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“The ancient volumes begin with The Infinity of Nakana. In it, we learn that Nakana was birthed from the World Flower.” Kabir said.
“And what, exactly, is the World Flower?”
“The World Flower is most notably the cradle of creation. Nakana’s birthplace.”
“You keep using the term "birthed". I believe the literal translation of the text is ‘began’ though,” a judge noted.
“That's true-” Kabir stammered, his mind furiously racing through the numerous lines of text in his mind. “But with the line ‘And so Nakana began as the First’, there is some debate as to the translation. I think it was Sahil the Wise who commented that the root for 'began’ can also be ‘birthed’ or ‘born’, and as such the line could be read as ‘And so Nakana was the first born’. I agree with this translation because it helps to solidify one of Nakana’s Principles of Life, in which she says later that ‘the outward spiral is all. It is life. It is truth. It is the pursuit in life to seek truth, and as such is neverending.’
A silence, deafening to Kabir, filled the chamber as the judges turned towards each other to exchange furtive looks. “Very well. Continue.” A thin judge sporting crimson robes said. Kabir could swear he caught the flash of a wry smile from him.
“Thank you, Magistrate. Let’s see - Nakana found the worlds teeming with life. As described in Chapter III, she was so astounded by our world that she started rotating around as she walked so she could take in the beauty of it all. It was this pattern that caused the outward spiral of the cosmos.'
“It did not take long before Nakana realized that there was almost too much around her to take in. Her desire for knowledge was insatiable. Nakana knew needed help - someone to aid her in her discoveries, but also needed them to advise and guide her from being overwhelmed. Chapter IV states that, ‘The First One went into a garden as large as the Sapphire Expanse, filled up with flowers. She spent many moons searching the garden, and found one that suit her liking. The chosen plant was the smallest of all the flowers, but contained the most petals. Nakana knelt down next to the plant and whispered the Truth to it, and lo, the flower grew into the sturdy form of a man with many elephant heads. The petals, too numerous to count, extended outwards to arms. Nakana smiled at her creation, and deemed him Abdesh, the Thoughtful Scribe.’
“Abdesh used his many arms to act as a collector of knowledge. And would soon bebest knwon for the scribe of the Four Scrolls. He is Nakana’s closest confidant and advisor.'
“Nakana and Abdesh traveled together for years, chronicling all they encountered and learned, and one day ran into Vis'Ras, a peculiar titan of time and forbidden knowledge, sick in the mind and the when. They sought to build beyond the scale of the gods themselves - a paradise where they could finally feel free from the fragmented reality of time in the void and the Lost truth.
They sought any way they could to extend their power, for building how they wanted to build was now an impossibility. More of a dream - a memory. Haunted by the horrible past that gave her the Lost Truth, Vis'Ras could never seem to come to terms with the present, and was said to occupy several different times simultaneously, and for this had the most chaotic psyche which brought upon her ill health and her desire for rest. In some attempts to regain power and order, Vis'Ras had taken to mimicking the gods, and so had attained a small band of followers made up of various magic creatures, but found that they made no difference at all, other than soothing an untouched loneliness.
As Nakana’s path crossed with Vis’Ras's, Abdesh advised against traveling down that road, ready to remove the obstacle from her path.It is often known as the First Obstacle, and from then on abdesh has placed and rmeoved obstacles in the path of all life, attempting to protecte life, bring challenges that further knowledge, and more.
Nakana contemplated avoiding Vis'Ras, but decided to meet Vis’Ras anyways. Vis'Ras made a low bow, and introduced herself as a freed servant of the lost gods and carrier of the Lost Truth. Nakana introduced herself as the carrier of the Absolute Truth. She welcomed Vis’Ras to carry on and seek her path of truth should she wish. However the two soon found a great conflict in Vis'Ras's disorder. Nakana secretly did not wish to invite the continuing chaotic and likely destructive influence of Vis'Ras upon the Truth, however she did not wish to cause Vis'Ras more pain. But nature took its course, and Nakana soon found herself picking apart the assymetric pieces of Vis'Ras, hoping to rmeove the piece that poisoned the Truth and Vis'Ras, saving them both. The pair debated the meanings of truth and the search for it while their followers looked on in awe."
“And what is this known as?” The saffron judged asked as he leaned forward.
“The First Debate, sir.” Kabir quickly replied. The judge leaned back in his seat once again.
