Quivdereayeh Vyr'kyree the Wayfarer of the Lighted Path, Avowed of Azorinne, Acolyte of the Golden Sun

Role

Chapter 36

Lady Azorinne made herself visible to me for the first time a few days later.
We spoke of progress and of joy, and she gave me a hug the likes of which still
warm me as I write this.

The ninth and tenth testimonials came shortly thereafter as well. Neryndaen, a
Paladin and Voronwe a ranger, both of the Fortress bore witness to the
Androsphinx. They spoke of my deeds as eight other souls had done so before.
Upon the final testimonial, the androsphinx flew to the heavens to speak to the
Lords and Ladies of the Light. Others gathered to bear witness to what was to
come next, including Prixm and Lyrien. I tried my best to reach Tilea, to
invite her to that moment, but she was not long for our realm.

When the androsphinx reappeared, he hovered in the air just feet away from the
cliff at the shrine of my Lady, Azorinne. He dropped to the stone ledge one paw
at a time and padded over to me.

I have spoken to them, he said.

I steeled myself, nodding. His feathers fluttered auspiciously in the breeze.
He then wrapped his wings around me, obscuring me from all others. A
glossolalic prayer rung out from the mountainside, sung by thousands of unseen
voices. Heatless flame enveloped him and its brightness seared the eyes of all
in attendance. Within his wings was not safety, but burning fires of the Light
so hot that they were beyond anything I had sensed nor could sense. As they
faded, his wings were lowered. My body was covered in ash, flaking off like the
snow that covered the moutainside.

I let out a long, slow breath. I opened my eyes to see myself surrounded by
friends and changed... smiling through tears as I opened my eyes. The
androsphinx backed away slowly, his head bowed in reverence to the impossible
song that still surrounded the shrine.

I whisper to him, Thank you. For always.

Role

Chapter 23

I set about to find those who would provide testimony and the first candidate
was obvious to me, the Elder Prophet. Dohri was kind, tenacious, and full of
hope. She was everything I had wished the Light would be and the nearest in
philosophy to my aspirational view of Mercy, how I experienced it and how I
hoped to share it.

When I brought her to the androsphinx, he too was unsurprised that she was
the first. They spoke at length on my commitment to my vows and how she
had observed me with others, speaking both of my desire for redemption
and brightening those on similar paths along with souls already of the Light.

The second testimonial was that of the High Herald, Gwendelya, who knew my
story well. So did the Herald Kytria, who painted me a portrait inspired by my
tale.

Role

Chapter 24

Layers of paint decorate this slate grey canvas, though most of the paints used
tend towards the darker side of the color spectrum. Held in a sterling silver
frame, the work of art celebrates shades of shadow and light that are less
favored. Centered in the canvas is the face of a drow woman with silver hair
that cascades past her shoulders. A single length of her hair is braided with a
golden chain that snakes in and out of the plait. The chain disappears towards
the bottom of the canvas, hidden along with the rest of the details beneath her
collarbone.

A ray of light shines from the upper-right corner of the canvas, casting a glow
that illuminates the right half of her face. Shadows curve down from her nose
to rest atop her pink lips. The light reflects from her violet irises,
reminiscent of an amethyst that sparkles from the depths of geode cluster. In
contrast to the right side of the painting, the left half of her face is left
to the shadows. A bruise mars her cheekbone, though it is yellow and purple -
already halfway through the healing process. Individual strands of hair have
been replaced by large strokes of bright white tempered with grey. A single
tear wells in the corner of her eye, waiting to trail down her cheek.

Her face lacks a notable expression, favoring plain neutrality with the
faintest hint of optimism visible in the corners of her lips.

A single word has been written beneath the drow's neck in a deep crimson. The
letters blur and drip, giving the effect of blood across her otherwise unmarred
skin:

"Absolution"

Role

Chapter 25

I spent time at the Inn regularly in the early days of my redemption. Generally
it was to speak to those who wanted to hear my story, such as Heralds and
Acolytes. When I walked the world to explore or practice, I did it mostly by
myself. Though more and more, I would walk with Dichael. And he would find me
at the Inn or escort me there to rest. He showed me the limes behind the
kitchen and through time and talks he started to warm to me. When I first met
him, his scars were still raw. And I, a drow, was like a knife to those scars.
My people had caused him and his family such pain and so abiding me, choosing
not to slay me on sight, took restraint on his part. But my story and my
actions over time moved him, and it wasn't long before he started to bring me
gifts. Fruit at first, since I wouldn't eat anything he caught hunting. Other
little things, useful things but one day he gave me a beautiful carved
moonstone. It was unexpected, romantic even. And we walked together more, and
we spoke more... and we drank wine, and we flirted, and finally we kissed.

