Journal Of A Prince

[VonEbs 1224]

Dear Malin,

On Progress

As the Mali rise each morning, we struggle to carry on your legacy. Each and every Mali feels differently about how to bear this burden. They must search deeply within themselves, delving into the core of who they are. For me, I try to guide the Mali from one day to the next, mindful of the paths we tread, the songs we sing, the lives we change. I strive not for perfection; that is an impossible, foolish, and unreasonable goal. If you set your sights beyond the highest mountaintop, you will surely be disappointed. No, I strive for Progress. Progress comes in leaps, strides, steps, shuffles, and crawls. For each two steps forward, there is one, and many times, two or three, steps back. But that is not what matters. The defeats and losses are not exactly acceptable, but expected, and Progress continues on, in spite of any and all resistance. I work not to satisfy anyone or anything, as Progress will not be satisfied. There will always be more ways to improve the architecture of the apartment complexes, always more stable stalls to build to quarter the exploding horse population. But the struggle continues on, with or without me, the struggle for Progress. It fuels my existence, this struggle. The struggle to put one foot in front of the other, to fight against the constant and aching pull of gravity as I rise to continue on. To draw each new breath, my lungs taking in the freezing air, which burns through my body like alchemical fire. To write each new word, the pen bites into my raw fingers, the chill outside burrowing painfully to the bone. Every day brings new challenges, new dreads, new battles. I die a thousand deaths, live a thousand lives. I laugh, I cry, I surrender ground, I push forward and break the opposition. There is no escape from this battle. There is only the struggle forward. And those that get in my way will win battles, but they will not win the war. Progress will march on, with or without me or you.

 

~Ebs Telrunya, Fourth Prince of Malinor

[Rig 17590]

Billy the wood elf applauds.

Mythras nods in approval.

[Birdwhisperer 1174]

Moved to the Great Library. It shall be sorted into appropriate category shortly.