Writing Character Backstory
This is my back story for a one character in ESO that I play exclusively with a friend. True RPG style! Late, I will post the backstory for my friend's character. Let me know if you like it!
Tjikko
“Why do you make blood flow for that Dunmer scum?”
The cellar was one of her favorite places to work this time of year. The matron would send her down twice a month to dust and turn every bottle of wine the Lord had in his extensive stock. It was a quiet refuge and a cool escape from the summer heat. Tjikko loved the solitude.
It was too early for the Matron to let her out when she heard the noise at the door. It only took a second for her to realize someone was picking the lock. Tjikko hid and calmed her breathing. She could see the main part of the room and the stairs through the shelves of the wine rack.
The door closed and was re-locked. Heavy footsteps came down the stairs. A young man, Dunmer, carried an older version of himself into the cellar. The older man hung limply, obviously injured somehow. He groaned as he was carefully placed on the floor behind another swine rack. Tjikko could no longer see the men, but she could hear.
“I’m sorry father, I was not prepared. You didn’t tell me what to expect.” The younger man was weeping as he spoke. “You didn’t tell me everything, I wasn’t ready.”
“Not… your… fault son.” The older man’s speech was labored and halting. “Your mother… wanted… me to wait. I guess part of me didn’t want this for you too.”
“What do we do now?”
“You run.”
“No, I won’t leave you.”
“I failed… and the guild… will ensure a price… is paid. You must… go get your mother… to a safe place.” The man was pleading. “They… will take her life to… to pay for my failure. Take my ring to her. She… will know… what it means. Now… go before…” A gasp of air escaped his throat and no more words were spoken.
The cellar air filled with the sound of heavy boots and large swords breaking open the door. Tjikko moved silently to a position where she could see the two men. The son took a blade from his father’s belt and headed for the stairs.
Without hesitation, Tjikko stepped into the open. “Stop.”
The man turned swiftly taking a defensive stance. His face was set, only pain and anger showed. The weeping son who carried his dying father down the stairs was gone. He had become someone else, something else. Once he saw she was just a slave he ignored her and turned to face his fate.
“Don’t!” She moved to the foot of the stairs and blocked his path. “Your father gave you a responsibility. Are you going to die in an insane attempt for revenge or save your mother as he charged you?” She stood firm. Her life was not much, if they broke through and found her with him, they would kill her too.
Tjikko had no memories of her family. The only life she knew was that of a slave. She had never left the manor, never met another Bosmer like herself, and never knew to love of a father or mother. When she was little, the slaves in the stables took a liking to her and would teach her how to sneak around, pick a lock, and the use of a small knife for defense. When she came of age, she learned how to flirt with the hunters who used the horses. Nothing ever went too far, but it was enough to get them to teach her how to use a bow and fight with a weapon in each hand. At one time she had entertained the idea of escape. But as time passed, she realized there was nowhere for her to go. No family, no people, and no knowledge of the world outside of the Manor. She didn’t really care if she lived or died. But if she was going to die it would be on her terms. The plan of course was to live. She would convince the guards that she was alone and they would look elsewhere. Then she could help the young man sneak out and be on his way to protect his mother. He did have a family, and she could tell that he loved his family and was loved.
Tjikko did not let her eyes fall from his.
