Mobius said:
Elysia Moonstar, Lord Galleous of the Winter Wind - I am young and willing to listen. You both see folly in my actions, both attribute my decision to seek diplomacy before blood as evidence of idiocy, pride, and madcap recklessness. I will submit myself, therefore, to your combined sagacity and ask for alternatives. What are our other options? An unknown force is attacking the town, her motives, abilities, rational, and goals are unknown - how should we act?
Galleous - why must you exasperate everything at every turn? Don't you find joy enough in exasperating me? I see what you're doing, and you should stop. I am quite attuned to the strands and motives of the heart, and I am trying to help here. Please don't snow on my parade. I am indeed quite wise, though you often bring out the more childish tendencies in me, it's true. I find that bullies have that effect on me. You like to think you can bully me about to get the appropriate response -- but really, why would you keep around another pawn? You wouldn't. Which is why I do my best to not let you control me. It is a skill I practice (not yet to perfection, sadly) with you almost every eve. It's spring. Aren't you tired of this yet?
Dramthin - do not confuse my words with Lord Galleous's. I never said you were proud, an idiot, or reckless. I only urged you to take great care. I am offering to talk through your plan with you -- to show you the holes you cannot see, so that you may mend them and perhaps then manage to -- when the time comes -- cast your net about the problem you wish to capture and soothe. I do not seek to change your mind nor your will -- that is your own. I only wish to keep you and the innocents of Briarpass safe. I want you to be informed when making your choices and picking the path you wish to walk. I know I cannot walk the path for you. I would not wish to. It is your path, and my feet find no purchase upon it. But I've ways to see down the road a bit, and a keen eye for the way things tend to unfold -- I know many things, and have seen many more, and I wish to impart some of this wisdom upon you. Ultimately, I know the choice will be yours, and all I can do is hope that you make those choices wisely, after taking all counsel into account.
You feel this is the only way. I respect the path you have chosen, as I respect your right to have and exercise your will. I do not have to agree to respect you, and this is something often forgotten when two come to the table opposed. I am making an effort to respect your ever-unfolding destiny Dramthin, whatever you may make of it. You seem an intelligent and respectful gentleman, Dramthin. Perhaps our mutual show of respect during our opposition in this matter will be a model for future foes.
I sometimes wonder -- does the Walker choose the path, or does the path choose the Walker? Oftentimes, this riddle gives me pause when choosing my way through destiny. Do not feel boxed in, Dramthin. You've a great deal more choices than you see. Meditate upon that which you cannot see, and perhaps things will become more clear for you. I often find clarity in the strangest places, usually when I expect it least. I know you've the patience for this task Dramthin, I now must rely on your wisdom to carry you through safely. But remember, a wise man knows that he can never know, feel, smell, touch, or see enough -- that his cup will never runneth over at the fount of knowledge. He can never be thirsty enough to drink himself full. You've much time ahead of you for wisdom, Dramthin. Take in as much as you can.
And remember to try and be rational. You're a very passionate elf, my friend. I see you get so caught up and involved and invested -- and I would hate to see that ruined in you. Try and find a little distance. Keep yourself a little safer. Guard your Light a little closer. Do not wear your intentions and heart so plainly on your sleeve, for there are many ill forces that will use your goodness against you at every turn -- as that is what evil does, nay, the only thing it can do to try and combat good.
At this point, my offer still stands. I will not try and change your mind, Dramthin, for it is your own. I seek only to expand and inform it. Will you listen?