Exodus: Concordance

[redcoat]

"There's a lot to be said for checks and balances, for things run by council and not a single person." Alina agreed. "Galium follows Dugmarin, right? He's a good sort... well. They're both the good sort." She grinned a bit.

"I don't know how I keep running into him, but I've run into Dugmarin in a few dreams now. And plans are good, and fun. It's fun to game through the logistics of your dreams. Especially if you're going to talk to Bones. Just think! The Pelor priest can run morning services, and you can run evening services. As natural as the sunset and the sunrise." Her tone was teasing, but there was a genuine honesty in it- excited for her friend's plan.

[opius]

Her brows went high at the suggestion, leaving her to blink. "... That is a lovely idea. That is a very lovely idea..." She brought a knuckle to her lip and sat back, her frown fading.

"... Selûne tells us to teach and guide our community, take in the lonely and the good, and give freely. It's said that she favors us," she gestured toward herself with both hands, "Women, to guide and preach the faith... After our travels are over." And then she quirked her lip.

"Perhaps... It's time I thought about when and how I'd like to put down my mace. Maybe... Not being the best teacher is her test for me. There aren't many others of our order here." She shook her head and laughed.

"... Were only it as easy to for us without the Aasimar's spark to commune with the gods. Once upon a time, your kind were known to be messengers, holding the closest connection to the Divine. It's not surprising that a member of Moradin's pantheon is reaching out to you- You're probably the only person they can reach in this obscure and shrouded land."

[redcoat]

"Why don't you think you're a good teacher?" Alina asked, genuinely confused at the comment. "I use what you've taught me every day- hells. I don't think I would have survived half the fights I've been in if I didn't have your voice in the back of my head telling me to stop overextending on my lunges."

[opius]

Jeane laughed and placed a hand on her knee. "Fighters, yes! I can teach a woman to hold a mace and bear a shield, treat a wound or two so you can get back up and carry on. Those are practical things that are quite easy to remember, and easy to teach to an eager student." She rolled her free hand, still chuckling, "But holy texts and doctrines... Those aren't quite so hands on."

With that she shrugged. "... My place here on Te'Kaal has been that of a wanderer." She paused and shook her head. "That is, in terms of the church, my role has been as an itinerant. We take to the roads beyond the church to spread the light of Sêlune- helping, healing, and often times striking down those who cause harm."

She unfolded and lifted her hand, as though presenting another option. "Those who settle, whether from old age or a greater calling to the firmament of a temple, spend their years mastering the arts of our faith. Charting and reading the stars, telling fortunes, interpreting sacred texts and treating the unwell- both the physically unwell and the..." She tapped her head. "... More complicated maladies." She pursed her lips.

"... And then there are the performances... Dance, song, chanting. It's a lot. I'll have to bring my books and... Import more, somehow. "

[redcoat]

"Helping, healing, and killing bad things sounds like a good deal." Alina said, smiling a bit... wistfully at that.

If only it was ever that simple.

"I can't help with holy texts and doctrines- I don't know Selune's as well as I knew the Matron's. But, you've already done a great deal of work with complicated maladies- more complicated than the average priestess." She shrugged. "And performances are always different. No one performs the same song the exact same way. Especially if they are learning it from a book."

[opius]

"Especially if they are learning from a book." Jeane echoed with a nod and closed her eyes with a smile. "It's a lot to worry about before even trying. I'm confident I can rise to the occasion- if that occasion comes. We're still a while out from New Haven, and even further away from making hard plans." She furrowed her brow with a self assured smile.

"What I'm more interested in is the here and now. We're approaching a dangerous zone on the island, and a point that's been of some interest for some time. From what I understand, this pyramid was a goal for that Barlgura. Previous censuses say the pyramid attracts undead like moths to flame as well. What's the plan so far?"

[redcoat]

"Divide and conquer, I think. Some of us head to take out the King of Feathers, while others head to the ziggurat. Bones is eager to complete Reg's commission request to map out the first floor, but I doubt they'll stop there."

[opius]

She nodded, again folding her arms. "I doubt they'll stop there as well. There's no telling what will happen once that place is entered, but I've got a sinking suspicion that the undead will react." She looked skyward. "... Like sewage flies when the surface of stagnant water is disturbed."

Her attention focused back onto Alina. "I'm glad to hear some of you will keep their feet on the field with us. So long as a path is cleared and we can keep moving, I'm confident the rest of us can safeguard the caravan."

[redcoat]

Alina smiled. "I'll let the others treasure hunt, and with Gallium by their side, they'll be safe enough. I'm happy to stay with home base and make sure that everyone here is taken care of to the best of my abilities."

[opius]

Jeane inclined her head and smiled. "Then I'll count on you to watch my flank, whatever we run into." Unfolding her arms, she planted her hands at the sides of her seat and leaned over, craning her neck to glance not at Alina, but her tiny companion who rested near the crook of her neck. "And in the mean time I can practice my preaching on someone who won't laugh, and you can tell me more about your little friend there."