Merik Teslek: Difference between revisions

{{Renovation}}{{Character

|partner = [[Mèra Ûrlund Teslek|Princess Mèra Ûrlund]]

|relative3 = [[Svoeldiir Teslek|Svoeldiir]]

Merik was born into privilege on [[Uublai]], within the sprawling [[Teslek Multigenerational Complex]]. His family, stewards of the [[Teslek Mega-Farms Corporation]], wielded immense influence, yet Merik’s upbringing was steeped in humility and duty, instilled by his war-scarred father, [[Malek Teslek]], and his nurturing mother, [[Luuwela Niiran Teslek]]. At less than a [[Lethurèan Calendar|Lethurèan Year]], he was introduced to his life long friend and future partner, [[Mèra Ûrlund Teslek|Princess Mèra]]. They were fast friends and proved inseparable. As soon as Merik was allowed on his own, he took up partial residence at the [[First Royal Palace]] migrating to and from, the [[First Royal Palace]] and the [[Teslek Multigenerational Complex|Multigenerational Complex]].

Merik’s experiences in the Northern Reaches shaped his future as a warrior and protector. His navigation skills were invaluable during his Wanderings of [[Lethurèa]]. He was able to assist in a counter offensive effort when [[Uublai]] was invaded by the [[Malisik Horde]]. The [[Malisik Horde]] whom had taken control of the [[Polar Crown]] and in turn the [[Northern Reaches]], were immune to the malice of their kin. This allowed for an advanced staging ground that gave the [[Malisik Horde|Horde]] an impressive advantage. Merik's maps assisted in scouting of the area and later the movement of warriors through the area.

At 22 [[Lethurèan Calendar|Lethurèan years]] (36 Tèran years), Merik enlisted in the [[First Valorèin Royal Army]], inspired by his family’s military legacy. The recruiter that inspired his enlistment spoke of the call to defend [[Uublai]] and those he loved from the [[Malisik Horde]]. He spoke of the glory to his name and the place he would take in the [[It'slémwé|Lethurèan Heaven]]. His enlistment distressed [[Mèra Ûrlund Teslek|Princess Mèra]] greatly. He had proclaimed his love for her. The shock of him leaving so soon after his confession of love disturbed her greatly. She explained to Merik that if he were to die at war she would not have the will to carry on. She pleaded for him to stay and reconsider, but to no avail.

 

Upon the moment of departure, [[Mèra Ûrlund Teslek|Princess Mèra]] gave Merik a kiss so passionate that he almost considered not leaving. This is significant as touching, kissing, or even holding hands with a courter is against moral code in [[Valorèin]] culture.

=== Return to [[Uublai]] ===

'''Merik''' began to suffer greatly from [[The Curse (Valorèin)|the Curse]]. He was only able to subsist off [[Blood]] and [[Alcohol]]. He was suffering from what many [[Valorèin]] refer to as the Creature. It would manifest itself through feelings, emotions, and the cravings. '''Merik''' almost succumbed to [[The Curse (Valorèin)|The Curse]] several times. He would venture far from civilization in a near-rampant, delusional state. The only part of his mind in control would take him to places to hunt beasts and feed. During one of these "hunting trips," he found himself in the [[Northern Reaches]] of [[Uublai]]. Here he witness the [[Malisik Horde|Malisik Horde's]] invasion force. He was fortunate that he was there at this pivotal moment for the [[War on Uublai]]. He slaughtered the first scouting part which would delay the [[Malisik Horde]] for some time. He was able to warn the [[First Valorèin Royal Army]] of the invasion. When arriving home, he encountered an intervention with his [[Luuwela Niiran Teslek|mother]], [[Malek Teslek|father]], [[Onya Nel'lek Teslek|grandmother]], [[Jarak Teslek|grandfather]], [[Gerta Ornan Teslek|great-grandmother]], and [[Svoeldiir Teslek|great-grandfather]]. He interrupted the intervention with news of the invasion. He then left for his home within the [[Teslek Multigenerational Complex]]. [[Anèta]] expressed her concern. She reveals that [[Luuwela Niiran Teslek|Luuwela]], his mother had been speaking to her. [[Luuwela Niiran Teslek|Luuwela]] asked [[Anèta]] to speak with him as she knew [[Anèta]] and '''Merik''' were close. [[Zuurik Ûrlund|King Zuurik]] had sent '''Merik''' a letter wishing to speak about [[Mèra Ûrlund Teslek|Princess Mèra]] and the ''"Nature of War."'' Merik left the following morning.

Merik arrived at the [[Royal City (Lethurèa)|Royal City]] he encounter a cloaked figure that he brushed against. The sensation he got was familiar yet foreign to him. Upon arrival to the [[First Royal Palace|Royal Palace]] he spoke with [[Zuurik Ûrlund|King Zuurik]]. [[Zuurik Ûrlund|King Zuurik]] mentioned that he had known about the invasion through his connection to his late wife [[Lesèa Veazra Ûrlund|Queen Lesèa]]. The [[Soul-Tether]] between them allow him to communicate with [[Lesèa Veazra Ûrlund|Queen Lesèa]] even beyond death. [[Zuurik Ûrlund|King Zuurik]] explained that the [[First Royal Army]] needed maps of the [[Northern Reaches]]. '''Merik''' having mapped them during his youth was the only one who could provide such maps. Then [[Mèra Ûrlund Teslek|Princess Mèra]] arrived. '''Merik''' concealed his identity initial. However, he brushed her consciousness with his [[Telepathy]]. This immediately made her aware of who he was. As they spent time together that day [[Mèra Ûrlund Teslek|Princess Mèra]] discovered what he had done after he was discharged from the [[First Royal Army]]. She discovered his trauma and establish she would be the one to heal his mental wounds.

