The Wisdom of Youth (Play Excluded)

Voice resonating with choral harmonics, you say, "Quite so. I much to learn before I can be
considered a worthy member of Her Order, I feel. Thank you for joining me, Slakened. Will Sir Romaan
be about this month, do you know?"

An enigmatic expression veils Falaine's features to neutrality. "He may be. Are you seeking him?"
she inquires in a polite, neutral voice. "And as for your worthiness, well.. You've shone for your
Lady far more than any others I have seen. I suspect that it is your own standards holding you back,
not Hers."

The broad, curving lines of Avaris's sanguine antennae bend forward, twisting up at
the tips in a quiet frown. "Perhaps. I often feel that I am a disappoint to Her." With a slight
shake of his head, he extracts a hand from his back, gesturing with a flick of his wrist. "The
opposite, as it happens. Your Lady has commanded him to seek me out and interrogate me, regarding
the differences between Her and the Empyreal, and formulate a report."

Avaris's voice grows a shade tauter as he observes, "I would say that I do not know
why She has sent him to one of the least members of Her service, but I think I can imagine why."

Shifting her weight, oiled leather creaks lightly under the sliding plates of Falaine's armor as she
crosses her arms to fix you with a stare. "Her reasons are Her own, but She is one to teach, not to
torment. If you were unworthy of the lesson, be assured that She would not bother. And..." she
pauses, her eyes hooding for a moment as her ear fins flare and settle. "It is likely as much for
him as for you." Saying nothing more on that, the merian studies you with faintly narrowed eyes.
"Why do you insist on entering battle with a self-imposed handicap, Avaris? Your insistence upon
viewing yourself dimly... you may think it is a thing that pushes you forward, but in reality, it
holds you back. Confidence is key- if you do not believe that you are skilled enough to land a blow,
you will not follow through, and it becomes a self-fulfilling thing. If you insist upon believing
that you will be a disappointment to your Lady, rest assured, in time it will come to pass."

Yuleshka slips in from the north, doing her best not to trip.

Comprehension flashes across Yuleshka the Acolyte's face.

With a flourish of her arm, Yuleshka the Acolyte bows deeply.

A grand stage beneath a crystal canopy.
This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. A thin pathway leads centrally down
towards a vast wooden platform, at the back of which rest vibrant red curtains which obfuscate the
interior from view. Ten neat rows of seats rest in front of the stage, each comfortably partitioned
to seat five separate beings. The smooth gravel that glides in from the north changes to a fine,
misty golden sand that bears the footprints of many individuals. Immediately in front of the viewing
area is a massive stage roughly fifteen feet deep and thirty feet wide. Embedded deep within the
crystal roof is a small globe of multi-faceted glass that reflects precise beams of light down on to
the stage, a few of the smooth sides tinted in a variety of colours. Embedded in the wood on the
right-hand side of the stage is a small crystal globe that holds a pale light. There are 2 cushioned
crystalline benches here. A milestone of white marble rests here upon a low dais. Her gaze cast
demurely downwards, Yuleshka stands clad in a simple white shift. Divine radiance limns the figure
of a holy champion who stands guard here, travailing against the ongoings of injustice.
You see exits leading north and south.

A gangly child on the cusp of womanhood, Yuleshka's colouring is pale, lending her an ethereal
quality accentuated by the simple white shift she is wearing. Her long blonde hair has been braided
and wrapped around her head in a coronet style. Though her gaze is often drawn humbly downwards, the
glances from her blue-grey eye are alert and piercing. Clumsy, skittish movements suggest that she
has not yet become used to the length of her limbs.
Yuleshka the Acolyte is quite powerful.

Falaine blinks and turns to Yuleshka the Acolyte, bowing reflexively.

"Apologies," Yuleshka the Acolyte stammers out in a low whisper, moving to leave the two to watch
the stage in quiet. Evidently, she is used to more silence in the room.

Realizing the stage is empty, however, Yuleshka the Acolyte exhales in relief as she glances over
her shoulder to peek at the playbills.

Listening to Falaine with the flat visor of his face pointing to one side, Avaris
is in the midst of responding to Falaine's admonition, only to hold a hand up to forestall Yuleshka
the Acolyte. "Please, stay. We can shelve the discussion for another time. The stage is for all."

