Kiley's Story
Hello, my name is Kiley LeMarsh. I come from the most humble of beginnings. I grew up
on a farm with my mother and two brothers. My father was a wanderer who came and
went with the seasons. Because he was so often away the work fell to my brothers. As
they grew up and departed for the more glorious life of a warrior, that same work fell to
me. Yet I loved my father and all the songs he sang and the tales he told during the long
winters. He could make me see magical places and wondrous things. When I was 15 my
father never returned from his wanderings. My mother declared he must be dead and
remarried. I'm not sure she was right in this, but it's done.
My step father saw me as a nuisance have three smaller children of his own. So he sought
to marry me and get me safely out of his way. But since I am no beauty and had little to
offer a future husband the man he picked for me was down right ancient (at least 35!).
Not willing to be stuck on a farm, I decided to follow my brothers and seek a better life. I
wandered for a while doing various things. Fortunately, I soon met Dayvd, a huntsman
who lived his summers and autumns deep in the woods. In exchange for my
companionship, he offered to teach me all he knows. I guess it grows lonely so far from
others. Dayvd taught me far more than just hunting and living in the wild. He introduced
me to the joys of man and women. He was a kind man but after two seasons I felt I
should move on. I will forever be grateful for his patient and gentle teaching.
At this point I decided to move on to bigger and better things, so I made my way to
Majorico. This large and thriving city held many wonders. But even though I had grown
since leaving home, I still didn't know much about the world. I tried my hand at being a
barmaid, but didn't much care for that way of life. It seemed like too much work and too
little reward. Yet my years of hard work and living in rugged surroundings had made me
a very hearty girl. I found that I was as strong as many men. I wondered how I could use
such strength to my advantage.
Then one day my life changed for ever! I found my brother Gawen! He was traveling as a
caravan guard and was in town looking for help. I threw myself on his mercy and begged
him to take me with him. Perhaps he had fond feelings for his sister, or perhaps he saw in
me some potential, either way he took me with him to the caravan. Thus began the
adventure of a lifetime! I learned to fight with a sword. (I already could shoot my bow
with the best of men. A rabbit is by far harder to hit than a bandit who might try to raid
the caravan.) With the caravan I also learned much more of the world. An old man who
guided the caravan along it's route showed me how to tell direction by the stars. I learned
the ways of many people and most importantly, how to bargain and trade with the best of
them!
But even such and exciting life grows old. My brother found a girl to marry at one of the
merchant towns. I could by this time hold my own as a fighter so I could have stayed with
the caravan. But I wanted something more, but I didn't quiet know what it could be. I
stayed for my brother's wedding. Wearing a fancy dress for the first time in my life. I felt
like an idiot... so I soon looked for something to do before my dear brother got any ideas
about seeing me married!
I met an grisly old man who was traveling to the far west. He was looking for a few
people to travel with him. I applied to be a part of his party. He was doubtful of my
abilities, but I told him of my experience as a caravan guard, plus a few rounds of sword
play with the men he had already hired proved my worthiness. This old, outwardly
useless, old man changed my life! For starters, I doubt he was really THAT old. His skin
was tough as leather from his life out doors. He was a RANGER! I was fascinated by all
he told me. He taught me many things. Many things such as living in the wilds I already
knew. But he taught me not only HOW to live, but WHY to live such a life. With his
teachings, I honed my skills beyond what I thought possible. I learned to deal with
animals in that special way that all Rangers have. He taught me the secrets of fighting
with two weapons. I was in love! Not so much with the man but with that way of life.
When it came time to leave him. I decided that a Ranger is what I desired to do with my
life. I sought out other teachers and am still learning to this day.