Faendryl Atheism

Lylia says, "My talk today is a reprise of one that I delivered some time ago, but as we have seen the birth of what some would consider a new god, Ghezresh, it is particularly germane today, I feel."

Lylia begins, "Many of you know that the Faendryl are 'atheists,' but when we speak of Faendryl atheism, we must define the term."

Lylia says, "The Arkati are clearly real. To say otherwise would be to ignore the evidence of our own eyes, and we have never been a people to blind ourselves to truths."

Lylia flatly notes, "Water is wet. Dwarves have beards. The Arkati exist. Facts are facts."

Lylia chuckles.

Lylia explains, "We are 'atheists,' then, in the sense that we see the Arkati not as gods and goddesses but as singular and powerful, albeit often narrowly focused, beings."

(Lylia paces as she talks, clearly warming to her subject.)

Lylia says, "We make no claim that others' gods do not exist. We simply acknowledge the truth that these Arkati...are no gods."

Lylia clarifies, "Or if they are, then any might be."

Lylia says, "Some of you might question this assertion. I see some dubious faces."

Lylia narrows her eyes.

Rohese glances around the room.

Rohese bites her lip.

Zannath's jaw drops.

Lylia continues, "Faces whose pinched and peevish looks say, 'How do you know they are not gods, Lylia? The temple priests swear they are!'."

Lylia counters, "To this, I suggest the burden of proof rests on the faithful."

Xanthium grins at Lylia nervously.

Vaikhen smiles slightly.

Vaikhen nods sagely.

Xanthium says, "...She is."

Xanthium nods slowly.

Lylia muses, "What makes a god a god, after all? What defines divinity?"

Lylia raises an eyebrow.

Ysharra gives a sidelong glance at Xanthium.

(Lylia pauses and sweeps her gaze over the assembled crowd, lingering longer on some than on others.)

Lylia says, "We have seen the rise of one whom many would deem a new god, this Ghezresh. Some have converted to his worship despite his stormy nature and his slimy heralds."

Xanthium says, "...I do. I pray for guidance, I pray for revelation."

Speaking softly to Lylia, Rohese posits, "Powers beyond those we are capable of?"

Rohese bites her lip.

Xanthium says, "Regardless of the answer."

Rohese smiles at Xanthium.

Lylia says, "Others contend he is no real Arkati as he lacks the pedigree."

Lylia smirks as a haughty expression flits across her face.

Vaikhen chuckles.

Speaking to Xanthium, Lylia asks, "So, then, does faith make gods?"

Thrassus snickers.

Lylia smiles.

Xanthium says, "Yes."

Rohese nods in agreement at Xanthium.

Lylia cries, "Wonderful!"

Xanthium says, "Belief, absent of confirmation."

Lylia deadpans, "If this is so, then the Faendryl ascension to godhood is as easy as my convincing you all to kneel."

Lylia surveys the area.

Vaikhen rubs his chin thoughtfully.

Lylia seems to be waiting for something.

Xanthium blushes a rosy pink shade at Lylia.

You gaze in amusement at Lylia.

Rohese giggles softly at Lylia.

Laehna gets a blank look on her face.

Lylia asks, "...Well?"

Meril shakes her head.

Xanthium kneels before Lylia.

Zannath kneels before Lylia.

Melikor grins at Lylia.

Xanthium grins at Lylia.

Vaikhen's jaw drops.

Thrassus says, "So I suppose Grishom Stone can be called one then."

Lylia says, "No. I did not think it would be that simple..."

Archeth shifts her weight.

Speaking playfully to Lylia, Rohese exclaims, "But my gown will get dusty!"

Lylia raises her voice at Xanthium in merry laughter.

Rohese glances down.

Xanthium says, "I am still your Emissary, Imperatrix."

Laehna agrees with Rohese.

Xanthium folds her hands in her lap.

Laehna dusts off her grey paeline gown.

Speaking to Thrassus, Raelee says, "That is what he wants."

Raelee nods at Thrassus.

Speaking to Rohese, Lylia says, "Libraries are indeed dusty places."

Speaking to Lylia, Zannath says, "I am your Prince, and you are the granter of mine Pail."

