Paths, Present and Future

((Influencing the denizens of Lantra's godrealm like the good little followers we are!))

Caressing your ear, the voice of Aeldra whispers, "This should be the last one."

You tell Lady Aeldra Ladyn, of Cerulean Waters, "Wonderful. I apologise that I could not be of more
help, Aeldra."

With an audible "baa", Yvai, the battle sheep trots from the east.

Aeldra raises an eyebrow questioningly.

You tilt your head curiously at Aeldra.

Lady Aeldra Ladyn, of Cerulean Waters says to you, "You were perfectly fine helping the way you
could! nothing to apologize."

Avaris utters a soft laugh, waving his lower right hand out towards the waters as
he elaborates, "Ah, yes, but I was somewhat late to the fray. You did the bulk of the work, is what
I mean."

Aeldra smiles softly at you, "That is fine. Am usually quick with doing that, I have a lot of
practice." she tilts her head slightly at you, "I hope the day finds you well?"

The warm rays of sunlight set the burnished plates of Avaris's form to gleaming,
the polished, metallic sheen casting him in molten gold as he inclines his head to Aeldra. "So far,
yes. I have partaken of yet another new memory of our Lady - Every one is a gift, though I admit to
some surprise that She has been so generous as to share this much of Herself with us."

Aeldra nods softly at you, "I hope it has been insightful to partake in Her memories, Avaris?"
landing next to one of the deers, a thoughtful expression forming on her face "Ah." she says,
briefly resting her left hand against the deers leg "This is a peaceful place, but also full of
memories."

Avaris lifts his hand up, tilting his head down to watch the play of light upon the
gilded gauntlet as he turns it slowly from side to side, flexing his fingers idly. "It has, yes. I
have learned much of Her from them, but they are only a minute portion of what She has experienced.
I feel simultaneously as if I am closer to knowing Her, and further away than ever." Lifting his
gaze from the pointed claws of his hand, he sweeps it about the area, antennae twisting and shifting
about curiously. "Oh? What memories does it hold for you, Aeldra?"


Aeldra laughs softly at your words, her wings beating idly on the ground as she still stands next to
the deer. "Oh, I know that feeling my friend, but such is the nature of the divine." she looks at
the deer and then back at you, "You do know of the great spirits, do you not?" she inquires, eyes
now focused looking up to the tall kephera's face.

A slight inclination of Avaris's great, helm-like head meets the query, the azure
spheres of his eyes gleaming like smooth, polished gems as he studies the deer. "I do, though not to
any intimate degree. I am not overwhelmed with opportunities to inquire of those forest-dwellers that
know more of them, unfortunately."

Aeldra folds her arms in front of her chest, her posture tensing somewhat. "Well, could always have
asked me." she states, "You know how they cam to be, or would you rather I give you the whole
overview?" she asks.

All four of Avaris's large hands lift in a pacifying gesture, long palms facing
towards Aeldra. "I did not wish to stir painful memories, Aeldra. My curiosity is not worth the
price of your discomfort. I intended no disrespect." The pointed tips of his fingers descend to
brush absently across the smooth surface of his scabbards as he considers the question. "I know how
they came to be, yes - I have read the Elder Wars and the other histories while you were dormant."

Aeldra relaxes somewhat and nods at you, "It is not so much painful as it stirs rage within me, for
it reminds me just how much the forest that once was is no more in the forest that now is." a
reluctant smile returning to her lips, "All of the stags are forming White Hart and as these are
deer... well, I am reminded of the gentle power that is White Hart and I miss speaking with him. It
was a rather unique experience, as was serving Mother Moon... memories of the past."

You think to yourself: "Ah, but see how tension pulls tight every line of your face, Aeldra, so that
even your smile is a strained thing. Is it any wonder why I do not ask of such things?"

Interlocking all of his hands but the upper left together at the small of his back,
Avaris lifts the sole free appendage to brush the sharp tips of his fingers through the dense spray
of white at his throat. "It may be as it was, in the future, or different but yet better. There is
hope, so long as people persist. I hope that it is so, someday, so that it eases you." A curious
lean of his head accompanies, "What is he like? I have not met any spirits, great or small."