We were inseparable thereafter, our paths were now linked. The question became
if we were headed in the same direction. Many times Dichael mused to me about
whether his search for knowledge would take him to the Light. Others mused
about it as well, whether Dichael was more interested in reaching the Light or
more interested in reaching enlightenment, which prompted me once, in front of
Menakh-Niziim no less, to state forcefully that while I cared for Dichael and
that I loved Dichael, my path was a journey to complete and total redemption.

In time Dichael himself forcefully asserted he was committed to that same
redemption. But the way he achieved it and where he wanted to go after
achieving it was quite different than me and mine.

Role

Chapter 26

My fourth testimonial came from the Scribe, Kastravana Arcadian, a bard I met
early in my adventuring days. He would go on to be an Acolyte and the Cardinal
before he passed. He always brought me rose wine to drink as we spoke, and he
made it clear he had no doubt in my words and my convictions, but he wanted to
see deeds.

I made my way to the orphanage of Balator, armed with as many treats from the
Inn as I could find. There were so many young ones there, and though they seem
treated well, I knew then just the scope of endless war on Thera. These
children would grow and might one day end up making the exact same choice that
I had. But would they? Who was showing them the right path? Who was showing
them kindness in this world of misery?

I brought cakes, and fruits, and coin, and smiles. It never felt like enough.
Perhaps that sentiment is what persuaded Kastravan to say the kind words he did
for my benefit. What persuaded Kaide Zur'a Eskaal was, to me at least, more
elusive.

Kaide was the first Maran to provide testimony on my behalf. He had listened to
me and spoke with Dichael frequently on both of our redemptions. He was willing
to come forward even when his own Marshall had explained to me that so long as
I glowed red, he would hunt me. It meant all the more that Kaide was
unpersuaded by such zealotry, even if I understand it quite well. I had seen it
in many men, my father, my half-brother, Dichael, and so many more.

Despite this, I would soon see Kaide behave in a way that made me question his
faith, even if moments later he would be assured in mine.

Role

Chapter 27

On one strange eve, everything changed.

The Maran and the Acolytes and the Squires and the Scribes were a flutter. I
awoke at the Inn, and I saw the Captain, the Marshall, Dohri, Kastravan, Kaide,
Coqui, and Prixm awake and seemingly occupied. Dichael was at the Inn and we
spoke, happy to be with one another, but perplexed by the otherwise distracted
members of the Fortress. After a time though, one by one, they reached out to
us, asking for help finding an item or a place, without telling us anything as
to the reason of their need. And at last, they all descended upon the Inn,
asking for me, as they needed something only I could give: drow blood, drawn
freely.

I came with them, confused but willing to help. These were my friends and they
needed me, I would never have denied them. We headed to a laboratory where an
alchemist was cowering. His name was Odovodon, and he had done something
terrible. Before I could even hear his story, Prix'm was attacked, I did my
best to aid and I slew slavers who had journeyed to disrupt whatever the
Fortress was attempting to accomplish. And then Prix'm was attacked again, but
not by slavers... but by none other than the androsphinx himself.

The noble and gallant creature who had done so much to aid me in my redemption
was now attacking those who I saw as allies. I was confused, and then it was
explained to me, it was all the fault of the alchemist who was working under
duress. His family was held captive and he had been forced to inject the
androsphinx with a serum that had made Lady Azorinne's sentinel mad and had
perverted his soul and mind, so much so that he now struck out at those of the
Light.

The Fortress had worked tirelessly on a cure, and one of the more difficult to
acquire ingredients was one that I alone could provide. I gave my blood freely
for such a cause. And as the needle took the blood out of me, I realized I
stood in front of the Marshall for the first time not as someone to strike and
kill, but as someone who was on his side. Rolen never raised his blade at me
again.

Role

Chapter 28

As the blood moved from my veins into the tube, I felt lightheaded, which was
strange. I had been slain, I had been cut, and yet the slow drip was different.
Like a loss of essence, something weightier than a scratch or a strike.

The alchemist had collected all that he needed to finish the antidote. Kaide in
particular was most unnerved. He threatened the alchemist, violently, stating
if it did not work, he would cut the man where he stood, with no regard to the
wife or children he would leave behind. In that moment, I spoke against the
paladin who had given testimony on my behalf.

No harm will come to you, you have my word.

No sooner than I spoke those words than Odovodon administered the anecdote, and
the androsphinx was healed. He roared, himself again, and moved quickly to save
the alchemist's family and make right what had been done wrong on that fateful
night.

Still, there was more to that evening. My arms began to bleed. From the spot
where blood was taken, they bled anew. As the blood sept through my wrappings,
I find myself becoming strangely lighter.

Before my eyes, the red from my wound rapidly lost its color. With it, the last
of the darkness within my soul melted away. I wept and I prayed.

