Punky Fu

Stopping for food and drink, Starken and Lathica discussed and commiserated. The lives of Halflings were never simple - and theirs seemed infinitely complex and withering at times. Throughout the marketplace the two shared their sorrows and strategies with each other. When they returned, the wicked Bitchlings sat like gargoyles vomiting silent curses, but too cowardly to do anything but retreat with reproachful glares.

Starken’s day journey would take him away for a time. He would return, but for the nonce, he would depart as was their custom. Really, nothing in their physical reality had changed from day’s break to this time - but they both felt better.

For like true warriors they had learned two very important lessons. First - “Fall down eight times, get up nine.” Failure is not falling down, but refusing to get up. The world will give you obstacles - and you will either use the resistance to build muscle, or simply succumb to it. Physical or mental challenges - it always worked the same way. Use your muscle or become a victim. Use your brain or become an idiot.

The second lesson was this: A single beam cannot support a house. Life can never give security; it can only offer opportunity. Together, two may best these obstacles - with perseverance, with patience, and most importantly with each other. Defeat for these will never be the bitter brew that it is for others, because they would refuse to drink.