The Lad from Archenbridge
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_My friend and my Darling!
Ah, my Silver-Sworded Horseman
Rise up and don
Your finest Clothes
Wear your black Beaver
And your Gauntlets.
Yonder hangs your whip
And your mare's outside.Hit that road East
Where bushes will make way for you
All all Streams shallow for you
And Men and Women bow to you
That's if they have the Old Gallantry
About which I have my doubts …_
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@602c78684e:
Mother,
Its been years since I've written. For that I am very very sorry.
I buried Ehto today.
He had been sick. His old legs couldnt move the way he wished, and he had lost several teeth. I kept him with me in the Glenn for fear that he'd be hunted by goblins or one of their hounds.
I knew this was coming, eventually. Words cannot describe the sadness I feel.
I see men die. I see them die horrible deaths. I am ashamed to admit that I have grown used to it. Callous. Yet the death of a wolf has drained me to the core.
Those his muzzle grew gray, his eyes always held the same fire that they did on his naming-day. He has been the most faithful friend I've had. Once I learned the shifting, his lessons to me –tooth and paw-- were invaluable.
He now lies, forever, under my favorite willow tree. By a lake. I wish you could see it.
This Glenn has been very lonely and dark as of late. It is now painfully so with Ehto's departure. I'm going to travel again. I can't stay here. I hope to return some day. I also hope to visit you.
I miss you.
Hess
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Hess sits at the South fire, carefully tending to his blades, which are all set out on front of him on his cloak.
Two Scimitars and a severe looking dagger. All exquisite in their detail. The dagger seems to have a fine sheen of frost on it, like a window on a winter morning. A snowflake adorns its hilt.
At his disposal are several whetstones of varying grit and a jar of some kind of animal fat. He dabs the oily fat onto a cloth, wipes it down the blade, and then rubs the stone along the lubricated blade surface. Again. And again. The oils help to keep the blood from sticking next time it is used, and of course the hilts enjoy a fair dose of oil to keep them water-proof.
Once he finishes he wanders up the hill a bit and raises the blades and stands in a few mock battle stances. He's a bit awkward at first, but once he forgets himself (or how he looks) he begins his exercises. First with just one scimitar. Then with both scimitars. Then with one scimitar and the dagger. The blades begin to spin as he crouches and leans from one side to the other–slicing and jabbing through the air with an ambidextrous skill that any one-handed warrior would give an eye-tooth for. After he's worked up a bit of a sweat, he heads back down at the fire to relax and lose himself in its flames.
insert fade-out flash-back
"You boys think you are good with your practice-blades do ya? Well, let's see if you can score a hit on yer Pa!"
Beren Arksaniss had been watching his sons practice their swordplay with child-sized pine scimitars that he had carved for them. Not surprisingly, Justus, the younger of the two, seemed to have a more powerful arm than his older brother. Hess, the older, always seemed to be more like his mother in some respects than his father and younger brother. Slighter build. Wiser, more serious. More Elven.
The boys grinned and took their battle-ready stances. Strong foot forward, pointing their swords at their father. Beren gave a playful scowl at them and growled, grabbing a hickory stick as his only defense against these two self-proclaimed deadly child warriors.
"Now then, you've got me outnumbered, so I think we need to make the game a bit more fair. You don't want to hurt your Pa, after all! Use your off-hands, lads!"
"No way! That's my shield-hand, Pa!" Justus whined as he kept his wooden blade in his right hand. A look of disappointment on his face.
Hess, to his credit, smiled and tossed the blade from his right to his left. A bit awkward perhaps, but he made a few swishes through the air and put his opposite foot forward. "Works for me, Pa. I've been practicing."
"You have, eh? Justus, let your brother have your sword for his off hand. Let's see what he can do. Don't worry, you'll get a chance too." The younger brother reluctantly handed his sword to the older, with a bit of a scowl on his face.
Hess's mother had seen his skills early on and had taught him to do mundane things with both hands. Drinking, eating, even writing. The practice had paid off and he (without really knowing it) had become nearly as skilled with his left hand as his right. A trait that her own father and brother had also had. She was glad it lived on in Hess.
