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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 3125456" data-attributes="member: 8530">Chapter 181, “Kajika’s Questions”, Sunday, March 26th, 1882, 6:30 PM Kajika motions for everyone to be seated. Qualtaqa kneels down and the other sit Indian-style. Kajika asks Nanuet for his necklace. Nanuet removes it and hands it to his mentor. Kajika spends several minutes examining it and the six remaining stones. He then casts some type of spell over it. He hands the necklace back to Nanuet and says "I can no longer use it. It is now an amalgam of both our the Native American High Elves and those of the Roman Pantheon and can only be used by those who actively worship both. I sense that each of you worships one group of deities and has respect for but is lacking in knowledge of the worship of the others' deities. I would like each of you to careful consider who you are and what you want. While there is precedent for the gods of the Native People working and being worshiped alongside other deities that has not been the practice of the Apache. That statement is not meant as a judgment, just a fact, and I am flexible to an ever changing outlook as the gods dictate. But I needs some important answers from the both of you. First, I am curious how the necklace came to be in this state and would like to hear the tale. Second, please tell me what you hope the future to hold for each of you as an individual. Lastly, decide now if a polytheistic outlook towards two distinctly different pantheons is something that you can truly devote yourself to or if you wish to have the present amalgam reversed."Nanuet listens to the words of his mentor and several of the words fall heavy upon him as he is sure they were meant to. He begins by answering the easiest question first. "I can tell my part of how the necklace came to be and what I understand happened after that, Minerva will have to further explain what happened with it." Nanuet relays the story of how he fired at Ringo and had no effect and that he was then mortally wounded by an invisible shooter. He points out the scar on his chest before proceeding. He then tells how he was preparing to pass onto the next world when Minerva came upon him and prayed for him to recover and that she took the necklace from him and attempted to use it. "I explained to her that it would not work, because she is not an elf, and then the next thing I remember I woke up alive and healed. Perhaps she can tell you the rest of what she did.”Kajika replies, “"It sounds as though our gods were not ready to have you leave. If she had attempted to use that necklace on anybody else, even another Apache, it would not have functioned. She appears to have also needed her own gods as well, which explains the amalgam. Her deities needed ours for the necklace's power while ours needed hers to channel the magic through." Nanuet states, “As far as life as an individual, I simply wish to remain an honest and hardworking person. I also wish to continue to grow in wisdom and knowledge. I do not strive to gain power or to do great things, but I will do what is asked of me and will bear the burdens that fall upon me.  The question in regards to religion is one that I only began to ask myself. I would request more time to learn about the other pantheons if possible, but if a decision is required now then I will choose to devote myself to the multiple pantheons. I truly believe that the Gods are the same beings and are just seen in a different light by different mortals."Kajika answers, "I do not share that belief but that is my own opinion, yours may be the correct view. The only decision that must be made now is regarding this necklace. In its present form its application would be very limited, as it would simultaneously require the both of you to use it."  Nanuet states, "I agree that the Gods seem to have some reason for me to stay here in this world yet. So is there a way to return it to it's original form? What is required of me to do so?"Kajika replies, "There is, but it will take me several days to repair. You would also be vulnerable, as she would probably be unable to use the necklace to heal you again, as she could now. The gods are unlikely to grant you another such miracle if your response to this one is to reject what they have now created."Nanuet says, "Yes, but if one of us gets injured will the other be able to use the necklace on that person as Minerva did for me? I do not want to cross the Gods but this necklace is not only for my own benefit, it must be used on our companions as well and their interests must be considered. I have not yet learned enough to further my own healing powers or I might make the decision with less worry."Kajika answers, "In its present form this necklace would require both of you to use it. I would assume that one of you could use it on the other, as happened before. If I change it back to its previous form that may not be the case."   