Dreamer dev - 11 -Another Talk with Dice-

[19:08] Reaching into his pocket he'd pull out the set of dice. Setting it between them he'd give the cup a few jiggles.

"You know how to play, so what'ya want to do first? Call or throw?"

As he spoke he'd glance into his near empty coin purse. Sure he'd never won a round in his life but he could try, couldn't he?
(Syracuse Fengari)
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[19:16] They followed along to the rooftop, finding a place against the railing to simply lean upon it. Not sitting just then- Though they might yet have to to get a fair game. Rolling dice on thin air wasn't possible without magic after all.

And that gave whoever used that magic an unfair advantage.

But that wasn't the point just then!

"I'll call first I think.. And I'll go with odds."

Purposefully so- They were curious to see if their luck still held, or if their theory had been correct when they thought of it last they'd played.
(Kirsi ﾓ Cn疂mh匤)
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[19:21] Took a deep breath, gripping the cup in his hand, then covering the opening as he did so. He'd shake it a few times, looking to Kirsi as he went.

"Let's play another game while we go. One of use will ask a question, the other will answer. Simple, right?"

As he spoke he'd slap the dice onto the roof, pulling forth to reveal! A six and a three! Nine! Odd! GAH!

He just stared at it, then slid the dice and coin to Kirsi or closer to them.

"Evens, and you get the first question."
(Syracuse Fengari)
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[19:32] As he rattled the cup the redhead found a seat cross-legged upon the roof before him. Their head tilted to one side, watching each motion with care. Curious. When he spoke their gaze met his for a moment, but again it returned to the cup moments later.

That light crack of wood against the cup resounded. Those little clanks of dice within caught their attention. The cup was lifted away, and- Oh. No, it was just luck. How strange.

They took the offered coin and dice, keeping that coin out in front of them as they scooped up the cup. Clank, clunk. The dice rattled in the cup. Hazel eyes shifted toward him.

"Think tha's a fair game.. M'question then."

Hard to think of one on the fly, they slapped the cup down.

"Mm.. Were ya lyin t'me, when ya were in that cell?"
(Kirsi ﾓ Cn疂mh匤)
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[19:35] He'd look at the cup for a moment, staring at it. There was an eagerness to find out if perhaps their luck had changed, if they might be able to say their not the worst gambler in Agartha.

Though it didn't take him long to shift his scarlet hues up towards Kirsi, tilting his head for a moment as he attempted to recall what'd been said. Though it didn't matter.

"I don't lie."
(Syracuse Fengari)
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[19:40] They tipped the cup over, and- Odds. Three and two.

How strange. The redhead shrugged at the sight, leaving the cup in place for him to retrieve so he might pick it and the dice from the roof. If he wanted to. Otherwise their hands returned to their lap.

"Tha's good. Find th'truth's always easier.. Lies always get found out in th'end. Ya turn t'ask I think- 'Less ya wanted this t'be winner asks. And- I'm callin evens, this time."
(Kirsi ﾓ Cn疂mh匤)
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[19:42] He'd look at the cup for a long time, just staring at it in disappointment. He glanced up to Kirsi as he pushed them another ten gold.

Taking the cup he began to shake it himself, thinking for a few seconds. If he was willing to bet his money he'd also bet his curiosity!

With a thwack the cup hit the deck and Syracuse spoke.

"Winner can ask, you've a second question. What is it?"
(Syracuse Fengari)
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[19:51] "Another one then.. Mn.."

They weren't all that great at coming up with questions on the spot. The redhead lifted a hand, resting their chin upon their knuckles, their fingers folded over. Waiting, watching.

The cup was slapped down, and still they said nothing. Eventually, however, their gaze finally lifted once more. Their head shifted to one side. Eyes narrowed.

"Ya eyes.. Keep goin red on occasion. Wha's up with tha?"
(Kirsi ﾓ Cn疂mh匤)
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[19:54] Raising the cup the Neries would just frown as he looked at another lose. How was it even possible? With a weary sigh he pushed the cup and dice across.

As he did so his scarlet hues settled upon Kirsi, almost like a lightswitch those same hues glowed. As they did so his frown immediately shifted to a manic smile.

"A gift from one of my gods, it is the blessings of Belial, granted to me. It's mana coursing through my veins."

He'd speak calmly, simply. It was due to Belial that they'd shifted from a dull Sienna to a blazing Scarlet.

"Odds and you've got another question."
(Syracuse Fengari)
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[20:03] So their suspicion had been correct, then. The words of Calael once more rang through their mind, what he had said- All that vague and cryptic knowledge on those who wielded crimson cosmic magic. Cultists of Belial. Bad news. And yet somehow this one seemed.. Sane? Sane and almost a good person. Almost. Not quite.

