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Post by Diocles on Mar 1, 2021 1:01:08 GMT
"If the Akar were to get back into politics, they would have to rule absolutely." This not a question, just an observation.
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Post by Sir Roland Desprez on Mar 1, 2021 1:08:44 GMT
"I understand how service to Nistaran through the temples fulfills this mission but I have a hard time seeing the connection between serving Nistaron and caretaking of Nirrion as a whole. Surely so much happens in Nirrion that is not influenced by Nistaran. Do you see your service as gently wooing the city to the worship of Nistaran?"
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Post by Storyteller on Mar 1, 2021 1:20:27 GMT
"Our role is firstly to serve Nistaran ourselves," says the Magister. His words are even and measured, and he does not take time to ponder before answering. It is almost as though these questions are ones that have been considered and answered already in his mind, long before this.
"Nistaran's first interaction with men is individually. The sun shines on a man, and a man builds a city. Even Nirrion herself was preceded by the Skenje who built her. So our first duty is to obey him personally and directly. There is little that occurs in Nirrion of which we are unaware, for is not Nistaran's unblinking eye over us all? So we act as we may, giving direction to those who ask. But Nistaran does not woo. His not Galadrin seeking Alaxton in the hearts of men. Nistaran makes his offer, as to Abrexa, and the response is instant obedience, or it is not. If it is not, it it is not for the God of Justice to plead." He tilts his head a little. "Do you understand, Sir Danal? Or shall I elaborate further?"
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Post by Sir Roland Desprez on Mar 1, 2021 2:32:17 GMT
"I think I understand but if there is more, please speak on. I am very interested."
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Post by Storyteller on Mar 1, 2021 2:40:13 GMT
Judal shakes his head. "There is no need, I think. You have other guests besides myself." He gestures to Caoimhghin and Anak-Sa'ir. "Would you not hear their thoughts as well? Their political systems are different from ours. Can we not learn from them?"
And you notice at this point that his hands are still bound around the palms.
(For Caoimhghin and Anak-Sa'ir, it has not been noticeable before now, due to the Magister's flowing toga, but his hands are bound tightly around the palms, as though they had been injured.)
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Post by Sir Roland Desprez on Mar 1, 2021 2:41:19 GMT
"Of course Magister. It is always good to learn from those different from ourselves. Anak Sa'ir, how is your land governed?"
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Post by Diocles on Mar 1, 2021 2:43:33 GMT
"Magister, you're wounded. I know something of the healing arts."
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Post by Storyteller on Mar 1, 2021 2:57:41 GMT
The Magister says, quietly as an aside in answer to Caoimhghin, "I would be grateful, Caoimhghin of Elunia. Perhaps in between this bath and the next you could see the injuries and determine if they are within your skill."
Then he pauses to see if Anak-Sa'ir responds to Danal's question.
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Post by Diocles on Mar 1, 2021 2:58:48 GMT
When the moment is right, I take Judal into a side room where no one is present, and there I take his hands in mine, palms up.
[3,4,10,8,7 three]
"It's nice to be able to work with people who aren't Sleepers."
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Post by Storyteller on Mar 1, 2021 3:09:19 GMT
The wounds close over, and Magister Judal presses your hands.
"Thank you," he says. "I am grateful. And I can well understand what it must be not to be able to share your true nature with those around you. It is a heavy burden to bear, and yet you carry it lightly."
Then the slaves usher the lot of you to the next bath, the soapy one. There is less time here for conversation, so until you are all lying on your bellies, on long, cushioned tables, with oils being poured over you for massage, there is no time to speak.
Once the massages begin, however, there is time again to chat and get to know one another.
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Nobody
Alexios Group
Posts: 1,409
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Post by Nobody on Mar 1, 2021 5:15:25 GMT
"To your question, Sir Danal, our people are ruled by hereditary monarchy, aided in part by a nobility. Our nobles, as well as our king, lead in war, rather than direct it from afar. Our current king, Menkara (Honor to his Name), is a descendant of King Shak-amen (may Galadrin bear him upon all waters), who ruled during the Great Darkness. The Nightfall, as some call it."
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Post by Storyteller on Mar 1, 2021 5:17:10 GMT
"Is it true," asks Magister Judal, "that the Zenji King wears his crown only so long as he can wield his sword?"
How well-educated he must be to be able even to ask the question! You've never heard anyone not Zenji bring it up.
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Nobody
Alexios Group
Posts: 1,409
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Post by Nobody on Mar 1, 2021 6:11:36 GMT
I raise my eyebrows, visibly impressed.
"It is indeed true. Our people believe that rulers must be men of action as well as men of thought, and a man unfit for one should not be tasked with the other when it comes to governance. And our way has served us well for many generations."
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Post by Storyteller on Mar 1, 2021 6:15:34 GMT
"It is a noble way," says the Magister. "For it gives the crown to one in the peak of his powers, while his paterfamilias--forgive me, his father. I do not think Zenji make the same distinction?--his father is still able to give him counsel."
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Post by Diocles on Mar 1, 2021 6:18:12 GMT
"Sounds like the Akar Clan, what with one being a Magister, the other being Chief Priest, and the eldest being Chief Augur. A kind of priestly monarchy where the man in his prime rules."
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