The Return of Warmth

[DoS Archive]

Date: 9/12/97 5:02 AM Pacific Standard Time
From: DukeUzieI

He noticed, albeit much later than he should have, that he was smiling again. It was a shock, as he looked about the Arena, with the torchlight glinting off the blades and and the heaving efforts of his brother and sister duelists as they kicked the dark sand of the Rings up as they tried to gain mastery over one another, feeling the corners of his mouth turned up in that almost forgotten bright smile that he had once had.
He sipped at his brandy and watched the duels, his spirits burgeoning ever higher as he finally recognized the feeling and let it have its way with him. The emotion intoxicating him further than any amount of brandy would ever make him feel. Walking about the Arena with light steps the troubles that had plagued him in the past slid from his shoulders like a tattered cloak and were left behind him, like the rubbish they were, on the cold stone floor of the Arena, to dissapate in the winds of time,
forgotten.
The smile reached inward, lighting up his eyes and warming his immortal soul, the brandy in his hand tasted of new tastes with a bouquet of discovery he had not noticed when he had become lost in the apathy that had waylaid him like a footpad in a dark alley.
With a smile and laugh to himself he stepped over to the kiosk and wrote up a quick post, a smile on his face and the horns of victory over himself in his heart.

My Friends,
For if once in an existance a man can be surrounded by good friends, the thrill of victory and the sweet dream of the next day's conquest, he may count himself thrice blessed of the Gods. No matter what we do.....or how we do it....here and now we are alive. And in that we become what we are.....the finest people in the realm.
I bow to you all, for we are all the Duel of Swords, and through us histories are made and stories told, and the Gods smile upon us, even in this time of mild contention, for that was their design and we are wonders to behold from their hands.
May we all find a smile for each other, and a friendly hand raised in greeting when we arrive for another day of combat and comraderie. I am humbled and honored by the presence of everyone of you and count myself lucky to know you.

~Adonai~