12th Ashan, 721
"Good to see you back, Bao" Stan offered with a smile, seeing the Cadouri back just a short while after he had first arrived. Since then Bao had made quick visits but the two had scarcely had time to talk. As much as it wasn't a daily thing for Bao to do, he ensured a visit to the Temple at least once every three trials, just for a quick and quiet prayer to the Immortals. Stood under the doorframe and admiring the beautiful glasswork that gave the temple its name, Bao smiled to the Tunawa and nodded.
Aside from his own home, Bao had never felt so comfortable in a place. Everywhere in Scalvoris had treated him kindly, but this was something much different. It was a place that felt familiar, almost. Praying had never been something Bao went without, even praying to Saoire when he had been living in her domain. It was just a way of showing gratitude for the world he was given. Combine that feeling and the beauty of the place and Bao had somewhere he felt truly at home. Somewhere he could relax and be grateful all at once - and receive advice when he needed it.
Walking with the Tunawa towards the area for prayer, Bao looked over to him quizzically. "I wanted to ask, about the Immortals you told me about. May I?" he asked, not wanting to take up too much of the Tunawa's time. Once they found a place to sit, however, Stan simply nodded. "Of course, what questions do you have? I'll do my best to answer them, at least to the extent of my knowledge."
After a moment of thought, Bao explained himself. "Ziell and Ashan, both caught my attention. I wanted to know how I should go about praying to them" he admitted, giving a small pause as he looked aside to the praying area. "When I typically pray, it's to all the Immortals. I think of Saoire first and foremost, before just praying to them all. But Freedom and Peace are what I want more than anything, so I want to give them both more than that. I just don't really know how."
Sincere as always, Stan smiled and placed a hand on Bao's arm. "My friend, there is no right way to pray. You must do what you think is right. If I tell you how to, then it's not you, it's me. But if you think of an offering or a way of prayer that will cater to those immortals - then do so. That way it comes from here" he smiled, pointing to the fur that covered his heart, Bao smiling with a small laugh. It all made sense to him, that he had to come up with his own prayer to show the Immortals his appreciation. It was, after all, a way of showing his own gratitude. It had to come from him, otherwise, it wouldn't be special.
"Then I have one more question, about what the Immortals represent. I know Freedom and Spirits for Ashan, Peace and Winter for Ziell. But are there others?" he asked with a raised eyebrow. As Stan went to answer, however, there was a small shout from across the temple. "Stan! There's a leak again, the same spot. Water is drippin' all over the place where people are prayin'."
With a small nod to Bao, who understood and followed, Stan came over to the man and looked up as consistent droplets fell through the ceiling and onto the floor. The Tunawa sighed with a look of disappointment, glancing to another priest across the room. "Go and fetch the builders for us lad, please? We need to get this hole fixed up quick" he explained, the young man agreeing and jogging out the front door with some haste. Bao glanced up at the huge ceiling.
"I can go and see where the leak is" he offered, Stan looking over to him. "I was a Red Panda. Well, I am a Red Panda but...a regular one. We used to build little dens for ourselves, and climb trees. Maybe I can go up there and find the hole, and even fill it in if you want" Bao offered, Stan turning to face him as the stranger stepped aside to let the two talk.
"As much as I appreciate the offer, you'd need to climb the ladder, and there is still a small chunk to climb if someone of our size is to reach it. What would you fill it in with once you were up there?" he asked, placing a hand on the Cadouri's arm. Bao thought for a moment. "We used sticks and mud, so I could try that!" he exclaimed, Stan chuckling a little as he pat the Cadouri on the arm, ensuring he didn't upset him when he declined the offer.
"As grateful as I am, sticks and mud may be a bad idea" he started, looking to Bao. "But if you'd be willing to climb, and you'd be safe doing it, I can get someone to bring the ladder and you can take a look. If you fall, we'll catch you, but I don't want you taking risks unless you are willing to Bao. Sometimes, it's alright to leave the hard tasks to someone else" he smiled, sincere and grateful that the Cadouri had even offered. Bao smiled, not upset that he couldn't fix the hole but glad he could even help to begin with.
