Fleeting

As with tribes, guilds, goblin corporations, and the like, friendships too rise and fall. They begin with a meeting, an introduction, and then either conversation or some other activity that forms a connection. From here, the initial decision is made, based on impressions, whether or not to pursue the bond.

That decision is re-made with every subsequent contact. However, it becomes quieter and transforms when the acquaintance becomes a friendship. The question turns to the choice between deepening, or distancing. Should one allow more trust? Does the person seem worthy? Or are their interests unappealing, their demeanor unpleasant? And so on.

Then, there seems to be a critical point when one decides that the relationship should end, or simply drifts away. There are those that I met initially in Orgrimmar that I no longer converse with. Jiik the warlock, and Decie and Leahndri have both found other entertainments, for example. Even the little wolf, Coilla, no longer appears with regularity. Aside from D.A., the one that I have known longest now in a congenial sort of way is the odd goblin, Nicken.

But others have risen. Urukha has demonstrated great discretion and calm. And the Regent, despite an incurable curiosity, is quite fascinating. Pip refuses to allow any hint of hunger to appear without offering foodstuffs, and the Tribe at large is accepting (Westel's teasing notwithstanding). Understanding the patterns, though, and seeing their own members appear and disappear over time, causes me to wonder just how much should be invested in each new individual, with the risk of losing.

I think however, though fleeting, friendship is itself a worthwhile pursuit. Challenging in its discipline and motivating to the core. Viere did not understand this, nor did he allow it. And so I still struggle to understand what others embrace easily.