Eadric Streona
It's really a very simple story. I grew up very much on my
own. The only place that I truly called home was the Wolfclan. The only semblance of a
family to call my own were the young rangers that used to gather at Suza's there.
Eventually, they too, all went their separate ways. I happened to meet Arriel there before
I left to head out as well.
Meeting her was the highlight of my youth, she and I together traveled many places before
eventually making the decision to put roots down. We married and settled in Langenfirth.
We lived and hunted and cared for each other and the area for many years before the
Gorbesh wars. When it was clear our area was also threatened we joined in the fight. One
morning I woke up to learn that during the evening she was struck down in battle and gone
forever. My life was turned upside down. I was no longer the husband of anything more than
a memory and I found I could no longer reside in what was once "ours" but now
just "mine". I closed up our home and again found myself heading South.
The Crossing, far too city for a Ranger, was not a consideration. There were too many
people and not enough solitude for me and my grief. I settled on the skirts of the River
outside of Leth Deriel and although I had a home, I vastly preferred the company of
Snowbeasts to the emptiness that surrounded me indoors. My wolf, Nick, and I spent many
hours hunting together. He was my endless companion.
I realized that, however fond I was of Nick, I could not hide myself in The Gash forever.
It was time to become part of something once more. I didn't know what. Or how. I had
really been out of civilization far too long. I wrote a note and I threw it into the River
I lived on asking for someone...anyone...to find it and read it. Not ever really expecting
any response to such a nonsensical letter of hope, I did get a response. Just as fast as
my note had hit the water one was returned saying that she, too, was lonely and she would
love to meet, if for nothing else more than company. We arranged to meet at the Half Pint
Inn. The funny part of this was that we neither knew the others names. Upon walking in the
room it was crowded but we both knew each other, perhaps from the weary looks or maybe
just because it was meant. She asked me to join her for a walk as it was far too noisy to
talk there. She took me to the spot on the pier where she was sitting when she read my
note and responded to it and we spoke for hours. Those hours felt like minutes. Kaelie,
the name that changed my life.
Several months after meeting we were married. We sold my home on the banks of the River
and found one to call our own in Kaerna Village. As wonderful as life was before, that joy
is about to be doubled, our family is expanding. I will soon be the father of twins.
Sometimes good things happen in the least likely ways. A love for life renewed and the
wish to make sure others know just how wonderful Elanthia can truly be. |