[FONT=Optima][SIZE=3][COLOR=green]I returned after such a long time away to find my room at the Guilhhall still there, and this old book sitting right next to my bed where I left it. Not even very dusty! I see the fine hand of V in that, she always did look out for of me, for us all.
The last few turns of cycles has been hard, I will admit. We we received word that our ma had had some sort of apoplexy, and my sisters and I all quickly left for home. When we arrived, she lay as if on death's very door, and it was days before she started to respond to us. She was ill for a long time, and the girls and did our best, for her and her husband, but eventually she passed, and it was a blessing.

I sat and read a bit of my journal, skipping here and there, smiling at the memories, and the happiness I found in it. The first time I saw the Queen, the first time I saw Balthy, friends both now gone, and still about.It's warmed my heart, helped to settle the unbalanced feeling I've had since I returned.

Much has changed while we sat on that dismal little farm, and I feared it might be too much, but as I read, I was reminded of the places and people I care about, and what is good and bright in Valorn, and worth the fighting for.And fighting there will be... an attack in the Dead Zone itself is being planned, to rescue stolen loved ones like Tyrell and Scooter, and even not so loved ones, like that blasted monkey that always bit me. A rotten little thing, but still, in need of saving.

Well, time to put down my quill. I'm no hand at this, anyway, and there is training to do. I'm a warrior of Valorn once more, and I will be ready for what's to come. [/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR]