[center][img]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/681136503774380292/751179306201383123/CelestineToken1.png[/img][/center]

[center][h1][color=violet]Rethinking[/color] [color=gainsboro]Strategies.[/color][/h1][/center]
[hr]

Illyd stepped into antiquity, his form morphing to that of a young man in white robes. A banjo was strung on his back as he led Celestine across the flagstones of the arena. The atmosphere of antiquity was hollow and quiet, the divine space a sort of mysterious reminder of the supernatural and almost artificial state of the world. 

Such a topic seemed on Illyd's mind as he suddenly posed through a casual whistle, his march to Cadien's portal steady. "What do you think the meaning of life is?"

Celestine stepped out of the portal to her realm confidently. She took a few moments to look for where Illyd had gone and came to the realization that she was no longer following a fox. Falling into step behind Illyd’s changed form Celestine remained fairly silent as he began to whistle. When the question was posed, Celestine was briefly stunned by both the spontaneous nature of it and the complexity of the issue being asked after. After her wits came back to her Celestine remained silent for a few moments longer as she contemplated an answer. What was the meaning of life? She supposed that the meaning to a god's life might be to create something that impressed the other gods? Or to perhaps impress mortals? But then what if the meaning to a mortal's life was to impress the gods or other mortals? But then what if one didn’t mean to impress everyone, and only sought to impress a select few? What about those who sought to impress nobody?

After a few more moments of silence, Celestine offered the best answer she could to a complicated question. [color=gainsboro]”I suppose it depends on who you ask. If I were to give you an answer from my perspective I would say that the meaning of my life would be to knight noble individuals and inspire them to great deeds while spreading the values of chivalry throughout civilizations that would welcome it. Why do you ask?”[/color]

"What's the point of that?" Illyd answered simply, stopping to turn to Celestine.

Celestine raised an eyebrow as Illyd asked after the point of what she had said. Just what was the point? She didn’t quite have an immediate answer, as it was something that came to her naturally. Did mortals question the point of their breathing? Blinking once, Celestine gave the best answer she could. [color=gainsboro]”The point of it, in my view, would be to try and enrich the lives of mortals by opening a path that some might not have previously considered? Why are you asking after these things, if I might inquire?”[/color]

"You know, I made the first mortals." Illyd twisted on his heel to face Cadien' s realm once more. "I did it because I didn't want to be alone anymore -- so I know why at least a few things are alive and exist. But why do you?" 

Tilting her head in confusion for a moment, Celestine began to ponder a few things. Why was she alive? Why did the she that existed now come to be? How many other versions of her tried to emerge from the lifeblood, only to be squelched before they could even begin to coalesce? If even a few things had been different, how different would she have been? Would she have even come to exist as she did now? Celestine’s eyes narrowed slightly as she began to shove these thoughts out of mind. She could sit and ponder them for lifetimes, but right now there was something more important to her than figuring out the hows and whys of her particular existence. Though she did realize that she had yet to give Illyd an answer, and so gave one the best she could. [color=gainsboro]”I am alive because I want to inspire mortals to a higher calling Eventually I would want them to strive to better themselves without my influence. Failing that I hope to create something that serves as a shining beacon of what can be accomplished with chivalry. As of right now, however, I want to see things concerning Ha-Dûna resolved. If you’ll excuse me.”[/color]

With that, Celestine would step through the portal into Cadien’s realm. Illyd's words followed her from antiquity.

"That's not why you're alive." 

Then there was silence.

[hr]
The realm was unchanged since her last visit. In the distance, Cadien himself was already approaching.

As the realm coalesced around her Celestine’s first instinct was to look for Boudicca. Unfortunately she didn’t seem to be in the immediate area, and Celestine saw Cadien approaching instead. Walking forward herself, Celestine met Cadien at roughly the halfway point of his approach and curtsied before speaking. [color=gainsboro]”Greetings once more Cadien. My apologies for the late appearance, I was delayed by the appearance of a fox upon my feet. They had a handful of questions they wanted to ask as we walked. Where have you sent Ser Boudicca? Is she safe?”[/color]

[color=violet]“She is here,”[/color] Cadien nodded. [color=violet]“And she is safe. But you and I need to talk.”[/color]

A bit of tension released from the goddess as she heard that Boudicca was safe. But the reminder that words were to be exchanged brought no small amount of concern to her. Nodding with a small amount of apprehension Celestine contemplated folding her arms, but then considered that such a stance might make her appear standoffish. Retaining a neutral stance and bracing herself for what might come, Celestine asked after what Cadien wanted. [color=gainsboro]”I see. I remember you wanting to speak before. What is that you want to speak about?”[/color]

[color=violet]“We need to speak about what just happened, of course.”[/color] Cadien said.

