The Trials of a Squire (The Tale of Naraldur Munessa)

[Naraldur]

Pre-Mists:

Naraldur Munessa was an unremarkable Sun Elf. He was born on the Moonshae Isle of Gwynneth, near Synnoria, on the continent of Faerun in the Year of the Broken Helm, 1302 DR.

As it was with Sun Elves, Naraldur focused intently on one task or skill until completion or mastery before undertaking something new. Everyone was required to undergo martial training for a period of time, though most then shied away and returned to studies of magic or other pursuits; Naraldur chose to continue his martial training. He had initially begun with a sword, and lighter weapons, even his fists and of course the longbow, though armour had never been something he chose to use, he had worn various kinds briefly on occasion and assisted others with putting it on correctly and removing it. Assisting around the training grounds allowed him time to study other's martial prowess too.

Still young for an elf, he had decided to set out toward Myth Drannor for two main reasons; the first to glimpse what had been an important landmark in the history of Faerun, and second to search for a master to learn from and gain a new perspective on his martial skills. Taking a ship from the Moonshae Isles, he arrived in Baldur's Gate; a short visit had him quickly finding his way out of the city and up-river along the Chionthar, taking several stops at towns along the way to Iriaebor where he then joined land caravans. Travelling through mountain, forest and dale, it was one night not far from Myth Drannor that Naraldur took another evening stroll into the woods, those of the Dalelands this time.

It was on this evening in the Year of the Impatient Son, 1452 DR, and soon after his 150th birthday that the mist enveloped him, and had him stumbling, lost in this new land.

[Naraldur]

Arrival:

Rising from the cool, damp grass. His head throbbed and blood rushed from his features as he found his footing, an echoing noise nearby. It took some moments for his head to clear enough to survey his surroundings and hear the music, it was pleasant but as unfamiliar as the woods he stood beside.

None in the camp spared more than a glance his way as he moved to the fire, warming himself but unable to clear a chill and unease deep inside him, he kept moving, and found himself wearily looking up to a skeleton, hanging from a rope tied to a tree branch above him. It was while shivering beneath this haunting visage that a soft scent of fresh oranges and morning dew crept up on him, a pleasant voice accompanying it to ask of his own well-being.

A white haired, human lady whose countenance showed as keenly as the gaze of her soft blue eyes that there was genuine concern for this stranger before her. She immediately set about ensuring he was well clothed and fed, calling on Koltn to offer some aid too which was gratefully received. After the immediate needs were met, they took a walk together and explored, though there was danger; Naraldur was light-bearer for the moment until he was better prepared for the lands he could not quite comprehend right now.

This sudden and unexpected shift in circumstance had him finding himself with a need to put his far from mastered skill to practice, pushing him to seek aid where he likely never would have and testing his patience as he begins to learn much about becoming versatile in a land entirely unfamiliar.

[Naraldur]

The First Days:

Spending much time in the company of Dame Avana Larcosa, and somewhat less so Koltn Laceris, he found his footing in this place, had learned a little more of where it was that they were, and that there was a slim chance to find his way back. He hadn’t been anywhere he had settled or called home for many months, so taking this as another step along his journey he resolved himself to his training as he had done months and years before.

His aim had been to find himself someone to train with, someone that he could respect and look up to, that kept to tenets and ideas much like his own. Those of kindness and generosity, aiding where one can and protecting those in need. Showing loyalty to those that had earned it. Preserving and appreciating stories, art and music. Corellon Larethian among others of the Seldarine were venerated for these things and more.

The current focus was however his martial training. He began to train alongside Avana, observing more than joining in initially when it was more than the two of them sparring, learning where he might be able to best place himself, to take advantage of the space around them and in combat in general, having seen little beyond the formal training among elves and small skirmishes.