Brokering Faith

[Pepper]

Pepper tilted her head and raised her eyebrows in acknowledgement, then nodded more firmly. "You're not wrong, actually, that's one of the more neutral explanations of what we do. Certainly it's a solid summary of what I've been doing in Sacramento since I got here." She smiled, though there was an odd edge too it.

"That being said, there's two different roles in the consilium that Ladders can play - The Law, or the The Priest. See, when we're taught about the Silver Ladder's Atlantean history, it's of the Priest-Kings who sought godhood." She suddenly stood, feet taking energy and channeling it into a brisk pacing. "And yes, there's modern ladders who seek godhood too, but they generally only contribute to society in search for knowledge they think will bring them Arch Mastery or Ascension. Most of us... see that the world needs guidance." I was raised to see the flaws in most power structures, I see there faults and where they grind people down, where they cut them to ribbons, and where, just sometimes, the pressure or a sudden opportunity opens a new door to them. Awakening."

She stopped, looking more fully to Truce and shrugging just a little. "That was what drew me to the Ladder really, the chance to help people empower themselves against the powers out there. Mostly, though, I play the Law. I'm an atheist, right? I believe in the power of stories, but I don't really have the Faith to guide anyone spiritually. And I can't really tell you much about being a Priest... other than the fact that at their best, they too seek to empower people to reach for that more - to punch holes in the sky and become stars that as awakened we can be." She closed her mouth, gave him a tight-lipped smile as if apologizing for talking quite so much about a subject he'd already gotten the gist of.

"Ultimately, though, You know how we spoke of united nations and Celebratory Polycultural societies in the Library? That's the future goal, what the Ladder wants to create for the World as a whole, awakened and sleepers alike, and to lift the forced sleep from humanity. Magic should be everyone's right to pursue, should they wish it. That's... the parts of our doctrine that drew me most."

[Truce]

Truce's gaze follows Pepper as she stands and paces. He's already guessed that she's a passionate person by the way she expresses herself.

He blinks when she looks back to him, remaining attentive.

When she pauses in her explanation, Truce speaks up. "Well I can't say I've ever considered myself a Priestly person either. My own beliefs stem from what I've learned regarding the Supernal mysteries. What happens when we die, where do our souls go, where do our identities go? I suppose I'm not much of a God-worshiper, though my family raised me that way as a child. I'd like to say I have faith in Humanity, Sleeper and Awakened alike. I would like to see the Silver Ladder become something like that, a Celebratory Polycultural Authority that unifies and respects the various ways of thinking within the Consilium. Maybe even create an example for other Consilii to follow should they take interest."

Truce seems to think on this, his hands fidgeting at the base of his knees. "May I ask, what sort of relationship do you envision the Silver Ladder to have with the other Orders? Perhaps not at present, but what sort of relationship would you like to see in order to achieve that future? As spiritual guides and lawful advisers how would the Silver Ladder conduct cooperations?"

[Pepper]

Pepper's smile held nothing back, as Truce agreed with her vision of the future for the Silver Ladder - perhaps implied to be be a more localized manner.... but it was good, very good, to see him express faith and desire towards the Precept of Diamond, even if he didn't know the name.

She schooled it calmer at his questions, taking a slow breath in as she turned thoughts over in her mind. "There's already a system in place for advising with Law - The Factotums and Trials - as for spiritual guidance... People capable of giving advice on interactions, trying to help people figure out where they fit in the scheme of things, and how to stay true to themselves, or plan their future..." She paused, then let out a short bark of amusement. "You work as a therapist, don't you? Sorry, I'm making this sound a lot like your job. Not intentional, just... That's what I think of when I think of people capable of spiritual leadership. Someone capable of seeing a situation and a person clearly enough to give them solid advice when it's sought." She couldn't help but think of that one Ms. Marvel issue with Kamala talking to one of the elders of her Mosque and his advice for her to find a Teacher, if what she kept secret truly helped others and was so important to her.

[Truce]

"Oh, that's quite alright," Truce reassures with a gentle dismissive wave of his hand. "I chose this occupation for that very reason, to help those who are troubled in life and hopefully to help those still suffering in death. My official title is rehabilitation specialist but one day I hope to finish my education as a practicing psychologist. It may take some time but I'm willing to put in the effort. I can't say that I am yet ready to apply spiritual or even general advisement to members of the Consilium. But as with my studies I hope that will change with time, effort, and experience."

Truce lifts his shoulders in a humble shrug. "I'm willing to start at the bottom and work my way up. If the Silver Ladder is an Order for resolving disputes, promoting understanding, and providing guidance then it sounds like exactly what I would like to aspire to."

[Pepper]

Pepper gave him a wry twist of a smile and resisted the urge to groan. "There's not much of a bottom to speak of. Faye Exists, but she hasn't done much for the order, herself, or the consilium. Ermon's a Factotum, but I've seen very little of him in general... And I'm hoping you and Gyges will join. Oh, and I was contacted by someone new in Town, but I haven't met him yet."

