Thanks, Dec, for taking the time to relay the news here, sad as it is...at least we know. I had a feeling this day would come all too soon and it saddens my heart more than mere words fumble to express.
As a cohort in combat, there was never a dull moment in his company (nor if Dec and Fox were together, remarks barbing back and forth). As one of the Black Dogs, Fox was an asset, a treasure and a source of endless amusement. As a vassal, he kept me on my toes and probably in some armor and boots, too. As a personal friend, he was evermore, even as tightly guarded as he tended to be when it came to matters of life and family.
Across the pond, the tears flow as do the memories. Though it was “only†through an MMO that I came to know him and it’s been years since my time in AC, his friendship and humor impacted me as no other. He had a way with words and - thanks to Guinness - a wayward way with them as well.
Never a dull moment.
Fortunate were those he held dearest in life and fortunate were those who knew him best. He was so much more than just what he gave away in “stuff†in game. Selfless in stuff, in life, in time he gave to help others…selfless in all and a hell of an opponent. It’s hard to believe there was a fight he couldn’t win, save for an argument with me… /
insert bemused smirk
Fox, if you’re up there listening, somewhere in the great beyond…Blonde and Onyx have a bottle of Jameson Irish Whiskey. (Not my idea. Blonde bought that for St. Pat’s Day.) You’ll remember how I had a shot of Jameson once and relayed the horrid face I made at the taste? Well, for you, I’ll raise a shot glass tonight and drink it, my face all the more sour knowing you’re really gone...
Here’s to you, Fox (raises a glass)…the rest of the toast is ribbed and cloaked for your protection.
Dec, if you happen to check back here, please know our hearts are with you and with Fox’s family. The real and gaming worlds lost a lot in losing him, but lasting are the effects he’s had. Memories live on even as the pixels fade and the night sky envelops the landscape.
With Love, XP and Major Ear Licks,
Onyx
P.S. Blonde sends “Manhugs.†(With this, I know, there’s a Fox up there somewhere feigning reluctance to accept, but smiling and laughing just the same at the reference.)
