Time

It amazes me how much time and effort it takes to accomplish something useful and meaningful. You grow up, learn to talk, learn your letters and numbers...maybe a craft. You learn your responsibilities, your place in the world, how to be an individual in a community. Where your loyalties lie. It takes 15 or 16 years if it takes at all.
 
Nearly 30 years in, I've managed all that I suppose. I've also marched for my benefactor and duke, studied in Yrans, and am now an apprentice with the Architect's Guild. Only now am I in the right place and time, with the right skills, to actually get something meaningful done. It will take time, effort, thought, service, and sacrifice to steer the course of humanity. My oar may be small, but used wisely an entire ship may be turned.