Dendrelfin

The elves were the first of the races in Runa. In the year 2121 of the First Age it is said that Vega himself, lord and creator of the elven race, found him wandering in the wild. Vega led him deep into Dendrel Forest, and they spoke for a long time. He gave him the name Elthiol, and told him he would one day be the father of all the elves of Runa. Vega instructed him in all the ways of Runa, but especially in all the ways of the forest. He spoke of the rivers and the trees, and of the power and comfort he could find in them. He spent many years at his side, ensuring to impart as much knowledge on Elthiol as he could. As soon as he had told all he would, Vega departed, and was last seen striding into the western sunset. 

After his going, the elven king long wandered in the forest alone. He embraced nature and learned much from the birds and the animals. It was even said that he spoke with them on occasion. When Elthiol had learned for himself all he could from the forest, he went in search of others who he could lead with his wisdom. Coming to the banks of the Iron River, which flowed from the north and into the center of Dendrel Forest, he knelt to drink. As he lowered his eyes, they met those of another on the opposite bank. Long, they gazed into each other’s eyes, both enamored by the other. At long last Elthiol rose and began to wade towards her through the stream. He was not yet halfway across before she rose and began to run. Long he chased her ere he caught her in the deep north of Dendrel. At last, seeing that he meant her no harm she came to him and for the first time spoke. She told him she was Aerian, and she was named and led into the forest by a great lord of the trees. This filled Elthiol with much wonder, and he realized that she could only be speaking of Vega. Elthiol sat with her and they spoke for many hours of the forest and the trees. 

Before long they were joined together as husband and wife, and to this day are still known as the father and mother of all of the elves in Runa. They set forth, scouring every last edge of the forest, until they had gathered all of the elven folk to them in the north. Together, they built the mighty city of Dendrelfin, which was built upon the very tops of the highest trees. It was raised in the north of the forest, in the exact place where Elthiol and Aerian had first met. Their city grew and became rich in trade and grew fairer as the long years progressed. The elves of Dendrelfin were most renowned for their knowledge, and they were great teachers and counselors in times of need. They seldom left the woods, unless in great need or duress. 

Dendrelfin is located in the northwest of Dendrel Forest with the Iron River to the east, and the Northern Pass to the west. Green and full of life, it never saw winter, and remained in an everlasting spring. The rushing rivers broke off into quieter streams that coursed throughout the forest as veins, bringing life to every corner. Animals were free to roam, and it remained feared to most that were not of elven race. This fear came not from the elves actions, but in the form of awe and amazement. Although the elves of Dendrelfin were not aggressive, they were found to be more mysterious than all other elves. The forest was thick and borderless. There were some small worn paths where many elves had tread over the years, but the quickest way was through the trees. 

The Kingdom of Delborish

Established by Toros the Bear in the year 1526 of the Third Age, the Kingdom of Delborish has long stood as a symbol of strength to all of Runa. It is said that Toros the Bear was the first of the race of men to come into the northwest of Runa. There he was espied by Arktouros, the creator of men, who had long waited for them to come into being. When Arktouros came upon him, he was found to be wrestling an enormous bear in a small dell full of Delborish Oaks. As Arktouros watched Toros fighting, he was enamored by his strength and resilience.  

Toros, after many hours in battle, slayed the beast with a limb torn from the largest of the Delborish Oak trees. He then picked up and carried the massive beast to the very center of the dell, and it was there that the stones were first set for the foundations of his castle. From that point on, a bear became the symbol and surname of all the lords of Delborish. He was named Toros the Bear, but later his house became known as the House of the Bear. In the ensuing years, the surname of Beran was adopted, and used. It is said however that they would always be the House of the Bear, and there would always be a Beran on the thrown in Delborish. 

