lawfulneutralmage

If the GA statistics on the stories are correct, you have had more people looking at your work than I had looking at mine. The idea of more followers, more readers, more awards, more likes ... more ... anything is unfortunately how Social Media aka "the internet" nowadays works. It is so bad, people even "buy" likes... Ignore all that! Makes life so much easier! I know this is much easier said than done, I struggle sometimes, but I think it is worth it. I think the main question for you to answer is: why do you write? As long as you enjoy it, go and write!

Oh, tell me about it ... I agree. I am on my way to becoming an old (maybe wise) man! Yes, but Derek has two reasons rejecting Jordan's advances: first why stir what should lay dormant for him, second Derek subconsciously needs his soulmate. The green-eyed monster! Well, to his defense, he had just been rejected by the very person now being affectionate to another. I was warned about his speech being unreasonable, but I had to show Alrik was a couple of hundred years behind "now". Hence, his Elizabethan style of English. Indeed! That is exactly what I wanted to show! Best modern example is "the vikings". They were exploring opportunities. If they found weakness they struck, if they found strength they traded - like everyone else at that time! It is just that they robbed monasteries, and the chronicles were written by monks...

Yes. Yes. Thank you! as longs people can picture it, I am happy. Shamelessly stolen from GoT. Afaik, that is part of the Dothtraki culture. What can I say? In that society, respect is by strength only. Also, respect is relative, I remember reading about some historic society that when the elderly could not follow the trek, they were killed - instead of just left behind - maybe that was respectful by their norms... Yes, Alrik's ultimate goal is the be with Keldan who was taken from him, murdered by his relatives.

Well, first, Happy Birthday! Many try telling others what they "are supposed to be"; but that is usually b******t. If you are fundamentally friendly to others, then there is nothing else that others can expect of you. Most of us are all still children at heart - and that is good! Those who forgot their inner child are usually cruel and miserable. I, at 49, "play" twice to three times a week; role-playing and board games. Some people might consider it childish. I think it is childish to get excited about some sports team. So, everyone as they please! Therefore, the fundamental question is: are you happy? If you can reply with "yes" or "mostly" - excellent! You found the answer! Yet, if the answer is "no", then there is one question to be answered, and that question is not "what do others think of me" but "what do I want". Let's say GA is the saner part of Social Media... thanks for sharing, actually! Cheers!

Yes, history is written by the victors. Has always been the case. I really like you did not write "right" but "correct"! Thank you!

Thank you! That is very likely. At least one, if not both, would need to seriously question what they know and do.

Maybe, we shall see ... People can be consumed by hate and following a goal zealously.

Subtle? Me? Thank you! I knew what to do, too!

Many thanks! I debated about the open ending, but it is the only ending that felt right.

Innocence..... hm, rarely seen that. Souls ... show me yours I show you mine The only thing that attracts me to Lichdom is that I would finally have enough time to read all the stuff I want to read.

That is the reaction I was hoping for!

Thx! I have a follow up planned. But that will need to wait till next year (at least).

I am not a morning person either, but a quiet autumn morning is magical.

That is probably the best life summary out there.

Thank you, I will try my best! I was just shocked when I read @Aditus' interpretation of the Anthology theme - a creature of habit. I realized I am too negative in my thoughts, seeing "a creature" as monster. My first thought was "Lich". Maybe because I harbor subconscious thoughts in that direction...?