"I give up."

[DoS Archive]

From: xjaycyndax@aol.com (XJaycyndaX)
Date: 22 Oct 1998 21:12:22 EDT

"I give up."

Three simple words were left on the note, on the table, in the Arena. Three words, so small, yet with so much meaning. What exactly was she giving up? Her position? Her rank? Her job? The Duel of Swords completely?

No. No, she would not give any of those things up. No, she would *not* turn her back on the Duel of Swords... the sport she so loved. Then what? What was she giving up?

She was giving up the arguing, the guilt, the tears. She was giving up feeling sorry for herself, and for the patrons that roamed the Arenas. She was through with the idea people could accept things as they seemed, and that some people might not try to find things to fight about.

She had given up trying to bring back the ideals of those gone. She was here, she was now... they all were. Too many had fled, feeling they couldn't help the Duel of Swords. She had given up that idea not long after thinking it.

She had given up trying to follow the examples of others, and then taking each criticism with no rebuttal. She had given up always explaining herself. She had given up simply stepping down, bowing out... she had given up all these things.

Now, in her office, Jaycy writes a letter swiftly, and moves through the set-spell at the door, to the Arena... where she posts the letter.

Patrons.

Respect is earned, not given. You can either give everyone your respect, and state your opinions in a calm manner, or you will find yourself ignored, and disrespected in return. *Any* personal attacks toward someone else, and no longer will I respect you. It's as simple as that. You want to be respected, show others you can respect them. Attack the ISSUE, not the PERSON.

Jaycynda.

PS- If you have something to say, I expect it to be in a respectful manner, or I will ignore anything said. This is fair warning.

Turning, she moves from the corkboard and makes her way home.