Heulyn's Adventures - Arc I: Corner of the Sky [Eteru/Iammelon] [FIN]

The question was clearly one the gathering of Spirits liked the sound of, all smiling as they heard the name spoken. They all had met him at one point or another, although with varying levels of experience with the fellow given that each of their roles were more or less likely to have to speak with the First High Lord. Although Jack was the most indifferent, clearly having the least experience. Lord Delnore of course was the most experienced, and so spoke first, "Ah yes, the first of the planet's High Lords and one of its greatest. The good Ithkar. I am sure you already know the stories of his military wisdom, shrewd negotiations, and capable administration, all utilized to unite our world. His personality is quite suitable to such an individual as well. He was not perfect, as some stories may portray him, but he was a mortal who wasted none of his abilities. Nor was he some crazy warlord as some Zantines attempt to portray him... I would not say that he is the most compassionate or kind individual, but he is no cruel tyrant. He was empathetic, but his empathy and understanding of other people was for him an asset to best determine how useful or threatening a person could be to his cause, and then handle them accordingly. Nurture the useful, and try to turn or neutralize the threats. He did not let little details pass him by, and overall he was very pragmatic. He sometimes suppressed his own personal beliefs for periods of time, or delayed them. All for the purpose of eventually getting what he wanted at the lowest cost. Be that cost in things like money or the lives of his people, he was never a wasteful person. A big difference from those who preceded him."

Next to speak was Innovator Enomar, who spoke calmly, "He was around before my species was brought into the Empire, but I have met him personally and that account holds up. He was a rather striking person, and he was rather accepting of the idea of the Empire bringing in multiple species. I could tell however it was for multiple reasons. I am sure some of it was the pleasure of the idea that the Empire he built had grown so much to incorporate more than just Anubites as citizens, but there was more to it. He clearly understood the value of my species and my role in particular, knowing well that more people meant more ideas to filter into his Empire and facilitate its growth. More resources, so to say. That pragmatism was ever apparent. And his ability to notice small details is... not lost on me, to say the least."

Avitior interjected here, with a smirk on his face, "What the High Innovator means is that Ithkar's intelligence and pragmatism has perhaps taken hold of him a bit too much in his time as a spirit with lots of time on his hand. Lad is a bit of a crackpot. Don't get me wrong, he's smart as hell, and he read me like a book when I met him. But seeing all those little details... Well, I think he may see ones that don't exist these days. Too much swimming around in his head. Still, I could tell the guy has his best intentions. I think he just wants to avoid becoming obsolete to his Empire. Doesn't want to let it get away from him, I guess."

Heulyn listened to each of the specters. Taking in their respective tales. She was beginning to grasp a good picture of the very first High Lord. The finishing part of the answer struck a chord in her. As it was something she can empathize with. The feeling of being useless to the world around you. “I think I understand what you mean.” She summarizes her thoughts in agreement, mostly to Avitor on why he is the way he is. “He has been alive for so long. It is such a hard picture to imagine for me.” In a way it was to be expected. The typical mind has difficulties when it comes to visualizing such large numbers. “I look forward to meeting him one day though.” She said with a smile. Always important to be optimistic.

Shifting her weight on her feet she took a look across the gathered faces. “I suppose it’s your guys turn to ask a question?” She was fairly relaxed. Much open to a wider scope of questions than the start. Wouldn't mind if it was sensitive. She wished to show to not only Sethus but to herself that she is making great progress in her road to recovery.

The group of ancestors looked to eachother, as this was of course a prime moment for the lot of them. Lord Delnore was about to speak and ask his question, but once more Avitor spoke up, waving his head to interrupt the Anubite, "Hey, hey! Heulyn here I am sure has been to primarily Anubites for quite some time, with maybe some Amurrak as well. That means on the broad spectrum I am sure she's already fielded plenty of questions from your kind, and therefore it is only fair that a non-Anubite has their chance. Therefore, my turn by right! Now, Heulyn, I am curious... How does it feel being in this Anubite Empire? Does it feel strange to live here in comparison to your homeland, with the transition being easy or hard? As a Proscorine, I am very curious, since my people have rather differing experiences in this regard, and I would love to get a fresh perspective from the non-Iammelonian viewpoint going through a similar experience to many of my people."

