I do so love fools who think they are smart. I consider them somewhat along the lines of metaphorical hors d’oeuvres: tasty, plentiful and only requiring a single bite. I would rather relish a chance to cast a look their way and say, “You will be devoured.”
But that’s not how these games are played – not if you want to win, at least.
So I will behave myself like a good boy. Which I am, really, you know. If not always in my methods, ultimately in my ends. I don’t play for myself. I wonder how many people doubt that? Probably just about everyone, honestly. Oh, perhaps not Lien or Marisa… but I think everyone else in this city who’s aware of such things wonders what I have up my sleeve. Yet if I showed them, I doubt they’d believe me.
Such is life, hmm? Well, I’ve no hesitation in drinking the cup it’s poured out for me. There have been hard times, mistakes and betrayals, but there have been beauties and joys as well. Fortune is mixed; that’s just the way it is. I have my friends, my family, and most of the time they’re quite the consolation for any ills that might befall me.
How’d I write it before?
Let all the world oppose me
In a single hateful throng;
The lone sweet voice that knows me
Is a healing balm in song.
But it’s more than one voice now, even if hers is ever the most comforting. I’m a lucky man.
Anyway, things proceed well. I’ve made my donation to the reconstruction efforts, and the picture is much more rosy than I’d expected, in terms of funding. We may really be able to put much of the city back on its feet again.
My medical studies are continuing haltingly, as time permits; my current focus is pregnancy and childbearing. Not very appropriate for a man, but I don’t ever want to be stuck delivering another baby without any idea of what to do. And if something goes wrong for Cellan, like it almost did the other day… I want to be able to -help- this time. I don’t intend to make myself a full midwife (midhusband?) or anything. I just… don’t want to be helpless. Ever again.
