The Deep Cold - Azriel Lucius's story

[Azriel Lucius 0]

The Deep Cold - Azriel Lucius

I never knew from whence I came. I remember the cold, the type so foreboding it that could cut into your very being. I remember the warmth of unconditional love, emanating from two people (my parents?)...I remember only the barest of essentials being available...and then I remember the fire. Fire so hot it could burn into your soul. The screams of pain, the sense of panic, the surge of adrenaline...and then nothing.

I lay awake at night pondering these images, mulling over the dream that haunts me every night...to gain some semblance of recognition. However, it is in vain. As I sit here in my Quarters nestled deep in the Followers of Aeriel' base, I can hear the wind cutting through the cold expanse of the North - it sounds nearly identical to the ghastly, forlorn moans of the innumerable victim of the Undead scourge and am then reminded that there are much more pressing matters at hand.

The earliest memory I can recall with familiarity is my brief life in the slums of Alk'Hazar. I know not how I came into being in this grand metropolis, but I realized I was quite low on the social caste. I lived off of whatever I could scrounge up from the city's denizens. I did not steal out of malicious intent, but rather for survival. In my spare time, I would engross myself in whatever literature came my way. Be it through news postings, discarded ledgers, aged monologues - I realized education was often times the key for survival. I did not (or perhaps would not) remember what I once went by, but I adopted the name Azriel from one of the many discarded books I came upon. Azriel Lucius.

However, my actions quickly drew the ire of the citizenry and in turn, the town guard. I was forced to relocate before I was involuntarily restricted to a dank prison cell.

Being a Northerner (a conclusion I came to by my natural athleticism, light skin, and naturally light hair), I naturally sought out out the familiar North lands. I was intimately aware of the nuances of this barren landscape, but could not yet make out why, seeing as how I could not remember ever residing here...(or did I?). I quickly carved out my own dwelling before the harsh, unforgiving land claimed yet another soul, and managed to fashion my own vestments and armaments from the elements. I would take from nature only what was necessary and would hunt only for nourishment, not for sport. In this time, I honed my mind and body...I became skilled in the art of swordsmanship and my archery skills were developed quite nicely. I lived a stable, if not isolated existence off of the land.

That was all shattered with the arrival of the Undead.

One night, I awoke in a cold sweat. Images of hellfire and brimstone dominated my slumber. Distorted, sharp images of painful torment racked my brain and pierced the back of my eyes - all remnants of an eerily familiar dream (or was it a memory?). I quickly felt something was amiss - the atmosphere was unsettling and adrenaline pulsed through my veins. Gathering my vestments and weaponry, I made my way outside, expecting to be welcomed by the biting cold. However, I was met with an almost warm sensation upon exiting my abode.

A familiar sight played out in front of my eyes, the familiarity lost on me (or maybe you just don't want to remember). In the distance, fire shot high into the sky, seemingly an affront to the very Heavens. Screams and cries pierced through the air. The nearby settlements of the North were under siege by some form of malevolence. Lightning struck intermittently, as if the as of yet unknown beings controlled the very weather that resided over Aegis...I was about to begin a frantic trek through the melting snow, when that very seem malevolence I earlier sensed shot through my very being. Danger.

I quickly jumped out of the way and narrowly dodged a sword before it ran me through. A searing pain momentarily shot through my face, and I was vaguely aware of a hot red liquid impeding my sight and making it's way down my face. Spinning with my blade in hand, I turned to face my opponent. I came face to face with glowing red eyes, surrounded by a sunken face. Shrouded by a dark hood complimented by robes as black as the night, the foreboding figure loomed over me. I could scarcely make out his (if it was indeed classified by gender) features, but was vaguely aware of a sinister steer. His eyes were drawn together, seemingly in amusement.

In a flash, a searing hot ball of fire was willed in my direction from thin air and again I jumped out of the way. The fireball connected with the door I was just positioned in front of. It shattered into dozens of pieces of burning splinters and they seared into the exposed areas of my flesh. Quickly closing the distance between myself and the being before me, I thrust my blade true and determined towards the center mass of this being. I buried my sword deep into the unholy assailant and he let out what could only be described as an otherworldly wail. He vanished in a dark plume of smoke and I was left there, bewildered. Clutching my sword close to me, I vigilantly scanned the nearby landscape for any sign of the being. He (or it) was nowhere to be found. Dabbing at my face, I winced at the pain and looked at my hand. Blood. The fiend had cut into me, narrowly missing my left eye, but I was relieved he didn't get the chance to do much else. I would most certainly scar, however.

Satisfied that I was safe for the time being, I began the long trek to the nearby settlements. The fire was still burning in the distance...I hoped I wasn't too late...A warm, comforting female voice then resonated throughout my head.

'Your intentions and valor ring true. Continue onwards, brave Northerner, your destiny awaits...'

I stopped momentarily and shook my head, startled.

I knew my journey was just beginning.

Just a brief look into my character's beginnings. I hope to expand on this story soon, I just need to think it over is all. Tell me what you think! :)

[steelersfan1221 300]

Moved to the Great Library. It shall be sorted into appropriate category shortly.