Davros Tales ~Purpose of One's Existence~

""Cheers!""

The pair's mugs clashed with one another and they both drank the contents on a private table set for the Beast King and captain of the Davros. It was the final night before the Davros would depart. They sang sea shanties, told various stories, or gallivanting about to see various sights of Gallia.

Caineghis has never been this amused and hoped King Ramon and his brother, Renning, could share such jubilation one day. The Davros's goal in Tellius was what he and the Crimean king hoped to achieve one day with every nation for everyone in the continent of Tellius. But that was a goal far from fruition...

Caineghis glanced over his copy of the book in his hand. "Still, giving a copy of these books may offend my fellow noble cousins. I will inform them in advance and pray that they will not treat you with hostility. You are not responsible for this... Archsage's intrusive actions."

Fargus nodded gratefully at the Beast King's words. "Much appreciated, though I don't know why one of the greatest sorcerers in the land decided to spy on a wee lass. I understand the safety concern, no doubt. But to make these books from all the spying is just a tad bit... perverse... And this coming from someone who lived as Saint Elimine's flock to say that her former comrade and those fellows back at Nabata need to respect privacy."

During that time, the Gallian citizens knew some of the pirates, especially Fargus, were of a different faith, deity, and key figures. Caineghis did not admonish Fargus and his crew, other than to give a warning to avoid sharing their religion, especially in Begnion, in which religious authority can be said to be the strongest. Officials or senators in particular would likely take offense of the issue moreso than the matter of the Davros crew's occupation as bandits of the sea.

Moreover, Caineghis was debriefed on the events that led up to Fae appearing in Goldoa. Although the fact that the people from Elibe came from another world never came up, the Gallian people assumed the crew may have come from a land that survived the flood (which Caineghis surmised that Ike was spirited away to for a year).

Caineghis accepted the explanation while being informed of the tidbits that involved Farina, Geitz, and Dart on their journey with Ike back in Elibe. Although Dart was the only one in the crew who met Fae, the trio knew and met other dragons (both of whom were the children of a well-revered dragon in Farina's homeland). When the matter of the mystery of the treasure was asked, Dart paused and refused to answer, saying it would be included in his grand treasure hunt (which Farina was still fuming over her funds being included as part of a reward for a piece of the clue).

Caineghis stared at his ale for some time before turning to Fargus. "I heard the berries of Phoenicis are quite exquisite. I never was granted the occasion to partake in them but the drinks supposedly made from the berries when they thaw after first frost are said to be delightful. I hope King Tibarn will share them with you one day, Fargus."

"Now you have me excited!" Fargus imagined how wondrous the alcohol from the country of Hawks would be. He then sighed and shook his head. "Still, I doubt I'll be able to drink some at the first meeting. Need to convince them somehow... I know Dart will try to ask Farina and Murphy to try and take some. The lad is crazy enough to do so..."

Caineghis snorted and shook his head in amusement despite the action unbefitting of someone of his stature. He wished he could have witnessed the sight of Dart being dragged through the air on a rope. If only he wasn't away that day appeasing his nephew and statesmen...

Still, it was strange for Caineghis to see Fargus acknowledge that his plan would not succeed at first meeting like himself. To drink with others in merriment is to acknowledge others as equals. None of the fellow Laguz kings would share a drink with Beorcs (save for King Naesala if you paid him). Caineghis empathized with their reluctance to trust in Beorcs after many years of systematic racism, subjugation, killings, enslavement, and many other atrocities done at the hands of Beorcs. All the more reason he and King Ramon hoped to ease the tensions by serving as an exemplary in the many years they've promoted Laguz-Beorc relations. It was progress, but he doubted King Ramon and his brother and even himself would live to see such a day like today occur everywhere in Tellius. It would be an endeavor for future generations to hopefully uphold such a wondrous vision.

"Fargus," Caineghis called out to his new corsair friend. "Where do you see the relations between our races? Do you believe we will achieve the ideal harmony between Beorc and Laguz one day?"

It was a question that he hoped to get an answer from a man he came to respect. Fargus mulled over the matter while staring at his ale. He then drank and looked back at the Gallian King with a smile.

"Instead of seeing only the goal like a mooncalf, think about the purpose. What is the reason behind your existence? Why do Beorcs exist? And let it be known that despite me being of a different flock, I acknowledge the existence of your Goddess and do not deny the purpose she gave all of you in this world..." Caineghis frowned at Fargus's question before realizing the answer after his last statement. It was as if he was being questioned, not Fargus...

"We Laguz inherited her strength, while Beorcs inherited her wisdom. That is the basis of our existence, that is the way of life here in this world." Caineghis answered promptly, making Fargus give a neutral expression upon hearing the answer.

"I am reminded of a parable of our Saint Elimine. She met an owl from the forest who wished to seek providence. But it did not possess strong enough wings to fly to the heavens..." Caineghis listened intently, despite not being a follower of Fargus's faith. Fargus continued while swirling his mug in a rotating motion: "The next day, an eagle came to her from the mountains, with the same request as the owl, only to not possess the eyes to see through the night... In both cases, they were disappointed and went back to their homes, but she sought them out and the birds could reach a compromise. She brought them together and with the owl's eyes that could see through the night, and the eagle's strong wings, they both reached God's domain..."

