After the long journey to Wuaden to the capital of Arden you arrive seeing many buildings of different architecture than you aren't used to. Many are painted in cool tones with stained glass windows. The second grandest house was the first of which Gabriella took you to. It had more plain features to it, however. Instead of stain glass windows it plain clear windows. Instead of a massive front entrance it just had two tall doors that came to a point at their meeting spot. It was only the second grandest by size and elegance. When you two arrived in front of this structure Gabriella paused for only a moment and turned back to smile at you before rushing up to knock on the door using a door knocker shaped like a leaf.

Izayah had been chatty during the journey, asking about Gabriella's life, likes, dislikes, stories - and in return telling her about himself as well, despite how difficult it was to talk about life at the orphange and in the military (assuming she was interested).

When they arrived at Wuaden, he followed after her, looking around with wide eyes. It wasn't his first city, of course, but it was interesting and new nonetheless. He took note of the pieces of architecture that he liked, and passed over the ones he didn't.

He hesitated as they approached a house. He was very nervous. He wasn't sure what to expect but he imagined it would be awkward.

Gabriella was most certainly interested in learning about her brother's life and she answered any questions he had in turn.
A moment after Gabriella gave the knocker a firm three knocks the door opened to reveal a male elf with long thick black hair with a curl to it and blue robes. His eyes are green and he stands at 5'6 height. When he sees Gabriella he brightens in expression and gives her a hug. "Welcome home Gabriella." He says, but no more than a moment later he sees you and gives you a questioning look. Without missing a beat he asks Gabriella who she has with her, but she simply says, "I think its better if he introduces himself." and stands to the side looking to you awaiting your response.

Izayah frowned just slightly at the sight of the elf before him. Who was it? Was it his father? He pushed the thoughts aside as Gabriella bade him introduce himself. He straightened a bit unconsciously.

"H-" He corrected himself from being his usual informal self with a 'Howdy' greeing. "Hello. My name's Izayah Hamadrell."

As you give him your full name you watch as a new expression washes over his face, one of shock as a tear escapes from each eye. "You have your mother's eyes." He almost whispers, but you can still hear him clearly. Then he turns to call over his shoulder, "Dear you're going to want to see this." Not long after his call a woman appeared from around a corner in their home. She was human with familiar brown eyes and long brown hair. The first thing she spotted was Gabriella and she got excited right away though she didn't move too fast, she was very obviously bearing a round belly which she had kept a hand on until now. She hugged Gabriella then her eyes meet with yours. Almost automatically tears start streaming from her eyes, though she apologizes and says you remind her of someone, then she turns her attention back to her husband only then to just see the marks and expression on his face. Before she can finish asking what's wrong he turns her back to look at you and says, "Dear, meet Izayah Hamadrell." Upon hearing your name she stands stunned as streams poor from her eyes. Then, with more speed than she probably should have mustered, she engulfs you in a hug that was again was probably tighter than she should have been squeezing.

Izayah watched as the change of emotions crossed the elf's face. His own eyes, the ones mentioned, widened at that statement. Maybe he was about to find out. The elf called back in to the house and a pregnant woman emerged.

Several thoughts went through Izayah's mind at breakneck speed. She was pregnant, for one. Was he about to have another brother or sister? He'd JUST found out he had one, now he might have another?? Crazy!

His...father....was right about the eyes. They were slightly different but nearly mirrors for his own. Of course, she started crying almost instantly. Emotion welled within him, only to be momentarily blasted from him along with his breath as the woman shot in to him and hugged him strongly! "oof!"

After a moment's hesitation, he hugged her back, though not quite as fiercely as she. Partly due to her condition, and partly...just because it was all a little overwhelming still. Meeting his parents for the first time, for real, not in some fantasy dream.

He closed his eyes for a moment and just...felt. The hug was...every bit of welcome he could have ever wanted.

"I've missed you for so long." Whispered the human woman who had squeezed you in her arms. Then she released you slowly and stepped back. "I'm sorry. This must all be strange for you. I hope I haven't overwhelmed. My emotions got the better of me. My name is Erica Hamadrell. Words cannot express how wonderful it is to see you again."

Just then after Erica had finished speaking the male elf spoke up, "I second that. My name is Taleasin Hamadrell. Welcome home, or at least for as long as you want it. Please come in." Taleasin stepped aside and gestured with his hand for everyone to go inside.

Izayah released the woman - his mother, he had to remind himself firmly - slowly, and then brushed away the tear forming in one eye. He was just a sympathetic crier, that was all. Sure. He took a long look at Erica and then let out a breath.

"It's...nice t'meet you both." It felt awkward when he said it. There were so many different emotions and thoughts, some conflicting, whirling around it was hard to express himself properly. "Finally."

