Online:Eslyn

Eslyn is the daughter of the Reachman clan Chief Eagleseer. She is a fierce girl and does not wished to be married off. However, her father has agreed to a handfasting ordered by the Chief-of-Chiefs Cannear, who wishes to end an age-old feud between the Eagleseer and Six-Ford clans by marrying Eslyn to Madearn. Eslyn is Evroch's niece.
 

Related Quests


Quest-Related Events
Vows and Oaths
Blessing the Handfast
Your search for the wayward couple leads you to a small camp directly south of the Harrowed Haunt Ritual Site. As you near the camp, you'll hear:
:Eslyn: "We have to stopping dropping things, dolt!"
:Madearn: ''"Quiet, Eslyn! Someone's coming!"

Speak to Eslyn:
:"Why are you following us, outsider? We may be young, but we're still warriors of the Reach! You won't find us to be easy prey."
:Chief-of-Chiefs Cannear wants you to come back to Hroldan Ring.
:"Aye, I'm sure she does. But I'm not going back, not while the chief-of-chiefs and my father plan to marry me off like some Imperial princess."
:You don't want to go through with the handfasting?
:"Look, I don't even know if I want to marry at all. And my father and the chief-of-chiefs parade me around the Reach, saying I'm to be wed to a sod I've never laid eyes on before. Madearn has his own reasons to shirk the handfasting. So we both ran."
:What about the feud between the Six-Ford and Eagleseers?
:"It's not fair of them to put that responsibility on our shoulders! It's a worthy idea, but why do we have to be the ones to carry it out? I won't be forced into a marriage because our people can't stop killing each other."
:I see.'''

If you haven't spoken to Maedearn yet, she'll add:
:''"This whole situation makes me so angry! I don't want to talk to you anymore, outsider."

:Why were you selected to marry Madearn? / Why did they select you to marry Madearn? / Tell me about yourself.
:"Didn't the chief-of-chiefs tell you? I'm the daughter of Chief Eagleseer. Or I was. I have half a mind to exile myself and cut all ties to my damned clan. I tell you, I won't be the barter that ends the feud. I won't!"''

Once you've spoken to both of them, they'll suggest you find a vateshran to help:
:Eslyn: "The feud is older than these crags. I doubt anyone knows its cause."
:Madearn: "A vateshran might know. They keep the history of the clans."
:Eslyn: ''"Hmm. If we learned the reason for the feud, maybe we could end it. Then we wouldn't need the damned handfasting!"
:Madearn: "A vateshran named Barth visited the Six-Ford once. My father spoke highly of him."
:Eslyn: "I know that name. He visited us, too! He has a camp in the hills southeast of here."

Speak to her:
:"Asking the vateshran about the origin of our feud, that's as good an idea as any. At least, it's better than this handfasting. I just hope he's still using the camp near here."
:Did you get to know Madearn in the handfasting cave?
:"With a father as fierce as Chief Six-Ford, I expected Madearn to be a mighty warrior. He seems nice enough, but more like a hare that some witch turned into a human. His word is his bond, though. That's something."
:Do you think the vateshran will be able to help?
:"I didn't meet him when he came to see the Eagleseers. But he's a legend, I know that. The elders were talking day and night about how the great Barth was coming to visit to learn our stories. They couldn't think of a higher honor."''

Find Vateshran Barth
Arrive at the vateshran's camp and you'll find it deserted:
:Madearn: ''"This is his camp, but where's the vateshran?"
:Eslyn: "I don't like the look of this."

:"We finally have an idea about how to end the feud without forcing either Madearn or me to get married. We can't stop now. Help us figure out where the vateshran has gotten to."

Search the camp and pick up the Flint Dagger:
:Eslyn: "That's a Thornroot clan's knife. Used for dark magic."
:Eslyn: "The Thornroot clan uses the ruins over the hill."
:Madearn: "Their witches must have taken the vateshran! We have to help him."
:Eslyn: "Without weapons, we'll just get in the way. Our friend here will need to rescue the vateshran."''