Her smile contiue to be present as she watch their antics. Avitor was certainly correct that she had already been vetted by the Anubites over the years. “Hehehe, you’re not wrong my Lord.” She quipped before taking a moment to ponder on the question. “It’s a good question. Well to start it’s more of becoming sedentary rather than the transition itself that I’m dealing with. I was an illegitimate child. My father disowned me and exiled me from my birth home. On the road I just started to walk the globe. I've roamed far; farther than any other person of my race ever wandered. I've seen all sorts of great cities. I've roamed in the unknown countries. Always looking for that new frontier. Never staying in one place too long, but always feeling the sting of leaving people I met behind.” She spoke carefree manner. Looking back on her days rather fondly. Happy to have the privilege to meet and befriend many in her travels. Looking to Avitor she continued talking. “In a way I resonate with the Proscorine spirit rather well. Between you and me, a teeny bit more than my passion of history with the Anubites. Hah, but to answer the question. The transition was not too bad. I don’t have any complaints that aren’t minor annoyances.” She was quite adaptable to new places. Looking back to the main group she slightly tilted her head in consideration for her turn to ask a question. “So how exactly does the council cycle in new members?”

Avitor was satisfied with the answer given, nodding his head and smiling, clearly satisfied in his people's victory in the spirit department. Ironic given who the ones who conjured spirits were. All the same, he stepped back for the answer, as that wasn't his position of expertise. Now Lord Delnore finally to speak, giving an annoyed look to the Human before he spoke up, "Ah yes, the cycling of membership. You see the Council is made up of 3000 members. We swap out 1000 of them every four years. Each council member serves a twelve-year term, unless they resign early and need replacement who will serve out the rest of their term. Now the process of cycling in new members is a matter of first being approved to get in the potential roster. A smaller board of mystics appointed by the High Lord review any spirit who died at least fifty years prior, desires to be on the council, was an Anubite Imperial Citizen in life, and has proven either extreme loyalty to the Empire or a great deal of competence. The board decides if the prospect meets these conditions, and how useful they would be to Council. Once this is done and they approved, they are then filed into a selection of categories. This includes things like their area of expertise, such as perhaps warfare or diplomacy, their planet of origin, their species, and their rank in the Empire in life. Now, with that in mind, when the next batch of a thousand is coming in, the current council will choose the categories they feel are needed for the coming years. An Empire expecting war for instance will elect to select the warfare category, and economics will be selected if the Empire is facing financial trouble. Finally, with the relevant categories selected, a lottery is done with all spirits who are currently available and willing who line up. Any selections can be vetoed by the High Lord if they deem them unsuitable, however."

The explanation made sense. It didn’t leave anything that she felt the need to inquire about. “Ah, I can understand that.” She notes with not much else to say. Typically she’s quick to absorb and retain things. A much needed trait for a devoted student. Well to be truthful a devoted student who also likes her social life. Something which she can’t participate in if she’s swamped in her lessons. That wouldn’t do for someone like her. Especially when she wants to hang out with someone like Tarset to get her into a good mood.

Lord Delnore was pleased to see that Heulyn quickly absorbed the information, smiling and giving a nod of approval, "Nice to see! Not everyone understands so easily the first time around. You have made a good choice in your apprentice here, High Lord Sethus." With that however, it was their turn to ask a question, and this time it was Enomar to step up and speak, "Now we must inquire, so as to keep up with the rules of this little game. My question is a fairly simple one, but an important one. Once your time of learning under the High Lord is finished... What do you intend to do? I understand that by the end of it, you will be a citizen of this Empire in full, with quite the qualified education. This opens many doors to you, but I am curious as to which you intend to go through when the time finally comes! Archivist, Priest, Archaeologist, Imperial Retinue Mystic... Many, many options."

“Ah! Hm…” That was a good question. In the long run she wouldn’t be the High Lord Apprentice forever. There will come a time where she will accumulate a wealth of knowledge that it would be a waste if she were to go seek a far humbler path. There had been the rare thoughts that she could qualify for the rank of Magician in terms of Magecraft proficiency. But that is more of a personal goal rather than something that contributes to society. Sure she has her dream but that is a vague one and something she’s still pondering over. A dream. She suddenly became self-conscious about her Ahnenerbe from that thought. Her path to self-discovery was only beginning. “There are many options. I know I’m always welcome in Aztecha Industries so there are doors for opportunity there.”

Her desire to remember. The magic circuits of her soul served as an echo chamber of sorts. Reflecting the essence of the soul in its own way. It was enough to serve as the catalyst in the creation of her Ahnenerbe. So it was true to the deepest desire of the soul. But emotions and desire in its rawest form is always the toughest to understand due to the possible interpretations. But one noticeable thing was that the desire had to be before she voluntarily surrendered herself. It was a desire that she had buried deep within her all her life. Her first theory was that it was a trigger planted by her original self to reawaken her past. But that is just a convoluted system. So it had to be something else. Second theory was that perhaps it was connected to her unawakened origin. The idea of Desire and Origin while coming from different systems of magecraft overlap in a few places. So her next step was most likely in awakening her origin but that’s far off.

