A necklace lay on the ground before me, glittering in the last of the Sunrifter's rays to penetrate down into a narrow path between soaring spires of rock.



I'd opened yet another treasure box dropped by some creature in that grim place. I bent to pick up the piece, and as it lay in the palm of my hand the sight of it took me back across the lands, and back through cycles of the 'rifter. A few of us were gathered together, laughing and chatting about this and that. We were speaking of items we would like, and she mentioned a necklace, Not one such as I then held, but similar enough for the item I held to spark the memory. I searched the lands for cycle after cycle of the moon, slaughtered endless creatures hoping to find one in a chest, studied the market at every opportunity hoping that some other adventurer had one for sale. At long last, I discovered where I could find that much-sought prize, but decided to keep it for a while to give as a gift on a very special occasion.

The memories were crystal-clear as I stood alone in that desolate spot, gazing at the necklace. A moment's diversion from the barren rock that surrounded me - thoughts to warm me against the biting wind, memories to hearten me as I once more turned to the hunt.

Those friends now mostly rest from their labours. The gift given has not been seen for far too long. The necklace I found, I traded in Branishor. Haggie gave me a good few plat for it. He has bought the item that triggered those memories, but not the memories themselves. They are, and always will be, mine.

Delights and disappointments - they abound in life. If we're lucky then the former will be at least as common as the latter, though there are often times when one outnumbers the other. We have to endure the times when the disappointments are more frequent, and we should remember and hold close in our thoughts times when life is more delightful.

A few days back I was, as usual, hunting alone up in the crags. I'd just about worn myself out and was ready to rest when I became aware of a presence unseen for far too long. Dear Bryg - smiling and laughing as ever - it seems an age since last we spoke. Though time was pitifully short we were able to catch up on some of each other's news.

Broutac - fellow rogue, one-time guildkin. sworn bladebrother - has left the lands. We'd been friends for the longest time. It's tragic that there was no opportunity to say goodbye. He will be sorely missed.