Fuzzy: Iomedae's Library
Alisa had nodded as to Dara's take on wisdom, reckoning it was the truth.
"Well said...I agree. These days, I do not worry. I take things on faith, and do the very best I can, with what I have. It is simple that way. If not necessarily always easy."
When Dara suggested the world would be better with more like her, Alisa was a little surprised, smiled somewhat wryly. "Thank you for that. I do not hold myself to be anyone special. I don't bother thinking a great deal about why Acavna wanted me in particular; if she needs me to know, then I've no doubt she'll tell me, as she has told me other things."
Alisa didn't consider the next topic as delicate as Dara had guessed, and in fact didn't mind speaking of it, particularly not to another cleric, whom would understand better than most.
"How did I know - ? Yes, there were the whispers -- but also pictures. Like memories -- but, not my own. Some which came to me in dream, at night -- some others in a sort of lucid dreaming, while awake. Many of those -- were of a place that I came to understand was her temple, in old Azlant. I saw her clergy. Serving her, as well as going about the smaller things in their lives. And I -- I just felt -- just knew that my place was as one of them. It was so soothing for me to see these things, there was such a sense of it being right. Perhaps like trying a new food, finding it the most delicious thing you've ever tasted, and asking yourself 'so where has this been my whole life?' "
She quirked a playful smile, her expression then becoming more serious: "And then, I learned how she'd perished -- such a noble, loving, selfless act -- and then been forgotten across the centuries. And, I felt her strong sorrow that she'd been unable to continue to defend and protect as she once had. And that she very much wished to do so again -- but that it would not be wholly possible without help." Alisa shook her head, eyes misting again.
"I could not have refused that, never. No part of me wished to. It would have been like...refusing someone you love, at the moment they need you the most."
She'd listened very intently as Dara had spoken of the shift away from her father's patron goddess, toward the worship and service of Sarenrae.
"I hear you. Personal glory is nothing to me. I could care less. I don't know how I'll be remembered one day after I'm gone, or even if I will be. And it doesn't matter. The work and leaving this world a better place is what does. I believe in ripples --- as when you toss a stone into a lake, and the ripples spread outward. I believe that good, as well as evil, both work in a similar way. We perform an act of good, there is no telling how many others it may finally touch. And, those so encouraged and helped, how many others they may touch in their lifetime. It is why I feel no one need be discouraged from acting, because they are 'only one person.' One person can make a great difference, I know it for truth."
As to the choice of religion and god, she added- "Clearly, you did what was in your heart, in turning toward Sarenrae. Choosing a god is so very, very personal. I know that as well as any, following one whom many would deny even exists. One day, if I have my own little ones, I will not compel them to Acavna's worship at all. Should it be in their hearts as it is in mine, then so be it. I will simply support and nurture them in whatever is right and true within their heart and soul."
She listened as Dara spoke of the Harrow...and those forces that were said to underpin it. Alisa had no experience or knowledge by which to judge or offer insight, so she merely nodded, again learning something new, which she liked to do.
When Dara remarked that she would do anything for Sara, Alisa smiled on them, and acknowledged "I know you would. Supernal blessings on you both. I may be no prophetess, but I do believe there are good things ahead for both of you. All three of you," she amended, glancing with a smile to include Lydia.
Complimented on her work, she waved a hand modestly, "Ah, I've had to meet my little cousin's high standards, so I know a thing or two! But, I have to say I'm much pleased by the result! Of course, art is easier with quality material. You have beautiful hair, lovely features, far from the most challenging subject."
Once it seemed things got a little awkward, she leaned in and gave Dara a hug --
"We practice the old ways, in my homeland. We are not a cool nor distant people -- and believe strongly in community, and caring for those who are part of it. And as priestesses, those striving for the light, I think it's safe to say you and I share a community."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:45, Sun 14 Apr 2019.