Description
Simple, yet not at all inelegant, this graceful being is a mixture of
utilitarian functionality and inborn nobility. His clothing is dull and
unadorned, and he wears no accessories, save those that have an obvious use.
He is clearly unconcerned with his appearance, yet he is well groomed, no
dirt clinging, his nails trimmed, and his long, golden hair tied back in an
elvish braid. As most high elves, his face is beautiful, his features
angular and chiseled, and his thin eyebrows form a graceful arch. Clear
eyes, the color of his hair, look about the room, at times taking in the
world around him, but at others, seeming to look within, as he no doubt
contemplates another observation of his centuries long life. The only odd
feature to him is his seemingly perpetual frown, no matter whether awake or
asleep, giving him a cold, unapproachable, perhaps even slightly ugly look.
Clearly this is not a happy person. Perhaps no one has ever told him about
frown lines.
Role
Abated Breath
Added Fri Feb 16 21:05:00 2007 at level 51:
Hi! How are you?
I find myself to be physically healthy, but I have much on my mind.
Don't you always?
I do.
Right, so then we just have to find a way to cheer you up, then, don't we?
Perhaps.
Hmm, let's see then, how are we going to do that?
... How are you faring, fair maiden?
Me? Oh, I'm doing well. I went to Kteng's Laboratory today, didn't even get
lost.
That is most fortunate.
Yes, you don't have to save me everytime.
I am aware.
Teehee.
..... Why won't you ever love me?
Aldran, I do love you. You know that, just not in the way you would like.
I know, fair maiden, but why can't there be more?
Oh, Aldran, we but see one another very rarely, and furthermore you said
yourself that you won't live much longer. I intend to live for a very long
time. I want a family, a husband.
I would give you those things.
How?
I would leave the Fortress, remove myself from danger, stop fighting, become a
painter. You would never have to worry about my death.
I don't know... we see each other so little. How would that be fair to either
of us? How could we live fulfilled lives?
I... I would write you everyday, send you paintings, tell you of my life, tell
you how I feel, write poetry for you. The times we did see each other, I would
exist only for you. None could tear us apart.
... I need to get some sleep...
-sigh- Very well. Sweet dreams, fair maiden.
Aldran.
...
I will always love you, fair maiden, you and none other. I am sorry I do not
fulfill your desires. It wouldn't matter how often I saw you; you would fulfill
mine. May you wake with the sun upon your eyes.
Seeking Advice on a Proposal from the Cardinal
Added Wed Feb 14 17:37:32 2007 at level 51:
Greetings to you all, I am writing to you, my friends, allies, and beings for
whom I have much respect because I am seeking your advice. As most of you
are no doubt aware, I am a Squire in the Fortress, the precursor to the
Marans; however, I have recently been approached by the Cardinal of the
Golden Sun where she stated her desire for me to become a Scribe, the
precursor to the Acolytes. This is a decision which I must ultimately decide
for myself but also for which I am seeking advice. In order to elucidate my
indecision, I will now divulge some self perceptions and personal history.
To succinctly describe my being, I would simply state that I wish to protect
those I perceive as innocent, as not deserving harm from those who
distribute. That is my life, as I perceive it, summed up; everything I do
centers around that save for one, for I am in love, as well. That, being the
only exception I have thus far noticed, has quite possibly kept me from the
despair of hopelessness in the past, so even it can be said to have relation
to my stated purpose as well.
I did not join the Fortress to destroy the wicked, fight for the Light,
defend the Light, or help save souls from damnation. I joined it simply
because by doing so, I thought I would be able to do more good than with a
lack of affiliation. I joined the Marans because, of the two organizations,
it seemed the most conducive towards my goal of protecting the innocent.
Furthermore, my profession and mindset do not lend themselves well as a
support unit. I am more inclined to hunt down those who do evil on my own
than I am to do whatever it is Acolytes are supposed to, and I do not believe
that would change were I to become a Scribe.
It is true I have acted the part of a Scribe in the past and have
qualifications.I am told that a recent letter I sent to the Fortress aided
in keeping us out of a war in which I did not believe the Fortress should
partake. I will continue to state my beliefs and argue against actions I
perceive as wrong whether I am a Squire or Acolyte, thus the group with which
I am associated will likely change little of what I do.The most beneficial
result of my being an Acolyte over a Maran, in my mind, would be the
possibility of leadership, and thus more sway in the Fortress, something
which I am certain I will never attain as a Maran, for that requires much
knowledge which I do not have. It is also quite likely that I could never
again be ordered to attack one I believed undeserving, as has happened while
I have been a Squire, and thus I would likely not be forced to compromise my
beliefs, but that is still not enough to outright sway my decision.
