[Paul agrees. He lost his appetite for pomp and would prefer something smaller and more private. Itās better that way if heās going to open himself up to that sort of thing again, and Paul is still wary of strangers. He isnāt usually the type for hedonism, though he makes an exception for dining with Sister. She will probably notice the eggs and fruits slowly disappear as Paul works through them.]
Iād be honored to have you. [Paul finishes the last of his deviled eggs, licking his fingers clean.] Ah, those were delicious. I still have room for a little more.
[ It was a mark of as good host that the food was enjoyed. She'd be sure to tell the chef later as well. ]
I do. There's plenty of it in the Ministry. [ Several, of course, bore religious themes - stories of Lucifer's deeds and the Clergy's significant history. However, there were also floral murals, and corridors simply lined with dazzling patterns that lent color onto the white marble floors in the daylight. ]
Maybe we could look around at the art one of these days. It has my attention and my curiosity, and you know I have a sharp eye for detail. Iāll give you my full thoughts - and it would be a good way to learn my way around, donāt you think?
You should have seen my palace. I got sick of it, but I canāt say it wasnāt beautiful.
Iāll have to give you a full description. It was as grandiose as youād expect for the home of a man who ruled the entire universe.
[Paul would be happy to do so if he ever got around to traveling further afield. He enjoys looking at and admiring artwork, and he has a discerning eye.]
To answer your question, I grew tired of being Emperor. The role I filled was one I didnāt enjoy, I became the kind of tyrant I would have despised earlier in my life, and it was dangerous for myself and everyone around me. Chaniās death was the straw that sent what was left crumbling down.
If you would. [ Sister Imperator was interested in what sort of architecture and motifs such a Messiah would prefer.
She nodded as she listened to Paul. ] Ah, and so the palace became a prison, emblematic of the throne and its burdens.
[ Her gaze turned to her office, and to the grucifix hung on the wall. That was something she couldn't imagine. Not when this Faith made her feel as she did - alive. ]
Iāll write something up for you, and your thoughts interest me. Arakeen motifs are not the same as Terran ones. [Though influences from Old Earth cultures were still present.]
You see, then? A gilded cage is still, at the end of the day, a cage. I feel freer in my home in Los Angeles, small as it is, than in my palace. It gives my flight feathers space to grow back.
[Paul hadnāt been able to call himself happy in a very long time. Happiness is an alien feeling to him, but one which is slowly seeping back inside him again. Thereās an energy and life to him now that the Preacher never had.]
I'm no expert in architecture, but I'd be fascinated to read your comparisons nonetheless.
[ Sister Imperator nodded. She herself could not see her profession ever being a prison, but she realized that there was indeed something that would, perhaps, qualify. Paul's marriage to Chani had been what had given him joy, but in Sister Imperator's case, her own union was not quite as liberating. It had been, at first, but that had quickly gone sour.
But she turned her thoughts away from Papa Nihil. She didn't want to dwell on him when she had an esteemed guest and friend visiting. ]
It is just a reminder that the end of the book is not necessarily the end of the story.
Iāll do what I can to give you something. There are perks to being friends with a Mentat.
[Paul canāt access many of his stronger powers, but plenty of them remain able for him to tap into where and when needed. In this case, he can call up the details for the comparison asked for. Heās a competent artist as well, so he has a plan on how to sketch the palace for Sister. He wants to use his remaining skills so they donāt atrophy and he stays in practice.
He takes a drink, thinking over Sisterās comment. Thereās a nod in agreement as he listens, then he talks.]
I thought my story was over when I bled out on the Arakeen streets. The fact that it isnātā¦well, I wonāt waste the opportunity. I want the next chapter to be a happier one.
[ To be friends with a mentat was especially helpful in a time period without access to the internet and therefore easy access to knowledge, though Sister Imperator had yet to know that. ] I'll be sure to show you the books in the library about Catholic and Satanic architecture. They go hand in hand.
I don't know if you know the story of Jesus - if this Earth's Messiah's story reached Caladan and Arrakis and that far into the future. But long story short, He died. But clearly that wasn't the end of His story. I'm not talking about His legend or what His disciples did, either; He returned from the dead to continue on. The story states that He still had a few more things to do before going home, but the point is -
Death is obviously not the end for a Messiah. Literally and figuratively. But you're fortunate that you have no more prophecy or work to be yoked by, and I sincerely congratulate you on your freedom.
