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Post by Remus on Jan 31, 2015 9:12:15 GMT -6
Remus chuckled briefly, interjecting a bit at her initial comment. Though the words from his mouth were lathered in an irony he could never appreciate truly(If he would come to know the truths behind Nayru, it would eventually dawn on him most likely) in his state of ignorance. For he assumed he merely spoke to a human scholar. "I should marvel if you had, Miss Nayru. That would make you several hundred years old; and sitting before me as you were I would marvel that I am either speaking to a god, a dragon, a spirit, or some great marvel our world had never seen. Now that would make for an experience. " He smiled, listening to her words as she elaborated further and he thoughtfully shifted his head but continued to rest his fingers upon his staff like a small bridge of intertwined digits.
Dragon culture, hidden away in temples and tombs. Were it not for the current quest that he had he would endeavor to find such places. Even go so far as to implore if she had any knowledge of locations she would share them. He had a slowly growing desire to see what the world offered. Not for any sense of grandeur, but almost in the notion of a pilgrimage. To acquire more knowledge and see greater things. His attention shifted as he listened attentively. She spoke of a time before the scouring. A subject no human in his recollection of encounters had ever thought to brought up. Even he felt a slight stir at shame for not having considered such things. As an aspiring scholar should he not have? He attempted to make up for a lack in clarity by listening with a straighter poise and now fixing his gaze squarely on her. She spoke of such things as he had never heard. The time before the great war (As humans considered the scouring atleast) when dragons still remained a dominant species. A greater war they battled against things from within the dark. "Truly, do you believe it's possible to still learn of such times? That records exist we could yet divine answers from or context? That would be a spectacular revaluation..in my opinion atleast. I know the topic would be woefully unpopular to many. However to be able to record events predating the scouring...i believe that would be fantastic!"
His enthusiasm obvious now, he couldn't help but smile a bit more. Though his expression lowered a bit, not darkening or souring but becoming more mournful as she mentioned the nightmares that lingered in the lands. The growing dark tides. He sighed a bit lifting one of his hands to block the light slightly in thought; the casting shadow making the light almost angrily bright at the outlines of his fingers. He lowered it to speak quietly in thought. "Just as light magic has been used to harm others, and the elder dark magics used to protect so too I worry do we excess in any means for dark intent. My home prepares for great crusades against a foe not justly targeted. These dark things you speak of, it is entirely believable to me that sin brings them forth. Fear, hatred, lust, greed, and many things taken in excess to a foul extreme could easily bring forth such were magics to make it so. I fear it would not be the first time humans have done such nor the last. Here we stand, with possible power to respond to such early in the form of our knights. The nation of Etruria stands better equipped to fight such fiends than any other. How do we spend it? Looking to harm our own kind. "
He sighed a bit, gaze shifting from the light to her once more. "If we are in need of allies, their greatest purpose may serve assuring we address the real threats of the world and not self conjured falsities.."
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Post by Nayru Al-Saiduq on Jan 31, 2015 9:38:53 GMT -6
"A god-dragon... a Godragon. I wonder if that is what the Divine Dragons styled themselves," Nayru mused to herself, though given that she was talking out loud due to having momentarily forgotten Remus's existence, he would have to be deaf and/or dead to not hear. It was a thought she hadn't really considered much in the past; while she now suspected Erim might have been such, her mentor had always been exceedingly reticent about her abilities and history outside of seemingly-meaningless stories and parables. As for the rest of Arcadia... well, there were old dragons, to be sure, but little need for the power they might have once wielded. Even the sharpest blade eventually dulled, and they had not fought in a thousand years, if not far longer for those who had avoided the Scouring entirely.
For Remus, she had little more than a mysterious smile. "Who knows what curiosities exist in Elibe? Perhaps there are gods, dragons, spirits walking among us. Few outside of the more arcane scholars and practitioners of magecraft even know of the existence of spirits as living beings rather than simply controllable magic; perhaps there are many such truths to be discovered." And genocidal wars to be resumed, which kinda killed that thought process in its tracks.
