concordancegrimoires | [Action | Rabanastre Cathedral

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[Action | Rabanastre Cathedral | OTA]

[Despite the deluge being present south of Rabanastre, the skies over the city are clear and full of sunshine. It's the perfect day for an impromptu gathering, one such as the one massing outside the cathedral. The sun is nearing its zenith in the sky, but the crowds are ignoring the heat, for a chance to listen to the priest on the cathedral steps.

Ajora is unlike the other Kiltia priests. Rather than clothe himself in ornate and ostentatious robes with cloth-of-gold and jewels enough to feed a small city, he and his acolytes merely wear plain cloaks of simple cotton cloth. They appear, by all appearances, to be simple and humble, more concerned with the people and their needs than extensive and costly show of rank.

He is delivering a most stirring sermon about the goodness and light of Faram. The Father of Light alone is worthy of worship and his Paradise is nigh for all. It is a radical theology to many, but there is such an air of goodness about the priest, that is is hard to deny his doctrine. There is a promise of hope, of salvation from suffering and grief, which has e'er been the close companion of the Dalmascans since the Imperial Occupation. It is the tantalizing promise of relief, the promise of hope for the future that compels them to listen and believe.

After he is done speaking, he spends the next several hours blessing children, soothing and comforting the hurting, easing the discomfort of the downtrodden. He and his disciples distribute alms to the poor who come with open hands. If he grows weary, there is no sign of it, as a kind smile and a warm welcome is extended to anyone who approaches.]

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[Ajora - Ajora. Vayne has heard of Ajora in but scarce two days of living - but the trouble was, with a face so easily recognizable, even with the very recent removal of the last four to five inches of his hair (to combat the weather and make caring for it easier), he has still had to slink and crawl, nearly jumping at shadows as he ruminates o'er the meaning, the purpose of the meeting with the Summon unbound, the High Seraph herself. Would he be more able to lay his head in bars and drink up the words the patrons gave without a thought.]

[It is odd, then, that he would, being as overly cautious, note the peculiar stranger. Indeed, the armor is unique, the mannerisms cast in a shade that overrides his concern - this newest addition pretends to absorb the words, but it seems instead they are more...unnerved by them.]

[Ensuring he is covered, he slides from his perch with skill, adjusting his path to not garner too much attention, forcing his steps to slow, to reflect the crowd - he may be a great actor, slipping from shade to shade, but he reflects only that which is before him, mind still too strongly Vayne Solidor.]

[He speaks evenly once he reaches the stranger with stranger garb (but, really, can he muse such a thing when, of the two, Vayne is certain he wears that which once belonged to the dead?), ducking with nary a sound beside him.]
"This Ajora does not speak to you?"

Edited 2015-01-19 02:20 (UTC)

[Ramza turns to the man, and fortunately for Vayne, neither the face or voice are things recognised. Instead he considers the question; his body language must have betrayed his true intent. Ramza is certainly no actor.]

I am assured in my faith in the gods. I do not need a priest to tell me how I must believe.

[The answer is frank and honest enough, even if it's not the whole truth.]

[The lack of a reaction is carefully tucked away, Vayne's shadowed face taking little time to study this fellow he has pushed to meet before his head turns, to look upon Ajora, then nothing, head bowing as an echo to his companion's earlier actions.]

[His voice is low, but tinged in curiosity, a flicker of amusement, of disbelief at an unknown.]
"The man who places himself in humble supplication before us is known to you -"
[He...hesitates, fluid speech arrested in thought.]

[From the leather pieces that embalm his figure, such light armor that indeed belongs more under thicker plate and mail, comes the grimoire.]

[Vayne speaks again after tilting the book towards the man beside him, not looking to espy a reaction.]
"Would you walk with me?"

[The grimoire has Ramza's curiosity. He gives another look to Ajora, torn on whether to continue observing the would-be child of the gods, or to accept the offer. But he's heard all he needs to hear to get an idea of what is happening. Finding out more about the grimoires and their significance is important, too.]

Very well. [He leads the way out of the crowds of people, still clamouring to see Ajora. Once they're out of the throng, he looks to his companion.] You are a bearer of one of these books, as well?

[Vayne relaxes only a fraction more under his guise once they have left the throng, pale eyes darting beneath his lids to see that they are unnoticed, unheeded, keeping all this and more to himself. It would do him no good to invite questions, doubts, he has more than enough on his own.]

