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The Neophyte

LiesS
Jan 29th, 2019
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  1. [14:23] Vincula taciturnly approaches the white-haired mage, curious.
  2. (Vincula)
  3. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  4.  
  5. [14:23] Vincula asks, "Salthiel, correct?"
  6. [14:24] Salthiel nods, smiling to Vincula.
  7. (Salthiel Anauel)
  8. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  9.  
  10. [14:24] Salthiel Anauel asks, "Mhm. That's right, and yours?"
  11. [14:24] Vincula says, "Vincula."
  12. [14:25] Vincula asks, "I'm curious-- what's this... yellow luminescence coming from your shoulder?"
  13. [14:25] Salthiel Anauel says, "This-- ah."
  14. [14:26] Salthiel Anauel says, "It only means I serve the divine."
  15. [14:26] Vincula asks, "The divine?"
  16. [14:26] Salthiel Anauel says, "Yes, the Emperor."
  17. [14:26] Vincula rubs his chin, the curiosity not satiated.
  18. (Vincula)
  19. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  20.  
  21. [14:26] Vincula asks, "The one everyone praises here, correct?"
  22. [14:26] Salthiel cannot really explain it without appearing extremely arrogant.
  23. (Salthiel Anauel)
  24. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  25.  
  26. [14:26] Salthiel Anauel says, "Mhm. That is right."
  27. [14:26] Vincula asks, "Uh... is he an angel, or something?"
  28. [14:27] Salthiel Anauel says, "He is, and this wing symbolizes only my servitude to him."
  29. [14:28] Vincula asks, "I see. But aren't there other angels?"
  30. [14:28] Salthiel Anauel says, "Yes, there are. However, my knowledge of them is as limited as yours, Vincula."
  31. [14:29] Vincula says, "Oh."
  32. [14:29] Vincula asks, "Are you also a member of the Fourfold?"
  33. [14:29] Salthiel Anauel says, "Oh, no, no. I'm not."
  34. [14:29] Salthiel Anauel says, "I'm a Luminate."
  35. [14:29] Vincula asks, "I suppose the 'Luminates' are members of the Emperor's cult, then?"
  36. [14:31] Salthiel Anauel says, "Haha~ No. We worship the sun deity, Jiuweihu."
  37. [14:32] Vincula asks, "Another deity-- is she giving wings, too?"
  38. [14:32] Salthiel Anauel says, "No, but she provides her blessing in another way."
  39. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  40.  
  41. [14:32] Vincula says, "Interesting."
  42. [14:32] Salthiel Anauel says, "Tell me about yourself, Vincula."
  43. [14:33] Salthiel Anauel asks, "After all, this is our first meeting, no?"
  44. [14:33] Vincula says, "Benevolent religions are good for the world. Even if it requires faith, they are capable of changing the world."
  45. [14:33] Vincula says, "And yes-- this is our first meeting. I'll briefly introduce myself."
  46. [14:40] A plain, white tunic covers mostly of the androgynous' body, physical features highly recondite inside the robes-- features highly clean, but with permanent taints trespassing the whole white figure, confirming that it was only washed recently.
  47.  
  48. His long, beautiful hair that shimmers with the light-green color pervades the scope, the splendiferous strands flowing in unison to the calm, yet regular winds, careless about surroundings. A true representation of what would be freedom.
  49.  
  50. Subsequently, the feminine voice echoes from his throat. Despite the lustrous skin and soft features of a woman, other characteristics undoubtedly confirm his gender, such as the uncovered feet ricocheting against the grasses underneath the ex-slave.
  51.  
  52. "As you know, my name is Vincula. I come from various lands, born as a slave, and recently free." upon the dance of his digits, the cloak slightly undulates, releasing chain marks to the world, mostly centered through the hands and neck.
  53.  
  54. Cementing the sight back to Salthiel, the voice continues.
  55.  
  56. "My path found this city recently, and I met Zeriel, whom I asked to teach me the basics, and also part of the Arcane arts. My goal is to be a good person, one able to change the future of kids bound to slavery, and many other punishing details. Of course, it is a pleasure to meet you."
  57.  
  58. Followed with a formal bow, something unexpected from a person with no knowledge of nobility, Vincula returns to taciturnity.
  59. (Vincula)
  60. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  61.  
  62. [14:49] "Then, truly, I am humbled to be of your acquaintance," the light, whispery voice of the magi seemingly echoed in response; bowing his head in turn.
  63.  
  64. As he arched his back, golden eyes fell upon the chained marks, now covered with the thin veil of Vincula's clothing.
  65.  
  66. "And that is a daunting task, yet something I can respect and admire," said Salthiel, before swiveling as to return to his former position.
  67.  
