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We're all morons for being out here, but we'll be dead morons if we don't come prepared.
"What is past must be forgiven, for we cannot change it, but only grow from it. You have learned from your mistakes, Tal Harrenfel. If you remember those lessons, you will find your redemption."
Queen Geminia smiled. "Neither sages nor poets have ruled Gladelyl. I am neither intolerant nor biased, Tal Harrenfel, only practical. And this inflow of strangers with their strange customs has turned Low Elendol into a city as poor as any human one." "Ah, to pity the Gladelysh — finally suffering as the rest of the World does."
Ashelia seemed to sense his thoughts. "Don't worry what others might say. No matter your performance, they'll think no worse of you than they already do."
"When others are lined up to cut you down, don't do their job for them. Your first lesson for the day."
"If we're all to fall, we may as well brighten the way for those who come after."
Now, her beauty had matured and blossomed. He noticed subtle changes from her becoming a mother; a slight widening of the hips, a swelling of the breasts, a softening in her face. But where she'd been a carefully cultivated garden flower, now she was a wild bloom, with rough leaves and thorns, but even more splendid for it.
But that's what it is to be a friend, he thought. You let them make their mistakes, then try your best to save them.
"Why does anyone love anyone else?" she murmured. "You balance my scales. You challenge me and never let me settle for less. You help me remember what it is to desire and be desired. You are mine."
Yet he still asked, "And if I don't come back as myself?" Ashelia reached forward and gripped his shoulder. "You will. You must." He lowered his gaze. But he knew no words could make this right. It was his choice, a decision only he could make. To risk damnation, or damn himself by fearing it.
