text; anonymous

[thebreakingwave]

If wishes were horses, you'd all believe me when I said this was a 'hypothetical' scenario and I wouldn't need to post this anonymously.

From a young age, I was raised to be used in war. Knowingly or otherwise, I was trained to be the right sort of soldier; eager to fight, to support a just cause, and, if needs be, to die for that cause.

I did all of that and my war is over.

But now, I'm here, and at a loss for what to do with myself. I can fill my hours well enough, but that's all it is - passing the time.

I know that many of you are warriors in your homelands and I'd like to know how you've adapted to this place or to any time when you're not being used to fight.

Thank you.

Comments

[therangerking]

[ Wryly, though still gentle: ]

Would you like me to write instead, so you might understand what I wish to say better?

[thebreakingwave]

By all means.

text'

[therangerking]

It is sweeter and nobler to live for one's country; to survive the war, and to rebuild the world after it.

Surely we agree upon this point.

[thebreakingwave]

And we're back to 'if wishes were horses'.

Of course, that's all lovely, but it's not what happens.

[therangerking]

I do not take your meaning, stranger.

[ You're obviously alive, dude. ]

[thebreakingwave]

The feeling is mutual.

When the war is over, it's just a matter of taking a couple nice, deep breaths and then heading back to the farm or the shop or what have you?

[therangerking]

'Tis what I wish for every soldier. Would otherwise not be a triumph for the Shadow?

There are many soldiers who find it difficult to lay down their bright swords; who finds horrors in every dark corner; who hears naught but the clashing of swords and screams of Men in their dreams. I know this well.

Thus I ask for your reasons for fighting, stranger. 'Twill be the same reason to live on.

[thebreakingwave]

I told you honestly and you said that I was wrong.

I'm sorry to have wasted your time.

[therangerking]

As you say, stranger.