[Rp] The Confessional

[Panashea 3323]

Bubhosh steps near the confessional, although to large to fit inside. He rips off the top, allowing himself to stand halfway in. "Pinki..." he breathes, the scent of flesh filling the small confessional. "Zumazh... mi here." the olog mumbles. "Mi did nubhozh... Mi ayte..  a zhini pinki.. Err.. Nuutzhara. Iz mi nubhozh?" 

[Urahra 5776]

 

Michael breathes heavily into the partition.

 

 

"Please don't do that."

 

 

 

 

"Well sister, I've truly no idea where to start. I've killed people, tortured people, had and have feelings for people I don't have the right to love, acted on impulses so strong that I've demolished bridges between myself and others that cannot be rebuilt-.." ".. I've even brought people into this abyss with me. They all say I'm a good person, but I know that who I am rests with any other title. My existence quite literally revolves around the destruction of other lives, yet I can't stop myself from-.." "It's as if my perception of good and evil is blurred because I don't believe in it- only a right and a wrong. And even if I don't believe there's a line between good and evil, I know that all of the things I do and feel are wrong. Yet it's almost like I can't stop myself, no matter how hard I try." ".. If there is a being above me- above anyone on this mortal plain, why has he created people such as myself?" 

 "I-I don't know what answer I expect you to give. You're only mortal as well.." 

 

 

"There is a being above you, my friend. That is something I can say with utmost certainty. That being's name is the Creator - the Holy Light - and only He is the ultimate arbiter of good and evil. He is the one who will judge your actions and decide whether or not what you have done is worthy of punishment," Lorina replies through the confession screen. 

 

"But - the Creator is a merciful being. And He cares for every one of his creations. You too are a child of God. And you are capable of finding salvation. The Light inside of you is not dead, my child! True, you have committed many awful and unforgivable sins. But if you repent and work to make things right, you too can find the Light at the end of the tunnel."

 

"You have walked a long and dark road. But your voice tells me that you wish to seek a new path."

 

"Start by atoning for the crimes you have committed. Confess to your murders and accept whatever punishment they give you. Submit to the hammer of Justice and atone for your terrible errors. Then, once you have paid the price for your crimes, go forth and walk a new path. Forsake your evil magic and dark ways. Or - if you cannot  - use your powers in the service of the Creator. Help others instead of hurting them. Let go of your negative feelings - your jealousy, anger, and hate. Pray. Purify yourself."

 

"You are not an animal who runs on instinct alone. You are a rational being, a creature endowed with a mind and with reason. Extract yourself from situations which would cause you to do harm. Instead seek situations where you can choose to do the right thing."

 

 

"My sins? Perhaps, I am unaware of what sins are due to a lack of teaching from father." 

 

"I have been told that I simply tell you things that I am ashamed of, or feel bad for, but admittedly nothing I feel bad for and funnily enough... That's what I feel bad for."

 

"My work keeps me busy, one could say that it's a lively business with the dead."

 

"I bury the dead, I tend to their graves, I tend to their bodies if the family wishes to see them and other things, though I don't feel bad for the people nor do I care if someone dies. I feel bad that I don't feel bad, people say I'm crazy or insane."

 

"One even swore me a necromancer, can you believe that? I bury the dead, you think the bodies would be happy that I put a lot of dirt on them?! No way!"

 

"I guess that's all I have to say, can you help? Are you able to? If not, I will not blame you. I mean, eventually, I see everyone in the worst of times..."

 

Lorina pauses for a moment in thought as she considers the man's words. 

 

"You have nothing to feel guilty for, my friend. As I understand it, you are an undertaker. That is a very noble choice of career. Not everyone has the strength of will and the respect to take care of the dead. Be proud of your work, sir, for you are the bridge between life and the Seven Skies. You prepare bodies for holy burial, so that they may find rest in the next life."

 

"Your sin, you say, is that you do not feel bad for the deceased? That is nonsense. If we humans spent every second mourning the lost, we would never be able to do anything. I admire your strength for dealing with such morbid subjects over and over. Never bowing, never breaking. You are the faithful ferryman guiding souls to their eternal rest."

 

"As for the accusations against you - perhaps you should conduct your business in a more solemn, godly manner. I think perhaps people are unnerved by your giggly disposition. You ought to show a little empathy for the families of the bodies you bury. They are in mourning. The last thing they want is a giggling ghost cackling over their loved one's grave. Try to be solemn and dignified. I admire your joy, but it is best to keep your good mood in check while at work."

 

 

A tall dwarf of dark skin walks into the booth, his eyes closed. He sits and lifts his head and opens his eyes, which reveal a piercing, glowing, and almost blood red gaze. He gives her a respectful nod, and inhales, then exhales slowly.

