Elgon's coming of Age

[curtwise]

As if I werent facing enough adversity, along comes Lance Merrick my cousin bering most unudual news.

He has informed me of an arranged marriage between myself and another. My father according to family tradition had arranged for me to be married to Endora Cromwell. I met her once when we were very young. I have not given it thought since that time, as my mother never talked of such an arrangement. My mother would not have supported such, as her own marriage was one of free choice at the cost of her very own life.

Lance tells me that this marriage is for the union of the Merricks and the Cromwells, two powerful  families. My uncle, Melchek stands to gain political power and the families land holdings would nearly double. Lance has been sent to "fetch" me and to warn me of the consequences of my refusal to go through with the marriage.

My heart belongs to Jenna and nothing can stand against us or come between us. But, i must fight Endora's champion should i want to be released from the arrangement. And  of course, i want released!  The champion is well known and is her older brother, Chancey, captain of the royal guard. I must defeat him in open battle or die to revenge her honor.

Should that not be enough, Lance assures me that his father, Melchek, has greaet interest in this marriage taking place. States that uncle would be most displeased with me to the point of having me killed....some family?

I must return and set this straight with my family and the Cromwell's. Lance has assured me of his loyalty to me, as we were childhood friends.

I have talked with Kyle, who is furious with me and Rain who is concerned about me. Rain has offered to stand by my side but i cannot let him risk his life for this matter. Truly a faithful Brother to me...Rain.  

Jenna is standing by me and also wants to attend the "joust" as i have termed it. More like an  ogre ambush would be closer.

If ever i needed a god for prayer and strength, it would be now...Ilsare...where is this god of love?

I have the love of Jenna and Lance at my back, i shall venture back home and rectify this situation.

Lance Merrick, what can i say about this young boy...i can remember our mock battles and jousting. We were best of friends back then. I cannot let him take a fall with me...i shall leave him behind, even though that is not what he wishes. But if he were to return home supporting me, his father Melchek would kill him as well or try.
 
What a mess, this has turned into, not even my doing.........but Jenna continues to offer her unconditional love to me.

Lance tells me that he got a cool reception from my family the "guild". I am surprised.

I must go and prepare for my trip back to the rural area of Blackford. I love Jenna with all my heart..that i know and hold dearly until i return.

[curtwise]

The Merrick's were so unhappy to see me return, I sent Lance back to Hlint as i could see that my uncle was not in a negotiating mood. Times change and traditions are broken and now so are my family ties, as if there were any. But poor Lance is not able to return either. He has been disowned and banished from the family as well as myself. No loss for me but i wonder what this means for young Lance?

My uncle and i got into a fight of sorts and one of his friends slashed my arm with a sword, minor wound at best. So he ordered me to leave and not see Endora or her family. Only to find out later  that Endora had already found love with another and was hoping that i would give up or die. So much for arranged marriages, not like the love that i share with Jenna.

So i'm back in Hlint and have ventured several times to loosen the arm up a bit. Actually been very busy with crafting and trying to get Lance settled in. Rain and the others have made Lance feel welcomed and offered him a place to stay. Lance has kept to himself and is missing his family and home, i think.  He is too young for love but maybe that would help get his mind on something else for awhile. Perhaps he needs to get to know some of the local ladies.

I keep running into this character named Truk, half giant, he's a gentle soul for his size. But one heck of a fighter. I've got to perfect my fighting with magics, i keep dying. They are more likely to run and hide than stand and fight. They all seem to have self preservation as a code, versus all for one and one for all of the fighter's code! The only one i trust is Dora, she's got the fighter code and mentality but is sharp with the magic too!

The guild seems to be doing well and has expanded by several aprentices. I guess everyone is needing the help these days. So now we have Jako and Daniel, Dalan and Dora. We split the profits with em just as if they were members but they cant vote. We are long overdue for a council meeting!

I havent seen Jenna since my return and wonder why she's not here to greet me? Perhaps she has second thoughts about us? I hope i havent driven her off with my ignorance of her needs or some other thoughtless reason? I would lose the last soul strand if that were to happen, soul mother or not!

I've been frustrated with the guild lately but i think it's just a passing phase. I just dont see them much and Lance has not done much venturing, he needs guidance. I hope that he will grow with my family here in Hlint and feel comfortable with those that i call friends, brothers and family.

My demon has subsided but i feel that torment and torture is always on the prowl for me and each venture is a challenge to my demon for victory or death eternal. I pray to Ilsare for guidance and support but do not know the way to worship or what i should be studying? I still havent seen Mercas enough or Kyle for that matter to ask of their own experience of Ilsare.