My one misgiving with my becoming a Scribe is that I believe I would be
representing something of which I am not a part. Acolytes are expected to
preach the Light, to be the guides of the Fortress. The only reason I do not
summon a Mephit, however, is because it is forbidden by the Fortress. I have
also, in the past, traveled with someone who used a Devil because I was led
to believe it would be kept under complete control. I discovered I was
misled, however, and thus did not allow for such a thing to repeat itself,
but it is that I would allow such a thing at all that is of concern. These
Painting of a Lovesick Squire
Added Sun Feb 11 11:04:12 2007 at level 51:
A multitude of books, scrolls, and loosely bound papers, sorted on enormous
shelves and a few stands make up the background of this scene. Though it is
well lit, the lighting comes from outside the display from the right, but the
lack of harsh shadows shows that it is neither from torch nor from candle,
and no windows can be seen, only rows upon rows of books. The literary works
are quite detailed, and you can almost make out their titles if you get close
enough, but they are clearly not the focus of this realism style painting.
Rather, the center of attention is clearly dominated by a fair, elven woman.
Young, and very beautiful, she stands gracefully in its center, her slender
frame taking up most of the canvas. Thin, intricate braids form a crown of
well-spun gold atop her head, and loops of the same elegant braids peek out
from behind her slender, willowy neck. Some of her hair is kept loose,
golden, wavy locks gently framing her face, complimenting its inherent
beauty, the unordered divinity of an untamed forest, yet no hair appearing
out of place. Her clear, unblemished, almost radiant skin is like the cream
of milk,, smooth, fair, liquid, and pure. Her lithe, yet curvaceous body is
clad in a conservative, yet well-tailored, and form fitting cotton dress of
cobalt blue, trimmed in a dark gold, and unadorned save for some white onyx
buttons down the front, all closed but one, revealing the ever so slight hint
of her breastbone and the hollow of her exquisite throat. Her lissome hands
caress a thin book. Open, and tilted slightly downward, you can make out the
angled and upside-down title of the page as "My Captain's Horse". Her face,
however, is, once again, the center of attention of this careful painting.
Well-shaped and comely, high cheekbonesand well refined, pointed ears
accentuate her gossamer features. Her nose is dainty and ends in a round
point, and her eyebrows are delicate and pleasingly arched. Her full, damask
lips surround a mouth that is partially open, as if she were saying
something, though it isn't obvious what it could be. Most strikingly,
however, are her pale blue, almond shaped eyes, completing the painting.
They look upon you, straight into your own, tilted upwards slightly in a
besieging manner. Glistening with moisture, they draw you in, begging,
pleading, calling for help. What could this fair, young elf be beseeching so
endearingly? What does she implore? Perhaps it is something that only the
artist will ever know, a purposeful mystery or an uncaring disposition, as
the painting is simply titled, "My Inspiration" and signed in flowing gold
script, "Aldran".
Inane Ramblings of an Infatuated Neonate
Added Wed Feb 7 16:23:58 2007 at level 48:
Odious simpleton! Have you no anamnesis of your covenant? Why have
countenance in such anathema? Cease this absurdity! Lle danne a iathaur
valsan!Dabo'avam edhelara lle dagor! Amin feuya ten' lle! Do not permit
it to surmount.
Can you not envisage the turmoil this will precipitate?Already you neglect
your duty merely to speak with this precarious debutante. What next, will
you discount the implorations of an innocent because you desiderate a brush
of the cheek? Cerebrate a breathing and apperceive.
How does she have such an affect on you? Why do you allow it? This is not
who you are. You do not get tied up in such affairs. They all have need of
your attention.Do not limit yourself so. You had good reason to resolve
the scorning of such personal attention. What of betrayal or loss? You
cannot manage such. You would not be prepared.Discontinue this nonsense.
Tarry and refrain. Stop. Why are you incapable of cessation? Why cant
you stop? Youre not supposed to fall in love
Perhaps I need to converse with Lady Rayihn or one of Her followers.
