AonEne

So, I'm feeling happy. Could be the sudden absence of the slight headache I've had all day. Could be having just gotten back from Teen Author Boot Camp, which was AWESOME because I got to meet amazing people (read: Sharders) and also free stuff and of course the talks. Duh. Orrrrrr it could be the fact that as of tomorrow, I've officially been a part of this wonderful, friendly, funny community for a year.

A RUSTING YEAR, GUYS.

Three hundred and sixty-five days after that spur-of-the-moment join, thirty-one people thought I was interesting enough to follow (or heck, just felt obligated to), there were thirteen days when people really loved what I had to say, one thousand thirty-eight times when someone visibly enjoyed a post of mine, and I'm in a countless number of PMs where I can talk to hilarious and intelligent people anytime we're both on. I lead a Great Guild, have participated in and started a few forum games, roleplay like crazy - starting several of those as well - and am known by an affectionate nickname.

The Shard introduced me to Housepets and some good authors. It gave me an outlet for my love of RWBY and obviously Brandon Sanderson's books. It lets me share anything I need to - personal problem, original joke, fanfiction, random idea - and then it helps, laughs, reads, or considers as appropriate. It's a clean fandom, for the most part, and one I don't know if I'd have survived without.

And of course, it's the Sharders who facilitate all that. I can't name you all. I won't even try. But there are some of you whom I have to mention. You've been too great.

Archer. Archer, Archer, Archer. For inviting me to join TUBA. Always being a good friend. Always there with advice, support, love, fantastic humor, everything for everyone. You gave me leadership advice - were prepared to give it to me before I even asked - and talked with me when I needed about personal stuff. From Empty Quiver's beginning to assisting negotiations out of scary spots with TFA, rabbirds and corrupted ducks to Klo and his wrench...at this point, just seeing that you posted makes me smile. If I had an older brother, I'd want it to be you. Thank you so, so much.

Tesh. I don't want to get repetitive, but you know what I said in the KotC chat. Love ya, sule. When you're ready, I will be waiting.

Mistspren...Mist, you've always been such a great friend. Your characters sweep me away. Your willingness to talk and RAFO in equal measure, your mastery of seemingly everything a roleplayer could think of, the way you joke. You'd better know how awesome you are.

Witless, having fun at college? Don't forget to visit every now and then, or a horde of upvote-wielding Sharders will show up at your door! Storytelling, comforting, roleplaying, you throw yourself into whatever you do with obvious eagerness. The dictionary definition of epic is you.

Mraize, or Meeker as you are now. I haven't spoken to you in much depth lately, and I know you parted ways from our gang for reasons that make perfect sense. That doesn't mean the time I had with you was any less fun, and I look at Journey to the Unclaimed Hills with fondness. Your plots are crazy good, and you haven't run out of that playfully mysterious charm yet. Please never do.

Ink! THANK YOU for Housepets. Wasn't it also you who convinced me I was a shipper? That was the right choice. Your roleplay enthusiasm, your determination to stand up for what you believe in and bravery in doing so in front of those you know, your offhand comments that sometimes randomly make my day, these are all things that make up Inklingspren. When you come back to us, I'mma hug you. (BoS, would you mind sending him this - even if not the whole thing, this portion? I'd be indebted.)

Wait a sec, does Potency count? If not, too bad, y'all get to read about her anyway. Po, I'll keep it simple. You're funny, sweet, aware, and I feel irrationally safer when you're driving me around on a four-wheeler than when my dad is. You don't make fun of me for not knowing certain nerdy stuff. You introduced me to RWBY. I'd go on, but I said I'd keep it simple. Must not fantasize about Po's laugh. Noooooo. Stoooop iiiit.

Ax? You're just plain awesome. Ap, if you come back, I miss your company. Zath, HOLY CRAP YOU ROCK. Ash, I'll miss you so much. Fire, your writing is insane and so's your music. Sami, Cole, Phoenix, you've made Knights of the Cosmere a third home (TUBA being a second). Okdes, Arlin, Cae, for V1. Everyone I haven't mentioned yet who's a TUBAist, for being in the best guild and for various other great attributes. Voidus, I have to bring up your humor and devious intelligence. Stick is pretty amazing; same with Lith. Every active Homeless, for making the Alleyverse the craziest family I'm a member of. Jay, Scintil, SF, for today and every other while we're at it.

[Anyone I somehow missed], you know I love you too. I just have an awful memory and can't rant about everyone forever, as much as I may want to.

I love you all. The Shard is the best. *raises glass of water* To next year being even better than the first! WOO!