Artianna EroLyn

The Keep can be seen over the treetops to the north and the sound of the gypsy's song behind me.  My movements, almost without sound, as I creep from bush to bush and tree to tree . I knew I did not always belong to the  marauders... the old gypsy recounted to me that I had been stolen as a baby and my parents slaughtered for their wealth. 

I was raised in the marauders camp near the mountain, my life had been one of hard lessons and work. The old gypsy woman had grown fond of me as a child and taken me under her care. Her harsh ways softened by the gentle touch of her gnarled hand upon my head.   She taught me the ways of herbs and potions.. and the ways to hide and run when danger was present. I had grown accustomed to my hardened life until that day.. the day the gypsy told me that I must escape.

She handed me a violet silk scarf that was once my mothers, some coins, and showed me the way through the woods to the township. She feared my fate. I would be killed or worse given to one of the marauders in marriage. The withered old woman sent me out into the lands with these words.. "Your heritage is great, stolen from the nobility you were... walk tall and proud..you have the gift of touch, and one day you will find your past."

I found myself wandering along the roads and paths..remembering the old gypsys words. Finding my way way to the guild of the empaths I joined them quite naturally, having retained most of what the old gypsy had taught me. I wandered and healed those I met.. until one day I came across a Warmage..

He was kind and loving, taking me under his protection, his guidance. He moved me to Crossing, keeping me close to his side.. begging my hand in marriage.. which I was not ready to accept..his attentions grew in intensity and severity. What was once seen as protection became my prison. A prison, with the Dark Mage as it warden.

One day while healing in the fields as the Mage hunted, I slipped away and made my way across the lands back to my homeland.. I returned to the fields to heal those in battle.. keeping quiet so as not to bring attention to myself for fear the evil Mage would find me.

One day I happened across a young human Cleric. Everything evil was forgotten while in his presence. His gentleness and kindness had captured my heart, his strength lent me shelter. Here was the peace I had so long searched for. I began to feel safe, until one day the evil Mage found me and took me away.

He hid me and tried to keep me away from the Cleric that held my heart. The brave Cleric fought the Mage and rescued me from his evil grasp... The Cleric gave up much and had risked all he believed in to save me.  We were ambushed and haunted for many months. In time we were married, but the wicked Mage still persisted. He vowed he would not stop until he had destroyed us both, and disappeared into the night.

My husband and I travel the lands, learning, teaching, facing great dangers, healing, helping any that we can. Our lives are filled and whole. Yes, the fear of the Dark Mage always lingers in the deep recesses of my mind, but my husbands bright presence keeps me safe.  In time I will seek to find my past. This violet silk scarf that was once my mothers and some words spoken from the old gypsy woman.....

She startles slightly, a ripple in the water disturbes her vision as another face looms behind her reflection in the water. She raises her head and smiles into her husbands eyes, he has come to take her home...