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Post by Zugunruhes on Jan 15, 2021 16:32:42 GMT -6
Out From The Shadow; Into The Light
May 1st; Early Afternoon; Cinder Hall
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Post by Zugunruhes on Jan 15, 2021 16:58:03 GMT -6
▸Kaspar◂
WC 489 | Post One
Kaspar had thought his world was bathed in light. That he, as a Flamen, drew others out of the shadows by illuminating the troubles they cast into darkness. Grief, conflict, and ignorance paled in the radiance of truth and compassion. His sermons lit a room, inspired by Ignacio's own divinity. Reflected by the walls of candles trailing through all the halls and chambers of Fernos. And while Kaspar humbled himself before Ignacio, mulling over his own faults as he watched the setting sun each night, he never looked deep enough.
His own neutrality, to praise the Crown as his birth house Ophiaz had taught him from an early age, was walking the path of the light. To question the Crown and goad rumors that blazed turmoil was a crime. A deviation from his resolve. Until he realized he too stood in the shadow. Perhaps it had not always been that way- he had wandered there to keep peace and avoid the things that frightened him. How curious it was that he feared turmoil within his beloved herd most of all and ignored it in himself.
When the wyvern soared above the village, its great wings seemingly born from Adviser Aleksei himself, Kaspar perceived it all as a sign. Questions, some half-formed thoughts he did not quite understand, danced through his mind on their return to Valore. He did not pursue them all. Some frightened him too much. But the wyvern's appearance did give him courage to attend a few. He spoke with the Adviser at length and some of the words shared had not left him.
Above all he worried for the people. The refugees shaken by the loss of their homes, weary as the Crown turned them away. The citizens safe inside the city, wondering if the kirins would breach their refuge one day. And the fears grew relentless. At night he paced, unable to resume his routine of prayer while watching sunset. His dreams followed him upon awakening; his emotions forcing his blessing to populate his room with haunting illusions of refugees and warring kirins. He could take it no more. He had been inadequate. He had ignored things when they were whispers on the wind. Now they were a rattling wind, pounding upon his window.
It was his time to truly act as flamen. First, he needed to seek the truth. He was to find the light he spoke of so often. And to Cinder Hall he ventured, adorning his white cloak and golden helm. A letter had been sent a few days prior, the message implying that it was only a customary visit between a flamen and a noble in case someone else intercepted the message. Through the front garden and entry hall was led, towards the great staircase. A servant went ahead to announce his presence and he waited, knowing he could only speak his mind once he and Aleksei were somewhere fully private.
Image by Kruuja
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Post by ThatDenver on Jan 15, 2021 17:46:14 GMT -6
ALEKSEI
Aleksei had not expected the letter that had come with the morning mail – a fat stack of papers about the return of the Seroran slaves, mostly comparing Seroran and Aodhian lists to each other. Not interesting in the slightest, as important as it was, but the letter.
The letter was something else.
He had spoken with the Flamen of Fernos on their journey home. The situation they had faced at the village had made it easy; innocuous enough to jump from there to more general matters of the same nature. Still, the Flamen was formerly of Ophiaz, and their tendencies were known. A traditional House, for being so young, and so loud in their support of Isador.
Thus, unexpected.
But then again, perhaps not. Flamines left behind so much of their old lives, and Kaspar had probably been with the Sanctum… Well, long enough. Aleksei had to admit he didn’t have very exact tabs on their years of service, even though he had helped to select them.
Regardless, he was pleased, and on the hour of the appointment, one of his servants was quick to let Kaspar in, to be greeted by the painted, larger than life visage of Aleksei’s family. Three golden pegasi and a single unicorn seemed to watch the Flamen as he stood there.
Aleksei was ready to greet him, but took a minute to breathe, check his appearance. It wouldn’t do to seem too eager.
That would be suspicious.
Then, he exited his work space on the upper level, and descended down the stairs. Framed, for just a moment, by the smiling faces of his now-dead family.
”Your Holiness”, Aleksei said with a warm, soft voice. He took the opportunity to regard the grand hall in the light of an afternoon sun – so vibrant were the colors, pooling through large windows and stained glass ornaments.
”It is an honor to have you visit”, the Adviser added, taking the final steps down to the ground level, and nodded Kaspar along. He was hopeful for this visit, but unsure what it would bring, and as such, had chosen the small temple within Cinder Hall to ‘entertain’ his esteemed quest.
