I was very young when Master Oriin taught me about the power of one’s image, how important being inconspicuous, blending into the background actually is. Not that easy when you’re a medusa, but something that’s become even more important in the world outside of Aresia, where people choose opulence and streets look like rainbows of colour.
He also taught me that the monks of the Temple of the Elements are not fighters, nor are they spies. No, they are there to help, to light the fires, to control the storm, to carve the stone that stands at the basis of things. They are there, helping even before anyone thinks of asking them to…
I had forgotten that lesson. I’m sure that twenty five years ago I had taken it all in - it brought a young Alke confidence, it reassured a very young and clumsy child that it was ok even if she couldn’t be athletic. It motivated her to learn to control her power, to learn new things and continue to improve. Maybe it’s something an older Alke needs to remind herself of more often!