You tell Slakened Falaine, Novitiate of Purity, "We shall speak on the matter when a child is not
present. She does not need such heavy words to weigh her down. Let us strive to be bright, shall
we?"

Her clear desire to be polite at odds with her curiosity, Yuleshka the Acolyte wrings her hands and
says, "Oh! Um. Thank you. That is very kind." Determined to push away the mild anxiety that clouds
her, she asks brightly, "Did you finish enjoying a production? Or were you planning to watch one?"

Falaine nods an agreement to your words, though she shoots you a glance that promises that she has
no intention of letting the matter lie. To Yuleshka the Acolyte, she grants a rare, fully unguarded
smile. "Yes, please do stay. We had just finished watching a recording of a sermon, but it would be
a pleasure to watch something else."

You think to yourself: "Ah, she is nervous. I should not loom."

Her single eye bright, Yuleshka the Acolyte exclaims, "Oh! Then you must want a recommendation!"

Falaine's smile grows, quirking into a grin. "A recommendation would be lovely," she says solemnly,
glancing at you.

The antennae that flow up from behind Avaris's bladed crest flick up at Yuleshka
the Acolyte's words, his great head tilting with curiosity. "Please do." So saying, he lowers
himself to the ground with deliberately slow motions, so that he is seated upon the floor with legs
crossed before him.

This is far more Yuleshka the Acolyte's element as she grabs her skirts and rushes to the stage,
eagerly rifling through the titles available "Ah," she murmurs with quiet certainty, "yes, this one
will do nicely." Glancing back to you and Falaine behind her, she asks, "Have you seen 'The Spy Who
Loved the Sea'? It is by one of the Lady Carakhan's, and a personal favorite of mine." This last
admission may as well have gone unheard, so breathless is the krokani in her excitement to share one
of her favorite performances with others.

You think to yourself: A warm thrum of simple pleasure at seeing the child shift so readily towards
effervescent joy.

With a bright, genuinely warm expression, Falaine watches the eager examination of the playbills. "I
have not seen it, but it sounds like quite a production. I'd love to watch," she says sincerely,
lowering herself into a seated position alongside you. Leaning back on her hands, a lingering scent
of something wyrden in the air causes her to briefly and sharply study the room before relaxing
again, though less than before.

Bubbling over, Yuleshka the Acolyte exclaims, "The script is of course lovely, but also the stage,
and the costumes...!"

Placing his hands upon the curve of his knees, Avaris watches Yuleshka the Acolyte
with a benign, placid air, the solid blue spheres of his inhuman eyes awash with scintillating
points of brilliant light. "I confess that I have not, but if it comes so highly recommended, I
would be most delighted to view it." Gesturing to a spot close to Falaine, he invites, "Would you
like to watch it with us? Perhaps you can tell us about your favourite parts as it proceeds."

Realizing how fast her words have begun to tumble out, Yuleshka the Acolyte clears her throat,
suddenly self-conscious as she plays with her hair. "Ah, that is, if you like plays with intrigue."
At your interest, however, her hand ceases its nervous habit, and she relaxes with a slow exhale.

Yuleshka the Acolyte politely steps over to sit beside Falaine, placing her hands in her lap as she
says warmly, "Thank you. It is always so much nicer to watch with company."

Avaris inclines his head in easy affirmation, stating, "I am fond of all manner of
stories. Indeed it is. Do you get the chance often?"

Falaine nods, her smile reassuring. "I like any play well-written, and intrigue is a.." she looks
around exaggeratedly, lowering her voice and cupping her mouth, though the stage-whisper carries
easily, "..a guilty pleasure." With a twinkle in her eye, the paladin looks toward the stage in
anticipation.

Yuleshka the Acolyte stifles a laugh behind her hand, whatever remaining tension leaving her
completely at Falaine's exaggerated response.

Pride intermingled with a sense of abashed self-consciousness, Yuleshka the Acolyte says to you,
"One day it is my dearest hope to be a priestess at the Chapel of the Two Saints. I... may be not a
writer myself, but I love all stories. For the Celestial Saints have the greatest and noblest of
them."

