It felt like a lifetime before Lambert returned to the Cult, he holds himself as if nothing has happened to two Followers, he makes his way to the temple and waves for you to follow, you drop what you are doing and enter the temple.
You want to speak but your voice got stuck in your throat, so Lambert broke the silence before it got too long.
"How are you doing?" he asks, his voice is soft and serious, a stark difference to the gentle smile he shows. You tilt your head to the side wanting him to expand his question. "I know Amdusias and Namar were close to you".
Your ears droop with sadness, you clear your throat preparing to speak, "Did they suffer?" your paws balled into fists to keep yourself mentally strong for the hurtful answer.
"I did try to snap them out of their curse, and I failed as you can see...but no, they didn't suffer".
You let the breath that you did not know you were holding out, your finger uncurled, and your shoulder lowered, all the tension fades away, yet your heart still feels heavy in your chest.
"Thank you" you whisper out, knowing that your friends did not have to endure such pain did put your mind at ease. "The Followers are also worried about what happened to them, you should hold a sermon to tell them the news, and for also for...them...".
Lambert leads you to the podium, and you ring the bell to announce that a sermon will start soon, you watch as the Followers all come in. Instead of standing alert in your spot, you decide to lean back on the wall this time.
When Lambert began his sermon, you would slip in and out of focusing on what he would say.
"During my crusade, I have once again come in contact with the Bishop of war, Shamura, causing us to lose not one but two of our loyal Followers and friends, along with Almer, I know that Amdusias and Namar are in the afterlife, I would like again to take a moment of silence for them"
The temple grows quiet, the same way as it was for Almer, the sound of birds outside breaking the thick silence.
"Just as I have done three times already, I shall leave tonight for my final crusade into Silk Cradle and break the final chain!"
The Followers cheered at the end as usual and left the temple, Lambert was about to leave behind them but noted that you had no signs of moving.
"(Y/N), are you coming?" This snapes you out of your daze.
"No, not yet, I just want a moment alone" Lambert gives a slight nod and continues to follow the Followers out of the temple.
When finally alone, you set your gaze at the stained glass window that shows the red crown, you never notice until now but the red-shifted light feels both comforting and omens, you make your way to the middle of the stage not tearing your eyes from the window, the black of the crown shielding your eyes from the burning light, the rest of your body having a red tint. The red eye of the crown is looking right at you, observing your movement, watching you.
You turn your back to the window and see the book Lambert uses during his Sermons placed neatly on the podium, it is a simple-looking book, thick with hundreds of pages and a plain red leather cover with the image of the red crown etched in.
The more you look at it the more curious you get, you begin to flip through the pages, at first it appeared to be more of a journal than anything holy, with some pages dedicated to who was in the cult and some to the different people that he has met during crusades, then things took a turn, pages with the images of tarot cards and what they give, pages of rituals and doctrines, Sermon notes and plenty of blank pages to, waiting to be filled in.
You take the time to read everything carefully from the beginning, at first it is hard to read due to the messy handwriting and ink smudges, forces broke with you letting out a yawn, you look back at the window to see that the light is gone, and the candles are near to the end of the wax.
Closing the book and making a mental note to replace the candles, you leave the temple, you see some Followers making their way to bed, the rest already settling in for the night, and no Lambert to be seen.
In the morning you start your routine, first by visiting the graves, the two pits are now filled up and adorned with headstones, one says 'Here Lies Amdusias' and the other 'Here Lies Namar', it is a bitter moment, but you still pay your respect.
You gather the ingredients for the morning meal and realize that there is so much, you then recall reading something about a feasting ritual in Lambert's book, you think it would be nice after everything that has happened.
You enjoy the moments that you have with the Followers at mealtime but hear some worried whispers of another being sent to Bishop Shamura and see them taking quick looks to the ground.
"Everyone" you start, they all stop talking and look at you.
"I know you are worried that another will be taken from us by an unfair judgment by the Bishop of war, but I have a good feeling that it will not happen again, we do not have to worry about another passing too soon"
The Followers appear at ease with your words and continue to talk but with a cheerful tone and no grim topics.
The day passes slowly, and you do not mind, it is a beautiful day after all and the harsh cold in the night is fading away, focusing on the flower garden that is about to bloom you hear cheering from the Followers at Lambert's return, you wait a little not wanting to see the heart he shows off like a trophy.
As he walks away from the adoring Followers, he waves you over to the temple to prepare for the sermon. You jog lightly to the temple to catch up with him.
You see him replacing the burnt-out candles that you tried to remember but forgot.
"Lambert, I was thinking, instead of the bonfire ritual we do a feast to celebrate, it will also help lower the supply and prevent any food from rotting". you say as you tidy up a few things.
"You must have read my mind, I was thinking just that!"
"Grate minds think alike, as they say".
"Unfortunately, so do stupid ones". Lamber says with a cheeky grin at you.
"...you just called yourself stupid, you idiot"
"Let's just start the sermon!" he quickly says to cover his embarrassment.
You roll your eyes and ring the bell, the Followers come in quickly excited for the sermon.
"All four Bishops of the old faith have been defeated, and none is left to stand in the way of The One Who Waits for all the chain have been destroyed. Let us celebrate, not just for the downfall of Shamura, but to all four Bishops, let us hold a feast!"
The feast was fantastic with good food and even better company, everyone is enjoying themselves, between the high spirits you look next to you at Lambert, he was also eating small bites and taking in the view of the Followers having a grand time, but a mixture of sadness and fear is hidden in his eyes.
"Lambert, what's wrong?"
"I'll tell you tomorrow, let's just enjoy this moment!" he says with a grand smile, he then looks back to a Follower who was asking a question about his crusades.
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Quick A/N
Sorry for the big gaps between parts, my life has been super busy lately but I promise I'll try to post as soon as possible! so please bear with me ♥
For now, enjoy this quick drawing of Lambert if he had an eldritch form like the Bishops (I tried my best to have it look like the game).