View Full Version : [Nexus] The Mount of Peace
Neon Knight
2011-02-13, 05:44 PM
Far and away from the majority of the Nexus, through the wilds of Outside, many leagues away from the many organizations and the Empire of Inside, there are lands untouched and worlds unconquered, places that do not mix with the Nexus in general. These places still resemble worlds in their native environment, before planarization allows entire alternate realities to mix with, alter, and dilute what naturally arises from the process of creation.
In one of these distant lands, there stands a great mountain of ivory white stones, looming above a lush green plain. This is called the Mount of Peace by those around it, and by those who live upon it. It is the sanctuary of a reclusive being who calls herself a Goddess, known to her people as Suyuku, and the people who dwell upon it and maintain her temples.
Even from a distance, the mountain looks beautiful, like a great ivory sculpture thrust from the earth. The base is for the most unassailable, except for a single path that winds up towards the peak, marked by wooden poles inscribed in strange characters along the side of the path. This leads to the peaceful Kimiki village, situated on a large flat expanse near the peak of the Mount.
One can easily feel the power in the air as one walks up the grassy path to the village. Plant life blooms from every crevice, and from any available space of open earth, vibrant despite the increasing altitude and sparseness of the soil. Mystical, spiritual, divine, and magical energies saturate the air, making one almost feel like one is in an altered state. White flowers blossom amongst the green stands, and flower petals blow on the wind around those who walk upward.
[Kimiki Village]
After a surprising short walk, one will find oneself before a great wooden gate, marked with symbol similar to that found on the poles. Sounding upon a gong once before the gate causes the door to open, but those without peaceful intent or those not welcome will find that the gong does not resound as a result of any of their actions.
Past the gate, one will find oneself in a village of great wooden buildings, carved with intricate designs and covered in banner and streamers that billow in the blowing wind. Idols and shrines honoring Suyuku, represented as wind blowing over an image of the Mount, are easily found all over the place. The entire place, in fact, looks like a heavily decorate temple. Underneath all of this, there is a normal, functioning village; there are tradesmen and people of the various professions expected of a small community that needs to provide everything for itself, although there is no sign of a source of sustenance or water. Perhaps they collect rainwater? But that still leaves food...
The people of the village are all simply attired, in loose robes or trousers of simple cloth, with sandals being the only footwear seen when they don't opt to simply go barefoot. The people go about their business in a very precise manner, as if they always know exactly where they are going and what they are doing, as if they always have something to occupy them. Even the business of resting or eating happens in such a manner.
At one end of the village, there is another gate, marked with yet another enigmatic symbol; similarly, there is another gong beside it. This is the path that leads to the sanctuary of Suyuku, and normally it only opens twice a day, to permit the passing of those workers permitted to venture to that holy place.
There are other paths that lead to other villages similar to Kimiki, arranged on strange flat expanses that rim the Mount just below the peak, but Kimki is the most important, being the only one with a gate to the Goddess.
AmberVael
2011-02-14, 10:29 AM
[Kimiki Village]
It likely does not take long for Grace to reach the village, presumably led by Brijesh. As refined and formal as she may appear, she seems no stranger to a long journey even on foot. By the time she has arrived, her usual suit has been somewhat altered, leaving her in simple, loose and smooth white shirt along with match black pants, her vest, coat, and tie having been remove and secured... somewhere. Grace's system of storage has always been something of a mystery.
Neon Knight
2011-02-15, 11:30 AM
[Kimiki Village]
Brijesh bids her farewell at the foot of the path ascending the mountain. He instructs her how to gain entry, using the gong. "I can go little further than this, and I will not be able to aid you any further." He makes an apologetic gesture. "To gain entry to the village, merely ring the gong next to the gate, and if there is peace in your heart, you will be permitted entry."
AmberVael
2011-02-15, 11:47 AM
[Kimiki Village]
...peace in her heart. Right.
Oh boy.
She really hopes that just means she has no intentions of violence against them.
Her misgivings aren't shown on her face as she bows to Brijesh.
"Thank you for your assistance, Brijesh. I hope we will meet again."
With that, she'll head up to the gate and ring the gong.