"Aye, there's the rub, whether with spirits or ancient ruins - the information is there, waiting to be found... but one must possess the key... or at least know what the key looks like. I have spent much of my life searching for these ruins and trying to decipher their secrets, and while I am uniquely well equipped for many of them, there are dead languages even I do not know, and without knowing the context of truly ancient events, it can be difficult to translate them into modern sensibilities. A pictorial representation of a man versus a dragon may seem an obvious reference to the Scouring, but what does a man with no face represent? I have seen images of dragons facing creatures for which there is no analogue, even among recorded monsters, and seen scripts that predate the oldest languages I know... even those I can read are sometimes so maddeningly cryptic and vague that they might as well be in another language."
But it was the challenge and the desire to learn that propelled her ever onward, and sometimes she came upon the very keys she had mentioned in other ruins. Knowing both Low and High Draconic certainly helped as well, granted.
The subject of magic and monsters... that was a little less pleasant. But interesting nonetheless. "It is but a theory, Remus - perhaps the ravings of a lunatic, perhaps a parable meant to stir the hearts of man. He was not a kind man, but he had strong beliefs on what humanity should be; perhaps there was a pernicious goal behind his words, or a well-meaning metaphor." Or maybe not? Nayru had never heard of magic that could create life solely from emotion, but then there were a great many things she had never heard of until they arrived in her life one way or another, so who knew what the truth was.
"All Elibe fears the hammer of Etruria, and rightly so, but the scars of the war with Bern are still fresh - few want to spark another war, this time one that might consume the entire continent, simply to deal with the blinding darkness at their gates. Each country convinces itself that the holy crusade will pass them by, like a river flows around a rock, none wanting to imagine themselves a makeshift dam to be swept away by the tide." ...Hopefully those similes weren't reaching too far. She never really knew for sure. "I imagine he would have said that the true monsters lurk in the hearts of men. I cannot say that I disagree, but two-story spiders and hulking horse-man hybrids wielding weapons too large for mortal men seems like a more pressing concern sometimes."
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Post by Remus on Jan 31, 2015 10:00:06 GMT -6
This time Remus laughed a bit more beyond just a chuckle. It was certainly refreshing. However while she sounded out the terminology for a draconic deity he was imagining something far more absurd. The closest thing to a god in material form he could imagine, obviously so was the prophet. So sitting upon his chair and shifting weight to his staff as he laughed with a bit of mirth he imagined a large golden dragon sitting upon a large chair in the capital of Etruria with a large scepter and the regal embroidered garments of the holiest of officials in Etruria. A sight that even if humor inspired would have filled others with blasphemous dread. Being but a younger lad even though he was fascinated by history the large scaled creatures still filled him with a great sense of wonder. Mystery surrounded them, and added a degree of wander and mystique to the lore he was growing to seek after when he had the means.
"If there are? I would truly hope they have taken a small notion of pity on those who they walk among; for while their are certainly those who are sinful of choice...there are many more who can not help their situations but wish they could. perhaps some day such greater powers would be able to watch as man helps it's self off the ground. Overly optimistic to be sure, but a pleasant notion. Now dragons roaming around? Still alive? That would be a miracle few might appreciate. To learn of their history. Wouldn't it be something else eh? I suppose, given our past admissions it would be ill of me to say that I aspire to emulate Elimine...not in the aspect upon her gaining fame against the dragons mind you...but that which she stood for prior and upon her departing. Like some many others, if not enough but many; I wish to help spread that light which might cast out the dark things. Protect others, in addition to just healing. My sister was born with spectacular magical talent you know. A kind hearted girl, but so gifted in her prowess and able to learn at such a fast rate that she was asked by two magical academies within Aquleia to join their numbers. While I am grateful for my blessings in healing arts..part of me wishes I too had the talent she had; that I might be better able to protect others and rely less upon the fortunes of a stranger. Remarkable as said stranger may be, the fact that their intervention was required is a burden I confess. "
One of his few regrets. Something out of his hands no less. However he quickly averted his gaze and shifted his thoughts to a more appropriate topic as such to the one on hand. "This information you seek. I confess that if I had the means I would attempt to assist in your findings. Current task to protect these two however..." He gestured to the sleeping children. "I know that I am needed and can not leave them, as I am sure you have become aware and understand. Even still, someday I seek to learn these secrets if even one. That I could contribute to history on such a scale would be a goal worthy of the efforts. " Her mention of Etruria, and the hammer of their might weighed heavy on his shoulders. It was difficult to see his home from such perspectives but he knew it to be truthful and accurate. He shook his head a bit before responding, knowing well enough to answer thus. "If Etruria see's heresy in one nation, it is likely to find the nation unable to be saved. Of late the church has elected that salvation is only offer-able if it is sought out. That it can not be presented. It would sooner damn then it would save. This is not how it should be, and is not the way Elimine desired us to walk. Though...I would agree that within our hearts lurk the greatest beasts. Real threats such as the spiders and horse-men may be terrifying; yet the man who leads a nation of people to burn and butcher another can cause far greater damage. That man has the potential to create similar mind sets. To create another him. Few will follow such creatures. Many may follow a mad-man. That may yet be our greatest asset however too. For while many may follow the mad-man, many may also follow the savior. However it is a slippery slope at best. "
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Post by Nayru Al-Saiduq on Jan 31, 2015 10:28:21 GMT -6
And Nayru had wished so often to be free of the power that consumed her. If there was to be proof of the irony inherent to the world, it was the nature of power - those with it often found it was more trouble than others thought. It was something that intrigued her, and while Remus might regret his lack of natural talent, she didn't quite see it the same way. "Power - talent - is a strange beast. Those without it envy it; those who find it sometimes wish they had not; those who were born with it may not even realize the blessings they have - or it may be more a curse than a blessing."