I was no longer a child of dark heart.

Role

Chapter 29

When next I approached the androsphinx, curious of his condition and those of
the alchemist's family, he was waiting for me.

Quivdereayeh, you are here, he said.

And I responded, I am happy to hear your voice.

The androsphinx then said, It is my own, today. My thoughts are my own. My
will, my own. You had a part in this.

I smiled and said to him, That brings me joy, it was a most strange series of
events. Frightening and then revelatory. And now, I am changed.

And then he moved from the entrance to my Lady's shrine and said, I must stand
aside for you now. I am no longer a barrier to you. You shall report to me
still, but you are permitted to enter the temple grounds.

Truly? I asked.

The androsphinx answered, It is the very least that you have earned.

I burst into joy, I blurted out, I wish to hug you!

And he responded, You may not.

I blushed and chuckled. And with that, I entered Lady Azorinne's shrine.

Role

Chapter 31

Dohri rose to her feet, wiping her knees gently and straightening her skirts.
Oh well.. I have to go again, she said with a hug and peck on the cheek. She
was gone in a flash.

Anaimhe turned and said to me, Since you've had one blessing today, I'll save
mine for another time. The last I gave was to Odren, and to Dohri before that.

Of course. Though I'd say I've had two blessings... being permitted to enter
was the first. I've longed to be here again for some time.

That old cat man is particular about things, she replied.

I smirked before saying, Though I'm quite glad Dohri gave the cleansing
blessing and the androsphinx permitted me to enter, I dread to think of it
being the other way around.

I can't say I blame him. This place has seen it's fair share of dire
happenings.

I was witness to such recent events, though I sense all ended well, I offered.

Anaimhe the Clement paused, Hmm... what I speak of is hardly recent. What's
been going on?

Role

Chapter 32

I recounted to her the story of the alchemist and my blood being drawn and my
soul lightening, pointing to a slight bruise on my arm.

Anaimhe looked at me, Oh! Oh you're full blood! I didn't even realize!

Aye. Full blood. Born of dark heart, I said. She strode around me, inspecting
several angles. I am second generation half blood, she said. I never would have
believed it but here you are. She waved her hand vaguely, What a journey you
must have been on. How they must hate you, the rest of them, she finished,
patting my arm gently.

My heart is gray now, and am permitted to enter my Lady's shrine. Which is a
cause for celebration and joy, I said.

There is no more joyful place I've found, she said serenely, continuing, Ah but
your journey is hardly done is it? Now everything starts. You'll have to keep
at whatever that old cat man was having you do, of course. He won't let you out
of a promise, but what is next for you, I wonder? There is a certain hatred
that will follow you, bestowed upon you by the culture you rejected, a taking
that you cannot escape, but one that you can, perhaps, regain. If you ask me,
now is the time to do quite a lot of talking.

I responded, While I know I can best serve this world with all the skills I
have learned at my disposal, I am resolute in continuing the journey I started.
Even if everything is lost, the Light gained is all that really matters.

Anaimhe smiled, And OH! You'll have to come face to face with HER.

Role

Chapter 33

The next four to speak on my behalf were Traebaurius, Prixm, Coqui, and Tarook.

Traebaurius was a centaur Squire who heard my story and wished to see me
redeemed. At first he requested to earn his testimony by defeating him within
the arena. I tried three times, each time becoming more capable but falling
short in winning the duel. Traebaurius was there for the rescue of the
androsphinx, and decided he had seen enough and changed his mind. He spoke of
my heart and my perseverance but ultimately it was my sacrifice that convinced
him to come forward.

Prixm was a saurian Scribe who would become one of my closest friends. I met
him young, early in the journey that would lead him away from the Fortress. He
requested we speak three times and that we did, where I learned of his story,
where he learned of mine, and where we spoke of the journey ahead for both of
us. The Light blessed me with his presence and friendship, and I would have to
repay it many years later in standing at his side when others doubted him, as
he stood by mine when so many doubted me.

Role

Chapter 34

Coqui, who would go on to become the Captain, like Prixm and Traebaurius,
witnessed the night of the blood lightened. But for Coqui, it was not my
sacrifice that impressed her so, it was my defense of the alchemist against the
threats of Kaide. Kaide's impetuousness turned to bringing his blade upon the
alchemist, and swearing if the antidote did not work that he would end the
man's life. Coqui spoke of my insistence I would let no harm come to the man as
what sealed her decision to testify. Later, Coqui and I would again make a
commitment together, but at present, it was to see me on the way onward to
redemption.

Tarook, an eleven Paladin spoke as well. His light burned quickly, but we spoke
at length and walked together. I was closer than ever to the completion of my
task, and unsure what would come of me once I completed it. The path forward
was the only path.