Aeldra looks off into the distance as she answers your question. "Tall and majestic, a presence all
on itself. You can only speak to him if you take the necessary precautions, but doing so was always
a lovely and humbling experience. I always respected his willingness to sacrifice himself for us,
for the forest, for the other spirits." Her voice seems removed further as she speaks "I don't think
this is a wound that'll ever mend or heal, Avaris. This is part of me... the Aeldra that was the
High Wisdom of the Moon and who dwelled in Serenwilde and the Aeldra that serves the light." She
shakes her head, as if to loose some persistent thought "And I'll always belong to both and never to
either."

The idle combing of gilded fingers through the thick spume of his ruff slows as
Aeldra speaks, Avaris until his hand drifts down to hook a thumb upon the flaring chitin of his hip,
where it rests. He regards Aeldra in quiet for a time, allowing the peace of the Realm to flow in to
fill the absence of words - And when he speaks, his choral voice is quiet enough to but stir that
calm to a gentle ripple. "There is much of the Lady about you, Aeldra. I can see why She chose you
as Her Avatar. I am no healer, so I cannot speak on wounds and their mending, but I hope that you
are wrong in this, and that the ache fades with time." The unyielding blades of his taloned feet
click upon the cobbles of the path as he crosses it, until he stands before one of the plum trees.
It takes little effort for him to reach up to brush the edge of his palm across the soft pink of the
leaves, the petals caressing the hard gold as he speaks once more. "Do you believe that you belong
here, Aeldra? Not the Light, nor the Serenwilde, but /here/ - With the Lady, and Her followers."

Aeldra smiles softly at you "With our Lady and in this realm?" She nods firmly at you, "yes, I do
belong here, there is no question about it. There's no point about yearning after the past either
and yet..." she trails off, lifting herself off into the air before perching lightly upon your
shoulder "You know, my friend, it is like a piece of myself is missing."

Avaris's answering nod is a slow, gradual dip of his pointed chin, a pleasant,
thrumming sound of approval reverberating forth from his great chest. At Aeldra's slight weight
settling upon his pauldron, he turns his head slightly towards her, a swell of scintillating points
of pure light burgeoning in his eyes briefly as the antenna closest to Aeldra leans down towards her
in an inquisitive manner. "Pointless? Perhaps, if it is an unrestrained longing that blinds one to
the joys of the present, of the future. Few indeed are those that can honestly say they do not long
for some portion of their past, but it is not a bad thing, I think - It shapes how one views the
world, and teaches to cherish what one has, with more care than one might if they had never
experienced loss." Another pulse of vibrating bass, the sound woven through with varying notes of
higher pitches, the feel of this one thoughtful. "I have thought much on the matter of holes in
oneself, Aeldra. Do you believe it will always feel as if that portion of you is absent?"

Aeldra taps her nose thoughtfully, her voice quiet, almost a whisper as she answers "I do not know.
Perhaps so, perhaps it'll solve itself when the forest acknowledges its heritage and its duties once
more... or when I am able to walk the trees once again." she turns to look at your side "What
prompted you to give this matter that much thought, Avaris?"

You think to yourself: A quiet swell of sorrow, a mingled tide of fondness and frustration. "So very
like Her in so many ways, my dear friend. How am I to help these kind souls feel whole once more? I
cannot fill the rents in their hearts so that they can be as they once were - But that is not how it
should be. I will find a way. I swear it."

A slow, deliberate series of quiet 'tack-tack' sounds rise from where Avaris's
hands rest upon his scabbard, the deadly points tapping upon the lacquered surfaces in a thoughtful,
ponderous rhythm. "Do you have any in the forest that you still consider a friend, Aeldra?" The
larger antenna on the side closest to Aeldra twitches at the question, before undulating in slow,
continuous waves. "Ah. The Lady, and the many wounds that have gouged Her heart. I dwell on such
matters often, in truth." His upper right hand lifts so that he studies it, the dense armour of his
chitin shining like polished bronze plating as he curls his sharp fingers inwards. "These are not
hands that can mend, as you or the Lady do, yet...I am driven to try, in my way."

