Darvellan shimmers into view amidst a mist of twinkling stars.
You say, "Suddenly yer usin' weapons on nae aggressive cities."
At the centre of the water gardens.
This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. Resting on a crystalline stand of frozen water is the Pearl
Staff of Rushing Water. Standing as if something were missing before him, Blorale Shervalian stands here, forever frozen
in marble. Only barely noticeable, silver constellations float about a star-struck explorer, basking them in a faint
glow. Darvellan, the Navigator stands here, surrounded by a mist of twinkling starlight. Resplendent in cerulean and
angel blue plumage, an aquatic Angel of Hallowed Waters drifts here amidst an aura of amber-tinged, azure light.
You see exits leading north, northeast, east, and west.
You glare angrily at Darvellan.
Aeldra blinks.
Magister Lorina, of Hallowed Waters says to Darvellan, "Pardon, Navigator."
Darvellan, the Navigator says to you, "What harm came to the shard, that you accuse Me so?"
Darvellan, the Navigator says, "Do you think I was not out of sight, observing as I could to see if anything was amiss?"
You say to Darvellan, "She feels violated, an' she was. If ye were able ta protect 'er, ye should've been able ta enact
yer plan on yer own."
Darvellan, the Navigator says, "Do you think the Enchantress' guard would have been down in My presence?"
Aeldra creases her brow in a frown.
You say to Darvellan, "Ye think ye would've been fast enough ta stop 'er if Tremula were in danger?"
Magister Lorina, of Hallowed Waters says to you, "I highly doubt the Enchantress would wear anything another Divine gave
Her after Her trial by the Triumvirate."
Rubbing His stubble, Darvellan, the Navigator says, "I cannot truthfully answer that, Bandeon, for the future is not
known to Us. It is true that I may not have been able to stop any harm."
You say to Darvellan, "Ye took a risk. Congratulations, it paid off. I nae fault yer intent ta protect Celest. But ye
sent someone unable ta defend temselves inta a situation tha' could 'ave ended verra verra badly, an' ye did it when
they were unable ta refuse their peril."
Darvellan, the Navigator says, "Did I send the shard?"
You say to Darvellan, "Telperion sent the shard, at Yer orders."
Darvellan, the Navigator says, "Would the shard have gone to Drocilla on her own?"
You say to Darvellan, "Nae."
You say to Darvellan, "Nae she wouldna 'ave, an' Telperion knew tha'"
You say to Darvellan, "I suspect ye know it too."
Darvellan, the Navigator says, "In my absence, the shard has not once been to see the Enchantress of her own accord,
with or without her Voice?"
You say to Darvellan, "Cannae say. Nae watched 'er."
Furrowing her brows slightly, Aeldra Ladyn, Grandmistress of Humility says, "Not to my knowledge."
You say to Darvellan, "I'll ask ye wha' I asked yer follower 'ere. If a man forces a woman ta do somethin' she wouldna
willingly do, an' she cannae give consent or refuse, wha' would ye call tha'? Because we mortals 'ave a word fer it."
Darvellan, the Navigator says to you, "Why does it matter so the gender of the shard?"
You give a pained sigh.
You say, "Or a woman ta a man, whate'er!"
Darvellan, the Navigator says, "That aside, the shard would have gone to see Drocilla regardless."
Darvellan, the Navigator says, "To find her Voice, or because the touch of Her is still about the shard."
You say, "Ta get 'er voice back, nae ta be yer weapon."
You say to Darvellan, "Do ye honestly nae see wha' ye did lacked all honor? Ye might as well 'ave sent a child there."
Her wings stirring suddenly Aeldra frowns as she listens to the conversation.
Furrowing His brow deeper still, Darvellan, the Navigator says, "If the child were to see Drocilla anyway, it is a moot
point. I am concerned, however, by the arguments put forth by you and the shard, even after having observed what the
Enchantress did to Celest's gardens, did to the shard, and did to My Penderglass, let alone the threat Her...changed...
presence presented."