If you speak to her before heading down to the Briar Rock Ruins, she'll say:
:"I know this is a lot to ask, but the vateshran is at the mercy of the Thornroot clan. Please, enter the ruins and get him out of there. If he can tell us about the origins of the feud … well, the important thing is rescuing him."

Rescue the vateshran and return with him to the camp and you'll hear Eslyn and Madearn having a friendly chat:
:Eslyn: ''"You're lying! You stole the cowl from the chief-of-chiefs?"
:Madearn: "Bal take me if I speak untrue. She was stone-drunk! I plucked it—"
:Vateshran Barth: "A Six-Ford and an Eagleseer, yammering away like a couple of jackdaws. Now I've seen everything."
:Madearn: "Vateshran!"
:Vateshran Barth: "Calm yourself, lad. Your friend here told me what you and the lass are thinking."''

Speak to her and she'll remark:
:''"Glad to see you rescued the vateshran. You handle yourself well, for an outsider. Let's see what he has to say about how our clans started feuding."''

After hearing the vateshran's story, you ask Eslyn and Madearn if they think this knowledge will help the situation:
:Madearn: "That story. I never heard it before. The elders never talk about it."
:Eslyn: "What if we tell everyone the story? And we repair the Coil?"
:Eslyn: "Vateshran, the fragments of the Coil. What became of them?"
:Vateshran Barth: ''"The tales say they were lost at the battles of Karthspire Lea and Faolan's Ire."
:Eslyn: "I know Faolan's Ire. I'll look for a fragment there. Our friend can search Karthspire Lea."
:Madearn: "All right, Eslyn. I'll escort the vateshran back to Hroldan Ring."

Speak to her:
:"See if you can find the fragment at Karthspire Lea. I'll look at Faolan's Ire. Meet me there when you're finished. I never imagined an outsider would go out of their way for us. Part of me wonders if this is even worth all the trouble."
:You don't think we should end the feud?
:"No. I mean, yes. Of course I do! I'm adamant about not letting my father or the chief-of-chiefs marry me off. But Madearn. He's not what I imagined when I thought about the Six-Fords. He's … different."
:You like Madearn, don't you?
:"We got to talking. Madearn's got a good mind. A good heart. Look, it doesn't matter. He's already promised to someone else. And we have a feud to end, so let's get on with it."''

Faolan's Ire
Arrive at the site and you'll find Eslyn crouched on an overlook looking down on the Giants below:
:Eslyn: "Outsider? Perfect timing, I could use your help."
:Eslyn: ''"I found the fragment, but can't get to it. A giant made camp right on top of it."
: 
:Madearn: "Eslyn!"
:Eslyn: "Madearn? What are you doing here?"
:Madearn: "I had to make sure you were unharmed. I'm glad you're safe."
:Eslyn: "I ran into a bit of trouble, but I'm better now."

Speak to her:
:"I'm familiar with the old cairns in these hills. When the vateshran mentioned the coil fragment lay in Faolan's Ire, I knew it had to be here. The giant is a problem, I'll admit, but you've proved yourself quite capable. I'll wait here with Madearn."
:Are you sure the fragment is at the Giant's camp?
::"I've run these peaks and valleys since I was a lass. I knew the cairn marked some old battle, just never gave it much thought until the vateshran's story. It has to be there."
:You seem happy that Madearn's here.
::"Do I? I suppose things feel a little less lonely with him here. Why shouldn't I enjoy it? While it lasts, at least."
::What do you mean by that?
::"Nothing. Forget I said anything. We came here for a specific goal. It's time we get to it."''