She didn't bother to specify which group she belonged to, but something about her words suggested she spoke from experience, and not merely theorycrafting. As for experience of which approach - that was for Remus to wonder. "Your sister may have opportunities open to her that you do not - but so too is she held in chains by the expectations heaped upon her as a result of that talent. I will not pretend to speak for her deepest thoughts and best-hidden beliefs, but not all of those who are born with power find it to their liking... and while she might have been able to sort out the thugs on the street below, I'd wager there are many things only you can do, that neither she nor I nor any other can truly accomplish like you can."
Nayru continued, getting into her vibe. "I don't much care for the concept of fate, of people being forced to follow paths ordained for them before birth, but there may be something to be said for finding happiness in finding out what you feel you were meant to do. Amelia may like me well enough as a person, as a hero, but I could never provide for her, keep her safe, teach her like you have; assassins, bandits, monsters - my existence is one of peril, to myself and those around me." She didn't think of the implications of the word 'assassins' - nor, in turn, think to mention that they were chasing Veigue and not her. The greatest irony of all was how much she would have cause to consider that subject in the near future...
"That my life coincided with yours, for your benefit, I am grateful... but that was just one situation of many, others which you could yourself have resolved better than my own brute force." Was she getting through to him? Nayru was starting to become aware that she was flapping her gums rather a lot today, a bad habit of hers that had survived hundreds of years and ten times as many conversations, and that once she got going it was hard for anyone to stop her - least of all herself.
...Hm. That was a thought, actually. Nayru lost one train of thought as another took its place. "And power by one's self means little - true change, achievement, comes from the pooling of resources. Where you might see physical prowess or magical potency as power, a mercenary swordsman might see your healing abilities as more useful than another hired sword. I did not need healing in the momentary fracas earlier, but I've skirted death more than a few times, lain bleeding to death in an ocean of my own blood, and I rather think it would have been nice to have you around then."
Granted, that had been half a century ago, so he would either be very old or a time traveler by now... both of which were actually cool ideas. If she ever turned out to have authorial (was that a word?) intentions, maybe she'd write a book about time travel. "Still - if you ever find some dangerous ruins and need someone to watch your back, and I'm around, give me a shout." Metaphorically speaking - she didn't think that shouting across Elibe would bear much fruit.