It wasn’t a long walk, the door just off to the side of the Great Hall. It was a lovely home shrine, a room for quiet contemplation. It housed a simple, small statue of Ignacio, and a slightly larger one of Kaia.
In different circumstances, he would have taken Kaspar to the courtyard, but it was… Occupied. Perhaps later.
”I must admit, as much as this visit fills me with joy, I am unsure why you have come”, Aleksei stated more directly, now that they were in the enclosed space. He lit a single stick of incense, more out of habit than devotion, and watched Kaspar from the corner of his eye: ”If it is due to my lack of attendance, I do apologize. The King keeps me so busy these days.”
Word count: 493
Post #1
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Post by Zugunruhes on Jan 18, 2021 15:25:20 GMT -6
▸Kaspar◂
WC 339 | Post Two
Like the massive statue of Ignacio, his antlered head tipped downwards to regard all those who entered Fernos sanctum, so did the massive painting in Cinder Hall greet visitors. The flamen studied the painting as his thoughts drifted to years past, his solemn reverence gathering as lines deepened across his youthful face. Aodh was still healing from much in recent times and he wondered how much more sadness they could bear.
He afforded a smile when the adviser appeared at the top of the stairs and descended. Though the sadness lingered in his eyes. He made no move to hide it- this was a meeting of truths after all- and joined the Adviser's side with a returned greeting of respect.
In the shrine he paused before each statue, head dipping with a silent prayer of respect. The gesture was not intended for show in front of the Adviser. He asked for them to lift his words with their sagacious judgement and embolden his voice with courage. Ignacio's fire acting as a beacon in its radiance. Kaia's steadfast strength keeping him from ever wavering again.
Now, it was time.
"Not to question your attendance, Adviser. I know you seek to do what's right for our people in your work." He assured, his eyes bright. He was silent for a long moment then, wrestling to admit his weakness. It ached to do so. "I've come because I have been hesitant for too long about many things. Our journey home made me realize I have been playing a role that keeps me safe." A humorous lilt briefly entered his next words. "As Ophiaz taught me once upon a time."
"What I desire most is our citizen's safety and happiness in these uncertain times. Particularly the refugees. I want to know how you think I can help and serve them better as a Flamen" The churning inside him, waves and winds tossed in a battle, ceased abruptly. The sharp ache dulled. He exhaled, slowly, drinking in the new air.
Image by Kruuja
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Post by ThatDenver on Jan 18, 2021 15:40:52 GMT -6
ALEKSEI
”Ah”, Aleksei responded, looking too at the statues, although he only had eyes for Kaia. The statue was of beautiful make, depicting the earth goddess cloaked in blooming roses, but a keen eye could spot bones and skulls emerging from beneath her hooves. The dual nature of his goddess never ceased to fascinate Aleksei, and he had wanted it brought to the forefront when commissioning the piece.
”I too have asked myself that very same question. Many times, in fact”, the Adviser said, shaking his head slightly: ”I am afraid all our hooves are fairly tied when it comes to decisive action. Isador has decided on his course, and as his speech showed, he is not concerned with amendments.”
Aleksei’s voice was gentle and neutral; no disagreement or critique could be gauged from it, only that he was stating a rather simple fact. The King had decided how he wanted this matter handled, and no one else really had a say.
”For my own part, I opened my home to them. I’ve offered jobs and board here at my manor – the two requirements for entry, as you well know. But there are far too many for any single person to take in, the Adviser said, tapping his hoof almost thoughtfully against the marble floors: ”I do think they would appreciate a visit from a Flamen, perhaps a real sermon. Many of them come from the countryside, small villages like the one we visited. I doubt they’ve had the chance to lay eyes upon one of Ignacio’s chosen all that often, much less in an occasion dedicated to their concerns.”
Aleksei smiled, but then his expression darkened. From somewhere within the manor’s depths, a soft rumble, like a growling breath, could be heard.
”But if the kirins come… I am afraid they are little more than a meat-shield, and they know it”, he said, now sounding clearly bothered by the thought.
Word count: 320
Post #2
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Post by Zugunruhes on Jan 18, 2021 17:49:36 GMT -6
▸Kaspar◂
WC 319 | Post Three
"I want to open Fernos' halls to them as well, but then I fear all the rest who I cannot provide for. If I am unable to offer my hospitality and charity to every refugee, or unable to help find a means for all to be embraced by His light, then I am not doing enough." Kaspar admitted, drawing out thoughts that had bothered him for many weeks in slow, deliberate words. "I will visit those who you shelter and-" His eyes clouded then, brow furrowing in a strange conjunction of sadness and sparking anger. "I want them to know that they are not cowards for leaving their lands and villages to seek shelter."
