Of Mice and Drow-Men

Of Mice and Drow-Men
Date of Scene:	05 January 2013
Location:	Mullonde
Synopsis:	Faruja and Count Valos discuss philosophy. Heresy is bordered on.
Cast of Characters:	Faruja Senra, Count Valos

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Count Valos has posed
The Count was a man on a mission, but his success was yet to be seen, for thus far, he'd acquainted only with failure, finding no answers to his problems. Yes.... he could do to others no different than he'd done to himself, but that was not enough. Gidarch coveted the art of permanent permineralization, which would allow him to change entities into stone on a virtually irrevocable level.

One could ask why he'd concern himself with such an undertaking, when there were other means of 'removing' somebody from the playing field.... but his reasons for that were also yet to be known by any beyond himself, and perhaps, just perhaps.... the one he held dear to himself. Currently, Valos was perusing through the pages of a book, the one he was offered by Faruja, to be specific, and every so often, he clicked his tongue, sending out vibrations which returned to his person, notifying him of his atmosphere and any changes therein. Reserved as usual, he didn't meddle in anyone else's business unless he felt there was a justification for any intrusion; one that absolved him of any guilt for solicitation, and one that also bequeathed some form of profit.

Leafing through a text with an empty expression inscribed on his face, it was obvious to any passerby that he was neither impressed or disappointed by what he was reading, or mayhap that was just the impression he wished to publicly perpetuate....!

Faruja Senra has posed:
The Count's efforts most likely would have been fairly effectively stymied. Such powerful, dangerous magic would be guarded fiercely by the Church against outsiders, and with tell of someone seeking permanent petrification? Access to the libraries, particularly for those of dark elvish heritage, would be difficult to gain. Indeed, any elven sort asking about petrification beyond the immediate means of curing it gets a rather quick and rough questioning by Templar guarding the libraries. Hopefully the Count wasn't so open.

On patrol, after a rather important meeting with a superior, the Burmecian spies the Count. Walking closer, one wouldn't need senses to hear the clank of armor; not that it's rare in Mullonde, as the Templar make themselves very openly known here.

He gently clears his throat, politely alerting the man to his presence. A smile fills his muzzle, and he offers a bow to the man. It's a bow of an equal; indeed, here, a Templar may as well be nobility, or greater. "Ahh, Lord bless you, Count Valos. Forgive my interruption, but it pleases me to see you perusing the good book. Your inquiries into the Church's teachings have served you well?"

Count Valos has posed
Toying with the idea of reading on the topic of permanent stoning wasn't something Count Valos was too adamant about; and if he did ask, he wouldn't have specified that he sought it for his own sake, or that he intended to 'learn' the skills, as though merely entertaining the notion that such powers existed. But whatever the case may have been, the dark one covered his tracks well enough that he suspected naught could be pinned on him, unless someone planned to be exceptionally bold and venture out on a limb.

Today, no articles on his person are visibly displaying any sign of petrification or any pertinent studies of said subject; he was starting to become more cautious now that he's been getting cold reactions from those he sought for information related to petrification beyond the norm. Even though Faruja bows to Gidarch, the drow simply nods his head in response- a typical gesture on his part signifying acknowledgement, not one showing admiration or implying disdain, his feelings towards Faruja appear to be neutral.

"Whatever power has guided me here, whether through your word or inspiration of my mind, I have managed to stay alive. Maybe if I had been elsewhere, at this very moment, by attempting to defy fate, I would have been struck down by some tragic mishap..... thus, one could say that my inquiries into your establishment have served me, enough to the extent that they have kept me alive. For now, existing is what is on my agenda, and I foresee this being the extent of what I shall ever desire." For those who are good at detecting fallacy or otherwise, there is no trace of dishonesty in how he speaks, or behaves physically, while making the statements he makes. ".....And how have they served you?" The Count retorts.

Faruja Senra has posed
"And what greater gift from the Lord is there than yet another day of living, to spend it as we best see fit? In these dark times, to remain amongst the living, able to fight the evil that plagues the many worlds, is a blessing indeed."

Still, a brow rises at his desires. The ratling stands, having not been invited to sit. "...'Tis all? To continue to exist, on the whole, is a necessary goal...excepting when one's death can be a service to the greater good. But certainly you have some greater calling? Some dream, some desire? Nay, nay...no need to speak it if you do not desire it. But all but the most meager of means put their life to some task."