  68. "Someone told me something similar once," he continued as he pushed the silver locks of his hair backwards to prevent it a tango with the wind; thereby blocking his vision.
  69.  
  70. "Yet due to some twisted fate, he fell to corruption," said Salthiel, though features remained indiscernible; ever so tranquil.
  71. (Salthiel Anauel)
  72. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  73.  
  74. [14:59] Engrossed, the green irises supervene Salthiel's facial expressions, ears attentive to every each respective details exuded from his mouth. Ostensibly, the ex-skivvy appeared as a decent catechumen-- unable to read, every single knowledge came from listening to others.
  75.  
  76. The neophyte was a good listener.
  77.  
  78. Despite that, the focus over someone who fell to corruption disturbed him. Someone with words so similar, yet, now under the antithesis his heart and ideals pose on.
  79.  
  80. Still silent, his eyes still cover the entirety of the white-haired one's countenance, slightly awkward for the tranquil voice and the indiscernible features. Why would someone occult his sentiments when talking of important memories?
  81.  
  82. Maybe fear, perhaps subconscious reactions, but a concept not unambiguous to the simple mind.
  83.  
  84. "Ah. My condolences... apparently, said person marked your life." the tones finally escape his labiums, a low voice corroding the ambit.
  85.  
  86. "However, I find myself eager to ask, and sorry for pervading private intentions, but how do you feel about your 'friend'?"
  87.  
  88. Inquiring, silence redoubled.
  89. (Vincula)
  90. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  91.  
  92. [15:04] Looking over to the one that waved Edo gave her a small polite smile followed by a dip of his head.
  93.  
  94. "Hello."
  95.  
  96. He said in return to her wave, but he did not part his hands from his sleeves.
  97.  
  98. "I've seen you about Huangzhou a time or two. Do you call Huangzhou home?"
  99.  
  100. The monk asked with a risen brow.
  101. (Edo)
  102. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  103. [15:09] "Indeed, he has, and truly, humanity is a fickle thing," said the magi, before closing his eyes.
  104.  
  105. "And I feel only sadness and sorrow. For I cannot blame him for his downfall. Eming, that was his name. He's gone no more, yet his beloved wishes to bring him back to life," added the Anauel.
  106.  
  107. And perhaps the stoicism he donned was a testament of hiding his true feelings; feelings that he admitted with weak eloquence.
  108.  
  109. There was a pause, however, as he slowly opened up his eyes staring beyond south towards the vast, endless seas.
  110.  
  111. "Eming, the vampires, and previously of their holding of me brought upon me epiphany.
  112.  
  113. A realization that, like what you said, humans are different from monsters because they're willing to change. Though, monsters, on the other hand of whom once were humans. Who created them? A question that I so beg to answer, and one I can only question with another rhetoric: Are we, humanity, responsible for creating them?
  114.  
  115. That is what I feel, Vincula. If that ever makes sense."
  116. (Salthiel Anauel)
  117. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  118. [15:13] The Drakanite was noticeably taller than Sugarboy, even as she's wrapped herself on his back. An emotionless gaze rested upon the stranger Sugarboy was speaking to, there lied little interest to communicate. Yet she'd still utter a few words.
  119.  
  120. "Euyitl." A subtle nod of her head follows, a respective one for greetings. Large dark blue wings fluttered slightly as she simply rested upon his back in silence.
  121. (Euyitl)
  122. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  123.  
  124. [15:35] Despondency.
  125.  
  126. Conceivably, if exposed to an analogous situation, Vincula would only be able to beseech. Incontestable, the man does not believe of those who speak of otherworldly hopes-- poison-mixers are they, whether they know it or not. Despisers of life are they, decaying and poisoning themselves, and those surrounding the blandishment coming from their snake tongues.
  127.  
  128. Salthiel's acquaintance meeting damnation summarized the world, perpetually temptating, whispering over your ear once the existential anguish's voice boomed, redoubled inside the human psyche.
  129.  
  130. The green-haired one understood it, subsequently absorbing some of the Illuminated's crisis. Even the most subtle expressions of the man juxtaposed, even the stoic look at the splendiferous nature dominating the scope, even the powerful phrases bouncing against the ears of someone who understood suffering - every little detail - Vincula attempted to grasp the meaning of it all. In perpetuum, attentive, only able to exceed in such manner, the place where lies all erudition.
  131.  
  132. "You're correct. Monsters are created through reactions. We are not demons, we are not inherently evil, and malevolence does not plague our pure mind. Thus, under this bias, humans are corrupted through mundane actions. Empirical reactions, even insulting someone can incite revenge, one of the negative emotions Chaotic people tend to cling on."
  133.  
  134. Doubtlessly saddened, low tonifications keep coming from the delicate labiums.
  135.  
