Ballads

[Nevrus]

Reflect.

Breathe. Live. Remember. Set aside motion. In stillness, mark the track wrought.

What have I learned?

From simplicity in my youth - to be care free, to be satisfied with Enough. That prestige and coin are not ends; they are means to pursue happiness. That honor can be easily proclaimed but cannot so easily be lived.

Lap the river's waters, not a thing desired.

From the terror of the Nothing - that this world is unfair. From salvation - that unfairness never stopped anyone from stepping up. People can change. People can give it all so someone else can have Tomorrow.

Flee the blacken'd slaughter, by savior inspired.

From the hunger of a decade - that patience can be rewarded. Often what those who wish to help you need is Time. Often, too, do those who care not to truly help you wish to dance in credit for allowing you to live. That it is their choice, they do not consider it a wrong to right.

Bury parents daughter, beg for what's required.

From six months of training in the Stockade - if you are hale and eager, many are willing to teach all sorts of things. To help change what can be changed. Knowledge has no price and should be shared freely, praise Izdu.

Teacher every squatter, rake and rogue retired.

From setting out on my own with nothing but a trashblade and spirit - it is will and determination that seizes the day. Years of training and lack of initiative won't get anywhere. Irrepressible motivation and the daring to see your limits, to always exceed them when you find them - there is no limit.

Rusty weapon leading, lighting up the dark.

From failure and pain and all those obstacles - as long as you stand, you will always win in the end. Wars, not battles. Not taking time to learn the proper lessons and make proper preparations is what leads to doom.

Swallow painful bleeding, every failure mark.

From becoming a Student - Dreams come true to those who chase them. Who become the person that achieves them. Win before you begin. Work is rewarded.

Garden's hearty seeding, 'gainst the blackness stark.

From gaining renown - Reputation is a tool that can defeat evil as well as any weapon. Make your good intentions unquestionable, that when you speak, it is known as truth. Is is inescapable as truth.

Shriving hearts with kneading, inspiration's spark.

From Aeronwy - that Virtue is contradiction, that perfection is impossible, but it is in the striving for the wisdom of its nearest shore we make our hearts Virtuous.

Spake a knight of knowing, more than can be known.

From Aubrey - that pretense has its place, but darkness should not be allowed to hide the ugly truths of the world. That the status quo should always be questioned. That greater dreams should be dreamt.

Spake a knight of glowing, more that can be shown.

From Asherias - that bravery, the willingness to take the field, can change the situation just by forcing conclusions. That a back worth following must be bold even when uncertain.

Spake a knight of going, only wake wind-blown.

From Aurelio - that piety, spirit, and effort can change the world. That sacrifice and adamant morality make a Hero.

Spake a knight of growing, deed and fealty grown.

From the Grandmaster -

Lap the river's waters, not a thing desired.
Flee the blacken'd slaughter, by savior inspired.
Bury parents daughter, beg for what's required.
Teacher every squatter, rake and rogue retired.

Rusty weapon leading, lighting up the dark.
Swallow painful bleeding, every failure mark.
Garden's hearty seeding, 'gainst the blackness stark.
Shriving hearts with kneading, inspiration's spark.

Spake a knight of knowing, more than can be known.
Spake a knight of glowing, more that can be shown.
Spake a knight of going, only wake wind-blown.
Spake a knight of growing, deed and fealty grown.

Always comes Tomorrow, ever on and on.
From the past we borrow, for the days anon.
Never forget Sorrow, heart's pain hereupon.
Always comes Tomorrow, joy's betrothe'd dawn.