Role

Chapter 16

There have been several developments in Azhelak's life that are of important significance to his saga.
The most surprising of these to him is the evolution of his relationship with Andira. While he has
loved the Elf since first sight he never considered that one such as her would ever feel the same. It
seems he was wrong, as Andira confessed her feelings to him after a long conversation about the future
and what it may hold. Had she not done this it is quite possible that Azhelak would have never told her
the true depths of his feelings. This is a testament to the damage the curse has inflicted upon his
self-worth and image. Soon after Andira and Azhelak spoke freely of their feelings Andira wished to
share a kiss with Azhelak, a notion that stirred these feelings of shame as his face is the most ravaged
part of his disfigured body. Andira took the hesitation as a sign of regret on Azhelak's part and fled
from him out of embarassment.

This moment caused Azhelak to reconsider a few things, most pressingly how he handles himself in spite
of the curse. If he is a free man, as he continues to proclaim, how can he allow something beyond his
control (like the curse) to continue to rule how he lives his life? He spoke of this with Andira, found
her in a crowded cavern filled with Svirfneblin children and rolled his mask up just enough to expose
his mouth and shared the first kiss of his life with Andira.

Since the two have been inseperable. Spending their quiet time together and sleeping both in Andira's
home and in various places in the wilds. The emotions have come from this union have given Azhelak a new
take on life and his zealous approach to freedom, the Light, the Refuge and his worship of the Spearmaiden
continues to grow. One could say that this love is like a spring's rain that brings only growth and
strength to Azhelak's soul.

For the first time he is truly happy. Those around him have taken note in the change of his demeanor and
the boldness of his future plans for the Refuge. The change is so obvious that it even gained the attention
of the Tul'vharun's greatest nemesis, the Lich known as Draclivis.