Continuing, the rat flicks his tail, the question earning Valos a small smile. "Life, honor, the power to do true good in the world...the Lord drew me here, showed me true Faith, and has taught me many lessons held within that book. I would not be the nezumi I am today without it. Nay. I would be little more than a smoking corpse."

Count Valos has posed
Gidarch's ears flick for a moment, being capable of movement, unlike most, but not all humans, at the question of what is a superior wish to that of living, at which point he remarks, "Having not been amongst the undead, or within the ranks of the fully deceased, I cannot fairly compare the alternatives' worthiness to that of living as a positively charged organism.... I can only account for what seems manageable, and if what I have is not yet inadequate, then I see nary a cause to derail my current course."

The Count shrugs, not inviting Faruja to sit or demanding he continue to stand, while it is true that in most human civilization the custom is to ask permission before seating oneself next to another, the drow sees the delivery of an invitation as an indicator of his rights to refuse it, and this is hardly his property with which to deny one access to respite upon said architecture; additionally, as Valos knows Faruja holds greater authority in this realm, if anyone is accredited enough to demand a change of placement of persons, it is surely the Burmecian, not himself! But one thing does strike him as odd, the fact that Faruja refrains from adopting a more comfortable station, so he inquires, "Do you enjoy standing there, out of curiosity?" Truly, it is a dispassionate query, what Faruja thinks in and of itself is irrelevant; what he chooses to do based on his thoughts are the implication a man conflicted, or one experiencing homeostasis. The Count somehow gets the sense that Faruja is not at full ease, and again.... curiosity compels him to question if Faruja is being honest with himself- if he can't be honest with even himself, how can Gidarch trust that the rat doesn't have ulterior motives when it comes to engaging others?

"This tome is filled with both riddle and rhyme, some which I have deciphered and found useful, while some I have not. But much of the world since my arrival here has had insufficient impact to change me in a substantial way, so I can not say the lessons of your spiritual readings have fashioned me into the one whom I am, on this day..... as far as I can tell. And...." He nods at Faruja, "....I can assure you, for me, all that I do is a means to an end, and the end is simply to experience existence in this current form, until such time comes that it is time to assume a new guise. Anything other than existing in this shape or another are but secondary, and tertiary goals acting as springboards for the primal ambition I have inflicted upon myself....." A very minute upturning of one end of his lips can be seen, but that's the maximum potency of expression distinguishable on his face.....

Faruja Senra has posed
Faruja gives a vague nod of the head, the ratling not quite able to refute the elf's logic there. As for the matter of seating? The Burmecian chuckles. He promptly sits. "Ahh, but I do stand on custom overmuch. 'Tis a Burmecian one, whereupon it is polite to ask before seating when coming upon another. But I forget myself, here, 'tis appropriate to sit as you may. Even now I have yet to fully adjust to human customs."

The ratling crosses his legs, and folds his arms, gauntleted claws linked together as he regards Valos. "Well, I can hardly expect it to work upon a soul quickly. All I ask is that you ponder the meaning of the lessons within. I am no Priest. But I shall pray they will serve you well in times of need." Faruja can be diplomatic when he wants to be.

Valos' last words get his attention, however. "'Assume a new guise.' What ever do you mean? Have you some desire to...manipulate...your current form?"

Count Valos has posted:
If there was one thing Gidarch was good with, it was logic.... which sometimes meant a bit of circumlocution was needed to articulate an idea to the utmost level of accuracy, and occasionally to the displeasure of others who are against verbosity, but shortcuts were something the drow saw as laziness, besides a liability when misunderstanding comes about as a result of lack of distinction!

Finally, the rat seats himself, and admits to a frailty of customary protocol comprehension, "I know not of many human customs, I simply attempt to adhere to a code of conduct befitting one who has abandoned convention for the sake of pragmatism. To say I have no vices would be a lie, because I still possess some personalized quirks, but someday I may be rid of them." The Count finally stashes the biblical text in his bag of books, closing it tightly with a metal clasp, before he turns to Faruja, "Have you ever been to the Coliseum? It is a short cry from Traverse Town, and the peoples native to its world of origin have some religious denominations of their own design.... and speak of gods of a place called Olympus. Know you of the legend of Baucis and Philemon? They were a husband and wife who thrived, until near the end of their days; their final wish requested of the gods was expressed in their desire to be transformed into a pair of intertwined trees. Neither could ever be parted from one another without both being deprived of their existence, as two trees that enveloped their respective selves...."

