Arabian Nights anyone?

I'm trying to start this up again. PM me or jump in!

((Open to everyone and anyone, supernatural creatures, fey, and fantasy, sword and sorcery, ancient or modern.))

((Feel free to PM me with questions.))

((If you arrive at Court when I'm not online to have a retainer/serrvant greet you and introduce you to the Archduke, please feel free to NPC the retainer and introduce your character, name and basic info. Then the retainer will show you to a seat. Food and drink will be brought to you. Feel free to NPC servants as needed.))

((Posts don't have to be War and Peace, but keep them meaty so people have something to react to. I like to read descriptions and inner thoughts. I like to RP to develop chars for my novel(s) ))

((You'll learn more about the palace as we go along. The Peri have elevated bathing to an artform and at some point you absolutely _must_ try them out. There is food, mostly middle eastern fare, but special requests can be made. Entertainment. Whatever your heart desires. There are plenty of rooms in the palace, so if the never ending party begins to be a bit much feel free to go to a room, or even leave the palace to explore the surrounding city.))

((It will become rapidly clear that all of the servants, slaves and staff are very comely. The Archduke likes to be surrounded by beautiful things. Being attractive is part of the job description.))

((The Archduke is very very very old. He doesn't look it at all bein a magical creature. And he is very very very bored. So he likes to meet new people. The atmosphere is very decadent and sensual. Some of his visitors think he puts aphrodesiacs in the food, Or pumps something into the air. Perhpas it's simply the attitude of "An' it harm none, do what you will."

The Grand High Archduke Orsinio of the Peri Court in Persia was bored. It was not a good thing for His Grace to be bored. He had his secretary draft a series of invitations and sent them out far and wide to all times and places. The Archduke then sat back to wait for his new guests to arrive.

The palace is enormous. The throne room itself could accommodate many people. t seemed to expand and contract as needed. It was currently set up for a banquet with large low brass tables surrounded by cushions and divans.

Orsinio was lounging on a low divan eating a date. His dark skin contrasted with his startling turquoise eyes. His head was shaved which made his pointed ears hard to ignore. He was dressed in robes of turquoise and gold. His fingers were covered in rings. A large turquoise stone dangled from one earlobe. Orsinio was a tall man, seven feet tall, it was said, broad in the shoulders that narrowed to his waist. He had a personality that filled the room. No one could look on him without experiencing the raw maleness of him. It was said he was a benevolent ruler, kind and generous. he was slow to anger, but once angered, he was a force of nature. Some said he was older than time. Some said he was a Djinn who had been freed from servitude and would occasionally grant wishes when the whim took him.

In sharp contrast to the archduke was a retainer at his side. Vincent Burbage, a victim of a shipwreck, he had been brought to the palace. So charming was the young man, it wasn't long before the archduke took direct notice of him and elevated him to personal servant. Vincent hailed from Britannia, a courtier in Glorianna's court. For now, he was learning the ways of Persia.

Vincent seemed small next to the archduke. He was slim and well formed. His skin was pale and his hair was the color of flax, worn longish as was the current style in Britannia. His eyes were blue like pale tourmalines. He was dressed in velvet and lace which contributed to making him seem 'pretty.' His face was smooth shaven, indeed, one might wonder if the youth had ever shaved though he claimed to have lived 18 summers.

((If you've read 12th Night, then you'll know what sort of game I'm playing with Vincent. Just remember, it's Vincent's secret and the Archduke certainly doesn't know. Hetero male characters who like their women clever and 'pretty' but not beautiful or overly curvey may find themselves strangely attracted to Vincent. Some might call Vincent a twink, but his carriage is graceful and not really effecminate. Vincent has worked hard to maintain his appearance as a pretty youth, not a swishy fop.))

Vincent sat with studied grace on a cushion near Orsinio.

A tall, a very tall man entered the throne room. His blue eyes took in the room. He had white hair worn very long and in warrior braids. The hair style exposed slightly pointed ears. He had a black van dyke beard and mustache. He wore a kilt of muted plaid and a fine white woven shirt that gaped open to reveal a well-muscled chest covered with the just right amount of dark hair. A silver torc adorned his neck and rings of gold and silver adorned his fingers. He looked every inch the Celtic Chieftain that he was. He looked to be in his mid thirties.

