8.

Marcel stands next to August, the arrival of the remaining members of the Assembly. His hands are neatly clasped behind his back, desperately holding himself back from sneezing at the stench from the other nobles he's discreetly eavesdropping on.

Meanwhile, August is sitting on a padded chair, his expression neutral and unreadable. He rubs his thumb against the back of his clasped hand, resting on his raised knee, crossed over his other leg. Despite August's head's somewhat raised and tilted position, Marcel knows he's not particularly focused on anything important besides withstanding nausea from the intense fragrances filling the opulent grand hall. Usually, more tall windows are open; however, the clamour of the mob outside grows.

In contrast to their outraged peers, the siblings disembarked their carriage earlier in their journey with prior alternative arrangements. They entered the classy two-storey discreetly, Marcel feeling more secure of their safety from the mob chanting outside, kept at bay by the wrought-iron gates and fencing surrounding them.

The seats beside them remain empty, and Marcel takes a moment to survey the vacant surroundings. The atmosphere remains tense and unsettling despite their location shielding them against the sunlight and most of the clamour outside.

Marcel swallows at the irritated behaviour of the people around him. Stepping slightly closer to August, he quietly exhales deeply, tension melting off his shoulders when August subtly shifts closer towards him in support.

Then, he abruptly notices the figure approaching the seat to their right due to his inattention. Marcel watches August stand up to his feet to face the middle-aged clergy member. August brushes against his arm, prompting him to swiftly follow his brother's actions. Smoothly, they kneel and bow their heads. Marcel's heartbeat races in uncertainty, confused when he knows his brother dislikes the clergy.

"May you be safe from evil, and the mercy and blessings of the Divines be upon you, Revered Ivuy," August greets steadily, keeping his eyes down as he feels the rush of the Divines smoothing his sudden agitation; he's further relieved when Marcel repeats after him, the teen's voice cracking in the sudden silence of the hall.

The siblings hear Reverend Ivuy pause his steps and see his white robes swish closer into their field of vision.

August recalls Reverend Ivuy as a devout archbishop from the Grand Citadel, known for his rare and significant appearances. It makes his presence in this hall noteworthy and impactful.

August swallows as the archbishop's warm hand moves from Marcel's head to rest on his, returning their greeting in a deep, gruff voice. He's lucky to have recognised Reverend Ivuy's presence and appearance from his previous life because of how infrequently the Divines reacts so strongly.

"To be greeted with such devotion for the Divines... I am blessed with your words, rare as they are nowadays," the man says warmly, raising his hand. August almost panics in his haste to follow half-remembered etiquette ramblings of a dying clergywoman he barely remembers the face of.

"You honour me with your words, Reverend," August says, his voice steady as he raises his head, trying to maintain composure. Despite his determination, his eyes droop in contentment as the Divines burble warmly underneath his skin, tamed by the older man's warm touch; it's the first time he's come across someone from the clergy who could do so.

Marcel notices August's voice softening and his posture relaxing. They both rise, returning to their previous position, though Marcel remains unsettled by the situation.

The hall is now agitated, and some of their peers don't recognise the man they publicly claim to have close ties with.

Marcel ignores the start of the discussion regarding the recent riot and break-in because August is gone. Lost. He's too anxious to guide his brother from his thoughts in this unfamiliar setting. He's familiar with his absence even though the man politely continues his quiet conversation with the archbishop.

At the same time, Marcel notices how Reverend Ivuy seems to guide August back into the present.

Perhaps the man knows what affliction his brother suffers from?