Role

Chapter 4

To my frustration and dismay, my communions with Lady Padwei had taken a turn
for the misunderstanding. Undoubtedly she had been using all of her godly
powers to try and make me understand her point, but to little effect. Yes,
the seasons change. Yes, they have differences between them. My goal,
however, does not:

I am the stick. I am the one who stands fast against the storms of darkness
that threaten to destroy Thera. Though I cannot hold them back myself any
more than a sapling can halt the wind, I can be that resilient example to the
Fortress that the stick was for me all those years ago.

The goal, though noble, was all-encompassing. Lady Padwei sought to show me
that there was more to life than the war. After our conversation, I sought
out the Sunwarden Dreatide, her highest priest. He, too, sought to convince
me of the beauty of each individual season. Only after deep reflection did
their words sink in.

Each season has its unique characteristics. Most are overt such as the
temperature, yet many are subtle and only noticeable to those who take the
time to immerse themselves in the natural world. Take for example the cherry
tree:

Light from cold darkness
New stars grace the heavens
Three budding blossoms

Life-giving treasure
Crimson orbs swollen with blood
Three ripened cherries

Cloth of yellow gold
Aimless sails on azure seas
Three falling leaves

Skeletal fingers
Rigid 'neath a white death shroud
Three barren branches

The cherry tree's goal remains unchanged. It is there to live and grow.
Throughout each season, however, the manifestation of that goal is different.

What I need to do is to hunt evil as a True Maran should. That will always be
my goal. Yet in doing so, I must remain ever vigilant to what goes on around
me and within me. Perhaps to talk about the changes of the seasons to others
will help me remain focused on earning the Lady's mark.