| Logs |
2010 May 02
| When The Bough Breaks |
| Realms |
Retired
| Reality Fault |
General Info
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| Realms: Bough Logs |
Sixth Movement, Qin's Song, Part Two
Brother Ricci smiles quietly to Shan Ji, inclining his head. "Thank you, Lady Ji. On a more pleasant topic... is there anything either of you require this day for your studies or the work you are doing? I do know that Captain Esteban is quite curious as to what improvements you are making the design of his father's sextant, Lord Tsao."
Norris steeples his fingers. After the courtesy that Ricci has shown them, he does not want to be unduly rude, even if what he says is the truth. "It's a fascinating piece of work, his hand-held sextant. But it would work far better with the more efficient materials that my smiths can produce. I am excited with the idea of bringing my refinements that I have worked long and hard on from my larger device to this smaller one, however." He adds, "I have my associates working on the necessary materials as we speak. I should be able to provide a prototype in the next few days, a finished project before the end of the week. These things cannot be rushed, you understand."
That weird sort of double-memory happens again. They do not know a Captain Esteban; and yet here in Qin, they do know him. Captain Emilio Esteban y Cardanza la Mancha is the captain of the merchant ship which most recently brought a great many supplies to the Observatory from Europe, including European star-charts and almanacs which are being compared to Qin charts, with the various mathematicians pouring over, not the similarities or omissions, but the discrepancies between the two, to better understand the shape of the world.
Captain Esteban is lean and wiry where Ricci is stout, and while he is not the wisest person in the Middle Kingdom, he does know this and has staffed the officer billets of his ship with intelligent, capable professionals who are highly skilled in their fields. He is also quite enamored with Qin, and makes this journey as often as he is able to. He loaned Lord Tsao his father's sextant when he had heard that the Qin astronomical instruments were very different from those of Europe.
Ricci beams and nods. "Of course, of course. Please, I said it not to imply Captain Esteban is impatient; on the contrary, if he has an excess of an emotion regarding it, it is curiosity."
Norris smiles grimly. "It was not my intent to give offense, Honoroed Ricci. I have merely noticed a..." He thinks how to put this delicately. "Some westerners have a more concerted interest in speed rather that efficiency. Moreover, delicacy was especially important in this: I know the item is of value beyond it's usefulness, and would not have wanted to ruin it, taking it apart, and divining how it worked."
Ricci notes hastily that he has no idea at all as to if Captain Esteban has someone in particular in mind whom he would like to court, only that Captain Esteban is studying one of the more common Qin languages like a final-forms university student, and learning as much as he can of proper customs... or at least those espoused in such works as Sanguo Yanyi."
Lady Shan gracefully leans a hip against her old friend's wooden worktable, her hands tucked neatly into her sleeves as she watches and listens. She is a lady as well as a scholar, of course: her gleaming dark hair is pulled back into a smooth, perfect cap with several delicate flower decorations hanging from the pins which hold the bun at the back of her head. She has not bothered to wear makeup on this day, although she does have her fragile little ivory fan. Her elegant embroidered silk quipao hangs down to her toes, and her elevated shoes -- which make a light, pleasant clopping noise when she walks -- make her look taller than she actually is. She laughs lightly at Tsao Ling's comments, murmuring with a smile, "The honorable Esteban has never visited the library, so we were not sure how he would react, honored Ricci."
Ricci smiles wryly. "Indeed. All of Europe seems to be in a mad rush to go... nowhere. The pace here, however, is far more... how to say... humane. Have no worries; I am sure Captain Esteban is more than appreciative of your efforts. IN fact, if you are not careful he will try to give you a few casks of Portugese spirits." His smile becomes a confidential grin. "I cannot speak on their quality, mind you." He smiles to Lady Shan. "He has not, and to be honest I doubt he shall. He takes his pleasure in the endless beauty nature has in your lands."
Mikal raises an amused eyebrow at the priest, flicking her fan open and glancing at him over it, "He misses half of the beauty of the Emperor's lands, then, if he ignores our cities and people!"
Norris does not comment at the words Ricci uses: he is sure the brother means nothing untoward. But he would be blind to not notice the looks that the Captain has been giving his partner. "I will consider myself...forewarned." he assures. He has had a taste of western alcohol...so much stronger than a decent rice wine! The flavor hits you over the head!