The Flamen's words directly recalled the King's speech, without giving a name to the one who spoke them. "Ignacio cherishes them and the sun is brighter with them here."
Kaspar recalled the disquiet in the village they had visited. Unease rolling off the villagers so thick that it was palpable in the air. And the fear at the sight of the strangers.
He stirred from his momentary pause at the odd echo and then fixed his gaze keenly on Aleksei, pondering. The flamen would normally flinch away from such words, but he was beyond dancing around pleasant conversation to appease others. "I'm afraid of that too. And-" His gaze flitted to the statue of Ignacio and he drew another breath, again seeking courage to lift his heart.
"I believe now is the time to take changes into our own hooves. Otherwise... I fear the loss of thousands of lives... and I cannot be idle any longer." The final words arrived at a whisper. Kaspar understood the danger in voicing them out loud, but the weeks of reflection forced them from him. To ignore them and not say them would be treason to his heart, and treason to the people.
Image by Kruuja
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Post by ThatDenver on Jan 19, 2021 8:01:58 GMT -6
ALEKSEI
”I think they would love to hear that”, Aleksei admitted. Not everyone thought particularly highly of Isador, but the King saying such things would, naturally, affect how people viewed themselves as well. It was true that people seeking to leave the countryside posed problems, but Aodh had emergency grain supplies and such – a single bad year wouldn’t kill them, especially not when there were plenty of farmable lands in the shadow of the city as well. There life went on much as it always had; it was not as if those people would’ve felt any safer camping in front of the city gates than they did in their own homes within a day’s travel of the city.
Kaspar’s next words made Aleksei’s eyes sparkle. He looked at the Flamen thoughtfully for a moment, quietly considering how he should take these words. Eventually, he said: ”Do you remember what that scarred stranger said, when we were at Kindlehome? About Isador being behind Amadeus’ death?”
Aleksei cocked his head, giving Kaspar a searching look: ”What do you make of that, your Holiness?”
An honest question, the answer of which would tell him much. At the time, Kaspar had not seemed open to considering the idea, but many days had passed since then, and the Flamen had had plenty of time to think.
Sometimes simply thinking did wonders for a persons view of the world.
Word count: 232
Post #3
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Post by Zugunruhes on Jan 19, 2021 20:32:15 GMT -6
▸Kaspar◂
WC 217 | Post Four
"I do." The words seemed to echo softly, as if returning to reprimand him in whispers for his choice that day. Kaspar bit his lip, a mark of his visible discomfort. In part from attending the possibility of truth in that statement, in part from the way he had denounced it at the time. He had acted as though the water was not already troubled. It was not a gentle pool stirred by a few ripples like he wanted to believe. Their herd had always been a mighty ocean and now the tides were rising fast. "I thought the words were of someone intent on Aodh's destruction and from that I convinced myself not to believe the stranger."
He continued solemnly. "But truth has a penchant for persistence. If Isador is willing to send home so many refugees, knowing thousands will die if the kirins advance again, then what does the taking of one life matter to him? " He was not dancing around an answer, but prompting more from Aleksei.
He did not want to think their King a murderer, possessed by greed, envious of the Crown's privileges. It gave him no comfort. It was a sour taste in his mouth, like bile. But he was far beyond the rose-tinted bliss he once followed.
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Post by ThatDenver on Jan 20, 2021 7:36:15 GMT -6
ALEKSEI
Aleksei nodded.
”They may well have been. We don’t know who they were, or how they knew what they knew – I only knew the mare Rosie that was with them, and she was Amadeus’ personal physician, vanishing when he died”, he said. He was surprised to find how little it bothered him that he didn’t really know who those people had been or what their intent was – he just found himself feeling strangely happy that Rosie was in fact alive. If he had gone through what she had, he would probably not want to be found either, at least not by anyone who had links to Aodh’s government.
Kaspar’s words more or less confirmed to him that the Flamen had come to his own suspicions and distrusts of Isador, and how he had come to power. He was not sure if Kaspar leaned more on the side of disagreeing over Isador’s methods as a King, or the crude way he had come to power, but he was sure he would soon find out.
Often it was both. The two were, after all, deeply entwined.
”Isador did not start with Amadeus”, Aleksei said, words measured and calm.
