Mysterium meeting VII faces old and new

[Aurora]

She didn’t think any changes were exactly necessary, but kept that opinion to herself.

“Then that makes two of us that are self-employed. How about (insert date & time) then?” deciding to just toss a day out there. “My Sanctum has my personal library, and I believe I still have a copy of the old Charter there, but I’m not completely sure, some of my books and whatnot are still in boxes.” Though most of those books that were important to her studies had been packed carefully and separately.

“While I understand the logistics of how things work, I still believe we should have someone in some sort of role. A more official role can be figured out once the other criteria are met.” But if they didn’t want one, then whatever.

Back to Corn, “There seems to be a common issue among the Circle with people not actually listening to what is said, and jumping to conclusions. I’ve been guilty of it before, and others will be going forward, but I think we can take it as a chance to simply pause and listen to each other.” There was no malice in her voice.

“I’m no leader Corn, I don’t the qualities a leader should possess.” It was just how she saw it. She was no Campanella or Winter. But then a look of complete surprise, “Curator? Me?” it wasn’t something she had ever considered. Sure, his words were, well, right, she was the most recognized, but she actually deserving of such a title? She wasn’t sure. “I don’t know if I fit what the roles requires and deserves. Don’t get me wrong, I’m touched you believe I do, but I don’t believe I do.” A look to Chambers. “I just want us to have someone we can go to and talk and, well, figure things out. Help us get organized and get our Athenaeum built into something amazing.” Because everything worked better when organized.

[Chambers]

He nods if all the stuff is there is does make the most sense. ''That works very well for actually. I'll be there.'' This is certainly not the direction I expected to be taking my studies but it is what's needed of me. ''That you have books or left over drafts at all is way more then I have on the subject and doubtless a huge help.'' Giving her a grateful look. ''Thank you.'' I'll make sure to bring something nice, a small gesture.

He listens to the talk of leadership and frowns for just a moment, before calming again ''Aurora you have more respect in the order then either us certainly and if you know somewhere she can go to be appointed then I fully support the idea of having a full time curator.'' Turning to Corn. ''But she does not out rank us.'' That is based on our levels of initiation to the Atlantean mystery to which we all hold the same. ''But if we truly wish to build up what we have, we must first build ourselves and progress in our own understanding.'' Without it we do not have access to what we will need.

''A curator would serve the role you describe Aurora to build, guide and maintain the Athenaeum. To determine the agreements of right exchange between our order and the rest. To focus our efforts.'' And wise as you seem I still don't know you well enough to suggest if you could or not. ''But the order places far higher value on degree of initiation then status.'' All Curators I've met are much further advanced, but who knows maybe she can do it.

[Corn]

"Ok, 'outrank' is the wrong word because Aurora is not yet a Curator. But while she may not have been initiated deeper in the order's secrets, Aurora is more recognized by the order than you or I, Chambers . " Then he turns to Aurora.
"I am sure you can do it, and I am sure the Order would agree you can do it. I could start listing your accomplishments, masteries and knowledge of languages and the lex till you got angry again, Aurora. So I won't. I will just ask:
If not you, then who?
We do not have a Curator. We don't have a Theoricus. We don't have Campanela, and if we did, he would probably agree with me than you could do it. I didn't know him for long but he really seemed to trust you and believe in you.
I agree with Chambers that the best way is the official way; I think you would be accepted as a Curator by the Order, so if you know where you could go to be appointed, please do. " then back to Chambers,
"while the order that value knowledge and the Atlantean Mystery more than rank, we are discussing about rank at this point. A Practicus Acquisitor doesn't outrank a Theoricus Curator. It is just rare for a Curator to not be the highest initiated too as we are... well, an academic order which practices the Ars Mysteriorum." and would probably lead to rivalries, Corn thought.

Corn checks his clock. "We are kinda running out of time, so if I may, I think that as a gathering of Mystagogues, even without a large caucus or Mithraeum we need leadership and Aurora , I am positive you can be the Curator we need and I think the Order would agree based on your many accomplishments and knowledge."

[Aurora]

A hand was held up, “I think I have them, if not, I’m confident I can recreate what was written. Though I hope I do have a physical copy.” Because she did say she thought she had a copy. But, between packing and storage, it was hard to tell. And her memory wasn’t as good as it had once been.

“I didn’t think I did.” Ranks were not really important to her.

Shrugging, “Titles and positions don’t really excite me, they’re not something I plan to go out of my way for. I’ve stated what my focus is, and I don’t see it changing.” So was she going to chase initiation? No. It just wasn’t her thing to chase such things.

Another shrug for Corn, “It’s not really a huge thing to me. If more importance is based off initiation, then what I’ve accomplished, then it’s not for me. I’ll still keep searching for Tomes and work on my languages. And who knows, maybe we’ll come across something to rebuild the Athenaeum and being the process of making ourselves standout.” But she would not be defined like that.

“Who? You or Chambers, simple.” Least it was simple to her.

“Again, rank does not mean anything to me. I see a person’s value and usefulness in what they do for others and the Order.” It really wasn’t a huge thing to her.

