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Dantalian

Dantalian

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Confused, Skia had asked his mother about such things; ever cautious, he had been sure to make no mention of him having such feelings, but instead had spoken of “hearing from adventurers that some guy in Ardougne had fallen in love with another man.” The reaction from Skia's devoutly Saradominist mother had been frightening, she had made it very clear that people like that were cursed; doomed for eternal suffering in Zamorak's plane. Severely shaken, Skia had left as quickly as he could without being disrespectfu,l and made his way to the Saradominist Church, once there he had prayed relentlessly for hours that this “curse” as his mother called it, be lifted. For several days he repeated this process, offering up his heartfelt prayers to the god of light. But apparently, Saradomin was either busy or considered Skia's prayers unsatisfactory, for they were never answered.
Eventually accepting that Saradomin would not answer his prayers, Skia stopped making his daily trip to the church, instead resolving to ignore his “curse.* It wasn't particularly hard, since he spent most of his days in the cemetery, where few people would bother him. But now, given his roommate, it looked like that “curse” would be constantly bothering him. For a brief moment he wondered if it might not be prudent to ask Sedridor for a new roommate, but he quickly pushed that idea aside. If he asked for a new roommate, he would draw attention to himself, and would probably have to explain why. For all he knew, the Wizard's Tower would end his apprenticeship if they knew he was cursed... Therefore, Skia committed himself to what seemed to be his last option; he would just have to put more effort into ignoring his situation. Having decided this, Skia convinced himself to return to his room and get some sleep. He never even noticed Sedridor, who had been standing in the shadows, listening in to his thoughts. "He appears in the Form of a Man with many Countenances; and he hath a Book in his right hand. His Office is to teach all Arts and Sciences unto any; and to declare the Secret Counsel of any one."

10-Aug-2011 22:21:12

Dantalian

Dantalian

Posts: 3,434 Adamant Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile
The head wizard watched Skia go up the stairs, then began to pace, pondering the new problem that listening to Skia's thoughts had provided him. Sedridor was a Saradominist, but not a particularly devout person. In addition, he had read up on the teachings of Saradomin and knew that people like Skia were not unconditionally condemned by Saradomin's teaching. As such, he wouldn't have minded if it turned out that Skia, or any other male apprentice was actively sleeping with another guy (provided the romance didn't get in the way of the apprentice's work), and was far less concerned about who they were attracted too. However, he was still concerned for Skia; he had seen and heard of many other young men like him, and was aware that the fate of such men was often bleak.
Many eventually grew sick of society telling them who they could and couldn't love, or experience mutual pleasure with, and turned to the liberating theology of the Zamorakians. Those who did so, often let their passions run wild. Every night was spent with a new lover. Those people often experienced fleeting happiness; many died young, but those that lived on eventually became miserable. When they grew old, when wrinkles and grey hair took the place of youthful charms, they were ignored by other pleasure seekers, and left to loneliness and bitterness.
Still others took the road that Skia seemed to be half-way committed to. They viewed their attractions as a curse, and tried to either pretend that their feelings were false or “cure” them via extreme methods that had a bad habit of maiming or killing those they were performed on, and very rarely succeeding in “curing” them. "He appears in the Form of a Man with many Countenances; and he hath a Book in his right hand. His Office is to teach all Arts and Sciences unto any; and to declare the Secret Counsel of any one."

