Dominic, Clergy of Light At first, Dominic had assumed the raven belonged to the legendary raven queen of the north, but this one seemed odd, not just its all white form, but its mannerisms. It didn't fly with the other ravens, but seemed more fixed on the clergyman. While in Orchidia, Dominic took note of it, but wasn't invested in it until after an hour of traversing the streets. He had noticed whenever he saw it perched, it was always perched towards the direct of the Deep Green forest in the same direction. "Can I help you with something, friend?" he finally asked it. The only reply he would get was the raven turning its body to face the direction of the Deep Green. Dominic wanted to dismiss this as simply a coincidence, but something within him told him this was something more, something important. If the raven wanted to lead him somewhere, it may be a long trip. So he decided to entertain this idea and packed up his bag with food and water before leaving the city, and as he had guessed the raven led the way. |
The Judgement Tarot: Dominic Luzero
Today at 1:54 pm
┏━━✦❘༻༺❘✦━━┓
Dominic, Priest of Light
With the light as my guide, I banish darkness and offer sanctuary.
┗━━✦❘༻༺❘✦━━┛
Today at 2:01 pm
Dominic, Clergy of Light Dominic was right to back well, for the raven had led him through the Deep Green for two days. If it weren't for the fact that the white raven had been consistent and leading him in the same direction ever since they left the city, he would have turned back and given up on this assumed quest, whatever it may be. The clergyman and the raven continued their journey, mostly silent, the only times either of them made a sound was when the raven would prompt Dominic awake or to continue walking or when Dominic prayed for clarity, guidance and protection; though at times, he would speak tot he bird though not expected any reply. Trouble came in the form of clustering gray clouds above. When the rain began to fall, Dominic wanted to pull to a stop and look for nearby shelter, but the white raven was insistent to continue; hearing the cries of the bird, the clergyman followed, wondering if there was some form of trouble in which needed his help, so though he was reluctant, he couldn't dismiss the possibility of someone who may be in need. He pulled up his cowl and continued the journey. It wouldn't be long in that same afternoon that they came upon an abandoned cathedral hidden away within this forest. |
┏━━✦❘༻༺❘✦━━┓
Dominic, Priest of Light
With the light as my guide, I banish darkness and offer sanctuary.
┗━━✦❘༻༺❘✦━━┛
Today at 2:26 pm
Dominic, Clergy of Light The rain was heavy at this point, so it was difficult to spot the cathedral initially until Dominic and the white raven burst through the foliage and arrived int he clearing where the building structure stood. The clergyman was in awe as he inspected the architecture, mostly dark gray and some areas looked black, possibly due to the lighting. Statues of angelic beings and gargoyles were displayed throughout, in alcoves and on spires and other perches. The call of the raven drew him from his awe and Dominic rushed over to the arch where the main doubledoor entry was. They were finally free from the rain. The man pulled his cowl down to examine the large doors before him. The white raven perched onto his shoulder, the first moment they were this close. "Ready to enter, friend?" Dominic smiled, finding comfort in this situation, though such places are expected to be treated as a sanctuary from trouble, even from the rain. Whatever was inside, the raven wanted him to see, so he would push onto the doors and, though with a bit of a struggle, were opened. The doors echoed their opening as Dominic entered. The little bit of light from the outside shined in to reveal the lobby area, empty entirely, even the alcoves were empty. Barely walking two steps in, the doors were suddenly closed, the bang echoed throughout the cathedral, lastly for several seconds. Dominic stared at the doors, no one other than him and the raven on his shoulder were there, and yet the doors moved by themselves. He wondered if it was some kind of magic that still remained after the abandonment of the cathedral, but there were hints in the design of the structure and the many vines and plants that crept along the walls that showed this cathedral was centuries old and centuries abandoned. The raven flew on, bypassing open arches and vanished into the darkness pass. Dominic nodded, entirely confused, having doubt that there was anyone alive here, but he felt he was still needed in some way, so he followed where the white raven went. He whispered a prayer and a ball of light appeared in his open hand, giving his a better visual of his surrounding. |
┏━━✦❘༻༺❘✦━━┓
Dominic, Priest of Light
With the light as my guide, I banish darkness and offer sanctuary.
