Um, happy new year?

Quick announcement: I’ve written my annual Year In Crosswords feature for the wordplay-obsessed.

As others pointed out, this was a bit of a counterpoint to Goblaurence’s actual “war is life” speech from what would’ve been about a chapter back.

Gravedust is well aware that at least some of those around him don’t believe in constant conflict. But he also knows how reinforcing habit can be, and even peace-loving Syr’Nj has committed to fighting the Rebels for the duration… however long that ends up being. Not inconceivable that even she could slowly lose the belief that war is a temporary state of affairs. He’s seen that happen to wise dwarves before.