Aeldra nods in understanding "Yes, I suppose Her memories can make one reflect upon such a subject.
But even in Her it seems that some of these wounds do eventually mend, so there is a sliver of hope,
perhaps?" she nods affirmatively at your second question, her feet dangling from your shoulder as
she answers, "A few, though they've become sparse. Xiran, Barrin and Lendren I would call upon the
few that are true to me. Maybe some others too." She shrugs "And there's still the matter with the
Bloom of Serenity, which am still unsure if I should pursue mending that gap or not."

You think to yourself: "Do they mend, in truth? I look upon Her now and see how that pain has shaped
how She comports Herself - So many of those memories are painful ones, and these are the ones She
has chosen to share with us. That is telling, I think. But...Hope. Yes, ever that. I will keep such
musings to myself, lest I trample upon what small seeds of hope you might hold close, dear Aeldra."

Avaris is careful to keep the curving blades of his crest from Aeldra as he nods,
leaning his head aside so that the gleaming edges pass harmlessly by. "I should like to meet those
that you call a friend. Would you be opposed to my reaching out to some of them, with overtures of
peaceful discussion?" All four broad, painted lines of dense red swivel and twist towards Aeldra at
the mention of the Bloom, a note of keen interest sharpening his voice as he inquires, "The Lady
Maylea? Tell me of this gap, if you would, and your feelings on it."

Aeldra nods certainly, "I'm unsure about whether Lendren or Barrin would be willing to meet, but I
will inquire." she taps her nose in thought, her sapphire wings beating slightly to keep her
alighted on her perch on your shoulder "But Xiran would certainly be willing, knowing her. I'll
discuss it with her when I meet her for tea later on." she pauses at the second question and her
expression becomes sad, almost wistful "You know that I've served several of the Elders in my
younger years, but it was the Bloom that drew me to the Serenwilde to begin with. I joined Her
service and was there for many years till... an eruption in the Serenwilde forced me to leave." she
gently folds her arms in her lap "When I left because the strife the forest was tearing itself apart
with became too much, I left... intending just to ... " she shrugs, "I don't know what I intended. I
spoke to all three of those who were of the active pantheon just then, asking for forgivance and
then... well" she turns her gaze back to you "She discarded me like ripe fruit, Avaris, despite
having had me with Her for so long. She even said something to that effect, that I had become
distasteful to Her." she frowns "I know, back then there was a lot going on and I don't entirely
blame Her for Her reaction. She lost a lot of those dear to Her over that strife ... but still."

The stillness with which Avaris holds himself lends him the illusion of being an
oversized monument forged of gold as he stands beneath the pink leaves of the plum tree, the only
motion in his mane and a few errant feathers swaying gently in the breeze while he listens to
Aeldra. He remains silent even once Aeldra finishes speaking, the streaks of red that flow from
behind his crest bowing forward and down, their tips curving upwards in a manner reminiscent of
horns. Eventually, when he does speak, it is in the manner of a man choosing his words with care,
each placed before him like figures upon a campaign map. "I do not know the Bloom, so I cannot speak
on how unlike Her that was, but...The Lady's memories come to mind, in this. She has been lashed out
at by another in the midst of pain and grief, and borne them no ill will for it. She was merciful
towards Loboshi, even after the unkind words flung Her way. Yet, She has also struck out at a dear
friend when wracked by Her own grief." He tilts his head back, gazing up at the sky. "The Divine are
wondrous creatures, but They are like us in so many ways - They are not without fault. I would
encourage you to seek to bridge the divide between yourself and the Bloom of Serenity, if you are
able. You may regain a friend, if you do, and even if She is not receptive to you, well. Then you
shall know, and not be plagued by doubts."

You think to yourself: "If it was our Lady that acted so, I would encourage you to repair the rift.
I do not know if I am right to counsel this, with the Bloom, given how She is regarded in my Lady's
memories, but...I hope this will ease your heart, at least, my friend. Better an end to things than
the prolonged agony of indecision, of not knowing."

