Moontalk (Moore, 85 days left)

[Anastasia]

"How did I what?" Cresiel asks as you walk along the beach towards the path. "Nor do I. I do not pretend to understand how the holy mountain works, though I have some grasp of its methods and motives. One must begin with the central fact: Mount Celestial beckons all to reach Chronias. Everything it does is surely to that end."

[Nephrite]

"You must be good at reading my puzzled looks." Moore says with a laugh.

He glances back to Mei and thinks for a minute. He snaps his fingers as he seems to get an idea.

He points up to the top of the Mountain and makes a motion like slow waves with a prayer at the end. Then he holds up three fingers and looks at her with a questioning face as he continues to go up, but he keeps an eye on her for her response.

[Anastasia]

"I do not follow. You spoke aloud about the paths forming of nothing," Cresiel says, pausing in his walk to turn to you. "Were you not aware?"

Mei merely nods at that and follows.

[Nephrite]

"...I did?" He blinks. "I didn't... hmm."

He takes a breath. "...I think I get it. Wisdom has to be asked for to be received ... or something like that." He offers a smile and a shrug. "I'll have to be more careful about what I think I'm not saying, then."

[Anastasia]

"Ah. Then it is the will of Celestia," Cresiel agrees, "Yes, to learn wisdom begins with asking a question. It is a truism I was first taught a long time ago, and it is a vital one to remember. We cannot climb the mountain alone. None of us are that strong and free of sin's stain."

[Nephrite]

Moore laughs quietly. "It makes sense. I'm always thankful that it's willing to share wisdom with me whenever I am here."

[Anastasia]

"Then you'll surely make it to Chronias one day," Cresiel says gravely, "For listening is one of the most important parts of learning."

[Nephrite]

"One day." Moore agrees with a bit more mirth. "But that's... a while from now, I think." He says with a smile and a look back at Mei. He ponders for a moment again and then he points at the ground and holds up one finger and points at Mei with what he hopes is an obviously questioning expression.

[Anastasia]

Mei smiles, holds her hands to her chest and continues to walk.

Make a Spot check, Moore.

[Nephrite]

Take 10 for 63.

[Anastasia]

You walk up - and soon you see a side path branch off, sloping sharply upwards and away from your current path.

[Nephrite]

"One of these days when I have time to idle about I'd like to see if Hindsight even works here. Probably not." Moore says as he diverts to go up the path. "Well, unless there's wisdom in seeing the paths traveled by those before, I suppose."

[Anastasia]

"Of course," Cresiel says, "This path may take us directly to Mercuria. It seems in this case, Mount Celestia wishes for us to have haste."

[Nephrite]

"I was honestly reticent to even come here to find Jetina." Moore admits. "I figured when the mountain decided she was ready, she'd return to us. Although... this is making assumptions about what we're being led to."

[Anastasia]

Mei steps forward, taps a finger on your chest and then points to the path ahead.

"Perhaps so," Cresiel says, "Perhaps so."