Ten years ago, when I should have been studying for exams, I came across a little jewel on the Internet. It was around midnight and while I probably should have been sleeping, I sat with my laptop, staring at the wonder of the Forest and all it had to offer. Sure, I had school in the morning, but that wouldn't stop me. After an hour of running around as a nameless, I registered the username Verdalas.

Those ten years have been both fun and sad. There was a time when you would talk about your adventures on the old forums, posting screenshots and thanking others for participation. I created 'The Demon Gazelle' (later known as Walter) and began to roleplay with him. It was always light-hearted though; any misunderstanding was laughed about later on the forums. There was flower dancing, friendly spars and long marathons across the Forest.

Phase Two ended and fawns arrived. The Big Zombie Deer showed his face for the first time and so did the Playground. The community grew bigger and, while I could no longer remember everyone's names, I still had fun.

There were plenty of times when drama hit an all-time high. I remember when people were opposed to 'mates', myself included. Sluggs and Run were the first to do such a thing (despite people saying how good Walter and 21 were together) but eventually it became commonplace. Families started happening, and Walter/21 adopted Quad. It seems so long ago now, but that family tree has grown longer and longer over the years, with deer coming and going as the times passed.

Real life had been kind to me in those years. I finished school, graduated from university and landed myself a good job. Not a great one, but something I enjoy doing.

However, I cannot celebrate as much as I would like.

Coupled with my frequent absence, tragedy occurred a few weeks ago. My father, a man who I've loved dearly and shared so many memories with, passed away. He wasn't that old, but he had underlying medical problems.

visual diary of my character here.
(I need to remember to take more screenshots...what is this)

It look like Cloudflare, which provides security for a lot of sites, has been leaking info everywhere for a few months. I'm not sure if this site uses Cloudflare, but you might want to change your passwords on your usual online haunts here and elsewhere just to be sure. Better to be safe than sorry!