TownCrier/Faction Attraction/Order of Eternal Light
Title: Faction Attraction - Order of Eternal Light
Author:
The Arkati. Known by most as the Gods of Elanthia, they have influenced the path of those who hold their every word as holy writ and the ire of those who shun their very existence. But no matter the person’s faith, they remain a subject of fastidious study. The quest for knowledge is the primary focus for many organizations covered in Faction Attraction, but the mysteries surrounding those seeking freedom from darkness encompass this particular organization. This is the Order of Eternal Light.
Hosts
Chatelaine Traiva Verethundi the Incantress.
- She appears to be an Aelotoi of the Mrae'ni Clan.
- She is petite in stature and has an hourglass figure. She appears to be in the prime of life. She has smoldering, viridian-flecked dark hazel eyes and rose-tinted ivory skin. She has hip length, softly curled deep cordovan hair drawn away from her face into a braided half-bun skewered by some nacred fel dancer-tooled hairsticks. She has a heart-shaped face and high cheekbones. She has a pair of jade-veined elongated emerald wings with a hazel rose charm nestled in vert-swirled malachite leaves affixed to each side.<be>
- She has numerous marbled jade rings in the ridges of both her ears, and a knotwork and dragonfly tattoo on her neck.
- She is in good shape.
- She is wearing a translucent chalcedony rose suspended from a thin silk ribbon, a curvaceous crimson cotton bodice over a sheer-sleeved devore lace blouse, some carved ruby bangles, an emerald-set lustrous faenor wedding ring, an ankle-length crimson mervaer skirt sashed with lengths of fine paeline, and some high-heeled black silk boots.
Missoni Sabretache Faendryl the Witch.
- She appears to be a Dark Elf.
- She is shorter than average and has a fragile, slender frame. She appears to have come of age. She has long-lashed chimerical viridian eyes and richly toned, olive brown skin. She has long, glossy black hair twisted into loose waves and framed by a pair of vaelfyren temple coils trailing triplicate chain-linked stars, the ornaments securing tresses behind the ears. She has a pinched face, a sharp and severe nose and a prominent collarbone marked by a tiny mole. Her pointed chin and delicate bone structure contribute to the waifish appearance of her visage. Her neatly manicured nails are brushed with high-glossed clear lacquer peeking from beneath intricate iridescent pearl lacework.
- She has an oval blood red eye tattoo on her neck, some inked whorls of mist on her arm, an eight-tined star tattooed in lapis ink on the top of her right hand, a kneeling vathor tattoo on her thigh, and a wild desert rose tattoo on her foot.
- She is in good shape.
- Languidly resting across her shoulder is a lavender jade teadragon, its tiny body tucked behind its curled tail.
- She is wearing some spiraled astral sapphire studs, a shimmery lilac starsilk saephua swaying glass beads across the navel, a lor signet ring, a pair of straight-legged pants sewn of flowy tea green linen, and a pair of footflowers lit by ithaenil constellations snared in silver wirework.
Introduction
My search for those a part of the order was adventurous. Specific incidents drew eyes toward the organization, but not in the most positive of ways. Rumors circulated about their involvement and motives, and the sudden attention from accusations and publications made my inquiry quite difficult. But as a representative of the TownCrier, it was my mission to find out the truth.
Bakarus had been mentioned by name, and in my conversations and encounters with him, he often greets people with the expression “Eternal Light.” After the meeting in Icemule early in the evening, I sent word to the Order but received few inquiries. A few days later, I spoke to him during the Faendryl performance for the Revalia Carnivale.
The response was…unexpected. He declined to speak to me but suggested that there might be others in the Order who would answer my questions. When I asked how to do that, he mentioned my credentials as a reporter and that I would be able to figure it out.
And so I did. I will not get into the particularities of my acquired intel. Still, my inquiries and sources led me to Traiva Verenthudi, one of the most devout Ivas worshippers and a person I hold in high regard. She agreed to meet with me to speak on the Order of Eternal Light. And she would not be alone. Accompanying her would be Ma…Missoni Sabretache Faendryl, a sorcerer and summoner of note, whose passion for demons rivals very few.
As it is one of the new organizations of Elanthia, and with recent concerns out in the air, we all found it prudent to meet in a comfortable setting. Therefore, we met on the Isle of the Four Winds.