Ysharra begins chuckling at Lylia!

Rohese agrees with Lylia.

Thrassus nods at Raelee.

Nazarr ponders.

Speaking softly to Rohese, Laehna whispers aloud, "It is good I wore grey today, then."

Lylia sardonically observes, "At any rate, I thought it would not be so easy."

Rohese giggles softly at Laehna.

Ysharra begins chuckling at Laehna!

Nazarr grins at Laehna.

Lylia flashes a quick grin.

Speaking to Laehna, Ysharra says, "And I dark blue."

Thrassus says, "And to some, he is one."

Lylia continues, "So, it is not faith alone. It is not infinite goodness and mercy, certainly; that would diminish all the Arkati of Lornon and many of Liabo."

(Lylia begins counting off her points on her fingers, speaking more rapidly as she goes along.)

Lylia says, "It is not immortality, for the Arkati may die, and some mortal beings such as Amasalen and the Huntress may ascend to their unimaginable longevity."

Lylia adds, "It is not wisdom because wisdom suggests a certain breadth of experience as well as depth, whereas their singular purposes would be called monomania in any less powerful being."

Lylia continues, "Nor is it prescience, for thoroughly mortal men and women have had visions that came true without becoming gods and goddesses thereby."

Lylia asks, "How many of us have, over the past few years, received the wisdom of Jastev or of Grishom Stone, who is a self-styled god in his own right?"

Lylia says, "I have seen visions myself, yet am not a goddess."

Speaking to herself, Lylia murmurs, "Yet."

Thrassus snickers to himself.

Rohese looks lost in thought.

Vaikhen stares into space, appearing to ponder multiple possibilities and potential nuances.

Speaking amusedly to Lylia, Laehna says, "Some might argue with you there."

Lylia says, "My dear, I would welcome them to try."

Lylia chuckles.

(Lylia pauses, wagging her index finger in a negatory gesture.)

Lylia says, "No, prescience is not the distinguishing factor."

Lylia says, "There is one thing that all gods, self-appointed or otherwise, must have."

Lylia asks, "Do you see yet what it is?"

Lylia surveys the area.

Nazarr says, "Power."

Speaking to Lylia, Yardie answers, "Followers?"

Rohese softly asks, "Omniscience?"

Ysharra smiles.

Raelee dryly asks, "Ego?"

Bekke gets a distant look in her eyes.

Meril quietly says, "I would say that each divinity imprints a pattern on the world. The clouds in the sky, the shaking of the earth."

Lylia stresses, ""Power."."

Ysharra laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement from Raelee.

Zannath exclaims, "Fans!"

Zannath says, "Oh power."

Lylia glances at Raelee.

Speaking to Raelee, Lylia says, "You are not wrong about that, either."

Lylia says, "Yes. Power."

Vaikhen muses, "Power. But ... hmm. How much, is the question, then."

Lylia says, "The enduring allure of 'might makes right' may have its ultimate expression in the purported divinity of the Arkati."

Speaking to Vaikhen, Lylia says, "Mm, just so."

Lylia nods.

Speaking to Lylia, Raelee says, "It is a term I greatly associate with Stone."

Lylia says, "In the face of great power, some people fall to their knees in ecstasy, proclaiming its source a god. Others repudiate it, seeking an equal and opposite force before which to kneel and declare obeisance."

Lylia says, "I am sure you have seen recent converts switch between one or the other, like a patient suffering fever, then chills."

Lylia says, "We have seen it with Ghezresh."

Speaking to himself, Yardie mutters, "Always comes down to power. Never enough."

Lylia says, "And yes, we have seen it with Stone."

Lylia says, "It is as wearying to watch as it must be to endure."

Lylia says, "See how many of the Lornon and Liabo Arkati appear arrayed in opposition and how few are neutral in the common understanding of the gods. Ask yourself if they chose this eternal war for themselves or if their followers merely needed a Great Other to fight, casting them in a passion-play older than time."

Lylia muses, "Who is responsible for the gods' quarrels? It is not hard to imagine that worshipers are more to blame than the gods themselves, for every power seems mightier in opposition than in isolation."