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Post by Remus on Jan 31, 2015 11:03:47 GMT -6
Perhaps she had a point. The possibility that with powers similar to hers, his path walked would have been different started to ease into his mind. Who would have been there to protect the children then? His presence had allowed three orphans to survive a tragedy that would have happened regardless of his presence to the orphanage. His comfort stemmed from a combination of her words and the acknowledgment that his presence and his path thus far had stemmed great good. When her words provoked further thought he leaned forwards to bridge his fingers to a web like path while he tilted his gaze to examine her curiously. For the first time his expression shifted to a more pensive one as he concluded his internal examination. He was satisfied with who he was, and who he had become thus far. To speculate further on who he might have been would do him little good, if any. He smiled up to Miss Nayru with a chuckle as he nodded. "You've said many kind things, that I in part do not find myself in value to receive such but thank you for them regardless. Sometimes I forget that my talents are not a wanton commodity in and of themselves. It is something I'll take to heart and keep in greater notice. "
Her closing statements seemed to give him pause for speculation. He could only hope that her use of terms, primarily indicated in her saying a "sea" of her own blood was not remotely true. To imagine someone that had been so kind so close to the brink of death instilled him with a level of worry he knew all to well. Though his smile did not express the concern at her word choice he held it true none the less. Gazing at miss Nayru Remus nodded finally and lifted his staff a little as he sat up. "Should we cross paths and I discover any ruins that might contain some degree of Peril, I will be sure to notify you as soon as possible. Perhaps we shall find something spectacular? Like one of these gods, spirits or dragons..or even....a Godragon? Mayhaps the dragons still live within these ancient ruins, or the creatures you spoke of that existed before even humanity was vibrant or fluent. Some old race still lingering in deep places out of sight. One could never tell, eh? "
He chuckled again, striking with an ironic statement that was likely to amuse the other due to his ignorance yet he found as naught but a mere jest. The thought of their parting lingered slightly, and etched a sorrowed tune into the back of his mind. He was quite enjoying the conversation, and though he knew it would not last forever; made him realize that perhaps there was merit in being more outgoing to engage others in talk beyond merely offers of assistance or inquiring directions. Remus gazed to the children again for a moment, smiling at the sleeping young ones and then looked up at the ceiling before speaking aloud. "I can't help but wonder...if the problems of the past are doomed to repeat, even as we speculate of the wars that dragons fought against the dark things and now humanity fighting them...If it won't draw out perhaps the unity we mentioned. Even as you say, Bern is sore and tired from war. Lycia weak from it's suffrage...yet still; would it not be something great?"
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Post by Nayru Al-Saiduq on Jan 31, 2015 11:29:18 GMT -6
"Well, so far I've yet to find anything more interesting than malevolent spirits and the occasional horrific monster," she returned airily, "and sometimes a really bad case of the stank. But perhaps someday we'll discover we're all merely false memories in a simulation or the universe isn't even real, and then won't we feel silly about all this malarkey in regards to the true nature of man?"
Actually, no, that would be horrifying. Or... if she was fake, maybe she wouldn't feel anything? Nayru didn't exactly want to turn out to be right on that one... but it would be excedingly interesting to find out. Ahem.
"It might," Nayru ventured without sounding quite as convinced of Remus's proposition as she perhaps could have. "The question is if it will be too late - if the house of Man will continue to tear itself apart until no real resistance can be launched - and even if it can, will it last? The Scouring was perhaps the greatest unifying event in humanity's history, the ultimate expression of the nightmarish destruction humanity is willing to leash on the world with the horrors of the legendary weapons in its mad quest for divinity... and how long did that last? Even after nearly destroying the world and claiming absolute victory over the broken tatters of a world much more vibrant, humanity took short decades and centuries to be at each other's throats once more."
And that was the core of the issue, wasn't it? Humanity had shown, time and time again, that as it was, it could not be sustainable. That had been the crux of her discussions, and later arguments, with Aerious... the idea that mortals might need to be shepherded into a future where they COULD improve. But while she had not forgotten those dreams, Nayru had come to realize she was nowhere near as wise and all-knowing as she had been fool enough to think herself, and the world ill needed a butcher like her to tell it how to grasp peace. "Humanity generally overcomes its foes... but can it overcome itself? If conflict breeds evolution, if change brings forth more change, is it possible that we - humanity - must repeat this cycle until, as a race, it changes enough to no longer need it?"
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Post by Remus on Jan 31, 2015 11:53:08 GMT -6
Another laugh as she speculated the possibility of everything as a falsehood. Older members of the faith would have found it almost insulting. Remus was young enough that he could find humor in such propositions and take it for the light hearted intent behind it. He shifted his poise again now leaning back more comfortably and lifting a single leg up before the second. The man was thin enough and that he could actually sit cross legged as if preparing to meditate upon the wooden chair. Taking the more comfortable position he rested his staff upon his lap with his hands shifting to either end outwards and placing the weight to create a balanced pressure. He smiled as he spoke once more. "I suspect that we would find ourselves hard pressed for answers then. Perhaps nothing beyond a raspberry being blown at us by the great void."
