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Post by Zugunruhes on May 26, 2020 13:09:56 GMT -6
A Lesson In Our History
Winter 1702; Afternoon; Within Oralee Sanctum |
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Post by Zugunruhes on May 26, 2020 13:30:40 GMT -6
▸Kaspar◂
WC 204 | Post One
Unease settled on the streets, like snow scattered by frigid wind and left to rest across a landscape. Within the parts of the city Kaspar typically frequented the discontent is thinner and one could pass by it without letting the mood ensnare them if they simply chose to look the other way. But a flamen cannot- must not avoid the emotions that tinge their people and city. As the city and her surrounding lands continued to support refugees, victims of the terrible kirin army, despair seeped into every nook and cranny it could occupy.
Kaspar was observant and wary- he knew he must keep his head high for others were always watching. He believed Valore's bright reign would not falter. His determination to find a solution brought him to Oralee where their herd's history was masterfully preserved. There he hoped to find lessons and warnings from Aodh's past that he could use in his sermons and bring to life with his blessing.
Their herd had been through so much before- surely their ancestors would have answers for him. He entered the sanctum and lingered near Ignacio's shrine, bowing his head in prayer while an attendant bustled off to alert their flamen of his arrival.
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Post by Luneby on Sept 27, 2020 4:45:07 GMT -6
 E U O N I A"Renunciation, total and sweet."
Euonia had been shrouded with work lately and felt held back on what she thought of as her true battle. Somehow, she felt less useful here, in her position of power, than back when she was a volunteer in Vatros. Weighing the situation outside had been more difficult. Stuck in her golden cage, she had little insight on what was going on outside these walls, outside of her talks with Moira and the few informants she managed to keep around. She felt worn out, guilty. Stuck with a numbing sense of dread that grew every day. But she had to remain the golden, strong effigy of Ignacio’s love. She had felt lonely, too. She had much less freedom of movement now and she rarely got to see her friends or her peers. Which is why an attendant visiting her in a hurry, informing her of the arrival of one of her Flamen colleagues came off as a surprise – but a pleasing one. She knew little of Kaspar – she only had a few exchanges with him during their ordination; and a few words in passing later. She did know that he worked hard to help refugees and victim of war and had a lot of respect for him. It seemed Aleksei did choose the new Flamines wisely. His visit here was something unexpected, as he must have had so much to do as well. Was he here to see her? She followed the attendant outside of her office, soon witnessing Flamen Kaspar in prayer before the kirin effigy. “ Your Holiness,” she called softly. “ Welcome to Oralee. It is such a pleasure to have you here,. How may I be of help?”
***
WC: 280| Post # 1
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Post by Zugunruhes on Nov 14, 2020 21:15:31 GMT -6
▸Kaspar◂
WC 296 | Post Two
His time in quiet reflection kindled prayers to Ignacio for peace and guidance- for answer to the refugees that cling to the city. Victims of Ignacio's ancient children. The flamen did not fault his god for the terror and destruction that rode with the kirin's cloven hooves.
They were rebelling against their creator from hubris so thick it dripped from their antlers- that was how Kaspar placated himself, how he understood why the beings that Aodh had revered for a millennia were turning upon them.
No answer came from the thoughts he directed towards the statue, but instead from quiet hoof beats. Flamen Euonia, radiant like the gift of Ignacio she cherished. He had wanted to get to know the other flamens better since his appointment, but as a child of a noble family it was easy to acquire information about others in those circles.
"Good afternoon Flamen Euonia. Please, let me know if I am intruding upon your day." He raised his head and stepped away from the kirin statue. "I come for two reasons!" He spoke as he closed the distance between them, his expression serene though inquisitive. "I cannot find in Fernos knowledge from our past to brighten my sermons for our refugees and to remind our people that now demands greater sacrifices."
The flamen did not need to speak further to make the implication clear. Some opposed the refugees, their hospitality worn thin and tired, and the flamen was horrified by the thought. "Your great library must hold stories that I do not know of- stories I can bring to life in my sermons. Beyond that, I have been curious about Oralee for a time and its flamen. How can we represent unity if we do not know more about one another?"
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Post by Luneby on Dec 26, 2020 12:36:07 GMT -6
E U O N I A"Renunciation, total and sweet."
