Against the backdrop of a clear blue sky
stands a mountain of certain death and doom.
It reaches up beyond sight of the eye,
miles and miles high up does it loom.
Goblins, orcs, and other monstrosities
infests the caves of darkness and fire.
No matter how oft we fall to our knees,
we climb and fight through the endless mire
Challenged by a thoughtful and loving friend
to seek the sights and beauty of this world,
that we may remember should it all end
and everything becomes sadly unfurled.
So, we endure and continue to seek
our goal above: the view from the peak.
Dear Pavlina,
I would have liked to have said these words to you in person but Anders' whispers about me filled Sorcha (and, I must admit, me as well) with dread. We have retreated yet again to someplace safer. Distance does not always equal safety but it felt prudent to make use of it for the time being. Still, should you need us, simply write or whisper and we will come.
When you said you wanted to kill Anders, I thought about saying more to dissuade you. But I knew how much of a hypocrite that would make me. I, after all, reacted in a rather drastic and unexpected manner when Orza slaughtered the Oldflowers. Perhaps, in a way, I sought a vengeance of my own that was convoluted, roundabout, and long in the making.
So I did not directly object. I understood what you wanted. I could imagine the maelstrom within you. I have no right to tell you, whether real or imaginary, what you feel is there.
But I have not been able to stop thinking about trying to dissuade you.
There are more important things in life than vengeance. There can be greater purpose in existence. I do not know what they exactly are for you. But I have found it for myself and I can think of no logical reason why such cannot exist for you as well.
The nature of this reality is a mystery but there are still many other things you could dedicate yourself to: running the rings; seeking out knowledge held in places such as the library of Baz'eel; finding a way to hold fast against the Nothing. The possibilities are numerous. Dying for vengeance is not the only option. Nor is it the right one.
I know my words are not likely to change your mind. I could think of nothing that would have changed my mind back then when I joined Orza. But I would not be able forgive myself had I kept these thoughts to myself.
This letter should reach you the morning of the exhibition. I hope wherever you end up going, you are able to find the answers you seek. If not, I hope you at least find the answers you need.
-B
Out of sight, yet I
still feel the assurance of
you being nearby.