Post by Dungeon Master on May 6, 2007 9:33:07 GMT -5
Aravis/ Talron
Real Time Role Playing Session
By Adam and Don
For a moment she thought there was trouble. Aravis saw the bartender and an elf looking at her as she entered the bar. The bartender pointed, and the elf turned to fully face her. He looked familiar, but in a strange sort of way.
Upon noticing Aravis, Talron walks directly up to her. “Well, once again your mother is proven right. That’s starting to become quite the annoying habit.”
“I’m sorry,” Aravis replies. “I think you must have me mistaken for someone else.”
“Has it really been so long?” Talron asks her.
“Look, you seem somewhat familiar to me, but I have been through much these past few years. If you know of my mother, then you know better than to try to rob me, especially in broad daylight.”
Talron laughs. “No child, I’m not here to rob you. Although, you must forgive me. I had forgotten about the Gray. Talron…no. Eolise. Eolise Twoblades,” the elf explains.
A moment passes, and a look of comprehension crosses Aravis’ face. “Eolise! It has been far too long. What are you doing here of all places?” Aravis says.
Directing her to a table, they will sit as Talron begins. “It’s a long story. Where to start,” he asks rhetorically. “First of all, it’s no longer Eolise, it’s Talron. Talron Darkblade. Eolise…..died in the war. Although many would blame your mother, that’s just ridiculous.” Talron motions to a bar wench to order drinks.
“What do you mean, Eolise died? I’ve seen my share of undead, and you look a good deal better than any of them. Here you sit, as alive as anyone else in this room. Have you become some sort of puzzle master in the past couple years?”
Smiling, Talron says, “No, the person who was Eolise died. The war changed me. A lot.” Talron stops as the barmaid returns with the drinks. “After you see all the blood and death and pointless sacrifices, you start to wonder what the point of it all is.”
Aravis takes a sip of her wine. “It’s not as if you need tell me any of this. The war changed us all, to an extent. What I want to know is what you intend to do with yourself now that you have ‘changed’. If you don’t know that, then what was the point of changing?”
“Your mother and I have a few agreements. And speaking of your mother, she’s one of the reasons I’m here.”
Rolling her eyes, Aravis replies. “Well, I think you’ll find that I no longer require a babysitter. I’m well looked after enough the way it is. Right now I’ll bet you that a group of soldiers is waiting outside this damned tavern, just in case something should happen. I can’t go anywhere, or do anything that I want to do without being ‘protected’ from something. And now, here you are, on one of Mother’s errands to watch after her ‘little girl’. Even an elf would have to admit that after nearly a hundred years, I can take care of myself.”
A smirk crosses Talron’s face. “No, I’m not here to ‘babysit’ you. While she did send me to make sure that you are OK, the reason I’m here is completely different. She actually wants me to take a look around so that I can give her my opinion of the situation. And I’m sure that the unsaid statement was that, if necessary, I was to be at your disposal. Now, in your mother’s defense, and I know that there aren’t many who come running to do this very often, it hasn’t been all that long ago that you came out of the Gray. She does worry about you, but trust me; you aren’t the only thing that has been on her mind lately. You mother is….a different person than she was.”
Aravis: Aravis snorts. "Nevertheless, she couldn't resist coming after me there, and that's probably only because she had nothing better to do. I'm surprised that she didn't try to send you instead. I would hate to think that she would pass on a chance to keep her hands clean."
Talron: You have no real clue as to what was happening back in our world, do you?
Aravis: Aravis blinks. "You think I've lost it, gone around the bend, don't you?"
Talron: Talron snorts, almost spilling his drink. "No," he says as he wipes his mouth "not at all. I just think that you have a slight misunderstood view of what was going on at the time. I've been around your mother for quite a long time. Well, since she showed up at my keep, and dragged me kicking and screaming here. In the time I've gotten to know her, I have noticed one very important thing. The only thing she cares about more than herself is you. Yes, she was going to send me after you, because she was trying to keep a world here for you to return to. Shit happened, so she came after you instead, deciding that the world would have to wait." Taking another drink, Talron peers over the top of his glass at Aravis, staring directly in her eyes. "Kinda puts a whole perspective on the "my mother cares only for herself" thing, doesn't it
Aravis: "I don't need this. I don't need you, or Karnea Dragonbane. None of it. I have my god. I have everything I need in Him." Aravis says quietly.
Talron: Talron will sit, looking at Aravis for a moment. "You know, you could try to speak to your mother. You have a lot of pent up feeling and emotions that have not been dealt with. Death and rebirth of a sort are things that you go thru that are......life changing. Is it because you didn't see your mother cry, or hear of her breaking down and losing all control when she found out you were gone? Is that what makes you think she doesn't really care?
