[Zoo]

So I've been "gathering data" as it were. I'm trying to work out this thing to be relatively short segments, since those are easier for me to write than a full blown story . Starting with a pre- profile.

Pantheo Parde -- Tyrian Explorer
Aged 19, Born Season of the Scion, 1051, in a small village in Regent Valley


Ranger was a natural choice of profession for Pantheo, as he grew up learning the skills that come with a mastery of the bow. He learned his basic tracking and marksmanship skills from his father and soon came to provide as much to his family as his father. While he enjoyed hunting, it wasn't the killing that made his day. Indeed, he would rather have not killed any animals, but did of necessity, bringing home necessary food and fur. Instead he relished tracking and exploring, finding interesting things or discerning behavior through the smallest of signs. As he grew, so did his curiosity and observational skills

Some of his favorite things came from spending his days on the trail. On one occasion he tamed a Melandru's Stalker, which he named Kitty. Kitty goes with Pantheo everywhere possible. Pantheo also found a black pearl in a shell along a lakeshore; he carries it always. He misplaced it once, and looked for it nonstop until he found it. His mother arranged for it to be hung on a simple, though strong, chain as a surprise for his 17th birthday. Pantheo found it difficult to give up his pearl, but when it came back, he was glad he did, for now it was much harder to misplace.

His favorite things are not all small. He had a growing collection of places he loved to go relax, or think. Many of them were quiet ponds, with sparkly rays of sunlight and dappled shade along the shore. Contrasting with those ponds, were the roaring waterfalls he loved to watch. Caves were a source of fascination as well. They had the added bonus of being good "hiding" places, when he absolutely needed to be alone.

Pantheo is not religious, preferring to rely on himself and his abilities, and those of his trusted friends. He does not put others down for their beliefs or practices, and indeed may admit he has a bit of an affinity for (naturally) Melandru, if pushed.

He will often speak his mind though, at times to a fault. He doesn't always realize what he wants to say would not be wise, until after he says it. Although he apologizes when he realizes his mistake, this habit sometimes causes others' patience with him to wear thin.

Shortly after his father was killed by charr hunters, Pantheo joined the Ascalon Academy. Many believed it was his father's death that led Pantheo to join. In a way it was, but it was not a desire for vengeance, as many wrongly believed. Those who knew him well and spoke with him often knew he realized the threat the Charr posed to his family, his home, and even his country. He reasoned that if a monster such as these could catch his father by surprise, as the signs indicated, then their threat to the less observant would be very great indeed.

[Rylkan]

::gives zoo a cookie:: Yay! I wanted to post mine too, but no time. But I'm glad someone is doing so.

[Goto]

Nicely done, Zoo!

I might try to write a backstory at some point, just not sure how it would go. My dervish is obviously my main these days and any story I wrote would likely be about him, but I'm not sure where to go with an upbringing on Istan.

[Zoo]

Thanks guys. I was a bit nervous .

I've actually tried for quite a while to come up with -something- but my attempts were always pretty cruddy. Different approach, and tada, something that works.

'Nother installment... [tip: don't try writing lying on your stomach on an air mattress in the dark, especially if your shoulder is already complaining about the rain. (I was at work, I have a real mattress at home... and a desk ) On top of that, you'll dream about charr >_<]

===================================

From Pantheo's journal:

Day 103, Phoenix, 1070
I reported to the academy today, me and Kitty both, actually. I was a bit nervous, but the place seems fairly relaxed. Surprisingly so.

I met Sir Tydus when I arrived, and he immediately set me to the task of seeking out trainers. Seems they assume everyone is brand new to their chosen profession... rightly so, I suppose, given the current situation with the charr. Anyway, I passed Haversdan's test easily, so he sent me on to a more appropriate teacher.

Talking with Haversdan though makes me wonder exactly what I'm getting into. I know we're trying to go up against the charr, but I don't think I fully realized the extent of the problem. No matter now, I suppose. I've committed myself to this cause. I know I'm more able than many of my fellow Ascalonians -- children, elderly, people whose livelihood doesn't involve tracking, stalking, and killing.

I'm still afraid. For myself now. I hadn't thought too much about it before... it's real now. My main comfort is Kitty. I was a little surprised, but it seems quite a lot of rangers have pets, who are well-trained to accompany them into battle.

