| [IC] Intersection of Faiths |
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The Stoinians were surprised to say the least. I had seemed the Drakari's enthusiasm could indeed be overcome. However, once face to face with a Yapatha at last, there was a subtle horrified undertone for some of the Stoinians. While they looked more like them, the subtle differences in the eyes and hands really made them alien to them. Such was their ten-pointed star. It caught the eye of the Professor and especially what the Yapatha had said. While he was an atheist, he sure studied his religions enough. He tightened his modern classical suit again after the Yapatha had cuddled him.
"A ten-pointed glowing star... The Light of the Cosmos. Well perhaps this might just be religion for myself!" To the Stoinians it was obviously a joke, but perhaps of the Yapatha, it would fire up their inner missionaries. "This... Star. Does it represent the many stars which create life over and over again? The Light of the Cosmos is the centre of your religion?" Pacifica: Myria, Sallodesia, Stoinia • A1-0: Stoinian Star Kingdom • Aurora: Kingdom of Threnebor
"It ultimately depends on what sect you belong to, brother." The Yapatha woman's gentle smile remained steady, even as she clasped her hands in front of her.
"For example, some believe the Light to be just as you say. From the cosmic cradle of nebulae to the dust of entropy and reformed again. As for others..." She furrowed those silver brows for a few moments as she attempted to explain her point. "Raised I was to believe in the Light as a singular goddess, from Her all peoples and concepts flow from the cosmos to become part of the cycle before ultimately we return to Her. When I study the culture and perspective of another, this is prayer. When offering my wisdom and mediation, my benediction." The other Yapatha nodded eagerly in turn, turning from their affectionate greetings of the others. Poor Ikoral looked like he was about to turn a bright shade of maroon from it all, much to the silent amusement of Nervan and the audible chuckling of the High Wanderer. "Gah! Where are my manners?" She bowed to the group, composing herself remarkably quickly despite the minor faux pas. "Grand Cleric Areyiath, at the service of you and yours. With me are Lightbearers Nehimh and Illaran." She motioned to the somewhat younger-looking female and male respectively in her retinue (no small task considering their nigh-ageless and ethereal appearances).
The Professor was now even more curious. Despite his staunch atheistic stance, he did admire the mysticisms of other religions. Now the Yapatha had perhaps given him a new faith. All would reveal itself during this festival, but for now the Professor had other questions.
"I can't help but notice your species appearance. Your kind does indeed look young and quite similar to ours. Are there any records of your species origins?" Pacifica: Myria, Sallodesia, Stoinia • A1-0: Stoinian Star Kingdom • Aurora: Kingdom of Threnebor
"I will admit that it is a curiosity that there are such great physical similarities between your species and mine. One that has astounded and confused scholars among both our peoples." Areyiath's tone took on a self-deprecating note. "I remember reading of the years following first contact; would it amuse you to know that until scans and genetic samples were exchanged for conclusive study, Human and Yapatha alike both mistook each other for their own kind more than once?"
Illaran turned to smile at the Professor, lacking the self-deprecation briefly found in the Grand Cleric's voice. "If it is records you seek, I can try and secure reputable journals from our finest universities regarding our origins. The fossil record has been a source of much debate, but it is fascinating if you desire a bit of light reading." "Illaran, a thesis ranging from four-hundred to seven-hundred pages on comparative genetics or evolutionary biology is hardly something that qualifies as a slothful summer's day of light reading." Nehimh giggled at her fellow Lightbearer good-naturedly.
Professor Smith smile at Areyiath's commentary on previous mishaps between the two species. Now they lived under the same roof in peace, so perhaps there was hope for xenos living alongside Terrans. Fate seemed to prove that alongside the Cheunh and the Kontauri. He then turned to the two Yapatha lightbearers.
"Oh not to worry. I'm a Professor after all. I'm sure my colleagues could help me digest these biological studies. I certainly am interested in the results. As of recently the Kontauri and Terrans have mistaken each other from time to time, perhaps we can use your studies as a reference for our own? I certainly look forward to further cooperation between our two nations' universities. I'm sure you would have come to some interesting conclusions." In the distance a new group was approaching. Though the delegation wasn't sure if it would be the Kri'ghal or the Kontauri. Pacifica: Myria, Sallodesia, Stoinia • A1-0: Stoinian Star Kingdom • Aurora: Kingdom of Threnebor
The assembled delegates turned to face the newcomer, curious to see yet another trio at the entrance, either drawn by the gaze of their fellows or by the clicking of ornate footwear against stone.
