Jocelyn's Vignette

[JadedDM]

"There were 47 dead, 121 wounded," Ursula recites clearly, as if this was a fact she had memorized in advance. "It's what inspired me to join the church, actually."

[HorizonsDream]

"With that many people, there wouldn't have been enough healing prayers to heal all of them. I would have tended to the worse of them with healing prayers, and then tended the others by hand. Though, in times like these, where there is nothing going on, it is fine to use your prayers. Don't hold them back," Jocelyn explains. "Though, how did that inspire you to join the church?" she asks.

[JadedDM]

"I was so helpless during the whole thing," Ursula explains. "And there were so many wounded, so many dead. And Pastor Richard saved all those children with his own life. It just made me want to be able to help people, too, like he did."

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End Scenario

Budget: Unchanged (0 points)

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Chrysote 05, 312 (6:00 PM)
A couple of more weeks pass, and things don't get any better or worse for the church's finances. Jocelyn has continued to try and reach out to the community, but just hasn't been having any luck.

One evening, after dinner, a young woman arrives at the temple. She looks to be somewhere between Ursula's and Jocelyn's age. "Excuse me, Pastor...I was wondering if I could get some advice?" Of course, part of Jocelyn's job was to herd the flock when they needed guidance.

[HorizonsDream]

Jocelyn looks up from sweeping the floors of the church, to the younger woman. She smiles slightly to her to show that she is approachable before she sets the broom off to the sit, and motions for the young woman to sit down in one of the pews. "Sure," she says. "What is your name?" she asks.

[JadedDM]

The young woman sits where Jocelyn motions and clears her throat. "Skye," she says. Then she just kind of blurts out everything. "Okay, so, there's this man who has proposed to me. He's from a neighboring town and he's very wealthy. He seems nice, and is handsome and all. But...I don't know, I just don't know if I love him, you know? But my father says if I don't marry him, I've betrayed the family and doomed us all, because our business is going broke and we won't make it through the winter otherwise. So...what should I do?"

[HorizonsDream]

Jocelyn's eyes widen a little bit as the girl just lets all of it blurt out. AT first, she doesn't seem to know where to start. "Well, let me ask you a few questions first," she finally says gently. "It seems to me you don't really know this man," she states. "Is that true?"

[JadedDM]

"Well, sort of," the woman says. "I've met him a few times. But I guess I don't know him all that well, really."

[HorizonsDream]

"From my understanding then, this is more of an arranged marriage then, right?" Jocelyn asks.

[JadedDM]

"Well...yes, I suppose it is," Skye replies after giving it some thought.

[HorizonsDream]

"All right, well there is nothing wrong with arranged marriages," Jocelyn says with a small smile. "Love can and sometimes does develop after years of being together," she explains. "What type of business does your family have, and why is it failing?" she asks.

[JadedDM]

"Oh, daddy's business is a brothel. We haven't been able to find any new girls, though, and ours are getting kind of...old. Daddy doesn't want me to work there, but if we don't get some new girls soon, that might be our only way out of debt," Skye explains casually.

[HorizonsDream]

"Ah," Jocelyn says. She decides not to comment on the fact that her father owns a brothel, as it really isn't her business one way or another. "Well, this would be my suggestion," she says. "Take the time to get to know the man that proposed for you before you accept the proposal or decline it. That is the only way you are going to know for sure if you have feelings for him or not," she explains. "As for your father's business, perhaps this man can help you find some new recruits as you get to know him?" she offers. "He is from another town, I am assuming a bigger town than this one?" she asks.

[JadedDM]

"For how long should I get to know him?" she asks earnestly.

[HorizonsDream]

"You can't get to know him fully in just a couple of days, weeks or months. Married couples are still learning new things about their partners throughout life," Jocelyn explains. "Maybe a month? That gives you time to help find some girls for your father's business as well."

[JadedDM]

"Okay, so after a month, I should come see you again for more advice?" Skye asks.