At Sister Azmaria's entrance, Natanja stands (careful of Oko on her shoulder yet knowing the hawk would not fall), and inclines her head respectfully to the lady of the church before returning to her seat. Being that her parents had once been clergymen -- she had learned social etiquettes when around those of the Church community.
"Welcome, Sister."
She lifts her own cup as the one called Shyness initiates a toast.
When the Sister shows her weapon to the group, Natanja peers like the rest, having never seen the likes of one before. She listens carefully to Cernan's explanation and gives a simple nod to show she understands his meaning.
Poterol sits back down, absently gathering a few nuts from a bowl and cracking them open. As he does, a small, furry head pops out from one of his pockets. The rodent quickly runs up his shirt and leaps into the air, landing on Poterol's wrist.
"Hold on there, little one. I'll have a few of these open for you in a moment." He seems distracted from other conversation at this point.
Natanja looked at the white-haired male for some time, attempting to determine his celestial bloodline. Indeed Cernan was Otherworldly, but she could not pinpoint his specific heritage. And that fact vexed her as she was generally very good at discerning such things.
Natanja offers her toast and sips from her mug. Azmaria makes a weird face, she hold the drink in her mouth for a few more seconds wondering what to do, it would be rude to spit in out. her face color starts to get a little redder, she definitely does not look well.
Azmaria eventually swallows and just sits there staring blankly into space.
The beginning ... is a very delicate time...
Arabeth's eyes open slowly. From where she was seated, upon the highest point of the temple's domed roof, some wisps of cloud briefly shaded the rising morning sun. Standing slowly and stretching her limbs as she soaked in the light of the dawning day she thought about the visions she'd been having.
The first had intrigued her, leading to many long talks with the Mother Superior of the temple as to its portents. Now, something akin to a reply....
"Curiouser and Curiouser ." Arabeth muttered to herself as she finished her warm up exercises and launched herself from her high perch.
So many times had Arabeth's journey been undertaken that, for the brief amount of time, she closed her eyes and reveled in the freedom of the wind washing over her limbs and body. Muscles and tendons flexed instinctively, automatically as her arcing flight *So brief* carries her perfectly over her balcony's edge and into her rooms. Reflexes instantly shifting her posture so that with a soft scuffing of bare feet she arrests her motion and comes to a halt, only to open her eyes where in she is greeted with the sight of the Mother Superior.
"Another vision?" Is the simple question that is asked, to which Arabeth simply nods. The two women have known each other a life time and a half. Such familiarity brings easy understanding of nuances between them both.
"There is a place and a meeting." Arabeth replies, even as she stretches her arms as the younger cleric wraps Arabeth's form in a simple silken cloth.
Cheanna steps closer, indicates to the novice that her help is not needed -the young girl nodding and bowing gracefully as she acknowledges and departs- as the Mother Superior finishes garbing Arabeth's from in the temple robes.
For her part Arabeth acquiesces, feeling the bond between them and knowing the changes about to unfold.
"I have had things prepared," Cheanna says lightly, "In case such things were come to pass." Only a slight waver of emotion carries in the other woman's voice. Arabeth looks to the figure who has been her mentor, her guide, her friend and sees many emotions reflected and shining from the other woman's eyes. Together they leave the place which has been the center of Arabeth's existence, descending down into the 'working' halls, rooms, chambers and galleries of the temple proper.
Cheanna brings Arabeth to the larger halls, where more mundane arts are done to service such a large establishment and presents the items which have been assembled. Arabeth nods again, thanking her elder for such considerations. Admiring the garments and other equipment. Her hand stops upon one item and she raises an eyebrow to her mentor. Cheanna smiles,
"Remember that, while indeed we are the followers of love...., sometimes even love should travel carrying a big stick."
The journey to where she'd been guided towards the meeting had not been arduous. Much of the journey had been spent in simply learning and appreciating the many new things there were to experience 'Outside'.
Arabeth's clothes, robes and equipment and route had seen her safely to the rendezvous. When those of an uncouth nature had presented themselves Arabeths' hand resting casually but commandingly upon the hilt of the sword worn at her hip had dissuaded them from any further loutish behaviors.
Once through the town's gates, finding the proper establishment had been easy as its repute and quality were well known. Taking her horse to the stables at the rear of the premises, a few well placed silvers had garnered her the information she'd been seeking.