With the tall man was a petite but curvy young woman. She wore a long green dress cut modestly in the front, but the back dipped low to accent her hips and ass. She had red hair and pale skin with a smattering of freckles. Her large dark brown eyes were full of excitement. She carried a violin case.

The servant at the door announced, Finn McCool, Chieftain and Leader of the Fenian Guard from Tir na Nog in Faery accompanied by Miss Teagan McCormack from the United State of America.

Vincent walked briskly to them and led them back to the Archduke. Orsinio stood and kissed Finn on each cheek and thumped him on the back. They were about the same height, but Orsinio was much broader. "So good of you to Come. I see you brought a companion." Orsinio smirked at Finn.

"She is my apprentice. Orsinio, may I present Teagan."

Teagan dropped a curtsey. It was clear she wasn't used to this sort of thing at all. "Your Grace was too kind to invite me to play for him."

"Please, call me Orsinio." He took her delicate hand in his large one and brushed his lips over the back of her hand.

Teagan reddened. No, she wasn't used to this sort of thing at all.

Orsinio sat and Finn and Teagan followed suit. A servant appeared with a bottle of whiskey and a glass for Finn. She smiled at the tall man as she served him. Then she poured wine for Teagan that matched her blush.

A tall woman of 24 years follwed the retainer to the throne room.

As she passed the windows, the sun would light up her hair, showing it to be a burnished gold, brighter than first thought.

Her dress was plain white, in a greecian style, though on closer inspection, the material was made of finest silk, so as she walked, she seemed to glide along the ground.

Around her throat was a short necklace of interlocking circles with a triangle in the centre, within the triangle was an eye made of green jade. The necklace proclaimed her a Priestess of the Goddess Maran. Had she been a High Priestess, then the eye would have been made of rubies. The eye was the Goddesses symbol for all seeing and all knowing.

Larissa wished that she was still in Joran's bed chamber. She was eternally grateful that her Goddess didn't expect celibacy from her Priestesses, which is probably why there were always daughters willing to take their mother's places.

Priestess Larissa was introduced to the Archduke.

"High Priestess Loran sends her apologies for not being able to attend herself, but she finds herself indisposed." Probably morning sickness, that spread through the whole day. Larissa thought wriley.

The Archduke accepted her apologies and gestured for her to take a seat.

Larissa sat and soon food was brought for her.

She was offered several beverages and decded to indulge in a cocktail that was only to be found in the Archdukes court. Sipping it, she surveyed the people surrounding her.

The footsteps sounded loud to her ears as she walked across the floor,her head partially covered and her piercing blue eyes looked around her. She stopped in front of the Dias and curtsied low for the Archduke. Her hand lifted to press the hood away from her face,her silver hair dropped around her shoulders. Her dress was simple,the silver and turquoise necklace wrapped her neck and dropped down over her upperchest,attaching to her simple white gown that made her already tiny form appear smaller.

"I Am Nessa of the Ora-na-tay,I have been sent with letters from the high Physician Aldran. I am a healer and a skilled reader."She said softly not lowering her eyes from his as she curtsied once more.

The servant hurried forward and bade her to follow her,Nessa gave once more quick curtsy and follwed the servant. She slid onto the chair and nodded silent greetings to the others already sitting around the table. Some had men with them,while a few like herself was alone. She sipped the fruity drink and looked around the room,waiting. One hand going to rub one strand of stones that hung from her collar as she waited.
http://i1030.photobucket.com/albums/y370/gaias_child_2010/sam.jpg

((Oh! So sorry, I didn't see you sitting there! I've had a busy week.))

Orsinio stayed seated but the very tall man stood when the ladies arrived as did Vincent. The very pretty boy ((he is actually 20, but his face is so smooth he is mistaken for younger--I picture a young cross-dressing Glenn Close)) stood, "Priestess Larissa, Nessa of the Ora-na-tay, may I present the Bard Finn McCool and his apprentice Teagan." Vincent took the letters from Nessa and disappeared to put them into Orsinio's study. he doubted the man would read them any time soon. Not with new guests to entertain.

"Very pleased to meet you both," Finn said, his smile broadened. "A healer? I have some small skill in that as well."

Teagan just smiled. she was _so_ out of her league.

