Dreams VI - Aelfs

"Why don’t you believe in human beings?”

Onesti and Teathyme are riding side by side.

Onesti smiles and says, “You would like me to believe in them, wouldn’t you.”

A frown crosses Teathyme’s face. She sings, “I am not playing…”

Onesti says, “Ok. I will be serious. I cannot prove any of your human beings are real. They are not an objective reality, like the clans, gold, rainbows, dragon-kin or spider-kin, which can all be perceived in the physical world. They cannot be proven to exist in the same way as the, for example, spider-kin can be proven to exist. Human beings are simply not an objective reality.”

Teathyme stops singing, “Our cats believe in humans.”

Onesti sighs, “I am prepared to accept that many of us want to believe in human beings. I know the cats believe in them.”

She reaches down and pats the great white cat carrying her. Waylander turns and looks at her with deep eyes.

Onesti says, “Here. I am prepared to accept that they are a social reality. They are as real as the weight of smiles and songs. It is something enough of us believe in to change the way we behave. We tell stories, we weave dreams, and we dance songs about these supposed creatures. We make up stories of their exploits, and then we strive to invent their imaginary technologies and strategies for ourselves, but, in reality, they are just a reflection of ourselves.”

Seeing Teathyme’s face crease, she smiles a concession, “But, they have played a role in what we have become.”

Teathyme starts to protest, “There is more to humans than mere storm magic, I can feel it. They can help us protect the clans.”

Onesti continues, “You are too close to your feelings. You are letting a social reality become an objective reality.”

Teathyme sings “Spirit dust and star wraiths. That means nothing at all. Show me footprints and smelltrace.”

More urgently, “Come with me. I know where there are humans.”

Now it was Onesti’s turn to hesitate.

Onesti says, “But, why would you be so quick to believe in humans? You tell stories of them being as prolific as spider-kin and as cruel as dragon-kin. Why would we add to our problems?”

[prequel DragonsEye II]