Moore around Aurora (Moore; 84 days left)

[Anastasia]

"Alicia," Velasca growls, "Not everyone has a neophyte goddess to save them."

[Nephrite]

"Who do you think is going to be the one who lifts you up from the depths?" Moore asks. "You asked how you protect yourself? Think about it -- you protect yourself because you'll have faith and freedom. You can think for yourself and challenge your beliefs without living in fear of repercussions. It may not be Alicia -- it might be Ilmater. It might even be Raziel, who knows? The point is, you won't have to worry about 'protecting' yourself from anything. If Hell decides to come after you... well, you know what? If they come after you in a thousand years, I bet you Aurora will still be around. Wouldn't that be a rather amusing excursion for some up-and-coming devil assassin?"

[Anastasia]

"Hell is not the ones I'm worried about, the weaklings," Velasca spits, "Even if Raziel gives me mercy, Ilmater or Selune will not. For everyone one I silence, ten others will be ready to strike me down."

[Nephrite]

"That isn't how atonement works, Velasca." Moore says, a small smile creeping onto his face. "When you repent for your actions, you aren't going to be punished forever by other deities because of the crimes you committed. Now... that doesn't mean they're just going to forgive and forget, either, so you WILL have to answer for those crimes... but it isn't in a way I think you're familiar with."

[Anastasia]

"What is to stop a single avenger?" Velasca says, rather sourly. "It hardly matters which side I'm on if I die."

"Moore," Ebony speaks up, "Forgiveness is not about escaping punishment. That's not what atonement and salvation are about at all. I don't think she understands that."

[Nephrite]

"I'm not sure how to teach you what forgiveness is..." Moore says, then he takes a breath. "Velasca, let me try and explain, though I understand indoctrination is probably the root cause here... not everyone swears vengeance and hatred on those who wrong them. Of course, you have people who are misguided... in times like that, you try and make them understand. Everything isn't as black and white, truly. I mean, we're here and talking, right?"

[Anastasia]

Velasca is silent after all of that, no immediate reply.

[Nephrite]

Moore just smiles. "I know it's a lot to think about, having Creation called into question. Just think about it, okay? We'll come back to talk more." He turns and nods to Ebony, as if that's their cue.

[Anastasia]

Locking this in preparation for Gar-Malleos.