UUU: "Sinner, Less of a Sinner"

Cast: Suleiman (Clay) and Kiera (TC)


TLDR:


Support Points Earned: 2


[11:36 PM] ClayBot SN348: ===Start RP===

Suleiman had quite enjoyed Maufi. The strange mix of old Azyer architecture and new-age factories had given the city a sense of industry and excitement that the moth found refreshing. The streets were crowded, the people were loud, and the sun was bright. He found this much better to Kiipos, with it's dreary streets, sullen people, and the constant cover of thick fog.

Today he didn't have much to do, so he was at a small, open air café on a busy street. He decided to spend his time catching up on reading a book on anima magic, alongside a nice cup of sweet tea. His table was outside the storefront, being only a couple feet from the constant flow of people going down the road.

There appears to an empty seat at Suleiman's table, despite every other table at this café being packed.(edited)

[11:41 PM] TastyChicken12: Kiera was walking on the street nearby when she saw Suleiman at the cafe. She smiled and walked in.

This is odd for me.

"Hey, Father Suleiman! How're ya?"

[11:43 PM] ClayBot SN348: Suleiman's back shot up straight at the mention of his name, before relaxing once he figured out who was speaking. He turns in his chair towards Kiera. "Kiera! Weren't yo- erm, never mind! You've been well, I assume?"

He closes his book, revealing it's title. "Natural magic: Basics and self-defense. Book by Gallipoli Michelangelo. "(edited)

[11:45 PM] TastyChicken12: "I've been more than fine, but... what were you gonna ask?"

[11:55 PM] ClayBot SN348: "I thought you were still at the camp, talking to that-" Suleiman stops himself, appearing to stumble over his words. "That... spy we've discovered. I thought you were still with him. I guess you've already said your piece to him?"

[11:57 PM] TastyChicken12: "Who?" she said while tilting her head.

"I've been on leave all day havin' fun!"(edited)

March 25, 2018

[12:06 AM] ClayBot SN348: Suleiman looks at her, confused. "Err... You'll find out, if you haven't already."

An awkward moment passes, Suleiman struggling to come up with something to say. "So..." He taps his fingers.

"Would you know anything about that event at the village?"

[12:14 AM] TastyChicken12: "Oh, yeah, I was going to ask you! I ain't so in-the-know about religious stuff, so I figured I ought to ask someone who is. Hi!"

[12:19 AM] ClayBot SN348: Suleiman sighs, before putting on a fake smile. "Well, I hope we both find someone who knows what-in-the-hells happened there." Suleiman shakes his head. "It was worrying, but it wasn't understandable to me."

[12:26 AM] TastyChicken12: Kiera snickered a bit, a bit embarrassed for asking.

"I was just left confused by it as all. But WOW! Jetsetter's an ANGEL! I had doubts about the whole angel thing, but I'm pretty danged sure my eyes didn't lie to me."

[12:46 AM] ClayBot SN348: "No, no. He is most definitely an angel. Though, he's still just as reclusive as he was before, despite not having to hide his own race from us anymore. I'll never understand that man..."

"But really, I am not too concerned about his race. I am scared of what that Michael fellow said. He talked about this entire situation as if it was the precursor to a massive event, or something. I don't want to spend years on this job, fighting for some dumb holy war." Suleiman looks down to his book. "Pah, I guess I am just looking into things too much. I just don't want to die because of something I'd have no control over."

[12:51 AM] TastyChicken12: Kiera, in a strange moment of seriousness, was blank and thought about it.

"Maybe. But if it is that big that it could harm the whole world, I might just be willin' to continue fightin'. I want the world my son to grow up in to be better than the one I lived in, ya know?"

She looked away.

"It's not to say that I don't value my life. I'd give anything, anything at all to be with Casey again, if we really are cooked."

[1:05 AM] ClayBot SN348: Suleiman grumbles, and takes a sip of his tea. "I guess that is a difference of perspectives. Or situations. Of course I would want my daughter to grow up in the best world I can give her. However, I don't know how good of a world I can give her if I am not present in it. She doesn't have a mother, or any siblings. The only role model in her life that I know of is me. If I am gone, then what she is to do? That thought scares me, perhaps more than it should."