Continuing the thought, now with confidence, Yuleshka the Acolyte says, "I would dearly love to be
able to share those stories with others, that they may have their own faith rekindled. There is
great power in stories, I think. That is one reason I love this story -- it is not just well-told,
but a reminder of the importance of faith, and trust in the Light."

Once satisfied that both Falaine and Yuleshka the Acolyte are settled, Avaris dips
his head in a pleased nod. Leaning forward slightly as Yuleshka the Acolyte speaks, he affords her
the entirety of his attention, antennae upright and twitching. "That is a most noble aspiration. I
am certain that you shall make a very fine priestess. You show the hallmarks of grasping how to
speak to the hearts of people, and I think that when you do, they shall listen. Your passion is
wonderful." He pauses, featureless face turning to Yuleshka the Acolyte, "Ah. Where are our manners?
We have not asked your name. How shall we address you?"

You think to yourself: "Ah, to see such love for the Light and those that dwell within it, in one so
young. It is a balm. What a lovely young woman this is."

Realizing that Yuleshka the Acolyte has forgotten this simple hallmark of manners, a faint blush
suffuses her cheeks. "Oh, yes. I am called Yuleshka. You needn't call me by any title, for I am only
an acolyte." She bows her head quickly up and down. "And what shall I call you? I apologize, I...
forget myself sometimes."

Falaine contemplates that, her eyes on the stage. "Once upon a time," she muses, glancing over
sidelong, "I wanted to be a soldier. I would tell everyone that I was terribly excited to join the
New Celest military, but only as a stablehand, because surely I could not swing a sword to any
skill. In four years, I was a lieutenant. " She smiles softly. "You will be a wonderful priestess.
Don't count yourself out as a writer. You have passion and faith, enthusiasm and appreciation for
stories, Yuleshka. I'd bet you consume them as more eagerly than you do your desserts. Now.. shall
we watch?"

Turning and offering a gauntleted hand, Slakened Falaine, Novitiate of Purity says, "I am Falaine,
of the Sanctifiers. You can call me Fal."

The kind words from Falaine are listened to by Yuleshka the Acolyte with great attention, nodding.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Fal," she answers warmly, sincerely.

Avaris lifts a huge hand to gently wave Yuleshka the Acolyte's apologies away. "You
need not apologise. You did not expect to find us here." Bowing at the waist while seated, he says,
"I am Avaris. I, ah...Do not possess a shortened manner with which to refer to myself, apologies.
But yes, let us begin. Would you like to start it, Falaine?"

Falaine nods to you, running a finger down the playbill with a whisper of metal on paper.

You think to yourself: "She is good with children, as I expected. A fine person, indeed."

There is a shimmering flicker in the air above a pearlescent seashell stage gilded in gold, as it
readies itself to replay a recorded performance of 'The Spy Who Loved the Sea'.

"Avaris," Yuleshka the Acolyte repeats. "A pleasure to meet you."

The curtains part on an exquisite pine stage, heralding the start of the performance of 'The Spy Who
Loved the Sea'.

Yuleshka the Acolyte looks at the stage expectantly, taking note of every detail of the office.

Avaris's antennae track the motions of those on the stage as he rests his chin atop
the conjoined arch of his fingers, watching with great interest.

Falaine leans forward, taking in the well-developed set of the stage and the detail of the costumes,
nodding in approval.

You think to yourself: "Four very valid criticisms, if the issues are true, and a clever way to draw
public attention to them."

Yuleshka the Acolyte watches enraptured, with the sheer joy of someone delighted to share their own
pursuits with others.

Falaine nods her head slightly to the words of the mugwump, a thoughtful and alert light in her
eyes.

Avaris nods along as Phelosh speaks, one of his lower, free hands rising to
absently fiddle with the thick ruff that rings his throat. Several of the eyes that glow within his
folded wings keep watch on both Yuleshka the Acolyte and the entrance, though he seems otherwise
relaxed.

Falaine looks nearly as surprised as Phelosh, though she murmurs a soft, wordless approval of the
turn of events.

You think to yourself: "Ah, excellent. I had thought this Minister to be perceptive."

Falaine covers a grin with her plated hand.

