The Eye of Anubis: Book One

[Kaitou Kage]

The priest actually did wince slightly at the insinuation that he might deliberately spread disease to Andre in retribution for tonight's antics. He had considered it for a moment, but didn't actually intend to follow through on such thoughts. He might've replied except the two newcomers arrived.

He returned Khalil's bow with a slight one of his own and then offered Otto a similar bow. Great. Just what he wanted. More people to try and remember proper decorum for. Hopefully the return bow was the right response. He hated high society already.

"Good evening," he replied in his accented speech, "I am Kuzan, priest of Ajad and expedition medic."

It didn't quite catch on that maybe he should introduce the other two.

[Nathan of the FoS]

"Oh, do be careful, however," Lia murmurs, "that you do not learn Arachne's folly and her flaw. Pride has been the downfall of many things ... including the first spider."

Sainted Ezra protect a fool...I'm being manhandled by a Mordentish girl and a geriatric professor. So much for verbal acumen.

Bowing, Charles says aloud, "I am fortunate, then, to have companions who remind me to be humble!"

"The Akiri were very interested in life and death, as much as the Darkonians, if not more. And they were artificers of skill. If Old Man Time can forestalled, then the secret surely lies in some ancient, dusty tomb within Har'Akir."

"Such as that of Menanashte?" Charles says musingly. "But you have met such a one before, you say...did he or she learn her secret from the Akiri, or is it true that the Philosopher's Stone was once made in Zherisia?"

"Better to have spiritual immortality, and to be above such concerns as hunger, pain and sorrow."

Out of the fullness of the heart the mouth speaketh. Slightly flustered by the veiled girl's willingness to disclose (or inability to conceal) her feelings, Charles takes refuge in a swallow of wine before venturing to reply.

"We would all hope for an end to those things, m'selle; but even as a pursuivant of the Queen of Sciences, that most abstract of studies, I think there is something to be said for the body. It is a source of hunger, pain, and sorrow, yes, but also of enjoyment and contentment. And I hardly need to mention to a woman of Mordent that merely to endure forever is supposedly a prison more cruel than any that men can devise. Whither spiritual immortality if what it means is that we cannot even hope for the release of death?"

[Rock of the Fraternity]

Lia cocks her head, seeming surprised. "My good sir," she says, "you seem to be confusing two matters. When I speak of 'spiritual immortality', I am certainly not talking about something so base as ghosts. That is what you were referring to, isn't it? A ghost ... is a sad and terrible thing. That is not immortality, it is merely one more wretched state of undeath to be avoided, if avoid it one may. Immortality ... would be to have fully transcended the world of flesh and be ... elsewhere, I suppose, not shackled to a regret, a vile crime or some crumbling pile of stones. Or perhaps a true immortal would be adjacent to this world of ours, able to touch it at will, but not bound to it. And hopefully, it would be able to explore new and wondrous spheres of existence, so no 'release' would be required." She shakes herself briefly. "Ah, well. I am not a religious philosopher. But I do sometimes wonder about such things. Perhaps the ancient Akiri, with their fascination with immortality, might have had similar thoughts once? Surely the ancient dead could not have been their sole answer to the quest for life eternal. There is so much to be discovered yet in the Amber Wastes ... A wealth of knowledge to be poured over by generations upon generations -- hopefully while continuing to pursue new knowledge, as well."

[Nathan of the FoS]

Or perhaps a true immortal would be adjacent to this world of ours, able to touch it at will, but not bound to it. And hopefully, it would be able to explore new and wondrous spheres of existence, so no 'release' would be required."

"And yet, that is all we know; either to endure in the flesh, like Professor Ramsey's mysterious acquaintance, or to die and linger--or to die and be gone, world without end, amen, so far as any can discover. If those are the options, small wonder so many seek the first!" Charles pauses, then continues more slowly, "We may, of course, hope that the Grand Scheme has some place for us when we have shuffled off this mortal coil, or that the Lawgiver will allot us a fitting place, but how can we know it? And, not knowing, how can we help but seek another path?"

Turning to Ramsey, he says, "You are a clergyman yourself, of your own sort, are you not, Professor? If I recall correctly your theology is deistic, or perhaps humanistic; how does it answer this question?"

She shakes herself briefly. "Ah, well. I am not a religious philosopher. But I do sometimes wonder about such things. Perhaps the ancient Akiri, with their fascination with immortality, might have had similar thoughts once? Surely the ancient dead could not have been their sole answer to the quest for life eternal. There is so much to be discovered yet in the Amber Wastes ."