Aeldra inclines her head slightly at you words, nodding in assent. "There's wisdom in your words, my
friend. I might attempt to see to speak to Her again and see how receptive of me She will be when I
do. I am no longer that person that once served Her, though. My reception of the world has been
forever changed, to better and worse." she looks up at the plum trees, thoughtfully studying the
leaves swaying in the breeze "Isn't it always a struggle of trust and betrayal, revealing how
fragile we all can be underneath, Avaris? Regardless whether of we are Divine or shard." Her
expression suddenly lightens and a she breaks out into soft laughter. As it subsides, she adds "You
know, I suppose, that is also why I seek to follow the path of the healer... to mend such wounds,
perhaps?"

A brief, thrumming sound of amusement vibrates the shoulder beneath Aeldra as
Avaris replies, "I would be a very poor student if I was witness to so much of the Lady's imparted
lessons, and did not grow at least a /little/ wise." He sobers, nodding. "If She is a Divine worthy
of the title, then She will appreciate you for what you have become, for the journey that has taken
you to where you are now. I wish you well with it, if you decide to do so, Aeldra - If you would
like support, I am glad to provide it, however I can." A soft sigh escapes from the seamless visor
of his face, the exhalation causing his shoulders to lower ever so slightly, as if pulled by a
moment of increased gravity - though never so much that it risks dislodging Aeldra from Aeldra's
perch. "So it seems, Aeldra. So it seems. So much of who we are and how we act is based on how we
were hurt in the past, and how we dance between protecting ourselves and the desire to draw others
close."

Avaris's eyes glitter with light once more as he dips his head in assent. "I
believe that is the case, yes. You know what it is to feel such pain, to bear those wounds, and you
would spare others that hurt. It speaks very highly of you, Aeldra, and the nobility of your soul.
You are a most admirable person."

Aeldra rests on hand against your neck, smiling "Yes, but I also know how important it is to move
forward. To grow, to experience new things and be reminded of why we walk." amusement still in her
voice as she says "Humility, Sacrifice and Discipline were the three teachings of the Tahtetso that
I became first acquainted with when I began life after I went through the portal. Looking back those
teachings were prophetic to who I would be and who I would become." she nods quietly, "But given the
chance I wouldn't change anything. I am one of the few who has more then one place they belong to.
It'll always be the case and am alright with it. It enables me to breach gaps that others could not
cross and maybe it'll be what will help me eventually reuinite Serenwilde and Celest against the
tainted... who knows." her amusement fading back to seriousness, sitting upright on you shoulder "I
am curious, Avaris, for you are one of the few that speaks their mind despite the consequences...
how do you perceive me? Have I been wrong trying to be both the priestess of the moon and the child
of light?"

The banded plates that form Avaris's neck shift subtly beneath Aeldra's hand as he
turns his head towards her by the smallest fraction. "That is a fine way of perceiving it. It is
better, I think, to feel as if one belongs to more than one place, to be at peace with that, than
believing that one does not belong to either, due to being torn between the two." A rippling,
thoughtful sound form of intertwining notes both high and low, strums forth from the golden
kephera's throat as he contemplates the question, evidently giving the matter no small degree of
thought. When finally he does speak, the harmonious chorus of his voice is firm, utterly without
doubt. "Not at all. You have striven to venerate that which you respect and hold dear. You did not
quietly remain when matters turned for the worse, but sought to remove yourself from an atmosphere
that was making you unhappy." Sharp points of gold trail through the air as he passes his hand aside
in a slow gesture. "You have done nothing other than work to find where you are happiest, and can
benefit others, in good conscience. Little more could ever be asked of anyone. You are a good and
true person, Aeldra, and I do not say that lightly."

Aeldra shakes her head slightly, "Not that this is always easy, but then the easy path isn't always
the right one." she pauses, her eyes widening suddenly "weren't we supposed to be meeting with the
Lady Even-Bladed's bard? I believe you said something of some such. Or at least you said I should be
coming with you, wasn't it?" She pauses, shaking off the tenseness that had suddenly befallen her "I
am blessed that you think so and twice so to count you amongst my friends. It means a lot to me that
you listen to my stories and end up not judging me for who I was or am, but for what I do."

