Rumour spreads like wildfire through the city: supposedly, a hand full of the Cult of Saint Therias' men have broken through and reached the city, bringing news with them of a large Ecclesian relief force en route.

His Holiness Pontifex Pious has sent the full might of the Ecclesian Cavalry. In addition, they say, the Pontifex has declared that those who fight for Duirt may mark themselves with the crossed key and sword, effectively declaring the campaign to liberate the city a holy war.

If rumours are true, it would be the first crusade in almost a century, and offers an opportunity to earn both redemption and glory to any who will fight for Duirt.

*Overjoyed at hearing this Floom passes a decree for all Refugees of Frostville and all members of House Frost to wear the crossed key and sword pin and to encourage other Nobles of the city to also do the same.*

We must note pass such a chance up; it is the first time in centuries such a thing has happened. We must do everything we can to defeat the monstrous Horde then Rebuild our Home.

I appreciate the help of the Pontifex but I don't see why we need to wear the pins. I do not follow their religion and obviously am not part of the horde. Do I look like an orc or goblin to you?

*placed the pin against her chestplate with great pride*

Rani goes and confronts her father when she hears about the decree "While I appreciate the news and the sentiment Father. I .... do not think it would be appropriate for me to wear the pin given I'm supposed to be a diplomat and a neutral party. Besides, I follow the Spirits of Nature and so does Prilla. No... can't wear it ... won't wear it ... and frankly I don't think Mom would go for it either".

Kat actually comes close to throwing the pin back in Floom's face.

"No!" she replies. "While I appreciate the help that the Ecclesians have given us, and I'm very proud of our daughter for making this happen, I'm really not sure it's appropriate for us to align ourselves politically with the Ecclesians given that we're supposed to be a vassal House to the Tenderfoots and through them to allegiance to the South Voran Royalty."

"Besides, even though I'm on good terms with the Cardinal doesn't mean I'm going to wear anything aligned with the Ecclesian religion. You should KNOW how I feel about their religion. I'd be a hypocrite if I did."

*He arched an eyebrow at his wife and children.* It is not about Faith. I am a devote follower of Raya-Thu as you well know. It is not about going against the wishes of House Tenderfoot. It is about showing support for the aid we are being given. Of all our allies and all the contacts made in the name of Duirt; this Crusade is the most anyone has sent to help us. Eccles Men and Women will be fighting and dying for Us. Once the Horde is wiped off the face of Urt then we can begin the work of rebuilding our home. I did not sink nearly 75,000 gold coins into building Frostville and House Frost for me. *looks to is children.* But for You. And for your Children and their Children. If you do not wish to show support to the Men & Women that will die for us then I will not force you. I do want you to know why I am doing this it is not a whim. I look to the Future of our House.

Both mother and daughter looked at each other, then Rani spoke up. "Fine ... but let's wear them as pendants rather than pins. I ... can't really compromise my neutrality visibly but, I am grateful for the the Pontiflex's assistance. I have to admit I wasn't expecting this reaction when we went there but, I'm grateful. And I'll be going to Eccles to personally thank him once this is all over."

Kat smiled at her daughter "You did this poppet .. you should be proud of yourself. And I think we'll all be going to thank him - even though I'm a witch and they probably despise witches. Plus we got that Old Forest church to rebuild. I said I was going to do it and we'll start raising funds once this is over.

Rani blushed "Aw .. Mom ... it was a team effort"

Aerinoc is a great proponant of this movement by the Cathedral and espouses the great need for allies and assistance in this time of greatest trial.

"The Lord chooses and blesses all champions, be they true believers or those who aid them in their time of need. Please be righteous and protect your neighbors and allies. There are few times more important for those of faith, then when their faith is challenged by true evil threats." She proclaims, as a private citizen of Eccles, as she is not a direct face of the Inquisitors.