The more things seem to change, the more they stay the same.

I was remembering the other day of my first trip to the temple, when Steelton showed me the path of the warrior. Its been on my mind, as many of paths we take seem to go in unintended directions. When I was younger, I dreamed of glory and honor and epic battles and all of the things that I thought made a warrior great. A fine weapon, sturdy armor, and countless notches in my belt for many hundreds of demons slain by my sword. I looked up to Steelton, Islander, Topaz, and several other warriors I saw returning from uncounted battles - telling tales of beasts so vicious that it would seem a miracle they returned alive, if at all. I was young and had not seen much of world, until the time came for my parents to send me out into the world to seek my own destiny.

I have been seeking it ever since. I have found love and friendship, trials and failure, loneliness and hardship, warmth and compassion. Many things I had not intended to be part of this warriors destiny. Many people became friends who I saw as legends and many I saw as friends become legends themselves. So this is my destiny, as I live it day to day. Now an Iron Knight, now a husband, guild officer and friend to many whom Ive had the good fortune of coming to know so well.

I sometimes think about my apprentices - John Needles the first, who suffered from my inexperience as a mentor but survived none the worse for the wear. My hidden apprentice. He does show his face from time to time, although usually it is relaxing under an apple tree in the guild's Orchard. He developed quite a taste for Cider and longs for the days when the taverns will begin offering it on their menus once more. Brakkus who had a promising future, but wandered off into oblivion as many adventurers do - lost or perhaps dead, but I like to think he settled down and put his sword away in favor of a peaceful life. Finally, my last apprentice Daisy. Another very unexpected path in my life. She is well, however. I saw her recently in our Orchard. It is good to see that she did not stay away forever after returning home to help her family with their troubles. She has grown in many ways since I last saw her and I hear she has recovered the bounce in her step. For my part, our personal relationship ended as it needed to. I admit to learning alot about myself during that time and I was happy. But retracing old scars really has no use, not even in this one place I have for my own reflections. I am still her mentor and both of our lives have moved on as they should.

There are more important things in life, as I have said many times, than how many battles a man has fought or how many apprentices carry his knowledge forth in the lands. On a different note, our guild is growing and there is a lot of potential in the newer members and current applicants. We have a rogue in our midsts once more. Which almost seems ironic, considering other things... but it has been a very long time since one was counted among the Twenty Two. Zayne has already caught the interest of many people and he is lucky to have such a sponsor and mentor as Starling to show him the ways. But a rogue is still a rogue, no matter how you dress them.

I suppose this journal will be my memories when I am too old to remember. I need to do a better job of keeping track of it and not be so busy in my day to day life that I forget - there is always a future and the past will always be part of that.

Fleur is sleeping now as I find this quiet time to reflect on my many thoughts these past few days. I am very lucky and although I shouldnt ever need to remind myself of that, I should never forget. Even in my mistakes she finds the part of me that is better than the sum of my failures. And in my triumphs and achievements she keeps me grounded, focused on the important aspects of life that are not all fleeting glory. She makes me truly a happier, whole man... even if she does make light of the fact that my lack of training has softened me in places.

I am not old yet, but when I am I should like a different life. And I think that one day none of these reflections will matter more than an interesting bit of personal history. Until then, there are always troubles on the horizon. Even with our gods and goddesses watching over us, the struggle against the Demon Lords evils continues and I still play my part. It is my destiny and it finds me every day with the criers call. I still want to take a holiday to Ethucan, but there is much to be done before that day comes. Training at hand that cannot be put on hold and promises to fulfill.

I am looking forward now and I think I am quite finished looking back.