Aeadan Teddry
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((Character Name: Aeadan Teddry
Player: Strepsiades))–----------------------------------
The Journey Begins
"It is time you left home, my son. Go out and see a bit of the world. Seek out adventure, do great deeds. Carry Torm's word to faraway places. Just like I did, when I was your age."
Aeadan stood in his father Valamar's study, shifting uncomfortably from one foot to another in front of the heavy mahogany desk. Despite all his training and abilities, somehow Aeadan could just never get used to standing on that spot in his father's study.
"Are you certain, father? I still have much to learn here."
The grizzled old man smiled kindly. Valamar Teddry, veteran of the Diamond Legion, Proctor of Procampur, rarely changed his mind once it was made.
"I am certain. I have already visited the House of the Hand and spoken to your instructors. They've agreed to graduate you a bit early. You are one of their best students, after all."
Aeadan nodded, still unsure of what to think. Just then, he heard a knocking at the door. It opened to reveal an imposing man armored in dark blue and gold plate mail, with a thin, shimmering silver cloak that flowed behind him. Perhaps as old as Valamar himself, the man grinned in greeting, clapping Aeadan on the back so hard he almost fell forward.
Valamar raised a hand in greeting and smiled.
"Good of you to make it, Sir Roland. Aeadan, I think you two have met before."
Aeadan's eyes widened in surprise as he recognized the newcomer at last.
"You're Roland Brynmor! I remember you from when I was a boy. You passed through Procampur on your way to the Dragon Coast and you were attacked by assassins in the streets. You were brought before my father and he judged you innocent and released you, even though you weren't a citizen and the Diamond Legion wanted to throw you in a cell and–"
Aeadan realized that he had been going on for some time and stopped himself. Both men were staring at him and grinning. Then the three burst out laughing, before his father spoke again.
"Yes, that's right. I made Sir Roland swear that because Procampur had shown kindness to him and his companions, he might one day perform a service for us. Subject, of course, to the condition that his vows permitted the service.
The paladin nodded.
"Just so, Valamar. And I think Helm will not look unkindly upon my helping you out here. All the preparations have been made, by the way. There is a ship waiting for us. I will travel as far as Heliogabalus with you, Aeadan. From there, we will find a ship or a caravan to take you to Narfell."
Aeadan blinked. "Narfell?"
Valamar and Sir Roland nodded and spoke in unison: "Narfell."
"But…"
Valamar waved a hand gently.
"Do not fear. It may seem like a long way to you now, but one day you'll make trips like these with ease. Just like I did, when I was your age. And just like old Sir Roland did, I think."
The two men chuckled.
"Well then," said Sir Roland, "we had best get on our way if we're going to catch that ship."
Valamar nodded his agreement, standing slowly and making his way around the desk to lay a hand on Aeadan's shoulder.
"Remember your training, my son, and your faith. You're not a boy anymore. Much as your mother may hate me for this, it's time you experienced something of the real world. You're a man now, and a Teddry. Remember that. Make us proud. Oh, and forget all that nonsense the Abbot said about how Tormtar's shouldn't marry. Find a nice girl out there. That's how I met your mother."
Valamar nodded again, satisfied with his speech.
Sir Roland inclined his head politely. "Good seeing you again, old friend."
And then Aeadan was being ushered out of the study, out of his home of 18 years, and thrown into a saddle. Not long after that, he stood at the prow of the P.C.S. Kraken as it plied the dark waters of the Sea of Fallen Stars on its way north, and to places Aeadan hardly knew.
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reviewed, xp pending
