Here we are at the end of Lem's backstory. It's been fun writing in more detail how this character came to be and I believe it's helped me get more into the character during our DnD sessions. I'm REALLY excited to start writing the adventures within the world our DM has created. Catch up with links to previous parts below. Hope you enjoy!
Lem opened the door to find his family waiting for him. The look on their face told him everything he needed to know. They already knew of the elder's decision. Before he could even open his mouth to speak they embraced him, his mom holding back tears.
“One of the elder's apprentice's spoke to us about their decision,” his father said, voice slightly shaking. “We don't like it but we must respect their decision.”
Lem nodded in agreement. He could feel his throat tightening up with emotion as he looked at his family. His mind was filled with things to say to his family in that moment. He wanted to tell them he loved them, how he was sorry he failed them and the elder's, how much he'll miss him but he couldn't muster the strength. With slight hint of despair in his eyes he stole away to his room to pack and contemplate his new purpose.
The sun was setting and Lem could smell the sweet aroma of a fresh cooked meal. He could hear his mother bustling throughout the afternoon preparing for their last meal together. She called out his name signaling food was ready.
On the table he saw all his favorites: meat pie with fresh cut herbs, candied root vegetables, sweet seed cakes, and savory wildflower pudding. He joined his family at the table as dishes were passed around and heaping servings provided.
“Lem,” his father broke the long silence, “I know you'll do well in life. Your tenacity in your studies here have trained you well for what you may encounter beyond the monastery.”
Lem look at this father and swallowed his food. “Thanks. I'm a bit nervous. All I've known is life within on the terrace here.”
“You know part of your training is designed to prepare you for life beyond here,” his mother reassured him. “You may not realize it yet, but it's true.”
“You're mother's right, Lem. We'll miss you but we have faith you will succeed beyond the terrace,” his father said blinking away a tear.
They continued eating and reminisced about Lem growing up laughing at his follies, comforting him in his pain, and putting him on the right track when he wavered. Knowing it may be the last time they see each other they stayed up late into the evening, later than usual. Hugs were had before they retired to bed for much needed rest.
Morning broke with a cool misty fog. Lem rolled over and got out of bed to find his mother busy preparing in the kitchen. She greeted him with a hug and kiss as he came out of his room. The kitchen was filled with the smell of breakfast. He thought about how he's going to miss the tender care she put into caring for her family. Lem ate his fill for the day and then some knowing he'd need it to start his journey.
After breakfast he grabbed his travel bag and met his family in the kitchen. There were wrapped parcels of food rations his mother had prepared for him.
“Just in case you need something,” she told him lovingly.
He gave them one last hug and they wished him well on his journey. As he was walking out the door he could hear his mother start to sob. He wanted to turn back to comfort her and tell her he would be alright, but knew that if he stopped he wouldn't be able to carry on. As he reached the gates of the monastery he saw Pimner waiting for him.
“It's your fault Pim,” Lem said, determination in his eyes.
“I just wish we could go back a few days. I don't want to see you leave,” said Pimner.
Lem embraced his childhood friend “I don't regret it.” He let go and took one last look at his friend. “I've come to accept my fate. Things happen for a reason so this was meant to be. I can't look back now.”
“Perhaps so,” Pimner sighed, “I'll still miss you.”
“As will I, Pim, as will I.”
The two embraced one last time and Lem headed out of the monastery. Before him lay a land he'd seen many times, if only from the safety within the walls. Without them, he knew fear and hesitation would lead to death. Unsure of what would come next he marched down the terrace and into the wilderness.
And there it is folks. Lem is out in the world. As always constructive criticism is always welcomed because I truly want to improve my writing quality. Let me know what you think!
Images sourced from stevepb and 12019, respectively, at Pixabay. Thank you!