He smiled slightly. "Strange? Sure. That's s'good a word s'any." He let out a small chuckle. "Oh, I'm overwhelmed, but for so many reasons. The hug was...really nice if surprising." He nodded at Gabriella. "That one never hugged me at all." He grinned at her impudently.

He was desperately trying to break the tension he felt, and humor was a defense mechanism. The smile slowly faded and he hesitated, but then slowly walked in to the home.

Gabriella just sticks her tongue out at you as your parents chuckle a bit releasing some of the tension for the first time. Gabriella was the first to walk into the home followed by your mother once she made sure you were right behind her. Your father stood at the door holding it open until everyone came inside. Inside was very basic, but also very serene. Just like the outside of the house the walls were painted a cool light blue with the ceiling painted white. The ceiling stretched up high about 15ft tall and the room was 30ft in length, 12ft in width. Laid out in the room was a couch, a coffee table, and some more spread out chairs while a hallway lead further back deeper into the house.

"Please have a seat, make yourself at home. We're sure you have questions for us." Taleasin gestured towards the couch and chairs as he wore an expression of anxiousness.

Izayah swallowed and entered the home after the women. He slowed and took a moment to look around the home. He glanced at Taleasin when he spoke, then nodded. He headed over and sat down in one of the chairs. He wasn't quite to the point of sharing a couch with someone of the...family, yet.

He looked down for a moment as he pondered. He spoke slowly without looking up at first. "Well. Gabriella told me...some of what happened. Why you...left me." He frowned. "She said you...regretted it. I..."

He stopped. He had been about to ask how they gave him up but since have had two half-breed children, or one and one on the way. But that...seemed unfair.

He shook his head. "I guess...tell me about yourselves. Your lives." He looked up, trying to hide the sadness in his eyes, nodded at the pregnancy roundness, "You have another child on the way obviously." His voice was soft and lacked some of the 'twangy' slang that usually affected his speech.

Erica took Izayah's hand in hers if he allowed it and began to speak, "We never wanted to give you up. We were threatened by Taleasin's father, Galathor, that we either had to give you up or we would be cut off from all we knew. He also threatened my family saying they would never do business again unless we gave you up. He wouldn't even let us know where you went when his little henchman took you from us. Despicable man, Rigby. I hate that man." It was clear to see the daggers in her eyes she held for this man. "Be wary of that man when or if you ever meet him. He's a snake whose only allegiance is to himself and then Galathor." Her expression had changed to one of concern and worry, then mellowed out to just anxiousness. "The only reason we were allowed to keep Gabriella is because she is a half elf. To your grandfather this was only bearable because it showed she was an elf of some sort, but by not being a full elf meant that she could never be the heir and so we were expected to try again. Galathor only thinks of humans as servants no matter their status. He's treated me as such from time to time too, but we put up with it because we know he can't live forever and things will hopefully get better once your father is the head of the family. We hope a lot of things will be better with him as the head of the family." She fidgets a little bit. "You found your way back to us surely that will mean something to your status as well. It means the world to us that you came back, but you also will have a choice to make too about being the next heir, if you want to be. By blood whether Galathor likes it or not you were the first born male Hamadrell to this family. I think Galathor is still holding out hope that this next child will be a full blooded elf." She stops fidgeting and looks you in the eye, those familiar eyes. "We cannot express how sorry we are that we gave you up. We are sorry for any and all hardship you went through because of us. I, we should have been there with you to protect you and we weren't." She seems on the brink of tears again at the thought.

Izayah didn't resist when Erica took his hand. He looked at her hand and then up at her as she spoke. He frowned, his eyes darkening when she mentioned that her family had been threatened. It may have not been a threat to their lives directly, but a threat to livelihood could be just as bad in some circumstances. He had some pretty violent thoughts towards his "grandfather" for a moment.

After she finished speaking, he was calm once more. However, when he spoke again, the 'twang' was back as he skirted completely around the 'blame' of his childhood and the thoughts of the childhood brought back old memories and habits. "Well. I ain't here t'make you feel bad about things, an' I ain't here t'blame you for anythin'." He pushed on. "But for introduction's sake, I was dropped off, an' raised, in an orphanage. It was...not a great place t'grow up. I honestly try not t'think about my time there too much." He gave a small half-shrug. "I had more'n most, though, with a name an' the spoon, but that only made some o'the other kids jealous an' hate me more."

One of his pockets moved and Izayah smiled. "One good thing t'come out of it all, though - I did make a friend for life there. C'mon out, buddy." He put a hand near the pocket as he spoke and a mouse carefully crawled out of it, making a few noises. "This is Twitch. He helped keep me sane an' t'not be quite so lonely at times." The mouse made a movement that could almost look like a bow sort of. Izayah chuckled. "An' 'fore you think it, no I ain't crazy. I can understand 'im. I could even before I officially took up the Ranger trainin'. Not sure why."

