Advent

[priorphilip]

There is a sign on the board, its spelling creative, but its handwriting immaculate. With a moment's reading, one can figure out that it says:

Mass
Every Sunday
Until the chapel is completed, services will be held in the ballroom
All are welcomePhilip would have posted something earlier, but it has taken him this long to gather that nearly all

Comments

[sir_palomides]

The lapsed Muslim will pause to peer at the sign--he puts his hands in his pockets and says, delighted, "By golly. A Mass!" Being himself very inexperienced with such gatherings, and having only the hazy rumor that they include wine to go on, he has conceived the idea that Mass is a festive occasion.

[priorphilip]

If he stops by, the proto-Gregorian chanting in Latin may put him off from that conclusion. However, Philip's relative youth and earnest faith make him a bit less dour than many who officiate over such services in his time.

[sir_palomides]

And Palomides is a sucker for Latin. When he stops by, he'll stick around, hovering in the background, quietly enjoying the strangeness of it.

[priorphilip]

After the service, Philip lingers. He's seen the knight hovering, but he's not going to push any newcomers yet. But he is accessible, if Palomides wishes.

[tomboy_22]

Anita didn't see the sign - it's the singing that draws her, and the fact that she was a devout catholic before she got excommunicated for raising the dead.

She doesn't dare come in, but she does stick to the entrance of the ballroom, paying devotion almost discreetly, as if it were something she isn't allowed to do.

[priorphilip]

He sees her, sometime before the end of the service. Much as with Palmodies, he doesn't wish to push... but on the other hand, he can see her hesitation. If she slips away, he makes a note to himself to approach her later.

[tomboy_22]

She doesn't slip away, nor does she go to him - perhaps she's waiting for someone, but maybe she's just not sure.

She will know he noticed her, though, and she will give him an awkward smile.

[priorphilip]

He smiles back, and comes over. "My child, you are welcome. I am Prior Philip. Well," he corrects, "Father Philip, given that I am far enough from my priory no one has heard of it."

[sissy_queen]

Guinevere will be there, praying, asking forgiveness for her foolish desire to die. She's less inclined to it, now.

[priorphilip]

He will greet her with respect after the service, as Kay has let him know her rank. The Arthurian knights, if not what he's used to, at least come from a culture he can recognize without too much effort.

[sissy_queen]

She greets him with equal respect. "My thanks, Father, for the service."

She may be queen, but she is so young, her own actions may seem a bit on the awkward side.

T: And are Kay and Lamorak around?

[priorphilip]

"It is the very least I can do. I but wish we had the numbers for a proper number of services, or even all of one, but I trust the Lord will understand. If there is anything I may do for you, your majesty, please tell me." He's respectful, but not fawning.

T: Kay is nearby, probably keeping an eye on the queen. Lamorak is unlikely to be present.

[doctor_pascal]

Well. Pascal is a catholic - a French one, but.

He usually doesn't do this. As a scientist, he tends to avoid religion, as it cannot be demonstrated, but his stay at the Mansion has defied a lot of his convictions, and so he will sit and pay devotion, without too much trouble with the Latin.

[priorphilip]

Philip thanks him for coming, warmly, after the service. He's glad for every one of the few who come.

[doctor_pascal]

Pascal shakes his hand, thanking him for the service.

"It reminded me of my childhood, actually," Pascal adds thoughtfully.

[priorphilip]

"I hope the memory was pleasant."

[not_snake_bite]

And here's Steerpike - of course, he is there, paying his respects to the Lord, Bible in hand (as always), and he observes communion with a mix of wonder and envy.

[priorphilip]

Philip, as promised, does nominate Steerpike in front of the small congregation as a new believer who will be confirmed in the spring, but who should be welcomed in the meantime. Philip notices, but does not comment, on the fact that Laurel is not present at services. He's used to laypeople only observing holy days.

[not_snake_bite]

Steerpike sort of beams - he yet has to learn true humility, as he may be good at faking it, but he certainly is not as humble as he seems.

He will be waiting for Philip after the mass, to have a chat.

[priorphilip]

Philip can tell he's waiting, and so comes over. "How are you, this morning, my son?"