I wave to the people seated at the Lighthouse Table, hoping they will invite you to sit with them.
- Traiva waves to you, inviting you to join her.
I head over to the Lighthouse Table.
The stout central pillar supporting this table has been fashioned into a likeness of the Isle's lighthouse. Its details are painstakingly recreated in miniature, down to the Four Winds emblem on the door. The parapet has been greatly enlarged to provide the surface for the table, the tiny wooden railing around the edges interfering little with the use of it. A single candle rests at the center of the table in a cut-glass holder shaped like the lighthouse beacon.
- Traiva: Hello there. Missoni is on her way.
I grinned at Traiva.
- Traiva picks up a short and squat drinking glass from alongside her. Lifting up her squat drinking glass, Traiva takes a measured drink of the rum inside.
Yardie (nervously): Hello Traiva. I greet as I take a chair and allow gravity to pull me into it.
Most know Traiva’s devotion to Ivas. An Aelotoi of sophisticated charm and allure, talking to Traiva always proved easy. Still, I want to tread carefully on this subject, as my fortune for saying something that may cause trouble is legendary.
Turning my head, I notice Missoni waving at our table, Traiva waves at Missoni and invites her to come sit at this table.
- Missoni arrives at your table and smiles.
New Ta’Faendryl has always held sorcerers in the highest regard, which is no different with Missoni Sabretache Faendryl. Polite, courteous, and amiable, she possesses a fire for knowledge and wisdom, no matter the consequences. That quest for information makes her admirable, but frightening, to me at least.
- Traiva flutters her wings at Missoni, then kisses Missoni tenderly, first on one cheek, then the other.
- Missoni (greeting cheerfully): Fair eve.
- Missoni gives Traiva a lingering kiss on the cheek.
I bow to Missoni and she returns it with her own. She then pulls out a chair and gracefully seats herself at the table.
Yardie: Hello Mad....Missoni.
I have always extended pleasantries to many Faendryl women as Madame, a habit embedded in my psyche that I am desperately shaking with varied success. Old habits die hard. Nevertheless, I assure you, she is...anything but mad.
- Missoni flashes a quick grin.
- Missoni: You are both well, I hope?
- Traiva: Oh yes. She nods at Missoni.
- Missoni nods approvingly.
Yardie: A bit nervous, yes.
- Traiva: It is a lovely evening.
- Missoni (amusedly) Why?
Yardie: Incidents involving the Order. Grutak, recently.
- Missoni cocks her head.
- Traiva cocks her head at you.
Their eerie synchrony called for further elaboration.
- Yardie: Well...Grutak did try to insinuate about Tikba and certain....affiliations. He mentioned it by name. (quickly follows) I'm not making accusations. I'm...a professional.
A few weeks prior, a slain Grutak charged the Order for his murder regarding their existence and motives. My inquiry makes no accusations but means to address the rumor as a disclaimer before allowing the group to express their history and motives from their mouths.
- Traiva (murmuring quietly): Hm.
- Traiva shrugs her shoulders, lifting her wings slightly.
- Missoni nods thoughtfully.
The silence was deafening and called for a progression to the topic at hand.
Yardie (continuing): Hence, the purpose of the meeting. I'm doing this on behalf of the TownCrier.
- Missoni adopts an agreeable expression. (cheerfully): I am sure we can settle any confusion.
- Traiva nods in agreement at Missoni.
Yardie (explaining) As you know, I am highlighting the different organizations across Elanthia.
- Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.
Yardie: This month, the Order of Eternal Light was selected.
- Missoni smiles.
- Traiva: And so here we are. Traiva nods.
- Missoni (curiously): May I ask why we were chosen? It is quite an honor. (to herself) I am not supposed to be asking the questions.
Yardie (honestly): Random.
Miss Luxelle directed me toward the logs of all the organizations across Elanthia. Drawing completely at random avoids problems and surprises them just as much as it surprises me.
- Traiva begins chortling at Missoni. I am struggling as well - I am so used to being the interviewer.
- Missoni flashes a quick grin at Traiva.
Yardie: Forgive me, so let me continue. I went to Bakarus, as I know he is..er.....someone of prominence. He is always saying "Eternal Light. But he said he would not speak to me. Flat out refused. He did say that other members might speak to me.
- Missoni (understandingly): He is a rather quiet sort.