  136. "And with this knowledge, we are able to prevent more 'monsters', as you call, from being created. Treating others right, and not giving them possibilities to fall under the putrid voices speaking inside their head. We may not be evil, but egoism always comes to our mind, and anyone is able to confirm this."
  137.  
  138. "Since egotistical ends prevail, there is only one way to prevent it-- that is, making no room for them to be born at all."
  139.  
  140. Returning with a smile, the lips diverged one more time before finally reaching silence.
  141.  
  142. "Regret should not come from your mind. The perfect days and the suffering days both make you-- remember how your friend used to make you happy. And remember how you don't want others to end up that despairing way. Cling to it, remember, grasp it, after all, your life comes from past decisions. You are not able to change them, but you are able to pick better ones for the future."
  143. (Vincula)
  144. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  145. [15:47] Truth spoke by the neophyte; for truth was nature, and the nature of men is that they can only accept nature and the truth, not to pervade it.
  146.  
  147. And despite the teachings of Wisdom, of Satsuki, of accepting truth.
  148.  
  149. Denial seemed to ebb from the silver haired individual. It was something that he so wished he was powerful enough to change; the nature of monsters that is.
  150.  
  151. "Yes, you are right that we can prevent more monsters from being created. But, with the amalgam of strong personalities that penetrates Huangzhou, it is seemingly impossible to reach an understanding.
  152.  
  153. One desires to punish, to bring justice upon others for their crimes.
  154.  
  155. And one desires to give them a chance. A chance to redemption despite the cruelty of their past.
  156.  
  157. If mercy is a foolish endeavor, and justice only the right path, it dawned on me; how different are from the corrupt that we so wish to purge?
  158.  
  159. Do not get me wrong, I fight for what is right. I fight for humanity, and I cower before its sins. I understand the implications of hubris and vanity.
  160.  
  161. But to prevent is an impossible undertaking. Helpless to change, I can only eliminate them," said Salthiel, and what invaded the Anauel's blank features was a nigh indiscernible hint of a frown.
  162.  
  163. "To change people. Is it really impossible?"
  164. (Salthiel Anauel)
  165. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  166.  
  167. [15:57] "You are utterly correct, we are not able to change everyone-- only to prevent those who have not been corrupted yet."
  168.  
  169. "And the complete divergence over opinions inside Huanghzou's district is complicated. One would easily expect them to deal with it, adults talking under a council... shouldn't be hard. Not that I can talk about it-- I am nowhere near qualificate for such labor."
  170.  
  171. "We are not... we. We are individuals, we all fight for a cause, and we all do our part on what is correct. If you believe the path you seek is the truth, if you believe with your heart this will make you happy, do it, and do not regret it."
  172.  
  173. "Despite that, don't think that changing people is impossible. Some are welcomed to it, some not. I am the nearest example-- a slave with nothing to cling on, simply living. In the past, I may have committed wrong actions, ordered or not. Preventing is easier, changing comes under a whole complex structure."
  174.  
  175. Digits circulating, the beautiful hair strands flow with the wind. Vincula understood Salthiel's benevolence, completing everything the one in a white tunic wanted from meeting a new person. Certainly, a decent addition to his life.
  176.  
  177. "I don't view it as impossible. Why do you fear this? Try it, with everything you have, and if you don't succeed, learn with the action you just committed."
  178. (Vincula)
  179. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  180.  
  181. [16:07] "Yes, you are right. As /we/ all struggle to do what is right, so too is our foes' struggle to fight for themselves," nodded the magi, before closing his eyes with the sudden burst of wind so that it won't be caught up with the strands of his hair.
  182.  
  183. "And, Vincula, I implore that you do not lose your path; your knowledge; your wisdom," he added, glancing to Vincula with a slight tilt of his head.
  184.  
  185. "Perhaps, it is individuality that separates men from demons and vampires. Individuality that may cease one to abandon his humanity, or individual that will uplift one to wisdom," said Salthiel.
  186.  
  187. "But why do I fear it, you ask?" inquires the Anauel, though one that does not necessarily beg for an answer.
  188.  
  189. "Because when I was captured by the vampires, I've witnessed what they deemed as blight - humanity.
  190.  
  191. I've seen humanity within them and their vassals. And I could not help but think that whilst they were indeed vile and corrupt, they realize even the most dormant of emotions like love.
  192.  
  193. I witnessed love."
  194. (Salthiel Anauel)
  195. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  196.  
  197. [16:11] "And with witnessing love, comes sympathy.
  198.  
  199. Tell me, should I feel ashamed for feeling sympathy to beings I've vowed to destroy?" asked Salthiel. Though his voice remained whispery and calm, Vincula would find a nigh shaking on it, indication of his sorrow and empathy.