 

"Where do I begin? I have murdered, tortured, and beaten people all because an unloving grandfather said so. I have allowed demons of the worst nature to control me, and my actions. Even my very existence is called sin by many, even my own kin. I have tried to mend the wounds I've caused, yet when I do, new wounds open."

 

The Doomforged stares through the screen at her, his expression calm, though troubled.

 

"Thank you for coming here. I can hear the regret and pain and sorrow in your voice. I know, truly, that you wish to begin on a new path - a godly path."

 

"First, you must accept and atone for the errors of the past. You cannot erase the evil you have done. Instead, try to balance it. Be a good and loving father to your own children and grandchildren. Treat your offspring with tenderness and kindness. Instead of killing, work to save lives. Feed the hungry, house the homeless, and treat every life as if it is sacred. Instead of beating and torturing, use your hands to heal the wounded. Build people up rather than tearing them down. Do not let demons into your heart. Armor yourself with faith and beat evil back."

 

"You are a child of God. No life is inherently sinful. Every being is born pure and becomes stained with sin. It is your job to wash that sin away."

 

"Resist the temptation to perform evil deeds. Remember that every person has a life as wonderful, deep, and complex as your own. Honor the Holy Light inside of every person. Rather than obsess about old sins, perform new good deeds. Create a future that your children will thank you for."

 

Marvin enters the confessional. As soon as he gets to a seat, she'd find him nonchalantly blurting, "I'm a lecher and I bed elves."

 

He pauses in silence for a few, protracted moments, breathing lightly.

 

"Are you free this evening?"

 

"...Niet, I am quite busy. Go forth, take several cold showers, and pray three times a day until your lecherous urges pass. Remember that lovemaking is a sacred act between two married individuals. Do not taint your body with the sin of lust."

 

 

Bubhosh steps near the confessional, although to large to fit inside. He rips off the top, allowing himself to stand halfway in. "Pinki..." he breathes, the scent of flesh filling the small confessional. "Zumazh... mi here." the olog mumbles. "Mi did nubhozh... Mi ayte..  a zhini pinki.. Err.. Nuutzhara. Iz mi nubhozh?"

 

Lorina claps a hand over her nose, gagging at the scent of spoiled meat. He smells like a butcher shop on a hot, summer day!

 

"I think you said you ate a person? Cannibalism is a grievous and terrible sin. In order to seek justice, please turn yourself over to the Marked Men and allow them to punish you accordingly. But... maybe wash out your mouth with soap first, da?"

[Birdnerdy 1539]

Ecthallion enters the church, brushing a few snowflakes off of the bearskin cloak donning his uniform. He makes his way to the confessional, an expression of embarrassment apparent on his features. His face takes on a shade of pink as he begins:

 

"If you knew me sister, you would know that I am nae a human, I am of elven blood. And as I am sure you know, I am forbidden to fornicate or lust after those who are not of my own race. Despite me knowing this full well, I have fallen victim to my impulses on more than one occasion. Just yesterday, I was in the Siegrad tavern, when a beautiful daughter of Horen graced the threshold. I do nae know who she was, but she had the looks of a a goddess, and carried herself like a woman of high stature. I was stupefied, transfixed by her features. I cannot tell how I resisted the urge to rise from my seat, sweep her off her feet, and make love to her in the snow. Perhaps the Creator himself sent me a reminder, for I was able to hold my ground, and consolidate myself with my ale. Do you have any godly advice on avoiding the sin of lust for one beyond your grasp?" 

[Urahra 5776]

Ecthallion enters the church, brushing a few snowflakes off of the bearskin cloak donning his uniform. He makes his way to the confessional, an expression of embarrassment apparent on his features. His face takes on a shade of pink as he begins:

 

"If you knew me sister, you would know that I am nae a human, I am of elven blood. And as I am sure you know, I am forbidden to fornicate or lust after those who are not of my own race. Despite me knowing this full well, I have fallen victim to my impulses on more than one occasion. Just yesterday, I was in the Siegrad tavern, when a beautiful daughter of Horen graced the threshold. I do nae know who she was, but she had the looks of a a goddess, and carried herself like a woman of high stature. I was stupefied, transfixed by her features. I cannot tell how I resisted the urge to rise from my seat, sweep her off her feet, and make love to her in the snow. Perhaps the Creator himself sent me a reminder, for I was able to hold my ground, and consolidate myself with my ale. Do you have any godly advice on avoiding the sin of lust for one beyond your grasp?" 

