Ryalyn Eliya Kylana
Posted: Wed Jun 22, 2005 5:05 pm
(After diligent searching I have finally found my back up copy!! This is taken from old Terre Haute the last time I edited and has been spell and grammar edited. It was ok'ed over there so since it hasn't changed I imagine it is still acceptable.)
Name: Ryalyn Eliya Kylana
Nickname: Rya
Gender: Female
Age: 18
Race: Edelan
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Edelan are a mysterious race rarely heard of or seen. Most believe that they are only a myth. Preferring to keep to themselves, the Edelan are hardly ever found near the establishments of mortal creatures nor do they meddle in the affairs of others. When other peoples do come across one, however rare that may be, they are often mistaken as Elvenkin because of their likeness in physical appearance and stature (pointed ears, angular facial features, unnatural beauty). The difference, however, can (in one way) be discerned by their eyes. Their eyes have a crystalline quality and often change color or even appear to spark and burn like a crystal or flame would. They will glow when agitated or from intense emotion.
Likely though you will not come across many because they prefer to travel in stealth. Having an athletic yet strangely slender build, their movements are fluid like and smooth, often not making a sound as they pass nor leaving very many if any signs of their passing. This is accomplished partially from the fact that they weigh less than most other species their height. Their bones and muscles are made of a different quality, tough and strong yet light weight and compact. Hunting and stealth are two of the activities they excel in as it comes so naturally to them. They also have excellent senses, far more advanced than most species, even to include a the mental sixth sense (sensing without the other senses). As such, they have good night vision, though in the absolute darkness it may be a bit more difficult, though not necessarily impossible, to see.
Edelan also hold an affinity for nature. As such, their power and strength seems to come from it. Their emotions can sometimes affect the environment around them, which explains why they go through such rigorous training during adolescence. As to their exact power few really know for they tend to hide their talents from others because they fear that it will draw attention to them. This usually is not a problem however because they live in areas that seldom have outsiders passing through. Their abodes are hidden and difficult to penetrate, though once discovered are found to be some of the most beautiful places on earth.
As for the Edelanin personality, most, with the exception of Rya and her parents, are aloof and apathetic toward other races. How they acquired this attitude few are sure. They do, however, have a great care for all things that live (except for those who destroy needlessly) and a love of all things they consider beautiful.
(On another note, some may be known to exhibit odd personality traits inherent from their ancestry though they are quickly squashed by rigorous training from youth. Some, like Ryalyn and her parents, seem to have a tolerance against this training and choose the freer path. Today's Edelan believe this to be highly dangerous and foolish but those like Rya's parents believe that they are only harnessing the gifts they have inherited from their ancestry.)
Inherently, Edelan tend to exhibit extreme emotional changes. They may be happy one moment and deeply saddened the next with no apparent reason to the observer. This is also another reason for their training, to control this emotional chaos. They also have a superior intellect which surpasses most. They learn very quickly and are often capable of proper (grammatical) speech in their own tongue by the age of 4 and writing by the age of 6. Their language is rather complex and is sometimes difficult for other races to follow. It sounds, however, beautiful and flowing like their own movements. Finally, the Edelan love to sing and play music. It is one of their most favorite past times. It is unearthly beautiful and haunting, a wonderful example of the beauty of their language and culture.