Yardie: And so....I went to Traiva. A...birdie told me. And so...here we are. For the purpose of this interview, I will be.....vague on matters. It is my understanding that some do not wish to have their identities. Do you wish your names to be announced?
This was a courtesy extended to members of the Dae’randir. Unfamiliar with the Order, I extended the same politeness.
- Traiva glances at Missoni.
- Missoni: I do not mind.
- Traiva: I certainly do not mind. It is easy enough to determine my affiliation.
- Missoni agrees with Traiva.
Defining the Order of Eternal Light
Yardie: Very well, so let's start easy. Tell us, in your own words, what the Order of Eternal Light is.
- Glittering rivulets of sand coalesce and slither around Missoni's feet.
- Missoni wiggles her nose.
I glance at Missoni. Even at rest, she exudes dormant power that put me on edge.
- Missoni wiggles her nose.
Yardie (to Missoni): Your feet are....well....doing things.
- Missoni (reassuringly): It is perfectly normal. Just a bit of elemental energy.
- Traiva calmly flutters her wings at Missoni to an unheard rhythm.
- Missoni (musing) What the Order is... I think I would best describe us as a collective of scholars who seek to learn more about the Arkati.
- Traiva nods in agreement at Missoni.
Yardie: In what way? Not every Arkarti is about light. Is the word light used in the sense of...Enlightenment.
- Missoni: Through reading or observation, I suppose. I am not of the mind that one cannot be enlightened or about some of the so-called darker Arkati.
Yardie: Spoken like a true Faendry. (coughing, corrects) Faendryl.
- Missoni flashes a quick grin.
Yardie (to Traiva): Do you have any to add as well, considering your cultures and the like?
Gaining the perspective of an Aelotoi provided a contrast to other cultures. In that, Trivia was the perfect person to talk to.
- Traiva: In regards to why "Eternal Light...
I nod at Traiva, eager for her answer.
- Traiva (simply explaining): Study brings knowledge. Knowledge brings enlightenment. With knowledge and enlightenment, there is always a light. So our scholarly pursuits of the Arkati bring us to... the Eternal Light.
I nodded understandingly, happy with the elucidation.
- Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.
Founding Mothers and Fathers
Yardie (carefully): Are you two one of the founding members of the Order?
- Traiva: I am not, no.
- Missoni ponders.
I turned to Missoni.
Yardie: And you?
- Missoni: No, I am an early member, but I would not say I am a founding member.
Yardie: Are you allowed to mention the founders by name? Respectfully, I am here to find out information, but coming from the conversation with Bakarus, I aim to tread carefully.
- Missoni: I think that is for others to disclose, but I do think our membership roster is available at the meeting hall publicly.
While the opportunities allow for searching the manifests, I prefer the officers to present the information. With the two before holding no officer positions in the group, it added to its mystery.
Yardie: Do you have a meeting headquarters? A base of operations?
- Missoni looks over at you and shakes her head.
I nodded at Missoni. Like the Kraken Collective, many of the newer organizations lacked a base of operations like the Alabaster Spire or the hidden lair of the Dae'randir.
- Missoni: Oh, no, I only meant the meeting hall in town.
Yardie: Which town?
- Missoni: We are based out of Solhaven.
That was news to me. Considering the hoopla, I believed them to be based on Icemule. All I could do was nod and hide my surprise.
Origins of Order
Yardie: My next question. How did the Order of Eternal Light come to be? How did you all coalesce?
- Missoni: I was invited by Bakarus, as we had met before and shared some thoughts on the Arkati. I am not sure if that was everyone's experience.
Yardie (glancing at Traiva): Was it similar?
- Traiva: Bakarus approached me, knowing of my devotions and studies. I fear I know little about how the Order itself came to be overall, but I am sure there is some recorded information somewhere for those inclined to seek it.
I may have to do some outside research concerning their origins. Usually, I can acquire accurate information, but it differs from hearing it from those who created it. There is authenticity when it is regaled from those who lived the experience.
- Traiva: I just never bothered to ask, personally. She shrugs her shoulders, lifting her wings slightly.
I wondered why Traiva had not bothered to ask. Is it the same for others?
- Missoni (to Traiva): I was interested in the mission of seeking knowledge. And it is a rather congenial group.
- Traiva nods in agreement at Missoni.
