Arolyn's Past
As his first years passed, it grew time for Arolyn to learn the ways of the world and be educated by and educated man. This duty normally falls upon the parents, but with Lord Adahn's hectic and often distracted lifestyle - he had little time to devote to the bringing up of his son. Instead, he turned to a trusted family friend and long-time aide in a man named Ronin. This intelligent and learned man educated Arolyn in all aspects of life: teaching him the arts, ettiquette, and diplomacy foremost along with the standards of reading, writing and mathematics. As Arolyn grew, his studies became more advanced, and when he reached the age of 14, Ronin began the studies of the military and their ways. Here, Ronin bestowed his knowledge of military strategy, hand-to-hand combat, and archery. Arolyn continued to flourish and grow under Ronin's tutelage.
Several more summers passed, and at the time of this event, Arolyn had reached the age of 17. Ronin took the young Taurdain on a hunting expedition into the forests. However, this journey was interrupted when a small band of uruk attacked the pair. using all his knowledge, Arolyn fought back, and fought bravely, besting 2 of the beasts despite catching a gash across his right eye that would permantly alter its color. Ronin himself dispatched the remaining 4, but not before he himself was wounded - losing his left hand to an uruk scimitar. Blaming himself for the incident and Arolyn's injury, Ronin lost his self-confidence and self-respect; leaving behind the Taurdain family and service without a trace.
More time passed, and Arolyn continued to rise in station with House Taurdain and his father, safeguarding his life as well as venturing out on diplomatic missions for the House. However, a time had arisen where Adahn's cousin, Anthalin, Lord of Taurdain had come across difficult and turbulent times. Having faith in his son, Adahn sent Arolyn to Anthalin's side in Esgaroth to serve there as his protector and friend.
Arolyn quickly gained high respect for a cousin, and a not-misguided reputation amoung his new friends and neighbors as a 'bowman'. Accompanying his cousin on several journeys, Arolyn managed to venture out to Amon Thranduil and even meet with the Quendi there. After many succesful journeys, a friendship grew between the two - and Arolyn pledged his life for Anthalin's, and would have gladly given it.
As his bond with Taurdain strengthened, so did his mind. After only a short time of service to Anthalin, Arolyn was offered and accepted a position within the House as First Advisor.
Life seemed to be progressing rapidly, but good for the young Taurdain. That is, until death made it's name known in Arolyn's life. One of his best friends, Jair was slain by Mordain hands - not long after anotehr of his friends (the healer, Kyndeir) was kidnapped. With his life growing in turmoil, the noble vanished for a time - attempting to find solace in the search for his lost friend, Ronin.
However, as in all things, time passed and Arolyn returned to Esgaroth - though the events of his absence for several months are yet unknown. As he returned home, he was again greeted by the cruel face of death as he discovered his cousin Anthalin had been slain by Easterlings. This unfortunate event led to Arolyn becoming Lord of Taurdain - though he would have gladly given it for his friend's life.
Furious, a new rage rarely seen in the young Lord boiled. Hatred surfaced for the first time ever: he had lost Kyndeir, Jair, and now Anthalin. Cursing the murder, he has searched for the killer and discovered that it was indeed a female leader of an Easterling tribe.
With his heart heavy, Arolyn tracked down the Easterlings in search of the killer - only to discover a beautiful and mysterious woman there. Hammered by love, the young Lord was taken in by her sight, and fell hard and fast. However, this feeling of joy would be short lived as Arolyn discovered the news that the woman he now loved (Ketoh) was in fact the killer of Anthalin and leader of the Easterlings who had previously slaughtered the Dale-Landers. With his mind racing, the Taurdain noble struggled internally with what to do. After much thought, and many painful nights - the noble decided it best to leave her side - possibly forever. As the two departed each other, he vowed to himself not dwell upon all of this for long, and so returned home once again.
Soon after his return, the town of Esgaroth was called to arms once again - but this time with the intent to aid their neighbors in the Khazad to reclaim their homes and drive the Mordain away. With a sizebale force of humans, Quendi, and Khazad - the combined forces of the allies drove the uruk from their home in Sarn Goriwing. Finally, Arolyn's spear, Lynhirryn, spilt uruk blood, and allowed the young Lord's rage to rest once again - his usual demenor returning at last.
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