Avaris's eyes glimmer with brilliant points of light as a soft, vibrating hum of
amusement shivers from him.

Murmuring, Slakened Falaine, Novitiate of Purity says, "Who better than an actor to be a spy.."

Avaris's ridged jaw tilts at a steep angle at this turn of events, uttering a
murmur of agreement at Falaine's observation.

You think to yourself: "A very fine ploy. It will be difficult for him, though, living in that
cesspit of corruption, and pretending to enjoy it. Fortitude, Phelosh. Fortitude."

You think to yourself: "Ah, close to one of the Ministers, or become one themselves. Intriguing."

The pointed fingers of Avaris's lower left hand tap thoughtfully upon the broad,
curving plating of his thigh.

You think to yourself: "Of course he will."

Falaine chuckles softly, resting an elbow atop one knee.

Avaris murmurs, softly so as to not override the play's words, "A sharp mind,
indeed."

Falaine leans over and whispers to Yuleshka the Acolyte, "I can see why this is a favorite."

You think to yourself: "I think they could grow to like one another very much."

Yuleshka the Acolyte beams from ear-to-ear at Falaine.

Falaine hums appreciatively at the set change, studying the Celestian scenery.

You think to yourself: "Ah, Phelosh. Your piety does you credit, brave soul."

Leaning forward, there is a subtle intensity to Avaris's regard as he stares at the
golden pearl, fingers tightening.

You think to yourself: An odd mixture of emotion, sympathy and appreciation for the Devotion shown,
yet..."The talismans of your faith do not define it, Phelosh. She would understand if you had to
ensure your safety by leaving it behind. This is a grave risk."

In a surprised and impressed whisper, Slakened Falaine, Novitiate of Purity says, "What an actor!"

"And brave," Yuleshka the Acolyte asserts, nodding in vigorous agreement.

"And brave," Falaine agrees firmly, taking in each scene change with fascination.

Antennae curling backwards in instinctive disgust at the sight of Magnagora, Avaris
nonetheless utters an agreeable noise, remarking quietly, "Devoted."

Falaine nods minutely in your direction, agreeing.

With no small amount of distaste, Avaris mutters, "Grandiloquent wretch."

Falaine glances over and raises a mild brow at you. "Language."

Falaine grins to herself, betraying the correction as the jest it was.

Reaching once more for the playbill, Yuleshka the Acolyte points at the line denoting Azyaiya
y'Cafici, murmuring, "The actress playing the viscanti is the playwright -- in fact, she plays many
of the roles." She briefly watches the exchange between Falaine and you, but upon discovering it to
be benign, retains her effervescent smile.

The tip of Avaris's lower left antennae bends towards Falaine as several of his
wing-eyes glance askance at her, before refocusing upon the play.

Leaning his head towards Yuleshka the Acolyte, Avaris asks, sincere curiosity
bright in his hushed voice, "She is very skilled, to play so many roles, and so well. Have you seen
many of her productions?"

Tapping a finger to her chin in thought, Yuleshka the Acolyte says with a soft sigh, "I think it is
her only one, to my knowing."

Taking her own playbill into her hands for study, Falaine raises her brow anew. "Such varied roles,
and all done so convincingly. It is a shame if this is her only one."

Yuleshka the Acolyte wipes her skirt reflexively, as if trying to rid herself of the ash and dust
scattered on the stage.

Distaste flickers over Falaine's face at the grotesque grin.

Avaris's dips his chin in a slight nod, tone contemplative as he offers, "There is
something to be said for instilling a singular work with such a degree of passion and skill, rather
than producing many that are of low effort and quality." At the appearance of the illithoid, his
fingers curl slowly into fists, a minuscule flicker of red passing through his markings.

Despite having seen the performance many a time, Yuleshka the Acolyte flinches at the illithoid's
approach, unconsciously sitting closer to Falaine as she does so.

Studying the creature with narrowed eyes, Falaine shifts a bit closer, one of the arms she leans on
now somewhere behind the young acolyte in an unconsciously protective gesture.

A low sound of pure disgust vibrates forth from Avaris's chest as he leans back in
an unconscious effort to avoid the grotesque haze.