Aravis: "Look, Eolise, Talron, whatever you want to call yourself. Let's get one thing straight. The only thing my mother cares about is herself. What's past is past. I'm sure she didn’t shed a tear when I disappeared, and that's fine. All I want is to be left alone. So you can go back to her, tell her whatever you want to tell her, but make sure that you understand that I don't need you snooping around anymore. I'm fine."
Talron: "You want to carry a chip on your shoulder for the rest of your life, then fine, do it. But think, I mean really REALLY THINK. Did your mother send me here to "babysit" you or "protect" you? PHSSSS. Don't think so. Come on, you and I have been out together, and fought together. I've seen what you can do, and so has she. If I came at you right now, swords drawn, and tried to kill you, how far would I get? 1 step,.....3? So, what the hell am I going to protect you from? And while I am in service to your mother, I ain't no fuckin messenger. Ok? I DO have a job to do, and I am going to do it. But as for you? Why don't you talk to your god. Since you and Karnea both seem to be pretty close to him, ask him for his opinion. See what he says. I don't know him, but I have a feeling he might tell you that you got some things all wrong."
Aravis: Aravis bristles. "Were I you, I would take care to not speak of things about which I knew nothing. You cannot comprehend the link I have to my god. Everything that I do is for his glory. Do not presume to know what it is that he would say or do."
Aravis: "And as you have said, you have a job to do, as do I. There is much work to do."
Talron: "Yes, but as your friend, and always have I considered you one, I do not like to see you in such pain. So, please, do not take offense to what I said about your god. It was not meant to be a slight to you or to him. It was an honest suggestion. You ARE close to him. I heard it in you when you talked about "what you need". In your voice, and in your eyes. Of all those that would tell you the truth and you would listen to it, He would be the one. And, perhaps, it would lessen your pain, and allow you to heal, to put that part of your life back in order and let you go on with what he intends for you. What you carry is a heavy burden, Aravis."
Aravis: "One I bear gladly in his Name." She glances about. "The Brothers demand a cleansing. Renegades walk the earth openly, in defiance of the High Sorcery. They have made a mockery of the Order, blasphemous in taking on the title 'sorcerer'. They claim that theirs is the 'magic of the land,' when truly all Magic comes from the Moon Gods. They must be confronted, made to see the truth, and converted or destroyed. There is no other way. But the Conclave will not move against them. They fear for their skins, when they should fear for the Art. I will make them see."
Talron: "Yes, I do not doubt you will. But, and I only ask this, to hear what you say, do you think that while doing this, you might not make peace within yourself, too? Does this require you to carry that burden? Is this something your god has commanded you to do?"
Aravis: "My concern is not for myself. I am merely an instrument of divine will."
Talron: "In other words, you don't know. You've never bothered to ask."
Aravis: "You would not understand what it is like to be chosen. You believe that you make your own destiny by the choices you make, but you don't realize that someone else might have a plan for you, and that everything you do, every choice you make is determined beforehand. Open yourself to the plan that is made for you and you will no longer struggle with your questions."
Talron: "Now we are talking about beliefs. If a god tells his or her followers to do something, and they don't do it, then by what you say, it was their destiny NOT to do what their god told them to. So, why would their god bother?"
Aravis: "Some are destined to become examples of impiety."
Talron: "So, why not just obliterate them? Why bother with giving the order you know won't be followed? The true believers would trust them when they said they did it because they were not going to follow. And those that didn't believe, well, they are just more of the impious."
Aravis: "No mortal is perfect. All lose touch with their faith from time to time. Those who stray from the true path serve as a reminder of the consequences of impiety. Can you picture Solinari slaying the unfaithful? Each god deals with the impious in his or her own way.
Talron: "But to lose touch with faith implies choice, and with choice, there is no destiny. Choice is what makes the truly faithful, Great. And the truly unfaithful,........"
Aravis: "To lose touch with ones faith only implies that our mortal minds are not capable of fully understanding our part in the plan."
Talron: "To say that one is controlled by destiny is to say that by killing the unfaithful, you are not laying down a punishment, nor are you setting an example, you are only fulfilling that persons destiny. There is no fear to gather from this. In order for it to be a punishment, and an example, choice has to be the root cause. "These people are being punished for their "choice" in not following our god." Not "They were slain because it was their destiny to not follow our god." Examples can ONLY be made when their is a reason to show consequence. Consequence of "Choice"
Aravis: "By making a selfish choice, instead of submitting to divine authority, one is liable to punishment. In submission, we need not choose our path. It is laid out before us, and we must only follow. It is when you presume to step off that path that you have raised yourself above the gods. Go and ask the Kingpriest what that is like."
Talron: "And yet your argument proves my point exactly. When we chose to follow the path laid down for us, we prosper, for it is the design and destiny our gods have chosen for us. When we chose not too, we walk a path without guidance, and without our gods. And that path is the path that causes us to be punished. Either way, it is done by choice. And yes, even the Kingpriest had a choice. He just chose....unwisely."
