The Formative Years - Gules

The woods bordering the Elven lands of Faydwer are a warm and natural place, the hearth and home of many of Norrath's finest citizens; but even so, there are parts of this environment that are fraught with danger, where continued life relies on a quick wit and ready defenses. One such area is the home of a small band of Tunare's Outriders, placed there as a warning against any threat to the Homelands from the south- the all but forgotten first line of defense for the forests and glades of the Faydark.

It was into this encampment that a figure crept, all gaunt lines and flowing robes, to deposit a quietly weeping child at the foot of a cot- the cot of one Maeryn Fairbough, trainer and sometimes leader of the small outpost. The child had been delivered some weeks ago by a woman Maeryn knew well, one some may have said he loved. The infant was the result of a brief and stormy marriage of disparate souls, one that burned brightly and all too quickly, leaving the child with a father he would never know, and a mother lost to complications of a difficult birth. His caretaker nurtured and protected him, until this day- the day he would be delivered into the hands of those who would guide and teach him, and perhaps give him a place of safety in which to prosper. As he set the child down, he whispered into the tiny ear

"Fare thee well, young one. Perhaps some day you'll discover the gifts I've bestowed upon you, gifts to make you more than your Goddess ever dreamt...."

As his words trailed off to silence, he placed a folded note next to the now sleeping infant, and was gone.

The discovery of the child soon after was met with mixed interest and trepidation- how were these Rangers, all but forgotten and isolated, to raise an infant? Would the presence of a female be better for him? After long discussion, Maeryn announced that he would take responsibility for the needs of the child, having been so close to the one who birthed him. Thus was a bond formed between the two, one that remained firm well past the time of Gules' coming to maturity. Even as other young Elves came and went, a constant flow of classmates sent to learn archery and woodcraft from the Ranger many proclaimed the best, Gules remained closest to the gruff and distant Maeryn. It was from this mentor that he learned the way of his ancestors,the nomadic and wild Elves who first thrived in the Faydark. As he grew, he was taught the use of knife and bow, the way to move as a part of the forest, unseen and unheard, and how to live off the gifts of Tunare without exploiting or spoiling them. Above all, he was taught that this way was the one true way of his people- the way of Nature, not building cities, growing weak and lazy in comfort and excess. Many a time, Maeryn reminded Gules of this fact- usually with some reference to Elves not being birds, building nests in the trees...and almost invariably with a strong expression of disdain for their city-dwelling cousins.

Like the father he never knew, Maeryn provided the basis for Gules' young life, sharing the ways and stories passed through generations of Fier'Dal. The child that was left on that night became a young adult under this guidance, with but one goal in his life: To one day ride at Maeryn's side as a trusted equal... to be called Outrider.

The beginnings of the wish were granted him one fall afternoon, when Maeryn approached the young Elf with an offer to join a patrol- an offer which set Gules' mind racing, and caused a large smile to grace his features as the preperations were made. He checked his readied gear endlessly, not wishing to be the cause of delay or trouble, and the hours crawled past, his anticipation eating at him constantly, wanting his chance...

"We're ready, Gules- come." Maeryn's voice settled the anticipation, replacing it with a deep nervousness. With his stomach in knots and his eyes wide, Gules climbed aboard the horse provided, and waited- not suspecting he would soon face one of the two events that would change his life and leave a mark on him, one which would remain for many years, until the circle closed in the Dawnshroud Peaks.

They rode through the Faydark, quietly, seeking any threat to the lands they all called home. Gules rode quietly in his place behind Maeryn, watching closely, learning. Ahead, the green and brown clad backs of several Outriders were visible through the persitent haze, riding easily, light conversation and the odd laugh being passed around like a shared bottle of wine. The young Ranger was filled with a feeling of contentment, and the thought coming to him- 'Finally, Maeryn trusts me to ride with him..this is the best day ever.' A brief nudge of this heels and a word to the small steed prompted it to carry Gules closer to the riders ahead. This caused him to draw near the side of the closest of the Outriders, Gules reaching over to gently tug a sleeve, wishing to tell Maeryn of his gratitude in being allowed to ride with them. Before the contact is made, Maeryn turned to face him- eyes wide with warning, a shout beginning to form on his lips- too late, as the horse Gules was riding fell, tumbling the young Ranger to the ground with a jarring impact. As the shouts arose from the riders, he rolled to see a large Orc wielding a heavy axe, which was caught firmly between the dying horse's ribs. Panicked, frantic, Gules turned to run- just as a hard hand closed on his ankle.