Falaine nods in silent sympathy to the actor's words, though she looks thoughtful. "And yet, he will
stay.." she guesses, a hint of a smile touching her lips.

Evidently thoroughly invested in the story, Avaris lifts his hand up to squeeze it
into a fist in a gesture of encouragement, whispering, "Fortitude, Phelosh."

You think to yourself: "Ah. I know that feeling well, Phelosh."

A touch of fervency lights Falaine's eyes at the sign of Presence, depicted and fictional though it
may be. She silently cheers the mugwump on.

You think to yourself: Revulsion, sickly and potent. "Ugh. Vile creature."

Avaris murmurs, sympathy softening his words further still,"Once more into the fray."

"A different sort of warfare, to be certain," Yuleshka the Acolyte agrees with a bob of her head.

Softly, Slakened Falaine, Novitiate of Purity says, "And a skilled fighter he is indeed.."

The sharp point of Avaris's gleaming chin dips into the froth of his mane as he
nods at Yuleshka the Acolyte's words. "Yet just as vital, and harrowing, in its way."

Unexpectedly, Yuleshka the Acolyte squeezes Falaine's hand in hers, tensing ever so slightly.

Falaine's eyes narrow at the illithoid, her fingers flexing as it itching to grasp the hilt of her
sword.

In a manner that seems more reflexive than intentional, Avaris reacts to the hiss
with a resonant, vibrating thrumming that shivers in the air about him, both sweet and dreadful in
its inherent threat.

Gently, eyes still on the stage intently, Falaine pats Yuleshka the Acolyte's hand reassuringly with
her other one.

Yuleshka the Acolyte's fingers tighten in Falaine's grip -- knowing the ending of the story, it
seems, does not take away the power of its journey, at least for this krokani child.

Jerking upright and leaning forward, Falaine's brow is tightly furrowed, fully engrossed in the
story as she protectively keeps her hand atop Yuleshka the Acolyte's.

A number of the eyes watching Yuleshka the Acolyte soften to a warmer hue of white
as they witness the quiet interaction of comfort needed and comfort given, Avaris a glimmer of a
scintillating smile suffusing the blue of his natural eyes, at odds with the intensity of the
display on stage. The violence elicits only a very slight, sorrowful shake of his head.

Falaine lets out a soft hiss of displeasure at the scene, but remains transfixed.

Falaine growls at the torture, her free hand moving upward as if to cover Yuleshka the Acolyte's
eyes before deliberately stopping herself.

Clearly troubled by the scene, Yuleshka the Acolyte nonethless turns to Falaine and whispers,
"Still. We must have faith."

You think to yourself: "The pearl is just a symbol, Phelosh. She is with you, regardless."

Falaine nods, though still glaring fiercely at the constables. "Faith and hope," she murmurs in
reply. "And fortitude. Always."

The four antennae that typically shift and flow with some degree of animation atop
Avaris's heads are still, drooping aside as he watches the harrowing trials of Phelosh with sorrow
dimming the hue of his eyes. In a whisper, he echoes, "Always."

Falaine sits up, her eyes flashing brightly as she whispers to herself, "Yesss...."

Yuleshka the Acolyte leans forward, her single eye shining with anticipation.

With a grim satisfaction in his layered voice, Avaris intones, "A reckoning."

Falaine slams the gauntleted fist not holding the small hand down onto her knee in a clash of metal.
"Yes!" she exclaims, grinning.

Satisfaction at having both witnessed the triumph of Phelosh, and witnessing it in such enthusiastic
company, both reflect in Yuleshka the Acolyte's joyous gaze as she watches the play unfold.

Shifting his head a few degrees towards Falaine, Avaris's eyes glitter with a quiet
smile.

The air above a pearlescent seashell stage gilded in gold flickers one last time and clears, as the
recorded performance of 'The Spy Who Loved the Sea' concludes.

The heavens alight with a rich purple glow as dusk begins to settle in, preparing the First World
for the coming night.

Yuleshka the Acolyte applauds breathlessly, letting out a relieved sigh at the satisfying
conclusion, even though it is one she has surely memorized from much revisitation.

Falaine is still for a long moment, then exhales, shaking her head. "You're right," she says
definitively to Yuleshka the Acolyte. "That is firmly a favorite, and with a great many lessons to
learn from it. And so very gorgeously done."

