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It was a quiet night. Aelfric finding himself up out of bed, once more stepping forth towards the bookshelf within his chambers. The elder's wrinkled hand reached up to the highest points where he usually found the best novels. He pulled one off at random and brought it down to his line of view. There was an odd familiarity about this certain book. The elder emitted a silent gasp, "Mmph. I have not seen this one for a while." He tottered forth towards his seat in the corner, easing down onto the cushions. The Reverend's boney hand touched the rough and old cover, opening up to pages matching his age. Aelfric looked over the notebook with a certain fondness. He began to read, the old man thoroughly studying the words scribed upon the parchment.
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Sometime in September, 240 AC.
A boy with hair of the brightest red jogged forth to catch up with a boy tall and lean. "Aelfric!" the red haired boy exclaimed as he positioned himself to Aelfric's side. "What?" said Aelfric. "Merely wanted you to wait. We have to stick together. There could be danger lying ahead." Aelfric sighed, his gaze falling upon the wide open plains of Anglia. The two boys had left seminary and were now under the training of the Reverend of Anglia. They had been sent out to do some missionary work, the Creeds held close within their satchels. "You can see for miles, Martin. There is no hidden danger to be looked out for. The only thing we have to look out for in these plains are people to convert." Aelfric's serious demeanor seemed to be quite the drastic opposite of Martin, the boy finding himself joyful and in the mood for a bit of jesting. "Well, I'll be looking out. There is /always/ danger and mystery afoot. Adventure too." said Martin jokingly with a touch of seriousness in his words. "I suppose. Though we can not get off task, Martin. We have to please His Holiness. This could be our chance to prove ourselves." Aelfric stated, his eyes trailing over to Martin before returning to the path ahead. "Well, yes. Though, he isn't peering over our shoulder each second. We can have our bit of entertainment during the trip. Besides, it keeps us awake."
...
After an hour of walking, they had passed five people and a few farms. Most did not find interest in the young Curate's preachings. The two boys were slouched over, tired and hungry. "I'm exhausted.." Martin moaned. "I know. We'll turn back soon. Though, we have to return with something to talk about. I doubt our banter along the way and some uninterested people will make the Reverend impressed." It was about twelve in the afternoon. The sun had found itself higher in the sky, and the boys found themselves further and further away from the Cathedral. In reality, their small feet had not brought them far. The city of Axford remained on the skyline behind them, the tall towers of the Cathedral still finding themselves hardly visible. It seemed it was time to turn back, "I suppose we will turn b-." Aelfric ceased his speech. A man approached. Seemed to be a traveler of sorts. "Ser! Ser!" Martin exclaimed, Aelfric giving a long "Shhh." at the boy's enthusiasm. Aelfric stepped forth, taking out the book filled with the many Creeds. "Spirit's greetings and.. benediction, ser. May I ask if you are of the Unionist faith?" The man halted, glancing the boy up and down. "No, I am not." Aelfric seemed to frown, however his lips tugged into a thin line once more. The young Anglian spoke once more, "Well.. ehm." It seemed Aelfric was not prepared for this. The young Unionist stuttered in his speech, thinking back to his training. Soon Martin saved the day, speaking up, "..Well. Would you like to hear the words of the Spirit, ser? Unionism is the only true faith." The man's lips surprisingly tugged into a light smile. It seemed the traveler was amused by the two. "Alright then. Speak up."
The Creeds were read, the two boys alternating for reading. Finally the man interrupted at the Fourth Creed, "I believe I am.. Ehm.. convinced that.. The Unionist Faith is the only true faith." The traveler was a terrible liar however the two did not seem to notice. "Well." Aelfric stated. "I suggest you go to the Cathedral in Axford and ask for help in learning Unionism." The middle aged individual nodded twice, before speaking, "Well. Farewell then, boys." He moved to walk on at that, "Spirit Bless, ser!" the two said in unison, Martin the enthusiastic boy he was added an extra wave. "Well then! We can /finally/ go back." Martin uttered in relief. Aelfric nodded in agreeance, before the boys ambled on towards Axford.
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Present day
Aelfric closed the notebook at that, giving a small, "Heh." He rose from his seat with the assistance of his cane, leaving the notebook on his desk. He soon returned to bed, the Reverend falling asleep.
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