I have loved twice in this lifetime. Once poorly, and once a little
better.

It is hard, you know? Finding a mate with whom to breed is not a tricky
thing. Finding a love with whom to live is somewhat more challenging.
Many knew her. Many more knew of her. And one thing can be said of her,
which cannot be said of all, or even many. I knew no one who knew Olivet
and was indifferent to her. Those who did not care for her, they did not
care for her in spades. Those who did care for her, though, would lay
their life down for her. Though she would be embarrassed at the gesture.

I was tricked into kissing Olivet, on a dare. In the years since then, I
have often wondered if that was an elaborate trap or a coincidental
gaggle of Bards grinning and smirking and giggling while asking
innocently How do Lycaeans kiss? Ive put my foot in many a trap in my
day. Never was one more cleverly set, or better baited. And never once
did I struggle to leave.

The Wheel turns, the people of the Seasons say. In spring the wheel
brings water, and in fall the wheel grinds. The Wheel has lent me much
in this lifetime. His daughter has returned to Him, with my gratitude
for the seasons we had.

And she has my gratitude as well. For the summer she brought to Ithaqua.
For the love she brought to me.

Harker

Penned by my hand on the 12th of Aequitas, in the year 472 AD.