┗━━✦❘༻༺❘✦━━┛
Today at 2:47 pm
Dominic, Clergy of Light Once Dominic entered through the arches, he found himself in the naval. The interior was almost as large as the Kardia cathedral in Magnolia. The ceiling, the walls, the pews and even the altar were covered in vines. The sound of the clergyman's steps against the stone floors echoed as he continued down the center aisle, looking for the white raven. He would suddenly come to a stop when he managed to spot the white raven perched on top of a statue. What was odd to him was that his light wasn't strong enough to reveal the bird or the statue, but he could see it just fine, as if there was another light source shining, but the stained glass windows were covered by the many plants and vines. Dominic came to a halt when he reached the crossing, close enough to see the large statue that stood in the apse behind the altar. He wondered what the statue was of, maybe a depiction of Illumin, which was odd since no holy text he knew of ever had a specific description. Then he began to hear the faint sound of hymns being sung. At first he thought it was his imagination, but as he looked about, he noticed the vines and foliage were gone. "Speak your name" the voice was feminine and masculine, sounding as if two voices were speaking, they echoed throughout the naval but sounded as close as a whisper. "Dominic Luzero" he answered, though with respect and no threat in his voice, he gave a slight bow but kept his head up so as to keep his wits about him so he wouldn't be taken by surprise in case this was an attack. “Dominic Luzero… The light you bear flickers with resolve and doubt alike. You tread a path of radiance, yet shadows cling to every step.” “You stand within the heart of judgment—a place where light illuminates every truth and darkness obscures none. Here, all masks fall, and every soul is weighed without mercy or favor.” “Do you seek to prove your worth, priest of light? To embrace the burden of judgment and the balance it demands? If so, know that the trial ahead will strip you bare of pretenses. Light and shadow both will be your judges.” Dominic was surprised to see that the candles all about the cathedral had slowly lit, providing sight of all within, including the statue... no... the being that stood before him. It was large and with two faces, facing two separate directions. Light began to grow from it and spread to it's back, producing wings that seem to decorate the wall behind it. The clergyman thought for a moment, surprise and fear filled him, he tried to speak, not sure what to say. "Fear not, for all is in your choices" It spoke again, and this time Dominic felt peace beginning to wash over him. |
┏━━✦❘༻༺❘✦━━┓
Dominic, Priest of Light
With the light as my guide, I banish darkness and offer sanctuary.
┗━━✦❘༻༺❘✦━━┛
Today at 3:02 pm
Dominic, Clergy of Light Was he worthy enough to even accept any burden of judgment, to handle balance? Ever since he learned of the separation of faith of his mother and grandmother, he had tried to learn what he could of both their practices, to try to find common ground between them, to find balance. This was why he learned and sought to practice of both, so if he could find peace between both sides, then his mother and grandmother could find peace between both of them; so he understand balance, he sought balance, but judgment? Who was he to judge? In his life, he had to make decisions that was best for him and for his father when he became of age. The church had guide and made decisions so he could follow a path that was already shown, but... this new path that he set out on, to search for this balance between the two faiths... he needed to start making his own decisions and judgment calls, because there was no one left to teach him of the other faith... ever since his grandmother passed. "I accept, and shall go through the trial" Dominic said humbly but with determination. He looked up to the double faces that loomed down, looking upon him. He wondered if this was an angel of Illumin, if so... this would be his first ever encounter with one. "Very well, priest of light" the being says before moving one of its arms and gesturing to a mirror that appears in the sanctuary. A light shines down from above and bathes the mirror. Dominic understands and walks up the steps and enters the sanctuary. He would look into the mirror to see a younger version of himself. The reflection was worried, breathing heavily with his head down, his own shadow was stretching along the wall behind him to try and envelope him as he began to panic. |
┏━━✦❘༻༺❘✦━━┓
Dominic, Priest of Light
With the light as my guide, I banish darkness and offer sanctuary.