Neon Knight
2011-02-15, 12:24 PM
[Kimiki Village]
As she walks along the path, she can feel the palpable energy in the air, the heavy saturation of metaphysical and paranormal energies. This is a place of power; a meeting of ley lines, a location of mystical importance. This can be seen in the vibrancy of the plant life, in the vividness of the colors around her; all of them seem to be bright pastels, unreal colors, like a fantastical painting in brilliant inks, rather than something that can physically touched.
It doesn't take long to walk the marked path, and reach the gong. Any blow from Grace will resound, filling the air with a clean, deep sound, and the wooden gate will swing open with nary a sound, presenting before her the scene of Kimiki village.
AmberVael
2011-02-15, 03:01 PM
[Kimiki Village]
As a member of Celestial Dynamics, and a former servant within the Heavenly Bureaucracy, such a feel was not unusual. It was, however, important and notable. Whether she agreed or disagreed with the entities ahead, they had great influence and control over this region, and she would do well to give proper respect if she desired to make any headway.
Of course, the very thought of bowing her head to such a force made her like the idea even less. She hoped the goddess would prove reasonable, but given Brijesh's story, and her own past, she was wary and distrustful.
She walks up the path, trying to maintain an outward air of calm, if not one within.
Neon Knight
2011-02-16, 04:32 PM
[Kimiki Village]
Grace doesn't get very far into the village before she is met by a young lady, barely flowered into womanhood, of the same olive bronze complexion as Brijesh, and similarly attired, with close cut black hair. She bows slightly to Grace, palms together. "Welcome, honored guest, to Kimiki Village. How may this one aid you?"
AmberVael
2011-02-17, 12:45 PM
[Kimiki Village]
Grace swiftly recognizes the style of greeting and returns it in kind- it was an unusually common gesture, in her mind. But that's the way the multiverse seemed to work.
"Namaste."
She says quietly, before standing straight again and smiling.
"Brijesh came to me, hoping to gain my insight. I felt a cold and distant judgment was too little to give, so I persuaded him to lead me here."
Neon Knight
2011-02-17, 12:59 PM
[Kimiki Village]
The girl starts briefly, then nods in recognition. "Oh, I see. I will be pleased to show you to the elders, who are deciding this issue. I believe they are speaking in the hall currently. If it pleases you, we may go and join them now."
AmberVael
2011-02-17, 01:15 PM
[Kimiki Village]
"I would be honored."
She says graciously (imagine that), gesturing for the girl to lead her, if she would.
Neon Knight
2011-02-20, 08:59 AM
[Kimiki Village]
The young woman leads Grace into a great wooden hall, resplendent with the same religious iconography and decoration evident throughout the rest of the village. It seems like most of the village's men and women are gathered in this one spot. Most of them are of similar dress as to that displayed by Brijesh and the young woman; it almost seems like a uniform or dress code of some sort.
The murmur of voices was evident before they entered, but at the sound of the doors a hush fell over the gathering, a hush that maintains as the group observes Grace. Their inquisitive looks are not harsh or threatening; there is a sense of innocent, honest curiosity from them, as well as slight wonder and awe at Grace's appearance from some of them.
The oldest of them stands to address her. "Welcome, honored guest, to our village. I am the Elder Asim. May we know your name, and why you honor us with your visit?"
AmberVael
2011-02-20, 02:58 PM
[Kimiki Village]
Grace gives a slight bow, pressing her palms together as she greets the elder. She holds the position for a moment as she speaks.
"My name is Grace. I am here because I was approached by Brijesh, who asked for my assistance- I felt it would be best if I came and observed with my own senses, that my judgment would be founded on direct understanding of your situation.
"If you desire it, I am here to offer my knowledge and perspective, to help you make the decisions that need to be made."
Neon Knight
2011-02-20, 03:17 PM
The Elder Asim smiles. "It seems our prayers are answered; we have been hoping for one such as you. Because of our past, we know that we may not have the wisdom to correctly decide the issue, and we welcome words from the wise."
"Has Brijesh told you everything of our plight? Is there anything you wish to know?"
AmberVael
2011-02-20, 03:35 PM
[Kimiki Village]
"He has told me what he saw of your community."
Grace says, standing straight once more.
"That you are divided about where you should go from here due to your past and your goddess. If this is true, I would like to hear from those among you who champion each view."
Neon Knight
2011-02-20, 04:29 PM
[Kimiki Village]
The Elder Asim nods. "Very well. Each of us shall speak in turn, so that our treasured guest may judge our debate."
The Elder Asim nods to a fellow with graying hair, a man obviously second only in seniority to himself. The man clears his throat, and then speaks. "It is foolish to abandon what we have accomplished here on the Mount. Our entire lives are here, and the lives of our fathers. There is no reason not to renew the contract. Firstly, as I said, we have known nothing other than this Mount and this way of life. In the outside world, we would not only lose what we have accomplished here, but suffer as they do out there. Our children will pay this price far more than we ever shall. If we leave, we will have no food, no water, no way of livelihood, and no protection from the evils we have seen from the Mount. Secondly, we have yet to fully repent for the sins of our ancestors. We must spend more time upon the Mount purifying ourselves, so we do not fall into the ways of our ancestors. Thirdly, we owe a debt to the Goddess Suyuku for her forgiveness, and for everything she has provided for us."
"It is for these reasons that I say we cannot leave the Mount. We have no life for us outside of this holy place." The grey hair nods, and then takes a seat.
A man in his thirties rises to speak, adjusting his turban slightly before speaking. "Many of us have used the spiritual awareness and mystical skills we have developed to cast our sights and minds far from the Mount, to see what the outside world is like. We have seen that the places apart from this one are great and wondrous, filled with many things beyond our experiences. They are also filled with their shares of dangers and darkness, things that are utterly alien to this place. We have seen all of this, and the lives of those who live among it, and it has troubled us."
"Why should we, who have sinned, enjoy total peace and serenity when the innocent and just suffer and struggle against those whom we were once like? What justice or fairness is there in that? And what are we doing on this Mount that undoes the past? How does meditation and prayer alone undue the physical harm our ancestors have done?"
"And what lives are we living here? I have achieved nothing that my father has not, and that his father has not before. We are living in a wheel, in a loop, never rising above a certain level. I have seen brilliant minds and talents waste away from lack of stimulation and expression. This life is not for all of our people. Even before now, there are those who chose to leave and embrace the world, for what it offered was worth the price paid by exile."
"We can go out into the world and help our fellow man, use what we have learned to better all sentient life, and grow ourselves through new experiences and ideas, new trials and new triumphs. We can grow, progress, and learn. We can share our bounty with the world, and it can return our gift with blessings beyond what we have ever dreamed. Oh, it will be hard. There will be suffering. But he who risks nothing gains nothing, and he who suffers can be made stronger for it. We have so much potential, if only we would try. This is all I ask. That for the sake of the world, for the sake of ourselves, for the sake of our children, we try to create a world where peace and security do not require the sacrifice of the richness of human experience."
The turban sits, satisfied with his speech. A final speaker rises, a young man of bold posture. He eyes the group, then speaks, "It is true that over the years, over generations, we have sacrificed much. We have worked and toiled the soil of the Mount, and built the village from nothing to what it is today. We have helped build the other villages on the Mount. We have served the Goddess faithfully, and obeyed her scriptures. We have been in every way ideal disciples, the perfect devotees."
"But it is the nature of the contract that this situation is not meant to last forever. Suyuku requires our devotion until we reach a sufficient level of spiritual enlightenment. And I say it is time to bring that matter before the Goddess, and demand judgment, and demand her to say how much more we can progress before we are liberated."
"It is right to sat that we cannot leave our live son the Mount; nor should we. They are ours by right, by the sweat we have poured into this land, by the work of our ancestors for many generations. We deserve to have the Mount as our home, and from it we can step into the wider world with great confidence. I know the time is right; even Suyuku herself has remarked greatly lately on our spiritual progress. Soon, we will be in full power of the Mount, and in full command of our destiny. We may even reclaim the lost heritage of our ancestors, now that we possess the wisdom and enlightenment to use them. All possibilities are laid before us, if only we dare."