The idea of becoming a priest stuck in her head a bit. Reminding her of Inpu who she kept in contact once in a blue moon. Given it was rude to just call him and drop him out of mind. And it was a good thing she kept in contact for she learned a few interesting things. Turned out Inpu only knew her original self, Hatheleisia. But unfortunately does not know her fate. She was a wanderer who roamed cosmos. For what reason Inpu never found out. The vagabond only stopped by his family sphere of influence for a short while before moving onward. Vanishing into the void of the universe. From what Inpu could glean she was traveling for a good long while given she would have had traveled quite a bit of the universe to reach them. Seemly at peace, enjoy to listen to stories and learn the local history. But she looked to be compelled by something. That something was forcing her to keep moving. Which reminded Heulyn of the downside of Origins which can cause obsession disorders that relate to the origin. This was generally why she was holding it off. But beside that the thought of her beginning made her wonder what she desired to become. She who had been taught of legends. What would benefit most from her knowledge. Where could she bring about the most influence. “It’s a tough question. But I know I need to plan ahead. I can’t be stagnant forever else time will leave me in the dust. Mmm, My thoughts are either Priesthood or Imperial Retinue Mystic but I don’t know much of the latter. So I suppose that would be a good choice to be my next question.” She smiles as she finally manages to answer the question.

Sethus decided to step forward to explain, since of course the Imperial Retinue that was spoke of was his own, and so of course he was among the best equipped to explain what that was, "Ah, you have met some members of the Imperial Retinue over the years, such as the guards in the palace and on our long trips. The Imperial Retinue are a force of trained specialists and soldiers that I keep for trusted matters, such as guarding my personal residence, protecting me on trips abroad. The Royal Guard are all members of the Imperial Retinue, serving at my direct command, although they are not the only ones. Retinue scribes write down things I want to keep track of, retinue agents are my personal gatherers of information, and finally retinue mystics are Spirit Mystics that assist the Royal Guard but are also involved in theological and spiritual matters. I bring them with me if there is a crisis of faith, or if there is an angered spirit who needs calming, or even if there is a large scale ritual that I require other trusted mystics to assist me. It is a role you could fit well into, if you so wish."

Lord Delnore nodded, "It is quite the honorable position as well. Service to the High Lord themselves is never wasted. But now, our turn! And finally, I will get to ask my question. So Heulyn, I am curious. What was your previous home's cultural take on the dead and death itself? How did they honor those who had fallen, and what did they believe to happen to them?"

The young Amziel blinked. That marked a lot of her boxes very rather. “You’re right. That really does fit me.” She gave a small nod of agreement. The more she thought about it the more it felt right. Her thoughts came to a pause when Delnore spoke up. Pulling her attention back to him. Tilting her head, her brow furrowed in deep thinking. It was a good question that she actually hadn't thought about in relation to Angelarium culture. For the most part her exposure to the paranormal had been quite diverse. But they, and even her Servants don’t count. The latter are just inherently transitory existences who will eventually disappear with time. It was a bit tricky to find something simple but she managed to settle on something. “That’s a bit complex. I used to be a vagabond so I got to experience a wide array of cultures and religions. More complexities when you bring in the magical side of things. I can’t really use just a singular culture and religion to speak for all of them. Like if a non-Iammelonian asks a Iammelonian how the Nebula does a certain thing. It’s a complicated question. But if we were to talk about my own beliefs. Well...I guess I’m still figuring it out myself.” She summarized her thoughts. Feeling a bit bad that she couldn’t properly answer the question. Not letting the awkward silence hang too long she looked over to Jack. “Hey, I was curious. I read a bit of the Jack-Jackal War but not much else. But it was still an interesting topic.” Mainly the thought of them fighting the Anubites to a stalemate. “So I suppose that’s what I ask next. The general rundown at the least.”

