A Gaidin's Toast to the First Gaidin

by Bakure Mazayed

Hail Dragon!

The first Gaidin

The first Aiel warrior

May the sun shine upon you

May the creator shelter you

May you always find

Water and shade

Upon his shoulders

Rest the mantle

Surely and quietly

He bore the burden

Knowing the end

Even within the shade

He knew us then

With waning strength

Precious minutes given

Recording their future

Comfort in knowing

His greatest friend

Would see to the end

The world which

We all cherish

That we can view

His work made whole

So we may once again

Ride upon the winds

The winds of change

Which have no beginning

Which have no end

Turning the wheel

Heralding an age

Of enlightened growth

Now made bittersweet

With his absence.