The following moments passed in a chaotic haze- a sensation of being dragged along the ground at great speed, held by the legs, face down. A sharp stone opening a jagged tear in the flesh below one eye, trying to scream for his mentor that he was being taken, only to be silenced by a savage kick to the abdomen, then being slung over a shoulder, being carried, unable to breathe, into the dark forest. A quick, quiet sound of a bow letting an arrow fly, the Orc crashing to the ground, pinning him, as the blood rushed out to fall scalding onto his face. A single soft cry broke from his throat, his voice finally responding to his will. Crushed cruelly under the weight of the dying Orc..hot, corrupted blood spurting from the wound in it's neck, into his eyes, trickling into his mouth, evil and burning like acid. Suddenly, the weight was removed- his unnamed resuer is standing, a hand extended to pull hiim to his feet. Gules caught a flash of movement behind the Outrider, his warning shouted too late as the Ranger fell forward, clutching at the cruel shaft that had neatly transited his beating heart.

Reacting without thought, Gules rolled to his hands and knees, crawling fast, trying to gain his feet. Finally, he was up, running...running from the death behind, toward the voice of Maeryn, calling for him.Desperately, he tried to answer the shout but couldn't, retching at the taste and memory of black blood on his tongue and in his throat- so he ran, his lungs burning, belly a pit of fire, drawing near to safety. His joy at having survived was broken by a sudden shock of pain, a black arrow piercing the muscle at the joint of neck and shoulder. Agony, pure and bright, like nothing he'd felt before, then paralysis in his right arm. Gules grabbed at the arrow, trying to pull it from his flesh, to stop the burning..but it was securely lodged, held to his flesh by the cruelly barbed shaft.

"Not much farther...be strong, Ranger. Maeryn would not allow this to stop him." This litany, whispered through clenched teeth, seemed to strengthen him. The the sound of pursuit drawing nearer forced him to move, to get to the others and safety- but his legs began to fail him, going numb, his thoughts drifting...the idea that lying down would be bliss, that just resting would give him the strength to complete his escape. Finally. with no strength to go on, he fell forward- the ground rushed into his face, followed by another shock of pain as the impact twisted the arrow cruelly in the wound. Gules lay still, panting shallowly, no will left to go on. He welcomed the encroaching darkness, his heart thundered in his ears, and he fell into the black void.

In his fading mind, the blackness lifted, and Gules was suddenly bathed in a white, pure light- a light felt more than seen. Images flashed by,in rapidfire succession..faces he didn't know, gatherings and times from the past, foreign landscapes swarming with warring armies...a city burning, tinting the water red...a fleeting glimpse of something comforting, a picture that filled him with a yearning to reach out, though it was nothing more than a shock of silky crimson surrounding two points of glittering green. Meaningless, yet meaning everything. Over it all,a voice, soft and powerful, loving yet commanding.."Not yet, young one...you have much to do, and are yet to meet your destiny...be strong, my soldier..go and meet it. Your salvation is near at hand."

Roughly ripped from the soothing light, Gules' eyes flickered open to a maelstrom of sound and movement. Fragments of discussion came to his ears, his mind struggling to understand: "Poison...healer, now....not long". Then, into Gules' field of view came the face of his trainer and companion, care worn and streaked with blood. "Gules, be still..we're helping as best we can."

His throat parched, Gules tried to speak, to tell Maeryn of the experience he'd been through- but could manage only a hoarse whisper, drowned in the tumult of sounds. "Maeryn..I...she showed me...". The words ended in a sudden, terrifying scream of pain as the arrow was pulled the rest of the way through, followed by blackness as conciousness fled from the young Ranger once again.

