2024-11-08: A Valuable Learning Experience
- Log: A Valuable Learning Experience
- Cast: Victoria Spectrolite, Iselia Seraphinite
- Where: Keepers of Order Temple, Al-Warth
- OOC - IC Date: 0099-11-08
- Summary: Since time immemorial, the Sorcerers of the Keepers of Order have acted as Al-Warth's custodians. Times may have changed in the 3000 years since their inception, but the staunch adherence of their number to absolute faith in Ende, God of Wisdom, and the associated Dogma has not. Now, two of their number join hands, soon to become embroiled in the affairs of the Earth Sphere...
<Pose Tracker> Victoria Spectrolite has posed.
TWO MONTHS AGO
"NOOOOO!!"
A Sorcerer's mask clatters to the ground. Victoria, clad in the Keepers of Order's traditional Sorcerer garb, stares down at it, wide-eyed and breathing heavily. Confused at her own actions, she doesn't have the faintest clue what made her so violently remove the mask from her face, just as soon as it was placed there for the first time.
Then she hears them. Murmurs, from the masked Sorcerers present for her appointment. Murmurs. None are more disciplined than Sorcerers of the Keepers of Order, they do not murmur at official ceremonies. Looking up, it is plain to see by the look on the only face visible to her, that of Archmage Keeldin, that she'd just done something unprecedented. Mortified, Victoria falls to her knees, bowing low, only able to keep repeating, "Forgive me! Please forgive me, please forgive me, please forgive me..."
NOW
Rhythmic footsteps echo, as Victoria Spectrolite makes her way through the stone halls of the Keepers' temple that had been her home for almost seven years now. She still can't quite believe that she was already named Sorcerer on the cusp of the age of 15. Yet the title had indeed been granted to her, despite the incident that took place at her investiture. The Archmage had been quick to quell the murmurs, kindly assuring her that there was no need for forgiveness. That wearing the Mask of Ende served merely as a symbol rather than being a strict requirement. That it didn't change the fact that she had been judged ready to advance.
If only she could still believe she was ready. Her confidence severely shaken, she can't help but see the incident as anything but a sign of weak faith. This is the reason why she is on her way to see one of her fellow Sorcerers, taking a step towards remedying that. An arrangement made for purposes of reassurance and guidance where needed. To serve under a more experienced Sorcerer to learn and grow, until such time as she feels ready to fully assume her new role.
Soon, there is a knock on the door to Iselia Seraphinite's quarters, Victoria waiting to enter until given leave to. She does so with no small measure of anxiety, though she tries her best not to let it show in her bearing and voice.
"Milady."
The heels of a pair of dark red ankle boots click together, black stocking-covered knees bent in a respectful curtsy.
"Victoria Spectrolite, reporting as instructed. From this day forward, if it pleases you... I will be your shadow."
This is... different. She's changed from the standard Sorcerer's garb to one that is more to her personal tastes. She's switched to mostly black, still wearing the traditional Sorcerer's hat in that color, but the wide-sleeved jacket on a white dress shirt held fast with multiple belts is a different look, to say nothing of the skirt and red ribbon on her back. While her reputation was never one of being especially rebellious, it's simple fact that she's shown many signs of irregularity, by choice or otherwise. Dressing irregularly may be a sign that she's decided to embrace being different.
...Should she say anything about that? It feels like she should explain herself, while at the same time, it doesn't feel like it's her place to speak more at this time. So it goes with all things new... it's difficult to determine the proper course of action, when there's no procedure to follow as of yet. Either way, the fact that she's concerned about making a good impression on her mentor-to-be is pretty easy to tell.
<Pose Tracker> Iselia Seraphinite has posed.
TWO MONTHS AGO
A woman, masked as her peers are, watches impassively as Victoria screams, her mask thrown from her face. She stands straight, hands clasped in front of her. She does not flinch, nor does she murmur - but neither does she make a move to correct those who are.
Whatever she thinks of what has occurred, irregular as it is, remains hidden away within her head, and hidden behind the mask on her face.
NOW
Victoria knocks on the door - and the door opens to greet her. Where Victoria has chosen to dress according to her personal tastes, Iselia is, even now, in the uniform of the Keepers. There is no surprise on her face, only a gentle smile. Victoria was expected, after all - though from the way her eyes briefly trace across her clothes, her choice of outfit, perhaps, was not.
Still, it is not commented on, and her expression doesn't change.