She gave a long-suffering sigh, then added, "And after the Formal Meeting in January I have a feeling my own reputation is tarnished. I'll admit, I spoke at the wrong time and made things seem... like something they weren't. You'd think I'd be better with Timing, being an Acanthus and all." And Truce? Well, Pepper knew her sister. "I've heard good things about you from Mace, and Zodiac too. And you clearly care about others. If you keep acting and don't stagnate, you'll do well."

[Truce]

Truce folds his arms, leaning forward slightly as his head lowers in thought. It is a similar situation with the Mysterium. There just isn't a lot of representation of the Orders, and everyone seems at each other's throats just to try and hold onto a semblance of structure and trust. New faces were more valuable than the old ones since they were clean slates to build off of. Very strange times for this city.

"I should thank Mace and Zodiac for their recommendations, but I still expect to be treated as any new member would when being inducted into the Silver Ladder. And I wouldn't be so hard on yourself regarding the meeting. From my perspective, everyone is still uncertain regarding who they need to look to for a sense of security. I heard something interesting from Mace and Ermac before the session began, regarding the ex-Hierarch, Avalon and the business with the Golden Consilium. I think there's still a prevalence of distrust circulating, even if it's not something everyone is conscious of. The Silver Ladder seems in most need of public reformation because of this. But it's not your fault that things are as they are. Perhaps it's the benefit of my Path but I find that calm patience often assists me in times of crisis or insecurity. The current Hierarch displayed those characteristics well, while a reactive dialogue is often counterproductive. Would you mind if I shared some advice regarding your words in the open forum?"

He asks, not wanting to offer his opinion if it isn't wanted.

[Pepper]

Pepper listens, feeling some of her agitation ease away. Truce's mention of Aquinas pulling a small smile to her lips. After all, wasn't that why she had asked about his legacy? Because she knew she had destructive impulses and he... he was steady in the best ways. She admired that, wanted to become like that.

She let out a slow breath, and sat back down, nodding to the Moros. "First, I don't think you'll get advantages over Ermon or Faye - Technically Ermon and myself our equal status since the factotum Exams, it's just that I have a feeling you'll act on opportunities before she will. And yes, please, I'd like to here your advice."

[Truce]

Truce smiles appreciatively when Pepper gives her permission to speak his mind. "I think you've already heard the general consensus regarding some dissatisfaction with the Panthera Nox Cabal. I think most of the criticism has been directed at Councilor Nous, though I hope you know that I don't share some of the harsh opinions that have been voiced. Overall I believe you've been quite open about Panthera Nox's goals, particularly towards the concept of Fostering. I'm in support of those views as I believe it's only been your intention to provide support for those who need it regardless of their affiliation. What happened at the meeting was unfortunate as your courtesy towards Ermac was misinterpreted as a play for power given the misunderstanding with the grievances against the Charter. Too much happened too quickly and I can understand that you may have reacted out of urgency to maintain the status quo. I think sometimes individuals become fearful that they may let an opportunity slip by if they remain inactive or passive. But I find that letting go of those illusions of control can be therapeutic, especially if you're the type to allow anxiety to build up in your life."

"All in all, you saw an opportunity to solve a simple problem and you offered your solution. You could not control how that was interpreted. You could not control the actions of your Cabalmates, though I trust that you support them. And even if there may be some grumblings from the masses, my advice to you is to try and relieve your anxieties and not let those voices create in you insecurities. There's already enough insecurities to go around I'm sure. Learn from this instance and allow others to take the initiative when you feel uncertain. I imagine that once your mind is clear then you will find you are more confident when the time comes for action."

After his little speech, Truce clears his throat a bit. "Hmm, I don't suppose there's somewhere I can get a glass of water?" he asks her.

[Pepper]

Pepper listens carefully, taking time to think over what Truce said as she honored his request for a water - there was a mini bar in the corner and she grabbed a bottle of it for him. "Here you go."

She handed it off, then sat down, frowning down at her hands. "It's true that I can't control how people see me now... But it does mean that it's highly likely that I've lost any chance of getting the Councilor Seat. To a certain extent, I hope it does mean that, since it would mean that the next councilor still gets things done without causing severe issue like this last thing. Besides, it'll give me time to focus on running the Silver Ladder. Or at least feeling out the position." She sighed though, trying to picture Emrys or Crowley on the seat. Faye... was not caught up enough on things to be aware of all the changes happening, not being out of town. Plus she was still tied to the Panthera Nox.

"Thank you, though, for seeing the truth of the matter and giving me hope that you aren't the only one."

[Truce]

Truce thanks Pepper and begins to drink from the water bottle as she speaks.

Running a thumb on the rim of his lips he considers her. "You're very welcome. I'm not certain if it's the truth, but each different perception adds to the picture. Still, there's no reason for defeatism. I don't think it diminishes your chances to the extent you're describing. People can be surprisingly understanding if you give them the chance. But the decision for what to do next is yours of course."

He knows she'll regain her confidence in time. Once her lover returns and their grief passes then she can give all the more focus to her true work.

"Well, that aside, I believe you've painted a fine picture of the Silver Ladder's objectives. I would like to officially offer my services to your Order if you believe I am eligible. What sort of formalities should I expect with initiation? Is there a trial probationary period perhaps?"