::okay, "Gustav" opens the door to your knock, fully decked out in the armor::

May I speak with you, Sir.

::nods and looks up and down the hallway, letting Tien in then closing the door behind::

::Enters and takes a seat.:: How are you doing?

((how old is tien?))

((about 18 now?))

((Late Teens, early twenties))

((your history says you left the monastary at 17))

((Thank you, I was accessing the file))

((I would assume about 18.))

((k))::the helmet comes off and Maria sits across from Tien, and he's suddenly struck by the realization that this is a noble who is not older like the Don, but a young woman nearly his own age:: I'm okay, I suppose.. and you? ::a young Beautiful woman near his own age::

::Flushing:: I was concerned for you condition. I, well, I believe that I am doing as well as can be expected. I think that the Pilot and I have ... Settled matters for the time.

How's your head? ::she asks, referring to the bruise that is mostly healed at this point::

That, ::Rubs the bruise:: That is nothing. Just a minor misunderstanding. I will be fine. I was concerned with your being cooped up in this room.

I don't intend to be for much longer.... i'm debating the proper time to reveal this to my brother and fizz

I rarely see you about and that ::Looks at the armor:: must be difficult to live in. It may be a good time now that we are gate bound. he can not send you home at this time.

He could most easily send me home at this point... we could just as easily go back home as to the Pentateuch system.. and as for the armor, i'm used to it from training

And when we reach Pentateuch, he may try to send you home, but I do not think that he will succeed.

yes, perhaps when we get to Pentateuch

Tell me, why is it that you have come on this journey?

::she sighs and leans back into her chair, still retaining her posture however:: As cliched as it sounds? To prove to my family that I'm not a child or a pawn for them to move around as they see fit

So, you , like the Don, wish to break with tradition? I do not understand why it is that he would not help you then. You are both cut from the same cloth

I don't either, frankly, but ever since he has returned home he has seemed to be trying to please father despite his earlier attempts to the contrary

Yes, and such actions will fail in the end. He must follow his own heart. As must you.

::she nods:: As must you

But, I have not seen you in any of my visions. I fear for your safety. Of course I have not seen Gustav either. Nor the reeve.

Gustav ::she chuckles:: Well, my vision from the gargoyle makes it seem that I am inextricably bound to the members of this crew, so perhaps I do not have to be in yours

Tell me of your vision. We are not all allowed to share our gifts with the others.

It was quite simple, really, but quite disturbing.. I saw myself bound in chains to all of you, and as the crew splintered I was torn apart.. My Brother and Fizz both stood at opposite ends in their pulling on me, each with equal strength that was more than i could bear

And how did I figure into all of this?

You bore one of the chains, and helped my brother pull against Fizz

So, we must make the Dona and the Pilot work togetherr. To pull in the same direction. I will see what I can do.

Then Don, you mean? I am the dona ::she smiles::

::Flushs again:: Yes, the Don. THat is what I mean. Or perhaps we must break the chains of slavery. Or were they there to keep all of us together.

I dont know

So, what is your opinion? Your advise would be very helpful in my aiding the Don.

My opinion? I think that the primary problem at the moment is that no one here really trusts anyone else, and we must all work together.. not because of the mission but just for survival at this point.

"A house divided will not stand." Nor will the crew, it seems.

So it does

I will talk to everyone and get their opinion. So, I will try to bring the crew together. Perhaps one person atr a time. And perhaps you can help.

That seems to be a good idea... I think I shall... as soon as we get out of range of easily going home ::she grins brightly::

::Put hand on her shoulder:: Thank you for your time, gentle sister. If there is anything that I can do to make you more comfortable, please let me know.

::she nods:: Thank you Tien, but this disguise does have its benefits.. Gustav is rarely bothered during the space voyages and I have time later to dress as I wish ::she nods towards a trunk hidden under the bed::

Very well. Ask and it shall be done. ::Takes her hand and squeese it::

::Rises to leave.::

::puts back on the helmet and walks him to the door::

:: Once the door is open:: Thank you,Gustav. ILet me know how I can be of assistance.

::nods once more then closes the door behind him::

::Knock at door::

yes?

May I speak to you, brother?

Enter, friend priest. ::stands as you enter::

::Closes door after him:: I was just wondering. I have spoken with Gustav. I have heard his vison and the conflict which is tearing us apart.

Yes.. Gustav.. ::small smile:: And you wish to hear mine, now?

Yes, please. I know tht the pilot does not have any faith in these visions, but I believe that they are gifts sent to us.

::hangs head:: If you think so, my friend Tien. I believe that they are also harbingers...

