Batri storms past the two monks outside and enters into the temple antechamber, there he spots Speaks leaning against a wall, arms crossed and glaring. Several benches are along the walls where Beuren is laid out and Sitra sits next to a monk who appears to be praying.

In the center of the room, two potted ferns rest on a clerk’s counter that was present during the time when the building served as a spa.

The walls are painted with crude depictions of families bidding farewell to loved ones who are being borne by angels through the gates to the Underworld. The room smells strongly of incense. A small gong hangs above the door behind the counter.

The monk looks up and calmly asks, "How may I help you?"

Batri pants, out of breath from his run to the ‘temple.’  His eyes scan the room like some sort of predator searching for a meal.  He points to Speaks, making eye contact with the monk and, without waiting for permission, strides purposefully to the dwarf.

He fumbles in his satchel, drawing out a small bottle crammed with herbs and an orange-red liquid.  The outside seems a bit sticky and has gathered bits of lint and dirt from inside the courier’s bag as he holds the bottle out.  He pants one again before speaking in a quiet, respectful tone, [Language unknown: “No’al ill ticsan-venany oussas his ndnoec oremo wer her ess ha pa thntil.”]

Gentle moaning from Beuren.

Speaks takes the potion from Batri without a word and strides confidently over to Beuren and administers it.  She then steps back, places the empty vial in her pocket and watches Beuren intently.

The courier keeps his palm held outward as If expecting a tip, but when he sees none coming slowly retracts it.   As his breathing slows he seems to start taking in his surroundings.  He wanders over to the paintings and studies them, squinting at the details for a moment before taking in the wider room, the gong, staring at the monk who is speaking to the ugly human next to the dying one.  His wandering brings him back to the desk monk who he looks at curiously.  “So.  What’s your deal?”

The monk looks up from his prayers and responds from where he sits next to Sitra, "We are the servants of Duvia."

Beuren moans a little louder. 

Looking unimpressed, “I’m a servant of the people who pay me, but that doesn’t mean much.  What does Duvia do? Doesn’t seem to be helping with that ones suffering.”

OOC:  I think I was unclear I meant to talk to the one at the front desk not the one praying.

"If he were seeking to fight what is ailing him, he would better served with priests of his own deity." the monk replies with compassion evident in his voice, "Duvia does not concern himself with the living. He is a protector and guide for those who have passed and wish to reach their promised afterlife."

There are no other monks in the room.

His head cocks to the side like a dog trying to understand, “How does he do that? How do you know?”

"We pray and he answers." the monk replies with genuine confusion at the question, "Duvia escorts the souls to their afterlives. He keeps watch over them and defends them from the Sakhil."

The messenger laughs at the response, “Of course...Faith.

He looks at the dwarf, “Your money was well spent with the apothecary.”  He shakes his head as he walks towards the exit chuckling to himself.  Raising a hand in a wave to his employer, “Faith...  I’ve some swampland to sell you.  You know where to find me if you need something actually useful.”

Before Batri can leave,  Speaks walks over to the monk and aggressively confronts him. "Of course, it's all smoke and mirrors.  That's why he has been babysitting us in here to ensure we don't have a chance to peek behind the curtain to see what necromantic evils they do with the corpses after reassuring the families that their loved ones have 'gone to a better place'.
If you truly have nothing to hide, then why not give us a tour and show us the truth?"

Sitra sighs and leans over to check on Beuren. "Must you be like this the whole time?"

"I do not understand." the monk responds with a bit of confusion, "If you are not believers and you are still trying to keep your friend alive, why have you come to Duvia?" he indicates the "alchemical" bottle as he finishes.

"We understand that it is difficult to lose a loved one, and we respect the need to do all you character to save and protect them. Duvia does not heal, so you won't find a savior here.

If you would like to see our temple, we are happy to show you. You had not asked and I had not offered because I assumed you were believers, having brought your dying friend to us. I can fetch Brother Huass'a if you would like one.

Batri continues out, “I hope your friend doesn’t die... Or if he does maybe he can let you know if this is all fantasy or not.”