Had it not effected him, or was their perception skewed?

They scooped the dice from the roof, dropping them into the cup. The rattling sound resounded for several moments, as once more they pondered the options. Finally they plopped the cup onto the roof, keeping their hand upon it as they asked their next question.

"Blessin's of Belial huh.. There more folks seekin that blessin then, or are ya th'only one ya know of?"

At that, they tipped the cup.

.. Two fives. Ten. Even.

"Huh. At this rate ya ain't ever gonna ask me a question.."
(Kirsi ﾓ Cn疂mh匤)
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[20:08] Mouth dropped open, how was it possible that he'd lost every roll of dice he'd ever played in his mortal life?

With a bit of a nervous chuckle he'd look towards Kirsi.

"That is the will of the lifestream it seems. To answer your question, many who have found themselves adrift or shackled come to me to be released."

He'd chuckle as he thought about it.

"Not all appreciate what I tell them, but they all listen."
(Syracuse Fengari)
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[20:09] Syracuse he'd extend his hand, they still had the cup. "Gonna give that back?"He smiled pleasntly as he asked them.
(Syracuse Fengari)
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[20:13] "Erh- Ah.. Sorry, right."

They passed the cup to him, of course. Yet another question was available to them, and yet.. Yea, sure, that sounded like a pheasible question. They shifted in place a bit, nodding to the cup to call-

"Even.

And.. Fer m'next question.. uh.. Can I save questions fer later?"
(Kirsi ﾓ Cn疂mh匤)
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[20:16] Snatched the cup and without even giving it a shake smacked it down upon the wooden floor. He'd see to it his luck could change.

Glancing up to Kirsi he'd offer a smile, without missing a beat they lifted the cup, answering at the same time.

"Yes you can but do-"

His gaze cast downward he realized that it'd came up six and two. He shifted his gaze from the dice to Kirsi.

"You've another question. . . and I'm done playing dice."
(Syracuse Fengari)
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[20:16] {Item} Dropped a bag of 50 Coins.
[20:26] ".. How.. This is.. like.. Statistically impossible fer ya t'be this unlucky man. Almost feels like a curse.. Weird."

They weren't sure why he shifted the dice toward them. He owned them after all, didn't he? And if he didn't want to play, then surely he could simply take them back. For now, they left the dice on the rooftop.

"Ahm.. I'm gonna save that question then..

Suppose we could talk all normal like though, and ya could ask me questions now if ya want. No dice involved."
(Kirsi ﾓ Cn疂mh匤)
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[20:29] Took a breath, he'd leave the dice where they sat. They where cursed and he knew it. Some spirit of luck hated him.

"What's up with your questions? What're you trying to figure out?"

He'd scratch his chin as he asked, shifting a bit from his cross-legged seat. He was used to questions but something about Kirsi had always given him the feeling they had more answers than questions.
(Syracuse Fengari)
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[20:35] "Heard 'bout th'cultists of Belial from a rather biased source toward th'opposite end of th'spectrum from ya. Decided I'd like t'hear both sides outta curiosity. And- Erh.. well.."

One hand lifted to scratch at the side of their neck, a slight bit of sheepishness evident. They didn't really want to spill any beans just yet. The cat was still in the bag, and whether there even was a cat was a mystery. Like.. Schrodinger's cat-bag. Yes. That was right.

"Want t'know how it's effected ya. Havin' crimson cosmic.."
(Kirsi ﾓ Cn疂mh匤)
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[20:45] Tilted his head, looking at the man. Had it affected him? The Neries attempted to look back into his memories. Had it affected him? He couldn't even say.

He'd been born insane after all. After a few seconds he'd settle upon the best answer he could give.

"Yes, it's affected me greatly. I imagine it would anyone."

He'd settle his hands, folded together, into his lap as he spoke.

"Most would most likely devolve into their base instincts. It takes a powerful will to maintain what you are. Yet, if my followers adhere to the tenets. They will find their wills up to the challenge when the time comes."
(Syracuse Fengari)
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[20:56] "I see.. Suppose tha's a good thing then, havin' a set of rules t'follow so ya donnae stray int' just.. Solely doin what feels like should happen in th'moment. What sorta things ya have ya followers stick to?"

They were asking after the tenants, of course. Yet they did not readily offer reason as to why. Whether he would ask after such or no they did not immediately care. For now their mind was on a single track. Information. Learning. Understanding.
(Kirsi ﾓ Cn疂mh匤)
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[21:06] Syracuse wasn't one to turn away someone wishing to learn more of his faith or ideas. Why would he? He was a man of faith after all. It was the second tenet to seek truth and here was someone seeking truth!