10-Aug-2011 22:21:40

Dantalian

Dantalian

Posts: 3,434 Adamant Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile
Of course, there were also those who went by unhindered by it; many were Guthixians who quietly lived in stable relationships within their own Guthixian communities as those were less prone to raise any sort of fuss. And there were others, mostly Saradominists, who, having grown to accept the truth about themselves, lived their lives in peace, even without being in a relationship.
Sedridor knew he could not control the outcome of Skia's life, but still wondered whether shuffling the roommates around would make life easier for the young nobleman.
“A gold piece for your thoughts, head wizard?”
Sedridor nearly jumped out of his shoes as his thoughts were interrupted, and was even more shocked when, who should he see upon turning, but Chalcon.
Recomposing himself quickly, Sedridor managed a smile and said, “Well, I was wondering how you apprentices are getting along with your roommates. I don't want to cause unnecessary stress that takes away from you learning here.”
“Ah,” replied Chalcon, “Well, I can't speak for the others, but I think I'm growing quite fond of my roommate. He's a weird guy, you know?”
“How so?” asked Sedridor.
“He's not used to talking to people,” answered Chalcon, “He's used to being left alone, but he is very perceptive of things around him. And yet... he is troubled. He doesn't know himself or what he's going to do with his life. Well, at this age, few of us do, but he seems even more unclear. And well... it's hard to explain, but it seems his soul is in turmoil.”
Seeing Sedridor's shocked look, Chalcon continued, “I think I'll help him grow, but he'll probably hate me for it.”
“Why's that?” asked Sedridor.
“You can't grow much in a shell, but that same shell makes him feel safe. He'll hate being drawn out of it,” replied Chalcon. Before Sedridor could respond, Chalcon quickly added, “Well, that's it for me, I'm off to bed now, see you tomorrow, head wizard.” and promptly went up the stairs, leaving Sedridor to ponder what had been said. "He appears in the Form of a Man with many Countenances; and he hath a Book in his right hand. His Office is to teach all Arts and Sciences unto any; and to declare the Secret Counsel of any one."

10-Aug-2011 22:22:07

Dantalian

Dantalian

Posts: 3,434 Adamant Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile
CHAPTER II – THE PATH TO POWER
Despite being middle-age, Count Aeole was a solidly built man. His constant training and numerous duels against the black knights of Zamorak had seemingly allowed him to cheat time; there were many who swore that the count was as strong, if not more so, than he had been in his youth. More than one added that this was due to the favor which Saradomin bestowed upon the Count. In fact, the only evidence to his age were the few places on his head and beard where the silver hairs of old age had begun to supplant the deep brown hair the Count had borne since childhood. To most of the knights, this was a sign of the Count'* experience, rather than any weakness.
Many of the black knights were prone to agree. It was well know that the Count could match ten of his younger Zamorakian counterparts. So famous was his strength among the Kinshra, that Lord Darquarius had given orders that no knight was to challenge the Count without desperate reason. This knowledge had leaked back to Falador via the Temple Knights, and allowed Sir Amik Varze to proudly proclaim that Falador would never fall so long as Count Aeole lived.
Some white knights would go further, and optimistically claim that Falador was safe even after the Count received his eternal reward for his decades of faithful service to Saradomin. For the skill and charisma of his son, Seamus, were already becoming famous among the next generation of white knights, much to the joy of the older knights, who saw Seamus as having the potential to inspire and lead his generation just as his father had done with the generation before him. Because of that, Seamus had been allowed to take the tests of the white knights earlier than his peers, and already had been dubbed Sir Seamus, and granted an even greater honor; that of sitting in on the meetings of the white knight leaders. "He appears in the Form of a Man with many Countenances; and he hath a Book in his right hand. His Office is to teach all Arts and Sciences unto any; and to declare the Secret Counsel of any one."