Lylia says, "That is a thought I would like to explore more at another time, the nature of power and how a struggle hones and sharpens it."

Lylia briskly says, "So! Let us return to the topic that is ever close to my heart."

Lylia purrs, "Power."

Lylia explains, "The Faendryl typically choose a third route, neither kneeling to nor scorning the gods and their power; indeed, we aspire to it, if not as individuals, then as a people."

Lylia says, "Some of us have sought it through the transcendence of sorcery, casting aside the veils that obscure whole truths from our sight. Few in the modern age have written as eloquently upon this theme as Silvean Rashere Faendryl, and I recommend hunting down his essays on the nature of sorcery."

Lylia says, "You will find his collected works here in the library, in fact."

Lylia says, "Some seek it through temporal means, honoring the Patriarch by building a prosperous, powerful society as a foundation upon which a temple to Faendryl glory may rise. Many of my own extended family within the Emporion take this eminently practical view."

Lylia continues, "Others find it in the healing arts or in their love of the blade or in the natural world surrounding them. And yes, some seek power through a deeper knowledge of the gods themselves, aligning with one or another who strikes some plangent chord within them."

Lylia nods at Xanthium.

Lylia smiles.

Lylia stresses, "The common theme here, though, is power."

Xanthium says, "Every morning and night, most the afternoons, too..."

Lylia says, "Power does not inhere with the gods alone. They have a larger share than most, to be sure."

Xanthium hums a fancy little tune to herself.

(Lylia emphasizes her words with occasional soft strikes of the back of one hand against her palm.)

Ysharra smiles at Lylia.

Lylia asserts, "But unless you believe that sufficient power alone suits an entity to divinity, you cannot perceive the Arkati as uniquely holy. Nothing and no one has crowned them so beyond the power they hold."

Lylia observes, "They differ from us in their power, yes. But it is a matter of degree, not the fundamental fabric of our natures, that separates the Faendryl from the gods."

Lylia says, "People have asked me, 'Lylia, is your life not hollow without faith in the divine wisdom and mercy of - '."

(Lylia stops short and shakes her head.)

Lylia gazes heavenward.

Vaikhen laughs!

Lylia scornfully notes, "Well, it hardly matters which of the Arkati they mention at this point, does it? I think not."

Xanthium grins at Vaikhen.

Vaikhen nods sagely.

Lylia waves her hand in a dismissive gesture.

Melikor chuckles.

Laehna softly says, "No matter who they name, the answer is no, I am sure."

Lylia says, "For most Faendryl, the awareness that the gods have no more unattainable wisdom or spark of divinity than we do, despite having far more power in this age, is sufficient."

Lylia agrees, "Indeed. It is certainly enough for me."

Lylia says, "For many of us, life has meaning expressly because we play a role in carrying our people onward and upward to the thrones of the gods -- not to kneel before them, but to join them on the dais."

Lylia concludes, "To aim lower than this, to claim only a portion of power instead of striving for the whole of it, would be a dereliction."

Rohese looks thoughtfully at Lylia.

Lylia folds her hands.

Lylia inclines her head.

Speaking quietly to himself, Vaikhen says, "Fascinating."

Ysharra nods slowly at Lylia.

Lylia says, "Now, I would welcome any questions or rebuttals you may have."

Vaikhen raises his hand.

Lylia adds, "I would also welcome a sip of tea after this much talking."

Ysharra says, "I love how we make room for ambition in every element of our lives."

Ysharra grins.

Lylia nods at Vaikhen.

Ysharra laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement from Lylia.

Ysharra says, "I did think on that."

Lylia nods.

Vaikhen cautiously says, "I have to say, I'm a bit ... off-balance here."

Speaking to Ysharra, Yardie asks, "The question is, how much ambition, how much power?"

Xanthium says, "No moreso than I am. Please."

Xanthium nods at Vaikhen.

Vaikhen says, "Because according to your definition of Faendryl atheism ... I, myself, am an atheist. As a follower of Koar."

Xanthium says, "Speak your thoughts."

Lylia says, "Good! We grow the most when we reach to catch ourselves when tipped."

Ysharra says, "Tipped like a teapot."

