Role

Chapter 5

With a curious gesture, the Elder guided Aelarion toward a broken window
filled with spiraling light. Gazing through the glass, Aelarion witnessed a
joyous scene within the Azure Fields.

The landscape stretched endlessly, a vibrant meadow bathed in divine golden
light intermixed with celestial blueish silver. The air itself seemed alive
with hope and love. Along sere pathways, Aelarion looked upon the familiar
faces of his friends and loved ones from Sylvindor as they celebrated an
endless Yuletide in this place of transcendant peace.

The sounds of stories, laughter and song echoed through the air as Aelarion
gazed on. Standing there, looking upon his people at peace and contented,
Aelarion felt a strange sense of foolishness and wisdom dawn on him.

The draw of revenge for his village's destruction had never fully let go of
Aelarion's heart. But now, witnessing the jovial scene, he realized that
vengeance was his own desire alone, never theirs. As he looked on, his mind
drifted to the Creed of the Maran. "Maran stand as protectors of the Light".
Protectors, not mindless killers Justice was his calling, not merely the
momentary satisfaction of revenge.

With a proud smile, the spectral Elder guided Aelarion outside. As they
emerged from the remnants of the church, a strange light blinded Aelarion for
a moment. When his vision cleared, he found himself standing in a Sylvindor of
tomorrow.

Stones were already being piled high, rebuilding the simple Lord's manor into
what must be a grand palace. He witnessed a team of Elves erecting a robust
wall of ironwood, coupled with watchtowers already manned by vigilant archers.
Below them, eyes not leaving the roadways and forests were a team of guards,
hands on their weapons at the ready. Behind those fierce soldiers, children
played as elders negotiated trade goods and shared gossip.

Sylvindor was being reborn. Not as it was, but greater, stronger and more
resilient. The sight emphasized the enduring strength of the Light, ever
resilient but always to be protected. The words of the goddess Azorinne echoed
in his ears. "We fight. When we must." And Aelarion knew, then, that Sylvindor
would be safe under the Light. They had learned from the mistakes of their
predecessors. They would fight for the Light, not merely hope for it. And,
Aelarion knew, so would he.

Stepping into the open, Aelarion witnessed a vision of Sylvindor in the
future. He saw the town being reconstructed, fortified with robust walls and
guarded by vigilant sentinels. This sight emphasized the enduring strength of
the Light, ever resilient but always to be protected.

As the vision faded, Aelarion found himself alone amid the ruin of his home,
the visions of Sylvindor's past, present and future all revealing a wisdom he
finally grasped in full. He vowed to refocus himself on his duty to find
Justice guided by wisdom and clarity, not consumed by vengeance.