Wendell P. Dipmier

     

Personal History

Wendell was an eighteen-year-old teen, just graduating High School when he was attacked, kidnapped, and taken from his home on Earth. Whisked away from the only life he’d known, the teen was carted off to the other end of the galaxy in the blink of an eye.   Who and what Wendell was before he found himself here on Elämä is mostly a mystery. Outside what little I’ve gathered from personal conversations with Wendell himself, Morphiophelius, Dax, and even my daughter Alhannah, I don't know much.   But what I’ve learned about this boy since he’s arrived makes it impossible not to like and admire who he is, ...and who he’s becoming.   I asked him once if he was scared of the mantle he'd been given.      

The Mantle of the Hero

The poor kid believed his initial experiences were nothing more than a dream.   *snort* That had to be a shocker…   I could understand his perspective. I mean, if I were given The Ithari by strangers, no questions asked, wouldn't that seem a bit weird? Think about it...   Heart-stone of the Lanthya, the Ithari is the pure, unequalled power of legendary heroes. A gift from the jumälät themselves, sent to aid mortals in their fight against the evil of Mahan.   Passed from father to son for, well, we don't actually know how long...as a mantle of service. And when the Ithari was presented to Wendell by The High Elder, leader of the Iskari High Council, she accepted him as host.   …to Wendell’s great objection.      

Characteristics

When you first meet Wendell, you notice his genuine smile.   Oh, he may be awkward and he may be nervous, but he will smile at you and shake your hand firmly.   Why is that? Because he’s a good kid. He will reach out, offering his hand in friendship upon meeting people for the first time.
He’s thoughtful, kind, giving and honest. Nearly to a fault (or so Wood says), wearing his personality on his sleeve for all to see. In my personal opinion, it’s refreshing to see such a kind and positive personality in this dreary world. That’s what makes this young man so special.   What you see is exactly what you’re going to get.   Those innocent eyes will also look at you in a way few can.   It’s not that he’s judging, but Wendell has this uncanny ability to look INTO you, as if searching and seeking an understanding of you are. I asked him about this years ago and he gave credit to his Earth mother. She taught him to always find something to like and/or admire in another. He said that way, it’s easier to have compassion and understanding with those you know intimately know.   From my own experiences with the kid, he stares at you because he listens to his mother…and I promise he’s going to find something he likes.   In truth, the young man we now refer to as ‘the hero’ is, honestly, just a gawky teen with a heart of gold.