Lord Delnore shrugged. It was of course not the sort of answer he was hoping for, as he did want at least a brief rundown, but he did just accept that ultimately Heulyn lacked the information and personal stances to answer his question. So he let it drop, and let Jack move forward to respond. The Arachnid Ancestor chittered and nodded, "Ah, Jack-Jackal! Good war, fought well. I am not the Jack of which it speaks, that was the legendary Jack, the true Jack. Greatest of the all-workers. Anubite Empire is very strong, very powerful. It would crush Tarantula in a fair fight, but Great Jack did not fight just fairly! Oh no, he fought in all ways! Covert, Raiding, Direct Conflict, Psychological, Spiritual, and more! For he was Jack of all the trades, and he fought with every one of them! Tactics change on a dime, a master of all fields of warfare, and with his knowledge his troops were too! The Jackal might have had more resources, but they did not have the ability to use all of them at once! Ehehehe! Arachain showed their tenacity and wit, and so could push back! We all now seek to emulate the Great Jack, and ascend into legend."

As the Arachain was busy celebrating his hero's memory, Lord Delnore spoke up to give a more informative side, "As you might have gleamed from that, the Jack-Jackal War became a stalemate due to the leadership of the Arachain, the spider known simply as Jack. He was quite extraordinary, to say the least. Ludicrously intelligent, he reminds me quite a bit of Anthrak Ithkar, just this time he fought against the Empire. But despite this Jack's claims, the Legendary Jack couldn't be everywhere at once. And where he wasn't leading, we Anubites won, thanks to our own superior strength, technology, and even wits! Unfortunately that meant we could still never take their homeworld, and so we settled on a treaty. The war is officially considered a stalemate, but there is a reason they became a protectorate all the same once the Legendary Jack died. Regardless, with that said, now I am curious. What species in all of Iammelon, not just the Anubite Empire, are you most curious in learning more about?"

“The most interested in?” She repeated. Another good good question. Can’t just say Anubite and Amurrak given she had already learnt a lot about them. “That’ll have to be the Golden Dragons.” It was the first choice that came to mind. “My people’s mythology showcases dragon-like creatures here and there. So they reminded me of the myths. Overall I think they’re pretty fascinating. I would like to meet some one day.” There were some parts left out. Technically speaking she was speaking the truth when she said myth as in fictional tales. In the magic world Dragon Kind are considered the pinnacle of the Phantasmal Species. They have members in all three classes of Magical Beasts, and they are considered to be the greatest species within each corresponding class. Due to their being Monstrous, Phantasmal, and Divine class dragons, they have been involved with Amzielean since before the Age of Gods, and left many legends in the field of thaumaturgy due to having freely intermixed with Amziel in the past. Now, considering how none of that happened in this universe and her only seeing a dragon in simulation. It’s pretty much a myth in a sense that it’s fiction. “One thing I heard about them as something about the Three Black Dragons. That they are supposedly the oldest living dragons?” She phrases it in a question to serve as her turn to give one.

The Ancestors all seemed to agree with that, nodding along to the idea of Dragons being the most interesting to look into, and Avitor in particular understood the bit about dragon-like creatures in the mythos, as it was the same for him. The reason why came when he spoke up, "Those Goldies, yes they are fascinating, ain't they? Probably one of the subjects this council is least informed about too, given how rare it was for them to become involved, and how relatively recent their full joining of the community has been! Don't got any of those in the backlog of Ancestors, even when we got folks like Ghashyr in there! Still, agreed that it's an odd line up. On Proscore we had tales of Dragons too, ones that served the Great Prosthesus, guiding the waves of the Ether to where they needed to go. Of course, ours were more noodle like, and blue, so Golden Dragons are a bit different."

Sethus stepped in next, "As these ancestors know not the Three Black Dragon Heroes, I shall explain it for all of you. The Three Black Dragon Heroes were the three great Dragons who assisted Iammelon in the Psion Invasion. Their names were Grimiron, Xefr, and Durazor. While the Psion War was about a thousand years ago, the Black Dragons are much older than that. For much of their life before then, they explored much of the galaxy, and even other galaxies, gathering knowledge, experience, and power. So by the time they came back, and assisted in the war, they were some of the few figures capable of fighting a Psion head on, and the absolute only ones who could face more than one at a time with any hope of victory. Even the High Lord at the time, the great High Lord Siamun, could only fight one Psion at a time. The Dragons were truly something special. As for whether or not they are the oldest Dragons, it is believed so, yes. I only know of one Dragon who is older, that being Rekthor Civost, or 'Grumpy' as other Dragons called him. On that, I'd like to ask a question. Is there any planet in Iammelon you would wish to visit once this war is finished, Heulyn?"