Avaris sits up straight at the appearance of the pearl, a sound of delight
reverberating from the huge kephera. As the play concludes, he brings both pairs of his hands
together in delighted, enthusiastic applause. "Ah! That was the most wonderful play I have ever
seen!" Turning excitedly to Yuleshka the Acolyte, he praises, "You have excellent taste, young
Yuleshka! Thank you, ever so much."

A gentle pink blush suffusing her cheeks, Yuleshka the Acolyte admits, "I am so glad you enjoyed it!
It is likely to be so beautiful, of course, when it is written and performed by such a devout member
of the Sculptor's order."

A quiet kitten's mew sounds out nearby.

Yuleshka the Acolyte says, "I am certain Her artistry inspires Her faithful to hone their own
talents."

Falaine nods firmly. "I can only wish for my hands to be a fraction as talented as one of Hers," she
says with a smile.

As the sun passes below the horizon's edge, Mother Night unveils her terrible, shadowy beauty,
spreading darkness across the land.

Avaris's chin bobs up and down in a series of agreeable nods. "Just so. It is
marvelous, truly." Tilting his head curiously at Yuleshka the Acolyte, he asks, "Have you ever tried
to write a play, or act?"

Yuleshka the Acolyte shakes her head, saying only, "Only sermons. I have, ah, two I am attempting at
present. One for the Saint of the Dawn's Promise" -- here the pride in the saint of her own heritage
is unmistakeable -- "and of course one for Saint Hamos, the Dragonslayer. It is important to
immortalize, I think, their noble service to the Light."

Falaine nods firmly, a rather proud smile for the young acolyte finding its way to her face. "It is
important, yes. And I eagerly await both your sermons, which I will surely look out for, and your
work on the stage... for I am confident you will find your way on to it."

Not in the least disappointed, Avaris rests the flat of his palms once more upon
his knees, stating, "I would very much like to hear these sermons when they are complete. I have a
feeling that you will weave them into wonderful experiences." Pausing, with a faintly guilty glance
at Falaine, he confides in Yuleshka the Acolyte, voice lowering a touch, "I confess, I do not know a
great deal about the Saints."

The slightest wisps of translucent cloud disturb the clear skies overhead.

Across the heavens, the stars and moon challenge night's dark reign, revealing familiar
constellations that tell the tales of myth and legend.

"The altar may be more than enough of a stage for me," Yuleshka the Acolyte says with an abashed
laugh. At your words, however, her gaze sharpens with agreement, a quiet intellect fiercely
glittering in her eye. "I have heard many say such about the Celestial Saints. It is a pity, for
their tales are worth telling and re-telling. Young Saint Gathlyn's trust in Lady Raziela. Saint
Loathys and her devotion to Methrenton. There is so much to learn from their faith, piety and
courage."

Yuleshka the Acolyte says, "We are truly blessed, to have the Supernals watching over us in the
Light."

The pulsing beam from New Celest's lighthouse surges brilliantly, a shining beacon of hope that cuts
through the night sky across the entirety of the Basin of Life.

Listening to Yuleshka the Acolyte with the very same respectful gravitas that he
previously afforded Falaine, Avaris rests the flared edge of his jaw atop the spiked knuckles of his
upper right hand, gaze intent. "You are correct. I shall make efforts to rectify this." At the
mention of the Supernals, the faint rasp of chitin rubbing against itself whispers from where his
sharp jaw sits atop the gold of his hand as he nods. "We are most blessed, indeed. Since your first
recommendations was so fine, where would you suggest going to learn more of the Saints?"

Falaine dips her chin in acknowledgement of Yuleshka the Acolyte's point, offering, "That same
passion that would make you a stellar actor will surely draw renewed interest to the stories and
lessons of the Saints and Supernals." She glances over at you, then back to the acolyte, something
thoughtful finding its way into her eyes.

