Role

Chapter 3

For two years Aster lived amongst the halflings. Early on he found work with
a halfling woodsman known as Bannon Luchuck. At first many of the halflings
kept their distance and did not appreciate a human living within their
borders, but as time passed and Aster proved his good intentions they came
around. His place amongst them was sealed the day he jumped into The Water to
save a Halfling child that fell from the bridge. Two years he stayed and for
two years he learned.

Bannon Luchuck was a bit odd even for, or perhaps especially for, a Halfling.
He spent his days in the wilds and enjoyed the solitude. Not once did he
attend the large parties or feasts that halflings so enjoy throwing. Never
did he sit at the tavern idly to drink. Day and night he patrolled the region
and with Aster at his side they even felled a few orcs who roamed too far
from the Blackwater Swamps. As lovers of the pipeweed, he and Aster made
quick friends. Together they worked and Aster quickly learned the trade of
the ranger. Despite hardly speaking to each other Aster began to view Bannon
as a father.

Halflings are not usually taken seriously in the world of Thera. They are
small and viewed as little more than country bumpkins. However, Aster learned
that because of their sense of community they were able to thrive. By relying
on one another and each doing their share, the small creatures could share an
existence even upon the borders of a treacherous place like the Blackwater.
They were good people, the type that Aster didn't know existed.

When it came time to leave there was great sadness shared throughout. Aster
knew it was time to move on though. These people would hold strong until the
end of time without doubt. He wanted to share this experience with all of
Thera. To be a friend where there might be none and to be a guide for those
lost in the depths of depression, anger, hate, or greed. Just before he left,
Bannon met him at the border and bid him goodbye. He asked that Aster take
his surname, as he was cursed never to have offspring. Poisoned as such by
the very waters he often patrolled to protect his people. Aster took it with
pride and will always remember his mentor. So began Aster's role in Thera at
the age of sixteen.