Heulyn took note that it seemed an odd choice for a question but she supposed her answer would be a reflection of her interests. “I haven’t come to think about that yet. For the most part I’m interested in exploring more of Tombuiron. I think it would be a fun trip to see and explore Pillar Mountain or Dessert’s Maw. But beside that, if I were to choose a different planet. Tough. It’s a tie between Heord, Rehka'det, and Ziana. Freeforest would be a nice visit too.” Heulyn was rather happy about the prospect of visiting other worlds in a peaceful galaxy. Though she was in no rush to visit them all. After all, taking her time to savor the experience is the wisest thing to do. “It’s funny. I’ve never been the sort to take interest in outdoor walks. My typical destination is the beach for some sun bathing. But I suppose I've been around so much sand and heat that I just want to see something different now. To enjoy more aesthetically pleasing sceneries.” She look back to the group. Putting together another question to ask. “Since we’re on the subject. Why don’t you guys tell me about your own? What places do you recommend?” Sethus would notice by now that Heulyn had gotten more relaxed. Specifically her proximity with Jack. For the most part she got used to his presence.

Sethus smiled, as they were all good options in his mind, but he also did appreciate the fact that she wasn't in any rush, as the High Lord was also the sort to prefer taking his time to properly take everything in, rather than madly rush about. Still, he hadn't much to say otherwise, so he stepped back to allow the ancestors their chance to respond. Lord Delnore was the first to respond, as he did seem to be the most opinionated, "Tombuiorn's Moon, Bartlet, is a fascinating location in my opinion. The moon is not large, but it holds upon it a number of interesting locations. For instance, there are the tombs of the exiles. Many lords have been exiled from Tombuiorn for one reason or another, but we Anubites are not unforgiving. We remember much, it is certain, but that also means we remember great deeds that are worth redemption. The Tomb of the Exiles is built for those exiles who may have left the world in disgrace, but died doing something that is worth redemption. We place them upon the moon, so that when an Anubite Citizen looks to the skies of the capital, looking back at them is the land of those who, despite being disgraced, died for the Empire and its people all the same. It is a shame that many of the spirits of those exiles could not be reached, but we have many of their bodies, and all of their names."

Enomar's response would be a bit surprising as well, "As much as I love my homeworld of Rehka'det, I would personally recommend a visit to Garai Garrakis Nikomedio. That world, initially built as a mighty mockery to the Zantines, has blossomed into a glorious time-capsule of old Zantine Architecture, as well as a good mix between the warring Zantine and Anubite cultures. That merger of cultures has made it into quite the cultural center, but more importantly has facilitated a creation of a land of great learning." At this, Jack nodded, hopping into the conversation, "Yes, oh yes! I recommend it too, the land of teachings! Arachain are clever, and we recognize the value of good schools, good teachers! And while Tarantula has much wisdom, very much wisdom, it is still minor in comparison to the combination of teachings available on that world! On Garai Garrakis Nikomedio, there is teachers that are Anubites, professors who are Zantine, educators who are Taurus, and many more! A paradise for those who wish to dive into the wider pond!"

And last was Avitior, who chuckled, "I suppose then I have to be the biased one! Proscore is the place to be, Heulyn. We don't just dwaddle on the past, Proscore is the place where things move. And I don't just mean science, I mean people and society! There's always something and someone new on Proscore for you to see! And really, what better sight in the galaxy is there besides fleets of ships setting sail into the Ether? Proscore is where those boats are made, and it's the place to watch it happen. And even if you get bored of the wondrous cities or the marvels in orbit, Proscore has its quiet bits too. Simple farms with simple farmers, living their simple lives. It's a world of ideals. And that brings me to my next question... If you could pass a law, just instantly, what would it be about?"

It was a delight to hear all these exotic places. It truly gave the galaxy more color and warmth. The prompt took her a bit by surprise. She was no stranger to paperwork and the delicate nature of society. But the finer details were not something she thought about in her free time. “A Law?” It felt that she needed to have it be thematically fitting to what was built up to it. A question directed at what her ideals were on paper and not nebulous fantasies. So she felt it would be a boring answer if she says something simple or a law that was already in place like no littering. It had to be something unique. That reflects her inner thoughts. Fragments of past days flutter across her thoughts. Her brow furrowed. Digging through her thoughts of something that had rubbed her the wrong way. Finally she remembered something. “Aztecha Industries selling whatever they find to the highest bidder always felt wrong to me. So if I could, I would make a law to place a ban on any activity that serves for monetary gain.” It was a fairly minor law given the company kept more than sold but it was an important law she felt was important if it was in place. It betrays the dignity of the departed. Creating a materialistic value on something that was priceless to the original owner.

