Apologize to Archdeacon Doolyn

Whatever is coming, it is best to face head-on. Doolyn, the Archdeacon, does not approve of dishonesty, secrets, or hiding from punishment. With his bad leg and need for a cane to walk, he especially does not approve of having to walk around to find someone that is trying to avoid them. You hurry to him, a plaintive face about you.

"Sister Demetria, it would seem you've wasted enough of the day dawdling in bed. Do you really wasting more time is the prudent course of action?"

"Yes sir. I wanted to apologize for my tardiness. I awoke late from a most peculiar dream. It was more like a vision, it seemed so real."

The Archdeacon's tone took a change of curiosity. "Oh? And what was this vision of?"

"I was in this small room, with no light and no doors. Like a prison cell. Just metal bars in front of a large archway. I had to figure out a way to get out, and there was no obvious mechanism"

"Interesting. So did you escape?"

"Not really, Archdeacon. The walls were littered with various items, mostly weapons. I spotted a Warhammer that had the emblem of Phoenica attached to it. I removed the emblem and began to pray with it, and that was when I woke up."

"What do you think this vision, or dream, tells you?"

A question you did not expect, but probably should have. "I...am not sure, if I am honest"

The Archdeacon smiled at your admittal, and patted you on the shoulder "My dear Demetria. A further moment of your time, before you tend to the children." He pointed to a nearby bench, and you followed with him to sit down. "It means that you are stalwart in your faith and in your dedication. You refused to accept that there was no way out of your situation, and that in a moment of despair, you chose to have faith that our Goddess Phoenica, who keeps a careful eye out for you and all who do her work, would lead you out of your darkened prison and into the light of freedom, and thus you woke up, on this lovely clear day."

"Do you think it means anything else, sir?"

The Archdeacon chuckled "That you are quick to look only at the surface and not to give further thought. You have a great mind between those horns my dear, I've known this since I taught you to read and write. But you have always been impetuous, your minds eye always on the task ahead of you rather than the task in front. Do not dwell on it though Demetria, there are boons to such things, and I was much the same at your age. Do not dwell on the tardiness, but take heart in what your vision tells you about yourself, and carry that on through the rest of the day."

"Yes, Archdeacon"

"That's a good lass" As he brushed his hand through your shortened dark hair, an uncharacteristic act of familiarity and fondness "Now, those children are a rambunctious lot, and are eager to learn something from you. I imagine you'll need your extra sleep to contend with them today. Let us discuss this more come morning. It is our day of rest tomorrow, and we may all have some extra time for sleep and contemplation. Now, off you go"

True to the Archdeacon's word, the orphans you are responsible for teaching did need extra attention today to be calmed down and learn. While playing in the courtyard should have tuckered them out, it seems a conspiracy had been made behind you. The children had been fed sweets in your absence, a rare treat for them, by none other than the Archdeacon himself. This was likely his sense of punishment, but it could also have been his genuine love and care for the orphans. You saw it first hand, having spent your entire life here as an orphan. Never adopted, you became part of the ministry yourself, the church having become your family in absentia. Otherwise, the day had been uneventful, and you return to your small room tired and eager for a day of proper relaxation.

Little did you know what tomorrow would actually bring...