A pilgrimage to Alsakan. (Alsakan Knights/Initiates/Elders/Priests et cet)

[Jaqen H'ghar]

OOC: Basically thought this would be good for character development and the like so I talked to Adroit and he suggested it sooooo without further ado.

IC:


It is often suggested all members of the holy order, be it knight or priest come to the planet of alsakan to commune with the Lady in a closer more pure manner at least once...

The transport ship circled around in orbit on the planet. It was a beautiful sight to behold as it slowly came around, waiting clearance. Aboard the ship were initiates to the order coming for there first time to the holy planet, priests, and knights of the order as well. Judas Trismagus was amongst them, clad not in armor but with a black robe, hood drawn over his pale skin, sword by his side but only for ceremonial purposes. This was the second trip he had made to the planet of Alsakan but it was his first as a knight and it had been 10 years since his last visit. Far to long in his opinion, but he came once his duty allowed him to do so.

Finally the transport ship received permission to land and those aboard disembarked. Breathing in the air he smiled. He could feel so much of a difference here, the planet itself was alive with Shalharras beauty and majestic grace. Judas could feel it like a cool wind washing over him and taking him in. "Praise be." He said looking out upon the holy land. Suddenly he heard a few of the initiates behind him utter the phrase as well, perhaps they thought it to be what you were supposed to do here, or perhaps they felt it best to follow in a knights ways. Either way it brought a slight smile to his lips for a brief moment.

Next he turned his gaze to the ancient temple where he saw many priests and other knights heading towards. His green eyes rested over the place, it was as though he could feel the life inside and perhaps he could. The gifts Shalharra had given him were a blessing, giving him even more appreciation of her creation. The building itself was cut from stone, as no metal or anything unnatural would plague this planet as it had others. Ancient and old but still standing throughout strong against the vast reach of time itself it was a testament to everything the Jintu held dear and it was indeed magnificent to behold.

He looked around at a few of the initiates behind him and the other Knights now, simply waiting for the priest he was accompanying to be ready to set out, he would accompany him to the temple as was his duty and then be free to go about and partake in the joys of Shalharra.

 

[Sovereign]

The Temple of the Jintu was a remarkable structure indeed. Its towers stood tall and fair and shone out with a dazzling radiance, glimmering as if they were wrought of pearls and silvers. Green banners broke from its walls and fluttered in the morning breeze, and high and far the faint melody of birds could be heard. Suddenly, a trumpet blared and the great brazen doors of the citadel swung back wide. Hadrian Sulla, Elder of the Church of the Jintu, the Great Patriarch of the Alsakan Union stood still in the middle of the threshold. Slowly, he came down a grand stairway toward the troop that had just arrived. He was an old man, swathed in a great cloak, the color of which was not easy to tell. His face was long, with a high forehead, and he had deep darkling eyes. His hair and beard were white, but strands of black showed about his lips and ears. He gazed down upon the party, his look both grave and benevolent. "Welcome to the Holy land." He uttered, his voice was soft. "Only a handful of individuals are allowed to set foot here. I trust you realize how great of an honor you were given?"

 

[Jaqen H'ghar]

Many of the initiates bowed deeply in recognition of the honor of their first trip, nervous and excited and slightly afraid all at the same time. The tension amongst them was humorous though Judas gave a bow it was not nearly as deep. It was meant not as a disrespect toward the elder of the church but as recognition of both the honor of being here and his right to be here once more having served Shalharra with all his ability.

"Indeed he speaks the truth." Came the voice of Judas Trismagus directed toward the initiates that had followed him and the priest he accompanied. "It is indeed an honor Elder Sulla." He said a smile dancing in his green eyes. "And indeed it is an honor to have an Elder of the council greet us here today." Once more he gave a bow. He was a warrior at heart but the council of elders were to be respected for their wisdom and time with the church as long as it was deserved still by their actions. This was something he would not forget, and also that politics should be amongst a warriors arsenal for keeping faith and moral in the troops as well was yet one more thing he had learned in his time as a Knight of Shalharra.

