Claude Cosmic App

[02:49]
al-Aziz nodded twice, content with her answer.

"A curious and uncommon name. I suppose you heard my own, but I do so love repeating it; Rector al-Aziz, disciple of the Guiding Star: Geist."
(al-Aziz)


[02:53] Offering a smile over the woman's way Robin would set his eyes from her to Vasillios again, though now that eh man mentioned it? He'd realize that their eyes were of a similar color.

Why that was problematic to some? He actually didn't know at all, really. Apart of him thought they were pretty nice.

"Aye there miss. Hope ya day's goin' well."
(Robin E. Queen)
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[02:53] al-Aziz says, "I meant that I'd said it a moment or two before, though I suppose I'm arrogant enough to make it apply either way."
[02:53] Coming from Aarandale the man seemed to stick out slightly as they strolled over to gazed into the water for a few moments. It was late in the day and the placid pond served as a beautiful mirror for the stars above. Naturally his gaze shifted from one corner of the stars to the next. He knew the names of many of them. Yet, it was the constellation of Leonaus that his gaze settled upon.

It was the constellation that the Faith was based around. The constellation decided by his great ancestor Niles Pelleau and his peers that the stars where oldest there. Yet, some where older still than others and of those it was the head of the lion which his eyes rested upon.

Beautiful glimmers of light within the darkness of the sky beyond. A smile touched the nobles features as he pondered them in that moment. While he would have liked to possess a telescope at this moment to see more clearly the star he was looking upon. Not that he needed such a thing, years gazing in that one spot had made it's location easily seen.

Hiero the Old Star, if age was the great signifier of that which mattered than surely that wizened star was the greatest matter in the cosmos. Yet, with it's age it'd lost the luster that others proudly displayed. Slightly darkened and dim. Like a last flicker of a torch keeping the shadows at bay.

Though this romantinization did little for the noble. No he needed something more concrete, more real. How to reach out to such a thing as the stars above? How to become a vessel of their power within the world below? That was his current train of thought.

Then it struck him, his attention shifted easily towards the North. Footfalls crunching the soft grass as he approached the other astronomer. A sly smile settling upon his features as he looked upon the cloaked figure.

"How fortuitous than, I was just pondering upon the celestial heavens. Contemplating how best to interpret the signs read within the stars. Leonaus in his wisdom allowed your words to prick my self-reverie. You are a disciple of Geist? Perhaps your star can offer guidance to the olden heavens?"
(Claude vey Pelleaux)
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[03:12]
After a tumultuous day, al-Aziz had been appreciating the relative silence of vacant conversation. The young man's lips had been pressed together in a light smile, bright eyes regarding distant heavens above; but the clamor of another voice brought him back to earth. He was weary beyond belief, and it showed: both in his temper, and how the Priest moved.

He regarded Claude with a look trapped between exasperation and sympathy. The 'charitable collections' he'd been managing had squeezed him dry, and philosophization and proselytization had become close to the last pressing thoughts in his mind. Yet his duties were absolute in as much, and he offered a staggered smile in response.

A sibling of young Sofia, it seemed? He prayed, silently, that they were more amenable. There was a particularly protracted pause before he'd gotten round to speaking, sharing what he might in an eloquent if long-winded stilt.

"Finding the Divine in any of his faces is a matter that requires as much personal insight as it does technical acumen, dear sir. I would presume you know of the Codex Cosmatic, and of the nature of attunement: allowing oneself to become a conduit for the essence of creation."

Nevertheless, he continued; all that he'd spoken of was fascile, introductory knowledge. None of it served to be of true importance if one wished to bind themselves to one, and only one of the Celestials. As such, he offered what he best recalled of his Astronomy lessons:

"I would advise a pilgrimage to the Hierophant's Shrine: the Star-Tower dedicated to the old stars, long-since illustrious as the may be. There is a reason we rely upon them for prayer," he mused, leaning forward and regarding Claude with a look.

"For on their particular solstice, for lack of a better word, the Star-Towers come into direct alignment withtheir perspective Patrons. Then, and only then, would I wage the connection between Man and Spirit strong enough to offer such insurance."

"The nature of most Cosmic Magi is different, as I assume you might know. Only the Priests and ecclesiarchs tend to bind to the stars of Leonaus: for taking one in union is no easy thing. Most simply allow a star to pick them as they so please."

"Though, I do suppose you seem of the sort Hiero might choose..."

He rubbed at the soft pink skin of his chin, contemplating the matter.

(al-Aziz)
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[03:30] There was a moment... then several as the teen looked to al-Aziz with some complete and utter confusion.

He'd be doing his best to follow along with the faith thespian's speech, though his comprehension was certainly failing him. He'd heard of the 'Stars' before but never truly in this extended context.

The still dirty, but somehow presentable lad had always felt something.. a semblance of a greater influence as he looked to the sky during the night amongst the dancing stars. However, these foreign names Leonaus, Hiero they were seeped in a latent history and understanding that had weight, but it fell flat against the peasant and his mind's eye.