[The book has been tucked under his arm while they walk, and, as they pause in what appears a safer area, he answers the question posed, after a fashion, lips quirked at the idea that he possesses it.]
"They are peculiar devices - enscorcelled by some cryptic magicks, inasmuch that what skill I have to offer leaves me with scarce an answer."

[He corrects his (most impolite) mistake of earlier with a bow of his head, he cannot encourage conversation without first giving the man a name.]
"I am called Siegfried, it is my pleasure to meet you, sir - ?"

I am Ramza. Ramza Beoulve. [A name with no meaning here. It's liberating in its own way, after more than a year of being on the run as a hunted man. This Siegfried, on the other hand, is going out of his way to disguise himself, judging by his clothes and furtive behaviour. Just as Noah did.

Vaguely, he wonders if there is a connection, but there is still too much about this place he doesn't know yet for him to jump to any conclusions.]

Magick is not my speciality, I am afraid, so this tome is beyond my understanding in its workings. I found my own when I arrived here.

[Ah, excellent. It's not a name he knows, but it will do if it is even the man's name. One does not spend a lifetime in trading falsehoods to expect the truth so easily.]
"Well met, Ramza."

[There is a soft sound of thoughtfulness that escapes him, and the ideas presented leads Vayne to consider another possibility. The young woman he ran into knew the item in question with the way her gaze turned, this man claims to have one - ]
"Have there been others encountered upon your journey who bear them?"

Edited 2015-01-19 17:52 (UTC)

Well met. [A nod of acknowledgement in return, then he answers his question:] I know of but one other, though we have long since been separated before I arrived here.

[Did he expect to find Luso in this Ivalice? He has no idea. Luso wrote in his own book often, but he had simply spoke of it as if it were a simple travel journal, and Ramza had taken him as one with a penchant for writing, nothing more significant than that. Never had he imagined there would be other grimoires, or that they carried in them magick.]

[Vayne holds himself firm, his free arm moving to be held behind his back, fist in the small of it. He had noted that the grimoire updated with details and absent observances of events like a timeline, but he had yet to see anything of importance to imply that there was information that could be received(such as his own revival). Indeed, he has a faint suspicion of such but -]
"Does the book write unheeded though there be no author for you as well?"

[If so...Vayne is not sure he can contain his curiosity to ask to see what it has written, to confirm a strange suspicion.]

Yes. Aught that I do of note seems to be recorded within its pages.

[As if anticipating that question, Ramza opens his own grimoire to show him. Glancing over what has been recorded and dated thus far, Vayne might be interested to note Ramza arrived in Ivalice only four days ago; his meeting with Penelo two days ago; then yesterday, an encounter with Noah.]

[Vayne's eyes are quick and sharp, though the notations themselves are small, bland - chronological details, nothing too much and yet they are so lacking in information like the entries in his own grimoire. It occurs to him, even as his eyes pass over the names (Penelo, Noah?), there is a peculiar pattern - should he keep the observation to himself?]
"The owners of grimoires themselves; such peculiar, choice remarks."

[It does not confirm his suspicion, so the once Emperor tucks the idea further back, mentally fiddling with it - but no. No, the idea is too good to keep alone - he keeps his voice even, casual.] "If pressed by unknown means, would they remain thus impassive neutral, or seek to betray their owners to another?"

[Ramza closes his grimoire again, tucking it under one arm for safekeeping. No doubt this encounter and his seeing Ajora will be recorded in its pages soon enough too, he thinks.]

I do not know. As I say, Magick is not a thing I am versed in, and I have possessed this book for a seldom few days. Its various workings are unknown to me. But what do you mean, when you ask whether the book could 'betray' you?

[Was there information this man wanted to hide, that the book might reveal to another? Or did he have something else in mind?]

[Inwardly, Vayne pauses - the grimoire is something connected to Ultima and thus to whomever wishes to use him, being perhaps used themselves by the Esper herself - but it seems overly complicated, too many unknowns and shadows. And now Saints upon the steps of Dalmasca, how enjoyable.]

[Does he trust in the sight of priests and paupers?]
"Does the name Ultima strike a chord with you?"

[Perhaps a little, he is in need of answers though as to whether or not they will be enough to satisfy...?]

[Ramza's eyes narrow, and he looks at Vayne intently. This is the second time he's been asked this in as many days, and it's starting to unnerve him. As if Ajora's presence on the other side of the plaza weren't enough to set him on edge. Something, here, is most definitely afoot.]

It is the name of an Esper, yes. For what reason do you ask?

