Into the Dark Lands

If the Light and the Dark were so absolute, why couldn’t they give her absolute answers? Why did everything have to be so confused?

If there were no darkness, no Dark Heart, we—none of us—would exist. Try to see this when you walk in darkness. Try to forgive it, though you walk with light.

Remember that in change, no matter how strange or slight the chance, all hope lies.

But this road, this road that I have walked, you, too, must walk, Sarillorn or no.” “What road, Lady?” “The road between Dark and Light. And you, of the Light, must take that path, knowing that light casts its shadows, and that they lie at times in places that no eyes can see.

Erin!” “Hmmm?” “I’m talking to you!” “At me.” She looped the sword around her hips and fastened the belt. “To me is when I answer.

War is a mass of contradictions and carefully acknowledged truths.

Would it trouble you if I remained?” “No,” she replied, around a mouthful of chicken. He took his accustomed seat to her left, but said nothing. “Do you want any of this?” “No,” he answered gravely. “I do not normally eat this mortal fare.” “You should try it.” She stopped, trying to remember if she had ever seen the Lady of Elliath eat anything. Her memory wasn’t up to it. She doubted if anyone’s was—with the possible exception of Latham or Belfas. Stefanos watched as the fork fell slowly away from her mouth. He saw her face lengthen and felt his hand clenching once again into a fist. This time he felt he knew what he had done. “Sarillorn,” he said, almost quickly, “if you wish, I will try what you are eating.” She started and then looked up. “Pardon?” “I will have some—chicken?” The plate stared up at her as if it had become a living entity. Very slowly she cut a piece of her dinner and handed him her fork. Her hands were trembling. He looked at it, his expression no less grave than it was when he asked if he might remain each evening. Then he took it and raised it to his mouth. Erin watched as he chewed, each movement precise and almost meticulously timed. She counted to five and then watched him swallow. He turned to meet her wide stare. “It is—interesting,” he said, still grave. “Perhaps I will join you in more of this—” He gave a controlled gesture. “—at another time.” Erin laughed. The sound seemed to come from everywhere, enclosing him as her light had once done. “You, you’re the most powerful force the Enemy has—and you’ve never lifted a fork!” He was torn then, torn between pleasure at this strange laugh and anger at being the cause of it. No mortal had ever laughed at him before. But unlike other laughter, this held a sense of wonder in it. It puzzled him; he listened. “Tomorrow,” Erin said, a smile lingering, “we can try vegetables.” She began to laugh anew, but he did not ask why.

Power such as mine is only granted for one reason - to protect those with less, against yours." "Power such as yours? Sarillorn, if the power that you wield is too great a responsibility, I will take it from you; you may then have peace, knowing that there is nothing at all that you can do.

Why will you not just accept what is? You have done as you will in my domain. I have exacted no price for actions that would be the death of any other." "Why? I am your enemy here!

Why will you not just accept what is? You have done as you will in my domain. I have exacted no price for actions that would be the death of any other." "Why? I am your enemy here!" "It does little harm.