"Besides, who is to say that the side that we are fighting on wants to protect the world? We hardly know anything of the people we are answering to, and we hardly know anything of our enemies. It isn't time to assume who bad guys and good guys, if they are any in this situation."

He sighs. "Sorry for blabbering on; what you say deserves more credit than I am giving it."(edited)

[1:43 AM] TastyChicken12: "I see. You're just lookin' at that things might not be so fine as all. I ain't wantin' to throw away my life, and I promised I'd do everythin' I could to stay safe. Casey and my parents are all he's got... and uh, I ain't gonna be giving him a younger siblin' anytime  soon, you know?" she said with a laugh.

"I reckon we'll come home fine."

[2:14 AM] ClayBot SN348: "...agree to disagree." Suleiman says, solemnly.

He grumbles and rubs his temple, frustrated. "Arrgh. I'm being terribly unhelpful now, aren't I? You asked me about this so I could give you support, but all I'm doing is angsting about something I have no control over. My apologies."

[2:17 AM] ClayBot SN348: "I should be thinking more like you. We'll be fine; we are more than capable at keeping ourselves safe."

[2:20 AM] TastyChicken12: "Yeah! Don't think you're not being helpful! You're... helpin' me be more serious about my job-"

Well, prolly best he not know about how I've just been at the beach all day.

"So... even you have no idea what exactly happened back there? Ain't there something written down somewhere about Michael?"

[2:35 AM] ClayBot SN348: "About Michael? In holy texts, there are many men named Michael. But I don't think any of them were referring to him. I cannot say who he is for certain, and I don't know much of anything about him. He's an agent of the... whatever country angels come from. I do not know if he is particularly high-ranking, but he is at the very least an officer of some sort. He wields swords and light magic. Outside of that? I've no clue. The Jetsetter guy knows him, but he's always off doing community work."

"The situation itself, however, seems to be something of a scavenger hunt. There is one representative of each race who is a 'Chosen One'. We have to find them, for some reason. To kill the bad guys or something stupid like that. Though, I guess that means that the 'bad guys' would also be looking for them..."(edited)

[5:03 PM] TastyChicken12: Kiera nodded a few times, happy that Suleiman was willing to impart what knowledge he had on ecclesiastical matters to her (since, she couldn't read on her own).

"I see. Maybe I oughtta ask Jetsetter all 'bout bein' an angel, sometime!"

[8:30 PM] ClayBot SN348: "I wish you luck with that; the man is awfully reclusive." Suleiman says, taking a sip from his tea.

"Maybe ask some other people about him, if he won't talk to you. I'm sure somebody here knows something about him. Maybe that Lucifel fellow knows something; that man is always taking notes on everything, so he must know something about the angel."

March 27, 2018

[11:36 AM] TastyChicken12: "M-maybe. I'm just curious, though! Super curious! It's such a fascinatin' thing about the world!"

[5:45 PM] ClayBot SN348: "Meh. I find it frightening. I suppose it would be more fascinating if I wasn't so worried about this."

Suleiman takes a sip. "I shouldn't be worried too much, really. I'm learning things and making plans in case anything terrible started happening. I'm trying my hand at anima magic right now, alongside other things. If those plans cannot make me safe in the future, then I shouldn't worry about it. There shouldn't be any reason to worry about the things I can't change."(edited)

[6:41 PM] TastyChicken12: "Huh. I see, then. It's always fun to talk with ya, you know? Sometimes you're a li'l grumpy, but I don't mind. You've got so much to teach someone like me. I'm... probably the youngest person here!"(edited)

[7:14 PM] ClayBot SN348: "I sincerely hope you are the youngest person here, Kiera. You aren't much older than a child; I'd hardly want a child to go out on something as dangerous as this. Heck, I don't want someone as young as you going out on something as dangerous as this."(edited)

[7:18 PM] TastyChicken12: "Ain't got a choice, but... aside from fightin', which I ain't a fan of, I'm weirdly glad I came here. I got to meet folks like you," she says with a big grin.