Quietly, Bao placed a hand on Stan's own arm, almost repeating how Stan behaved. As much as he didn't know it himself, Stan was influencing him in the best way. A small man, smaller than even Bao, who made a big impact and dealt with a big world in a way that nobody else Bao had met could do. It was amazing. It was everything Bao wanted to be. Compassionate and caring to a world that, while far bigger than him, needed people to take care of it from time to time.
"I'd be more than happy to" he smiled to the Tunawa. A few trills later Stan went to a visitor, asking if they would go and get a ladder from the backroom. Sure enough, they arrived just a bit or two later with a ladder in hand, long and wooden. If Bao had been human the ladder would have certainly let him see the crack closer, but because of his shorter height, he would need a little more than that. Once he was up there he could see about getting a clearer view, though he would make sure not to take too many risks.
Already forgetting the conversation they had been having, Bao took a step onto the ladder. As he climbed up slowly, step by step, Stan had a strong Biqaj that was nearby hold the ladder tight, making sure it didn't fall over at any point and hurt Bao. As he climbed up Bao glanced down, already feeling the height start to kick in. Compared to most, however, Bao could handle heights. Being the animal that he was meant he had seen many heights before becoming a Cadouri, it was just a little different now.
At around halfway up Bao took a small pause, clutching onto the ladder tightly. What was a normal step for most was harder for him, having to use his upper body to climb the ladder a little easier and make his way up. At the bottom of the ladder the Biqaj turned to Stan, looking concerned as he had been watching Bao. "He doesn't have to do this, I can climb up there much easier. It looks like a hard climb for the poor guy" the man said quietly, not wanting Bao to hear. Stan, not once averting his gaze from Bao, simply smiled at the concern.
"Because this is his climb to make, and he's in no danger. I assure you of that" the Tunawa smiled, watching as Bao climbed each step of the ladder one by one, stopping for a few moments after every two or three climbs. Eventually, without any dangerous falls, Bao made it to the last few steps. Underneath him was a human woman that had offered to help, waiting to catch him should he fall. As he glanced down he realized how high up he was, not sure whether to laugh or frown at the sight. On one hand, he was up a dangerous height for his size. But on the other, he had just made a big climb and had someone waiting to catch him - just in case. While Stan was just a small speck to him now, Bao could almost feel the smile that he received from the priest.
Glancing up, Bao could begin to see the cracks. As he reached up for the final step of the ladder he pulled, arms somewhat sore from the climb and heart racing. Yet he did it. As he stood up tall at the top of the ladder, the Red Panda glanced at the stained glass from an angle he never imagined he would see it at. It was beautiful, beyond beautiful. But what he saw wasn't just the stained glass. It was a reflection. In the blue-tinted part of the artwork was a red panda, standing atop a ladder, reflected into the glass.
So he smiled, before looking up at the crack.
"I can see it well enough, I don't think I should climb higher" Bao shouted down. From what he could see the crack was hardly big at all, nothing dangerous or risky. Just a small hole that water could seep through. Stan said something out of Bao's earshot to the Biqaj at the bottom of the ladder, who then shouted up to Bao. "Alright, perfect. Come on down when you're ready buddy, we'll get you down nice and easy" he called. Bao nodded and took this opportunity to look around the place from above, one last time.
Once he had taken in all the beauty, and given one final look to the Red Panda in the reflection, Bao decided to climb down slowly and carefully. Coming down was far easier than going up had been. Each step Bao took he was careful not to lose his footing, occasionally missing his step. Fortunately, his arms held onto the ladder step above, making sure he never fell through. When he was just two steps up and his arms were starting to ache a lot, the Cadouri hopped the few steps and landed on the ground, giving a small little role onto his side and chuckling.
Stan, glancing to the Biqaj man now with a smile as if he knew what would happen, came over to the Red Panda and placed a hand on his arm, sitting beside him. "When the builders come, if you wish, we can ask if they'll help you back up so you can show them where the crack is and save them a bit of time. I'm sure they'd appreciate that" he nodded, knowing the builders didn't need Bao's help but wanting to encourage the young man to help anyway. Besides, the Tunawa knew it would make Bao happy to feel helpful when they arrived.
"I'd really like that" Bao laughed, letting all the adrenaline fade from his system as he lay on his back and smiled up at the ceiling.
Aside from his own home, Bao had never felt so comfortable in a place. Everywhere in Scalvoris had treated him kindly, but this was something much different. It was a place that felt familiar, almost. Praying had never been something Bao went without, even praying to Saoire when he had been living in her domain. It was just a way of showing gratitude for the world he was given. Combine that feeling and the beauty of the place and Bao had somewhere he felt truly at home. Somewhere he could relax and be grateful all at once - and receive advice when he needed it.
Walking with the Tunawa towards the area for prayer, Bao looked over to him quizzically. "I wanted to ask, about the Immortals you told me about. May I?" he asked, not wanting to take up too much of the Tunawa's time. Once they found a place to sit, however, Stan simply nodded. "Of course, what questions do you have? I'll do my best to answer them, at least to the extent of my knowledge."
After a moment of thought, Bao explained himself. "Ziell and Ashan, both caught my attention. I wanted to know how I should go about praying to them" he admitted, giving a small pause as he looked aside to the praying area. "When I typically pray, it's to all the Immortals. I think of Saoire first and foremost, before just praying to them all. But Freedom and Peace are what I want more than anything, so I want to give them both more than that. I just don't really know how."
Sincere as always, Stan smiled and placed a hand on Bao's arm. "My friend, there is no right way to pray. You must do what you think is right. If I tell you how to, then it's not you, it's me. But if you think of an offering or a way of prayer that will cater to those immortals - then do so. That way it comes from here" he smiled, pointing to the fur that covered his heart, Bao smiling with a small laugh. It all made sense to him, that he had to come up with his own prayer to show the Immortals his appreciation. It was, after all, a way of showing his own gratitude. It had to come from him, otherwise, it wouldn't be special.
"Then I have one more question, about what the Immortals represent. I know Freedom and Spirits for Ashan, Peace and Winter for Ziell. But are there others?" he asked with a raised eyebrow. As Stan went to answer, however, there was a small shout from across the temple. "Stan! There's a leak again, the same spot. Water is drippin' all over the place where people are prayin'."
With a small nod to Bao, who understood and followed, Stan came over to the man and looked up as consistent droplets fell through the ceiling and onto the floor. The Tunawa sighed with a look of disappointment, glancing to another priest across the room. "Go and fetch the builders for us lad, please? We need to get this hole fixed up quick" he explained, the young man agreeing and jogging out the front door with some haste. Bao glanced up at the huge ceiling.
"I can go and see where the leak is" he offered, Stan looking over to him. "I was a Red Panda. Well, I am a Red Panda but...a regular one. We used to build little dens for ourselves, and climb trees. Maybe I can go up there and find the hole, and even fill it in if you want" Bao offered, Stan turning to face him as the stranger stepped aside to let the two talk.
"As much as I appreciate the offer, you'd need to climb the ladder, and there is still a small chunk to climb if someone of our size is to reach it. What would you fill it in with once you were up there?" he asked, placing a hand on the Cadouri's arm. Bao thought for a moment. "We used sticks and mud, so I could try that!" he exclaimed, Stan chuckling a little as he pat the Cadouri on the arm, ensuring he didn't upset him when he declined the offer.
"As grateful as I am, sticks and mud may be a bad idea" he started, looking to Bao. "But if you'd be willing to climb, and you'd be safe doing it, I can get someone to bring the ladder and you can take a look. If you fall, we'll catch you, but I don't want you taking risks unless you are willing to Bao. Sometimes, it's alright to leave the hard tasks to someone else" he smiled, sincere and grateful that the Cadouri had even offered. Bao smiled, not upset that he couldn't fix the hole but glad he could even help to begin with.
Quietly, Bao placed a hand on Stan's own arm, almost repeating how Stan behaved. As much as he didn't know it himself, Stan was influencing him in the best way. A small man, smaller than even Bao, who made a big impact and dealt with a big world in a way that nobody else Bao had met could do. It was amazing. It was everything Bao wanted to be. Compassionate and caring to a world that, while far bigger than him, needed people to take care of it from time to time.
