Dragon's Egg - Act III

[Legendary Sidekick]

Nissa

Bressel suggests elves in front. That keeps Baldy safe, which makes my job to protect her that much easier. I'm for it.

Still, I should say something, since I wasn't included in this formation.

"Bressel… this body of mine doesn't disappear like the others did." I don't explain why. "When you're on the road, I will fly above—high above. My halfling side gives me better eyesight than humans, and even if I'm spotted, if I fly high enough anyone who happens to look up will likely dismiss me as a bird." Perhaps he sees I no longer require fire to keep solid.

"Of course, when we're in town, my wings will be concealed—which reminds me, I should see if my clothes are ready. I assume that's the reason you all stayed the night? I never asked."


Baldhart

I follow Nissa, and the first place we head to is Elli's. Nissa wants to see if her clothes is ready, and I want to see how Dalla's doing. Hopefully, she'll let me talk to her.

I think we should make one more stop at the Spear as well. I know Nissa wants to wish Grim and the others well as they set off to rebuild Srilkind—especially the children—Fiona, Rionach, and Liam, I believe. I'm sure she wants to show off her new outfit. I'll see that Gisla and Aga get a look at it as well. I hope the backpack will truly conceal the wings!

 

[SeverinR]

{Bressel takes 2 oil and carefully stores them. They won't be easy to get too, but they will be safe for the most part.

Aliron looks to Keit and Baltos with a smile,
"You should sing that for Branwen. She would love it." He leans against the building so he can keep watch on the roads, he holds the bow in hand, with an arrow noched.

"Has anyone been in contact with the outcasts? Do they know we are leaving?" He asks softly.


Bressel brings his ale out of the SPear.
"Looks as if we are about ready to leave?" His voice echos off the nearby walls. "saved the town, now its time to head off. We going to help rebuild that other town?" He asks just as loud.

"I heard thy song and I believe I have heard thy wolf singing just a night before. I shall keep up the music til we leave. Maybe Aliron has heard this one...

The Minstrel Boy to the war is goneIn the ranks of death you will find himHis father's s
word he hath girded onAnd his wild harp slung behind himLand of Song! said the warrior bardTho' all the world betrays theeOne sword, at least, thy rights shall guardOne faithful harp shall praise thee!The Minstrel fell! But the foeman's chainCould not bring that proud soul underThe harp he lov'd ne'er spoke againFor he tore its chords asunderAnd said "No chains shall sully theeThou soul of love and brav'ry!Thy songs were made for the pure and free, They shall never sound in slavery!

Danny Quinn - The Minstrel Boy - YouTube

Aliron The minstrel boy died long ago, the cresent moon demon that took his form still lives. Aliron smiles deep in thought. "Although, the demon can sing no more...for profit at least."

 

[Steerpike]

Finishing the business of the night before, the party makes its way to the cave, where they reunite and prepare to rest for the evening ((since there are things happening the next morning in Arendal, I'll assume the party does not set out at night)).

Branwen is excited to finall see the remaining party members again, and takes turns hugging everyone with her dirty hands and showing everyone her doll (which she called Bwanen every time she shows it to someone).

Brawen is once again enthralled by Nissa's wings, and compared them to her own as she often does. She runs a hand along them if Nissa lets her, then feels her own wings in return. She tries a tentative flap of her small wings, but there is not yet enough strength in them to lift her off the ground.

Masama offers Nissa a smile and a handshake with a meaty palm and thick fingers that completely envelope the small valkyrie's hand. When Nissa asks about Asra, Masama warms immediately to the subject.

"Asra is light," he tells her, in his strange accent. "She is the sun. She represents good, openness, honesty...the virtues that man should aspire to. Her opposite is night, and it signifies shadows and deception, and things that are hidden from sight. Each day, Asra rises into the sky," he points to the new sun just coming over the distant horizon, "and traces a path across the heavens. At night she returns to earth, giving over the heavens to darkness, the moon, and the stars. Asra journeys across the land to where she will rise again, and her enemies in darkness seek to stop her. At dusk we send our prayers to Asra, to support her in her journey. She always prevails, and at dawn we send our prayers again, giving thanks that she has risen again."