Nanuet replies, "We will keep the necklace in it's present form and accept that it is the will of the Gods that Minerva and I be bound together."Kajika says, "I do not know that the gods will that for all time, only that they did so to save your life. As I said before, our gods working with those of other pantheons is not without precedent. Have you ever heard of the Cloudriders?"  Nanuet answers, "I have not, but the name sounds so majestic. Can you tell me more about them?"Kajika answers, "The humans know of them only as an ancient myth but as it has been fewer generations for the High Elves we are closer to the truth about them.   The Cloudriders began as humans who originally lived in Asia, along the coastline near where the Chinese city of Hong Kong now stands. Asia is now the home of the orc and half-orc, but approximately 6,000 years ago humans also lived there. These humans were highly religious, and most of the Chinese Pantheon now worshiped by the orcs began as human-worshipped deities. One of these was Huan-Ti, the God of War. Unlike our War God Tobadzistsini or Minerva's War God Mars, Huan-Ti was not evil but was good. He promoted war as a holy way for his people to preserve their way of life against their barbaric neighbors. Eventually the barbarians became more powerful and the humans had to abandon their home. They became seafarers, setting out on small boats, as they had no shipbuilding technology. Their boats were thrown upon the mighty ocean and would have perished, but Huan-Ti appealed to the other deities to help save them. Our Wind God, Hotoru, was the only one to answer that plea. He and Huan-Ti were of the same nature, viewing the Earth and its people from a perspective of both good and chaos. Huan-Ti brought these people to a large island in the center of the great Pacific Ocean known as Rapa Nui where they erected elaborate monuments to the deities. But the land proved to be unable to sustain life for the long-term. So in a blessing from the combined deities Huan-Ti and Hoturo, now known by the people as the Twin Gods, their stone city was levitated up into the air and placed upon the clouds, to travel the Earth. Their journeys brought them to all continents and the gods provided them with winged horses know as Pegasi to venture to the earth for provisions and to aid the civilizations who lived there. As Hoturu was worshipped by the High Elves they became kindred spirits and several dozen high elves joined the Cloudriders in their city above. Legends of our people speak of them, and you will find references to them in the writings of the Sumerians, Egyptians and some of the most ancient Greek texts. They and their city then mysteriously vanished from the world some 2,500 years ago." Nanuet states, "So that legend says that the Pantheons coexist and have worked together in the past. That gives me much hope."   Kajika says, "Yes, they exist. The deities of most Pantheons however do not choose to associate with others. There are also many instances of our gods working with those of the Celts. A number of Irish and Scottish humans who believe in the gods of nature live amongst the native people. Qualtaqa's companion Morgana is one of those, her father is a human of Irish descent while her mother is of the native elvan people. Her full name is Morgana Talks-with-trees O'Shea. She believes in and worships the nature gods of both the elves and humans. She resides in Promise City again and might be of some help to you in the future."Nanuet answers, "Morgana has an interesting heritage. I will be sure to remember her for future endeavors. Qualtaqa mentioned that you moved to get away from magic, can you speak more about why you moved further away from Promise City?"   Kajika replies, "I can, but before I do I would ask that your companion answer my remaining questions to her. Minerva, please tell me what you hope the future to hold for you as an individual and also answer if a polytheistic outlook towards two distinctly different pantheons is something that you can truly devote yourself to?"Nanuet steps aside and urges Minerva to step forward. He gives her a reassuring smile and waits with the others for her reply.  Minerva steps forward and bows formally to Kajika, and solemnly replies,” I am but a simple servant of the gods. They have granted me many gifts with which to serve them and the people who inhabit their earth. I have done so since I was a child and will continue to do so for as long as they will it. I also believe, as does Senor Nanuet, that the gods are honored with many names and many tales across the earth. It was the gods of our combined Pantheons who chose to allow me the ability to combine their powers to heal him. I take this as a sign of their acceptance and believe that by doing so they have bestowed their blessing on us. Nanuet's ancestor also summoned me through the veil of dreams to direct me to the path which Nanuet stands upon. I do not desire to put asunder that which the gods have bound together." she says and bows in respect before she steps back.After hearing that Kajika nods. He then says something to Qualtaqa and his two apprentices and they stand and depart.  