"Of course. Welcome, young Victoria. From this day forward, I shall guide you. You may rely on me however you need." Iselia greets with a polite bow of her head. With that said, she steps aside, offering a welcome gesture. "Please, come in. Have a seat. Let us chat for a bit."
Iselia's quarters reflect her status as a respected member of the Keepers of Order. The first room serves as her study - bookshelves lining the back wall, filled with technical manuals, encyclopedias, studies of Dogma and books of scripture. Separating them is a window, offering a good view of the outside. In front of this is her desk - sturdy and humble, with a seat for herself behind it. In one corner, there is a couch facing another chair - presumably, for guests. And, at the very back there is a door.
It's a nice room, but it could belong to any of their number - the only thing that could identify it as Iselia's being the planter in the corner, in which some colorful plants are growing.
Iselia moves to take a seat in the chair facing the couch - and then gestures, to invite Victoria to do the same.
<Pose Tracker> Victoria Spectrolite has posed.
Victoria is nothing if not perceptive. Even if Iselia's private thoughts are as inscrutable as they've ever been, she notices the examining glance, and is instantly more on edge because of it. If she was self-conscious before, now she's flat out worried - and that makes her feel forced to speak up about it, when Iselia doesn't do so right away.
But, first things first. It wouldn't do to just blurt out her every thought right there in the entryway. She bows her head in acknowledgement, speaking perhaps a bit too hastened in her response of, "Thank you for your kindness, I'm most grateful."
This isn't the first time she'll be imposing on Iselia's time, but it's certainly going to be a much lengthier imposition, of a different sort than during her tutelage as an initiate. It is the first time she's been summoned to Iselia's personal quarters, and as such, she takes a quick moment to look around. As always, she likes to know what she's getting into. Whether it's related to research, or something as simple as a room she hasn't seen before, she's always studying everything as a matter of course.
She merely files the knowledge away rather than comment on it, again feeling as if that isn't her place. While technically their ranks among the Keepers are now the same, the level of seniority is so far apart that Victoria has trouble seeing it that way. Besides, the nature of their arrangement would seem to dictate that when in doubt, it's best to err on the side of caution, and choose to defer.
Be that as it may, once she's taken the seat on the couch that was indicated to her, and she self-consciously smooths out her skirt, this brings back to mind her earlier thoughts. She simply has to know, or this will bother her throughout the entire conversation.
"Ah, if I may, these clothes, I... realize that it may be presumptuous of me to create custom attire for myself at such an early juncture. Or, perhaps at all... conformity in all things may be a virtue, yet I simply cannot help but wish to stand out, it seems. You are of course aware that I always did have some measure of difficulty to entirely fit in, but more than that... well..."
Is she overexplaining? She might be overexplaining. Perhaps she shouldn't speak her mind any more than this. Would Iselia think less of her for staying silent, or for brutal honesty regarding the treatment she's received from certain envious parties in the past? In the brief moment she pauses, she quickly decides that it would be far too agonizing if she had to constantly hold back from speaking her mind. If there's going to be a problem with her openness, best that she finds out now rather than later. And so...
"To be frank, I find it distasteful to consider myself in any way equal to those who would look upon me with overt disdain in their eyes."
...Too open? She wonders. Just in case, best to nuance this a little, with a quick bow of her head.
"Begging your pardon for my effrontery, but considering the nature of our arrangement, I believe I would be remiss to express myself in any way less representative of my honest feelings in all matters. Should you judge that corrective measures be taken, I shall follow your counsel to the best of my ability."
<Pose Tracker> Iselia Seraphinite has posed.
Iselia settles in, and as Victoria studies her surroundings she may get the sense that she is being studied, in turn - her reactions noted. And when Victoria seats herself, Iselia listens as she explains.
"I am aware." Iselia comments in a knowing tone - and then goes quiet, to allow her to continue. She doesn't interrupt her - though her expression does become more thoughtful as she continues, ending with a bow of her head.
For a moment, Iselia considers her approach. There are many ways she could handle this, but with what she knows of her, and what she's seen...
"It is unorthodox, yes." Iselia says with a nod. "Our uniform is a symbol - to ourselves, representing our devotion to Ende, and to Order, that in his eyes, are all equal. And to those we serve, it acts as a beacon for them to look towards. To serve as a symbol of peace and order for them."
She closes her eyes for a moment.
"...However. At the same time, it is not our intent to crush-" She raises a hand, closing it demonstratively into a squeezing fist before opening it and folding her hands on her lap once more. "- the expressiveness out of you. If this is what you believe to be the best approach, if you cannot bring yourself to match those who look upon you, then I shall discuss the matter with the Archmage to see if this departure from protocol may be excused. ...However."
