The trees of Macalania Forest sparkled in the early morning mist. Kasca walked slowly below them, deep in thoughts. He had always loved this forest, he felt welcome here, perhaps because he was a priest of Yevon. As the saying went; the forest was sacred, filled with the presence of the Fayths.
The Fayths were not as comforting today, though. He had prayed for hours, until he had just about collapsed unto the bed, but neither the prayer nor the sleep afterwards had brought him any clear solutions. He was still just as drawn between his duties to Yevon and his personal curiosity. He had thought about summoning the Ancient Fayth to see if it could bring any guidance, but somehow he didn't feel comfortable doing that so close to Bevelle. It was as if the heart of Yevon had stretched its core all the way to Macalania. At least that was how Kasca felt for the moment. Next time he summoned the Aeon, he decided, it would be either inside the walls of Bevelle, or at the Calm Lands – the home of the Fayth.
Kasca had taken a break at the lake. The forest was still, only an occasional butterfly would swirl by. The small bonfire he had lit warmed him, it was almost always cool down by the Macalania Lake. He had eaten his lunch, and now sat with his chin on his knees, thinking.
Sighing, Kasca got up, extinguished the fire and left the clearing. At the crossway he looked at the small path in front of him, leading to Bevelle. How could anyone have guessed that such a big and powerful city would lay just behind that forest dirt path? On his right was the road leading to the Calm Lands, he could see the sand-coloured walls of rocks just as the path turned.
Kasca straightened up, and started walking. He did not look at the rocks of Calm Lands again. Generations of tradition and ten years of dedication lead his steps towards Bevelle.
--------------------------------------
The fortress of Yevon came into view as Kasca began walking on the highbridge. He had made up his mind, and was no longer in doubt. This was the right thing to do. He was only a priest, and the church of Yevon was more important than his personal wishes. As he reached the entrance door, he respectfully performed the Yevon salute before entering.
The dimly lit entrance hall of Bevelle was just as he had remembered it – quiet, peaceful and hectic. Priests and nuns were walking back and forth, busying themselves with books, scrolls of documents and theological discussions. A group of priests noticed him, and they beckoned him towards them. He smiled and hurried over. They saluted and exchanged news from Spira. When they learned that he had come all the way from Kilika with an errand, they retreated to a room where they could talk alone.
Kasca sat down on the patterned and comfortable cushions, accepting a cup of tea and some bread. Relieved, he smiled to himself, feeling safe and at peace. He would no longer have to worry or bother his mind with what to do and where to go. He would explain and show them everything, and Yevon would let him know what to do. And who knew – maybe they would allow him to travel to the Calm Lands and explore for himself afterwards? And there he could lend a chocobo and get back home to Kilika a lot faster.
Reassured – and relaxed for the first time in days – he sat back against the wall and waited for the other priests to settle down around him. Finally, they all sat and looked expectantly at him. He smiled. "I would need to talk to Maester Mika", he said.
The looks of anticipation changed into confusion. "Is that necessary?", one of the Bevelle priests begun. "Maester Mika is a busy man, and only the most important subjects should be addressed..."
"I am very well aware of that", Kasca interrupted. He knew this reaction would come. "This really is that important. You have my word." he ended, looking sincerely at the objecting priest.
The Bevellian Yevonite eyed Kasca for a moment longer before he nodded and disappeared out the door. Kasca and the remaining priests returned to sharing news while they waited.
Twenty minutes later, the priest returned. "Come with me, Father Kasca," he said. "I will take you to Maester Mika." Kasca saluted the others and followed the priest.
Maester Mika's chamber was overwhelming at first glance, especially for one being used to a simple quarter at Kilika. The walls were clad in dark green and gold, with the Yevon symbol hanging in tapestries all the way down to the floor. The Yevon hymn could be faintly heard, and Maester Mika himself stood in the middle of the room, waiting for his guest. Besides him was a rather large, round table. Two cups filled with steaming, hot tea was situated on top.
Kasca bowed with reverence to Maester Mika, who saluted back. He gestured for Kasca to sit.
"So you have something rather important you wish to tell me?", Maester Mika asked, sounding sincerely curious.
