Role

Chapter 1

Merethyll Elmwind spent her childhood in Evermoon Hollow, surrounded by a
family that wished for nothing more than to see her flourish. Merethyll's
family was not wealthy or renowned in the city. Her parents refused to let
their modest means have any bearing on their daughter's ambitions. When
Merethyll announced that she would become an advisor to the Queen, her mother
stayed up for many nights, weaving baskets until dawn. Her father sold the
baskets in Hillcrest and trapped extra rabbits, all so that Merethyll could
take classes on diplomacy and military tactics.

When their daughter was tempted away from her studies by the call of the wild,
her father spent months teaching her how to survive in any terrain. Merethyll
could see how the extended absence from her mother broke his heart, but he
refused to return home until the job was done.

"She might miss me now, Mer, but she'll never be the same if anything were to
happen to you."

It was no surprise to anyone when Merethyll fell in love with a dashing
warrior and pledged to have a family of her own. After years of attempting to
bear children, Merethyll finally listened to her mother: "We do not always get
what we wish. But know that as the stars sparkle above the treetops,
opportunities lie in wait for you."

A few decades later, Merethyll's husband was killed in a caravan ambush. She
made her way across the western continent, heading south and west to the small
town where her husband would be laid to rest. As she neared the Voralian
river, a shrill cry broke the stillness of the plains. She sprinted towards
the sound, fearing for the worst. When she came upon the picnic basket that
held a newborn gnome child, Merethyll felt her heart shatter.

The abandoned child needed a protector, and fate had all but chosen her to
intervene. Merethyll named her newly adopted daughter 'Mezai' and began the
long trek back home to Evermoon.