I miss and love Jenna and wonder at times why she seems to be gone for days without word? I wonder if that makes for a good relationship or if we are headed for trouble? Perhaps going our own separate ways until we find what we are truly looking for? I may not be what she needs in a man and she deserves to be happy. She needs a man that can understand her needs and be there for her when she needs someone or not? I dont really know at this point, but i continue to save for our wedding without a date?

Not to worry i suppose, my life is going well and i couldnt be happier. I look at things and wonder? How could a nobody from nowhere be where i am today? I have the love of a good woman, a great job with a guild, a place to live and friends to share it all with.  

*gives thanks in a short prayer to Ilsare*

[curtwise]

Oh Lord, i've been away from my writings for so long... Too much has passed to catch up.

I've been crafting and the guild seems to be doing well. I've gained much experience in my chosen crafts and I am producing mahogany weapons.

Mahogany...reminds me of my friend Elrend...(RIP), suffered the fate that awaits me at every outing...and i've been pushing my luck as of late.

I am at peace within myself for once in my life. Due to Jenna, the demon being gone, and of course my guild family. All seems so good right now. And of course my friend Lance! He's growing to become quite the warrior. I'm proud of him.

Rain is going through some training to become an arcane archer but he's had one recent episode of an uncontrollable rage..scared Jenna and gave Sonya a terrible scare too. Me, i was scared for Rain...as much as myself...for i would defend myself and the women at all costs...even my own life.

I have become a strong warrior and have learned much in the way of tactics and strategies. But i am not ready to hang up the sword just yet. I like crafting but it is not fulfilling enough to fill the hole that retirement would cause. Jenna has been patient with me and continues to support me and my endeavor to become even stronger as a warrior.

Jenna has asked me if i would consider an elopement and even talked of children. I have put her off ...for reasons that i dont understand myself. But mainly, i dont want to leave a widow and orphans behind when i die. Which may be soon enough.

Kyle and Ferrit have just had their first baby boy, Cole and seem happy but tired. Seems to push Jenna's biological clock button even more.

The twins are growing and are toddling around. Keeps Rain and Sonya on their toes.

Dalan is such a hard worker and has grown in his skills...Daniel is growing as a fighter and has developed a good knowledge of strategy of his own right...Jako i dont see...he's certainly a mystery person.

Dora, what can i say, she is a great fighting companion and takes care of me so i dont die...but she's a bit of a mystery too. CAnt put my finger on it yet.

Mercas has been busy making enchantments, rings and such...i hardly see him. But have had a chance to travel with him and Dora on an occasion. He wants more diamonds, and I have talked withe the brave monk Silverhand if he would be interested. The thinks with Eredel, Robert and a few others it could be done. We shall see.

I've run into this character, named Truk, a half giant...we've been traveling around too.

I had the most unusual experience on Bear Island...*shudders*...i was traveling with Dora and Mercas, gathering garnets and feldspar, when we came across this mage a drow mage so his appearance seemed...He made no attempt on us nor did he aid either. He did not speak but just watched us but without regard as to what were doing?! Very odd...seeing this kinds of characters wandering Layo...and particularly Bear Island not known for an association with the underdark or drow?

Got things to do...thanks Ilsare for life and love...*walks out the door*

[curtwise]

I have a certain remorse in these words as Elgon has lived a hazzardous life style, that of a warrior. I know that i have nearly ran out time and soul strands. So it is with a heavy heart that i write a will and testament;

Rain Darsus is the executor of my estate;

Which consists of the following;

* personal armor iron full plate
* three bastard swords all iron
* various rings and amulets
* my militia boots
* my guild coat
these and all else gets dispersed as Rain sees fit.

I put charge of the welfare of Lance Merrick in the hands of RAin Darsus, with Kyle Pandorn as God father.

It is my request that the guild consider Lance Merrick as part of our guild family with benefits to be bestowed as is fitting.

You are his only family now and his well being is in your hands, Kyle, Mercas, Daniel, Dalan, Jako and Rain, please raise him as a man to be what he can be...a warrior or a carpenter but respectful and honorable above all.

Ferrit, Dora and Sonya, give him the nurturing you would your own, teaching him to respect others and to love as well as being loved.

Jenna my love, should this letter ever find purpose, i am sorry for leaving you so soon. I felt that you deserved more than i could give, i hope that you find peace and love and happiness. As you deserve that and more!

May you all find your dreams come true and may true love abound in your hearts. Think of me with smiles and thoughts of those good ole days, of Elgon, head strong, charging into battle as he charged into life..giving it his all even to the end.

Thanks be to you all for the love and life that was Elgon's.

in all sincerity and of sound mind and body

Elgon Merrick