He examined her once more as she spoke of unity, or the lack there of. He pondered it briefly; nodding a bit before thoughtfully providing a rebuttal. "If there is time to unite such, then I would do my best to see it through. It is my belief that humanity has to learn to rise to it's own occasion. We've been blessed with great leaders in many generations. However if the people do not learn soon to walk the path which may unite them...should such terrible tidings come there may be little left for us. We may simply..vanish into the dark. That is a prospect however I shall stand against and fight with my very core. It's why I seek to grow, both as a priest and as a man. Should a time ever come when others must look to me, I would like that they be able to look to me in aid. "
When she began to elaborate on the cycle; the pattern of change and the growth from each time he shifted a bit. He believed most change was good, but he worried that cycle had turned into limbo. Speaking after a pause he tilted his head examining her. "My concern is that this cycle has begun to repeat it's self. An example if you will. People must unite in hardships of the winter. They come together, sharing what scarce crops they have. It is a matter of survival. Then as spring begins to set in, and people regain a surplus of their crops they start to notice the eyes of their neighbors upon their crops; which was not unusual mere weeks ago is now unwelcome. Since their is no longer a threat of starvation, they instead assume that hunger is replaced by greed. So they distance themselves once more and focus only upon themselves. Until the next hardship, or winter arrives. Instead of changing for the better singularly, they merely change to acclimate the situation before returning to their own ways afterwords. I am concerned humanity has fallen into this and must needs avoid it if they are to advance to a better place. "
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Post by Nayru Al-Saiduq on Jan 31, 2015 12:26:48 GMT -6
A cycle. "...Adaptation rather than change." It took a moment to understand what he meant, but once it clicked, the concept made sense. She had pondered something similar in the past, but found it a touch depressing for her liking. "That would imply humanity actively resists change - that it accepts temporary... leeway by necessity, but snaps back into place the instant the opportunity presents itself."
Because a dragon was totally one to be judging other races based on resistance to change, right? Nayru might be an idiot, but she was not blind, and it did not take exceeding brilliance or acuity to have noticed how stuck in their ways surviving dragons tended to be. They were capable of change, yes, but much like humans they resisted it, and unlike humans they were so old and knowledgeable that many found it easier to resist, using their great wisdom to convince themselves of its lack of necessity.
"Perhaps that is, in its own way, one... bond that humans and the dragons of old shared; resistance to change. For all our differences, I suspect that there is an all too... pardon the irony, human tendency to resist change as a... racial memory of sorts. We may never know the true origins of the Scouring, but if the countless wars since then are any indication, it should have been solvable with diplomacy rather than genocide. I suspect the blame lies square on the shoulders of both races - while the dragons were left to hold the blame for its origins, humanity remained standing... only to bear the blame for the horrors of its conclusion."
Of course, that wasn't exactly accurate. Humanity was doubtless in part to blame for its beginnings, and dragons might have been able to de-escalate it to avoid that conclusion. But the twofold truths were absolute; dragons and all their wisdom and moral superiority had failed to avoid the tragedy, and humans had failed to show any of their so-called humanity in ending it... nor had they learned a whit from it in the millennium since. Blaming the whole situation on either race was foolhardy, but as long as humanity continued to blame dragons for the entirety of the situation, they would be unable to change themselves.
Nayru sat back in her chair, brushing wayward strands of hair from her face where they had fallen, breathing out loudly. "All this thinking is going to make my hair grey. I think I liked it better when my biggest problems were whether or not to punch someone in the face. Morality is an intriguing subject... but an exhausting one, and one that does not lend itself well to heightened spirits."
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Post by Remus on Jan 31, 2015 13:12:35 GMT -6
He was glad he was able to make his point, or atleast have it understood. He realized it was initially a bit obscure. Remus tucked his gaze lower as he sat upon the chair. His back cracked slightly when he shifted and stretched upwards against the rigid wooden support that ran up to his shoulders. He shivered a bit while he tilted his head and gazed back up at Miss Nayru while she pointed out the rather abysmal implications of such a notion were it true. He nodded slowly with a slight frown before providing a rebuttal. "I believe that pattern must first be broken if we are to adapt or adjust. Atleast that's what I feel to be truth."
