Author Topic: Xefr's Adventures: Existential Crisis  (Read 8649 times)

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guest9

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Re: Xefr's Adventures: The grey meatbags
« Reply #150 on: July 14, 2016, 06:30:07 pm »
The female black drake looked at her sharp claws and smiled  in a sarcastic way as she wore again her large necklace, covering her scars.. "Worse things than hallway-talk exist for Valx to fear.."} she started walking next to Tec, and although a few seconds earlier she claimed otherwise her voice seemed to be awkward as she was making her question along the hallway {"Hm  ...erm. Heard this ship Tec's. Where learn about star-ship work?"}

-

Rysannox nods and waves his claw-finger "Actually there is something you should know. If you haven't understood by now we are headed towards the most devout of the segregation that slaughtered your species for religious reasons  ...however, these people in particular we are visiting, are truly devout and more interested in peace, psionic healing arts, the divine and theology and will listen to what a Dragon has to say if he speaks words of kindness, enlightenment and peace  ...do not mention -and avoid if it is mentioned- the slaying of Dragons, Dark Psionic Arts, the Eternal Fire, or even Talmyr Myrsa's Draconian beliefs  ..be calm and appear devout; If need be, talk about the Benevolent Psionic Arts, or about Azgor Tal  ...as monks of Light they will be delighted to explain." Rysannox seems worried and sighs "..and let me do most of the talking at start. Let's go, these are the coordinations of the monastery we are visiting." He hands a small holographic map of the planet with data and a pinned location to Xefr.  ..then the middle-aged steward pulls out of his clothes a small medallion of a white star that is hanging from his neck and kisses it while muttering "Azgor guide us"

guest28

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Re: Xefr's Adventures: The grey meatbags
« Reply #151 on: July 14, 2016, 07:18:10 pm »
Tec seemed to think for a bit, and then responded, "Hm, well I learnt about the inner-workings of star-ships from two people. I got the basics from an old friend named Gyrn, a woman who built them for a living and was willing to pass on some knowledge. I don't remember where she lived, but I know it's very far away, and it's not somewhere I want to return to anytime soon. Anyways, then there is the Drake Xorkai, another Dragon. He taught me quite a bit back on Heord, and once I got hold of a shipyard I used what I learned to design and then build this ship. I think I did pretty well.

-

Xefr nodded, "Very well, you do the talking. And if being devout is helpful, then I certainly chose the right Shard to accompany us. Time to go." The Drake's eyes flashed once more, and the teleportation process commenced, landing Xefr and Rysannox right outside the designated monastery. However, there was also another Dragon beside Xefr. This Shard, already materialized, gave off a much more calm and collected attitude than his peers. His gaze was calm and while he looked fairly normal, around his neck he wore a large golden necklace which also held a book just under his head. This tome had no visible markings other than a few Ancient Draconic words written on it, and was entirely colored white. 

guest9

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Re: Xefr's Adventures: The grey meatbags
« Reply #152 on: July 14, 2016, 08:30:26 pm »
Inside Re'Ni's mind various interesting thoughts started revolving about foreing worlds and this 'Heord' world, as well as silly ones of Tec building ships with a hammer while the sun's rays shined upon his pretty scales..  ..she shook hear head to get rid of the stupid smile that was forming in her face {"Ah, so Tec flied to many worlds? And is builder, this nice   and weird for Valx; Ghashyr do building. Ehm..  now Tec's turn."} She tried clearing her mind of most of her bad memories, and appeared rather worried about what Tec would ask her...