┗━━✦❘༻༺❘✦━━┛
Today at 3:12 pm
Dominic, Clergy of Light Dominic didn't understand outright, but the feeling was familiar. This was when he was a teenager, but it carried over to his twenties. He had self-doubt for a long time, always hesitating, always fearful. His own mistakes weighed heavy on him. "I always second-guessed myself, but I eventually realized the wrongs I've done and the things that make me... me... are part of myself like my shadow" he then smiled warmly as he thought back to a dream he had of a witch who spoke to him, telling him something he wouldn't understand until years later, "I would look at the shadow for so long, I didn't realize that the shadow became more detailed because of the light behind him, and when I looked, I realized the light was my accomplishments" at that moment, the reflect changed and he saw himself older, wearing vestments, but slightly different, it seemed to be an alteration and he seemed happy. “Your shadow will always walk with you. Yet it is the light you nurture within that shapes its form. Remember this truth, Dominic Luzero, for greater trials await.” As the words faded, the light from the mirror flared brilliantly, washing over Dominic and filling him with warmth. The first trial had been passed—not through denial of his darkness, but through acceptance of his journey, scars and all. |
┏━━✦❘༻༺❘✦━━┓
Dominic, Priest of Light
With the light as my guide, I banish darkness and offer sanctuary.
┗━━✦❘༻༺❘✦━━┛
Today at 3:32 pm
Dominic, Clergy of Light The light from the first trial fades, and Dominic finds himself in a different chamber of the cathedral. The room is vast, with high ceilings and ornate carvings on the walls that depict scenes of justice, mercy, and retribution. At the center of the chamber is a grand, stone dais. Around it, spectral figures begin to appear. The Two-Faced Being reappears, standing at the edge of the dais, though its form is smaller, though still towering over the clergyman. “Priest of Light, you are called to judge. Before you are souls and shadows, embodiments of past deeds and the echoes of humanity’s strife. Each asks for a judgment—a balance of mercy and retribution. Show us what you have learned.” The dial turns and presents a man about his age, tattered cloths, his head hanging. Dominic, without hearing an explanation, knew somehow this man was a thief, but stole for the sake of feeding his starving family. As the man looks up, his eyes were filled with desperation. Dominic looked down at him and thought, his heart weighed as he contemplated the action and his decision. "...He'll work for what he had stolen... the labor would be complete and the family will be fed from what he worked for. The act was out of desperation, but not entirely selfish, such actions can be forgiven if work is done for both sides to find peace." As Dominic said this, the specter of the desperate thief smiles humbly before fading. The dial turns and before him now stands a knight, heavily armored and standing at attention. The knight had betrayed his oath to protect the innocent for personal gain, many had died and suffered for the sake of money and personal status. Anger was about to fill Dominic, but he sighed and calmed it, making sure he wouldn't allow his personal feelings to make his decisions so easily. He looked up on the face of the knight who held his helmet under his arm; he looked stern, but a hint of regret was in his eyes. This took longer for the clergyman. |
┏━━✦❘༻༺❘✦━━┓
Dominic, Priest of Light
With the light as my guide, I banish darkness and offer sanctuary.
