It has taken me some time to commit to writing this. I am usually the quiet one, don't talk much in discord or anywhere. Even in game my characters tend to listen more than they talk. But with today being the final farewell, I decided to give it a go.
Alaina was originally going to be a roll character, just for me to test Spellsword. She was created after a rash of OOC harassment from a player that had me almost quit playing (DMs were swift to take care of this). My daughter had made a character and asked me to give it one more attempt - so Alaina was born, purely with intent just to test the class and with no story or direction in mind. Within three days of her arrival in Skaljard she was caught up in a plot there that followed her through the last three years. What a three years it has been. There are so many that have played a part in her story, that this post would quickly run out of space if I were to list them all. So I will do my best to keep it from becoming that.
In no particular order (ok maybe some order!):
Sykorax - You, quite literally, swept Alaina off her feet day 3 of her being on Skaljard with the Werewolf and rats that ran through town. There were many days spent at the campfire, forgoing any writs, and simply talking. It was because of you she came to the 'main island' to Guldorand and there that her story really took off.
Lefric Ruston - It is because of you that Alaina would meet her future husband. Some wild banite plot that she got mixed up in that saw you attack Sykorax and a few others in that shop in the free port - Leaving her alive but scarred. Oh how she wanted your head on a platter for that. But that storyline is what led me to keeping her, rather than tossing her to the RNG gods for an award.
Thomas Castemont - A true hate to love story. If someone would have told me that one of my characters would end up with one of the most prominent characters on the server - I would have told them they had lost their mind. But, that is exactly what happened. I met so many people, and had so much fun and interactive RP just from being around Thomas. Beyond that, though, we formed a special bond OOC as friends. You have helped me grow as a player, as a RPer and story teller, and as a person. I can not thank you enough.
Silavesi - You were the first PC that Alaina really saw after arriving in Guldorand. And you made her feel welcome. We had our highs and our lows, but in the end Sil was as much a sister to Alaina as any could be. Thank you for so many twists and turns, up and downs, and a great story.
Antonio Vhaire - The man we loved to hate on the message boards. Good gods man can you write a long winded post and say nothing doing it. I joke! But they ARE long. But you played a pivotal role in Alaina's life by helping her break the curse that had been placed on her.
Ravnhart - My real life daughter, and in game adopted sister. Had it not been for you, Alaina never would have been born. Nor would she have lasted as long as she did. When things got tough at times, it was your encouragement that helped me keep her going. Their story was one of life. Of chosen family. It was beautiful and there are moments that I will remember for years to come.
Victoria Helbrecht / Izahne Tiller - Alaina met Victoria in Skaljard, and little did we know then what Victoria was to become (at least I had no idea!!) And by gosh, what a story it was. It is because of you and Ravnhart that Alaina re-met Thomas after her initial hatred formed for him. Chasing your character and trying to figure out her next move, had to have been one of the best times I have had on Arelith. And also one of the most frustrating.
Albet & Abigail Rayne - I remember first meeting Albet as this young, rash druid. And watching her grow into the beautiful woman that she is now. You and Abigail touched so many lives and will continue to do so through your quirky and fun ideas, events, games, and care package.
Aliana - Alaina's twin-not-twin. Thank you for your quirkiness and for putting up with, what I am sure were, many many messages intended for Alaina. For being her messenger service for the more important ones. And for breezing in and out of her life often.
Ginny Rivorndir - Alaina and Ginny didn't always get along. And that's okay! That makes for a good story. And in the end, I'd like to think they became friends. You taught Alaina what it was to stand her ground, to stand up for those she cared for and to not give a damn about what the world might think of it. You taught her to look at the picture as a whole, and not just the individual. You helped her grow and learn patience and to become a better woman.
Johnny Woodlock - You were a mix of things to Alaina and really pushed her to examine her emotions at times, her friends, her family, her choices. You kept her on her toes with your jump-scares of spells when you would suddenly appear beside her. And you inspired her and Ravnhart to open their bakery officially with their signature sandwich, "The Woodlock". You were there for her, when others were not. Always with a listening ear and advice - even if some of that advice came from just a dice roll.
There are so many others. And I am sure many that I have also forgotten. Some of you helped me through RL illness that saw my memory and ability to focus taken from me. Some of you helped further Alaina's story. If I did not mention you, forgive me as I have reached the limit of what my brain can process in one go. But know that I thank each and everyone that she met. If it were not for all of you, her story would have ended a long time ago.
And remember, this is not goodbye. This is Farewell. I am sure she and Thomas will be back to visit from time to time. But mostly, they will be stomping grapes at their vineyard in Suzail.
I look forward to more stories on future characters. Until then, Be well.
Alaina had a great impact on Sil and without her she would not be where she is now.