Elder's Departure...

It's with great sadness that I received this note from Elder recently. For those who may have been living in a cave, Elder is the owner and manager of the Cafe Arabesque.

A number of fine merchants in recent months have left Ireem discouraged by the violence and unremitting preoccupation with fighting. I have tried to establish the Cafe Arabesque as a haven of peace, hospitality, lively discussion and friendliness, despite some conflicts, attacks and threats against me personally. I met met and cherish the friendship of many fine men and women of all groups, without stereotyping. But the cumulative discouragement, highlighted by a fresh set of petty disputes, insults and threats have tipped the scales for me, as the supports fade.

So I am leaving the Cafe and Ireem to offer hospitality elsewhere in a more civil setting. Rent is paid for another week, and if anyone would like my dinars to free slaves, let me know...and I will try to transfer them to you.

Those I like and will miss are too many to name, but accept my farewell and best wishes.

10 comments:

No! My Elder! *cries*

January 9, 2009 at 9:20 AM  

I know what you mean Kadiara. Elder has been a good friend, a good personality, and a creative force in Ireem, much like yourself.

I would take the opportunity to hope that everyone out there will share goodwill with each other, even amid the sharpest of disagreements. There are many wonderful people in Ireem, one of the reasons I love the kingdom, and I fear that the good in them are missed out on by some simply due to the darker thoughts that cross our mind in the heat of human anger.

*wanders off the soapbox*

January 9, 2009 at 11:07 AM  

The cafe will not seem quite as cheerful anymore. Saalam and safe paths to you, Elder.

January 9, 2009 at 5:19 PM  

It was an honor to have met you Elder, my best regards. Safe travels and Salaam-Marcus Sack

January 9, 2009 at 6:45 PM  

Be well Elder, it was nice to meet you.

January 10, 2009 at 8:45 AM  

That is a damn shame.

Seriously, you are a top man and will be much missed...even if your veiws on slavery and violence are a little liberal for some of us :)

All the best my friend.

January 10, 2009 at 5:00 PM  

Elder, you were the first citizen I met when I arrived in Ireem. Lost and afraid, you help showed me the way. You will always be in my memories and when I think of all the fun times I have had in ireem, you will always be part of that wonderful memory.

Best of luck to you my old friend, you were like a father to me.

PS I am smoking a fine hand rolled cigar in your honor

Prince Kamala (Paw)

January 10, 2009 at 8:56 PM  

you are one of the few not promoting the dramatic evils among Ireem, one of the few that does not judge, one of the few that does not show rudeness to strangers, one of the few we all can call a friend, I hope I will see you around Elder. Best of luck to you.

January 11, 2009 at 8:01 PM  

it will be sad to see you go elder....i've appreciated the peacefulness and lack of discrimination in the cafe on many occasions (indigo)

January 12, 2009 at 7:59 PM  

Oh no, not you Elder! Thank you so much for always allowing me to dance. I hope one day you return to Ireem. It has always been a pleasure knowing you. Safe Paths, Sir.

January 15, 2009 at 11:43 AM  

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