[ WP ] You have 2 lives , one in the virtual world and one in the real world . You are facing a decision of having to decide which one of the two you get to keep .

Forgot to post this earlier: 
 
 
 
 In the end there really was n't a choice in the matter. I had committed myself long ago, and now the time had come to play my part. I'd have to tell them, and I was sure they'd be disappointed -some might even protest- but hoped that they would see the wisdom of my decision in the end. Everything counted on it. 
 
 
 I held my breath a moment before I logged into Ventrillo: 
 
 
 The normal chatter greeted me as it always did at this time of day. I waited a moment. My presence would be noticed, no need to 
 
 `` Hey Viaovid's on! Dude, do you think you can tank for us tonight? We're trying to get everyone geared-up for endgame raiding.'' I could hear the smile upon xxx_Snorelag_xxx's lips. What was I thinking: these were good and true friends, they would understand. I was certain of it now. 
 
 
 `` Well met comrades. I have heartening news- my days and nights soon shall be filled more fully with our valorous exploits.'' 
 
 
 Unpalatable silence greeted me, but I pressed on. `` As you likely know, much of my time has been locked up in scholarly pursuits. But after much thought- very careful consideration, you understand- I have come to the conclusion that my time is best spent aiding those of this realm against the tyranny that rei-'' 
 
 `` -god damn it kid. You failed your midterm, did n't you son?'' Redrevival ( or the Old Man as he was known ) never utter a curse-word, and for holding fast to his convictions I deeply respected him. He was a senior member, and had been a part of the guild's dark early days, when it had started as part of some pen and paper group. He was one of the finest fighters among our ranks, but often let trivial personal matters stand in the way of practical things like tactics and the logistics of battle. `` Kid, you ca n't spend your life JUST playing games. I know you guys look at me and see only some old guy playing with you, but I HAVE A JOB. This is a fun hobby, but you need to keep perspective. I'm a freaking Systems Analyst working the normal nine-to-five.'' 
 
 
 `` Allow me a rebuttal. No, my venerable companion, I did not'fail my midterm' as you so incandescently put it. I have withdrawn before they were set, and may resume at the start of next year, if I deign to do so.'' 
 
 
 An audible groan played across the channel. `` Dude, seriously? Red's right. I mean, I'm not a model student- as we speak, I am blazing one- but I'm at least I stuck it out and failed one or two that first semester.'' That Snorelag would dismiss my choice so cavalierly -after untold hours of time together- it was as if Brutus himself had stabbed me in the back. 
 
 
 `` Fellow warriors, I am shocked. Well and truly shocked by mendacity before me. We stand at the threshold of greatness- even as I speak, the greatest evil in this realm stands within sight. Would you really have us turn our minds to matters of piddling, banal import? I ask you, where is the steel and fire for which we are known. Our guild's name is whispered on the lips of newbies throughout the server! We have stood accused of cheating, hacking, and exploiting- rival guilds have slandered us and stood in our way, even admins have thrown down their mighty ban-hammer! But we have overcome all of this. We have persevered, and I am confidant that if we push ourselves we shall be the first to sip of the wine of victory in the halls of evil.'' 
 
 I took a breath for a moment and realized I had made a terrible mistake. 
 
 `` Oh shoot. I mean that we will be victorious over evil, and the victory wine will be had in their halls; not that we would fall and become paragons of evil.'' 
 
 I slowly took my finger off the chat button. I was drenched in sweat. My clothes were damp and clinging to me, they felt cold as I relaxed into the chair. Still, I had said my peace. Now it was time for them to consider. Time to consider and ultimately realize that I was right. 
 
 
 From the silence there came a voice, `` Someone kick him. I do n't know why we keep putting up with his Role Player crap anyway.''