Celestine didn’t move as Cadien gave his answer. It wasn’t as specific as she would’ve liked since a good number of things had just happened in a short amount of time, but Celestine didn’t want to try and play guessing games as to what Cadien wanted. Instead she chose to ask after what he specifically took issue with. [color=gainsboro]”If you would kindly elaborate on which actions of mine you take issue with, I will happily take your advice and will do my best to improve myself to be better in the future.”[/color]

[color=violet]“Well, where shall I start? Boudicca has been unseated from Ha-Dûna, I have lost much of my influence there, I was publicly insulted, and they are marching into another unnecessary war.”[/color] He shook his head. [color=violet]“You were too involved. You became too close.”[/color]

Celestine exhaled slightly, closing her eyes in contemplation as she mentally reviewed the recent events. There were some choices that she had come to regret, certainly. But being too involved? She doubted this notion. All she had done had been by request. But perhaps there was something to that? Could she have merely gifted knowledge or supplies instead of directly assisting with day to day affairs? That might have aided in keeping the disdain the mortals held for the gods down, but then what of the day Boudicca vanished? Celestine’s avatar had stepped up to cover many of her duties. What might’ve become of Ha-Dûna if she hadn’t? Something that Celestine noted was that at least one of the things Cadien spoke of had little to do with Celestine’s involvement: Ha-Dûna marching to war was attributable entirely to the actions of Jjonveyo. It was possible that the loss of influence and insults could have come from Celestine’s consistent presence, but the disdain seemed to stretch towards all of the gods rather than just him. Still, if she was to be blamed for it it would likely be for the best to simply accept the blame rather than trying to extract the truth from so complicated an issue

Boudicca being unseated could have blame laid upon Celestine, and she would admit that some of her choices during the meeting and subsequent events were most likely not the best. They would need to be atoned for, for sure. But that atonement needed guidance. Opening her eyes once more, Celestine spoke softly. [color=gainsboro]”I will admit that I have come to regret some of my actions in the events as of late. Decisions made too quickly or after effects not considered. I wish to atone for these mistakes and correct them as much as I can. Where is Ser Boudicca now? I would have her guide this atonement.”[/color]

Cadien let out a soft sigh. [color=violet]“Follow me,”[/color] he requested, as he turned and began walking toward his keep. [color=violet]“Before we talk about any of that, do you know what your mistakes were?”[/color]

Celestine fell into step behind Cadien shortly after he began walking. As she walked a somewhat random thought crossed her mind of the prior times that she had walked this very path. There was a distinct mood shift from before, to be sure. Banishing these random considerations from her mind for now, Celestine focused upon Cadien’s question. What did she feel was a mistake? An interesting question. Was it a test? What would his response be if she gave too many answers that he considered unacceptable?

These concerns weighed upon her mind as she gave her answer. [color=gainsboro]”My regrets in particular stem primarily from the meeting and trying to secure Ser Boudicca’s family. My choices of words were poor and then beyond that leaving when I did, even though I was trying to satisfy the demands that the mortals were making, did not go over well. And then beyond that the attempts to retrieve Ser Boudicca’s family could’ve been handled with more observation and less action instead of the action without observation that took place. I fear that my haste might have permanently damaged Ser Boudicca’s reputation with her family and the more reasonable members of her clan, which is something that causes me no small amount of distress.”[/color]

Cadien shook his head. [color=violet]“That is part of it, but it goes deeper than that. You made your avatar her subordinate. A divine being, subservient to a mortal? Such a thing is not possible, no matter how much deference you might show or how much you claim only to offer advice. They saw your avatar with her every day, and it made them believe that her authority was dependent on your support; that she was your puppet. Eventually, they obeyed her out of respect for you, not her. In that hall, you did not treat her as a leader, you treated her as a parent might treat a child.”[/color]