While she spoke of the similarity in their resistances he noticed a slight wording of hers. Perhaps it was a play of wording? Maybe how he had been noting a few out of place aspects to her. Though he paused when she went quiet, merely examining her for a moment as the cogs turned. As he had already noted her strength was almost unheard for a female, though he would never imply that he was stronger than all the females out there. He was certainly physically weaker than a vast majority of the people. However then there was her knowledge. She looked young still. Like she could have matched the age of his younger sister. She remembered Etruria before the Prophet though..? Her vast understanding for dragons and lore also came into question. In the end Remus didn't know what to make of the woman, before chuckling a bit and closing his eyes to shake his head dismissing the thoughts. He mumbled to himself the quite acknowledgement that she was simply a unique individual. "Extraordinary. "
He gazed to her with a nod as she speculated that the blame was of both. He sighed a bit while he lifted a hand to run it through peacock blue strands of hair. "I fear we may never know but I would hazard you are correct. Wrongs on both sides escalated or inspired by previous wrongs from the other that quickly spiraled out of control..? A terrifying situation surely if it were to repeat but with more humans..beyond what it already obviously has. The escalation would never end I fear. "
A nod of his head before he looked to the children. He chuckled as he agreed to her. "True you are, but the conversation has been most inspiring and welcome. I would hazard however that you are unlikely to get white or grey hairs any time soon. I myself luckily an too young to get them, OR start losing hair. Always a male concern to be sure. Though perhaps I could merely pass for some content rounding Friar should I begin to bald. "
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Post by Nayru Al-Saiduq on Jan 31, 2015 15:14:08 GMT -6
With her intense focus on their discussion winding down, Nayru's tendency for action and difficulty sitting still when not otherwise occupied picked up in its place, cracking her neck from one side to the other as she thought. "Truth... a concept defined by perspective rather than natural law." She shrugged. "Perhaps you are right. I think I would have to agree, for one. But all the truths and all the facts in the world will avail us of little if they are not acted upon, made reality, and it is that that separates us, to a degree; your arena more than my own."
Nayru pushed herself upright, standing with a fluid motion. "I am no orator, no leader of men, no shining hero. I can do naught but the doing itself... at most, leading by example. If humanity is to change itself, it will need men and women like you - those who can subvert existing institutions towards the business of peace, rather than control. I think it would be hypocritical to punch people to accomplish that, but I will... try to do my part to invoke that change."
This all reminded her a bit of her conversations with Aerious... they seemed so long back, and she had learned so much of how unfit she was to lead in the interim, but her discussions with Veigue had served to convince her that if nothing else, she should take a break from being emo all the time and use her power to better the world. So much for infinite dragon wisdom and human foolishness, when the great and mighty dragon had to be taught that lesson by a human one-twentieth of her age. ...Ish. Closer to one in twenty-five... ANYWAYS.
Nayru rotated her left shoulder in its socket, right hand pressed up against it for stability, as she walked over to the window to gaze on the muted whites and browns of the town below. "...But it has been an enjoyable discussion. The last few months in particular have been rather stressful," understatement of the last five centuries, "and I have had few opportunities for conversations - debates - on this subject. You held yourself well, Remus, and while we might not agree on every detail, you have convinced me your positions are well worth respecting. I look forwards to seeing how you change... or reinforce your beliefs... as a result of your travels."
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Post by Remus on Jan 31, 2015 15:38:17 GMT -6
He didn't exactly grasp what she meant by his arena as opposed to her own. Though his curious gaze reflected this natural inquiry he didn't openly pursue it. He watched her rise, listening to her words. Skeptical however as he was he inclined an eyebrow quizzically while she walked past him to the window. He turned his gaze back to the now empty seat however when she moved to where he would have to pivot his body to observe her. He spoke now voicing his doubts in full. "I do not believe my words would sway others, nor do I think I could make much of a difference in the grand scheme within Etruria. An insignificant priest barely old enough to be considered a man, while able to turn into a reliable man does not house the qualifications to lead a group let alone help guide or change a way of life. " A bitter taste of pretentiousness eased into him as he heard the words leave his mouth. He was perhaps too humble, but even so it felt arrogant merely to assume she hinted that he was possible of such let alone actually think he could manage such.
