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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Jan 22, 2024 14:33:00 GMT -5
Upon hearing the realization of her worry, Sylvari sighed, gave a maternal smile, and placed her hand upon Lucian's shoulder gently. "Your heart beats with consideration for justice even as mine does, Lucian. Take care to cultivate that fire so that one day it may blaze so brightly to make evil quake in your presence."
Sylvari paused, putting a bit more of a hard edge into her voice even as she lowered it, a tactic of having your conversational partner listen to the import of your words, as taught to her by Romarii. "But I must ask, to what end are you expecting this journey to affect your nation's administration? Will you take this to the nobles, who will scoff at your assertions and cling fast to their ways as valued parts of their culture? Or perhaps you will bring the proof of these ideas directly to the commoners? In the best case, they will discount your ideas as too hopeful and be warmed to you but unmoved. Far worse if your ideas take root and they take up armed rebellion amongst your fellows, drowning your lands in the blood of martyrs."
Sylvari turned fully to Lucina, placing both hands on his shoulders as she sat beside him. "Your ideals are noble, Lucian, in the true sense of the word, but your must carefully consider how you may bring about the sort of alterations you wish to see. Societies are magnifications of the people living within them, and where people are stubborn and wary of change, cultures often respond to sudden upendings with violence. I am not trying to dissuade your from the goodness of your thoughts, but in our imperfect world, I must advise that you seem to be moving to run where others can only walk."
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Post by Lucian Lucifen on Jan 22, 2024 20:40:27 GMT -5
"Ah, I see..." The draconynh muttered to himself, taking in her words.
Sylvari had a point. What exactly was Lucian going to do once he had his proof? Honestly, he had originally been planning on just returning home, storming into court, and showing the evidence to back his ideas. Considering how the nobles had effectively exiled him from his home island when he brought up the idea in the first place, they would likely remain unreceptive to his suggestions. Even more so if he pushed it. And he didn't want his people to end up throwing a violent coup that led to many deaths! It would be counterproductive, and possibly even lead to a civil war between the nobles and the common folk.
"There must still be a way, though, right?" He spoke, now thinking out loud. "If I work within the system of the government and simply... Subtly suggest changes. If people are stubborn about visible change, what about invisible change? The kind that slowly sneaks up on people and it'll be too late once they realize it's occurred? It would likely take years but... Surely, this might be a way, right?"
He chuckled a bit to himself. "But even if my journey's conclusion is ultimately pointless, it's still worth undertaking, I believe. Even if I can't persuade anyone, at least I can bring what I learn during my travels to the island."
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Jan 23, 2024 10:53:33 GMT -5
Sylvari smiled softly, reaching a gentle hand to rest on Lucian's shoulder. "As I said, dear, I don't mean to dissuade you from the worthiness of this expedition, or even of its righteousness, only of its feasibility." Sylvari paused, deciding to try a different, demonstrative tact.
"Does you island prohibit any outsider from visiting? Does it not import any sort of good from the wider world? Does it have no contact with any entity but itself? If your land permits any type of international exchange, even on a small scale, it's impossible to prevent the spread of alternative forms of governance. In this instance, don't you think such subtle inferences have already been made? Implicit in every mortal person's mind is a sense of superiority for their own way of life, discounting exception such as yourself. Surely, any person interacting with your people has brought up the disparities in their own governance.
"I tell you this to demonstrate to you that you must be more assured of your strategy than 'there might be a way'. Indeed, it is possible for your people to wholly accept your ideas as superior to their own way of life in the same way that it is possible that people collectively decide against committing evil. What is possible is distinct from what is plausible, and when dealing with people's lives and livelihoods, we must exercise ultimate caution. Perhaps a more attainable goal is shifting your people towards democratic governance a bit. Eventually, your ideas may come to fruition in this way without bloodshed, even if it is not within your lifetime."
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Post by Lucian Lucifen on Jan 23, 2024 11:20:22 GMT -5
The draconynh let out a soft sigh. “I suppose you’re right. The island isn’t necessarily completely isolated from the world, it’s merely that any trade tends to be more difficult due navigation of the Luna Sea. So there is potential for outside influence over time. But, sadly, it does mean that trade is rather… costly. Only nobles can really afford any imports that aren’t merely food.”