"At the beginning time, Asra created all that you see," he sweeps an arm out over the ocean that crashes outside the cave. "Each of Asra's creations act according to their nature. The events of the world unfold as Asra wills. But we do not always know the nature of one of Asra's creation. With a dog, or even an orc, we can be fairly certain of their nature. With men, or elves, or others of the higher races, their natures often remain hidden from us, to be revealed as the person grows older, or as we know them better. ."

Masama points to Branwen. "The child's nature has not yet been revealed to us. If Asra wills it, she will choose light. It may be that Asra's will in this matter will be served by me, or you, or by any of us, and that we will be Asra's tools in revealing the child's nature. I am here by Asra's will, and Branwen may be one of many reasons Asra has guided me here."

Masama lapses into silence after that, offering an occasional comment as the group contemplates strategy for the coming departure. Soon it is time for sleep.

First morning light comes early and finds Baldhart and Burnbright painting themselves with woad, Burnbright grinning all the while and wondering out loud whether Veborg ever painted herself. Burnbright is even more excited when she sees how Baldhart's ring works, though she is reluctant to touch it at first. "If it's magic...well, can it hurt us?" Ultimately, she ends up laughing as Baldhart melts snow, however. The two of them go from playing with the ring to training with spears (Baldhart notices that Burnbright has adopted a new, and very balanced stance that makes it easy for her to move side to side without being unbalanced; perhaps a contribution of Masama's - he is known to have been training with her). After sparring, the two gather berries.

In Arendal, the group leaving to rebuild Srilkind is ready to depart just as members of the party return. Fiona gives Baldhart a strong hug, then something unseen apparently flies into her eyes, and she's left dabbing at them with a cloth. Rionach says bye softly, but seems reluctant to approach with a hug.

All of the items the group has commissioned from the craftsman of Arendal are ready. Elli has the clothing finished. Both she and Dalla have red-rimmed eyes when Baldhart and Nissa arrive. It is clear they haven't slept all night. When Dalla sees Baldhart, she grows quiet and goes into the other room while Elli settles business with everyone. Elli tells Baldhart that Dalla has decided to leave Arendal. She's worried Dalla will seek revenge, but also says that Dalla doesn't want to travel with Baldhart. Apparently, the girl is talking about catching the ship to Alfoss when it comes through in a few days.

The group heading to Srilkind is gathered and on the road just as Baldhart and Nissa leave Elli, and Astrid, Fiona, and Rionach, among a few others, are particularly fond of the new clothes Baldhart and Nissa have purchased.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

I say "I'm sorry" to Elli. "I tried to talk her out of it."

If I can't speak to Dalla, perhaps I can get my message to her though her mother.

"I've been studying Brynhild's teachings… well, not studying as others do. Of course, you've met Nissa. It's hard to explain, but at the time, my conversations with Nissa were in dreams. Believing her words to be truthful was the same act of faith as anyone takes when they… read a book about their god or goddess. So, like others, I never questioned why the gods have their 'taboos.' Brynhild forbids me to kill from afar. I must get close enough to my opponent to see the look on his face when his soul leaves his body. I never thought about why. I was sixteen when I learned that, and I never truly thought I'd ever kill a monster. Or a man.

"But now that I have, I understand. Taking a life isn't to be taken lightly. When I serve Brynhild I protect the innocent, and I fight those who prey on the innocent. And even then, it hurts to take a life. I didn't enjoy killing every monster, but I killed them anyway. And the one man I killed, that hurt the most. Brynhild has Her followers fight up close so that when we take a life, we better have a good reason for it."

I picture Ankari slitting that priest's throat. I'll bet that wiped the smirk off his face.

"Elli, I only saw Tommen the day he tried to kill me. Maybe Dalla told you, maybe she didn't… but I tried to spare him, despite him shooting me from afar, and despite him siding with monsters even knowing how many innocents would die in Srilkind. I only tried to spare him because I didn't want to kill a man. Maybe Dalla's right that Tommen's mind was under control, or maybe my suspicion is right that he was a manipulator who won her heart and led a secret life as a mercenary, and that to him, killing—even killing an innocent—was just a profitable game to him. I wish Dalla would blame me for Tommen's death because I know that I won't harm her even if she attacks me… again. But the woman Dalla is after is much more powerful than I am. I may die facing her, and I've come to terms with that. My future is with Nissa.

