There was a time when I was fiery and quick. Nothing could stand in my way, I was invincible. If I chose to protect something, it was never harmed, if I chose to fight the battles were swift and valiant. If I loved, nothing could ever know greater loyalty. I watched over all with a knowing smile and cared for my charges with a gentle hand. And... my family was the greatest comfort I had ever known. Then a dark cloud fell over the sunny slopes of our home, slipping doubt into our minds and betrayal in our hearts. I should have seen the storm before it struck... I should have known... but there had been a poison in me, blinding me to the coming darkness. And I walked away. I turned my back on all I knew... and fell.... Now I find myself facing the darkness once again. Only this time it is familiar to me, second nature even. I dwelt in that very darkness for years, reveling in its very essence... a sad twisted creature of pain and sorrow. Soaking myself in its denial and madness. My family.... I remember... and I'm afraid. I sit here, counting all the times I have failed them... failed myself... I am not who I once was... I am no longer strong. I see as I once did, and it pains me. I am lost in this place, and I submit to the pressures of this life. I have bent to the wailing winds, cowered in the shadows, and bowed before the mighty thunder... How can I now return myself to the steadfast pillar of my past?