Catskills Retirement Home

When Elyriel and I decided to finally take up Wraith’s offer to visit Trinsic, neither of us knew what to expect.  Elyriel was simply adrift – having no idea where to find a purpose in her life again.  The guilt over breaking her oath to Winterfell and King William was agonizing, and the sorrow over her failed relationship with Daca wore her self-worth down to almost nothing.  Elyriel had chosen the ride the road aimlessly, occasionally finding pride in being able to help people she came across.  But nothing could replace the sense of direction she had as a squire serving her Kingdom.

Well, it’s been a month or more since my last posting, which is my fault.  The real world certainly knows how to demand most of my time these days!  I find it funny comparing that to the days I’m journaling here.  Staying awake till 3 am because I’m in the middle of a battle or a really great roleplaying session was no big deal then – other than affecting my ability to stay awake until quitting time at work!  Now?  Oh my… 10+ years really changes one’s priorities!

A crossroad is as much a parting of ways as a meeting of ways.

<— Britain – 1 Mile
Trinsic – 20 Miles —>

Elyriel laid a calming hand on Sylvan’s neck, stroking the stallion’s mane as she looked up at the sign. Britain or Trinsic…. A slight frown drew out a tiny crease between her brows. Which way to go? Her emerald gaze drifted over the treetops to the large buildings of the capital city. A quick stop in town and then she would be on the road again to the manor. So easy a ride – a short and well-known trip. She then looked to her right, down the road where it disappeared into the forest. Or the long trek to the sandstone walls of Trinsic. A longer ride… and one with an uncertain end.

Trenton Grim: Greetings m’lady

Elyriel Winters: Hail sir

Trenton Grim: how are ye?

Elyriel Winters: Well, thank you.

Trenton Grim: *nods*
Trenton Grim: good to hear
Trenton Grim: yer a Soilder?

Elyriel Winters: *looks him over with a sharp eye*
Elyriel Winters: Aye. I train as a squire.

Trenton Grim: ahh a Squire, i remember when I was one

Elyriel Winters: You trained for knighthood once?

Trenton Grim: why I am a knight so yes

Elyriel Winters: You wished to speak with me, Your Majesty?

Jocelyn: *motions to the seats*

Elyriel Winters: *nods*

Jocelyn: *nods*

Elyriel Winters: *folds hands in lap*

Jocelyn: I wished to speak to thee again of thy desire to join the knighthood…
Jocelyn: And of the requirements therin.

Elyriel Winters: *listens*

Jocelyn: First…
Jocelyn: I wish to read thee the words of thy leige at Ser Aethal’s knighting but one…
Jocelyn: day hence.
Jocelyn: If thou wilt bear with me please.

Some dreams just aren’t meant to come true.

Spurring her horse faster, Elyriel did her best not to look back toward the keep as it disappeared into the distance. She just leaned close to the mare’s neck and held on tightly as the horse flew down the east road, her heart aching and tears stinging her eyes.

Back at the keep, Sir Kelfen stood with her pack in his hands – her soldier’s cloak, the prize from her first quest, and a letter to the king inside. Walking away from her imminent knighthood was the hardest decision she had ever made, but even as she watched the ashes of that dream drift away, she knew it had to be done. Winterfell stood on the brink of war with the Covenant – and she would not and could not take any part in it. The kingdom and its former squire were of different minds now, and her future had to be found elsewhere.

Elyriel loved Winterfell.  She came there as a bit of a refugee, and she found the home and family she’d been missing.  Despite the hiccups with Wraith leaving and the uncertainty about her future knighthood, Elyriel felt like she belonged with the kingdom.  She adored William as King, and even with Jocelyn’s reservations about her career path, Elyriel had a great respect for the Queen.  Elyriel also found friendships with good people – Sabrina, Arwynn, Pagan and Pict Fox, Artemis, Cinna, and so many more than can be named here.  Winterfell was home, and Elyriel was devoted to its protection and ideals for a long while.

After Wraith vanished from Winterfell, Elyriel was left at Stark Keep without a mentor.  Fortunately for her, Lord Xavier Sterling hadn’t taken on any squires of his own, so he agreed to continue her training.  She remained part of House Sterling for a while longer under his guidance.  Winterfell was still between homes after their move from Felucca to Trammel, and the populace was living out of Stark Keep in the northern forests of Britannia.  But the move to Winterfell Township was finally on its way.

Fuming, Elly stared out into the city over the keep’s north wall. Another night of poor manners and snide remarks had pressed her to the edge of her resolve. She’d barely kept her tongue this time, though speaking out would have likely earned her a reprimand. Quelling her anger, she drew a deep breath and tried to regain some composure.

“Not speaking to me?”

The soft voice startled her. She turned quickly and gasped a little at seeing him. Wraith stood near the wall, keeping a few feet between them, but his blue gaze watched her. She had seen him downstairs earlier, chatting with a few folk. It had been a long while since she’d seen him….

Elyriel dropped onto her bunk heavily, her body aching with exhaustion.  What a day!  Three battles with Ventryn’s undead mixed with helping to unload the last carts from Stark.  The midnight watch had changed nearly three hours ago, and she was just now getting to bed.  Lord Sterling hadn’t dismissed her until she was nodding in her saddle, standing watch with him after the last attack had been repelled.  And he expected her to report for training at dawn….  She kicked off her boots and crawled under the blankets.  Closing her eyes, she sternly reminded herself that she had chosen this life.  Her hand drifted to the badge declaring her Sterling’s personal squire.  A tiny smile touched her lips as she went to sleep.  A hard path to choose, but she’d find a way to walk it.