Aeldra tells you, "Please,... I know you are angry and we have spoken about this, but... remember he is still an elder
god. I don't... don't want harm to come to you."
You say, "An' if the child died?"
You say, "If Tremula had been killed?"
You say, "Because o' wha' ye did, when she 'ad nae choice ta defend 'erself?"
Darvellan, the Navigator says, "Then there would be consequences, both for Her and Myself."
You give a pained sigh.
You say, "Mebbe ye cannae understand this. Mebbe it's hard fer a being such as yerself ta understand it."
Aeldra coughs softly.
Magister Lorina, of Hallowed Waters says, "The Enchantress had already done far worse to Tremula. I doubt even killing
Tremula crossed Her mind."
Aeldra Ladyn, Grandmistress of Humility asks, "If I may add something to this conversation?"
Lorina nods her head at Aeldra, showing her acceptance.
Aeldra Ladyn, Grandmistress of Humility says, "I will only reflect what I've heard, I do not voice my own opinion in
saying this."
Aeldra Ladyn, Grandmistress of Humility says, "What I heard from Quartermaster Bandeon is concern that, in essence,
Tremula was forced into a state that could have caused her possibly remaining physical and mental damage, without her
being able to agree or reject the danger she was put in."
You say, "True."
Aeldra Ladyn, Grandmistress of Humility says, "What I have heard from Lord Darvellan and Magister Lorina is that the
deed itself was essential for the protection of our city and Tremula did thankfully not come to harm in this, although
it was a risk that was taken without her consent, the means did justify the end in this case."
Looking up with a hint of uncertainty around her, Aeldra Ladyn, Grandmistress of Humility asks, "Is my understanding of
both sides correct so far?"
Magister Lorina, of Hallowed Waters says, "I can see both arguments truths, yes."
Havastus arrives from the west.
Havastus presses his palms together over his heart and bows humbly, chanting a harmonic mantra that fills the air with a
sense of peace.
Lorina inclines her head politely to Havastus.
Grandmaster Havastus, Captain of the Dreadnought asks, "I'm not interupting anything, am I?"
Aeldra Ladyn, Grandmistress of Humility asks Darvellan, "Lord, did I capture your statements with my summary as well?"
Magister Lorina, of Hallowed Waters says to Havastus, "Nothing that isn't already made public by the city."
Havastus nods his head at Lorina.
Darvellan ponders thoughtfully.
Aeldra tilts her head slightly, listening.
Darvellan, the Navigator says, "Tell me, you shards, which is considered to be the essence of who the shard is, the body
or the Voice?"
You say, "I've nae studied tha'. I cannae offer an opinion."
Darvellan, the Navigator says, "I have Cousins who are nothing but Their Voice now, do I not?"
Magister Lorina, of Hallowed Waters says, "It has been shown that both forms can exist without the other, but not have a
positive quality of life. The union between the two that proves to be the most fruitful."
Aeldra Ladyn, Grandmistress of Humility says to Darvellan, "I believe you would be refering to the fact that Tremula has
lost her voice, but... we have seen her when this happened. She lost more then her voice when it was taken..."
Darvellan, the Navigator says, "Not her voice, her Voice, Aeldra."
Magister Lorina, of Hallowed Waters says, "A person's Voice is a powerful thing."
Magister Lorina, of Hallowed Waters says, "Holds such sway over the mind, body and soul."
Darvellan, the Navigator says to you, "If the essential essence of a shard is the Voice, is the body still the shard
without it?"
You say to Darvellan, "Under tha' theory, nae. But conversely without a body, the Voice couldna be called the shard
either."
Grandmaster Havastus, Captain of the Dreadnought looks thoughtful and says, "Tis but the vessel which the Voice resides
in, methinks."
Aeldra Ladyn eyes flicker briefly as she looks at Lorina, before nodding slowly.
Darvellan, the Navigator says to you, "So if the body, or neither, are the shard, from whom would you have Me seek
consent?"
