Devotion and Ambition -:- Gemstone and Magnus

Being a Royal had many conveniences. One of those many that were included in the package included being quite close to the largest Temple to Argus. While Magnus hadn't always considered himself to be a religious horse, things and horses changed. After the help of Casius, a priest attending at that very same temple, Magnus had found his way into the comforting gaze of Argus once again. Now, the stallion looked up to the temple quite fondly, glad that the temple was quite an easy trip away from his comfortable home in the Old District.



The gentle noise of water trickling and bells chiming greeted his ears, calming him and giving him some much needed reassurance after a long work day. Now, instead of retiring to his quarters after work, Magnus would often spend his time here, praying and talking with Argus about his day. Even if he didn't have much to say, or much to ask the god, he could at the very least keep him up to date with his life. It was what he was taught was an acceptable way to talk with him, and it honestly comforted the stallion.



Today, he was seeking some form of comfort and guidance after the introduction of a new familiar. It wasn't like the stallion didn't like his new companion; on the contrary, he was quite honored when this pale-colored creature entered his home. However, the stress of having to take care of a Nekomata while being thoroughly unprepared easily wore at the dark stallion. He was hoping he could find some answers with Argus, and he knew the God wouldn't really disappoint him.



Visiting on a normal weekday meant that plenty of horses would be in here, also communing with their God in some way, shape or form. And that was fine. However, Magnus was a little anxious to discover, upon entry, that most of the prayer rooms were quite full. While he was normally a chatty horse, his faith with Argus was a much more personal matter. This wasn't something he wanted to share space with many over. He found a bit of solace, however, there was a room that didn't have too many lingering in there. Just his luck. There was an empty mat, and there were also a few incense bowls.



Just as soon as he came the other horses in there had finished up their prayer, quietly taking their leave. Magnus politely dipped out of the way, and that left him mostly alone in the room. There was one other still there, however. An Uncut, with a striking coat. She was young, and all alone. Magnus couldn't recall the last time he'd interacted with an Uncut, at least, not one that wasn't with their parents. He wasn't going to bother her, however, settling on a prayer mat and pulling a cushion underneath him to soften his landing. Drawing his cape over himself, he glanced over at the Uncut foal once more. He didn't want to interrupt her prayers, as that would be quite rude. However, he was worried that his presence might be a nuisance. It shouldn't be, though, he finally decided. Closing his eyes, he, too, began to pray.

The gentle sound of chimes ringing greeted Magnus's ears as he attempted (key word) to settle into prayer. While he certainly tried to ignore it, it was hard when he could feel the distinct presence of something approaching, even if he didn't know what. After he couldn't ignore it anymore, he peeked one violet eye open to see what it was.



He was greeted with something he wasn't quite expecting. A dark face, with glowing eyes peering out of it. It took a few moments to understand just what he was looking at, but then it hit him. An Arcane Spirit, of course! They were similar to the little creatures floating around the entirety of this Temple. He hadn't expected one to float so close to him, or get up in his business like that. He wasn't complaining, he supposed, though the noise was distracting and he'd hoped to be alone.



The gentle voice of it's companion -- owner didn't seem like the right word -- broke him out of his momentary startling. It was enough for him to take a moment away from his focus on the spirit to the other horse in the room.



'Leave them alone,' The Uncut urged, though the companion wasn't exactly listening. Magnus could empathize. Trying to tell a mythical familiar what to do was nigh near impossible. His Nekomata was already proving to be quite the nuisance. It slept all over his important papers, took up most of the bed, and was constantly knocking things off of counters. All the time! If Magnus wasn't quick with his teke, he'd have things ruined in a matter of a heartbeat.



"They're fine," Magnus insisted, albeit a bit nervously. "I know it's a bit hard to really...have them listen to you." He shuffled his hooves, finding himself at a loss of words around another. When working with other adults, sure, he could figure out what to say, but there was really nothing to gain by crafting your words around an Uncut. Especially in a place like...this. This place always seemed to find a way to dig in and break down the walls he'd so dilligently put up for himself.



"I hear they can be challenging companions. I just recently bonded with a Nekomata, myself." Magnus responded, flicking his ears back as he felt himself relax a bit. He kept his tone rather low, as they were in a temple with prayer going on, but it wasn't like he couldn't chat with her. "First familiar really; do you have any others?" He inquired, tilting his head.

Magnus was intrigued to listen to the Uncut speak about her other familiars. A pair of mated Devil Birds, how impressive! His ears certainly pricked forward at the mention. He had seen them, a handful of times, while working in the castle. He could sometimes get a glance outside and see them in their garden. They were quite intelligent, impressive creatures.

Still, he wasn't sure he would be able to handle one himself, so the fact an Uncut such as herself was able to command not one, but two, was certainly impressive. It was then, he realized, that certainly such a horse would have a Talent to match, right?

"Impressive," He was starting to respectfully remark, when she was extending forward a greeting and proper courtesy. He did not know if such formalities were needed in this place of worship, so he was put in a slightly awkward position. Alas, it didn't matter. Formalities were formalities. He gave a polite bow, extending his own right hoof towards her, though did not hold it nearly as long due to the gap in rank and age between them both.

"They have seen us meet," He returned the respectful greeting. "You may call me Magnus." He then added, "a Royal Overseer." However, he was not particularly keen on extending the fact he was nobility - or anyone important - inside the temple for much longer, so he decided to change the topic.

"I don't mind it - Chime - being curious about me. I just did not expect to have an Arcane Spirit visiting me personally during my prayer." He laughed softly, glancing down at her. "I came here to have a few words with Argus before I head home for the day. Ah, but where are my manners - I wish your grandmother a swift recovery." Last thing he wanted to do was be uncustomarily rude. That would certainly reflect poorly on himself, and in turn, the royal family.

Magnus felt flattered when Gemstone mentioned her grandmother loving to hear about him. It was heartwarming to be held in a higher regard; even though he was used to it more oft than not in his day to day life. While he spoke with other peers, much of his work was dealing with numbers, orders, and speaking to traders and those providing food for the Breim herd.

As she was respectful listening to him, he was respectful listening to her. While he definitely caught on to her subtle cues she was giving him the respect his rank called for, he still gave her her own respect. He would not be caught bringing shame to the royal family by being insulting to a herd member; let alone an Uncut, for crying out loud. He gave an understanding, agreeable nod at the notion that there was a bit more magic there when one was alone. He definitely felt likewise.

"I find my connection to Argus is often a bit stronger when I am also mostly kept in my own company." He responded in tune. "I can feel Argus's presence much clearer here than my own shrine at home, likewise." Truth be told, he wasn't the greatest at keeping a shrine, but as Argus proved a more important role in his life he couldn't help but spend more time dedicating to him. He really had felt like the God had helped show him the way.

"If you don't mind my question, have you found yourself blessed by him, perhaps?" Magnus inquired eagerly, flicking his ears forward. He did not want to necessarily flaunt his own blessing, but speaking about Argus had him feeling nostalgic and remembering the overwhelming and comforting presence of Argus when he prayed to him; and the gift he had left behind.