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The legend goes that one day Tarwin was passing through the area, when he came across a Fair Folk caravan. The Fair Folk had been rounding up all the children they could find in the area, and were taking them back to the Wyld to consume what was left of their joy, happiness and laughter. When Tarwin realised this, he boldly marched up to the leader and demanded that the creature release the children. The fairly laughed at Tarwin, and said that he would not possibly let the children go. He would, however, consider trading them if Tarwin could offer him something. Tarwin thought for a moment, and then made an offer. If the Fae would give him all the children, then he would hand over the most useful item he possessed. The Fair Folk demanded to see this item, but Tarwin replied that if he showed it, the item would become less valuable. He did, however, promise that the thing he had in his bag could be used for a 1000 different things, was valued the world over, and there was nothing more in the world Tarwin would rather have in his hand. Tarwin knew that one of the few weaknesses the Fair Folk have is their curiosity. But he also knew that they could look into a man's soul and tell if he was lying. The Fairy could tell Tarwin was speaking the truth, and very much wanted to know what was in the bag. But it was loath to give up the children. So it offered Tarwin a deal. Tarwin would give the Fair Folk leader what ever he had in his bag, and in return, Tarwin could take with him as many of the children as could fit under a circle made with his outstreached arm. Tarwin could tell immediately that this would only be a small number of the children, but he could also tell that the Fair Folk were getting restless, and may just kill him to get at his mysterious bag. So, he agreed. Tarwin also knew that once a deal had been made, the Fair Folk could not back down. As the children started to cluster around him, all trying to get as close as possible so they would be in the circle, Tarwin drew his knife. With a moments though, he sliced through his wrist, severing his hand. He then quickly placed the hand on one end of his walking staff, and streached the staff out with his other arm. He slowly turned in a circle, and every child passed safely under his "reach". The Fair Folk were enraged, but they knew they had lost the children. Yell and scream as much as they could, but they were bound to let the children and Tarwin leave safely. Eventually, their attention turned to Tarwin's bag. The other Fair Folk argued that since the leader had lost all the children, he should not be allowed the prize. Soon, the arguing turned to fighting, and eventually all the Fair Folk were dead at their own hands. Except, that is, for the leader. Triumphant, he grabbed up the bag, reached in and pulled out the item. By this time, Tarwin and the children were many miles away. When the leader's screams came echoing acros the hills, Tarwin smiled. For in the bag had been something that had a thousand uses. Something that was valued across the world. A thing Tarwin would have wanted above all others when faced with Fair Folk. In the bag was a piece of iron ore. The village is based around the road which leads to the Lesser Dragon Pass, and in turns joins with the Jade Pathway. During the winter months the road sees little traffic, but during the summer many of the smaller merchants wagons - in an attempt to avoid the tolls on the Greater Dragon Pass - travel through. The village is unusual in that there is more accomidation for travellers and transiants than there is for permanent residents. There are two large inns, one exclusively for members of the Guild, and the other for normal travellers and independant merchants. There are also two large dormitaries which are left empty for most of the summer. As the weather starts to cool down, the jade mines in the mountains close and the miners retreat back through the Dragon Passes. Many return home for the winter, but many others - those without families or who cannot afford the travel - spend the winter in dormitaries sponsored by House Mnemon. There are usually around 100 miners housed in Tarwin's Reach, with the majority staying in Gundana. |