-

Spoiler: Lord Rysannox of House Galgatyen, Steward of the Empire and history enthusiast (hover to show)
Rysannox raised an eybrow at the sight of the second Dragon, but he didn't seem to mind.
As they walked straight towards the monastery, a crystallic white fortified construction near a pond, they could notice peculiar and beautiful white light-waves in the sky interracting with the colours of the thick forest surrounding the path. Reaching only a few hundred meters away from the monastery its gates open and a very serene and fair Ghashyr lady dressed in hooded white robes walked towards them  ..her eyes seemed to be extremely calm, as was her voice "Enlightened paths to you, Lord Rysannox and.." suddenly her eyes widen and she gasps "I... I.. was informed, but   ..to view them from close?"
Rysannox makes a hand signal to the dragons to not do anything. He walks forward towards the nun "I had the same reaction. It is a miracle for all of us, enlightened sister..  ..this is the reason I wanted this meeting to take place here."
The 'enlightened sister' cannot take her eyes away from the two drakes, her tone now seems slightly worried, but calm nonetheless "Truly! Azgor shines in mysterious ways.. well, as I was saying; all children of Azgor are welcome in this place of care and peace. You chose well, brother"
Rysannox moves close to the nun and kneels before her, taking her hand and kissing it, then rises back up "Thank you enlightened sister. I think we should move inside  ..we have a lot to discuss." The nun, still frozen and looking at the dragons responds mechanicaly "Yes... certainly."

As the group moves inside the monastery, all the white-dressed nuns and monks gasp and stare at the dragons, a few nearly fainted but were held up by their peers, some seem excited, others start praying. All kinds of emotions seem to have been stirred.
The three travellers and the nun stop in the grounds of the monastery and silence seems to slowly take its place again. Though the nun still stares worried at the dragons.
A trembling hooded figure using a stick to walk approaches from the distance "Rysannox my nephew! I haven't seen you ever since you were a small boy... and here you are, bringing Valxes!" Rysannox runs close to him and tries to kneel but the old man stops him and hugs him instead. The old steward feels rather guilty, yet happy to see the old monk.. "It has been indeed a long time, uncle Serynor! I am happy to see you doing well."
As he uncovers his face, a wringled smiling bearded face appears  ..somewhat similar to Rysannox's. He gazes at the dragons ..his tone seems to be completely calm, even in the presence of these mythic species. "So, who are our winged guests?"

guest28

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Re: Xefr's Adventures: The grey meatbags
« Reply #153 on: July 14, 2016, 09:07:33 pm »
Tec nodded, and seemed happy to remember those good times, "Yeah, I've gotten around in my days. And you're right, it's really quite rare for dragons to build anything themselves, but both me and Xorkai simply enjoy that bit of hard work." He then paused for a bit, as he just realized that Re'Ni was telling him to ask a question of his own. Sensing her worry, he tried to think of something that would both calm her down and help himself stay steady. Then, he got it, "Alright, if I'm asking the question, then what is your favorite food? Then I can see if I could find something similar in the Mess Hall."

-

On the walk inside, Xefr attempted to appear calm on the outside, though he was somewhat worried about the attention. His companion however had no such troubles, and easily moved in relaxed manner, his eyes forward and undisturbed. Stopping a respectable distance from the old monk, Xefr did a slight bow with his head. He then spoke in a more composed manner, as he was more comfortable with the monk seeming completely calm, "My name is Xefr, a pleasure to meet you sir." The other dragon simply looked at the monk, and with a composed and even almost relaxed voice he spoke, "I am known as Myst. I look forward to seeing what answers you possess.

guest9

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Re: Xefr's Adventures: The grey meatbags
« Reply #154 on: July 15, 2016, 06:50:57 am »
Re'Ni exhaled a big portion of air with some fire sparks too, feeling relieved by the question's nature.. {"..Ah! Re'Ni love stuffed Jalaor drowned in Nyrnsanghor - raw! Mmm!"} she closes her eyes, pretending to sniff the air and makes an a-ok sign with her left paw {"Perfection! Just perfection!"}  ..she then turns to Tec with a fake evil smile on her face {"Not worry! If food not good then just eat Tec..!"} and playfully bites Tec's snoot.

