Role

Chapter 17

Drissa took to poetry to express her newest realizations about the nature of
the Maran's burden. She has found love for even her most bitter enemies, for
within each of them is a tiny grain of light that has the potential to
flourish. She will reach out to them like never before... although, of
course, she refuses to ease up on her crusade against the darkness. She will
try to help others within the Brigade understand the full weight of the
Maran's burden, and to help them grapple with the complexity of what it means
to have to kill. She worries about the ones that never seem troubled by what
they must do, and even perhaps envies them a bit for it. She will, however,
be careful to not dissuade them from killing, as it is a holy and righteous
calling to war against evil.

----------

I love the tiny grain of light in you
That might yet allow you to seek redemption
But I refuse to hold back my wrath
Even while I hope that you will change.

I kill because I love you
And because the darkness in your soul might be destroyed
Along with your body
If not the first time then perhaps the next.
It is because I love the light inside you
And inside many others besides
That I cannot allow you to exist
If you are not willing to change your ways.
For while you bear darkness in your soul
You keep that light from shining.

I pray that you may some day understand.
Until then, this is my burden
Which I bear joyfully and without shame
As do my brothers and sisters who serve beside me.
And if that day never comes
I pray that your destruction is swift.