He frowned lightly, pausing to take in a deep breath. He looked from one parent to another. "So...forgive me if this is stupid but...ain't it...unlikely you'll have a kid who's an elf? I mean, human plus elf usually comes out t'half-elf..." He looked at Gabriella. "Though I guess there're exceptions, huh?" He gestured at himself. He shook his head. "Plainspeak though...Pretty sure I don't like Galathor at all. Not sure meetin' him's a good idea. So far, everythin' I've heard about 'im makes me wanna kick his ass." His eyes shot over to Taleasin. "No offense meant."

At the mention of Galathor receiving a beating Taleasin smirked even if only a little. "None taken. Though I do think that the best revenge on him is showing that you made it home. Whether you accept being the next heir or not, the fact that he didn't get his way completely ought to be a good kick to the pants." Taleasin continued to smirk at the thought of the look on his father's face, but then that smirk disappeared. "Unfortunately that doesn't mean that he won't still try and cause trouble. My father..." Taleasin paused for a moment like he didn't like using the term, then continued, "is much like a spoiled child. Thank goodness I take after my mother."

At seeing the little mouse Erica smiled, "What a cute little mouse and it sounds like I owe him thanks. Gabriella get some bread from the kitchen please." With that Gabriella disappeared for a moment behind a wall then showed back up carrying a piece of bread that was about half the size of the mouse. "Thank you." Erica said as she took the bread from Gabriella, then slowly moved her hand with the bread towards the mouse and offered it to him. Twitch hesitated for only a moment looking back at you then sniffed the bread and accepted it swiftly. Erica and Gabriella chuckled at Twitches reaction as he had already started scarfing it down. "He's adorable." Erica said.

Izayah listened to Taleasin talk about Galathor. It did not, in general, make him think better of Galathor on the whole. He frowned slightly. He wasn't so sure getting involved with the 'larger' family and the potential 'politics' of what they talked about was really good for him, but...at least he had the CHOICE. And family.

His mind was taken off of things for a moment with Twitch and the two women talking about him and feeding him. Izayah smiled down at the mouse, who made a pleased noise as he ate the bread. "Ha! Nice try, buddy! I feed you plenty good!"

He smiled at Erica and Gabriella. "He said thank you, and I echo that."

He looked back at Taleasin and said, "I hear what you're sayin'. Gabriella said somethin' similar." He let out a small sigh. "I s'pose...it'd be rude NOT t'visit since I came all this way, huh?" He wasn't looking at anyone and it was clearly more of a rhetorical question.

It was a silent moment before Taleasin spoke up, "You don't have to if you don't want to, but something tells me that mother would want to see you for herself. You can sleep on that if you would like though. I'm sure after the trip here you are certainly tired out. As I said before you are welcome to stay here as long as you'd like." (It is still midday, but you did just get done with a month and a half long journey to get here.)
This message was last edited by the player at 22:49, Thu 20 May 2021.

Izayah listened to Taleasin and then gave a slow nod. "You're not wrong." He smiled slightly. "Thank you. I 'preciate the hospitality."

He glanced at Twitch who was looking very pleased with himself at the bread he'd just finished, making happy chittering noises towards the two women. He chuckled. "Ladies, I think you've made a new friend."

He looked between his parents. "Soooo...what do you...do? I mean, do you have jobs, work that you do?"

"As you probably already know your mother's family owns a mithril mine. My family works that mithril making it into everything from armor to jewelry and cutlery. Your mother's family business is apart of the only reason I was allowed to marry her. Father..." He paused again not liking saying the word, "didn't want to pass up the opportunity for our family to own a mithril mine. Your mother is the first born of her family and her family had all daughters so that means when the time comes she'll inherit the mine."

One eyebrow quirked upwards. "So you married for money?" He made a hmming noise. He opened his mouth to ask something else but then thought better of it. After a moment instead he said, "Well, I'm glad things've worked out..." He stopped, searching for what he wanted to say and finally giving up, "or near enough for you."

He'd made things awkward, he was sure. "Well, maybe I should get some rest before I dig a bigger hole t'crawl in."