Vaikhen says, "I acknowledge they are not immortal. Nor are they omniscient, omnipotent. As you say, it really is ... a matter of power. And perhaps the pedigree you mentioned."

Vaikhen ponders.

Speaking quietly to Ysharra, Xanthium says, "I heard you talking to Papa, once, about V'tull."

Vaikhen worriedly says, "And now I ... well. I'm not sure I have a question. Other than for myself."

Lylia says, "We do not have a monopoly on it. And yes, you are indeed an atheist in the classical Faendryl sense if you acknowledge that divinity is a matter of degree instead of a matter of fundamental kind of being."

Lylia says, "The questions we ask ourselves are often the most meaningful."

Raelee raises her hand.

Speaking softly to Ysharra, Xanthium says, "You said the Wargod told you about His sister. That you reminded Him of her."

Speaking to Vaikhen, Meril says, "The consciousness and will of a god is quite different from mortals as well. But perhaps you should best think on it more for yourself."

Speaking to Raelee, Lylia asks, "Yes?"

Ysharra says, "And yet, that is not at all connected to what we're talking about."

Vaikhen nods slowly at Meril.

Speaking to Xanthium, Ysharra says, "Hush."

Speaking to Meril, Vaikhen says, "I believe you are right."

Speaking to Lylia, Raelee says, "This is a theological concept I have struggled to sort the logic of for... some time."

Speaking to Meril, Lylia says, "Also true. The gods as we know them are far more single-minded."

Speaking to Ysharra, Yardie says, "That's interesting."

Speaking to Raelee, Xanthium says, "I remember speaking with you about it some time ago."

Speaking to Yardie, Ysharra says, "It was long ago, and was never meant for her ears."

Ysharra glances at Xanthium.

Thrassus says, "I'd like to note that if it is a matter of degree, then 'Arkati' would logically not be the final rung of attainable power."

Speaking to Lylia, Raelee continues, "I believe the question over whether or not the Arkati are gods is a conflict of etymology, rather than one of faith... given the seeming lack of a universally accepted definition of the word 'god'."

Lylia chuckles.

Xanthium nods at Raelee.

Lylia nods.

Bekke turns to face Raelee.

Speaking to Thrassus, Lylia says, "I believe Grishom Stone would agree with you on that."

Speaking to himself, Yardie mutters, "The instincts. They never lie."

Thrassus nods at Lylia.

Speaking to Lylia, Raelee asks, "Per your definition, can you give an example of a god?"

Yardie glances at Ysharra.

Speaking quietly to Thrassus, Vaikhen says, "Indeed, as we know the Drakes were more powerful."

Xanthium says, "Perhaps it's also a matter of how we talk about them, then."

Speaking to Raelee, Lylia says, "Etymology is another one of my favorite subjects, and I think you have hit upon something important there too."

Xanthium says, "We insert them into our stories and excuses and morals..."

Xanthium says, "Like Ivas, in the Human Empire."

Thrassus asks, "Which begs me to ask, why are these gods content to just stay where they are at?"

Xanthium says, "Her most common lore stories make Her responsible for a man killing his wife."

Raelee nods at Lylia.

Vaikhen furrows his brow.

Lylia says, "Especially as the term 'god' in Faendryl does not carry the weight it does in the common tongue, or in Dwarven, where it carries connotations of connectedness to the rock."

Speaking softly to Thrassus, Rohese opines, "Have you seen the mess we are making of things. Can you blame them?"

Xanthium says, "Rather than...acknowleding that human societies have a problem with domestic violence."

Thrassus snickers at Rohese.

Speaking to Thrassus, Yardie asks, "Why wouldn't they be? They have power. They have worshippers that do what they desire. Why do something if you can easily get someone else to do it for you, with no effort on your part?"

Rohese wrinkles her nose.

Xanthium says, "They make a woman responsible for it."

Thrassus nods at Yardie.

Lylia says, "In Krolgeh, the word 'god' is almost indistinguishable from the word for 'leader.' I do not know that they worship as others do, but they clearly give obeisance to their deities."

Vaikhen gazes with interest at Lylia.

