Ashenath Spindeth

I am Ashenath Spindeth and this is my story so far.

Folks ask me now and then where I was born, what clan of sylvans my lineage is of, but I know not.

I was found by a tribe of Amazons. My twin brother Kalzan, myself, and two other of my kind were discovered in a cave, in a cage, at the campsite of a band of trolls. I was taken in, as were the others by the tribe because they did not know of any sylvan clans living nearby where their tribe lived.

The only mother I ever knew Delatio was a giantkin empath who herself nearly died in that battle and many times after that but the gal must have had troll blood in her veins from that day because when I thought I'd lost her she came back ever defiant of death. But, that is her story. Kalzan and I were taken in by Delatio and two of her sisters one a dwarf that gave me an admiration of mithril and stout brewed the dwarven way. Strong and bitter. The other a sylph that kept me fresh with my native tongue so I wouldn't forget it and keeping alive in me the love of the forest and Delatio who gave me the love of Green things teaching me the lore of herbs.

Kalzan and I grew wrestless as we went into young adulthood I suppose the arcane called to both of us out of the blood in our veins. We both made our way to Wehnimer's Landing and studied the art of sorcery. Unlike me, Kalzan grew to have an affinity for Andelas. Cats appealed to him and the Lord of cats as well. I stayed true to the ways of the Amazons and continue to follow Leya to this day.

Mom couldn't bear to be apart from us she feared our ambitions would take us to dark places and went to the landing with us to guide us all the while supporting us in our need to build up our strength in and knowledge of the dark arts.

We met Uncle Brianus and Aunt Cassundera. relations formed from the bond of brotherly love, not blood between Delatio and Brianus for they hunted often in their younger years and were inseperable for a time until... Uncle Brianus met aunt Cassundera. Delatio met Irodanis who grew to be a father figure later on to me but she herself could never feel close to a man too much of an amazon was she. but again, that's her story...

Delatio's admiration for the bard Irodanis made them good friends for many years during my childhood and since Irodanis knew of magic he agreed to help Delatio raise me up in my teenage years hoping to keep me from becoming dark in my ways. Mom went back to the homelands for a while.

In my young days I loved Irodanis as if he was the father I never knew though I knew the half elf was not my father I was always eager to see him and he fell in love with me as a daughter and taught me the ways of voln and combat. I think that Irodanis did have a dented heart for a while though because Delatio and him never got together but he understood after awhile that she was just not capable of loving a man.... that way.

But he was never much melancholy in front of me and we enjoyed many happy memories. And one day, he went away. I found out years later from his brother Soulss whom I consider my dear uncle , that Irodanis had passed on from this life while he was on one of his other travels. He gave me his shield which I will ever carry with me along with his memory.

In my mixed up state of mind over why Irodanis left I did move onto the dark path. I ended up taking the same road that Kalzan went down... for power. I knew better as soon as I found the truth of the dark path that I had gone wrong. I allready had power, I didn't need any outside help and so I fought my way out of the darkness. I fealt lost though not knowing where I belonged for a long time. And, I was bitter that I had turned my back on Voln. I sought forgiveness and Lumnis came to me. I never had fealt an attunement to her before but she took me in her arms and guided me for a while. Taught me what lessons I should know and sent me on my way.

I had turned a new leaf.. I was no longer a part of voln but I sought to help out anyone who needed help in voln and helped them any way I could with my talents, I found anyone I could that was enslaved by the darkness and brought them up out of it and turned them towards voln and I fought very hard against the unlife if not for my benefit, for theirs. and it was in those years that I befriended Windrake, a young ranger that introduced me to many other people in House Willow Hall that would later become my friends and family.

The people of Willow Hall were a friendly close-knit group and helped re-awaken in me the things I had lost in my youth. I became friends of the chairman, Zanteal and together we worked on projects for the betterment of the land and the people of the lands for a while.

He also introduced me to Avalos and I loved him very strongly for a while. We married and Miralissa was born. She was my gift from Lumnis because the Lady Lumnis came to me in a vision along with Lord Kai and told me about Miralissa. Lumnis was proud of me for turning the new leaf in years past and living by the lessons I'd learned. I loved Miralissa after she was born with all of my heart. Miralissa kept my otherwise bleak days bright with her passion for life. Without her with Avalos gone for weeks and months at a time I would have not been able to bear the loneliness of those days.

