Silence---That was my first memory after I was born in Surefall Glade on
Jan. 15, 2001 (Earth time). Save the trickling of the water and the
occasional THUNK of an arrow striking the target on the archery range,
silence reigned.

My mother was killed by the evil gnolls of Blackburrow when I was very young
and I was raised by the citizens of Surefall. I never knew my father. I
spent my early years seeking revenge for my mother's death.

The hills of Qenyos and the surrounding areas were my hunting grounds for
many seasons. Seekings solitude, I mostly hunted alone. A certain amount
of revenge was exacted for my mother's death but I was not satisfied. Quite
probably, I will never be truly happy until the evil members of the Clan
Sabretooth are wiped from the face of our lands.

It was also during this period that recurring rumors circulated regarding my
father's identity. It was said that my father was a barbarian from the
north named Gilgamesch. I found this difficult to believe as I felt my
mother could not possibly love a barbarian. I had very little contact with
members of this race but had heard they were a cruel and vicious people. I
did, however, reserve judgement until additional information became
available.

During my 10th season, I ventured to the nearby Karana's to further my
education regarding the world around me.

One day, during a fishing trip near the barbarian village in West karana, I
chanced to meet Gilgamesch. To my surprise, he seemed to be a kind,
generous and gentle soul. After seeing my lack of decent equipment, he gave
me some items that, to him were the spoils of conflict but, to me, were very
much appreciated and needed. He not only would not take payment for the
items but bestowed upon me his greatest gift. He told me of his adventures
and guided me to further pursuits. The knowledge he imparted was to prove
invaluable in the coming years.

I never broached the subject of my parenthood and, in our few chance
encounters later, have never mentioned the subject. Perhaps, one day, the
truth will surface. It still boggles my mind that a man so large and
imposing and with eyes as cold as a winter's lake could be so different than
what appears on the surface. Perhaps, one day, that relationship may change
but he will remain my friend, regardless.

Our ways have parted and our paths have not crossed of late. I continue my
adventures and enjoying new places and seeing new things.
My admission into Exodus Fellowship has done much in those areas.

I am a druid. I love the earth and, to this day, continue my quest to rid
our world of evil. The memory of my mother's death is etched on my soul and
I will never forget her.

~ Atraedes Dunewarrior