The dark one shrugs, "I have.... something similar in store for myself, and my mate, if I ever find her in this conflation of realities...." With that, he raises a brow, "This would be a comforting realization to those of my world.... other drows have a tendency to allow their proficiency in the dark arts to evolve until they carry the ability to become dark dragons, capable of destruction beyond compare.... power that even Baron itself would be hesitant to contend with, I wager."

Faruja Senra has posed
"None are without sin. I could say much the same, though I do not hold up the hope of completely ridding myself of them as much as I strive to do so. But better an impossible task whose failure leads to self -improvement, than an assured task with merely mediocre results." The rat responds, somewhat warming up to the man.

Still, Will's words echo in his mind. The mention of other religions, and that nearly-Heretical Coliseum has him scowling however. "...Unfortunately, yes, I have seen the place. Using Heartless for mere /games/. Disgusting." Thankfully, he spares Valos his thoughts on their religion. They should be obvious enough by now.

At least he listens to the story. "So, you wish to spend an eternity with your lover?" A pause. That, too, is borderline Heresy. But borderline, not outright, and so he can't quite call down the Inquisition's wrath on the elf. Still, he'll have to redouble his orders about restricted-text access.

"How exactly do you intend to do so, if I may ask?"

Count Valos has posed
Gidarch nods, "None are without sin, including the ones who set everything in motion from whence all sin could have ultimately spawned; I concur with your view. Those who create, are responsible for that which they make, for else are all precipitations of their subsequent actions absolved not a bit less, and no results can be held accountable if not can their instigators be held accountable... for all action comes about by willfulness, dependent upon some assertive force that is required to generate action. Change does not happen spontaneously; something, or someone, is always at the helm."

The Count seems content with his presumably rational answer, and then brings forth a set of dominos, but only ten of them in total. Waving a hand, his silver blocks of rectangular shape align themselves one after another, until they are in a straight row, manipulated by means of magnetic orchestration. Lifting his hand into the air, fingers outstretched, he looks skyward as if making a point, allowing an openness between himself and Faruja, so that both can take in their environment visually, "Observe....." He then tilts his head so that his focus rests on the dominos, "Assuming there is a void with but these dominos, and no other separate force that differs from said dominos, then the dominos are a separate, and individual entity from any other entity that might exist.... and in a void, there are no other entities, yes?"

Of course, in the case of Gidarch's dominos, they are all comprised of metal, and far too dense to be battered about by a plain gust of wind, which randomly circulate through the city's interior. "Let us assume there is an alternate power source, oppositional to the dominos, and not part of them... a greater power. If there /is/ a greater, alternate power that is not spawned by the dominos themselves, then the dominos can not be blamed for acting in accordance with the force acted upon them. But if the dominos themselves are as a whole, a collective of themselves plus a willful force, they are responsible for everything that comes from their way. But.... for the sake of the argument, let us say there is an alternate power source, one that can be discerned as not a fragment of the dominos themselves.... and let us say that is myself."

Reaching down, he nudges the first domino, causing a chain reaction, making all successive dominos topple over, until the last stands no longer. "No movement at first.... order. Then, as they all falter, chaos. But when all has reached its conclusion, it reaches equilibrium and all stops, reaching order once again." Waving a hand, all of them instantly stand up again, compelled by the power of magnetism, invoked by Gidarch, "As they are in the process of rising to standing position, also chaos.... arise... then the stillness.... fall... stillness... it continues like this. But whether there is calm or discord, it is /always/ by the will of the one who steers fate." Before elaborating on his own intended method of how he intends to spend eternity with his 'mate', he waits to see if Faruja has thoughts on his preceding sentiment.

Faruja Senra has posed
The entire demonstration is taken in silently, Faruja pondering it. It mirrors the Ajoran description of the world's creation, and eventual end. Periods of conflict, peace, always alternating. Slowly, the ratling nods.

"An interesting way of demonstrating the Lord's creation of the world...worlds. Conflict, and peace. Wars fought, won, lost. Politics, etc. All peoples are of both chaos and order. 'Tis a balance that must be struck, until Armageddon takes us all. For conflict creates strength, yet lessens prosperity. Peace increases prosperity, yet can lead to stagnation if the leaders of a civilization grow lax."