Aravis: "I don not mean to say that every single inconsequential decision we make is part of our destiny. What you decide to eat of dinner is of little consequence. What I meant to say is that before one realizes he or she has been chosen for a task, one believes that the decisions they make are their own. Until quite recently, I believed that I controlled my own destiny, that everything I did was of my own accord. And then I realized that all the while, Nuitari was guiding me all along. Everything I have done has been his doing. In time, you may find your own path and realize the same thing."
Aravis: "We are only given one major choice, though. To follow, or to rebel."
Talron: Currently, I have no god.
Aravis: "Do you mean to say that you do not believe in the gods, or only that you do not currently worship one actively? They are two different things."
Talron: "No, I have seen to many things that prove there are gods. I just don't follow one."
Aravis: "Then you have made your one choice, to rebel. Do not look to me for assistance when your reckoning day comes."
Talron: "Nor would I, since we have never followed the same god. Or have we?" Talron shrugs. "I sort of doubt that Nuitari has been my god. From what I think, I doubt he has much use of my kind. His followers have a tendency to melt my kind in their boots."
Aravis: "He would welcome you if you did not threaten the Art. It is always beneficial to have an agent with unique skills."
Talron: "And are you trying to recruit me now, Aravis? How useful could I be to him? Really? I'm not trying to be blasphemous, but He is a god of magic, isn't he? My race is one that is touched by magic, true, but I am no magic user. That is a skill that is outside of me. What I can do, I have seen you, your mother, and a few others do with the flick of a wrist. And what if it IS his design for me to become part of the "flock", for lack of a better word. Is it possible that it was in this design that I became a different person? Changed because of the war? And if so, is it then possible that it is the reason that I have come here seeking YOU, his high priestess out? And, then, if all these are true, then it is in his design that I push and prod trying to get a reconciliation between you and your mother?"
Aravis: "Perhaps you should ask him these things, rather than me. If there is one thing all gods do well, it is keep secrets from their followers. It is not given us to know the full scope of the plans of the gods, only the parts of it we are to play. Pray to him, seek his guidance, and your questions will be answered. "
Talron: "And if it is NOT in his design to have a follower that carries blades, instead of wands, staves, and other magical implements? What then? Will he tell me to go away? Or will he say nothing? How would I know I'm not wasting my time, and just bothering him?"
Aravis: "If you seek him out sincerely, you will not be turned away. And failing to seek the path is as bad as choosing not follow it when you are shown."
Talron: "Which brings me back to my last question, then, High Priestess, my friend. If nothing else, pray on it, and ask him for guidance about your mother, if you can't see that perhaps, possibly, I was brought here to make peace between the two of you."
Aravis: "I will seek his guidance, but don't expect any miracles," she says with a slight grin. "Even among the faithful there may be disagreement. One only need look at the Conclave for evidence of this fact."
Talron: Smiling back, Talron says "Yeah, another reason I am glad not to be a twittle fingers. There is more drama there than I've ever seen. At least the gods keep them from actually fighting. I think they would have to rebuild their towers every other day."
Talron: "So, what is going on around here."
Aravis: "The Imperial Army is preparing to redeploy. The Empress is returning home, and the Prince is staying behind to establish relations with the Ergothian Empire. There is talk that the Soreelians may be leaving Ansalon altogether."
Talron: "And how are the locals taking that? Are they scared that their enemies will seek revenge once the Soreelian Army has left, or are they chomping at the bit for the foreigners to pack up and go?"
Aravis: "Those are the two main schools of thought. There is the fear that if the Empire leaves, Samuval will lead the goblins out of old Qualinesti to conquer all of Abaninsinia. There is also the fear that if the Imperial Army remains, Zeva will demand tribute. There are merits to both lines of thought."
Talron: "So, let us start with the first one then. Is Samuval still such a strong threat? And since you are here, does Nuitari have an interest in the goings on in this area?"
Aravis: "My time in this area is short. As for Samuval, I do not pretend to know much about military matters. If the High Command considers Qualinesti a major threat, they have not done much about it. Better, I think, to eliminate your enemy, rather than wait for him to attack."
Talron: "True. From a military standpoint, as well as a basic tactical standpoint, to leave enemies behind is....foolish. If the Soreelian Army decides to stay, they'll want some land, but, will they want to annex part of the Ergothian Crown, or take some of the land they captured during the war?"
Aravis: "It is difficult to say. Lucius has not given any indications one way or the other."
Talron: "This whole situation isn't causing difficulties between the two of you, is it?"
Aravis: "Let us just say that Nuitari does not intend me to be a princess locked away in a castle."
Talron: "Hmm." Talron will look Aravis up and down. "No, the dress you are wearing doesn't quite fit with the position you hold in his religion. I have to confess, as my potential high priestess, you don't really inspire me in your current garb."
Aravis: "Explain that to the old maids on the Empress' staff."
Talron: "You could always just to that big wall of flame trick I've seen you do on a courtier or someone just as useless. In the least that would get them to leave you the hell alone for awhile." Talron will laugh at the visual image it brings to his mind.