[At least the man knows something, the alarm and suspicion evident (and it's almost like -), but Vayne himself remains calm, shaking his head with deliberation, arms gently crossing.]
"There is a master artisan at work whom does seek easily charmed puppets - yes, betray -" [To the crowd he looks, brow knitting.] "That she is known to you, that yonder priest does not enrapture you with the rest gives me more cause to worry." [We are being toyed with, and he does not like it. Perhaps it is not much of a response or an answer, but for now it is all Vayne can offer - you are concerned, so is he.]

Edited 2015-01-25 18:10 (UTC)

I am afraid I do not understand what you ask of me. Speak it plainly, else I cannot answer. What is it that worries you?

[Ramza might be feigning ignorance for now, to an extent, but he also doesn't know who this Siegfried is, or why he's asking such sudden questions. He has nothing to say to the man if he has no idea of his standing in this whole affair. The mention of puppets is telling, but beyond that...?]

[That feigned ignorance is obvious to Vayne, and he shakes his head. He has already said more than he wants to say, and in a crowd that makes him itch with worry.]

[The man smiles, and bows.] "If such a thing is of no interest to your knowledge, then heed it not; forgive my needless presumption." [Vayne's tone is retreating.]

I said that I do not understand what you ask of me, not that I am disinterested. But if you cannot speak in anything but enigmas, there is nothing I can offer in reply.

[Ramza has little patience for puzzles or vagaries like this. He has endured too much of the machinations of others, seen too much loss at the hands of the Lucavi, to risk giving anything away to this man that he might regret later.]

[That much is clear, but Ramza's interest and lack of patience gives Vayne a reason pause.]
"Ultima is freed, and from her original purpose has strayed to raise the dead - but not the dead of whom there is no mind within; they are but whole beings. [He does not speak of himself, no, that would be silly - but he doesn't know how right he is -] It is my belief that these things are connected, but through what means I cannot espy - grimoire, Esper -" [He makes a slight gesture with his hand.] "What then gives rise to Ajora?"

The faith of the people gives rise to Ajora. He preaches what they wish -- nay, need -- to hear. In doing so, they follow him. [It's a deceptively simple answer, but that's all he has to say on it for now. He looks at Vayne a second longer, considering what he wishes to ask next.]

How is it you know of Ultima's actions? Such secrets could cost you your life, if spoken in the wrong ears.

[The answer is perfect, and said in such a way Vayne feels a compulsion to grant the man some sort of award. How familiar.]

[The questions are unusual, however, and Vayne speaks slowly, curiouser still. He can, say, make his own story here, but what will it accomplish? The truth has always been far more entertaining, the ends of it so ludicrous -]
"To many, Espers are but tools, relics to remind Hume the arresting quality of deities and wherein the deifacted heel finds purchase in the backs of those who worship them; Espers were but the unwilling implements of their will, and through them Occurian influence did seek the continuing line of Dynast Kings, controlling history, prosperity, change, from shade and shadow." [His lips twitch.] "The story, the idea, is not oft shared lest power slips further from unworthy hands, and that my words have grabbed your ear says for me than for a passerby so unaware. Most would claim madness, heat, depravity - but you?" [Clearly they both would be told off for being mad.]

[Dynast Kings? Occurian influence? The words are unfamiliar to Ramza, and before he can try to parse their meaning, the stranger has already moved onto his next point. One thing, however, stands similar -- shadowy entities working behind the scenes to manipulate the course of history, all to their own ends.]

I am not mad, but nor am I familiar with all that you tell me. If I told you the truth of my circumstances, however, perhaps you would think me mad.

[Vayne avoids sarcasm. He wants information, and souring would do him no good.]
"Might I ask to hear it before you are so quick to cast doubt?"

Very well, then... [Ramza looks reluctant, but nonetheless, complies. He lowers his voice, lest he be overheard.]

I am not of Ivalice -- at least, not of this Ivalice. From what I can surmise, all this belongs to what is a distant past... Twelve centuries past.

[It makes about as much sense as Espers running rampant (by his reckoning), so while there is a twitch of his face, he easily moves past the ludicrous nature of it all. At the very least, he is more inclined to believe than push it aside.]
"Twelve centuries?" [He makes a sound.] "The choices do baffle me - why, whom?" [But he looks directly at Ramza, eyes studying.] "A time when Ajora is known to you and when Ultima causes some repulsion of flesh - pray, what are they to your time?"

