Death and the Maiden

[Aurora]

It did. “And that perspective concerns me when I talk with some of the others. Who someday, will reach Mastery, and knowing that is a bit scary. Though maybe with the time it takes, and the study, some level of,” stopping, thinking, “thought and responsibility will be learned.” One could hope.

“No, not lost to it. Though I felt its grasp, reminding me of the dangerous slope I was on.” It had been terrifying.

A look of mild confusion, “Looking to me?” disbelief in her voice, “Why would you need advice from me?” he seemed to have it all figured out. But then again, she might appear to have it all figured out and she didn’t. “Don’t get me wrong, I’d help in a heartbeat, but you’ve never struck me as the type to need advice from others.” Most of all, from her.

[Campanella]

Campanella smiles shyly.

"Well I am glad I left that impression. One might say I've felt... out of place... of late. Having an enforced catharsis really opens ones eyes."

[Aurora]

Now that wasn’t a smile she was expecting from him. But it looked cute actually.

But looking worried, “Out of place?” she thought on it for a moment, “In what sense? Among the others? Or something larger?” because there were many different ways to feel out of place. “What did it open your eyes to? If that’s not too personal of a question of course.” It could be something personal, you never know. “Though maybe, in some way, it was needed.” her tone a bit gentler.

[Campanella]

"I had gotten too used to the power... To the prestige of being a Hierarch. I did not deserve such a position. I ended up with a leadership role because no one else wanted it. I muddled through by being an elder statesman rather than an actual leader. Alastor challenged me to prove a point, not because he was a rival for the position."

Campanella sniffed and turned his pose contemplative.

"I had forgotten that I never wanted power for power's sake. I have remembered my principal interests lie in knowledge. Knowledge alone. Someone else can be Hierarch. Councillor. I want to focus on other things."

[Aurora]

She listens with concern on her face, she never saw what he described. “In my opinion, you ended up with it because you deserved it. And don’t forget, I stepped back, seeing you as being the best to take on the position.” She wasn’t sure if she could defeat him in a Duel.

Nodding, “Maybe it took becoming Hierarch for you to remember what you wanted. In a way, redirecting you. And, knowledge is power.” But she knew he already knew that. “For what it’s worth, I think you did well, and it takes strength to admit where your faults were.” Were, past tense.

“What other things? Arcana growth? Adventure hunting down Tomes?” that was high up on her own list.

“If you need any help with what you are seeking, just let me know. I’ll support you in any way I can.”

[Campanella]

Campanella exhaled slowly.

"I don't know. Yet. Mastery is one. Yes, I am a first degree Master... My general interests require more. Study of the Soul requires Death, certainly. But not only Death and I'm not interested in that Arcanum's more crass uses. Death would make an easier study. Yet I still find myself being drawn to delve deeper into Mind or Prime."

He grew reflective again.

"Then there is the pursuit of a Legacy. Other objectives are... too far off to contemplate right now."

[Aurora]

A small smile, “Mastery is a fine goal.” One they all sought.

“Death is an interesting study. I’ve found it to be a more difficult study than Life was.” A nod, “Mind and Prime?” she looked impressed, “I think I used to know some Mind, well, that was before.” When she walked a different Path. “Sounds like you’re going to throw yourself into those studies. Just remember to leave some time to enjoy life. You know, the whole all work and no play saying.” The corners of her mouth tugging into a smirk, “As a Master of Life, I have a few tricks up my sleeve should you start neglecting yourself.” She was, of course, teasing him.

“A Legacy?” now that was, well, wow. “You’ve really set some ambitious goals. Don’t hear about Legacy’s very much. Been a long pursuit?”

[Campanella]

The Moros chuckled.

"Oh I think I will be taking more time for myself now."

When the Thyrsus continued with her quips, Campanella burst out laughing. He said nothing by way of response but his lips quirked into a knowing grin, quickly suppressed.

Growing more serious, he continued:

"Well. I have studied enough about them. The mechanics and metaphysics of soul forging... I've just never delved into what the Legacy's themselves offer. I am looking into a few possibilities now. Nothing concrete yet. As for a long pursuit? Something like that. Some Legacy's are quite open about their affiliations; and some are not. Not all of them are known to open to... outsiders, either."

[Aurora]

It was good to have him laugh. But the knowing grin was noted with a small smirk and a slight pinkish color to her cheeks.

“That’s good, because I’ll be checking.” And who knows, she just might.

“Legacy’s seem to be a bit more private about those things. At least from what I’ve seen.” They always seemed closed off. “So how does one pursue them when they’re not open? Or maybe the ones I’ve come across are just closed off to questions.” A shrug,

“Either way, I hope you find what you’re looking for. Though I might pick your mind about how you got them to talk.” Mind magic or simply charming?

“But I don’t want to take all your time.”

Pretty sure we're coming up on the month mark, want to start wrapping?

[Campanella]

"How does one pursue a Legacy? Carefully? With research and quiet questions in the right ear. By dumb luck."

A pause.

"You haven't."

Seems like a good place to wrap.