Toros was tall and strong, and his features rough and menacing. He wore the symbol of the bear claw on his right breast and he was known throughout the land as mighty. He set about to gather to him all the other families who were also wandering in the wild. Once he had found all he could, and gathered them together, they began to build a castle and in turn a small village which surrounded it. After the castle was built, Toros also sailed to Kingsdell, an island just off the western coast of his kingdom. There they set up a small store of food and arms, as a safe haven in case trouble were to arise. It became more of a second home to the royal family, a quiet and wild island reminding them of the years before.  

The castle itself was not far from the sea, on the western coast of Runa. It was said you could hear it clearly from the tower of the keep. Toros ruled as king, and many other houses fell in under his command. Some of those would come to include the House of the Falcon, whom are mighty scouts and woodsmen. Also, the House of the Stallion, who are master trainers and very learned in animal husbandry. They heads of these houses were wise and strong, and they served Delborish no matter the cost. 

Even though the Elves and Iads had been in Runa for many thousands of years before men, they did not reveal themselves. For a very long time men kept to themselves, and their Kingdom began to grow rapidly. The Dwarves were the first to notice the might of men, and quickly offered their masonry and stonework talents. It was the Dwarves who brought mighty stones down from the Tungol Mountains and help build the great castle. In turn, the men of Delborish fought beside them and helped to protect them during their travels in the north. After seeing the strength of men and their ability to work with those different than them, interest moved quickly throughout Runa, and the Elves and Iads soon after offered themselves as allies and trade partners. 

The Kingdom of Delborish is located in the very northwest corner of Runa. It runs from the sea east to the Ebony Woods and south along the Toros River until it meets Dendrel Forest. It has mild seasons, and the majority of the year is spent in spring. There can be harsh winters depending on the winds that come out of the mountains from the east. There are rolling hills and streams, and many trees cover the landscape. Its mild climate allows for dense forests and lush vegetation. Much of the northern part of the kingdom is open fields with rich soil, allowing for farming. 

Blog Blog Blog

This has been an absolutely crazy autumn. About the only thing that I have not had time to do is actually enjoy said autumn. But, don’t worry. I still love you and haven’t been able to stop thinking about all of you. It has just been busy with a move and the wildness of life. School! I am almost done! It seems like it has been going on forever, but in the spring I will finally graduate and possibly even get some free time.

Just think of it, more time equals more writing time. I am slowly but surely putting the finishing touches on Pearls of Solus. It is beginning to take a final shape, and I have to say that I enjoy where I am going with it. I hope you will too. Also, I am finalizing Super Dad Man, and hope to have it out by December 1st. If not, then it will definitely be out by Christmas.

So, just to recap. We have carved pumpkins and went trick or treating. Successfully passed midterms and are going full force into the holiday season. Just think. Soon we will have Christmas music playing on every single radio station. Children will be running and screaming because they don’t want to sit on Santa’s lap. Oh, the bliss of the season. Don’t forget about the holidays. I know that things can get hectic and crazy, but don’t forget about the little things. Take you kids to see the Christmas lights, or sing some carols. You are never too old to be a child.

Just to prove it, I am thirty years old, and I have every intention of losing myself completely in Assassin’s Creed Origins for probably the entire night soon.

I find it hard to grow up, because there is so much fun to be had while you are a child. I mean think about the possibilities. I remember playing Halo until all hours of the morning. Eating junk food and hanging out with friends. It seems crazy that it goes away. I was thinking about it yesterday and I realized that I hadn’t played video games in weeks. I made myself sit down one Saturday morning and play for like an hour. It was honestly one of the best hours that I have had in a long time.

Make sure you can get those times in your life. Don't spend your life working. Have a little bit of fun. Tell them I said it was alright. They will understand.

All The Hullabaloo

Many things have been happening lately in my life that have made me busier. Is that even possible? Yes. Sadly, it is very possible. Not all of it is necessarily negative. My home life is beginning to round out, for example. We found out recently that our newest edition to the family coming in January will be a boy. Harrison Clark, in case you were wondering. Which I knew you were. Not only that, but we found a house to move to. I don't mind a good town home, but when there are people flanking you day and night, it can get a bit annoying. So, a new baby and a new house. These are very exciting things. But what about the rest? Well, I can tell you that moving and taking care of a baby are jobs within themselves.  
 
