Submitted: 7 October 1997


A Beginning

by Nahston Osto

(The Three Provinces: 5 Uthor 322)

A farm boy was what he was called when his parents wanted to insult him or praise him. It didn't matter to Nahston, it was always an insult. An orphaned elf raised by two elderly dairy farmers didn't have a whole lot of pleasure growing up. In fact, boredom and loneliness were his two closest friends. Surely he was loved, in the human way, a way for a farmer boy; but he was an elf. An elf who destiny decreed should be a lonely farmer boy.

The farm boy lived with the Osto's for decades until they passed away leaving him the farm and the debt that accrues from poor management.His intelligence realized that his abilities would only worsen the situation.Within days of the Osto's passing, he sold the farm for the same amount of the debt, grabbed his clothes and left.He wandered west not knowing what he was going to do; what good was a farm boy with no farm.

Days turned into weeks, as days are wont to do. Berries, wild fruits, and nuts sustaining him marginally. Sleeping in fields, in trees, under rocks, and in the open he found himself happier than when he was a farm boy.Generally doing things he only dreamt of as a farm boy.He Followed paths of people, avoided direct with animals and people alike his life was stagnant and contented him for a while.Eventually he came in contact with a large body of water.

Spying a ferry, a thing he'd only read about, he was intrigued.A city as a destination, Crossing, the land of the despicable and the tainted according to his father, only further invited him to go.

It wasn't too hard for Nahston to steal aboard for passage, later to learn that a bemused warrior had paid his passage.In fact this warrior gave him a writ, a writ to make something of himself. This warrior didn't even give his name and had no reason for the kindness except to say "I just felt like doing it."

Now, a new ranger enters Crossing, one that at one time had been a farm boy.He has no set goals or any plans for the future.He may still be young, he may be indebted to strangers, but he does know that he is happy.