Vicissitudes of a Squire
Added Tue Feb 6 20:17:27 2007 at level 48:
Though it has still been a proportionately epigrammatic elongation of
chronology since I relinquished my venerated commorancy to allocate my
continuance among the transient beings, life has been quite busy. I have
spent much of my time in an attempt to improve myself, my abilities, my
skill, though it has been rather torpid. I suppose the weakness to having
such a long life and learning to live with such is it is often difficult to
focus oneself on one's task. My attention is almost invariably divided
between many areas whereas races like humans are able to tune out the world
around them in order to achieve whatever one thing they are doing at the
time. I suppose they would not be alive, otherwise, as they burn away so
quickly. There is some metaphor for stars about this, though it escapes me
at the moment.
Regardless, I have spent most of my time focused on such, but it has been
going much more slowly than I would like. Being in the Fortress complicates
it, as well, by often necessitating my dealings with those who would harm the
innocent. While I have no qualms in said fight, I feel I am quite lacking in
my abilities to deal with such and thus currently prefer to hone my skills on
easier foes for the time being.Thus, these sporadic raids are more of an
annoyance than anything, and I have lost my life to so many of them that I
often lose morale, though it seems to have garnered me a bit of fame or
rather, infamy, as many know my name and the House from which I hail.
The loss of morale, however, has so far been countered by an elven maiden by
the name of Siladhiele.I know not why I am able to speak with her so
comfortably. She seems somehow familiar, as if I've known her my entire
life, and yet, I know very little about her. She may be the reason I have
not yet given up, however, as she explained to me I was an inspiration,
regardless of my skill.I only hope it remains that way or my skill
improves, for I would hate to do more harm than good.
I have to be careful with her, though. Meliondil keeps conveying his worry
of my getting too emotionally involved through the empathic link we share. I
even caught myself blushing in her presence when she was looking into my
eyes, trying to convince me to continue my struggle. I cannot let such
feelings into my life. They were not meant for me; that life was not meant
for me.Hmm, but it seems I digress.
The times when I have not been trying to improve my skill or fighting for my
life I have spent mostly talking, though in argumentation may be a more
appropriate phrase. I have spoken with some members of the Fortress on my
views and feelings, which has done a little good, but mostly earned me much
amnesty. I managed to completely alienate myself from the Marshal of the
Fortress for a time, as his views are unwavering and perhaps a bit illogical.
cannot really blame him for such, though, as he is human, but it has been
another source of demoralization. I suppose it's done some good, as well, as
he commented on how upset he was with my not defending the Fortress, which
prompted me to write a note about such wherein everyone who responded agreed
with my views. Oddly enough, he did not respond and has not said anything on
it since. In fact, his interactions with me have improved slig
Penitent Soul
Added Sun Jan 28 10:52:03 2007 at level 44:
I faltered. In all my years, all my dedication, determination, resolve, and
care, I faltered. It was not deliberate, but that is comparatively picayune.
Intent is irrelevant; it does not vacillate the transactions, nor does it
supplant the repugnance. Intent does not vitiate actions; it does not justify
means; it will not raise the dead. Does it increase possibility for
longanimity for the families of a slain loved one if the killer communicates
his lack of intent of death? Any yet, how does one punish this crime? I
suppose it should be treated like anything where evil is involved; the
responsible party must be made to see the error of their ways and made to give
assurance that they will do all in their power to not let it repeat. If that
is not enough, then the power to do evil should be abstracted.
I digress, however, from my own misgivings. I was careless. I did not
remember to instruct the elemental that had agreed to serve under my charge to
use only the cautious, singly focused attacks. It propagated an earthquake
that percussed a guard, causing the guard to strike out in panic. Before I
realized what had happened, the being from the Inner Planes had pummeled the
guard, resulting in his death.
I was mortified. I could not believe what I had just let transpire.
Naturally, I brought the body to the Captain of the Guard who informed his
family and cast proper rites. They were mournful, but they forgave me, more
than I deserved. It was not enough.
I went on pilgrimage, seeking the Altar of Light, and prayed for guidance and
wisdom. I sought to atone for my actions. I prayed for hours, unwilling to
leave until I knew what must be done. I would have left for duty, but nothing
more, and I would have returned shortly thereafter. After a couple of days, I
was answered.
"You know now the price of your carelessness. You will not let this tragedy
repeat itself. This is your burden to bear, and one you never can be free of,
but in shouldering it you are redeemed."
"I shoulder it gladly."