There is a distinctly wry note to Avaris's reply, as he remarks, "It is often the
case that the easy path is the one that leads to evils, great and small, unfortunately. It never
ceases to sadden me to see the downward path bearing the most traffic, simply because walking uphill
into the light is harder." He shakes his head, a shade of disgust colouring his voice. "Indolence."
At Aeldra's question, he nods, confirming, "Her muse, yes, and Lady Terentia did indeed indicate
that you would be involved. We are to await an invitation - None has come in your absence, worry
not. Perhaps we might find our way to Fort Vigilant, if only so that I know the way when we are
called. I have not the faintest idea where it is." The liquid, sanguine red of the huge kephera's
antennae curl upwards in some surprise as he turns to regard Aeldra, a touch of puzzlement in his
words as he responds, "Of course, Aeldra. I will always lend an ear to you. It is an honour,
truthfully, that you are willing to share of your past with me. You have never given me any cause to
even consider questioning the integrity of who you are, or how you perceive the world."

Aeldra nods firmly, "I do know the path to Fort Vigilant, I've been at the outskirts before. Its
entrance resides deep within Oleanvir valley. So, yes, you have to dodge rocs to get there." her
eyes sparkle brightly with amused at the mention of the giant birds "But then that is a problem
someone of your height will not face. They won't take you for food as easily as they do me." she
ponders further on the subject, her chin resting on her right hand "I think there is that one thing
that we should discuss before meeting Her muse... when I spoke to Her, She told me that the light
has failed, Avaris." her eyes closed "She said that She would rather lean on justice for the light
was fallible and has failed in Her preception. It deeply troubles me that She would perceive it
such, though I do see that She has reason to see it that way."

Avaris breathes a resonating exhalation that hums with mirth. "I run the risk of
being mistaken for a particularly gaudily feathered one of their own instead, I think. I pity the
roc that tries to make a meal of you, though - I can imagine the shock when they get far more than
they hoped for." His manner grows more somber, levity leeching from his manner as he gives the
matter the gravity it is due, his head leaning back to study the myriad constellations that span the
firmament above. "Mm. Before I give answer to that, I would pose a question for you, Aeldra. What is
the Light?"

Aeldra laughs softly "You'd think. I'd rather not be forced to slaughter baby birds and their
mothers. I'm not food and they need to understand that." she shakes her head slightly. "As for the
light." she lets out a sigh, her slender frame shaking for a moment as she does "For someone who's
been a celestian for so long, I always find that question hard to answer. To me, the Light is a set
of rules and behaviours as much as it is a feeling, having a certain set of disposition. It is the
belief in the righteousness of the supernals teaching, the Covenant and the focus upon returning the
basin to what it once has ... before Kethuru touched it." she shakes her head slightly, "But I do
not believe that many share my interpretation of the Light, from my years of living in Celest."

Avaris dips his head aside in acknowledgment of the point. "They are slow learners.
If we are abducted on our way in the future, I can handle that aspect, if you wish." Red undulates
from his brow like sluggish rivulets of blood as the kephera listens, still intent upon the stars
above. "I see why you would be troubled at Her words, with such a view, yes. Do you believe that the
Light is inherently good?"

Aeldra taps her nose thoughtfully at you question, not speaking for a while. Eventually she answers
"Is it? I think the intend behind the concept that we call the Light is intend for good, yes.
Righteous and just." she shrugs softly "Though many attrocities are commited in teh name of good, so
while the Light may be good, people may still do bad things in its name."

Avaris awaits Aeldra's answer with the calm patience of a still pool, quiet and
still. A slight nod precedes, "People can twist anything to ill ends, unfortunately, and often do.
The easy path, once more." He taps the curled knuckle of his lower left hand against the white
scabbard that hangs from his hip, asking, "Why does the Lady Terentia believe the Light has failed?"

Lady Aeldra Ladyn, of Cerulean Waters asks you, "Before I answer that, Avaris, what would you
perceive or call the light?"