Role

Chapter 35

Through time I grew closer and closer to Dichael. His path, like mine, was bent
toward the Light. But his walk was shorter than mine, by quite some amount of
time.

In a way I always knew this would be so. Humans do not live as long as my kind.
They burn brighter but faster. I am an ember, I am metal on fire, and I somehow
fell in love with a man made of timber, made of cloth. Burning quickly and
absolutely. He achieved his goals, first to shed the darkness he had found
himself under, and later, by the androsphinx as I was, his soul was Lightened.
It was a joyous time. But it was short. Shorter than seemed fair to him,
shorter than seemed fair to me.

Losing Odren. Losing Dohri. Losing Dichael. It was so much loss. I had the
things they had given me. Wisdom to spare, but also gifts, including a diamond
carved into the shape of a drow woman in the snow. In time Lady Azorinne would
console me and remind me of the long years I had left to live, and that loss
was the price I paid for them. But in the present of it, and without yet
achieving my own goals of redemption, I was distraught and prone to despair.

I came to the lake near the mines where the child I had strangled so many years
ago, only to see a young boy in the same spot. I smiled at him and he returned
the smile. I asked him if he was awaiting his parents, and he said he was, and
that he was scared they would not arrive. I offered to wait with him until they
did.

He told me he got lonely. I told him I had been lonely too, but I remembered my
friends and that helped a little bit. Even if they were gone.

I said, one of my closest friends gave me a gift, and it helped me remember
him. But I don't think I need it anymore, would you like to have it?

He nodded, excitedly, and I reached into my bag and pulled out the diamond
statue. I had no more need for it, so I handed it over.

You can keep it for as long as you need to, and maybe one day you can give it
someone else who needs it, I said. Gifts are nice ways of showing people we
care.

With that, and with a face full of joy, he dove into the lake. At first, I was
concerned, and thought I might need to jump in after him. A moment or two
passed and he returned to the surface.

I found the one for you! And he handed me a pebble as he shouted his discovery.

I took the pebble, a plain blue orb that suddenly meant the world to me and
thanked him, holding back tears in my eyes.

I think I hear my parents, he said, and with a wave he was gone.

We're never alone for long.

Role

Chapter 30

I looked back at the androsphinx one more time from inside of the shrine, and
with a deep breath I closed the door behind me. I greeted those who resided
there, tasted of the apricots, and made my way to the melted altar. I knew it
from the stories of Lady Azorinne, and I knew its significance. Shortly
thereafter, Dohri appeared.

I hope I am not disturbing anything, said the Elder Prophet. Do you have time
for something? It is just a small ritual.

I nodded and the snow began to fall.

Dohri said to me, Take your boots off.

She held a delicate glass pitcher in outstretched hands before her, quietly
intoning a blessing over it. The delicate glass pitcher seems to shimmer and
glow for a brief moment. She then took my feet into her hands and rested them
on her knees. I blushed and she smiled at me before pouring the blessed water
from her pitcher over my feet slowly. It felt lovely, and as I drifted off in
my mind and my eyes closed, a servant of Lady Azorinne, Anaimhe the Clement
arrived. Dohri was humming quietly as she gently massaged the water over one
foot and then the other.

What did I miss? She asked.

Dohri exclaimed Oh, somewhat startled. I smiled at Anaimhe and said, Dohri
is... performing a ritual?

Just something for her change, Dohri responded. And with that she poured the
rest of her pitcher out slowly onto my feet. She then took out a large thick
cloth from her bag to wipe and dry them. Finishing her her work, she leaned
down to gently place a single kiss on the top of each foot.

Role

Chapter 10

The dagger came to my brother's neck just as I pushed his face away from mine.
I don't know if in that moment I made it easier for his assassin to cut him
down or if by instinct I rejected his advances at the most inopportune
instance. Either way the result was the same. The drow who felled him bore the
markings of an Imperial Shadow and was gone just as quickly as he appeared.

I think he smiled at me as he disappeared in a cloud of smoke.

My brother, dying, tried to speak. Little came out and I only shuddered, mouth
agape as I held him closer. A wail finally escaped my throat.

It seemed clear to me that cruelty was the more assured path but after I buried
the man whose last name I took, I turned to a lit trail and thought not of
revenge. Surely there was some better way. I made my way to the Academy.

Role

Chapter 11

I walked through the halls that so many before me had. And I walked down the
stairs to a place where the ground was covered in blood and sweat. I met
creatures seemingly bred for nothing more than for me to learn my craft. It
felt cruel. Right away I thought I needed to get what came from here and move
quickly away.

I headed to the land of the kobolds and found the same to be true.
Disinterested creatures with no harm meant to the world save keeping to their
own and striving to survive. When I struck one, as my brother had suggested I
learn striking from amongst them, they all rallied to take me down. They were
unsuccessful but I felt no joy in their demise. They fell and had done me no
harm, nor so far as I could see had they done any innocent harm. This was not
mercy, this was cruelty.

