Endings and Beginnings

The story of my brother's and my heritage was never talked about in the caravan. We were not despised or put down for being half-elf by our elders, but we had the difficulties of growing up different then our peers. The other children might make fun of our ears with their slight point or the fact that we always had darker skin then theirs, even if we traveled to snowy lands. It was all typical childish pranks.

When we were about 17, the caravan's elder mother, Corra, called us into her tent and closing the flap asked us to sit down. We both knew something was up. I thought we were in trouble, but Del was never trouble. We both sat somewhat shocked when she told us why she called us in. No one had ever wanted to talk about him, always changing the subject. And now she wanted to tell us all about our father, who until then had no place in our lives. I know Delland and I were always curious as to who he was and why he left our mother.

"I don't know what you remember of your mother. You were only 5 when she died.

"Nida was a kind and good woman who loved children. She often looked after the caravan's children when their parents were away, but she always held the desire to have her own. Unwed mothers are not looked down upon in our family as they may be in others, but it is not encouraged. We all respected your mother's decision though some of us did not approve of her choice.

"Your parents met when we were still traveling around Faydwer. We had spent some 6 years traveling around the continent finding new treasures to bring back and sell in Antonica. We were going through the Greater Faydark from Felwithe to the Butcherblock Mountains on our way to the port where the ship going to Freeport docked. The Greater Faydark is a large forest where the tree city of Kelethin is. This being a home to the wood-elves, we had many Elven customers. One night when, camping near the border to the mountains, a wood elf came stumbling into our camp. He was followed by two orc raiders. We fought off the attackers as your mother helped him to a tent and tended to his wounds.

"His name was Daylan and he was a ranger. He had been traveling to Kaladim to deliver a message when he was attacked by a snake. He killed the snake easily, only receiving a small dose of poison and would have had no problem continuing on but he was attacked from behind by three orc raiders while skinning the corpse. He managed to finish off one orc but the poison had taken its toll. He ran to the border hoping to lose them in the pass when he stumbled on our camp. After he rested, it was decided that he would travel with us since Kaladim is on the way to Butcherblock. We took our time going through stopping to trade with other travelers. Daylan didn't seem to mind. He helped Nida with her chores and told her of some of the wonders of being a ranger. She appeared to be quite taken with him."

Corra paused for a moment and took a deep breath before she continued on.

"Nida had told Daylan about her desire to have children and her fear of never finding someone. She told him that the number of gypsy family caravans had seemed to have decreased in the past few generations. Some have even stopped moving around and settled in one place. It would be very difficult for her to find a father for her children. He wished that he could do something to help her since she had been so good to him. What she asked was a surprise to everyone. She asked him to sire her child. She knew that he would never join the caravan and she could not leave it when they needed everyone. She asked him not to answer her now, but to think on it. He had seen her with the other children and knew she would be good to them. He had seen life in the caravan and knew that they would be safe. She left him to think about it. Later that night he crept to her tent and gave his answer.

"We continued on our way to Kaladim and he went on his way. Nida promised to write a message to him regarding his child if there was one. They embraced, and then he turned and went on his way.

"We crossed the Ocean of Tears and came to Freeport. We stayed in East Freeport for a few days to trade. Then we started traveling as is our way. When I first noticed your mother's change in health, I was concerned. Then I saw how happy she was and being the old crone that I am, realized that she was pregnant. I asked her about it and she declined to say anything at the time, so I told her that if she needed anything, she knew where to find me. About her 7th month she came to me and told me of your father and her concerns. Some of our caravan had suspicions as to who the father was but until you were born, no one knew.

"Your mother confessed to me before you were born about that night. She was worried about you both because of the differences in your appearances. She knew that you would look different then other children and feared what others would say.

"She sent a message through the bard guild to Kelethin in an attempt to let him know that she was expecting. The caravan had stayed close to Freeport for the last months of her term. She would go almost daily to the guild to see if a response had come. Then finally one came.

"Daylan had been missing since his visit to Kaladim. Rumors said that he went to explore the continent of Kunark. No word had been sent as to his well-being. Your mother cried for days after receiving the message.

"Your birth was the happiest day of her life. Not only was she to have her child, she was having twins. We were all happy for her fortune. Twins are not very common in our family or for Elven folk. Perhaps the Gods were being kind." Turning to my brother she added, "She named you, Delland, after your father.

"Your mother's death was a terrible occasion for the caravan. I fear that she never recovered from the news of Daylan's disappearance.”

She paused again and looked at us. “I don't know what you will do with this information. You mother asked me to tell you when I felt the time was right. I chose now because you, Delland, have asked to go to the Bards' guild in Freeport. I think that would be a good use of your talents and I wish you the best. Now, Delland, I wish to have a word with your sister alone. I will see you tomorrow before you leave."

I knew at that point that I was going to get another lecture.

"And you my dear girl have asked to leave also, though you won't say why. I know that we have been hard on you sometimes, but considering the trouble you always seem to get into... Well, just know that you will always have a home with us should you not find what you are looking for. We will be leaving for Halas in a few days and then west to Qeynos where we will depart for Erudin on Odus. I want you to be careful. I know you don't trust many people, but find someone you can trust. Not everyone in this world is your enemy."

I huffed and she chuckled.

"Your mother named you properly my dear Mara. Did you know that your name means sorrowful? It also means bitter. And for your age, child you are very bitter. I hope you find whatever it is you are looking for."

She stood and left. I decided that night that when I left I would leave the name of Mara behind me. No one had called me that for years. I had been given a nickname that suited me just fine. It was who I am.

When I walked into the underworld of Freeport to start my life as a Rogue I called myself Gypsyelf.