In 1351, a small group of halflings became trapped in the Verge during the evacuation of Aegis. Among them was Clan Sturdyfoot. The harsh environment of the Verge changed the personality and lifestyle of the surviving halflings, making them harsher, stronger, and less joyful than their ancestors. For over four centuries, they remained trapped in the Verge before finally discovering a portal leading to the world of Almaris. They fled through it, arriving in a world completely unknown to the Verge halflings, a world full of lush life and fresh air.
Everleigh Sturdyfoot was born in New Dunwood in 1772 to the late Bodo Sturdyfoot and Eilyse Proudmead. She attended the local church school, and frequently daydreamed about the oceans, trees, and wildlife she read about in the remaining books brought through from Aegis. As an adherent of the True Faith, she attended services at her Uncle Oren’s chapel. Both parents died before her 33rd birthday, and she lived for a year with the family of her elder brother, Bordin. In 1805, she married Tomlin Cottontail and had a daughter, Lyselin, in 1807.
Tomlin was killed in a raid against New Dunwood by the creatures of the Verge in 1814, leaving her a young widow. Devastated by her loss and angered by the shortness of life in the harsh Verge, Everleigh descended into a depression that even her faith could not shake. It took the death of her cousin, Branden Sturdyfoot, in 1816 to rouse her from her sorrow, as she became the caretaker of her elderly uncle, Oren, and his young grandson, Owen. Realizing that her grief was affecting her daughter, Lyselin, and now caring for a household of four, Everleigh regained some of her previous cheerfulness. Now five years after the death of her husband, she is able to see the joy and beauty in life again, especially in the amazing lands of Almaris with their natural beauty and interesting people.
Before her husband’s death, Everleigh had operated a small food cart in New Dunwood’s market. Specializing in stewed netherwort and spicy pigman pork, both made with secret family recipes, she was a successful and popular cook in the settlement. She dreams of bringing her recipes to the people of Almaris.
Everleigh looks up at the man and smiles. " Good day, sir! I'm here to sell food." The man looks at the halfling and exclaims, "How wonderful, to have such fine food in the market would be a delight!" Everleigh glances at the bazaar then, again at the well dressed man. "Sir, could you show me the way in? This is my first time in a large city and I'm sure with out guidance I will get lost easily." The man chuckles, then in a loud voice says, " Of course my dear! I would be delighted to help." Everleigh and the man walk into the bazaar and he leads her to an office then says, " Now miss ..." The man stops and gestures at Everleigh. She exclaimed," Oh! My apologies sir, my name is Everleigh Sturdyfoot ." The man then says " Ah! yes, Miss Sturdyfoot, here is the office where you register for a stall in the bazaar. Have a great day, I'll be off now." Everleigh thanks the man kindly and offers him a taste of her wares for all of his help and he gladly accepts. The two part ways and Everleigh walks into the Bazaar office to register for a stall.
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