On that day I made my first vow to myself, to strike none save the darkest
heart and only when Mercy could not save them. I prayed for the wisdom to know
when both were true, lest I falter from the path I had chosen.

Role

Chapter 12

I am unsure whether it was some deep stain or some broken part of me, but while
I made and kept to my vow to only hunt and slay the cruel, I still managed to
see my nature as being of a dark heart. I hope this is but a reminder to me
that I still have to atone and seek redemption from a higher power.

I had thought to visit the Fortress, or where I thought it was only to find no
Maran or sign of it. Confused I headed east and that's where I saw the young
boy. Frail, crying, his arms outreached, and so I reached down to hug him. In
my mind, it all came rushing back. My brother. The embrace with him. The blade
that came from him.

When I came to the boy was dead in my arms. I've no question it was my hands,
but why? If for this and this alone, I turned to my next steps on the path I
had chosen... redemption.

Role

Chapter 13

I felt guilt immediately. Consumed by it. But still I had begun my journey and
had to continue on. I kept to myself, hunting where I could and doing my best
to stay true to my path. I sought out dark hearted creatures to slay and
refused to journey with other dark hearted souls, even ones that sought me out
in friendship, assuming our souls were similarly cruel.

What happened next gave me guidance for the first time and laid out the steps
in front of me towards a path of redemption. I was fortunate enough to meet the
Elder Prophet, Dohri Huta-Fea. Dohri greeted me with a hug, something I'd never
experienced before from an elf. But that lightness was exactly what I needed. A
kind face full of joy. It allowed me to feel safe enough to speak to her about
everything that happened, even how I had crushed that poor boy.

We spoke of Lady Azorinne and she explained to me there were two others on
similar quests: Odren, a Herald, and Dichael, a Shaman aligned with the
Outlanders. She told me to make their acquaintances and learn from them what I
could. She also told me that when I was ready, I should make my way the Lady's
shrine.

Role

Chapter 14

It was shortly thereafter that I made my first journey to the shrine of Lady
Azorinne. I stayed at the Inn several nights listening to others speak,
including Maran and Acolytes, looking to decipher where it was. Of course it
was near the Fortress, and by extension, near where the boy died.

I stopped by the apricot tree and the praises I had heard were true, it was the
finest fruit I'd ever tasted. I grabbed a tome marked with an eclipse and read
it. The words sung to me, the story of mercy and determination, but above all
it was the story of Light. Kindness. And a possibility of redemption.

I kneeled down at the melted altar and made two vows that day. One that I would
protect the Light and never hunt the innocent. Two that I, having already
foresworn eating flesh, would never hunt the gray for sport, food, or to learn
my craft. Though the Lady did not answer my prayers that day, my step felt a
little lighter all the same.

Role

Chapter 15

I visited the Inn often, and made friends with the Heralds there. But one of
the more important souls I met was Odren. He too was on a path of redemption
and he too was under the the tutelage of Lady Azorinne. He spoke of an
androsphinx that I had walked past on my way to the apricot tree and warned
that it did not like dark souls, such as myself, entering the shrine.

He had committed many heinous acts in his younger days and spoke of the need to
atone for them. I'd later accompany him on a journey to seek forgiveness for
atrocities he had committed against the storm giants near Aryth Ocean. I
thought a lot about what tasks I would need to perform for absolution, but it
was still quite a time before I would be given divine guidance of my own.

Role

Chapter 16

I also sought the friendship of another soul in search of redemption, Dichael.
He was an ex-Imperial and had lost many of his loved ones to a drow raiding
party. He was burned severely from the event and turned towards a different
path, one focused on nature and on restoring Thar-Eris.

He offered me a quail in a token of peace. He was uneasy around me, his hatred
for dark elves being something he shared with me right away. I feared further
insulting him when I told him I did not eat meat and instead ate a bowl of
fruit I had purchased at the Inn. He smiled and said, I want to take you
somewhere where the fruit is far more fresh.

We traveled to the new growth beyond the ashen woods. I spoke of how I spent
much time in the past, and I wondered aloud if we could stop this destruction
from occurring. You cannot change the Past, Dichael said. He then showed me the
most wonderful fruits and we ate them together and shared our stories. He told
me how when he met Dohri, as part of his path to redemption, she hugged him and
it had hurt quite a bit due to his burns. I pecked him on the cheek, on a soft
unblemished spot. He smiled. That's much more pleasant, he said.

Role

Chapter 17

Dichael and I walked together frequently after that. We spoke of natural
creatures and even dark hearted ones. I had grown comfortable hunting tresnores
and taglos, but Dichael pointed out rightly that when I slaughtered their
young, was I any different than if that knight had attacked me instead of
bringing me to the surface?

