two.

[thraxios]

The number of books available in the library is astounding. If not for the lack of comfortable bedding, I think I should be content to live there permanently.

I've started with books of philosophy; the selection is wide and many of the writers, unknown to me. They do present a curious problem, however, since most of them come from unfamiliar cultures.

A great number expect familiarity with a figure called Jesus Christ, which has stymied me for the moment. From what I've been able to gather, he was the central martyr or pacifist god of a mystery cult (perhaps both?). It seems a remarkably well-traveled one, which makes it all the more intriguing.

Reading with that assumption in mind is enough to make sense of the text. It's clear, however, that a deeper familiarity with the cult's theological tenets is required to fully appreciate the writers' arguments.

If anyone reading this is better acquainted with "Christianity," any recommendations for introductory readings would be appreciated. Its holy texts are rather long, and thus far, they offer little in the way of context.

[And if you're interested in bugging him, Gideon can be found in the library. He's sitting a table stacked high with books and sheets of paper, on which he's taking careful notes with pen and ink. Someday we've gotta introduce this boy to ballpoint pens. Among the open books are an atlas open to a map of the Mediterranean, several books of philosophy, a King James Bible, and his wax tablet (just in case).]

Comments

[heloise]

[ She has no interest in explaining more, that always turns tedious, but what a shame to the Holy Father if she doesn't at least reply. ]

The Summa Theologica by Thomas Aquinas.

[thraxios]

Messire Aquinas is one of those I've been puzzling over, though my text is called "On Being and Essence." I'll see if I might find a copy of this "Summa Theologica."

May I assume you are fa,miliar with this Christ's cult?

i missed this )':

[heloise]

Cults imply something else.

oh, no! better late than never ♥

[thraxios]

Do they? I'm afraid you'll have to enlighten me, maselle.

[heloise]

Madonna.

Cults have somewhat negative implications. They are abberations of the religions they strayed from.

[kethedammit]

Yeah, I think I heard of him a coupl'a times. Gets around.

[written forever]

[thraxios]

What have you heard about him?

VOICED FOREVER BAHAHA

[kethedammit]

Uh, shit. I think I gotta story 'bout how he kicked it.

tell him a story, mildmay

[thraxios]

His death does seem to be the overwhelming focus of these texts.

[Dictated because you don't want to read his handwriting, trust me]

[strangewonders]

I could try explaining it all but it's really pretty dull, and not terribly consistent.

I think you'll find most sources have their own agenda.

[and written because you don't want to hear his speech, lol]

[thraxios]

But it is considered relevant in your home? How prominent is this particular cult?

I've found that's generally the case in matters of philosophy - particularly as it regards religion.

[Dictated]

[strangewonders]

In my home? Not particularly.

[Which isn't a complete lie, depending on how one defines 'home']

But I'm familiar with it, and it's quite prominent elsewhere. How serious people take it depends on a number of factors, but it's a major religion with all the problems those entail.


That's true enough, I suppose.

[thraxios]

And where is your home?

Religions can hardly be called 'major' in mine, but practicing any faith brings with it complications. I'm not surprised that's true of this one.

written;

[hellshaped]

[This is coming from a person who is clearly left-handed; the penmanship slants and there is sometimes an errant smudge of ink.]

People usually don't like when their religions are called cults. It has a weird connotation.

[written forever]

[thraxios]

My apologies for giving offense - the word is one of the kinder ones available where I'm from.

Are you a follower of this c Christ?

yes same

[hellshaped]

Don't worry, I'm not offended. Just a friendly word of advice.

And yes: I'm a Catholic, which is a specific denomination of Christianity.

[thraxios]

In that case, it is advice well appreciated, messire.

Ah - it's one of the larger splinter groups, isn't it? I've found a fair amount of reference to the Catholics.

Dictated; Faye isn't a huge fan of writing

[3nterprising]

You sure do like reading and writing, don't you?

[and written, in turn]

[thraxios]

A man must have a vice or two - of those I've tried, reading and writing seem my safest choices.

Do you?

Back and forth!

[3nterprising]

Have a vice, you mean?

A few.

[thraxios]

I had thought to speak of reading and writing, but vices will do, too.

[ action for the awkward ]

[wishmadeinfire]

<sub>[ The library. It was... a place to escape. It had books and stories of happier things, of happier times, without battles or madness. It had happy endings in those pages. He was content to retreat there, and prayed they brought him better dreams as he soaked in their words.

So he went there to seek refuge, but today it held a challenge. If Gideon could be thought of as such. Was he a challenge? Ashura didn't want to think so, but it was hard not to see him that way all things considered. Which was... unfair. It was unfair and he knew it, visions of Yasha flashing before his eyes and he winced inwardly.

He would not leave the library to avoid him. He... needed it right now. He would not ask Gideon to leave, and simply ignoring him would be awkward to say the least. So, perhaps simply being nice. He could do that. There was no need to be cruel, after all, even if a part of him truly wanted to be, to blame Gideon for things he really had nothing to do with.

But the part of him that was king would not let him, reminded him that taking out anger on a man who was here against his will the same as all of them was not, in fact, very kingly.

So he approached, slowly, keeping his scarred hands hidden inside his sleeves. ]</sub>

I see you've discovered the wonders of the library, Gideon.

[delicious, delicious awkwardness]

[thraxios]

[Gideon is well used to losing himself in his work. It took the practice of years to achieve, but he's come to the point where he can allow the outside world to slip away from him. The scenery fades, chatter around him becomes a mere buzz, and the world is confined to the words before him.

Unfortunately, it's far more difficult to come to that point when the material is as foreign to him as what he's been tackling today. He's still not entirely certain how all the pieces fall into place, which makes sifting through for the information he needs doubly difficult. It's almost a relief to be approached.

Until he sees who it is approaching him, anyway.

For Felix's sake, he looks up at Ashura with a civil expression--if he can't manage enthusiasm, he can certainly manage civility. He reaches for his tablet and stylus.]

I have.

Re: [delicious, delicious awkwardness]

[wishmadeinfire]

_{[ He would appreciate the effort, understanding it. He was not sure he would ever be able to muster enthusiasm at seeing Gideon, but civility was doable. Think of him as a rather annoying noble, perhaps. Civility, but you did not want them around to long, yes? Or was that being uncharitable again?}

He came closer, scanning over the books, recognizing the Bible as he had been mildly interested in the Christian religion for a bit, but ultimately found it confusing and not a little silly. The chapel was beautiful though, and he found it peaceful the times he went and often spoke with Abel, when he had been here. ]

Delving into religious texts?

_{[Subject matter, yes, that was good - things around them, things to focus on. ]}

[thraxios]

[Gideon glances over the books and papers spread before him, resisting the desire to lay a hand over his notes. What a childish thought, trying to hide his work--but in truth, he doesn't want to share it with anyone yet, least of all Ashura.]

Philosophy more than religion, but for some of these texts, both are required.