I grew up in a small village at the base of the mountains north of
Seringale. My mother stayed home raising my older sister and I. My father
was a merchant, traveling far abroad for many months at a time. His return
was always a joyous occasion. He would take us all out to a tavern to see
musicians from all over come and play. When we arrived home, mother would
make him his favourite meal and we would all sit down, eat dinner and listen
to dad tell us about the places he had traveled to, the people he met and
the beasts he encountered. After dinner, we would all gather in the den,
curl up in front of the fireplace and listen to dad tell stories until we
fell asleep. We generally had him home for a month before he ventured out
again, but this specific time, I awoke to find he had already ventured out.
That was the last time I saw him. It was three months before we were
alarmed that he had not returned. It must have been delays, or such, we
thought. I stayed home for a few weeks trying to comfort my mother and
sister before I couldn't stand it any longer. I had to search for him. No
one ever knew I was leaving. I only left a note stating I was going to find
dad. I had no clue where to search for him. I only knew I had to travel
east. I was only about thirteen at the time. The first place I found
myself was Seringale. I had no money, friends or family. I stalked the
streets, finding coin where I could. I stole from beggars and merchants to
get by. I stumbled into Mocker's Tavern very late one evening. I was
distraught and so lost. It had been nearly a month since I had arrived and
I had not heard the first word of rumor about my father. Memories of my
family happily enjoying each other's company and the live music flooded into
my mind. I made my way as carefully as I could through the tavern, sobbing
the whole way. At this point, I was looking for anything and I just so
happened to catch the bartender not paying enough attention. Being the
opportunist I am, I encountered my first drink. I snuck upstairs into the
backroom and hid behind all the music and instruments, nursing my whiskey
and drinking myself to sleep for the first time. I awoke late in the
morning, puke on the floor, hungover and starving. I can't remember the
last time I had eaten. I waited for the haze to pass for what seemed like
hours. During that time, I rummaged through the room until I found an old
recorder. Something about it made me feel closer to home; closer to my
father. Music was something we all loved, especially when we were together.
I tried my hardest to sneak out, but someone saw me and called out. I
bolted out the door and ran east until I was too tired to continue. Upon
awakening, in the early morning, I found myself just outside of Timaran. I
remembered my father saying something about a town named similar. Hungry
and thirsty, but without concern, I rushed into town. I consulted the Crier
as to the whereabouts of my father, but he stated he had not seen him in
months. This was the general consensus as I made my way around asking
everyone... Anyone. I was crushed. Do I go home? Home wasn't home
anymore. It was broken. I just walked. I walked into the late evening,
eventually finding myself near a beautiful lake. I broke down there, at the
lake's shore. I had over half a bottle of whiskey left and I knew what I
was going to do. I drank myself to sleep for the second time. This is
where I stayed for over a year. I would fish and hunt in the wilderness for
my sustenance and travel to Timaran to restock my alcohol. I avoided people
at all costs. I didn't want to see them, much less hear them or know they
existed. As far as I was concerned, my world was over. I lived in this
haze for a long time. My heart was broken, my mind was pained, it was late
and drinking too much was a vast understatement. I figured I could just
pass out in this beautiful lake and drift away. The water was so cold that
night, but my skin was so flush. I floated out as far as I could until my
consciousness faded away. I was awakened abruptly. I could hear a
beautiful voice singing to me. I hadn't felt anything that resembled
happiness until her. She brought me to the shore where she had a fire
burning brightly. She gave me dry clothes, fed me and stayed with me all
night long. We didn't exchange many words, she just comforted me and
reassured me that I was going to make it through. I thanked her the best I
could the next morning. I had nothing to repay her and she didn't want
anything from me. I'll never forget her. I told her why I had traveled
here, how far I had come from and why I had failed to return to those who
needed me most. I grasped her tight before I left for home. It was almost
my birthday. How old am I? I couldn't remember. I did not sleep or rest
on my journey home. I only drank more, stumbled worse and cried harder.
Two days had passed, and I was almost home. I was so happy. I hadn't
thought about how much I missed my sister and mother. Why had I left them
alone? I couldn't answer that for myself. I topped the last hill with so
much excitement! My eyes rushed to my home only to see boulders, mud and
dust. I just fell to the ground and wept. Why didn't I take care of them?
Where can I go now? Why go anywhere? I drilled question after question in
my head. I didn't leave 'home' for nearly three days. I couldn't bear to
be near there any longer. It was the eve of my birthday. How old am I, I
questioned myself, again. I could only think of one place to go. Where my
fondest memories of us were: Seringale.
Description:
This Half-Elf stands just above six feet tall. Long auburn hair curls
around his face, bouncing as he sways. His skin is smooth and of fair
complexion. Dark green eyes set above a rounded nose and full beard, strewn
with red and blonde strands. His movements are erratic and his eyes shift
quickly around the room.