 

[Random Hero]

The sound of the trumpet echoed throughout the temple. An old man, buried beneath stacks of parchment and books looked up listening, the Knights had arrived. He was Deodatus, an Elder of the Church of Jintu. He arose from his seat and briskly walked to the temple entrance. His gray hair swayed in the calming breeze as he stepped down the Grand Stairway toward the Knights. He stood to the side of Hadrian, leaning against his staff. He smiled at the party and uttered "Shalharra guide you brave Knights, welcome to her temple."

 

[Barrill]

The mind of Greibis Nasch was in the clouds, hazy through his anticipation of, for the first time ever, the visit to Alsakan. The Knight had lived on Xenvaer his for his entire fourty-five years of his life. He had only heard of the actual planet through the teachings of Shalharra; it was made out to be a utopia. A sacred utopia, at that. It was forbidden in the Alsakan society to step foot upon their actual planet.

So as the hatch to the ship doors opened and fresh sunlight glared in Greibis' eyes, a smile found its way to his face. The planet's beauty was majestic and...natural. As he stepped outside of the ship, he took his first breath of Alsakan air, and boy did it put the man at peace. With the native animals all around him, Greibis truly felt at a peace with Shalharra.

Landing on this kingdom of solitude with their technology, though, Greibis felt as if he was tainting the land. This land was meant for the natural only, and these human inventions brought about disdain to the Knight. With his two mauls swinging freely at his belt and his shining battle armor, the Knight honestly felt a bit of an intruder.

Regardless, the man could do nothing to change this. All he could do for now was follow the troupe heading towards the temple. The temple...it was truly majestic, and it seemed different than the transport ship. It looked so natural with the Alsakan landscape, as if it had been there from the beginning of time. Greibis made a mental note to explore the depths of this stronghold when he could find the time.

When the Elder approached them, the Knight recognized this man to be Hadrian Sulla. He had heard much of the Elders back on Xenvaer. So he bowed to show his respects, keeping his eyes on the man as to show that he expected a mutual respect.

 

[Jaqen H'ghar]

OOC: Okay so the order will go Sin, me, Loki Barrel and we'll add whoever else comes in to the list as they come. Sin, your post.

 

[Ser Yorick]

OOC: Good show, fellas. I'll probably join in later with either Rosden or Piter de Nolay after I'm finished putting up some last minute decorations for the family (****ing bitch of a mother...I thought we were going to have a nice Christmas this year, without decorations...).

 

[Kit]

((OOC: Quick Q, would the Knights refer to each other as Sir's, or simply by name?))

As the gentle breeze brushed against her face and the quiet sounds of nature washed over her, the feeling of contentment filled her soul. This planet and everything on it, was her reason d'etre, to protect and safeguard Shalharra and everything that the mother Goddess loved.

So it was with a smile on her face that she stepped off of the transport ship, after most of the other Knights and Initiates had departed. She could feel the breeze tugging at her red robe, that rested over the soft leather she wore underneath.

Lorra was in no hurry, for there was absolutely no need for haste. She simply idled amongst the beauty of her surroundings. The lush greenery and clear skies were all individual prayers to the Mother of all Creation. She had been graced with the priviledge to set foot upon Alsakan once before and been so moved that she had been brought to tears.

This time was no different, and as single tear slid donw her cheek, she dropped to one knee, bowed her head and uttered a prayer to Shalharra, thanking her for all she had done.

Rising, she made her way after the group, the sword at her side gently bouncing against her thigh as she quickly walke dto catch up to the group that had very much left her behind. She noticed a number of Priests, even Elders, had come out to greet them, and rightly so. Whilst she had an immense respect for the Jintu church, it was the Knighthood that protected them. Both parties were heavily reliant on the other, and owed each other a great deal.

She bowed lightly, but not disrespectfully to the Elder that had emerged to greet them, before casting her eyes over the temple. Again, it was not her first time seeing the mighty structure, and while her soldiers instincts were already picking out defensive weaknesses and strengths, she couldn't help but be awed by the sight, and once more silently gave thanks to Shalharra.

