Leor closed his eyes, his heart pounding in his chest. He prayed for guidance, and the wisdom to carry out his mission. The words of ancient hymns echoed in his mind, each phrase loving and intensely spiritual; Shining a light on the encroaching darkness. As he prayed, he felt a presence—a warmth enveloped him, gracefully descending on him like a dove.
It was Holy… whispering to his soul; as if to prove that he is on the right path. His prayers—however broken and incomplete, were heard. Leor thanked God for His love, for never forsaking, him even in the darkest times. Even when his family abandoned him at the monastery, he was not alone. Psalm 27:10, "When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up." He expressed gratitude to God for His divine presence who listened to even the ramblings of a heartbroken child.
A small chuckle escaped his lips as he opened his eyes, a sense of calm settling over him. The Hollow Creek church no longer felt unwelcoming, it now felt like a haven… As the last of the villagers filtered out, he remained kneeling, his gaze fixed on the splintered wooden floor.
The priest watched him in patience. Leor could feel the man's glowing presence from across the room, It reminded him of the Monks that raised him. Leor sensed that the man understood his burden, and could see the darkness that clung to his soul. "This is without a doubt, a holy man." Thought Leor as he walked over to the priest, greeting him politely. "I apologize if I frightened anyone upon my entry," he said. "I have a difficult task ahead. I came here while following the trail of-." He hesitated to utter the word "vampire" in such a holy place, but he assumed the priest was at least slightly aware of the situation. "I'm here to warn you and the other men and women of faith in this town to be wary and to pray for protection."
The priest smiled, his eyes filled with an almost frightening amount of calmness. "Fear not, my son," he said, his voice meak and happy. "We have seen darkness before, and we have survived. The power of faith is marvelous." He gestured toward a chair beside him, his gaze unwavering. "Tell me, what troubles you so? Perhaps we can find strength together."
Leor took a seat. He spoke of the rumors going around, the unsettling sense of familiarity that clung to some of the villagers, and the fear that gnawed at his heart. "I sense a darkness here, Father," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "A darkness I believe is connected to those who walk among us, unnoticed."
He avoided the word "vampire," but the priest's eyes narrowed slightly, his expression hardening. "You speak of the creatures of the night," he said, his voice now a low rumble. "You are right to be wary young one. They are a blight upon the Earth, and their hunger knows no bounds."
Leor was relieved. The priest, with his wise eyes, had long understood the threat he faced. "They are cunning," the priest continued, his voice hardening further. "They prey on the weak, the unsuspecting, those who stray from the path of righteousness. They seek to corrupt the innocent, to twist their souls into shadows of their former selves. They are, in essence, reflections of our own sinful natures."
The priest looked Leor straight in the eye before quickly leaning in, making him flinch. "But we are not powerless!," he said in a happy voice that completely changed the somber mood.. "We have the power of God! Why do you fear my child? Our faith will not be extinguished like a candle. Has He not commanded us to be strong? And of good courage?"
He paused, his eyes searching Leor's. "What are you hoping to achieve here, my son? What brings you to this quiet village in the midst of your mission?" Leor was surprised that Father Elric knew of his mission, but this was not the first time Leor had seen Holy men who knew things they had never before been told of.