Busy, busy, busy...

I used to be almost religious about recording my adventures, thoughts, dreams, and general ramblings about... Now, I think my journal collects more dust than thoughts. I don't think I could possibly catch that which has passed - there is just too much.

I have taken on a new apprentice. Its not something I do lightly and not something that is easy for me (being always so self involved with my own endeavors). My last apprentice was John Needles, he turned out well... although he rarely trains, he is still pretty much independent and I think he prefers Cider to sword. He is a good man. This new one, Jeff Ireland, is a bit odd I admit. He will make a fine warrior one day - if he manages to survive the journey. I am not sure his cooking experiments are a good sign of his self sufficiency and I wouldnt attempt to actually taste anything that is cooked in swamp water. Perhaps he could tempt Remy with some... afterall, Remy was brave enough to use sandclaw burster juice to spice up one of his meals. Jeff has a good heart. He is honest and brave, not afraid to admit when he is afraid (as when he inadvertantly insulted Sreip). He is much like John in many ways, with a good sense of humor. But he is dedicated and strives to make me proud - which he does. Its always a good day when I see Jeff ambling about town... which is far more often than I see him out training.

Good news for the Iron Knights: Wallace Nite has joined our ranks. He has always been honorable, brave, and loyal. I was glad to see him wearing the crest proudly on his chestplate. Its good to see our numbers grow. Perhaps people will not see the Knights as being so aloof with more of us about.

Its been good to see my Haleth training so often again. Many speak her name about the towns once more... and tell me how extraordinary and lovely it is to have her company. Not that I need reminding, perhaps I just need reminded that I shouldnt always want to keep her great, gentle heart all to myself.

What can I say about my lovely Mother. She raised me more so than my Father, who was always away on business of some sort or another. I remember asking at some point what sort of business kept him away so often. I was quickly reminded that it was his business and not mine to know. Fair enough, I suppose. I have always been close to my Mother and although both of my parents encouraged me to venture forth when I was of age... I knew she truly took it pretty hard. She always told me growing up that she loved me more than anyone else in the world and that no one could love me as much as she did...

I know my last letter hurt her feelings. I really don't think it has very much to do with my getting bonded (although I am sure that did weigh in some part). I think the way I spoke of this place as my home now... the fact that I chose these people I love over her. Its difficult to explain when priorities change. Perhaps during the first few months I would have returned to see them at her beckoning, but now I think she is starting to realize that she is no longer the most important person in my life - that I have a larger purpose now. At least, I hope she understands that. I don't think I will attempt to write any more letters explaining things. If I know her, she will not read them. Not directly, anyway; she might have my Father read them to her after awhile.

When the time is right for us to travel, when I take Haleth to meet them... all will be forgiven. I just know they will absolutely love and adore her. Besides, my settling down with someone is what my Mother has been planning for me since I as long as I could remember... that certainly could not be the reason she was upset. Sometimes, I wish my Father was more inclined to explain himself. It would make things much simpler. But then, if that were so... he wouldnt be my Father.