Stepping calmly through the rear entrance of the main room, her arrival was virtually unnoticed by most of the patrons there. With sure and confidant steps she approaches the indicated room. Her stance and posture not changing as she enters.
The woman who enters is tall-ish, with a proud seeming bearing. Her clothes are of a fine cut and made of very good quality material. At her hip rides a fine sword. Across her shoulders is draped a great cloak made of midnight black feathers, of such a hue and quality that they shine and shimmer in the tavern's light. She looks about at all those gathered and smiles.
"Well... better to meet a room full of strangers after such a journey and be proved right... Than an empty room and be proved mad." Are the first words she speaks with a bright smile as she moves to take her place amongst the gathered.
Adjusting the item that is slung across her cloaked back as she sits. Something that looks, perhaps, like a much larger version of the device that Azmaria carries at her hip.
"Arabeth... or possibly 'Beth' for short and when some one is trying to warn people of something." She says simply as she indicates herself while her eyes take in the spread of food across the table and she begins to gather choice morsels to her plate. She looks to those assembled and takes a deep breath.
"As for myself? I was born and raised in a temple of the Goddess in." Arabeth's smile quirks a little. "As for family? Hmmm...." She seems to think for a moment. "Perhaps we should say that, while most people think of their genealogy as a tree? With branches spreading back through the ages? You could say mine is more an onion bulb." She finishes with a rueful grin and begins to eat.
"Well... better to meet a room full of strangers after such a journey and be proved right... Than an empty room and be proved mad."
Marius grins. "I've been thinking the same thing!"
Arabeth tilts her head, smiling, "What? That perchance you are a bulb? Let's hope you shine brightly." (^_^)
Poterol glances at Arabeth, "Annual, or Perennial? And perhaps a guess at how many layers you own?" The squirrel in his hands chatters at him, waving a piece of nut. "Yes, yes. Your dinner, My Lord." With that, he continues cracking open nuts for the small animal.
A girl with celestial marks on her almost naked body, as well as a halo on her head, arrives to the tavern and politely ask for "the meeting".
She arrives to the table when all the others are sitting, and bows with an charming smile.
"Lesith Gala, at God's and your service. I feel somewhat trapped in here, so I will go outside for a while, if anyone care to join. Today is a glorious day to be inside!"
She bows again, and departs towards the exit.
An onion bulb shining was an amusing image and Natanja gave a soft, husky laugh.
When the girl with the markings and halo entered the inn, made her introduction and then announced she was headed outside again, Natanja called her back, "Lesith, perhaps you would take a seat around the table and learn more of this quest we have been called to. There is time enough to enjoy the sun. Come, sit with us."
Natanja gestured to the empty seat to her right.
"My name is Natanja. My hawk is Oko. She will not bite." Natanja's golden eyes seemed to radiate brighter.
"Thank you for the offer. Maybe for a minute."
The girl sits next to Natanja. She tries to pet the hawk.
"A magnificent bird... I hope one day I will be able to fly like one... What do we know about the mission? I am flying blind here, so to speak..."
"She is. Thank you."
Natanja placed her hand up to her shoulder for the hawk to settle on.
She then extended her arm to Lesith so the girl could have a closer look at Oko and pet the hawk.
"The nimbus is warm to the touch", referring the gentle flame (like candlelight) around the hawk. "It will not burn you."
"So far the discussion has revolved around the trustworthiness of the woman in our shared dream... And the Sister Azmaria has been showing us her holy gun ..."
Conversation was floating about the table from multiple sources. so Natanja shut the voices out so she could converse for a moment with the marked girl, "Where do you hale from, Lesith?"
"I am not so concerned with the woman's trustworthiness, as I trust in me, and I hope I can trust in all of you. Even if the dream tries to deceives us, I think we can stay true to god's will. But I have to say I somehow trust her, anyway. About a holy gun... I refuse to call "holy" an instrument of violence.
I come from many places, and many times. I am somewhat of a traveler, as we only travel on this life, never staying in the same place, within and outside ourselves, for a long time."
"Easy, Lesith. Every religion has their own symbols, and most of those were once symbols of war: the mace, scepter, star, scythe, are all derived from weapons, if you read up on enough of the ancient history involved."
"The real question, I'd say, getting a good look at who's been called—and how they're armed—is: just how much violence is our 'appointed task' going to require?"