Speaking to Xanthium, Ysharra quips, "You sound like Brother Blud, now. I suppose that isn't surprising."

Speaking to Raelee, Lylia says, "So yes, to some degree, this is as much an etymological argument as a theological one."

Xanthium says, "Just think."

Thrassus says, "Indeed. They could be considered short-sighted and unimaginative."

Xanthium says, "The two female Lornon embody the two most common negative stereotypes about women."

The mirror images surrounding Archales undulate and grow stronger.

Archales renews his songs.

Speaking to Lylia, Raelee says, "Which does lead to my following question of... name a god, per your definition of god."

Xanthium says, "The strumpet and the tyrant."

Lylia says, "As for how I define a 'god,' I suppose I do not. That is, I do not see a distinction between myself and the gods, save that I am much younger and newer an entity and therefore have much more to learn."

Xanthium says, "No wonder they get shoehorned, hm? They're the divine version of Despana."

Xanthium says, "Women who came along and made a mess of things."

Xanthium mutters under her breath.

Lylia says, "Although I do wonder about the nature of their single-mindedness."

Lylia says, "Whether that is also a characteristic of a god."

Xanthium says, "Or our own bias."

(Vaikhen eagerly raises his hand again.)

Xanthium says, "Needing to break up something nuanced to fit our own preconceptions."

Xanthium grins at Vaikhen.

Lylia asks, "They are mostly a god of something. Charl, god of the seas. Silvean once posed the question: Does Charl know nothing, then, of mountains? Or squirrels?"

Vaikhen flushes slightly, some color reaching his cheeks.

Speaking to Lylia, Yardie says, "I would think it a speciality."

Lylia nods at Xanthium.

Lylia says, "But they are so specialized as to be monomaniacal about it."

Speaking to Xanthium, Bekke says, "And perhaps, an aspiration for each of our individual desires to be fulfilled."

Speaking to Lylia, Yardie says, "Not so much a limitation of other aspects of power. And yes, I would agree, but we all have our passions."

Xanthium smiles at Bekke.

Xanthium says, "Yes. that is-"

Lylia says, "Interests that are almost infinitely deep, but cruelly narrow."

Speaking to Bekke, Lylia says, "Very much so."

Speaking to you, Ysharra says, "So sorry, my friend."

Speaking to Vaikhen, Lylia says, "You look as though you have another question."

Speaking curiously to Lylia, Vaikhen says, "Do the Faendryl see any value in - if not worship - respect and study of the Arkati? Just as I follow Koar as he is called Master of Mana, and I wish to know more about the nature of magic."

Lylia simply says, "Yes."

Lylia says, "There is always value in study and knowledge."

eyes.

Speaking to Lylia, Bekke says, "I say that because my chosen, might I add many years ago - before, perhaps, I was a fully conscious person, was chosen in part due to almost being an excuse for my single-mindedness regarding knowledge."

Lylia says, "And there are Faendryl clerics, after all, whose study and knowledge of their god acts as a focus for their own growing power."

Bekke thoughtfully taps a finger against her lips.

Xanthium says, "And half-Faendryl who have reason to seek outside their own culture for hope."

Xanthium coughs.

Speaking to Xanthium, Yardie whispers aloud, "Not just half-Faendryl."

Lylia says, "You need no excuse for pursuits of what you value. Not that you need me to tell you this, either."

Lylia chuckles

Ysharra says, "You couldn't find what you were looking for, in the plantation That's your own limitation."

Speaking gently to Xanthium, Rohese chides, "Be kind to your mother."

Speaking to Ysharra, Yardie says, "That's.....I...."

Speaking quietly to himself, Vaikhen says, "What I would give to see the priests in Everwatch Tower hear all of this."

Bekke says, "The discussion has given me pause to think about the why of it, to be honest. I haven't thought of the why in a very long time."

Vaikhen grins from ear to ear.

Speaking to Rohese, Xanthium says, "There is no person on this world or any other who matters more to me."

(Yardie pinches his full lips together.)

Lylia dryly remarks, "Priests were invited to the talk too. A pity none have attended."

Speaking to Vaikhen, Xanthium says, "I have often asked the same question in Service."