Remus eased his eyes closed in thought while their backs were to one another. A ghost of a chuckle left his lips as he smiled a bit. How he would change? What he would refine into? He could say the same to her. To a degree, he did as he turned his head finally and slowly stood up to face the woman. Easing out of his chair he turned so he faced her directly, his staff within his grip resting upright before him. Though she couldn't see it most likely he inclined his head in a bow while he closed his eyes, a smile expressed upon his face once more. Though the motion was brief, it was as if he was acknowledging one of high standing within his faith. A gesture of respect if nothing else. "I would mirror your own words, for they match my sentiments. Again I know you wish to hide from the prying eyes of history; but I confess that you may have three fans that were made today. I am certain you will only gain more as time progresses and transpires, yes?"
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Post by Nayru Al-Saiduq on Jan 31, 2015 17:14:01 GMT -6
"As you are now." Her words were short, perfunctory, before she deigned to go back and explain them. "Was it not but a few minutes ago that you spoke of a similar subject to me, claiming my doubts were unfounded, my concerns unreal? Why not apply that very logic to yourself?" The little part of her that was self-aware enough to do so recognized the hypocrisy of her words given how consistently she did EXACTLY what he was doing, speaking more kindly to others than to herself, but it failed to impress that very far into her psyche.
"Perhaps we both have much to learn then - to change, wouldn't you say? Some things cannot be learned, and that makes them all the more critical as requirements for leaders of men. Even if you are not fit for it now, you are already open to possibilities not comprehensible to most men - your convictions strong, your beliefs reasoned and self-aware. Yes, you are young, yes, you have much to learn, but will the experience of going through that change you, make you less of a man, of a priest, of a thinker?"
She was relentless. "I think not. I think that you may discover yourself during your travels - find out how to believe in yourself - and channel that strength of character into brighter pursuits. Opportunity comes to those who can see it; perhaps Etruria's leadership will collapse when Kraft dies or is assassinated, perhaps a massive monster invasion will cripple the holy city and leave it to priests to rebuild the church together; perhaps the woes of the coming war will leave the people of Etruria yearning for a new perspective. If you simply accept your role as it is, you consign yourself to mediocrity. If you have the will to change the world..."
Nayru turned back to him, half-smiling, one arm resting easily on her hip. "...I have a feeling that you might be able to do it."
She seemed to have a tendency to run into people who could inspire her. Or maybe that lay in the hearts of more people than she had realized...? Nayru didn't know for sure, but in some ways Remus reminded her of Veigue when he had helped pull her back together after the events in Sacae. But he had a different path, one that she could not truly follow... she could try to help, but the business of restructuring the Church, and Etruria as a whole, was far beyond her. Her contributions to humanity were likely to be of a more violent sort.
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Post by Remus on Jan 31, 2015 17:41:08 GMT -6
They were similar it seemed. He could give great advice, but in moments of insecurity like many other humans it was harder to follow his own advice. He could see the good in others far easier than himself. Were her words wrong though? He wouldn't argue against it. She probably saw him in ways he could not see himself, limited by a desire to be humble. Taken aback a bit by the complements she brought up. He gazed down at his staff tucking his fingers around it a bit more before he squeezed it a small bit tighter. When she turned to face him he at first averted his gaze still processing all she had said. The young man was not shy, per-say but a bit awkward about her mentioning the potential roles he could take. It was a difficult and dangerous line he had to walk. The fact that he very possibly could, just the idea he could help people on such a scale threatened to make his heart race a bit...and that was the problem. He did not wish to lose himself in that enthusiastic sensation. That high that power could bring, and historically did bring.
Still unsure of himself he looked up to her, the girl now seeming the one filled with confidence where he doubted. His gaze searching her before he obscured his eyes behind sealed lids and tried to focus his thoughts. Put them all in order. He felt a grin ease onto his expression before the half grin turned into a smile. He looked to her nodding fully. He spoke in a crisper slightly clear tone as he gripped his staff while smiling. "It seems I am the one who should be acknowledging praise this time. While I hardly consider myself worthy of such praise, you may very well be right. It is a shame. Perhaps if there were more people of your mindset home...people might be a bit more open and honest. Again, I appreciate your words Miss Nayru. Rest assured that I will take any opportunities I see to help better my home. If Etruria is able to help man kind, I will do my best to see it done. This is something I say with all serious intent. To provide a better future, for ourselves and the ones after us."