Talron: "I guess, since I'm not a part of the Soreelian Empire, I could try to explain the situation to the staff, but I'm not really one for negotiations. Generally, when my point isn't seen, I tend to go directly into "Hostile Negotiation" mode, and blood starts being spilt"
Aravis: "Yes, but killing a member of the Imperial Household, even a servant, would only lead to trouble. It is not part of the plan."
Talron: "Yeah, that is how my negotiations generally turn out. Trouble." Smiling, Talron will refill Aravis' glass, and then his own. "So, basically, right now, you are stuck here, while your boyfriend conducts negotiations, and pass your time by restraining yourself from obliterating the courtiers and whimpering staff while they try to turn you into what they see as a "proper Imperial Lady".
Aravis: "Not exactly. I can walk away any time I choose." Aravis takes a sip of her wine. "That is a choice I am allowed to make, you see."
Talron: Smirking at her jab, Talron says "Nice one. I forgot how enjoyable it was to trade jibs with you. So, other than the bargaining, and waiting to see what will happen between the two empires, there is nothing being done in preparation or planning for dealing with the goblins?"
Aravis: "Oh, the Army trains, and soldiers move from place to place, but it all seems routine. The border is patrolled, but no one seems to be in a hurry to go south."
Talron: "A mistake they may very well pay for. It is all well and good to patrol and train, but if they don't ready and plan for an attack, the goblins may very well horde up their forces, and attack this place, catching the fools by surprise."
Aravis: "Then so be it. Either way, neither side poses a threat to the Art."
Talron: "And then, we come back to that. So, tell me, just out of curiosity, what would I have to do to join your religion? Kill a few of the other orders mages? Learn to change myself into a different creature? Learn some magic that I already know I can't do? What, seriously IS the protocol? I really don't want to offend Nuitari."
Aravis: "All wizards are Brothers in the Order, and all Orders are Brothers in the Power. We don't go about killing members of the other Orders. There aren't enough of us left to squander our power on infighting. The true threats to the Art are the renegade sorcerers."
Talron: "Okay. Then why, in the past, have I seen other wizards killing each other on the battlefields? Were the brothers having an argument, or was one of them one of these "renegades"?"
Aravis: "The world outside the Towers may bring Order against Order, and Brother against Brother, but that is the way of the Universe. As I have said, there aren't enough wizards of High Sorcery left right now to waste time on personal vendettas. The Conclave must focus its energy on more important matters."
Talron: "You still haven't answered my more serious question, high priestess. What is the protocol for approaching your god? I'm sure this is something answered in the order, but, since I haven't been there..."
Aravis: "You must pray for his guidance. Seek him out. It will not be easy, or safe, but if you are judged worthy you will be shown the path. More than this I cannot answer, because each person finds his or her faith differently. But be warned: seeking out a god simply for curiosity’s sake is foolish and dangerous. You must be sincere in your desire."
Talron: Talron will look at Aravis intently "First, what do you mean dangerous? And secondly, trust me, I have no intent of doing anything just out of curiosity. The last thing I need is to piss a god off. Pissed off gods tend to do quick and permanent things to those that piss them off. The lessons of the Kingpriest taught us all that."
Aravis: "Before you may serve, one must be proven worthy of service. You will be given a quest, some kind of challenge to test your mettle."
Talron: "And prove that I am worthy of his attention, and not just the "Stupid Ass Fighter" right?"
Aravis: "The ability to dice up goblins or humans is one thing, but knowing when to fight and when to wait and watch is another."
Talron: "And can I do this at anytime, or is it better to do it at some holy place, like the altar area at the tower?"
Aravis: "Holy places are often holy because of what happens there, not because of some ritual blessing of an altar. We find the gods in the most unexpected places."
Talron: "I shall give this some serious thought. The changes that tore at my soul were profound, and left me with some questions that I have to find answers for myself. Perhaps, it is your god, calling. Perhaps not. I shall see in time."
Aravis: "Indeed. Patience."
Talron: "I'm an elf. I see many of my friends live out their lives, grow old and die, in the blink of an eye. Patience is born into the blood of my people. Just some of our race take that virtue, and make it a life's quest. Thus, sadly, ending the lives of many of my kin."
Aravis: "I will pray for guidance, as well. But I must be going. The House Guard will come looking for me if I am away for too long."
Talron: "And I as well. There are still some things I must attend to, and as you said earlier, time is short."
Aravis: "Very well then. We will have much to speak of when next we meet."
Talron: "Or, perhaps, you will already know of events in my life at that time." Smiling, Talron will stand, and walk with Aravis out the door of the tavern. "Take care my friend, and if ever you need my help...."
Aravis: "...then you will find me without my asking."
Talron: Laughing as he climbs onto his horse Talron says to her "Ah, yes, more of the destiny plan. Farewell."