[color=violet]“Then the moment a god they revered more than you appeared, and told them they were no longer obligated to listen to you? Her authority disappeared. Because they care more about their druidic gods more than they care about you or I. Nevermind that half those gods abandoned them, and none had any role in their creation.”[/color] There was bitterness in his voice. [color=violet]“But that isn’t the point. My point is that there was a reason why I limited my interactions with her, and why you should have done the same.”[/color]

Celestine briefly found herself at a loss for words. Cadien had a fair point in some of his arguments, but others she disagreed with. Why would a divine being not be able to be subservient to a mortal? Celestine has no experience in running Ha-Dûna, but Boudicca had plenty. It felt only natural that Celestine support her leadership rather than trying to overrule her. But Cadien had a fair point regarding the overwhelming presence of her avatar. No matter how simple it made communicating with Boudicca, such a presence was most likely rather unnerving. Looking back on events, Celestine mentally smacked herself for not even considering the idea of simply establishing a permanent link to Boudicca’s mind. This would’ve allowed her to experience the things she experienced and offer timely advice, but it wouldn’t have required her avatar be present and slowly plant seeds of doubt among the mortals.

Cadien’s opinion that Celestine was treating Boudicca like a child stung a bit. She had always considered Boudicca as a friend and equal. It was the reason why she had asked her to be an advisor, after all. But Cadien did have a point. In her attempt to be humble and down to earth, she had instead come off as haughty and dominating. A better choice could’ve been made, for sure. Unfortunately, such was the burden of hindsight. A decision that had to be made in a matter of moments could bring days of painful reflection upon what could have been done better. 

Realizing that she had been silent for a few moments, Celestine blinked and nodded before speaking. Part of her wanted to disagree with Cadien on some points, but she had a higher priority than debating with Cadien right now. [color=gainsboro]”I hear your points, and hope to do better in the future. I can only hope that the damage that my inexperience had caused can be mended.”[/color]

[color=violet]“I would hope so too,”[/color] Cadien said. [color=violet]“Do you have any ideas on how to do so?”[/color]

Celestine fell silent once again as Cadien asked and raised a finger to her chin a few moments later. That was a complicated question, and Celestine didn’t quite know what answer she would want to give. There were fairly simple solutions such as ripping the memories from the minds of mortals and simply making them forget, but Celestine found herself fairly disgusted by the idea, and she was fairly sure that Boudicca wouldn’t agree to such a manipulation. Another idea came to mind, but it carried a lot of risk and would make personal intervention rather difficult should the need arise. Lowering her finger, Celestine put forward her rather grisly idea. [color=gainsboro]”The mortals screamed against the presence of the gods, yes? And they saw Ser Boudicca as someone who was under their control? I could use divine power to… Erh…. Make a false severed head of mine. Let her carry it back to her people along with a fanciful set of armor and sword. Have her proclaim that she and they were free of divine influence. I could never be seen as I am around Ha-Dûna again, but it would possibly allow her to bring the influence of her people back under her control? Though such a display could cause even more chaos from the factions that would still be loyal to the gods… In truth, I do not have a grand arrangement of ideas. Perhaps involving Ser Boudicca in this conversation would be for the best? She has the most experience with her people and might be able to provide valuable insight as to how they would react.”[/color]

Celestine fell silent again, waiting to see what Cadien would say

Cadien narrowed his eyes. [color=violet]“We should not encourage the murder of gods, or let them even believe such a thing is possible. I believe the best thing we can do now, is wait. Let them wage their war. If they fail, they will learn that we and Boudicca were right, while they were wrong. We can save them then, and if they would still deny our aid, then they do not deserve to be saved. On the other hand, if they succeed, then we can find some other method to teach them the error their ways in the future.”[/color]

Celestine nodded slowly, but her eyes carried concern to them. [color=gainsboro]”The idea is fair… But I would at least like to attempt to rescue the members of Boudicca’s family. They were hesitant to go due to being in the middle of something, but perhaps if they were visited at a calmer hour and spoken with in secret they could be convinced? Part of me feels that if we bring her family into safety then Boudicca may be alright with allowing things to progress naturally, but I’m confident that she’ll want to do something if they are at risk.”[/color]