"A good question," Marius mutters more to himself than the group. They had assembled a rather large band of well-armed people. In Marius's experience, nothing good ever followed such a meeting. But their patron had claimed the cause of good was at stake. Only time would tell, he supposed. "And we've come from all walks of life. Priestesses, scholars, tribesmen, travelers - between us, we represent just about every trick in the book. And called from around the world! What could be worth such a summons?"
Andrei looks up, his mouth full of cheese, and shrugs. "I 'unno," he mumbles through his mouthful of food. Grabbing his mug, he takes a long draught. "But I can't imagine that we're all here for any reason but to fix something."
Arabeth gently puts down her utensils and stretches slightly, "What? Is no one here for the love..?" She asks simply.
(^_~)
"Eh," Marius shrugs, "Life ain't ever that simple."
Lesith turns towards Cernan...
"That why I don't adhere to any "religion"... the worshiping of "figures", "idols" and "saints" only serve to distract you from the true essence of God, the only one that deserves our faith. As for how much violence our mission will require, it will only have as much as we have in our hearts."
Then she smiles at Arabeth.
"I hope most of us are here for love, good, and truth of course. I am glad we are of the same heart about it, my friend. What is your name?"
She then turns to Marius.
"Life is really simple, my friend, if you choose not to be deceived by the things that are not important."
And then to Shyness.
"If you let foolish ideas as honor and glory blind you, you will get confused and think those are things that matter. You will find life a struggle, a combat against everything and everyone, instead of the wonderful voyage it really is."
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And then to Shyness.
"If you let foolish ideas as honor and glory blind you, you will get confused and think those are things that matter. You will find life a struggle, a combat against everything and everyone, instead of the wonderful voyage it really is."
Shyness is confused at such a statement, then nods with sympathy and understanding. "You have earned no honors, so you diminish the honors of others so that you do not appear weak." She smiles reassuringly. "In such company as this, soon you will earn the respect of your tribe. You will go home with glory, Little Sister."
Arabeth returns Lesith's smile, though she waits for others to comment on all that the latest addition to the group has to say. Though the white haired lass' comments about honor and such brings an arched eyebrow from Arabeth.
Indicating herself Arabeth says her name quietly, quickly in answer.
Azmaria was sitting there a blank look on her face the mug of ale in her hands. she has been still and silent ever since she took that first sip.
her head plops onto the table.
After a few seconds she looks up rubbing her forehead. "Owwwwwww, what was that stuff?" she slides the mug to whoever is next to her. "I don't ever want that stuff again"
She holsters her gun.
"I'm sorry, did I miss anything?"
"I have no honors, you are right about that, and I am weak. But I don't believe "honors" will make me strong, or better, or respected. I don't want to return with glory, but go forward with new friends, and a clean conscience."
Arabeth is startled when Azmaria's head impacts the table, she moves to comfort the other woman, gently taking the mug from her hands and experimentally sniffing at the aroma.
"Our two new freinds are expanding their understanding of different views..." Arabeth comments in regards to Azmzria's question indicating Lesith and Shyne.
"Lesith would appear to be a calm and gentle soul who would like the world to reflect such virtues. While Shyne is more... outgoing..." Arabeth offers Shyness a grin
Andrei snorts. "What are you doin' here then, lass? Nobody sticks their necks out like this to find friends. Hell, there are plenty of people in the room next door that I'm sure would gladly be your friend." The slayer runs a hand through his hair, looking unconvinced. "I think the only person blinded by their ideals here is you."
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"I have no honors, you are right about that, and I am weak. But I don't believe "honors" will make me strong, or better, or respected. I don't want to return with glory, but go forward with new friends, and a clean conscience."
Shyness laughs loudly, slapping the table several times, causing the nearby silverware and dishes to vibrate and dance. "A fine joke! What would earning honors be for if not respect and proving one's worth? A fine joke indeed! I will guide you in your search, Little Sister," offers the petite girl.
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Arabeth frowns at the gruff fellow's comments.
"We have all been called and we have all made the journey. The world is what it is. It is our varied places to help align that with the will of the Goddess..." She offers a smile of support to Lesith. Arabeth takes and absent sip from the mug that Azmaria disdains.
"Another person's worth is oft judged by one's own internal ideals. Yet, revers the view and something completely different might be thought." Arabeth stands, her great sable feathered cloak rustling as she does so.
"I admit, my calling was more towards loving than fighting... That does not preclude myself from carrying a big stick now, does it?" And she indicates the sword at her hip.