Aravis: "Farewell, Talron."
Real Time Role Playing Session
By Adam and Don
For a moment she thought there was trouble. Aravis saw the bartender and an elf looking at her as she entered the bar. The bartender pointed, and the elf turned to fully face her. He looked familiar, but in a strange sort of way.
Upon noticing Aravis, Talron walks directly up to her. “Well, once again your mother is proven right. That’s starting to become quite the annoying habit.”
“I’m sorry,” Aravis replies. “I think you must have me mistaken for someone else.”
“Has it really been so long?” Talron asks her.
“Look, you seem somewhat familiar to me, but I have been through much these past few years. If you know of my mother, then you know better than to try to rob me, especially in broad daylight.”
Talron laughs. “No child, I’m not here to rob you. Although, you must forgive me. I had forgotten about the Gray. Talron…no. Eolise. Eolise Twoblades,” the elf explains.
A moment passes, and a look of comprehension crosses Aravis’ face. “Eolise! It has been far too long. What are you doing here of all places?” Aravis says.
Directing her to a table, they will sit as Talron begins. “It’s a long story. Where to start,” he asks rhetorically. “First of all, it’s no longer Eolise, it’s Talron. Talron Darkblade. Eolise…..died in the war. Although many would blame your mother, that’s just ridiculous.” Talron motions to a bar wench to order drinks.
“What do you mean, Eolise died? I’ve seen my share of undead, and you look a good deal better than any of them. Here you sit, as alive as anyone else in this room. Have you become some sort of puzzle master in the past couple years?”
Smiling, Talron says, “No, the person who was Eolise died. The war changed me. A lot.” Talron stops as the barmaid returns with the drinks. “After you see all the blood and death and pointless sacrifices, you start to wonder what the point of it all is.”
Aravis takes a sip of her wine. “It’s not as if you need tell me any of this. The war changed us all, to an extent. What I want to know is what you intend to do with yourself now that you have ‘changed’. If you don’t know that, then what was the point of changing?”
“Your mother and I have a few agreements. And speaking of your mother, she’s one of the reasons I’m here.”
Rolling her eyes, Aravis replies. “Well, I think you’ll find that I no longer require a babysitter. I’m well looked after enough the way it is. Right now I’ll bet you that a group of soldiers is waiting outside this damned tavern, just in case something should happen. I can’t go anywhere, or do anything that I want to do without being ‘protected’ from something. And now, here you are, on one of Mother’s errands to watch after her ‘little girl’. Even an elf would have to admit that after nearly a hundred years, I can take care of myself.”
A smirk crosses Talron’s face. “No, I’m not here to ‘babysit’ you. While she did send me to make sure that you are OK, the reason I’m here is completely different. She actually wants me to take a look around so that I can give her my opinion of the situation. And I’m sure that the unsaid statement was that, if necessary, I was to be at your disposal. Now, in your mother’s defense, and I know that there aren’t many who come running to do this very often, it hasn’t been all that long ago that you came out of the Gray. She does worry about you, but trust me; you aren’t the only thing that has been on her mind lately. You mother is….a different person than she was.”
Aravis: Aravis snorts. "Nevertheless, she couldn't resist coming after me there, and that's probably only because she had nothing better to do. I'm surprised that she didn't try to send you instead. I would hate to think that she would pass on a chance to keep her hands clean."
Talron: You have no real clue as to what was happening back in our world, do you?
Aravis: Aravis blinks. "You think I've lost it, gone around the bend, don't you?"
Talron: Talron snorts, almost spilling his drink. "No," he says as he wipes his mouth "not at all. I just think that you have a slight misunderstood view of what was going on at the time. I've been around your mother for quite a long time. Well, since she showed up at my keep, and dragged me kicking and screaming here. In the time I've gotten to know her, I have noticed one very important thing. The only thing she cares about more than herself is you. Yes, she was going to send me after you, because she was trying to keep a world here for you to return to. Shit happened, so she came after you instead, deciding that the world would have to wait." Taking another drink, Talron peers over the top of his glass at Aravis, staring directly in her eyes. "Kinda puts a whole perspective on the "my mother cares only for herself" thing, doesn't it
Aravis: "I don't need this. I don't need you, or Karnea Dragonbane. None of it. I have my god. I have everything I need in Him." Aravis says quietly.
Talron: Talron will sit, looking at Aravis for a moment. "You know, you could try to speak to your mother. You have a lot of pent up feeling and emotions that have not been dealt with. Death and rebirth of a sort are things that you go thru that are......life changing. Is it because you didn't see your mother cry, or hear of her breaking down and losing all control when she found out you were gone? Is that what makes you think she doesn't really care?
Aravis: "Look, Eolise, Talron, whatever you want to call yourself. Let's get one thing straight. The only thing my mother cares about is herself. What's past is past. I'm sure she didn’t shed a tear when I disappeared, and that's fine. All I want is to be left alone. So you can go back to her, tell her whatever you want to tell her, but make sure that you understand that I don't need you snooping around anymore. I'm fine."
