Life in da lands of Elanthia began fer me as da newborn and long-awaited child of two human barbarians. Howeva, me Fatha's joy at da moment of me birth was quite short-lived when me Motha placed a screamin elven lass intae his arms that fate-filled day. In me sorrow-filled dreams tae this day, I see me Fatha quite rudely shove me into da midwife's arms, pour forth a roar so massive that it immediately ceases me bawlin, and advance slowly towards my Motha. In a flash, his silver-hilted bastard sword leaves his scabbard and finds its home in me beautiful, unarmed Motha's chest and then, in turn, in his own.

Considered an outcast by me clan with me short stature, slim build, fiery flame-red hair, jade green eyes, and pointy elven ears, da helpless ole midwife was offered nary a choice but tae leave me in da forest or else sacrifice her own life. Fortunately fer me, a kindly young human happened uponst me whilst out hunting. Seein me huddled in a little niche by a swimming hole--starvin, filthy, nekked, and unconscious--the young man dinnae hesitate in pullin a pelt from his bundle tae quickly wrap me up and gently carry me tae his guild. That gallant young man's name be Nuich Artraba and he be a Ranger.

Once in da safety of da guild, other young rangas--many nae much older den meself--helped Nuich tae sustain me life and teach me their ways of survival in da wilderness. Many a folk there actually took a likin to this strange, skinny lil elf and helped tae rear me as one of their own--Zaknufein, Rancha, Hawkford, Forestjade, Dulcinia, Mykas, Burlock, Striderr, Wispra, Xheather, Hobard, Beorne, Ruckgnor, Sekoria, Avendell, Tilaron, Ancinda, Sharyn, Lukrani, Chryseis, Kapollo, Gyell, and Hammir among others. They also helped me tae meet others who 'ave played a most significant part in me life--Candidus, Ailyssa, Jochelle, Jeseanne, Aidana, Haige, Slaughterangele, Auroria, Smegul, Sureshooter, Xochi, Sophrona and many more--who each 'ave contributed tae me growth in dere own unique and special ways.

As I grew big and strong and learned da ways of da ranga as well as dose of femininity, Nuich and I spent more and more time taegether and I knew that I had truly found me home and me callin. I also knew in me heart that I had fallen deeply in love wid da man wid whom I was born tae spend da rest of me days in Elanthia and beyond.

On a beautiful spring evenin, Nuich and I were wed in a most fantastic abbey in Leth Deriel--surrounded by all our loved ones as we bonded our souls one tae another. Much tae me surprise--as I believed no other livin soul knew of me dreams of da events surroundin me birth--two of our dearest friends, Hawkford and Jochelle, came forth wid a gift beyond me wildest imaginins. Twas da silver-hilted bastard sword that had belonged to me Fatha! Honed and polished tae a nearly blinding sheen! Tae this day it remains wid me at all times--rarely unsheathed but a stern reminder of me true heritage. And wid it, a stout oath dat nary other newcoma tae these realms shall suffer da same utter peril uponst their birth dat I endured afore meetin dat handsome ranga in da forest dat day.

Since dat time, Nuich and I 'ave become da proud parents of a set of twins--a boy and girl named Chiun and Chiara who be da light of our lives. Dey be now grown and followin dere own unique paths as it should be.

I 'ave also now been honored by invitation tae join da Lorethew Mentor Society--where I strive evera day tae assist new adventurers tae adapt tae dere new lives here in Elanthia. Me free time is spent huntin wid me husband, socializin wid me friends and family in da Ranger guild, and jest generally enjoyin da gifts da Gods hast seen fit tae bestow uponst me.

And, on dat note, mayst ye all find safe paths and I shall look forward tae meetin each of thee as I continue tae tread these ever-changin, most wondrous lands I now call me home.

With much blessings,

Shainia Greeson-Artraba, Ranger

Last Revised: 06/16/03