From the looks of the leader of the trio, she moved with a rather... feline grace, her grey fur and swept-back auburn hair gently accentuated by the gold and magenta hued robes that clung to her figure a bit less conservatively than most spiritual leaders likely preferred. Her smile, friendly though it was, seemed to radiate mischief to all assembled as she swept her eyes about the amphitheatre, the golden irises practically shining like beacons in a black pit. Her companions, no doubt handmaidens or acolytes in training, trailed dutifully behind her, carrying sheet-covered pillows no doubt laden with gifts or tribute. "Ah, friends, it is wonderful to see you all." The alien woman bowed deeply to the group, her large pointed ears folding back in the process, her rolling accent almost Sinaian in tone. "My apologies for the delay in my arrival. I insisted that Ikoral and Areyiath go first." "Greetings to you as well, Mirala." Parrakas smiled to the felinoid kindly, motioning for her to rise from her admittedly theatrical bow.
The sudden appearance of the Kri'ghal was a surprise to be sure. Their elegant movements to their more than lavish clothing. Perhaps lack their of. Like the Sinthari they gave a classist impression to the Stoinians, though few fell for her smile. Granthi Singh even put his hand on his kirpan only to be ease by the Drakari high Wanderer. Even the accent of the female in charge was familiar. Sinaian, ah yes. Though the question now arose if this was natural for her or some sort of ploy to win the Stoinians over. Patriarch Abebe took charge again of the Stoinian delegation.
"Ah you must be Mirala of the Kri'ghal. A pleasure to meet your feline kind at last!" Pacifica: Myria, Sallodesia, Stoinia • A1-0: Stoinian Star Kingdom • Aurora: Kingdom of Threnebor
Mirala smiled as she rose to her full height once again, her robes shimmering like water in a tide pool.
"The pleasure is mutual, my friend. I cant help but admire this city as I arrived. Much of the architecture reminds me of the city I grew up in, though this is thankfully at a lower elevation than the plateau my home was built on. Views are nice and all, but not exactly ideal for those who do not wish to go on an extended drive if using a ground based vehicle or the..." She furrowed those furry brows of hers for a brief moment. It seems that her accent was indeed natural if her attempts at finding the right word was any indication. "Forgive me, my translator is having some delays... What is the word you have in your language for the irrational fear of heights...?"
The Professor stepped forward to greet the new arrivals. His dark blue modern suit was a stark contrast to Mirala's clothes. Whereas hers emphasized her own beauty, Smith's was certainly more covering and monotone.
"I believe our language doesn't really have a short word for it. Though if we burrow from other Terran languages I believe the term acrophobia is what you seek. Tell us, certainly not all of your species have this fear of they build their cities on plateaus?" It was odd to see a xeno struggle with such banalities in the eyes of the Stoinians. Sure the Cheunh may have them, but they suppressed it and their discipline served as a second skin. A very thick one at that. Similarly, the Kontauri covered their fears with their extravaganza. Pacifica: Myria, Sallodesia, Stoinia • A1-0: Stoinian Star Kingdom • Aurora: Kingdom of Threnebor
"Ah, thank you, my good man. That's exactly the word I was looking for! Miraj, my dear," she looked over her shoulder at one of her handmaidens, who promptly bowed to her charge, "remind me to make a quick return to the ship in the coming days to have my translator implant examined."
"Y-yes, Aunt M-Mirala." The younger Kri'ghal smiled shyly as she rose from the bow, in spite of her slight stutter. The older Kri'ghal's smile softened into a familial warmth for a brief moment before turning back to the Professor. "As for your question, you are correct in that regard. However, rare exceptions to the rule are known to happen. For example, one of my sisters chose to move to a city in the lowlands not far from our plateau to avoid anything that could bring her close to such ledges. The bridges between spires and the cliff overlooks always filled her with crippling dread since she was a child." |
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