Coming Home

[TiaSarah]

Era pulled her robe tight against the cool air as she stepped out onto the deck. Won’t be long now, she thought, staring at the island just beginning to take shape on the horizon. Gods I hope he forgives me.


[some months earlier…]


Her departure had been swift. A knock at the door in the middle of the night, a messenger sent to tell her that her step-mother was gravely ill and in danger of losing the child she was carrying. As she scrambled to gather her things, she realized her mate was not in the bed. Probably dozed off at a campfire somewhere… no time to look for him now, I’ll write him when I arrive.

The journey was long and, much to her surprise, paid for by her grandfather. She passed the time talking with the Halfling who had fetched her. She did not know which was worse, the rocking of the boat, or the swaying of the wagon as it lumbered along to Firnismill. But finally, she was home.

She was greeted by her father and brother (the latter of whom clung to her neck for hours after her arrival) and a scowling creature she’d never seen before.

“Well at least she looks like one of us.” He grunted, studying her with distaste. “Bit round, but a good diet will take care of that.”

“Father!” her father’s tone was sharp, “That’s no way to greet your only granddaughter.”

“’Tis alright father.” Era smiled coolly, “I’ve grown quite used to narrow-minded fools. Greetings Mr. Celebrindal.”

And so the battle began….

Era avoided her grandfather as much as possible, preferring to spend her days with her little brother, only a few years old and full of life. She helped the medico who visited her step-mother gather herbs, and even picked up a few tips. She even impressed her father with her ability to cook soup without burning it, but not all was well.

Every day since her arrival, Era had written a letter to her beloved Halfling at home. Weeks went by without response, but Era forced herself to believe there was a reason for the delay. Slowly the weeks turned into months, and as her step-mother’s health strengthened, Era’s hope dimmed.

She was strongly considering staying with her father by the time her sister was born…

The house was abuzz with activity, and Era was tasked with keeping track of her little brother. After greeting another guest, Era discovered her charge missing. A bit of searching found him in the guest room, pilfering their grandfather’s things. She scolded him and was leading him out, when something caught her eye.

The corner of an envelope sticking out from beneath the cupboard door. Her trembling hands opened the door to find a stack of letters… every single one she’d written to her mate. Enraged, she gathered the letters and stormed into the parlor.

“You filthy, thieving scoundrel!” she screeched, causing the room to fall silent. “How could you?”

“Era…” her father’s voice was soft but stern, “I don’t know what is going on, but-“

“Look at this! My letters, all of them unsent!” Era thrust the letters towards them, “Some of them opened! How dare you violate my privacy like that!”

“Father… Did you do this?”

The elder man stared blankly at his son for a moment before turning to Era.

“Well I couldn’t very well have the little harlot tainting our blood further.” He scoffed, “Did you know she was involved with a Halfer?”

“You narrow-minded, son of a-!”

“Era!” her father held up a hand to stop her before turning to his father. “I see nothing wrong with that father. Look around you, our neighbors and friends are Halflings. They helped my family when my own blood turned it’s back.”

“Well if you’d just chosen a suitable wife the first time, none of this would have happened.” Her grandfather growled, his narrow eyes passing between the pair. “But no, you had to ruin my line with that Human.” He spat the word like it burned his tongue.

“Worry not Mr. Celebrindal.” Era was surprised at the venom in her own voice. “I’ll not be claiming to be part of your line anytime soon. I’ve met Orcs with more social graces than you.”

Her grandfather sputtered with rage, unable to form a reply as she turned on her heel and left. She carried herself with the air and grace of the highest Elfess in the land.

“Era!” her father called, but it was too late, she was already gone.



[present day]


Era patted her bag, reassuring herself that the letters were still there. I’ll show him these, and he’ll understand… I know he will.

Sighing with relief as the dock came into view, Era briefly wondered when they had built the towering column with the light atop it. She shrugged the thought off as she stepped from the ship, smiling as she glanced around.

Now I am home…

[Zehshirr]

A lizard, grey in scale and short in stature had, completely by coincidence also been at the harbor on that bright day.
He had just spent hours waiting for a shipment to arrive, only to find out from the harbor master he had come on the wrong day.

In frustration, he hopped aboard a ferry boat and traveled to the elven lands, walking amongst the tree's. As he had suspected, most of his friends were out patrolling, or working deep in the mines. This irritated the old battleaxe, as everyone seemed to work when he wanted to play. Sitting under the shade of a tree, he reminisced on the days when his old friends were around, and there was always someone to talk to.

With a sigh, and a clanking of his armor, Zehshirr stood, making his way to the dock of Vanima, he noticed a ship boarding in.
Strange.. As far as I was aware, there is only one product shipping company that travels to Gobaith, And they do not come this time of year..

He put his hand to his jaw, chewing on a gloved finger, thinking what it could meaning, coming to his conclusion, he grins and says to himself, while removing his armor, wearing only his robe now.
Then it must be a transport! New arrivals on Gobaith!