Iselia's expression becomes more serious.
"I must impress upon you the responsibility you take upon yourself in doing so. It will only serve to further estrange yourself from those you find yourself difficult to fit in with... and there will be all the more eyes upon you for it. You will find yourself judged more harshly." Iselia explains. "If this is the road you wish to walk, then endeavor to become a remarkable Sorcerer, that even your harshest critic cannot find true fault with. Is this you believe you can do?"
<Pose Tracker> Victoria Spectrolite has posed.
Victoria, too, is well familiar with the Keepers' tenets. It certainly makes perfect sense, for all who are equal to present themselves equally. ...There is, however, a flaw in that reasoning. If all are equal, then why was she looked upon differently by some, when her talents became apparent? Envy is unbecoming of Ende's followers, and yet, she saw it clearly. That not all were pleased with the way her skills stood out. Yet no one intervened... and she took it upon herself to stand out all the more for it.
Of course, she could only guess the opinions of individuals. And right now, Iselia's matters more than any other. She calmly awaits the conclusion at the end of the lecture... and seems a little taken aback, unsure whether to view this as approval. Rather, the matter appears left for herself to arrive at a conclusion for.
The Archmage... she doesn't actually worry about his reaction overmuch. She did once upon a time, but after going so long without being officially reprimanded for her irregularities, she can only assume that she must have his tacit approval. Another thing that others must have noticed, and may have resented her for.
All things considered, perhaps it isn't so surprising that as Iselia speaks of the responsibility involved, her expression shows clearly her resolution to that effect. And so, the question at the very end is answered by a confident nod.
"I do. Once, when I so keenly felt those disapproving gazes upon my back, it felt as if this would be only road I would be allowed to walk. Now, I've decided to walk it of my own accord. I am who I am, and I will not be made to feel shame because of it. ...So long as you approve of the path I have chosen, of course."
This is ultimately of paramount importance to her. To discover how she can be who she wants to be, without veering too far away from Ende's teachings. She doesn't feel qualified to make that judgement herself. But one such as Iselia will surely know when she goes too far, and will be able to keep her from going astray.
This does logically tie into a question she had in that regard, expression turning curious as she raises a hand to her chin.
"I don't mean to pry into your personal affairs, however... with your own unique talents and level of seniority, I have wondered. Surely you must have been considered for the position of Priest?" Growing less sure of herself, her hand drops to scratch at her neck. "Far be it from me to question you or our leadership in any way, of course. I just find it confusing how we are taught to pursue advancement, yet also to remain as equals. What I meant to ask about is how one can best navigate that apparent contradiction."
<Pose Tracker> Iselia Seraphinite has posed.
Does Iselia approve? ...That's a difficult question. One that she doesn't entirely have an answer for yet, herself. Still, she hears Victoria's feelings on the matter.
"If you are aware, and you understand, then I am satisfied. My sole concern is guiding you so that you may be in the best environment for your growth." Iselia replies. She's avoiding giving a solid answer to that one - but her words are genuine, at least.
Still, Victoria has a question, and Iselia nods as she asks it.
"It is quite alright. I do not mind." She replies. "In truth, I have been approached for the position. ...But, I elected to remain as I am. It is true that we are all equals... but it is also true that people have different strengths. Even among Sorcerers... after all, you and I both have different areas we specialise in, do we not? It is a matter of recognizing those strengths, and determining where one would best be used. In that way, we remain one cohesive whole - one unit, in the eyes of Ende."
...And with that said, a small smile crosses her face.
"...That said, I do find the fieldwork a Sorcerer is tasked with quite fulfilling in a way a Priest's duties may not be. And it is easier to approach my fellow Sorcerers to offer them guidance as peer, than it would be to one who is above them." She concludes.
<Pose Tracker> Victoria Spectrolite has posed.
This is at least similar enough to approval for Victoria to work with - to work towards earning that full, outward approval. That wouldn't be satisfying anyway unless it feels earned. That's one of the main reasons for her chosen approach to begin with - to succeed in her own way, but still within the constraints of Ende's teachings, so that none can find fault with it. Perhaps there is a pettiness to that motivation... but, others did start it.
For now, Victoria nods, a small smile finally finding its way to her lips as she nods eagerly. "I'm very thankful for your consideration, milady. You are most kind." Empty flattery is not a thing she does - this is a genuine sentiment, one might call it innocent even. She so overtly craves any measure of positive reinforcement that the most effective means of guidance here is transparently obvious.
