Balthazar shakes his head with a wry grin, "Despite the 'Hedonite' title, we do believe in the saying 'all things in moderation'.  If you had such a feast regularly, it would become mundane."

Jean looks Barmak in the eye and says,
"There was a time not long ago where I would have taken offense at your words, that time is passed. But for now, know this, I pay no respect to any river demon. I will accept no false god. For me there is only one, all others are pretenders."

And what is your definition of "demon"? And of "god"? And Who is this god you speak of?

Loukas rolls his eyes. Jean's wisdom has occurred once. Before that time and since that time his lack of wisdom has resulted in the party picking up after, or rescuing him. So much for wisdom...

"Careful, Barmak, you tread on tender ground that will provide neither of you any comfort or pleasure. Jean is a Christian and his great god provides for a small world filled with greater horrors -- I know, because I have attended Christian churches. They speak without attending to the realities and truths of the world about them. Anything that does not fit their vision is demonic and evil, because their god is vain. As a result they reflect that vanity and seem to feel as if the louder they speak the more true truth their words hold. Let us let Sir Jean recover from his recent adventures and hope that the fact that his rescuers were all demon worshipers might provide a little perspective on the world we live in."

"Speaking of small worlds and greater horrors," remarked the Falcon.  "Mistake me not, little thief, I am no Christian.  I believe the gods have their own ways and own concerns and most care not for what happens upon this world.  But there is a difference in this Christian God that marks him greater than other gods, and most of mortal ken, including yourself, fail to note the difference.  Even our friend the Frank, I think misunderstands for his God sacrificed his own son of flesh and blood for one purpose - peace!  And that son went willingly, with love in his heart for the folk who killed him."

Pausing a moment he then added, "No other god ever made such a claim...no other god ever had such courage, and all have been be humbled by it.  Perhaps if humans had such humility and courage they would set aside their own weapons and spend more time on living righteously as that God's son preached, rather than killing and destroying everything they attempt to build."

Grown thoughthful by his retort the Falcon turned away from the others and made his way to the shore to stare at the flowing river.

Well, yes...so I've heard. But that begs the question. Phasis is an intelligent, immortal or long-lived  inhabitant of this river and its watershed. Shouldn't He be granted, if not hostile, the same respect one would give a stranger who has granted a favor...or at least made a deal we asked for?

I've heard something about this son before. As I understand it, he was interested in goodness of heart...anybody's heart...not status nor power nor wealth.

Loukas shrugs, "Quite so, A'kos... I suppose. The Christian god claims to have sacrificed his son for peace, but he also set his followers against all others by claiming all other gods as false. Many of us know and have actually seen in the past few hours, not to mention at other moments in the past few years, that there are indeed other gods and powers around us and by disrespecting them 'peace' is hardly inspired. In fact, it seems like a justification to hate and a reason to wage war, does it not?

"Were I not a man of faith myself I would not find Sir Jean's thinking and faith problematic, but I am and I do. I stopped being a Christian a long while ago. I've seen too many Christians do no better and quite as bad as men of other faiths and find some of the Christian's claims specious and suspicious. Nevertheless, I have given blood and still show some of the burns I received in the name of friendship and brotherhood to a friend who happens to be a Christian. Indeed, my belief in Veles empowered me to do my part in his rescue yesterday, which even you with your 'little thief' and other attempts at belittlement must admit was not minor! Yet, he baldly states that my god is a 'pretender'? I am judged as somehow false, because I give my faith to a god other than his? Even after being willing to give my life to save his?

"Sir Jean, please, I realize that this must be difficult... But I ask you as a friend, which my actions must make me even if you think that my merchant's blood makes me unworthy, to please look deeper. I do not care whom you worship, but if you are going to continue treating those of us who do not share your beliefs disrespectfully, why do you continue with us?"

Jean sighs deeply.
"I understand your words but I believe you are being duped by demons int eh guise of gods for there is and can only be one true god. As for why I continue on with you, well my outlook has changed since my encounter with the Amazons. I was willing an able to overlook the lack of true faith as you were all my comrades in arms. After my experience, I cannot overlook these things any longer.

