Commissioned by the talented  taski_guru!

A year and some change ago, I uploaded this piece. Little did I know just how different it would make my life. It was that piece which led one  jackthecoonbro to finding me, swiftly becoming one of my closest and dearest friends both within the fandom and without. He reached out to contact me, I reciprocated, we got to talking, and now barely a day passes by where we do not see each other. We've talked, laughed, shared stories, discovered things about ourselves. It feels odd to think it has been only a year, when it feels like we've known each other forever.

The piece below was written by Jack himself in honour of the occasion. So here's to you, and many more years to come!

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Time is a strange thing. What seems like but a few tumultuous days turns out to be a year's worth of work, talks, laughs, and smiles. The two companions found themselves at a local tavern from another successful journey, all grins and jokes. Taking a seat at one of the nearby tables, Jack looks to Arix and asks a loaded question.

"Say, do you recall what day it is today?"

The dragon, only just sitting down to get his bearings, looks quizzically at him

"Uuum... Saturday?"

"Well, yes" the raccoon replied "but the date! It's January 30th!"

"What's so special about that?"

The raccoon's eyes seemed to beam at him, trying to goad Arix's memory. Soon, he knew his companion would not be so easy to recall such a trifle in all their mad-dashed adventuring and maiden saving, and thus blurted out the answer to him.

"Twas a year ago today, where you and I first met, upon that road by the inn I performed at. When the great hero Arix did swoop in and save a reckless bard from certain travesty, flame and armor and all."

Arix's eyes lit up in surprise, a grin stretching across his face from the raccoon's recollection.

"Ah yes!" He exclaimed "It has been that long hasn't it? I barely even noticed in all this time. You were something different back then though, trying so hard to impress me without need. I distinctly remember you telling me over and over how you shan't be a burden."

Jack looked down, a distinct red filling his brown furred cheeks. He wanted more than anything to prove his worth to the dragon that gave him a chance.

"W..well yes!" The raccoon finally replied "It's something I felt I had to! It was…"

The words trailed off from his lips. To him, Arix was this incredible legend, worthy of song and poetry. To stand shoulder to shoulder at his side, as equals no less, meant more to him than he could ever express. He sunk his head down lower, eyes darting to his feet, trying to find the right words to say.

"...it was important to me. To prove myself that your loyalty was not in vain. You are essential to me, not just as a muse for my work, but as my friend."

Arix shook his head and reached out to him, tapping the raccoon on the shoulder to make their gaze meet.

"Jack, you know that you never have to prove anything to me. When I said we were equals, it was not equals under condition, or equals until I say otherwise. It is frank, it is simple, we are equals, always. You have more than proven yourself to me with your song and support. That is why you've been by me for a whole year! You have followed me side by side through our time together, and we shall continue to do so, as long as you wish to be."

Those kind words did a number on Jack. In all his awestruck fanaticism for the dragon's well-being, he was hard pressed to see the good he had done staring him in the face. He smiled once more, feeling that sense of reassurance raise him up, as he plucked a few strings on his harp.

“Well, then here’s to a few more then!”