Talron: "You want to carry a chip on your shoulder for the rest of your life, then fine, do it. But think, I mean really REALLY THINK. Did your mother send me here to "babysit" you or "protect" you? PHSSSS. Don't think so. Come on, you and I have been out together, and fought together. I've seen what you can do, and so has she. If I came at you right now, swords drawn, and tried to kill you, how far would I get? 1 step,.....3? So, what the hell am I going to protect you from? And while I am in service to your mother, I ain't no fuckin messenger. Ok? I DO have a job to do, and I am going to do it. But as for you? Why don't you talk to your god. Since you and Karnea both seem to be pretty close to him, ask him for his opinion. See what he says. I don't know him, but I have a feeling he might tell you that you got some things all wrong."
Aravis: Aravis bristles. "Were I you, I would take care to not speak of things about which I knew nothing. You cannot comprehend the link I have to my god. Everything that I do is for his glory. Do not presume to know what it is that he would say or do."
Aravis: "And as you have said, you have a job to do, as do I. There is much work to do."
Talron: "Yes, but as your friend, and always have I considered you one, I do not like to see you in such pain. So, please, do not take offense to what I said about your god. It was not meant to be a slight to you or to him. It was an honest suggestion. You ARE close to him. I heard it in you when you talked about "what you need". In your voice, and in your eyes. Of all those that would tell you the truth and you would listen to it, He would be the one. And, perhaps, it would lessen your pain, and allow you to heal, to put that part of your life back in order and let you go on with what he intends for you. What you carry is a heavy burden, Aravis."
Aravis: "One I bear gladly in his Name." She glances about. "The Brothers demand a cleansing. Renegades walk the earth openly, in defiance of the High Sorcery. They have made a mockery of the Order, blasphemous in taking on the title 'sorcerer'. They claim that theirs is the 'magic of the land,' when truly all Magic comes from the Moon Gods. They must be confronted, made to see the truth, and converted or destroyed. There is no other way. But the Conclave will not move against them. They fear for their skins, when they should fear for the Art. I will make them see."
Talron: "Yes, I do not doubt you will. But, and I only ask this, to hear what you say, do you think that while doing this, you might not make peace within yourself, too? Does this require you to carry that burden? Is this something your god has commanded you to do?"
Aravis: "My concern is not for myself. I am merely an instrument of divine will."
Talron: "In other words, you don't know. You've never bothered to ask."
Aravis: "You would not understand what it is like to be chosen. You believe that you make your own destiny by the choices you make, but you don't realize that someone else might have a plan for you, and that everything you do, every choice you make is determined beforehand. Open yourself to the plan that is made for you and you will no longer struggle with your questions."
Talron: "Now we are talking about beliefs. If a god tells his or her followers to do something, and they don't do it, then by what you say, it was their destiny NOT to do what their god told them to. So, why would their god bother?"
Aravis: "Some are destined to become examples of impiety."
Talron: "So, why not just obliterate them? Why bother with giving the order you know won't be followed? The true believers would trust them when they said they did it because they were not going to follow. And those that didn't believe, well, they are just more of the impious."
Aravis: "No mortal is perfect. All lose touch with their faith from time to time. Those who stray from the true path serve as a reminder of the consequences of impiety. Can you picture Solinari slaying the unfaithful? Each god deals with the impious in his or her own way.
Talron: "But to lose touch with faith implies choice, and with choice, there is no destiny. Choice is what makes the truly faithful, Great. And the truly unfaithful,........"
Aravis: "To lose touch with ones faith only implies that our mortal minds are not capable of fully understanding our part in the plan."
Talron: "To say that one is controlled by destiny is to say that by killing the unfaithful, you are not laying down a punishment, nor are you setting an example, you are only fulfilling that persons destiny. There is no fear to gather from this. In order for it to be a punishment, and an example, choice has to be the root cause. "These people are being punished for their "choice" in not following our god." Not "They were slain because it was their destiny to not follow our god." Examples can ONLY be made when their is a reason to show consequence. Consequence of "Choice"
Aravis: "By making a selfish choice, instead of submitting to divine authority, one is liable to punishment. In submission, we need not choose our path. It is laid out before us, and we must only follow. It is when you presume to step off that path that you have raised yourself above the gods. Go and ask the Kingpriest what that is like."
Talron: "And yet your argument proves my point exactly. When we chose to follow the path laid down for us, we prosper, for it is the design and destiny our gods have chosen for us. When we chose not too, we walk a path without guidance, and without our gods. And that path is the path that causes us to be punished. Either way, it is done by choice. And yes, even the Kingpriest had a choice. He just chose....unwisely."
