The city breathing, burning, living the life thy had preserved. Ten million lives and more. If something should happen to all that life - how terrible! Nita gulped for control as she remembered Fred's word of just this morning, an eternity ago. And this was what being a wizard was about. Keeping terrible things from happening, even when it hurts. Not just power, or control of what ordinary people couldn't control, or delight in being able to make strange things happen. Those were the side effects - not the reason, the purpose.

Sometimes we do not hear the Whisperer even at her loudest because she speaks in our own voice, the one we most often discount.

"Don't be afraid to make corrections," Picchu said. "Don't be afraid to lend a hand." She fell silent, seeming to think for a moment. "And don't look down."

But even in your world it’s a byword. Men will fight bravely and be heroes, but for last-ditch defense against any odds… get a Mother.

How am I supposed to save the universe with all this noise?!

She tried to walk softly and wished the trees wouldn't stare at her so.

Those who don't know the mistakes of the past won't be able to enjoy it when they make them again in the future.