Raelee on Fash'lo'nae

 

(Raelee separates herself from the crowd, taking a position before the large bronze statue.)

Raelee leans against her polished lor staff, gazing thoughtfully at her surroundings.

Raelee nods.

Raelee says, "Fash'lo'nae. The Grandfather."

Raelee glances at a bronze statue.

Raelee says, "He is the Arkati that claims magic, libraries, and 'forbidden' knowledge as his domains. However, these are labels given by the lesser races of this world. As most of his followers will understand, no knowledge is forbidden. There is nothing we we should not strive to learn. This is, perhaps, the primary tenent of his following."

Raelee says, "As the purpose of this festival is to discuss methods of worship in an open forum, and as my time to speak with you is limited, I will not dwell for long on the history of Fash'lo'nae. If you wish to know more, you may seek it at the library or perhaps we might speak... later."

Raelee says, "In brief, Fash'lo'nae is often thought to be the eldest of all the Arkati - even older than Koar himself. So often, the dwellers of Lornon are labelled as 'dark' or 'evil'. This is not what binds Fash'lo'nae to this moon, for it would be difficult to label one who simply wants to learn as evil. It is a strong loyalty to Eorgina and a shared philosophy that causes him to reside on the 'darker' moon."

Raelee slowly says, "Like Eorgina, Fash'lo'nae recognizes that we on Elanthia are the lesser races. They aspire to their own greatness - not to aid us in our own. We are their tools, not their children to foster. It was a mandate of Eorgina's that stated that the Arkati should strive to be as great as the greatest creatures of Elanthia - the Drakes. This is a something that Fash'lo'nae believes in as well."

Raelee says, "As a follower of Fash'lo'nae's philosophy, we too strive to be greater beings. At this time, seeking the level of the Drakes is clearly... impractical. Nevertheless, we can look beyond ourselves to the Arkati as a model to emulate. We can model our philosophies and our lives after Fash'lo'nae. This is why we learn."

Raelee breathes in slightly.

Raelee carefully says, "After listening to the thoughts offered by others through the duration of this festival, I am reminded that nearly all followings of the various Arkati are subject to a number of misconceptions."

Raelee clears her throat.

Raelee slowly says, "For this... I will be clear."

Raelee slowly says, "The philosophy of Fash'lo'nae is knowledge only for the sake of knowledge."

Raelee says, "We do not study for the purpose of accumulating power, wealth, titles, fame... It is a selfish philosophy, but the only personal gain we seek is the means and ability to learn even more."

Raelee says, "One might call this a contradiction. I have spoken already of striving for greatness - not to simply be learned. However, in the model of greatness we aspire to... knowledge is the great divider."

Raelee glances around the area.

Raelee clearly says, "What we know, what we understand... this is what separates us from those beneath us and those above us. To know is to be great."

Raelee says, "Understanding this, we must live every moment of our lives asking the question, 'What can I learn from this?'."

Raelee says, "And..."

Raelee slowly asks, "How can I learn more?"

Raelee says, "Some will kneel before altars in temples or gardens such as this. They will offer prayers and tokens with the hope that a small bit of 'divine' knowledge might be imparted to them. These people often learn little. This is not the way of Fash'lo'nae's philosophy."

(Raelee's mouth curls up slightly at the corners.)

Raelee says, "It is the way of... disappointment."

Raelee says, "We study. We observe. We experiment. And, we take everything we learn and build a base to learn even more. To do this we must often make sacrifices."

Raelee says, "Our sacrifices are not to be made on altars, however. Our sacrifices are of ourselves. We must recognize that trifle pleasures and distracting attachments must often be forsaken. For there is nothing more important than our work and study."

(Raelee raps her staff on the ground once, punctuating her sentence.)

Raelee ponders.

Raelee says, "Many label this way of life as hazardous to others. But, do not think the strict following of this philosophy breeds carelessness or reckless behavior. We must be most careful."

Raelee glances around the area.

Raelee says, "I am sure many of you are already preparing to challenge this."

Raelee says, "You will ask... 'And what of everyone else? What of those who fall in your way?'."

Raelee says, "For this I will simply say... To keep in mind that knowledge is not inherently dangerous. It is the application of knowledge that causes disaster."

Raelee says, "We are not here to... damage the world. We seek to only to understand it."

Raelee says, "With my death, there is little else for me to learn. Carelessness wastes resources. Carelessness creates unreliable results from our experiments. I am sure you all understand my meaning."

Raelee asks, "Correct?"

Raelee glances around the area.

Raelee nods.

Raelee says, "To continue, then."

Raelee says, "It is often said that a prayer to Fash'lo'nae is lengthy debate - an exercise of the mind. Open ceremonies and rituals are uncommon. The 'worship' is rarely open. I know of several small altars dedicated to him within the empire. Many are hidden away within the great schools or libraries. However, they are largely quiet and undisturbed."

Raelee says, "A gathering of his followers often takes the form of a lecture, a debate, an experiment, or an exploration. Not often is it a prayer service."

Raelee breathes in slightly.

Raelee slowly says, "What is important is the philosophy and the way of life - not the religion. Everything we do is to learn. Above all else, this must be understood."