Zayn Noname

"Zayn... one day, when you get the chance... just go. Don't come back for me. Don't keep looking for me." The words seemingly came out of nowhere, completely unexpected for the young Zayn, who was prodding the little campfire he finally managed to get going. "Mum? Why do you say that?" "Listen to me carefully. You must be your own man. You must survive and thrive, for both our sakes. Do you hear me?" She looked at him, unblinking, waiting. "Yes mum... but..." "No buts. I have taught you everything I know. Which is regrettably little, I will be the first to admit that. But what did I always tell you? Well?" "Be kind. Be polite. Listen well, don't stand out. Follow your gut." "Yes. And?" Zayn sighed. "I want to hear you say it." "Do the right thing." "That's my boy." "But how will I know? How will I know what is the right thing to do?" At that Zayn's mother shrugged and kindly caressed her son's green cheek. "Only you will know."

The dream of a distant memory fades into the back of Zayn's mind as he wakes up. He is far away from that day, that place, that person. But her words still ring true to this day, even though he doesn't understand half of them. Careful not to wake his new companions he unfolds the small wood carving from a piece of cloth and eyes it in the small bundle of moonlight that falls through the curtains. He has been aimless for a while now. Even with the events of the caravan, his lost memory, the mutilation... it feels hollow to him. Unremarkable almost. He tries to force his mind to give it importance, to make it seem worthwhile. But if he is completely honest, he ponders almost everyday if he should just leave. The only reason he hasn't is he does not know where to go to.

To the temple where his clumsy but honest attempts at prayer or meditation go unheard or unanswered? To the mercenaries? It did not work out that well last time. And besides... It doesn't feel right. Sure, it pays for a bed and meal, but other than that it is not fulfilling. Back to the Arena then? With enough training he would be a force to reckon with. Money would come easily enough. But that option feels almost as hollow as wandering aimlessly. Should he mayble just retreat into nature? The animals are mostly good to him and he has always thrived in solitude. But is that really the answer? How is he supposed to do the 'right thing' if he is alone all his life? His mother wanted more for him, that much was clear to him. And he was not going to find his destiny by himself living in a cave like a hermit.

Zayn sighs and eyes his sleeping companions. He finds them strange, yet comfortingly familiar. When they rescued him, he felt instantly comfortable telling them his mission for the gem, even though they could have easily killed him right there and then and taken the gem. His mother taught him many things, but being trusting so easily was not one of them. So what is it that is so appealing to them?

Odrik's leadership, though funny, seems genuine, authentic even. Zayn doubts whether Odrik has ever lead any regiment or even a small squad. But Zayn would be curious enough to follow him anyway. Boldrek seems the silent type, but has a wicked sense of humor. His goals or reasons are a complete mystery to Zayn, but the dwarf's honesty, kindness and twinkling eyes are endearing. And Izzy... by the gods... Izzy. Or 'Troubles', as Odrik likes to call her. A nickname well earned. Zayn would be in the right to be angry at her. Or at the very least indignant for endangering his life so many times already. But she only makes him smile and have faith in the future. Even though she can't have a long one... with the way she has been behaving lately.

It suddenly dawns on him. What makes this trio different from anyone else is how they treat him. Some would say rudely, poorly, teasingly and maybe even hurtful. But it FEELS like he is beeing treated as an equal. They don't see the poor excuse for a human, nor the nauseating green of his orkish skin. They just see Zayn. They never even asked his last name. Not because they don't care (they probably don't anyway), but because they don't feel they need to. They value him for being there. Even though it has been for a short time. How long is it? A few days? Weeks? It feels like months, and THAT is exactly the point.

Zayn lies his head back down on his pillow, the wooden carving in his hands. He suddenly feels more content now. He still has no idea of his place in this world, or the destiny that awaits him. But somehow he feels that these three unique individuals are a good place to start finding out. It is decided then. For now, he will stick with them. See what they are up to. Maybe that is what his mother meant with 'do the right thing'. She meant: "do the right thing that feels right to you."

Signed

Zayn has been showing the sign painted in blood that he found at his destroyed village to just about anyone and eventually he also showed it to Twitch. She is the first person to recognize it. She tells the warlock that it's a personal sign that a former colleague from her Kill Company days used to leave behind wherever they went. When asked what it means, all the she can say is that it was sort of a 'fuck you' to the Ott, just the weird sense of humor that the guy had.