It's plenty dark now, so I should rest, if I can. Big days ahead, including tomorrow.


Day 104, Phoenix, 1070
Today was not as full as I expected. I practiced some new skills and techniques I picked up yesterday, but aside from that, I had no particular tasks. I took the extra time mid-afternoon to wander Ascalon City. Back in Regent Valley I was always either busy with hunting or other chores, or just running around in the woods. It wouldn't be a very long trip, a day or so walk, but that's time we just never had.

I ended up at the north side , up on top of the wall. I sat and watched, for quite some time, the battle happening just outside. Both sides seem to be a fairly equal match, though more Ascalonians died than I would've liked. The monks did a good job with them though. Those damned charr are a tough group. I can't help but wish I could go down and pitch in. I know my turn will come soon enough. Maybe too soon.

In the quiet of evening, with no pressing tasks, this fear is hard to take. I'm not sure who I could talk to. Or even if I should at all. There's no turning back, I know, but if I were to admit fear, I wonder if they might... think less of me or lose faith in me. I don't know. It's such a pressing feeling, I don't think I can handle it alone. Maybe I will find someone to speak to privately tomorrow. For now I guess I'll cuddle up with Kitty and hope to sleep.

[Zoo]

[I'm such a girl... this part made me cry, and I'm the one who made it up!]

From Master Saberlin’s journal:

105/1070
This morning a young man, new recruit, Pantheo Parde, came to see me, quite early. He brought along Kitty. I didn’t question the name. Beautiful creature. Almost makes me wish I had trained as a ranger.

Seems he had an urgent matter to discuss with me, as he came quite early, without having even eaten breakfast. It turned out to be the typical issue new recruits have, how to handle their fear.

He is barely more than a boy. Wonderful times we live in, where we have to press every available able young person, most without any military background, into service of the Kingdom.

I assured Pantheo what he is feeling is normal. I could practically feel much of the weight lifting off of him with that knowledge alone. I went on to explain that it probably would never leave him, and indeed it would serve him well in battle, once he learned to control it. I advised him to continue his training, to learn everything he can about his abilities and limitations. He seemed to understand where I was going with that line.

I was about to send him off to get something to eat, and slipped into a role I seem to have come into by means unknown to me. Seems I have become something of a father-figure to the newer soldiers, and I have unintentionally come to act as one on occasion. Intending to walk him out, I put an arm around Pantheo’s shoulders, and his reaction surprised me. Something new every day I suppose. He broke down in tears. I had no idea why he did so; we sat back down. I was unsure how to handle things from there . . . I have dealt with a lot of things, but never a strong, young man crying in my arms.

It was, for me, an uncomfortable wait until Pantheo was able to pull together enough to explain himself. As I expected, the first thing he said was how embarrassed he was. Seems to be a common theme among . . . humans. He went on though, explaining about his father’s death, and how the last time anyone held him like that it was his father, just a few days before he went missing. He has my sympathy, but at the same time I can’t help but wonder what his true motivation is.

I will speak with his instructors in case they know any more about the situation. I sent him off with orders to wash up, eat, and see if anyone in Lakeside County needs the help of a young ranger. I hope the need to focus outside himself for such tasks will help in a way concentrated training probably will not. He is to report to me tomorrow morning, after I’ve had a chance to check with Nente and Aidan.


From Pantheo’s Journal:

Day 105, Phoenix, 1070
I can’t believe what happened today. I went to Master Saberlin with my concerns, and he helped quite a lot with those. Then I found myself crying on him. I completely lost it. I was wondering why I didn’t feel anything particular about dad. I guess I still don’t know, but I suppose I found the piece I thought was missing. I still can’t believe it. I can’t help but wonder what Master Saberlin thinks of me now.

Saberlin’s notes for Pantheo’s file:
105/1070 – Pantheo Parde raised some issues about his true intentions during an informal meeting this morning. I consulted his chief mentors hoping they could shed some light on the matter.

Nente indicated their relationship was friendly but professional. Seems Pantheo had nearly instant respect for Nente and his skills, and arrives eager to start the appointed lesson. They have not strayed far from the task at hand.

