So We Met In A Tavern.

A Promise Made.

"Gotcha! Ya street urchin!"

A local Ravenhurst guard drags a small boy thru the streets.

The boy protests against the capture and struggles to free himself. "I didn't do it!" He yells.

But his grip was far too tight for a boy of ten to get free. "Oh? And I suppose my own eyes didn't witness what they did boy?"

"Guard!" Another voice calls out. Not too far way, a young boy hails the man.

He stops and turns, quarry still in hand and still pulling against him.

The voice is recognized with the face. "Young Master Nessu, good morning!"

"Good morning to you, sir." He replied.

Born of nobility, Merrin Nessu was the only son to Ravenhursts prominent Lord: Quinton Nessu. He stood confident and clothed quite differently from the rags the boy who dangled from a meaty hand of the guard. The two were both roughly the same age.

"What can I do for you?" The guard asked.

"You could unhand my cousin, kind sir!" He smiled gently.

The guard twisted the boy to face Merrin. "This is kin to you?" He asked.

"Yes, on my father's side, a brother of his he doesn't speak of often nor kindy about my uncle, but nonetheless.....family that he loves, this is his son."

"I don't know." The guards face turns from wonder to doubt. "I caught him stealing."

"An apple to eat?" The boy replies, looking at the fruit in the guards other hand. "Perhaps I can pay? If you would allow me to have my father handle the situation without the publicity, I assure you he will be properly punished. The Nassu's will remember your name and your understanding, kind sir."

The guard thinks a moment then turns to the dirty face before him. "I'll not show kindness again to ya. You understand me, boy?"

Wide-eyed, he nods. "Yes, sir!"

"I've better things ta do then babysit a welp." With a slight push , he released the kid toward Merrin. "I'll check in with Lord Nessu about this." He says in parting.

They both watched him walk away, and finally, the boy turned to Merrin. "Why'd ya do that?" He asked.

"I dunno? Felt good, I suppose. After all, it's not like you were stealing coin. You were just hungry."

"Seems to me you'll get tanned when your pop finds out." The boy says.

Merrin shruggs. "Dads always telling me to help others, and if I beat the guard to him and explain...I won't get in too much trouble, besides my dad has never laid a hand on me." He smiled.

"Well, look." He says nervously."I...I gotta go!" He begins to walk off. "Thanks!"

Merrin watches him walk away. "Hey!.....whats your name?"

He stops at the corner of a building, turns to look at Merrin, and says with a grin. "It's not worth remembering." Then disappears around the corner.

Over the years, Merrin continued to grow, he studied text and became an excellent swordsman under his father's direction.

Kind-hearted and well known he was well on his way to take over for his father's topography shop. The most accurate maps in all of Romeda bore the name Nassu.

He enjoyed the adventures with his father. He attended all of the trips to map out new locations, and the occasion scuffle with bandits or wildlife brought his blade out more than once. He became an accomplished hunter.

The times he was in the city were equally enjoyed. He also had a rambunctious side, one that encroached the razors edge of the law. This is where he spent with his friend, the one he saved all those years ago.

They became best of friends and at that, mostly a secret because the latter most certainly did not mind crossing the line with the law. So as not to muddy the Nassu mame, this freindship had stayed secret.

Of course, his parents knew. Lord Nessu had on multiple occasions told Merrin this friendship would cost him dearly, but he continued to bail the both of them out. Merrins kindness had been inherited from his father, and a part of Quinton Merrow knew it was all in boyhood fun.

Now, they were men, and consequences ran by the law. Their friendship became strained as Merrins friend had been caught on several occasions. He'd escaped somehow... everytime.

"Look, Merrin.... I have to leave this time. I've bit off more than I can chew... I can't put the Nessu family thru any more." He said with grateful smile. "I'm heading to Mirkwood, and I'm hopping on the Rancid fortune. Tell your Quentin and Delilah, thank you, and I'm sorry for everything."

"When will you be back?" Merrin said, hugging his dearest friend.

"I don't know that I will." He said. "But if I do... it's going to be in style!"

Merrin watches his friend leave, sadness in his heart....and goes on with his life.

Months later, he received a missive:

Merrin,

I've joined the Sailors life my friend. I'm a deck hand on the Black Pegasus. I've figured life out....I have a plan, and I want you to be part of it.

*Merrin smiles, he shakes his head, knowing somehow this isn't just talk, but the tenacity of someone he's watched for quite some time.*

He continues: Come to Mirkwood, if you don't find me at the Sober Dwarf, see Mr. Zeb Tamarack....yes the man of the trade company. He's very versed in Nobility standards...right up your families alley....to be honest, he's one of the richest, most giving person I've ever met. Why the Prince hasn't made him a noble is stupid on all accounts.

Anyway, I've got you a standing offer on the Eastland.....please come! If you do this, I guarantee you'll be a captain of your own ship one day......I promise it!

Deck hands? How will I become a captain?...but he knows his friends tenacity, and he smiles. "Captain Nessu!"

Glancing back at the letter.

Signed: U.M.