| Dalliance "First, my companions, all of you, I would have it known that I feel very strongly about the things we have been discussing. We are at a point of decision: Are we a band of common free-swords, or are we a group of adventurers united by a common quest to fight for good (and have some adventure and possibly, if it so happens, better our economic situations)??? If we are the latter, then perhaps we should do some deep thinking about our pride, and whether that Pride is more important than our common goal. Acting as a unit is not an option here. If some of us are not able to follow the sensible orders of a leader, then they should seek a different path, truer to their nature. We are not children, to follow our whims without thought of consequences! Surely the warriors here are capable of controlling their valiant bravery enough to carry out orders! I am fathered by a great fighter, and though I share my warrior nature with the more studious nature of a mage, I, too, wish to be at the fore of every battle, testing my skills and courage. But my father always taught me that the sword without the mind is empty, and will never be a force to bring good to the land. I see not emptiness in you. Surely such as you can see beyond the clear-cut needs of battle to the more difficult needs of duty. For what we do IS our duty; to free the land of evil, that all may live without fear. At least, that's how I see it, and none will turn me from that belief."
So saying, I turn to Raeden. Gazing off,into an unseen distance, I pause a moment. Then, with a shake of my head, I speak.
"Raeden, my friend, you may not know how deeply I respect your feelings, and even, truly, admire them. To carry the burden of such pure Good is surely more than I could bear. But I would ask you to consider: The land is beset by Evil that uses every tool at its call to bring the forces of Good to its knees. Force, violence, is a great tool in its foul hands. Though we long for peace from fighting, only by fighting can we counter it. It may not be....Nay, it surely shall not be that the battle between Good and Evil will won by force of arms alone. But every minion of the Dark Powers that we slay is one less to prey upon the weak and helpless. And his "Bloodlust", or "Battle-lust", whatever it be called, it is merely the joy of using the skills the gods gave us to fight Evil, and the victory of our calling to do Good over our fears of the terrible foes that the Powers of Darkness send against us. Do we seek to fight any we chance across, do we beset the innocent, do we slay the helpless creatures of nature wantonly in this "battle-lust"?? Nay, and never shall we. And we shall oppose any who do! It is not given to all to be Paladins, yet even the Paladins of the gods must draw arms against the attacks of Evil. We of lesser virtue must fight as we can, and hope for the salvation of our deeds by the vessels of the gods, such as you are, and your guidance against this loathsome but powerful foe."
Hope, pride, and entreaty are written clearly on my face, tears moistening my cheeks, as I gaze into his eyes.
"Do not desert us, Raeden, but seek as ever you have, to guide us. We cannot win this battle alone, and we need such as you to give us the strength to fight Evil without shirking, or fleeing from it."
As the last words leave my lips, I feel as if a great burden has been lifted from me, and I turn away, with one last look into his eyes. Then, exhausted, I sink to the ground. I will rest awhile, as the others decide in their hearts what is most important to them.
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