Many years ago when Lady Estela and Lord William had newly opened their Inn, a band of adventuring mercenaries passed through the region and stopped by the Inn for a night’s rest and a hearty repast. One of the adventurers carried with him a small bundle that he carefully watched. When the opportunity arose for this bold and brave fighter to approach Lady Estela while she worked alone in the kitchen, he made his way to her side and whispered into her ear. “My good Lady I have a boon to ask of thee. I realize that you are already burdened with the running of this good inn, but I am sorely in need of your aid. I have been carrying my small daughter with me since I began this journey several days ago. Cristiana is her name, the same as her mother. Her mother died while giving birth and I have no one to entrust her to until my return from the campaigns. I have learned to my dismay that the highroads are no fit place for an infant and I am truly concerned for her welfare. It may be a goodly length of time before I am able to return to my homeland but I would ask that you give a care for my child while I am gone.”

With that this burly fighter opened his bundle to reveal a tiny blonde blue eyed baby girl who smiled up at Lady Estela.. Of course Lady Estela took one look at this precious child and immediately took her from her father’s arms and carried her off to her private rooms to bathe and care for her. The next morning the mercenaries were gone. In the room where they had slept there was a small carved wooden box wrapped in leather and tied with string. The name Cristiana was clearly carved in the lid. Inside were treasures to repay Lady Estela for her kindness and an assortment of small jewels and beads and sewing implements that Cristiana grew more proficient with as she grew.

For many months after this time, the little blonde child could be found playing quietly in the kitchen,of the Inn while Lady Estela tended to her guests. As she grew older, Cristiana took on many of the duties of Lady Estela and Lord William.

As a small child, Cristiana would tuck herself into small corners with her sewing and beading, to hide and listen intently to the stories the travelers to the inn would tell as they enjoyed a meal and a fine brew. Fascinated by the tales she heard, Cristiana vowed that as soon as she was old enough she would venture out into the world to seek adventures of her own. All the while she worked at the inn, Cristiana made it her priority to make friends with the guests who stopped there and learn about their homelands and the places they were going to visit.

One day as a group of traveling bards were preparing to embark on their journey once again after a brief stay at the inn, Cristiana quickly wrapped a few possessions into a sack and followed the troup as they made their way down the road away from the inn. After several miles she revealed her presence to the minstrels and asked that they take her along with them on their journey.

And so began a life of travel for Cristiana. She spent many years on the road seeking adventure and making friends along the way. Some say she has been seeking the father that she never knew, others say that she is just a wandering spirit seeking fulfillment. Whatever is the reason, Cristiana has made a vast network of connections across the known world, and although she still calls the inn home, and returns as often as she can, she may yet be found on the highroads traveling from village to village and realm to realm, visiting friends in distant places, and making new ones in her never ending pursuit of adventure.

Award Scrolls