Brother Ricci does not try to draw the two scholars' attention from their work; he is very good at remaining out of the way. His usual duties involve tending the paper collections, which people in his order have done quite well over the centuries. But it is not long before Kai lifts up his head abruotly, peering out the doorway. A moment later, Ji and Tsao can hear it as well: The sound of European voices in conversation, in one of their languages, coming down the path within the walls of the Observatory.
Lady Shan glances up from where she is peacefully perusing scrolls, trying to find more information for her companion. She murmurs quietly, [Kai-dear, how do they sound? Arrogant, haughty, peaceful, supplicative, something else?]
Norris also does not look up from his work: he is measuring with his fine instruments, preparing himself for the work that will come once the bronze components are smelted.
Kai is lifting himself onto his feet, stretching out after the long late morning nap he had after his exhausting early morning nap. [I do not know. There are perhaps two or three voices but the sound... the sort of 'peaceful' we have heard Brother Ricci when he is in the middle of a very heated but polite debate with one of his bretheren, when neither is trying to press home their point but will not raise their voices. ... I do not know what they are saying. I know that I can normally speak Italian and Latin in any number of incarnations, so I recognize what they are saying; but right now I can't tell a word of what they speak.]
Mikal nods thoughtfully at Kai's comment, murmuring aloud, "Thank you, Kai." She glances towards her human companion, then smiles and says nothing -- she can see he is busy. She steps lightly towards the edge of one rack of scrolls and tomes, peering curiously around it to see who comes.
It is a minute later that there is a sharp intake of breath from one of the other aisles, and Brother Ricci weaves his way through them to the foyer area. "It's him," he murmurs. "I do not hear his voice but it must be him."
Norris still does not look up...he will finish this part of his work. No haste, remember, even in the face of worrysome events and peoples. "Calm, Honored Ricci. Whatever comes, we will face it together." he assures.
Lady Shan smiles serenely at the priest, bowing politely in agreement with her companion's words, "We await with eagerness." To Kai she adds ruefully, [Ge-ge, is it just me, or is our European friend here extremely anxious?]
Kai's muzzle scrunches up. ["Anxious" does not describe him adequately. One would think it was an ogre coming rather than one of his 'Dogs of God' as he calls them.]
Ricci lets out a breath, nodding. "'Eagerness,' yes...."
Lady Shan covers her lower face with one sleeve as she giggles at Kai's comment. Her eyes twinkle at the priest for a moment before she smiles and goes back to her reading, patiently waiting for the politely arguing individuals to arrive.
Shortly, then, the voices come before the door. Jut before they do, however, in the door stands a shadow seemingly of fuligin black. The three Christians who followed behind and where speaking so eagerly, appear immediately after, their voices fading away as they notice the lead figure is just standing there in the doorway.
He is not tall, but rather a bit above average for most Europeans. His black robes -- showing him to be a Dominican, or a 'blackfriar' -- do not reveal any sort of the well-fed weight of Brother Ricci. Instead, from the way the robe and scapular hang from his figure, he is lean and wiry. The hood is up, shadowing his face but beneath can be seen the weather-lined face of one who has had little shelter from the elements, and a neatly-trimmed beard. Behind him, is a Jesuit whom Jie and Tsao recognize as Brother Ricci's superior; an altogether more pleasant-seeming Benedictine (a 'brownfriar'); and another somewhat dour Dominican.
Tsao feels the eyes of these strangers on him, and he finally finishes his work, putting his tools aside and coming to stand with Lady Shan, folding his hands into his robes.
Lady Shan looks up from her scroll and meets the eyes of the lead Dominican. Her gaze is steady, and after a heartbeat she smiles faintly, murmuring quietly to Kai, [I fear, ge-ge, we may have here a fox borrowing the tiger's might.] She uses the ancient euphemism for someone who is a bully due to powerful connections.
Her smooth, calm face shows nothing of her thoughts, however; she simply murmurs politely, "Honorable Ricci, would you introduce us, please?"
She glances for an instant at Tsao Ling, and he (who knows her so well) can see the slightest hint of a roll of the eyes, before she turns back to the newcomers. Already the young scholar is not impressed.