Darvellan, the Navigator says, "And who is at danger, if the shard is not there?"
You say to Darvellan, "Ye couldna ask consent, but Tremula was in danger, because harm ta either o' her parts would 'ave
caused 'er ta cease ta exist."
Aeldra Ladyn, Grandmistress of Humility asks, "Would the danger not be the inability to bring the shard back into one
without the body?"
Darvellan, the Navigator says, "Need it be the same body, for shards?"
You say to Darvellan, "Do ye 'ave the right ta make a decision like tha', fer anyone?"
Aeldra Ladyn taps your arm lightly
Frowning, Darvellan, the Navigator says, "Right?"
Aeldra tells you, "That... is slippery territory my friend."
Aeldra shimmers into existence before you.
Aeldra mutters and traces a glowing circle before her. She steps through the circle and suddenly vanishes from sight.
You say to Darvellan, "Aye. Yer slippin' around the point, Navigator. Ye are tryin' ta use e'ery logical tool in yer
toolbox ta get around the basic fact. Ye sent someone who ye possibly couldna protect inta a situation where she could
be destroyed, an' ye forced 'er inta it. There is nae arguement tha' changes tha' basic fact. Wha' gave ye, or Telperion,
the righ' ta use 'er like... a tool? Nae a person, but a tool?"
Shaking His head, Darvellan, the Navigator says, "No, I will not continue this discussion. The Enchantress' twisted
tongue invades this city, whether through the shard's Voice alone or not remains to be seen."
You say, "I wonder wha' Meridian would think o' ye if 'e saw ye now."
Magister Lorina, of Hallowed Waters says, "Her lies and schemes are reaching deep, and few can see it."
Aeldra blinks
Aeldra Ladyn, Grandmistress of Humility asks, "Forgive me, but what has this to do with the Enchantress and her ways?"
It is now the 22nd of Dvarsh, 429 years after the Coming of Estarra.
Aural Tildarmin yells, "Ever dream of being a pilot? The realm of aetherspace has much to offer! Contact Saoirse today!"
Magister Lorina, of Hallowed Waters says to Aeldra, "She is dividing us from each other with this discussion."
Darvellan, the Navigator says, "You have spoken against Me, so you shall wear My disfavour. Until you see a changed
perspective or find sufficient evidence that threat to the Voiceless body of a shard alone is dangerous to the shard,
you shall wear it for some time."
Darvellan, the Navigator bestows His divine disfavour upon you. It will last for 30 months.
With barely a twinkle, a mist of stars implodes around Darvellan, removing Him from sight.
Aeldra Ladyn, Grandmistress of Humility says, "I..."
You shout, "Meridian would be ashamed o' ye, Darvellan. I certainly am."
Aeldra eyes widen and she stares.
Aeldra Ladyn, Grandmistress of Humility says, "I..."
Comments
-
Holy shit, someone's salty!
In any case, I love this point of contention. Darvellan being so abstracted away from what mortals are, only seeing them as Shards and not necessarily as Individuals. Bandeon and others raising concerns. The Navigator's order being caught in the middle...
Just awesome!
As for the fear of being maggotted or worse, however, its part and parcel of having this kind of conversation with an Elder. Regardless of whether or not They're ACTUALLY in the right in a given situation, arguing with One openly is, and should be, like playing with fire. There needs to be a risk involved, because you're literally getting into an argument with a Being that can snap Its fingers and destroy you. Getting stroppy with a God needs to carry an appropriate danger.
Also, woo for @Darvellan and @Bandeon! An interesting read, and I sincerely hope that any resultant interactions will be placed up for viewing pleasure!
-Edit: Pesky capitals
// travel to the fulcrux of darvellan
A star-filled mist.
A six-spoked ship's helm floats here in the mist, slowly turning on its axis. An archway rises up here, marking the path out of the mist of stars.
You see a single exit leading through an archway.
With a flourish of your arm, you bow deeply.