Count Valos has posed
Satisfied that he's convinced Faruja that nobody escapes blame, including 'the maker', Gidarch hopes that his argument sinks in over time, and that the Burmecian comes to realize that the dark elf was giving equal shares of guilt to all parties within the great development of all that was, and would be.

"Conflict is inherent in all things.... it never ends. It is merely a matter of with whom one conflicts. All action is based off of aggression, no motion comes about as a consequence of pure indifference, there must be drive.... there must be passion. It could be as piteous as being fueled to pick up a fork, and stab a leaf of lettuce after having wrenched it from the ground forcibly, or stabbing a person, thereby allowing them to take the lettuce that was in the victim's possession and then stabbing it, subsequently, so as to consume it. When you awaken, you lift your leg, and strain the muscles in your body, causing the blood to circulate more intensively.... thus necessitating you consume more organic matter such as lettuce, lest you allow yourself to wither. Inevitably, all action requires energy, and all energy comes at a price." From here, the dark one waves his hand, and the dominos flutter back into his pocket, where he stores them for later demonstrations, if needed.

"Conflict between more advanced organisms is just an expression of the greater intricacy levels within nature's chaotic mechanizations, but coral reefs are no less inclined to war with other aquatic organisms for the duration of their state of being; there is no cessation until the maestro calls for the orchestra to a halt. He begins it, he stops it. Some instruments are louder and more vibrant, while some are far less blatant..... They all still participate, nevertheless" Tapping his clawed fingers against the wall he sits upon, Faruja might notice that instead of hearing the sound of flesh colliding with stone, it resembles a heavier substance striking against stone..... if his memory serves him, he might also recall that on their last encounter, Gidarch had an especially firm, solid grip, stimulating further curiosity about the drow; or even perchance, reminding the Burmecian about his questions leading to the annunciation of confidentiality of certain texts; ones that refer to permanent petrification....? That is of course, provided that he can elicit enough information out of Valos to conclude that introducing the topic of petrification is a relevant one, to start with!

Faruja Senra has posed
The rat certainly wouldn't be so impious as to suggest that Faram is in any way imperfect! But overall the man's argument is interesting. He might use something similar on a heathen or two. It's filed away for later.

"A rather bloody example, but conflict /is/ rampant. The Lord moves all, yes. He inspires, and guides us, that we may use our gifts granted to us by Him, to walk the path He wishes us. Provided we do not fall from it." Free will, too, factors in after all. Most disasters and problems are the work of mortals.

An ear perks to the sound. Not particularly subtle, he simply speaks his mind. "My, my. It sounds of stone upon stone, rather than flesh. Would a statue instead of a tree more suit you and your mate?"

Count Valos has posed
Gidarch was actually so bold as to be implying that very point; that something which acts is something that must take responsibility; that which is neutral, that which doesn't make an impact, deserves no blame, for having not having had any hand in the outcome of any events as a result of what actions might've taken place. But he's not about to push the envelope further, partially because Faruja didn't actually verbally contest that his God is guilty.

Of course, there are also arguments that whatever set /that/ God in motion, is responsible for the God that his predecessor forged.... thus, adding the possibility for an infinity of willful entities or forces that could be responsible for the chain-reaction that encompasses the entirety of the macrocosm in which Gidarch, and Faruja thrive- an eternal trail, leading back to an undesignatable location or being, and ending with an undeterminable location or action. The drow believed he was just a simple chain within the endless link. "I am unsure how one can fall from grace if they were not originally handed an instruction manual, and left to fend for themselves....."

He shrugs, once more, suggesting that 'mortals' were not /entirely/ to blame for all that they did.... but by that logic, neither could they be accredited for their successes, thus disqualifying all action as a byproduct of those who carried out any given action or deed; and it'd be a darned good explanation for Count Valos' nihilistic outlook. "Your ears do you a service, then, for they hear what is the truth as we can so know it to be.", The Count responds, once Faruja makes his observation. "A statue might suit me more. It would offer me a chance at escape from contributing to the perpetually ongoing civil war of organic existence, without fully ceasing to exist. Energy still cycles through a petrified individual, but it is latent until the being in question is brought out of geo-stasis; an annulment of impact, without death... The most merciful way to continue life, and to continue letting other life to live. It is rare that I condone violence, after all. However.... it seems to me that in this universe, there are a vast majority who are not as deeply reluctant to engage in such.... savagery, as myself."