Gabriella chuckled at your mention of the hole you'd dug yourself into and Erica gave Gabriella a look which most parents gave their children for doing something they shouldn't have. "We married for love. It was his family we had to convince, but thankfully we were able to." Erica looked down for a moment as if there were more she wanted to say, but she didn't. Instead she looked back up at you and smiled, "You're here with your family; that's what matters." Her smile was a sweet one, one of love and happiness for she could not hide how happy she was to see you and have you here, home. "I'll get you some bedding. You can use the spare room. You can call it your room if you want it." She spoke quickly as she tried to get up as fast as she was talking, but she couldn't do so. Instead as she made it halfway off the couch and then put her right hand to her head as she started to lean backward onto the couch. Taleasin had moved swiftly though. Without even the slightest of hesitation he was at her side with his hand on her back holding her up, it would seem, so that she didn't continue her fall back onto the couch.
"You're not going anywhere until you can properly stand." Taleasin spoke firm, but not demandingly so.
"Oh, you worry too much. I just got a little light headed that's all." Erica responded in protest, but she did remain sitting.
Taleasin looked toward you and Gabriella, "Make sure she doesn't try to get up too soon please." And with that he left down the hallway presumably to prepare the room for you.
Erica folded her hands over her bulging belly with a "Hmmph" as she looked away from Taleasin.
It wasn't long before Taleasin returned. The first thing he did was make his way back to his wife and help her stand now that she had a moments rest and seemed to be doing better. As he walked her to the hallway he turned and looked at you, "This way." He said as he led Erica by the hand down the hallway, beckoning you to follow.
Gabriella waited until you followed to follow behind.

Izayah glanced at Gabriella, his eyes smiling a little, though he kept a straight face otherwise. He listened to Erica and slowly nodded. "Oh. Okay. Well...good for you then." Then he realized that might sound weird or something. "I mean...marriage, in my never-been-married opinion, should be for love."

He had barely started to move forward to help catch Erica when her husband was at her side. He hesitated and then slowly sat back down as Taleasin handled it and spoke to her. He was watching her with concern in his eyes but didn't butt in and let things play out.

He smiled as Gabriella was told to watchdog. "I appreciate the hospitality, but don't put yerself out." He cocked an eye at her pregnant belly. "An' you should stay off yer feet when you can, lookin' fit t'burst like that!"

He stood and followed along behind...his parents. It still felt weird to say or even think that word. Parents. He'd been alone for so long, it was an odd sensation. He hadn't REALLY held out much hope when he came to the Rimewood, it was a whisper of a rumor, and he'd chased rumors before to no avail. But it was...more than he could have hoped for and still...didn't override his terrible and lonely childhood. But it was enough of a start.

As Taleasin led you, your mother, and sister down the hallway you can now see that there five doors, three space out on the left and then two on the right. Taleasin opened the first door on the left and gestured for you to see it. "This room is yours. I hope you rest well." Taleasin spoke briefly before continuing to lead his wife further down the hall.
Erica spoke up before they got too far away, "Rest well son. If you need us we're just down the hall." And with that Taleasin opened the second door on the right and the two of them went into their room. Then it was Gabriella's turn as she walked over to the third door on the left, "This is my room. Same thing if you need anything just knock." She then gestured towards the second door on the left. "This is the bathroom if you need it. Good night brother." She said as she too disappeared behind the door of her room. The room you were shown to matched the rest of the house pretty well. It had the same blue colored walls and simplistic design. It had a bed, a wooden wardrobe, and a couple of wooden night tables next to the bed. Each piece of wood in the room had vines and leaves decorated on them to add to their beauty.

Izayah nodded at Taleasin and Erica, "Uh, yeah, you too as well." He watched them enter their room and close the door, then looked at Gabriella. He looked grateful, "Ah, thanks, I was going to ask about that." He nodded at her as well, "Good night."

He entered...'his room' and looked around slowly. It was a modest room, which was fine with him. His cabin back at Smith's Gambit was only 2 rooms total including the kitchen, and he was used to having to sleep outside!

He set down his back and sat down on the bed, his thoughts roiling around. He'd had no family, then he'd had a sister, now he had parents and grandparents and...AN HEIR to something?? It was crazy to even think about! He let out a sigh and flopped on to his back, sure he wouldn't be able to sleep with all the thoughts and emotions running around.

But it had been a long trip and he was tired, so he eventually drifted off.

You find yourself in familiar darkness before you know it and drift off to sleep. After what feels like a few moments you awaken fully rested and you try to prepare yourself for what the day might bring. It is early in the morning when you wake. The sun still just barely coming up from its rest. You have a few longer moments after you awaken to yourself before you hear a gentle knock at your door.

Izayah looked over at the door, not being used to having someone knock on his door. Heck, he wasn't used to sleeping INDOORS that often, despite having a cabin as he was gone most of the time from the town.

He slowly stood up and then quickly pulled his pants on at least, and grabbed his tunic as he walked towards the door. Then he stopped and shrugged. "Uhhh...come in? Or I can come out."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:20, Tue 01 June 2021.

As the door opened Gabriella took a step in not realizing you were so close to the door. She stepped back, then said, "Good morning brother. Did you sleep well?"

