Orphaea Imperium and the
priestess-turned-heretic Arcangela.

Orphaea rose. Luyten, still kneeling, drew his sword and saluted him.

"Hail Orphaea Imperium, Savior of Aenilia, Prophet of the Faith!"

The temple guardsmen followed suit. "Hail Orphaea Imperium, Savior of
Aenilia, Prophet of the Faith!"

The people continued the chant, raising their hands in salute. "Hail Orphaea
Imperium, Savior of Aenilia, Prophet of the Faith!"

A priest stood in the arch, holding open the silver mantle intended for the
preeminent lord of the Aenilic faith, draping it over Orphaea. Touching his
fingers to Orphaea's forehead in benediction, Orphaea's hair changed from
its usual black to snow white. The people rejoiced in the temple and in the
streets, knowing that in a world once filled with strife, all was now well.
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