Speaking softly to Bekke, Rohese agrees, "I am left with the same thoughts."

Speaking to Vaikhen, Xanthium says, "What such a group would say, if they could peek through one of the portholes, that riddle our sacristies."

Speaking to Lylia, Yardie asks, "Perhaps they're hosting sermons to eels?"

Speaking to Rohese, Bekke says, "It's somewhat disconcerting."

Lylia says, "Although we do have those who are faithful to a god or another here, and I hope that nothing I have said has offended them unduly."

Lylia says, "I always strive for precisely due offense."

Speaking to Vaikhen, Xanthium says, "And see what healing and comfort come along with Her blessing."

Lylia begins chuckling at Yardie!

Lylia nods.

Ysharra grins at Lylia.

Rohese softly muses, "I can see I am going to need to do some meditation on this."

Ysharra says, "Due offense, i like that."

Speaking to Xanthium, Vaikhen says, "It's no secret that I do not hold to traditional worship or Koar. Nor follow him in the same way most do, especially in Mestanir. This ... this whole discussion makes an alarming amount of sense to me."

Archeth says, "Can't convince me Roblar ain't a god."

Xanthium laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement from Archeth.

Xanthium says, "Me either."

Speaking excitedly to Xanthium, Vaikhen says, "A better frame of reference for my own beliefs."

Speaking to Archeth, Zannath exclaims, "Forsooth! I thought of him as well, such power to challenge Kai himself!"

Speaking amusedly to Lylia, Rohese says, "I should probably thank you for my discomfiture."

Speaking to Archeth, Yardie says, "Despite his power, he fell in that battle of the Warlord. Some of us did not."

Speaking to Vaikhen, Xanthium says, "Perhaps you're a Faendryl who came back in a...roundabout manner."

Speaking to Lylia, Raelee says, "... perhaps we might return to the point of etymology and classification, if I might add to that thought."

Lylia says, "Now, if you really wish to get into a brawl, we could discuss the gaps between faith and religion as it is practiced, or religion as a cultural touchstone rather than a matter of genuine belief..."

Vaikhen wryly says, "An extremely roundbout manner, if so."

Speaking to Vaikhen, Xanthium says, "More roundabout than me, child of a grifter and a..."

Xanthium glances at Ysharra.

Speaking to Vaikhen, Xanthium says, "...gardener."

Speaking to Raelee, Lylia says, "A certain amount of discomfiture in matters of faith is probably healthy. Believe me, I have questioned some of my own precepts more than a few times."

Speaking to herself, Ysharra says, "I'm curious about those."

Raelee says, "It often seems that in elven schools of theological thought, Faendryl and Illistim alike, we have a list of beings that do not qualify as a god..."

Ysharra grins at Lylia.

Lylia asks, "...And yet we all agree upon which ones those are?"

Speaking to Lylia, Raelee says, "Of course not."

Speaking to Raelee, Yardie says, "It seems that there's a criteria that shifts in definition depending on culture."

Raelee says, "But, and this is where I struggle with the logic, as mentioned previously..."

Lylia leans forward and rests her chin in her hand, a thoughtful expression on her face.

Vaikhen leans forward.

Raelee says, "There are not often accompanying lists of who or what does qualify. It almost seems as if 'god' is treated as a more hypothetical category."

Raelee asks, "And thus I wonder... why do some have a classification of being that is effectively empty?"

Lylia says, "Godhood is like obscenity, then; we know it when we see it."

Vaikhen laughs!

Xanthium laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.

Ysharra says, "I think the gods, real or self-styled, will all appreciate that comparison."

Ysharra says, "Considering how often their names are used as invective."

Vaikhen bends over his notebook and begins writing with his quill. After a moment, he lifts his head and scans back over what he has written with a critical eye.

Lylia asks, "I do see what you mean. If 'god' is a null set to the Faendryl, why is it delineated at all? Would that be an accurate way of rephrasing?"

Laehna amusedly says, "On that note, I shall take my leave. Thank you very much for the discussion, I found it most enlightening."

Ysharra says, "...or modifiers."

Speaking to Lylia, Raelee says, "I believe so, yes."

