Grus agmark grek,

Greetings my friends,

Long ago, saddened, flustered, and defeated, I strode my way into the
great city of Shallam, taking on the title of a young Magi novice. My
past strengthening my spirit, despite its most recent and painful
defeat, I embarked on a new life, apart from those I knew. No longer was
a Dwarven Lord, for I knew nothing of the southern lands save that they
existed and traded with us. So I learnt, and grew, and shaped myself,
until I found that things were not as they should be, and I decided
perhaps the City of Light was not my home, but that my path lied
elsewhere.

I became a Sorcerer and moved to Hashan for a very short time, realizing
very quickly I did not belong there, and that I was merely running from
my problems. I returned to Shallam, but again did not stay long with the
Magi, for truly I did not fit in. My ideals were those of a Dwarf bent
on artistic creation, selfless dedication to others, and defense of
those which I held dear, not of one dedicated to the practices the Magi
put forth. I lived as rogue Mage in Shallam for many years, until word
of Ralph's creations of a band of artists made its way to my ears. I
left Shallam reluctantly, for it had been my home for so many years (if
truly a city in the south could ever be home to a Dwarven Lord from the
Northlands), and joined the artists in the mountains in Cyrene. The
climate was more to my liking, being in the mountains and so close to
the temple of my Father. Here I flourished, here I found myself, here I
embarked on new quests of knowledge. I was of a group who farewelled the
revered founder of the Bards, I was the one who stood up and continued
his work. For many years now, I have led that group of artists. Yet it
is time for another to take my place. She has been chosen, and I wish
her all the best. I resign my commission as Bard Lord of my own free
will, through my own machinations and my own desires.

Yet further still must I resign things, for this is not a random thing.
I have decided to embark on a quest, to find an artifact of Dwarven
Lore, which I know must exist somewhere. I intend to bring it home, and
present it to my kin. I pray that I am worthy to be its wielder, and yet
in such arrogance, I know that I am not the One. I will most likely lose
my path on this quest, and not be able to return. I feel no sadness at
this thought. Should I pass, I will be embraced by my father in Kongol
Drak, I will rest with my family beyond the lands of mortal bodies, I
will return to those I was meant to save.

I leave with some goodbyes.

To Solar, I give my undying gratitude, respect, and love. You are the
one who helped me on my way, who taught me of the south lands and helped
me grow into the man I am now. You are an angel, Solar.

To Anu and Gani, my adoptive parents (sorry bloodline registry dude, we
lied), thank you both from the bottom of my heart, for providing to me a
family where I had none, familiarity where I expected none, and love
where I needed none. You were more than I could have expected after
losing my own.

Kekai, Tommy and Melony, the best and the worst of children. You brought
smiles to my face, frustrated me to no end, and generally made my life
all the better for it. You will be terribly missed, and I apologize for
leaving you. I know you'll all do well while I'm gone, however. I raised
you to be independent. You've done me proud time and again. I love you.

The rest of my children (you're younger and more numerous and generally
cause more mischief than those three), follow their example. They are
wonderful people. Respect your elders, follow your hearts, treat your
men nicely and your women better (or I'll kick yer asses when I see you
again) and never leave home without five flagons of ale. (at the least!)

Calidar and my other grandchildren, great grandchildren, and so on, you
are all assets to this family, and I am proud to call you a'Bertal's.
Ignore Kekai, because he'll more than likely get you into trouble, and I
won't be here to get you out of it anymore. We probably didn't get talk
to each other much, (my kids faults for being so old when they had
children), but know that I love you, and you'll all have a special place
in my heart.

Jelani, Nexes and Farlaris... The troublemaker, the complainer, and the
pain in the ass. We were the best of friends, from beginning to end. Two
of you stayed with the Magi, and I admire your dedication. One, well, I
don't know what you're doing now because you change your mind every five
months, but hey. You all will be missed, for your friendship was a
kindness I had expected never to rekindle.

Molotov, Baldazar, Gaidel, Brandilar, Fendo, Thea, Solar, Adicia, Barl,
Aragor, Skrital, Zain, Zarhan (I know I'm forgetting a name or two)...my
family as well... Live well in my absence, and spread Father's will. My
time with you all has been invaluable, and it saddens me to have to
leave yet another group to which I am so closely bonded. I will see you
all again, some day, some how, be sure of that.

Rayanne, much between us, much that will be missed. Alas, it's my turn
to depart. I fear I won't return as you did however. Calithandir better
take care of you, or I'll be kicking his ass too. Be well, sweet one.

Alyssia...my light, my life, my heart, my love, my soul. You are
everything and more to me. Without you I am nothing. You complete me.
Leaving everything else is almost bearable. Leaving our children, and
leaving you, is unbelievably painful. It is for you that I will cry when
I leave shortly. It is for you and you alone. So much time we spent
apart, but I hope you know that you were always on my mind. You never
escaped my thoughts, and many was the time my guildmembers wished I'd
shut up about missing you. I love you dearest, with all of my being,
with all of my heart. Let your light shine on others, for you a radiant
beacon of hope. Never forget me, for I will never forget you.

Yet now it is time for the rest to forget, and as such, will I be
forever forgotten. My body removed from the lands of Sapience, my mind
going with it. Perhaps one day I will return, perhaps not. I feel I've
made a contribution to Sapience, else I would have left quietly and no
one would have noticed. But I do know those who will mourn shortly, and
I hope it will be brief, for there are more important things to spend
your time doing. This post was for you. I'll be releasing my scribe to
public duty again upon my departure, any of my family my hire him. He's
graciously given that offer.

So now, goodbye. I, Lord Riashain a'Bertal, do formally release myself
from the position of Leader of the Shattered Stone Dwarves, resign my
commission as Bard Lord of my own free will, return to those who died
the title of Lord of the North, for that realm is now forgotten. I do
hereby and freely release and my lands to Alyssia a'Bertal, to do with
as she chooses, so long as she keeps them in the hands of the a'Bertal
family.

Forever yours as but a memory,
Lord Riashain a'Bertal,
Dwarven Drunkard

Penned by my hand on the 17th of Glacian, in the year 372 AF.