Yuleshka the Acolyte taps her chin, thinking. "There is a song the children of the Dragon's Grave
district often sing of the saints. It is where many of us begin as youth, even during my time in
Saint Gathlyn's Orphanage. One of the children may offer to sing it for you." Counting on her
fingers, "There is of course Zeasha, the hymnist dedicated to the Sanctifiers -- she is always
pleased to discuss her patron, Saint Loathys. Though there is a shrine dedicated to the Saint, I am
told, not far from the roads of the Southern Mountains. I believe the Lady Auriella knows of the
devotion required there, should you find yourself at a loss of what to do."

You think to yourself: Each point is filed away with meticulous care, bright and gleaming with
interest.

Furrowing her brow, as if more unsure of this next recommendation, Yuleshka the Acolyte says, "I
have never seen it, but am told there are mausoleums within the nearby cemetary of Oleanvir, and one
is in memorial to young Saint Gathlyn. I wonder if you would learn anything there. I believe, um,
Alexei is the person to speak with?" She trails off, uncertain, before saying, "And of course, you
may sometimes find more in the library, or the stage!"

Avaris nods along with each count of Yuleshka the Acolyte's fingers, his vast chest
rising and falling with a steady rhythm as he absorbs the information. Once it is clear that
Yuleshka the Acolyte is finished, his chin stabs down in a decisive nod, the chorus of his voice
warm, his words firm. "That is excellent advice, Yuleshka, and I thank you deeply for it. I will
endeavour to learn what I can, and ensure that others do so as well. It will not do for the Saints
to be neglected so."

Removing a pad from her belt and jotting notes at several points, Falaine nods and listens closely.
"I did not know about most of those, and will certainly seek them out. Thank you, Yuleshka, for
these and the play, as well as the pleasure of meeting you." She tucks the notes away and smiles,
absently adjusting a piece of hair fallen from her severe braid back behind an ear fin.

A hand tentatively playing with one of her braids, Yuleshka the Acolyte smiles before falling into a
low curtsey. "It would not do for one in training to be a priestess to not know where to begin
research of the saints," she says.

The gentle lapping of the Inner Sea colliding with the city walls washes over the streets,
accompanied by a whip of salty air.

The gentle light of the Pool of Stars suffuses the night sky with streaks of white.

One of the larger, more prominent eye-markings adorning Avaris's wings travels
curiously from Falaine's braid, to the one that Yuleshka the Acolyte toys with, the symmetry
eliciting a gentle, sparkling wave of light in the kephera's sevenfold gaze. "Ah. The young are
often hungry. Would you like something to eat, Yuleshka, or to drink?"

Voice resonating with choral harmonics, you say, "Eat, pardon."

Polite and profusely apologetic, Yuleshka the Acolyte says, "Oh, no thank you. I fear I have already
taken up much of your time! I interrupted, after all."

"This was a very enjoyable time," Yuleshka the Acolyte says though, earnest and genuine in her
gratitude. "There is nothing I love more than sharing in tales of the Light with others of New
Celest."

Once again lifting a long, plated hand to wave Yuleshka the Acolyte's apologies
away, Avaris states, in a voice that is at once kind and utterly immovable, "You have been a
blessing to us both on this day, Yuleshka. Thank /you/. You are free, I feel, to spend as much time
with either of us, whenever you wish." Bending at the waist in a deep, seated bow, he continues, "I
appreciate your guidance, and your Wisdom. Thank you."

Falaine stands, bowing at the waist, and smiles warmly at Yuleshka the Acolyte. "Thank you for the
pleasure of your company. Please, feel free to send more recommendations. And I..." she pauses.

Muttering, Slakened Falaine, Novitiate of Purity says, "..I might try my own hand."

Avaris's leftmost antenna flicks to Falaine in surprise, though he makes no
comment.

Yuleshka the Acolyte pauses, a sudden late thought coming to mind as she releases a soft "oh" of
belated realization. "Of course, how could I forget? The Archons hold many relics of the Saint of
Dawn's Promise as well. I believe Yanitone knows well of him. And the Magisterium likewise with
tales of Javile and Saint Tresalyne!"

You think to yourself: "I think an avenue for her to pour her good heart into comfortably would be
wonderful."

Fervently, Yuleshka the Acolyte says to Falaine, "If you do, please let me know! I would love to see
any new works."

With a smile, Slakened Falaine, Novitiate of Purity says, "I will write you. Though..."