16-Sep-2011 01:49:43

Dantalian

Dantalian

Posts: 3,434 Adamant Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile
Thus it was, that even as his elder brother began the first day of his apprenticeship in the Wizards' Tower, that Seamus was seated at the foot of a large table within his father's banquet hall, with the commanders of the white knights seated on either side of the table.
“Gentlemen, I welcome you to my home,” Count Aeole said, bringing the meeting to an official start. Immediately, the idle chatter that had been filling up the room died down, as all eyes turned to the head of the table, where Sir Amik Varze, leader of the white knights was seated. Protocol dictated that he both be given the seat of honor, and that he explain the purpose of the meeting. Even though every one of the knights already knew the reason they had been summoned, none would dare be guilty of the grave rudeness of interrupting their leader.
“My friends,” Sir Varze began, “It has come to our attention, by the will of Saradomin, that a new army is being raised in the Wilderness; and army of the dead. Who could be guilty of this travesty against all that is sacred to the light, except the slaves of the foul Zamorak? Therefore, it was our wish that the council of the ruling members of the holy order of Saradomin's white knights come together, and, enlightened by the wisdom of the most holy Saradomin, determine what should be done about this new army of the dead.” "He appears in the Form of a Man with many Countenances; and he hath a Book in his right hand. His Office is to teach all Arts and Sciences unto any; and to declare the Secret Counsel of any one."

16-Sep-2011 01:50:14

Dantalian

Dantalian

Posts: 3,434 Adamant Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile
“Most esteemed leader of our sacred order, if it pleases Saradomin, would you allow me to voice my opinion on this recent build up?” the speaker was Duke Theorn, a knight of no remarkable skill, who's family held a position on the council of white knights solely because their large coffers provided the bulk of the order's funding. Despite this, or perhaps because of this, the Theorn family held itself in the greatest regard, and were more than willing to make shows of their immense “charity.” Thoroughly convinced of their righteousness, the Theorn were the most disliked of the white knight's ruling families. Though few would openly admit it out of fear of lost funding.
Without waiting for the affirmation, Duke Theorn continued, “This increase of the undead is certainly nothing new. The foul Mahjarret known as Zemourgal has raised such armies in the past. No doubt this is simply his latest attempt to lay Varrock to waste. And I ask you, why should we intervene? Varrock has turned it's back on Saradomin, King Roald has allowed Guthixian ideologies to run amok within their city, to a point where there is even a temple to the foul Zamorak out in the open!
My esteemed peers, is it not clear? The reason Zemourgal is able to attack the walls of Varrock again and again is because the holy Saradomin has permitted it. So far, Varrock has been saved, no doubt because Saradomin is trying to make them aware of their own wickedness. But should he decide that this sinful city be destroyed, why would we, his loyal servants, question this decision? Leave Varrock to it's own judgment, lest we too share in their fate, that is what I say.” "He appears in the Form of a Man with many Countenances; and he hath a Book in his right hand. His Office is to teach all Arts and Sciences unto any; and to declare the Secret Counsel of any one."

16-Sep-2011 01:50:50

Dantalian

Dantalian

Posts: 3,434 Adamant Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile
The white knights fell silent, each pondering what the Duke had said. Some looked eager to accept his explanation; yet, more out of the relief they experienced from not having to field troops or put their lives on the line for what they felt was another country's cause. Others, like Sir Amik, looked less eager to accept the Duke's explanation but were likewise uneager to broach the subject with him.
Count Aeole studied the faces of his comrades carefully; while his valor was unquestionable, the Count also possessed a keen sense of diplomacy, and an understanding of his fellow knights. He was aware of the divide between them, and likewise aware of exactly how to diffuse the situation without causing a rift between the knights. The only reason he was keeping quiet, was to see how Seamus would react. This was the one area of knighthood that the Count would've preferred his elder son over his younger. For his many faults, Skia possessed an uncanny ability to see issues from all points of view, and thereby handle them diplomatically. Seamus on the other hand was an idealist; he would set himself to one side of an argument and woe to anyone who went against him.
As if to prove his father's thoughts, Seamus spoke, “The Duke is right,” pronounced the young Aeole, “We would be fools to shed white knight blood in order to protect sinners from Saradomin's judgment.”
Count Aeole said nothing for the moment, allowing his son's declaration to sink in with the other knights. Each looked at Seamus with barely disguised praise or annoyance depending on which side of the argument they had been on. Already, the Count could see some of them plotting on how to get into his heir's graces and thereby further their own influence. With an inaudible sigh the Count mentally criticized his son; reminding himself to make sure he told Seamus never to openly agree with one of two sides within the knights. Oh well, it was time to teach him something about these situations anyway... "He appears in the Form of a Man with many Countenances; and he hath a Book in his right hand. His Office is to teach all Arts and Sciences unto any; and to declare the Secret Counsel of any one."