 

[Sovereign]

OOC: Ok. All of our characters are ****ing arrogant it seems.

Hadrian bent down his gaze upon the young Greibis Nasch. The old man sensed a hint of insolence in his stare. It seemed as though the boy expected to be treated as equals. How foolish. The Elder heeded him no more than a worm in the mud. The Knights had always been an arrogant race. They were quick to forget that it was the Council of Elders who carried out the will of Shalharra and dictated the policies of the entire Union. Hadrian continued; "Here you stand before the greatest creation of Shalharra. In her infinite wisdom, she has given us this world as our own. This sanctuary was built where Lharra, the original Vicar, received her first revelation. You may enter, for now, but do so in humility. Shalharra frowns upon arrogance. This temple is also a burial ground. Indeed...Lharra has been buried here. It is our most sacred site."

The Elder stood aside and allowed the party passage. They entered a great hall. It was lit by deep windows in the wide aisles at either side, beyond the rows of tall pillars that upheld the roof. Monoliths of black marble, they rose nearly fifty feet into the air. Far above them, the vaulted celling gleamed with dull gold. At the end of the long hall was a great tomb, carved in red porphyry. The base glittered like a crystal and crowns of laurels and inscription circled the monument; testaments of the great victories of the Union. A statue of Shalharra stood at the back.

"You may take a moment and pray." The Elder whispered.

 

[Jaqen H'ghar]

As he did so long ago Judas walked to the foot of the tomb, or as far as was allowed at any rate. He then bowed to one knee and prayed before the tomb of the first Vicar. He felt close, the power of the place obvious to all. It was a place of somber purity, it was the kind of place that told you whether your intentions were pure, a place for self reflection and improvement. A place, of faith.

As he stood he returned to his initiates that he was tasked with overseeing. There were about three of them there and they had finished their own prayers although not going as near the tomb as he had done. "You may enjoy the day, pray freely, and worship. Be one with all that is around you because here is the place for that." Came the authoritative timbre of his voice. "And remember, when we leave you will be back to training just as before." The slight but annoying rememberance of their place brought out a sigh in the inititates. It was good of them to know this was a priviledge to them, they were not full knights and had not defended Shalharra, had not the scars to prove their willingness to give all that a full knight experienced in battle had. One day though, Judas hoped they would enjoy that privledge and understand that his harshness was not out of hatred or sadism but out of the need for them to be ever disciplined as a knight should be.

 

[Random Hero]

Deodatus used his staff to lift himself back to his feet. He stood next to his fellow Elder and spoke calmly to the Knights. "You may walk around the temple to see its splendor for yourself honorable Knights. However, there are areas that are restricted and locked. I ask you kindly to refrain from these areas. May Shalharra watch over you." As some of the Knights walked off to see the temple he leaned in toward Hadrian and whispered "There seems to be some arrogance in this group, no?"

 

[Ser Yorick]

OOC: Guarded by whom, Loki? The Knights of Shalharra are guards themselves... Whatever restricted areas, would be guarded by other knights... Sure, there would be areas only Elders enter, but still...they'd be locked, not guarded.

 

[Random Hero]

OOC: Guarded by whom, Loki? The Knights of Shalharra are guards themselves... Whatever restricted areas, would be guarded by other knights... Sure, there would be areas only Elders enter, but still...they'd be locked, not guarded.

OOC: Ah touche good sir, i'll edit that.

 

[Barrill]

As Greibis watched the Elder, he sensed a hint of disdain towards himself. So it seemed the respected Hadrian Sulla didn't have a liking towards the Knight. The thought passed, though, for they were led into the temple. So this was where the saint Lharra was buried. It was obvious with the aura that emanated from her burial chambers. Her power was significant, even inspirational.