"Dalla can have a future as well, but her quest for revenge is an obstacle to any promising future. Tommen died fighting for an evil woman. Why avenge him? Doesn't she have a friend in town that can talk some sense into her? There's a girl her age—Rionach's the name—setting off to Srilkind to help rebuild. Maybe she can join her, and undo some of the damage Aslaug caused. Aslaug's the woman she blames for Tommen's death… maybe reversing her most vile act might bring some satisfaction, but without the risk of getting herself killed."



Nissa

I better step outta here before Elli decides to take back my outfit! I make sure to properly thank Elli, and I assure her that Dalla will be in our prayers. I give Baldy the backpack an tell her I'm going to look around and see what I can see.

((WIS = prime.))

Any hostiles? Unless Mauve slept in the guys' tent, I didn't see her last night? Is she around? Any of our people here? Anyone going in or out of town? It's not as misty as earlier, but I suppose it's possible I'd miss something through the trees. I circle the village a second time just to be sure. When I get to the sea for the second time, I fly through the caves—but I'm not carrying a torch this time, so unless Alin or Bressel left one of those glow rocks in here, I might have to stop and listen.

((Not sure how helpful "dusk vision" is in the cave, so the listening check is just in case.))

((If nothing of concern gets Nissa's attention, Baldy and Nissa head back to where the rest of the party is.))

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

At first light, I ready myself and Llucheden for the journey, and ensure I left nothing behind in the village. Liadan helps here and there when my gauntlet-hand is insufficient, though she has her own preparations to take care of. I notice she still uses a bow with Oercus' topaz in the wood. I suppose it works as good as any other, though it won't carry Oercus' blessing anymore.

 

[Steerpike]

Arendal

Flying over the city reveals that all remains peaceful for the moment. There is no sign of Mauve or Ankari. If they are in Arendal, they are indoors. If they are not in the village, then perhaps they are among the thicks trees that spread out from the town in every direction except that of the ocean. The cave is empty. The dead - villagers and fish demons alike - have been dealt with, though the smell of battle and death still hangs on the air in those tunnels.

Elli dabs at an eye when Baldhart speaks to her. "Dalla has always been headstrong, and I know she wants more than life here in Arendal offers her. Tommen filled her mind full of grand adventures, and of sailing to the south and building a home for the two of them. A lot of nonsense, but Dalla fell in love with the idea. She finds this village too small for her liking.

"I do not know how far this vengeance will take her, though. Once, when she was seven, she ran away. She made it a half hour walk outside of Arendal, and that's where our men found her, crying and wanting to come home. Perhaps this time she will discover on her own that she wants to come home."

A few villagers watch Cadell and Liadan as they ready Llucheden. Though the people of Arendal have grown somewhat used to have eles in their midst, now that everyone is leaving many seem to be hoping for a last glimpse of them. A particularly courageous lad of about nine approaches Cadell. He stares at Cadell's gauntlet for a moment, then looks over at Llucheden. "A nice horse," the child states, and he pulls an apple from within the folds of his tunic. "Think I could give him this? He won't bite me will he?"

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

I smile at the boy who approaches, and nod at the question. "No, she won't bite. Go ahead."

Llucheden sniffs at the apple, then takes it gently from the boy's palm. I smile and rub her neck as she eats, telling the boy, "Her name is Llucheden -- that's Lightning in elvish."

 

[Steerpike]

Cadell

The boy smiles as he feeds the apple to Llucheden. "Oh, a she. I bet she's fast, with a name like that. When I get old enough, I'm going to save my coin until I can get a horse too. Most people around here don't have them. My Ma says they're too expensive and cost a lot to feed. But when I get older. I'll get one. Is this horse different from the kind people...I mean, not elves, but like people who live in the north - is she different from the kind we have? 'Cause I'd like to get one just like her some day."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

As I bid Elli a farewell, I tell her that if I happen to be in Alfoss, I'll ask about Dalla. I'm not sure if I'm headed that way, but if I'm there and she runs into trouble, I'll protect her.

While Nissa's flying around, I head to the stable. Cadell and Liadan didn't camp out. If the horse is here, then they are. I do see Llucheden, and he's—no… she's munching on an apple. And Cadell's there as well! He's letting a boy feed his horse, so I think I'll talk to Liadan.