I knew Miralissa was grown now into a young woman and I saught out Uncle Brianus because I knew it was time for her to join the guild, and fulfill her destiny. I knew Brianus was a member of a house called Onoir that was a house for Paladins. I gave him charge of Miralissa so that she could find mentors who would guide her through voln and guild and those other things that I could not do.

With Miralissa gone life was unbearable. Avalos was gone most of the time and the project with Zanteal and myself fell to pieces and we both left Willow Hall. I felt so frustrated that such a worthwhile endeavor could not make it and that my seemingly good friends of Willow Hall were too busy with other concerns... (even though they liked my idea) to help out. I found that that was a common weakness in my fellow man.

Miralissa broke away from her busy duties of being squire to Morgiest and to Tebon and guild and everything else going on and heard my lament. I told her how my fight for the protection of the lands and the people of the lands in House Willow Hall was all for naught. She listened to me go on and on and then laid a hand on my shoulder and said "Mom, your a Paladin! Come talk to Morgiest with me and join Onoir where you can make a difference!"

I talked to Morgiest and became his squire and also a part of the Guild of the Quill of Onoir and Through him I learned that a sorcerer can be an honorable profession and that I indeed was a shining example of that.

Life in the landing was still very unbearable for me and so Miralissa and I agreed to move up to Icemule trace. She being the fierce protector of me as she had always been went with me gladly. I bid goodbye peacefully to Avalos shortly after the move, and Miralissa , not so peacefully. I think that day that we said goodbye put a lot of anger into her heart if not as much as was allready put there unintentionally when she learned the hate of trolls when she learned the story of my upbringing.

Shortly after we moved I received a letter from a gypsy friend of mine that was also sent to my friend Zanteal. A girl from New Faendryl had ran away and to keep an eye out for her and help her get a start in the world. Apparently for some unknown reason Zanatra's family did not want to see her back. Zanteal and I found her and nursed her back to health and I took her in and adopted her as my daughter. She has blossomed into a delightful girl from the scared waif that she was, and is a strong follower of Ronan.

Nowadays I am a paladin of Onoir and just recently this spring I was given another miracle from the Gods.. forgiveness for my past and turning away from Voln. I am now in favor with Voln and have re-joined the order and am very greatful for that blessing.

============


This is why I know I am a paladin. I hope by the end of it you understand what being a paladin is from my point of view.

I'm not built with a buff body and the arcane arts have called to me magic flowing through my veins since a young age. I'm not the typical picture of a paladin that you'd think of in the traditional sense. But in my eyes I am a paladin because the things I know a paladin to be, don't exclude anyone from being one because of their physical appearance.

As a sorcerer I faced other challenges as well. The finger pointing and name calling from some people calling me evil or insane.

Well, I can tell you that sorcerous magic is not evil or insane. It is destructive and powerful but so is an axe, or a forging hammer, or any other tool that is used. Sorcerers like everyone else can choose to live their lives with honor, and valor, being helpful to their fellow men, and a champion for good. The Goddess Lumnis has helped me through hard struggles throughout my life to teach me these lessons. That I am a paladin. That even without strong muscles and iron armor I am honest, courageous, forthright for what I believe in and loyal.

To be a paladin you have to understand the duties of a paladin and the code they live by. The Champion for good defends the town and fights for justice with all they've got. On the other hand theyre friendly and kind and help to make sure the wee ones, and the old ones and the poor have what they need.

A paladin is steadfast in their faith, whether it be with a Goddess or another paladin or the idea of the perfect life that this faith lies is not the question but, that they hold to the faith. That there is something greater to strive for to be like and also share with their fellow men. And knowing that there is something, or someone out there that is greater then themselves, they don't let thoughts of grandeur and ego drive them forward, but faith.

I believe that I am a paladin because I use my powers responsibly. Never jokingly, being constantly vigilant that I don't go hurting people. It took me a while when I was very young to learn to not cast spells at a friend when we were hunting, but no longer do I let distractions such as a lively conversation interfere with a safe hunt. I firmly belive that as long as you don't cause harm that you can live by whatever lifestyle you choose. And to me that not only includes harm to others but to myself. I pay attention to the tone of my voice to know what spells I am casting so that doesn't happen.

I believe I am a paladin because Iput helping my fellow man up high on my list of importance. I offer my powers free of charge to anyone who needs help and if I can't offer help I offer friendship.

