Ariss

Is it not so that only the absence of something truly reveals the worth of it? Who can say they value what they have plenty? Of course, moral and religion may dictate thankfulness for what we are given and many whisper words of gratitude in prayers. Yet that, too, is nothing but a ritual till the loss has made itself known. Only then does the soul truly reveal what is important to us. Only then does the longing for what we seek rise like a tide, washing over us till nothing remains but the desperate desires howling in the dark.

There are days when the voices around us, the laughter and songs, drown the voices within. And there are the other days, the silent ones, where people remain to stare at the sky or out across the waves, each lost in their own thoughts. These are the days when the ghosts rise to walk the earth and losses make themselves felt.

With the fog still lingering, silence still rules in the lands of Ilshenar. The caravans have moved out in north and south and with them went the laughter and merriment of the meetings that took place. All around, people wait. Wait for news, wait to hear of save arrivals, wait for messages. Yet on this day, none will come. What moves have been made in the game of life have yet to be finished.

Only in Mistas, at night, shall the horn break the silence once again, telling people of yet another loss to add to their lives, another patrol lost on the road. Some mutter, some curse, some weep… yet eventually, silence claims them all.


Game meeting tonight at Trinsic tavern. Tomorrow at the Guarding Spirit before the University begins. Monday yet to be decided. No more meetings in the Rose due to general hostility of the staff.