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With warm and quiet greetings, small groups of people melted their way in through the doors of the large, white church, finding their seats among the many a pew that filled the nave. Welcoming faces and well dressed figures, both young and old, filled the room in preparation for this Sunday's sermon. The scent of olden books could be noted from the many bibles that lay in the laps of the congregation.

The day was warm, the sun kindly inviting itself through the windows and doorways of the church, kissing the surfaces of everything nearby.

A Holy Day.

As the flock settled and nestled in their places, all eyes turned their attention to the well dressed man that found his way through the center aisle betwixt rows of pews. He carried himself to the chancel and approached the pulpit, turning to face the congregation with a warm smile and a soft gaze.

❝ Good morning, everyone. ❞ The man spoke, orotund voice carrying heavy across the quiet church. ❝ It's wonderful to see you all today, I'm so glad you all could join us. ❞

Cobalt eyes scanned the crowd, gaze brightening as he landed upon an unfamiliar pair of faces. Pristine smile broadened, hand motioning toward the back of the church, toward a pair of young men.

❝ It seems we have some newcomers! ❞ The man beamed, eyes twinkling with a strange excitement, although true and warm. The congregation turned their attention toward the gentlemen, some murmuring greetings and kind welcomes. ❝ Wonderful to have you, gentlemen. I'm Father Charles. ❞

Charles gave a nod in their direction as to greet the two. ❝ I do hope you intend on staying with us. It's always a pleasure to have people join our flock. ❞ With that, the pastor cleared his throat and turned his attention to the Bible resting on the altar before him. Before he could speak to begin his sermon, a small figure entered the room from a back area, scurrying off toward a row of pews. Before the frail-looking girl could get too far, the pastor extended a hand and grasped at her arm, pulling her back to hold her in place.

❝ You're late. ❞ Charles spoke simply, his tone suddenly stern. He looked at the blonde before him, her head hung - Almost in a sense of shame. Nervously, she flatted the front of her dress, tugging at the sleeves of her cardigan as she kept her gaze cast down to the floor.

❝ I-I'm sorry, Father. ❞ The blonde muttered submissively. ❝ It won't happen again... ❞

❝ I know. ❞ The pastor said flatly, clearly dissatisfied with the young woman's tardiness. He sighed heavily, leaning forward to press a firm kiss to the blonde's forehead before releasing her arm and motioning her to sit in the pews with the rest of the congregation. Hurriedly, she joined the others, placing a Bible in her lap obediently.

❝ Forgive me for the slight delay, ❞ Charles started, turning his attention to his flock. ❝ Now, let us begin-- ❞

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