"Indeed...although one wonders why they should settle for undying existence in their tombs of stone if they knew a way to a better place, a higher existence. As for their secrets--well, we shall see if we cannot learn a few of them, and unite them with our own store of knowledge, to better our condition...and, perhaps, find answers to these deepest of questions."

[Rock of the Fraternity]

"The ancient Akiri were deeply religious, were they not?" Lia replies calmly. "Quite possibly, their ways of transcending mortality were dependent on the favor of their gods. If so, then perhaps those gods were not always willing to elevate those who had the resources to complete the mortal part of the change from mortal to immortal. This is mere speculation, but it is simple fact that just because a man has a pile of gold and the manpower to make a pyramid, that does not mean he'd make a worthy immortal."
Lia shrugs again. "But if one could not attain immortality on such a level, being in the loving care of one's god or gods for eternity would not be anything to scoff at, either. Wouldn't you agree, sir Ramsey?"

[Nathan of the FoS]

"The ancient Akiri were deeply religious, were they not?" Lia replies calmly. "Quite possibly, their ways of transcending mortality were dependent on the favor of their gods. If so, then perhaps those gods were not always willing to elevate those who had the resources to complete the mortal part of the change from mortal to immortal. Just because a man has a pile of gold and the manpower to make a pyramid, does not mean he'd make a worthy immortal."

"I suppose they were like most men--some pious, some irreverent,," Charles says lightly. "But if it were the favor of the gods they needed, why build pyramids at all? As I understand it, they aren't temples--except perhaps to the god the buried one hopes to become..."

Charles falls silent as his thoughts are diverted along this line of thought. Becoming gods...could it be done? But what would determine who succeeded and who failed?

Recalling himself, he continues, "But I know very little of the Akiri gods, and what they might consider worthy of reward. I'm endeavoring to rectify the lack; I was actually intended to speak to Professor Theroux earlier...but we will have time for many conversations, I'm sure."

[NeoTiamat]

Kuzan, Andre, Khalil & Otto----------------------------------------------

Samael bowed politely to the two newcomers, examining them with a languid eye. After just a split second, he bows, shallowly, though more to keep his wine from spilling than out of a specific view of relative ranks.

"Samael Maleagant, Expedition organizer. And this is Kuzan and Professor Andre Theroux of the Theology department here. Pleasure to meet you."

The Borcan tilted his head slightly in thought, waiting to see if the two newcomers had any actual business or were just stopping by to chat.

Charles & Lia--------------------------------------------------------------

"But you have met such a one before, you say...did he or she learn her secret from the Akiri, or is it true that the Philosopher's Stone was once made in Zherisia?"

"You know, I never asked." Ramsey's slight, smirking smile didn't leave his lips."

Turning to Ramsey, he says, "You are a clergyman yourself, of your own sort, are you not, Professor? If I recall correctly your theology is deistic, or perhaps humanistic; how does it answer this question?"

"I have the dubious honor of being the ranking representative of the Divinity of Mankind abroad. I suspect they've given me up as a hopeless heretic in Paridon." Ramsey shrugged. "Their loss."

"The Divinity of Mankind believes in reincarnation, and perfection of the human form. Those who achieve perfection in mind," The Professor tapped the side of his bald, white-fringed head for emphasis, "body," a tap to the throat, "and soul," a tap to the heart. "achieve divinity."

"Immortality, divinity, it is all one and the same. The truest hallmark of the god is that he cannot die, save by the hand of a fellow god. And with infinite time, how can one help but become a god?" There was a cold fire burning in Lord Ramsey's eyes as he spoke. His dry voice continued. "But I must quibble with Miss Mourneswaithe's views. If a man has the power to construct a tomb fit for gods, then how is he not deserving? It takes will to create such a thing, and such a will is given to few."

Tomas, Allikhain & Ulsaon------------------------------------------------

"Eeeesh, calm down everyone," Dieter rolled his eyes at the escalating rudeness. He turned to Allikhain, "And you can try to be just a bit more polite to people, else one fine day you'll find yourself in over your head and no one comes to help."

Dieter shrugged. "Whatever, you guys have fun talking about ghosties and ghoulies, I'm going to go find Michel. He always has a card game going. You can come too, if you want Tomas."

With that the Lamordian youth turned and headed off through the crowd, looking over his shoulder to see if Tomas was coming.

"This always happens..." Devereux sighed mournfully. "You go ahead Tomas, I'll be fine."