 

Lorina thinks for a moment on the man's words. "My friend, lust is one of the hardest sins to resist. Our flesh compels us to seek the comforting touch of other beings. Your lusts have taken on an unnatural flavor - in that you seek the company of races that are not your own."

 

"I beg you to think upon the consequences of your actions. What would you do if you impregnated that young lady? Her reputation would be ruined forever. And she would bear a child of mixed species. Your child would be forever torn between two nations - two cultures - and would find acceptance in neither. Both the woman and her offspring would be shamed and cast out, ruined forever by your selfish desires."

 

"Do you really want to destroy two lives, just for a fleeting moment of pleasure? I beg you - stop, think! Consider the consequences and resist temptation. Find something to distract yourself from your desires. Wash yourself in the cold river to kill the fire of your loins. Pinch yourself. Do anything you can to quiet your lusts and stay holy."

[Cloakedsphere 1471]

Captain Dredge enters the booth in his usual attire; Armor made of Elven bones and he still wears the skull of another Elf. 

 

"I nay think I am sinner!" he yells out inside the booth, obviously too dumb to really understand whats happening.

 

"I eat t'e enemy! I eat only t'e animals! T'e dagger eared folk! Do ye' consider t'is a sin? Can I still eat dagger ear wit' out sinnin'?"

 

He smiles widely like he has never done anything wrong.

[Sky 0]

Lorina pauses for a moment in thought as she considers the man's words. 

 

"You have nothing to feel guilty for, my friend. As I understand it, you are an undertaker. That is a very noble choice of career. Not everyone has the strength of will and the respect to take care of the dead. Be proud of your work, sir, for you are the bridge between life and the Seven Skies. You prepare bodies for holy burial, so that they may find rest in the next life."

 

"Your sin, you say, is that you do not feel bad for the deceased? That is nonsense. If we humans spent every second mourning the lost, we would never be able to do anything. I admire your strength for dealing with such morbid subjects over and over. Never bowing, never breaking. You are the faithful ferryman guiding souls to their eternal rest."

 

"As for the accusations against you - perhaps you should conduct your business in a more solemn, godly manner. I think perhaps people are unnerved by your giggly disposition. You ought to show a little empathy for the families of the bodies you bury. They are in mourning. The last thing they want is a giggling ghost cackling over their loved one's grave. Try to be solemn and dignified. I admire your joy, but it is best to keep your good mood in check while at work."

 

Stanton would listen to everything the lady would have to say, his breathing slow and steady, his hands calmly running along the brim of his hat that sat upon his lap. Once she had stopped, he would reply enjoyably.

 

"Yes, perhaps I should put on a more solemn expression whilst the family are mourning, seems fitting and you seem to be the only one who wishes to tell me so."

 

Chuckling a little at the thought, he sighs.

 

"Well, I best be going. The Salvian graves wont be cared for whilst I am away. Oh, that's a good thought, if the Orenian graves ever need some care then please contact me, I shall write my name and location down for you."

 

Quickly, he pulls a quill and paper from the brim of his hat and jots down a note, placing it on his seat.

 

'Stanton Egil, Salvus City.'

 

"I left the note upon the seat, have a wonderful day."

 

Stanton would simply slide out, adjust his attire and put his hat back atop his head, making long strides towards the road and leaves off into the distance.

[Space 2335]

A rugged voice comes from the other side.

 

"I'm a heathen. Everytime I see women, they come running. I can't keep up with it, to be perfectly honest. I have to figure out some alchemical remedy to keep me going, give me energy, or something. And the bastards! I can barely keep up with all the namedays; A pouch of minas for him, some liquor for her, just kill me now, gah!

 

Anyways, I have this ingrown toenail. Who is the Church's recommended physician?"

[Urahra 5776]

Captain Dredge enters the booth in his usual attire; Armor made of Elven bones and he still wears the skull of another Elf. 

 

"I nay think I am sinner!" he yells out inside the booth, obviously too dumb to really understand whats happening.

 

"I eat t'e enemy! I eat only t'e animals! T'e dagger eared folk! Do ye' consider t'is a sin? Can I still eat dagger ear wit' out sinnin'?"

 

He smiles widely like he has never done anything wrong.

 

"Eating other sentient beings is considered a sin, da. We are all children of the Creator. We cannot cannibalize each other like animals!"

 

"Cannibalism is considered a monstrous act by the Marked Men, I believe. You should seek them out for your punishment."

 

 

A rugged voice comes from the other side.

 

"I'm a heathen. Everytime I see women, they come running. I can't keep up with it, to be perfectly honest. I have to figure out some alchemical remedy to keep me going, give me energy, or something. And the bastards! I can barely keep up with all the namedays; A pouch of minas for him, some liquor for her, just kill me now, gah!

