Online:Madearn

Madearn is the son of the Reachman clan Chief Six-Ford. He is a decent scout, but a poor warrior, and he has a good heart. His 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 Madearn to Eslyn. Problematically, Madearn has secretly promised himself to his childhood friend, Drisene.
 

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 Madearn:
:"This may seem like the perfect spot to ambush us and take our belongings, outsider, but don't let the desolation fool you. Our clan warriors are hiding right behind those rocks. So, what do you want from us?"
:Chief-of-Chiefs Cannear wants you to return and complete the handfasting.
:"I don't like breaking my word to the chief-of-chiefs, but I can't go through with the handfasting. I can't marry Eslyn."
:Why not?
:"I … I'm already pledged to another. Drisene of the Six-Ford clan. Before her brother died, I promised I would marry her and look after her. How can I break one obligation to honor another? Even for the sake of our clans?"
:Does the chief-of-chiefs know about your promise to Drisene?
:"No. We did our handfasting in secret. Drisene is a good woman. There's little love between us, but I gave her brother my word before he died. And Eslyn clearly doesn't want to marry me. I want to end this feud, but there has to be another way."
:I see.'''

If you haven't spoken to Eslyn yet, he'll add:
:''"If you don't mind, stranger, talk to Eslyn. I have a lot to think about right now."
:Why were you selected to marry Eslyn?
:"As much as my father might wish otherwise, I am the son of the Six-Ford clan's chief. It was the chief-of-chiefs' idea to connect our clans through a handfasting. If I weren't otherwise obligated, I might do this to end the feud … perhaps."''

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 him again:
:"It's a thin hope, but if we can find Barth, he might know more about the feud between my clan and the Eagleseers."
:Did you get to know Eslyn in the handfasting cave?
:"Even before all this, I had heard of Chief Eagleseer's daughter. Fair as a rose and just as thorny. But … we did get to know each other in the cave. At least a little. She's smart. Passionate. Fiery. I can respect that."
:Tell me more about this vateshran.
:"His name is Barth. A living legend, from what the elders say. I only got a glimpse of him when he visited our clan before my father and the clan elders sent me away. He was interested in hearing more of our stories, I think."''

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."

:"There must be something here that can tell us what's become of the vateshran."

Search the camp and pick up the Knobby Stick:
:Madearn: "That's the vateshran's shillelagh! He wouldn't just leave it behind."

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 him before heading down to the Briar Rock Ruins, he'll warn:
:''"I've heard stories about this clan. They're fierce. And deadly. Be careful as you search the ruins."''

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 him and he'll tell you:
:''"It's good to see the vateshran safe and sound. Now, let's ask him about the feud and how it began."''

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 him:
:"Eslyn's plan is a good one. I don't like her going off on her own, but she can take care of herself. I'll make sure the vateshran gets to Hroldan Ring. Then I'll go to Faolan's Ire and help Eslyn … if she needs it."
:You're worried about Eslyn, aren't you?
:"Worried? No. Whatever gave you that idea? Maybe? You spend your whole life believing one thing about your clan and something totally different about the other. Then you talk to her. She's funny, bright. She has hopes and dreams. She's not a monster."
:You like her, don't you?
:"Yes. But not like that. I don't think. Look. Let's just find the fragments of the Lover's Coil and put an end to the feud. All right?"''

Karthspire Lea
Go to Karthspire Lea and start digging. As soon as you find the Lover's Coil Fragment, you'll hear a familiar voice:
:Madearn: "Eslyn? Where are you? Eslyn!"
:Madearn: ''"Outsider? If you're here then that means— ugh, Madearn, you fool."
:"I ran all the way from Hroldan Ring … only to realize I'm in the wrong place. Damn it all. I was supposed to be helping Eslyn, but I must have gotten the two places mixed up. Serves me right for trying to accomplish anything with a muddled head."
:You meant to go to Faolan's Ire?
:"Indeed. I was worried about Eslyn. As soon as I settled the vateshran at Hroldan Ring, I set out to find her and make sure she was all right. Of course, leave it to me to forget which battlefield she actually went to."
:You're that worried about her?
:"Aye. I suppose I've grown to care for her a bit. All that talking we did at the vateshran's camp …. It doesn't matter. Enough of that. There's a favor I need of you, outsider."
:What is it?
:"If something's happened to Eslyn, I won't make it in time to help her. I'm too winded. So I must turn to you. Find Eslyn in Faolan's Ire, make sure she's all right. I'll follow as quickly as I can."
:Are you fond of Eslyn now?
:"I didn't know her when this all started. Then I came to know her wit, her laugh. Any soul with a heart in their breast would grow fond of those. Even if they shouldn't."''