With this proclamation, Gidarch adorns a remotely contemptible look on his countenance

Faruja Senra has posed
All such arguments, of course, being utter Heresy. It's good that Valos isn't voicing them. Faruja /does/ respond to the mention of falling from grace. "Why, the 'instructions' are within our hearts and souls. So too is there the Holy Book. More than enough, provided people are exposed to it. Far too often they exposed to wrong ways of thinking, false religions, et cetera." Perhaps unsurprising for a Templar, his world view is rather cut and dry.

The ratling goes silent, decidedly neutral looking all of a sudden. It confirms his suspicions...though not quite in the manner Will had presented it. "Ahh, yes, violence. Very common. Sometimes necessary. But unfortunate. I suppose I am not one to talk, given my profession. But...personally, that sounds rather worse than death itself. I much prefer struggle and striving, myself." Conflict is where he's always thrived.

Count Valos has posed
The Count was hardly concerned with the label of Heretic, but since he'd yet to have a need to take the bull by the horns, he'd let sleeping dogs lie..... besides which, dogs of the church were very good at lying, so why bother trying to steer them towards the light? When hearing about the 'instructions' being the holy book, Gidarch's eyes droop a little, unimpressed, before he remarks, "So I suppose that the vast millions of worlds and their respective inhabitants who were not fortunate enough to come across the Holy Book have not been, and will not be able to enjoy, or have enjoyed a -completely- fulfilling life on account of not being born in just the right place, at just the right point in history.... Hmmm... It /almost/ sounds like someone did not plan accordingly when decidedly situating sentient life in a haphazard manner all across the massive expanse of the universe."

At this point, Gidarch would be rolling his eyes, but he's trained himself to abstain from being overly gestural when speaking, even if on occasion, some unconscious mannerisms evaded his well-trained inhibitory behavioral patterns. Faruja epitomized cut and dry, if anyone did. On the other hand, since Gidarch supposed that it only /almost/ seemed like -God's Plan- was flawed, instead of declaring it as an undeniable fact, he can easily dodge any direct accusations that come his way.... after all, if the drow is in doubt, that means he's not arguing with Faruja, he's allowing Faruja to prove him wrong, which means Valos is 'open' to the idea that he's wrong..... should the Burmecian yield substantial evidence to the contrary!

Poor, misguided Gidarch..... could Faruja -possibly- call him a heretic, when he's merely too naive to know the reality of God's greatness? "I think I would prefer to say 'almost never', instead of sometimes, as far as when violence is justified." The dark one mildly shudders a little bit, thinking about the lowborn nature of those who get 'down and dirty'. Scratching his chin as he lifts his head up, the nobleman tacks on something, "....Many forms of petrification are like being in a coma. Sometimes, but not always, a person can dream in this state. Those with darkness in their hearts turn their emotions inward, when left with but their own minds to contend with, and often experience suffering and fear."

The Count pauses, giving Faruja time to digest the first morsel, "The same goes for those with positive feelings and optimism in their hearts; those not consumed by negativity experience elation, because... again, the mind subjects itself to the very sentiments it produces, and has no other entity to turn it on but itself. Most people are a balance of good and evil, so most people have euphoric dreams and nightmares alike- those in proximity to neutrality will feel both, as well, but to lesser extremes. It isn't often people remember their dreams when stoned unless experienced in the art of petrified lucid dreaming..... But what a person feels on the inside of themselves, they bring upon themselves.... Karmic justice, one might call it." He grins... a true, and real grin; probably one of the first genuine smiles he's ever displayed before anyone, for most others have only seen him emit diluted ones, at best.

Faruja Senra has posed
Faruja frowns at the Count's words, obviously displeased. "Or all goes to a plan beyond mere mortals such as ourselves. It is the Church's duty, appointed to us by the Lord, to spread and educate those who have not received the Lord's light. I am no priest, I cannot speculate on the reasons." While a decent enough theologian, he knows when he's dealing with a better when it comes to discourse.

No accusations at least, of Heresy. Faruja shakes his head. "In these times, one must be quick with a blade. Heartless, and those who control them, are everywhere."