A life spent chained to a fate deserves freedom in the end.
Thank you. I look forward to reading them. I'll also be sure to take notes so you can see my thoughts directly. You'll find them interesting, I think. [Paul's abilities also make him a valuable asset for his library job, though he keeps the origin and nature of those abilities secret.]
We maintained some knowledge of that history, yes. The irony of it all wasn't lost on me - Messiahs also tend not to die natural deaths, though I will say stabbing is less unpleasant and torturous than crucifixion. I don't think I have any unfinished business here or elsewhere, so I intend to simply relax and appreciate my freedom. There's a lot of time to make up for, time to spend doing things that I want to do.
[There was a time not so long ago when Paul would say that stabbing seemed kinder a death than he likely deserved, but he wishes to progress past that mindset when it won't do anyone any good. He'd spent years marinating in self-hatred and disgust with his own choices.]
I know I will. [ She felt that that was one thing that cemented their friendship - a love of knowledge. ]
Jesus' life was less torturous than yours up until the part where it was time for Him to be sacrificed, so I suppose that was His Father's way of making up the difference.
[ Sister Imperator finished off the last of the canapes. ]
Oh? And what was the last little problem that you had?
I'm sure. [A firm nod. Paul doesn't need his futuresight to know that.]
Suppose that's a way to look at it. I saw enough futures where I was killed by a knife that it was a reasonable guess I'd go out that way.
[He considers the question as he reaches for a plate.]
Slowly getting my hands on the technology I need to thrive here is the current issue, though the salary helps. Picking up a driver's license at some point.
[There's a quiet gulp as Paul swallows the last piece of fruit. He washes his meal down with what's left of the juice, sighing in satisfaction. There's a soft burp.] Excuse me, Sister. Ah, that was delicious.
My death has been foretold as well. [ It was perhaps a somber topic, but Sister Imperator broached it with nonchalance. ] The particulars have not been prophesized, but the circumstances have. It is not something I dread, if I'm honest. I simply see it as a part of the big picture.
[ She flashed Paul a smile. ] To save costs on driving school, I can teach you, if you're willing. [ She was also a very temperamental driver, but hey, it would be a learning experience? ]
I'll be sure to tell the chef that you enjoyed it. With that - [ Sister Imperator stood. ] Shall I take you on a tour?
Everyone dies eventually. If nothing else, knowing whatās coming gives you time to prepare. [Paul used the time he had left to tie up unfinished business with his sister and stand by his son. He misses Alia, despite the way things went - what happened to her wasnāt really her fault, so he forgives her. His own hands are far from clean.] I donāt know how Iāll die here, but I sincerely hope no stabbing is involved.
[He nods in return to the suggestion of driving lessons.] Iāll take you up on that offer. It should be a useful skill, especially for when I wish to travel. Iād hardly be a conventional driving school student.
[He pushes the emptied plates away and stands in return.] Please do, those were delicious. Iām quite stuffed. A tour would be a wonderful way to walk it all off.
I agree - and in one way or another, to die on my terms. [ Her own prophecy had stated that she would die in place of her son, and what better way to go out than that? ]
I doubt anyone here can stab you just like that. The only reason you were stabbed was because of your own prophecy, after all. I haven't seen your fighting skills in action, but you've spoken of them, and I don't doubt you.
[ Sister Imperator gave Paul a smile. If only he knew what saying yes to her driving lessons held in store for him... ]
Excellent.
[ She headed to the door, opening it and waiting for him to follow before she headed down the corridor. The windows were made of stained glass in floral patterns, and as such, the white marble floors were a kaleidoscope of color from the sunlight streaming in. ]
This is one of my favorite sights at the Ministry.
[Paul didnāt object to dying. He felt his time was over and it was the next generationās job to finish his work. Of course, it seems things turned out in a way he didnāt anticipate, but heās hardly objecting to that.]
I donāt have any reason to fight, but thatās not the same as losing my ability to do it if I had to. If I was in a situation where my hand was forced, well, anyone who did that would find that underestimating me in my retirement is a mistake.
[Paul looks forward to the driving lessons. She might be able to see his eyes gleaming.]
Iām ready to start whenever you wish.