Izayah stepped back and finished putting on his tunic. "Mornin', sis." He smiled at her and ran a hand through his hair. "Oh. Y'know. I'm used t'sleepin' outdoors so..." He stopped.

Then he looked down and shrugged. "Had a lot on my mind so had a bit o'trouble fallin' asleep but...after that, yeah, I slept alright." He looked at her. "You?"

"I slept alright. Thank you. I had a feeling you might have a hard time sleeping. I'm sorry it was rough. I hope, though, that sleeping in a bed was at least comfortable." There was a bit of a pause, then she continued, "Have you thought anymore about going to see our grandparents?"

Izayah let out a small chuckle. "No, the bed was fine. Very comfy. Almost too comfy, but that's more 'bout me then the bed. Heh." He gave a shrug as he smiled.

The smile slowly faded. He let out a sigh and then nodded. "Yeah. I guess. I mean. I came all this way with you. I'm here. They're here. It'd be...I dunno...rude? foolish? silly?...not t'meet the whole family while I'm here despite how it might go or what might come of it."

Gabriella nodded her understanding, "Grandfather is a jerk, but you already knew that. Grandmother on the other hand might be different. I can't make any promises though and I don't want to get your hopes up just to be dashed. I don't know what will end up happening, but in the end, at least you'll know right? Hopefully it ends up better than not knowing."

Izayah smiled when she called their grandfather a 'jerk', snorting slightly in amusement at what he considered an understatement - and that was without ever even having met the elf, just from the secondhand information he'd heard. Which, normally, he'd consider it rude not to keep an open mind about someone he hadn't met. But not in this case.

"No problem. I'm not askin' you for anythin' other than the introduction, an' not holdin' ya t'anythin' outside o'what ya've said." Honestly, he was even protecting himself a little, keeping his guard a bit, not fully trusting that she wouldn't eventually turn away from him or abandon him. It was just the way he was 'raised'.

He reached down and held out a hand so Twitch could climb in to it from the bed and then helped the mouse in to a pocket once more.

As you two talk you hear your mother call you to come join them. Gabriella turns her head for a moment towards the sound then returns her eye to you, "Breakfast time." She smiled cheerily, then turns towards the door to exit the room. As she starts to leave the doorway she looks back at you to make sure you're following.

Izayah heard the call as well and gave a nod. "Sounds good t'me. Can only subsist on rations an' game meat for so long." He smiled and followed after her. "Where you go, sister, I follow." He said in mock-formal tone and phrasing.

Gabriella smiled at you then led the way to the small dining area hidden behind the same wall as the kitchen. There you see your mother sitting at the table and your father further back in the kitchen getting food to bring to the table where some can already be seen. Fresh bread, eggs, and cheese were set at each of the four place settings on the table while there sat a chair at each of the four sides. All in all you get to enjoy a fine hearty meal with your family before they ask for your decision and you tell them pretty much what you told your sister. When they hear your reply they nod and respect your decision. After the meal is finished and you each prepare to leave Taleasin is the first walk through the door after promising to be right back. After a few moments you each hear the sound of hooves hitting the ground and some neighing. As each one of your remaining family and you exit the house you see Taleasin has returned with a carriage pulled by two large horses. The carriage is just big enough to fit the four of you comfortably. After your mother is helped into the carriage the rest of you follow. It doesn't end up being a very long journey, just a few blocks towards the far end of the town up a small incline to get to a building much larger and more decorated than that of your parents home. The structure looks like it could be, at least, two stories high with stained glass windows. This building was painted white. One would easily be able to determine it from you parents house. Next door to it sat a smaller building that seemed almost as wide. It, however, was just the color of brown wood and there seemed to be a carriage with two horses already there. As the carriage you're in pulls to a stop it stops directly across from the front door of this bigger structure. Helping your mother once again get out of the carriage safely you each follow. Taleasin leads, his wife in hand, to the door, then lifts his right arm to the ring shaped knocker on the door and firmly bangs it three times. Hardly a moment passes before the door is opened to show a male elf with dark brown hair. He looks at Taleasin and Erica and automatically bows his head proceeding to move out of the way to let you all in. Once in the door is closed behind you the elf then walks to the front of your group and leads you into what looks to be the main room of this house. Reminiscent of a throne room, this room looks just as elegant, but perhaps only slightly less gaudy than a real one. Either way, just like a throne room, this room has two chairs set at the back center of the room directly across from the door you just came from. Sitting in the chairs you can see two elves, a man and a woman sitting side by side. The male elf has long platinum blond hair and is muscular for an elf while the woman has long black hair with grey streaks towards the front of her hairline. Her hair is currently rolled up in the front with the back allowed to hang in place. His hair is combed and straight but is pulled into a half down half up hairstyle. Other elves can be seen lining the walls as guards and servants, but there was only one human to be seen. He stood to the right of the male elf in the throne back against the wall. He, unlike the others here, was dressed in dark and dingy clothing. He was rather skinny and average of height with his hair, if there was any, kept out of sight in the same hood which seemed to shadow his face. As Taleasin leads your family before the two in the thrones the blond male elf speaks, "And what brings you here today, son?" The elf seemed to almost speak the word son with distain.
Taleasin spoke up to answer his father, "There's someone here who'd like to introduce himself." And with that Taleasin puts out a hand in front of him towards you gesturing for you to step forward.