A side note about giving I always believe that gifts should be an eye for an eye. I always offer to do something for anyone that gives me a gift. If I can't give something to the gift giver then I offer them wishes of weal and good fortune.

I believe I am a paladin because I do whatever I can when the town is invaded that is in my power to be rid of invading forces. If I cannot battle them myself I WILL find something that I can do to help the cause. Always.

I believe I am a paladin because even when my life has been rotten I have always had faith in my Goddesses. Leya, the Goddess of my upbringing that taught me that a warrior must have spirit and a mind as well as a plan of action; and Lumnis for her lessons often hard learned, of wisdom. I have never cast them aside to be forgotten. I know that what powers they have help bring balance to the world and I do my part to honor them and do what I can for the cause of right and the balance of nature. They are also my measure that keeps me humble. I know that they are greater then I am and I always strive to better myself but I don't boast about what I can do. Sometimes when I learn something new I get excited and want to share it with a friend, but that's not the kind of boastful attitude I am referring to.

I believe that I am a paladin because I am not afraid of the truth and can be honest and stand behind my words. I also place responsibility highly. Responsibility helps make us who we are and without it we are no better than the town twit.

I believe I am a paladin because I live my life with respect. I live to be respectful of my fellow man and everything in nature. I strive to be tolerant and learn to celebrate differences, and know that I myself represent differences. As I stated earlier, If it harms none, be what you want to be and believe what you want to believe. However, I will be an outspoken champion of justice if I see harm.