[Paul follows along, absorbing any detail he sees. He admired the stained glass artwork before and he admires it now. Paulās a curious person, wherever and whenever he finds himself. Thereās a lot to admire and study in this piece.]
I'd like to see a demonstration sometime, if you are amenable to that.
[ The fights that Sister Imperator had been in were of the magickal sort, involving sigils, spells, incantations, and the like. She had yet to witness a spar, or any sort of martial arts in action.
She nodded in thanks as Paul admired the stained glass. Walking down this corridor every single day to get to her office was one of her favorite things about her daily routine. ]
You've seen the entrance hall, so next I can take you to the chapel and the gardens.
[ Her heels clicked across the floor as she guided him along. The chapel was not too far from her office. On the hallway to the left of it was the morgue, but she figured that would be less interesting to him.
Sister Imperator opened the heavy wooden doors to the chapel. The air was perfumed with frankincense, and candles lit the way to the altar, where a painting of Lucifer in all his light and majesty adorned the wall. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Iād be honored to have you. [Paul finishes the last of his deviled eggs, licking his fingers clean.] Ah, those were delicious. I still have room for a little more.
[He reaches for a canapĆ© of his own.] Itās all magnificent, but I have a particular soft spot for the stained glass artwork. Stained glass is beautiful, donāt you think?
no subject
I do. There's plenty of it in the Ministry. [ Several, of course, bore religious themes - stories of Lucifer's deeds and the Clergy's significant history. However, there were also floral murals, and corridors simply lined with dazzling patterns that lent color onto the white marble floors in the daylight. ]
Was it common where you came from?
no subject
Maybe we could look around at the art one of these days. It has my attention and my curiosity, and you know I have a sharp eye for detail. Iāll give you my full thoughts - and it would be a good way to learn my way around, donāt you think?
You should have seen my palace. I got sick of it, but I canāt say it wasnāt beautiful.
no subject
[ It was easy to picture Paul admiring and critiquing the works at the Louvre and in other such important museums in the world. ]
I'm curious about two things. First - what did it look like? Second - you said you got sick of it. Was it not home?
no subject
[Paul would be happy to do so if he ever got around to traveling further afield. He enjoys looking at and admiring artwork, and he has a discerning eye.]
To answer your question, I grew tired of being Emperor. The role I filled was one I didnāt enjoy, I became the kind of tyrant I would have despised earlier in my life, and it was dangerous for myself and everyone around me. Chaniās death was the straw that sent what was left crumbling down.
no subject
She nodded as she listened to Paul. ] Ah, and so the palace became a prison, emblematic of the throne and its burdens.
[ Her gaze turned to her office, and to the grucifix hung on the wall. That was something she couldn't imagine. Not when this Faith made her feel as she did - alive. ]
no subject
You see, then? A gilded cage is still, at the end of the day, a cage. I feel freer in my home in Los Angeles, small as it is, than in my palace. It gives my flight feathers space to grow back.
[Paul hadnāt been able to call himself happy in a very long time. Happiness is an alien feeling to him, but one which is slowly seeping back inside him again. Thereās an energy and life to him now that the Preacher never had.]
no subject
[ Sister Imperator nodded. She herself could not see her profession ever being a prison, but she realized that there was indeed something that would, perhaps, qualify. Paul's marriage to Chani had been what had given him joy, but in Sister Imperator's case, her own union was not quite as liberating. It had been, at first, but that had quickly gone sour.
But she turned her thoughts away from Papa Nihil. She didn't want to dwell on him when she had an esteemed guest and friend visiting. ]
It is just a reminder that the end of the book is not necessarily the end of the story.
no subject
[Paul canāt access many of his stronger powers, but plenty of them remain able for him to tap into where and when needed. In this case, he can call up the details for the comparison asked for. Heās a competent artist as well, so he has a plan on how to sketch the palace for Sister. He wants to use his remaining skills so they donāt atrophy and he stays in practice.
He takes a drink, thinking over Sisterās comment. Thereās a nod in agreement as he listens, then he talks.]
