Testimonial of Steros
Chronologically the third of the testimonials, and the first written after Alexandria's ascension, the Testimonial of Steros is the bedrock document of the Alexandrian Church, and the heart of the Canon of Orthodoxy.
It was written over the course of Steros Merroand's Arch-wardenship. While it does discuss Tragidore and the battle against the Black Wyrm, it essentially begins with Steros' adoption of most of the Children of Tragedy and concludes with the escape from the Kingdom of Shadow. It is by far the longest and most comprehensive of the Testimonials, although stylistically it is generally considered stiff and awkward.
The most comprehensive document of the period, twice as long even as Sayid's self-indulgent false-testimonal, it is the core source for the history of Alexandria's time on the material plane.
As Steros was Alexandria's closest adviser, he writes much more of her personality and of her personal struggles than any other chronicler except Dadtim the Younger.
Alexandria's Portrayal
Because of the length and breadth of Sterro's account, Alexandria changes dramatically over the course of the testimonial, especially after being subjected to the psionic manipulation of The Granger.
Initially, Alexandria is portrayed as quiet, driven and unusually serious for her age, given to long hours alone - either in thought or practicing her swordcraft - but quick to assist those in need. Laconic in character, Alexandria would generally remain deferentially silent in councils, only speaking to issue a final decision.
After her encounter with The Granger, Steros describes a much different Alexandria. No less quiet, driven, or unusually serious, but also increasingly self-assure, while also growing more callous and aloof, as well.
Upon her return from the West, Steros describes a supremely confident Alexandria, one who eschewed meetings except to give orders or delegate responsibilities and never wavered or doubted in herself or her mission. At this point in her life, he paints her as an almost emotionless automaton, totally devoid of joy or sorrow or anger, now totally subsumed in Alabar's prophecy.
Trivia
- The longest of the Testimonials.
- Originally written in Fresian.
- Gives an account of the Martyrdom.
Quotes:
"What of your time in the West?" I asked.
"I have seen the beginning and the end: Godhead is my ugly necessity.
The nature of the world is decay, primal Chaos may not be undone.
I have made my infernal bargains - as we all must -
And, and so, the question is not : how never commit evil
But rather - for what greater purpose?"
(After her return from the West)
Before we set off she turned, visor up, and looked into my eyes.
Not the look of the warrior, or the general or even the Omnity Herself.
But As the simple girl that never could have been,
a life razed and tilled to plant the crop of our salvation.
"Steros, as you lead them in the days ahead, remember:
We owe a debt to this thing I must destroy.
That primeval paradise I have seen is lost forever to the living,
but in exchange: Choice. To do good, to do evil, or simply to do not.
Having tasted this for generations, who could return to stupid bliss?
But what must be done must be done to preserve and to build.
In evil is our tragedy, but Entropy is our end.
(Before the armies of the First Stand march into the Kingdom of Shadow)
"They will have no choice but to follow us, Steros.
By taking this power, I throw open the gates to the Kingdom of Shadow
And its master will set a thousand lifetimes worth of fury upon us all.
As their dead pile high, the stubborn regents of this earth
Will be forced to bend."
(Alexandria, on the eve of Omnity)
