Another years turns, as we walk ever onward.

The thrill of victory, the sting of defeat. The sorrow of loss...and the comfort of love. All these I have known, as I tread my path; but they are not what drives me.

All those who I see standing tall against the odds—who take up arms, be it their end, and hold their ground through sheer determination.

A Lalafellin royal, shy in years yet laden with weight of wisdom; the beaten but unbowed refugee who carried her. The pirate mistress who sails boldly against the wind. A forest sage, intended a life of quiet solitude, bearing the hopes of the realm.

And those who forsook their homeland, so that of others could be saved...so many now lost.

A wise grand archon; a stodgy old mage; a scholarly maiden, scarcely known, who traded her life with a smile. And a young girl lost in the markets, who would one day spare the fate of a world.

A noble knight of lands frost-fringed, and the sorrowful lady of icebound heart.

I carry you all now, as you carried me then—and we walk ever onward.

For the dashing rogue who hides his pain in bottles and between sheets; the gruff elder sister, driving herself to breaking in her mentor's shadow. For the charming bookworm, always so hidden away with his shelves. For the twins—who I rode a carriage with, when I first came to this world, and now know so well as to call them family.

For the would-have-been Scion, always worried of being a burden, who now carries a nation on her shoulders. The Doman samurai who forgave his most hated enemy; the wayward prince who put his people before his crown. And the daughter of the Ruby Sea, who I could not forsake if I tried, so dear has she become to me.

For the new old friend, thinking I didn't see him under that cowl, who calls me 'inspiration' even when he's now bettered my greatest moments.

All of you reached out for the stars...and it made me so happy that I could lift you that last bit to grasp them.

And to those who walked before, I remember—as we lead those who walk after.

- A Warrior of Light and Darkness



(If chosen, I would like Noble barding, please.)