"Traiva: The quest for knowledge was my draw as well. I am quite honored to have been asked to join such an esteemed group of scholars.
- Missoni agrees with Traiva.
The Eternal Light at the End of the Tunnel
Yardie: I was going to ask about the goal but I think you two covered the objective. The quest for knowlege. It almost sounds....very Dhe'nar based, save for the belief in the Arkati.
- Missoni (amusedly): Many organizations are based around knowledge, seeking or disseminating it.
- Traiva: Does not every culture - save some exceptions - have their scholars that seek a greater understanding?
Traiva had a point. Many do seek greater understanding. Still, some things should remain unknown according to other cultures. It reminded me of my first Faction Attraction interview.
Yardie (to Missoni): So I know. My first group interviewed was Moonstone Abbey. Though some groups specialize in particular knowledge. It is why I ask and probe.
- Missoni nods approvingly.
Yardie (to Traiva): They do, yes, but some knowledge is forbidden.
- Missoni wrinkles her nose.
Yardie (to Missoni): We've....we've dabbled in this before.
Demonology and sorcery remain a contentious topic that Missoni and I have debated greatly. My views on that and magic are unique for a Faendryl, but my understanding of magic is grossly limited. Moreover, other magics such as blood magic, remain highly contentious topics.
- Traiva looks thoughtfully at you.
- Missoni: Yes, you know I disagree with that 'forbidden' bit.
Yardie: Oh, it's not forbidden in our culture, but I feel it should be.
- Missoni glances skeptically at you. (noting politely): I do not.
Members and Familiar Faces
Yardie (changing subjects): But enough of my thoughts. It's about the Order. Are there any prominent members that you can mention by name, or think won't mind being mentioned by name?
- Missoni: Bakarus is the one I would mention by name, but I suppose you already know of his affiliation. Otherwise, I suppose I would say that we come from many cultures and views of the Arkati. Some are rather devout, while others are atheists.
Yardie: Bakarus I do, but he made it a priority to suggest to not discuss matters. I suppose I could mention one of the aspects is that not everyone advertises or cares to share their connection and membership.
- Missoni: I would hesitate to share that information about any organization I am involved in.
Yardie nods at Missoni.
- Missoni (sheepishly): I suppose I could have asked others ahead of time if they wished to share.
Yardie (gently replying): If you don't feel comfortable, we don't need those details. (turns his attention to Traiva) And that goes for you as well.
- Missoni: I would encourage people to attend our public events, though, when we have them. Perigourd spoke on Imaera for us a few months ago.
Yardie: I'll get to the events in a moment. Is your husband a member as well?
- Missoni: He is not.
Yardie: Is there a reason for that? Yardie breaks out in a sweat.
- Missoni: He is busy, I suppose? There is no particular reason.
How to Join
Yardie: Fair enough. Next question: For anyone interested in being a member. Are there requirements? Who would they need to speak to and what would they need to do in order to join?
- Missoni: The requirements are simply an open mind, I think! And I would encourage them to speak to one of us or to Bakarus. I would not mind being approached. (turning to Traiva) As long as that is alright with you?
- Traiva: No, I do not mind either. She smiles.
Yardie: I will mention that you said to approach Bakarus. Understand, he was cordial and polite, but he did come across as guard. Guarded, rather. Then again, it could be due to me being the source of said inquiry.
Bakarus is not loquacious by nature, though I believe he would happily discuss what he would find an utterly fascinating subject.
- Traiva: The encouragement to seek Bakarus is in regards to joining the Order, if the one has an open mind and devotion to the scholarly study of all Arkati.
- Missoni: Oh, I think that was simply a nervousness at doing something so public. He is, as he says, a simple pilgrim.
- Traiva: He did not shy away from me at all when I asked to learn more, to consider the offer of membership.
- Missoni agrees with Traiva.
- Missoni: I have always found him very approachable.
Yardie: Fair enough. Though I still hesitate to mention him, but I will. (He then answers Missoni) Oh, he truly is. Even in being rebuffed, he was more than cordial.
Considering how aboveboard he carries his manner, it makes the news and speculation hard to believe.
- Missoni smiles.
Events
Yardie: I'm almost done. Events. Are there any future events that the Order will host?
- Missoni (thoughtfully): I do not think we currently have anything on the calendar. Things have been quite busy.
