It all began in the small village of Odiare, along the Chionthar River in the Sword Coast.  Three friends, children really, were introduced to two other children and a bond was made between them.  They would remain friends by choice and by destiny.

There originally were three of them – Raina and Hennet, human children and Shem a halfling from outside of Odiare.  They were at school when, as usual, Raina began a fight between herself and some of the older boys.  Both Shem and Hennet immediately jump in to protect Raina just as the teacher, Mistress Horga, breaks up the fight.  Grabbing Raina by the ear she escorts her and the protectors outside.  As they are there they see the mayor approaching followed by two other boys.  He introduces them as Nathaniel, a human and Eliad a gnome from the forest.  “You guys will probably hit it off together and be grand friends!” the mayor advises the group of children.  He then walks over to Mistress Horga and confers with her in private for a moment.

Hennet looks at Shem and whispers, “That tall boy looks like trouble.”  Shem laughs but ignores him and introduces them to the new boys.  Small talk is exchanged until Mistress Horga returns.  “You boys will all sit together on the back bench – away from all trouble.”  Everyone returns to school only to discover that Mistress Horga is dismissing class early today.  Raina jumps up and bolts out of the school building into the playground when a scream is heard.  Shem, Hennet and the new boys rush out to see what has happened and stumble upon Raina fighting with the two boys again!

One of the boys is pulling her hair and the other is punching her in the stomach.  Hennet and Nathaniel, along with Eliad go after the boy punching Raina, while Shem attacks the boy pulling her hair.  The struggle is brief, as the two boys know that they are outnumbered and so run off.  During the encounter, however, Raina’s shirt has been pushed up and reveals a set of stars around her belly button.

Standing with mouth open and in shock are Eliad and Nathaniel.  They both pull up their shirts and reveal the same sort of design except for the color.

Nathaniel has brown stars.
Raina has purple stars.
Eliad has green stars.

That night, the companions go their separate ways and tell their parents about the events at school.  Nathaniel’s parents encourage him to invite his new friends for dinner so they can meet them.  Everyone agrees and dinner is arranged.  The friends all show up and enjoy the company of one another.  This enjoyment lasts for the next several years.
 

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