Origins Forgotten, A Man Amongst Mali's Decision.

[CosmicWhaleShark 2488]

Areon, was without a doubt, a free spirit. Yet the responsibilities he inflicted upon himself, out of guilt from a past long ago, shackled him to the happenings of the world around him still. So many paths to take, but none of them seemed to lead in the direction he sought for. Peace.

He left the gatehouse, on a chilly eve's calm, in Normander. The words his friend, the Waywatcher Titania, still hanging in his mind. Beating against his skull as he walked into the great tree. Heading into the cavern, he walked along the scorched ground, from a duel not long ago. He headed across the small bridge, into the underground dome. Hanging flora, soft lighting, and the general dampness that the air carried from the pond calmed him. He sat there a great deal of time, this decision would influence his next steps, and he was not planning to act on a simple impulse.

The options were limitless, and each had a risk of their own, half of which he could not anticipate. To return to Oren, and speak with Godfrey. He had the potential to reintegrate with his fellow man, or as he had come to call them, Valah. Yet he also had the potential to be slain, he was well aware of Oren's justice. No... Returning to Oren was not an option. A man, Areon, may be. But he was no man of Oren. He had not been for quite some time, and they did not let him forget it.

There was always the chance to remain, to be with the Elves, even if it meant aiding them in war. He had created a new life in Normander, a pleasant life. With a home, friends, and even a tattered family with his only son. He had every right to defend it, even if it required magic. But he would be changed then, he would no longer be Areon Baldwin. Rather, he would be Walehir Iheiuhil. He would lose his humanity, he would be a pretender, a Valah amongst Mali. Fighting Valah no less...

There was a third option though. To run... Not specifically run. But to abandon everything once again. To become a ghost of the man once known as Areon Baldwin. In a petty effort to remain alive. No, that was not an option. Areon had grown weary of running. He had his reasons to remain, his son being to most apparent. But also the Elven people, who had accepted him, despite the crimes of his kind against theirs. He had become a friend to a few. They called him by his Elven name, rather than simply, Valah... No, running was no option either.

He sat there, in that cavern, simply thinking. Pondering the best decision, or at least the most sound. Then he remembered the lessons with his mentor. Not his lessons with the clerical prophet, nor his lessons with Selina either. His lessons with the wizard. Areon had been doing what was logical, what corresponded with his duties, with his oaths, with his bonds to those, that had abandoned him. It was a logical man's course of action. A torn man's course of action. Areon was done with being logical, loyal to his kind, in a world that made absolutely no sense. Where he was expected to bow to an empire, for the 'privilege' of remaining alive. He decided, to finally allow the winds to guide him. Rather than simply him, guiding them. Rather than following logic, he decided to follow passion, once more.

Areon rose now, he had no need to think anymore, he merely had to listen. The vines swayed gently as he smiled to himself, a breeze seeming to flow from where he stood. Areon was once more, listening to his heart. A practice he had come to abandon, for the longest time. It was not the most sound decision, nor was it the safest. But it was the one he felt was right. He looked towards the water, into his own reflection. Finally, he spoke, his voice echoing strangely off the rocks, only to be soaked up by the vines.

"I am Waléhir Ihéiuhil. A man, but only that. Gazardiael grace my journey to come. For I do not intend on abandoning another people, in their time of need."

With that, he ascended the stairway from the cavern. Tapping on the iron door to the gatehouse, and rejoining his friend, in watching over his home. He would stand with the Mali, should they take him, until whatever end befell him. His goal was met, peace. Not for everyone, but for him. Waléhir, was at peace.

[Birdwhisperer 1174]

((This was a very nice read, and very well written! It sounds like your character has had an interesting story so far, glad to have him with the elves!))

[balluffip 35]

((That was a very nice read and was well written. I just realized I essentially copied what was said above. I am definitely not original. However it's a shame Areon is not joining the dark elves in Malin's Gorge though...))

[Quavinir_Twiceborn 1050]

((been there, done that..im also a human who lives in Normandor...and for a long time, the only human in Normandor...))