  200. (Salthiel Anauel)
  201. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  202.  
  203. [16:22] Catechism to vows under evidence made Vincula arch an eyebrow, greenish irises once again cemented upon the white-haired mage. Subsequent to the compliments of his mien, the ex-slave's voice reverberated, parallel to questions testamented.
  204.  
  205. "No. You should be ashamed if the concept of sympathy receded with ideological divergences. Love, a pure emotion, one most of us is able to feel, to grasp, to understand-- is present everywhere. Our enemies 'love' too. They have families, they have people waiting for them after every combat."
  206.  
  207. "Thus, your question-- is utterly common. I view sympathy as something needed to recognize and distinguish people. Collectivism reveals itself from a recondite concept as a bane to most of us-- every individual holds a heart and a soul, and they may be the antithesis to our desires, or they may be inconsequent, simply flowing with the wave of destiny. Mayhaps, their reveal as an enemy came from having no choice. Parsimony, a concept even irrational beings follow, why wouldn't humanity stay under it?"
  208.  
  209. Delineating a brief smile, the allocution entered another advent.
  210.  
  211. "This fear you have might be irrational. If your soul demands, try to save them-- nothing says you shouldn't. A righteous path is relative, and even the Arcane concept of Order is open to many interpretations. Be it mercy, justice, all ideals are contradistinct, every person bears unique thoughts. Do not fall under the same category as the entirety of the ambit surrounding you."
  212.  
  213. "If you wish to wake such dormant emotions-- I have not witnessed what you felt, but from this small talk, my heart believes your decision will be correct in the closure."
  214. (Vincula)
  215. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  216.  
  217. [16:37] "Once, I have viewed even the vampires null of love. Beings the embodiment of humanity's sins and imperfection," said Salthiel, averting his gaze as to offer his brother, Meiyo, a brief nod.
  218.  
  219. "And once I've vowed to inflict them pain so painful," he said, closing his eyes in silent ambience. His voice shook, remembering his darkened past, "that I'd become a monster, a terror to their hearts so that I may bring justice upon others who have suffered from their hands. And I have never feared of falling further to hubris and wrath, no fear of becoming but a weapon to terrorize under the name of light. Never feared that I may be slain by my own comrades for the atrocities I may have to commit."
  220.  
  221. "But, to see one despair after losing someone was contrary to my expectations, a testament of my ignorance. So, I cannot help but ask myself sometimes: Am I doing the right thing?
  222.  
  223. And if I were to follow my own thoughts, of my own form of mercy and justice, would I hurt those around me?
  224.  
  225. For that is my predicament.
  226.  
  227. To earn the /right/ to fight.
  228.  
  229. To understand so my blade will stay true to its aim.
  230.  
  231. And gain insight to offer me the wisdom for a right judgement."
  232. (Salthiel Anauel)
  233. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  234.  
  235. [16:42] Meiyo listens quietly.
  236. (Meiyo Simora)
  237. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  238.  
  239. [16:47] "Right now, I believe your path surpassed your old ideal. The insight you ransack shares a pure luminescence, the contrary to simply acting as a weapon to eliminate enemies, be them chaotic or not.".
  240.  
  241. Eyeing Salthiel one more time, Vincula believed the conversation was endowed. Nice commentaries about philosophy, ideals and what is right-- what one should be afraid of, what one should fear.
  242.  
  243. Gratification dominated him, the corners of his mouth turning up, exposing the front teeth-- honesty reeking from such potent smile.
  244.  
  245. "We all live to learn more of our own paths. As we can agree, humans are able to change, so we must make such changes positive ones."
  246.  
  247. The gaze returns to the surroundings, slightly scrutinizing Meiyo before taciturnity comes back to the androgynous man.
  248. (Vincula)
  249. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  250.  
  251. [16:57] "Perhaps you are right," said Salthiel, glancing towards Vincula.
  252.  
  253. "Yet my path seems to act like a boat, shifting ever so aimlessly on a vast ocean. And no matter what I do to, it does not move. And to find an oar without wood, surrounded by water alone, is something I'd wish to find," he added, and cants his head to Vee's direction, offering the courier a nod.
  254.  
  255. "However, I am thankful for your insight and wisdom, Vincula. It is only a testament of my pursuit to knowledge and understanding, and an indication of my lack of wisdom.
  256.  
  257. I am humbled."
  258.  
  259. A soft, genuine smile, betraying the previously indiscernible features of the magi, crossed his features as he turned his gaze back to the neon haired neophyte.
  260. (Salthiel Anauel)
  261. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  262.  
  263. [17:01] Vincula says, "Aha... don't worry, we are all ignorants when it comes to the world."
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