Ahead lies the great light that...

[Anastasia]

A moment of white.

Water?

No.

You stand in a room with walls of glass, or perhaps some kind of crystal or glassteel. Regardless, you can see light-lit waters all around you. In this room sits Erathaol on a throne, his gaze out at the waters beyond. An array of colorful fish swim by just outside as he takes it all in, silent until the portal closes. "It seems that you have come far, Moore, Cresiel. The purposes of Chronias lie heavy on you now."

[Nephrite]

Moore nods.

We have all been shown things I never expected. I admit a great deal of anxiety as to how to best proceed... or even where to start.

[Anastasia]

"As have I," Cresiel agrees.

"Come and join me," Erathaol invites, "Create a seat and rest. Do so for Cresiel as well, Moore."

[Nephrite]

I assume Erathaol did not, in fact, just turn into Barachiel

Moore takes a breath. It should just be like using the Words, right? He attempts to create two seats with a small cushion using his divine will!

Assuming that works he will then sit!

[Anastasia]

Sorry, been one of those days.

It works. It's flexing that new limb again, seats there with there mere exertion of will.

Once you've sat, "You have questions," Erathaol says, not phrasing it as a question at all.

[Nephrite]

Moore nods.

Yes. I imagine for most this is a bit more... gradual. I feel as if we are thrust onto a stage with no script, so any specific steps would be appreciated. I do not wish to make my opening act one filled with gaffes.

I suppose my first question is... how do we even start this?

[Anastasia]

"I don't know where to begin," Cresiel agrees, "There are things I know of, but do not fully understand, such as the Competition."

"There is much to talk about, but one question at a time," Erathaol concurs calmly, "Tell me Moore, what drives a mortal to worship a greater being?"

[Nephrite]

Moore considers for a moment. "Faith, but the faith comes from them wanting a prayer answered, which rises from mortals having a need."

[Anastasia]

"A need," Erathaol goes from that, "We fulfill them and show them something profound, something more than them. Something worth fighting for and dying for. Thus, you have inspire others to follow you. For that you will need dogma, holy books, lessons, teachings and an entire church to encapsulate it all."

[Nephrite]

Moore nods. "I have an easy place to start in Lifasa with that, but..." Here he hesitates. "I don't wish to steal followers from anyone else I consider allies. I suppose I'm not sure where else to go, or if I simply have to let it spread from there."

[Anastasia]

"Then ask your allies for help," Erathaol says, "Divine politics thrive on favors and understandings. A certain amount of debt there when you begin is unavoidable." Here he goes on, "It is merely another way we vie for our strengths to prove strong and triumph in the Competition."

[Nephrite]

Moore nods. "All right. Should I make a pilgrimage to friendly deities?" 

[Anastasia]

"It is a fine idea to begin with," Erathaol agrees, "A surplus of advice reaps a large harvest of wisdom."

[Nephrite]

Moore nods. "All right. I'll speak to the various allies of Lifasa then as a starting point."

He turns to Cresiel. "You are obviously welcome to come."

[Anastasia]

Silent until now, Cresiel states, "I will come," he agrees, "There's much to be learned by listening."

"Sealtiel would approve," Erathaol agrees, a ghost of a smile on his face. "One could say he even listens too much."