Diving head-first into the water, he swam like a devil towards the dock, climbing out, the sight that met his eyes as he begane climbing out made him choke, not from fear, not from surprise (Although, he was surprised) but from pure joy.

Half swimming, half holding himself up, he got over his dumbness, saying three, simple letters.
Era?!

[TiaSarah]

Era had just stepped off the dock, turning towards Bane when she heard her name. Looking around in confusion, her eyes finally fell upon the figure in the water.

"Zehsh!"

Era hurried to the shore, dropping her bags and eagerly enveloping him in a hug.

"It has been far too long my friend." she smiled, leaning back just enough to see his face. "How have you been?"

Glancing at the sky, she frowned slightly.

"Come, come... let's catchup on the way. I want to make it home before supper."

She gathered her bags and started along the path, chattering happily.

"I'm sure Sere must be quite upset with me by now, but I'll set it right soon enough."

[Zehshirr]

Zehshirr pulled himself out of the water, still slightly dumbstruck, seeing the elfess walking and talking, seemingly to him, he ran after her.

Woah! Woah! Ssslow down, one thing at a time!

Just like her.. he thought to himself Chattering away at one thousand words per second.. heh.

The lizard chuckled to himself as he ran after Era, making sure he had not lost anything during his swim.
After a moment, the elfess's question registered, he answered carefully,
I have been.. Well, mossstly. I have been sssad to sssee sso many of my friendss leave the isssle though. It isss great that you are back! You sshall have to tell me where you have been.

This was great he thought, one of his best friends had returned, what fun they would have! And he had so many stories to tell, maybe he could ta-

Hm..? She is talking again..

"I'm sure Sere must be quite upset with me by now, but I'll set it right soon enough"

"I'm sure Sere must be quite upset with me by now"

"I'm sure Sere"

Sere

Ssseredoc... Brussshgather.. Said the Lizard lamely, his memories returning to him..

She is his mate.. was his mate.. I had forgotten..

Zehshirr reached out and grabbed the elfess's shoulder from behind, his face looking solemn and sad.

You.. You won't have to worry about..

He shakes his head, preparing himself for the terrible task the gods had laid before him, spreading this dreadful news to the mate of his old companion..

Sseredoc will not.. Will not..

He sighs, stealing himself

Ssseredoc.. Will not mind you not being in Gobaith.. he hass been with you for the passt few monthsss..

[TiaSarah]

"Oh I had to go home for a while, my step-mother was very ill. Finally met that dreadful man they call my grandfather. What a bea-" her words cut off as she spun to see why he was stopping her. A frown creased her brow as she took in his solemn expression.

"Zehshirr, what is wrong?"

She watched him carefully as he struggled with his words. Still perplexed, she sighed.

"I know he won't mind once I show him the letters... And what do you mean he's been with me? Had he gone with me, I wouldn't be rushing to show him why I left... I haven't time for games Zehshirr. I've a lot of lost time to make up for."

[Zehshirr]

The lizard shook his head again, trying to find his way through the painful words he knew must leave his mouth.

How do I break this lightly.. Why am -I- the one burdened with thisss terrible tassk.. Why isss it alwayss me Zelphia!

Zehshirr opened and closed his mouth a few more times, getting ready to say what he wanted to say.

I am not playing a game at the moment..

He released the elfess's shoulder, rubbing his wooden hand with the now released, normal hand.

The thing iss.. Well.. You know how in my culture, when ssomeone diess.. They ssswim acrossss a great ocean and go to the mossst wonderful place imaginable..?

He swishes his tail nervously, before continueing, not bothering to wait for an answer from the confused Elfess..

Well.. A good friend of mine went their recently..

He turned away slightly, sighing deeply before saying that next, heart shattering sentence.

It wasss Ssseredoc..

[TiaSarah]

Era's brows knitted in confusion and frustration as he started to speak. She had opened her mouth to ask what this all had to do with her, when his words hit her.

Seredoc.... dead

She stared at him in shock for a few moments. Her mouth still hanging open. Slowly she began shaking her head, taking a step back, she muttered.

"No, no.... you're mistaken..."

Shaking her head more furiously, her voice rose a bit in pitch.

"Wrong... you are WRONG!!!"

Her voice breaking, tears threatening to fall, Era did the only thing she could think of... she ran. Ignoring her body's protests of soreness after the long journey, she sprinted towards the home she had shared with her lover. Her legs burned with the effort and she was barely able to breath as she neared Northbridge. Through her blurred vision, she barely made out the small cottage.

Trying the door, she was surprised to find it locked.

"He never locks me out..."

Peering through the window, she noticed the changes inside. All of their things were gone... as if they'd never lived there at all. Shaking her head, she returned to the door, beating on it furiously.

"SEREDOC!!!! Please.... let me in!" Her words dissolved into a meaningless jumble of sobs as she collapsed against the door... slowly sinking to the ground. Lying there in a disheveled heap, she cried. The only discernible word amongst her babbling a repeating "No"