Finn folded his long frame back on the low divan. "The Ora-na-tay? I'm sorry, I've never heard of them. I hail from Tir na Nog, where the Dagda rules from the castle in Tara."

((now we need more male characters, but there are all sorts of incredibly attractive servants. And we'll get to the baths eventually.))

Phyliss Ovida
( Short bio: Age: 26
Race: Gorgon
Tall: 5'7
Bodytype: slim, 36-24-36 36C
Weight: 121 lbs
Hair:a bunch black-greenish snakes instead of hair
Further description: A beautiful woman, but quite unusual because of her snake-hair and her yellow eyes. Her skin is pale with a light olive tone in it.)

Phyliss wondered if she had done the right thing to accept the invitation to the Grand High Archduke Orsinio of the Peri Court. He wasn't quite the kind of men she was attracted to, she prefered well mannered gentlemen, what he sureley was, but she prefered gentlemen who were also daring, longhaired adventurers that went out to explore things that would frighten common mortals to death. She had heard that the archduke was bald and had a dark skin- certainly not her taste. But alas, what could a poor gorgon do in this futile world? At least she would meet some luxury and some people who wouldn't freak out because their dinner partner had snakes on her head. And anything was better then being bored to death.
She had put on a black dress that was a cunning mixture between the classic chiton and a evening dress - much tighter then the usual chiton, but still using the original draping. She wore a completeley transparent himation of very thin, green chiffon over it. In fact, it was so delicate that it looked more like a kind of green smoke then fabric, which gave a fantastic effect. She combined it with lots of bracelets and a fantastic necklace, both made of green jade and dark onyx and some more bracelets made of silver. Quite outstanding were her graceful boots made of green snake leather.
Her face was beautiful and perfect like a marble statue by an great artist. She had put on some makeup, that matched fine with her pale, slightly olive skin and her yellow eyes. Most outstanding were her "hair", or rather her snakes. A whole lot of large, long black snakes wit a greenish, oily tint curled proudly on her head, the longest ones nearly down to her lovely bottom. Her body was just as perfect as it could be, very slim, but rounded were it pleased the eye.
"Phyliss Ovida of Cholchis!" announced the servant in the hall.
The gorgon breathed in, and stepped into the hall.

((Welcome aboard, Belinda! I keep hoping this thread will pick up...I think Finn is more up Phyllis's alley. Finn McCool has been referred to as the Celtic Hercules and also a precourser to King Arthur. The quintessential Warrior Bard.))

Vincent jumped up to escort the...Gorgon, he believed they were called, across the hall to the cushions and divans surrounding the Archduke. Had they met on the street, Vincent would have given the woman wide berth, however, the Archduke had many protections in place to keep his guests from harming one another either by accident or on purpose. "You Grace, may I present Phyliss Ovida of Cholchis." Vincent made a courtier's bow. "Mistress Ovida," Vincent hoped he was using the proper form of address, "May I present the Archduke Orsinio and his guests Chieftain Finn McCool and his apprentice Miss Teagan McCormack." Vincent introduced the other guests as well.

Finn rose when the Gorgon woman--was that redundant? Were there Gorgon men? Finn rose when the Gorgon woman approached. After she was presented to the Archduke, he grinned at her. "Please, call me Finn." ((If she offers her hand, Finn will kiss it. That's the way he rolls.)) He waited until she seated her self then folded his seven-foot frame back on the divan.

Teagan sat with wide eyes as she looked at the woman, a myth come to life as far as she was concerned. After traveling with Finn, she should have been more accustomed to meeting such people. But the Gorgon, Phyllis, was breath-taking on so many levels. Once again Teagan felt out of her depth. She didn't know where to look when she was introduced. Didn't Gorgons turn people to stone? Teagan nodded and gave a faint smiled while focusing on the woman's necklace.

Phyliss Ovid

Phyliss smiled as the tall, whitehaired man bowed down to her and kissed her hand. She had heard of the celts, but not that much, but she was sure that he was a kind of warrior king or something alike and much more her type then the archduke himself. Vincent was pretty, but somehow peculiar; she had a suspicion, and kept that thought for later inquireries. The girl with him looked as if she had be turned to stone. Well, not literally, but Phyliss knew that her powers were limited.
Phyliss sat down on the opposite to Finn and - what was her name? - Teagan. Obviously she had arrived very early. Beside the servants there were just her, Finn and Teagan, the Archduke and two women sitting in the back, who hadn't spoken yet. Now sureley there were some more guests to arrive.