Speaking to Laehna, Lylia says, "Thank you for being here."

Speaking to Lylia, Xanthium says, "What a wonderful lecture."

Xanthium applauds Lylia.

Ysharra applauds Lylia.

You applaud.

Ysharra says, "Very impressive, my friend."

Nazarr applauds Lylia.

Speaking to Xanthium, Yardie says, "It was."

Speaking to a snow white raven, Ysharra says, "I don't know what's gotten into you."

Speaking to Ysharra, Yardie asks, "Perhaps the Arkati?"

Speaking to Meril, Ysharra says, "Never mind her, she's quite fine."

Ysharra begins chuckling at Yardie!

Lylia says, "In the Faendryl tongue, there is more of a continuum than a separation of godhood and power-without-godhood, for want of a better turn of phrase."

Lylia smiles at Xanthium.

Ysharra says, "I hope not, we've got enough godbothers in my family already."

Ysharra glances at Xanthium.

Xanthium gazes heavenward.

Melikor chuckles.

Xanthium mutters godbothers.

Lylia says, "I am glad you have enjoyed it. I am certainly thrilled by the discussion after the lecture. More so than the lecture itself, in fact."

Rohese smiles.

Speaking to Raelee, Lylia says, "We also recognize what others recognize."

Naileran deeply says, "It has amused me to no end."

Naileran grins.

Speaking to Ysharra, Yardie asks, "I have my feelings about Ivas, but she seems happy. And I've seen her fight. If it gives her purpose, why not?"

Xanthium grins at Naileran.

Speaking to Ysharra, Meril says, "It is no trouble. I think she is just sensing the fruits I am carrying."

Speaking to Lylia, Raelee says, "Of course."

Speaking to Naileran, Xanthium says, "It's a lively discussion, and surprisingly little rancor, for being as personal as it is."

Thrassus says, "This was a good lecture, but I am going to have to take my leave as well."

Speaking to Ysharra, Yardie says, "Mother knows best, of course. But, I can't help but feel for her."

Bekke says, "A few of us thank you for our newly uncovered existential crises, I'm sure."

Lylia says, "So, if much of the wider world bends the knee to Koar and Imaera and Luukos, we accord these entities with the respect due a great power."

Bekke smiles amusedly.

Lylia smiles at Thrassus.

Rohese giggles softly at Bekke.

Ysharra says, "Yes. People get very offended about it, or passionate."

Ysharra hugs Thrassus, who wraps her in a warm embrace.

Xanthium leans softly against Thrassus.

Speaking to Thrassus, Lylia says, "It was a delight to have you here."

Speaking excitedly to Kalyrra, Vaikhen asks, "I wonder if this means I get to be the first human cleric of Koar who is an atheist?"

Xanthium gazes admiringly at Thrassus.

Vaikhen stares into space, appearing to ponder multiple possibilities and potential nuances.

Thrassus says, "Have a good evening, everyone."

Speaking to Thrassus, Xanthium says, "Good-bye, scholar."

Lylia nods encouragingly at Meril.

Speaking affectionately to Lylia, Rohese says, "As always, I leave your company with much to think about."

Speaking to Vaikhen, Yardie says, "Well, I do channel power through the Arkati. I'm a vessel in their bout against the undead."

Xanthium grins at Rohese.

Lylia kisses Rohese tenderly, first on one cheek, then the other.

Speaking sincerely to Lylia, Vaikhen says, "An incredible lecture. Thank you so much, Imperatrix."

Zannath exclaims, "Forsooth! An adventure for the mind, this was!"

Rohese kisses Lylia, first on one cheek, then the other.

Speaking to Vaikhen, Yardie says, "It's a respect, but not a worship."

Speaking to Rohese, Xanthium asks, "Perhaps that wisdom is her prescience, yes?"

Vaikhen nods emphatically at Yardie!

Rohese giggles softly at Xanthium.

Ysharra nods at Xanthium.

Speaking warmly to Rohese, Lylia says, "It is a rare and wondrous pleasure to see you."

Ysharra says, "I agree with you twice in one day."

Ysharra flashes a quick grin at Xanthium.

