Sazzia

Sazzia gets up from the table in her cozy little cottage and moves to the sofa where her family quilt can always be found. She spreads it out lovingly, admiring all the work that has gone into it, then smiles as she remembers different life events now forever embroidered in the squares. You notice there are more rows of plain blue at the bottom of the quilt and then realize that is her future....yet to be sewn into the fabric.

For those of you that don't know me, my name is Sazzia. It has long been a tradition in my family to keep a Life Quilt. I can remember as a small child eagerly running into my grandparents' cottage looking for their quilt, wanting to see what my grandmother had added to it since our last visit. Pappa, my grandfather, would wrap me in it and set me by the fire while I listened to their latest adventures. He always used to say "Quilts keep us warm, protect us and call to be embraced...just like life" I suppose he was right because I find myself snuggling within mine whenever I'm looking for comfort, relaxation or a fond memory.

Slowly she starts her tale, rubbing each square as she comes to it....

My mother met my father when they were both young. She was picking wildflowers in one of the fields near her village when she saw a handsome young elf standing on a rocky perch, the wind blowing through his hair. She couldn't quite make out what he was doing... His eyes were closed, he was holding a talisman and obviously trying to concentrate... She worked her way closer, quietly, until she was standing almost directly beneath and in front of him. He had such a determined look on his face that he didn't even hear her arrival. At that same second, a goose came bolting through the area, crashing into him and sending him sprawling off the perch to land just in front of her. His fall had been broken somewhat by her basket of flowers, but when he opened his eyes, he was startled to find a beautiful young elf bending over him looking at him with concern, but also barely holding back a laugh. He smiled broadly, half to save his pride and half to impress the lass, and since that day they've been inseparable. They were married not long after that and started their life together in Leth.

My father grew to be a well known and respected Warrior Mage in town, while my mother continued her studies as an empath. They had two children, my brother, Rallo, and myself. Rallo looks like my father, with a broad build for an elf and long dark hair, but has no desire to learn the ways of magic. Instead he chose the path of a barbarian. I, on the other hand, have my fathers tanned skin but my mother's violet eyes and her inquisitiveness about nature and alchemy. As the years rolled on, my parents opened a small shop in town, catering to enchanted weapons. Rallo and his wife now help with the business. He makes the weapons, my father adds a few gems to the hilts from his travels, and can spell them if requested. My mother assists in it all and keeps the books.

When it came time for me to choose my own path, I found myself spending more and more time at the warrior mage guild in the Crossing. Their magic, their ability to fight, their curious familiars....everything lured me and I decided to stay in town to learn more. Not too long ago, I bought this cottage in Kaerna. It's close enough to the guild to further my studies, but also far enough to linger and explore other areas. Granted I do lean toward exploring and can be gone for several weeks, but I always return home.

As for my quilt, I have a square for each major step I've faced in my life.....my first fam....my studies of our clan, the Wind Elves.....the first time i used lightning bolt and singed myself to a crisp... the day I received my heart name....my fiirst cantrip.....

Recently my squares have included depictions of my travels to the islands, new friends in my life and the inclusion into the mentor society. I can see myself adding onto this quilt for many years to come and look forward to all of the events that are in my future be they hard lessons, sad days or happy events....

She pauses there for a second rubbing her engagement ring and smiling softly .....

Ah well....there you have it, my life in a blanket.... May your life bring you the treasures you deserve and, as Pappa always used to say, keep you warm, protected and embraced.

Last Revised: 06/16/03