It struck me in that moment, that there was a facet to Mercy I had yet to
embrace. One that was core to my story in both how I had risen and how I had
fallen. From that day forward, I vowed to protect and never harm the young,
regardless of the hearts they had or were born with.

I made my way to the shrine of Lady Azorinne again. Ate of the apricots again.
And made the vow in prayer, reiterating my former commitments and pleading for
guidance. It would be the last time I was allowed in the shrine for a long
while.

Role

Chapter 18

Days later I had returned to the Past, working to perfect every conceivable
weapon in Thera, hunting the dark hearted creatures there. In a sudden moment,
a strange fearsome creature appeared. I recognized it immediately, but in its
majesty and that it had come to me specifically, I recognized the gravity of
the moment: the androsphinx had come for me.

We stepped away from the smoke and then began to speak to one another. He told
me he knew I sought redemption, and that his Lady forbid him from slaying and
devouring those who seek such a path, but he was clear to me, if he could have
swallowed me in that moment, he would have.

He told me that I was no longer allowed to pass by him and enter the shrine. I
was to speak to him of my progress and he would keep watch on my path to ensure
I spoke true. He told me to learn what I could from Odren and Dichael but he
warned that Dichael's path was one consumed with knowledge, not necessarily
with a pursuit towards the Light. I winced as I had hope Dichael and I would
walk this path together, now that was less sure. In addition to the
instructions he gave me, the androsphinx shared this wisdom: Mercy is granted
by virtue of seeking the goddess Azorinne. I am bound to her wishes. Redemption
is not to be granted by me or by the Lady. It is yours to seek.

Role

Chapter 19

Another thing the androsphinx told me was, If darkness should release its
inherent hold on your heart, you still may never truly attain the light. Do you
understand?

Weeks later I was again training and practicing when I needed to rest off the
wounds I had suffered. A most vivid dream ensued, I found myself surrounded by
the majesty of nature. Above, the sky was a deep and endless blue, and birds
swept through it, singing their praises to the dawn. A sound caught my
attention: a repetitive heaving and thud, along with a labored breath. I
followed the noise through a treeline which opened to a man standing almost
head high in a pit he was digging. He heaved a final shovel full of dirt and
hefted himself, shovel and all, out of the hole. He stood over a linen wrapped
bundle, no more than three feet long, with flowers lovingly twined around it.

As gently as he can, the man lifted the bundle and set it with care into the
grave he had just dug. Then blindness overtook me and I suddenly am aware of a
weight in my arms that I squeeze until I hear bones cracking.

The dream faded and I awoke, gasping for breath.

Role

Chapter 20

I made my way to the Androsphinx as quickly I could, stating I had had an
unpleasant dream and felt the need to seek his counsel. He began our
conversation with the statement, Dreams tell us things we need to know about
ourselves, to which I replied, It is about the boy, I think, the boy who died
in my arms, I don't know what happened, but it weighs on me.

The androsphinx replied, Speak of what you do know... Speak it plainly
and with no ornament or obfuscation.

And so I did and the androsphinx listened but then told me I knew of death
before that boy and that I could defend that death, perhaps, and call it
justice, even righteous. He went on, The legacy to which you were born is not
one which reveres life, it reveres power and it operates with utter disregard
for those it does not consider important... Your birth, your blood, IS you; it
is not what you WANT, but you nevertheless are exactly what you were born to
be.

And then the androsphinx said, You spoke of your mind going elsewhere. He asked
me where. I told him to my brother and to my father... to the main deaths I've
tried so hard to escape. He replied that I was not meant to escape and that the
boy is dead because I, in the moment when I should have been aware of him,
protected him... I went somewhere else.

He went on, And with your judgment gone, with your awareness in the ether of
the past... You were exactly what you are. A murderous drow.

Role

Chapter 21

I was shaken to my core. Evil was my nature and the androsphinx had stated in
plainly so. Tearfully I said to the androsphinx, Exactly what I was born as,
but no more.

And then he whispered with his claws drawn aiming at my throat, Would you like
me to end your pain?

In that moment I found my resolve. I spoke, My pain is but a reminder that
there is a more merciful path in front of me... So no, I do not need you to end
it, I am ready to account for my sins, and to move forward in an arc bent
towards the Light.

He replied, You will need to be mindful. Present. Your guilt serves no one and
nothing if all it results in is more self-pity. What will you do with it?

And I said, See to it as what it is, a reminder that I can fall easily should I
not otherwise keep my eyes forward.

And with that he turned his back and returned to his watch.