Cadien shook his head. [color=violet]“Boudicca has already accepted that they will remain behind for the time being. They are in no immediate danger. All we have to do is watch over them, and if they are in danger, then we can rescue them. But right now? Taking them from their homes will be seen as a kidnapping, or cowardice. It will not reflect well on Boudicca or on her clan, and will only stain her reputation further.”[/color]

Celestine raised an eyebrow at the fact that Boudicca had accepted that they would remain behind. It seemed odd that her fury to retrieve her son would be extinguished so quickly. Once again raising a finger to her chin, Celestine blinked a few times as thoughts raced through her mind. Eventually, she came to speak. [color=gainsboro]”In that case, I would ask her if she wishes to come to my realm. If even a tiny amount of blame for these events is to be laid upon me, then I would work tirelessly in atonement, and I would prefer to have her guide my efforts.”[/color]

[color=violet]“I believe it would be best if we allow her to spend a few days in Meliorem before she makes such a decision. She has been through much, and needs some form of respite. If you wish to meet her you may, and if you are insistent to ask her I will not stop you, but I do not believe it would be wise.”[/color]

Celestine gave a nod before speaking. [color=gainsboro]”Fair. My ultimate decisions shall be made in reflection of how she feels. If I feel things are right I will ask, but if they do not I will not press the issue.”[/color]

[hr]

Near the settlement of the Songs sat Boudicca on a hill alone, much like she would have back home in search of meditative quiet. Several songs had come over to poke at her and try to cheer her up, but she had shooed them all away with sorrowful fury and furious sorrow. The Songs had been particularly hard to turn down, mostly because of their incessant insistence, but even the spawn of Macsal couldn’t tolerate for long such hopeless melancholy as the sort the dethroned priestess-queen expelled. The face staring into the cloudy abyss beyond the hill was devoid of joy, and each eyeball flashed different changing memories and regrets on loop. She offered a hapless sigh, the hundredth since she had sat down.

As Celestine moved through the realm with the guidance of Cadien the gears of her head spun ceaselessly in an attempt to create more plans on how the situation might be improved. Unfortunately, what little came was quickly squelched by logic and reason. She would need guidance, for sure. When Boudicca came into view, Celestine nearly bound over to her like a cat to its wandering kitten as relief flooded her mind on seeing her hale and whole. Squelching that instinct, Celestine walked slowly and silently. There were many things she wanted to say, admittances of gratitude that Boudicca was well, apologies, expressions of remorse, but the aura surrounding Boudicca caused Celestine’s voice to catch in her throat.

Wanting to do something rather than be paralyzed, Celestine gently sat down next to the priestess-queen wordlessly, allowing Boudicca to do things at her own pace. If or when she would look to the goddess, she would find Celestine’s eyes carrying a mixture of remorse and regret.

Boudicca offered her a small, greeting nod and pursed her lips. “Did Great Caden give you a scolding, master?”

Celestine gave a nod before speaking softly. [color=gainsboro]”The error of my ways has been made apparent, and I’ve come to hold regret over many of my actions, no matter how good their intent may have been. I would like to offer you my humblest apologies for having erred so gravely, and I can only hope that you will allow me to atone and continue to consider me as your friend.”[/color]

With that, Celestine closed her eyes and bowed as best she could.

Boudicca flinched and hastened to stand up, kneel and bow lower. “Please, master! You shouldn’t bow to a mortal like me! That, that goes against the nature of the universe, after all!” Her face disappeared under her unkempt and unwashed hair, still rough after the past days’ shenanigans. “You have nothing to apologise for. This has been my fault, this outcome… I overestimated my power; I brought shame upon myself, my family and upon you and Great Caden.” She massaged her throat where the collar of ink had been not many hours earlier. “... Caden suggested I was under some spell, but… I think I simply thought I had more control than I did.”

Celestine opened her eyes slowly before sitting up and gently placing a hand on Boudicca’s shoulder. Blinking a few times, she could find no words to say. Instead, she brought herself into a kneeling stance before offering out a hand and speaking softly as adequate words finally made themselves apparent. [color=gainsboro]”Let us both work together to atone for our misdeeds as equals and friends, then? You are still a knight of mine, but I would request that you call me by name. I may be a goddess, but there are many things I could learn from mortals. For you to call me master feels… Wrong. I wish to learn from you the ways of Galbar as much as you learn the ways of knighthood from me. Will you permit me to do that, in time?”[/color]

“I…” Boudicca frowned uncomfortably. “... I cannot say it will feel right to call a great goddess by her name with no title. Would ‘Great Celestine’ or ‘Master Celestine’ suffice?” She seemed reluctant to take the hand, as well.