[7:33 PM] ClayBot SN348: Suleiman looks at her and flashes a half-smile, chuckling. "I am not sure why you are so fond of me, dear. I know I talked to you about Casey, but I don't think what I did should be considered exceptional for a priest."

"I am glad that you are liking your time here. Having more people being sort-of happy is a good thing, especially for the cynical folk. Is there anybody else in the pack that you were glad you met?"

[7:50 PM] TastyChicken12: "I can't say I've been disappointed by anyone yet, Father Suleiman. It's just that I feel like we can, ah, help one another. Don't worry! If it ever comes to it, I can... I'll be the best Hero Ramalia's ever seen."

Kiera blinked a few times when she realized how side-tracked she was getting.

"Err... I guess I didn't answer yer question. So, Daniel and Gracie were super nice to me, and I reckon that the new guys, Namaka and Millie, are fine, too. Seed's a good dude. I do worry a little 'bout Sally and Nyrandisa. I can't quite put my finger on it, but I gotta reckon somethin' ain't right with them... maybe I'm just superstitious 'bout the whole 'dark magic' thing."(edited)

[8:07 PM] ClayBot SN348: Suleiman nods along. "Seed is definitely a good man. Very caring. Nyra... I am worried about her. Do you know why she's here, away from her home country?"

[8:16 PM] TastyChicken12: "I don't remember," Kiera admitted. "I think she... uh, I can't remember."

[10:56 PM] ClayBot SN348: "Well, I'll tell. Nyra was awfully vague about it to me. She had an incident back in her home country, Neraida. She lashed out at someone; I think it had something to do with her magic. It sounded like some dark ritual went wrong, or some spirit got control of her and attacked. Maybe she just got very mad one day. No matter, all that is relevant is that she was banished from her home and was forced to travel until she became better."(edited)

[11:31 PM] TastyChicken12: "I see. I uh, can't relate. But I guess both of us were pressed out of our homes in a way, huh?"

March 28, 2018

[5:44 PM] ClayBot SN348: "Yes, that is true. Seems like a lot of us were here because we were pressured out of our homes. Though, I find Nyrandisa's situation a bit more worrying in than most. Not to discredit your problems, of course. She just... oh I don't know. I can't help but worry about what she'll do out here. I think I'm just too much of a worrier." Suleiman chuckles.(edited)

[7:23 PM] TastyChicken12: "Aw, you are! But that's a good thing! Like, I... uh... don't worry about stuff or think things through, too much. It just means you care, I reckon."

March 29, 2018

[4:09 PM] ClayBot SN348: "That is certainly one way to put it."

Suleiman goes to take another sip of his tea, only to find the cup empty. "Oh, dear. Looks like I don't have much reason to stay, now."

He picks up the book from the table and stands up. He turns to Kiera. "Would you want to take a walk together, or would you want the chat to end here? I understand if you too busy."

[9:09 PM] TastyChicken12: "I got a little more to ask of ya, since you're a church father," she admits.

March 30, 2018

[11:00 AM] ClayBot SN348: "What questions do you have? Something about morality? Pre-marital sex? Church customs?"

Suleiman's antennae twitch, and he looks over towards the entrance of the cafe. He sees two people standing at the entrance, glaring at them. "Oh, err, I think we should be leaving soon, Kiera. Perhaps it's best to answer these questions outside of the cafe?"(edited)

[12:37 PM] TastyChicken12: "Yep," she said, and they left the building.

"Some folks back home put up the biggest darned stink over me... er... havin' it when I wasn't married, then some got real, real mad when they found out I was havin' a baby. Told me it was sinful an' all that. My parents told me that, too, but they wanted me to be safe and happy with not-yet-born Casey. I mean... I guess I see nothin' wrong with pre marital sex, but I ain't Kyria's... uh, most ortho... dox.... follower."

[1:03 PM] ClayBot SN348: "Heh! You could definitely say that you aren't the most faithful follower of Kyria. Most people interested in the church typically save sex for after marriage. Not that I think of you any less for being unfaithful, though."

