Ellendruilalyon

Most of you won't recognize that name, but some of you will and it is for you that I am posting this. (Some of you may have known him as the bard, Victoria.)

I received a private message today from Ellendruilalyon's roommate that he passed away in early December due to severe burns he suffered in a fire. His real name was Ales (I regret to say I can't remember what his last name was.) and he was in his early twenties.

I first "met" Ellen on the old Solusekro.org forum. Like many others, I could not stand him, and made my feelings quite clear. Then, one day out of the blue, he sent me a tell in game. I recall that I was not exactly friendly to him. It seems that he had seen me passing and noted my guild tag. He told me that he had been a member of Mystic Crusaders himself and that he knew Kizzmet. I was incredulous and asked her if this was true. She said yeah, he's a good guy. I told her she must be insane as he was the biggest jerk on the forums.

After that Ellen started to talk to me in game and I started to see under the contentious facade he put up for the forums. I discovered that he had a wry sense of humor, quick wit and, actually, a sensitive soul. We had many interesting conversations, comparing life in Slovenia with life here in the U.S. We shared stories of our lives and loves. We became friends.

I lost touch with him over the last few months, but thought of him often. I had hoped that he was too busy enjoying life to play EQ or read forums. I wished I had a way to get a hold of him to let him know that Blitzel and I got married and to find out what was going on with him.

Getting the news this morning that he's gone really came as a shock to me. It has affected me more deeply that I ever might have imagined. I can now only wonder if he learned to let go of the past to enjoy the present. I can only hope that his next life bring him more joy than sorrow. It was a honor to get to know him and I will miss him more than I can say. And so, for my dear friend Ales, who's time was up far too soon:

Like a leaf falling from a tree
You leave the branch bare
To be renewed in spring

Dina

For those of you that disliked Ellendruilalyon, please do not post any negative comments in this thread. I made this post for those few that may have gotten to know the person behind the toon as I did. Thank you.