I approach Liadan and tell her, "It's moments like this I'll miss most when we head out."

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

I tilt my head as the boy asks more about Llucheden. "She isn't quite the same as the horses you'd find up here, I would think. She's not so accustomed to how cold it gets this far north. Nor is she a workhorse or a warhorse. I used to be a knight, and Llucheden is, or was, primarily my show mount. Not to say she's only a pretty face, mind you. She can be fierce in battle when she needs to be, and she's very loyal. Rather like my Liadan." I glance toward my lover with a smile.

Liadan

I look up and smile as Baldhart approaches. "I think I know what you mean. Peace is a precious thing, and it seems there's less and less of it."

Cadell mentions my name as he speaks to the human boy, and I return his smile with one of my own. "Don't go putting too many wild ideas into the child's head."

Cadell

I laugh. "Perish the thought! I think he's smart enough to know what's wise and what's foolish."

Turning back to the boy, I say, "Being a knight isn't all about fine horses and shining armor, I'm sure you know. There is a lot of work involved, and codes to uphold. You must be brave, but not reckless; valorous, but not prideful. Defend those weaker than yourself, and do not shame them. Be just and honorable to everyone, not only your friends and family; be loyal to those whom you serve, and to those who serve you, if one day you have servants. Give freely of what you have, and do not obsess over what is owed to you, but pay back what you owe without scorn. Be true to yourself, and serve your god or goddess with firm faith."

I think that about covers everything in the Code. Courage, defense, discretion, faith, generosity, honor, humility, justice, loyalty, valor... what else?

Ah, yes... "A knight strives for excellence, nay perfection, in all that he does. Humility ties into that; a knight knows that perfection is impossible, and strives nonetheless. He does not seek glory for himself, but takes pride in upholding the virtues of the Code."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

I listen to Cadell talk to the boy. Finally, proud of his days as a knight again! I'm glad I didn't interrupt his conversation. And I won't. Instead, I speak quietly to Liadan while the crowd's focused on Cadell and the bow.

"Do me a favor and see me before you take off. Cadell too. Mauve went to see the gnolls last night. I trust they wouldn't harm her, but still… I'm worried about her. I won't interfere in what she's doing—and I'm not asking Cadell to go to her. If one of us interferes, she might not get the information she's looking for… I mean, I don't know if she's talking to the gnolls or listening as they talk to Aslaug. But I can't just take off knowing she's out there."

((Baldy would stick around long enough to hear Liadan respond. Or, Ireth, if you want to you could always post either of your characters following her. Basically, Baldy doesn't want to say much in town.))

After telling Liadan where to find me, I wait there, half watching the stable and half watching the skies. Nissa comes back, and I tell her there's no sign of Mauve. She tells me all seems fine in town. And that's part of my worry. Mauve can save herself, but I wish I knew what she was up to. The gnolls don't want to raze another town, so maybe there's nothing to fear… but I can't protect innocents just waiting for Mauve in the woods, and I can't help her if she's in trouble. Honestly, I'm sick of this lone ranger crap. It's bad enough Ankari always took off, but now Mauve?

Of course Nissa has to remind me that I went off alone to get Llucheden out of Srilkind… but that had to be done alone, and I can climb and I can ride so it had to be me! And of course, it has to be Nissa to go and search from above.



Nissa

I search from above, but I don't even know where to look. The tree tops sure are pretty. Like snowflakes. No two alike, but when you see so many at once they all look the same.

((Failed WIS check PM'd to SP.))

 

[Ireth]

Liadan

I bite my lower lip as Baldhart speaks of Mauve. It's tempting to reply that we should leave Mauve to fend for herself, if she's foolish enough to go off alone like that. But if she's acting for the good of the company, such as it is, we should look out for her. Besides, Cadell did the same thing, didn't he? I can't condemn Mauve and acquit Cadell, even if he is my lover, so I say nothing.

When I'm ready to leave, I tell Cadell where I'm off to and go to meet Baldhart.

 

[Ankari]

Wind, earth, death and injustice. All constants in any life and heavy enough to bend a weaker man's back. I've added the burden of my party, their inability to move, to focus, and to remember their self-proclaimed intent of saving lives. I imagine the giant and her pixie sidekick are fluttering around a tailor like moths eager for the kiss of flame. The colors of cloth blinding them from the errors of their desire.