The young man returns to his sheet, and Asim rises again. "You have heard the speech of our champions, treasured guest. Do you have wisdom for us yet, or is the answer to be revealed in time?"
AmberVael
2011-02-20, 04:40 PM
[Kimiki Village]
"I will never have an answer for you, Elder Asim. I can provide guidance, but it is not for me to choose your path."
Grace says gently.
"However, I still feel my knowledge is incomplete. There is one who has not spoken, and I would hear her words if I may. Where is Suyuku? For though she is not of your people, it is by her will that you live as you do."
In comparison to how she has behaved before, this may seem a bit more blunt and irreverent. After all, she is speaking of their goddess, and with a tone that indicates no more respect that she had given anyone else in the village- it is as if she is speaking of a person, rather than a goddess.
Her voice is not rude, but it lacks any significant respect of the divine.
Neon Knight
2011-02-20, 04:53 PM
[Kimiki Village]
There is a moment of absolute silence, and then there is a murmur throughout the congregation, like a wind sighing through the leaves of the trees. Elder Asim is quiet for a moment more, then says, "Yes, you may speak with the Goddess. She awaits you within her sanctum, at the heart of the Mount." He smiles slightly, and it has far more confusion than insincerity.
AmberVael
2011-02-20, 06:23 PM
[Kimiki Village]
"Then I will go and speak to her."
Grace gives a slight bow to those gathered.
"But even after that is concluded, it may take me some time to truly reach an adequate understanding. If I may, I would spend a few days among you, and see the lives you lead, and hear what others have to say. Is this something I may do?"
Neon Knight
2011-02-20, 06:51 PM
[Kimiki Village]
"This is permissible," Elder Asim said, "so long as the Goddess permits it. Her law is that a stranger may stay for one day, unless granted more time, and an exile may spend only one hour of every year upon the Mount. You will have to seek the favor of the Goddess in that matter."
AmberVael
2011-02-20, 07:18 PM
[Kimiki Village]
Much as she disliked that answer, she had to admit that this was the mountain of the goddess. If she wanted to disallow people from staying long, it was her choice.
Still, it seemed like one more pointless restriction placed on these people.
"Then I will ask for her permission."
Grace bows once more.
"I'll return shortly."
With that, she'll seek out the heart of the mount- probably finding a guide to lead her there.
Neon Knight
2011-02-21, 02:10 PM
[Kimiki Village]
Grace is escorted to a gate like the one that guarded the village, once more presented with a gong. When she strikes it, it will resound with a deep brass tone, and the gate will swing silently open to admit here.
Inside, a rough path lush with plant life leads inwards, into the center of the mountain, an extremely narrow canyon that goes on for some time, but eventually turns into a tunnel. At the mouth of the tunnel, Grace can hear running water, and inside the path intersects another one, this one covered by a wide, deep flowing river. Standing in the water is an elephant, covered in wide blankets and an intricate howdah, a large carriage upon its broad back. Another village, who apparently maintains a post here, tell her that the beast will take her to Suyuku's sanctuary.
If Grace agrees and boards, the mighty animal will begin to trod upstream, the running water surging about its legs, its trunk waving above the quiet surface of the water. Lotus flowers and lilies float down around them, and the blooms give off a brilliant luminescence that lights up the whole tunnel. It is a strange, unearthly scene, with the shadow of the might animal dancing upon the wall, the play of the water below her, the scent and light of the flowers filling the air. As she gets closer, cherry blossom petals float down a gentle wind above the water, flying past them. One brushes past her cheek like a gentle caress, and the floor of the howdah has soon collected quite a few among them.
Eventually, they step out of the tunnel and into daylight, apparently somehow at the very top of the mountain. Here, a single, great column of water falls from the sky, its source not apparent, seemingly coming from the clouds. A great rise or hollowed plateau is the sight of its landing, and water flows off the side of this basin to form the river. The elephant draws even with the plateau, the howdah level with the lip of the rise. There are no structures upon the basin; instead, rich plant life covers the entire surface of it, anchored to the spot by strong roots. Lilly pads provide a space to walk on, trees and lotus flowers bloom about, and in the very center, sitting on a floating throne, is a beautiful women who watches Grace arrive with inscrutable gray eyes.