He looks at the ground for a moment and says,
"It is in my mind to travel to the Holy Land as soon as I can. If I can find a suitable mount here, I will leave in the morning. I am sorry to leave you like this but this is now my calling and I cannot ignore it."

Be very sure of your motives, Sir Jean. The wicked flee, 'tis said, when no one pursues. And it may be that one who does not answer honest questions flees also. But the memory of the question s will follow. Barmak shrugs. I admit doing so is better as far as I'm concerned than being, say, decapitated.

Dyanna watches on in disbelief as Sir Jean announces that he is leaving for the holy Land in the morning. She says to him,
"We all must do what we must in order to find peace. I wish you good luck in your travels my friend."

A'kos listens, unsurprised.

"You will be missed, Sir Jean," he says.  "Your sword arm was strong, your heart full of courage and I begrudge you not your choice.  Your God's blessings be upon you."

After a moment he grins, "And try not to get yourself killed on your journey."

Loukas listened to the Frank's decision and nods sadly, "As you will, Sir Jean. As Dyanna says, we must each do as we must do. I hope we shall meet again some day and look forward to hearing the tales of your travels."

Balthazar is shocked.  "Gee Jean - um, Sir Jean - wow.  Now that I think of it, you've been overdue for a religious calling.  I suppose finding some musty old library really can't compare.  Jerusalem is a wonderful place, but also a place of duality.  You'll find much spiritually there, but not much peace, so keep your sword close at hand.  I wish you good luck in your travels.  I'll be visiting Jerusalem myself soon; I have a little villa there on the outskirts of town.  I'll look you up when I arrive, and introduce you to my wife.  And, if you're interested, the Hedonite headquarters is only a few miles away, in the hidden Garden of Eden."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:35, Mon 03 Oct 2011.

Jaleh was also not very surprised by the announcement. "Well, I wish you good luck too. I'm rather sad to see you fall into this brainwashing of the masses, but to each their own."

"I will be sorry to see you go and your sword arm will be missed. Since your mount was slain by the women, I feel it only right that i give you my own horse. She is far from quality compared to your own but she is a fine may still and will serve you well. You will be outfitted with whatever you need from the ship stores...what of your estate in Khorsun?"

I appreciate both your concerns and your well wishes. As I said, this is something I have been called to do. I am not sure I would have it any other way if I could. We may meet again one day."

He turns away from the group and says, "For now I spend the day in prayer, if you will excuse me."

As Dyanna watches Sir Jean ramble off in search of a safe place to pray she says,
"Well, that was a sobering experience. I know it is still early in the day but if that does not encourage one to drink a flagon or three of wine, I am not sure what does."

She begins to walk towards the ship, saying,
"I'll be back in a few with some wine, we can toast our departing friend and spill a few drops int he river for our new one."

While surprised by Jean's decision, it did seem for the best. Loukas never had gotten on very well with the Frank, but he had not wished for his departure.

As Dyanna returns to the ship, Loukas steps alongside her, "You are a wise one, Woman of Greece, permit me to assist you -- if nothing else, two may carry more than one and I think we will all wish the grape this eve."
This message was last edited by the player at 12:46, Wed 05 Oct 2011.

A'kos frowns, his thoughts turning inward.  He finds a shade tree away from the group; he has no wish to see the Frank leave, no wish to toast the river whom he never had much truk w/ anyway.

Sitting beneath the overhanging eaves, he finds small pebbles and tosses them...and considers much as the others start their revel.

After a few moments Jaleh followed A'kos over to where he was sitting. She picked up a few pebbles then sat down and began to toss them across the water, making a game of skipping them farthest.

"Hmph," says A'kos critically, eying her attempts at skipping stones.  "Get your arm lower, nearly parallel to the ground, little one.  If you have good arm angle, the shape of the stone doesn't matter nearly as much."

When she looks at him he grins sheepishly and shrugs before continuing.

"I've got good arm strength, I just still think a smooth bottom helps it skip." Jaleh leaned over to cuddle on A'kos a moment before sitting right to gather a few more stones.

PM

PM

A'kos sets his arm around her shoulder and pulls her gently near.  He kisses her head for good measure.