"But yes, back to the topic. The church does consider the act of pre-marital sex as something inherently immoral. Though, personally, I would not choose to get mad over your act of pre-marital intercourse. From what you've told me, I can deduct that you didn't do the act to spite Kyria or to spit on her word. Thus, I would think that there is no reason to show anger towards you. However, much of the church's teachings are subjective. Other priests won't hold the same stance towards your act, and I would not blame them for having differing opinions. They are free to think of you as they wish."

"But, I would consider any member of the church that would deny help due to your actions is a bit of an imbecile. Kyria is all about forgiveness and redemption, so anybody that says that you can't be redeemed from your actions would be lying to you."

[1:16 PM] TastyChicken12: Kiera took a few seconds to process all of it.

"Ya think? Is God really as forgivin' as my parents were? Sorry, my mom and dad taught me all this but uh, I never paid attention. They're real into the faith," she said.

[2:10 PM] ClayBot SN348: "They had to of had learned forgiveness from somewhere, right? The church is supposed to advocate for the potential of redemption in all people, no matter how wretched they are. If believe that all sinners are lost, then what reason would they have for self-improvement?"

[2:16 PM] TastyChicken12: "... maybe that's why they agreed to watch after Casey. I... made a weird choice, but they just want it to work out in the end."

Kiera's eyes widen and she waves her hands.

"D-DON'T GET ME WRONG! I love my son more than anyone. But I reckon I's unready as all. And my parents chose to still support me."

She placed her right arm under her chest and held her left ribcage.

"They must love me like I love Casey."

[2:47 PM] ClayBot SN348: "They... yes, they do. I think they understand the love you have for your child, and want to make sure that your love is properly used."

He pauses for a moment, planning out his words. "Trust me, I would never believe that you do not have love for Casey. You are willing to leave your own family and live a dangerous life just so you can have a chance at giving him a good life. Going here was your choice, and I have great respect for you because of it."(edited)

[4:41 PM] TastyChicken12: "Thank you. Sometimes I regret coming here because I don't get to care for my son, but... I said earlier that I'm also glad I came."

[4:45 PM] ClayBot SN348: "You'll always feel some sort of regret for everything you do. Don't let it get to you."

"Was there anything else you wanted to ask?"

[4:48 PM] TastyChicken12: "Do you think I'm a good person?" she wonders. "I really only care about myself at the end of every day, and my immediate family. I didn't even come 'ere to do much but make money, even if I'm a Ramalian representative and I love my homeland an' all that..."

[7:28 PM] ClayBot SN348: "Well, that depends on what you mean by 'Good'. Does 'Good' mean that you a nice person to be around? Does it mean that you would take in a cold stranger at night and give them a place to sleep? Does it mean that you are a hard worker?"

"However, I can say that I like you as a person, from what I've seen from you. To call you anything more would require that I spend more time with you, however."

[10:24 PM] TastyChicken12: "I reckon that's fair enough," she said with a smile.

[10:26 PM] ClayBot SN348: "So, any more wisdom that I can impart you with?" The priest says, his tone sarcastic.(edited)

[10:28 PM] TastyChicken12: "I think that's enough for now," she said with a guilty smile and a scratch of her head.

[10:35 PM] ClayBot SN348: "Alright. Don't be afraid to ask me about stuff later; answering questions has been my job for a very long time."

Suleiman looks to the crowded street beside him. "So, will we be departing now?"

[10:51 PM] TastyChicken12: "Sure, sure! Thanks a bunch, Father Suleiman," she says while quickly shaking his hand with both her hands.

[11:01 PM] ClayBot SN348: The moth gives a firm shake back. Well, as firm a handshake as his small black arm could produce. "I hope to see you again, young one."

He manages to wiggle out his hand from beneath Kiera's grasp, and walks into the crowd. Before disappearing behind a group of Azyer, he sticks out a hand and waves to the young mother. "Ta-ta~!"

[11:13 PM] TastyChicken12: Kiera waves and speaks, "See ya!" she says before going to play at the beach... again.

[11:14 PM] ClayBot SN348: ===End RP===(edited)

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