-

The old monk, bows his head to each of the dragons as they introduce themselves. He then talks first at Xefr with a smile on his face and his eybrow raised "May the Light guide you, my brother ...we are all brothers and sisters under the Light here!" His face then slowly turns back to Myst "Hmm! Welcome brother Myst. If answers you seek, then questions you must ask." he then points at a beautiful vine-covered secluded stone balcony with many white pelts on the ground, big enough for the dragons to make themselves comfortable at "Come let us sit and let words of enlightenment flow!" ...He then turns to the nun from earlier "Sister Maa'shyan! Bring us some Symvhal to drink at the external priory if you may!"
Rysannox appears to be satisfied with how everything seems to work out, even though a few nuns and monks behind him stare awestruck at the dragons in a way that everyone, Dragon and Ghashyr alike, would feel uncomfortable.

guest28

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Re: Xefr's Adventures: The grey meatbags
« Reply #155 on: July 15, 2016, 12:59:35 pm »
Tec chuckles, and smiles. "Well, I'll see what I can do. And if I fail, I promise to be delicous!" He paused for a moment, still walking, "Hm, well I think we got time for one more question before we reach the mess hall. Anything else on your mind?"

-

Xefr and Myst both go over, and lay down on the pelts, though they remain quiet. And while Myst seems entirely unperturbed, just looking at the vines and inspecting the white fur, Xefr is hiding his discomfort. This causes the old drake to look to Rysannox to do the talking. 

guest9

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Re: Xefr's Adventures: The grey meatbags
« Reply #156 on: July 15, 2016, 03:04:14 pm »
Re'Ni doesn't even pause to think  ..she wanted to ask that particular question quite a while now. {"Yes. What Heord like? Many Valxes? Valxes Black like Re'Ni and Tec?"} Her eyes are filled with anticipation amd her tail starts shaking again from excitement.

-

Rysannox gets the point from Xefr, and as he sits on the soft pelt he starts explaining.. "Well, Uncle. As it has been mentioned before, this is truly a miracle. These Valxes, living and standing beside us  ..they come from a far away planet called Heord where many others exist and they so far seem to be good and kind people. I thought the Church would have certain political-minded doubts and I thought that if you could make them understand.."
Sister Maa'shyan arrives bringing two small barrels and two wooden goblets filled with Symvhal. Being quite a large load for her small body, Rysannox offers to help but before he could stand up, one of the goblets falls  ..however, instead of falling on the floor, it landed gently and slowly next to the old Monk, who drunk a bit of it and laughed... "Sister Maa'shyan! I've told you before that rush is the cause of bad luck! Next time take your time and bring them one by one!"  ..Sister Maa'shyan bows at her mentor and places the two barrels by the dragons one by one, and lastly gives the second goblet to Rysannox.
The old Monk extended his hand "Well, let us discuss and drink, as brothers! Your species reemergence is truly a miracle  ..perhaps a second chance given by Azgor Tal. I will talk to the High Mater in Shyr, but first I'd like to know more of you...  tell me of what you wish dragons; I recall you, Myst, search for answers!" Serynor, remains gazing at the Myst with a curious look on his old, tired eyes.

guest28

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Re: Xefr's Adventures: The grey meatbags
« Reply #157 on: July 15, 2016, 11:10:25 pm »
Tec spent a little time thinking, and then smiled, "Heord is a nice place. Lots of Mountains, but there is plenty of open sky to fly around in and many tasty critters to catch and devour. Also lots of forest, and jungle. Now that I think about it trees are everywhere on that planet, but it's not so bad. Thankfully there are also lots of clearings, so finding landing spots isn't a chore. And there are plenty of Dragons there, even in this space age they dominate the planet's populace." Then, he paused, his eyes darkening, "...But they aren't black. Our species are called Golden Dragons for a reason, as the majority of my kind have gold scales. There are exceptions of course, like me, Xefr, and others like Ezron the Red. But as with all societies, those who are different are generally looked down upon, so we face some discrimination. Thankfully, the current ruler of Heord and the draconic populace is cracking down on that, and with his methods it shouldn't be a problem in the future, and very few of the bigots are left. And... Oh, we're here."
Tec stopped next to a large door, and after flashing his eyes it opened. Inside, the room's major feature was the massive long-table in the middle that practically stretched across the entire room, with room for thousands at once, or alternatively a dozen dragons. As of now, the table was empty and the room had no occupants besides Tec and Re'Ni, though there were a few janitorial droids patrolling the room for any trace of scraps, ensuring the room was always clean.