"I'd be more than happy to" he smiled to the Tunawa. A few trills later Stan went to a visitor, asking if they would go and get a ladder from the backroom. Sure enough, they arrived just a bit or two later with a ladder in hand, long and wooden. If Bao had been human the ladder would have certainly let him see the crack closer, but because of his shorter height, he would need a little more than that. Once he was up there he could see about getting a clearer view, though he would make sure not to take too many risks.
Already forgetting the conversation they had been having, Bao took a step onto the ladder. As he climbed up slowly, step by step, Stan had a strong Biqaj that was nearby hold the ladder tight, making sure it didn't fall over at any point and hurt Bao. As he climbed up Bao glanced down, already feeling the height start to kick in. Compared to most, however, Bao could handle heights. Being the animal that he was meant he had seen many heights before becoming a Cadouri, it was just a little different now.
At around halfway up Bao took a small pause, clutching onto the ladder tightly. What was a normal step for most was harder for him, having to use his upper body to climb the ladder a little easier and make his way up. At the bottom of the ladder the Biqaj turned to Stan, looking concerned as he had been watching Bao. "He doesn't have to do this, I can climb up there much easier. It looks like a hard climb for the poor guy" the man said quietly, not wanting Bao to hear. Stan, not once averting his gaze from Bao, simply smiled at the concern.
"Because this is his climb to make, and he's in no danger. I assure you of that" the Tunawa smiled, watching as Bao climbed each step of the ladder one by one, stopping for a few moments after every two or three climbs. Eventually, without any dangerous falls, Bao made it to the last few steps. Underneath him was a human woman that had offered to help, waiting to catch him should he fall. As he glanced down he realized how high up he was, not sure whether to laugh or frown at the sight. On one hand, he was up a dangerous height for his size. But on the other, he had just made a big climb and had someone waiting to catch him - just in case. While Stan was just a small speck to him now, Bao could almost feel the smile that he received from the priest.
Glancing up, Bao could begin to see the cracks. As he reached up for the final step of the ladder he pulled, arms somewhat sore from the climb and heart racing. Yet he did it. As he stood up tall at the top of the ladder, the Red Panda glanced at the stained glass from an angle he never imagined he would see it at. It was beautiful, beyond beautiful. But what he saw wasn't just the stained glass. It was a reflection. In the blue-tinted part of the artwork was a red panda, standing atop a ladder, reflected into the glass.
So he smiled, before looking up at the crack.
"I can see it well enough, I don't think I should climb higher" Bao shouted down. From what he could see the crack was hardly big at all, nothing dangerous or risky. Just a small hole that water could seep through. Stan said something out of Bao's earshot to the Biqaj at the bottom of the ladder, who then shouted up to Bao. "Alright, perfect. Come on down when you're ready buddy, we'll get you down nice and easy" he called. Bao nodded and took this opportunity to look around the place from above, one last time.
Once he had taken in all the beauty, and given one final look to the Red Panda in the reflection, Bao decided to climb down slowly and carefully. Coming down was far easier than going up had been. Each step Bao took he was careful not to lose his footing, occasionally missing his step. Fortunately, his arms held onto the ladder step above, making sure he never fell through. When he was just two steps up and his arms were starting to ache a lot, the Cadouri hopped the few steps and landed on the ground, giving a small little role onto his side and chuckling.
Stan, glancing to the Biqaj man now with a smile as if he knew what would happen, came over to the Red Panda and placed a hand on his arm, sitting beside him. "When the builders come, if you wish, we can ask if they'll help you back up so you can show them where the crack is and save them a bit of time. I'm sure they'd appreciate that" he nodded, knowing the builders didn't need Bao's help but wanting to encourage the young man to help anyway. Besides, the Tunawa knew it would make Bao happy to feel helpful when they arrived.
"I'd really like that" Bao laughed, letting all the adrenaline fade from his system as he lay on his back and smiled up at the ceiling.