 

Anyways, I have this ingrown toenail. Who is the Church's recommended physician?"

 

"Ehhh... We have church chaplains who can tend to you, but... I think your sins are far greater than just an ingrown toenail."

 

"I can provide you with literature about the Canonist Faith, if you would like to convert?"

[Birdwhisperer 1174]

A young human woman enters the confessional quietly, she is nondescript and rather plainly dressed. "Sister... I am living with a man who is not my husband." She pauses with a sigh, then adds hastily, "Though we haven't... you know. Still, I don't know if he plans to ever get married at all."

[Destroyer_Bravo 1054]

"Wub yu dink ub snaak pie?"

[GodEmperorFlam 3447]

A figure trudges into the church and to the booth, heavy thuds echoing around the building. Clad in onyx armor, darkness itself seems to linger in his wake while shunning the light. A moment goes by before the creature takes a seat, helmet creaking as his gaze shifts to the divider.

 

"Greetings Sister, I have much to confess. Although... before I begin, I wish to bring up a concern of mine that I'd like to have addressed by one such as yourself."

 

The helmet dips to the side lightly, darkness swirling around the being as it seems to ponder how to phrase what to say. Eventually he utters out in his raspy, metallic voice, "I do not understand why people worship the Creator, who does not even speak to his followers. My mistress, the one whom I serve, constantly speaks to me and provides me with many boons..." He trails off before quickly adding on:

 

"Don't get me wrong, I do believe there is a Creator. Someone who stands above all Aengudaemons. But I do not believe He deserves the amount of devotion that humanity gives Him when he doesn't even care enough to communicate with you or other descendants."

[Jonificus 2741]

The sweet scent of lilacs and honey fills up the confessional booth as the fat merchant enters, as he sits down the seat creaks under his weight. After much consideration he finally utters in his soft, effeminate voice "Good eve, my friend.. Is it truly sinful to be lusting for wealth when you use the gold for good? The things I have done to achieve wealth makes me fear for my very soul. What say you, Sister?" The dark elf leans back, slipping his necklaces under his robes to hide his 'shame'.

[Gone 869]

Cheza wanders inside the church, her steps slow and hesitant as she examines everything her eyes fall across. The high elf rather obviously curious but at the same time tensed up as if ready to run at any sign. After a few moments she settles her gaze on the confession booth and she goes to slip inside. Only a light brush of fabric heard as she takes a seat. 

 

"I've read about this though I've never been in one before. Forgive me if I sound ignorant, I'm still learning of the Faith. I'm supposed to confess my sins, correct? But what if I'm not sure what exactly is a sin? I've committed adultery in the past. I've harmed others, even killed them. I had reasons for that. Always have had reasons and seen it as... My own personal justice. I know adultery is a sin but I do not feel that the rest should be. The ones I've harmed have done worse after all. Could you tell me what exactly makes an action a sin?"

[Urahra 5776]

 

A young human woman enters the confessional quietly, she is nondescript and rather plainly dressed. "Sister... I am living with a man who is not my husband." She pauses with a sigh, then adds hastily, "Though we haven't... you know. Still, I don't know if he plans to ever get married at all."

 

Lorina lets out a sigh. "Sadly, I understand your situation all too well, my child," she replies. "I think you must talk to your beau and clarify his intentions. You mustn't live in sin much longer, lest your soul be stained. In order to make things right, he must wed you. If he refuses to wed, then... it is your God-ordained duty to flee from him."

 

"Remember, my child - the world is full of men. Men far outnumber women in this land. If your beau will not wed you, do not be afraid to leave his side. You will find another man - one willing to unite with you in holy matrimony. One who is kind and godly and a far better partner. Do what is right, my child, and do not let yourself become tainted by an ungodly presence."

 

 

"Wub yu dink ub snaak pie?"

 

"Snack pie? I am not sure what that is. Well... gluttony is a terrible sin, but a piece of pie now and then never hurt anyone, da?"

 

 

"Greetings Sister, I have much to confess. Although... before I begin, I wish to bring up a concern of mine that I'd like to have addressed by one such as yourself."

 

 "I do not understand why people worship the Creator, who does not even speak to his followers. My mistress, the one whom I serve, constantly speaks to me and provides me with many boons..." He trails off before quickly adding on:

 

"Don't get me wrong, I do believe there is a Creator. Someone who stands above all Aengudaemons. But I do not believe He deserves the amount of devotion that humanity gives Him when he doesn't even care enough to communicate with you or other descendants."

