InsaneJournal

Tweak says, "Brian is a Justinite."

Reuben St. John (godisindetails) wrote in toujoursliberer,
@ 2008-07-17 20:42:00

Entry tags:

character development, reuben_stjohn

Call to Prayer
Subject: The Sunday Service
Where: A London Parish
Who: Reuben St. John
Warnings: None
Open to: All

The service went well. He hadn't tumbled over the delivery of the psalms, and his voice hadn't trembled through the lines of the Lord's Prayer as they had done the first time he had done the service by himself, with only the priest to watch over from the choir pews. Perhaps later he would admit to himself that he had not seen any of the faces in the crowd of parishioners, only the mass in front of his pulpit, and it had been as much as he could bear- the faithful faces of so many turned towards him, seeing him as holy, pure, untainted. He had caught himself once, on the verge of confession, but instead calmly managed to direct the congregation into the next hymn.

Now it was all over, thank goodness and light, and he could feel the tension leave his body as he walked down the steps, ready to bless his audience and talk to them individually on their way out. He hoped this wouldn't be as grueling as the service itself; normally it was hardly a task, but something today, something about the rustle of the wind in the yew trees in the grave-yard surrounding the church made him feel less at ease than he had been before, and he felt the nerves returning as he dried his sweating palms on his cassock.

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lonely_boy
2008-07-17 03:49 pm UTC (link)

Fabian enjoyed Sundays more than any of day of the week because it was the only time his Uncle allowed him outside the house, all though it was still within his supervision and with most of the household there in case something befell him.

Allowed a few moments alone at the end of service he sought out Father St. John to congratulate him. He knew Reuben must have been frightened but it had been quite impeccable.
"See," He said as he reached the front of the line that had formed. "I told you that you had nothing to worry about."

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godisindetails
2008-07-17 04:48 pm UTC (link)

Reuben couldn't contain his smile, delighted with the praise although he knew ego was bad for the soul. "Thank you, Fabian. I hope it has inspired at least some of our fellow men to be good Christians until next Sunday." He said, patting the boy's thin shoulder. "You don't think it was too dry, do you?" He said after a moment, leading the boy away from the dangerous steps on which he might trip and hurt himself. The boy's uncle had on more than on occasion made certain that Father St. John knew exactly how to care for the poor, sickly child.

	lonely_boy 2008-07-17 04:54 pm UTC (link)
	"No, not at all. I thought it was very good." Fabian said as Father St. John led him away. He had very little to compare it to, certainly nothing to which a sermon would appear dry - only endless doctors visits and days wrapped up in bed. "The church yard is very pretty." He ventured after a moment. "You keep very good care of it." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	godisindetails 2008-07-17 05:10 pm UTC (link)
	"I tidied it up just for your visit. I can't go around letting your uncle think I don't do my work as I should." He explained, flickering another smile. "Would you like a walk? I could do with one myself. Still a little... energized." He explained, the mix of nerves and delight at Fabian's presence, and that shadow of guilt at that delight, making him fidgety. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	lonely_boy 2008-07-17 05:22 pm UTC (link)
	Fabian laughed softly. "No you didn't. I know it's one of your jobs." He glanced over his shoulder towards the church door, fearful that his uncle would appear soon and demand they visit Lucy's grave and then start home. "A short walk and we mustn't go too far." He agreed, still looking at the Church. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	godisindetails 2008-07-18 03:55 am UTC (link)
	Well, I'm sure they'll be room for one at some point, love. Also, I miss you. "That is true enough. Although I can't think that he would refuse any works by famous Christian scholars. Perhaps some early British history?" He suggested. "Or is there anything you want? Any books you've not read yet but want to?" He asked, as they headed towards the Yew. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)