"May the Divines bless you and keep your path pure." Celica held her staff up in the air with her right hand, and with her other free hand she touched her index finger and middle finger to the top of the adventurer's forehead currently kneeling before her. After a few moments, she removed her hand and motioned for the adventurer to stand.
"Bless you, priestess. Surely nothing will stand in my way now." Celica lightly chuckled at the young swordsman's confidence.
"Be sure to not let your confidence change into recklessness. If you are cautious, you will certainly succeed," she stated carefully. With a quick bow, the young man swiftly exited the temple. As soon as he was gone, Celica released an exhausted sigh. It was still morning and she had already met with over a dozen individuals today for various blessings, healing, and advice. She walked to the temple entrance glancing outside at the main street of Fathrial. The temple sat proudly at the center of town, so it was not uncommon to see a lot of foot traffic outside. Yet, today seemed to be more bustling than usual. The next festival wasn't scheduled for another few weeks, so what could possibly have this many people running about?
"Sister Celica! Did you hear the rumors?" Celica raised an eyebrow at the young acolyte. She was only a few years younger than herself, but she was far below her in temple hierarchy. Celica was second only to the high priestess, Almina, herself.
"I tend to not make a habit of indulging gossip, Maria," she scolded lightly. Truth be told, Celica was very curious as to why the town was swarming. Something was happening that was for sure. The girl blushed lightly at the slight reprimand, but continued on anyway with as much enthusiasm as before.
"Apologies mistress, but they say a Black Knight is coming to town!" Celica raised her eyebrows in genuine surprise. A Black Knight? It had been decades since the Blood War ended and while rumors of Black Knight appearances and accomplishments since then had been talked about, no one could really confirm or deny whether they were true. To say one was directly heading for Fathrial was odd. What made the people so sure this person was a Black Knight anyway? Regardless, Celica figured preparations should be made. Almina was currently away on business elsewhere in the region leaving Celica in charge of the Fathrial temple. If a Black Knight was going to visit, there was a strong possibility they would visit here. It would be Celica's job to receive them and assist them in any way.
"If a Black Knight is visiting, then we must prepare as well. Alert the rest of our brothers and sisters. I must go into town to run an errand. If the knight was to arrive before I return, tell them I will be back shortly."
"Yes, mistress. " Without a backward glance, the acolyte ran off to alert the rest of the temple. With staff in hand, Celica made her way out into the crowded streets of Fathrial. Despite the number of people flooding the streets, the local citizens naturally parted for her as she passed. Many of the merchants and locals nodded and waved in greeting at her passing. Celica smiled and returned the favor. Despite her youth, Celica was greatly respected. She was known for superior healing abilities and many of the people she greeted had either been her patients or their family members had sought her attention at one point or another. It was exhausting at times assisting so many different people, but she loved her work. She would never turn her back on being a cleric.
Celica asked around hoping for someone to provide some kind of detail on the Black Knight, but no one seemed to really know anything. She was about to give up when she spotted a young swordsman not much older than herself walking down the street. Hopeful, she approached him.
"Excuse me. Could you by chance tell me about the Black Knight supposedly coming to town?"