Illyria: They have seen many like you, Keldorn. Many who have fallen for the cause of good.

Illyria: Evil always triumphs, they say.

Keldorn: Whatever 'they' are, Illyria, evil may win battles, but light and justice always win the wars. You only need to look at the descending sun, or the ascending dawn to see that good will always prevail, Illyria. Trust in that.



Illyria:
Tell me, Cernd, I am curious. Why did you become a druid? Oh, and spare me the usual 'sought a connection to nature' speech, because I know quite well that was not the right reason, as do you.

Cernd:
I am afraid I have no other answer to give you, Illyria. I sought for a more intimate connection with the Mother, and so I turned to Druidism.

Illyria:
Well, where is your grove? Does not every druid have a grove?

Cernd:
Some have their own, yes; I left mine behind long ago, because necessity demanded it.

Illyria:
There is no great tone of regret in your voice, Druid.

Cernd:
No, there is not. As I have told another once before, I did not truly enjoy the time I spent with my grove in Cormyr, though it was enlightening. The Great Druid did not like me, and I never truly fit in with my peers. In those few months, I learnt much, and I do not regret the time I spent there, but in the end I could stay no longer.

Illyria:
I cannot say I am surprised. A Druid, fitting in anywhere, would truly be laughable.

Cernd:
Indeed it would, Illyria, indeed it would. We are far too close to nature to observe the strict rules of behavioural etiquette and the other constraints society places upon people, so we never truly fit in, you are right.

Cernd:
In a way, you and I are alike, in that respect. Neither of us do well in crowds.

Illyria:
No, we do not.



Nalia:
Illyria, how can you be so callous? That poor man only wanted money for his children, and you had to scorn and ridicule him as though he was the man least deserving. It is lucky I procured food for them, or I'm sure they would have starved.

Illyria:
No - it is a shame you procured food for them, because now they will survive. It is the rule of survival, mageling.

Nalia:
I am no mageling, Illyria. And what is this rule of survival you speak of? The strong survive, and the weak die off? Is that it?

Illyria:
No. Those who cannot fend for themselves deserve to die. If there were not people such as yourself, your pathetic society could be so much stronger.

Nalia:
That's exactly what I said, Illyria - the strong survive, and the weak die off. I'm not stupid, unlike some I have the unpleasant acquaintance of.

Illyria:
There is a subtle difference, Nalia. I would think on it before you speak to me next, or I may be forced to disillusion you about several unfortunate fantasies of yours.
