Welcome to Gaia! ::

*Ippi took his hand, and waited for him to lead her inside. Her eyes darted about, taking in the awesome scenery, and wondering how people could dislike Kumori. It had to be one of the most beautiful places in Gaia...though the residents were not always so beautiful of spirit.*

*The Eastern Mysticism was so different from her own upbringing in the west. Of course, the power she felt here was akin to power that she had harnessed before in her golems, and now she was given a grand idea* Chen...where does this power I feel come from? *she smiled sweetly, in case he was not normally allowed to divulge this information.*

*She smiled* Well, I was wondering if the source of the energy is present here. I would like to harness it for use in a puppet of mine. Oh, I guess I didn't really tell you what I do. I am an alchemist by nature, specializing in animation. *she twirled a strand of her hair around her finger* I make golems, dolls, and the like. I have several of mine stored around the Avalana. *She looked into his eyes* This power is enough to create a very powerful puppet...don't think of me as too ambitious, but if you could help me...*she winked* I would very much appreciate it, and your deeds would have their own rewards. *Smiling again, she stepped closer to him*

*She smiled* Thank you, Chen...I don't know how to thank you. Of course, I guess you could finish the tour for me...*she clasped his hand, and smiled at him*

*She ahhed in academic intake, and smiled at him.* This religion is so fascinating...The power behind it must be strong to hold so many in its thrall. Who is this mysterious goddess? *she gave him a look of great inquisitiveness, as if she desired to know the answer more than anything*

Hmmm...I guess in Avalana we aren't really exposed to the intense spirituality of the east. But, isn't that why we are separate countries? Somethings just don't affect every place. *She shrugged* What a magnificent power it is, though. I should like to study her, along with the other gods of the east. Anyway, what else is there to see and do in the temple?

*She smiled, and then plopped down on a nearby bench.* Well, I was born in Wigmund, which is in the far west of Avalana. We aren't nearly as religious and mystical as you in the East are. What religion we have is very political, and faith isn't as strong. We are a strong, united people though, for even amongst our different countries and towns, we are fairly close knit. We have our share of warlords, but nothing has really harmed the relationships between the rival countries. I guess to say the least, we were fairly peaceful. I only left for a change of pace, seeing as my dad was too depressed to think straight, and I wanted to strike out on my own with my golems. But, I found friends, and that made it so much easier...*she cleared her throat and smiled* Anything else you want to know?

Well, the nobility and royals often use their powerful standings in the church to influence the people using the concept of the will of an Elemental Spirit. Of course, not everyone is fooled, but...*she stopped abruptly, took a breath, and then continued* Well, basically, they flaunt their power in every way possible it seems. This is not true of the entire country, though. *She smiled* My area was fairly rural and secluded, and thus not touched by their hand as much.