The Value of Vows

He and I work as one, the structure slowly but surely taking shape, the first of those to come. Pulling the skins taut over the poles, the strength between the pair of us ensuring the surface smooth and securely in place as we lash it down. "do it" I confirm, "tie it off" and then we both step back and look upon the teepi. "I hope you like it...it's yours" he announces to me. I am not sure what I expected really, I knew how he felt. But still...another home? What is that now? Five? Still, when he looked at me and said, "I want you to stay..." I looked back at him and simply...wanted to.

So yet another tent lies abandoned in the fields, and my things move with me once more. He is right, this...truly is a sacred place, and here above all else, must be protected, by blood if necessary. Those who steal from Sykala himself chooses to face those devoted to protecting his domain. The Crown at least has seen the abuse of the fields, the lands themselves, and taken measures to conserve what little we have. Do they not realize that this little patch of wilderness is all that is left?...if we let it fall to ruin, they ensure the end for us all. The greedy and the foolish will spell disaster if left unchecked. I for one have vowed to not let that happen.

Vows, indeed, I have pledged my fangs and my spear to a new Alpha. I was not convinced, am still even now, skeptical. But how I have hoped and prayed for someone to step forth and take charge, show what leadership is meant to be, what sacrifice and commitment means. I have taken a risk, and placed the last of my shattered faith in this Wolf. Surprisingly, I am not the only one he swayed....and the Pack...lives again, in greater numbers than has been seen for some time. Let us hope we can move and be one as we should, one focused being instead of a pack of snarling mutts bent on our own demise.

I have managed, to meet the requirements the Cloaks have in place to ensure I keep the tavern. I am once more, surprised. I own a bar..and a bird that will likely out live me. The apartment lies empty still, and I have no idea what to do with the space. For now, it goes unused.

I long for martial law to end, so I can forsake my authority in the city. Every time I set foot within the walls, I am drawn into something I would rather ignore. The games and power struggles between the peasantry and the nobility, the cat and mouse games of the Night Demons and the Vek. Yes I am little more than a glorified demon hunter, but that suits me just fine. I know my place out in the fields, but within the walls, I am caged and yet further and further I am being draw into the dirty little world within them.

He once asked me to decide, decide where my heart lies...is it possible that I must choose one part of me, and sacrifice the rest? I hope it is not necessary, I hope a balance can be struck, I pray, that peace can be found without having to cut away something I love to achieve it. But it is said, if it is worth having, it is worth fighting and sacrificing for. It is very unlikely I will come out at the other end with all of me intact. Something will have to give....