Retrieve the second Lover's Coil Fragment and return to the overlook. Madearn will have left, but Eslyn awaits anxiously:
:''"Well, you made quick work of that. You already found the coil fragment at Karthspire Lea, aye? All that's left is to go to Hroldan Ring and … see the end of this."
:Where's Madearn?
:"I sent him back to Hroldan Ring so he and the vateshran could gather what they need to fix the Lover's Coil. I told him I'd wait to make sure that you got back safely. Speaking of which, can I ask why you came? How did you know I needed help?"
:Madearn asked me to come. He tried to find you first, but went to Karthspire Lea by accident.
:"I thought so. Outsider, forgive me for laying my burdens on you, but …. It's been nagging at me for a bit now. What if everything we're doing isn't worth it? What if Madearn and I just … went along with the handfasting?"
:I thought you didn't want to be married off.
:"I don't! But, maybe I could … if it were him. I know what my heart is telling me. I'm falling for Madearn. I'm a true fool for it, especially after starting this whole mess. But I know he's already pledged to another. I can't tell him how I feel."
:What do you want to do?
:"We … ought to stick to the plan. We have both fragments of the Lover's Coil. I'll take them to Hroldan Ring and get them repaired. Then we can end the feud and be done with all this. You go ahead. I'd … like a moment to myself."
:You seem conflicted.
:"I'm just … confused. My mind and my heart are telling me two different things, and I've never been sure which is the smarter of the two. I'll be fine. There's nothing to worry about."''

Hroldan Ring
Return to the gathering at the ring and Vateshran Barth will be retelling the tale of the Lover's Coil. After he's finished, Madearn and Eslyn will go to the handfasting cave at the Chief-of-Chief's behest. Speaking to the Chief-of-Chiefs, you have to decide to convince Eslyn and Madearn to go along with the handfasting or help the couple find another way. 

When you enter the cave, Eslyn will greet you:
:Eslyn: ''"You're back! What did the chief-of-chiefs say?"
:"I could see it in all of their faces. They weren't moved at all by the tale or the Lover's Coil. After everything we've done …. You spoke with the chief-of-chiefs. What did she say?"

Go through with the handfasting
:Chief-of-Chiefs Cannear says the handfasting is the only way to end the feud. I think she's right.
:"Well, the good thing is that prospect is not nearly as nauseating as it was earlier today. Getting to know Madearn helped. And I want the bloodshed between my clan and the Six-Fords to finally come to an end. But ... there's Madearn to think of."
:What do you mean?
:"I've fallen in love with him, outsider, I won't deny it. But the vow he made to Drisene ... to go through with the handfasting would mean he'd have to break his promise to her. It will hurt him badly. If I truly care about him, I can't allow that."
:Madearn told me he'd give up his vow to marry Drisene.
:"Let's get to the end of this, then. For good or ill."
:Are you ready for what comes next?
:"I ... think so. I'm just worried about Madearn. If we're to be married, I don't want there to be any guilt. Before we complete the handfasting, I just want to thank you for everything you've done. Your heart is of the Reach."''
Once you've spoken to Eslyn and Madearn, return to the circle to watch the rite:
:Chief-of-Chiefs Cannear: "Ah, here they come. Let us complete the rite."
:Chief-of-Chiefs Cannear: "Eslyn of the Eagleseer, Madearn of the Six-Ford, will you take up the vow of marriage?"
:Eslyn: "Aye."
:Chief-of-Chiefs Cannear: "And you, Madearn Six-Ford?"
:Madearn: "Aye."
:Chief-of-Chiefs Cannear: ''"Then the handfasting rite is complete! Now, we've a wedding to plan!"
:Drisene: "Madearn, what becomes of us now?"
: 
Speak to her:
:"We did it, outsider. It's funny, all that time we spent trying to thwart this plan, only to go along with it in the end. Love is a strange force, isn't it? I only hope Madearn has no regrets. I know it wasn't easy for him to go back on his word."
:Do you have any regrets?
:"Part of me feels foolish for agreeing to a marriage I fought so hard against ... but no, I don't regret it. There will be peace now, and Madearn is a good man. I just hope he will see me with love, and not as a reminder of guilt as we go forward."''