The Edelian: A History
In ages long passed a race of elves traveled to what was thought to be a treacherous region in the high north. Other elves had sheered away in fear of the beasts said to live there. However, a host with the utmost curiosity sought out this region and managed to pass into lands that were nearly impassible. Therein dwelt a race of dragons most fierce yet beautiful to look on and gifted with the most wonderful knowledge. The dragons had thought them to be rather novel and took them under their wing, so to speak, and shared their lands and knowledge with the host. The Elven people had found a most beautiful land snuggled in the Vale of Lumenath and full of life even surrounded by lands thought to be deathly cold. Little did they know at first that the dragons themselves had created such a paradise. Exiled to such unforgivable lands they had sought to make the best of it. Soon, however, the dragons passed on this knowledge to the people they had come to consider their soul mates. They interacted in a way that seemed to defy logic. Elves hardly ever got along with dragons and visa versa. Even so the years passed and the age of the dragons began to wane. And a fear grew in everyone's heart. They could not see a life without the other, so attached had they become. In time an idea came to the elders, though a risky one. So that they should never be parted the dragons and the elves had decided to unite forever. The dragons called upon one of their most valued gifts; the gift to shift their form. Taking on a more humanoid (though not human) shape they each chose a mate. And so, together, elves and dragons created the race of the Edelian or Edelan as it was later called. Even to this day the Edelan feel the inherited blood of the two kindreds in their veins and contain the abilities of both.
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Occupation: none
Physical Appearance:
Her hair is jet black; developing a blue, silver sheen in moonlight and starlight and a red, black sheen in sun and firelight. She is tall about 5' 10" to be exact, slender weighing about 120, and athletic, her movements fluid-like and smooth. Her facial features have the angular Elven-like appearance though a bit less severe and more smooth and fluid-like. Overall she has a rather ethereal quality about her but that, however, is not what is her most magnificent feature. Ryalyn has eyes of a newborn star; electric blue that seem to pierce and see beneath all false exteriors. When angered or agitated they will glow a swirl of blue, silver or even turn a torrid black. She also has a black birthmark (that turns silver blue in moonlight and red black in firelight) on the back of her neck shaped like two thin flames twisted together.
As with most travelers, she adorns the standard long sleeved shirt, a tunic, articulate belt and leggings that most males wear (dresses simply wont due to travel as she does). Having found these clothes like most of her belongings in an old trunk of things her parents left her, the cloth of this clothing is formfitting and comfortable, allowing ease of movement. It is also able to change to suit her surroundings for she often must travel in stealth. If caught out in the open, however, her clothing may appear black or gray so as to be inconspicuous, though the clothing is edged with intricate and delicate silver designs. On her feet she wears knee-high boots that are hidden from the ankle up under her pant legs. About her shoulders she wears (depending on the weather) a traveling cloak or a wide scarf-like shawl used as a hood.
Personality:
Rya's personality is most unique, especially from her own people. Having grown up with humans she differs from the Edelanin norm. Even though most would see her as being aloof and apathetic at first glance, that facade is greatly deceiving. On the contrary she has a great amount of curiosity. She may seem not to care less but nothing escapes her sharp eyes and mind. Another personality trait she has is a sly, mischievous manner. This mannerism seems to earn her ill favor in the respect that she is often suspected of being of an evil nature. However, that is not the case. Ryalyn simply views the world in a way that few others do. In fact, she is often more sympathetic to others than most people realize. However, sometimes Ryalyn does not quite understand the emotions of others that she comes across because her childhood was spent with human children her age which are difficult in themselves to understand. She also suffers from extreme emotional changes. She may be happy one minute and deeply sad the next with no apparent reason.
Magics:
As she was raised by a Mage she can perform some minor level magics and healing that she learned while in his tutelage. However, now that she is on her own and no longer being held back by her Master’s guiding yet protecting hand she will begin to run across some abilities she did not know she had (all inherited from her historical and parental ancestry). These will pop up under stress or sometimes mere curiosity and will take a lot of time, energy, and care to control and develop to their full potential. She will also be able to learn and pick up abilities (magic spells, etc.) from others along the way, but they will also require time and energy to develop.
Strengths/Good Qualities:
- Ryalyn possesses a very beautiful voice and she loves to sing.
- She heals quickly and can heal her own minor wounds, like cuts and scrapes.
- If frightened her Edelanin powers tend to reveal themselves.
- She possesses undeveloped psychic abilities though, other than talking with her companion Ayden, she doesn’t know how to use them yet.