"What is it with this group that you follow a barbarian distracted by the suppleness of a fabric?" I speak to no one and everyone. If not for my promise to Della, I'd leave. The sun crested the horizon some time ago. She should have arrived by now. No doubt the bull in a dress convinced Della to tread the path of cowardice while speaking of mountains and ale.

I check my pack and weapons, make sure everything is accounted for. Another hour. If this party expects the evils of the world to keep to its schedule, they've spun an intricate veil of illusion. "I'll be leaving in an hour."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

Liadan comes alone for now. I imagine Cadell will soon follow, and hopefully, we won't have any reason to go back to town. I've said my goodbyes, so at the very least that would be awkward. At worst, it will be necessary.

"I may be worrying about nothing," I say to Liadan. "Mauve said she learned a lot from what she overheard earlier, so maybe she just needs a conversation to happen. Maybe she's just… waiting. I don't want to make a mess of what she's doing, especially if it's helpful. My only concern is if something goes wrong, what happens to her? And where does Aslaug's army go if Mauve's plan doesn't work out?"

I'm overthinking this, but still… I hate waiting, and I would really hate to be in the position of doing nothing.

"Liadan, I'm trying to trust that she knows what she's doing, but I can't stand just hitting the road and leaving her behind—not her, or anyone taking a risk. And I know when I stayed behind to retrieve Llucheden, it had to be done alone… so, yes, I see the hypocritical side to my own words. It's just that, well… getting a horse is a very clear goal. It has a timeline and everything. What Mauve's doing, maybe it's necessary and maybe it doesn't endanger her and maybe there's no risk Arendal needs to pay for her mistakes if the plan doesn't work out.

"That's my worry. I don't know what she's doing, or what's at risk. Only that she's going alone for information, and with the hopes of preventing us from being followed." I add, "Honestly, I think our path is extremely predictable, but that's a whole other conversation."

And what to do about this?

"So, anyway, I can't stay in town. I can't leave. I was wondering if either you or Cadell would stick with me. And Llucheden, too—if she's not overburdened—so we can catch up. Nissa can fly over and let us know if Mauve's safe, and… well, she expects us to leave town, so if all is well, that's what we do."

If Liadan seems agreeable to that…

"Oh, and whichever of you doesn't stay with me can tell the others I'm waiting for Mauve. I imagine I'm not the only one who'd like to know why we're idling. She expects to gain some insight on Aslaug, but told us to move on. If they prefer to just move west, they can do that. Horse or no horse, I can catch up." I show Liadan Nissa's backpack. "And if you see Keit, she's welcome to send Batos to me in case I need back-up for some reason, but Nissa's clothes are ready. Once Mauve is on her way, there's nothing holding us up."

I explain that "Nissa's clothes are a necessity. The backpack will cover her wings." I show Liadan how it's cut on the side that touches the back. Only a small pouch for coins can possibly hold anything. "Her body won't disappear anymore, so if she's to enter towns, the wings need to be covered or… more panicking villagers, right?" I hold up the baby dress. "I guess I can donate this next time I meet a mom. Nissa really didn't care to dress like a baby."

 

[Ireth]

Liadan

I nod in understanding as Baldhart speaks. Her dilemma is clear, and I wish I knew how to help her out more. I suppose I don't know the company well enough yet, aside from Cadell.

When she requests aid from me and Cadell, I say, "I think both of us would gladly go, but three people and all our packs on one horse would be too much. If you expect to meet the gnolls, I think bringing Cadell along would be wiser, since he is already acquainted with their leader. But you would have to ask him."

((Still waiting on a reply from Steerpike so I can post for Cadell. I'm curious as to how the boy will react to the talk of knighthood.))

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

"Oh, I don't want to meet the gnolls. I'm not trying to make a mess of whatever Mauve wants to accomplish. I just want to know where she might be. I think Nissa would fly over the area if I asked her to. Of course, if the gnolls meeting place is far and they've moved on, maybe there's no way to find her… is there?"

Maybe if I pick berries to pass the time, I won't worry so much. Or maybe…

"Maybe I need to just trust her, and not just her…" I tell Liadan of a good place for berry-picking to pass the time, in case Cadell want to find me there. But first…

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Nissa

So now Baldy's off to… oh, okay. Does that mean we're done babysitting? I mean… lookout duty? Well, flying's fun and my clothes are warm. I suppose I can enjoy the view and glide so I don't wear myself out.