 

"But the Creator does speak to us, my child. He delivered his Four Holy Scrolls to his Four Prophets. The Creator's scrolls told us everything we needed to know about the Canonist faith. My own grandfather, the Exalted Prophet St. Siegmund, received visions from the Creator. Our prophets and clerics regularly hear the Creator's voice and feel his touch. The Creator does not speak to everyone, though. He only bestows wisdom on those He deems worthy."

 

"As a nun, I hope to one day become worthy in the Creator's eyes, so that I may ascend to the Skies and experience His Holy Light for myself."

 

"We also feel the Creator's influence in more subtle ways. Once upon a time, I mounted an expedition out to the very edge of Athera. There, I gazed into the Void and felt the presence of the Creator. Our lives - as simple as they are - are blessings from the Creator. Somehow, against all odds, we were born on this small island amidst the great and perilous dark. We are the result of hundreds of tiny miracles. That, to me, proves that the Creator is real and that He is good."

 

"The Creator is quiet. He does not boast. He does not send booming proclamations from the Skies. He is simply Good. He allows us to live and flourish on this, His Creation. He nudges us in the right direction when we stray off the path. He protects our lives in so many tiny ways. I am alive today - not because of random luck - but because the Creator willed it. And thus I know I am blessed."

 

 

The sweet scent of lilacs and honey fills up the confessional booth as the fat merchant enters, as he sits down the seat creaks under his weight. After much consideration he finally utters in his soft, effeminate voice "Good eve, my friend.. Is it truly sinful to be lusting for wealth when you use the gold for good? The things I have done to achieve wealth makes me fear for my very soul. What say you, Sister?" The dark elf leans back, slipping his necklaces under his robes to hide his 'shame'.

 

"We nuns take a vow of poverty. We promise to hold no material wealth and give all that we have to the needy. Wealth is a tricky thing. It can be a great force for evil and a great force for good."

 

"I say - give the Lion's Share of your wealth to the needy. Buy homes for people who lack them. Give clothes to the naked and food to the hungry. You mustn't lock your wealth up inside of a vault. Spread it among the community. Use it to improve peoples' lives wherever you go. You have been blessed with a fortune. Now you must give it to those who are less blessed than you are."

 

 

"I've read about this though I've never been in one before. Forgive me if I sound ignorant, I'm still learning of the Faith. I'm supposed to confess my sins, correct? But what if I'm not sure what exactly is a sin? I've committed adultery in the past. I've harmed others, even killed them. I had reasons for that. Always have had reasons and seen it as... My own personal justice. I know adultery is a sin but I do not feel that the rest should be. The ones I've harmed have done worse after all. Could you tell me what exactly makes an action a sin?"

 

Lorina laughs softly. "That is a question for the ages, is it not? 'What is a sin?' When you sin, you profane the sacred laws of the Creator. You laugh in the face of God and deny his proclamations. You destroy what is sacred and pure. You profaned the Creator-ordained institution of marriage by lying outside of it. That is a sin."

 

"Murder is a sin because, my child, you do not have the authority to end another's life. Life - all life - is sacred. All life is touched by the Creator. Life is a miracle created by His hand. Now, others may disagree with me on this. Some see killing as a necessary evil. A wicked sin, da, but an inescapable one. But you must ask this question - why are you killing?"

 

"Is it for your own selfish desires? Or is it for the good of all people?"

 

"A murder can be justified if the victim is a monster, a sinner. If the murder would save the lives of the Faithful. That is true Justice. Yet even then, killing is a terrible burden and a stain on the soul. But killing on a whim - ending a sacred life for your own selfish gain - is the blackest and most wicked of sins."

 

"People come to me with many questions, but I think - in truth - they know the answers already for themselves. You ask me, 'is killing a sin?' But you are asking me because you have doubts. You say you do not regret your actions, but - on some level - you do. You would not be here in my confession booth if you did not."

[Jonificus 2741]

 

"We nuns take a vow of poverty. We promise to hold no material wealth and give all that we have to the needy. Wealth is a tricky thing. It can be a great force for evil and a great force for good."

 

"I say - give the Lion's Share of your wealth to the needy. Buy homes for people who lack them. Give clothes to the naked and food to the hungry. You mustn't lock your wealth up inside of a vault. Spread it among the community. Use it to improve peoples' lives wherever you go. You have been blessed with a fortune. Now you must give it to those who are less blessed than you are."

 

 

Mithius sighs in relief, folding his hands together "Thank you so much for your time, sister, I will heed your advice after we have reached new shores.. Expect generous donations to the church and the construction of a poorhouse, my friend!" He rises from his seat and bids the nun farewell.