Role

Chapter 8

With his path now set, all that was left was for Elokhi to follow it.

His time within the Academy was a blur, though memories of surprised and
confused adventurers remained imbedded in his memory. The guildmaster as well,
did little to hide his own curiosity. It had been quite some time indeed since
an Arial had followed this path.

But there was no denying it now. Elokhi Arun'otyl of Ayr'Trinil was.. a
Paladin. A champion of the Light.

Elokhi had promised himself he would never again hold his tongue in fear. He
would never again hold back from the true course, when he saw it before him.
It was that realization that saw him this far. And it was that promise that
drove Elokhi further.

He knew he must live up to the ancient, righteous symbol of his people. To
serve as a new example of what it truly meant to be Arial - not to live a life
of extravagance, but of righteous purpose. To stand against the wickedness he
had seen within his murderous brother, to fight against it wherever it might
be found.

Arial live short lives, but Elokhi was determined not to let his own go to
waste. He would make Thera better, make it safer, that the innocent souls like
his sister could live the lives they deserved.

But he also knew he could not do it alone. Turning to the Gods above, there
was but one who could guide him to that purpose.. A figure of legend spoken in
reverence equal that of the late Skyborn. A fierce warrior Elf of unquestioned
courage, unparalleled skill and purity of purpose. The returned Spirit of the
Jaguar, Lady Baerinika.

Seeking out the Spearmaiden, Elokhi found himself blessed and also challenged.
He was a weak Arial in his youth. Passive, afraid and forgiving of the
wickedness he knew was present in others. But where he was weak, the Jaguar
was strong. He would overcome that passive reaction, replacing that inaction
with righteous combat in defense of the good. He would overcome the fear of
his youth, standing tall with courage under the Light. And he would never
again overlook wickedness, rooting out evil leaving only the pure to prosper.

It was only through the Lady Baerinika, Elokhi knew, that he could be the
Arial he knew he needed to be, to show his own kind and the good people of
Thera a better way.