At least there would be hope. Lucian would prefer such a change occur during his lifetime, however. It would be rather disappointing to see his efforts not bear fruit. Sadly, despite his draconic heritage, his kind only had a similar lifespan to that of a human, a mere hundred years. If there was any way to extend this lifespan further so that he could see the future of his people, he would gladly take it. However, the thought was a mere fool’s errand. Time and aging gets to everyone, slowly picking away at them until their life force ceased. Well, unless you were unlucky enough to die young.
“It will be slow going… We’ll see how much progress I can make within seventy years, if I’m lucky to live until the end of my potential lifespan,” Lucian spoke with a soft chuckle. “And perhaps I’ll have longer, if I’m luckier.” He added. “In the meantime, I suppose I should keep working at learning all that I can while I’m out on my journey.”
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Jan 23, 2024 13:42:37 GMT -5
The justiciar smiled and nodded approvingly, giving Lucian's shoulders a soft pat before removing her hands. "Idealism must be tempered by wisdom. Your willingness to learn and consider does you much credit, darling. I am no great thinker myself, but I believe strongly in the virtue of your vision. If you should ever require my aid or strategy towards profitable change, I would be happy to lend it."
Feeling moved by the draconynh's passionate pure heart, Sylvari nodded, more for her own benefit than for Lucian's, seemingly deciding on something. She sank to one knee, placed a hand over her heart and bowed her head deeply, beginning to speak in an official, steady tone. "You have my oath, as a justiciar of the light, that should you end come before my own, I will continue on in this worthy mission in your stead. Take heart that your dream has hope of being realized even after you depart, for I and any disciples I gather will work towards this noble goal in your stead."
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Post by Lucian Lucifen on Jan 23, 2024 14:13:32 GMT -5
Lucian let out a quiet exhale of relief at her oath. He wasn't certain if she would outlive him, but her support and followers would certainly help in his endeavor. Honestly, he was very much alone when it came to his dream and the island. None of the nobles would support him, nor would they let the populace support him either. So, having some assistance made him feel a bit more assured in his goal.
"Thank you, Ms. Sylvari, I appreciate it," the draconynh spoke, his tone soft and genuine. It was clear he was moved by her words.
"Among that wisdom to learn, however, might be learning the best way to actually implement democracy into the system." He added, a small smile on his face.
After all, although he does want the common folk to have a say in the government, he wasn't sure how to best approach it. Letting the populace choose on every single decision that must be made might be... overwhelming. But having them vote for representatives may also be disastrous, considering there were nobles who would easily take advantage of their position of power. At the very least, he wanted the commoners' insight on different issues, and what they believe should be done about it.
"However, that will be something for me to figure out once I've had the opportunity to observe the governments of multiple lands."
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Jan 23, 2024 14:29:19 GMT -5
Sylvari rose from her position with a smile. "Yet more intelligence beyond your years, dear. Collective wisdom of the ages is greater than any one person, however clever. I think your idea to gauge the efficacy of the various political systems is a good one. You may even find others allies, ideally more politically inclined than I am, to aid you in your endeavor. Very often, attendants of the path of virtue will lend their assistance to struggling brothers and sisters..."
Sylvari trailed off, her thoughts almost by necessity going towards her family, roaming somewhere on these very islands. As much as could be expected from a people dedicated to a common ideal of justice could be, every justiciar had equal weight of opinion on any issue that faced the tribe. Her people were almost certainly a smaller band than those of Lucian's homeland, but if a proof of concept and advice were really what he was after...
The vampiress sighed, moving to a nearby cabinet, very near the door, and returning with a small amulet depicting a hammer in front of merchant scales. She held the necklace out to the draconynh as she began to speak. "If you truly mean to survey all available avenues, you'll want to seek out the People, after your visit to Starlight City. They're nomadic, but confined to the Isles, so it shouldn't be too difficult to locate them, especially if you speak with some of the smaller villages further inland. Find a man named Alderon Dawnsage, present this amulet, and he will be bound to answer any questions you may have."
Though her eyes were concealed, an exceptionally perceptive eye would see the slightest quivering in the justiciar's lips as she spoke.
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Post by Lucian Lucifen on Jan 24, 2024 12:10:42 GMT -5
Lucian gently took the amulet in his claws, being careful not to damage it at all. "Thank you, I'll be sure to seek them out afterwards." He spoke, a small smile on his face.