The words coming from Kaspar’s mouth were like honey to Euonia’s ears. The hippocampus certainly was highly intelligent, and the mare found herself extremely pleased to agree with their every word so far. She had only heard good things of Kaspar and she deeply respected his work with refugees, and the way he advocated for them. She appreciated their straightforward attitude – she certainly did not enjoy enhancing empty pleasantries either, and she was happy to be helpful to them, and to be able to showcase her Sanctum’s greatest treasure. She smiled brightly as they spoke, and politely bowed her head before answering them. “ You are welcome within these walls whenever you please, Flamen Kaspar. It is a pleasure to finally meet you, and I would be more than happy to help you find what you seek.” With a movement of her wings, the mare wordlessly invited her guest to follow her. “I couldn’t agreewith you more, I would have paid Fernos a visit soon, so I could introduce myself, but you beat me at that.” She chuckles warmly. “I do wish for every Flamen to work with one another, our joint efforts are needed more than ever. You do so much for your community, and it would be my honour to help you.” Glittering teke pushed the library’s heavy wooden door open. They were welcomed by the scent of paper and dust and the quietest atmosphere. Equines were studying inside all day, but all were silent. She walked up to a large shelf filled with thick books embroidered in gold. Chronicles from the past, all holding the stories of Kings from the past. “Our Father alone can’t ignite the faith your people need in those difficult times, I’m afraid.” Kaspar certainly was not blind to the defiance that rose against Ignacio as of late, and like herself they must have sought clever ways to make people trust in Him again. “The most beautiful volumes about the history of our herd are all kept within these shelves. If you have any idea of what you are looking for, I can certainly help narrow down your research. Surely you will find a uniting figure among the pages, a figure that inspires hope.”Euonia’s mind immediately drifted towards Kings of older times. Only one came to mind.
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WC: 385| Post # 2
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Post by Zugunruhes on Jan 15, 2021 16:13:03 GMT -6
▸Kaspar◂
WC 401 | Post Three
Kaspar did not expect to be denied, but still offered the polite greetings for any entering another flamen's holy sanctum. The moment Oralee's Flamen accepted him a smile lifted his face with glowing exuberance. Since his appointment a number of people had spoken of Kaspar's youthful energy. It was not immature nor boyish, but a curious vigor that sparked curiosity and drew conversation out of others. He was likeable and vivacious in the way he flitted between so many new ideas and projects. In front of Euonia the same energy shone through him.
"Excellent! How it pleases me to hear that from you. Oralee holds such wisdom that I admit I would love to spend days and nights here getting lost in every tome..." He seemed to sigh with a true longing. The Fernos flamen was a storyteller in his own right, weaving his illusions into sermons for youngsters and adults alike. In private sermons they helped visitors deal with grief or think through a difficult decision. But to bring fantastical stories, visions of Aodh's past to life, was what he enjoyed most.
He followed her into the library, marveling at the rows of books. He wished to crane his head and read the text scrawled up the sides of every one, but kept his focus. Another time- perhaps if he were to visit as a friend and not on duty- they could enjoy what the library offered together? When they reached the historical tomes he moved towards them with reverence, his teke pausing as if it was unbecoming of him to reach out.
"May I?" He tipped his head in indication of one book with royal symbols trailing over the spine. "I am interested in two principles. Unity and faith. Unity... after I have heard some voice discontent over the refugees. Those that refuse kindness to refugees have forgotten charity. They do not think to imagine themselves in the life of another. I want to inspire others to offer shelter and supplies, or prayers, to those who had to flee. As for faith..." His tail swished, the only sign of the anxiety he kept from tinging his voice. "A reminder that although we cannot see Him at all times, he still watches over us and cherishes us. And with that faith, patience."
That was something he had fretted over most since the old kirins' reign of terror first befell Eithne.
Image by Kruuja
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Post by Luneby on Jan 30, 2021 8:38:12 GMT -6
 E U O N I A"Renunciation, total and sweet."
While the young Flamen had well practised the energetic behavior he was known for, Euonia could still notice notes of uneasiness as he spoke. Fear, even. Her ears perked as she listened, carefully watching Kaspar’s expressions while she did. Could it be that her fellow Flamen had more to say about the situation than he let on? She was curious about the refugee situation – and any information could prove useful to her cause. She kept that in mind, hoping that she could get him to talk later.
“The virtues you wish to uphold are honorable, and I am confident your attendance will find solace and guidance in them.” She says softly, bowing her head politely. Green teke glittered over a few tomes, as she thoughtfully searched through the titles familiar ones that would help.
“Maybe the tales of the earliest Aodhians will help you in that regard.” She pulled out a heavy tome as she spoke, which floated its way towards Kaspar.
“Perhaps reminding your attendance how Ignacio came to adopt our herd as His own will spark hope and faith in the salvation He offers. And I certainly couldn’t pass on bringing up one of my favorite stories.” She confesses, as she gazed at the hippocampus through crinkled eyes.
