App out of Plasma

16:57] With that, they offer a nod to Poppy, and turn to face the duo of kids. Both of them get a little smile.

"Alright...Haji.

Due to recent reforms -- you won't be required to take an oath right away. However: you can still have the induction ritual done, in which you are chosen by a star."

A breath. They need to catch it.

"...Are you interested in doing so? Or would you rather I simply...write you down, as an acolyte."
(Ezra arl Ravus)
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[16:57] Ezra arl Ravus says, "And -- congrats, Lago. "
[16:57] Lago arl Yarborough says, "Thank you. And hello, Aasa. "
[16:59] Aasa lux Yarborough says, "Hello, Lago. Cool ball and or balloon."
[16:59] Lago arl Yarborough says, "Mm, thank you. "
[17:00] Aasa lux Yarborough says, "I've been bored, as of late. I'm probably going to go look for fights closer to Docro territory. "
[17:00] Lago arl Yarborough says, "That sounds a little ridiculous and risky, I won't lie to you."
[17:00] Aasa lux Yarborough says, "Mutants and monsters don't really attack me when they see me anymore. "
[17:00] Tassach lei Yarborough says, "Egads, what cowards."
[17:00] Ezra arl Ravus says, "You should try the woods out by Asphodel. I saw Seth there, earlier."
[17:01] There was so much being said all at once it was hard for Haji to keep up. He focused on the person talking to him and nodded in agreement, but he didn't answer the question.

"Oh, sorry. I'm interested in the star choosing and having the oath; I don't want to half do it. I'm trying to reform myself, and I don't want to skip any steps.

I feel like that would be lazy of me? I don't want anyone to think I'm lazy and not willing to work for what I want."

Haji nods, smiling as he does so.
(Haji La'Heba)
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[17:01] Aasa lux Yarborough says, "I just came from there. Maybe I didn't look hard enough."
[17:05] There are quite a few people here. Ezra glances about at all the faces, and says:

"It wouldn't be lazy of you at all. But...

Would you mind following me?

We need to head further north, to conduct the ritual...and less background noise would suit us well."

A pale hand is extended. For him to take, if he wishes to. If not: no pressure.
(Ezra arl Ravus)
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[17:05] Ezra arl Ravus says, "Maybe so. "
[17:06] Mae Yarborough says, "You're looking quite environmentally friendly today, Ezra."
[17:07] Lago arl Yarborough says, "What is with these weird compliments. . "
[17:07] Ezra arl Ravus says, "Much thanks, Mae. "
[17:08] Haji nods; he felt excited about several reasons, and he couldn't express them well at the moment.

"Sure, I'll follow you."

Haji takes Ambre's hand and goes with the priest or who haji assumed to be a priest.
(Haji La'Heba)
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[17:09] Ambre asks, "May I come along too?"
[17:09] Ezra arl Ravus says, "Sure. "
[17:09] Ezra arl Ravus says, "Excuse me, Yarborough clan."
[17:09] Lago arl Yarborough says, "Have a good one, you lot. "
[17:09] Ezra arl Ravus says, "Alright. Haji. Place your hand upon the star. "
[17:11] He does as instructed, placing his hand before the star. It felt different than anything he needed to do to learn magic before. The boy felt odd, but perhaps that was good then?

"Alright, what should I do next?"
(Haji La'Heba)
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[17:15] "Channel your spirit into the statue.

In other words: your mana, in its basest form.

Think on what has led you to the church, and what will keep you here -- your goals and hopes for the future."

They are poised a few feet from the boy, their sole eye trained not upon him, but rather the sculpture he touches.

"From there, well...you will see.

Ah, and afterwards -- I'll have you speak your vows."

There's naught to do on their end but wait, now. Ezra is eager to see which star will choose Haji.
(Ezra arl Ravus)
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[17:23] Alistair lux Alcast says, "Ah, young one."
[17:23] Alistair lux Alcast says, "It's been some time since I've last seen you."
[17:23] Haji closed his eyes, thinking about what led him to this decision to join the church. Then, he began channeling his mana into the star, but it showed a purple color..?

The purple flame appeared around his body, but this isn't what Haji wanted anymore. Instead, he found himself thing about everything that has happened to him while on Esshar.

"I was attacked by an ant.."

The spot where Haji's hand was placed flashed a bright purple; he still remembers the pain he felt.

"I was attacked by vampires..."

The spot flashed purple again, but this wasn't what Haji wanted; he needed to focus hard.

"I had to watch someone I care about with all my heart suffer..."

Haji couldn't shake this feeling, but he then placed both hands upon the star.

"I can aid with vampires problem... I could help those in need but.."

Haji's mana flashed a different color that time; the purple flame faded and turned back to a normal flame.

"I want to make a better life for myself and the people around me.."

The flame within Haji finally faded; this was better for him. He wanted to connect with the stars. He wanted to become a menace to the vampires and aid those fearful of walking at night.

