Book 3: Chapter 39: New Purpose
There is nothing more contemptible and pitiful than the bravery of the weak and powerless.
- The Human Question by Gideon de Salavia 378 AC.
A night filled with dreams of familiar horrors that, by now, felt almost cartoonish in their extravagance. I awoke, shaking off the dread of the night with a casual yawn. It was nothing short of amazing how swiftly one could grow inured to even the strangest of things.
Still, life was filled with surprises. That morning, Kidu brought breakfast, the tray of food looking almost comically small in his giant hands.
“It is time we talk,” he stated simply, setting the table.
"Very well, my friend, what's on your mind?" I responded with a smile, ready to engage in conversation.
"No… first we eat, then we talk. It's best to settle the stomach before settling other matters," he replied gruffly, setting the tone for our interaction.
With that, we shared a slightly awkward breakfast of gruel mixed with fresh fruit and honey. While it wasn't the year's highlight, it was decently palatable.
"We do not open our mouths and speak as much as those from the warm lands. I believe words should be sparingly used, only to enhance the silence. Yet, there are words that need to be said," he started in explanation, his words coming out as if almost forced.