“The debate went on for what some scholars believed were numerous lifetimes.” Kabir continued, “Nakana and Vis’Ras argued and discussed beneath both the sun and the stars. Over time, Vis’Ras grew tired. As Nakana attempted to lay the pieces of the Lost Truth in any order, it only served to disassemble the last functioning pieces of Vis'Ras's mind. In a cry of outrage, she asked Nakana why she would do this to her. Nakana looked confused. As Chapter VIII states, ‘Nakana rested a hand on the titan and smiled. We will stop, she said.’ The next moment Vis’Ras crumbled to dust and ash. It is said Nakana never will speak on the matter of the Lost Truth. And we must assume it is the shame of the death of Vis'Ras. All that was learned in the First Debate was recorded in the first two scrolls of abdesh - the hymns and sacrifices.
During the Frist Debate, all followers of Vis'Ras eventually joined Nakana, save one. A zesha blessed some time ago by the titan with their own powers of time, a similar servitude, and a similar but less pressing fault of the mind. This follower was Vis’Ras's most loyal, and her defeat shook her to the core. Nakana took her in a warm embrace, expressing concern for her loss, before whispering the Truth to her. The follower stared at Nakana before pleading to follow her and only her. Nakana said that is not your path, but I shall bless you with a new name as you learn about your true path. The zesha became Raijyu, the Illusion’s Truth.”
“And why is her epithet this way?” The violet judge asked.
“Because her world was shattered, sir. She learned that what once is might not be what it always will be. Everything changes, time especially, but the Truth and the pursuit of it is what is real. Raijyu is the most vocal about the Truth and how to go about obtaining it because of her previous relationship with Vis’Ras. I think Raijyu could be seen as almost maniacal and zealous in her pursuit of the truth.” Kabir responded. This statement sparked raised eyebrows with the crimson judge as the rest of the quartet mumbled amongst themselves for a minute. Kabir’s breath quickened.
“Very well,” An overweight judge wearing a navy blue turban gruffly said. “And what of Suragni?”
“Suragni does not appear until the final volume of the Core Texts because she was the last one to learn the Truth.” Kabir continued. “After the First Debate, the Core Beings did not cross paths until some time later, where it is written that they encountered each other on the anniversary of Vis’Ra’s demise. This time, it was Raijyu that had amassed quite the following. In fact, the Ashen still exist to this day, although they are mostly secluded to the Caldera Peaks and legendary City of Dust now. Anyway, Nakana and Abdesh were crossing the Torrid Expanse, where they encountered Raijyu and her followers. As Raijyu explains in Chapter VI of The Truths of Raijyu, ‘My path has led me to nowhere, surrounded by nothing. It is here where, like grains of sand combining to something more, we shall stay to learn everything.’ Scholars indicate this became the notorious City of Dust, but even Sahil the Wise has mixed feelings on if the City is real or just a metaphor for what Raijyu was trying to build.
“Anyway, Nakana and Abdesh crossed paths with Raijyu and the first of the Ashen. Nakana was impressed with the path Rajiyu had followed and what she had built. Raijyu, who over the years grew great respect and reverence for Nakana, bowed to her. One of Raijyu’s pupils was shocked at this act, for she had grown to be as devout and loyal to Raijyu as Raijyu had once been to Vis’Ras. The student confronted Raijyu about her actions, and Raijyu started to argue back, but Nakana intervened. Nakana took the devotee to sit with her under the palm tree. What occured was the Second Debate, and is the bridge between The Truths of Raijyu and The Justice of Suragni.
“While it is said that Abdesh’s hands grew weak and feeble from recording all of the information in the Second Debate, the details of what was actually said seem to be murky. Still, we have what we can understand inf the last two of the Four Scrolls - chants and worship. Sahil the Wise states that the Second Debate is what solidified Suragni’s place as a Core Being, while Veer the Observant says that this correlation does not occur until their return to Raijyu and the rest of the Ashen. What we do know is that the pupil Nakana debates with also receives the Truth, and that her Path is a combination of Nakana’s wisdom, Raijyu’s loyalty, and the pupil’s own fiery sense of justice. Raijyu’s pupil becomes elevated, just like she was on that day many years ago, and is given the name Suragni of the Calm Fire. This is also the moment where Suragni sets herself apart from the Ashen and walks her own Path. Both Nakana and Raijyu smile as someone else now knows the Truth and goes on to enact it.
“Suragni’s path is one of trust, honor, and judgement. As she states in...umm...Chapter II of The Justice of Surgani, ‘In my travels I have come to recognize the relationships between Truth and Trust. They are forever connected, forever linked, as one needs the other to survive. The Path of Truth depends on trust in the Path. One must honor that trust to steadily walk in the steps of the Path, for he who judges harshly shall be harshly judged’. In much of The Justice of Suragni, Suragni evokes the insight that Nakana displays while wrapping in the devoutness she showed to Raijyu. All of that is topped off with Suragni’s white-hot passion for not only walking the Path, but also for dispensing judgement and justice on those who do not.”