Caineghis nodded in understanding of the parable. It was an interesting tale that the purpose of both birds ended up achieving a great goal through teamwork. But how would such an analogy be used in their goal for racial equality? How could the blessings of wisdom and strength be used to complement each other in this day and age? Perhaps, utilize their strength to protect Beorc while the latter use their wisdom? All these thoughts led Caineghis to ponder on the matter.

Fargus took a swig of his mug once more and stared at Caineghis in the eye. "Yes, humans or Beorcs are known for being innovative and utilizing tools while you shape-shifting folks instinctively rely on the animal traits to live, fight, and survive. That is the way of the world you set up for yourselves. However..." As Fargus trailed off, he shook his head, making Caineghis perplexed. "You all possess wisdom in my opinion. That's why you're able to make a toast and drink with us. Whatever you are blessed with doesn't mean anything when anyone can attain wisdom. You possess hands to use tools when needed. Your lovely fighter, Lethe, uses a knife to take out small bones or cut fruit. Mordecai carries food to feed critters in the forest. Many varieties of birds in the wild are known to be very resourceful, even using tools or what is available to them to obtain food or use them for their own purposes. I assume it will be the same for the bird Laguz. Anyone or anything can possess the wisdom to do the same tasks as humankind does. Wisdom is non-exclusive to people like us. Moreover, you pray, you love, and you are willing to fight to protect your own just like any other person... And it goes both ways, people can also attain strength to rival what you Laguz were born with."

Caineghis was surprised by how attentive Fargus was to his subordinates' habits (not that surprising, considering the pirates generally appreciate the beauty of Lethe or other attractive Laguz). Laguz instinctively avoided using weapons as they held no use for them in battle when they had claws. Not that it wasn't impossible to use magic or weapons, as Beorcs generally created them to counter their strength inherited from the Goddess. And it was possible, albeit rare, to attain strength or magical prowess to rival the strength of Laguz (save for those like the Heron prince, Reyson, much to his dismay). He could note Greil with just as much physical prowess as a Laguz with bare hands and perhaps King Daein if the rumors of his physical strength were said to be true.

Caineghis stared intently at Fargus, hoping to see his perspective. The one thing he lamented in this talk was that his Beorc companions he treasured were not here to discuss such matters with Fargus... Such a philosophy from a pirate would be a fascinating matter to take in.

"The answer and true wisdom lies in the same answer I gave you when I first met you..." Fargus held up his hand holding his mug as he trailed off. "You all possess hands. Once you all realize and acknowledge such a fact, then your vision will be achieved. It does not matter what strength you possess or are blessed with. You will all attain the wisdom as any other Beorc and it takes the latter to attain that wisdom to acknowledge that fact. The fact that everyone possesses the hands to grasp together in prayer... to hold one's child within your palm... to connect your hands with another in companionship... to hold our ales up high and drink till the morrow... That is the true purpose that you all were given when you were born into this world possessing the hands that have the potential for evil..."

Caineghis sat mildly shocked and curious to see such a perspective from Fargus. It was simple, yet profound. He looked at his own large hands that still possessed great strength even without transforming. He assumed the idea was similar for Mordecai, who achieved companionship with the small animals of the forest.

Caineghis held a slight grin as he turned to face Fargus again the next moment. "I assume Ike, son of Greil, holds similar ideals?"

Caineghis knew that the one partially responsible for bringing them to the land was Ike, as he introduced Tellius to them. Greil was an exceptional man and hoped his son turned out like him. Some misunderstandings were cleared up after clarification through the experiences Dart recalled at the dinner table.

Fargus nodded in response to Caineghis's inquiry. "Aye, I was surprised to see his page pop up in the books... Must be magical books that our legendary Athos made to give to Anna. Wonder why he didn't just let the books write themselves..."

Fargus mulled over the matter and shrugged to himself. Maybe it was to be some sort of history book that wrote itself to convey a legend in the making...

Fargus quickly put away such thoughts and turned to Caineghis and continued: "That is why after talking with the Beorcs in your villages, I realized one thing." Fargus stared at Caineghis with an unamused expression, causing the latter to frown.

"I may be a superstitious pirate, but even I am aware of nonsense. How you mooncalves managed to conclude that uniting with Beorcs and having a child be born between both parties is a cardinal sin is beyond me. Even if you don't transform, you won't need them as your children will inherit your blessings and strength. You've already possessed the wisdom to even unite with another race, so you no longer need such an inheritance from your Goddess..."

Caineghis held widened eyes at Fargus for his debatably blasphemous thoughts. Most people would be offended to hear such a perspective... Yet he felt compelled and intrigued to hear more as if a forbidden fruit was laid bare to him. Fargus looked at Caineghis's curious eyes and held a grin.

"I'm an old man, my time will come to an end one day. My crew are like my children. When the time comes, they will inherit my ship and sail freely across the seas. They have blessings to do so in my stead... The same logic and intentions should be apparent to you Laguz. It is not deprival, for it is bestowal for your future generations to use the gifts your goddess gave you and that you still possess hands to achieve the same results as Beorc with the wisdom you've attained. When that time comes for those who have imparted their strength, they will no longer have use for such power... That is what I believe from your goddess. And that is the way it should be. That is the purpose of your existence and the reason why you all were born with hands."