RP ~ Going Back To St. Julien's (for sacredeyes)

[on_holy_ground]

Takes place a few days after this(WIP). Ynez used with permission.

It had taken Darius several days to actually go back to the church he had spent so long overseeing. All of the arrangements were in place that could be taken care of without going to the building itself, but he had been putting off this part of the process for as long as he possibly could. He had discovered that the Bishop had not yet placed anyone at the church to replace him, despite his year long absence, because of the lack of funds for upkeep and the fact that the church had so few parishioners in the first place. Therefore, it had been a simple process for Darius to be given a blessing to perform the ceremony and have the boys interred in the small cemetery beside the church. So none of that had any bearing on why he had not yet returned.

The simple fact of the matter was that there was something about going back that was too much like going home, and he wasn't sure that was something he wanted at the moment. Part of him was pulling away from the idea, and part of him longed to embrace it once again. It left him nothing but confused, and more unsure of himself than he had ever been. However, it had to be done, and he had finally come to the conclusion that the sooner he took care of it, the better.

Ynez had of course offered to accompany him on his return to the church, but he had told her that it was something he thought he should do alone, given how long it had been. She had seemed to understand, and told him that she would have dinner ready when he returned. Now though, as he stood before the church with his arms slid into the sleeves of his jacket against the cold, he wondered once again if this had been a good idea. Perhaps it would have been better if he had allowed her to accompany him after all.

Comments

[sacredeyes]

Peninnah had attended to what she could inside but it was still early in the day. She therefore headed outside with Agatha in tow. Despite her small size Peninnah had quickly learned the little puppy loved the snow. The new snow fall was too much of an enticement to both pup and owner.

Bundled in a warm cloak and in her full robing mostly to fend off the cold as opposed to her previous desire to hide herself. She headed toward the front once Agatha bounded off barking. Peninnah herself could feel that someone was there. She came around the front and hesitated looking at the man there. She didn't wish to bother his seeming solemnness and called Agatha back to her.

[on-holy-ground.livejournal.com]

He hadn't noticed the figure that had appeared, intent as he was upon the building itself, his eyes tracing back through centuries of memories associated with the church. A building that for a time had even been the resting place of his quickening. It was a place he had left in body, but one he now realized he would never be able to leave in spirit.

However, the sound of the puppy broke through his thoughts, and he glanced around. His brow furrowed slightly when he her standing in the snow, not having expected anyone to be there. After a moment though, he walked slowly towards her, curious as to why she was there.

[sacredeyes]

Her first instinct was to scoop up the puppy from the snow when she saw the man approaching. She didn't move from her place though. She wasn't afraid but rather curious herself. It was cold for any to come out to visit. Though this was a church, the doors always open to any. She pulled the veil from her face so she could speak.

May I help you? Her voice was soft and welcoming.

[on-holy-ground.livejournal.com]

Darius was even more curious as he came to a stop in front of the young woman, given her question. It had sounded as though she belonged here, and he was unaware that anyone had taken up residence in the church.

"Perhaps. Do you care for this place?"

[sacredeyes]

Peninnah smiled. Yes, I am the caretaker of the church.

[on-holy-ground.livejournal.com]

Interesting.

"May I ask how you came to be here?"

It was then he realized that he was being rather rude to the young lady, and he smiled slightly. "My apologies for not introducing myself before asking such things. My name is Darius."

[sacredeyes]

I was asked here to care for it by a friend.

Peninnah listened carefully but when he said his name recognition showed in her expression. She smiled to hide her worry when she realized who might be before her.

Father Darius?

[on-holy-ground.livejournal.com]

He lifted an eyebrow slightly. "You've been told of me, then?"

Darius had no knowledge of who the friend was that had asked her to watch over St. Julien's, and so had not assumed that she would have been told of such things. And if it had been someone from the Bishop, then he hadn't been told of her, so figured she would not have been told of him either.

[sacredeyes]

Peninnah nodded. Kaycee said you would return if you could.

