Leaving Darrowshire proved harder than Marwyn thought. Since he woke that morning, his mother had cried quietly, though she kept up a brave face. Kept telling everyone she was fine. His father kept quiet, but Marwyn knew his own father enough to tell he was worried. As their only child, Marwyn's departure would put a strain on the farm. Joseph Redpath, the eldest of the Redpath family, had left the year earlier. Darrowshire's youth craved for a little adventure in their lives, and Marwyn was no different. His sights were set on the capital of Lordaeron itself. Becoming a city guard sounded like a dream.
After some tearful goodbyes with his mother, Marwyn and his father had left their home. They now stood in the city center, being mobbed by well wishers. James and Aubry, two young neighbor boys, clung to Marwyn's legs and refused to let go.
"Don't go, Mary!" They begged, tears running down their soft round faces. Marwyn tried to peel them off but their tiny arms gripped him like iron.
Elderly Miss Anne came forward and shoved several paper packets. The smell of freshly baked bread wafted into Marwyn's nose. Anne loved to bake and she must have picked up production in advance of Marwyn's departure.
Anne reached up and patted Marwyn's cheek with one wrinkled hand.
"Such a good boy. Don't let anyone in that city push you around."
Elder Marcus stood behind Anne, arms crossed over his chest and a scowl on his face. He spat on the ground at Anne's comment.
"That whole city is nothing but trash. Can't see why you feel the need to go to that rubbish heap. We lose Joseph and now you. Is our town just beneath you, boy?"
Marwyn gulped nervously and shook his head.
"No, no sir. I just want to perform civic duties and-"
Marcus growled. "Bullshit. You young uns just want to run around and have fun and maybe a little glory. Being a guard in the city? Save a beautiful noblewoman from a mugger? Get drunk every weekend? Real duty is staying home and raising a family, growing food or providing for them is real!"
The blacksmith, Julia, let out a dismissive scoff. She reached over to clap her hand on the young man's shoulder encouragingly.
"Relax, Darrowshire isn't struggling. Don't let this old dog fool you."
Marcus glared at Julia, but didn't dare say anything. Julia continued with a mischievous smile.
"Besides, Marwyn won't stay there forever! He's gonna find himself a nice pretty boy! Few years from now, he'll be back with a husband and plenty of kids. Ain't that right handsome?"
Heat rose to Marwyn's face. He tried to argue, but only stumbled over his words. That caused Marcus to laugh uproariously. If the elder had any more complaints, he would keep them to himself until Marwyn left. Julia winked at Marwyn before slipping him a few coppers.
"Soon as you get to Capital City, have a drink on me."
The other villagers were all trying their best to make sure Marwyn was well prepared. Elliot the butcher shoved a whole barrel of salt pork onto the pack saddle of Marwyn's mule. Mary Redpath gave Marwyn a jar of her delicious blackberry jam and a sweet smile. The tailor, Elizabeth, gave him a beautifully done scarf. Marwyn thanked each and every person, touched by their love.
Carlin Redpath came up finally, awkwardly standing to the side. Marwyn's mood sobered up a bit. Finally, Jamie and Aubry's parents tore the kids away from Marwyn's legs, freeing him finally. Marwyn got away from the crowd, who turned their attention to Marwyn's father. They let Carlin and Marwyn some privacy.
Carlin fidgetted from one foot to the other. He did not meet Marwyn's eye.
"I will write as soon as I get there," Marwyn said, trying to break the awkwardness.
Carlin looked up and smiled. "I'll be looking out for it."
He reached in his bag and pulled out a small coin purse. It clinked substantially as he held it out for Marwyn.
"No, no I can't take this Carlin," Marwyn protested. The younger man shook his head and held it out insistently.
"Take it. Joseph sends us more than enough money. This isn't much, but it'll help you."
Marwyn took the coin purse reluctantly and said a quiet thank you. Carlin looked like he wanted to say something, but he turned to leave.
"Should I see if I can talk to Joe? Maybe tell him something for you?" Marwyn asked, not wanting Carlin to leave.
The boy turned, a little surprised.
"You don't know. Joe decided he didn't want to be just a city guard. He actually joined the army. He's down south fighting brigands."
Marwyn blinked. "Oh, good for him!"
Carlin gave him a small smile. "Maybe next year, I'll join too. Goodbye, Marwyn."
With that, Carlin left with heavy footsteps. Marwyn watched him go all the way to the road leaving for the Redpath cabin. Everyone else was finally starting to clear the square, going back to normal business.
Someone cleared their throat behind Marwyn. He turned to see his father. The mule's reins were in his hand. The mule snorted, eager to be off just as much as Marwyn was. Father and son left Darrowshire in silence, stopping just before the main road. His father had not spoken much for the past week, so Marwyn expected a lecture or something.
His father handed the reins over and sighed.
"Alright, Mar. I guess this is it."
Marwyn nodded, wishing he was already on the road. Goodbyes were painful, as Carlin just showed. His father scratched his beard, then cleared his throat again.
"Be careful in the city. There is the best and worst of humanity there," He said sagely. That was not all.
"Young men like yourself can go a little, wild, after they leave home for the first time. But you are a good boy. Responsible. So, just…If you get a girl pregnant-"
"-Dad, I like guys."
His father coughed. Then he scratched the top of his head, confused for a moment.
"Well, then. Right. Of course. If you get a guy pregnant, you better take your duty seriously. Marry him."
Marwyn stifled his own laughter at his father's confusion. He did not feel like explaining how inaccurate his father was, so he just gave his father a grin.
"Don't worry, father. I won't do anything to dishonor the family. I'll make you proud."
His father scowled. "No son. I've always been proud of you."
With that declaration, Marwyn's father grabbed his son and pulled him into a loving embrace. Marwyn wrapped his arms around his dad, trying to keep tears from forming in his eyes but failing.
"Love you Dad."
That was the most public affection his father seemed able to express, so they let each other go. His father sniffed and said goodbye under his breath before quickly leaving. Marwyn stood alone on the road. He mounted the mule, hoping it could take his weight with all the added gifts from the villages.
There was nothing left to do, but Marwyn hesitated to leave. He looked back at the small town of Darrowshire. He could not see his family farm from this distance, hidden in the outskirts by a small hillock. So, Marwyn sighed and gently urged the mule westward, toward Capital City.