He tells Nanuet and Minerva "I have asked them to gather their religious items and return here in a quarter hour. I have some information to tell you that you may find distressing and you might to unreceptive to what I have to say. I want you to feel free to express your thoughts and feelings without the others present. These feelings that the two of you now have towards one another may not be real. And if they are real they have been manipulated through divine enhancement. Minerva, you are not the only priest of your pantheon within Promise City. There is another, who like you, is not very experienced. This priest follows the Deity of Love. This priest has magical items blessed by the Love Deity that they have not been properly versed in the use of and yet have impulsively gone ahead and used these to promote the Love Goddess through the exclusion of all other deities. I do not believe the actions of this priest are malicious, merely myopic in their focus, doing what they believe is best to promote the Goddess of Love. But all of the priests of the area have been effected by this as have most of the humans and elves in and near the town. The sphere of influence of this deity has expanded, which is why I have convinced Geronimo to move back the tribe. But this means that we are unable to watch the movement of the humans, including your ranch which we have offered to protect. I will be performing a ritual now for Qualtaqa and my two apprentices, to allow them to shun this undue influence so that the three of them can again focus their thoughts towards their own deities and then serve as the eyes and ears of this tribe. I could include the two of you in this ritual as well. But the risk of that is that you may discover that these feelings you have are not genuine. I will now leave you alone to discuss this and think of your decisions."As Kajika leaves Nanuet turns to face Minerva. The radiantly beautiful Spaniard, dusty from the trail, her hair still clinging to her body smiles back at him. He tries to read her face, studying her expression. "We have discussed this possibility to some degree already and I think we both believe that our feelings for one another are real. I am willing to have any influence over me stripped away, and I do believe that my feelings towards you will remain unchanged. What do you say?"She smiles radiantly in return and places her hand on the side of his face, she looks deeply into his warm brown eyes. "I have no doubts. It will only confirm what my heart tells me is true."   Nanuet places his hand on Minerva's then leans in and gives her a kiss. After the moment passes the two stand hand in hand waiting for the shaman to return, confident in their decision.  Kajika returns to await their answer.Minerva and Nanuet step forward together and Nanuet responds in his deep melodious voice, "It is our desire to participate in the ceremony." Minerva nods in affirmation. "We have many concerns about what is happening between the gods and fear for the safety of the People of Promise City as well as your own people. Will you speak with us after the ceremony? We cannot stay overlong. We are needed back home."Kajika replies, "You may participate in the ceremony but I will need for Nanuet to remain here afterwards. I need to provide further training to Nanuet which will require time tomorrow. You could safely stay here with him, or you could return to Promise City with Qualtaqa."   She replies, "Padre Kajika, My heart is open to the gods of the Apache. I embrace their people as well." she smiles and holds her hands out imploringly "If I am welcome here, I would like to stay and learn the ways of the Apache."Nanuet smiles when he hears Minerva's response.  "I apologize Kajika, for being away for so long. I thank you for taking time to impart your wisdom upon me. We are ready to begin the ceremony."  "That would be acceptable," Kajika states to Minerva. To Nanuet he states, "We welcome your return to us." The centaur and two elvan apprentices return. Kajika has all six take positions around the fire pit and hands each a wooden stick around four feet long with the bark stripped off and elvan symbols painted on them, the paint on each stick a different color. He lights the fire and begins a chant. Drum sounds reverberate from the trees in all directions although the drummers remain unseen. As the tempo of the music picks up the fire greatly intensifies. After ten minutes there is a roaring bonfire before them, although surprisingly little heat radiates from it, allowing the six to remain close to it. The chant abruptly ends and the drumming ceases. Kajika motions for each to toss their stick onto the fire. Each burning stick lets off a colored smoke the same color as the symbols painted on it. The smoke blends with the smoke from the fire, then mushrooms fifteen feet up and slowly bends down, ending on the ground behind them and encasing them all in a half circle dome of smoke above but clear air around them. Kajika then says a prayer in three languages, ancient elvan, English, and a third language unknown to Minerva and Nanuet. They English prayer is "Great spirits, come and watch those within this sacred