-

Xefr picked up the drink with one of his paws, and took a look at it. He took a small drink, and then looked back to Serynor, "As Rysannox said, we are travelers from a foreign planet. We were approached by an explorer of your kind, who invited us to your nation. I gladly accepted, as I would love to learn more about your species and culture. Your religion in particular has greatly interested me, and I was hoping you could tell me more about it." Once he finished his sentence, he had a little bit more of drink, and channeled his psionic power into making sure his mind would stay clear.
Myst ignored the barrel entirely, and simply nodded at the monk. "You are correct sir. I seek answers in all things. From the lowliest insect in the woods, to esteemed monks like yourself, as we are all pieces of a much greater thing, connected through our souls. So, I wanted to hear your religion's interpretation of the universe, for it may very well hold what I seek."

guest9

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Re: Xefr's Adventures: The grey meatbags
« Reply #158 on: July 16, 2016, 02:18:51 pm »
Re'Ni's eyes seemed to travel to these beautiful place Tec was describing, imagining herself flying near all kind of Dragons with Tec by her side, above green fields and forests, a place she could call home...  ..she remained silent for a while with a big smile adorning her face, being thrilled by the majestic image she had drawn in her mind {"This  ..this wonderful. Must take Re'Ni to Heord someday."} she then adopts a slightly worrying sinister smile {"Re'Ni teach lesson about Blackscales; In Shyr Black Valx considered wise and royal. Though superior wisdom only stereotype, not truth - Black Valx is as good as other Valx...  Hmmmm  ...Heord deserts too? Re'Ni love flying above Great Gold Sea beneath.."}  ..she lowers her head a bit, feeling homesick, but soon her hunger overwhelms her {"Tec. What food eat?"}

-

Rysannox drunk only a sip of the Symvhal and tried discreetly to warn Xefr that it is quite a hard drink. As a barrel of it could most certainly make a dragon slightly dizzy.
The old monk smiled, joined his hands and leaned towards the two Dragons standing opposite of him, his eyes turn at Xefr.. "Ah, explorers. Hunters of the truth. This is an enlightened cause and profession  ..and since you both seem interested in theology..  Heh, I am obliged to talk to you of the God of Light  ..though I'm certain that both of you may have felt his presence, or heard of him in some other form!"
Serynor drunk some of his Symvhal and gazed out at the beautiful white lights forming an aurora through the fog, he then extends his hand at the view "Look, the God of Light!" he then moves his hand at the dragons "There, the God of Light!" he then looks around and extends both of his hand "The God of Light!" he then joins his hands again "Indeed brother Myst, as you said all souls are connected.. for Azgor Tal is everything, the creator of existence, its divine guardian and judge  ..we are all his children, thus we are brothers. But as Azgor and Good and the Universe exist  ..so does Darkness and Evil and its Forces, corrupting souls, stealing their morality and forcing them to deeds of cruelty and darkness. For this every soul must seek enlightenment, not only for their own salvation, but for all of Azgor's children.. ..only in that way, they may unite upon carnal Death with the creator and become one with the Light."
Rysannox seems rather apathetic, looking down at his goblet of symvhal and sipping some more.

guest28

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Re: Xefr's Adventures: The grey meatbags
« Reply #159 on: July 16, 2016, 09:40:39 pm »
Tec chuckled a bit, and smiled at Re'Ni, "Heh, will do. And yes, there is a desert, only one major one but it covers half of the largest continent so I do not think you will disappointed. I doubt it will be too long before we visit Heord again, so the wait won't be so bad. In fact, the meal I thought to call for is from there. It's something called a Fawri, or the Heord-Bison as the humans call it for some reason. Very big mammals, with lots of meat on their bones. They also taste good too. Interested?"