”But it must be said that he is not a monster, for he had by then learned of past mistakes. Far less collateral damage to be had when killing a King in their bed”, the words dropped into the relative silence of the home shrine like venom.
Word count: 243
Post #4
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Post by Zugunruhes on Jan 21, 2021 0:59:25 GMT -6
▸Kaspar◂
WC 218 | Post Five
"What is it that you know, Adviser?" Kaspar prompted without pause. The words spoken lacked the usual meditative deliberation that Kaspar embodied. Sharp as a dagger's edge, they were honed for one purpose. While Kaspar had privately revisited the notion that Isador was unfit to rule because of his recent decrees, he had entirely left behind the stranger's words in the village. Until Aleksei reminded him.
His withers twitched, the white cloak he wore shifting subtly over Kaspar's involuntary shiver. He was no coward. Pursuit of the truth was an act of bravery in itself. But Aleksei's words seeped into his thoughts like the drip of blood falling from the point of a blade and revulsion rose in his throat. A murderer of his own people standing in the throne, marring Ignacio's light in a bloodied sunset as he dragged Aodh down with him.
"All we have spoken about today thus far I will not recount in the wrong company. As flamen my duty is to the people above all... as the Crown's duty is supposed to be." How foolish he had been to accept what he had been taught without question. Had he looked closer perhaps he would have noticed a crooked crown, poorly fit upon the brow of the one who had seized it.
Image by Kruuja
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Post by ThatDenver on Jan 21, 2021 13:57:42 GMT -6
ALEKSEI
What did he know?
Too much.
It had been easier to live with less information; what was supposed to be a simple restoration had long since become a terribly personal affair, one where he had to work to keep his emotions in check – to not isolate himself or scare people off.
Rage was ugly.
”I know that Isador is behind the deaths of my family”, Aleksei said, very calm. He had told this many times now; it was easier to keep his emotions in check.
”Not just Amadeus, but Solaris. And the Ball. He is behind all of it”, he said, before adding: ”You don’t need to simply take my word for it. Ask Flamen Euonia what she was shown in visions at the Palace.”
It felt good to no longer be alone with this; he had never been completely alone, for his family had shared the secret far longer, but it was different to have outside assistance.
His blue eyes gave Kaspar a searching look, considering the slightly older former noble.
”And now that you know this, what will you do?” he asked, voice soft and almost gentle. He was aware it wasn’t easy to accept, especially not to someone who had always been loyal to the Crown – who had been taught to be loyal.
Word count: 216
Post #5
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Post by Zugunruhes on Jan 23, 2021 13:57:24 GMT -6
▸Kaspar◂
WC 399 | Post Six
Mention of the Oralee Flamen was the most Kaspar needed to believe the Adviser's condemning words. Flamen Euonia he trusted to speak the truth without marring it for personal gain. Flamens and nobles alike were intertwined in the intricate web of politics and taught to navigate it with subtle grace. He knew the trade well. But to lie about a vision? No. Then the Gods had willed her to see Isador's legacy and ascent of blood.
"Adviser Aleksei I am sorry for the burdens you have carried for so long. For the loss of ones you cherished. You have my respects, for what you have endured and the strength you carry." Though still using the unicorn's honored title, the flamen spoke his name for the first time too. It was an invitation for a new connection. A kindling alliance that recognized they were conversing honestly with each other and were no longer bound by the social formalities to speak well of the Crown and guard the truth.
The Adviser had his trust, and now his friendship if he desired that too. For among noble politics Kaspar remembered a distinct loneliness in his own childhood. Ophiaz always feared rejection and so built connections on what others wanted to hear. And in speaking freely with the Adviser, Kaspar had unearthed a vein of freedom. A glistening light he would not let dim.
"I trust your word as I do the Flamen of Oralee. But what to do with those..." He stared upwards, eyes wide in careful thought. When it dawned upon him they fluttered close in practiced concentration.
And the room around them bloomed with a sea of candles, conjured up by his blessing. They floated for a moment and then faded like rising smoke. "As an attendant I found meaning in the way I lit the candles in the early hours of each new day. These words are a sacred candle to me. With them one candle may be lit to go on to light another- and another- until the room glows with thousands of tiny flames. It would be negligent of me to not address those who visit Fernos with how the Crown has lied and hurt them, but I fear the Crown's retribution against them too. I must speak out without letting others get hurt... or letting the Crown bury my words."
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Post by ThatDenver on Jan 23, 2021 17:59:17 GMT -6
ALEKSEI
”There is no need to be sorry”, Aleksei said, smiling ever so slightly: ”For it has made me the person that I am.”