Celestine blinked before nodding. Her hand fell gently, and she would speak again. [color=gainsboro]”I will accept ‘Great Celestine’, and I must apologize for causing you discomfort. I just feel that in light of my recent failings I should not hold a title so absolute as ‘master’. Perhaps some day I will feel alright to bear such a title again, but… Not for now.”[/color]

In truth, Celestine would prefer no title at all, but Boudicca’s hesitation made it clear that such a thing would most likely be immensely difficult, if not impossible. A compromise would have to do. Feeling that the question of where Boudicca would like to stay would not prove to be too hazardous, Celestine asked it cautiously. [color=gainsboro]”If it does not trouble your mind overmuch, I would ask if you would like to join me in my realm as a guest? If you would prefer to stay here it will not trouble me.”[/color]

Boudicca bowed deeper as though that was possible, her knee digging into her chest there she kneeled. “Of course. Thank you, Great Celestine, for your hospitality. I would be honoured.”

Celestine nodded, thankful for the answer. Rising to her feet, Celestine held out her hand once more. This time for the far more mundane task of assisting Boudicca in standing. If or when that was finished, Celestine would let her hand fall gently unless it was clung to. She would then speak once more to ask after Boudicca’s plans. [color=gainsboro]”Do you have anything you wish to see or do before we depart?”[/color]

Boudicca looked over her shoulder at Caden’s castle in the distance. She scrunched her nose with chagrin and shook her head. “No, let’s, let’s just leave, please. I have too much on my mind right now to focus on anything else.”

Celestine nodded. The missing sword of hers could simply be replaced. Boudicca seemed to be uncomfortable with Cadien given the way she looked at his castle, and Celestine would not press her into an uncomfortable position. Lifting a hand, a sphere of silvery energy appeared in it, and shortly thereafter it was crushed. A portal opened, and beyond lay Celestine’s personal chambers. Gesturing for Boudicca to leave as she willed, Celestine would follow shortly thereafter. Once both were through, the portal would close.

[hider=Summary]
The post begins with Illyd entering into Antiquity. He poses some questions about the meaning of life to Celestine, who has entered after him with the task of going to Cadien’s realm. Illyd and Celestine toy with the idea for a bit, but Celestine excuses herself in order to actually make it into Cadien’s realm in a timely manner. Illyd informs Celestine that her answers were less than satisfactory, but doesn’t follow her into the realm.

Within the realm, Cadien approaches Celestine to talk. Before anything else happens, Celestine asks and gets confirmation that Boudicca is safe. With some tension gone from the goddess, Celestine and Cadien speak about what could’ve been done better, with Celestine gaining some new perspectives on things and mentally beating herself for not thinking of something simpler at the time.

After discussing a few ideas of how to try and improve the situation, including one pretty metal idea from Celestine that Cadien immediately shuts down, Cadien and Celestine agree that perhaps remaining hands off for now would be for the best. Both of them go to speak to Boudicca, though only Celestine has anything to say when they get there. Meanwhile Boudicca has been shooing away the Songs that inhabit Cadien’s realm in order to try and get some time to herself to think and unwind.

Celestine approaches her and sits down in silence for a minute. Boudicca asks if Cadien gave her a scolding, which Celestine nods to. Celestine apologizes to Boudicca and asks that she stop calling her ‘master’ since her failures have made her feel unworthy of a title so absolute. She eventually agrees to be called ‘Great Celestine’ after Boudicca insists on her having some kind of title.

Celestine asks if Boudicca wants to be a guest at her realm, which she agrees to. Celestine then asks if Boudicca would like to do anything before leaving, which causes her to cast a look back at Cadien’s castle before scrunching her nose with chagrin and saying that she’d rather depart immediately. Which the two then do via a portal Celestine creates.
[/hider]

[hider=MP/DP]
Celestine begins with 5 MP/ 5 DP.

Celestine spends 1 MP to open a portal.

Celestine ends with 4 MP/ 5 DP.
[/hider]

[hider=Prestigios!]
Boudicca 22 + 5 = 27
[/hider]