A very handsome male servant with flawless skin the color of dark cinnamon and longish hair, thick and black, came to pour a beverage for the Gorgon. It happened to be her favorite. The archduke had ways to know exactly what his guests wanted.

Finn smiled reassuringly at Teagan. He turned back to the Gorgon. "I must say, you are the first Gorgon I have met. We have our own terrible beauties in Eire, but none to compare to you." He tread carefully. As one who had bedded the Morrigan and lived to sing of it, we well knew it was a fine line a man walked when speaking to such a being. He smiled a little, but then every man walked a fine line when speaking to a woman.

Szenchet

Race- Coyole
Light brown fur, looks like a coyote standing on his hind legs, peircing green eyes, coming to court on questions of national sovrignty.

posting in the near future...

A large figure melted from the wind blown sands into the halls of Archduke Orsinio's palace. The man was well in need of the sort of respite this place was rumored to offer, he had been working too much of late. It was time to indulge. His footfalls hardly echoed as he slipped between the columns and approached the inner sanctum.

Only when he was well inside and being greeted by the herald did he unwind the black fabric from around his face to unveil eyes of pale blue. Unraveled, it draped over black studded leather armor that had seen its share of brutality. Vance stood over six feet tall, broad in the shoulders and if his bare biceps were any indication, well muscled. Various blades of many types were visible around his person, some curved, others straight, some ornate with jewelry and metalwork, others plain. A leather tie held his dirty blonde hair back from his face. It was clear that he was due for a shave, and probably a bath as well.

He smiled at the herald and whispered back and forth with him for a moment before he turned to simply announce the arrival of "Vance, of Asshai and the planes." Another few exchanged whispers with the herald and then Vance was approaching the Archduke to greet him personally.

Once the necessaries were taken care of, he took a moment to arrange a seat of cushions for himself and sat, which elicited a large sigh of relief from the man. Chilled wine was ordered and brought by a servant and his demeanor seemed to improve as he sipped it.

"Greetings all," he waved the gauntleted hand not occupied by the goblet. His voice was smooth bass, pleasant to the ears.

((Welcome Guillotine.))

"Well met." Finn looked the man over. Vance was broader than Finn, but Finn was taller. Not that Finn thought the two of them would come to blows over anything, but he always liked to size up the competition just in case.

Teagan smiled at the man. Fighter types she was accustomed to. Medusa women--not so much.

Vincent also found the man rather appealing although in need of a proper bath. He might suggest it to him once he had a chance to relax.

Orsinio waved to a servant who left and returned with a tray of spiced meat pastries and placed them in easy reach of the guests.

"Perhaps your grace would like to have Teagan entertain us now." Finn was thinking it might make the girl feel more at ease.

"Please do," Orsinio smiled kindly at the girl.

Teagan looked eagerly at the Archduke, "I would be honored." She took out her violin and went to stand on a stage of sorts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73vUksucPz8

((And Teagan will play songs fast and slow for awhile.))

((I probably won't be around till Monday night, so talk amongst yourselves, bunny the servants. There are male and female servants, most of them look middle eastern, though there are representatives from around the 'world.' It's clear that a requisite for working in the palace is to be good looking.))

Petrus Abaelardus
Age: 25
Race: Human
Height: 5'4''
Body type: Lean and fit
Hair: Black, medium length, curly and a short beard of like description.
Eye color: Dark brown
Occupation: Philosopher and theologian
Further description: Abaelardus is in the early years of his career as a master of dialectic, logic, and theology. He is currently traveling the world and engaging in study with thinkers from countries and cultures outside his own. Abaelardus drew the attention of the Archduke's court through a lecture he gave in the public square.

Abaelardus was excited that he had been invited to court such a short time after his arrival in the land. This would surely afford him the opportunity to engage the other learned member in the area, become familiar with new concepts and ideas, and test the intellectual rigor of court, other distinguished guests and himself.

