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Message: <blockquote data-quote="el-remmen" data-source="post: 3930174" data-attributes="member: 11">InterSession #16.1 – “In the Dark Hours Before Dawn”Teflem, the 6th of Keent - 566 H.E. (637 M.Y.)"May I speak with you?" the priest of Ra requested of the academy wizard. It was the coldest hour before sunrise, and the watch-mage and the priest were on watch together.  "Do you know who the Pillars might be? As it would relate to a watch-mage?"The rest of the Signers of Charter of Schiereiland were asleep, except for their scout, Falco, who was off seeking small game birds among the reeds beside the Ickle Trik.  Bleys the Aubergine risked throwing another small log on the fire as he mused. It crackled, sending sparks into the darkness. "Hmmmm, Pillars… I know the <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Paladins+of+Ra%27s+Pantheon#ra" target="_blank">Pillars of Ra</a>, if that is what you mean, but I do not know how they may relate to a <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Watch-Mage" target="_blank">watch-mage</a> specifically. Why do you ask? Is this important now?""Not now, but soon" The priest paused, quietly pondering. “I am familiar with the Pillars of Ra, as well, but a watch-mage would not be one of them. And it'd be unlikely such an involvement would put them at odds with the law. So you know of no other group known as the Pillars?"Bleys mulled the question once again, looking at the glowing outline of Laarus’ pale face in the fire light, perhaps considering the source of the question as much as the questions itself. "I believe there are the White Pillars in the <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Moon+City" target="_blank">City of Sorcery</a>, but that is not a group, it is a location. Perhaps this is what you seek? All of this is very curious though. Does it stem from another of your visions?""Yes. Another insight into what will be, but has yet to come. Part of it concerns a colleague of yours. I do not feel the White Pillars would have to do with it. No man can be one of those."  Laarus paused in consideration only briefly when a sudden realization lit up his dull green eyes. "Unless there is a group associated with them…""Hmm, I need more detail to be of aid,” Bleys sat beside the priest of Ra, and cleared his throat softly. “As I understand it, you are telling me that you have seen some watch-mage in league with a group using ‘Pillars’ as a moniker or part there-of, and they are in conflict with Thrician law. Is this correct? Perhaps it would be best if you told me all you saw…""No, that is not what I'm telling you,” Laarus stood.  He pulled his cloak closer around him against the chill, and then kneeled beside the fire, warming his hands.  He did not look back at Bleys when he spoke, but deep into the fire.  “And that is not what I saw. One should be mindful of leaping to conclusions. It can lead you astray. Especially when concerning these visions." Bleys cocked an eyebrow. "Do not vex Laarus, for I am not drawing any conclusions. Quite the contrary. I wish not to presume anything, which is exactly why I ask you for clarification. For certainly making any rash judgment could lead to one’s demise, I know you agree…"Laarus did not turn from the fire. "I shall not tell you all I've seen now, but I can tell you the piece that concerns what I have asked about.” He closed his eyes. "We're in our suite in <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Sluetelot" target="_blank">Sluetelot</a>. Most of us… You enter the suite reading a letter and say: 'More bad news. <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Oroleniel+the+Salmon" target="_blank">Oroleniel</a> has been imprisoned. They say he did it because he is one of the Pillars.'"There was a long silence broken only by the crackling fire and the first chirpings of birds who could see the sun before even the pious eyes of priest of Ra could. Finally, Bleys spoke, "Perhaps we should think on this differently. More specifically, less concerning Oroleniel, whom unfortunately I know scant little about, and more to do with you. And why you have these visions." Laarus stood and turned looking deep into his companion's eyes. "It is difficult, I know. My thoughts would pull in a hundred directions when these were new to me. But Ra has helped restore order to my mind. These visions cannot be overthought or underthought. If they are, you risk not seeing the truth. I've still to find the perfect balance. Even after all these years."  