They may be the future or just a possible future.

Al the same, I would not like my "future" to come to fruition, thank you. ::sits down heavily on the bed::

What troubles you? More of the hunting by your house? ::Sits down beside his friend::

Do you know of ninjo and giri, my friend? ::looks into Tien's eyes::

You spoke of them previously. The code and ethics of your caste.

They are much older than that, my friend. They deal with life itself... Ninjo means "duty"; Giri means "life". The call of the ancient warriors of the civilization whence those words came from was to balance the two...

Duty and honor, correct?

Yes. ::nods::

Duty and life. that is right.

My vision had to do with the two, my friend. I.. ::voice fades, cracking slightly::

::Takes his friends hand in his, ::PLease tell me.

::looks at Tien, strengthening his resolve, eyes and face returning to normal:: I.. I must choose, Tien.

Yes, this is why I wished to speak to you. Duty would lead to your death and Life would void your duty. There must be a balance.

Yes... That's the problem I have been struggling with, all along, my friend. I must choose.. If I do not, both suffer.. If I do, one or the other suffers... ::head hanging::

Tell me your vison as you remember it.

I.. ::takes deep breath:: I am surrounded by enemies, cleaving them to and fro, the ultimate Icon of the Dervish. The Holy Warrior. However, in my zeal, I lose the Don, and he is cornered by the weight of many enemies.. And Obelia is, also. I have to choose.. If I rescue one, the other dies... ::voice cracks again::

Obeila...Hmmm

Yes, Obelia, Tien. I think I'm in love with her... Please, do not tell the Don.

Have you told her this?

((Obelia, remond me))

((remind))

((Obelia was the woman we met at the very beginning of the epic.. When we were on our way to Aragon. Remember the picture Stephen sent out?))

I.. I have not told anyone, as of yet. Except you, of course. ::smiles::

Well, you secret is save for me. And Obelia is your idea of life? WHy?

::smiles again:: With Obelia, I can be myself. She is one of the only people, besides yourself, which doesn't expect a certain.. decorum.. of me. I can show her who I really am, inside. We like to be around each other for the pure joy of being... I have never had that before, not ever, in my life... And I like the feeling. And I like her, and my future with her.

I see. Perhaps the alternative is to cause such a commosion that the enemies closing on both the Don and Obelia are drawn to yourself, and there you slay them. Or gain the aid of friends.

::short laugh:: Yes, that would work. However, the Don would never aid me in any endeavor involving Obelia, and the others know not of her nor my feelings for her...

WHy would the Don not give you aid? You are a loyal servant and he is obligated to aid you.

No, he is not. I am obligated to serve him.. I am not of his house. My ties to the Rolas evaporated with my resignation from active service. I hold a title within his house, but that is all.

You are not of the House? I thought that you were his body guard?

I am. I was a high-ranking member in the Order, until I left. I swore fealty to the House, to gain their protection from.. Outside forces... But no, I am not, technically, of the House of Warriors.

::Looking to the side, eyes focused into the destance:: Then you may not be the second knight of the house that I saw in my vision. Perhaps that is the Lady...

Second Knight..? ::inquisitorial look:: What do you mean?

That would explain why I have never seen her nor Gustav....In my first vision, I saw two knights of the eagle's claw and one with a multicolored hair going into the darkness at the end of this journey.

You.. ::laughs a little:: Don't know, do you?

Darkness closing in around us, and I was the only light to save the group. Don't know what?

::grins:: About Gustav.. Wait, you must know.

Yes, I have just left her room.

Ah, okay. Does she fit in to your vision?

Never before now. I had asked her what was her part in all of this. And her vision had her tied to chains and being ripped apart by the Don and Fizz.

Ah.. ::nodding::: That would make sense, since she spends a lot of time with Fizz and the Don does not like that.. Or him..

Fizz... There is a great viod there near him. I can not tell if it is him or just around him. ::Thinks - or maybe just between us::

Fizz, my friend, is just getting along as he knows best... The way he has always been. As you go on with life, and as everyone else does. His void may stem from the fact that he does not believe as fervently as you or I, but he does, in fact, believe... The problem is purely reasoning-based with you two. ::pats Tien's shoulder:: It does not have to mean that the world is over, however.

You have given me a new though on my visions. Perhaps I should meditate before we reach the gate. I think that I would call another meeting to speak civilly to each other.

Yes.. That would work wonderfully. Oh, and Tien.. Thank you for talking to me. ::takes hand, shakes::

::Rises to leave:: Brother Take care.

Walk with faith and strength, friend Tien.

Be at peace brother. CAll if I am needed.