So when motioned to give prayers, Greibis approached the foot of the tomb in step with Judas, another esteemed Knight. Bending down to kneel, he placed his forehead on his knee. In his prayer, thanks was given to Shalharra for allowing him the blessing of stepping foot upon Alsakan. Not only that, but he gave praise to the goddess for allowing him within the tomb of Lharra. This was a spiritual moment for them all, Greibis knew. At this point, all men within the tomb were equals. Rank meant nothing then, for they were all blessed under the wings of Shalharra.

When done praying, Greibis rose, and the state of ecstacy faded. Looking around, he saw his peers and underlings, realizing once again that they were divided by rank. If only their society could all feel the way he had just felt. He then met eyes with the Elder Hadrian for moments. Finally, he gave him a sincere nod of respect to atone for anything that might have been the reason for the previous look of disdain. With that, the Knight turned and began exploring the temple, heading in the direction of the chapel.

 

[Ser Yorick]

The Knight Piter de Nolay had also sought passage in the vessel that took those down to the world of Alsakan. He had been here a dozen times, even serving as a guardsman for one of the Elders for a while. Piter knew the temple well, at least well enough not to be stunned by its beauty.

On his first trip, the Grand Master's nephew had indeed been very impressed with the flora and fauna of this world, and for once, he doubted his own beliefs. How could something exist that was so beautiful, and not have a creator? The answers came to him after a few more trips, studying the science of it all.

Today Piter de Nolay wore his usual attire, that of a near full suit of armour, tailored specifically to allow freedom of movement, with a set of rich red and black robes overtop. He also adorned his sholders with the grey metal of his ceremonial paulders. They gave the knight a rather fierce look to him, not that he didn't achieve that effect on his own already. The thing about Piter de Nolay was that he always had this kind of look to him, one that dared you to impede him in any way, dared you to insult him, just so he could have an excuse to drive his sword through your heart. Like he was angry, all the time. Piter was a quiet, brooding young man, one seeming full of angst and annoyance. One would rarely catch him smiling.

As he entered the temple of Shalharra however, a small smile did creep up on him. He couldn't help it, really. To be in these halls, watching the blind fools go about their ritualistic prayers. It really was a sight to see, and one of great amusement for Piter. The others would recognize his joy, but never suspect the reasoning behind it. They would assume Piter was happy to be so close to Shalharra, here on this world, in this temple.

Unlike the other knights and the initiates, when he bowed in prayer, he was not lifting his voice and thoughts to the heavens, nor to the tomb that rested in the center of this great chamber. No, Piter smiled, and whispered quietly his own prayer. Just quiet enough that no one else would hear. "Oh Shalharra, great Mother of unholy sluts, I will show these people what you really are. I will rip the blindfolds from their eyes whether they wish to be enlightened or not. And if Gil de Nolay, my uncle, were to try and stop me...well, then all the better. I will enjoy gutting that old fool. In your bloodied and imagined name, I pray."

 

[Kit]

Lorra could not lie; she was not fond of Elder Sulla, nor the famous Knight that lurked behind even her. Piter de Nolay... he was not his Uncle's nephew by any stretch of the imagination. He appeared to be a pious, dedicated Knight, indeed, his prayer upon entry would have confirmed even the most serious of his doubters; for who had the gall to lie in the most sacred place of all?

She just... didn't trust the man. She knew he was a damned good warrior and respected his ability, but just could not bring herself to trust the man.

Regardless, she continued her journey into the Temple. The massive tomb, considering the body contained within was that of a thirteen year old girl, never failed ot catch her breath. The once-living emobdiment of her god, the closest any human would ever come to perfection lay within that tomb. In her mind, she knew for a fact that if anyone were to have the tenacity to open the tomb, that the body within would have suffered none of the ravages of time.

With her suspicion completely eclipsed by her awe and sheer religious ecstacy, she walked slowly, remaining perfectly silent towards the tomb of Lharra. Kneeling beside Greibes, a fellow Knight, she silently gave thanks to Shalharra for everything, knowing her words were heard in this most hallowed of places.

She rose shortly after the other Knight, and quietly whispered to him.

"Absolutely beautiful, is it not?"

 

[Wing]

((OOC: I suppose it is too late for me to jump into this?))