Though this didn't mean he wasn't somewhat eager to figure it out.. if someone ever felt the obligation to him to do such.

Such a lesson wasn't something that he'd normally roll off and out his other ear. That sparkling twinkle of awe was subtly present within him. Greyish Brown hues locked onto the faith soaked man and his pocketed hands would ball into fists of innovation.

Taking inventory and not being able to hold onto his tongue forever, there seemed to be a slight questioning given to what was all being spouted productively.

"So... you need to be chosen by them? Uh--by the stars? I'd bet it be easier with someone that knows what they're doin' to help ya form the connection too... right?

--Ah... not to butt in... just. That all actually sound's really interestin' an' like somethin' I might wanta look into."
(Robin E. Queen)
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[03:30] As he listened to the priests words the Pelleaux's hands came to rest intertwined behind his back. A posture of confidence, the sort inborn of those born with the knowledge of superiority instilled into them, was taken as he looked upon the priest.

The haggard priest evenly, the look of exhaustion and agitation was easily seen. Though such trials where for each individual to bear and with that thought the indigo-haired man ignored the weariness presented and focused on the wisdom being granted.

Of course a good deal was elementary. The Codex Cosmatic had been the topic of several classes during his time at the Academy. It was a tome he often enjoyed looking back to. Peering though it's depths to find knowledge of the constellations beyond and the stars which make them up.

There was a flitter of interest at the mention of the Hierophant's Shrine. His time had been taken up learning within the walls of the Academy so the name seemed to be slightlyforeign to them. Hinted at by the slightest of raising of his brows. Though there was but a moment before that look of curiosity borke way to a deluge of conversation.

"Forgive me, I've spent years within the Academies chthonic recesses. Where is the Hierophant's shrine exactly?" Even as he spoke he'd shift his gaze towards the outside of the city. Perhaps presuming it to be beyond the walls of the olden capital.

"Hiero will choose me, it has been spoken by the divination at my birth. It is not a matter of speculation only time and concentrated thought." Confidence dripped from the words being spoken. This wasn't the uncertain hopes of a pilgrim or a young acolyte. No it was the confidence of one who believed wholly of their fate.

"I've long gazed at the constellations through the telescopes found upon the towers. Yet, learning of the way light bends within the mirrors was one thing. Learning how to tether the great divide is another. So, are there greater lens within the shrine or perhaps a viewing platform?"

It was clear he assumed the shrine to posses some means of bringing he star better into focus. Perhaps a slight dissonance between faith and science coming it no play as the scholar attempted to connect pre-conceived notions with the workings of the world.
(Claude vey Pelleaux)
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[03:53]
"As a matter of policy, I find having your star-bound connections engendered by another Cleric to be a breach of all that is sacrosanct. Your connection to God is found entirely on the basis of your connection to the Stars; and that relationship is one inviolable. To be given it without the proper steps by another..."

al-Aziz shook his head at Robin's remark. No, certainly not: at least, that was according to the Priest's personal beliefs. Thin lips had pursed together, eternally - pinkish-white skin peeled into a line. His eyes wander from one to the next, contemplating for a brief moment just how he got into this situation.

Again and again, he'd been lured into unfortunate circumstances that required extraneous personal effort. "The Hierophant's Shrine is at the northernmost reaches of our Kingdom's border: not so easy to reach, by any account. But if you are so convinced of your worthiness," his hand gesturedto the heavens above with a single sweeping gesture.

"You might try your hand at calling upon the Star's energies yourself. Attunement and prayer beneath the pale starlight, and one might so opt to take you in- or Hiero might, perhaps." He'd mused over the topic, hands folded together behind his back. It was a test of confidence, the Priest supposed.

"And I don't mind your queries, boy. So long as I live, you may bother me as is needed. Just do try to be judicious. I am a busy man with a vast variety of duties- be it my racketeering and extortion, or dealing with the latest attempts at charity."

He sharply inhaled. This was a very, very painful experience.

"A combination of the two. I presume you understand that the stars move in the sky, yes? Different nights, different vantages will provide different perspectives of the evening sky. One night in particular, the line from heaven to Hiero is a parallel. An important point of design for the Towers."

And he smiled, praying silently that what he offered would sate the ravenous horde of young Mages.

"Will that be all?"

(al-Aziz)
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[04:05] Silence radiated out from the noble as he pondered about what he was being told. Of course the damnation of the divination wasn't something he seemed to care about. Leave it to the ecclesiarchy to squabble over doctrine his expression seemed to say. Though there was a side-long look at the man as he mentioned racketeering and extortion though as the mention of charity was stated the Pelleaux laughed.

"Ahaha! Excellent joke and here I was thinking you a solemn stiff." Without a hint of hesitation the man pulled out a bag, a moderately fat one at that. Stepping forward the pull the priest hand up and set it within the palm.

"A donation to those without Priest. May they strive to improve themselves and prove worthy of being bathed fully within the light of Leonaus." Stepping back he looked to the lad who'd stood watching, with a chuckle he flicked a gold piece to the boy. "I can tell you'll need food for all this thought lad. Tryand spend it before you return to the Sudbury."

