If the world was a forest of symbols, Kavala had conjured one in this very room. The need to visualize, to touch the divine was evident in the structure and decoration of the Within. Leo saw a yearning for the transcendental in the statues and other depictions of deities looking at him from all sides of the room. They were artistically pleasing on top of that, endowed with remarkable proportions and a true sense of presence; they looked like they carried weight and tension in their muscles, resilience in their bones, liveliness in their faces.
Naturally, symbols still did nothing for Leo. He did not need any to believe or disbelieve, for his mindset was one of abstraction - very Drykas indeed. He loved these statues from an aesthetic perspective, and could see how Kavala might draw comfort and inspiration from their presence, but he would never be like that. He carried Ivak in his heart, and required nothing more. Having eschewed all paraphernalia of the priestly type, he was perfectly content with letting the god manifest through his work, glimpsed in the back of Leo’s eyes as he lived his life for the fire. That said, he would make sure this Ivak looked every bit as gorgeous as the other gods on display here. More so, if he had any say in it.
”This will be a good spot,” he nodded, pacing around the empty space that would soon be the fire god’s. ”A cardinal placement, at midday.” He thought it over some more. ”I can help with the eyes, add a little fire to the process as you shape them. I also know some enamel paints that glow ever so slightly in the dark; one of them might get us closer to that look you mentioned. The molten orbs.” He rubbed his chin and frowned. ”The triangle is a shape to consider. Not only is it the alchemical symbol of fire, but it refers to the Triads. The number three, stability within change.”
He stood there, arms folded, curious to see how Kavala might proceed. He assumed she would take care of it single-handedly with Reimancy, and while he did not know earth, he suspected the strain of conjuring this much material and shaping it around to such a degree of precision would take its toll on the Konti. It was not the first time he’d seen her crack faintly, and while she would do her best to hide any form of weakness, Leo would know. ”How long does it usually take you to complete one of these statues? Can they actually be finished in one sitting?” He sounded doubtful. ”Just let me know if you need help with anything.”
There was a hint of genuine concern in his voice. Even beyond the gratitude he felt for her, Kavala was simply too precious in this day and age to risk losing. If the world ever managed to rise from its ashes, it would be because of people like Kavala building a future from the remains of the past. If only he could keep her from overgiving her mind away on this fine late winter morning.
Naturally, symbols still did nothing for Leo. He did not need any to believe or disbelieve, for his mindset was one of abstraction - very Drykas indeed. He loved these statues from an aesthetic perspective, and could see how Kavala might draw comfort and inspiration from their presence, but he would never be like that. He carried Ivak in his heart, and required nothing more. Having eschewed all paraphernalia of the priestly type, he was perfectly content with letting the god manifest through his work, glimpsed in the back of Leo’s eyes as he lived his life for the fire. That said, he would make sure this Ivak looked every bit as gorgeous as the other gods on display here. More so, if he had any say in it.
”This will be a good spot,” he nodded, pacing around the empty space that would soon be the fire god’s. ”A cardinal placement, at midday.” He thought it over some more. ”I can help with the eyes, add a little fire to the process as you shape them. I also know some enamel paints that glow ever so slightly in the dark; one of them might get us closer to that look you mentioned. The molten orbs.” He rubbed his chin and frowned. ”The triangle is a shape to consider. Not only is it the alchemical symbol of fire, but it refers to the Triads. The number three, stability within change.”
He stood there, arms folded, curious to see how Kavala might proceed. He assumed she would take care of it single-handedly with Reimancy, and while he did not know earth, he suspected the strain of conjuring this much material and shaping it around to such a degree of precision would take its toll on the Konti. It was not the first time he’d seen her crack faintly, and while she would do her best to hide any form of weakness, Leo would know. ”How long does it usually take you to complete one of these statues? Can they actually be finished in one sitting?” He sounded doubtful. ”Just let me know if you need help with anything.”
There was a hint of genuine concern in his voice. Even beyond the gratitude he felt for her, Kavala was simply too precious in this day and age to risk losing. If the world ever managed to rise from its ashes, it would be because of people like Kavala building a future from the remains of the past. If only he could keep her from overgiving her mind away on this fine late winter morning.