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[Alcuin is sitting at his console with a thoughtful look on his face. It's been long enough that he's settled in and now he has concerns beyond the absolutely necessary- and the money to take care of them.]

Are there any in the city who have a marquist's skill? The circumstances of my arrival left my marque in need of tending, and I now have the coin to pay for it- if none of those who have been brought here know it, I will look among the kedan, but I thought I would try my fellow exiles to begin with.

[He smiles.] If you know of anyone, pray tell me. I would be grateful indeed.

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[Jehan nods]

The Catholic Church and the Protestants certainly do their best to assure that they are the only religious authorities in the world, except for perhaps the Jews.

How odd. [That's... really, really weird.] Every land has its own gods, and it is polite to respect the gods of the lands you visit, of course. Although I do recall that the Yeshuites believe all other gods are false- yes, it is similar in that way, too.

Mm. The Church believes it is their duty to spread the word of God and Jesus Christ. Those who don't believe are destined for the fires of Hell.

But that is untrue. Every d'Angeline knows where they're going. Or... where they ought to go, unless they are summoned to the back of a great turtle.

That is not what the Church believes or teaches. However, they do not mention a giant turtle in their scriptures.

I truly cannot think of any religion that does, unless it is one I am unfamiliar with. I have not made a great study of religion, though I enjoy it.

I suppose one of the Oriental religions might, given the aesthetic of the city and its people, but I do not know much about them. The Catholic Church does mention purgatory, but I do not believe this is what they envisioned.

This is neither the Terre d'Ange-that-lies-beyond nor is it reincarnation. It is quite beyond the scope of my theology.

I--I would hope this isn't reincarnation. Nothing I've ever heard about it includes waking up with the wounds that killed you and in the same body.

[Oh dear]

Nor I. I don't think reincarnation is intended to involve such clear memories of our lives before- it is something quite different, though I cannot possibly make out what it is.

And, of course, the kedan are of no help in the search for answers.

All knowledge is worth having, even the knowledge that they refuse to share their knowledge.

[He pauses.] But it is somewhat frustrating.

Edited 2013-03-01 08:12 (UTC)

It is extremely frustrating. We cannot even look in their books for answers, as they're all in the local language.

It is not impossible to learn another language... though this one seems remarkably difficult.

If I even knew one word, I could begin to sort it out I believe. But nothing is making any sense, no matter how long I stare at it. I know four other languages. Why is this one eluding me?

[Never mind he's barely been here a month and this is not anything like Latin or the others]

Believe me, I feel quite the same. I am reckoned quite good at languages in Terre d'Ange- that this one brings me such trouble is damaging my pride.

[He sighs. It's hard being a genius.]

Perhaps between the two of us and Combeferre--and Monsieur Gray, who is also attempting to learn the language--we will learn it.

I believe another gentleman, Dr. Reid, may be as well. If we all pool our efforts... [Well, some progress might be made. Even a little.]

Oh! I did not know the doctor was attempting it.

[He smiles brightly]

Yes, with this many minds working towards it something will be done.

I may be remembering incorrectly, but I think he is.

[He smiles back.]

I am sure of it- perhaps not what we intended to accomplish, but something all the same.

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