Hello, ladies and gentlemen. It's Curtis again.

I'm writing to let you all know that I've decided it's time to retire. I've lived quite enough, and I'm very content to end my story here. As the adage goes, all good things must come to an end. While I am too sensible to not be aware of my many failings, I have been the best man that I could possibly be. I've always used my voice to stand up for what is right, however feeble such a voice is, and I have never let anyone do my thinking for me, despite how difficult thinking can be.

With you all, I leave the hope for a brighter tomorrow, better days ahead, and warmer lives for us all. The years will invite new players to the stage, greater people than I, honest folks of quality and wholesome values, and some day, our distractions will be pleasant enough to not warrant further distraction.

As it may be imagined, I have many people to thank. I will list them here.

First, I want to thank my parents. My mother for loving me, my father for giving me someone to look up to, and both of them for letting me exist. Say what you will about Tales, she put family before anything and was always a good mother to me, and Ehene, my father, gave me a model to build myself on, as well as his name. Some might say I have tarnished that name a bit, and I have no doubt that further generations will do so even further.

I'd like to thank The Merchant Collective. They've taken me in as one of their own and given me a place to belong in my twilight. If you're alone and don't know what to do in this world, Join the Merchant Collective. They're honest, wholesome people, and have been like a family to me in these past years. I cannot recommend them enough.

I'd like to thank the CIJ for teaching me the difference between nice people and good people.

And, most of all, I'd like to thank my fiancee, Quiddity, for keeping me happy in this last couple of decades. Of all the things I am letting go of, our love has been the hardest. A woman that loving, thoughtful, and reasonable is a rare thing indeed, and I can proudly say that I have had the best.

When I started considering retirement, I knew one thing for sure. I didn't want to leave this world in sorrow and make a big ass of myself. As I write this, nothing hurts me. I am clear-headed and prepared to wrap this existence up while I am still happy.

I will linger for a few months as the clock ticks to my retirement, giving fair opportunity to conclude any business or grievance I may have with anyone.

If you read all of this, thanks very much.

Toodles!

-Curtis Eden Marsyas

Penned by my hand on the 21st of Valnuary, in the year 844 AF.