Izayah enjoyed the breakfast immensely, occasionally making small contented noises and smiling. It wasn't that it was gourmet or a bunch of things he'd never eaten...he just didn't get many home-cooked meals, so it was a very pleasant change of pace.

He raised an eyebrow when he stepped outside and saw the carriage, but then he smiled and nodded, especially looking at Erica. "I would be fine walkin' but can't have you strainin' your legs under that belly fit t'burst!" He then helped gently lift her in to the carriage.

He idly looked over the buildings as he helped Erica down, trying not to stagger under the weight for the few seconds. Strength was not his...strong suit. He let the rest take the lead and he followed behind, looking around slowly, taking in all the sights. His lip curled ever so slightly at the 'throne room' or whatever it was actually called, but he quickly smoothed his features to blank once more while still behind the others.

He stepped forward. He didn't bow or nod his head or anything like he might usually do. He stared at the male elf for a moment. He thought about saying something clever or witty but decided against it. Instead he simply introduced himself, "My name....is Izayah Hamadrell." And the next part he said with the same amount of disdain the elf had used a moment ago towards Taleasin. "Hello, grandfather."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:37, Mon 07 June 2021.

The elf looked taken aback. He eyes you for only a moment, then scoffed, "Prove it." He says with a dismissive tone.

Izayah gave a shrug. "As you wish," though his tone indicated that he sort of doubted anything would be enough to be considered 'proof' in the elf's eyes.

He pulled his backpack off and set it down on the floor, crouching down next to it. He dug in to it for a moment and then pulled out the silver...no, mithral...spoon.

He held it out, assuming someone else would have to come grab it since the elf wouldn't deign to come take it himself from a 'lowly human'. "This, along with my name, were the only things I had when I was left at the Vibrant House Orphanage in a small village named Kline in Alemakia, north west of the capital city Zantum."

At the name of where you were born spoken Galathor's eyes widen. As you hold out the spoon another of the elf servants comes. He bows his head as he takes the spoon from your grasp and brings it to his master. Galathor takes the spoon and looks it over as he flips it over. He looks at the crest for only a moment then laughs. "This is just a spoon. It means nothing." But as he spit the words Erica spoke up, "That spoon means everything." With Taleasin holding her steady Erica walked up to the elf. He wore a look of distaste at the woman, your mother. She held out her hand to him. With every look of disgust he could manage Galathor handed the spoon off to her never allowing their skin to touch. "This is the token I left him with as a baby, before you had him taken away." The look of disgust on his face only grew into anger. "How dare you. I told you you were to give him up..." But before he could continue Erica interrupted, "I did give him up, but you said nothing about not being able to leave him with something. I left him proof that he had a family, a home, if he could only find it."
Then he continued spitefully of her, "He is no family of ours. Get out! Get out right now!" But as he finished his words the female elf next to him spoke up, "Enough!" Up until this time she had been quietly watching the scene, but when she, at last, spoke the room fell silent. In a softer, but still firm voice she said, "Haven't you done enough to this boy already? He's more than proven himself worthy of the name he wears by finding his way back home, despite your best efforts. He doesn't deserve the disrespect you are showing him." She didn't take her eyes off of her husband until she finished speaking to him. He stayed quiet. She then turned her dark green eyed gaze on you. "My name is Esmerelda Hamadrell. I am your grandmother." She smiles at you. "Welcome home, grandson. Please ignore your grandfather. He often forgets his manners."

Izayah stayed silent during the tirade and disbelief of Galathor. He'd honestly expected nothing less. He had expected that he'd be tossed out and disavowed - again - without much ado really. But when Galathor turned his anger on Erica, instinct caused him to take a step forward with intent - just one step, no more. And he didn't reach for any weapons or anything.

But things cooled down quickly after that thanks to his...grandmother. Just as things were possibly going to turn very ugly, her voice cracked out sharply and Izayah instinctively responded as he would have in military days. He snapped his spine right and his heels clicked together. He barely stopped himself from saluting her, she reminded him so much of a drill instructor he had known.

After her introduction, he gave her a half-bow. "Thank you. It's...been a long and bumpy ride."

