A Ranger's Repentance
by Tygen of Yuirwood, Lorist of Mielikki
A strong young ranger riding high,
A peer to many brothers nigh,
Nae any knew what would await
This ranger in a twist of fate.
Once was caught in tragic flaw,
Transgression of the Maiden's law,
While fighting giants, ranger failed
Butchering them once they fell.
The Forest Arm discovered thence,
And called the ranger's audience.
The fallen ranger did confess
Thru ignorance did he transgress.
The Maiden's Code he had betrayed,
That ranger naught should disobey,
To skin a sentient form forbade,
Now came a price, young ranger paid.
The Lord of Beasts heard of this sin
And chanced he would the ranger win,
His visage came, upon the place
Where Forest Arm and ranger spake.
As Forest Arm and Beastlord faced
An ultimatum there was placed,
Be hunted, or dishonored be,
The fallen ranger's life chose she.
For his transgress, the ranger faced
The Beastlord, who dealt him disgrace,
A claw-shaped scar upon his skin,
For all the Realm to see his sin.
He felt the scorn of brethren dear,
As many did not want him near.
He was a traitor to their name,
The marked ranger felt their shame.
The Beast and minions tried their might
To turn the ranger from the light,
To join the Huntsmen's ranks they pled,
'Twas all that he deserved, they said.
Still good in heart, he did resist
The Beast's temptations to desist.
True to task, in spite of shame,
The marked ranger did remain.
With Forest Arms and Needles he
Sought his atonement for his deed,
From the beginning did he start,
Relearned the Code within his heart.
For five long summers he did wait
For Maiden's hand upon his fate.
Trials withstood he, and pressed on
'Til Maiden's word would say 'tis done.
Tho' still he felt some brothers' shun,
It swayed the marked ranger none.
So on and forth he did proceed,
Gave aid to those, who were in need.
When all was said, and duties done,
The Maiden blessed the marked one.
Into the fold, was welcomed home,
no longer fallen, nor alone.
Upon his face, the scar remains,
Reminding of the trial and pain.
No more for shame, 'tis testament,
Of victory o'er Beast Lord's taint
Young ranger riding tall once more,
Mayhap taller than before,
With newfound honor to his name,
No longer grief, no longer shame