Aravis: "I don not mean to say that every single inconsequential decision we make is part of our destiny. What you decide to eat of dinner is of little consequence. What I meant to say is that before one realizes he or she has been chosen for a task, one believes that the decisions they make are their own. Until quite recently, I believed that I controlled my own destiny, that everything I did was of my own accord. And then I realized that all the while, Nuitari was guiding me all along. Everything I have done has been his doing. In time, you may find your own path and realize the same thing."
Aravis: "We are only given one major choice, though. To follow, or to rebel."
Talron: Currently, I have no god.
Aravis: "Do you mean to say that you do not believe in the gods, or only that you do not currently worship one actively? They are two different things."
Talron: "No, I have seen to many things that prove there are gods. I just don't follow one."
Aravis: "Then you have made your one choice, to rebel. Do not look to me for assistance when your reckoning day comes."
Talron: "Nor would I, since we have never followed the same god. Or have we?" Talron shrugs. "I sort of doubt that Nuitari has been my god. From what I think, I doubt he has much use of my kind. His followers have a tendency to melt my kind in their boots."
Aravis: "He would welcome you if you did not threaten the Art. It is always beneficial to have an agent with unique skills."
Talron: "And are you trying to recruit me now, Aravis? How useful could I be to him? Really? I'm not trying to be blasphemous, but He is a god of magic, isn't he? My race is one that is touched by magic, true, but I am no magic user. That is a skill that is outside of me. What I can do, I have seen you, your mother, and a few others do with the flick of a wrist. And what if it IS his design for me to become part of the "flock", for lack of a better word. Is it possible that it was in this design that I became a different person? Changed because of the war? And if so, is it then possible that it is the reason that I have come here seeking YOU, his high priestess out? And, then, if all these are true, then it is in his design that I push and prod trying to get a reconciliation between you and your mother?"
Aravis: "Perhaps you should ask him these things, rather than me. If there is one thing all gods do well, it is keep secrets from their followers. It is not given us to know the full scope of the plans of the gods, only the parts of it we are to play. Pray to him, seek his guidance, and your questions will be answered. "
Talron: "And if it is NOT in his design to have a follower that carries blades, instead of wands, staves, and other magical implements? What then? Will he tell me to go away? Or will he say nothing? How would I know I'm not wasting my time, and just bothering him?"
Aravis: "If you seek him out sincerely, you will not be turned away. And failing to seek the path is as bad as choosing not follow it when you are shown."
Talron: "Which brings me back to my last question, then, High Priestess, my friend. If nothing else, pray on it, and ask him for guidance about your mother, if you can't see that perhaps, possibly, I was brought here to make peace between the two of you."
Aravis: "I will seek his guidance, but don't expect any miracles," she says with a slight grin. "Even among the faithful there may be disagreement. One only need look at the Conclave for evidence of this fact."
Talron: Smiling back, Talron says "Yeah, another reason I am glad not to be a twittle fingers. There is more drama there than I've ever seen. At least the gods keep them from actually fighting. I think they would have to rebuild their towers every other day."
Talron: "So, what is going on around here."
Aravis: "The Imperial Army is preparing to redeploy. The Empress is returning home, and the Prince is staying behind to establish relations with the Ergothian Empire. There is talk that the Soreelians may be leaving Ansalon altogether."
Talron: "And how are the locals taking that? Are they scared that their enemies will seek revenge once the Soreelian Army has left, or are they chomping at the bit for the foreigners to pack up and go?"
Aravis: "Those are the two main schools of thought. There is the fear that if the Empire leaves, Samuval will lead the goblins out of old Qualinesti to conquer all of Abaninsinia. There is also the fear that if the Imperial Army remains, Zeva will demand tribute. There are merits to both lines of thought."
Talron: "So, let us start with the first one then. Is Samuval still such a strong threat? And since you are here, does Nuitari have an interest in the goings on in this area?"
Aravis: "My time in this area is short. As for Samuval, I do not pretend to know much about military matters. If the High Command considers Qualinesti a major threat, they have not done much about it. Better, I think, to eliminate your enemy, rather than wait for him to attack."
Talron: "True. From a military standpoint, as well as a basic tactical standpoint, to leave enemies behind is....foolish. If the Soreelian Army decides to stay, they'll want some land, but, will they want to annex part of the Ergothian Crown, or take some of the land they captured during the war?"
Aravis: "It is difficult to say. Lucius has not given any indications one way or the other."
Talron: "This whole situation isn't causing difficulties between the two of you, is it?"
Aravis: "Let us just say that Nuitari does not intend me to be a princess locked away in a castle."
Talron: "Hmm." Talron will look Aravis up and down. "No, the dress you are wearing doesn't quite fit with the position you hold in his religion. I have to confess, as my potential high priestess, you don't really inspire me in your current garb."
Aravis: "Explain that to the old maids on the Empress' staff."
Talron: "You could always just to that big wall of flame trick I've seen you do on a courtier or someone just as useless. In the least that would get them to leave you the hell alone for awhile." Talron will laugh at the visual image it brings to his mind.
