Erskine returned to the surface from his foray to the Chitterlings, walking the streets once more and made his way to the shrine of Auriel with the same, unhurried pace that he had kept in the chitterlings. He knew that even now, he might be being watched by some of the less … scrupulous individuals of the chitterlings who could, and would, see him as a viable threat to their business and way of life.

He entered the shrine, breathing in the incense and offering a prayer of thanks for the work that he had been able to undertake with the aid from Vex. He made his way to his chamber where his armour lay waiting for him and carefully donned it, checking the straps and buckles as he went. Armoured once more, he made his way to the inventory chambers and turned in the now empty healer's kit, drawing a look of surprise from the priest managing the inventory of supplies.

“Brother Erskine, this was full when you took it but four hours ago,” he said with the same surprise in his voice. Erskine nodded.

“It was, Brother Armand,” he replied, “But it served its purpose in giving aid and comfort to the infirm and the sick, the needy and the broken.” Armand set his ink pen down and sighed, lowered his glasses and looked at Erskine levelly.

“You went to the Chitterlings, didn’t you.” It was a statement, not a question. Erskine nodded.

“I needed to see what had changed, what was the same, from when I grew up… and much is the same - structures have changed given the impermanent nature of them, but the hopelessness, the despair, the fight for survival is still present. The exploitation, the retreat of those who cannot help themselves anymore… It is part of our calling to give aid to those in need, regardless of where they are.”

“But Brother Erskine,. Your efforts will only give false hope. You cannot single handedly redeem the chitterlings - and our efforts are needed with the healing of those affected by the blight.” Erskine smiled gently.

“It is only false hope if I do not return., And I will return tomorrow, with or without a healing kit.” There is a finality within Erskine’s voice. “They are citizens of Frosthaven, even if conveniently forgotten by others. They are the oppressed. They are those in need of Hope. And if we do not bring them the light of the dawn, we fail in our duty to them and to Auriel.”

“Your zeal does you credit, Brother Erskine, I’ll give you that. Just remember, you have a duty to all citizens, not just those who appear to need it most. In addition, going to the chitterlings alone puts you at grave risk.”

“I am aware of the risks,” Erskine replied calmly. “And while I do not fear them, I am not so foolish as to go alone. I managed to make acquaintances that I have deemed trustworthy and will ensure that I meet with them on a regular basis when I travel and that I do not travel there alone.” Brother Armand sighed slowly. He was fighting a losing battle against the young Paladin, and he knew it.

“Very well. Your healer's kit will be resupplied tomorrow with the standard ingredients and you may do as you choose, as long as it promotes the service of Auriel.” Erskine smiled.

“Would I do anything else? It is in Auriel that I have grace and faith, and it is Auriel that I willingly serve.” He bowed and touched the silver holy symbol on his chest, the wooden one he had worn was an old one he had received first as a paladin… the silver was more a badge of office for him, but he wore it proudly all the same. The matter of the healing kit settled, Erskine walked out of the shrine and made his way to the gates to undertake a shift of vigilance, protecting those who could not protect themselves.

Whether they were acknowledged or not.

Erskine returned to his chamber and sat on the edge of his bed, his mind racing. He had a duty to protect, but it seemed that there were those who felt that their protection should supersede that which the goddess could provide. He bowed his head slightly, then took a knee, facing his bed and started praying silently. Seeking the words to pray had always come easy before, but now…

“Auriel, bringer of Hope and the Dawn… I am but a humble servant of your will and I seek guidance as to what I must do. Your children in the Chitterlings suffer, and there are those that wish to keep them under the yoke of oppression. You know I would gladly give my life to ensure your will is done, yet to throw it away blindly is not what you would ask or what your teachings provide…” A hand gently rested on his shoulder and he paused within his silent prayers and looked up. One of the sisters, an elderly woman known through the shrine for her kindness and mercy, looked down at him with a gentle smile.

“Brother Erskine, Brother Armand informed me that you have been going to the chitterlings on what seems to be becoming a regular basis. Is this true?” she asked, her tone gentle. Erskine nodded silently and the sister’s smile became a little sadder. “You take great risks by going there Brother Erskine, and yet your devotion to aiding those who might have none is commendable. Walk with me.” Erskine rose silently and clasped his hands behind his back. The woman moved through the shrine and walked to the altar where she held out her hand for Erskine’s sword that hung at his side. A little puzzled, erskine handed the sword over and the sister gently removed the blade from its sheath and set it on the altar. She then placed one hand on the cross hilt and bent her head in prayer.

Erskine watched silently… and then smiled as the blade glowed with an inner light, a light that spread through the weapon and then shone brilliantly. There was the glow of Dawn that surrounded the blade… then the light faded and the sister carefully sheathed the weapon once more and handed it back to Erskine.

“A spirit in service to Auriel now resides within the blade,” she said softly. “Call on it only when needed, and be merciful and wise with your actions, Brother Erskine. Auriel is proud of you… and continues to bless you with graces and mercies. Be mindful how you use the gifts she has bestowed upon you… and you will not falter.” Erskine nodded slowly.

“Thank you sister,” he replied, “you have helped me in many ways.” He now knew how best to approach his problem and it was not head on like he had been originally thinking. Those in the chitterlings in places of power saw him as a threat did they. Well he knew that with time and care, he would be able to circumvent their cruel tactics until he was strong enough to directly confront them, and still give the hope and mercy that Auriel required of him to her children in the chitterlings below. And now, he needed to plan and prepare… how best to ensure that those that needed him would still receive his assistance..