Tierus exclaims, "Awright, ladies an' gen'lemen!"
Tierus says, "Jacinto Quetzal's goin' tae speak on Gosaena, tha Lady Beyond tha Gates."
Jacinto smiles.
Tierus says, "If'n ye cin, keep all questions 'till tha end..."
Tierus says, "an' keep yer fidgets tae a minimum." He mutters, "Nae tha' tha'll be a pro'lem, wif such a small crowd as wir spared by those dwarves..."
(Jacinto moves to the center of the room.)
Tierus says, "Jacinto, ah welcome ye, an' thank ye fer speakin'."
Tierus bows to Jacinto.
Tierus sits down.
Jacinto says, "This place is appropriate as any, I figure."
Jacinto says, "My goddess does not truly have a proper altar here."
Jacinto says, "But she is natural."
Jacinto grins.
Jacinto says, "I am here to speak tonight about Gosaena. I know that few know much, if anything, about the lady I serve. I hope to inform you all a bit more about her."
Jacinto says, "Many view Gosaena as the goddess of killings...of dying. She is not. She is the goddess of simple death. She is the goddess of death that is final, death that is pure."
Jacinto says, "Many hear tales of Bandur Etrevion...and think that the goddess is a goddess that is somehow against life. She is not against life. She waits her turn. She does not send anyone to death before their time. When she does act it is because there are those who defy their properly ordained final moments. Those who break the cycle anger her."
Jacinto says, "Undead break that cycle. Demons as well."
Jacinto says, "Sometimes even those mortals that live beyond their rightful span."
Jacinto says, "The lady does not speak to anyone other than Jastev. She shares with him because they are akin in many ways. They are both gifted with foresight. Gosaena sees the moment of death of all things. This includes the Arkati, troubling them greatly as they are shown not to be quite as divine as they would have all believe."
Jacinto says, "She sees the deaths of all."
Jacinto says, "She never speaks of these."
Jacinto says, "She does, however show things to her followers. We do not recieve words of direction. We do not recieve divine praise. Sometimes, though, we are shown the deaths that will result if certain courses of action pass. I was shown, in the flash of a sickle, such a vision of direction recently."
Jacinto says, "It dealt with the sword."
Jacinto says, "And it troubled me greatly. I was shown two sets of deaths."
Jacinto says, "Trapped I may sound...but I feel free."
Jacinto says, "In essence, my goddess is a goddess of freedom. You may say, but wait, are not Cholen and Ivas the god and goddess most related to freedom? In many ways, you are right. Gosaena, however, represents freedom from the traps of belief in purely Lornon or purely Liabo."
Jacinto says, "Why do I serve her, you may ask as well. I serve her because she offers me one gift. This gift is something granted by no other goddess or god. I served V'tull before Gosaena, and though he gave me the power of the berserker and great strength, he could not give me what Gosaena gives her followers."
Jacinto asks, "What does she give us?"
Jacinto smiles confidently.
Jacinto says, "Every follower of Gosaena is granted the ability to die. Foolish nonsense, you think, anyone can die. We are granted the ability to die in freedom. When our final moment comes...we are not bound by the resurrection of the mercenary goddess...we are not bound by the lies then servitude of the serpent. We are free to go directly through the Ebon Gates into her arms. We are free to go into glorious oblivion. We are free to go into infinity."
Jacinto says, "This is a very liberating notion. I am free to travel in the world, doing as I see fit, performing her tasks if she ever shows one to me. I am not trapped in my beliefs like a follower of Lornon or Liabo. When my time comes...I know nothing will hold me back. That brings a smile to my face."
Jacinto says, "In my youth...I lived in a land filled with sins and iniquities."
Jacinto says, "We did not know resurrection."
Jacinto says, "We only knew of the return as dead."
Jacinto says, "Dead that walked."
Jacinto says, "Gosaena is worshipped as a butterfly in my homeland."
Tierus nods.
Jacinto says, "Her worship is considered the most heretical action one can perform."
Jacinto says, "Those who serve her have a chance to break free."
Jacinto says, "To go back to the natural cycle of things that my homeland defies."
Jacinto says, "In my homeland she is considered a goddess of nature as well."
Jacinto says, "That is why I chose this Hall tonight."
Jacinto says, "Though truly...we should likely be standing in the unfinished wing."
Jacinto chuckles.
Tierus nods to Jacinto.
Jacinto says, "Death allows new growth."
Jacinto says, "We start out caterpillars."
Jacinto says, "We become butterflies."
Jacinto says, "Gosaena may seem cruel."
Jacinto says, "She is not."
Jacinto says, "She accepts all with equal willingness."
Jacinto says, "She grants peaceful suicides."
Jacinto says, "She grants oblivion."
Jacinto says, "She does not strike forth with wrath...unless she is defied."
Jacinto says, "She watches us all..."
Jacinto says, "With folded wings."
Jacinto says, "Once...she flew."
Jacinto says, "Once..."
Jacinto says, "She wished to destroy all life."
Jacinto says, "War changed her, though."
Jacinto says, "War the likes that none of us have ever seen."
Jacinto says, "She was old..."
Jacinto says, "When there were Drakes."
