Paxper-poena population 13.



Digits entwined as a chin came down to rest on them. The bridge supported the weight fairly easily, though a slight cant was brought to the head. Golden brown locks lazily lay over wonderfully blue eyes. Tan skin tight and taut with youth graced every inch of his body. Dressed in naught but a hooded white robe, the man sat at a desk inside a white tent. The force of gravity had caused the sleeves of the robe to fall down to his elbows, but had he been standing it would have rested a few inches below his finger tips. The robe held in the chair he sat in, did little to convey its true length, causing the man's bare feet and mid shin to be exposed. Normally though a good solid inch would have been dragging along the ground.

At the desk an open book rested, an ink well and quill sitting next to it. There was a loving and longing gaze in his eyes. Eyes that seemed to fade into a dreamy existence every few seconds. It seemed that slip might over take the man, his lids sinking further and further, but what one might mistake for slumber was actually nothing more than thought.

Gradually people were coming to this wonderful little camp, notes which had been left in numerous taverns, bars, and bulletin boards across Terrenus speaking highly of this man's cause. And so like moths drawn to a flame, people came. Some were sick, some elderly, some young, some lame, but all looking for a new start and a cause.

The first few new comers had been personally welcomed and showed around by Setsuna. He had explained that there were no true laws or rules here. But it was expected that if one was to stay, one must work. He went on to explain that there is no obligated attire to be worn, but if clothing was needed all he could offer were white robes. Each person was given a tent, and a duty that they would be expected to perform. Some would work fields, some build houses, and some work carve an aquifer through the barren lands. Food would initially be provided for them but eventually they'd come to live off their own works and the works of others.

Setsuna's warm smile was always reassuring, and with a clasp of his hand around theirs. A brief prayer, and a nod, he would depart leaving each of them with a gift. A silver pendant with a gray pearl in the middle of it. It was explained that the gem worked in a similar fashion as a mood ring. It would turn colors, and even begin to glow as the person became happier.

Now that he had established a small community of people, others were taking on the task of assisting new arrivals. Still, from time to time Setsuna would venture from his tent. He would walk down the rows of tent, and he would find new arrivals, and like the first, he would guide them along their way.

"My brothers, my sisters, it is okay to want. Want to your heart aches from desire. Trust me when I say that here you will find no greater happiness than your own accomplishments."

A few people had come to ask him about the large pyramids that hit the four corners of their camp ground, came to inquire about the lack of guards or walls. Setsuna's reply had been simple. "Like the pendents that I have given out, these four pyramids topped with gray pearls reflect our current level of happiness as a community. As our community grows, and as our happiness grows, these pearls shall change. This is our city, our town, or safe haven. We need not walls, but if you should so choose to build them, I shall not stop you. We need not guards, but if you so choose to post them I will not stop you. Have faith my brothers, for faith has faith in you."

The question had never come up as to how they got there, and Setsuna had never felt obligated to freely offer up an answer. Though he did have one, they were the fruit of his labors, his hard work. And the silver pendent that he wore on a necklace shone brightly with a glowing white pearl that seemed to confirm he couldn't be happier.

Setsuna looked at the book on his desk and smiled wider than he had done in many years. "The town of Paxper-poena is coming along nicely. Soon we will be a powerful thriving community, and the Terrenus Government will be forced to recognize us as a city. To peace and happiness my friends." While there was no one here to actually hear is words, Setsuna liked to imagine that the rest of the settlers felt the same way.