The line of thinking led her to a question she had for a while. “For a somewhat related question. How does the rest of Hoshizora view spirits? In a lot of cultures there is a clear divide between life and death. Yet we blurred that line.” From time to time she would see articles that shone some light on other peoples opinion. The Ghashyr deemed it was unholy black science. Ezinu had a rocky start in accepting the fact that spirits exist. And she felt it wouldn’t be too off that other nations might have felt the same at one point or the other. Death was an intimate thing to many people. Herself included.

Avitior nodded, giving off a grin. The answer was satisfactory to him, since it did in fact reveal a portion of Heulyn's character to him. As Heulyn thought, the question was indeed aimed at seeing what she would want on paper and not just the mind, an important question for those who wanted their ideals to truly manifest rather than simply remain pleasant thoughts. A concept rather important to Avitior in particular, given that he was a man who made some very important laws on Proscore in his day. Sethus also nodded along, since he understood the concern rather well and didn't exactly disagree with the sentiment, even if he knew the true situation was more complex.

Lord Delnore and Innovator Enomar both shrugged. They could not input here, since they were Anubite in their views to the core. The Amurrak had been very successfully assimilated after all, and so their concepts of spirits had long since become practically identical to that of the Anubites, which Heulyn already understood. But Avitior and Jack could input, and the Arachain was the first to speak, "It is odd to accept, yes. It changes the view on death quite much, very much! As you say, line becomes blurred, questions are raised. Is death not a true rule? Or is it still a rule, but one misunderstood for so long? The Arachain asks many questions, for their mind is curious! However, as time passes, acceptance grows of an idea of a third plane of living. Life and death cease being a binary ideal, and instead more of a spectrum. Closer to death, or closer to life, all things fall somewhere on the scale! Thus to the Arachain, spirits are natural, and simply are yet another area of life that we must learn and grasp!"

Avitior meanwhile nodded, "As Jack said, the viewpoint changes over time. Questioning is the first stage for sure. But in time, as I have seen, different cultures make different rationalizations. Some cultures, like the Ghashyr, simply see it as an unholy thing. The Ialao consider it as an evil act that prevents the soul from connecting with their big overarching tree god or whatever, which is supposedly the destination of all souls naturally. Thus spirits are those who are prevented from going there, or worse, ripped away from it in some evil act. Those universal monotheists are thus most inclined towards a negative view. Meanwhile cultures like mine are a bit more iffy. It's certainly odd to first meet a ghost, and then weirder still to become one for that matter! But, well, the most it does is spark personal questions of the soul. Clearly it's a real thing, but what does it mean? These folks generally have a neutral view, more concerned about the ramifications for themselves rather than the spirits. And then finally there are those who fully accept or just don't give a damn, like the Desmondians or Dragons. Those folks from Itaic in particular just see ghosts and go 'neat, now how do I kill it again' rather than begin to question the nature of the universe. These folks are often those who already believe in spirits, so it's not surprising to them, or simply don't really have value put to death. Though, hm, now I got a question. Do you want to become a spirit someday, Heulyn? Or would you prefer to go off to the afterlife, or become one with the giant tree, or meet the Judge, or whatever else you think happens?"

It was cool to hear all these different facets of theology. Hear how different cultures try to come to terms with life after now. “It certainly does raise questions in other fields beside theology. Majorly philosophy in terms of the nature of consciousness, continuation of consciousness, ship of thesus, teleportation paradox, and how you define ‘you’. There are a lot of arguments out there like these that suddenly change due to the new variable of a ‘soul’. It has been an interesting learning experience going through articles written by philosophers in the wake of Anubite contact with other countries. “ The new prompt while loaded was something she actually expected to be asked. The concept of death was a heavy thing to her many years ago. Now that she is living among the actual dead. That thought frequently comes to her late at night. The idea of oblivion, of leaving everything behind. It left her afraid at times. Even if she knew that she would have a life after. That just gave her more questions. Will she forget? Had there been lives before where she learned of her fate but forget all about it in the life after? More questions such as this plague her from time to time.