The legends are thus: Ajora was a preacher of a new faith and a worker of miracles, who saved the land by leading the twelve Zodiac Braves against a demon. Later, Ajora was cruelly executed when one of his disciplines betrayed him. He has since been revered by the Church of Glabados as a saint and child of the gods.

[Ramza glances over to the crowds. Has he already garnered that reputation here, or is he but slowly accumulating a following? It's hard to say. He looks back to Vayne.]

Ultima is known to me not as an Esper, but a Lucavi, a fell demon who was intent on bathing in the land in blood to fuel her own revival. She has since been slain.

[But here, this being the past, she still lives. Why was he brought back here? Was there something more he needed to do? But in doing so, it could very well change the course of Ivalice's history itself... He's aware he must tread very carefully.]

[That had been a guess at best, and for a moment, in containing his surprise (and lack thereof in some twisted fashion, they are all connected to the Gods, after all), Vayne is silent, struggling to control his urge to pace. Cid was always the one who was more active, more alive, and yet Vayne has so oft been inclined to pulling away, staring off in contemplation.]

[But what Ramza said was a legend, correct? He prompts softly -]

"And the truth?"

[Ramza studies Vayne for a long moment, then looks around to check once more that they have no eavesdroppers. Then he says in a low voice,]

The truth is that Ajora is no more a child of the gods than you or I. He did not save the world from a demon. He is a saboteur, interested in the theft of state secrets and sower of disorder.

[He shakes his head, brow furrowing in deep worry.] And the paradise he preaches of is just the opposite. A great disaster looms in Ivalice's near future, and he will be its source.

[Something that Ramza will do everything in his power to prevent -- alone if he must. If that was the reason he was brought back here into the past, then he cannot turn his back on events he knows will transpire.]

[It's too much to ask for, too perfect - but he knows of Ultima's breath upon his flesh, calling it back to life, bringing he back to life in a time where it seems only more hazards are to be found.]

[It makes a strange echo of sorrow whisper and cling to his heart - he had been not wholly correct and yet still longer Cid would wait his word upon the tasks they set upon themselves.]

[At least Gabranth...still lived. His brother, Archadia, for now, would be safe.]

[This Ajora, however - the man's devices, if they were even his own, perhaps at one point he would need to meet with the priest, alone, in quiet. Learn, and adjust as he needed. He has played the terror once, and damn everything, he may just need to do it again.]

"If the words you speak are thus true, we are all truly imperiled." [There is a moment of sadness that shifts through his voice. Vayne is tired of gods, tired of toys and playthings - and he himself? Perhaps he is one and he is not even aware, but he must persist, must continue.] "Pray, forgive my overindulgence -" [Habitually a hand touches his own chest, head dipping a little -] "- though doubt does not cross my mind you will be vigilant, seeking to ensure the page is not wrought, and Ajora will be without his marked path - your words have troubled me in ways I have not thought to be. Ajora is a personal, driving quest for you, is he not?"

[Ramza shakes his head.] I bear no personal vendetta against the man, nor do I have anything so grand as a quest.

[Part of it is the truth, part of it is Ramza's own humility; he has no delusions to importance any more than he believes in Ajora's plays at saintliness. He has only the path before him, the path of trying to do what is right by others.]

But if Ivalice is imperiled by the horrors I have already seen, I will do aught I can to stop it. Of that, you may rest assured.

[Vayne...smiles a little.]
"You have my thanks, though indeed Ivalice herself shall perhaps thank you as your intention is for her benefit and longevity."

"Were one to meet Ajora, would you offer any advice as to how the encounter mayhaps would play out?"

[To his first remark, Ramza says nothing, though doubt is writ across his expression. He's accustomed to thankless quests, and if the Ivalice of this time doesn't thank him for this, it wouldn't be the first time. Nor Germonique ever looked kindly upon by history for what he intends to do.]

This is the first time I have laid eyes on Ajora myself -- anything I have read or heard of him is from scripture. What manner of encounter would you intend?

[It's a curious question, though in some ways it is apt. What would one do upon meeting the priest who seems to play host to the being who has thought to torture Ivalice so by grinding into old wounds. Wounds, of course, he had split wide in an attempt to cut an infection from.]

[His shoulders almost shrug, putting instead a question to the other.]
"What is the man's character, then, as described such in scripture?"

[The idea of Ajora having scriptures about him sounds...unnatural. If this man is truly delusional and suffering from some illness, it is well thought out.]

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[Action | Rabanastre Cathedral | OTA]

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if Ramza tells him about Noah I - i don't know oh god

he might!

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