After he'd spoken his hands came tor est upon his hips. His attention shifting to the stars above. All one needed wasto go to this shrine and look at the heavens from a different vantage point? Well he could dot hat arlight. Though that was a long journey.

"Priest, I'll need a guide where can I find one who knows the way?" Even as he spoke he pondered if Sir Montclaire couldn't in fact aid him in this endeavor. Another grand test at that for the budding Knight.
(Claude vey Pelleaux)
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[04:13] Offering a ear to Claude speaking of bending light, and the like the peasant would simply blink as he rubbed his own chin.

Perhaps with some more clarification to it all he'd be able to grasp it some more...

Though to think that light, and the cosmos were connected weren't much of a stretch to be considered. However, with his question being void his mind could only wander to what exactly lied within these stars and their secrets.

"I uh.... alright.

I... probably would need some more insight into it all. But it's really something interestin'. An' ya saying that there's a Hero....Hare....--- a shrine to the North that might help out with realizin' all of this?"

Feeling that he may need to come along to terms with something greater than just himself, or his ideals to give him what he needed to power through his own impoverishment and make a connection to the celestial bodies that circulated overhis head.

Looking up briefly, and then back down to the priest his face would crack into another smirk now as he accepted that challenge and then put his hues onto the noble that had inspired this conversation in the first place.

With all due respect, he'd add.

"Er� if yo don't mind me askin' too sir... but you feel like you'd be able to pull this off, even without one of the faith folks givin' ya pointers? Ain't doubtin' ya.. just that'd be somethin' real impressive."
(Robin E. Queen)
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[04:27]
"Hardship is inherent to Mankind. If a journey does not push you to your limits and threaten to break mind and body, it is not one worth taking. Heed that, my boy: it is advice I learned young, and it has never done me wrong." His brief lecture had been directed to Robin; the latter half to come was much the same, though it carried with it a weary and dismissive tone.

"Not particularly. The young man's dedication is specific to Hiero, the auld star; so I advised him to go to where it descends and comes closest to our world."

By God, did his legs ache. The calf muscles burned, like fire'd taken to them. It made the muscles spasm and twitch, like small needles pressed through the flesh - into the meat beneath. He tried to compose himself, slowly, sparing a longing glance over one shoulder to see if the way was clear should he turn to flee.

"How generous of you. As far as a guide, you might wish to seek out one of the Priestesses stationed at the Church. Though I personally question the wisdom of allowing women the right to work, you will find a handful of them to be remarkably well-read. I suppose that's because they don't do any real work, for better or worse."

Diatribe against women in the workplace aside, the Priest lowly yawned. He was too close to passing out upright to continue this conversation much further. "Or perhaps the other boy can help you, young master Pelleaux. I don't have a journey in me: at least for the time being."

(al-Aziz)
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[04:33] A eye was leveled first to the boy, an answer rolled off the nobleman's tongue easily as they gifted the lad with knowledge. "In this world we've all a role to perform, a role that keeps the great plan of Kraus in motion. Some of us are meant to rule and bring knowledge others are meant to preach and guide. As you might imagine it make's sense to have one who is meant to guide, guide."

Logic at it's finest, if the priest could guide with words than guiding with feet shouldn't be to far out of their expertise. However, at the mention of priestess a sly smile nestled itself onto the noble-man's features. "I don't know, the working woman I've known are worth their weight in gold." There was a chuckle as he spoke.

His attention shifted for a moment to the city. Where was the church? He knew it had to be close by but for the life of him he couldn't recall where. "Which church there are many within the city?" A level way to seek information without admitting to ignorance.

"Though, if the lad wishes I will employ his back." With that he shifted his focus towards the young teen beside him.
(Claude vey Pelleaux)
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[04:34] al-Aziz says, "Due west, young Lord."
[04:35] al-Aziz says, "Just north of the slums."
[04:35] Accepting the coin in kind, a more prideful Sudburyan may have looked at this as insulting however with a thought to the bread vendor, and those that he could aid in breaking bread for those that simply wouldn't be eating tonight without some aid.

Feeling that as a noble, it'd probably be what he'd want anyways out of his coin, there'd be a thankful nod given, though...

His question wasn't truly answered though at the bare minimum he was acknowledged here and, compared to some of the exchanges he'd had with those of high status? This was pretty positive.

"My thanks...and? I don't think a job would be too terrible, I'm tryin' to train all I can for next year, when I'll finally be able to join the City Watch.

They've got some goals that I can certainly grow with, an' get behind. What type of things are ya lookin' for in a worker Sir?"
(Robin E. Queen)
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[04:38] With a wave he dismissed towards the priest "That will be all, you may go and rest." It was a dismissal but surely one the man would be welcome to hear. For the noble his attention shifted to the young Sudite.

"You'll need a bath, not to bore me with ignorance, and a strong back." He listed them off evenly but as he spoke he'd already started to stride off. It seemed now that the quest was at hand he didn't intend to stand around.
(Claude vey Pelleaux)