"Why, you're following one of the tenets right now. The Second tenet in fact, pursue truth."

The larger man flashed a smirk, eyes alighting as he delved into one of the things that gave his life meaning.

"Seek to understand the beliefs of others. Acting with humility and respect to the differences we all share. Our diversity is what makes life interesting."

Was it the tenet of Sareen as written down by the church? Not exactly if anything it was more inclusive more far reaching.

"The tenets were handed down by the Prophet Sareen, who'd become the Dreamer. Savior of my race and breaker of our chains to Nerebia."

He'd raise up a single digit, rolling into the first tenet which he'd skipped.

"First tenet is to pursue progress, the sciences. Work to improve the world so that Kraus' creations may live in harmony together. For in doing so you get that much closer to the dream."

He'd chuckle a bit his mood just getting better as he talked. He'd raise a hand as he went breaking the conversation in twain.

"Oh, the Dream is the original wish of Azreal. That we of Humanity forgo the flawed corruptions of this world and establish a paradise."

As he finished speaking he'd hold up three fingers. Rolling back into his explanation of the tenets.

"The third tenet, pursue stability. Work to establish a willing unity amongst the creations of Kraus. Offer your aid to those who need it. Even if they may shun you for doing so."

He'd take a breath, a fourth finger raising. This one he spoke without quite as much enthusiasm. It was clear he found this tenet difficulty to follow.

"The Fifth Tenet, seek freedom. Be true to yourself and your spirit, look for those things which give your life meaning and stand by them. Avoid being chained by others, accept only the bounds you desire. Choose to believe the tenets out of your own will, never allow yourself to be forced."

Taking a deep breath he'd then move onto the tenet he'd discovered in his journey. He held out his thumb, odd. Signifying five.

"This tenet I discovered in my journeys. The Fifth Tenet, seek freedom. Be true to yourself and your spirit, look for those things which give your life meaning and stand by them. Avoid being chained by others, accept only the bounds you desire. Choose to believe the tenets out of your own will, never allow yourself to be forced."

As he finished speaking he'd give a small humpf, exhaling a set of lungs filled with air.

"Any questions?"
(Syracuse Fengari)
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[21:36] They listened, intent. Hazel eyes gleamed with a curious light, faint sparks visible from time to time. Glinting gold electricity which scattered and faded out as soon as it appeared. And through it all they heard, too, the words of others in the back of their mind. That of Calael, his warnings against these cultists.

That of Nakamura, a qilin who believed Neries were naught but liars. Warning them not to listen nor be swayed, warning them to tread carefully. After all, hadn't this one run off? The redhead wasn't a skeptic by nature, but they were wary enough now to not take things at face value.

Still, this didn't sound so bad as they had made it out to be.

The second tenant, they had always sought to know more. They were one of the very few who dared climb to Obsidia, who dared walk through Dawn's streets, to hear and see and converse. And they'd made their own decisions about the people they'd met.

Then there was that tangent. The origins of this tenant.. The grey church. Hadn't that same qilin, Nakamura, said something on it? One of the neries which had been in a leadership position had been taken away.. Not allowed to speak, for their possible corrupting words. It wasn't a pleasant thing, but it was a punishment. It wasn't supposed to be nice.

Their own mind returned to the topic at hand when he went on about the first tenant after the second. Progress, the pursuit of sciences and a peaceful world. That dream which they were certain he'd mentioned in some form during his time in prison. A world where no one need fight. Paradise.

It didn't seem all bad at a surface level..

But then, they'd known an archon hell-bent on raising humanity above their flaws. All the more they'd seen from him was violence by way of solution. They did not put much faith into that idea, not the way he described it.

The third tenant.. Better. That was better. Helheim, they'd oft done that very thing. They had tried to save the Invidia family, after all. It hadn't worked out very well, but they had certainly tried. They still tried.

Then, the fourth-- The.. Fifth?

Kirsi's brows furrowed at that, confusion evident in their expression. No the tenant wasn't particularly bad, but they had a feeling he was skipping something. A gut feeling. Totally no grounds in reality. Right?

. . .

