I'd forgotten about this...
While going through my old hard drives, I ran across this little tidbit. It's from back in my EQ days, when I was playing my Ranger. This was just a little story I started to amuse myself
My first memories are of bloodshed, war, screams of the dying and theinjured.Orcs had invaded our city and and we fought tooth and nail. It cost us dearly, but it cost the orcs even more. Bodies of elves and orcs littered the ground and the cries of the wounded echoed thoughuot the forest. Among the bodies were that of my brothers and Father. That was the moment that decided my lifes course. I would battle this evil, and all others for the rest of my days.
Though I was a mere sapling at the time, I went to Maesin Trueshot to become a Ranger. As I approached him, I noticed he was talking to another in low voices. Not wanting to be rude, I kept a respectful distance until he had concluded his business.
"Your pardon Master Trueshot, I have come to learn the ways of the Ranger." I said.
He looked me up and down in judgement, weighing me in his mind.
"A bit young to be thinkin' of such are ye not?" He said.
"Aye, that I might be sir, but I've no where else to go. My family was killed in the orc attack, and rather than be obliged to the community for my welfare until I'm of age, I'd as soon start making my way now."
"Independent sort eh?" he asked.
"Some might call it that sir. Some might even call me stubborn and foolish, but this is what I want." I replied.
"And what makes you think we would want YOU? Hmmm?"
This question took me aback and I had no ready answer. After thinking a moment, I replied,"I can't speak for you sir, I can only speak for myself. All I can tell you is, train me to be a Ranger, and I'll bring honor to all Elves. Should you decide to not teach me, I will go my way and teach myself. Either way, I shall become a Ranger. Granted, it would be better to learn from a master Ranger, but I shall not let the lack of instruction deter mee."
He laugh and clapped me on the back and said "You'll do."
Stepping out of the training hall, he led me to the barracks to show me my new home. There, I saw several older Elves lounging amongst the cots in a room. Severl groups scattered here and there, testing each other and talking. All conversation ceased and all eyes turned to us as we entered the room.
"Lads, I'd like you to welcome.....whats your name lass?"
"Ven" I replied.
"Yes, please welcome Ven to our little abode"
"Wots this? A little seedling is wanting to become a Ranger?" one asked.
"You should run back to your mother until you ears have grown youngling" said another voice.
"Come say that to my face and you'll see how well grown into my ears I am" I challenged
"So, the little mouse has a bite?" someone chuckled.
"Send her over to the Druids, she'll never make a Ranger"
"HAH!!! Even Druids are more picky than to take a little mouse like this."
"Aye"said I, "and you'll see what this mouse can do."
All this time, Master Trueshot just stood in the background, listening and watching. Then one of the older boys seperated himself and walked over.
"Pay them no mind Ven, they're just having a bit of fun at your expense. I'm Trakasion but most call me Tracker."
I measured him to see if he too was "having a bit of fun" and decided he was just trrying to put me at ease.
"Met and returned to you Tracker."
Master Trueshot came up then and told me to take the day to learn my surroundings and to meet the rest of the students for the morrow would see my training start in earnst.