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High-functioning Marshmallow
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 Posted: Fri May 13, 2011 6:03 pm
She wanted to be.. taught? About the Goddess? That was surprising.. It was normally him learning from others rather than someone asking him. The only people practicing the religion had been doing so for years before he even started on it, while anyone else either came just as tourists or practitioners of another religion coming to use the church as a substitute. It wasn't awkward, though. He had taught plenty of freshman the ropes of some sports in high school, which made this more of a welcome idea than anything. His shock wore away to eagerness in no time, “Cool! Sure, yeah, I can teach you. What do you want to know? The Goddess? Uh, follow me, I'll get the book.” He added with a wave of his hand to motion her to come, heading off to a door directly behind where he was facing. A second or so standing there going through his robes and he produced a rather old looking keyring with perhaps two or three oversized keys.
He took up a brass one and glanced over at the woman while he slipped it into the lock, “Big, right? It's like that to, uh, fit the Goddess's hands or.. something. She's big, so she needs a big key – that's what it sounds like, anyway..” He ended in a mutter as he turned back to the door after hearing a 'click'. He wasn't sure if he should trust that little bit of information, but, well, it sounded right? Either that or the people who made the church had big hands..
The room beyond the door was rather small – in fact, it seemed to be more of a hall than an actual room.. Which it probably was, to be honest. A set of stairs inside the 'study' lead up to the actual room he slept in and was supposed to do his work in, but when he tried to get a desk into the room it just wouldn't fit. The original builders of the damned church really were screwed up – one large door leading into a small hall, a narrow set of stairs, going to an even small door. Seriously, the hell? But, he had learned to shrug it off seasons ago. The point was that the desk ended up staying in the hallway, along with some pens, scrap paper, his books, and a couple of photos he kept of family and friends. Just the usual desk. He stepped inside carefully and moved over to it, opening a drawer or two in search of the right notebook while he let Milinda wait, wherever she chose to stand.
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Posted: Sat May 14, 2011 12:23 pm
_____________Relieved to hear that he would teach her the island's ways she smiled gratefully. Of course she wished to know about the goddess. Not only that, but what the people do to celebrate her being as well. He waved for her to follow him to get whatever book he was talking about. In her head, she imagine a very large book that would take two hands, even if it wasn't realistic. Coming up behind him, he pulled out a few rather enormous keys. Her eyebrows rose in astonishment and bewilderment on why they were so big. The man said that they needed to be big because the goddess herself was big too. Staring at the size still, she could only imagine how big this feminine entity was.
After he opened the door, she followed him into a smaller room. It made her feel a little claustrophobic but she would manage. Mindy wandered over to a messy desk to find papers all over it, books, and pictures of people she didn't know. Are they his family? The man began pulling out drawers searching for something and she stood off to the side out of the way.
"Are you the keeper here?"
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High-functioning Marshmallow
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Posted: Mon May 16, 2011 2:24 am
“Uh.. I'm the priest? I kind of run this place – sorta. I mean, they still had this place before a priest, so I guess I don't really run it as much as the followers do, but.. uh, I clean it and.. other stuff.” He put his eyes back onto the book as he carried on, setting that one down to get to the third and, probably, the one he was looking for, “Like.. listen to confessions, uh, funeral stuff, wash the shrines.. and lead mass. Usual priest stuff.” He snapped the book shut, satisfied to know that it was the one to contain most of the legends about the goddess, the others were more dedicated to either the rituals involved or the individual fairies. He did take the other two just in case she had more questions as he headed back out to the main part of the church, speaking as he walked. “Oh – uh, I'm Jacob? Waldroup, Jacob Waldroup.. You don't have to give me a name, I just thought, you know, you should probably know..” He drifted off with an awkward frown as he slowly came to take a seat at one of the front benches, waiting for her to either take a seat next to him or just stand wherever – he wasn't going to force her either way.
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Posted: Fri May 20, 2011 8:00 pm
_____________He had pulled out black leather books unto the desk she stood by and was ever so curious as to what was inside these books. He then rummaged about to find a pair of what looked like reading glasses. The guy seemed so young, too young to be wearing reading glasses. She had to remember that not everyone grew up with perfect eye sight. This should be obvious for her being a nurse. When he placed them on his face, she smiled thinking about how charming he looked in them. Mindy's previous thoughts were now completely erased. She watched him quietly as he flipped through the book he had brought up onto the desk. He looked so professional when he did these things, and it fascinated her. That's when he looked up to answer her silly question about him being the keeper. Her eyes widened momentarily but then went to normal when she laughed nervously about her mistake.
