Editing Midnight RPG - Chapter 42.453 (section)

=== Kyuad ===

'''"Thank you Eranon,"''' Kyuad says as he moves toward his friend and places his hand on the elf's shoulder.  '''"As you know, sometimes it is difficult for me to remember when my thoughts first took place, and when it is time to utilize them.  Your clarity is an anchor for me."'''

Turning to Ahemia, Kyuad continues, '''"Ahemia, there are things I know too, which you would do well to understand, and which may help you in your current situation.  Allow me to explain my disjointed thoughts from a moment ago... I was distracted by an old friend.  Thousands of years ago, before dwarves knew of steel and when the dragon collective was an empire; beings from beyond this world, even beyond time, studied all they could in their attempt to return home.  What they discovered was written in a book that I have read.  There are elements of this book that have given me reason to call into question the assumptions we make about the nature of the Shadow and the history of this world.  Is the god dead?  Is there a Veil?  Are the priests of Theros Obsidia being used, or are they the users?  Who hears their prayers and gives them power?  The answers to these... I can't say that I believe one thing or another, at least not enough to yet take a stand.'''

'''"Ah, and I do not take a stand to espouse things I do not know, because what we choose to believe defines us.  It most certainly ''IS'' my place to judge your beliefs.  Were it not, I would be an uncaring fool who allows others to persist in folly.  What I am about this night is not to condemn, but to assist you in evaluating your beliefs."'''

Stretching his arms as he speaks, Kyuad paces slow and calm, looking about into the shadows of the darkness around them.  '''"I do know that there is a history of humanity that was lost to time - this is not a mere belief.  I ''know'' this: that the first of humanity was manipulated and tricked into worshipping the god in the pit of the Scar.  Given the promise of power and unnatural life, the betrayer turned against his people, and created the first priesthood of evil and darkness that Eredane had ever known.  His unnatural love for something, or beings, wholly unlovable was swift and complete.  They were ''demons'' who did this.'''

'''"You know of Za'al's... new form, I'm sure.  You know the power he wields that causes men to fear and respect him, and for others to love him before they've even met.  And you know of his unbounding hubris and disdain for the weakness in all those beings who lack the station of nobility that he has recently attained.  Not nobility among your people of the southlands.  Zal'Kazzir elicits far more respect from his demonic kin, and it is among those that he has cast his allegiance.'''

'''"What Eranon says is true.  Though it is tragic that anyone would willingly yoke themselves to a god bent on the destruction of so much life, and become a priest of this god - no matter how powerful - I am sure that you did not become open to this possibility overnight.  Think back to who you were when the blossoms were still in bloom and the buzzing of the insects that plagued Vrolk echoed through the halls of his tower.  Is that who you are now?  Would the Gaskindin family still know their daughter?'''

'''"Like the first priest, a demon has bent your will and caused you to fall in love with a selfish, consuming lord.  Zal'Kazzir seeks to become your new god, and though I wish you would throw off the shackles of Shadow willingly, Zal'Kazzir aims to replace them with his own.'''  

'''''"And I can prove it."'''''



===='''NOTE'''====
Wow... great responses here guys.  Brilliant depth.  Loving the simplicity of Eranon with a hard poignant point.  Contrast that with Kyuad's scholarly approach and it's some damn dramatic flavor.  I was going to note and reply with much depth in the things you spoke to Ahemia about.  However... Kyuad's last statement is an overwhelmingly dramatic bombshell, with the lead in about you both thinking her strong, etc...  Brilliant.  Here's her response to this...