You lightly bonk yourself on the forehead. "What was I thinkin'? This ain't my decision to make." She tilts her head in confusion and you jerk a thumb over your shoulder. "It's theirs."
Judging by her face, which has somehow managed to break the metaphorical floor and fall even further, she had just enough time to figure out what you mean before you tossed her over your shoulder. She manages some perfunctory thrashing,, but thankfully doesn't scream. That would just be tacky.
You will the ward around the chapel to dissipate and step into the mass of milling Churchmen, who have the looks of mixed anxiety and desperation that characterize co-workers trying to interact outside of work. These poor sods might not even have the universal crutch of professional sports results.
You toss her into the middle of the crowd and clear your throat.
"Vicar Rosemary has confessed her sins before God. She has admitted ta deceivin' ye all and aidin' in the spread o' the plague. Do with her what ye will. Righteous indignation, petty grudges, it's all fair game. Come on in when ye're done and we'll get ye all situated."
You notice one of the members pull a ruler from the recesses of his robes and give a decidedly impious grin. You turn around and head back inside once he starts tapping it threateningly against his palm. The last thing you hear before you close the door is "NOW who's 'not showing enough deference to your elders,' huh?!"
You were expecting more of Yharnam's crucifixion fetish, but that works, too.
Once inside, you note that the young lady (Arianna?) is still eyeing you oddly. Figuring now's as good a time as any, you walk over to her in the least threatening fashion you can and offer a hand.
"Hope I didn't scare ye, lass."
She smiles and takes your hand with an impressively firm grip. "Miss Eileen warned me that you were very enthusiastic. My name is Arianna, and I thank you for your hospitality."
You smile and give a slight bow. "It's the least we could do. Can't go leavin' good folk in the crossfire when we're turnin' the world upside-down, after all."
Her smile buckles a bit at that and she sinks deeper into her seat. "I have to admit...meaning no offense, Father Anderson, but this is all quite a bit more than I was expecting. The Church was communing with some forgotten alien creature?"
"Apparently so."
"And you intend to fight it?"
"I intend ta kill it."
She bites her lip. "And what happens if you lose?"
"I won't."
She mulls on this for a moment before sighing. "Well, I suppose I'm still safer here than anywhere else, and if you're really going to change the world, I'm glad I get to be part of it. If there's anything I can do to help you, let me know; all I can really offer is my blood, I'm afraid."
"Pardon?"
"My blood is uniquely potent and can aid healing, if you desire it."
"I, well, I appreciate the offer, thanks. All I really ask is that ye keep everyone company; this is gonna be a long night, an' we could all use some friends."
Her smile returns, warm as cider. "I think I can do that, Father."
You nod and walk over to Iosefka and the Powder Kegs, who are crowded around the cracked-open door and watching the proceedings outside with the excited attentiveness of schoolgirls. You catch bits of their whispered gossip as you approach.
"Where did they even find that board?"
"Is that paint? Do they just carry it with them everywhere?"
"You're worried about that and not the rope?"
You take advantage of the fact that you're taller than all of them and slip your head through the gap. The Churchmen appear to be hogtying Rosemary and have attached a wooden board that reads, in surprisingly well-proportioned letters, "I Am A Massive Knobhead" to her chest. Her attempts to soldier through this with dignity appear destined for failure.
One of them catches sight of you and scurries over. "You can't look yet, it's gonna be a surprise," he hisses before rejoining the cackling horde. The four of you oblige and head back inside.
"What is it?" Iosefka asks.
"I'm gonna take a quick trip back ta the Hunter's Dream." You pull out the club, the top portion of which is dangling slightly. "Figure I might as well get this fixed before I go twelve rounds with some freaky alien genotype. If those lot come in while I'm gone, let 'em know that if they're rude ta the girls I'll cut their arses off an' make 'em wear 'em like hats."
Djura nods. "Alright, then. Steffon and I will get some of our gear cleaned up in the meantime."
"I'll go find Eileen," Iosefka chimes in.
With everything settled, you head over to the lantern, nothing with a smile that Arianna has the girls on her lap and apparently very engrossed in the story she's telling.
Everyone can use some friends.
When you arrive in the Dream, Hope is wide awake, save the sizable yawn she hurriedly hides at your approach.
"Well met, Hunter Anderson," she says after her customary bow. "How goes your journey in the waking world?
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