The rat himself certainly isn't afraid to get dirty. He patiently listens to the nobleman's explainations on petrification. "And what use is it to dream? To encapsulate oneself in such dire times? To have a dream is well and good, but one must work towards it. Eternal rest in paradise is a reward for those who havve passed on, a thing for the dead, and certainly not for the living. Whether a person dreams or suffers nightmares in such a state is immaterial." Count Valos has posed
Gidarch scratches his head, as though feigning confusion, "Hmm.... if all goes according to plan beyond the understanding of mere mortals, then that would contradict the idea that someone can fall out of line from his plan, which you just said happens, sometimes, right? In the legal system, you would be forced to either modify your original piece of legislation, or you would have to abrogate if you wished to stick to your initial claim." All an act, of course, to put Faruja into check; the dark one is quite fond of games, it seems, even conceptual chess. The Count nods, "....But you did say you can not speculate the reasons, so I shall be content to leave that query unanswered until I can gain access to a priest who is more formally skilled in the field of theological rationalization.... yes?"

This effectively, and perhaps charitably gives Faruja a back door to the argument without having to openly admit ignorance, thus officially forcing the casting of doubt on his line of thinking, or else forcing him to convict the drow of blasphemy. It is merely an exercise of argumentation training in order to hone Gidarch's skill, and for the dark one to 'vaguely' insinuate that Faruja is far outmatched in intellect; by happenstance, he could be doing this to pressure Faruja to decrease his tendency to preach in the dark elf's presence, as a means of saving them both time well spent on practical endeavors.... though, the fact remains, Faruja /did/ get the information he sought, most likely, or a suggestion that the idea he invested into was not a false one.... which was better than an uneducated guess.

"One can be quick with a blade.... or strong of a body.", which is yet another inference that he might be more than meets the eye- or the flesh. "The Heartless' efforts are futile. What will they do if they control the amalgam of worlds.... wallow in darkness until the end of time? Those who control the Heartless will still feel the same emotions they feel now, there will be joy, fear, sorrow.... and everything else. No matter how much external power you possess, if you do not bear mastery over your own mind, you are but a slave to your environment, and destiny's whims. No force of arms will reassure one that there is not a possibility that their days of glory may end by some unforeseen technicality." He nods, satisfied with that point, and wags his hand dismissively, "Let them come. Let them conquer. They will achieve nothing." Of course.... this sort of philosophy either borders heavily on heresy, -or- it implies that Gidarch is a man who has very nearly purged himself of emotional impulse; Faruja is free to take his pick.... but either way, he should expect that arguing will not get him far.

As far as the discussion on dreams, for whatever reason, the dark one isn't apt towards continuing it, for whatever reason.... so unless Faruja makes further insistence at dominating by trying to reiterate a point that isn't even in dispute, for the sake of pride.... well, he's not liable to receive much further propaganda on the matter.

Faruja Senra has posed
This is why Faruja is a Templar, and not a Priest! Still, there's a challenge here, and he can hardly back down in front of some heathen! "Well. 'Tis true that I am not completely qualified...but for the sake of argument, I suppose I can comment as to my own personal theory, as shoddily crafted as it may be."

Gesturing vaguely with one hand, the other grips his cross. "'Tis indeed much like a legal system. There are laws, divine ones, that the Lord has laid down to better the lives of all; charity to the needy, to not slay without reason, et cetera. All of course aimed to guide us in our lives, to whatever end we are apportioned to meet. However, so too is the Lord merciful. He gives us the gift of free will. To follow, or disregard, those laws. We meet our fate regardless of whether we fall from our path. The /difference/, is that when one follows a path of purity, of truth, not only are there rewards heavenly, but we enhance the lives of those around us and further serve to light the way for others. When we fall from it, we still meet our end, but harm those around us by making the road they walk one of rusty nails and shattered glass, rather than one of mere thorns meant to strengthen us."

A shrug. "But again, 'tis naught but mere conjecture. My theological studies are more concerned with understanding the path itself and how to not falter, rather than the meaning behind it." A practical study, rather than theoretical.

The ratling nods to the 'strong of body'. He'd seen monks do things to metal...and the people within...that would haunt lesser nezumi's nightmares. "A question which I would love to know the answer to. If one can divine the purpose behind these demon-summoners' actions, 'twould be all the easier to stop it. Fail indeed, but we must fight them nonetheless. A single innocent saved is worth an entire company of warriors, if you ask me."