“And what, exactly, is the World Flower?”
“The World Flower is most notably the cradle of creation. Nakana’s birthplace.”
“You keep using the term "birthed". I believe the literal translation of the text is ‘began’ though,” a judge noted.
“That's true-” Kabir stammered, his mind furiously racing through the numerous lines of text in his mind. “But with the line ‘And so Nakana began as the First’, there is some debate as to the translation. I think it was Sahil the Wise who commented that the root for 'began’ can also be ‘birthed’ or ‘born’, and as such the line could be read as ‘And so Nakana was the first born’. I agree with this translation because it helps to solidify one of Nakana’s Principles of Life, in which she says later that ‘the outward spiral is all. It is life. It is truth. It is the pursuit in life to seek truth, and as such is neverending.’
A silence, deafening to Kabir, filled the chamber as the judges turned towards each other to exchange furtive looks. “Very well. Continue.” A thin judge sporting crimson robes said. Kabir could swear he caught the flash of a wry smile from him.
“Thank you, Magistrate. Let’s see - Nakana found the worlds teeming with life. As described in Chapter III, she was so astounded by our world that she started rotating around as she walked so she could take in the beauty of it all. It was this pattern that caused the outward spiral of the cosmos.'
“It did not take long before Nakana realized that there was almost too much around her to take in. Her desire for knowledge was insatiable. Nakana knew needed help - someone to aid her in her discoveries, but also needed them to advise and guide her from being overwhelmed. Chapter IV states that, ‘The First One went into a garden as large as the Sapphire Expanse, filled up with flowers. She spent many moons searching the garden, and found one that suit her liking. The chosen plant was the smallest of all the flowers, but contained the most petals. Nakana knelt down next to the plant and whispered the Truth to it, and lo, the flower grew into the sturdy form of a man with many elephant heads. The petals, too numerous to count, extended outwards to arms. Nakana smiled at her creation, and deemed him Abdesh, the Thoughtful Scribe.’
“Abdesh used his many arms to act as a collector of knowledge. And would soon bebest knwon for the scribe of the Four Scrolls. He is Nakana’s closest confidant and advisor.'
“Nakana and Abdesh traveled together for years, chronicling all they encountered and learned, and one day ran into Vis'Ras, a peculiar titan of time and forbidden knowledge, sick in the mind and the when. They sought to build beyond the scale of the gods themselves - a paradise where they could finally feel free from the fragmented reality of time in the void and the Lost truth.
They sought any way they could to extend their power, for building how they wanted to build was now an impossibility. More of a dream - a memory. Haunted by the horrible past that gave her the Lost Truth, Vis'Ras could never seem to come to terms with the present, and was said to occupy several different times simultaneously, and for this had the most chaotic psyche which brought upon her ill health and her desire for rest. In some attempts to regain power and order, Vis'Ras had taken to mimicking the gods, and so had attained a small band of followers made up of various magic creatures, but found that they made no difference at all, other than soothing an untouched loneliness.
As Nakana’s path crossed with Vis’Ras's, Abdesh advised against traveling down that road, ready to remove the obstacle from her path.It is often known as the First Obstacle, and from then on abdesh has placed and rmeoved obstacles in the path of all life, attempting to protecte life, bring challenges that further knowledge, and more.
Nakana contemplated avoiding Vis'Ras, but decided to meet Vis’Ras anyways. Vis'Ras made a low bow, and introduced herself as a freed servant of the lost gods and carrier of the Lost Truth. Nakana introduced herself as the carrier of the Absolute Truth. She welcomed Vis’Ras to carry on and seek her path of truth should she wish. However the two soon found a great conflict in Vis'Ras's disorder. Nakana secretly did not wish to invite the continuing chaotic and likely destructive influence of Vis'Ras upon the Truth, however she did not wish to cause Vis'Ras more pain. But nature took its course, and Nakana soon found herself picking apart the assymetric pieces of Vis'Ras, hoping to rmeove the piece that poisoned the Truth and Vis'Ras, saving them both. The pair debated the meanings of truth and the search for it while their followers looked on in awe."
“And what is this known as?” The saffron judged asked as he leaned forward.
“The First Debate, sir.” Kabir quickly replied. The judge leaned back in his seat once again.
