Alter Aeon The Great Library

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Note - as with any topic, researchers should question the reliability
and veracity of these texts.  The library's aim is to preserve
documents, not verify accuracy.

AABN:  76626
Title: a book titled 'Tess's Tales: The Abernathy's Pride'

Tess had only been married a few weeks when she began to think about
contacting mother's surviving family at last. Only the threat of who had
caused the fire at Keevan's wedding all those years ago had kept her from
contacting them before now. Mordin wholeheartedly supported this decision
and told her, "Family is important. If you go to them, I will go with you."

Tess's mother had always been proud of her Abernathy roots. The Abernathy
family was famed for their ability to solve conflict through diplomacy and
by her late grandmother's telling had prevented no less than 15 wars in the
past 160 years. It only took a few weeks of inquiries before Tess was able
to track down her family.  Her aunt was in Naphtali near the sea solving a
dispute between an earl and his future countess' family over the matter of
her dowry as her parents felt strongly that her charms and intelligence
was sufficient to merit her marriageability 

Tess sent a letter ahead explaining her upcoming visit and felt confident
that her mother would have been proud of the words: 

Dear Aunt Alessia,

For many long years I have desired to write these words.  I am alive. The
threat that killed my parents and so much of our family as well as kept me
from seeking you out for safety's sake has finally been brought to task and
vanquished.  It was by my hand and those that I trust with my life that
this goal has been achieved. I am journeying to see you in Naphtali and
will be accompanied by my husband Sir Mordin. His bravery and marital
prowess are unmatched so I assure you I will be safe on my journey to y ou.
I expect to be there in five days' time. I cannot wait to see you again at
last.

Love,

Tessiara Topaz Abernathy Mossyglow Ket

Tess smiled as the battlements of the manor came into view. After over ten
years at last she would be able to embrace her aunt and others she
remembered so fondly from her youth.  The manor servants appeared as if on
cue to greet them as they entered the courtyard before the grooms grabbed
Shabh's reins to lead the horse away as soon as Tess and Mordin dismounted.

Tess began to speak but quickly her words were cutoff as a tall regal woman
with red hair pepped with gray clothed in an emerald velvet dress standing
in the doorway of the manor spoke to the servants. "Go to the kitchen and
get refreshments. I will lead my niece and her husband to the library. You
may bring the food there."

Tess beamed, "Aunt Alessia. You look wonderful." 

Tess's aunt did not answer and only nodded before turning to lead the pair
into the library. 

Once the trio were all seated, Tess's aunt looked between the pair for a
moment before speaking

"The rest of the household is out hunting so we can speak privately. And I
so value privacy when dealing with delicate matters. So, you're adventurers
then. Using magic and the sword to solve all your problems. I've heard the
stories of your escapades.  Tess, I must admit.  I'm rather shocked. What
would your mother say about all this?  She must be so ashamed to know how
far you've fallen.  

Tess let out a gasp and Mordin began to speak but her aunt continued
ignoring this outburst completely speaking louder than before.

"She raised you to be a lady and a diplomat not a sorceress fighting
dragons, men, and gods know what else. You were to marry, a fine man from a
fine family. Not some guttersnipe mercenary who now parades around as a
knight. You might have come looking for your family. But you will find no
family here unless you renounce such foolish behavior,"

"Abernathy's have pride and a legacy to live up to. Your only legacy now is
a bunch of tales that rube peasants tell one another to make it through
their miserable days. So, I ask you will choose your family and stay here?
Or will you choose to walk away from what your mother desired of you for
the sake of love," Tess's aunt seemed to choke on that last words as a
snide smile fell upon her lips.

Tess paled and her eyes filled with tears before she spoke, "I have not
shamed my mother's memory ever, but you have with this poor display of
hospitality and incivility. All these years, I dreamed of seeing you again.
But I'm a disappointment to you simply because I lived and loved
differently than your expectation.  You are right. I am not an Abernathy
anymore. I'm a Ket."

The servants who more than likely had been listening at the door walked in
at that moment carrying trays and pitchers filled to the brim with food and
drink. Her aunt spoke sharply to them, "Leave them on the table. I will
serve myself. Our guests were just leaving." 

Tess looked at Mordin whose face was filled with rage which softened when
his eyes met hers. He reached his hand out and rose taking Tess's hand
helping her to her feet.  He spoke softly, "Come, my love. There is nothing
here that will bring you happiness. Let us head home." Tess nodded and let
Mordin guide her back outside. Shabh awaited them in the courtyard and soon
they were deep within the forest riding away from the Tess's past into
their future.