"Keep both blades up, Hess. You're getting it. Stand tall, and be ready to… OUCH!"
The sparring continued throughout the afternoon, the boys gaining a few well-earned bruises, combat experience, and most importantly -- valuable memories of a childhood that would change forever within a year.
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As the weather gets colder, and the days grow shorter, Hess Arksaniss is seen more often around the South Fire. He usually hauls a load of cedar firewood in with him as he arrives from the Rawlins.
He's still quiet, but the shyness that Hess was originally recognized for has been all but replaced by a quiet confidence. He listens to all of the conversation, and takes part if the subject migrates to something he is familiar, or curious about.
His hair has grown to be shoulder length, and his beard is likewise growing–now a coppery growth sprouting from his face.
Every tenday or so, before the sun's light diminishes for the day, he takes out some paper and writes what looks like a letter.
@fad44c8d86:
Mother,
I hope all is well at home. Everything here is fine. I have been spending many hours with the trees of this land. I can feel that the stories they could tell would fill volumes of books.
Jerrick had twin daughters. I planted willow trees for them near his glenn. I think he appreciated the gift. It seemed the right thing to do.
Every day I spend time with the Oak Father, in the ways that you taught me. I feel his presence, I know when he is with me. Sometimes I see him in Ehto. Other times I see him in an Autumn golden leaf. So many of the things you taught me when I was young now make sense. When I was young, I did not have as much experience to apply to your teachings… now everything seems to fall into place.
Yesterday I was sitting in one of my favorite oak trees watching some wolf pups off in the distance. I felt comfort, and I felt His presence. I spoke as you do, in our tongue, and asked for His blessings. I wanted to be like the tree.
I cannot explain exactly how if felt to have my skin turn to bark for the first time. I felt solid. I felt thick. My movement felt like I was covered in dried mud. The noises my limbs made sounded like a pair of saplings rubbing against each other on a windy day. I could smell the sap on my skin.
I sat like that, for what seemed like an eternity--as part of the tree itself.
I am thankful for His blessings and the teachings that I am receiving from my friends in the Circle, and for all of the wisdom you imparted on me. You are with me every day, just as Sylvanus is.
I miss you,
Hess
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@f51d753b54:
Mother,
Its been quite some time since I've written. I received your letter recently and I am glad to hear all is well at home. I miss you all.
My apprenticeship to the Circle of Quercatha Terr is going very well. My mentor, Jerrick, is one who you would enjoy meeting some day. From what I remember of father, I think they are similar beings. He is a warrior – and a fine one at that. He is also a very good teacher, and sometimes I swear that you are secretly sending him missives for my lessons. The two of you think with one mind!
He has loaned me some cherished blades and armor, which makes all the difference in this hostile land.
I've also made a good friend of a girl named Whisper, who follows the Winds. She too is an apprentice. It is nice to have another to work with as we are both trying to learn what we can.
The city of Peltarch has banned members of our circle from their temples, and possibly even their whole city because of some of the Elders I mentioned in the last letter. Their sight is too narrow... it is as if they view the world through a single marsh-reed. Their gods do not allow them any kind of understanding, apparently. Our elders are going to speak to them, as a break in communications would be a bad thing. They are also planning some large land-scarring mining project. And we thought the officials in Archenbridge were obtuse!
I am glad to be who I am, whether I can enter that city or not. The truth is, I have very little reason to go there in the first place.
I've noticed the first flecks of gray in Ehto's muzzle fur. It seems like yesterday that he was just a pup, doesn't it. I know that he misses you and the others as well, but he is the best companion one could ask for.
I Hope the coming cold months treat you well. Give my greetings to everyone.
-Hess
a pressed golden-red oak leaf is folded into the letter
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@af084bf682:
Dearest Mother,
I Hope this letter finds you safe and healthy at home. I am sorry I have not written for a while, it has been a busy time.