Ricci clears his throat. "Ah, Fratello Jorge. Il Dio de con voi."
Jorge's eyes do not flick over to the Jesuit; instead they move slowly to the rotund Jesuit. "Ed anche con voi, Fratello Ricci." His voice is quiet and -- seemingly -- polite, or at least without inflection. When he speaks again it is in the Qin dialect of the Guanhua or Mandarins. "And also to your companions as well. Lady Jie and Lord Tsao, I believe. Have you eaten this day?"
Ricci nods a little. "Certes. Lady Shan, Lord Tsao... Brother Jorge Gui of the Dominican Order of Preachers. Brother Jorge... Lady Shan Ji and Lord Tsao Ling, of the Observatory of the Emperor Shi Huangdi."
Ling's mouth purses evenly in response - he knows that Shan is outspoken, far more than he. And westerners are unobservant, as a whole. Still, it is dangerous to allow one's thoughts to show overmuch on one's face, and he merely keeps his a polite mask.
Lady Shan bows courteously, murmuring to the Dominican, "Indeed, we have; many thanks, honored sir. And yourself?" She's faintly astonished at the man's shocking informality -- he's addressing them by their given names... upon first meeting them?!
Ling bows formally, intoning ritual greeting to this man, and letting Ji respond to the query as he carefully studies these three men. No women among them. How unsurprising.
The young woman isn't impressed with the introduction either, truth be told. How can a random follower of some strange, barbaric foreign god outrank scholars of the Heavenly Kingdom?
When she straightens, Lady Shan simply eyes the priests flatly. Her hands are tucked into her sleeves and she simply waits patiently. To Kai she murmurs, [Hmf. I surely annoyed someone or other in a past life, didn't I.]
Jorge seems to not take notice of the social slight Ricci committed against him, in introducing him to the two Qin scholars. Instead he simply inclines his head. "I have, thank you, Lady Shan." He looks around, and in the same inflection-less voice, he says, "Brother Ricci and his... Jesuit bretheren have been exceedingly complimentary of those scholars who work within the walls of the Observatory. What disciplines, if I may ask, do you both study here?"
Mikal is faintly relieved Ricci's careful introduction has persuaded the strange priest to use her correct name. She's a bit shocked again, however, at how abrupt he is. She answers politely regardless, "For myself, I am a student of the classics." There is only the faintest hint of emphasis as she adds the required courtesy, "And how is your family?"
Ling was going to ignore the Jesuit's ignorance, seeing that the barbarian was clearly going to get right to the point, and figuring that if he played Jorge's game, they might rid themselves of him faster. But Ji beats him to the punch, and corrects him. He finds himself wondering then...was she right to do so? Was he wrong, to eschew tradition just to placate this potentially troublesome man?
Jorge pauses for a moment. "Ah. Of course. Do forgive me." He manages to sound uncontrite; then again, with the strange lack of inflection in his voice, it's a wonder he's getting the tonals to the Qin language correct. "I have not seen my blood family since I was raised in the monastery of Corscia. That being said, my brothers in Christ seem to be doing quite well here in Qin." He looks moderately pointedly at Ricci, who manages to refuse to wither under that mild gaze.
Lady Shan nods politely, "I am glad to hear that." She waves one hand gracefully to include herself, Tsao, and Kai as she adds, "Our family is the Emperor's court. He does quite well indeed. So, how may we assist you?"
Ling is relieved that the difficulty passes without too much incident. He prepares potential responses in his mind, ever the prepared, trained mind, to the questions Jorge might ask.
Jorge says, "We have some understanding, then. I am here, as Brother Ricci no doubt told you, to see what I shall be telling the Holy Father when I return to Rome, with regards to how the Church should regard the religions of Qin. As I am sure he also told you, there is... a difference of opinion, in the... veneration of the ancestors. I am simply gauging the views of... the esteemed colleagues of our brothers in the Society of Jesus."
Ling's head tilts. "By what gauge does one measure belief and respect, Honored Jorge?" he queries, curious. "Or perhaps, I should be clearer: which gauge do you use?"
