diff --git a/calvin-meets-elder-in-temple.txt b/calvin-meets-elder-in-temple.txt index 68ef98f..f5d8cfc 100644 --- a/calvin-meets-elder-in-temple.txt +++ b/calvin-meets-elder-in-temple.txt @@ -59,7 +59,7 @@ Whatever he did know would be embarrassingly small in front of an Elder. But between those borders, space unclaimed remained. There, the powers of the Voices Ancestral lost some of their structure and mingled. But that is not all, as far as I can tell. - Some other force, a power primeval, cast its lot with the people between the Trethings. + Some other force, a power primeval, cast its lot with the people between the Thredings. These people, corrupted power unbound by nation or species, are known as the Witches. —Witches? @@ -67,4 +67,39 @@ Whatever he did know would be embarrassingly small in front of an Elder. —Indeed. And when I followed the corruption of the Meadowlark back to its source, I found a horrible power looking back at me. I suspect that it was a powerful Witch. - Calvin, if Galvarelli has made an enemy this powerful, \ No newline at end of file + Calvin, if Galvarelli has made an enemy this powerful, you will need to learn how to use the applied Meadowlark. + The Witches' power is subtle, and unique. + +—Yakaterina said the same thing, had me pick up an old manual. + Respectfully, Elder Caprina, I don't believe that course is for me. + The Hierarchy has long stood in opposition to the Republic and our values. + I know that we must tolerate them, but that does not mean I feel comfortable embracing their ways. + +—Calvin, the Hierarchy guards the Meadowlark as a trust for all Beasts. + Their rules, their traditions, it's all not just for tradition's sake. + They engender a power in those who follow them, aiding them in their path towards the higher aspects of the Meadowlark. + But anyway, there are other paths to the Meadowlark. + The Hierarchy is a yak invention, a remnant of Emperor Yakob. + Don't let your prejudice against them colour your future, Calvin. + +—Caprina, even if I were to start practicing, learning how to use the Meadowlark, how much would I really learn? + I doubt a novice is going to gain any real power. + +—There are a few members of the Hierarchy with skill, but not many. + You yourself said that you don't trust the Hierarchy. + Even if you don't gain strength, you'll gain knowledge. + You can't hope to fight something that lies completely out of your experience. + But even still, I think you will find some strength. + Beasts are meant to be free. + Our fates are unbound, our futures unchained. + That is what it means to be unyoked. + Calvin, you are still yoked. + Yoked to your title, yoked to your republic. + You may be free from the humans, but that does not mean that you are yet free. + But you would not be here if you wanted to stay bound. + The fact that you are here, Calvin, the fact that you are in this position. + When you let yourself find your freedom, you will see what the Voice of Beasts can do in your ears. + +Calvin couldn't help but think to his time before ascending to the Presidency. +He and Nikki had planned their course with passion. +Ambitions to build Galvarelli into a nation that would rival the Ottawans.