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."

You can distract Madearn from his gazing at Eslyn:
:"I guess I was worried for nothing. It's the strangest thing, I felt such a strong need to be at Eslyn's side. Like something put a hook around my waist and yanked me all the way here."''
Retrieve the second Lover's Coil Fragment and return to the overlook. Madearn will have left.

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. 

Return to the handfasting cave and Eslyn and Madearn will be waiting:
:''"I don't know how much longer we can wait here. Did you discuss things with the chief-of-chiefs?"

Go through with the handfasting
:She says the handfasting is the only way to end the feud. I agree.
:"I ... think that is what my heart wants, too. The more I sit here and think about it, the more foolish this plan to defy the handfasting seems. But I made a vow to Drisene. What kind of man would I be, if I can't keep my word?"
: 
::"Outsider, I've said all I need to say. Leave me to my thoughts, please."
::Are you ready for what comes next?
::"I think I am. Drisene is strong, she'll be all right. And when we're finished with the handfasting, the Six-Fords and Eagleseers will know peace. That's what's important."
: 
::"The word of a Reachfolk isn't something you can just take back. Whether or not our love is true … Drisene is depending on me. I will think about what you ask. But I promise nothing."
::You need to decide soon.
::"I will. Just … give me a moment to think! I can't make any decisions with you standing here badgering me. Let's just get on with it. I just have to hope my heart knows the right answer when the moment comes."''

If you speak to him again before leaving the cave, he'll add:
:''"Perhaps you're right. Drisene will have a better life if she's allowed to follow her heart. It's not fair to stay with her just because of a promise I made ages ago ... she deserves more than that. I'll do it, outsider. Even if it may hurt her."''
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?"
: 
If you speak to him:
:"I followed my heart and the feud is done with. Thank you for your help, outsider. This is a triumph. I only hope Drisene can forgive me. That she someday understands that a life with me would not have filled her heart as she deserves."
:Do you regret your decision?
:"Perhaps I should ... but I don't. Speaking with you helped. I can see a future for Drisene that gives me hope. And I see mine, with Eslyn, and that makes me hopeful as well. It was a hard choice, but in the end, I'm glad I made it."''

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."

Speak to him after the revelation:
:"I know I threw away any chance of our clans knowing peace. But spirits take me, I couldn't abandon my promise. Words can't be unspoken. Not in the Reach. Eslyn must be hurting. I hope this won't sully our friendship, for the future of our clans."
:What do you think will happen now?
:"You heard the heat in their threats. The feud is alive between our clans. Blood will be spilled. If any harm comes to Eslyn because of it, I don't know if I'll be able to live with myself. But … what else was I to do?"
:Keeping your vow to Drisene was right.
::"Thank you, outsider. I'm glad someone approves my decision … even if they're a stranger to my land and its ways. Now I just need to hope that Eslyn won't hate me for this, and that someday the two of us can still bring about peace for our clans."
:You should have gone through with the handfasting.
::"Part of me wanted to, no doubt. I've grown fond of Eslyn. But what kind of man would I be if I went back on my word just because of that? Promises must mean more than fickle emotion, or I cannot call myself a man of the Reach."
:I don't know.
::"Fair enough. I just hope that Eslyn won't hate me for this, and that someday the two of us can still bring about peace for our clans."

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."

Find another way
:She told me to force you to perform the handfasting. I refused.
:"I see. When I vowed to wed Drisene, I never dreamed what it would mean for my clan, or for Eslyn's. If I never made that promise then all of this … then Eslyn and I might have …. Gah! Damn it all."
:What will you do now?
:"All of this suffering from a broken stone. My father didn't heed the vateshran, but I'll make him hear me. This feud is stupid. The time's come to end it. I've no right to expect it, but I hope Eslyn will help me in this."
:Do you think this will work?
:"If there's anything this day has taught me, it's that there is a chance for my people to reconcile. Eslyn is nothing like I expected her to be. Even if we are not to be married, that doesn't mean what transpired between us has to go to waste."''

If you speak to him again before leaving the cave, he'll add:
:''"I'd say that I'll be glad when this is over and done with, but … it wouldn't be honest. What is it, outsider?"''

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 him:
:"I'm sorry for my father, outsider. He's too stubborn to listen. But he won't be chief forever. Just because we didn't end the feud today doesn't mean we won't end it in the future. Eslyn and I made a connection today. That's no small thing."

After completing the quest, he and Eslyn 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 Madearn in the Announcement Hall at the conclusion of Second Chances'' if you've completed Vows and Oaths.