Aidan was able to enlighten me more fully, as it seems he and Pantheo have – in two days! – become quite good friends. He believes Pantheo’s intentions are pure, a simple wish to keep his home safe, and a willingness to do something about it.

I am satisfied based on these reports that Pantheo will not be a liability for the Academy. I will check with him occasionally, and I have encouraged Aidan to continue “hanging out”, as he put it, with Pantheo.

[Goto]

Wow, that's really sounding good. Having the story coming from several different perspectives is a nice touch, great job Zoo.

[Zoo]

Yeah... I started that out with another entry in Pantheo's journal but it was just too forced, so it went from there. And this... I had it written the next day after the last, but I didn't feel quite right about it, but now it seems ok.

====================

Pantheo reported to Master Saberlin the next morning, as requested. He was still unsure of both himself and Saberlin, after what happened yesterday.

“Good morning Pantheo, Kitty.” Master Saberlin patted Kitty on the head. “Have a seat,” he said, motioning to a chair.

Pantheo sat on the edge of the chair, back stiff. “’Morning, sir.”

“I imagine you would feel a bit better if you relaxed, Pantheo. If it helps, I just wanted to check in with you to see how you are doing today. How are things?”

Pantheo forced himself to relax slightly. He reached out and laid a hand on Kitty. Kitty always helped him relax. “Ah... well... honestly, sir? I’ve been better.” He toyed with the cat's fur, absently.

“Understandable. It will take time. Just see that you do your best to keep up with your assigned tasks. Which reminds me, did you find people in need of help yesterday?”

“Yes, sir. I helped Miller Upton move some bees he somehow unintentionally attracted. Pitney needed some help with killing wurms in his fields. I tried to help farmer Dirk with his hogs, but seems they’re a bit less trained than Kitty here. And we played with some young children while their parents did some long overdue chores.”

Very good. Seems you have quite the variety of skills. That will come in handy.” He paused. “Now, I talked yesterday with Master Ranger Nente and Aidan after our meeting...”

“But... sir...,” Pantheo began to protest.

Saberlin held up a hand. “No need to worry, Pantheo. I didn’t mention what happened. You may tell them what you like, at your discretion, but as it stands now, it’s not my place. However, the incident did raise questions for me, and the two of them know you better than anyone else.”

Pantheo waited for the “and.”

“And both of them feel you are here for the right reasons, and are up to the job.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Master Saberlin stood, and Pantheo quickly followed suit. As they turned toward the door, Saberlin placed a hand on Pantheo’s back, and said “Aidan is quite fond of you, Pantheo. You can trust him with anything, including your life. You would do well to spend time with him.”

“Yes, sir.”

“That’s not an order,” Saberlin said with a half-smile. “Call it friendly advice. People you can trust are often a scarce commodity on the trail.”

Pantheo nodded. He opened his mouth to speak, but was then unsure of what to say. There were still so many thoughts and feelings swirling about in his head. Finally he said, “I don’t know what to say. I just... eh...”

“No need to say anything just now. Keep in mind, though, it is important that we know how you are progressing, in all matters. To that end, my door is always open.” Saberlin bent to scratch Kitty around the ears and smiled as the cat leaned into his hand and closed its eyes. “Make sure to bring this beautiful animal with you when you come.”

[Ratty]

Yaay, good stuff. Kinda been meaning to post in here, but can never think of anything meaningful to say Really quite awesome backstory, Zoo.

[Zoo]

From Pantheo's Journal:

Day 108, Phoenix, 1070
I don't think most of my fellow recruits see things the way I do. During idle moments when we're out training I'll just look around and see a lot of pretty cool things. I can't help but point them out.

They really got me today though. We came across Melandru's shrine in Regent Valley, which I knew was a favorite haunt of stalkers. I wasn't disappointed. The sight of one still makes me stop dead in awe. Most of the other guys barely glanced at them. I couldn't explain to them why this encounter was so cool. It seems that to them if you've seen one, you've seen them all, and they see Kitty all the time.

Funny thing is, one of the monks, an elementalist, and a necromancer (Raja, Cory, and Chi) seem to get into seeing the world as much as I do. Might be why we work so well together.

Most of the rangers in the academy seem to have come into the profession late, having found they had some aptitude for it when they enlisted. It saddens me a bit. But I guess they're the ones missing out. I just hope it's not going to come back to bite them later.