The Athenaeum of Hollow Song

Atrus,

You have asked a question I cannot answer. Once I know what they have to gain in accomplishing their goal, I will make that knowledge public.

Ridigan,

I find it more likely that they wish to inflict suffering upon others rather than end their own. These are truly twisted people. Take, for instance, Julius's words to Calliope just before he murdered her: "I did not give you life, but I gave you something much better: a glorious death!"

Sir Silverbow,

I believe you to be correct on both counts. Despair and fear are there weapons. Hope must be our shield.

Clytie, Dominic,

Good. Get angry. It's time to end this.

Very true, they are quite twisted. Pain and suffering can do that. Especially when someone like a Lorestri is involved, whose powers would drag out a normal life into a potentially eternal one. Make no mistake. I am not sympathising with them, simply offering a possible reason as to why they are doing something that would cripple them in the end.

It's the start if a new Age. Now that so much else is gone or weakened, they may feel themselves ready to be the dominant force of it. "For Power" may be selfish, yet so common.


-Kuo Kun

So they can read what is written here? I'd hope so as I have a theory.

Like all who sacrifice everything for power, they were helpless, foolish, afraid, inept-- whimpering babes in their crib-- hoping to cling to any source of power, like a crying child clinging to its mothers skirt. They unwrite their history for they have little to be proud of. The prospect of a glorious death is more meaningful then the pitiable existence they have carried out. What is worse then death then a life that is worth not a single song? As a bard is this not the greatest shame one could face?

If one of you "Hollow Whatevers" are reading this-- and I am mistaken in my assessment of your crusade against catchy tunes and chuckle worthy tales-- please pick up a quill and correct me on your "rich history". Otherwise, hide away in your dark corners of Arawyn. Soon we will find you, and I'll personally cut those stylish little brands off and get some answers.

I was really looking forward to that wedding,

Their dying cries shall make a fine tune.

-Ava

I feel the need to state something I have said before on other matters, despite knowing it will probably be poorly received as I can never express myself right in written words.

As we face off against this terrible foe, we should always keep our hearts, souls and minds focused on our true goals. Those of protecting history, song, the weave, Arawyn and our bard friends. We must not let ourselves become so overwhelmed with hatred or vengeance that we find the goal of killing takes over. Killing them or destroying them without stopping their goals does nothing but corrupt us, and grant them the glorious death they seam to want so much. Do not give them the joy of being compared to great and terrible villains Travance has faced in the past. Stop their plans and make their deaths in the process a side note in the grand tale of how Travance saved history and the weave (again).

I highly doubt it is possible we will be able to resolve this without killing. I just want the town gathering and uniting for the right purpose.

Sorry if my words are not well put, but I don't like writing this much.

Caldor