Glorious Home

[Nephrite]

"No." Moore says. "Do people actually answer 'yes' to that question?"

[Anastasia]

"On occasion." Cresiel's lips twitch upwards, "Invariably by fools or those trying to subvert the old truisms that come of the discussion. No, we are not at war - but nor do we agree on many important things. There can be disagreements deep and vital between us without bloodshed, but do not lose sight of those disagreements. Peace does not mean perfect harmony or freedom from any conflict at all."

[Nephrite]

"I think having a unified goal helps avoid any strong disagreements on how to get there, for better or for worse." Moore says. "I know the main difference between Arborea and Celestia is about... mm.. I suppose it's a question of following a road or paving a road yourself, right?"

He shifts in his seat for a moment. "I think, at least in my opinion... I don't think everyone can be happy with any end that involves someone else's dream. And not everyone will see the wisdom of Celestia. I suppose those sorts of questions aren't really that important for right now, are they?" He sighs. "One day, I suppose, it's a conversation we'll have to have."

[Anastasia]

"Allow me a question, then," Cresiel taps his chest. "Tell me, Moore. Answer me this truthfully: When the heart wants something and what is right wants another, how shall you choose? What of when the heart wants something sinful, something dark, something evil. What of when the heart is greedy, the self is petty and the flesh is insatiable? Can one trust yourself to find the way, even when the greatest of us are not free of evil's temptations?"

[Nephrite]

"I wasn't prepared to have a theology discussion here." Moore says with a grin. "I think that depends on the person. If you're asking me? You have to find a way to get as close to what your heart wants as well as what's right. Even if that means finding another way to get there." He smiles. "I can only say that I understand the general idea of your questioning."

[Anastasia]

Cresiel sits back, "To distill the point of this: I believe those of Arborea would rely on the self to determine what is good, flaws and all. A path that ultimately cannot be right, as a flawed vessel will inevitably leak. Or one can look to the only perfect thing in Creation, the only thing beyond the stain of evil. That is why I look towards Chronias every morning, because only in that can we find something that can withstand and overcome all of our weaknesses. Only in giving ourselves to it can we overcome our own weaknesses."

After that Cresiel leans forward, gaze intent on you. "Arborea is about the self, taken to the best conclusion possible from the flawed self. Celestia is about something beyond the self, taken to the only perfect conclusion. It is the heart of the disagreement between Celestia and Arborea. All else is window dressing compared to this profound point. In the end, does one chose themselves or something else greater than them?"

[Nephrite]

Moore nods.

"I know what you mean. At the same time, I've relied on what *I* think is right so far and it's worked out pretty well for me. Is there room for improvement? Sure, of course there is." Moore says with a smile. "I understand your devotion to the perfection of Chronias and I respect your viewpoint. If I thought about it long enough I'm sure I could give you a quote from Erathaol that helps support the idea that people have to find themselves before they can find anything else, or something like that.

He leans back to consider for a moment.

Actually, can I do a K:R check for a quote from Erathaol or someone else relevant? He's looking for something along the lines of 'one has to find perfection inside before seeking it outside' or something like that. Love yourself before loving someone else, etc.

[Anastasia]

Sure, make one.

[Nephrite]

Take 10 for 107, using 15 Greater Improv points.

[Anastasia]

The best idea you can come up with is Pistis Sophia. She discusses mastering the self and self perfection as one rises higher towards Chronias.

[Nephrite]

"One could argue that before you can consider following the perfection of Chronias, you should look to yourself and improve it. Isn't that one of the tenets of Pistis Sophia? You improve yourself first and climb towards Chronias?" Moore asks.

"What I mean to say, is that you have to follow yourself and improve it before you can consider following the wisdom of an outside force. In that regard, I think both Arborea's way and Celestia's way lead to a more wholesome individual." Moore says.

[Anastasia]

"I don't disagree with the essence of that," Cresiel, "But to one who follows Celestia, improvement from within is molded from what is outside, guided."

[Nephrite]

"Well, then we can agree on a few points, at least." Moore says with a smile. "I'm sure there'll come a time where I have to choose between following the outside path and following what my heart says is good. I hope when the time comes that those around me will offer their opinions so we can move forward."

[Anastasia]

"In that you will have my support," Cresiel, "One must walk the path to Chronias alone, but one need not be solitary in this labor."

[Nephrite]

Moore smiles. "I don't know where the journey will take me, but I'm glad to have support on the way there."