He noticed the use of his name for the first time, and it made him… Glad, somehow. Out of the people he had met in these dealings, Kaspar was one of the ones closest to his own age, and the idea of friendship felt less distant than with the older equines – not that you couldn’t be friends with someone who was older, but it was a different kind of friendship.
Aleksei was surprised by the sudden appearance of the candles; then intrigued. Illusionist was, in some ways, similar to his own blessing, and he had always found it beautiful to behold. The candles Kaspar conjured were lifelike, surely from a lifetime of looking at candles, and when they faded away, he felt almost sorry for their absence.
The Flamen’s words made him nod, and give the other equine an encouraging smile.
”Flamines Moira and Euonia have been weaving these ideas into their own sermons. The people are smart; the rumors already rampant. You can veil your messages in metaphor, and have deniability that you were simply misunderstood”, Aleksei suggested, before adding: ”Of course I do not know how well-connected Isador is, and who might still support his rule. Certainly it has been wavering lately.”
He was sure there were many nobles especially who still adored Isador, but how many of them supported him for who he was, and how many would support any King remained to be seen. Still, with other Advisers and several Flamines on his side, Aleksei felt good about his chances – his ability to reach the people, even if he could not convince the nobility.
”But do be careful”, Aleksei said: ”We can not build a new and better Aodh together if both of us don’t survive to see the dawn of it.”
Word count: 319
Post #6
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Post by Zugunruhes on Jan 28, 2021 0:24:43 GMT -6
▸Kaspar◂
WC 311 | Post Seven
Kaspar considered his family- his former house. Outwardly they sung their praises of the Crown, but their reverence was tied to power, not any individual. Fickle like the two-headed snake sigil they bore, they always gave loyalty to the ones that would help them prosper. He could not be outright with them on his condemnation of Isador, but perhaps he could tend to rumors and let the rest of Ophiaz discover means in the flames that would spring up on their own.
He would seek them out later. They were not the ones living in remote villages at the threat of the kirins or packed in cluttered refugee camps. To the people first. He sensed that Ophiaz could look after themselves too, wily as they were.
"Once again I find that I must seek out the sermons of my other flamens more often." Kaspar responded, a smile touching his lips in knowing he could confide in Moira and Euonia. To be alone with the truth of Isador's actions, as Aleksei had been, was frightening for Kaspar to contemplate. But when he imagined the dawning future, the rays of light peaking over the horizon, he saw that so many others were watching the new day with him. Unity, strength as one.
"This I can do. I have speaking to persuade our people to think kindly of the refugees in my recent sermons. That is only a step away from asking those listening to think about the cruelty of their plight... and who has allowed them to live in danger. That will be the first step of many." He tilted his head, gazing keenly at the Adviser. "Thank you for trusting me with these truths. I feel as though a long darkness- a night without stars- is giving way to the day. Aodh will shine valiantly under a new sun."
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Post by ThatDenver on Jan 29, 2021 11:30:44 GMT -6
ALEKSEI
Aleksei nodded his head, and smiled.
”I think I should thank you, your Holiness, for coming to me with such an open heart and mind”, he said with sincerity. He knew it must not have been easy, and in these days, trust was in short supply as well – among all facets of society, but especially the upper crust. Aleksei knew he was partially to blame for that – in growing Isador’s suspicion, he had also grown his hostility towards others, and the ripples were already being felt.
He wasn’t proud of it, but he had indeed been raised to play this game, and win at it. No one could win every match, but he had the help he needed to control the moves being made to the best of his ability – and with it, anticipate Isador’s reactions.
He hoped it would end up being enough.
”I hope it will not be too much longer, now”, he admitted to Kaspar: ”And I doubt our enemies in the north are willing to give us another year to figure ourselves out. If Isador wins a great victory in the war against the kirins, everything will be for nothing – his popularity will spike.”
And that, as anyone could understand, meant the King had to be changed by then. It was a daring plan, a risky plan – to force a change in rulership in the middle of the worst war they had ever experienced.
But it had to be done.
And besides, it was not as if Isador’s leadership through his conflict had been exactly inspiring so far. So many Chevaliers had died, and so little had been gained.
”If you wish to talk further, you know where to find me”, Aleksei said with a smile, and then added almost humorously: ”I promise to try and make my way to Fernos a bit more often as well.”
Word count: 311
Post #7
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Post by Luneby on Mar 7, 2021 14:33:32 GMT -6
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