I know many of you admire the Dark Star, and heed his words. I, however, must urge you not to be blinded by his frankly unfounded worries. And Maea, you know I count you among my dearest friends. But I find myself needing to tell others what I have expressed to you in private.
Those who follow the old gods always appeal to the past, as if any of us truly know what happened back then, and as if it was a better time. The truth of the matter is, we don't know if either of those opinions have any basis in reality. I would urge you not to look backwards, but forward. Don't let fear blind you to the fact that we can make real, actual progress, and work towards a brighter future.
Can any of you honestly say that your lives have been worsened by access to the portals? Or that you are upset that new parts of the world have been opened up to you? Or that you are excited to find out what other lands are currently beyond our reach due to the machinations of Rae and the other old gods? People are always afraid of that which is new, but I would remind you both that there are real, tangible benefits to being able to travel to new regions, and that history is written by the victors.
It is time for all of us to stop repeating the same cycles, and instead forge a new path. The Voice wants nothing but freedom. Perhaps it is time for you all to question the old gods and their actions and motivations with the same fervor with which you question the new.
