by Raen of Dark Ages

Not many can remember what their lives involved before receiving the Spark, but some mannerisms are innate within our psyches.

Innocence is one. All we once knew erased leaving our minds open to be filled with new knowledge. Innocence is that feeling of being open to new ideas, places and things. Innocence can be a swift rush of adrenaline, tingle or pull at the nape of your neck, or an uncontrollable urge to bark at the moon. An overwhelming excitement, as new ideas replace the old. New skills learned and friendships made.

The second quality is Manners. Using good manners in everyday dealings is one way to show others that you respect them, value them as Aislings. Manners are being polite, contentious of others and feeling empathy for you fellow Aislings. Manners take no longer to use if one is busy, then barking out a surliness reply if one is not in the mood to be bothered than a polite response. In fact, being curt often tends to tarry one much longer then a polite "I'm sorry, nay today" or what ever response the situation calls for.

Ill manners breed Ill manner. When one is given a courteous reply or greeting, it leaves an indelible impression that is pleasant. That pleasant feeling is then carried on into their dealings with others. If one is responded to in a curt, biting reply, that ill will breeds contempt, which is spread to any unfortunate Aisling who happens to cross their path.

The following passage is an excerpt from a Mass I once attended, and I have been given permission by the Gliocan priestess to use it within this dissertation. I find this a grand example of manners and feel it proves my point of how ill manners affect one's dealings.

Somae: " I was resting recently near the Mileth Altar. A grand place to Aisling watch and meet Aislings new to their spark. Of most interest was two young Aislings, both peasants. One carried his stick, swinging it with gusto, the other smiling politely and biding his time.

Each time a warrior would pass by, the young boisterous Aisling would run up to them battering them with his stick and yelling "Make me a warrior!". Many times this young lad was ignored, other times he was responded to with contempt and made fun of. He was undaunted though in his pursuit, continuing to batter forward.

One well seasoned warrior paused a moment to reflect at the Altar, when forward this head strong young lad came battering away at the warriors back, exclaiming "Make me a warrior!" The warrior, pulling up to his full and impressive height, merely told the boy no. Leaning against my perch, the warrior winked to me and tugged at his helmet. I smiled at his show of politeness in acknowledging I was there.

I leaned forward curious as I watched the second young lad approach the warrior. He bowed if not a little shakily and asked "Many pardons M'lord, if you are nay busy would you do me the honor of showing me the ways of the Warrior?" and I smiled, nodding to myself that this young lad knew well how to use good manners and would be better off for them. I passed by the Mileth altar later that eve, and smiled to see the second young lad wielding a shield and epee. What become of the first young lad you ask? I also saw him later that eve still in his peasant clothes battering the backs of warriors"

This excerpt shows perfect example of good manners and innocence in use. The first young peasant, innocent, his excitement barely containable drove him forward without rhyme or reason. Had he shown good manners in his request of becoming a warrior, his exuberance would have been well rewarded.

The second lad, also innocent in his pursuit of knowledge paused, reflected and approached the seasoned warrior with good manners and was responded to in kind. His goal achieved, he became a warrior.

In conclusion, receiving the Aisling spark is a gift. It opens our minds to innocence. Later to be filled with much knowledge, new friends and legends won. Manners only enhance what we achieve, and carries us to greater heights.

*special thanks to Somae Alea for allowing the use of her liturgy in the writing of this article