5.Death of Chaos
CXI
THE TWO WOMEN sat on opposite ends of the bed, and the hot breeze wrapped around them.
“I told Lerris he was in great danger, because as he grew more powerful, he faced constant temptation to become less honest with himself.” Dayala looked toward the commander.
“I've already seen that. That's why we're having troubles.” Krystal did not look at the druid, but glanced toward the open window, toward the ruined harbor and city beyond.
“You are not honest, either, Lady,” said Dayala, “and that is also part of your problem.”
Krystal continued to study the harbor. “Part, perhaps, but it didn't start there.”
“You wanted love and affection from Lerris-unquestioning love and affection. He has grown, and he has questions, but he loves you.”
“Love shouldn't be given with reservations and questions.” Krystal's voice was hard.
“No. It should not,” says Dayala. “Love flowers on acceptance of what is, not what is desired. Lerris desires praise, especially your praise, and he will do almost anything to earn it. You are afraid that as Lerris has grown, so he will see you as you are, and not as the perfect woman as he has.”
“I just want him to accept me.”
“He does, but he feels you do not accept him. Do you?”
“I love him, but he doesn't always have to save the world.” Krystal's hands twisted around each other, and her eyes fell toward the blade at her side.
“Would you love him so much if he did not wish to do well?”
“He doesn't always have to be a hero and save the world.”
“No one does, but if no one does...” The druid did not finish her sentence.
“That's not fair. He doesn't have to be the one.”
The two women's eyes met, and the hint of putrescence drifted into the room on a puff of hot air.
“But he does. If he does not save the world, he will destroy it.”
“You are asking me to chain myself to him to save the world? That's not a choice-it's as much force as a blade is.”
“I am saying that the man you love will destroy the world you love unless you can accept him and he can accept you. If you choose to call that force, then it is.” Dayala pauses. “That is what is. That is what makes the choice hard, because you must put aside your resentment and your anger. They will not change the world. You must accept Lerris, and you must not hate him because of the choice, or, in the end, you will destroy not only yourselves, but the world you love.”
“I already accept him.”
Dayala looked steadily at the commander.
Finally, Krystal's eyes dropped down to the coverlet. Her fingers traced out the star pattern. “Why does he have to save the world? Why does it have to be him?”
Dayala did not answer, but waited.
“Why does he have to be a hero?”
The druid continued to remain silent, and her deep eyes watched the woman in leathers.
“Why... ?” Krystal shook her head and stood. “Why doesn't matter, does it?”
“No.” Dayala smiled sadly once more.
They walked out of the tower room.