Oh, I just wish someone would try to hurt you so I could kill them for you.
-Frank Sinatra
Osk, it has been a pleasure to work with you guys, a true pleasure. I know my time here has been a bit brief. Shorter than I would like for sure; but I hope you can keep our legacy of unrepentant insanity alive.
I picked you all not only because I consider you my friends, although I won't lie that did play a part, but I feel you each bring something cool and unique to the table. You are excellent writers who's ability I, without a doubt, respect.
Merrick: You have been a good friend to me. You have endured hours of my seemingly endless rants, you have offered advice. You atleast seemed to believe in me when I couldn't believe in myself and in ways I don't have words for you helped me through a few rough patches. When I was freaking out last week you were there to guide me as well as you could. In my early days here it was partly your voice of contempt that helped straighten me out. I thank you deeply for the help, not all of it intentional or intended, that you have given me.
Jager: You silly fool. I know you haven't written in Osk for awhile, but you should. You create some of the deepest and most interesting characters I've read in my life. You have a talent for conveying people that I could only dream of. You need to learn that some of us love to read about these characters, we don't care if it's the best thing you've ever written, post your mistakes along side your victories, we'll be there to cheer you on and offer advice any time you want it. Even your filler posts entertain us. I, honestly, believe in your ability. Trust us, we all have less than stellar posts, and sometimes the ones we hate the most become the biggest hits. We see the mistakes, us the writers, the readers don't see the same ones we see. Please, believe in that ability, or at least (allow me another anime reference, please) Believe in the me who believes in you.
Angel: You magnificent bastard. You helped me in many ways, most of all with my writing, because of you and Dee I became what I am now. I went from writing in AIM speak to writing in Insane. It was the unbridled contempt shown for my writing skill and my actions that helped me realize that some of the things I did were foolish and laughable. You may not of helped me personally, you instead showed me a rough path full of brambles that I must walk down to get where I wanted to be. Thank you. Nowadays I consider you a good friend, and I hope that one day we can share that drink and cigar.
Kami: You've always been fun, and were friendly with me when at times I didn't deserve it. You may not have been as influential in my development as some on this list, but you've always been a lot of fun and a good friend. Thank you for the good times and thank you for your excellent writing and a character, nay, two characters, I truly enjoy reading about. I'm sorry we couldn't continue the Mai/Bloodhound writing. I had a lot of fun with it, even if I did at times wrest control away, I hope you'll forgive me. I unfortunately have far too good of an idea of how my characters act and think. Keep wigglin', kid. I hope to see you again soon.
Tanus: Heh, you've been a lot of fun, my friend. From discussion on medieval weaponry to discussions on alcoholic beverages. You're not as flamboyant a person as some of us, but you are definitely a character, just one that is a bit difficult to ever get to know. Someday, my friend, we'll sit around in an Irish pub, half slurring our words between pints of Guinness and poor renditions of Flogging Molly songs. I promise, I'll buy the first round.
Jegora: Between us there's not much to be said. I like you and I like your style. Please keep doing it. Get better and keep going, never let them pull you down.
Fury: I, honestly, don't even know where to begin. You've helped me in innumerable ways. Without a doubt you are the person I most respect 'round these parts. We don't always see eye to eye; but you always have an unapologetic stance on your beliefs. You are uncompromising in them and you believe whole heartedly in a way I can only strive for. I miss the army you ran, I would of followed you into hell. When I was but a wee n00b you always seemed to either dismiss me or dress me down, and I did make a fair few mistakes. Thank you for that, it was needed. I hope you will remain as uncompromising as always, and I think your son will grow up to be a fine man. With your strength I do not doubt it. I don't posess the words to say what I want to convey, so suffice it to say, you hold one of the mere handful of positions that commands my utter and complete respect and trust, and, well, thank you for everything you've done for me, intentional or no.
Talon: Heh, Tal man. You're a good man, fun at times, a harsh asshole at others. I get ya. We don't always see eye to eye; but I understand you. While not always, in recent years you've been helpful and full of good advice. I hope you continue to be. While me may not always get along, I like ya; you have a point of view I understand. You're a good man, you have the best interests of the VE in mind and while you're not always agreed with I can see that that is what is in the forefront of your mind. You've seemed to have the taken the stance that dictates you not always be popular or liked, but in the long run it's for the greater good. You are a good man. Continue to be so; I trust you and will continue to. Whether popular or not, even if I don't agree with the actions; I'm on your side.
There are not enough words in the English language for what I want to convey to you guys. Keep the faith; I will return one day. I know I'm not the biggest or brightest figure in the VE, those positions are reserved for others. I hope only that I hold a small area, no bigger than a grape, in the hearts of those I consider to be my friends and allies in this unrelenting life.