“We have waited for Ignacio before. Our people had to choose Him for the Sun to adopt us as his own, regardless of our breed. We need not forget that we brought Ignacio back to the world through our worship, and how much He has loved us in return. He chose us despite having lost his ancestral children, and how He still protects us to this day.”
She carefully lays the tome on a nearby table, hidden in a corner, and flips through its pages. Orbs of light gently rotated above, beckoning Kaspar to come closer and revealing a detailed engraving of an ancient statue of Ignacio.
“This tome records discoveries made in Bloom under King Paru’s reign, and how those discoveries prompted the return of the worship of Ignacio.”
She pauses, flipping the pages to reveal sketches of ancient depictions of the God – some she recognized, for they had been part of exhibits held within her own Sanctum.
"While Ignacio would only return years later, under King Vukan, the discovery of ancient depictions of Ignacio was what permitted for him to join the Pantheon once more, and I believe it to be a story people can relate to, and acts as a reminder of why we came to love Ignacio."
Her eyes reverted to Kaspar, carefully watching him as she spoke.
“The ancient kirins are one of the greatest threats we currently face, and yet. Ignacio loves us, for we have chosen Him, and He adopted us in return. His tale is one of a grieving god, adoring a nation born of refugees and war survivors, choosing them over what He had personally created. Our faith in the Sun mustn’t falter now of all time, and maybe this story will soothe some doubts your attendees expressed.”
She had a few ideas for the unity Kaspar sought. But all in its own time. And yet, she couldn’t help but think of the only King who embodied both – but whose name was dangerous to even pronounce now, let alone in a public setting.
***
WC: 552| Post # 3
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Post by Zugunruhes on Feb 19, 2021 17:33:55 GMT -6
▸Kaspar◂
WC 200 | Post Four
The soft glows of light emitted from Euonia's blessing seemed draw him out of the shadows of his own worries. As he moved towards her he pocketed the thought that he should invite her to teach a sermon alongside him at Fernos. With their blessings intertwined they could bring to life the values that she described.
"You are right. Our ancestors' steadfast devotion to Him, symbolized by their love, welcomed Him back. And so cherished by our ancestors He led Aodh to the burning sun it is today, the center of our world. We have always needed Him." He examined the open page thoughtfully, always intrigued by how their god had been depicted across the centuries. For in his sermons, even using his blessing to bring thoughts to life, he encouraged the attendees to have their own visions. To recognize that He created the flame inside all of them.
"Perhaps, one of these sermons we might teach together." He offered, meeting her gaze. "You know the history well... and we are both Blessed. Two flamens standing united, urging the people to welcome the refugees into their hearts and thoughts, cannot be cast aside! What do you say?"
Image by Kruuja
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Post by Luneby on Mar 10, 2021 13:20:01 GMT -6
E U O N I A"Renunciation, total and sweet."
Euonia’s eyes widened with joy as she listened to the younger Flamen, humming in approval at his analysis. It seemed they were on the same wavelength, as she hoped. She admired him more by the second – not only was he a quick thinker with a great deal of enthusiasm and was politically minded towards the greater good, but he also appeared to be ingenious and creative. Getting to unite their Blessings to weave a moving sermon was a brilliant idea, which left the mare’s feathers fluttering with expectation.
“Hearing you enjoying this story is a delight to my ears. It seems we are of the same mind – you described His return beautifully, and I appreciate your respect for our history.” She starts, slightly dipping her head with a satisfied smile.
“It would be my honor to teach a sermon with you. I have heard quite a few stories about the beauty of the images you create – I must admit I am intrigued. I would love to join you and put my own Blessing to good use, I agree that our combined powers may reach a greater audience. Together, we can serve our Lord best, and fan the flames of justice among our people.”
Confident eyes watch the hippocampus with pride. It did seem Aleksei picked the new Flamines wisely. There was much to admire about Kaspar, and she hoped he would become a trustworthy ally when finally the day she feared and awaited expectantly came.
“Your cause is just, and a crucial matter in the current struggles of our herd. I will help you anyway I can and I will spread your word of love and acceptance. No one should be cast away from safety on the lands the Sun rules.”
She pauses as she gazed towards the darker depths. She hesitated before she spoke, then glancing back towards Kaspar. Carefully, she closed the book, before putting it back into place. With a nod, she invited the stallion to follow her deeper into the library, where few people ever went.
“I’ll be happy to teach a sermon with you at Fernos – maybe you should come teach one here at Oralee as well.” She knew the King would not like it. She quietly waited for Kaspar’s answer, so she could weigh his words. She was not quite comfortable enough to spit out that she could not speak freely in her own Sanctum yet, because of the Crown’s eyes and ears being so nearby. But that would not stop her from owning up to her values and the holiness she was bestowed with.
***
WC: 433| Post # 4
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