16-Sep-2011 01:51:24

Dantalian

Dantalian

Posts: 3,434 Adamant Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile
“The Duke is indeed right on principle, my son,” said the Count. All the knights stared at him as he spoke; wondering if he intended to side with Duke Theorn as well. More than a few knights looked relieved when the Count added “However,” to his earlier statement. “Whereas we are not the ones to stand between Saradomin and his judgment,” continued the Count, “We must nonetheless accept that we are the heralds of his message. If we refuse to bring a people's attention to the judgment they are to undergo, then are we not neglecting our duties as well? Therefore, while I agree with our honorable peer, the Duke on his decision not to offer military force to Misthalin, I nonetheless suggest that we send a warning to them of the dire fate approaching them, and furthermore, that we keep an eye on this undead army.”
There were a few murmurs at this last statement. Keeping an eye on the undead army was a subtle hint that the Count considered it a possibility that the army was not necessarily intended for Varrock. A prudent view, but one that the Duke would not appreciate. Of course, the Duke was too busy gloating to himself over having Count Aeole “agree with him” that he didn't notice the hint.
The Count'* suggestion may not have been ideal to either side, but it was acceptable to both, and having thus reached an agreement, the meeting quickly broke. Interested as he was in the meeting, Seamus was eager to get back to his friends and training, and thus, as soon as it was possible to leave without insulting the elder knights, quickly walked out of the door, and nearly ran into Elizabeth in the hall.
“Enjoy your meeting?” Elizabeth asked.
Annoyed at being delayed, Seamus muttered a quick yes, and continued toward the door.
“You certainly seem to take being allowed in for granted,” grumbled Elizabeth.
Feeling more annoyed, Seamus turned to his sister and asked, “What's your point?” "He appears in the Form of a Man with many Countenances; and he hath a Book in his right hand. His Office is to teach all Arts and Sciences unto any; and to declare the Secret Counsel of any one."

16-Sep-2011 01:52:18

Dantalian

Dantalian

Posts: 3,434 Adamant Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile
“That some people would kill to get into that meeting, and here you are, an ungrateful brat, getting in for nothing,” she snapped.
“Look, Beth, no offense, but you're a girl, you'll get married to some lordling and deal with raising children and the like. You don't need to know what's in those meetings,” retorted Seamus.
A look of anger flashed across Elizabeth's face for just a moment, one that Seamus didn't miss.
“And why is that?” she questioned, “I have Skia's brains and can match you in fighting; if we look at abilities I'm at least as qualified as you are to lead.”
“Saradomin made men for leading,” Seamus replied dissmissively, “Women are for raising the next generation.”
“Saradomin's chosen race, the Icyene, had women leaders,” Elizabeth countered, “So what makes us humans so different?”
Seamus frowned. He had no idea what Elizabeth was talking about, but it was very rare for him to allow things like logic to stop him from winning an argument; he had long ago found out that if he dug his heels in and refused to be swayed, eventually the person arguing with him would get tired and give up. Getting himself ready for a long shouting bout, he commented, “What's the big deal, you were listening in to the meeting anyway, right? You know all about what's going on with Varrock.”
To Seamus' surprise, Elizabeth didn't respond. Instead she looked off into the distance. Thinking he had won the argument Seamus hurried out the door, and began looking for his friends. If he had stayed a little longer, he might have realized that his sister was thinking about something.
Elizabeth noticed Seamus leaving, and smiling to herself, made her way to her room and summoned one of the maids. "He appears in the Form of a Man with many Countenances; and he hath a Book in his right hand. His Office is to teach all Arts and Sciences unto any; and to declare the Secret Counsel of any one."

16-Sep-2011 01:52:59

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