The only thing that gave him pause were the rumors of the licentious nature of the court. Abaelardus had always found temptations of the flesh and matters of the proverbial heart vexing problems. He liked it when the world made sense. Dialectic helped him weed out inconsistent beliefs from his mind. Logic allowed him to see the structure of arguments. Theology allowed him to critically examine his belief in God and what the proper relation between God and humanity and the individual and his community. But there was no area of human inquiry that could adequately prepare him for love.

Love defied reason and category. What one man loved more than anything else under the sun, another may very well find ordinary or even banal. No person could draw a diagram of the heart to give him a better understanding of what seemed like madness to him. And yet he often loved. It shamed him that such an irrational impulse could sway his reason and govern his soul. He was even more ashamed that he was incapable of purging this impulse from his mind. Surely, one day, it would get him into trouble. Hopefully that day would not come during this visit.

In order to reduce the likelihood of such temptations, Abaelardus dressed modestly. He wore standard undergarments of the day and--over that, a simple black cossack and plain wooden sandals. Hopefully, the modesty of his dress would keep his interlocutors engaged with his mind and not his body.

Still, for an academic, Abaelardus was handsome, which made his inability to cope with passions for the opposite sex an even harder cross to bear. He had large, dark brown eyes that were appeared almost black, a very masculine jaw that was stylishly framed by his beard, and a neck that was as lean and muscular as the rest of his body.

"Petrus Abaelardus of Brittany!" announced the servant in the hall.

Phyliss Ovida

Phyliss took a sip from her metaxa-cobbler and turned her head to see the new arrival. Provided with some soap and water, he could turn into a handsome man. She responded to Vance's greeting and turned back to Finn, her snakes waving.
"I hope you find my beauty not to terrible." she said.
The redhead girl grabbed her violine and got up, looking somehow retrieved to escape. While she started to play, a new guest arrived, introduced as Petrus Abaelardus. Was he one of this annoying christians that spread all over the world, spoiling fun and teaching nonsense? At least, some of them were educated. He looked like one, though. Well, she would wait and see.

((Why do I think of Abelard and Heloise?))

((Looks like we'll need more ladies in here now.))

Vincent walked briskly to the man. He wondered if he were some sort of holy man from his clothing. That seemed out fo character for the Archduke. Vincent mentally shrugged. The man was attractive and Vincent found it amusing that the man was shorter than he.

--

Finn smirked, "Nay, not too terrible. Just very exotic. Ye see, we've no snakes in Eire. Paddy and his fellas like ta take the credit, but truth be told--there ne'er were snakes to begin with."

As if on cue, a man who looked much like one of Paddy's monks came into the Hall.

Teagan continued playing. It gave her something to do that didn't involve gawking at the guests like some half-wit.

Belinda35 said:

Phyliss Ovida
"I hope you find my beauty not to terrible." she said.

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"Perhaps he does not, but I'm quite unsure as yet," he answered after Finn, regardless of the fact that the question had not been directed at him. It was often this way in the circles which Vance traveled in, bantering and playing off the words of other rough and tumble men, sometimes mercenaries and murderers and worse. Perhaps he just liked barging in where he could. Her's was a beauty terrible in other ways. He dropped a wink and hid the upturn of his lips with the goblet he upturned.

As Teagan played through a soft song, Vance began making a pile of his armor and arms, stripping off his blacks but still remaining presentable. Once a more lively song comes along, he rises, sets his empty goblet on a nearby object, pulls off his boots, and moves to a spot with a bit of leg room to show his moves.

Name- Keiya kyoji
Age-looks near 22
Race-looks to be human except his right eye is a crimson red.
Appearance- he is fairly handsome once his face is seen, he is about 5’11 semi muscular, he has long black hair that is tied back, he has one green eye while the other is red. He dresses in a eastern style clothes. He wears a black long sleeve kosode with a dark gray long sleeve haori over the top and he wears a type of black ninja style pants, he wears black gloves that only cover the back of his hands and wrists. He also wears a type of tabi boots. He wears a type of sash over his mouth covering it, he wears a black kasa hat that hides his face from view.
Occupation-he works as hakobiya, yojimbo (transporter/bodyguard) and as an assassin. He is currently presenting the Archduke's with a jeweled in crusted sword and other gifts
Weapons-he carries a shakujou with a hidden blade, he also carries a katana on his waist, .
History- he is all that is left of a group that was sent to the Archduke to present him a grandeur of gifts. He was able to get back most of the items,

He was able to retrive part of the treasure, but it cost four men their lives. these bandits had attacked the caravan he was with. they killed most of the people in it. The ones who survived went back to where they came from, he was all that was left of the emperorers group that was sent to present the archduke with gifts.