-

Picking up on this, Xefr slowly put the barrel down, though he had already had half of it. He would have to focus a little harder to stay straight now, though on the outside he showed no signs of uneasiness.
The two Dragons listened carefully to the old monk, and though Xefr thought him a bit mad at his earlier display, both nodded in understanding as he finished. And while his companion didn't make any comment, Myst decided to speak, "An interesting interpretation of the psionic energy that binds us all, calling it a god rather than a simple force of nature. And your faith certainly has credibility to it, for I have seen much darkness and it does exactly as you say it does. I will have to think on what you said, sir monk." The Shard opened his book with one of his frontal paws, right to some blank white pages. However, the Shard's eyes flashed, and suddenly Draconic writing appeared. With this done, Myst shut the tome closed once more.
Unsure of what to do next, Xefr glanced at Rysannox, hoping in his mind that there was a quick escape from the all the staring. Because while he didn't show it in any physical manner, Xefr was quite worried that his continued presence here would simply lead to more problems. 

guest9

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Re: Xefr's Adventures: The grey meatbags
« Reply #160 on: July 17, 2016, 09:39:51 am »
Re'Ni licked her teeth and snoot with her tongue, while her eyes where filled with anticipation to try this new plate.. {"Mmmmm. Re'Ni interested! Tec said big and juicy? Sound good!"}
However as she looked around and noticed the large empty room, some questions formed in her mind {"Seems tec and Re'Ni alone. Only three Valxes in ship? Ship big enough for twenty.."}

-

The monks and nuns while looking intensely at the drakes beared no ill-will, one of them even tried to approach Xefr's tail..
Rysannox noticed Xefr's uncomfortableness and made him a reassuring hand signal that they would not be staying there long..
The old monk smiled to his ears and clapped his hands upon listening to Myst "We all have to think and it is good that you have noticed the Light within, Myst my brother. But I could not ignore that you spoke of 'force of nature' as it is something descibed easily with mathematics. Even if what connects us is indeed a force of nature..  ..how is it that nature itself is not something divine? How is existence itself not a miracle and a gift given to us by the Light? Without Azgor Tal, without Light, the universe would not exist and everything would be nothing  ..a dark emptyness. For this we have to maintain the Light, protect it and spread it  ...as prophet Marlaach said, enlightened be his name; 'The Light shall shine for all!'" The old monk lays back and drinks some more from his goblet.
Rysannox stands up and in a rather unsure and shy tone adresses his uncle.. "This visit was truly enlightening, dear uncle. But it is a visit and I'm afraid many mundane tasks await us ahead  ...I hope that you will talk about the good in these Valxes' hearts to the High Mater in Shyr, when the time comes.."
The old monk seems a bit surprised and sad "You will already leave? I see, we all are consumed by mundane tasks. I will talk to the High Mater and the Church Episcopal Council regarding the matter  ..these Valxes bear no ill will, and that could help overcome the Dark past  ..for Azgor reigns in the present! I will escort you out..."
Rysannox nods to Xefr to stand up.

guest28

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Re: Xefr's Adventures: The grey meatbags
« Reply #161 on: July 17, 2016, 12:35:12 pm »
Tec grinned, and his eyes flashed. Soon, two groups of droids walked in with two giant plates, and placed them on the table. On each plate there was a dead animal, which looked like a buffalo but lacked horns and was much larger. They appeared to be raw, but the droids also brought in large bottles of different liquids and placed them beside each Fawri body. Tec walked over to one, and unleashed his fire breath upon it, roasting it. He calmly sat down, and looked back to Re'Ni, "Well, you're right. About two dozen dragons could live in this ship, but right now only 6 live here, but I suppose it's 7 now. Anyways, the reason this room is empty is because we did spend quite a while up in the observatory, and everybody else has probably already eaten at the normal time. We're a little off the schedule. And the regular crew also aren't here because they eat in a different room entirely, the secondary Mess Hall. That's why I said this would be private. Though... If you feel like it, I think Scout is awake, and I could call him up here. He's another dragon, though you'll find him quite childish."