Placing a hand on Bleys' shoulder, Laarus continued, "Put your mind at ease. Your comments have already helped me see where information might be found." Bleys looked to the hand, unaccustomed to physical displays of familiarity, but looked at Laarus again as the priest brought his hands back together, intertwining his fingers. "Speak with Telémakhos. He may know something of the Pillars. He's quite knowledgeable about organizations throughout Thricia.""As of yet, I am unable to ease what weighs on my mind. And I am glad the topic has been broached,” Bleys replied. “When we were at the Vanderboren Manse, you told me that you believed that these visions were not bestowed upon you by <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Ra" target="_blank">Ra</a>. This thought ails me. If not Ra, then from whom? And why? How are you certain that your patron does not confer them? I know you say that they always come true, but nonetheless they make me uneasy, unknowing of their intent and derivation. You are one of Ra's most faithful servants. If someone else can meddle in your mind, how can you trust all that you see? And certainly you must be aware that it makes it harder for others to trust you.""I know they aren't sent by Ra, because I know from where they flow. They do not come from another person, being, or entity. They do not come from anything with its own motivations, goals, or desires, I assure you, as I did Telémakhos."  The priest took a step back away from Bleys. "And they have all come to pass. Except for those a few months back. Distrust their veracity, if you wish, I can understand it difficult to see without proof, but me? The worth of my trust is being questioned?"Bleys was unphased by Laarus sudden shift in demeanor, and replied flatly. "No. I trust you. Do not conflate my words and my position. See it from our point of view. You are a priest of Ra - king of the gods. You tell us that you experience visions. You tell us that they involve the foresight of our demise, and that they always come to bear. And you tell us that they are not warnings sent by Ra. What would you think? If I am to accept wholly what you tell me, and I do, for I have no reason not to then what must I assume? Some other very powerful force is at work. It is hard to blindly trust those visions as altruistic, despite your best intentions. The very action you take in an attempt to save one of us may indeed ironically doom one or all of us. Do you disagree?” “I am aware of that possibility,” Laarus replied, briefly and solemnly.Bleys continued, "You have admitted that the visions are but mere bits of information, windows upon a scene that is but a blink in time. Telémakhos may yet be destined for immolation. He may return to Quillton some day. Both he and the city remain, and there is no way for us to determine whether or not your vision related to our trip to the Vanderboren manse last month or some other journey next year." The watch-mage only paused slightly, plodding on in his flat tone. "But between those who are ostensibly friends should you not trust in us? Why is it so hard for us to collaborate fully in delving further into this mystery? Surely there must be some reason that you chose to come to me with the information that you have, and I am grateful for that. Allow me to help you further if you will, but hobbled with half-truths and hunches, I will be hard-pressed."“I don't believe the visions are altruistic, and though what they show is sinister, the visions themselves are neutral. They only show what will be. But, I will use what I see, what I know, to bring light in place of that coming darkness, if I can… That is my choice. That is my duty."  Laarus paused for a moment, silently separating the change in subject. "And, I chose to come to you because I felt you might shine some light on the truth I've been shown. You could not. But, you've shown me another possible source. Until I learn more, I have nothing else to say on the matter. What I've told you is my only glimpse of the truth. It seems the rest of my vision has nothing to do with it. And revealing that will only serve to burden you and vex you. That is why I've said nothing of it. Not because of any lack of trust. All we can do now is search out the truth and not let hunches cloud our judgment."  There was another long pause. "But I can say no more about the source of my visions. I have told you all I am able without betraying the trust of others.""Very well then, I respect your wishes,” Bleys said, letting go of the subject with dispassionate ease. “As I learn additional information I may be able to offer further insight. And in the meantime I will think on this more, perhaps with time I may recall something I was unable to immediately." Bleys focused on Laarus, holding his attention with his eyes as to emphasize the gravity of his words. "But if I may, a word of caution, Laarus. Do not martyr yourself for us. Such weight can wear heavily upon a mind. We are all grown men who willingly signed our charter, which means we are all bound to work together for weal or woe, do not betray the support you have available to you.""I do not intend to martyr myself for anyone, and neither will I turn my back on them or betray them. When I felt Telémakhos could enlighten what I knew, I sought his support. When I felt you could, I requested yours. I understand the weight of what I carry. It is my burden. And I do not wish to cause another to bear its full load."Bleys nodded. "Good, so then we are in agreement. When you have something further for me I will be anxious to lend what aid I may.""I'm happy to hear I have your support," Laarus Raymer replied with a rare smile.  They heard Falco return to camp and Bleys was reminded of something else he wanted to discuss with Laarus concerning Falco’s mysterious spellcasting.End of InterSession #16.1</blockquote>

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