" Well may your souls find peace in the next world" Keiya replied as he rearrange the items on the pact horse.

' I should beable to reach the palace in a few hours" He replied as he lifted up the black hat and stared off into the distance.

Keiya quickly went on his way,he didn't want to be around if their friends came back. it would be more people he may have to fight and kill, he didn't want either at the time. He had one more peron to find, he had heard rumours that he was in the area as a bandit.

Once he got the large palace he was soon stopped by a guard outside of the gate into the palace. Keiya quicky showed the man the letter stating who he was. he watched as the guard looked back at the letter than back at him. Finally the man let him pass by with the pact horse being lead by a dark skinned slave.

" My name is Keiya Kyoji of Mibu i come bearing gifts for the Archduke" Keiya told a the servant that went out to greet him. He followed the servant in front of him. He had several servant behind him carring the gifts that he brought, he didn't like it this was a strange place and he was unfamilar with his surroundings. The metal rings of the shakujou echoed as he walked with it.

" Keiya Kyoji of Mibu an emmassary from japan" The servant annoucned him as he walked into the large dinning hall. Without lifting his head to high and not taking his hat off he could see most of the people in the room.

He would be better suited as the bodyguard who didn't talk, but since the emassary was killed. thus he had to do the job it didn't bug him that much but still it was a bother.


“ Hello sir” Keiya replied with a bow, “ I come bearing gifts to you from the emperor of Japan” He replied as the other servant walked up presenting the gifts. The archduke quickly accepted the gifts and asked him where the emissary was. Keiya quickly told him that they ran into trouble and he was all that was left.

“ This way” the servant replied as she lead him to a seat that was next to a woman who had olive skin and snakes for hair. Keiya slowly took a seat next to the woman, she was fairly good looking woman.

Keiya quickly took a seat, he quickly sat the shakujou beside him and took the black kasa hat off from his head. The servant soon came back with a bottle in hand and a cup for him, it was sake. Keiya quickly noted to himself that it was good

haremfaery said:

((Why do I think of Abelard and Heloise?))

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((That would be because he is Abelard from The Letters of Abelard and Heloise. Not only were Abelard and Heloise two of the most famous lovers of all time, they were also the biggest geeks of the 12th century. They named the kid they had together Astrolabe, after the astronomer's tool. In fact, Petrus Abaelardus/Pierre Abelard/Peter Abelard is frequently recognized as the finest mind the twelfth century produced and contributed equally to the development of Western Christian theology, Scholastic philosophy, and logic. The letters he exchanged with Heloise also show he had major hangups with bpth the physical and emotional aspects of love.))

Phyliss Ovida

"Paddy. is that the irish name for Perseus, the ruthless killer?" she asked Finn. Then she turned around and smiled to Vance. "I hope my apperance doesn't leave you cold as stone."
She was distracted when the new stranger sat close to her. She couldn't make out his origin; his looks and style of clothing were uncommon to her. But his eyes were quite remarkable, she had to admit.

((I don't know much abt Abelard & Heloise. I only know they were famous lovers and he was a brilliant mind.))

"Paddy. As in St. Patrick. He worships the dead god." Finn put his arms out in imitation of the crucifixes he had seen. "We had already gone between worlds, but when Paddy and his kind began traipsing about talking about sin and hell and the trinity." Finn scoffed. "What do they know about threefold deities?" He realized that this Abelardus might be one of Paddy's ilk. He really didn't care if he offended the man or not.

Finn smiled at Phyllis, "I can see why you wouldn't like anything to do with Perseus."

Phyliss Ovida

"Yes." she said and filled a goblet with wine, having finished her metaxa. "An ignorant, self-righteous brute. But this Paddy is a christ then - I should have thought so. They are a bigger menace then this wanton heroes who just slay the unknown for fame. The christians say that all unknown to them should be slaughtered to please their god. Perseus killed Medusa for fame and kicks. The christians would slay me just for being there and say this is a holy deed." she hissed, her snakes curling wild for a moment, her breasts moving as she breathed faster, full of anger and bad memories. She gulped down the full goblet of wine and filled it again, a little calmer now.

