"You died far too soon"

For me, the Virtual Front Porch is primarily comprised of emails  between my stalwart GM, John, and myself. Sometimes, in those thousands of emails that pass between us during a month, one touches me in a way that I can not accurately describe. This is one of those emails:

Thesan clapped Lwcus on the shoulder. "Well said. I hope for the same thing -- many years of good friendship!"

It was not many years. You died far too soon, Lwcus thought to himself, as he stamped his feet in the snow. He had not known many Knights of Mithras in his long life, so standing next to Seneschal Senchan reminded him of the time he had spent with Commander Thesan. Now, won't those blasted Naxxians give us the time of day? The children's lives are at stake, not to mention my own!

"I only hope the elves will show me the same friendship that you did," the Knight continued. "I am rather less than optimistic."

"I'll make sure they do," said Priam, from far ahead of them.

Thesan smiled. "I didn't realize you could hear us all the way up there."

"These pointed ears aren't just for show," the elf replied.

"So you heard me make a fool of myself by prattling on about courting Cerys?"

"My excellent hearing is also quite selective, I assure you."

Thesan laughed. "It's been a long time since I traveled in good company. I am more accustomed to dealing with...hard men."

"We've certainly seen more than our share of those since returning to First Home," said the elf. "With a few notable exceptions, Duke Arswyd's men are a cruel lot, especially Taro."

"I know the name," said Thesan. "Perhaps one day I will face him, and get justice for those he has wronged."

He killed you, Thesan. He killed you, but you died trying to save her. I will always love you for that.

"Let's stop here for the night," said Priam. "There are some trees up ahead; that should make a nice, secluded campsite."

"We are within a day's ride of Caer Eurfryn," said Thesan. "Those men are loyal to Duke Arswyd, are they not?"

"They are, but we chose this route knowing that we would have to pass near Caer Eurfryn. Unless you all want to press on without rest, I think we need to take the risk of spending one night in their territory."

Thank you, John, for creating a world that can bring a tear to my eye. Somehow, even knowing the outcome of this particular thread of story, the journey to that foregone conclusion is as gripping as anything else I've ever participated in.