Road of the Heavenly Light

1-1: Saintly Guidance

Once Principal Abigail had concluded her speech, Elizabeth got up with a sigh. She knew that her father's actions had left a permanent mark on the school's history, nigh, the continent's history, and her own history. There were probably many that would rather she rotted away in a dungeon for the rest of her days and see the kingdom of Theros abolished altogether. She had to do something to make things right. Her mother had signed countless peace treaties, and yet it was not enough. Only Falmar, Aurion, and Magnos agreed on a mutual peace. The rest of the continent didn't even consider it, not even their former ally Fayden. Even in the eyes of the Divinian church, it would take a long time to be spoken of in a more favorable manner. Perhaps, if she... Her thoughts were interrupted by her fiancé approaching her.
"Liz, do you want to get a drink in Earth together?"
"That would be lovely." And so, the two took a carriage towards Earth. Even though it wasn't yet evening, it was already starting to get dark, and once they arrived, the streetlights were illuminating the central hub for merchants all across the continent. They walked past the many market stands, into the tavern that was popular among the students from Royale High. They ordered a drink and sat down at a small table. Elizabeth was staring out of the window, looking at the marketplace, where the merchants were gathering their stuff and cleaning up. There was a child climbing a tree, a woman who walked out of the bakery, and a few men walking into a different tavern.
"Elizabeth? Are you alright?" Levi suddenly asked.
"Yes, why so?"
"You've been staring out of the window, you haven't had even a drop from your drink, and you didn't respond the last four times I called your name."
"Sorry, I have been a bit under the weather recently, no need to worry," Elizabeth lied. Levi already worried enough for her, she really did not want to burden him with her personal struggles as well. They then started conversing normally about various topics, and, after finishing their drinks, left again. They were about to walk back to their carriage, when Elizabeth heard singing in the distance.
"I think I'm going to stay here for a bit longer. I want to... check on the concert hall."
"Alright, see you later then," Levi said, kissing Elizabeth and leaving on his own. Elizabeth went into the direction of the singing with a determined look on her face.

It only took a few turns before Elizabeth identified the source of the singing, which was a young woman lifting a crate. The woman might have been happily singing, but she looked like she was struggling to hold the crate, so Elizabeth decided to approach her.
"Do you need any assistance?"
"Oh, that would be really appreciated, thank you," the woman answered, and Elizabeth grabbed the crate from the other side.
"Where does this need to go?"
"The cathedral, just turn left and then the first door on the right." The two women carried the crate across the street. The moon was already starting to shine on the empty streets of Earth, combined with the light coming from the streetlights and houses. Once they reached the cathedral, they went inside and put the crate down on the altar.
"It's a new supply of candles, we were running out of them," the woman explained.
"Oh, are you a member of the church?" Elizabeth asked.
"Yes, though just a regular cleric. We serve under bishop Peter of Earth, who serves under cardinal  John, who serves under archbishop Hayes."
"I see... I'm not the most familiar with the structure of the Divinian church, being from Theros myself. What do the cardinals do?"
"They oversee all of the churches in their respective parts of Divinia; cardinal John in the north, cardinal Clare in the east, cardinal Joseph in the south, and finally, cardinal Elliot in the west. Cardinal Elliot is especially important as his part includes the capital, where archbishop Hayes resides in the headquarters of the church, the holy tower of Saint Divinia."
"I believe I may have already met father Elliot before... but the cardinal system seems quite familiar to the four dukedoms of Aurion."
"You probably saw him because he also oversees the royal family. And yes, it is somewhat similar to Aurion. Anyway, is there anything I can do to repay you?" Elizabeth thought for a second about anything she could ask, and she got an idea.
"I am in need of some advice on a matter... I wish to know the view of... the teachings of Saint Divinia."
"Of course, that is part of my job! You are free to ask whatever you seek advice on."
Elizabeth sighed, and looked up at the giant chandelier, "I assume you've heard of the recent events at Royale High, caused by King Richard, my father." The cleric nodded. "I... may have been misled by him, but I have helped cause his failure as well. And yet... I feel that it is not enough to repent for my father's sins, and even my own. I wish to change people's view of Theros, and show them that we are not evil."
"I see... I believe, no, I am convinced that Saint Divinia would have wanted you to just stay kind to people and help them, and, most importantly, give them time to heal. If you show them that you are a contrast to your father, they will realize that you are not like him eventually, even if it is not immediately."
"Thank you very much, I know what to do now. I must go now, farewell."
"Take care, your majesty. I see good things awaiting you in the future." Elizabeth waved at the cleric, and walked out of the cathedral.
"I've made up my mind, I'm going to try my best to restore Theros' honor!" Elizabeth said to herself.

Once Elizabeth returned to her dorm, she saw everyone sitting together around the table, eating the cookies Astrid had baked.
"Elizabeth, sit down! We were almost starting to worry," Astrid greeted her, handing her a plate with cookies.
"Thank you, Astrid. Did I miss anything important?" Elizabeth asked, sitting down next to her fiancé.
"We were just seeing if anyone is going to run for student council president," Laura explained, "Astrid, are you?"
"No, as the school was founded and is overseen by the royal family, it would be unfair for me to run. What about you?"
"You know I don't like talking in front of crowds... Anyone of you guys?" Laura asked. All of the guys and Anna shook their heads.
"Actually, I want to run," Elizabeth said, "wait! I can't..."
"Why not?" Anna asked.
"I have to retake the entrance exam this Wednesday because of my father, and there are a lot of math exercises in it... Failing means I can't run for student council president, and I will most certainly fail the math exercises."
"Hey, don't give up hope before even trying! We can help you study, and we can make homework together!" Levi offered.
"And you can sit next to me during our math lessons," Anna added.
"Then you have nothing to worry about, Anna is the best of the class," Glen laughed.
"Laura isn't bad at it either, right?" Felix asked. Laura nodded.
"We'll help you, Elizabeth. If you want to run, then we will ensure that you shall win!"
"Even after everything I've done?"
"Of course Elizabeth, you're our friend now," Astrid said.
"Thank you, I'm truly blessed to have met all of you."