Written for the LJ community big_damn_quests Challenge #4 – What in your life are you proudest of? Rating: G Word Count: 287 Spoilers: None really

What Truly Matters – Inara’s Answer #4 by 2x2

If you had asked me this, even a year ago, I could have given you a hundred different answers. But now… So much has changed in my world, my life, and all those things seem so much smaller now, insignificant.

So many things do out here.

At one time I was considered the Jewel of Sihnon. I worked hard to be regarded as such, and I was proud of my effort, proud of the fact that I could one day become the youngest High Priestess in the history of the Guild, was well on my way to… but that was a long time ago.

When I left Sihnon, I made a life for myself in the wide expanse of the ‘verse. I was determined to survive, to succeed despite my exile, and I did. My career flourished within a new ocean of clients, and though I was no longer nestled to the bosom of Sihnon, I was a well-known and celebrated success. And I took pride in that achievement as well.

As I look back, it seems almost foolish to have put so much importance on some of the things I was proudest of, especially on Sihnon. But that was a different world. My priorities have changed, and with them my idea of what truly matters.

What I am proudest of now has nothing to do with the trappings of my profession or the acclaim of my peers, nor my standing or status.

No. Not anymore.

What I have become proudest of in my life is the family I have joined and become a part of… and most of all that I let a handful of people on a beautiful old transport ship teach me to love.