circle. Allow them clear communication to the deities that they have devoted themselves towards while preventing other deities from entering their thoughts and hearts." Kajika then picks up a simple wooden flute and sits. He plays a soft melody as the fire quickly extinguishes itself, soon being nothing more than cooling coals. When the cloud dissipates the sun has set on the horizon. Nanuet sees from the stars that several hours have passed although to those in the ceremony it seems like less than an hour. Before the last of the embers fades Kajika places five torches against the coals and they ignite. He hands a torch to each participant in the ceremony. He casts a spell and a cool icy wind emits from his hands and covers the coals causing them all to darken. He then removes from his belt pouch five ceramic containers. They are each around an inch in diameter, shaped like a small pot, and fastened with a leather cord. He scoops ash from the fire into each pot. He then places a small matching ceramic lid upon each pot and casts a spell over them. He hands one to each participant. Looking at the items, the seal between the pots and lid is not longer apparent and each appears to be solid. Kajika commands "Wear this on your person, either around your neck or on your belt. It will carry the protection from this ceremony with you."Nanuet answers, "Thank you great Kajika. Once again you have proven yourself invaluable. Your wisdom and power is great."  Kajika commands the five "You should all go and rest now. We will meet again in the morning." He stands and departs. Maska and Luna approach, as does a gray fox that is the animal companion to one of the apprentices.  Nanuet greets Maska and the fox as well. Although tired, Minerva has a serene look about her and there are tears running down her cheeks. Luna flies over and lands on her arm. She places her hand on Nanuet's shoulder and smiles at him. "Will you assist me? I must find a place to pray."   Nanuet replies, "Yes Minerva, we will go find a place now. Forgive my ignorance, but what are your requirements for your prayers? Do you need anything special?"Minerva replies: "I have what I require in my pack. Other than that I would prefer to pray under the moon.  I have much to give thanks for and would like to do it properly, but it is more important that I have someplace private."  Nanuet says, "Someplace, private? Well once we get away from the edge of camp, it should be fairly private, but I am sure the Apache watch all of the surrounding area. I will not leave you alone outside of the camp either. The Apache do not know you and it is not the safest place."She states, "Si, it is best that you guard me as I will not be paying attention to my surroundings." Minerva finds her pack and takes out her Minerva and Jupiter icons as well as her 12 candles and returns to Nanuet "I am ready."  Minerva takes Nanuet's hand as they walk and smiles up at him.  She says, “I feel so much better now. I must thank Padre Kajika in the morning. I must surely have been under Aphrodite’s influence. It is as though a barrier has been removed and I can once again feel the presence of my goddess Minerva. I have been very frustrated by my inability to communicate with her and I have missed her. The Ceremony that I performed in the desert with Kate and Ruby was intended to honor the Roman gods. It angers me to know that another goddess would usurp a ceremony intended to honor others and go so far as to trick us the way Aphrodite did with those pendants. Do you feel any different?" "I guess I do. I must be honest and say that my thoughts have been preoccupied with you and the Cowboy Gang as of late and I have not done much prayer recently. I do feel my mind is much clearer, less sluggish. I have not studied your pantheon and was not aware that prayers to one God or Goddess could be stolen and used to power another, that must be disconcerting." "Si, It is very disconcerting. I feel as though something precious has been stolen from me. I am not sure that I can trust my feelings any more. " she says rubbing her arms as though the thought chills her.  They crest a small hill and reveal a suitable spot on the other side. "How about down there, is that a suitable spot for you?" Minerva stops. The worry apparent n her eyes. "Nanuet when I asked if you felt any different, I meant about us." Nanuet stifles a laugh, remembering what happened to Jake earlier in the day. He deftly steps closer to her and then bends down and swoops her off of her feet. He begins kissing her passionately and then lets out a primal holler at the top of his lungs. He then begins to charge down the hill while still holding her in his arms. Minerva lets out a scream and laughing and yelling at the same time hold on tightly. Once Nanuet reaches the spot he had pointed out from the hilltop above he slowly kneels to one knee and then places Minerva gently upon it as if it were a seat. He smiles at her "Yes, I feel different. I know that I love you Minerva and that it is from my own heart, untainted and true." Minerva's eyes grow wide and tears of relief and joy run