Tis Solstice season, and the Gumba always looks back upon his year and reflects about a great many things.

Today, it is about friendship, the Gumba has many friends but only a few he truly calls bestest.

He is honored to have so many and that so many call him friend in return.

For a mans measure is not how much he makes, or how big a castle he owns, but how many friends he has and how many others call him friend that he doesnt even realize.

Very few people can actually say, they trust someone enough to put their lives and their familys lives in their hands, this, to the Gumba, is what a true friend is.

Today we shall celebrate this wonder of humanity, for nothing is better than friendship.

All that comes next is heartfelt and is true, so dear readers read on and learn.

First, would be Dermotty of the Keads, an Irishman of renowned drinking ability, truly the Gumbas first best friend.
They met on the field of battle, against one another, they were both but lads.
They fought fiercely, until one of the monks broke up the brawl.
Many adventures were had by Dermotty and the Gumba. Riding in the great mudlands of Wolop pole, harassing the kings knights, consuming much ale and chasing many wenches.

To this day, even though the Gumba does not see him all the often, Dermotty holds a special place in the Gumbas heart, and yes, he misses him.

Next would be the band of Rougues that followed the Gumba and Dermotty, The brothers Arsenoo and Dermottys brother Tunici. Lets not forget Davido the philosopher, the smartest of them all and last but not least, Goldy, the fixer. There was nothing on the planet he could not reassemble.

Ahh those where the days, wonton abandonment, merrymaking, no cares or wants or needs. Life is good when you are young.

Ground Chuck would be next, a large fellow, both in stature and demeanor. Married to the Dark Laurie, together they fill the day with song.
Ground Chuck and the Gumba learned a lot from each other and still see each other on occasion.
Merry makers till the end, they were always the ones to close the tavern and be slapped by the wenches.

The Red Prince, a fierce warrior, competitor and friend.
Fighting back-to-back, side-by-side, none could equal the ferocity, the two combined, had in battle.
Some would even argue the Red Prince found the Gumba, but that is another story for another time.
Blazon red hair, sinews of steel, a razor sharp tongue and a sword unmatched in battle, this is, the Red Prince.

Prince Loughdaugh, craftsman, sage, philosopher. None compare to the passion he has for some things.
A man, wise beyond his years. With his bride Princess Holepona, they make their world and all they touch a happier place.
The Gumbas first friend in the Northron Regions, and one that ranks in the realm we speak.

Lord Complo, Captain of the sky.
With his DaVinci flying machine, he surveys all he can see.
Flying over the Gumbas lands every so often to make sure no invading hoardes are advancing on the Gumbas lands.
Filling the Gumbas coffers with gold, helping the Gumba rebuild his great fortune.
Lord Complo is one of those special freinds and will forever be one of the Bards favorites.

Finally, would be Lysander. The dark knight, alas it is just an act and someday he will come to realize this, for he is not really bad, he just thinks he is.
A warrior, reveler and friend.
Someone who grounds the Gumba and makes him realize what life is all about.
Someone who makes him think about a great many things, life, liberty and those who surround the Gumba and the Bard.

All these people the Gumba calls bestest, some people never truly have ONE best friend; the Gumba has several and is very fortunate for this.
The order they appear is the order in which they were met.

To have friends is the greatest gift on earth; it pales the other gifts of gold, land, nobility etc.

But truly, the Gumbas Greatest friend is the Bard, his soul mate.
The love of his life.

So sayeth the Great White Sage of the Northron Regions.