Born the 3rd night of Longing, year 108 in Topaca, 300 miles from Cosrin across the oceans, to Zult, Sprite Ranger, and Ranea, Sprite Shaman; Teran was an only Spritelet, decendant of five generations of Sprites. Zult was proud of the "pure Sprite line" and was looking forward to Teran marrying a Sprite, and "continuing the line". Zult was kind, though ferocious about the things he believed in. He was a tall Sprite, at almost four feet. Ranea, at two feet, was a graceful, pretty creature.
Zult and Ranea had friends in Moorgate: Monty, a peaceful Human Ranger, and Adea, a feisty Elf Witch. One of their four children was Queenie, a quiet, though startlingly lovely, Elf Sorceress. Teran and Queenie instantly bonded and made a lovely couple. Her calm, graceful ways complimented his fiery temper. They took long walks together in the Forests, and talked of everything under the sun. They were falling very much in love, and one day, being unable to keep it secret any longer, they announced their feelings. Zult raged and abruptly ended the visit.
Teran tried for a while to please his father, and continued training to be a Warlock, like his grandfather, but life seemed meaningless without Queenie. From their secret pigeons to each other it was clear that Queenie was unhappy too. They decided they must be together. Teran gave his mother a letter addressed to Zult, embraced her lovingly, then left for Cosrin.
As arranged, Queenie was waiting in an Ashwood glade with her parents, friends, and a Priestess. Ranea sent a beautiful bouquet of flowers. They understood her absence. Teran and Queenie were married, and it was a beautiful day...
They settled in Moorgate and continued training, joining the Mages' Guild. Everyone sent messages to Zult and Ranea, and from Ranea's replies it seemed that Zult was softening. Teran was doing well in his studies, having just joined the Coven; had a wonderful wife, friends, and a second family: and he hoped to rebuild the relationship with Zult. Life was good.
Several years later, whilst enjoying a drink in the Woo-Hoo with Queenie and friends, after a long hard day hunting, Teran was approached by the Coven's head Warlock and given the chance to become one of the Coven's Tutors. The interview was a breeze, and he became a Tutor at just 26 years old! Queenie was less ambitious, preferring to socialise with friends. Her studies were taking a more relaxed pace, and she was 'meandering' towards Serenity.
Within weeks, Queenie announced that they were to become parents. Teran was so proud. A baby! A little Teran! Queenie watched him strutting around, telling everyone about the baby like she had no involvement. She smiled to herself. How she loved him so. Everyone sent word to Zult and Ranea, and the day after the 'little Teran' was born, they appeared unannounced in Moorgate! Zult marched up to the newborn, took the little bundle from Queenie's arms with a stern look, looked down at the little creature, then he gave a huge grin as little wings fluttered into his face. "A Sprite. It's a Sprite!". A look of softness replaced all others as he asked, "What's its name?" Everyone looked at Queenie.. Queenie looked at Teran, then smiled happily, " Her name...". Teran beamed broadly, a look of pride making his eyes glisten. A party was held, and drinks were free throughout Moorgate - paid for by Zult! "My life is perfect," thought Teran.
Time passed; and one day Teran was having a quiet drink in the Trapped Hand Inn when a friend told him that another Coven Tutor, had been boasting about how Queenie would "be his". Teran discovered that this tutor had befriended Queenie, gaining her trust and affection with his false ways. Teran also learned that this villain was "secretly" concocting a "love potion" which he intended to use on Queenie. Enraged, Teran stormed to the Coven and confronted his new foe who took great delight in goading Teran, making wicked insinuations about Queenie. Teran lost his temper, targeting a spell which transformed his enemy into a Kobold! The frustrated kobold hopped around uttering unintelligible things and trying pointlessly casting spells on Teran with his crossbow. Teran left and went home to Queenie, who listened then embraced and reassured him. Eventually she persuaded him to restore the other tutor to his former self. As they were passing the Slave Labour Inn, the Coven Leader stepped out in front of them with the new Kobold by his side. Teran admitted that he had used his powers inappropriately, and begrudgingly returned the wrongdoer to his former sneering self.
The Coven Master dismissed them both, saying that they would be escorted to the Underworld, to face a series of battles with hideous and powerful monsters. Only the victor could apply again to be a Tutor. Teran refused, saying, "I do not wish to be in the same Sub-Guild as that miscreant." Teran went home with Queenie and his anger eventually subsided. Queenie was secretly pleased that he was spending more time at home with his family.
Teran and the Coven Master had become good friends over the years. That hadn't changed. Both knew business was business. The Master was a good leader, and Teran respected him. Years passed, and one day Teran chatted with the elderly Warlock as they watched Queenie and the now grown Sprite teasing Trolls in Darkwell, snaring them for fun, and hiding before the spells wore off. Teran learned of a new Sub-Guild in creation, and how they were looking for Tutors.
Teran liked the ideals of the new Sub-Guild, and as it neared completion, he was hoping he might get a chance. He was certainly Tutor material, but he knew that his past might go against him: changing Sub-Guilds was not "the done thing". Since their little Sprite had her own life now, and Queenie's Elf Council work often took her across the oceans for long periods, he decided that he needed something to keep him busy, and he did want to teach again. He decided to try and gain a Tutor position with this new Sub-Guild. After some quite awkward meetings with several Guild Officials which put his powers of tact, diplomacy and wisdom to the test, it was clear to him that they would like him to become a Tutor, and that all he could do now was sit and wait for their decision. Eventually his patience paid off, and he was offered a position as a Labyrinth Tutor. He accepted, secretly delighted, and proceeded to throw himself into his new work with vigour. He found great satisfaction in being part of a new and growing part of Cosrin... Although his heart had been in the Coven, he had sometimes found the "need to prove yourself to be evil" a little too much, and the Labyrinth suited him extremely well. He was stern enough to command respect, though not so harsh as to be unapproachable. He believed that here he would remain for as long as he was needed, tutoring future Mages of greatness.
Alley back to the library foyer.
|