Speaking to Lylia, Meril asks, "Ah, I had a question that is perhaps related to the lecture. What is the Faendryl understanding of how the elves were created?"

Speaking exasperatedly to Xanthium, Rohese says, "One day, she'll tell me straight, "Rohese, do this!"."

Speaking to Yardie, Vaikhen says, "Precisely! I think too much weight has been placed on godhood and worship. This all makes sense."

Rohese gazes fondly at Lylia.

Xanthium kisses Rohese tenderly, first on one cheek, then the other.

Speaking deeply to Meril, Naileran says, "That is an excellent question."

Speaking to Rohese, Xanthium says, "...I want that, too..."

Rohese smiles at Xanthium.

Speaking to Rohese, Xanthium says, "Brother Blud had a dream of Her."

Rohese raises an eyebrow in Xanthium's direction.

Xanthium says, "And while I was glad for him..."

Xanthium sighs.

Xanthium says, "I was a little envious, too."

Vaikhen paces back and forth.

Xanthium says, "...all right, more than a little."

Rohese rests a gentle hand on Xanthium.

Speaking to Vaikhen, Yardie says, "Good or bad, most of my problems have been without their help. And so, end of day, I need to rely on what I can do, and recognize the limitations of what I can do."

Speaking to Yardie, Zannath exclaims, "Mostly bad? Forsooth!"

Xanthium gently rests her hand on Rohese.

Xanthium says, "I hope you have the same wisdom to come, in due time."

Xanthium gives Rohese a friendly hug.

Speaking gently to Xanthium, Rohese says, "Try not to envy him, he will likely wish that it had been shared with you too."

Speaking to Zannath, Yardie says, "My, er, mouth gets me in trouble."

Rohese hugs Xanthium, who wraps her in a warm embrace.

Xanthium blushes a rosy pink shade at Rohese.

Lylia says, "That is a matter of some debate too. Most creation myths are seen as just that. Myths. The notion that we arose as the first children of the Great Drakes, or that the Arkati grew bored and created miniature play-things, or that we were spirited up from moon-dust, or that we hatched from an Ur-Daemon's egg, it is largely a matter of fancy and fairy-tale to most of us."

Zannath smiles.

Rohese smiles at Xanthium.

Speaking deeply to Lylia, Naileran says, "I like how you Faendryl think."

Rohese nods understandingly at Yardie.

Naileran grins.

Bekke takes a drink from her mulled plum wine.

Vaikhen smiles at Naileran.

Rohese whispers something to Xanthium.

Speaking to Naileran, Ysharra says, "We do have no problem sharing our opinions."

Speaking deeply to Ysharra, Naileran says, "I see."

Lylia says, "Those who believe we were the direct creations of drakes, demons, or Arkati are looked on as rather simple-minded." She looks uncomfortable at the topic. "The credulous are with our people too, at times."

Bekke says, "Good afternoon to you all."

Lylia says, "I appreciate that."

Lylia inclines her head.

Speaking softly to Xanthium, Rohese says, "We will talk."

Rohese gives Xanthium a lingering kiss on the cheek.

Rohese winks at Xanthium.

Ysharra glances between Rohese and Xanthium.

Rohese looks at Ysharra and hums.

Ysharra says, "At this rate I'll never get her to go back home."

Ysharra mutters under her breath.

Rohese laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.

You gaze in amusement at Ysharra.

Xanthium says, "This is my home."

Xanthium nods once.

Speaking softly to Ysharra, Rohese says, "I adore your daughter."

Rohese gazes fondly at Xanthium.

Xanthium quietly insists, "I am home."

Xanthium nods once.

Xanthium kisses Rohese tenderly, first on one cheek, then the other.

Melikor rubs Xanthium gently.

Speaking to Ysharra, Yardie says, "See? She's someone to adore."

Yardie flashes a wide grin at Ysharra.

Speaking to Rohese, Ysharra says, "Thank you. She's fond of you, too, as am I."

Ysharra gently rests her hand on Rohese's shoulder.

Rohese smiles at Ysharra.

Rohese kisses Ysharra tenderly on the cheek.

Nazarr smiles.

Lylia says, "I thank you all for the time and consideration you have given us today."