"I'd imagine so, unfortunately, but you made it here which speaks volumes. Try as he might, even your grandfather cannot deny the character it takes to make it that far. I am interested to hear any stories there are about your journeys and how you found your way home. Please regale me." She sat on the edge of her throne giving you her full attention.

Izayah hesitated, glancing at her and then his other family members. "Are you sure? I'm not much of a storyteller really, and some of what I've been through isn't for the faint of heart." He didn't look at anyone in particular. He was striving to keep his accent out of his speech as well.

But if pressed on or urged to do so, he would give highlights of his 'journey'. He'd tell about how he ran away from the orphanage without going in to too many details of why; how he'd started stealing to survive; how he'd been caught and given the option of imprisonment or military service; how he'd become a scout and learned his calling as a ranger; how he'd heard rumors of the Hamadrell name and come looking, not really holding out hope but hoping nonetheless.

The only thing he didn't mention at all was Twitch. He wasn't taking a chance that the mouse would be killed by overzealous guards or frightened elves.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:41, Sat 03 July 2021.

"Your story is one surely worth telling." She answers then listens to your tale. You see a wash of emotions run thru her face as you mention running away and having to steal to survive. When you finish she speaks up. "As long as our family stays intact in our position here you should never need to steal to survive again. I'm sorry you had to go through such rough times. How did you manage to find Gabriella?"

Izayah looked at his grandmother when she spoke after he finished his story. At her question he actually glanced at Gabriella and let out a chuckle. "As far as I know? Pure chance." He gave a shrug and a smile. "Maybe fate."

He cleared his throat lightly. "I was part of a...I guess, expedition you could say...to check out a mysterious area in the Rimewood. Only we weren't the first group to check it out. Gabriella had gone previously but had been captured by some of the inhabitants - kobolds. The kobolds weren't much interested in talking to us so after the fight we freed Gabriella."

He glanced at his sister to see if she wanted to tell her part of the story.

Before Gabriella had the chance to chime in Esmerelda spoke, "It sounds like you sister got extremely lucky." She looked at Gabriella who just bowed her head never taking her eyes off of Esmerelda. "And you," Esmerelda spoke to Gabriella. "You still intend to go back, don't you? Even after seeing the dangers?"

"Yes grandmother I do." Gabriella responded.

Esmerelda sighed as she closed her eyes and her head bowed a little. "Very well then. Izayah," She turns her attention on you. "I know this is a bit forward, but there is a favor I must ask of you. You are welcome here, despite you grandfather, but I must ask if you could watch over your sister and keep her safe. Go with her on her travels and guard her. You are both too precious to lose, but at least if you two are together then you stand a better chance at survival, especially with you training Izayah."

Izayah looked from one woman to the other as they spoke...well, more accurately as Esmeralda spoke to/at Gabriella really. He raised one eyebrow at his sister, not only for her response, but also for the...almost demure way she was acting in front of her grandmother.

He gave a small smile. "Of course. I'd do it anyway likely, so long as I had the time an' I knew she was goin'." His smile widened. "Or I could go with some friends if I knew what t'look for an' she could stay safe at home." He was being a tiny bit of a brat and she knew it.

"Not a chance!" Gabriella spoke before she had the chance to stop herself. Everyone stared at her outburst. She gulped then continued to speak, "Please understand I won't miss seeing everything for myself. I've studied far too long to miss my chance to go out and see everything." She was speaking more to her grandmother and parents than anything.

Esmerelda looked at Gabriella with shock for a short moment, then a smile crossed her face. "Somehow I knew that'd be your answer." With concerned looks on your parents' faces your grandmother continues, "You certainly have my blood in you. There was a time when I wanted to go out and explore too, but duty called for other things for me. Enjoy your opportunity and experience, but do be careful and keep each other safe." The looks of concern on your parents' faces hadn't left.

Izayah mostly stifled an amused burst of laughter in to a very amused snort at Gabriella's response. He quickly covered his mouth by pretending to rub his beard momentarily. He raised an eyebrow and mouthed "Me too." at her.

He looked between the two once again and smiled. "I always TRY t'be careful." He looked down and quietly said, "don't always work out that way though."

He gave a head bow to Esmerelda. "I have to say, it's been a pleasure to meet you, Grandmother." There was only a slight emphasis on the one word. While he might not like his grandfather's attitude or manner, it was still nice to know he had family.

Taleasin gave a small smirk at the way you had said it was a pleasure to meet you, grandmother.

Esmerelda smiles at you, "It is good to have finally met you as well, grandson. Have fun and be safe." She then turns her attention to Erica whose look of concern had yet to disappear. "Erica, dear, try not to worry too much. They have our blood in them after all. They'll be just fine." Erica gave a half hearted smile for a moment, but the look of concern still remained on her face.

