Foreward:
Bernicio's parents were ready for two extra mouths to feed - not three, however. Bernicio was born the runt triplet into an affluent household of Leilon. More of a surprise than his birth was his mere survival. Born pale and blue-lipped, Bernicio labored softly to breathe and rarely opened his emerald eyes to view the team of doting nursemaids on watch. As his brothers grew tall and strong, Bernicio remained short and frail in stature, yet irresistibly pretty.
Worried that he was to frail to handle life outside their home, Bernicio's parents directed him to pursue scholarly and musical pursuits at a young age. Bernicio's talents as a musician were realized immediately. With hands barely large enough to grip the neck of his mandolin, Bernicio let flow melodies that soothed the frantic energies unleashed upon his household by two ever-wrestling, ever-sparring, and ever-growing slightly older brothers. If only a Bernicio came with every set of twins.
Bernicio progressed in the mold of a child prodigy - instructors vied for the oppurtunity to instruct him, socialites begged to showcase him at their private gala events, and Bernicio grew weary of performance and practice regimen. Bernicio longed for the life his brothers led. He wished to walk the city free to frolic about with the naivety of youth. Slightly famous and grossly over-coddled, this was just not possible. Unless, Bernicio managed to elude the view of his family, nurses, and admirers.
Bernicio did just that. Although small, Bernicio was a Swift, a very Swift. He managed to escape the confines of his home by dropping out of windows, slipping through closing doors, and scurrying across rooftops. His face and luminous skin cloaked, Bernicio hid his small stature easily into the features of his urban environment. Mostly at night, Bernicio played out his quixotic games of rescuing fair maidens and liberating golds and treasures from hording monsters first in the streets and alleys, but eventually within the residences of Leilon.
Enlivened, his music veered from the classical into new realms of creativity. Much to the displeasure of his instructors, Bernicio refused to conform to classical techniques. Their attempts to rein him in were futile. It was suggested to Bernicio's parents that he be commited to a more suitable environment to continue his studies - perhaps, a monastery. Bernicio never heard his sensible and loving parents scoff at the suggestion of this... he was out the window, down the roof, into the alleys, and away.