"I apologize, father. I didn't realize. You just look so young. I envy you," she joked.
He did take care of the place, at least she was right about that. he finished his researching and closed the book he was last reading. The priest began moving again without warning causing Mindy to snap out of her thoughts and rush after him. He then introduced himself as they were leaving the back of the church to enter the main structure again. Father Waldroup. . That's an interesting name.
"I'm Mindy Romane. It's nice to meet you father Waldroup. I'm glad I found you so quickly. I could use a little guidance every now and then," she said with a half smile, not enjoying the images of the past that flashed through her head.
She walked over to the pew where he sat down and seated herself next to him, ready to be schooled on the island's religion.
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High-functioning Marshmallow
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Posted: Sat May 28, 2011 1:37 pm
He held a fist up to his mouth and cleared his throat, tensing all throughout that explanation. He supposed he should just start.. He looked down at the book he had in his lap, glancing over the notes briefly before he started to read off, “Uh, so, in the beginning, there was the world and.. there were lands outside of here, the island was only just a scrap – you know, leftover. Nothing on it, just dirt, sand, heat.. Anyway, the creator of the other lands was the Harvest King, who the Harvest Goddess was married to, who worked as the.. reaper, and other things. The King started chasing after a human and, the Goddess, out of jealousy, hid her from him here, on the island.” He flipped a page and went on slowly, but more so because he was busying himself trying to phrase the little notes, words, and occasional scribbled picture into a more story format. “Nirvani, the girl, obviously died since the island didn't have the things she needed to live and the King forgot about her, but, one day, the Goddess found Nirvani's soul and.. decided to bring her back to the island. I don't know, she either wanted to apologize to her or hide her from her husband, maybe both, but that's what happened. The soul gave life to the island.. or the Goddess did in her memory, it sounds like everyone goes for one or the other there.
“The Goddess couldn't manage the island on her own.. or she was busy dealing with the Harvest King, since she apparently wasn't telling him, but, either way, she made the Fairies to help watch the people. They were made in this order..” He stopped again to flip through a few pages, frowning slowly as he couldn't find the page he was – oh! There it was. A series of elements and arrows pointing from one to the next going down a page caught his attention and he began to read off to her, “The Lightning Fairy, the Wind Fairy, the twins – Earth and Wood, the Fire Fairy, the Ice Fairy, the Water Fairy, the Dream Fairy, and the Metal Fairy. They all have their own names, but no one seems to be settled on it, so we just call them by their duties. But,” He smiled slightly again as he flipped back to where he was previous, “You wanted to know about the Goddess, right? It gets kind of.. varied here. Everyone has their own idea of what went on next, you know, but the most popular one is that the Harvest King found out about her island affair and tried to destroy it with a hurricane. The Goddess grew sad with her husband's anger and sunk into the ocean, where the people couldn't reach her. When the people started to lose faith and leave, she became angry and left the work to her fairies so she could sleep or hide.. something along those lines.”
He shut the book and looked at Milinda, “And that's all I've got on her. It's really just the popular opinions kind of.. mashed together, but..” It sounded about right. To him, at any rate. It was better than nothing, right? He let out a breath, tired of talking so much – he didn't even say this much during a sermon. ..Yeah, Jacob's sermons were pretty short, but most had just come to bring offerings and pray on those days, so it wasn't like anyone cared for him to extend what he said.
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Posted: Mon May 30, 2011 2:50 pm
_____________She hadn't known that the island was struck by a hurricane and caused many of the residents to leave. She hoped that this event wouldn't happen while she lived on the island. Sure it would be could to watch the storm but if it was as bad as the priest makes it sound, then there was no telling had bad it could be. Mindy was a little sad that the original documents of the religious practices there were destroyed but at least there was something to go off of. She listened with full attention as he told her the story of the island, the fairy's, and the harvest god and goddess. It was very interesting how these beings and the island came to be. Mindy felt pity for the human girl who had to suffer for the selfish king and the jealous-driven goddess. It must have been harsh to go through such punishment. The goddess sounded like a tough love kind of entity. Though she had a reason for her ways. . At least she still gave back to those who worshiped her. That was kind. When Jacob had closed the book and looked at her she snapped out of her thoughts and blinked a few times to look at him.