Jacinto says, "Now...she does not seek to destroy."
Jacinto says, "She waits."
Jacinto says, "She watches."
Jacinto says, "and..."
Jacinto says, "She knows."
Jacinto slowly empties his lungs.
Jacinto asks, "Are there any questions?"
Basdahl raises his hand.
Jacinto smiles.
Jacinto asks, "You, there?"
Jacinto turns to face Basdahl.
Morgiest raises his hand.
Basdahl asks, "What, if you know, motivates her?"
Basdahl asks, "Has she any particular reason to watch the realm of the dead?"
Basdahl asks, "Is it a love of death?"
Jacinto says, "I believe she is motivated by a desire for balance."
Basdahl nods.
Jacinto says, "A desire for the proper seperation of things."
Jacinto says, "The immensity of such..."
Jacinto says, "We can hardly truly hope to grasp."
Jacinto smiles at Basdahl.
Jacinto asks, "Guildmaster?"
Jacinto turns to face Morgiest.
Morgiest asks, "Are ye sayin ye never seek the lady Lorminstra's favor? Ever? When ye say yer death when it comes will be final?"
Jacinto chuckles.
Jacinto says, "No no no."
Jacinto says, "I serve the lady."
Kadesha raises her hand.
Jacinto says, "Final death is not death you can be resurrected from."
Jacinto says, "Final death for those who serve her is a choice."
Jacinto says, "I could perform countless deeds for Lorminstra."
Jacinto says, "I could fill her coffers with the wealth of nations."
Jacinto says, "I would still die when the time came."
Morgiest asks, "Then how would yer final death be any different then the one ah shall face some day? Ah mean, one day even though ah git resurected now, ah could simply chose tae nae seek the ladies favor, and then wouldnt we both end up in the same place?"
Tierus grins at Tanager.
Jacinto says, "Not necessarily."
Sylviana cocks her head at Jacinto.
Jacinto nods to Morgiest.
Jacinto asks, "Have you ever, even once, accidentally lied?"
Morgiest asks, "If its an accident, is it a lie?"
Morgiest shrugs.
Jacinto grins.
Kadesha asks, "have you?"
Kadesha peers quizzically at Jacinto.
Jacinto asks, "Would you be willing to count on that accident?"
Jacinto smiles at Morgiest.
Morgiest says, "Ah understand yer point though, yer sayin ah could be takin by Luukos..."
Jacinto turns to face Kadesha.
Jacinto says, "Now...as for you, ma'am."
Jacinto smiles at Kadesha.
Jacinto says, "Yes...I have."
Jacinto says, "I serve Gosaena though."
Morgiest asks, "Yer sayin yer free tae do whatever ye wish, lie, murder, cheat, etc, and no matter what ye will always go tae Goseanas care?"
Jacinto says, "I count on my simple gift."
Jacinto turns to face Morgiest.
Sylviana raises an eyebrow.
Jacinto says, "We all do in time."
Kadesha asks, "I had believed Goseana was merely.. the end, with no partiality, correct?"
Jacinto turns to face Kadesha.
Jacinto asks, "Your question?"
Jacinto says, "Gosaena does not like to be defied."
Jacinto says, "There are those that go beyond their proper span...through magic...or the wiles of Luukos."
Kadesha says, "You referred to Lorminstra as the mercenary goddess, a term less then endearing when you choose to borrow Her altar.. yet you also seek her favors"
Jacinto says, "I choose to continue to serve my lady."
Jacinto says, "Countless followers of Lornon defy your lady constantly and seek her favor."
Kadesha asks, "why would you differ from Morgiest, or anyone else who lives a life that does not subject them to the curse of Luukos?"
Jacinto says, "I serve Gosaena."
Jacinto says, "I accept the gift."
Kadesha asks, "Does she care?"
Jacinto says, "I have been shown."
Kadesha asks, "What is oblivion?"
Jacinto says, "Infinity."
Kadesha asks, "Infinity as what?"
Jacinto says, "The natural order of things."
Jacinto says, "I go into nothing."
Jacinto says, "This allows something to become."
Kadesha says, "but for now you like to be something rather then nothing, so you seek Lorminstra's favor, don't blame you there"
Rallobie raises an eyebrow.
Jacinto says, "My time has not yet come."
Kadesha asks, "one more question, if I may, you said you saw two deaths, related to the sword, what did you see?"
Jacinto says, "I am free to pursue what I will until it does."
Jacinto says, "Many more than two."
Jacinto nods to Kadesha.
Jacinto says, "You would likely not like my words."
Kadesha asks, "can you share it?"
Jacinto says, "I have shared it with a few."
Kadesha asks, "will you share it here?"
Jacinto says, "I picked this place because this place represents nature."
Jacinto says, "I am here to speak about my goddess."
Tanager glances at a green altar.
Jacinto says, "I may speak...if there are no more questions from others."
Tierus nods to Tanager.
Tanager glances at Jacinto.
Kadesha says, "can you share the vision about death, thats what I asked"
Jacinto says, "I can."
Jacinto says, "I am not...unless no one else wishes to learn more."
Tanager says, "I had one question... but... it can wait."