She doesn't wear much; just a robe like garment that comes down to the knees, made of silk, inscribed with intricate symbols like those seen throughout the village, upon the gate, and upon the poles leading to the village. It is purple in color, and contrasts strongly with her pale skin. The edge of her seat sits just barely above the water level, and her bare legs dangle into the water. The flowing sleeves of her garment hang past her wrists, loose and flowing in the gentle wind. Her hair is drawn into two loose pigtails, the ends of which touch the water and spread out along it's surface. She looks more young than regal or imposing.
She doesn't say a word as Grace arrives.
AmberVael
2011-02-22, 12:11 PM
[Kimiki Village]
The silence of this person- presumably Suyuku, or an avatar of her- grates on Grace a bit. Wouldn't it be polite to extend a greeting, or at least ask her about her purpose here? To expect a visitor to speak first just seemed... rude. Of course, Grace reasons, it could just be that she's on edge due to meeting with a god. She was quite aware that she had issues with them.
Rather than say anything, Grace simply takes a seat on the lily pads before the girl, crossing her legs and waiting patiently for some sign or acknowledgment from her.
Neon Knight
2011-02-22, 12:26 PM
[Kimiki Village - Suyuku's Sanctuary]
The girl finally speaks, tilting her head slightly to the side as she regards Grace with a very curious gaze, the impenetrable, cold nature of her eyes giving way suddenly to vivid, vibrant emotion, as if the window to her soul was suddenly uncovered. "It has been quite some time since I have seen a visitor. I must admit, I was very surprised when my priest told me someone had come to the village to help them in this matter. I had thought that no one from the outside world would care about a lonely mountain that never bothered anyone before."
"I am Suyuku. I welcome you into my home. Please grant me the favor of knowing your name, treasured guest."
AmberVael
2011-02-22, 12:44 PM
[Kimiki Village - Suyuku's Sanctuary]
"I am Grace of Celestial Dynamics, leader of Aurora."
Grace says simply, holding her head high.
"I could not ignore the need of a man whose concern for his people took him into exile."
There is a hint of accusation in her voice, though she tries to keep her tone even and her mind impartial.
Neon Knight
2011-02-22, 01:31 PM
[Kimiki Village - Suyuku's Sanctuary]
"It is a pleasure to meet with you, Miss Grace." If she notes the accusation in Grace's voice, she does not display it. "Aurora, did you say? Oh, the people of the villages do ever so love your broadcasts. The debates that follow them usually take up the entire evening. I've simply taken to giving them the day's leave when they occur; I have no doubt that your words will greatly ease them."
AmberVael
2011-02-22, 08:51 PM
[Kimiki Village - Suyuku's Sanctuary]
"I'm glad to hear that there are those who enjoy my broadcasts. I hadn't imagined I was getting such a wide audience though."
Grace thinks over Suyuku's words carefully, realizing their implications. Her opinion here would have much more sway than she realized. Making a mistake, or even a minor error in communication, could cause a great deal of harm.
"I hope my words to them on this situation can be even more informative and thought provoking."
Neon Knight
2011-02-23, 12:40 AM
[Kimiki Village -Suyuku's Sanctuary]
"So diplomatic." The goddess notes it seemingly idly, but her gray eyes are looking at Grace straight on. "As expected of you. I wonder, though; is it out of politeness, or are you merely holding your cards tight to your chest?"
AmberVael
2011-02-23, 08:16 PM
[Kimiki Village -Suyuku's Sanctuary]
"No one says everything that they think, even if they're an honest person. Politeness is really just a way of knowing when and how to play your cards."
Her tails twitch behind her a bit restlessly.
"Here, I suppose it is because I need to keep a distance between myself and my feelings. I cannot afford to pass any sort of judgment yet, knowing so little, particularly when I am apparently so popular."
Neon Knight
2011-02-23, 10:46 PM
[Kimiki Village - Suyuku's Sanctuary]
"Oh? You find it a disadvantage to work from the spotlight? I figured that was were you preferred to be, what with your broadcasts." Suyuku looks at Grace with what might be light amusement. "And you must strive to be separate from your feelings? And what may those be?"
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