World Map

Elwynn Origins: I'll make a Paladin out of you

"I know this may be a hard choice- wait what?"

"I accept, Sir Jayder!"

"Uh- wait, that easily young Steelsworn? I mean.. you don't want to think this over? I mean, I did say this could change your life forever-"

"I ACCEPT!" Bodo's eyes were blazing with anticipation.

Sir Jayder chuckled with the same excitement. "Alright young one." He handed the young man a new outfit from seemingly out of nowhere. A blue button up tunic that's sleeves ran down to fit his biceps. A pair of trousers with big pockets and a comfy fit- as well as a worn, but still well taken care of pair of black boots. It was all a perfect fit somehow. "Wear this, Squire SteelSworn!"

"Despite being such a place of holiness, the months that would follow we're utter hell. A fun hell albeit."

Bodo ended up recieving his very own quarters in the Abbey, near Jayder's. The tour was concluded, but before staying the night- the new squire was eager to return home and tell his family the news.

"Thank you very much, once again, Sir Jayder.. for everything." Those words must've struck a memory inside the Paladin's heart, as he looked down from his steed, smiling warmly at the boy.

"I'll see you in the morn'. Young Squire." The Knight's word's lingered in the air, like the falling petals. With that, he took his leave and rode off. A sweet grin crept upon Bodo's lips, as the squire turned to open the door of his family's cottage. "Mother! Father! I'm home!" A warm and calm amber light filled the open room, as scents of vegetables and beef were stewing from the kitchen. His shoulders relaxed, and grip loosened on his belongings. Bodo was home.

"I was worried sick about you!" A screech from the kitchen sounded. There goes the relaxing ambience.. "Bodo! Where have you been?!" A gruff voice roared from the bedroom. Bodo's mother and father had stormed out so fast, it was almost as if they Blinked in front of him. Bodo's mother, a woman around her late 40's, with a well-fed motherly body and hazel flowing hair and a kind face to match. Whilst his father, a more elderly looking man- though muscular, had graying hair and stubble that he so desperately tried to keep well shaven but is terrible at doing so. "I told you I was set out to meet Sir Jayder today!" stammered Bodo. "Sir Gay door?" his father cupped a hand around his ear. "Whose tha-" "No! Sir Jayder! The Paladin who saved me the other day!" "Oh yes! That fine fellow! Oh dear, I was thinking those bandits got to you again Bo-bo.." his mother was rubbing his cheek. "I'm sorry to have brought such worry to you both." Trying to calm them, he put his hand on his mother's, and the other on his father's. "But I have good news!" His eyes beamed up. "Sir Jayder has taken me to be his Squire!"

As soon as those words left his lips and entered their ears, their eyes were gaping open in surprise. "WHAAAT? YOUUUUU?!" They leaned in so far it was as if the family was a 90 degree angle. "Why does everyone keep saying that.. " Bodo muttered. "I mean.. Of course! Yes he did! What a miracle right?!" The old couple was in shock. "Bodo.. I-" They said in unison. "What is it? Are you both excited as I am?!" The two glanced at each other before looking at Bodo. "Sweetie.." His mother spoke. "That seems so kind of Sir Jayder to do, but are you sure-" "You might get killed!" His father intervened. "I WAS TRYING TO PUT IT LIGHTLY!.. But.. I agree. Your father is.. right. Kind of, there's just a lot of warcraft in this world- and are you so sure that you want to do this?" Mother gripped Bodo's hand. Father intervened once more. "Ever since we lost the estate.. we just thought that maybe we should live a peaceful and quiet life. Settle down.. Thought it be safest to raise a boy like yourself, my son." Bodo hung his head dejectedly. "Should I not then?.."

The family stood, holding hands in silence- staring at nothing but the floor, but their grip constantly tightening on one another's hands. Would I have to just go back to Jayder, and tell him I have to give up my dreams? For what? To stay safe? "I'm sorry.." Bodo finally spoke. "But I cannot do that." His gaze rose up to meet theirs. His bronze eyes glistening from the fire of the candles that surrounded them. The couple were staring at their son, in bewilderment- never seeing their little boy do something like this. "This is my dream.. To be more than just a Paladin or knight, but to be a hero." He stood up, shoulders back and with his head tall he continued. "To not just bring justice to the people who've wronged us, but to the world. To not just fight recklessly, but with a purpose.. to not just protect my ideals and beliefs.. but to protect.." He suddenly opened his arms to embrace and bring forth his family. "To protect you.."

Tears trickled down their faces, but none of their eyes met.

His father wrapped an arm around his son, his young man. "I.. always deep down.. hoped you would one day say that.. I always knew you would."

His mother did the same, while sniffling from her tears. "You've already got the heart of a hero Bo-Bo.." she said sweetly, making a smile that was both formed of pride.

"I won't let you down."

The old couple finally looked at each other, then to their son- who now seemed much older- much more mature, and grinned.

"Let's have some dinner! All this cry baby stuff is workin' an appetite!" Father said, wiping his face" "BY THE LIGHT THE STEW!" Mother quickly scurried to the kitchen, as Bodo laughed running after her to help. Laughter and joyful conversation filled the household throughout the night, 'till sleep finally overlapped it, and calmly joined them.

"I won't let you down."