Night reigned, perilous and intimidating, but Sister Antoinette was going to have absolutely none of its shadowy antics. The buxom gorilla made her rounds about the camp, stopping at intervals to scowl at the dark forest about and without. Good. No Church dogs about. She flexed her powerful arms-No sense in letting our guard down either. It was a blessing that the Sister's gaze was directed toward the foliage then, for her wrathful countenance was beyond mortal eyes to bear. Across her mind's eye they flashed, scenes of Mehnzilian transgression 'gainst her fellow Sisters, the violence, the depravity, the tears and the blood. At this, there was a rustle, then a howl as the wind burst forth with alacrity through the foliage, making fall a spark from the smouldering torch she bore.

...And I was the one who lead us all to our peril...

At once, from her veins her scalding frenzy ran, her blood now chilled with guilt. The mighty woman trembled fiercely and sank to a crouch, the terrifying words clanging in her head.

Sister Antoinette grasped her embroidered armband as she earthed the glowering bough. What have I wrought? Indeed, it was the gorilla who had encouraged little Aurelie to further her studies with the Lehsunian Church, and for her trouble, her cherished ward was almost raped. Now, as the Head of the doomed Sister's delegation, Antoinette had once again failed in protecting her charges.

“Sist-”

Wit surprising agility, Sister Antoinette rose from her prone position, torch at the ready. She quickly dispelled her combative stance, but stood firm nonetheless, staring formidably at the wizened Friar before her. The raccoon dog retreated a step, and into the toned bulk of Aodhan.

“I specifically remember telling you to rest for the night, Friar.”

“Indeed, Sister Antoinette. But I fear I could not sleep, and thus took it upon myself to call you to slumber...is there something the matt-”

The gorilla was giving him a Look, which then spread to the wolf behind him.

“Aodhan. Why is the good Friar here when he is to be recuperating?”

“I...”

“Ah. My apologies, Aodhan was taking the next watch, and coincidentally shared the same route as me. Well, shall we head back then? Aodhan and... Cruff (here he smiled sadly), have volunteered for the next watch.”

Sister Antoinette nodded, discreetly noting the Friar's flickering change in emotion, however brief. “Bon.” She passed the torch to Aodhan, staring at him.

“Aodhan. On no account are you to trespass where Sister Aurelie and myself sleep. Are we clear?”

Despite having been away from her strict upbringing in the Tribal realms, Aodhan felt himself automatically standing ramrod straight, ears sweeping back and tail tucking between his legs. “Yes, Sister.”

“Bon.” She carefully scooped the Friar into her arms and swept imperiously toward the campfire.

“Sister, I may be old and injured, but I can still walk, you know.”

She gave him another Look. Then,

“Friar.”

Her expression softened to one of weary sorrow, and thus took the raccoon-dog aback. He rallied marvelously, nonetheless, unknowing of the grave consequence.

“Yes, Sister Antoinette?”

The titan gripped her armband once more. It had been a gift from her wards, nay, her children, Aodhan and Aurelie, back in more peaceful times. To think that she had lost both of them once due to the Church...no, she would not lose them nor anyone else dear to her again. She had never relied on others, forging through problems by herself, with guidance from God. However, the issue at hand was beyond her capabilities...

“Forgive me for being insensitive..but I have heard you have lost loved ones to the Calling...”