Madearn changes his mind
If you told Madearn that you can't force him to make a decision, he'll have a surprising response at the ceremony:
:Chief-of-Chiefs Cannear: "Ah, here they come. Let us complete the rite."
:Chief Eagleseer: ''"Finally. Let's get on with it already."
:Chief-of-Chiefs Cannear: "Eslyn of the Eagleseer, Madearn of the Six-Ford, will you take up the vow of marriage?"
:Madearn: "No. I can't do this. I am promised to Drisene, of Clan Six-Ford!"
:Drisene: "Madearn!"
:Chief Eagleseer: "This insult won't stand, Six-Fords! You'll see your treachery matched with our flint."
:Chief Six-Ford: "This was not my doing, Eagleseer, but if it's a fight you want, a fight you'll get."
:Chief-of-Chiefs Cannear: "This can't be happening."''

After Madearn's revelation:
:''"I was afraid what it might mean to force Madearn to give up his vow to Drisene. Despite it all … I'm glad I didn't have to."
:How do you feel about what just happened?
:"I'm sorry that we could not resolve the feud, and I'm … disappointed to leave Madearn. But what's important is that the two of us developed a friendship today. There's still hope for the future because of that. I'll make sure we don't squander it."

After completing the quest, Madearn and Eslyn will turn to each other:
:Madearn: "Eslyn, I'm sorry. I can't go back on my word."
:Eslyn: "You did the right thing, Madearn. I'm happy for you. Truly."

She will walk off and fade into the distance.

Find another way
:She told me to convince you to do the handfasting. I refused.
:"Thank you, outsider. I fear the chief-of-chief's ire, but she must understand that us getting married is not the only path to peace. The feud is daft. So much grief for nothing. Madearn and I do not need to be married to make them see that."
:Then you're ready to finish this?
:"I am. I may love Madearn, but he's pledged himself to another anyway. The handfasting can't happen. We must make our refusal clear. Madearn agrees, aye? Of course he does. Then we should move."
:What happens now?
:"My father and Chief Six-Ford are still with the chief-of-chiefs, aye? We'll need to speak with them and make our intentions known."''

If you speak to her again before leaving the cave, she'll add:
:''"It's now or never, outsider. Whatever happens next … you have my thanks. Always."''

Once you've spoken to Eslyn and Madearn, return to the circle:
:Chief-of-Chiefs Cannear: "Here it comes."
:Chief Eagleseer: "What of the handfasting?"
:Eslyn: ''"There will be no handfasting, father. We don't need it. This feud is foolish."
:Madearn: "She's right, father. We don't need a handfasting to make us lower our swords. Heed the vateshran's tale."
:Chief Six-Ford: "The Eagleseer waif has poisoned your mind, boy. You shame me!"
:Chief Eagleseer: "You lay this at my daughter's feet, Six-Ford? My warriors and I will make you regret those words."
: 
:Chief-of-Chiefs Cannear: "Our chance for peace is gone."
:Eslyn: "Gone for today, perhaps. But not forever. Madearn and I will make sure of it."
:Madearn: "Aye. We will spread the vateshran's tale to our clans until enough heed it."

Speak to her:
:"Well, we tried. The feud won't end today, but at least I'm not being leashed into a marriage and Madearn won't have to break his word. This is not a failure, only a setback. Madearn and I will spread the tale to our clans, I swear it."

After completing the quest, she and Madearn will turn to each other:
:Madearn: "Eslyn, I'm glad that we came to know each other. There is a future for our clans yet."
:Eslyn: "I'm glad too, Madearn. Today, we proved Six-Ford and Eagleseers can work together."
: 

Second Chances
You can find Eslyn in the Announcement Hall at the conclusion of Second Chances


Notes
She uses the Adorable Assassin hairstyle, and wears light Dreadhorn Style armor.