“Heh, that’s actually something that relates to how I became Sethus’s apprentice. My soul is in a state of metempsychosis. And I had been in this wheel of eternal recurrence for who knows how long. This was something I became aware about only a few years ago and to no surprise was something that I and others question about. It ties in to the philosophical issues of memory and consciousness that I mentioned. Memories are fluid. The act of remembering alters a memory. And it brings up the problem of how we define our present and past self. Some claim that because our body atoms change and die during our lifetime we become fundamentally a different person. While there are other sophisticated versions of the psychological theory of personal identity that argues that psychological continuity is the necessary factor. For myself I’m still coming to terms with it. But I do feel that we are shaped by our experience and memory. Perhaps that’s a reason why I seem to have no knowledge of previous lifetimes before ‘me’. Hah, it’s a complicated thing. For the most part I can’t seem to understand where I go when I die. I seem to go somewhere that I feel is the same place. Mmm it feels like. Like, let's use the desert as an analogy. When I die I get transported to a different spot in the ‘desert’. The ‘dunes’ and ‘clouds’ are different but I can tell that this is the same ‘desert’. I’m sorry, am I making any sense?” She spoke that it can be her next question in a quieter tone. Feeling self-conscious of her tendency to ramble.

Avitior and Jack seemed a bit confused, as they didn't quite get what she meant about her soul. Neither of them were mystics after all, and so despite being spirits themselves they didn't really understand how it all worked. The addition of philosophy to a subject they already didn't quite get just made it worse for their capacity for understanding. However, Lord Delnore did understand, but he shook his head, "While I understand what you are saying, young one, it isn't truly relevant to the question. In fact, I would have to press the question again with this in mind. Say that we could make your into a spirit, and stop this apparent cycle of rebirth. For the desert analogy, if it was possible to solidify your place in the sand. If that was possible, which I believe it is, would you accept that? Would you like to stay as that same, singular person forever more, instead of being reborn?"

“That is what I was building up to. I don’t know what happens when I die. I remember having living lives where I was a devoted follower to a faith. And I died feeling that I would go to an afterlife. But I end up in this ‘desert’. That my soul always goes to this ‘place’.” There was a bit of glum in her tone. While she was hardly a devoted individual in this life it was a bit of a downer that she doesn’t go to an afterlife. How many people she knew have died and went to their afterlife. Where they wait for her to come but will never come to be. It was sad to think about. Letting out a sigh she continued to speak. “You’re right about one thing. My place can be anchored. My soul got stuck before. Before I was born my soul was stuck in the gut of a supernatural being. And my soul got stuck again in a place where our Highlord here had to get me out of.” She took a pause to think about it. “I feel it makes sense for me to become a spirit. To stay in this world for as long as possible… I. I want to ‘live’ here forever. Eternity offers so much. I want to meet all the interesting people in Hoshizora, read all the good books and plays then make something even better. Celebrate my first grandchild's tenth birthday party on Javalus, celebrate my first great-great-great grandchild's hundredth birthday party somewhere exotic, learn the deepest and final rules of Nature, understand the nature of consciousness, find out why anything exists in the first place, visit other stars, discover aliens, rendezvous with everyone for a party on the other side of Hoshizora once we've explored the whole thing, meet up with everyone else who was born on Tomburion to watch Memphi finally go out. I. I want to experience eternity here.” She genuinely sounded optimistic at the prospect of being in Hoshizora for eternity, spirit or otherwise. “I would love If I became a spirit.” She summarized her thoughts. Her eyes then shift about. Finding herself with the fact that she needs to come up with a question. So she went with something that is technically a question. “Is there anything else you want to ask about this?”

The Spirit Councilors seemed impressed, all nodding along. Lord Delnore and Enomar were of course the most pleased, but both Jack and Avitior seemed to agree as well. For in truth what Heulyn said applied and appealed to all four of them. Lord Delnore stepped forward to speak first, "Very, very wise words, Heulyn! Your desires are ones felt by all of us, I think I can safely say that. Some like myself have practically identical goals. I keep in touch with my family, trying to be present in their lives and watch the milestones roll by. Because their milestones are part of my story as much as it is theirs, all one big tale of eternity going forward. Others here may have slightly different desires, but ultimately we all seek to see new things, experience new heights. Avitior I know has one such different interpretation."

On que, the Human's Ghost stepped forward and smiled, "Only slightly, you old hound. I have things I want to see as well, and experience for myself one day. I want to see the fate of Proscore and its Republic, to know what distances my people explore, and ultimately how it all finally will end for them one day. I refuse to leave that up to speculation, I want to be there. But I also have more base desires. I wouldn't be a proper Proscorine if I didn't stick around to fly in the fastest starfighters we can produce, and bare witness to the mightiest vessels to sail the Ether leaving their docks!"

