Role

Chapter 4

When the day came for Theoduin to leave, the Tahl treated it as if it were
some great honor. Indeed it was. Many of the other boys of the village were
disappointed or even angry not to have been selected. Their disappointment,
though, was proof that they were not ready.

Theoduin may not have been emotionless, but he knew what was expected of him.
He knew that he most maintain a face of duty. There was fanfare and
celebration as Theoduin gathered a simple sword and shield and made his way
out the village. But though many of the Elves celebrated, Theoduin simply
walked away. And while some Elves cheered, Theoduin's father was not among
them. He prayed in the temple, as he did every morning. His mother, too, was
absent. She stalked the forest, doing her patrols and keeping the village
safe. Both had their duty, and it was not to watch their son leave to do his.

Theoduin, for his part, remained stoic as he noted their absence. He walked
silently through the Forest, along a trail so very few could ever find. He
stayed quiet until he found his way into Darsylon. He uttered not a single
word until he found himself before the Guildhall of the Paladins in Darsylon.
Only when he stooed before the great paladin Telaryllana herself did he
finally announce his intention and begin the training that would see him
through to his divine duty.