Galathor sits silently brooding as his wife speaks while the human in the dingy clothing to Galathor's right seemed to be fidgety.

Izayah waited for a long moment, not moving, but his eyes were sweeping around. He saw the human. And not just a human, but one dressed in less-than-great clothes. He'd noticed him when he'd entered, but it wouldn't have been polite to make mention of something like that before introductions were taken care of and what not.

But that was over. So he turned slowly to face the other human. Then he turned to his sister, stepping close to her as if to quietly speak with her...which he then did, "Who's the human over there? Don't look dressed for this place?"

He kept his tone quiet and light of emotion. He didn't want to tip anything just yet.

Gabriella listened keenly as you took more notice in the single human besides your mother that was in the room to the right of Galathor (he's been there since you arrived and didn't just arrive himself). "Rigby..." She spoke his name in whispered disgust.

Getting a better look at him he seems older than he may have appeared at first. He keeps a hood over most of his face, but from the little details you can discern he is wrinkled and is still fidgeting quiet a bit as he stays close to the wall beside the throne on which Galathor sits.

Izayah glanced away from the now-named man for a moment to look at his sister Gabriella and raised one eyebrow. "That was some emotion there." But then he shook his head. "That name doesn't mean anything to me. Should I go introduce myself?"

He turned and slowly began to move away from his sister but deliberately giving her a chance to stop him if that was a bad idea or she objected.

OOC: FYI, I did mention that Izayah had noticed the man when he (Izayah) had entered, but realize that sentence may not have been clear by the way it was written.

No problem just making sure things are clear.

Your sister grabs your arm and pulls you back to where you were not forcefully, but enough that you notice the tug and can choose to follow it. Either way, before you get too far you hear her whisper to you, "You've forgotten already? Rigby is the name of the man who took you away as a baby. Disgusting man. He works for grandfather."

He allowed himself to be tugged back. He looked at Gabriella with a knowing look. "Yes, well, a lot of information came my way recently." He looked to Rigby and back at her, "So you're sayin' I shouldn't go say hello." There was a teasing amusement to his voice.

He paused and then smiled at her. "So. What else is on the agenda today?"

"Well, that's up to you. Was there anything else you wanted to see or do before we leave off?" Gabriella asked genuinely curious at your answer.

Izayah thought about it for a moment before finally shaking his head. He smiled at her, and there was a bit of joy and sadness mixed together in his eyes. "No. I think this has been...more than I could have ever have hoped for, even despite some things." His eyes flicked to his grandfather. "Or people."

He put one arm around her shoulders, giving her a side hug. "An'...after nearly gettin' killed by kobolds, you still wanna go back out an' adventure, huh?" He raised an eyebrow at her, "Even if it means havin' t'put up with me along the way?"

Gabriella hugged you back as you did, but then gives you a small, playful nudge with her elbow to your gut, "It's me you'll have to put up with and I wouldn't miss it for the world. I'd rather die doing something I love than at home 'safe' doing nothing."

Izayah gave her shoulder a squeeze and chuckled. "Well...certainly sounds like we're related, that's for sure." He released her then. "We headin' back t'morrow? Or should we stay an' drive our family nuts for another day or so?"

"Tomorrow, before we can be tempted to stay too long. Tonight we can enjoy our last meal with mom and dad before we go back."

Izayah looked over at Gabriella and gave her a nod of agreement. "Sounds good t'me."

He smiled, "An' when're you plannin' yer next...expedition?"

The day progressed with no further incident thanks to your grandmother. You soon find it is time to leave the house of Galathor and Esmerelda. You follow your family back to their home where they once again show you inside and treat you to a meal for the night. After finishing the meal with general talking of well wishes and hopes of a safe return your mother hugs both you and your sister tightly, again probably more so than she should have. Your father helps her back to their room after she finishes and wishes you both a good night's rest. Your sister retires to her room as well wishing you a fair rest and then closes the door. Once you return to your room and lay down for the night you fall asleep. In the morning when you awaken you are fully rested. You may feel a bit hesitant to leave your new found family, but its good to know you have something to return to. Your family helps find you a caravan and hires two of the wagons one for you and your sister and one for food and supplies. They make sure you have a solid start to your journey back before saying their goodbyes and your mother tearing up at the knowledge of you two leaving, but nevertheless she wishes you both the best and to be safe. Your father gives you a firm hug and then to Gabriella then wishes you both the same. Your journey back to the Rimewood begins.

And well done this completes the Izayah Meets the Family thread. Hope you enjoyed and sorry it took so long to complete it. It got caught right as we started our vacation pretty much. Congratulations for completing this part of your story. You now have inspiration. Use it wisely. ^_^

Thank you! This has been fun and a bit wild! And no worries about the delays, it wasn't a problem!!