[Rock of the Fraternity]

"Ah, but that is easy, isn't it?" Lia replies to Charles' question , her tone indicating a sly amusement. "Obeying the edicts of the deity in question and going beyond the norm, that is what is considered worthy of special rewards. Just as it is on our own, mortal level."
She next turns to Ramsey. "Not only will, but also great wealth and access to manpower, surely? And having wealth enough for such materials and for sufficient architects and builders is a fine thing," she says, "but not all wealth is gained through willpower and hard work. Consider the heir who is born into the lap of luxury, with the wealth of his ancestors and all the advantages of his position at his fingertips. Is he worthy if he decides to spend some of the riches of his ancestors on his own immortality, when they left it to their descendants in hopes of benefiting their whole land and the following generations? Or is the man who then goes out and makes himself a new fortune for this use more worthy?"

[Nathan of the FoS]

"I have the dubious honor of being the ranking representative of the Divinity of Mankind abroad. I suspect they've given me up as a hopeless heretic in Paridon." Ramsey shrugged. "Their loss."

"The Divinity of Mankind believes in reincarnation, and perfection of the human form. Those who achieve perfection in mind," The Professor tapped the side of his bald, white-fringed head for emphasis, "body," a tap to the throat, "and soul," a tap to the heart. "achieve divinity."

"Immortality, divinity, it is all one and the same. The truest hallmark of the god is that he cannot die, save by the hand of a fellow god. And with infinite time, how can one help but become a god?" There was a cold fire burning in Lord Ramsey's eyes as he spoke. His dry voice continued. "But I must quibble with Miss Mourneswaithe's views. If a man has the power to construct a tomb fit for gods, than how is he not deserving? It takes will to create such a thing, and such a will is given to few."

"Heresy? Then you form a religion of one?" Martel asks. "A lonely prospect." Small wonder he is so noted a solipsist, then; practically speaking he is obligated to worship himself! "And yet it seems to me that there is a flaw in your reasoning, Professor. If a man makes a tomb fit for a god, it might follow that he can slay a god to fill it; but to fill it himself, and then rise into life as a god, is a very curious inversion!"

[Rock of the Fraternity]

"I don't agree," Lia says, musingly. "Death is supposed to free the immortal spirit from the mortal body, after all. That would be the supreme time for the spirit to also transcend its own limitations and achieve grand power and status. It would require rituals of impressive power, to be sure. And, perhaps, the favor of a deity already in a position of power to help the spirit 'find its feet', as it were."

[steveflam]

Allikhain merely stared at the departing Deiter's head. "Forgive me if I appear rude, but that is how I am. I am a very serious person. Whatever I do I take pride in it and I definitley have no time for lolligagging. Cards.....bah. I have better things to do than sit and look at cards."

"What a sour grape" Ulsaon pouted. "Once you get used to Allikhain it's no big deal. I'm the cheerful one really. Forget about it Professor Devereux. So tell me, how long have you been teaching here? And have you visited many other Domains?" Ulsaon asked.

[DocBeard]

Tomas considers saying something more directly...

...but, the professor. "As you wish, Herr Professor. I apologize for interrupting your conversation. Good evening, ladies." He's reluctant to leave his mentor, but if that's what the man asked, that's what Tomas will do. Offering a weak smile, the Lamordian heads after his countryman, idly keeping an eye out for something resembling a cold drink.

[yalenusveler]

Andre smiled, looking the two newcomers over, and returning their greetings in kind, showing as bout as much care for social status as Samael did. "Good evening to you both. As you've both already probably deduced, I'm Professor Andre Theroux, the academic expert on Akiri religion for this venture. And if any of my grad students have gotten ahold of you, I assure you, all their lies are baseless in the extreme."

[lostboy]

"I am honoured to make all your acquaintances." says Khalil, making eye contact with all three. His gaze seems to linger on Kuzan a little longer and there is almost the hint of a wink under his dark brows in that look.

Turning to the academic, "Professor, it is immensly gratifying to meet one with so much knowledge on the religion of my ancestors, all too often this land seems full of those with closed minds who regard the rest of creation as beneath them, your interest in the culture of the wastes is refreshing. I look forward to discussing this further as we journey."

"However I must again apologise, my reason for interrupting was that I require a few words with Afandi Samael before our departure." Gazing at the Borcan, he asks "would you have a few meagre moments to indulge me?"

