Blade Maidens: Closed Fist, Open Hand – 23

“I fear I’ve been unfair to Melody.

It’s easy to view her as simply impulsive, and reckless, with a temper that only exacerbates these issues. Half the time I think she enjoys playing into them, frankly.

But if you listen to her. When she’s singing, or when she offers a glimpse into her life before she Turned, it’s easy to see why. I can’t imagine having such little control over myself. Being forever tied to the whims of the moons, and viewed as little more than an unwanted danger to any who you let know your true self.

Who wouldn’t have struggles with their anger with such a weight on their shoulders?

I’ll talk to Ser. See what we can do to further aid her. I don’t expect she’ll let us in further than we’ve been granted anytime soon. But at least we can let her know that she doesn’t have to worry about us being yet another controlling presence. She deserves that.”

– An entry in Rowan’s journal, dated 3 Sulna’s Peak, 877