Athelea, Hope's Beacon II

At one point in Athelea's life, she travelled from the city for a time, seeking to resolve certain issues in her own life and to come to grips with her past. She wandered the lands restlessly, until she chance upon a region she had not travelled before. There she encoun- ter a leper, who told her a prophecy: The Prophecy of the Black Rose. He told her that in a moment of weakness, she would bear a child, and though its flesh would be fashioned from her own, its soul would be an extension of chaos. Years later, that Prophecy would be fulfilled. During the time of the madness of Sirant, Athelea conceived a child through the drinking of a powerful elixir and the strength of her own principles, hoping to create a champion of Faith to challenge the Dark God. She named the child Aynia, a child who upon birth would be grea- ter than the mortals around her. Yet Aynia never knew of her origins, for Athelea wished to wait until her daughter was mature enough to handle the knowledge. Unfortunately, Aynia was abducted a few years short of her majority, and until the end of her life, Athelea was un- able to find word of her. Even the divine were unable to give her the answers she sought.

There came a dark time in her life when Airen, accusing her of an in- terest in Airen's husband, turned to the ways of Darkness and became undead under the control of Lord Xuthravoth. Some time later, the Balrog brought his servant to the heart of Val Miran, and used her to open a rift in the sky. The process apparently caused Airen pain, for as she screamed, the rift of loathsome colors grew. Though many tried, nothing could be done to keep the rift at bay. A voice was heard from beyond the rift, which Athelea recognized as her daugh- ter's. Lord Luqin soon appeared to seek to oppose the Dark God and close the rift. He spoke of a way to close the rift by the sacrifice of one person who would enter the rift and close it from the other side. Many volunteered, but the Queen felt the place was hers. While Xuthravoth was distracted, Luqin sent Athelea through the rift, even as those in the square prayed for salvation. Lord Luqin appeared greatly weakened, nearly to the point of his destruction, but the prayers of the faithful sustained him. As Athelea passed through the rift, it began to close, and Airen slowly walked from the Balrog's side to stand by the fallen form of the Lord of Compassion. At that moment, Lord Moleran arrived and restored Lord Luqin to health. The rift slowly closed, with the great Queen trapped on the other side forever. Her life ended as it was lived, serving her city and the light and saving the lives of those who could not help themselves. A great memorial was held soon, led by the Duchess Isabeau, to honor the memory of the dearly loved Heroine of the Light.

Name: Athelea

Race: Elf Class: Healer Member of: Val Miran-Leader Known as: The Beacon of Hope, Heroine of the Healers

Black Petals

By Sereniel Quis For Athelea

Black petals on a dusty ground

Swirling in the mist Black petals lying alone Forced in solitude to exist

Black petals in the morning light

With the dawn awak'ning Black petals there still at dusk Their children not forsaking

Black petals under a winter sky

The earth lays 'neath the Shadow Black petals under an empty sky With no light to reach below

Black petals carried by the winds

Frail and worn with care Black petals sailing to the stars Spirit stronger than the shell they wear