Post by Kenthor HaGadol on Apr 20, 2010 21:37:04 GMT -5
I greet you all with the affection that our Sun shines down upon us. May the great, guiding Hand guard your ways, wheresoever you tread!
It has been some time since I have sent word. For this I beg you most earnestly for your indulgence.
When I did wend my way northward of the Steppes, it struck me as a sad parting, one which I should have rather spent with you quaffing a jar of ale or fine mead, instead of the hurried, and sudden departure which abetted my heartsick leaving none the better.
It has been a trying time. I have learned much, indeed, in my sojourns of the North. I cannot say that I shall be visiting the Steppes any time soon, which causes me appropriate grief. Nor do I feel disposed to display the nature of my essence to the natives in this area. They strike me as uncivilized brutes compared to the sophisticated powerhouse that I recall in the Steppes. Still, one cannot be too cautious, no?
I exhort you, my brothers and sisters of the sword, to fight with the passion and the zeal of true warriors, not the brainless berzerkery of those who cannot tell friend from foe; nor the timidity of those who would not face a friend in training so as to better their chances against the slaughter of one's enemies.
Is it not the same battle we face every time we meet? Is it not the very battle we wage in and against ourselves in the core of our very being? Am I getting through? Fight against yourself - your greatest adversary. Discipline your body; train your mind; sharpen your soul. Then you shall make proud the warriors who went before you.
After victory is won, what use is there for a killing machine?
During battle, what use is music?
These are the highest arts a warrior can learn. But a warrior may become a lord indeed who knows the value of a tune, for once the battle is over, and age has crept upon him, the fight is for his children. But let him enjoy the strength of his sons and daughters while he listens to a stirring melody, and - in truth - he is on the battlefield again!
We are marked and glorified by our battles, brothers and sisters of the sword, this is true. But after the battle, what then? Expand your horizon! The blaze of the setting Sun does not shine but in one cardinal direction. Sooth, it touches the whole sky brilliant colors, if but for a moment. But all around the burning fire of the sky seeps the calm of cool colors. In other words, keep your head when you fight. Be at peace within yourself and you will fare well. The frenzied excellence of the sunset does not blaze in vain when it is surrounded with the glory of night.
The essence of a warrior is in his mind. The glory of a warrior is in his body. The legend of a warrior is spread abroad by those that survive. They that survive are at peace in their souls, even with the very warriors they combat.
Be well, dear brothers and sisters. I know not when I may write again.
Yours ever in spirit, if not in the flesh,
Kenthor HaGadol
It has been some time since I have sent word. For this I beg you most earnestly for your indulgence.
When I did wend my way northward of the Steppes, it struck me as a sad parting, one which I should have rather spent with you quaffing a jar of ale or fine mead, instead of the hurried, and sudden departure which abetted my heartsick leaving none the better.
It has been a trying time. I have learned much, indeed, in my sojourns of the North. I cannot say that I shall be visiting the Steppes any time soon, which causes me appropriate grief. Nor do I feel disposed to display the nature of my essence to the natives in this area. They strike me as uncivilized brutes compared to the sophisticated powerhouse that I recall in the Steppes. Still, one cannot be too cautious, no?
I exhort you, my brothers and sisters of the sword, to fight with the passion and the zeal of true warriors, not the brainless berzerkery of those who cannot tell friend from foe; nor the timidity of those who would not face a friend in training so as to better their chances against the slaughter of one's enemies.
Is it not the same battle we face every time we meet? Is it not the very battle we wage in and against ourselves in the core of our very being? Am I getting through? Fight against yourself - your greatest adversary. Discipline your body; train your mind; sharpen your soul. Then you shall make proud the warriors who went before you.
After victory is won, what use is there for a killing machine?
During battle, what use is music?
These are the highest arts a warrior can learn. But a warrior may become a lord indeed who knows the value of a tune, for once the battle is over, and age has crept upon him, the fight is for his children. But let him enjoy the strength of his sons and daughters while he listens to a stirring melody, and - in truth - he is on the battlefield again!
We are marked and glorified by our battles, brothers and sisters of the sword, this is true. But after the battle, what then? Expand your horizon! The blaze of the setting Sun does not shine but in one cardinal direction. Sooth, it touches the whole sky brilliant colors, if but for a moment. But all around the burning fire of the sky seeps the calm of cool colors. In other words, keep your head when you fight. Be at peace within yourself and you will fare well. The frenzied excellence of the sunset does not blaze in vain when it is surrounded with the glory of night.
The essence of a warrior is in his mind. The glory of a warrior is in his body. The legend of a warrior is spread abroad by those that survive. They that survive are at peace in their souls, even with the very warriors they combat.
Be well, dear brothers and sisters. I know not when I may write again.
Yours ever in spirit, if not in the flesh,
Kenthor HaGadol