"What 'bout th'fourth one?"
(Kirsi ﾓ Cn疂mh匤)
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[21:38] Syracuse Fengari says, "The fourth tenet, adhere to temperence. Temper progress with mercy, least your desire for advancement lead you to forsaking your humanity. Temper truth with wisdom, least your knowledge destroy those around you or the knowledge you seek would corrupt you. Temper stability with justice, least you become a tyrant in your pursuit of this path. For a tyrant cannot lead us into the Utopia."
[21:39] Syracuse Fengari says, "Apologies, heard a few hymns in the distance. Distracted me a littl bit."
[21:40] Kirsi ﾓ Cn疂mh匤 says, "Ah.. Tha's alright."
[21:40] Kirsi ﾓ Cn疂mh匤 says, ".. Ya know-"
[21:40] Kirsi ﾓ Cn疂mh匤 says, "I was told, at one point, uh.."
[21:41] Kirsi ﾓ Cn疂mh匤 says, "Ya grey church, ya dreamer- Th'religion is solely a form of Azraelism meant t'be.. deceptive. Lure folks in with what seems like somethin good. Might not come as a surprise that came from a qilin's mouth."
[21:41] Syracuse Fengari says, "Qilin Nakamura? Yes, he would say that. In fact he often did say that to me."
[21:42] Syracuse Fengari says, "He. . . "
[21:43] Frowned, his gaze faltered a little bit as he remembered a very unpleasant memory of another Qilin who'd defied the Emperor and what'd came of it.

"He is chained, if his mind wanders. Sees the truths other's have discovered. . . He may die. Their Emperor is as cruel as Azreal, both started good but their wings darkened."
(Syracuse Fengari)
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[21:53] "See- I partly agree with ya there.

.. Emp'ror's a prick. Doesnae get what love is.

But erh.. T'be fair.. Emp'ror doesnae fracture souls nor torment spirits. Livin folks, yah, but I have yet t'see a qilin with its soul screamin fer release. When undead walk past? Different story."

To that point, it seemed, they disagreed. Though they tried to be open and offer pleasant conversation, they were somewhat fixed upon that point. And why? Well they could see those spirits of course. Those restless things unable to move on due to the souls tied to corpses that should be in the ground.
(Kirsi ﾓ Cn疂mh匤)
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[21:58] Smiled, he'd tilt his head. Snapping his finger as he looked at Kirsi. He'd offer a wide smile about that point. It was one that troubled him a lot in his youth.

"I do not disagree with your stance there. You see, that happens because many of the Necomancer's do not follow the Holy Arts as they where meant to be."

He'd lean forward finally taking his cup of dice and hiding it in his pocket.

"It's wrong to torture those souls that are brought back. They're supposed to be saved from death, not locked into a fate of slavery that is worse than it."

He'd speak with some fervor as he rolled forward. Branching into the past.

"It was for that reason that I aided against the ghoul king in my youth. Such a cruel abuse of the Holy Arts, I couldn't tolerate it."
(Syracuse Fengari)
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[22:10] Well that was a different take.. And perhaps, were there a way to draw souls back to life without such horrendous pain, without twisting their spirits beyond recognition, they might've been alright with it. On occasion. The rare occasion that a soul had good reason to return. Otherwise.. Not so much.

They weren't fond of the idea of undead as a whole. But then, perhaps that was a bit of bias in their own right. They'd seen the wretched things Sors had done to people who had once been friends. They'd seen worse still from the ghoul king- Fought among the people of Huangzhou to fend them off. And even before then..

Run. Run as fast as you can Kirsi. Don't look back..

Their left eye twitched, slightly. The scent of ozone became notable on the air, though it was not intense. Not yet, anyway. Their distress wasn't quite that bad yet. They blinked the old memory away.

"Th'fact it's cruel I can agree on.

.. Th'fact ya call it a holy art.. ya say they're supposed t'be saved from death- But, see Fen, death ain't somethin ya need savin' from once ya gone.. S'natural. 'Less ya soul's been taken t'a corrupt star or th'void there isnae any benefit t'bringin it back fer th'person uh.. brought.. back.. Aside selfish interest."
(Kirsi ﾓ Cn疂mh匤)
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[22:15] Syracuse nodded his head, it was a take on things he'd heard countless times. One that he couldn't quite disagree with. His stance upon Necromancy was a troubled on.

Mostly due to him seeing the misuses of Necromancer's such as Sors and the Ghoul King. Yet Roanna Rosenkruez had shown him what a true practitioner of the holy arts could achieve.

"I won't try to convince you. . . But, all I can say is that to see Syaoron again would bring me the greatest joy."

His gaze drifted away, towards the city of Crafthold. Beyond it to the last place he'd seen his Syaoron alive.

"I'm incredible selfish."

It was a simple truth, he didn't care the damage or pain it caused. He just wanted his loved one back. If he felt that way, surely others would as well? He knew he'd accept the pain when he died.

Looking back at Kirsi his gaze shifted towards the thin line of crimson upon their forehead. He'd thought it a scar at first but now. . . With a tilting of his head he'd ask his question.

"What's up with your forehead?"
(Syracuse Fengari)
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