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In time, the wound healed, leaving only a knot of scar tissue to remind Gules of that day's events. Under the tutelage of Maeryn, he immersed himself in training, learning woodcraft, tracking, archery, and various techniques with blades- all the things he would have to master before earning the distinction he craved. Other students came and went, but Gules stayed- a permanent fixture at the remote camp, having noplace else to call home. The Lesser Faydark was home, the Outriders his family, and conflict a way of life.

As Gules grew toward maturity, it became clear that he was going to be exceptionally tall- a full 2 hands above his comrades in most cases. This was the subject of some discussion, of course, but Gules enjoyed his difference, never being one to fade into the crowd. Maeryn often joked that he would soon outgrow his mount, and that they would need to capture a mammoth from Velious to prevent the young Ranger from wearing the soles of his boots through. He took the gibes and comparisons to Ogres in stride, usually silently- and carried on with his training, letting the days wear him to the point of an exhausted sleep.

Finally, the day Gules thought would never arrive dawned. At some point, each of the students went before the council to be judged, and to hear whether or not they had been selected to serve with the Ouriders, having undergone years of testing. The preperations for travel went by in a flash, and soon the party was ready to begin the trip to the city. Gules arrived at the departure point well ahead of schedule, an was awaiting Maeryn and the others when they arrived.

"Feeling ready, Gules?" Maeryn asked, looking intently at the tall youth. "I can see you are, yes. Just remember to focus, lad, and all will be well." Gules nodded, and the band of Elves climbed astride their mounts and headed north.

They rode easily, relaxed and alert at the same time. Gules noticed his senses were tuned to a fever pitch- hearing everything, the sounds of the forest, and of horses' hooves on the trail. In the distance, the city of Kelethin appeared, his excitement and apprehension growing as they drew near. The sound of hooves at his side, then the voice of Maeryn, clear and strong, speaking encouragement.."You'll be fine, lad...no worries at all. Everyone goes through the rite of selection..I did, and you're much better prepared than I ever was." He spurred his mount forward, looking back over his shoulder at his young charge. "Just concentrate, focus...and always look Lord Fireshine in the eye. Don't waver for an instant, show no weakness."

"Yes, Maeryn...I'll remember that. Being accepted as an Outrider means much to me...the years of preparation were in your hands, now the final test is in mine." Looking over to the one who has meant so much to him, Gules braved a smile- but it couldn't hide the rapid gallop of his heart, or soothe the feeling gnawing at his mind-"What if I fail? I'll never be able to face anyone here again..."

Suddenly, they were arrived at their destination and the horses tied to graze. Gules looked up at a hand on his shoulder, into the steady eyes and some last words from his mentor: "Do not be late, lad." Gules nodded understanding, and moved to the elevator. He went up into the bustling city, studying everything...many things he had not seen before, his senses excited by the sights and sounds so different from the quiet woods he had always called home. Looking at the merchant's goods, avoiding the curious gazes of the many who stopped to stare- whether at his height, or his obvious discomfort among the throng, Gules couldn't tell. All he could see were the people everywhere- fighting men, tradesmen, musicians..and the beautiful maidens of his race, softly inviting, yet intimidating in their unfamiliarity. In this manner, the time melted away quickly, and he soon found himself outside the Hall of the Outriders.

Several young hopefuls were to take the rite of selection that day- they stood in the queue, families or friends near, and discussed the coming trials in hushed voices. Gules stood, eyes moving from one face to the next as if sizing up the competition. A sudden pang of loneliness suddenly pierced him, alone in the busy crowd, causing a hard blink of his dark eyes, forcing a bitter tear back. Turning his eyes downward, he filled his mind with his lessons- the components for making different arrows, the tracks of beasts, how to tell direction in the dark....