freely down her face as she throws her arms around him "Oh, Nanuet. I love you also, I could not love another!" She wraps herself around him and knocks him to the ground with the passion of her kiss.Nanuet pulls Minerva down on top of him and holds her tightly. "I could stay like this forever" he says in a dreamy voice. "Just holding you in my arms, knowing what we feel for each other is real. But" Nanuet turns his head away slightly "you had better do what you have to do so we can go back to camp. I don't know how safe we are out here."Minerva gives Nanuet one last playful kiss and pulls herself up. "It would be so lovely to lie here with you under the stars tonight, but you are correct in assuming that it may not be safe out here. Por Favor, stay here and watch over me, mi amor.” She says as she picks up her pack and walks off in search of a boulder that will suffice as a makeshift altar. Her task is made easier by the soft light provided by the goddess, Diana, who smiles benevolently down upon the young couple and she soon finds what she is searching for. Having performed this ceremony on countless occasions, she is swift in her work. She withdraws her Minerva and Jupiter Icons from her pack and, thinking how blessed she is to once again be in sync with her gods, caresses them lovingly before she sets them upon the stone. She also takes out twelve white candles, each representing one of the twelve main powers of Olympus. These she assembles in a crescent shape pattern around the icons. Nanuet stands a respectful distance away so as not to distract her while she prepares to connect with her gods. She stands with her back to him and he is unable to make out more than her silhouette in the moonlight as he patiently stands guard. Minerva is no longer aware of his presence and when all is in readiness, she turns toward the makeshift altar and says a short prayer causing the candles to spring to life before her. In one fluid movement she drops her clothes to the ground and raises her arms to the heavens displaying the gift of her beauty to those who created her as she chants in a high clear voice filled with unmistakable joy and celebration. She welcomes her gods into her heart.Nanuet's jaw drops in shock and awe as Minerva's clothes fall to the ground. Once he regains his composure he turns his back on the exposed priestess and attempts to focus on keeping an open eye on his surroundings. He fights the urge to look back over his shoulder but soon he loses the battle against his will and finds himself looking back at her naked form.Minerva completes her ceremony and unselfconsciously dresses and packs up her belongings before she returns to Nanuet. She is feeling quite serene and has a radiant smile on her face as she approaches him. "Gracias, Nanuet. Shall we return to camp now?"  "Yes, I suppose we should. I am sure we can find a place to camp there among the Apache. That would be much safer." Nanuet and Minerva walk back towards the camp in silence. Finally Nanuet speaks.  "So do you always.... umm... do you always pray with... well, uh... with no clothes on?"   Minerva is surprised by the question. "Si, I have always done so. It is how I offer thanks and acknowledge that I am created in the image of the goddesses. I performed a similar ceremony with Ruby and Kate a few days ago. I forgot that you did not know our ways and I did not think to forewarn you. I apologize if I made you uncomfortable."He replies, "I wouldn't say uncomfortable, I just didn't expect it is all. Just a bit surprised I suppose. Well here we are, hope you don't mind spending a night under the stars."   Nanuet lays out the bedrolls next to each other and sits upon his waiting for Minerva to join him.Minerva sits forward of Nanuet so that he can hold her in his arms as they gaze up into the night sky. It is filled with a billion twinkling stars. Minerva points to the milky path across the sky. "In our culture we believe that, that is the road to the palace of heaven. My goddess is up there watching over us. She tilts her head back to him and says "I know that there is much to be concerned about, but I am so happy right now it is difficult to be worried." She says snuggling closer."Tonight we put our cares aside and relax. Who knows when the next time we have to lay relaxed in each others arms." Nanuet begins massaging Minerva's shoulders gently and humming the song that he serenaded her with.   Minerva softly sings the words as Nanuet hums the tune but it is not long before the day's events catch up with her and Nanuet’s gentle hands coax her weary muscles into relaxing. she mumbles the last lines  "So forget about your yesterdays of sorrow.  And forget about the darkness you have seen  For there's only you and me ...." before she turns into Nanuet's arms and falls asleep.   Once Minerva’s breathing is regular he lays her down and makes sure she is comfortable. He watches her for some time, alternating between gazing at her and the stars.  Eventually Nanuet enters reverie and washes away the weariness of the day.</blockquote>

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