Legacy (Milo's New Journal)

((WIP))

This book I write for my child, soon to be born. There may be more books to follow it, just as there may one day be more children to share these tomes with. Don't feel excluded, my children. I only address these words to my firstborn for simplicity but I know I will care equally for you all.

Consider these my words of wisdom; experience I have collected over a few decades ahead of you that you might put to use yourself one day and appreciate. For if you don't learn from the mistakes of others, you will have to endure making those mistakes yourself. I hope this saves you the trouble.

Your mother and I met for the first time only a year before your birth. At that time we were living around the elven port of Woodhearth. I was employed as a merchant for the Broken Bottle merchants, an offshoot from the Sugar Claws Clan, and your mother was an associate of the Sugar Claws who had just returned from a task in Morrowind.

For me, it was love at first sight.

Your mother and I quickly fell in love with each other, despite the uncertainty of the world around us. Indeed, there were nearly constant threats against us and our allies which brought us closer together for mutual support and strength. Never forget to look for the silver lining in the storm clouds, my child.

I brought those merchants who would follow me into the service of the Sugar Claw Clan, and they in turn provided us protection and new markets. We took ship and then moved by caravan to our new home in S'ren-ja, where we still live as of this writing. The Sugar Claw Clan became prosperous but not without difficulty along the way. Many even said there was some kind of curse upon us, for they could think of no other explanation for so much hardship. I believe the truth is simpler.

Wherever you go in life, you are not alone. The influences of the three factions spreads far and wide, as do the people. Your actions will affect them, just as their actions will affect your life. Consider your course carefully, then. One choice may benefit you but harm others. I know that you will learn to strike the right balance.

The Sugar Claws as a group deal with the same issue. We do not exist separate and apart. Some of the choices of leadership, intended to help its members, angered outside forces and brought their wrath. That is the reason for our hardships. Now the Sugar Claws have a wise leader, the Clan Mother Arisel, whom I believe has the foresight to choose a path of lesser conflict for us.

Her leadership is good, but not always enough for such a large Clan. I am taking more responsibility now to help the Clan and guide them properly in the ways I know best; business and supply. I feel bound to them as if we were family, and grateful to be part of their community. I have many good friends here; I would be a poor friend in turn if I tended only to my own problems.

Fredas, the 4th of Midyear. Today you were born, my firstborn. We named you Lieanna, after my own mother, your grandmother.

I cannot express in mere words the joy I feel at your safe arrival. You were so tiny and fragile and yet so beautiful to your mother and I. The delivery was easier than most; the attending healer was our dear friend Calomel and a girl, Alainia, also helped. She is a human of about 15 and sister to our Imperial friend John Wolf, whom I hope you know well already.

You were born healthy and strong and surrounded by much love. Your mother wanted to hold you right away, and eventually got her wish. Then I held you for the first time. I was terrified and overjoyed, all at once. One day when you have your own children you may understand what she and I felt.

I wandered the village, stopping any person I was vaguely familiar with to share my happiness. I'm sure they were very amused, but it didn't bother me. I am a father. It's still hard to believe. It is a larger responsibility than I have ever felt. I hope I have raised you well, Lieanna.

Towards the end of the day I visited with my friends Sylvaswift and Sumar near S'ren-ja. They also congratulated me and your mother and gave us many well-wishes. Sumar was not feeling well because of an accident he was reluctant to elaborate on, but I'm sure he will get better soon. Sylva is endeavoring to start his new enterprise, and your mother and I are going to be part of it. Lucrezia wants to keep her skills sharp and while I share that goal, I mostly wish to provide for you and your siblings.