┗━━✦❘༻༺❘✦━━┛
Today at 3:45 pm
Dominic, Clergy of Light "You have caused many deaths and linger pains for nothing more than personal gain and satisfaction, but though there is regret in your eyes and the hope of redemption, you shall be stripped of your rank, of your honor, and be sentenced; you can find your redemption behind bars, and if you serve your sentence in full, you can seek your redemption through the families you have hurt, maybe one day you can get the favor of the people again... but never again shall you carry such an honor you lost" Dominic was more stern in his tone. The knight met his eyes, anger stirred before the knight faded away in black smoke. Watching it fade put a weight on Dominic but he nodded, understanding that such actions were heavy, so a heavy sentence needed to be made, the only thing he questioned was whether or not a chance for redemption was right. The dial turned again and the last specter was a child barely in her teen years. She had potential, unlocking powerful magic at such an early age, but the magic was wild and it caused harm, injury several and killing one. Her eyes were wet from crying and her body exhausted from fear. Dominic looked down at her and saw the pain in her eyes, "This magic is innate and wild, she is too young to know how to use such power and couldn't control it... she will get a pardon and be sent to find a mentor who can teach her how to control such magic" After saying that he gave the girl a warm smile and she returned it with one of her own before she faded as well. |
┏━━✦❘༻༺❘✦━━┓
Dominic, Priest of Light
With the light as my guide, I banish darkness and offer sanctuary.
┗━━✦❘༻༺❘✦━━┛
Today at 4:14 pm
Dominic, Clergy of Light The chamber vanishes, and in the next instant, Dominic opens his eyes to find himself in a circular chamber. In the center is a pillar with three alcoves carved into it. Though the two faced being isn't present, its voice echoes close by. "You have done well to reach this point, Dominic Luzero. But know this—the final trial is unlike any other you have faced. Here, you will confront the deepest truths of your soul. This trial is not of strength or judgment, but of sacrifice." The being's dual-toned voice echoes through the chamber, both commanding and ethereal. "Step forward, priest, and behold what lies ahead. This is where paths are forged, where the light you embody must shine brightest amidst the darkness of doubt." "To move forward, you must place yourself within the heart of sacrifice. What will you surrender, Dominic, to protect and guide the world you hold dear? Choose wisely, for this trial will test not only your resolve but the very core of who you are." Dominic took a deep breath before moving up to the first alcove. In an instant, the alcove was no longer empty but filled by ... him. He was confused at first, but realized this version of him was older, tired, worn, and battered. This would be him if he continued on this path. He thought back to the previous trials and nodded, he knew that things in life will be tough, but he had become stronger along the years, if he was sure to continued, he would sacrifice some happiness, but he was sure he'll gain happiness with peace that he aimed for. He nodded and the older Dominic vanished into fireflies. The clergyman walked around the pillar to find another alcove, this time was filled with an old friend, however he was fully armored as if ready for battle. His eyes showed resolve, but also sadness. Would he risk sacrificing a friend to complete the mission? This was hard, for he never wants to ever see a friend harmed, but he knew too well that there were times he would need to fight... and those times he may need a friend that help pull him through. Dominic's hand reached out and grasped his friend's shoulder and smiled at him warmly. His friend would smile back before fading into fireflies. Before he walked to the third alcove, he could see a radiant light protruding from where the third alcove was coming from. He wondered if it was the sun that was shining through, but as he approached it, he realized it was but another angelic figure, brilliant with holy light, wings golden and a body heavenly. It extended a hand, offering something within its hand to Dominic. There was nothing in its hand, but... he felt there was indeed something there and he knew this... was its power. For a moment, he thought about it, if he obtained this power, he would be able to handle everything himself, he wouldn't have to risk anyone lives, he would be able to shape the church how he needed it and he... would be able to bring his mother and grandmother together. But such things would cause him to be placed on a high pedestal, a seat of power, all will look up to him but... he didn't want that. He wanted peace, he wanted justice, he wanted the right things. If there was power, then it shall be provided to those who can wield it properly, and he didn't believe he needed to be in that seat, he didn't need anyone looking up to him, he was more comfortable sitting in the back of the crowd where he can help people without shining a light too bright. Dominic shook his head and the angelic figure nodded before fading away. |
┏━━✦❘༻༺❘✦━━┓
Dominic, Priest of Light
With the light as my guide, I banish darkness and offer sanctuary.
┗━━✦❘༻༺❘✦━━┛
Permissions in this forum:
You cannot reply to topics in this forum