If she wants to get it checked.

"Hm... I think it's best to avoid you having to correct me in front of the others, but - I am fairly confident in this."

"All right, then."

Small smile.

She's ready by the time the first of the faithful arrives, conducting small talk and maintaining an atmosphere of watchful anticipation until the full gathering - smaller than it should be, but not by much. People seem curious and tense about Luc's presence.

Jade's not the most charismatic of speakers, but she has a raw honesty and a keen mind that serves her well. Besides, the people here know she can be relied upon. She emphasizes the points Luc' told her to, weaving them into her usual message. She invites responses from a few members - ones she knows will respond in a way that strengthens her central sermon, allowing her to build her argument. This seems to be a tactic she uses a lot, actually, the questions almost ritual.

Jade introduces the locusts as a ritual meal, apparently tying it in as a variant on a local traditional observance.

Acceptable.

Luc' stays mostly quiet, making small gestures of approbation where appropriate. She joins in the ritual meal at the end.

After the meal, Jade delays the faithful from dismissing at what's possibly their usual moment, instead glancing at Luc'.

Luc' takes the opportunity for a speech, reinforcing what was said earlier and expanding on her further plans for the locusts. She frames as sharing the light with those still blind, a piece at a time so they are not frightened.

Her faithful listen attentively, some considering, some yearning, some determined, most hungry.

Hungry is good. She feeds that.

The hunger spreads even to the others not yet affected, a mostly banked fervor rising in her faithful - to spread the truth of her power, to curry her favor, mostly.

Perfect. The she wraps it up, puts a bow on it, and turns them loose.

They head to their homes or other business, though Jade lingers.

Mmm, how propitious.

"Would you ask anything else of me, my lady?" Jade asks, voice a bit low.

She runs a finger down her face.

"One or two things, yes..."

Shiver. "Your wish is my command."

And she does have so many of those.

Good.

Then Luc' will be able to pass the time quite enjoyably. Jade Stream perhaps less so, perhaps not.

She certainly doesn't seem to have complaints.

As well for her.

The next day, Luc' sends her to fetch the unfaithful. One at a time, and escorted personally.

The first, at least, comes without much of a fight - some mild bruising on his upper arm, a few murmured threats from Jade about cooperating.

His steps falter, though, when he sees Luc'.

"Kneel," she says, gesturing in front of her. "And then you will explain yourself." Her voice is flat as ice.

Jade ends up helping him to his knees, none too gently.

He shakes, but - "Hurting people is wrong," he blurts out. "I - couldn't - not anymore - "

She backhands him across the face.

"Wrong is not doing what you are told. You disobey me. You disrespect me. You disappoint your masters. Your soul is claimed and you have no choices left. No can and cannots, no couldn'ts."