“The debate went on for what some scholars believed were numerous lifetimes.” Kabir continued, “Nakana and Vis’Ras argued and discussed beneath both the sun and the stars. Over time, Vis’Ras grew tired. As Nakana attempted to lay the pieces of the Lost Truth in any order, it only served to disassemble the last functioning pieces of Vis'Ras's mind. In a cry of outrage, she asked Nakana why she would do this to her. Nakana looked confused. As Chapter VIII states, ‘Nakana rested a hand on the titan and smiled. We will stop, she said.’ The next moment Vis’Ras crumbled to dust and ash. It is said Nakana never will speak on the matter of the Lost Truth. And we must assume it is the shame of the death of Vis'Ras. All that was learned in the First Debate was recorded in the first two scrolls of abdesh - the hymns and sacrifices.
During the Frist Debate, all followers of Vis'Ras eventually joined Nakana, save one. A zesha blessed some time ago by the titan with their own powers of time, a similar servitude, and a similar but less pressing fault of the mind. This follower was Vis’Ras's most loyal, and her defeat shook her to the core. Nakana took her in a warm embrace, expressing concern for her loss, before whispering the Truth to her. The follower stared at Nakana before pleading to follow her and only her. Nakana said that is not your path, but I shall bless you with a new name as you learn about your true path. The zesha became Raijyu, the Illusion’s Truth.”
“And why is her epithet this way?” The violet judge asked.
“Because her world was shattered, sir. She learned that what once is might not be what it always will be. Everything changes, time especially, but the Truth and the pursuit of it is what is real. Raijyu is the most vocal about the Truth and how to go about obtaining it because of her previous relationship with Vis’Ras. I think Raijyu could be seen as almost maniacal and zealous in her pursuit of the truth.” Kabir responded. This statement sparked raised eyebrows with the crimson judge as the rest of the quartet mumbled amongst themselves for a minute. Kabir’s breath quickened.
“Very well,” An overweight judge wearing a navy blue turban gruffly said. “And what of Suragni?”
“Suragni does not appear until the final volume of the Core Texts because she was the last one to learn the Truth.” Kabir continued. “After the First Debate, the Core Beings did not cross paths until some time later, where it is written that they encountered each other on the anniversary of Vis’Ra’s demise. This time, it was Raijyu that had amassed quite the following. In fact, the Ashen still exist to this day, although they are mostly secluded to the Caldera Peaks and legendary City of Dust now. Anyway, Nakana and Abdesh were crossing the Torrid Expanse, where they encountered Raijyu and her followers. As Raijyu explains in Chapter VI of The Truths of Raijyu, ‘My path has led me to nowhere, surrounded by nothing. It is here where, like grains of sand combining to something more, we shall stay to learn everything.’ Scholars indicate this became the notorious City of Dust, but even Sahil the Wise has mixed feelings on if the City is real or just a metaphor for what Raijyu was trying to build.
“Anyway, Nakana and Abdesh crossed paths with Raijyu and the first of the Ashen. Nakana was impressed with the path Rajiyu had followed and what she had built. Raijyu, who over the years grew great respect and reverence for Nakana, bowed to her. One of Raijyu’s pupils was shocked at this act, for she had grown to be as devout and loyal to Raijyu as Raijyu had once been to Vis’Ras. The student confronted Raijyu about her actions, and Raijyu started to argue back, but Nakana intervened. Nakana took the devotee to sit with her under the palm tree. What occured was the Second Debate, and is the bridge between The Truths of Raijyu and The Justice of Suragni.
“While it is said that Abdesh’s hands grew weak and feeble from recording all of the information in the Second Debate, the details of what was actually said seem to be murky. Still, we have what we can understand inf the last two of the Four Scrolls - chants and worship. Sahil the Wise states that the Second Debate is what solidified Suragni’s place as a Core Being, while Veer the Observant says that this correlation does not occur until their return to Raijyu and the rest of the Ashen. What we do know is that the pupil Nakana debates with also receives the Truth, and that her Path is a combination of Nakana’s wisdom, Raijyu’s loyalty, and the pupil’s own fiery sense of justice. Raijyu’s pupil becomes elevated, just like she was on that day many years ago, and is given the name Suragni of the Calm Fire. This is also the moment where Suragni sets herself apart from the Ashen and walks her own Path. Both Nakana and Raijyu smile as someone else now knows the Truth and goes on to enact it.
“Suragni’s path is one of trust, honor, and judgement. As she states in...umm...Chapter II of The Justice of Surgani, ‘In my travels I have come to recognize the relationships between Truth and Trust. They are forever connected, forever linked, as one needs the other to survive. The Path of Truth depends on trust in the Path. One must honor that trust to steadily walk in the steps of the Path, for he who judges harshly shall be harshly judged’. In much of The Justice of Suragni, Suragni evokes the insight that Nakana displays while wrapping in the devoutness she showed to Raijyu. All of that is topped off with Suragni’s white-hot passion for not only walking the Path, but also for dispensing judgement and justice on those who do not.”