Politics, armies, and such is more faruja's speed. "I prefer to beat them back, myself. To allow others to fall through inaction, for a Templar, would indeed be an act of Heresy." Indeed, for his own calling, such a philosophy would be unacceptable. For Valos? It simply borders on it. The rat's sure to narrow his eye in displeasure. It'll have to do.

"But let them come indeed. And besides. Not all that is lost shall remain so."

Count Valos has posed
Gidarch listens to Faruja ramble on about how one meets their fate regardless of their efforts, but that they have free-will all the same, and he squints, trying to make sense of the Nezumi's unusual, and perhaps altruistic romantic deductions. He's a patient, and slow-moving drow, one who doesn't jump into a fray before knowing what he's up against, but as one who deals in minor details as a means of collapsing a whole structure through its keystone, he thinks carefully before playing his pawns or noble pieces alike.

".....And yet, if a three year old picks up a gun, unaware that he's holding a deadly weapon, and shoots someone with it, would you call that an exemption from guilt? He learns through experience that what he does is wrong, or through the 'instruction' of others. What would you say.... if a boy grows into his teens, and then adulthood, surrounded by a culture that nurtures the justification of death by condemning those with different ideas than those who uphold the viewpoints held by the dominant portion of said culture? Their imperialistic outlook causes the one who curries favor with those in power to feel validated when dispatching others simply because of having oppositional ways of looking at the world. This person who slays others in the name of their sovereign does not know any better, because they trust the authority figure who has seemingly never led them wrong, and sees no ill in dispensing with.... those who foster 'unpopular' ideas."

Of course, the dark elf -could- be speaking of religious figures in positions of authority who sometimes burn witches and the like, but that's up to the interpretation of anyone who might be listening to Gidarch.... it may be implicit, but he continues his line of thought, "....When does slaying become.... justified? At what age does a person have to be held accountable for their actions, if they have never been exposed to information to lead them to the idea that slaying, as you so put it.... is wrong? Obviously, that kind of knowledge is not innate, it is learned." The Count starts to organize his belongings as he proceeds to speak with the dragoon a bit longer, "So... therefore, when is one following a path of light? When is one following a path of darkness? Does mankind dare claim to have jurisdiction over such morality when they do not even always necessarily knows what lies in the minds of those they strike down?"

The dark one narrows his eyes on a diminutive scale, barely noticeable, repulsed by what he views as 'arrogance' on the rodent's part, but Gidarch's impassive tone of voice doesn't change, thus implying nothing about distaste for what he just heard "Therefore....." he brings his argument to a conclusion, "How do you determine who is innocent, and who is guilty? You yourself said minutes prior that none are without sin.... who draws the line and sends others to their maker? You?" He flaps his hand haughtily once more, "Sounds like you are taking 'divine' law into your own hands, when you dictate who must die, and who is following the word of God. I would not presume to be so bold to think that I speak on his behalf, but I suppose pride is not a sin, so I should not judge you for allowing it to yoke your will." He's not absolutely certain, but the dark one seems to have a vague recollection of something in the book Faruja gave him making an assertion somewhere within that pride -is- in fact, a sin.... what irony that he pretends to be ignorant to this fact, so that he can't certifiably be accused of alleging that Faruja is breaking his own rule.... what irony indeed.

....Though, at least he didn't dare allude to 'God' in the feminine, for that would have irrevocably established himself as a heretic, and earned Faru's ire!

Faruja Senra has posed
--- Faruja has been remarkably patient up until now. With a potential convert, he's willing to be a touch lenient. But the continued philosophy of the dark elf slowly sours the Burmecian's mood, especially once he begins applying it to divine law. The Templar stands suddenly, glaring.

"You tread a very, very dangerous line of thought, Count Valos. I am a /Templar/. I uphold Divine law, as best I know it! My position in the Church is a relatively lowly one, and so I often rely on my superiors, more blessed in wisdom than I. When I rely on my own judgement, I do just that. Nay, Ser, I am not perfect. I do not take this law into my own claws, for it is the path given me to walk! And a duty I accept gladly, to put down those whom would offend the Lord and threaten to harm innocent people. Mayhap my vision suffers, but I am not yet so blind that I cannot tell someone fallen from a righteous path, from a pious soul!" Comes the rat's far more pious, and far less logical argument.