With that, the voice was gone, pleased with my answer, and I knew there was
nothing more I could do, save strengthen my resolve to never allow for repeat.
I now have the death of an innocent man weighing on my soul. I will never be
rid of that, nor would I wish to. I know with what I have been tasked. I must
protect the innocent at all costs; I must eradicate evil, and I must forever
live knowing that I faltered. I am Aldran Eliai'riai, the Penitent Soul and
the Custodian of the Innocent.
The Fortress, Thoughts on Other Races
Added Fri Jan 19 11:07:21 2007 at level 33:
After much deliberation and discussion, I have decided to be ranked upon the
affiliates of the Fortress, the sect of the Marans to be exact.This is not
a decision I have made frivolously, for, although it confers potency and
allies to do much benefit, it also stays my hand in terminating certain
sources of evil. I realize, though, that I am but one person, and even with
such powerful extraplanar confederates at my beck and call, I do not have
enough resources to safeguard as many as I would like. Furthermore, I am not
so convinced that I am as limited as I suspect, for, although I cannot strike
at certain guardians of organizations such as the Outlanders, who stand for
the destruction of children, or the Villagers, whose very plea is to kill
those undeserving, I am still unopposed in my bringing of war upon them, and
I must never forget that it is often confabulation and ratiocination that is
able to arrest evil, rather than brutality.
The Creed of the Marans is a very agreeable one, stating that they do not
fight for glory and that one should never become as one's enemies. I am
certain I shall witness this happening to numerous fellow squires, but I see
little quandary in my pointing it out in an undertaking of education. That
is another rationalization for amalgamating with this cabal. Though I cannot
extirpate those who do evil, I postulate I will have more success in the
stopping within by belonging. The Fortress seems more concerned with Light
and Dark, however, which is not my enterprise at all. While it is often true
that there is a correlation between Dark and evil, it is not always the case.
am, rather, preoccupied with evil and lack of evil than Light and Dark.
If I am sanguine that one who is Dark does evil, then I will act upon it, but
I will not stay my hand just because someone is Light, and I will not slay
merely for having a Dark heart.Misguided evil is still evil, true, but
redemption is not possible without the attempt, and one who is redeemed is
much less likely to commit evil than one who merely dies and is resurrected.
An interesting question came up in my interview with Captain Phryxal. We
spoke of my past, and he noted his belief in my parents being proud of me.
I, of course, pointed out that they were Darsylonian nobles, and I was out
here working with the subordinate races, though I believe I utilized the word
"different". He, naturally, asked me how I felt about it, so I gave the
least offensive answer I could, stating that I did not mind their
companionship or my learning from them.Even a genius is sometimes able to
learn from a fool, after all, though I did not state that. I am not one to
scoff at the idea of working with and helping the undeveloped. How could I
state myself a custodian of the innocent if that were the case?I am also
fully aware that these often-unsophisticated beings are more knowledgeable in
certain areas than I. I spent much of my life matriculated in the life as a
royal and very little learning how to properly fight. My "street training"
is lacking, in other words, and I have spent comparatively little time in my
guild. Besides, these sophomoric entities will never get beyond their crude
civilizations without the help of one such as myself. It is as much my duty
to
Meliondil
Added Sat Jan 13 12:44:18 2007 at level 22:
His name is Meliondil, the devoted friend. He is a constant companion,
someone in which I am capable of investing my confidence. That is tenuous,
for me, but this conjunction we have, this bond, it is tenacious. I feel it
coursing through my veins and my soul. I have never known such a feeling.
With him, I can accord my aspirations and ruminations, my fantasies and
misgivings. He is someone with which I can converse, though his
communication isn't as sophisticated as some of the more developed races, but
his cognitive abilities and perceptions are vastly superior, and the
emotional bond we share allows for much understanding.
Since I joined the School of Conjuration, I have spent considerable time
trying to accommodate those in need, but I have also devoted an appreciable
amount to my studies, often in simultaneity. I had learned to tap into a
couple of planes, summoning forth a brilliant light from the Plane of
Radiance, for instance, but had not yet lucubrated enough to summon forth an
intelligent entity. That all changed, however, when my instructor
indoctrinated me in the summoning forth of a familiar. It was a transparent
enough ritual, petitioning a lesser being from a somewhat random plane.Mine
took the form of an owl.
