Musings

November 8th, 325
 
It's been six years since I've seen my dad. He told me the expedition would be long, likely years if they were successful, and that I probably wouldn't hear anything until a courier got back to Olympia announcing their success in establishing the new outpost deep in the wilds. I know he's still out there, working hard and helping keep everyone safe. Maybe even saving other kids and adopting them like me. It'll be interesting to have siblings. I keep remembering what he said when he left. That I was to keep training, keep getting better. And that when the day came that I was strong enough, skilled enough, basically when I was ready, he'd return and finish my training. Six years is a long time, but I'm not done. And I'll wait till the world ends again if I have to. The last thing I ever want to do is to disappoint him.
 
I've made some friends over the years, and many more acquaintances. I still have dinner with RC Plisken and his family every couple of weeks. He's closer to an uncle to me, and not just dad's friend. He shakes his head if I happen to come to dinner sporting bruises or a few cuts. But he understands. You can't fight without expecting to get hit every now and then. Speaking of which, that's one thing I truly love about this city. There's always another fighter out there who's more than willing to test themselves in combat. As dad used to say, "steel sharpens steel". And I am absolutely living proof of that. I'm no bully to pick on the untrained or those weaker or less skilled. But if they want a fight, I'll give it to them. Sometimes, the best way to train is when you can actually get hit in the face. I've gotten a bit of a reputation that I like. I'm known to always make sure whoever I fight get's seen to and medical attention if needed. I'm not one to just leave someone unconscious in a back alley somewhere. I've run into a few of those kinds of fighters, and I tend to set them straight pretty quick. There should always be honor and respect in combat. And even if my opponent refuses to help, I will not stain mine by doing the same.
 
I'm still keeping everything afloat, and the house decently cleaned. I have help to work with the plants and keep them behaving. Maybe I'll find one of those green witches over in Demeter who'll find my plants charming enough to teach me how to tend them.
 
I keep coming back to an idea, a saying. Strength exists to protect and help those who cannot protect and help themselves. I try to live that every day. Though some people do find a 6'4, decently muscled orc to be unnerving at times. Until they get to know me that is. Work every day to make yourself a little bit better, and the world a little bit brighter. Well I'm trying and think I'm succeeding so far. I miss you dad, and I'll keep working until I'm worthy, ready for you to show me the end.