Away From Yllvalion

The distance between Yllvalion and the Human Empire is far, farther than I have ever traveled. To do such a trek alone could be considered crazy for most, but then again, I am not allowed to be like most. Airdan and Taeral traveled with me for a few days, both having left their duties with father behind to assist me through the earliest part of my journey. They were only allowed a week to travel with me before they had to resume their duties in Yllvalion, so their company did not remain past the lookout tower.
 
I was not completely alone, I had Yldris. But the voices of my brothers helped to calm my nerves. Taeral spoke like our father, telling stories and morals, reminding me about the dangers of the world outside the edges of the Northern Outposts. Airdan joked with me, lightening the mood when Taeral made it too serious. Their few days of company gave me courage, they allowed me to continue across the great expanse of Vóreios that was a mystery to me. The freedom that I was given was daunting, but I could not fail the task that had been given to me.
 
All paladins of the Order were required to leave the Northern Outposts and travel the world at some point in their lives. Because of my brothers, my travels were delayed until father decided it was time. He sent me to the Human Empire to learn at the magic academy there. He said the Starlit Tower would welcome a paladin and allow me to learn things far beyond what the ancient tomes of Yllvalion could teach me. But to become one of the students of the tower, I first had to make it to Stronghold.
 
I will never understand why father sent me out so late in the year. The snow was deep and the storms were brutal in the north. He knew that was a possibility, but maybe it was another one of his tests. The distance between Yllvalion and the Human Empire would take weeks to traverse in the warmer summer months, but the cold of the winter drew that time out. I left my home at the end of Winter's Noon, taking precautions for the harsh month that stood before me. Having Yldris gave me an advantage in the harsh weather. Having him meant plentiful food, companionship, and warmth throughout my travels.
 
I often stayed in the woods at night, not bothering to stop in the villages along the way. Father had given me very little gold for such a grand trip, so I kept to the forests, finding them a helpful ally during my frugal journey. Some that lived in the towns often were afraid or wary of Yldris, so it was best to stay on the outskirts when I could.
 
Days before my birthday, I stopped in a small fishing village. Half-elves were somewhat rare in the Northern Outposts so it was a surprise to see an entire village of them. Those in the town of Merrick welcomed me with open arms, calling for the paladins from the village of Otterton to help them celebrate my arrival. It was odd seeing such small furry creatures wearing full metal armor, but it was a sight I wouldn't soon forget. After a night of food and celebration, I set off again towards Stronghold, with a full belly and a pack full of the jarred faefish.
 
The new year began with my arrival in Stronghold. The streets were bustling, loud and boisterous, but full of cheer and happiness. It was exciting to see the size of everything, to be overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the city. Walking through the busy streets, the laughter and music of a tavern called to me, reminding me of the laughter that came from my brothers' chambers. The welcome I received was much like the one in Merrick, loud and merry, very welcoming. I never once felt like an outsider, maybe that was why I found myself joining the Dagger Guild without knowing exactly what I was getting into.
 
The leader of the guild in the area sent me to a table with two other misfits. I would soon learn their names to be Craea and Squall. I was very unsure of them, especially the orcish one, but so far it seemed fine. Being away from Yllvalion was hard, but I assumed the journey before be would be harder yet.