%202026%20PumpkinSpice%20Hearthcraft%20-%20The%20Other%20Side%20-%20Diamond%20Taurus%20-%20All%20Rights%20Reserved.png)
The Other Side
by KAL
As I pushed through the briars, bramble, and thorns of a deeply neglected pathway into the dark forest, the only thoughts dancing in my mind were visions of the promises that getting to the other side of this were to me — to exist.
Were they true? Was it merely folklore? Would the journey steal the time I had left, so that once I arrived I’d be too broken, bruised, and battered to bask in the sunshine — if indeed it existed outside of fairytales at all?
Fighting back even more dirty, dingy moss, muck, and mire, I carried on. I don’t know why exactly. Part of me needed to believe something more existed. Another part had no faith at all. Perhaps the most willful part of me — the me physically pushing through and thinking all these thoughts — knew I’d find the promises, or at least be a grand warrior for the wear. With a smile, I pushed forward, stronger and more determined with each branch, each fallen tree to move aside, each painful step.
What I could not have envisioned was the reality of both being true. Once the forest broke into the magnanimous meadows of sunshine, dragonflies, and dandelion dust, I’d be both basking in the sunshine of promises and a warrior. Stronger, wiser, and able to bask in the sunshine of promises until the end of my days.
When those days will draw to an end, I cannot know. But I’ll be here sharing what I’ve learned, leaving behind all I can. For no adventure — even if mostly dark — is only for the one who’s traveled it, but for those with ears to hear and souls to keep.
The secrets and wisdoms of the Warrior.
Truly forged of fire, yet a diamond in the forehead of Taurus.