"This is my first time away from my monastery and I already realize that the myriad of people to whom I've been introduced while living there has given me a very good and broad appreciation of different ideals." She finishes, making it obvious that she will stand with Lesith.
Shyness' response brings forth a smile from Arabeth. (^_^)
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"Our two new freinds are expanding their understanding of different views..." Arabeth comments in regards to Azmzria's question indicating Lesith and Shyness.
"Lesith would appear to be a calm and gentle soul who would like the world to reflect such virtues. While Shyne is more... outgoing..." Arabeth offers Shyness a grin
Shyness offers an enthusiastic grin in return, not quite "in" on the joke.
Andrei snorts. "What are you doin' here then, lass? Nobody sticks their necks out like this to find friends. Hell, there are plenty of people in the room next door that I'm sure would gladly be your friend." The slayer runs a hand through his hair, looking unconvinced. "I think the only person blinded by their ideals here is you."
Shyness actually growls protectively in response. "It is not strength to show disrespect. It is our responsibility to teach Little Sister how to earn her honor, not rebuke her for not having done so yet. She is part of the tribe. The tribe's honor will grow as hers does."
Arabeth frowns at the gruff fellow's comments.
"We have all been called and we have all made the journey. The world is what it is. It is our varied places to help align that with the will of the Goddess..." She offers a smile of support to Lesith. Arabeth takes and absent sip from the mug that Azmaria disdains.
"Another person's worth is oft judged by one's own internal ideals. Yet, revers the view and something completely different might be thought." Arabeth stands, her great sable feathered cloak rustling as she does so.
"I admit, my calling was more towards loving than fighting... That does not preclude myself from carrying a big stick now, does it?" And she indicates the sword at her hip.
"This is my first time away from my monastery and I already realize that the myriad of people to whom I've been introduced while living there has given me a very good and broad appreciation of different ideals." She finishes, making it obvious that she will stand with Lesith.
Shyness' response brings forth a smile from Arabeth. (^_^)
While Shyness' expression reveals that she does not quite understand the message, she nods approvingly at the protective tone.
Cernan just shakes his head and grimaces. Well, at least this group will be interesting.
Azmaria accepts the help, no real damage but a bump on the noggin. the mug is nothing more than ale, apparently Azmaria is not one for such refreshments.
Looking to the newcomers. Azmaria stands and offers a hand to greet them. "Hello, I'm Sister Azmaria of the Order of the Didache, in the City of York.."
Andrei rolls his eyes. "All I'm saying is that I'm supposed to rely on you lot so we don't get dead. And, as staying not dead is kinda my priority, that means that you can have whatever ideals you like. Don't bother me none. But if they put any of us at risk, then I don't want nothing to do with them."
Arabeth smiles as she takes Azmira's hand in returning her greeting, though she looks to Andrei,
"Pfft! Where's the fun if there's no risk?" She asks impishly. (^_~)
"It's funny until everyone you care for is dead. I'll take the safe route over the sorry one, thanks." His face is stone serious.
Arabeth frowns... "So... you lack faith in others ability to help?" She asks her expression brightening, even as she concentrates for a moment.
Before she steps closer with a smile and,
Attempts to slap the fellow.
Azmaria smiles in return when greeting Arabeth. but her smile soon fades as the discussion turns away from what she had hoped would be the reason of being called.
Please, everyone, there is no need to argue, all of us have been called by God, It is no coincidence that there are 15 of us gathered together, well actually 14 plus the Prophet Eli. and that each of us has undoubtedly been called by one of the 15 Arch Angels sent by God to spread his holy word. It is not faith in each other, nor our abilities to wield weapons, It is written, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God."
God has called us because of our faith in him, we are the embodiment of the 7 holy virtues. What God has planned has not yet been revealed, but we must keep our faith, The powers of Evil are surely making their move, And we are the chosen warriors for God to save the very soul of all mankind.
"Sister Azmaria, my pleasure. I fear I am no warrior, but I think that if God called us was for a good reason, even with our limitations. As for disrespect, I do not want to bother you, I am just telling you the truth. I wish no harm to any, and if by my life I can prevent harm from happening to you, I would think is a fair price. No one lives forever, but some die in a worthier way than others."
Andrei avoids the woman's hand with relative ease, fixing her with an ice-cold look. "Sit down. You're not proving any points by trying to hit me." He crosses his arms across his chest, staring hard at Arabeth.
