Eerika Lockwood was born to Hallmund and Asta Lockwood, in a secluded area of the dwarven forests outside of Hefruth. Her parents, although friendly folk, often strayed from tradition and kept to themselves especially when Asta became pregnant with Eerika. Upon Eerika’s birth Asta’s health unfortunately began to deteriorate, Asta, however remained strong for her newborn and managed to look past her decaying health.
Despite her parent’s seclusion and her mother’s health, Eerika managed to have a pleasant childhood. Her father would often take out into the great wilderness to hunt for small rodents, whilst her mother taught her the basics of cooking and healing. Eerika also took a liking to the creatures of the woodland, which was not all that surprising to her parents considering her lack of social interaction with other dwarves. The young dwarf often spent her days near a stream, collecting small creatures like frogs or newts, or roaming the area close to her house, in search of birds or the odd rodent in need of help. Except on the odd few days were her father would take her too the near by clans to sell his hunt, allowing her to befriend another dwarf named Freya Cottonwood.
When Eerika entered her early teenage years her mother again became pregnant, which of course was a blessing to the whole family. This new found joy, however, was not to remain, because as her mother neared her due date, she fell ill once more. This came as no surprise to Hallmund, who had seen his wife in such a state prior to Eerika’s birth. He had expected her to live, and for his son to make it through the birth in one peace. However, Hallmund had set his hopes too high and when the due date arrived a child did not, not alive at least. Both the young son and mother passed away during the painfully long hours of labour. Leaving young Eerika and her father completely alone.
Both father and daughter learnt to adjust to their losses and eventually passed the mourning period. Eerika was growing into a fine young woman, and had learnt to hunt independently, often meaning she would venture to the near by clans once more to sell her catch, also allowing her time to speak with her childhood friend Freya. Eerika’s skills in hunting developed, and soon enough her elderly father did not have to work, as she could care for him.
Countless seasons passed until Eerika lost her father to natural causes. Although saddened by his death, she learnt to move on and reflect fondly on the memories she shared with her parents. Eerika retreated to her seclusion, her life now seeming to have no purpose, leaving her not only alone, but lost. However, she still sold her hunt to the clans and still spoke with Freya. Eventually Freya managed to convince Eerika that she would benefit from joining a clan, and so began dragging her away from her self pity and sorrowful state. Freya’s consistancy in her nagging reminded Eerika of the creation of the cottonwoods, Freya’s clan, and so that is were she would start this section of her life.
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