Role

Chapter 4

My son and daughter could not have been more different. Though the slightly
pointed ears gave both of them away as half elves, my son took on no other
traits of the elven form. His facial features were square and rugged, his
eyes did not take on the almond shape of his sisters. Where he was reckless
and passionate, his sister was calculated and reserved. Where he was
somewhat foolish and carefree, she was wise and thoughtful. While he loved
to wrestle, play outside and get dirty, she preferred to study, sit inside
and comb her hair to perfection. Yes, they could not have been more
different. But they loved each other dearly, and he would go to any length
to protect her, and she any length to care for him when he was hurt or get
him out of trouble with soft words and a flash of her enchanting smile.

The sundering of the twins and the fall of my daughter came in their
thirtieth year, right before my son left for the Great Academy in Galadon. I
believe the seeds were sown six years before that though. My son and I had
just returned to the tribe after his first adventure into the wild lands of
the north. He had slain a great bear near the ruins of a once massive mead
hall. I was so proud of him and we were welcomed back with cheers and
revelry. But all was not well in our home. Baleara had met a charming young
man from a group of traveling merchants that was staying in the village and
my wife clearly did not approve. They had spent the last few days yelling at
each other. I was able to calm things down, but my daughter was not the same
after that.

For the next few years, she would often go off on her own into the woods,
where before she would go only with my son. Although she had always been
reserved, she had also always been happy. It seemed now that she was
constantly depressed or angry, unless she was leaving to go on one of her
walks. We found out why after those few years. She had taken up with the
charming young man, whom I did not trust after just one look at him. I tried
to placate my daughter, for she was obviously attracted to this man, but I
could not bring myself to trust him, and telling her so led to more than one
yelling match. When my children were twenty nine, things got much worse.