She listens that much more attentively once she hears that Iselia did, in fact, have the opportunity to advance, but turned it down. It's not hard to tell that this baffles her, and that she'd normally argue in favor of going for it. Leaning forward a bit, she returns to her previous position after hearing Iselia's reasoning.
"That's... I suppose that's the sort of wisdom that comes with experience," is the only conclusion she can reach right now. She's very young, of course, and has an idealized view of the Priests that stand above the Sorcerers. It's hard to fathom why that wouldn't be something to strive towards.
That is... the first part. When Iselia mentions the latter part, a short giggle escapes her. "Oh, I see. You dislike paperwork, then. That's understandable. While I do understand the need for it, my written assignments were never quite as satisfying as putting my unique talents into practice." Indeed, unique those talents were... her mirth quickly fades, as she thinks more about that.
"I suppose... going out on missions is the best way I can be of use, given the non-standard nature of the Dogmas I craft." If only she can use them, then it would be a waste if she were to not make use of them, after all. The smile returns, however, when she adds, "I understand I have you to thank for the Umbra Deenbell's customized core, as well. You have such an incredible talent, to be able to tune things in ways they have never been before."
<Pose Tracker> Iselia Seraphinite has posed.
"You are quite welcome." Iselia replies with a warm smile as Victoria offers genuine thanks, taking note of her reaction. She notes, too, her reaction to her answer - that baffled look as she explains that she was asked, but turned it down.
She nods... and then she smirks, just slightly, at her reaction.
"I do not dislike paperwork... but, yes. It would seem that we are both similar in that regard." Iselia replies. "And, indeed. Your talents would no doubt be quite useful."
Victoria thanks her, then, and Iselia bows her head politely.
"I am glad it serves you well." She replies. "...In truth, it was a fascinating experiment. Adjusting the core to suit your unique talents required a different approach than I am used to taking."
She allows herself a rare moment of self-satisfaction.
"As we continue to work together, I should be able to refine it further. Do let me know if you have any particular requests." She says.
<Pose Tracker> Victoria Spectrolite has posed.
Having stumbled upon a similarity is heartening, given that Victoria had zero cause to assume that she could possibly have anything in common with Iselia - beyond the obvious, of course. Their levels of experience and areas of expertise couldn't be further apart, but... clearly they both much favor focusing their efforts on where their respective specialties lie.
In regards to her talents, she can only say, "I hope they will prove useful to you, as well, when you have need of them. Needless to say, you have but to direct my attention to where you feel it is warranted." Though her talents do have some variation, considering what they trend towards, one might consider that a roundabout way of saying 'I'll blow up anything you ask'. Iselia's likely well familiar with that already, given the results of her combat training against Rune Golems. Yet even with the available data...
"I can scarcely believe how well you've grasped the nature of my Shadow Dogmas, I can't adequately describe the difference with a regular Deenbell core. The importance of the right tool for the right task is indeed self-evident." The satisfaction is well-earned, in her estimation.
She blinks, then, surprised at the offer made to her. "Oh, I... I couldn't possibly impose on you further, you're already doing so much for me. Although, I suppose you are the only who can..." She shakes her head slightly. "What am I thinking, you may well notice any imperfections before I do. Far be it from me to get in the way of your work."
Looking away for a short moment, she soon refocuses back on Iselia. "I can only hope my inexperience in going far afield will not be of detriment to your efforts. I will of course perform my due diligence, but, much to my chagrin, there are things that books will not teach." The slight smile returns again as she adds, "It will be my honor to learn such things from you."
<Pose Tracker> Iselia Seraphinite has posed.
"I am confident they will. When the time comes, I will certainly rely on you." Iselia replies. Her talents are useful - and so is her willingness to use them. They will certainly be put to good use.
Victoria speaks of her Shadow Dogmas, and the difference with a regular Deenbell core - and, indeed, that is important.
"My experience served me well. Even if the Dogmas themselves are outside of my capabilities, I was able to understand the theory well enough to accommodate for them." She replies.
A soft smile crosses her face, then, and she shakes her head gently.
"It is quite alright. As you say - it is part of my work, and part of my work is to ensure that everything I am responsible for is operating as effectively as possible. Adjusting to the needs of the user is also part of my role as Artificer." Iselia explains. "Consider it a way in which you can help me with my work."
And with that, she nods.
"Indeed - experience, too, is an important teacher. Follow my guidance and remain close, unless I request otherwise - if you do that, then I believe we will have nothing to fear." She says. "It will be a valuable learning experience for us both."