The man's name is Guck Molden, though in their company he was usually referred to by his nickname; Geist. According to Twitch he was a real piece of work and deadly with a dagger. He was quite young when she knew him so he might still be in the Ott.

Family in Midtal

While in Midtal, Zayn catches a glimpse of someone who is a striking resemblance of his mother. It turns out she is his aunt. Her name is Muriël Kiefernholz, maiden name: Wellington. She works in the administrative office of the Ott empire as an entry-level clerk at Tallsite Citadel. Her husband is Johann Kiefernholz, a local merchant who's currently away on a business trip.

Zayn and Muriël go and have a drink to get better acquainted. Zayn asks her many questions regarding his mother and this is what he finds out:

Her full name is Meghan Zylia Wellington. This means his name is Zayn Wellington. It is a rather human name for a half-orc. Zayn is doubtful about whether he will actually assume that surname. He does not know anything about the family and wouldn't know if he can live up to it. Also, he got used to being Zayne Noname. Time will tell if he'll assume the Wellington name.

Zayn asks why Meghan would choose to keep her surname a secret, even from Zayn. Muriël can't really think of any specific reason. Perhaps Meghan wanted to avoid creating a hostage situation, as the Wellingtons have some money. However, the orc settlement was many miles away and orcs are not known to do take hostages and demand things. So who knows what the real reason was.

"If Meghan is still alive, where would she go?" asks Zayn. "Probably to Zâram-Tûm", Muriël answers, "Meghan had a job and house there. Or perhaps she would come to me, here in Midtal. Least likely she might visit Avale in Dolac, where the Wellingtons are originally from. But we don't know anybody there, our parents... your grandparents I suppose, died years ago. The thing is... the attack on that horrid settlement has now been months ago, right?" Zayn nods. "Well... she hasn't send me any letters. And wherever she would go, that she would most certainly do. I... I hope..." she trails off.

Zayn quickly fills the silence with a new question, mainly because he doesn't want to ponder the lack of letters either. "What did my mum's life in Zâram-Tûm look like? What was her job? Was she in a relationship with someone?" "Meghan worked for the Companions of Elric. She was really passionate about that. She was a fantastic seamstress, so helped the Companions in making or repairing clothes for the poor and needy." For Zayn this makes complete sense. It fits with his upbringing, and even his urge to protect the weak. It instantly makes him proud of his mother. "I don't think she was in a relationship with anyone, or at least she didn't write about that in her letters."

"Do you have anything from Meghan? Personal belongings, a room she lived in, something like that? I only have this..." and Zayn shows the wooden carving. "Not much," Muriël admids, "I might have a necklace, maybe an old coat she forgot. I do have an old portret of me and her as children. And I kept some of the letters she sent, but those are ancient now." "I would like to see those very much," Zayn says gratefully. "Ofcourse," Muriël replies.

"When the letters stopped... Did you ever try to look for her?" Zayn asks. "Well, I tried. I sent letters to the local authorities in Zâram-Tûm with the request to see if she's still there and ok. But I never received a reply. I quess those bureaucrats were too busy. Or my requests never arrived. I considered going myself, but Johann pointed out that a trip like that is not only dangerous and lenghty, but also expensive. I am no adventurer, I have no particular skills to help me on the way. So I would have to hire guards. And I would be away for weeks. As much as I love my sister... I did not want to risk it.

"I understand. I can confirm the road is not exactly safe. Did you have a good relationship with my mum?"

"Oh yes, absolutely," Muriël replies, "In our youth we lived in Avale. Some years ago I met Johann and moved here to Midtal. Meghan wasn't interested in settling down. She wanted to do something meaningful in the world and traveled a lot. As you know she's a lot tougher and adventurous than I am. At some point she found the Companions of Elric and joined them. I am not sure why she chose Zâram-Tûm though. I mean, there is a branch of the Companions right here in Midtal. Maybe she did meet someone there, or she felt she was needed there the most. I don't know."

"Are there any other family members?" Muriël smiles sadly. "No dear, I'm afraid I and Meghan are all you got."