Providence

Right to Freedom of Expression

Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.

--- UN General Assembly, 1948, Universal declaration of human rights (217 [III] A). Paris. Art. 19

As they walk through the brass doors, Erin and Gwen take in the beautiful sight of the citadel's ground floor. They find themselves in a large circular hall, the ceiling is so high it might as well not exist, and the walls are decorated with reliefs of the different angels.

Left from the door, as if welcoming the visitors, stands the statue of Astra. Astra is shorter than the other angels and has long waving brass hair. She has large butterfly wings and is holding a large staff, with an orb at the end. A snake envelopes the staff, his head resting on the orb.

On the right, a similar statue stands. This statue is unmistakably Fortitude. He has short, brass hair, and is tall and muscular. He is swinging a hammer that is larger than him, and decorated with an intricate pattern. He has giant bat-like wings, opened like he is about to take off.

Lining the walls, Erin counts twelve such statues in total, each depicting a different angel. Next to Astra stand Endeavour, wielding an axe, Faith, seemingly cooking something in a giant kettle, Joy, holding a three-headed Morningstar and Liberty, holding a large brass Bell.

On the other side, next to Fortitude, stands Valor, holding a trident. The line continues. Erin recognises Justice, striking an anvil with a hammer, Harmony, playing the flute, Prudence, holding a long chain, and Valient, holding a halberd.

In the centre on the other side, stands the statue of Truth, the head angel. His statue is twice as tall as the others, and he is looking over the people in the citadel. His bird wings spread wide, almost encircling the whole hall, and his body looks unnaturally muscular. In one hand, he is holding a giant sword, and in the other, a scale.

Next to Truth, there is a niche in the wall, where a large staircase starts. The staircase runs around the hall in a large spiral, disappearing into the black void where the ceiling should be. Brass bars separate the stairs from the hall, except for the part at the bottom, where there is a large gate.

In the middle of the hall, a giant altar stands. It looks like a bigger version of the one Erin has seen in the churches. In front of it stand a few pews. In one of the pews, a girl sits, lost in prayer. But that is not what catches Erin's attention. Erin gasps when she sees who is sitting behind the altar.

Of course, Priest Dahlia is on duty today. Just Erin's luck. Why the hell not?

Dahlia walks to Erin and Gwen when she spots them, waving enthusiastically.

"Hi Erin, you decided to join us today. I was afraid you wouldn't show up. And you brought a friend I see."

Gwen smiles at the priest. "My name is Gwen, nice to meet you."

"I am priest Dahlia. Nice to meet you too, Gwen. If you would join me then we will check your rap sheet, and what you want removed."

Gwen shakes her head. "No need, my history is squeaky clean."

Priest Dahlia raises her eyebrow. "Okay, then I just need to check if you are old enough, and then you are good to go."

Priest Dahlia turns back to Erin. "The pilgrimage will start at nine o'clock, so we will wait to see if any more people show up. As of now, it is only you and Sadie here." The priest puts her hands on top of the girl's shoulders. Sadie is wearing a green jacket, with a matching green skirt and black boots, with quite the high heel. Her black hair is nicely plaid in a French braid, adorned with light green plastic flowers. Her hands are folded in prayer, and she jumps at the touch of Priest Dahlia and opens her bright green eyes in fear.