Lady Shan's face remains calm, but internally she frowns thoughtfully. The strange new barbarian priest looks and sounds familiar... but she can't quite place him. She murmurs to Kai, [Ge-ge, where have we met this individual previously? Do you recognize his scent, or is he from a previous life?]
Kai has been watching Jorge closely throughout this entire time. Ling's question does divert Jorge's attention, enough for Kai to blink and his nose to twitch. [I... I don't know. His scent is... I'm not sure. I think you are right, though: This is not the first time we have met him.]
Jorge says to Ling, "By 'gauge' I am seeking simply to determine how those who work with our Jesuit bretheren view Our Father, and the sacrifice of His Son for our sins."
Lady Shan quietly thanks Kai, then murmurs, "It would be exceedingly incorrect to comment on the religious beliefs of another, surely?"
Jorge turns to Shan for a moment, before replying, "Of course it would. Which is why I am asking many of those who work in the Observatory directly, rather than asking the Jesuits who work with them."
Lady Shan studies the Dominican silently, wondering if he realizes what an oafish peasant he is making himself out to be.
Ling inclines his head. "We have a great respect for those who have come to do good works with us, come with a reciprocity of sharing knowledge. Brother Ricci especially is an esteemed collegue, and we have been honored by what he has shared with us of his wisdom."
Jorge's brows rise. "Of course. Brother Ricci's works as a Jesuit were never in question. And it is certainly a noble trait to respect those who do good works. 'Tramite i loro impianti li conoscerete.'" Some part of their minds -- a part that knows Italian -- recognizes that phrase as, 'By their works shall you know them.' "Brother Ricci and his bretheren in the Society... are always everywhere, doing such works. The Pope has often praised the activities of the Jesuits."
Lady Shan tilts her head and smiles, her voice gentle, "Will you teach us, please, honored priest? What are your works? What do you study?"
Ling's eyes do no move, but he relaxes a fraction. Clever tactic. He approves.
Jorge's gaze levels on Shan's, and for the first time he smiles strangely. "The Order of Preachers are simply that: We preach the good works of the Lord Jesus Christ, and salvation in his name through the Church." It is said by rote, though, almost as if he is testing the waters.
The young Chinese woman nods politely, clearly waiting for him to continue.
Jorge inclines his head. "By the Christ's works we learn how to live; by the Church's guidance, the faithful are shown the way to salvation, and shown how to avoid the pitfalls and moral traps laid for us to divert us from that way."
Lady Shan nods and smiles, listening attentively -- although she can't help but wonder when the priest will answer her second question... if ever.
Jorge pauses, his brows arching ever so slightly. "Did Brother Ricci teach you none of the Church, or of why he is here?" he asks mildly.
Lady Shan murmurs serenely, "He has been most enlightening, indeed! But we were speaking of your works and study, not his."
Ling nods in agreement. "It is as wise men have said: by nature men are similar, by practice, they are wide apart." At Jorge's fresh query, though, he looks confused. "Of course. We cannot do the work we were meant to, if we cannot converse honestly and share freely of ourselves. We have talked much, on every subject under the sun."
Jorge's smile widens a little. "Ah. I see. I have been in the service of the Church of over thirty years. For the first few years of that time I lived a simple, monastic life -- much as the monks of your land do as well, I believe. Then by my own works, the writings and meditations upon the Holy Word, I came to the attention of the archdiocese of Tuscany, and I preached the Word of Jesus Christ to the peoples of Italia. From there, fifteen years ago, my God-given skills with languages brought me to the attention of those within the Vatican who were sending missions to the East, and I have preached the Gospel of the Lord and the eminence of the Church from Constantinople to... well, to here, all along the Silk Road." He looks inquiringly to Shan. "Was there more you wished to know?"
Lady Shan shakes her head, smiling. "Quite impressive, honored priest. If we may ask, what enlightenments have you most recently received?" She's watching the Dominican carefully, wracking her brains to try and figure out where she's seen him before. It can't have been in this lifetime... but if not, then which?
She wonders faintly also why none of the other priests are speaking. Is this one so overwhelming to them, then?
Ling makes a noise that he hopes is properly indicative of respect for this man's...sacrifice? Yes, sacrifice, that is what it must be, to be so devoted to only one mode of thought, and no others. "You do..." Your god? Your church? "....yourself credit for such thorough dilligence, honored Jorge."