The draconynh moved the amulet into his bag, making sure to put it somewhere secure as to prevent it from getting lost or broken while in there. It seemed rather important to Sylvari, so he didn't want to risk the condition of the amulet. He planned on returning it after finding the People, after all, and so he wanted to keep it in tip top shape.
It seemed like that was the end of that particular conversation topic, but Lucian at least wanted to at least ask some questions about Sylvari for the sake of at least being able to understand her better.
"So, then, this may seem an odd question to ask, but what do you typically do?" He asked. "As in, what's your typical job or role? We've been discussing so much of my own ambitions that it seems only fair for you to talk about yours. Whether that be your own goals, or even just some of your hobbies."
His gold eyes were focused on her expectantly, waiting for a response. The fins on his face were poised to listen.
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Jan 24, 2024 12:25:25 GMT -5
Sylvari stifled a small giggle at Lucian's question. Her lips danced with mirth as she began to speak. "Apologies, my dear. I was caught off guard by your endearing phrasing of the question. In truth, my job and role are somewhat distinct, though they are fulfilled simultaneously. As to what brings me Solars enough to live, I am an adventurer of sorts, combatting monsters and protecting people, whether it be from beasts, natural disasters, or even each other.
"My purpose, or role, as you have put it, is more sweeping in scope and more difficult to secure. I am a justiciar. It is my holy vow to bring the light of the gods, of justice and goodness, to the far corners of the world. To this end, I am a warrior, a scholar, a judge, and an executioner. Those under my care know they can bring to me matters of import, and I will toil tirelessly towards just resolution."
Sylvari's impish smile remained, despite her grandiose speech, as she continued. "I'm afraid I'm rather boring as far as hobbies go. Bit of a workaholic, I must admit. Sometimes I enjoy stargazing as I travel." The vampiress' smirk eased into a soft smile.
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Post by Lucian Lucifen on Jan 25, 2024 12:11:04 GMT -5
"Ah, I see!" Lucian replied, his golden eyes practically shining with interest at her words.
So she's an adventurer, then. She must have traveled quite a bit over the course of her time. But perhaps that could be an avenue he could use to possibly earn solars while on the Isle. He didn't exactly... bring that much money with him. In theory, he could summon more solars from the treasury at home, but he'd feel rather guilty about that. It isn't completely his money, after all, it's his family's. And what if they need the funds to support the common people? He'd just have to figure out another way to make money, and adventuring and fighting monsters could help with that.
...Well, that is, if he turns out to be any good at fighting monsters. He might not be, as he wasn't exactly skilled when it came to combat. He had only learned recently how to throw knives, and, even then, he's more of an amateur at the skill. He did have his magic, though, but even then, he just had a few spells. Only one of them was helpful in combat, while the other two were more designed for utility.
He turned his focus back to the conversation at hand, humming in thought.
"Well, what's your favorite thing about the stars, then?" He asked. "Since you said you like to stargaze sometimes."
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Jan 25, 2024 12:20:21 GMT -5
Sylvari smiled serenely as she answered Lucian's question. "I love looking up at the night sky and seeing how big and grand the universe is. It makes me feel insignificant, and I find that a comforting thought. For one with regrets such as I, it gives me hope that eventually any sins committed will be washed away with new life. The gentle balance of the cosmos will extend far beyond my passing, and in time, the pain wrought will fade."
Sylvari's voice faded to a more somber tone as she continued. "Take note, dear Lucian: we cannot know with perfect clarity the consequences of our actions. What we mean for good can turn against our wishes and perpetuate evil in the world. A certain amount is unavoidable, flawed mortals as we are, but we must carefully consider every move we make to limit our negative influence. Death is such a tempting prospect, when we bumble about poisoning the wells of others without meaning to. Only in the next life can we hope to live in perfect harmony with each other."
The justiciar's words were wistful, as if she never truly expected to die and pass on from this world, though she had a clear yearning to.
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Post by Lucian Lucifen on Jan 26, 2024 20:30:20 GMT -5
Lucian nodded, humming in thought as he took in her words. His tail slowly swished back and forth behind him in his seat as he did, though it was a more subconscious action as he was thinking.