'''Merik''' ''denied'' [[Mèra Ûrlund Teslek|Princess Mèra]] the right to [[Telepathy|Telepathically]] receive his memories. [[Mèra Ûrlund Teslek|Princess Mèra]] decided to use an ancient device known as a [[Dero'bôkor]] to help him recall memories in a less traumatic way for [[Mèra Ûrlund Teslek|Princess Mèra]] than a memory transfer. '''Merik''' and [[Mèra Ûrlund Teslek|Princess Mèra]] use the [[Dero'bôkor]] to confront his traumatic past. These shared experiences, such as the loss of Delkar and the [[Battle of Kaatok]], deepen their bond and allow Merik to begin processing his pain and guilt. '''Merik''' discovered his own secrets about [[Mèra Ûrlund Teslek|Princess Mèra]].

'''Merik''' discovers that [[Mèra Ûrlund Teslek|Princess Mèra's]] affections for him had been lost. She loved the '''''"Old Merik."''''' Th

==== Merik’s Memory Transfer ====

The act of '''[[Telepathic Transfer|Memory Transfer]]''' is a highly advanced '''psionic connection''', allowing for the rapid exchange of knowledge between two minds. However, in the case of '''Merik Teslek and [[Mèra Ûrlund Teslek|Mèra]]''', this technique became something far more '''intimate and profound''' than a mere instructional shortcut. Though it began as a means for '''[[Mèra Ûrlund Teslek|Mèra]] to learn from Merik''', the transfer inadvertently '''opened a window into his soul''', creating something akin to a '''temporary [[Soul-Tether]]''' between them.

 

Unlike the '''[[Vistrum]]''', which connects all '''[[Valorèin]]''', this transfer was an '''exclusive bond''', shared only between Merik and [[Mèra Ûrlund Teslek|Mèra]]. It was meant to be a '''controlled exchange of knowledge''', but due to Merik’s emotional and mental state, it became an '''intensely personal experience'''—one that neither of them were fully prepared for.

 

The transfer required '''direct psionic and physical contact''', as '''skin-to-skin touch significantly increased the efficiency of the link'''. While unnecessary for all Memory Transfers, the sheer amount of information Merik needed to impart meant that '''sustained proximity''' was the best way to '''ensure stability and prevent fragmentation'''.

 

At first, Merik hesitated. He feared the '''depth of his own mind''', knowing that his past was filled with '''horrors and burdens that Mèra should never have to carry'''. However, '''Mèra, eager and unwavering, pushed forward''', determined to learn—not just the knowledge, but the [[Dûrka]] himself.

 

As the transfer began, Mèra '''felt the rush of his mind flooding into hers'''. The sheer intensity of the knowledge made her '''shiver and flush''', her '''Uulum''' igniting with the raw, electric connection. Merik, too, felt it—'''a moment of complete vulnerability''', his mind laid bare before her. '''For hours—perhaps a full day—they remained entwined, their consciousnesses interwoven in a way neither had expected'''.

 

* '''Merik’s Vulnerability''' – For the first time, Merik '''let someone inside his mind'''. He had performed Memory Transfers before, but never with '''someone he loved, someone who could see past the barriers he had carefully constructed'''.

* '''Mèra’s Emotional Insight''' – Though she refrained from actively '''probing''', Mèra '''felt Merik’s burdens, his pain, his hidden love for her'''. Even without direct access, the transfer made her '''more attuned to the weight he carried'''.

* '''Sensory Overload''' – Both were left '''shaken, breathless, and mentally drained'''. The overwhelming flood of knowledge, combined with the unexpected emotional intimacy, left them physically and psionically exhausted.

By the end, '''Mèra had absorbed the knowledge she needed''', but the transfer left '''something lingering between them'''—a '''bond neither of them could fully define'''.

 

Merik, still shaken, feared what had just happened. He had fought against deep connections for so long, fearing that '''attachment would only lead to loss'''. Yet, in this moment, '''he had been truly seen, and Mèra had not turned away'''.

 

For Mèra, this was '''more than just learning'''—it was a confirmation of what she had always felt. '''She didn’t just want Merik’s knowledge; she wanted all of him.''' The transfer may have ended, but its effects would linger, tying them closer than ever before.

 

However, as war loomed on the horizon, '''one question remained'''—'''was this connection strong enough to withstand the trials to come?'''

The [[Fragment (Technology)|Fragment]] of [[Mèra Ûrlund Teslek|Princess Mèra]], housed in a locket, plays a central role in Merik’s emotional journey:

With over 600 commendations and a kill count approaching half a million, Merik's record stands as a testament to his battlefield prowess. His distinction as a soldier earned him numerous [[Tears of Blood]] commendations, reflecting both his valor and the high cost of his service​.

Merik Teslek’s life story, from his childhood explorations of the [[Northern Reaches]] to his heroic feats in the [[Shiekuu Order]] and his seven-year journey of redemption, intertwines with Uublai’s history and mythology.