"That's a very interesting tale. .By the looks of it, you don't tell it often. Sorry to make you so out of breath," she said and smiled sheepishly. "I wonder if Nirvani's body is still somewhere on the island. ."
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Posted: Wed Jun 01, 2011 3:03 pm
Reed had lost hope on his tour once he realized that the stop at said general store was just another a place for him to meet another woman. Though he really didn't care anymore and was just following Turner around without question. Why should he let it bother him? The guy was in a way just being nice. Plus it wasn't bad, meeting a bunch of single girls. Yet still, Reed had wished to now meet to many more. No offense to Turner or the ladies, Reed just didn't have much free time for romance. Barley had any for friends and family. Though that being said, it was nice to have the day to relax and walk around town. No matter what he thought or said, he knew that he was having a good time. Way better than still being cramped up in the house at least. Just thinking about finishing unpacking sent a shiver down his spine.
The next stop for the two men was the church. A place that to this day still didn't sit well with Reed. It's not like his family was overly religious or anything like that. It's just he wasn't the kind of man the would be found in such a place. Plus he had Erika out of wedlock. The church probably wouldn't want anything to do with him or her. But, that was mostly just Reed's speculation. He knew that the church here wouldn't be that closed minded. Though he still just wanted an excuse not to go. He was far from a spiritual man after all. When they arrived at the church Reed stood to the side a bite. He waited for Turner to enter first, probably due to a little nervousness.
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Posted: Fri Jun 03, 2011 4:41 pm
 But the church certainly was the mot important place of all the island! Where else would one come to pray the Goddess? Where else woudl one get married? On the beach? NEVER. Weddings had to be held at the church in front of the giant statue of the Goddess... Of course, almost no one was ever there on days other than Sundays or special holidays or actual wedding, but it was okay. It was still a good place as any to show Reed and, if his sense were good, he had smelled Ellie a single woman being at the church. Perfect for Reed!
As he stepped into the church, he noticed Milinda and Jacob a bit further, standing close to the alter. "And this be Church. Are ya'll aware of 'em local tradition, Reed? We folks 'ere pays to the Harvest Goddess. She's the one bringing us 'em food after all." He told his touring buddy but a nod of the head. He wondered what fairy would take Reed under her wing (literally). If he was to take a guess... The Metal or the Ice one... but he wasn't a seer, he couldn't be sure. Only 'em fairies and Goddess could know for sure under who one was sorted. "Oh! Look! There's people! Let's say Hi. I'll introduce you to our Priest. He's not much older than you, ya know? Actually... you might be older than him..." How old was Jacob anyway? Oh, like he cared to know.
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Zemblanity Insomnia Captain
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High-functioning Marshmallow
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Posted: Fri Jun 03, 2011 8:19 pm
..Ah, Turner. “Hey, Turner..” He greeted with a nod at the man before he started to approach, the church being quiet enough for his voice to travel. He looked to the newcomer curiously. Most foreigners didn't show much interest in the church, but.. knowing Turner, he probably was dragging the guy around with him. He could be known to be pretty pushy and it was hard to say no to someone as honest as him. Almost annoyingly so, but.. the Goddess enjoyed pure natures like that. “Who's this?”
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Posted: Sat Jun 04, 2011 12:46 pm
_____________She turned around when there was a disturbance in the silent atmosphere. There coming into the church now were two men sight seeing she assumed. The louder one of the two said that he would introduce the other to the priest. Milinda looked over to Jacob to see how he was reacting to this. Though it seems he knew the tour guide. Tuner. . and the other was Reed. Yes, I think that's what Turner called him. He has a funny accent. What is with this island and all the different dialects. She continued to stand by Priest Jacob's side in silence.
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Posted: Sun Jun 05, 2011 3:03 pm
When Reed entered the building it didn't take him long to scan the place. Harvest Goddess... He remembered being told about that. He kind of liked the idea of a local belief. It was... Quaint. And when his eyes reached the two people inside of the Church, Reed scanned them carefully as well. The priest really did look young. The man's image of one was always some white haired guy with a beard in a white robe. That, or a guy with a smile that no person in their right mind could trust. However, this guy was neither. And the young girl next to him... Well he already new. His next acquaintance Turner had found. When the priest addressed him, Reed put on his smiled and moved one hand into his pocked while the other lifted up for a slight wave. "The names Reed, I just moved in" He introduced himself as he took a couple of steps more into the building. He whistled as he looked around, "This is a pretty looking place."