Avaris's form stirs as he utters a quiet pulse of harmonic sound, still focused
upon the stars and their sidereal light, which bathes him in silver hues. "I think that there are
two Lights, Aeldra." He holds his left hand aloft, palm-upwards. "There is the Light that is a pure
force, an aspect of reality that is condensed and distilled into Holy Celestia. That which we wield
as paladins, or heal with." A swathe of gently gleaming, metallic plates as his right rises to hang
suspended, opposite its mate. "There is the light that people interpret it as, that we use as a
banner, a core upon which to build precepts, a touchstone that we can return to when doubt plagues
us." Both hands come together, fingers sliding past one another to interlock into a daunting bastion
of gilded chitin. "It is difficult to speak of one without the other, but necessary to delineate
them, I feel."

Aeldra nods at you, "oh, without question, I agree on this duality. The Lady even-bladed thinks, if
I understood Her correctly, is that She believes that the Light can be a whetstone to sharpen those
who follow it, but that if it were a perfect concept it would've prevented us from failing, as we
have in the past. And as such, She appears to consider the concept flawed and have its failings."

Separating his hands, Avaris lowers his left to lay a long, armoured finger along
the length of one of his swords' hilts. "She is very much of the Second Circle, yes. My opinion is
somewhat similar to Hers - I am inclined towards pathways of thought that are not entirely alien to
how She perceives the world, I think." The golden plates of his finger arches as he draws the flat
of it along the worn wrappings, the gesture unhurried. "I am more of the belief that the Light is an
ore that has been hammered into a weapon by mortals, long since. The blade has grown dull and
warped, so that it does not cut as it should - But that is not the fault of the blade, but its
wielder. New Celest is to blame for any failing of the Light, I think. They have neglected the Light
and permitted rust and rot to seep in."

Avaris's finger coils about the handle of the weapon as he asks, "It is up to us to
restore the blade to functionality - Or make a new one. Good is what matters, in the end."

Aeldra nods thoughtfully, "I think you understand Her point of view better then I do, by any
stretch. Maybe it is such, that we have led this concept astray and it is upon us to fix it. She
seemed to think that the concept itself is flawed." she pauses "I'm not even sure how we would
attempt to fix such issues within the core believes that Celest holds."

"It would behoove us to ask Her what, precisely, She is referring to when She
speaks of the Light. She may be indicating a dissatisfaction with New Celest and the mortal
population, or it may be that She has grown tired of the repeated failures of the Light itself in
the past. If a metal bears flawed swords, again and again, there is little reason for the warrior to
seek another from the same vein." Avaris muses levelly, his wings shuffling softly into a more
comfortable position. "We should speak to Her and gain a more complete understanding of what She
finds wanting, and from there, how a solution may be arrived at. We will find a way to make good
prevail, whether or not the Even Bladed is at our backs, or we must take up a new weapon." He
pauses, then, lowering his head finally to glance at Aeldra. "I sense that you, and our Lady, are
not so cold as I with such matters, though. How would you proceed?"

Aeldra shakes her head softly, before looking at you again "I am actually not quite sure, my friend.
I know there are flaws, but anything that mortal hands would weave, is inherently flawed. The
question is, what can be done to prevent these flaws as much as possible but..." she stares off in
the distance now, her expression tense "You've experienced them yourself. People have grown
complacient, haughty and dismissive of what the teachings of the Light tell them to do, have they
not?"

Avaris's pointed chin lowers in sober agreement. "Indeed. We are not idle, however,
you and I. We but await the pleasure of the muse, and thusly schooled in the deadly art of poetry,
we can unsheathe our tongues and cut the hearts of the populace into shape once more. It is a long
campaign we face, but a steady march will carry us far, if not swiftly." He turns a curious glance
on Aeldra, his antennae flowing in Aeldra's direction. "Have you spoken with our Lady on the
matter?"

Aeldra shakes her head slightly, "I have, as such, failed to catch Her attention, even though She
has known from a prayer I sent Her that I am seeking to speak with Her on several matters. I'm sure
we'll speak on it soon."

Avaris breathes a soft, "Ah." of understanding at this, nodding. "She is a most
busy Goddess, our beloved Lady. I think it less a matter of catching Her attention, and more finding
an opportune moment where Her awareness is upon the basin, and you are waking, and free. I hope that
such can overlap soon - I am sure that She misses you dearly."

Aeldra nods softly at you "What you speak is true."

((Snipped here due to other people coming in and conversation going other places! :) ))