We also have to account for my writing. I can say that with all of the hullabaloo, I haven't quite been able to write as much as I have wanted to. Super Dad man is written and ready to go, I am just waiting on my illustrations to finish it out. I feel good about it. It is a simple book for a child to read and enjoy. I cannot wait to get it out to everyone. I may be more excited about it, than I was about A Father's Guide. 
 
On that same thought, The Pearls of Solus series is going well, also. I am about 75% done with the story, which is really overestimating it, because I haven't accounted for all of the revisions and editing. There is probably a bit more left to do for a final and polished story, but from a simple story telling perspective, we are looking at around 75%. That is a good number. I feel really confidant in saying it. 
 
I also would like to thank my readers who have been getting my blog and reading it. At least I think they are actually reading it, though. I am getting "likes" so either they are reading it, or randomly liking things. I do have a monthly newsletter that I am working on getting out to everyone who is subscribing, so make sure you are checking for that. It will be here before you know it. You can follow me on Facebook and Twitter. Also, there is Goodreads. 
 
Speaking of Goodreads, I thought I would take some time to talk about the books that I have been reading lately. I feel like for a writer, reading is also a very important part of their lives too. I recently finished up the Harry Potter series, which leaves a dent that is hart to fill in the world of literature. I started the Lord of the Rings series now, and hopefully I can get through it just as easily. I love series, I just hate when they end. I am starting old school, though. All the way back at the Silmarillion. If you are lost, it is the story of the beginnings of Middle Earth, and how everything was created and came into being. It is lore-heavy and can get confusing, but nevertheless is an amazing read. 
 
I am also currently reading Bridge of Spies, by Giles Whittell. I love this because I love history. I am a big fan of intertwining storylines and the surprises that they bring. There are many in this story and it is a great read if you are looking for a historical thriller of sorts. 
 
Make sure you take the time to enjoy your life no matter how hectic it has become. 
 

Stephan J. Hahn

He/She Who Has Not Been Named Yet

I want to take a moment away from being an author today and talk about being a father. I am a father of three: Samuel, Brooklyn, and one the way. I would tell you his/her name, but we find out Friday. If your family is anything like my family, then information passes across the universe at light speed. So, you can understand why we haven’t openly publicized our possible baby names. Nevertheless, our children sound funny trying to say the names we have picked out, which is a necessary requirement we want in a name.

My children have pushed me to be a writer. I wanted to write before I had children, but when it comes down to it, I didn’t self-publish anything until they came along. A Father’s Guide is about them and the craziness in raising children. So, I blame them for that.

Now that I have yet another one on the way, I feel I have another reason to write and make sure I can make life all that it is. Your children count on you for everything. I miss my children when I am at work. Even though I know that I will see them when I get home, I still miss them. I suppose that is why I bring Sam with me to work when I can. They drive me absolutely up a wall, but I don’t know what I would do without them.

It makes sense that they would be my reason for getting back into writing. I mean all of the late nights and early mornings with them. It feels like I would be spending that time sleeping or doing other things. Just like my children’s book I am writing, Super Dad Man. I want my son to be able to read and enjoy a book, so I wrote one for him.

They also give me a fresh perspective. They allow you to write with emotion and to really learn to care about certain characters. The Pearls of Solus Series I am writing center around younger main characters, which are still new to adulthood. They are finding their way in a world they are not ready for. They are finding out who they are and what they are capable of accomplishing.

This is the ultimate goal for any child.

I am so proud and excited to be a father, and I can’t wait for January when my new baby is born. Two children have turned my world upside down; I can only imagine what three are going to do to me. All I can say is that I hope the one thing they do wind up doing is making me a better father and husband.

In what ways have your children influenced your passions and lives?

Stephan J. Hahn