The Ties that Bind

I have noticed of late, how things are flowing faster, when the world itself slows down. I idly recline upon my velvet couch, smiling to the gathered collective, the men with silver, and the women with time and how they mingle and flirt and trade what they have, for what they want.

Darkfall has Seahaven firmly in its grip, and the storms are endless, the seas are churning to foam and the rain is driven into the skin like needles. And yet, here I sit, sipping my wine and smiling pleasantly as life in the city struggles on, and people huddle in homes and taverns while dark things lurk about. For me, business is booming. Yes, there is much silver to be had this time of year, when the weather and the long stormy nights keep them returning to my parlor, time and again.

Recently however, I have noticed something else. First, there has been an influx of men into my life of late. Now, do not get me wrong, one such as I would never complain about fortune and luck such as that, but it is the nature of these males that I find so interesting. How varied and unique they are from each other.

One, brings a desperation and need about him, and a frenzied intensity that is all too familiar to me. Everything about him screams the name of another and yet I feel I might be mad if I think upon it too long. Could it be? What could have happened to bring him to me in this way? I can only wonder as he has once more vanished without explanation.

One, brings a sense of peace, of calm, of wisdom and trust, and I bask in the time and attention he bequeaths me. He reminds me to extend a little kindness to myself once in awhile, and let down my guard, that maybe there is someone out there who can see me past the silk, past the lace, past the title and the lable, and see it all for what it is, barriers between myself and the world. I worry that perhaps this one may have too much influence over me.

One, ahh what he brings is welcome indeed. A sharp mind, a lust for his own goals, and yet a need to flood his senses. I see much upon his shoulders, he hides it well of course, but he bears a great deal of loss about him. I find him a wonderful distraction from the daily pressures and demands, so talented is he at the art of indulgence, he reminds me what it means to have what I do at my fingertips, and how to enjoy it.

One, brings with him a power to be harnessed, and yet I know already, it is a power that I will never truly control. Still, he will prove useful to me I am quite certain. I must however be careful that this one's actions do not come back to bite me in my delicate backside later.

Second, a handful of delightful, intelligent females have found their way into my heart., and visit my parlor often. I often wonder how I have managed to not only find these girls, but be blessed by their friendship, and support. I am happy to assist each one in my own small way to survive and succeed in this harsh world.

One...such a firecracker this girl, slick, smart, beautiful, and so young. She needs temperance, guidance, by one who will not ruin her lovely heart. She has been hurt this child barely a woman, and someone needs to show her a kind hand.

One, is a tempered steel sword in the guise of a woman. Hard and yet yeilding when held in the right hand I think. She has her defenses on high, her heart held at bay. I do hope the dishonorable cad who flits between them does not end up wounding them both.

One, is honor and loyalty and duty, and beneath her iron exterior she is a true friend, and I adore her for it. She truely cares, in her gruff and unpolished way, and I could not ask for more from her. I am grateful for her reassuring presence, and hope she knows how much she means to me.

They flow like the seasons themselves in and out of my life, coloring my existence and painting my experience with their own. I wonder as I sit this night and watch my influence slowly spread and my ties bind, if any of them look upon me and see me as lowly as I view myself.