Pernio

While the Sage's refusal to heal or accept healing for the necrosis of his body is perhaps commendable, his repeated statements characterizing the use of Necromantic healing as "a trap for the prideful" and "perverting the will of the Plaguemother" have been judged unbefitting of a Councilmemeber, and perhaps heretical. He will forthwith be demoted to the Standing rank and banned from addressing the Council until an investigation can be completed.

"You're really leaving, then." Carnassia said, easily keeping place with the flightless Nocturne. "Even before they come to a decision."

"I would rather exile myself than have it done for me," he muttered.

"You know it may not come to that. You still have some support among the more...deeply faithful members of the council."

"Fanatics, you mean. I don't shy from the word. But I suspect I will have more support the further I am from earshot." He might be smiling wryly - it was hard to read the expression on the necrotic side of his face. Perhaps she should have chosen to walk on the other side of him, but he seemed to have more respect for those who didn't avert their eyes from his deformities. "Besides, I had already decided. There must be folk elsewhere who will not stop up their ears rather than hear an idea that might somehow inconvenience them."

I have met few enough of those in my life, she thought, but did not say. They walked in silence for a time.

"My report was favorable to you, you know. I don't consider you a heretic, despite not ascribing to your views," she said at last.

"I should thank you, I suppose. Though surely you aren't supposed to reveal such things to me, Inquisitor."

"Will you turn around and tell them, then?"

"I suspect I shall not. But on the topic of your duties, why exactly are you following me? You should be long done with me now."

"My greater charge is to protect. Wherever I see need of it."

"I can fight well enough, should it come to it," he huffed.

"There are many kinds of protection," she said absently, thinking of the look in...in her eyes, before the betrayals began. Of mistakes she had promised never to make again.

"Really." He was almost certainly raising an eyebrow. "Regardless though...I suppose I am not adverse to company."

"And someone who will listen to you willingly."

"And that, yes. Of course."