Although I spend little time in Valorn any more, having found paths that lead to other places of interest and enjoying the peacefulness of long naps, I happened to run into a soul new to the lands just a couple days ago. I am not much of a mentor, I care and have some knowledge, but not the patience. Those that have all it takes to help those who are in need of guidance are to be commended. They have, and are, a gift. Ah, but I digress. What I am writing for future recollection is not the specifics of our conversation, or the young adventurer himself, but about the memories the encounter brought flooding back. I suddenly had visions of when I was new to this place, and the awe I felt from the understanding that there was so much to learn and experience. Friendly faces appeared just when I was in the most need, it seemed, and I got just the right amount of help to keep reaching each goal. I fell in with a good group of people, twice actually, and though those relationships did not last I am better for having known them all. Individual relationships as well were part of my growth, and the memory of a few who touched my heart along my path can almost bring a tear. For all these reasons, and more, I doubt I will ever walk away from this place permanently. There are just too many good memories and friends, past and present, to do so. I sometimes wish I had been more successful. As goals got higher, so many fell away unreached, or crumbled just as they seemed firmly within my grasp. I have been successful enough. I have a loving, faithful and beautiful bonded, and a few old friends I bump into now and then. Plenty to be thankful enough for. So, goals be damned, it may be time to semi-retire. It is time to take a deep breath, put up my feet, and consider each call to arms one at a time. If I had the chance, I would like to thank all those who have helped me get here. All the way back to being given my first new sword, my first blessings called down from our great gods, and the pat on the butt. Thanks.
Gar Windgust