I must admit that I was in mild anticipation of the enjoining of such a
being, though merely for the intellectual benefit. I never expected
friendship, or much more than a mere coadjutor, really.I simply desired the
ability to conjure a familiar so that I could prepare for the summoning of
greater beings, but there is none more exceptional than he, I have come to
realize. This relationship, it is something I never expected to have with
another, but no matter my flaws, my beliefs, or my mistakes, he is devoted,
forgiving, and there for me. I will relinquish the same.
Background
Added Mon Jan 8 21:57:31 2007 at level 1:
With my admittedly evanescent interim of years, I have, nevertheless, been
successful in taking cognizance of one prodigiously harrowing observation;
the inhabitants of this terrene do not, and quite possibly never will,
comprehend the legitimate interpretation of what it is to be good. This is,
naturally, to be expected from the undeveloped races of this continent, but
for my own to be so discouragingly erroneous is quite a worrisome
presentiment indeed. It is certainly understandable that such malignant
animals, such as the orcs, must be driven from our magnificent city lest they
maul some hapless youth in their ignoble and unpredictable instinct, and the
fallen should never be permitted to enter its gates, for even the redeemed
could contain residual darkness. It is not their fault, but it is an
unfortunate truth and an avoidable risk, but an indication for the betrayer
to withdraw before advancing to onslaught would be but a trifle and much more
civilized than attacking on sight. It is, indeed, rare that any of these
"dark elves" would access our city with peaceable intentions, but that does
not mean there are none who are innocent.
The innocent, extraordinarily troublesome to define, they are in existence,
however, and I would say the only beings who are veritably good, or at least
do no evil, and yet, so many who claim to be good bring destruction upon
them, and if not the innocent, those who do no harm to those undeserving. To
slay the innocent is evil, and I will no longer stand for it. No, I will
protect them, alone if I must, though I may find some allies in this
endeavor. The Archons and their Lord, for instance, they seem more apt than
others at understanding my intentions. I will have to speak with them.
Hmm, but you asked about my past, did you not? That is quite a different
narrative entirely, but one in which I have no desire to administer details.
My parents desiderated that I specialize in painting, you see. I am certain
of the difficulty in believing this, but it is mournfully true.Ever since
Minya committed to portraying all those Immortals, my family, the House
Eliai'riai, has been training its descendents in the art. It is true, yes,
that they serve an important function in the city, and subsequently, the
world, but when said world is falling to pieces before our very eyes, it
hardly seems rational to focus solely on capturing its essence without an
attempt at purification. I can not apprehend why I am the only one who takes
notice in this.
The Archons, as previously stated, seem like they might be acceptable allies,
hence my chosen profession, for I know of no better way in which to commune.
Naturally, it would be against everything for which I stand to force my will
upon such a being, so I would never bind one unwillingly, though there are
others for which that will never matter. My parents, of course, do not
approve of my choice, but, being sophisticated, they do respect it.
My upbringing is surely obvious to you, being that I hail from a minor Noble
House, so I won't suffer you the details, and really, what more do you need
to know of my past? There have been more, personal happenings, sure, but the
very definition suggests I would not share such. Yes, I do believe that will
suffice. Fair journeys to you, a
Death of a Squire
Added Fri Feb 23 16:43:52 2007 at level 51:
My heart is dead, but I am still alive, for now. Whether I continue on
living is now in the Hands of the Gods, but I will not give up my fight. If
I am to die this way, then so be it. Nothing else matters now but duty.
Nothing should have mattered but duty, but I fell in love. At times, I am
glad it was never returned, for it has given me much focus, but even knowing
that does not take the pain away. Only the cold, rigid walls of logic and
will stave it off, but they have made me a cold, bitter person.I am not
certain why the Cardinal still believes I would make a good scribe.
I left the Fortress, though I did not wish to. I could not compromise my
values, though, nor change my priorities, as the Captain wished. He gave me
a lecture on how I needed to change to remain in the Fortress, and I asked
him to remove me, for I cannot change, and I never will. Mendecirith wishes
me to return and assures me that I will not have to compromise my beliefs to
do so, as a Scribe. I truly hope that is the case. Of course, I cannot just
return, for that, too, is in the Hands of a God, or in this case, Goddess,
but then, even with this newfound freedom I have gained from leaving the
Fortress and Siladhiele's rejection, I have never been free, nor will I ever,
but I find that acceptable. My life is for the innocent; nothing else
matters. I live for them, and I will die for them, and then I will truly be
free, having lived my life as best I could. What more could one ask?