She didn't want to worry but there it was, a fear that he would tell her to go and leave this place. She kept those thoughts buried for the moment under pleasantries.

My name is Peninnah and I have been watching over St. Julien's for several months.

[on-holy-ground.livejournal.com]

He smiled at the mention of Kaycee, and thought that perhaps he should have known that of all the people he knew, she would be the one to find a caretaker for the church. After a moment, he looked up, his eyes wandering over the stonework. "You have done well, taking care of her."

[sacredeyes]

I have done the best I can. She too looked up at the church but modesty alone prevented her from admitting how well she had tended her duties.

There are many things only one of the clergy can do for her. I am afraid I lack such skills as it is not my duty.

[on-holy-ground.livejournal.com]

Darius walks closer to the church, and is almost surprised when he finds that he is reaching out to touch the rough stone with his hand. "There is someone here that cares for her, so perhaps that can be enough, at least for now."

[sacredeyes]

Stone can endure much. Peninnah pulled her cloak around Agatha as she watched Darius. Are you returning to your place here?

[on-holy-ground.livejournal.com]

He almost caressed the building before removing his hand and turning back to her. "For just a short time, as I have been asked to do a favor for a friend, and to say goodbye to another."

He noticed the pup in her arms again, and glanced back towards the church. "Perhaps we could continue this conversation inside? The little one may enjoy a bit of warmth after a romp in this snow."

[sacredeyes]

She has missed you. Peninnah had felt it some days from the building. I am sorry your return is to be a good-bye instead of something more joyous.

Peninnah watched and nodded. I believe you are right. I do not wish you to catch a chill either in this air.

She turned and started heading for the church. The cold did not bother her even as she walked bare-pawed in the snow.

[on-holy-ground.livejournal.com]

"As am I, but everything has a place and a reason, even good-byes."

Darius followed after her, and he couldn't help but to note the footprints she was leaving in the snow.

More interesting still.

[sacredeyes]

Reason does not make it easier to endure.

Peninnah walked with him toward the doors to go inside. She slowed letting him lead. She was naturally a servant and in this situation he was, by her standards, the one in charge.

May I get you something once we are inside?

[on-holy-ground.livejournal.com]

He said nothing as she let him move forward, concentrating instead on his observations of the way that she moved and talked. However at her direct question, he nodded slightly as he spoke. "Some tea, if it's not too much trouble."

He reached out then to the door he had opened so many times in the past, to allow them access to the church itself.

[sacredeyes]

Peninnah noticed the way he was observing her but said nothing as she believed it was curiosity alone about whom cared for his station. She waited when he opened the door.

I hope chamomile is passable. I don't have any other tea right now.

She didn't have much to eat for that matter because she didn't require it.

[on-holy-ground.livejournal.com]

"That is more than adequate, thank you." Darius stepped through when she paused, and then took just a few steps before pausing himself to look upon the interior of the church. It had been so long since he had stepped through that door the last time, and yet it was like being welcomed home with no sense of reproach for all that had transpired since that day.

[sacredeyes]

Peninnah stepped in and busied herself with making the tea. She didn't even remove her outer wear.

Do you wish honey or cream Father?

[on-holy-ground.livejournal.com]

Her voice breaks the spell of the church, and he took one last look before moving in her direction. "Honey please..."

Darius trailed off for a moment as he realized something. "Tell me child, what is your name?"

[sacredeyes]

Peninnah collected a set of mugs and the honey while she waited for the water.

Peninnah. She smiled. It is Hebrew.

[on-holy-ground.livejournal.com]

He smiled softly, and nodded a bit. "One of the wives of Elkanah, as I recall. Finding you here, I cannot help to think that you are indeed a great treasure to be found in an unlikely place much like the pearl that you are named for, as having someone caring for this place is of more importance to me than I had perhaps realized."

[sacredeyes]

I do not know of all the origins. All I am aware of is the name means "the precious stone".

She smiled as she finished preparing the tea. It is indeed an unlikely accident that has brought me here. He has his ways for putting us where we are needed.