- Traiva nods in agreement at Missoni.
- Traiva (sheepishly): I have been exceedingly busy this summer, as many know, and well admit I may have missed something going into the works.
- Missoni agrees with Traiva.
- Missoni: Between Revelia, and the Dragonfly Festival, and the Seafarer's Festival...
- Traiva: I have no doubt the information will be passed to the TownCrier, once we have an event scheduled.
- Traiva smiles.
- Missoni fans herself.
Yardie: Tell me about the past event, then. The talk with Perigourd?
- Traiva nods in agreement at Missoni.
- Missoni: Ah yes! That was during one of Cairnfang Manor's festivals. Perigourd gave a bit of a lecture on the nature of life and Balance, as he is quite devoted to Imaera.
Whereas some seem interested in one particular Arkati, the diversity of a Ivas worshipper like Traiva and an Imaera worshipper like Perigourd provided an eclectic balance.
Yardie: The nature Arkati, yes?
- Missoni nods.
- Missoni: Nature, and the harvest. There are some varying cultural approaches to her from what I understand.
Yardie: I see. I'm sorry to have missed it. Will any of you be doing a talk?
Considering the audience, I imagined the topics they would discuss would vary but pose interesting debates.
Yardie (suggest, playfully): Demons and the world?
- Traiva: It was wonderfully well done.
- Missoni gazes in amusement at you.
Yardie: Who is Ivas?
- Missoni nods appreciatively at Traiva.
- Missoni: He will be happ to hear that. Happy.
- Traiva: I know I am not personally planning anything in the near future. As many might well imagine, I am somewhat in need of a retreat.
- Traiva grins impishly.
- Missoni: I would be happy to give a talk, if that is something the Order wishes. But I am more of a scholar than a coordinator for the group.
Yardie (to Traiva, teasingly): But the Regalia was a walk in the park!
Traiva wears many hats, and she juggles them as well as she juggles injuries onto herself in order to keep others in good health Her work with the Revalia Carnivale impressed scores of people who enjoyed the festivities.
- Missoni bites her lip.
Yardie: I kid, and it's Revalia.
- Traiva (evenly): Quack.
- Traiva flashes a quick grin.
- Missoni giggles at Traiva.
Closing and Final Thoughts
Yardie: I think that covers the basis of everything. Umm, do you have any closing thoughts you would like to send to the masses and perhaps dispel any rumors or anything of the sort?
- Traiva: Those who wish knowledge have only to seek it.
Short, sweet, to the point. A lot of heft in meaning for a short amount of words. Suffice to say, it describes the Order pretty well.
- Missoni: Oh, that is a rather lovely closing thought.
- Traiva smiles at Missoni.
Yardie (to Missoni): Anything else to add?
- Traiva: It truly is not hidden. Even if it is not published in the Square.
- Missoni (lightly): I do not think I can offer anything more succinct or appropriate.
- Yardie: Very well. I'm likely to publish this in a few weeks. But if there are any other members who wish to speak to me, send them my way?
- Missoni: Of course! And if you think of any further questions, do let us know.
- Traiva: They will find you if they wish.
- Traiva nods at Missoni.
- Missoni scoots her chair back and stands up.
- Missoni: I suppose I should see what Perigourd has gotten up to.
- Missoni flashes a quick grin.
Yardie: Thank you both, and er....be safe, yes?
- Missoni (whispering): Probably fishing.
- Traiva: And I have a few tasks to take care of myself.
- Traiva begins chuckling at Missoni!
- Missoni: You, too.
- Missoni (to Traiva): And it was lovely to see you as always.
- Missoni gives Traiva a lingering kiss on the cheek, then flounces out amidst a diffuse cloud of prismatic glitter.
- Traiva waves and then exits the booth.
In truth, I left the meeting with two thoughts: If there was any danger, I felt none, and I learned much, yet remained unsatisfied, like having a delicious meal. I craved more information, more explanation, and it left me wanting. This is the draw of the Order, the lost sensation of being in the dark, yearning for the light that would pave the way. Fortunately, the dark is an ally of mine, and so I can suffer the craving. But for those who desire to gain a wealth of endless knowledge with skilled philosophers, debaters, religious zealots, and those who study every nuance of magic, the Order of Eternal Light may pave the way through the eternal darkness of ignorance.