============

You ask, "Where did you grow up?"
Ashenath says, "With the tribe of Leya."
You ask, "Really?"
Ashenath says, "I was rescued by 2 sisters"
Ashenath says, "from trolls that had kidnapped me and some of my kin. we were just a little older than toddlers."
You frown.
Ashenath says, "The sisters of the tribe didn't know where any sylvan villages were so they adopted us."
Ashenath says, "My mother is a giantkin empath named Delatio"
You say, "I was just talking to Matti about the Amazons."
Ashenath smiles.
Ashenath asks, "Matti know some of them?"
You say, "I believe she said.. Shadowkatt, is her sister."
Ashenath says, "Oh, that's right."
You say, "I've been attempting to find an Amazon to talk to, but with no luck so far."
You say, "But this is about you, not me."
You grin at Ashenath.
You rub your chin thoughtfully.
Ashenath says, "Well, I should have said, A tribe of amazons.."
Ashenath says, "The group that calls themselves The Tribe of Leya is different from my upbringing."
You ponder.
Ashenath says, "But I think that most amazons do follow Leya."
You nod to Ashenath.
You ask, "Where exactly were you raised? Not in the Landing?"
Ashenath looks over at you and shakes her head.
Ashenath points south.
Ashenath says, "Theres areas t'ween where the giantkin and the humans live near the mountains south where Amazons live."
You ask, "How did you find out about Onoir?"
Ashenath says, "When I asked Brianus and Cassundera to foster Miralissa in the ways of being a paladin I later realized that I too agreed with the codes of Onoir."
Ashenath says, "I talked to Morgiest about it and learned quite a bit about myself. "
You smile.
Ashenath says, "At first I didn't think sorcerers could be paladins."
You rub your chin thoughtfully.
You ask, "What, and/or who, is most important to you in your life?"
Ashenath says, "Who.. that would be Miralissa"
Ashenath says, "And what.."
Ashenath says, "Being an example that the sorcerer profession is not evil. Through my example as a Paladin of Onoir."
You ask, "What's your biggest pet peeve?"
Ashenath says, "When people expect you to do something because they know your talents instead of asking you to do something."
You ask, "What's your favorite color?"
Ashenath smiles.
Ashenath says, "Aah it's black. I like Onyx except for the onyx scarabs."
Ashenath begins to twitch.
You shiver.
Locksure smiles at Ashenath.
Ashenath says, "But I like the look of the stone."
Ashenath says, "I'd like to learn how to carve it one day if the Gods see fit to let us carve. Wood and stone."
You ask, "Do you have any favorite metals?"
Ashenath says, "Another Irony. "
Ashenath says, "Mithril and yet there is one of my weaknesses to my locksmithing. Cannot woo the higher end mithril boxes beyond my picking skill."
You ask, "What training are you currently at?"
Ashenath says, "sixty fifth."
You applaud Ashenath.
You ask, "What kind of weapon do you prefer using?"
Ashenath says, "Disintegration."
You say, "Oh my."
Ashenath says, "But a dagger for defense."
You ponder.
You ask, "What's your favorite thing to do?"
Ashenath says, "I have a few hobbies. "
Ashenath says, "Locksmithing my most favorite, and playing my lute and casting runes."
Ashenath turns to face Locksure.
Ashenath asks, "I would like to learn to build locks and traps one day, wouldn't you?"
Locksure nods to Ashenath.
Ashenath says, "And lockpicks."
You rub your chin thoughtfully.
Locksure carefully says, "i think it would be fun to my friend"
Ashenath says, "That would also be a good artisan skill."
You ask, "Are you afraid of bugs?"
Ashenath says, "Not afraid."
Ashenath says, "Except onyx scarabs.. har har."
You grin.
Ashenath says, "but some bugs disgust me."
Ashenath says, "Not spiders or beetles though. just ones that look like worms. or centipedes."
You shiver.
You reach over and scratch your back.
You say, "Itchy just thinking about them."
You say, "Do you fear darkness? In literal, and other, aspects."
Ashenath says, "No, I myself am a creature of darkness. The sorcery is the dark arts."
Ashenath says, "And the night does not fear me Ronan is our protector then."
Ashenath says, "And dark shadows only contain friends."
Ashenath tickles Locksure into laughing.
Locksure chuckles.
Locksure leans softly against Ashenath.
Ashenath smiles at Locksure.
You ask, "Do you think roltons are cute?"
You cock your head at Ashenath.
Ashenath laughs!
Ashenath says, "The hobgoblin shepherds couldn't make them cute if they dressed them up in ribbons."
You try hard not to grin.
Ashenath says, "their buck teeth would still stick out"
You ask, "Have you ever killed one?"
Ashenath says, "Aye."
You ask, "Did it ever make you feel bad?"
Ashenath says, "No, but if I do kill one I make sure it doesnt go to waste. "
You nod to Ashenath.
Ashenath says, "But sometimes if I'm out there in the field testing a wand they sometimes get the backlash."
You say, "It happens."
Ashenath says, "but better than ewaving the town."
You say, "True."
You rub your chin thoughtfully.
You ask, "When you were younger, did you pick up everything shiny that you found, and wear it?"
Ashenath says, "Not everything no but I think I picked up a hat or a sash or something once. "
Ashenath shrugs.
Ashenath says, "But lately critters have better loot."
You ask, "Out of your friends, and others you've known, who have left the lands, who do you miss the most?"
Ashenath says, "Uncle Brianus and Aunt Cassundera. and my pop."
Ashenath says, "Uncle Soulss gave me this when he told me my pop Irodanis was dead."
Ashenath taps a soot-covered kodera shield.
Ashenath rubs her eyes.
You frown.
Ashenath sighs.
You rub Ashenath.
Locksure rubs Ashenath tenderly.
Ashenath says, "See Locksure, our lives run parallel"
Ashenath nods to Locksure.
Locksure sighs.
Locksure nods to Ashenath.
You ask, "Where do you feel safest?"
Ashenath says, "Safest? "
You nod.
Ashenath says, "Icemule I guess. It's my home."
Ashenath says, "I know who I can count on up there."
You ask, "Do you ever eat mushrooms?"
Locksure shudders.
Ashenath says, "Theres a good stew I like at one of the eateries that has broth with it."
Ashenath says, "I don't eat meat, it conflicts with the senses. I have to be able to use my intuitive sight."
You ask, "Do you ever allow yourself to get, ah, tipsy?"
You cock your head at Ashenath.
Ashenath says, "Aye but not much more drunk beyond tipsy. again.. my sight."
Ashenath shrugs.
You ask, "What is the thing you would most like to have that you don't already?"
Ashenath smiles.
Ashenath says, "I wager most of your interview-ees have the hardest problem with this question."
You nod to Ashenath.
You say, "Some were unable to answer at all."
Ashenath nods.
Ashenath says, "I want to be known well and respected as an honorable member of my profession."
You rub your chin thoughtfully.
Ashenath says, "And a set of onyx runestones."
Ashenath giggles.
You grin at Ashenath.
You say, "That will be a fine accomplishment."