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Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2011 7:49 pm
Just look at him! Already loving the church! Ah, a fine man indeed! Turner was rather happy that Reed had already taken a liking in the Nirvani church. With some luck, he would soon forget the foolishness people thought in the city. Jesus? Mohammad? Buddha? Seriously? Those people really believed in all that? Ah! As if he a hippy and a fat man could do miracles. A Goddess with Fairies was much more logical, and, well, true! He had seen them, after all. "I'm showing 'em newcomer around the town. Poor lad, had no clue where everything was! And didn't knew anybody either! The shame, really. Like my mama always said, you ain't going far in life if ya don't know which one's the sheep and which one's the goat." He let out a little laugh. Oh, mama, always up for joke! That woman could have been a standup comedian if she hadn't already wished them all to hell.
The farmer turned his head in the direction of the only woman currently in the church. He had seen her around town now and then, but he could swear on his turnips that this was the first time he had seen her inside the church. But who knows, maybe she was just too busy on Sunday to attend Mass and was coming on other days. He knew better than to judge people! "And ya'll be Miss Romane from the Clinic, am I right? I ought to go to the clinic on of 'em days, but as ya'll can see, I'm as healthy as an ox! Hey! Why don't ya give ol' Reed 'ere a quick checkup, making sure he didn't brought any weirdness form the mainland?" Who knows, maybe Reed would just happened to like playing doctor~
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Zemblanity Insomnia Captain
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Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2011 4:05 pm
_____________The guy then confirmed that his name was Reed and then continued to explore the church's interior decorations. He let out a whistle from how fascinated he was at the inside. She liked that he appreciated art. So Turner was his guide around the town, how kind of him. The guy with the strange accent then looked in her direction. She jumped a smiled as nice as she could to seem more pleasant than she normally was.
"Yes, I'm a nurse at the clinic. Glad to see you're health is in tact. I'm sure your friend Reed is in no need a of check-up. He looks fine to me. Although," she paused and looked at Reed. "If you ever do feel funny, there are really nice people at the clinic who would be happy to take care of you. Including myself."
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Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2011 5:00 pm
“Jacob. ..Father Waldroup, if you want, but, just Jacob works too.” He greeted before going on, “Yeah, cool what people can do for Her.” He glanced at the stained glass windows, the statue of the deity herself, and just the church all around. For a small island waaay back when, this was a feat he couldn't help but admire, even without any real knowledge on architecture and stuff like that. He put his attention onto Turner next while Milinda spoke to the newcomer, “Well, I don't see why – NO.” Had he heard Milinda declining the check up? Not at all, hence the mass of confusion, panic, and fear at the idea of the guy getting a check up right there. What did a check up involve?! He didn't know! Nudity? Oh, Goddess, he wouldn't handle that! He swallowed harshly and waved his held up hands slightly in further emphasize, “No. No, u-uh, sorry, you should.. go to the clinic for that.. Goddess.. probably.. wouldn't like it..” His tone lowered in volume slowly as he went on in a mumble, another swallow, and he cleared his throat. “Y-yeah..”
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High-functioning Marshmallow
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Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2011 7:35 am
Oh Turner... Once again trying to bring another girl into Reed's life. However, Reed just put a smile on and replied casually. "Don't worry Father Waldroup," He began as he saw the priest become flustered, "My companion here is just joking after all." Who would actually strip down and get 'examined' at a church? Well I guess some people like that kind of play. Yet, the idea just felt weird. Though maybe it was weird that he was actually thinking about such things in a church? Well when you got Reed started on that topic, it was hard for him to pry his mind from it. But, after his comment to the father he turned to the woman to continue his chat. "And thanks for the kind offer miss," He told her as he stopped his couple of steps and turned back to the exit of the church. No need to make himself to comfortable here. Maybe it was the idea of a doctor that made Reed face the door just then. He never really like hospitals or getting check ups, "However I'm as healthy as could be, so I don't think about seeing me to often."
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