He looked to the children with a chuckle. For them? He could help try to lead others if it was for the good of them. He could do so happily. Without hesitation even. Remus slowly made his way to the desk he had originally been sitting at and moved to lean against it with a bit of a stretch. Many times when he couldn't sleep he would close his eyes and lean to it to watch the children. Occasionally nodding off he'd find some suplimentive form of rest in that. He looked to the woman with a smile as he chuckled a bit. "I realize how late it is. You are welcome to share the room for the night if you wish. I know the children, if not both Amelia atleast would appreciate it. However I wouldn't dare attempt to press such an offer if you found it ill inclined. Heaven knows your conversation alone was a great welcome."
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Post by Nayru Al-Saiduq on Jan 31, 2015 18:04:05 GMT -6
"I hope so. Etruria - and the world - needs more men like you, Remus." And it did. There was no empty flattery in her words; Nayru was trying to be an agent of change, but she knew quite well that she could and would never be appropriate for leadership. Even outside of the whole IS ACTUALLY A DRAGON thing, it simply was not in her nature, and the guilt she bore for her past crimes would likely weigh on her forever. But helping the people of Elibe find their own future - that was something she hoped to be up to the task of doing.
Maybe it wasn't quite as grand a dream as standing tall besides heroes, man and dragon alike, to save the world. But... "Just remember, it may fall to people like me to save the world... but it will take people like you to rebuild Elibe. Destruction is easy, it's creating things that's really hard."
That was probably enough pseudointelligent bullshit out of her for one day. It was getting late... but she still had some hunting for hints of Elly to do, and Nayru didn't really want to explain to Remus that she wasn't planning on sleeping much tonight, or sitting there pretending to sleep all night. "...I've opened my mouth and my mind enough today that the latter is likely to fall out of the former. I think it would be best if I left you three to your rest, and returned to my vile acts and dark designs for the night."
The laughing smile she wore suggested that the dragon wasn't actually planning to go on a murdering spree... probably. "I'll check up on you lot in the morning." She looked over to Amelia and Owain as she reached the door. "Good night, you two. Don't give Remus too much trouble tonight." Nayru winked at Remus before continuing. "Tomorrow is another day!"
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Post by Remus on Jan 31, 2015 18:41:05 GMT -6
Remus accepted her words, but took a bit of time to fully think about it as she spoke them. Though he replied almost instantly as she finished her first statement. "It needs women like you as well Miss Nayru. People who will tell the hard truths. People who will do the hard things others shirk from. Otherwise the people like me get mugged and left for dead, haha." He smiled a bit, inclining his head even as he stood there grinning a bit to her. While she spoke her thoughts he was not blind to the irony. Now he stood there receiving those words realizing that perhaps she was right. He briefly looked to the children with a smile growing onto his face. For them. He could do it for them, try to change the world that was. If nothing else he would see the world made a better place for them to grow in. For children like them. Aye, he could stop being a bit so humble then.
He turned to gaze at Nayru, searching her for a moment before nodding and speaking; conviction burning in the emerald hues. "I'll make you a deal Nayru. I'll rebuild the world after your done saving it; just promise me some of the tree's you plant will actually be trees. We'll need all the lumber we can get I fear after your done shaking the place up. Sound fair? I hope so." As she turned to walk out, he smiled happily accepting her offer to return and check upon them in the morning. He saw her out, smiling warmly as he held the door open with his right hand, staff lingering in the left. "The children would love that I can guarantee you. I've greatly enjoyed our talk, and will welcome your presence in the morning. As will they. Were we not to see you again I fear Amelia would give me quite the scolding. "
He eased the door closed as she left, locking the bolt and making his way back into the room. As he turned to examine the children he noticed little Amelia still sleeping sitting up. He leaned forwards and eased her down onto her back, cocoon and all. He turned to grab a blanket from the spare bed and tucked it around Owain before he smiled fondly at the two sleeping children. The greatest blessing unto his life. He chuckled and slowly made his way back to the wooden chair that he had been sitting in. He turned it around and sat it down so he could face the children while being near the writing desk. He rested his staff on his lap as he gazed at the ceiling. He spoke quietly to himself, reiterating the conversations tone as he chuckled to himself. "Lead Etruria into a new direction, for the sake of humanity? If I could...aye I would do just that. "
Topic Closed
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