[Chambers]

Leaning back clearly content with that. ''Anything that means we don't have to start from nothing is appreciated Aurora. Even if it is just the wisdom of one learned in the fields we need.'' I could definitely use all the help I can get to tackle this, that's for sure.

The crinkle at the corner of his eyes hints at confusion. Who taught these two? One seems to know nothing the other doesn't value the Atlantean mystery? Yet he keeps his tone level as he deliver what would be an admonishment from anyone higher ranking in the order. ''Yes Corn a Practicus Acquisitor does outrank a Theoricus Curator. The Atlantean Mystery is the beating heart of our order, the thing to which we all strive.'' Knowledge above all. ''Curator is a role.'' Turning to Aurora. ''A well respected role. That the majority of the order would never be considered for. Only those who have proven themselves time and again above and beyond measure.'' But a role not a rank. ''With clearly defined duties.'' It relies on the goodwill and respect of those of equal or higher rank to submit to the will of the curator.

Whoever this Campanella was they seem to have been a little lax. An internal sigh that he refuses to let show through the mask of calm. It seems some education is in order. ''By the laws of our order none of us outrank the other, And only Aurora can claim the role of Curator from among us.'' Yet she does not value the core Tennent of the order? or misunderstands maybe? ''The rank is a measure to others of how far you have progressed, a way to confer simply the level knowledge and enlightenment someone has attained. Yet even the most lofty of the order is expected to cede to one who specialises in areas they do not.'' Leadership is a mark of wisdom and knowledge not status alone. ''To be clear I will not put myself forward for leadership. I have no claim to it.'' No Neokoros does. So none of us.

[Corn]

Aurora 's refusal to commit herself to the discussion she has started was disappointing. Her desire to not seek further initiation at the time, till she perfects her Languages, is understandable to him at least as he had put it off for two years to make a family. "I also don't see myself going for Theoricus until my family obligations lighten," Corn said with all the optimism of a new parent that thinks the father workload would get easier instead of harder as his son becomes older. "so I can understand why you don't seek further initiation at the time. I plan to seek further connection with the Ars Mysteriorum when I have more to show for it." Then, he goes to something she has mentioned time and again but perhaps it meant more than he thought, especially considering her pursuits.
"You mention some 'Tomes' to work on your languages. I am just aware you know a lot of languages, some of them old like Aramaic, Arabic and Latin. What "tomes" do you seek? Are they something special? Because if you are looking for magic books or enlightened books to help you see past the barrier the Lie put to languages and communications, I am more than willing to help you. If you are just looking for books to help you learn or practice certain languages, I could use my academic connections or have my uncle - the one that owns the bookstore I used to work at - to look for some through his network." Or, I could ask Crypto about it...
Chambers reminds Corn what he should already know and... Corn bites his lips, embarrassed. "Ehh, you are right. A Practicus does outrank a Theoricus. To my defense I have been living mostly apart from the order for years. Even here, we didn't go too much according to canon Mysterium doctrines. You mentioned some of the things we lack. As for leadership positions, I just returned and I have time consuming obligations. I am not for a leadership position at the time. Nor I think I can with my current level of initiation."

He turns back to Aurora, "By the way, I would like to meet with you here, at a time of your convenience, for a short discussion about a few things. Would that work? "

[Aurora]

To Chambers, “It isn’t something I would turn down, but I’m not going out of my way to further prove myself. I have put my life on the line for the Mysterium, to obtain a cursed object. If that is not enough, then so be it. I can respect traditions and order; it is what our society is built upon. But I have nothing to prove to anyone at this point in my journey.” And if that held her back from roles and respect, so be it.

“Oh, leadership is something I will never go after. I’m not a leader and have never claimed to be.” This whole meeting was making her question quite a few things.

Looking to Corn, “I could have it; I have progressed far enough in my studies to begin the initiation. But I don’t need it at this point.” Would she ever? Maybe…or maybe not.

“Why all of the Tomes.” And why wouldn’t she want all of them? “Books with magical quality are difficult to find, and I will always be on the search for them. But I have quite a few books right now for my language studies, some I brought back from Paris, some I’ve picked up along the way.”

“Depends on what you want to talk about, but it should work.”

[Chambers]

So no sudden bids for power from any of us? Good it is unwise to claim what we have not earnt. Better we keep our focus where it is important. ''That we lack the progression in the Ars Mysteriorum to assert leadership can in a way be considered a positive thing.'' Okay maybe a bit of an of take on this. ''It in no ways limits what we can do with the Athenaeum.'' In fact. ''Working hard to build what we have into something truly worthy of the order has no requirement. And will not be risked by leadership squabbles.'' And when we undoubtedly have such need means we might prove ourselves worthy of the aid we will surely need.

And yet such plans it seems must wait. ''It would appear we run short on time today.'' Looking from one mage to the next. ''It is not my place to say but someone should, Thank you both.'' We managed quite a lot for a first meeting. ''We may be starting from the ground, but it will not remain so for long.'' The city might have been quite but with three working independently or in unison we can achieve much.

With a day to go it is time to start wrapping up. Thank you both for the scene It was a lot of fun

[Corn]

" It has been a pleasure, my friends." Corn said to Chambers and Aurora . "Good evening."