-

Xefr stands up carefully, making sure not to hit the approaching Ghashyr with his tail. He does a small bow of the head towards the monk, "Thank you, sir. I look forward to the time where I can learn more."
As Serynor spoke to Myst, the book opened once more the writing continued to appear on the same page as before. And once the monk finished, the tome closed. Myst stood up alongside his companion, and looked back to the old monk, "Thank you for sharing, sir monk. I will think more deeply on what you have said, on my own time and into the future."

guest9

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Re: Xefr's Adventures: The grey meatbags
« Reply #162 on: July 17, 2016, 09:29:09 pm »
Re'Ni smiles and nods, while her hunger forces her eyes to be stuck at the big juice animal {"Good! Re'Ni not mind dinner for two with Tec. No take this bad - Re'Ni not comfortable with crowd. Now if excuse Re'Ni..."} she just plunges her teeth and claws upon the raw animal and grabs a big part of meat, munching it in a rather unladylike manner. Her snoot all covered in blood, she bears a very satisfied smile {"Mmmm! Really Good! Re'Ni approves of Heord-food!"} she grabs one of the bottles {"This Nyrn?"}

-

The old monk smiles and bows his head towards both dragons "It was enlightening to meet both of you, brothers beneath Azgor Tal.  ..and Myst, sensing your interest in the Light, I would suggest a prolonged visit in our monastery; everyone is welcome here." He gets up and the group starts moving towards the gates. The Ghashyr nun who tried to touch Xefr's tail finally managed it and afterwards runs off giggling, leading to Serynor saying something at her in Urvanyen that most certainly wasn't a praise.
As they reach the gates Rysannox hugs his uncle, and then adds in a calm and wishful voice "May Azgor Tal keep your paths bright brothers!"

guest28

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Re: Xefr's Adventures: The grey meatbags
« Reply #163 on: July 17, 2016, 11:18:52 pm »
Tec's smile never wavered at Re'Ni's method of consumption. Most of the Shards did that, except for Mystic, who always did everything differently regardless. Tec shrugged at her question, "Not sure what Nryn is, but if it's a type of wine then I suppose it would be similar. And the bottles with the circles on the labels have booze, normally only Guardian drinks that but I like giving all the options." He then uses the claws on one of his paws to rip out a large section of the animal, and then just drops it in his mouth. While chewing, he continues with Psionic speech, "So... Any more questions on your mind? Or would you prefer we move the conversation over to your life?"

-

Xefr subtly smiled at the nun's giggling, happy somebody could enjoyment at such the simple act of touching a tail, even if it was the tail of a creature these people apparently thought extinct. Speaking of which... he would have to catch Re'Ni alone sometime and ask some questions. But he mentally shrugged, he had other things to worry about right now.
At the exit, Xefr waved goodbye to Serynor, and said a final meesage, "Goodbye, sir. This meeting was informative for us as well. I wish you the best." Myst simply bowed his head. The Black Drake waited for Rysannox to finish before teleporting the three back to the ship.   

guest9

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Re: Xefr's Adventures: The grey meatbags
« Reply #164 on: July 18, 2016, 09:29:10 am »
Re'Ni drinks half of the beverage from the bottle {"Ahhhh! Rejuvenating! Taste not like Nyrn, but not bad."} She takes a second big bite, this time the portion was too big for her, but after some determined chewing she managed to gulp it down. Upon hearing Tec's last question her eyes darken a bit and she lowers her head, leading to a big sigh {"Self guesses Tec must know more than what food Re'Ni like devouring...  but want to learn of past life, or present?"} Her expression indicates a certain discreet sense of fear and sadness.

-

Rysannox seemed to say something important to his uncle, to which the old monk responded with a nod. Upon returning in the Soul's Eclipse, Rysannox turned to Xefr with a wide smile on his face "Well, this went better than expected. Perhaps I've been too distrustful of my own species lately.  ..My uncle will talk to the High Mater of the Church when the time comes, and his word matters quite a lot; We will have to worry less about an aggressive stance from the Church of Light."