Kadesha nods to Morgiest.
Jacinto asks, "Anyone else?"
Jacinto says, "I rarely speak on my goddess."
Tierus smiles at Jacinto.
Tierus says, "Ah 'ope, Jacinto, tha' ye'll allow me tae schedule ye next yea.r"
Tierus says, "An' at a be'er time."
Tierus nods to Jacinto.
Jacinto grins at Tierus.
Tierus stands up.
Jacinto says, "Took a lot of convincing for me to talk to begin with."
Tierus grins at Jacinto.
Tierus says, "Aye, bu' next year... ah'm pro'lly goin' tae hol' this in 'Haven."
Tierus says, "If tha folks dun' string me up, ferst."
Morgiest asks, "Well, then likely a good thing ye had a small crowd ehh?"
Tierus nods.
Morgiest smiles at Jacinto.
Jacinto grins at Morgiest.
Jacinto asks, "Tanager?"
Jacinto smiles at Tanager.
Jacinto says, "You are the last."
Tanager says, "You talk about infinity, and oblivion..."
Tanager asks, "You don't believe there is a world beyond the Gates? Just... nothingness?"
Tanager furrows her brow.
Jacinto says, "There is nothingness."
Jacinto says, "Us going into it allows new things to begin."
Tanager says, "So when you die... if the Serpent doesn't claim you..."
Tanager asks, "You believe that you... cease?"
Tanager asks, "No more you?"
Jacinto says, "Yes."
Jacinto smiles.
Tanager shifts her weight.
Jacinto says, "Makes many uncomfortable."
(Tanager says, in a not-completely confident tone, "Thank you for answering my question.")
Jacinto says, "But that is the essence of Gosaena."
Basdahl says, "I think you've convinced her to seek the snakes good will"
Tanager stares at Basdahl.
Tanager says, "Never."
Jacinto says, "Somehow, I doubt that."
Jacinto chuckles.
Basdahl smiles at Tanager.
Basdahl says, "Perhaps not"
Tanager says, "Merely because he speaks to the matter... doesn't mean he is correct."
Tanager glances at Jacinto.
Jacinto chuckles.
Bevan says, "The concept that all the wisdom that is learned, all that is gained and won, the knowledge, the faith ... gone. Useless, in the end. Almost pointless."
(Tanager flashes a brief, uneasy smile of apology at Jacinto.)
Kadesha says, "there's always rebirth"
Kadesha smiles at Tanager.
Jacinto says, "In the end...."
Jacinto says, "Our achievements."
Tanager asks, "What of Sithias?"
Tanager glances at Jacinto.
Jacinto says, "Are in our life."
Jacinto says, "He never went..."
Jacinto says, "Till the end."
Bevan glances at Tanager.
Basdahl says, "The subject of the lady can lead to much debate I imagine"
Jacinto says, "And in our legacy."
Tierus grins.
Jacinto nods to Bevan.
Tanager nods to Tierus.
Tierus nods to Morgiest.
Jacinto says, "What we do...and what we leave behind."
Jacinto says, "Those are our accomplishments."
Tanager clasps Bevan's hand tenderly.
Kadesha asks, "So, will you tell the vision you saw?"
Jacinto chuckles.
Jacinto asks, "Single minded, no?"
Jacinto grins.
Sylviana smiles.
Jacinto asks, "Anyone else have anything to ask?"
Tanager says, "It is war. Focus is necessary..."
Tanager shrugs.
Tanager stares off into space.
Kadesha says, "well its rather annoying to say to folk, I know something and you dont but I aint tellin"
(Bevan gazes steadily at Jacinto, drawing his lower lip between his teeth, his eyes narrowing.)
Jacinto says, "Of course."
Jacinto says, "I am here to speak on my goddess though."
Kadesha says, "if you wont tell then shush about knowing"
Jacinto says, "Not give prophecy."
Kadesha asks, "was it a vision from her?"
(Basdahl puts a restraining hand on Kadesha's shoulder)
Jacinto says, "There are reasons why I seldom speak about my faith."
Jacinto says, "The last time I did..."
Basdahl asks, "Fiesty no?"
Morgiest says, "Its her middle name.."
Morgiest nods to Basdahl.
Jacinto says, "Several missionaries from the Human Empire saw fit to attack me."
Jacinto says, "Claiming that Koar denied my words."
Kadesha says, "I have nothing against Goseana by the way, shes just.. the end"
Jacinto chuckles.
Jacinto says, "Glory....infinity."
Kadesha grunts.
Jacinto smiles at Kadesha.
Jacinto says, "Finality."
Jacinto says, "Very well then."
Kadesha says, "I am not Turamzyrrian if ya didn notice"
Morgiest says, "Aye. Ahm actually interested in what ye had tae say bout yer vision, simply cause ahm so involved in what hae happened with the sword."
Morgiest nods to Jacinto.
Jacinto says, "I will draw this session to an end, then."
Jacinto says, "Thank you for listening."
Morgiest says, "A good presentation warrior."
Jacinto draws back the edges of his black cotton cloak and bows deeply.
Morgiest turns towards Jacinto and renders a sharp hand salute.