Role

Chapter 22

I continued to grow, mostly accompanied by Dichael, who on a similar redemption
path, was able to walk with me while so many of the friends I made of the Light
could not. I got to know the Heralds, including the High Herald Gwendelya, and
I came to know the Acolytes and Squires as well. Everywhere I could I told my
story, knowing that while those of the Light could not aid me in my growth
within my guild, they could support me in spirit if nothing else.

As instructed, I did not enter the shrine of Lady Azorinne, but I did visit the
androsphinx, often times with others in attendance. On one such visit, Odren
was there who had recently achieved the redemption I sought. He seemed sad in
those later days, though he must have been troubled for far longer. In the
midst of his conversation with the androsphinx, Odren asked me of my vows and
told me he thought they were passive. I had defined my actions by what I would
not do, rather than what I would do. The androsphinx agreed and that gave me
more to think on how best to move through the world in pursuit of redemption.

When Odren left, the androsphinx turned to me and once again showed his claws,
five on each finger. He asked me to pick a number, and having recently stared
down his offers of violence, I steeled myself and decided to choose them all. I
closed my eyes and said ten.

Bring me ten good souls who will speak on your behalf, and bring them but one
at a time, the androsphinx tasked me. And that task began the next chapter in
my walk towards the Light.

Role

Chapter 9

Kothanar never knew the story of his birth, I saw him so infrequently until we
were older that I never wanted to burden him with such horrors or sadness. His
father for his part never knew, until he likely surmised it for himself, that I
was my mother's daughter or his son's sister.

After my brother spoke at length about the Lady he paused for a long time,
showing me without words through an incomprehensible void and into the Past of
Thera. We walked for a good while without talking, through the city of Galadon
though it looked so different than it did to me in my days at the orphanage.
When we got to the other side of the city, he grabbed my hand.

Tell me what happened before we came above, Quiv, he said. When I hesitated, he
leaned in and kissed me. Passionately and hungrily, to my shock and surprise. I
tried to stop him but he continued, only relenting to plead, What happened? Why
won't anyone tell me what happened? He grabbed my face, it was as red as it has
ever been, even redder than the day it was covered in my mother's blood as I
could not stop myself from crying through it all.

I love you, Quiv, he said and I embraced him, unsure of what else to do or what
else to say.

I don't remember, I lied, and in that moment I spied one of my own kind with a
dagger poised to strike the man in my arms.

PK Statistics

Edges

Flaws

Racial Edges

Class Edges

Edges

Mob Deaths

Timeline

Leveling History

PK Deaths

PK Wins

Arena Statistics

Title History

Skill List

Skill List

PK Gank-O-Meter

Immortal Comments

Immortal Comments

Immortal Comments

Role

Chapter 1

I remember very little before the age of twenty. I remember holding a blade and
staring at a dead eyed lizard as my father, with the grin I remember of his
which was far better than the scowl I saw more frequently. He offered to hold
it for me so I could cut its head off. He turned it upside down and pointed at
its belly, an easy slice. He pointed to the heart and nodded, a quick and
effective spot for a knife. Tears came down my face. He struck me, leaving a
red mark on my cheek that I think my mother yelled at him about that evening. I
wept openly but before he could slap me a second time I brought my blade down
swiftly, slicing his finger and murdering the poor creature which brought the
grin back to my father's face in a flash.

That's my girl, he said. He beamed with pride as I tended to my damp face and
stinging cheek.

Role

Chapter 2

Years went by and my father went to war often. He spoke of the Empress with
admiration that seemed to be met with annoyance from my mother. She told me
frequently we came from a noble house but she married for love and left that
life behind. She would often apologize after one too many glasses of wine that
I would never reach the ranks of the matrons that her sisters had. That I had
been cursed with her failings and foolishness.

My father was perhaps the greatest Blade of his generation, or so he would
regale me with stories that suggested as much. My mother drank as he told them,
she had spent too many years living in the mornings after of such boasts. The
battles and the wars he loved so much left him with little time to tend to her
and to make good on the promises he made to her when they met.

She would often look over at the cabinet that kept our fine dining plates and
utensils. The immaculate silver plate that was a wedding present only gathered
dust now, and she resented her husband so that she couldn't bring herself to
clean it, lest she forget what she had given up to be with him.

Role

Chapter 3

My father was gone to the war for a long while. I was nearly thirty when I
first remember him being gone for months at a time. I had gotten better at
small hunts with him when he had given me the attention of such activities but
I think I bored him the more I grew.

It was during that long war that the pale human first showed his face.

My mother had hidden me during a raid by knights and who she cursed as Maran,
though I hadn't heard the word before. She sat cooly at the table, her dark red
goblet filled by a bottle she opened awaiting what came next. I could see
through the crack of the cupboard door her resolved demeanor and her back
tensed as she waited for our home to be violently entered.