Jorge inclines his head in gratitude for the... almost... compliment from Ling. "The credit, of course, goes to the Lord my God, who has seen fit to move me to do his bidding." To Shan he smiles a little. "We of the Church do not receive... enlightenment... as you call them. We are always and constantly moved by the Holy Spirit in our works and thoughts and deeds. So you see, our works are themselves in veneration and praise of the Lord."
The young Chinese woman nods politely again, wondering if this narrow and self-important man is going to leave soon. Still, propriety must be observed, even amongst barbarians. "Sheh-sheh, honored monk. Would you care for some tea?"
Jorge shakes his head, as if taking the hint. "No, thank you. I must depart soon for Rome, you see. Before I depart, I do have a question, if I may...."
Ling looks thoughtful. He was going to ask another question, but when Jorge seems to be wrapping things up, he instead remains silent, carefully, attentively listening.
Jorge takes in a breath, then says, with what sounds like surprising frankness, "I am afraid that I am long past the age where this style of verbal fencing was my forte. I can no longer chase the point through rhetorical forests as one would chase a... well, a rabbit. You have heard of the debate going on, regarding the nature of your peoples' veneration of your ancestors. The Jesuits say these rituals are civic, much as the peoples of Europe would give honor to their kings. Is it so? or are they religious functions, a part of your faith?"
Lady Shan goes quite still -- this is not the first time she's heard someone say 'rabbit' in that tone of voice. In fact, it is the juxtaposition of him saying 'rabbit,' and being a priest, that shakes her to the core -- she is nastily reminded of at least one incident where she is certain she has met this individual previously: in ancient Uruk, when he incited the priests of Anu to insanity, trying to goad them into killing the priestesses and other adepts of Inanna. She wonders in sudden horror: has the Desert God also set some of his minions roaming through time?
Mikal draws a slow breath, forcing herself to retain her calm exterior -- then she tilts her head curiously, murmuring, "Honored monk, do you separate your veneration of your deity from the rest of your life? Is not the living of life itself a means of worship -- as in, by their works you shall know them?"
Ling turns this over in his mind, trying to understand how to answer. "There has been much discussion made on this topic, honored Jorge, and part of the problem is that this exchange between your people and ours has been a most fascinating learning experience, because our people are different. I would not dishonor Brother Ricci and claim his words are not so. But does not the holy text say 'honor thy father and mother' as one of the rules honored Moses brought to the people? Does the fact that it has come from the Lord make your own veneration of your ancestors religious? We have been following that tenant far longer than we have learned of the Lord: does that mean our veneration of our ancestors is not religious? It is a difficult thing to separate out, is it not?"
If Jorge noticed anything that Mikal had revealed in her pause -- which is unlikely -- he does not show it. "An interesting thesis," he says. "To that my answer is, no, I do not separate the veneration of my God from my life." In the doorway, the Jesuit and the Benedictine exchange a meaningful and worried look.
Lady Shan smiles faintly as she adds, "And yet we can live without the Emperor. Not as well, true... but we could."
Jorge strokes his beard a little. "So that I understand you... you are saying that the veneration of the Emperor and your ancestors is both religious and civic... and yet you can live without doing so, making it an act of respect but not one which is required for continuance?"
Lady Shan sighs faintly, and murmurs, "I believe my esteemed colleague put it best?"
Jorge continues stroking his beard. "Fascinating," he murmurs. "Yes, quite fascinating indeed." He inclines his head. "I must go now. But I do wish to thank you both for the very... stimulating and engaging conversation."
Ling purses his lips. "We wish to live in harmony with you, honored Jorge, and with the Lord. If we continue to do as we have done, then does it not seem like it is also the Lord's will that we do so, as he has bid you do the same? You make over much of this: this does not seem a point over which we should break faith."
Lady Shan nods politely, relieved to see him leave. She wants to talk to Ling about her realization -- and her worry.
Jorge pauses in departing at Ling's words. "Ah! I have oft heard such an argument... but I fear it must wait for the nonce. Perhaps someday I shall return to Qin, and I would gladly speak with you on just such a point. However, for the time being you have already given me much to think on. Lady Shan, Lord Tsao... a very good day to you."