Humans look like little ants from up here. Cadell's horse looks like a big ant.

 

[Steerpike]

Arendal

The boy listens wide-eyed as Cadell recites the duties of a knight. He feeds the final bit of the apple to Llucheden as he listens. "A lot of that sounds like what Tyr teaches us. Courage, and justice, and that kind of stuff. We may not have knights up here in the north, but we believe in honor. Do you think I could learn to be a knight when I'm older? I could get a horse, and some armor, and a sword, and I'd have courage and never run from the enemy, and I'd protect people that needed protecting. If I was bigger yesterday, when those gnolls came, if I was a knight, I'd have ridden out in the middle of them and sent those dogs running back to the hills! Once I learn how to be a knight, I'll come back here and then no one in Arendal will ever have to worry about being attacked again."

The boy presses his lips together, deep in thought. He mutters some of the characteristics Cadell recited. "Brave. Loyal. With honor...but how can you be humble? If I was a knight, with a fine horse and a suit of armor, and the skill to scatter my foes ahead of me, I'd want to climb up the tallest tree and beat my chest and yell it out to everyone. Don't you ever want to do that?"

Meanwhile, Dalla finishes gathering her things. She looks coldly on Baldhart when the barbarian approaches her about journeying with them. He eyes are still a bit puff and she looks tired. "Take me to Ankari. He is the one who invited me to join your group. If he still wants me along, I'll come with you. Do not think we'll be friends, you and I."

With as much pride as she can muster, she straightens, then wraps Elli in a hug, whispering something into the old woman's ear, and then marches out of the house. Elli shakes her head and dabs at her eyes. "Watch her for me, Baldhart. She's a good one, Dalla is. Stubborn as any mule you ever seen, but a good one."

Nissa's flight over the village and surrounding area turns up nothing of interest. The tree cover is relatively thick in the lands surrounding Arendal, and she stays relatively close to town. Far to the north and west she spies a distant shadow on the white landscape, beyond the edge of the trees. It moves north toward the Taint and is too large to be a single creature. A group of men, perhaps? Or the gnolls? It would take her long to fly close enough to investigate.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

She knows his name… then she must know he's the one who killed Geralt. She only cares who killed Tommen, but at least her mother holds a higher opinion of me.

I thank Elli for her kind words and promise I'll watch her. Dalla won't be the only one to despise me. I don't want to pick berries with her fuming over me, so I better take her to Ankari first.

On the way, I say with a smile, "Not friends with me, huh? You and Ankari should get along just fine then. Just know that I'll do all I can to save your life if I need to." She should also know that any of us would've killed Tommen.

When I get to the group, I look for Ankari. I tell him, "Dalla is here. Mauve is not. I won't leave without her. She's gathering information. I'll gather berries to pass the time."



Nissa

It might be foolish to investigate this shadow, but as long as I'm high up, I'll take a closer look.

((I guess it is foolish! Hopefully, this roll wasn't necessary to find the shadow since she already found it.))


I tell Baldy what I'm up to before leaving.
((…in case her shitty WIS check causes her to crash into a tree and get lost in the woods.))

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

I smile as the boy speaks. "Perhaps. I don't know what sort of rulership this land has, but knights commonly serve under kings or queens. To become a knight yourself, you would have to find another knight who would take you on as an apprentice, a squire. You wouldrun errands for him, help him tend to his horse, and learn what it means to be a knight. Then, when you're old enough and have learned enough, if you've been diligent in your studies, one day you may be knighted too."

When he mentions yelling from the treetops, I laugh and shake my head. "You will learn, lad. I told you that perfection is unattainable. Even a knight must sometimes -- nay, often -- rely on others for help, which is part of the reason they have squires. I wouldn't be alive today if not for the aid of my comrades-in-arms." I hold up my gauntlet-hand again. "I might have bled to death after a warg tore off my hand, or drowned in an underground lake. Humility is easy when you realize everyone can be strong, and everyone can be weak. You just need to find others who will be strong for you when you need it, and sometimes you must be strong for them."

I look at the boy thoughtfully. "What's your name, lad?"