His reverie was broken in an instant- as a clear girlish voice said "Excuse me, please", followed by the brush of a hand across his shoulder as she made room to pass. He turned his head toward the voice, catching a fleeting glimpse of bright emerald eyes and a shy smile, then she was gone into the crowd, so suddenly he never had time for thought. A warm, penetrating feeling emanated from the point of the slight contact as he stood a moment as if stunned, his studies forgotten, rubbing gently at the spot. Turning swiftly about, his eyes scanned the crowd. Only one thing caught his eye...descending the ramp, he saw a flash of slender shoulders, topped by a head of unruly hair the color of ginger. Involuntarily, he took a step that way as if to give chase, stopped only by the realization that his turn before the Elders was fast approaching. Almost frantic, Gules turned to a youth nearby, grabbed his arm roughly, and demanded: "That girl...she just passed. Red hair...who is she? Does she live here?"

Startled, the other began to answer, "I really don't know..I've seen her, but am not sure of her name. I believe it is..." The boy's answer was interrupted by a booming voice in his ear, the voice of Maeryn, displeased. "Gules! Do you wish to fail before you start? They call..get in there, boy!" Followed by a push toward the doors. Looking back, Gules attempted to make out the name he wished to learn..but was unable. Forcing her from his mind, he turned to face the door, took a deep breath to clear his head, and strode into the Hall to face his Elders. As he entered, the bright clear light of day was left, causing him to blink several times as his eyes adjusted to the torchlit room. The leaders of Faydark's Champions faced him, seated in high-backed wooden chairs, each eyeing him intently- as if looking for a sign of nervousness or uncertainty. Drawing himself to his full height and steeling his nerves, Gulerian spoke to the gathering.

"I am Gulerian Aspenglade, Apprentice of Maeryn Fairbough and follower of the Law of Tunare. I come before this Council with the wish that I be accepted into the ranks of Tunare's Outriders, and have trained long and hard for the right. Question me well, and judge me as you see fit." As he finished the oft uttered words, he took great care to meet the eyes of Lord Fireshine, as Maeryn had suggested. The Elder met his gaze, neither willing to be the first to look away, until Fireshine cleared his throat and bade Gules to take a seat on the floor facing his judges.

"You say you wish to become an Outrider. Many speak these words, but few can understand what it means." He began, breaking a silence of some time. "Even the majority of those who sit here in judgement have not served in this capacity, and we must be certain that you know what such a posting entails." It seemed to Gules that the eyes of the Elders were locked on him, and finding him wanting in many ways. He risked a glance away from the speaker, but saw no clue on the faces of the others, all of them regarding him with interest, possibly even care, but there was no sign of hostility or prejudice.

His attention was drawn back to Lord Fireshine as he continued. "The life of an Outrider is solitary, and fraught with danger. You'll be far from your people most of the time. The demands of such a life will likely deny you the pleasures of a wife and children." As he spoke, the Elder Ranger fingered a worn sheet of parchment, glancing at it and then passing it to his right. His ears tuned to the words, Gules could not stop his eyes following the paper as it was passed from one Elf to the next, each reading it and passing it on, their faces revealing nothing. "Your visits to the city will be rare, and most here will look upon you as an outsider. Are you prepared to accept these things?"

Forcing his eyes back to the questioner, Gules though of Maeryn's voice in his ear, steadied himself, and answered, "Aye, Lord- I am well aware of the sacrifices required of an Outrider, having lived among them my entire life. I realize I will be denied a family..." A remembrance of bright green eyes and a light touch came unbidden to his mind,but he forced it down to continue. "These sacrifices are a small price to pay for the honor of serving as Tunare's instrument and protecting these lands." As the words came forth, Gules felt himself stand taller, and his voice grow more confident. The rest of the questions were routine, things he had gone over with Maeryn until he feared his head would burst. At last, the Council stood before him, and Lord Fireshine stepped forward, his hand extended. In it, he held a small creast of fine Mithril, bearing the device of Tunare's Outriders. His face softened as he pinned it on the ragged cloak around Gules' shoulders, then stood and saluted. "Welcome, Outrider..."

Gules returned the salute, formal and proud. The rest of the council formed a line to the door, salutes and welcomes coming from each as the new Outrider passed back into the bright light of day.