Jorge and his coterie -- who have been silent witnesses throughout this -- take their polite leave, and Brother Ricci is all polite if cool smiles and words until Jorge is well out of sight and hearing. Then he scowls, rubbing his forhead. "If I did not think it would be a sin of wrath to hurl invective after invective upon his name...." he shakes his head, turning, and bowing a little. "Speaking for those of us in the Society who enjoy continuing to work with you here... I thank you. He is a mean and rude and devious person, but speaking as you did in front of the others will, I think, have great weight in the coming debate, and will help to convince Rome that there is naught the Church need fear in the rites and rituals you observe."
Lady Shan looks at Ricci almost with pity for a moment... then she simply says, "A tyrant's government is more fearsome than tigers. He will do what he chooses. Know, please, you are welcome here when his actions bear bitter fruit."
She adds wryly to Tsao, "He seems the type to add eyes to a painted dragon!" which she knows is a polite euphemism for having bad ideas.
Ling shakes his head at his comrade. "It mystifies me, honestly, that the subject is even brought up. Though I took care to not rub it in his face, the question itself seems ludicrous on it's face. I have read the writings Ricci gave us: his own text would seem to answer the very question he put to us."
Ling then turns and looks at Shan. "When? Not if, my friend?" he queries, worried. And yet knowing that she has reason to worry.
Mikal takes a deep breath, then says quietly to her companion, "When. Kai and I have seen him before."
Her voice is even more quiet as she adds, "In Uruk, goading a riot against Inanna's followers."
Ling blinks. "You think, then, that he is not as satisfied with our words as you..." he trails off, when Mikal speaks so bluntly.
Ricci sighs, his shoudlers slumping. "Yes. He will. But the Benedictine and the Dominican he brought with him will testify to what you have said; his work in convincing the Church to declare those ritals as anathema and pagan will be all the harder." He attempts to put on a brave face. "I am not concerned for my own safety; I am a Jesuit, there is only so much a Domini Cane can do to me. The truth is, Lady Shan, I enjoy working with you and the other scholars of Qin."
He looks to Ling. "The subject is not one of faith so much as one of hierarchy. The Church teaches that one cannot get to Heaven outside the Church. It infuriates and baffles the cardinals when there are those who stand outside the Church. It is a question that can strongly change how the Church deals with its misson here in Qin." He gathers up his robes. "Please do excuse me, though. There are some things I need to attend to before midday meal. Good day to you both, Lady Shen, Lord Tsao."
Norris is so taken aback, that he cannot manage a proper ritual farewell, only mumbling something that sounds cursiorily like a goodbye.
Lady Shan nods politely to the priest, "Boundless longevity upon you, honored Ricci."
She watches him leave, then turns to Ling, adding heatedly, "That Dominican dog of the Desert King cares nothing for our words -- he seeks only to destroy every faith but his own! But that is not what most worries me. What I would very much like to know is how he comes to be here! Are we not the only travelers through time this way?"
Ling knows not what to say...he does not have a corresponding memory of his own of this one. "How would he know? who would have told? And even if he knew, how would he stop us? Surely if we were killed, we would be reborn on the wheel. What does he hope to accomplish? And have we succeeded putting him off our trail, at least?"
Ji shakes her head frustratedly, "I do not know if he knows us consciously, but by the way he said 'rabbit' I fear he recognized me. I do not know how he'd know, and it is not a case of telling -- again, it would be a case of recognition." Angrily she adds, "He stops us by destroying all faiths but his own -- don't you see? If none are worshiped but the Desert King and his White Christ, then that is what the mortals remember and know -- and create in their lives and dreams!"
She sighs unhappily as she adds, "I suspect only his death here in this life would keep him from causing a furor in his precious Rome. That, or the Emperor casting out all the Europeans..." She looks up at Tsao, her face almost miserable as she adds, "And though it grieves me to say it, I have heard rumors the Emperor is too weak to do so!" She mutters bitterly, "They have gunpowder in their weapons. I begin to wonder: would we do best to attempt to battle the Desert King's slaves in these life dreams as well?"
Ling looks uphappy. "Can we? Dare we? in this time, in this place, as we are? Can we affect time's flow?"
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