It seems Valos has finally wound up the Templar. Several lesser passing soldiers stop, looking to the pair. Hands rest along weapons, all attention on the Templar in case of orders. The Count is close to simply being thrown out of the city, from the look on Faruja's muzzle!

Count Valos has posed
Gidarch was still a potential convert, despite how skeptical he may seem- but it's /because/ he's a doubter that he will never be of the mindset that he's not a possible convert; he doubts his doubts, no less than he believes in them. Everything is up for debate, but since everything was disputable in Count Valos' view, that was perchance the very reason he'd never be accepted amongst their ranks; they were expected to follow doctrine based on faith alone, and on their 'feelings', whereas the dark one had all but abolished most of the emotional partialities within his heart, minus those reserved for one particular individual of whom he spoke earlier. And why does he keep even a single confidante, in defiance of a heart(and body) of stone? Because he requires a devil's advocate, of course!

How could he be expected to refine his vocalized ruminations if there was no dual perspective available to assist in the refinement of his ideas? Yes.... for all that he doubts, he seeks naught but those who would in turn, doubt him, as though he didn't do it enough independently!

One thing was clear.... the dark one was not good at making friends in this new world, for despite his eloquent, and mannerly etiquette, maybe he had a heart that, to others, seemed black enough to nearly rival the Shadow Lords- one thing was true, he did lack compassion, which was a trait that was the default of the aforementioned villainous order; or maybe his 'version' of compassion just wasn't generous enough to endear him to those drawn towards the light. He sided neither with the dark or the light, he was truly alone, in this world, until such time that he could find his counterpart, if such a day would spawn. To say he was alone was an understatement, though.... for at the appearance of soldiers now fingering their weapons as if anticipating a possible scuffle has roused fear in passerby, and most people scatter about, seeking to be away from whatever is to occur. Mullonde is not so merciless as to crucify innocents without just cause, but there's enough rigidity as well as uniformity to propagate fear in those upstanding citizens who don't want to be drawn into a skirmish in any way.

Sensing tension in the air, and hearing the abrupt desisting of soldiers brings Gidarch's attention to the weapons being gently massaged, and he recognizes it's time to be a little more disarming, and not through the medium of seizing weapons from people's sheathes.... yes, he could take on a few soldiers like this, but reinforcements were always an issue- and for all he knew, there were mages in their midst; they did not wear solid metal gear that he could grapple and weigh down so easily. His tone wouldn't change, but his words would be more gracious, to demonstrate his willingness to accommodate Faruja.

He lifts the sack a little, jostling the angular contents within it, hinting that he hasn't abandoned his quest to ponder on their cherished belief system, "Well then.... perhaps I have yet to come across the piece of scripture that will show me what your superiors see, since I am less of a warrior, and more of a scholarly type." This wasn't /exactly/ the truth, considering that he could easily lug around a full suit of silver plate in addition to an ogre-sized axe, but one couldn't realistically discount that he had the right to 'perceive' himself as less physical, and more mental! "You invited me to your city under a banner of truce, and I came on a mission to better understand the verses in your archives. The one you gave me was not the only document I carry in my bag, Mister Senra; I took your offer quite seriously..... Besides, I am sure that your superiors would see our encounter as a fated event, one of God's will. I have tested you, and you did not buckle. If not for those who put you through the trials you have gone through, how could your devotion to Ajora be steeled up to this point? Let us part on..... moderate terms, how about?" The dark one waves his hand nonchalantly, trying to calm the Burmecian down, "....You look like you could retire for a few hours, this has no doubt been an arduous conversation for you, and the hour grows late....."

Faruja Senra has posed
Though clearly angered, Faruja is still very much a Knight. He sits, as Gidarch attempts to make amends. Glancing to the soldiers, he waves them away with a flick of his tail. They leave quickly, with mumbled 'Ser Templar's.

"Mayhap that is the case. The Lord often tests His servants. And indeed, you are certainly opposed to myself. If I am any judge, we may well be opposites in many things." Indeed, the rat is all passion, wisdom, and heart, while the elf is all logic, cold thought, and goals.

Faruja nods, standing once more. "Good day, Count Valos. And may the Lord show you true Faith one day. I pray the rest of your stay is uneventful." A bow, and he's quick to take his leave. Time to drill a few Squires to work off the frustration!