More Questions than Answers [ dictated ]

[peacockherald]

 Well, that was certainly an enlightening... detour. 

I found it interesting that I could pull some many correlations between the faith those priests and monks professed to follow and that of the Karsites back home and indeed what it is they actually did with said faith. It makes me wonder how connected all of the worlds we come from really are, how deep our similarities run as well as our differences. 

Can we influence each other, or is it just some sort of universal coincidence? 

But, perhaps I going to deep into my own musings. The place just brought back memories.

Comments

dictated;

[eaglet]

'Karsites'? What world is it you come from?

Re: dictated;

[peacockherald]

My country is called Valdemar, and Karsite is a neighboring country. They too practice a monotheistic and brutal religion.

_{[ he doesn't say it cruelly, more matter of fact. ]}

I do not exactly having a "name" for the world we inhabit though.

dictated;

[eaglet]

[It's not so strange to not have a name for the world. Many people have a tendency to give names to things that do not require them, he's found.]

I do not think the religion was meant to be brutal. From what I understand, its primary message is peace. But people are fallible and prone to perverting good ideas.

Re: dictated;

[peacockherald]

That is very true. It makes me wonder if that had been the true intent of the Karsite religion. Though, I have seen no evidence they practice a gentler side. Most of the time they are shooting at me or sicing wyrsa upon me and Yfandes.

dictated;

[eaglet]

[Huh...]

Have you done something to anger them?

Re: dictated;

[peacockherald]

I do not follow their religion. Myself and my Companion are "white demons" to them, to be destroyed on sight. I think mostly it stems from the fact myself and other Heralds have kept their incursions into Valdemar at bay since they began.

dictated;

[eaglet]

[That is a lot of jargon that he doesn't quite understand, but he gets the general gist...]

It is strange that there are some who care so much about what other people believe.

dictated

[both_neither]

I think that's just the nature of faith. Or maybe just human nature, to take some things to extremes.

Re: dictated

[peacockherald]

It would certainly make my job easier if they did not. One gets tired of having to patch their clothing every time they brush to close to a tree not quite on your side of the border.

[both_neither]

Clothing is often the first casualty. And those are very vigilant sentries they have.

[peacockherald]

It's a religious mission for them, and I and my Companion are considered 'white demons' in their culture. Unfortunately, I am a 'kill on sight' sort of person for them.

[both_neither]

Sounds like that would be a good reason to pick up a disguise.

[peacockherald]

Good enough, but not quite. I am required to wear my whites on Circuit. It makes it a bit difficult, but they have not yet managed to send me into the arms of the gods.

[both_neither]

Pretty risky, even so. Who is it that 'requires' you to dress that way?

[peacockherald]

It is necessary by order of the Crown and our gods. They let people know who we are and what we stand for and that they can trust our uniforms. It's more a symbol for the people than ourselves.

[both_neither]

Symbols only work where people can see them. If your borders are remote enough, what's the harm in wearing some a little darker in order to keep yourself alive?

[peacockherald]

Symbols work on the Karsites too. It reminds them that we are here to defend our people and their borders. So yes, it makes us obvious, but it serves a more important purpose.

[both_neither]

But they still take shots at you? It just sounds like a target painted on your back to me.

[peacockherald]

It is a risk I take and accept, being a Herald. The White reminds them that Valdemar is not theirs for the taking.

[both_neither]

An army would probably do that better.

[peacockherald]

Perhaps, but war isn't beneficial to the country - it's a drain on resources, money, and lives. Best to just hold them at bay with Herlads and their Gifts than begin a senseless war.

[both_neither]

So what do you do when they shoot at you?

[peacockherald]

I usually attack back with my magic. Enough to defend myself or drive them off. I avoid having to kill them, though I admit, it sometimes happens. I am not proud of those moments.

[both_neither]

The cost of being a soldier.

[peacockherald]

Of being a Herald. And it is a cost I will pay gladly, every day, for all my life, to protect those I love.

[both_neither]

I hope, for your sake, it's worth it.

[peacockherald]

I have to believe it is. For myself and for those who came after me.