"Well, you are certainly right that we must try our best to minimize what harm we might bring," the draconynh began. "But I don't see why waiting until we're dead would be the best idea to repair what sins we have in this life. Even if our actions end up doing more harm than good, it's still worth trying to put what good we can into the world. For example, I was adopted into a system that benefitted me and harmed others. Although it isn't exactly my fault, as I was a mere child when I was taken in, I still want to try my best to correct it."
"And, even then, we're just people in the end," he added. "We're going to make mistakes, we're going to mess up. And that's okay. We can't expect to be perfect beings like the gods are. All we can do is try our best to be good people. And, sometimes, that's enough."
He smiled gently, warmth practically radiating from him.
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Jan 29, 2024 10:58:53 GMT -5
Sylvari gave her new friend a sad little smile. He is young. It would be a shame to take away such innocence. Such purity needs to be protected in the world. The justiciar sat silent for a few moments, debating how to proceed. She didn't want to seem patronizing, but neither did she wholly agree with Lucian's assessment. Continued intervention could indeed cause more harm than good, as her own experience had borne out. Of course, it was unlikely that Lucian was cursed as she was. It was unlikely that he had killed loved ones. Some scars never healed.
In the end, the vampiress merely decided on doling out hope. "It is my sincere wish that you are able to put right all that you see is wrong in this world. I pray you are never faced with choosing between miseries as is so often the case in this world."
Sylvari craned her neck to look at the dark clouds presaging rain forming outside. She gave a small sigh and favored Lucian with a warm smile. "It looks like there's a storm brewing. Further travel will be at best uncomfortable and at worst impossible. You are more than welcome to rest here for the eve."
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Post by Lucian Lucifen on Jan 29, 2024 23:50:47 GMT -5
The draconynh looked out the window at the storm brewing outside, his fins moving a little in response. He turned back towards Sylvari.
"Are you sure it's alright for me to stay here until the storm passes?" Lucian asked, uncertainty in his voice. "I wouldn't want to be a bother."
Yes, she had offered, but he didn't really want to impose on her. He was a more aquatic variant of draconynh, so he could potentially brave the storm on his own. His body was built to brave the water and the strong winds. However, his clothes would likely get soaked, and then he'd have to figure out how to best dry them. And he wasn't sure if his temporary residence had access to any flame to hold his clothes over. At least he had figured out how to summon replacement clothing from his home island, but even then, he'd rather not have a perfectly good set of clothes be ruined.
"I could travel in the storm if need be. It wouldn't be a pleasant time, no, but still it's certainly a possibility if it comes to it." He assured.
In the end, it would come down to Sylvari's comfort and preference. He didn't mind leaving if need be.
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Jan 30, 2024 11:00:26 GMT -5
The unthinkable solution was brushed aside dismissively with a wave of Sylvari's hand. "Come now, Lucian dear. Please do not speak such nonsense. It would be the height of cruelty and poor hosting to send you out into a squall such as this when you've been nothing but a pleasant guest. Besides, with Rena gone away to work on her own home, this large house feels even emptier. Feels more like a crypt than a home..."
Sylvari's words trailed off, barely audible, as she seemed to become lost in thought for a moment. Suddenly, she brightened and looked back at the draconynh. "I have plenty of guest rooms available. Thanks to Rena's assistance, I even have tasteful furniture to adorn them with for your benefit. You may have your pick of lodgings, though I suspect I may have just the one."
With a smirk and a quick twirl, Sylvari began striding purposely down a nearby grandiose corridor, not stopping to check, but obviously expecting Lucian to follow. She showed him several available guest rooms, ranging from the mundane, in rooms one might expect to find at a fine inn in human society, to the fantastical, entire spaces dedicated to certain themings, whether it be a lush room filled with plants and floating lights, to emulate the nights of Moonglade, to a warm expanse in the vein of the Zeinav Desert.
Finally, Sylvari opened the final door with a smile. The room within was awash with a gentle blue glow, flickering lantern lights simulating waves upon the walls. The room was adorned with nautical decorations, and the soft sounds of the sea could be heard faintly, coming from somewhere indiscernible. The crown jewel, however, was a small magical box, set upon the dresser, which cast an illusion of schooling fish, gently swimming on the ceiling.
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