Talron: "I guess, since I'm not a part of the Soreelian Empire, I could try to explain the situation to the staff, but I'm not really one for negotiations. Generally, when my point isn't seen, I tend to go directly into "Hostile Negotiation" mode, and blood starts being spilt"
Aravis: "Yes, but killing a member of the Imperial Household, even a servant, would only lead to trouble. It is not part of the plan."
Talron: "Yeah, that is how my negotiations generally turn out. Trouble." Smiling, Talron will refill Aravis' glass, and then his own. "So, basically, right now, you are stuck here, while your boyfriend conducts negotiations, and pass your time by restraining yourself from obliterating the courtiers and whimpering staff while they try to turn you into what they see as a "proper Imperial Lady".
Aravis: "Not exactly. I can walk away any time I choose." Aravis takes a sip of her wine. "That is a choice I am allowed to make, you see."
Talron: Smirking at her jab, Talron says "Nice one. I forgot how enjoyable it was to trade jibs with you. So, other than the bargaining, and waiting to see what will happen between the two empires, there is nothing being done in preparation or planning for dealing with the goblins?"
Aravis: "Oh, the Army trains, and soldiers move from place to place, but it all seems routine. The border is patrolled, but no one seems to be in a hurry to go south."
Talron: "A mistake they may very well pay for. It is all well and good to patrol and train, but if they don't ready and plan for an attack, the goblins may very well horde up their forces, and attack this place, catching the fools by surprise."
Aravis: "Then so be it. Either way, neither side poses a threat to the Art."
Talron: "And then, we come back to that. So, tell me, just out of curiosity, what would I have to do to join your religion? Kill a few of the other orders mages? Learn to change myself into a different creature? Learn some magic that I already know I can't do? What, seriously IS the protocol? I really don't want to offend Nuitari."
Aravis: "All wizards are Brothers in the Order, and all Orders are Brothers in the Power. We don't go about killing members of the other Orders. There aren't enough of us left to squander our power on infighting. The true threats to the Art are the renegade sorcerers."
Talron: "Okay. Then why, in the past, have I seen other wizards killing each other on the battlefields? Were the brothers having an argument, or was one of them one of these "renegades"?"
Aravis: "The world outside the Towers may bring Order against Order, and Brother against Brother, but that is the way of the Universe. As I have said, there aren't enough wizards of High Sorcery left right now to waste time on personal vendettas. The Conclave must focus its energy on more important matters."
Talron: "You still haven't answered my more serious question, high priestess. What is the protocol for approaching your god? I'm sure this is something answered in the order, but, since I haven't been there..."
Aravis: "You must pray for his guidance. Seek him out. It will not be easy, or safe, but if you are judged worthy you will be shown the path. More than this I cannot answer, because each person finds his or her faith differently. But be warned: seeking out a god simply for curiosity’s sake is foolish and dangerous. You must be sincere in your desire."
Talron: Talron will look at Aravis intently "First, what do you mean dangerous? And secondly, trust me, I have no intent of doing anything just out of curiosity. The last thing I need is to piss a god off. Pissed off gods tend to do quick and permanent things to those that piss them off. The lessons of the Kingpriest taught us all that."
Aravis: "Before you may serve, one must be proven worthy of service. You will be given a quest, some kind of challenge to test your mettle."
Talron: "And prove that I am worthy of his attention, and not just the "Stupid Ass Fighter" right?"
Aravis: "The ability to dice up goblins or humans is one thing, but knowing when to fight and when to wait and watch is another."
Talron: "And can I do this at anytime, or is it better to do it at some holy place, like the altar area at the tower?"
Aravis: "Holy places are often holy because of what happens there, not because of some ritual blessing of an altar. We find the gods in the most unexpected places."
Talron: "I shall give this some serious thought. The changes that tore at my soul were profound, and left me with some questions that I have to find answers for myself. Perhaps, it is your god, calling. Perhaps not. I shall see in time."
Aravis: "Indeed. Patience."
Talron: "I'm an elf. I see many of my friends live out their lives, grow old and die, in the blink of an eye. Patience is born into the blood of my people. Just some of our race take that virtue, and make it a life's quest. Thus, sadly, ending the lives of many of my kin."
Aravis: "I will pray for guidance, as well. But I must be going. The House Guard will come looking for me if I am away for too long."
Talron: "And I as well. There are still some things I must attend to, and as you said earlier, time is short."
Aravis: "Very well then. We will have much to speak of when next we meet."
Talron: "Or, perhaps, you will already know of events in my life at that time." Smiling, Talron will stand, and walk with Aravis out the door of the tavern. "Take care my friend, and if ever you need my help...."
Aravis: "...then you will find me without my asking."
Talron: Laughing as he climbs onto his horse Talron says to her "Ah, yes, more of the destiny plan. Farewell."
Aravis: "Farewell, Talron."