Haji looks up with a smile; he was a little teary-eyed, but he was okay; this was a bit much to take in all at once.
(Haji La'Heba)
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[17:24] Alistair lux Alcast says, "I also, haven't forgot about your request."
[17:24] Alistair lux Alcast says, "However, I'm sure you've learned a pinch about the stars while I haven't been around."
[17:25] Ambre says, "I have been studying about the stars."
[17:25] Ambre says, "Though, recent events have somewhat impeded my studies..."
[17:26] Alistair lux Alcast asks, "Tell me, have you learned much about the stars?"
[17:26] Alistair lux Alcast asks, "As in, learn about the types of stars?"
[17:26] Ambre says, "Um..."
[17:26] Ambre says, "I did read that section of the Codex, but only once... I haven't yet committed it to memory."
[17:26] Alistair lux Alcast asks, "How about this, did you connect with a star?"
[17:26] Alistair lux Alcast asks, "No, right?"
[17:26] Ambre says, "I did — Biblos."
[17:26] Ambre says, "The North Star."
[17:27] Alistair lux Alcast exclaims, "Ah!"
[17:27] Alistair lux Alcast exclaims, "Well done!"
[17:27] Ambre says, "And I'm here witnessing my friend perform his Star Connection."
[17:27] Ezra arl Ravus says, "haji. idk if you're seeing it. but check ur ooc tab for me "
[17:27] Ambre motions towards Haji.
(Ambre)
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[17:28] Alistair lux Alcast says, "Well, when you're ready for the next step or need a word of wisdom, I'll be around."
[17:29] Ambre says, "I'd love to further my studies, whenever you're available."
[17:29] Ambre says, "But..."
[17:30] Alistair lux Alcast asks, "Hrmm?"
[17:30] Ambre says, "I have been told by a doctor to take it easy, so... if it involves any channeling of mana, I'm afraid I won't be able to"
[17:32] Alistair lux Alcast says, "Not a problem."
[17:32] Alistair lux Alcast says, "It's not a big issue, as it won't be any of that involved."
[17:32] Ambre asks, "Excellent. Will you be available directly after this ceremony?"
[17:32] Alistair lux Alcast says, "I should be around."
[17:33] Alistair lux Alcast says, "I'll see you shortly, young one."
[17:33] Alistair lux Alcast says, "May the light guide you."
[17:33] Ambre nods.
(Ambre)
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[17:34] Ambre says, "May the stars light your path."
[17:36] Haji's goals seem noble enough. To be threatened with dark forces over and over, and over, but still have the tenacity and drive to combat them back takes guts.

However, they don't speak. They do not address the tears. They swivel their attention to the sculpture, again, and wait.

And as with every other time they've conducted this ritual, it doesn't take long. Motes of cosmic energies embedded within the star spark to life, enlivened by his flames.

The entire thing is awash in a pale, hallowed light, which soon goes red as crimson. Red as the heart's blood; red as justice, and war banners too.

A symbol appears. Three curved lines.

It's --

"Ios. The large planet.

The star of morale capacity.

Congratulations."

Ezra dips their head, then.
(Ezra arl Ravus)
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[17:44] Haji could still feel everything coming down on him immediately, and then he remembered he wasn't a crybaby. He wiped his face; nothing even happened, but he continued until Ezra spoke out to him. It seems Haji had a connection? Ios? he read a little about that one, and it seemed almost fitting for Haji.

He smiled and looked over at the both of them; he was excited to hear the stars name.

"Ios? I'm so glad... I'm excited too! I really did it! This feels so new to me and almost unreal."

He looks at Ezra.

"Thank you! What's next? Where do we go from him?"

He looks over at Ambre.

"Thank you too!"
(Haji La'Heba)
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[17:45] Ambre smiles to Haji, glad he's excited as she is about the stars.
(Ambre)
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[17:49] "Well, you've stated that you feel prepared to take your vows, already. So, if you are absolutely certain, then..."

A few steps forward, and in their hands they hold a certain book. It's extended for Haji to inspect.

"State your name, and place your hand atop the Codex.

Then, we will begin."
(Ezra arl Ravus)
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[17:53] Haji nods.

"My name is, Haji La'Heba"

He placed his hand on top of the codex waiting for further instructions.
(Haji La'Heba)
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[17:57] They nod, and proceed forth with the induction. Their voice is crisp and clear.

"Haji La'Heba.

Do you so swear from this point forward to follow the teachings of the Codex, new and old.

To uphold the word of the Stars and Angels, and teach this word unto others. Do you so swear to bring peace to conflict if given the situation, to bring others to the Light of the Stars and Angels when they seem lost or in need of guidance. Do you so swear to put the People's interests, needs and well being before your own?

Should you swear upon these things know that you will be held to uphold them.

Should you break these promises, this Oath to the Stars, the Angels and the People that you will be held accountable and charged accordingly per the Law of the Church. Do you so swear upon this Oath?"

He is gazed at. If for any reason he wishes to back out, well -- Ezra will not fault him for it.
(Ezra arl Ravus)
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[18:00] Haji listens intently to the oath, ensuring he understands what he'd about to swear to. After he took a moment, he nodded his head slowly.

"I swear upon this oath."

And just like that Haji was swearing an oath and joining the faith as an acolyte. From where he started and ended, the boy has been thought quite a lot, but's it's helped him quite a bit.
(Haji La'Heba)
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[18:05] "Excellent.

Consider yourself an acolyte then, Haji."

With that, they offer him another sliver smile, and measure away. Their hands clasp together at their waist. Not once does their attention stray from the acolyte.

"And...if you need nothing else, I will leave you now.

...

I'm sure you're destined for great things."

Silence. What will he say?
(Ezra arl Ravus)
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[18:08] "Thank you; I'll do my best, I promise."

Haji gives a thumbs up; he was now part of the faith! Was he also in training to become a vampire hunter? There was so much going on at one time it was hard for him to keep up.

"Thank you for everything."
(Haji La'Heba)
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[18:09] Ezra arl Ravus says, "No problem. "