Ekrid was a fantastic character, and one of the most memorable I have played with on the server, even if those interactions were brief in the grander picture. That perhaps speaks for the weight of those encounters.
Fruvularna had the privilege of witnessing and playing some modest role in his redemption. Watching Ekrid pull himself out of darkness and refuse its temptation was a catalyst for change in her life and worldview: she lended faith to the concept that those mired in evil might have a chance of emerging from it, and it thawed some of her fundamental cynicism towards non-gnomes.
Being named a knight of the Sundered Blade was very much something Fruvularna took seriously after some encouragement and affirmation from those close to her. She realized that even a skittish artificer like herself might leave the world a bit better than she found it. From that point on, Fruvularna tried to be a better, more traditionally virtuous person, and not only when it was safe or easy to do so.
Without that catalyst, maybe Fruvularna wouldn't have become Caretaker, maybe she would've just continued living a simpler, quieter, more profitable life as a peddler and gonnesmith. They only spoke a handful of times after Ekrid's redemption, but she reminisced fondly of him to friends more than a few times. If or when she hears about Ekrid's death, it will be a dark moment for Fruvularna.
Ekrid invited another character of mine to a knightly pilgrimage just last night. I am sure that would have been a fascinating time as well, had he lived to see it through. Perhaps she'll still try to make sense of what Ekrid told her awaited in the desert.
On an out-of-character level, I greatly respect you and those around you for pulling off an earnest, weighty redemption. At no point did it feel unearned, expedited, or simple. The character Ekrid grew into after that captured traditional chivalric romance in a way I've seen many attempt but few excel at.
It's sad to see him go, and I'm glad to have interacted with him those times that I did.