"She is not trying to hit you, my friend. You should value when someone like her wants to touch you."
Arabeth blushes at her clumsy attempt... "What was in that drink..." She steps back and bows an apology to Master Volkov.
Though Lesith's comment has her smiling again, turning and offering the other a woman a complimentary hug in response. (^_^)
She glances to Volkov.
"Indeed.. I could have tried to stab you... Or even used magic to make my point." Though she sighs. "What I was trying to demonstrate is that people have skills that are useful beyond just fighting and such." Arabeth frowns, "Maybe I should have used magic.." She mutters...
Looking to Lesith, I beg to differ, God has called you to be his warrior in faith, it can be as much to protect the innocent and save the souls of the faithful. The evil I fight are no mortals, they have no souls, they are the agents of Lucifer himself. The demons from the depths of Hell itself. surely you can agree that those are creatures beyond the salvation of God.
Poterol has finished up feeding his little squirrel, and stands. Merry, the squirrel, scampers down the table to sit in front of Azmaria and tilts its head at her. "I have to agree with Lady Gala. We are not all warriors. We are not all experienced in battle. But each of us, I think, are gifted with experiences that, united together, shall put us far ahead of just a mere 'group'. Master Volkov, Lady Arabeth, no matter how heated the discourse, may we please not do battle here? I fear the innkeeper may turn us out, and where would keep our dreams then?" He smiles at the group. "I know how to tie knots, how to fish, how to calm children and help them learn. I know how to defend myself from bandits. I know the best way to carry a message from small town to large city, or from large city to hamlet. We all have skills that are needed somewhere in the world."
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"... I come from many places, and many times. I am somewhat of a traveler..."
Natanja reflected upon the reply. "Such travel can be a boon to knowledge."
Silently she wondered why the girl would not at least state a place of birth, but people were entitled to their secrets and solitudes, and she did not press the matter, for now.
When others began to speak of purpose, honour and alike, Natanja waited until there was a lull in conversation to add her thoughts to the mix, "God, or this messenger who came to us in dream, would not have sought us if we were all alike. Diversity is not a drawback. We must find a way of working together for the common goal and benefit."
"All I'm saying is that I'm supposed to rely on you lot so we don't get dead. And, as staying not dead is kinda my priority, that means that you can have whatever ideals you like. Don't bother me none. But if they put any of us at risk, then I don't want nothing to do with them."
Natanja nodded her head at the male's words. There was always a certain amount of risk in life but she understood Andrei's meaning well enough. "I would like to remain living, as well."
Andrei scoffs again. "I'm just sitting here, pal. She's the one who decided to start something."
Natanja nodded her head at the male's words. There was always a certain amount of risk in life but she understood Andrei's meaning well enough. "I would like to remain living, as well."
The slayer sighs heavily. "Finally, somebody who has their head in the right place. The lot of us wouldn't be here if there wasn't some kind of danger ahead of us. Certainly not me, at least," he states, leaning on the table. Andrei continues in a scathing tone, "And when it comes to danger, I don't like charging in headfirst or relying on some higher being to protect me. All I got are you lot, and if you're going off to get yourselves killed with fool notions and ideals, then count me out."
Cernan decides to try and change the subject. "Sister Azmaria," he says, "You seem to have a lot of very strong theories about the nature of 'evil.' Who is this 'Lucifer' you keep mentioning?"
Kiwyn set her water aside after a moment, the smell of all the food stirring her hunger. Pouring herself a small cup of wine she sipped at it as she decided what she wanted to eat.
As she debated with stomach, others debated with each other. The tension seemed to ebb and flow around the room ever so slightly, but never reaching a troublesome level. Perhaps it was the wine, or perhaps she was just relaxing a little. Across the table, near Shyness, Kiwyn spots a plate of spiced meats, it’s scent catching her nose as she sniffs the air. It take sonly a small gesture for the unattended plate to slowly slip across the table towards the kitsune. The boisterous woman’s table slaps cause the plate to clatter to a stop. Kiwyn frowns as she address Shyness.
”Honor is a very subjective idea. But it should not be sought after solely from the taking of life, or the causing of pain and suffering to others. Should not the easing of pain, the healing of the unwell be given praise. Should not the breathing of new life into the world not be celebrated as well.”
Another gesture lifted the plate anew and carried it over to Kiwyn, all attempts at subtly dropped.