The door burst open and a human, tall and broad with red hair and piercing blue
eyes pointed his sword at my mother. She took another sip of wine and smiled.
Here for me, she asked in a flat tone.

He was injured and sheathed his sword, sitting at the table in front of my
mother. She poured him a glass and they began to talk, my presence never
revealed as they shared glances, harsh words, and then laughter. More wine
flowed and as the evening wore on, he moved closer to my mother. Eventually she
took his hand and they left the main room to retire to her bed. I slept in the
cupboard and in the morning he was gone.

Role

Chapter 4

The knight came by regularly after that, with each appearance beginning with me
being shepherded into the cupboard to hide. A year or two of this went by, at
one point occurring at each and every night my father was gone.

And then came the trifle, as my mother called it. The slightest of bumps, but
noticeable on her small frame quicker than she might have wanted. Words between
my parents made it clear, she was proud to have a sibling for me, perhaps a boy
for her father to follow in his footsteps.

As my mother's pregnancy went on, I heard the secrets from the cupboard that
she promised the child to both her lover and my father. It is yours, she said,
with an ease to either that left me unsure what the truth was. I was alone with
her and a midwife when the child was born, too pale to be my father's and I was
unsure what would come next when he returned to us.

Role

Chapter 5

After my brother was born, there was a quiet moment when the midwife and my
mother exchanged glances. Peace settled in, the only noise made were my
brother's cries. He made gentle coos, not screams. The calm that filled the
room was short lived, and perhaps was the last bit of serenity I recall in Teth
Azeleth.

Minutes later, my father entered the room, excited to meet his son after his
latest conquest. He was not due to be home for another week. The midwife stood
up and exited our house, knowing no good would come from staying here as a man
met the child of his wife that was not his.

Everything that happened next was a blur. My father's face moved from joy to
confusion to grief to rage. My mother began to speak, perhaps hoping to say
something to quell him but his sword found her throat first. It cut through the
left side of her neck, coming out the back in a spray of blood, covering my
entire face and torso. The second stab went to her chest, to the side of my
brother who was attached to my mother's nipple. Then the coos became screams.
My father dropped his sword and went to grab the child. In that moment I
grabbed the hilt and swung, cutting the grown man across the back. He fell to
his knees and I lunged with all that I could, landing between two ribs
puncturing his heart.

The scene was macabre and nearly unexplainable to my brother's father, who
entered moments later to see me, a sword in one hand and a babe in the other,
covered head to toe in the blood of both of my parents.

Role

Chapter 6

The knight, a Maran by the name of Kothan, brought me and my brother, who he
named Kothanar, out of Teth Azeleth and up to the surface of Thera. It was my
first time seeing the sun and the flora that covered the world above. He
brought us straight to a creek south of Darsylon, washing the blood off of me
and cleaning my brother of afterbirth.

He called to his brothers and sisters of the Fortress and there was a
discussion of what to do with the children he had found. Return her, the
Marshall said, she's of the Drow and will no doubt be of their ways. There is
hope for all, an Acolyte of the Golden Sun said. And that benevolence won the
day as I was taken to Galadon and the orphanage there. My brother went with his
father, to be tended to and raised as a would be knight himself. They visited
me, once a year on my brother's birthday and the anniversary of my parents'
death. Every time they came, I looked more like my mother and Kothan struggled
to stay for long. Walk in Light Quivdereayeh, he would tell me. The last time
he said it, he could no longer look at me when he spoke.

Role

Chapter 7

My brother began to visit more frequently, just as his father stopped coming
altogether. Though he was thirty years younger than me, Kothanar grew at a
faster pace and told me one day that he had made the decision to be a knight,
as had been expected. We began to walk together outside of Galadon, where my
brother would show me where to adventure, what to strike, and perhaps more
important, what to leave alone.

See these innocent souls that hope you change the path that you are on, Quiv?

So often he said that to me, guiding my hand to ensure I kept my blade free of
innocent blood. For my part, I spent my days when we were not together in the
arena, watching warriors hone their craft and trying to learn their ways. I was
ready for the academy and before I headed down to begin, my brother and I
walked together one more time.

Role

Chapter 8

It was on the last walk that Kothanar gave me my first apricot. It was
delicious, full of juice and sustenance. I felt if I could live on them, in a
way I could never stomach meat, whether cooked or raw. It's from the shrine of
Lady Azorinne, he told me. And then he spoke of Mercy. How we must show
kindness to all and hold our blades and our tongues from cruelty.

He spoke of the snow that always surrounded her and the joy that she brought to
the world. He said he believed I too was born under the sphere of Mercy and
should one day see my way to her. Perhaps it would be my redemption, he said.

I would hope so, and before our journey reached its end, that path was the only
one that remained in front of me, no matter how difficult it may be.