I was injured for a while, I fell victim to an ambush by goblins not far from the wals of Norwick, the small trading town in which I spend most of my time. Luckily I was found and by the graces of Chauntea and The Oak Father, revived. I spent many ten-days looking for Ehto, who had disappeared after the attack. It also left me weakened to the point that I could not make use of the Oak Father's graces as you had taught me. Through rest and meditation, and many long walks in the woods, both Ehto and Silvanus returned to me. It was a valuable lesson.
I have also been "accepted" (if that is the right word) into the Circle of Quercatha Terr. I have been staying within their Glenn and Just last night i was invited to be an apprentice to one of the Elders named Jerrick. I think I am very lucky in this regard. I was also introduced to all of the other elders–which include all manner of men and beasts. Ogres, Bugbears, and even a shape-shifter. I have accepted their explanations for these members--as the Circle is actually a merger of 2 circles, but I will admit that being that close to an Ogre was not easy for me.
As we did when we were young, I have been running. It took me a while to get my steps back, but now I cannot stop. The feeling of freedom is overwhelming to me, and each day I am able to push just a bit farther. Perhaps someday I will be able to run as far as you once did, Mother. I feel good--both inside and out.
Give my greetings to everyone at home.
-H
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@db87156d3d:
Mother,
I'm starting to feel more comfortable here, if that makes any sense. I've met some very nice and helpful folks. One in particular is an elf named Raryldor. He took me to a dark part of the Rawlinswood and taught me much about the right (and wrong) ways to hunt the goblins.
At one point a group of 5 or 6 goblins was rushing us. There was another woman in our group–her name escapes me. Before I knew what I was doing, the words and thoughts you taught me escaped my lips and the ground beneath the goblins came alive with vines, tripping and holding them-so that we could make easier work. Raryldor was impressed, and I was as well, to be honest.
The goblins carry coin, and others carry some things that can be sold. I am not sure how I feel about hunting them this way with the goal of making gold pieces--but they are a scum in the wood, there are too many of them, and hunting them brings balance to the woods. Right? I'm trying to see this as you would.
I have learned that there are several different tribes or ogre clans in the area. I'll be looking into that more.
Tell Thoeak his miserable pink armor is now hanging for sale in some Dwarf's market. I am sure he'll love that! I traded it in for some proper-fitting leathers and a new blade, using some of the coin I have made.
I will write again soon. With His Blessings,
Hess
a dried and pressed small oak leaf is included in the letter
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The young half-elven man named Hess has become somewhat of a common site near the southfire in Norwick. He typically keeps to himself, (especially when there are noisy hins running about) and sits with his wolf, Ehto.
Common-tongue is certainly not his first language, and he stumbles a bit as he tries to ask about the area. When any others of Elven blood are around, he typically gravitates towards them and speaks in hushed, proper Elven.
@ed8077d33b:
Mother, I do not know if this letter will make it to you, nor if I will find a way to properly send it to you. I miss you terribly, and have unfortunately no news of which to report–no news of my task that is.
I am in a place called Norwick.
The journey here was uneventful. Frankly, I expected it to take longer. Ehto was a good companion, and I was lucky to meet helpful folks along the way. Helpful, yet better off for my savings is nearly depleted.
Cousin Thoeak's leathers have become a nuisance. Aside from the miserable color, they are too large and chafe my skin. I have made it my first priority to invest in better leathers, whether I stay here or not. It seems that nearly everyone here makes their own leathers or blades. Apparently there is a city to the North where I can perhaps find some used leathers that will fit.
I met a woman who follows the Oak Father's path. Mother, you would be happy to see the home which the followers here have built. Belia (the one I met) showed me around their home. She said I am welcome any time which is welcome news as I have been sleeping in trees and I am not sure the locals agree to such things.
One odd thing she mentioned... Her family... the "Circle" as she refers to it is made up of what was once 2 families. One which, like our family, followed the path of Oak Father. The other, she explained, is made up of those that the Father would find to be enemies. She reminded me a bit of you when she explained that balance would be served by such a Circle, but I still find it a bit odd. Perhaps you sheltered me too much as a child! (I kid you, Mother)
Once I get more settled I hope to travel to the city (even that will cost more coins) and see what I can find out to help me on my task.
Please tell the family I am well and thinking of them. May Silvanus bless your path.
-Hess
