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Lord Dominic Sterling
Dom, The Wild Rose, King Slayer, Formerly nicknamed "Dommy"

Neutral Good Variant Human (Regent)
Fighter 3
Blood Hunter 7
94 / 94 HP
STR
8
DEX
18
CON
16
INT
10
WIS
14
CHA
10

Campaign & Party

Fri 7th Mar 2025 11:01

The Fool Embracing the Thorn Bush

by Lord Dominic Sterling

[Some time at the beginning of the ball]
 
When I realized the very individuals who inflicted the deepest wounds upon me are also responsible for the person I am today, it fundamentally altered my perception of pain, trauma, negativity, and the obstacles that beset me.
 
There were times when those in society showed me no empathy, so I resolved to extend that very compassion to those others deemed unworthy. There were times when their words and actions caused me great physical and emotional harm, so I vowed to never inflict such pain upon another. Of course, life has placed me in situations where I felt I had no choice, particularly where those I hold dear are concerned. I am not one to passively accept injustice, and I often follow my own sense of morality. Heh... where is justice and morality in that? There were times when society treated me as if I were invisible, as if I held no value. So, I determined to ensure that everyone else felt seen and valued, regardless of their titles, connections, or social standing. I confess, not every attempt was successful.
 
I discovered that those who inflict pain do so because they are hurting themselves, and I vowed to never perpetuate that cycle. Some might call it embracing the thorn bush. I call it embracing the very worst within myself, so that it might become the catalyst for the best version of myself. But what has this brought me? I have been wounded in countless ways: physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually... Little do they know, the deepest hurts I have suffered have never come from an enemy.
 
This internal conflict has taken its toll. I hope, when this is all over, perhaps... just perhaps... things might go right for me, for once. When their happiness is realized, perhaps there can be happiness for me as well.
 
Look at me... tears... as if my body already knows. When I look up at the sky with tears in my eyes, it feels as though I am submerged underwater. Is this the result of reaching out to one's reflection in a still puddle? Falling in, and now gazing up at the surface, realizing the dark depths below are a point of no return?
 
Their was a time where I thought that maybe being the heir would fix all my problems, maybe then I wouldn't need to reach out to a reflection. I was fool for thinking that.
There was a time where I thought that if I had put my mind, body and soul to into insuring they would not suffer perhaps I wouldn't need to reach out to a reflection. I again, a fool for thinking that.
There was a time where I thought that if I could only just collaborate and perhaps include them however I can perhaps I wouldn't need to reach out to a reflection. At what point does a fool stop trying.
 
Why cannot I rely on myself for happiness? Why is it so difficult for me? I do not understand...
I must wipe these tears before anyone sees me thus. I must embrace the thorn bush.

Dominic's Journal Ordered oldest to newest

  1. Here I am...
    21 Jan 2025 05:25:47
  2. Their Happily Ever After
    04 Feb 2025 01:30:55
  3. The Fool Embracing the Thorn Bush
    07 Mar 2025 11:01:58

The major events and journals in Dominic's history, from the beginning to today.

Chapter 9:

05:36 am - 28.03.2025

Chapter 9:

02:09 am - 28.03.2025

Chapter 8:

08:34 am - 21.03.2025

Chapter 8:

01:53 am - 21.03.2025

The Fool Embracing the Thorn Bush

[Some time at the beginning of the ball] When I realized the very individuals who inflicted the deepest wounds upon me are also responsible for the person I am today, it fundamentally altered my perception of pain, trauma, negativity, and the obstacles...

01:32 am - 08.03.2025

Chapter 7: Contractually Obligated

08:24 am - 07.03.2025

Chapter 7: Contractually Obligated

03:12 am - 07.03.2025

Chapter 6: A Yule's Eve Ball

09:28 am - 28.02.2025

Chapter 6: A Yule's Eve Ball

02:56 am - 28.02.2025

Chapter 5:

07:32 am - 14.02.2025

Chapter 5:

02:01 am - 14.02.2025

Chapter 4: Decay & Smoke

02:15 am - 13.02.2025

Chapter 4: Decay & Smoke

02:15 am - 13.02.2025

Chapter 3:

10:13 am - 07.02.2025

Chapter 3:

10:02 am - 07.02.2025

Chapter 3:

02:52 am - 07.02.2025

Their Happily Ever After

[Dominic entering the "Room of Departure". The room that once belonged to Oliver and Nicholas] [i]Dominic steps the past the door pane into a room. Thoughts began to meander around his mind of the people who once slept here. Dust visible from the light...

01:35 am - 04.02.2025

Their Happily Ever After

[Dominic entering the "Room of Departure". The room that once belonged to Oliver and Nicholas] Dominic steps the past the door pane into a room. Thoughts began to meander around his mind of the people who once slept here. Dust visible from the light ra...

01:32 am - 04.02.2025

Chapter 2:

07:59 am - 31.01.2025

Chapter 2:

01:14 am - 31.01.2025

Chapter 1: Yule

09:23 am - 24.01.2025

Chapter 1: Yule

03:00 am - 24.01.2025

Here I am...

The weight of responsibility has settled upon me now that I have become heir to the Sterling name and estate. It is a transition I never quite imagined for myself, yet I find a curious sense of purpose in it all. So much work must be done; I can only hope...

05:38 am - 21.01.2025

The list of amazing people following the adventures of Dominic.

Played by
MiloIncome

Other Characters by MiloIncome