Seymore Alonso's Questionnaire

I reside in Trout Creek, a quiet, humble village. This place is my sanctuary, where I sought solace when my own kin couldn't grasp the grandeur of my dreams. Although the town itself is far from impressive, just beyond its borders lies a vast expanse of natural splendor, a testament to the awe-inspiring beauty of the world.

Here, amidst the quiet rhythm of nature's symphony, I find peace. Whether it's casting a line into a clear stream, tracking game through the forest, or simply soaking in the beauty of the wilderness. My abode, a modest, well-kept cabin, is on the edge of its limits. It is a haven of simplicity in a world dominated by vain baubles and material excess. The main room is nicely furnished, with well-made wooden furniture arranged around a small, round table and a cozy fireplace. In my bedroom, which mirrors the simplicity of the main room, stands a collection of bookshelves containing volumes on history, on heroic tales, and natural philosophy.

In this place, I've found somewhere to pursue that which resonates with my very soul.

I maintain a modest lifestyle, and am largely self-sufficient. Still, I employ a variety of means to secure extra money for what goods I am myself not able to produce. I offer instruction in the arts of swordsmanship, polearms, and archery, sharing my expertise with eager learners who often come from the local townships. I am also a skilled hunter and fisherman, and sell the excess at a local market. I delicately remove the hide, gut it, clean it, and butcher it beforehand. My family also sends me a small stipend on occasion. Most of my money goes towards taxes and services. I often purchase basic provisions such as milk, bread, eggs, honey; and salt to preserve and flavour the meats. I also put some of my funds towards new books and equipment.

My dream is to establish an order of knights to inspire the public to acts of heroism with their deeds, because these days it seems like everyone has become so craven, so reluctant to follow through on their honour, and to stand up against evil. There just aren't enough knights around these days. If people just had a bunch of good examples to follow, I'm sure their less than honourable natures would be cured, or at the very least that they'd have a good foot to stand on.

I haven't had to kill anyone yet. I would, if I needed to. There's nothing wrong with a knight striking his opponent down in battle, if it's an honourable one. But I tend to show mercy. It's a testament to my skill, and I think what goes around comes around too.

And of course, I'm always willing to risk life and limb for a noble cause. What kind of knight would I be if I wasn't?

The most defining event of my life was when I realized my destiny: why God had put me on this earth. I was destined to be a knight. My heroism, gallantry, courtesy, athleticism, mercy, faith, and my heavenly virtues, most notably humility, could only have been bestowed upon me by the Lord so that I could fulfill this purpose. I'll never forget the day. I was purchasing foodstuffs at a small shop when a knavish criminal attempted to hold up the clerk and demand the day's take of currency. I quickly spotted a nearby mob, struck the weapon from the would-be robber's hand, and chased him from the store while striking him it in the buttocks. Not only was I not rewarded with praise for my heroic deed, as is customary, but I was insulted and told to leave. Not a one among them came to my aid! I realized that if the upstanding character of our society was to be preserved and returned, that they would need something to rally around, and I needed to create that something.

I had been at odds with my father for some time, and he banished me from our household and disowned me when I told him I would pursue this before all other ends, but I have never once looked back. 

If I had a proper squire, I think we would quickly become the closest of friends. A squire isn't just a knight-in-training, they're the perfect foil for a knight-errant's adventures.

My sister Sofia is the only member of my family to have come and visited me at my manner. She seemed to have been worried about me, but I think I put her at ease after she saw how well I've been doing since my visit. I don't think she knows mother sends me the occasional stipend, although even without them I would be fine. My mother was pretty harsh with me as well when father sent me from our home, although she has expressed regret for this in my letters. Still, I hold no hatred in my heart towards any of them.

There are a few people I meet regularly in the town as well. The carpenter, Frank, has been invaluable in furnishing my home. My joviality always puts a smile on his face and a laugh in his gut. Many of the villagers are also quite pleased to know I provide such fine produce through my hunting as well.

My childhood was a happy and prosperous one. I wanted for nothing, and I do recognize how great of an opportunity I had in such a prestigious upbringing. My father and mother are Gustavo and Carmen Alonso, respectively. They were upstanding parents. I've heard my father referred to as a "no nonsense, pull-yourself-up-by-the-bootstraps type. He's a very practical man, and a good one, but his cynicism is his worst quality. My mother is a bit tightly-wound with most people, but it's surely from her I get my warmth-of-heart. Her iciness always melts away around myself and my sister, Sofia.

At school, I was quite popular for my athletic prowess, and my jovial personality. I was never bullied, and I often stood up for those who were. As I was charismatic, I had many friends, but I never felt close to any of them in particular. I was quite good at English and history, but I can't say I really excelled in any other subject. 

Although I have courted a few fine ladies in my time, it's difficult to say that I've fallen for any of them. I'd like my romance to be more storyesque. Perhaps I'll save a princess on one of my quests and fall in love at first sight. Many of the ladies whom I've courted are also a bit lacking in the virtue of chastity. And I don't simply mean to say that they're harlots, but rather that their eyes fill with lust as they gaze upon my form. It reminds me of Matthew 5:28. "But I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." Of course, I believe this should apply to women as well. You can't look at me like that when we aren't even married yet!