You ask, "Lord Darvellan... may I implore you to speak with you?"
The stars twinkle as a voice asks, "What would you have Me hear?"
A sudden breeze pulls at you briefly as it whips across the terrace.
You ask, "I ... I feel that this discussion went seriously wrong and... I've come to ask you to hear me out, Lord, if you would?"
The stars twinkle as a voice says, "As you will, Mine."
A sudden breeze pulls at you briefly as it whips across the terrace.
You say, "Bandeon is a good friend of mine, maybe the one person that made me into who I am today. He is hot headed and he is passionate and sometimes ... a little rash in his actions. I don't think he wished to insult you, Lord."
Her voice shaking slightly, you say, "I... think he is the one voice that tries to shake Celest awake so that it does not follow it's predecessor into the darkness that brought us the peril that is the Taint, Lord."
A sudden breeze pulls at you briefly as it whips across the terrace.
The stars twinkle as a voice says, "I know little of this history..."
The stars twinkle as a voice says, "Perhaps..."
You say, "I ... if You wish, Lord, I can give You what little I know."
The stars twinkle as a voice says, "No, not from you. Have Bandeon record the history which he so desires to not repeat that he would speak against a Divine."
A sudden breeze pulls at you briefly as it whips across the terrace.
The last vestiges of midnight shadows flee as Mother Night hides herself from the luminous arrival of her shining mate as he chases her across the bowl of the sky.
Streaks of violet light snake across the morning sky, colouring it a deep purple.
The stars twinkle as a voice says, "Let him consider that an alternative way of removing My disfavour."
You say, "I... can ask him, Lord. I think he would have held that argument for everyone of us, regardleess of their history."
You say, "He is that kind of person to stand up for those he deems that has been done wrong, Lord."
You have emoted: Aeldra hangs her head low, looking distraught.
The stars twinkle as a voice says, "Both, then. A deeper explanation of Celest's history and this wrongness I am alleged to have committed. If he so chooses."
You say, "'I'll... I'll relay your words to him, Lord. I ... just wished that.."
You have emoted: Aeldra coughs softly, gathering her thoughts for a moment.
You have recovered balance on all limbs.
The Portal of Fate flashes as Cixiako steps through, now ready to begin a fresh life in Lusternia.
You say, "Lord, I... I think ... I do believe he's one of the few that have the fire within them to reunite the City to be more like it was in the time that you left. He is protective of all of us and not afraid to speak up his mind even if get's him into danger."
You say, "I... admire it about him and I.... I feel like, regardless of the matter, please do not judge him by what is on the outside, Lord."
The stars twinkle as a voice says, "It will go well for him that you speak on his behalf."
The stars twinkle as a voice says, "It is...possible...I've overreacted based on My dislike for the Enchantress, especially after what She has done to My Penderglass."
You have emoted: Aeldra bows deeply.
You have recovered balance on all limbs.
The stars twinkle as a voice says, "I still do not see where I am wrong, though, having said this."
You say, "Lord... I have not yet learned enough of this matter to understand it fully, but maybe, if You would in time speak with him again, in a calmer environment, maybe... it can be made clearer?"
A sudden breeze pulls at you briefly as it whips across the terrace.
The stars twinkle as a voice says, "In time, perhaps. More likely if I have Bandeon's writings."
The stars twinkle as a voice says, "Without them, My thoughts would have no different chart to navigate by."
You say, "Thank you for your consideration, Lord Darvellan. I will speak with him."
With a flourish of your arm, you bow deeply.
You ask, "Do you require anything of me, Lord, before I leave?"
Sunlight billows across the realm, revealing the full glory of the majestic sun's luminous presence as he climbs higher into the sky.
The stars twinkle as a voice says, "Not for now, no. Be well, Mine."
You say, "You as well, Lord. Thank you for your time and patience."
As you enter the archway onto the path through the twinkling mist, the stars contract at dizzying speeds until each star is just a tiny little twinkle suspended in the mist.