Glorious Home

[Anastasia]

A simple nod at that, "You're correct. Do you know why?" Xandra asks.

[Nephrite]

Were all the people he met that day Authorities...?

It might make some sense if that was the case...


"Hmm... I'd imagine it's because... well, besides Bahamut being up here and aligned with Celestia... it probably has something to do with dragon pride. The pride of a dragon wouldn't allow it to be chained into something like Hell's system. Even a dragon that did align with the ideals and archetypes of Hell... I think that it wouldn't work. Their pride would never allow them to take orders from someone just because of their 'stature.'" Moore reasons.

"Meanwhile, here... it has nothing to do with pride, nor stature, it's simply... doing the right thing. I don't know how an Authority is created, but I imagine it has less to do with the desire of the individual to become one and more... what they're good at, how they do it. Like...  I could probably be the Authority of Music or Inspiration someday -- it wouldn't be because I pursued being an Authority, it'd be because I did it so well as part of my life." He says, then offers a small shrug. "At least that's how I see it."

[Anastasia]

"You're right about the motivation," Xandra remarks, gaze locked on Chronias. "But that wasn't the point I was driving at. The Voice once taught posed that very question to me. After a long time I discovered the answer. Should a creature beyond Hell's devil order become a Duke of Hell, they are made into a devil. Yet not all Authorities are archons or even angels."

A pause to ponder the light above, "Hell crushes everything under its chains. Celestia...you are here as you are, are you not? It is a lesson I have long pondered, especially as all who come here are called to Chronias and the same ultimate holiness."

[Nephrite]

"Oh, I see. Is that why everyone liberated from Hell seems to turn into something else?" Moore asks. "You're right, too, no one's ever asked or expected me to change my viewpoints here -- everyone has their own opinion and... well, maybe I don't think the exact same way archons or others do with regards to the finality of Chronias... that doesn't mean I can't still follow the basic ideals that the Mountain represents."

[Anastasia]

"In the end, we all find Chronias and the truth," Xandra remarks, "We all come to find the truth and recant our errors - at our own pace, and at our own time," Xandra says, voice almost a sing-song. "But Chronias loves us. Zaphkiel loves us. They accept us, different shapes and flaws, weaknesses and strengths all. It is said we are all works in progress until the day we pass into Chronias, Moore."

[Nephrite]

"I'm going to ask you a question that may sound entirely sacrilegious." Moore says with a small smile. "What if you pass through the Bridge and into Chronias, and what's waiting on the other side isn't what you expected? What if it's... I don't know, what if it's Queen Morwel's dream, mixed with the light and hope of Celestia, all swirling around like clockwork from Mechanus? I don't mean to cast doubt or uncertainty into Chronias, or try and suggest I know any better than anyone else." He says with a hopefully reassuring add of his hands. "I'd just like to hear your opinion."

[Anastasia]

Laughter. A warm laugh, one that washes away your worries and brings a sense of relaxed contentment. "I have faith, Moore. I do not understand Chronias yet, nor will I until that day I pass to it. But no matter what is there, I have faith it is worth it, and whatever I find there, it will be right and it will be everything I have hoped for and so much more. So if it is something unexpected...then so be it. I have faith it will be what is right. What is truly right beyond my limited understanding."

[Nephrite]

Moore smiles and nods. "I think that's the right attitude to have. It's hard to be so sure of something you can't have any way of being sure of." Moore says with a knowing nod. "I don't know that I'll ever know who or what that voice is, but... it's never steered me wrong, so... I'm willing to trust that whatever it is, it's part of the life I choose to lead now."

[Anastasia]

"Have faith," Xandra murmurs, "I believe I understand now. There is still so much you have to teach me."

At that moment, you feel a jolt. A connection between yourself and Xandra, a sense of strength and resonation from within her to you.

Congratulations, you completed a node goal by answering wisely and getting a conversation done.

Post that you read it in your next post.

[Nephrite]

I read it but I don't understand what it means.

[Anastasia]

Elaborate? What part don't you understand?

[Nephrite]

Xandra: Item Strengthening (____; <-- that part

[Anastasia]

Check her sheet, that's one of her items.

[Nephrite]

Oh, I'm dumb. Okay. So read and so understood.

[Anastasia]

Awesome. Go ahead and react to the IC happening, then.