War Crimes

Life is not about reward and punishment,” said Xuen. “It is about understanding, accepting who oneself is right now, in order to know what to change, and how.

How have you managed to survive for so long, Saurfang? Not fallen victim to your own memories?” Saurfang smiled. “I don’t eat pork.

Cooperation was possible; he’d seen it. Every individual was unique—and could grow.

All nights end, and all storms clear. The only storms that last are those within your own soul.

Such was the way of the discontented. No proof, no explanation or reason would ever be enough to disabuse them of tightly held, deeply cherished grievances.

He stabbed a sharp-nailed digit in the direction of the Shattered Straits,

shape about the size of a large dog hovering a few yards over his head.

And in whatever afterlife your precious Light grants you, your parents will wish Queen Tiffin had miscarried.

Thus is the blessing of Chi-Ji,” the crane said. “No more shall die this day. Take this second chance, and use it wisely.

Wishes do not a world make. We do the best we can where we are, every minute, every breath. We make mistakes, and we have to live with them. We try to learn from them. And that is all we can do.