"Yes, I do, Maester," Kasca replied. And once again he told the old Maester about everything he had experienced these last few months. He had told this story quite a few times recently, but never had it been of this importance. Nervously Kasca tried to remember every little detail that could be relevant. Maester Mika said nothing as he listened to the story, but he paid great attention to every word.
"... So now I have finally reached Bevelle, asking your guidance in this matter."
"I see," Mika said thoughtfully. "Could you please show me this Aeon?" His voice was free of emotions. Kasca could not decide whether he was excited or bored – or if he believed him at all.
So again Kasca performed the summoning, and again the Aeon came forward in all its brilliance. And for the first time, Kasca could see the old Maester's reaction – his face was filled with disbelief, and he staggered backwards a step or two. Quickly, he asserted himself, bowed politely to the Aeon and dismissed it himself. This surprised Kasca, and he couldn't help feeling somewhat annoyed, as if the Aeon was "his". He quickly reminded himself who Maester Mika was, and mentally punished himself for ever thinking such a thought.
As the Aeon disappeared and the room again was silent and still, Mika sat down quietly and gestured Kasca to do the same. After a while, the Yevon leader smiled pleasantly to Kasca, asking to see the books and papers available. Kasca dug out everything he had and handed it over to Mika.
"Would you be willing to donate this to the Bevelle library?" Maester Mika asked after he had looked over the documents. Before Kasca could answer, he smiled and continued. "That way, you could study them, along with other texts, as much as you'd like. You see... we would like to offer you a position here at Bevelle."
Surprised, Kasca didn't know what to reply. He had never thought of leaving Kilika. However, there wasn't really anything that held him there anymore. Would he be able to leave the books and the Fayth and walk out of it all? Return to his old life at Kilika Temple?
"Yes, Maester Mika," he replied. "I would very much like to stay here. Thank you very much for your kind offer." They rose from the chairs and bowed politely to each other.
Maester Mika gathered the books and papers and showed Kasca through another door. "I will arrange for your living quarters instantly, and will send a messenger to Kilika to let Father Brisku now of your new arrangements. Come, let us go to the library and start our research."
Four years later, Besaid Temple
"It was about time we sorted all this material, young Zisko. It's been dusting down this room for far too long. I guess half of it can be thrown away too." The old priest sighed at the look of all the dusty books, rolls of parchment, and paper that had been stuffed into the shelves over the years.
"Yes, indeed, Father Daclen," the young acolyte answered. "Shall we just start in that corner?"
Two hours later, most of the papers and books had been sorted. One pile for the garbage bonfire and one to be organized, categorized, and put back on the shelves.
Father Declan straightened his back. "Oh, I think I need a tea break now. What do you say, Zisko? Should we continue after the afternoon sermon?"
Zisko was digging out a small bunch of papers from a dusty corner. "Yes, that sounds like a good idea, but wait... I think we forgot something here. Handwritten notes... it just seems like some old, personal notes. Shall I put it in the garbage pile?"
"Let me see it," Father Declan said. He brushed away the dust and browsed through the papers. "O Ancient Fayth, I pray for Thee..." He closed his eyes and swallowed hard. Unforgivingly, he had forgotten about this. The meeting with – what was his name again? – Father Kasca from Kilika over four years ago... The summoning he had witnessed.
He opened his eyes and looked at the papers again, without really seeing them. How was Kasca doing these days? Ah, yes, it all came back to him now. The last thing he had heard, was that the young priest had moved to Bevelle. From what he understood, no one in Kilika had heard from him since, nor had Daclen, or any other priest at Besaid. What did they do to you in Bevelle? Daclen thought sadly.
"Er... Father?" The young acolyte's confused voice broke off his trail of thoughts. "Do you know these papers?"
I will treasure your secret, Father Kasca. Your search will not have been in vain. "Yes, Zisko, they are just some personal notes. I will take them back to my quarter so they don't take up space here anymore." He smiled briefly to his apprentice. Zisko was a good man, hard-working, and devoted to his belief. He might let him in on the secret in a few years.
"I'll just move these papers to my room. Shall we eat then?" Zisko smiled and nodded, and they went out to join the other priests for dinner.