Keiya listened to the conversation that the olive skinned lady was having with another guest. She was right in one way or another, people do fear what they dont under stand. its human nature that they do it. even demons and others fear anything stronger than then.

"You are correct people fear what they don't understand thus they try to destroy it instead of understanding it" Keiya replied as he turned to the girl

Phyliss Ovida
(her skin is not really olive, it is rather pale with a slight olive hint in it.)

Phyliss turned to Keiya aand loked at his eyes. "Now, did you have your own experiences with that?"

Belinda35 said:

Phyliss Ovida

"Yes." she said and filled a goblet with wine, having finished her metaxa. "An ignorant, self-righteous brute. But this Paddy is a christ then - I should have thought so. They are a bigger menace then this wanton heroes who just slay the unknown for fame. The christians say that all unknown to them should be slaughtered to please their god. Perseus killed Medusa for fame and kicks. The christians would slay me just for being there and say this is a holy deed." she hissed, her snakes curling wild for a moment, her breasts moving as she breathed faster, full of anger and bad memories. She gulped down the full goblet of wine and filled it again, a little calmer now.

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Abaelardus couldn't help overhearing the strange female Gorgon's blistering attack on members of the faith. This provided an opportunity to finally engage somebody at the event in discussion. "Pardon my intrusion, madame, but I could not help overhearing your appraisal of me and all my fellow faithful Christians. Now, if you are, indeed, an enemy of prejudice, it might interest you to actually engage a Christian and allow each other to learn something about each other from the experience. Please allow me to begin by haring my ideas with you." Petrus sat down next to her and smiled as he began to unfold his defense to her.

"First, not all of Christendom is perfectly monolithic in its thinking. Some, like my fellow bishop Origen, might prefer a Church of uniform thought and doctrine, appealing only to authority and never reason. I think the dear man once wrote to me 'What does Jerusalem have to do with Athens, the Church with the Academy?'

"What I think they have to do with each other is that God likes us to think. Surely, it would make no sense for him to make reason the defining characteristic of humanity--humans in the moral sense, not biological, my dear lady--and then desire us to always struggle against it, always to refuse it. No, no, I believe God wants us to use our reason to understand his message and to use that understanding to serve his ends. Now, what ends are those?

" As you might not know, Jesus built his movement of the outcast, the oppressed, the maligned, and the afflicted. That is, out of the members of society with which you seem to identify. The questions that drive to the heart of his mission is why did he live that life and why did he have to die. The approach I have been developing to those questions has been called the 'moral-infleunce theory of atonement.'

'Most of the other ways of engaging those questions seem to suggest that Christ had to die an ignoble death in order to sate some sort of divine requirement of justice but, since Jesus is God, that is troublesome for me because it implies that there is an overarching moral standard even God has to abide by. It also does not seem to fold in very well with the actual teachings of Christ.

"My ideas, I think, avoid that problem and actually makes sense in the context of Christ's teaching. Christ's death on the Cross, I think, give us two great gifts, the first affecting how we view our neighbors. The innocent victim of the Cross stands in for the persecuted, those afflicted by violence, the outcast, the needy, and the alien. In the plights of our neighbors, we can see Christ Crucified and hear his call to care for 'the least of these brothers of mine.'

"The second gift affects how we view ourselves. Christ's sacrifice and example is so extraordinary, we know we can never match it or do better. There is no way to earn the Grace of God. It is simply Grace. However, this is his greatest gift both because of how costly it was for him to provide and how great its reward is. Christ sets us free to truly follow in his footsteps because he makes doing good and serving his cause something for which we can expect no reward. Just as it profited him nothing to suffer his impoverished life and ignoble death, we can expect no profit from our own goodness. We do God's will and do good to our neighbors simply because it is good, right, and just to do so. Serving him while being mindful of this example makes us truly 'of Christ.'"

Phyliss Ovida

The gorgon looked at the little man, but hardly understood most of what he was talking. She wasn't illiterate at all, but never heard any sholastics before.
"The only time when I saw the cross, it was waved over the fires that were burning people like me. I have never heard of christians as being persecuted, but only as persecutors. I have seen and heard the crimes they comitted. I hav never seen anything good coming from them."