[NeoTiamat]

Lia & Charles--------------------------------------------------------------

"You phrase the question of 'worth' incorrectly, Miss Mournswaithe." Lord Ramsey inclined his head to her, continuing as if saying a well-worn and used belief. "What is worth but success, and what matters how success is achieved so long as it is gained? What does it matter the methods so long as the prize is gained? The man who loses to an adversary better funded or what not is no more or less a loser than a man who is defeated by an equal. Defeat is defeat, success is success. The cry of 'it's not fair!' has been the wounded bellow of the defeated for centuries, but it changes nothing. Worth, success, belonds to him who takes it."

"Ah, Lia, there you are, and Charles too! I've been looking all over!" A tanned Mordentishman in a tight-fitting black suit approached the trio, stopping shortwhen he saw Lord Ramsey.

"Adrian..." The Mordentishman's voice was cool. "Have you been filling their heads with your snake oil?"

"A pleasure to meet you too, Professor Carter. We were just discussing the moral implications of immortality with regards to the Akiri penchant for tomb-building."

"I see..." One could take an icepick to Carter's tone.

"As a matter of fact," continued Ramsey, unperturbed by the archeologist's hostility, "I was just about to take my leave of Mr. Martel and Miss Mournswaithe. Good evening Charles, Miss Mournswaithe. I hope we shall meet again, this has been a delightful conversation. Would half my colleagues were as keen-minded. Goodbye Carter."

And with that the old professor departed. Prof. Carter watched him till he disappeared in the crowd.

"Watch out for that snake, listen to him long enough and you'll believe up is down and black is white." It did not take an alienist to realize that Carter was unfond of the head of the Philosophy Department. Then his features softened. "Ah, Lia, its good to see you. And Charles, I was surprised to hear you were on the Expedition, though now I wonder why. Tell me, how are things!"

Tomas----------------------------------------------------------------------

Dieter deftly led the way through the crowded Hall, pausing here and there to ask scurrying servants if they'd seen his comrades. Eventually, he led Tomas to an alcove in the back of the room, not far from the doors to the kitchens. Here, tables and chairs had been set up for those unwilling to walk the floor of the Guignol Reception Hall all night.

Seated at one of those tables were a pair of Dementlieuse men, both dressed in the elaborate outfits of high society, though there the resemblance ended. The younger man, in his early thirties, was the classic Dementlieuse dandy, his suit dapper, his hair pomaded, and his moustache waxed to elaborate points. He was dealing cards. His comrade, perhaps a decade older, was a rougher man, the beginnings of stubble on his cheeks and a pair of scars down his face. He was gazing at the cards with a look of extreme dubiousness, pausing every now and then to scratch the ears of the third member of the little group.

This was a wolfhound, or so Tomas's mind termed it, since a wolf simply couldn't be in the grand reception hall of the University of Dementlieu. He was a large and handsome specimen, probably a full meter at the shoulder and with a grey and white coat, though at the moment the dog was sleeping quietly on the floor, acting as a glorified footwarmer.

"Hello Michel, hello Guy, care to deal us in?" Dieter said without preamble. "Oh, this is Tomas, he's from Lamordia too."

"Certainly, have a seat, have a seat." The dapper man said with a smile. "I am Michel de Angelis, and this is my esteemed colleague Guy Benoit, late of the region east of Chateaufaux."

Benoit raised an eyebrow at de Angelis's florid introduction, but said nothing as he snagged a pair of chairs for the two Lamordians, discomfitting the dog in the process. The wolfhound, a little put out by this, stood up and walked over to Tomas, licking his hand one then nuzzling it with the cold, wet black nose.

"He's friendly." Benoit commented, his voice softer and gentler than would be expected of what looked like a fairly rough man. Nevertheless, his voice had the 'dog-owner' harmonics of canine-lovers world-round. "His name's Loup. Alsatian-Wolf mix."

Allikhain & Ulsaon---------------------------------------------------------

Devereux was flustered momentarily by the barrage of questions, but he recovered. "I've been teaching here for eleven years now, since I completed my doctorate. I'm a professor of history."

"In fact, I've been to several of the nearby countries, Mordent, Lamordia, Darkon, Richemulot, Borca. I've even been to Barovia once. I travel extensively in the course of researching my books."

"Perhaps you've heard of them?"

Meanwhile, another man bumped into Allikhain, though unlike the luckless Devereux the sharp-featured man was off with a muttered "Sorry miss."

Kuzan, Andre, Khalil, & Otto---------------------------------------------

Samael is momentarily surprised by this request, but nods his assent. "We can talk in the garden, there's an overhanging eave, so we won't get wet."

Grabbing a full wine-glass from a tray, the Borcan heads off with Khalil, calling over his shoulder, "I'll be back soon."