With the Human's big claim, Sethus finally came forward. He seemed rather happy with Heulyn's thoughts as well, nodding his head, "I am quite certain it can be anchored, as I saw that for myself. And it is something I believe I can replicate as well, although probably in a manner that allows movement and a degree of freedom. Although, in that instance Heulyn, I have one thing to ask of that. You are my apprentice, and though not my heir it still means you will have quite a bit of knowledge about the Anubite Empire's inner workings. So, combining that with the desires you have expressed, I do wonder... Now that you have gotten a taste of the Ancestor Council, do you believe it is something you would be interested in one day joining yourself?"

She bore a happy grin on her face listening to the gathered spirits. The future is finally becoming a bright horizon to look forward to. Sethus’s voice drew her attention to him. Listening to the final question to top everything off. “That’s quite a long while off. But after everything I learned today. And the days yet to come. I think I would very much be interested.” The horizon was ever-distant. A band of gold that splits heaven and land. Once she saw herself as an outsider. An extra in a story not her own. That horizon choked by the smog of violence. But now, now her place in the universe was beginning to change. The fire in her heart now fueled by a source that she had thought she lost so long ago. A sense of purpose. Of belonging.

Sethus chuckled, "Indeed, a very long while off I would hope! But it's never a bad idea to consider the future, especially if you're aiming for eternity. Then your life is nothing but future!" He then paused, considering something that Delnore said. He then nodded, "Now, with that in mind, I think this was a good meeting, ancestors, but I do have one more thing to do here. As Lord Delnore said, we are all part of one greater tale of eternity. I feel that it is fitting that while we are exploring these parts of Anubite Governance, it would perhaps be a good idea to go back to where it all started, so you can appreciate how far the Empire has come in its time, Heulyn. Would you like to meet Anrak Ithkar?"

The progenitor of the Anubite Empire in person? Despite her past record it was still a bit intimidating to meet truly ancient figures of history. The ones that founded great civilizations. Something about them always makes her feel strange. Honeyed sunlight flowing forth from her core. Veins throb with unnatural warmth. She was here for over a half hour and she was still stricken with strange sensations from the radiating spirit pressure of Ahrak. It wasn’t an uncomfortable feeling nor was it ecstatic. A vague sensation of a bond to an otherworldly location that felt more abstract than an actual place. This feeling comes and goes like a lingering dream. Usually it hits her harder when she meets old spirits for the first time. Often ebbing away the more she gets used to being in the heavy presence. Overall her emotions aside, she did want to meet this Anubite. Taking a gulp of air she mustered up the courage to respond to the question. “I’m a bit nervous. But, I do want to meet him in person.” Especially if she were to become more involved in political affairs. As well give her insights in some stuff she was mulling over. With that said she looked back over to the group. Showing a smile as she goes to express her gratitude. “It's been great getting to know you all! I look forward in meeting you guys sometime soon!”

Sethus understood the pressure, since in truth he felt quite the same when he first met the first High Lord. He may have been adapted to speaking to spirits, even those of ancient heroes and great leaders, but there was something very different to Ithkar. The pressure of meeting the one who held such an honored title first, earning it by their strength of will and skill at arms. It always made it hard for Sethus to justify his own holding of the title in comparison to such an individual. All the same, it was important, so he smiled at the fact Heulyn agreed, "Excellent, then in that case we shall get moving. Right this way, the path leads to Ithkar's wing. Goodbye, Ancestors, until we meet in session once more!" With that, he turned to leave.

Meanwhile the Ancestors all nodded their heads, making bows as the High Lord departed. They then waved to Heulyn, and faded away as the spirits they were, returning to their spirit stones. All except Avitior, who stuck around for a final comment, "Be careful over there, Heulyn, don't want to give a bad impression. But as a word of advice about Ithkar, from my own experiences, don't try and read him too closely. You'll find that it's rather difficult. And be ready for an... interesting discovery when you first get inside." With that, the Proscorine Ghost disappeared as well.

The destination was the Ithkar Wing, and notably Heulyn would see that the guards changed on the approach. There were guards both spiritual and living, and they wore similar armor to that of Sethus's Royal Guard that Heulyn would've seen around the palace. The difference was their markings. Instead of belonging to the Rwim Royal Family, they were marked with the Ithkar royal signet. And when they got to the gates that led into Anrak Ithkar's wing, Sethus stopped, looking to the guards who gestured for him to wait. He turned to explain to Heulyn, "They have to ask the Progenitor High Lord if he wants to allow us entry. Even the living High Lord needs such permission to enter here, since in the direct domain of the Ithkar, they only recognize one royal house's authority. The guards here have no obligation or desire to obey my orders, or that of any Rwim. Thus, we must wait a bit, to be granted entry."