Character Interview: Terlon Screll

Terlon is the mentor of The Shadow Raven, high steward of Roenor, and honorary uncle of Detren. When he was younger he wanted to be a historian – the most prestigious occupation in Roenor – but he gave it up and because a history tutor, which is how he came to meet Detren.

Terlon: *enters and shakes the interviewer’s hand before sitting down* Hello.

Interviewer: Hello. How are you today?

Terlon: I’m well. How are you?

Interviewer: I’m doing all right. Shall we get started?

Terlon: Of course.

Interviewer: What is your name?

Terlon: Terlon Elias Screll.

Interviewer: And how old are you?

Terlon: I’m forty-three.

Interviewer: Do you have any siblings?

Terlon: I do not, but when I was younger I had a good friend whose siblings and I adopted each other.

Interviewer: Are you still close?

Terlon: No, unfortunately. My duties in the palace have kept me away, and they have their own lives as well.

Interviewer: What do you do in the palace?

Terlon: I’m the high steward and Prince Detren’s tutor.

Interviewer: That seems like a lot for one person.

Terlon: Sometimes it is.

Interviewer: Do you teach a particular subject or are you more all-purpose?

Terlon: I teach everything, but I specialize in history. That’s where my passion lies.

Interviewer: Historians are in high demand in Roenor, aren’t they?

Terlon: They’re honored, if that’s what you mean, but there are actually only a few at a time. I intended to become a historian when I was in school, but plans changed.

Interviewer: What happened?

Terlon: That good friend of mine needed the position more than I did. And I’m glad I gave it up; if I hadn’t, I never would have gotten where I am now and I wouldn’t have been able to help and tutor Prince Detren.

Interviewer: That’s a good mindset to have. *looks at script* Are you an introvert or an extrovert?

Terlon: I’m an extrovert, but most people would likely assume I’m an introvert. I spend a lot of time absorbed in books.

Interviewer: What is your favorite food?

Terlon: Probably papaya, but I haven’t had it since my trip to Adrelia. It doesn’t grow anywhere else.

Interviewer: Do you have a favorite color?

Terlon: The color of aged parchment.

Interviewer: Do you have a favorite book? That seems like a question you’d hate to answer, but…

Terlon: *laughs* It is hard. My answer will likely be completely different from anyone else’s. They all answered with the Kersir novellas? I tend to prefer history books, particularly those from Mandoria. The Faerie Codexes are quite fascinating.

Interviewer: Faeries play a large part in Mandoria’s history, then? I keep hearing bits and pieces of it.

Terlon: They do. They populated half of Mandoria prior to The Faerie War. It’s a long story, but I’m sure I could find you quite a few books if you were interested in learning more.

Interviewer: If it’s not too much trouble, that would be wonderful.

Terlon: I’ll make sure to do that, then.

Interviewer: What is your favorite animal?

Terlon: I like dogs. I enjoy playing with Prince Detren’s dog Devonly when I get the chance.

Interviewer: What kind of dog is… she?

Terlon: Yes, it’s a she. She’s a brown Labrador.

Interviewer: Labs are beautiful.

Terlon: *nods*

Interviewer: Aside from studying history and reading, what are your hobbies?

Terlon: Singing and drawing. Other than that I don’t have many hobbies.

Interviewer: Which of these is most important to you: Kindness, intelligence, or bravery?

Terlon: Bravery to use the intelligence and kindness wisely.

Interviewer: And honesty or selflessness?

Terlon: Honesty.

Interviewer: What’s one thing you can’t leave home without?

Terlon: A small sketchbook for writing down thoughts or sketching something that catches my eye.

Interviewer: That was the last question. *smiles* Thank you for your time.

Terlon: Thank you for having me. *smiles and shakes the interviewer’s hand before leaving*