The Code listened to
Einhornehole with something that seemed like thoughtfulness before it answered. “Cosmos does not ask to be your princess, nor does she expect anything from you. Your duty is to yourself and your Wonder. She cannot afford to be a social creature. She guards the Cauldron, where all starseeds gather in death. She heals them and sends them out so new life can be born from them. If you have questions, you should ask the Code.
Me. You should go to your Wonder, you’ll find more guidance there than you know. If you don’t want to fight in the war, you don’t have to. You cannot make excuses that others were not there to help you. You have to help yourself. All the resources you have ever needed are within reach. Your Wonder alone has more for you than you know. It deserves your love, too.”
Though the Code had no form, something about it seemed to relax as it listened to
Oia. “If you clear your mind, a phrase will come to you. It is already engraved in your heart. You need only repeat the words in your mind. You must focus. There can be no anger, no frustration. You must be at peace. But practice this calmness, and think of your world, and its power will guide you there. It is easy, I promise.”
For
Hyperborea, the Code was stern but not unkind. Unfeeling as it was, after all it had been through and seen it had to understand on some level what she was going through. “Find a way to preserve their memories. Cherish the happier ones. Write them down as you think of them. Find ways to celebrate them. Let their legacy live on. Memories of their death will bring you no strength or comfort. Dream of them. Imagine what they would tell you if they could see you now. Be someone they would be proud of. Help make a world they would be proud of. Be kind to yourself. You deserve to heal.”
The Code eased a bit when
Irkalla considered its words. “If you want to travel to your Wonder, you need only look inside yourself. The words are there, waiting to be spoken. Clear your mind and focus.
Listen. Trust in yourself, and trust in your namesake. Irkalla will guide you to it. You will find answers there. You will find purpose there. Have faith. I know you can do it.”
Erytheia’s answer seemed satisfactory, but the Code still watched him carefully. “You cannot save everyone. You don’t carry all of the burdens of the world on your shoulders. And, even if you did, you would not be alone. There are others who would help you. Look around you, now. They’ve come to help. And for what? They never questioned your worthiness, or if you were
good enough. Because, you are Erytheia. Doing what you can
is enough. And you’ve been dug out of hole by others–so what? How many have you dug out of their own holes? And did you ever think less of them for needing help?”
Though it had no true form, the Code seemed to bob for
Paradise, as if it were nodding to her. “I cannot answer that question in any fair or truthful way. There are too many variables. But you have carried hope in your heart for so long, Paradise. Don’t lose that now. Cosmos can work miracles with a damaged starseed. What wonders she can work with a destroyed starseed, I could not say. The Cauldron is unknown to all but her. Even I have no true ties or influence there. But, there are some that say she can pluck the energy out of the air and reform a starseed from that alone. So, have hope.”
