Thoughts from a Distance

[DoF Archive]

Date: 9/21/1998 11:03 AM Central Daylight Time
From: Roland Sal

Temporary Base, Port City, Warsal... far from home.It was nearing midnight, and the rain pouring down upon the evenly placed tents showed no sign of letting up. Rest never came easy to Roland when in situations like these. Too many threats, too many memories...His insomnia always seemed to lead to thoughts of home. Of his family, of the arenas, of the dueling leagues. He guessed the council and community would still be bickering over the trivial arguements with House Rising, and gossip about the reformation of House Questrion filled many conversations no doubt. Roland hoped he would be back in timed to answer any challenges to the twelfth. He glanced down to his naked left hand. The sight felt ratherodd, over the last few months he'd grown accustomed to seeing the ring upon his finger. Now though, he imagied it was stored away in the same protective box he had given to Dalamar.Roland wondered if he were missed.Thoughts drifting, Roland remembered his recent quest for an Opal and possible Diamond... recognition of his skill within the brawling rings at least. He'd failed in all prior attempts. The brawl with Shanni. The Diamon's Tournament. The title match with Tarl. The Slugger's Tournament with Bane. Failed. Failed. Failed. Failed.He supposed that was why he did not take back his challenge to the untested Opal, Matt Simon. He'd come too far, practiced to hard to let even a war deny him again. Simon wasn't a bad opal, Roland doubted that he would ever choose to challenge a 'bad' opal, but he was unchallenged and did gain his title by default, not through blood and sweat that the title matches called for. And in Roland's opinion, no one should be allowed a gift like that,regardless their reputation or ammount of wins.His plans to make the challenge would have to go perfectly. He'd already arranged to take a short leave for the few hours that would take the challenge to proceed and possibly swing by the arena to heal quickly within the wards before returning to the 'battlefield'. However, all of that may change... depending on Deur's intentions.The rained seemed to let up as his thoughts drifted. The moon slowly emerged from the supressive rain clouds and the sounds of the night began. Night animals crawled from their caves or holes, leaving shelter to gaze at the moon. A distant howl filled the air, but Roland didn't notice. He'd long found peace with his thoughts, and would get some much needed sleep.