The Will of the Gods [Theology Lesson]
02-11-2014, 02:16 PM
Nervous butterflies continued to frolic in his gut, but they were easier to ignore as Bhaire's pack mates began to fill his clearing. The first member to arrive was only vaguely familiar to him, but she bore the Destruction family markings and he smiled a warm greeting. Not far behind her, though, was his own apprentice and her companion, Elohim. Bhaire chuckled at her exuberant arrival and greeting, unable to contain his good will. The girl was young, bright, and infinitely curious. He had been quite pleased with her performance so far, and it would not be a far stretch to say his time with her was what made life in Ludicael so worthwhile. A young male appeared then, bright eyed and eager. As always, Bhaire felt his heart warm at seeing such interest from the younger generations. He knew Theology was a tender subject, one best taught with great care, and that optimism from students would go a long way. After all, he was not teaching the art of healing, where you could see with your eyes the effects of your work. No, Theology had to be felt and contemplated deeply to be understood. Bhaire began to wonder how many would heed his call. Part of him had expected Novel alone, but it was not long before three others had filled his small hallow in the mangroves. It occurred to him that future lessons might need be hosted elsewhere. First a wolf-like creature would appear, but wolf it was not. Her size was diminutive and she seemed to harbor a fear within her. Bhaire offered her a kind nod, and a gentle smile. Trust was something earned through time and effort, as he well knew. A fae appeared next, fresh and clean and rather aloof, by all appearances. This did not stop the large, brown man from greeting her as he had with all the others. Finally, and with great clamor, another Destruction child burst forth from the brush, joking that he had arrived. He greeted his family with warm courtesy and addressed Bhaire directly about what he was about to say. The man's nerves had faded almost entirely by this point, and he was well prepared with a response, not only to Dhiren, but to them all. His voice dropped into the gentle, rolling cant of a bard. It was melodic and gentle, the deep baritone drawing his audience in and captivating him. It was not a trick per say, but rather a method his adoptive father had taught him long ago. "Some of you may know me, and some may not. My name is Bhaire, and I've lived alongside the gods for as long as I can remember. I was orphaned and found by a traveling band of monks and sisters, who raised me with the lore. I will admit this is my first time teaching instead of being taught," he said with a gentle smile. "But it is my dearest hope that I can do well by you all. If you ever have any questions, please feel free to interrupt and I will clarify. Also, before we get going, I'd like you all to consider my den here yours as well. I will not turn you away if you have need of me." He took a deep breath and looked up at the sky. How to begin... "I suppose, the first thing that needs be discussed, is what you seek from me. I will not tell you what yo believe, or what is right or wrong. That is hardly for me to decide. The fates will sway your lives in a drastically different way than mine. My hope is instead that I might teach you what I have been taught, and guide you to clarity and wisdom. After all, what good are beliefs if they are not your own?" Bhaire looked over the crowd before him and surveyed the faces before him, looking for some sort of reaction. He would tell them of his gods in time, and perhaps if they found truth in what he said they would become their gods as well. Even if they did not agree with his gods, they might yet find some wisdom in their lessons and lore. Wisdom, he'd found, could be earned in the strangest of places, but only if you maintained an orderly and open mind. His success would not be measured in his converts, but in the character of his students when he was through with them. The gods would keep until death, but their livelihoods existed now. "I suppose, I should begin with my own beliefs. I do not expect you to mirror them, or even agree with them, only beg you keep an open mind." He looked to the sky once more. "I look at the world around me, and see not only leaves and air and water, but the many faceted faces of the gods. Fourteen hold sway over the realm in it's entirety. They take many forms and shapes, but they hear the pleas of us all. Bori, the father, and Cirilla, the mother, with their twelve children look upon our troubles and passions, and will lend the pious their ear when we are in need. A mistake would be made in expecting their aid in all things, for without challenge, how can we grow? In time, if you learn to see their signs and read their omens, you may grow to understand their queer language and, within that closeness, will become blessed. This is what I would teach you." He tried to keep the grandure from his voice. It was not a thing that all could learn. Certain souls bonded well to the voice of the gods, but others seemed eternally distanced. It was no easy thing to comprehend, and moons and moons spent meditating often left the student frustrated and fruitless. This, he knew, was why teaching patience and kindness would be as important and lore and legend. He certainly had a long way to go. He paused then, to wait for his student's first responses. "Talk" Think "Odd" |