I once wrote in one of my stories, Plebeian, that life is like the limb of a tree. When something stops a limb from growing, you change course and keep going.
I'd like to append that analogy. Once you get to a certain length, someone comes along with pruning shears and cuts you down, so that the tree may be aesthetically pleasing. Apparently determination and ambition are the first victims of mandatory conformity.

Well, I've finally finished what turned out to be a much more disturbing story than I originally planned. Plebeian is complete, and if you want struggle, loss, and shame, head on over and check it out.
Now that that is complete, I can focus on completing Keepers of the Night, with out any distractions aside from real life. That won't be done until far into the future.