Last eve, we visited a tavern in Ilshenar near the Humility shrine. Many foul creatures roam near the area; I can see how quickly someone not paying attention to their surroundings would learn Humility. Skylar and I were able to safely make it to the tavern, though we did have to assist one unfortunate soul who had succumbed to the foul Junta. I remember the time when the Junta first appeared in Sosaria, but I will leave that to another page. I placed Zeus in a nearby stable, though I found it strange to see it was empty of any stable hands. Thusly, did I have to check on Zeus every so often to ensure he did not get angry with me for not feeding him. He can be so foul-tempered if not fed.

The tavern was not very crowded yet when we first arrived, though it filled quickly as the hour grew late. I was most pleased to see such a gathering, as my return had not brought me into much contact with old friends yet. Pleasantly surprised was I then, to see a very old and familiar face – none other than Talon Skyfire, the illustrious leader of Sanctus. There were others as well, some of whom I had come into contact with already – Malicite from Moonglow; the Sheriff of Britain, Orelen, who is also currently a nominee for the Regent position; and quite a few others whom I did not recognize from my previous life here.

Much happened throughout the eve, too much to even put down on your pages here. Most significantly though, discussion of past times, past glories and battles, old friends and groups did occur. The topic even turned at one point to my most cherished memories, those of my time in the Heralds of the Awakening. I shall never forget my time spent as Sage of Honor. Talking about those times brought back so many old faces – the Oracles – Aleph and Azrielle Aeirs, Dayel Stormcrow, all mentors of mine. My fellow Sages – Lilyth Noir and Molly Teach, Analeiza and Jenna, Narisse and Lionel, Kronos and Thorin, and even the orc, Gub-Gub. Oh, how I miss each and every one of them!

Talk turned from this, of course, to the Virtues themselves. Quite a grand discussion took place. It surely made me remember giving classes during my time as a Sage. I have to admit that the dialogue did leave me deep in thought over my cherished Virtues. It seems that much of Sosaria these days does not hold the Virtues as dear, which greatly saddens me. Unquestionably, something should be done to return the people to our fold.

After Skylar and I left the tavern, we returned home to our bed. Unfortunately, my mind was afire from the discussions of the evening. I was unable to rest, so alight was my mind – as Skylar likes to say, “the cogs were turning”. I quietly crept from under the covers and padded downstairs, pulling on my clothing. Off into the night I rode, Zeus carrying me as ever to my destination. As I rode, I pulled out an old runebook that I had not used in many years – since right before my departure from beloved Sosaria. Opening it slowly, I saw the inscriptions for an all too familiar place. Murmuring the words, I felt the magic tingle through my body as it whisked Zeus and I across the world.
Dismounting, I patted Zeus’ nose gently, letting him know to remain. Pushing through the overgrown weeds and foliage, my eyes came to rest on the shrine that I could forget. Kneeling on the worn stone at the base of the shrine, my thoughts turned to past times. Without conscious thought, I recited the ritual words. “Summ, Summ, Summ”. This had been my mantra, my calling, and my very life in a time before.

Why must I refer to it as a time before? The world may have changed, I may have changed in some way, but my beliefs have not. I still hold the Virtues within my heart, as I know Skylar and others do. The ritual words continued to flow from my lips as my mind swirled. Perhaps it is time that the people know hope again. Perhaps it is time that the shadows feel the light shining upon them again. Perhaps it is time for a Reawakening.

The Army today is not the same Army I joined back then. I see things happen today that would have never (or very rarely) happened when I was a private. I also believe the Army’s current promotion system is broken. I have seen people that are promoted to NCO’s at 2 years – most times, others have to pick up their slack due to their lack of experience, or worse…  lack of care. I get evaluated yearly… and because I have struggled with my weight after having major hip surgery, my evaluations are never rated “excellent”. My last evaluation was written by a rather inept senior NCO. These evaluations mean I won’t see promotion for some time – nevermind the fact that my performance is rated above average.

My hip surgery has now lead to a medical board finding me “Unfit for Duty”, two years later. I have to admit I am pleased by this. The Army has just lost it’s appeal that it once held for me. Yesterday was when I found out the results, which left me ecstatic that finally I would be moving on to a new life, outside of the Army.

Earlier this week I also went to North Carolina, where I interviewed for a job doing the same thing I do in the Army. This job is almost perfect for me – same job field (which I love), at home, great pay. The only downside is possibility of deployments. Deploying as a civilian though – that I can look forward to. No pulling guard duty. No carrying a weapon (unless I want to). No going to the range. No mandatory Physical Training (though I hope to, but at my own pace).

They called me back today…     and I got the job! Things just really seem to finally be falling in place for me.

As for gaming, I have pretty much decided to give up on Eve Online. While I do enjoy the game and the “sandbox” play does appeal to me – it doesn’t appeal to my wife. Since our first year of marriage, we’ve been playing games pretty much together – Ultima Online, Final Fantasy XI, World of Warcraft, Lord of the Rings Online, Conan (we’ve played quite a few). It was always great playing with her, sharing my addictions with her, being able to discuss the game with her. Eve was just not for her, so as I got more and more into it, the more we seemed to be doing less together.

I got to discussing Ultima Online with a co-worker last week and it made me feel nostalgic for all the great times we had together in it. We were part of a large roleplaying community there. Memories of those times still linger after a 4-year break. Many of the other MMO’s never seem to manage this. Sure, we had good times in them…  but I can’t remember those times as well as our times in UO. So, last weekend we reactivated our accounts. We found quite a bit of our stuff is gone…  but it did not take long before old friends had helped us out on that front. I’m already addicted to it again, and playing side by side with my soulmate makes it that much better. To those in Eve or those reading this blog because of Eve, I apologize for leaving…  but I must follow my heart. I hope you will continue reading, as I tend to talk about many different things. If you do have any interest in Ultima Online, feel free to look me up on Atlantic shard.