I thought my story was over when I bled out on the Arakeen streets. The fact that it isnātā¦well, I wonāt waste the opportunity. I want the next chapter to be a happier one.
no subject
I don't know if you know the story of Jesus - if this Earth's Messiah's story reached Caladan and Arrakis and that far into the future. But long story short, He died. But clearly that wasn't the end of His story. I'm not talking about His legend or what His disciples did, either; He returned from the dead to continue on. The story states that He still had a few more things to do before going home, but the point is -
Death is obviously not the end for a Messiah. Literally and figuratively. But you're fortunate that you have no more prophecy or work to be yoked by, and I sincerely congratulate you on your freedom.
A life spent chained to a fate deserves freedom in the end.
no subject
We maintained some knowledge of that history, yes. The irony of it all wasn't lost on me - Messiahs also tend not to die natural deaths, though I will say stabbing is less unpleasant and torturous than crucifixion. I don't think I have any unfinished business here or elsewhere, so I intend to simply relax and appreciate my freedom. There's a lot of time to make up for, time to spend doing things that I want to do.
[There was a time not so long ago when Paul would say that stabbing seemed kinder a death than he likely deserved, but he wishes to progress past that mindset when it won't do anyone any good. He'd spent years marinating in self-hatred and disgust with his own choices.]
It feels good to worry about small things again.
no subject
Jesus' life was less torturous than yours up until the part where it was time for Him to be sacrificed, so I suppose that was His Father's way of making up the difference.
[ Sister Imperator finished off the last of the canapes. ]
Oh? And what was the last little problem that you had?
no subject
Suppose that's a way to look at it. I saw enough futures where I was killed by a knife that it was a reasonable guess I'd go out that way.
[He considers the question as he reaches for a plate.]
Slowly getting my hands on the technology I need to thrive here is the current issue, though the salary helps. Picking up a driver's license at some point.
[There's a quiet gulp as Paul swallows the last piece of fruit. He washes his meal down with what's left of the juice, sighing in satisfaction. There's a soft burp.] Excuse me, Sister. Ah, that was delicious.
no subject
[ She flashed Paul a smile. ] To save costs on driving school, I can teach you, if you're willing. [ She was also a very temperamental driver, but hey, it would be a learning experience? ]
I'll be sure to tell the chef that you enjoyed it. With that - [ Sister Imperator stood. ] Shall I take you on a tour?
no subject
[He nods in return to the suggestion of driving lessons.] Iāll take you up on that offer. It should be a useful skill, especially for when I wish to travel. Iād hardly be a conventional driving school student.
[He pushes the emptied plates away and stands in return.] Please do, those were delicious. Iām quite stuffed. A tour would be a wonderful way to walk it all off.
no subject
I doubt anyone here can stab you just like that. The only reason you were stabbed was because of your own prophecy, after all. I haven't seen your fighting skills in action, but you've spoken of them, and I don't doubt you.
[ Sister Imperator gave Paul a smile. If only he knew what saying yes to her driving lessons held in store for him... ]
Excellent.
[ She headed to the door, opening it and waiting for him to follow before she headed down the corridor. The windows were made of stained glass in floral patterns, and as such, the white marble floors were a kaleidoscope of color from the sunlight streaming in. ]
This is one of my favorite sights at the Ministry.
no subject
I donāt have any reason to fight, but thatās not the same as losing my ability to do it if I had to. If I was in a situation where my hand was forced, well, anyone who did that would find that underestimating me in my retirement is a mistake.
[Paul looks forward to the driving lessons. She might be able to see his eyes gleaming.]
Iām ready to start whenever you wish.
[Paul follows along, absorbing any detail he sees. He admired the stained glass artwork before and he admires it now. Paulās a curious person, wherever and whenever he finds himself. Thereās a lot to admire and study in this piece.]
Itās beautiful.
no subject
[ The fights that Sister Imperator had been in were of the magickal sort, involving sigils, spells, incantations, and the like. She had yet to witness a spar, or any sort of martial arts in action.
She nodded in thanks as Paul admired the stained glass. Walking down this corridor every single day to get to her office was one of her favorite things about her daily routine. ]
You've seen the entrance hall, so next I can take you to the chapel and the gardens.
[ Her heels clicked across the floor as she guided him along. The chapel was not too far from her office. On the hallway to the left of it was the morgue, but she figured that would be less interesting to him.
Sister Imperator opened the heavy wooden doors to the chapel. The air was perfumed with frankincense, and candles lit the way to the altar, where a painting of Lucifer in all his light and majesty adorned the wall. ]
This is where we hold our masses.