Slakened Falaine, Novitiate of Purity says, "I am unsure where to send it."

Avaris dips his head in a serious nod, the sharp tip of his index finger tapping
once upon his thigh. "We shall visit as best we are able, thank you, Yuleshka. You are a trove of
knowledge, truly."

Yuleshka the Acolyte says, "My study keeps me often in the city's cathedral."

Yuleshka the Acolyte says, "I am sometimes lost to my own meditations, but, I do try to keep abreast
of what is happening in the city. So I will endeavor to pay attention to any discussion of
premieres, or debuts."

Falaine nods and smiles. "Very well then, Yuleshka." Her eyes find your, and she says deliberately,
"We have much to dwell on, now, it seems."

Yuleshka the Acolyte's mouth turns up as her face breaks into a smile.

Avaris's upper right antenna twitches at Falaine's words, though he blithely pays
it no obvious attention, instead nodding courteously to Yuleshka the Acolyte. "It has been a true
joy spending time with you, Yuleshka. I wish you the very best with your studies, and your sermons."

Curtseying once more as she smiles in apprecation, Yuleshka the Acolyte grabs the hem of her skirt
to depart before pausing, looking over her shoulder. "If you liked the play," she comments, "maybe
you should send a letter telling them thank you! I am sure it would make their day." With a final
radiant smile, she waves farewell.

Yuleshka slips out to the north as quietly as she can.

Watching the young woman depart, Avaris finally turns to Falaine, a soft, richly
harmonious laugh emanating from his chest. "That is one of the most delightful youths I have ever
had the fortune to encounter."

Falaine nods, her face once more neutral and composed, though a fond twinkle remains in her eyes.
"She is a treasure," the merian agrees. Turning her eyes to the playbill, she hums for a
contemplative moment. "Niralahi... hm. Does she wake..? No matter. I will write all the same, I
think."

Rising to his feet in a graceful, stately fashion, Avaris steps over to study the
playbill in turn, hands seeking one another beneath the cloak of his folded wings. "The intent will
matter most, I believe. I admit, that play was inspiring, in more ways than one. I feel as if even I
might attempt to pen a play of some kind." Tilting his head in a curious manner towards Falaine, he
inquires, "Do you think you will write one relating to your Lady?"

Falaine brightens slightly at that, broad shoulders rolling back as she straightens. "You think you
might? I admit that it would be a fine thing to have someone to talk to about it, should I do it as
well." The question halts her for a moment, but she finally nods, slowly. "In time... perhaps.
Though I find the thought of making plays of the Divines a difficult one. What if They take offense
to a line of script that was not what they said?" She shakes her head. "Perhaps, though.. from the
viewpoint of one of Her followers during a happening.." she says, speculation mulling in her eyes.

Avaris lifts his hands free to gesture fervently towards Falaine, long fingers
splaying wide as he says, words ringing with relief, "Yes! Precisely! That is exactly why I am
struggling with the song for the Lady Empyreal. How am I to know if I will cause offense? It is
maddening." The aureate, natural breastplate of his broad chest dips as he exhales a faintly
frustrated sigh, lifting a hand to coil a thick tuft of pristine white fluff about the digit. "That
is a fine way to dodge the issue, I think, yes. Consider the play we bore witness to - The Lady
Carakhan did not need to speak, but Her follower conveyed much about Her, regardless."

Setting her hand to rest atop one of the hilts of the smaller longswords on her weaponbelt, Falaine
nods pensively, one ear flashing coral as it flutters to catch the sound of a nearby kitten in the
quiet left behind after the performance. "She did not need to, no, and I think that is likely the
best way to approach it. Unless using words you yourself heard, with permission," she muses, then
shrugs a shoulder and smiles. "Still, also as seen, there is a great deal of room there to convey a
message and story."

Still tugging and twisting absently at the thick coil of glistening white fluff,
Avaris dips his head in a faintly distracted nod. "Indeed. Ah. I should return to my meditations for
a time, I think. I have much to consider." Lowering his hand, he inclines his head to Falaine
politely. "Thank you for the company. Light's blessings upon you, Slakened."

Falaine salutes crisply, returning to a more formal and customary demeanor. "Rest well, and go with
the Light, Avower."