- She also has the ability to learn far quicker than any human. If paying well enough attention she is able to pick up an ability simply by observing it being done (though a bit of practice is helpful and preferred). This is one of the reasons why she picked up and became so well at archery and the magics her Master allowed her to learn. She is able to pick up information with all her senses and store it well in her memory for later use.
Weaknesses/Bad Qualities:
- Due to the cruelty of her fellow apprentices she tends to be secluded and often lack an understanding in things she has not come across before. In general she often finds other races, such as humans, to be confusing in their nature. This does not mix well with the fact that she tends to be highly curious.
- She cannot as of yet use her Edelan abilities on command except perhaps her psychic speech and anything she learned from Taelon.
- She often will not use the magic she has learned from her Master because she is being pursued and fears being found.
- Ryalyn and her companion Ayden, though most of the time in sync with each other, sometimes have disagreements and strifes, like two inner voices of reason. Since they switch roles of reasonable and unreasonable, this may put either one off guard or cause them to do something irrational.
- She is usually very secretive and enjoys seeming mysterious. She also has a mischievous streak in her as well. Many times these characteristics cause many to believe that she is an enemy rather than a friend. However, when a trust has been established she may allow more of herself to be revealed.
Character History:
Thunder rumbled metallically up in the black clouds that hung heavily in the sky. Rain had been coming down in buckets for hours and had only now subsided to a moderate drizzle. If one listened closely one could hear the quick beat of horse hooves faintly underlying the thundering tumult. Two riders from the north passed quickly through the forest on steeds that had once been white, though were now a mud spattered black in the prevailing darkness. Upon reaching the cross roads the figures, each sitting hunched against the rain in their waterlogged cloaks, slowed to consult with each other. One, it seemed, held to their person something that they were trying to shield from the storm. A brisk nod to each other and they started off on the road to the east, a path that wound on into the deeper forest and up to the edge of the mountains. They drew up to an intricate iron gate locked tight against the night. One of the riders dismounted and approached the gate to peer at what appeared to be a large hulking shape in the distance. He turned back to look at his companion as they waited for what seemed an eternity.
Quite suddenly a figure appeared on the other side of the gate wrapped tight against the gale and holding a lantern who's light refused to go out. Words were exchanged and the gate hastily unlocked. The patron held the gate for both to pass then closed it tightly and hurried after them. Once inside the manor the patron summoned servants who took their sodden cloaks. It could be seen now that the travelers were not what one expected. Both adorned very intricately fashioned clothes and had noble bearings. In the woman's arms she held a child wrapped safely against the weather. Her eyes sidled to her husband who smiled reassuringly at her and took her arm as they followed the owner of the manor.
Taelon, he was named. He had come out in the night to fetch them for he had been the one to hear their call. Leading them to a comfortable parlor he sent his servants away to fetch food and drink. Warily he looked at the two whom he had met on a previous occasion and drew up his memories. Ezra and Auron. Both possessing jet-black hair, tall and slender yet powerful builds, eyes like crystal and haunting to look at. The moment of their arrival he had known that something had gone awry. His developed divining qualities had tickled at the back of his mind warning him of tragedy yet to come. So he regarded them both with a guarded look that he know they infallibly would see through for they always did.
Ezra had leaned back gently to rock the sleeping babe, staring down at its face which wore a sleepy frown. She smiled sadly though feeling Taelon's gaze looked up at him, her head still bowed giving her a slightly dark look. He smiled weakly and turned back to Auron who had been speaking. Their conversing had continued on through much of the night.
Finally, as dawn approached, though hardly visible through such a storm, the stories had ended, a decision made, and a compromise struck. Not that it was needed but the travelers had insisted. They wanted only the best for their daughter and they knew that only Taelon could give it. He was far removed from them as far as others were concerned. In fact, a relation between the couple and Taelon would not even be suspected. Their kind would normally never converse with outsiders.
The fire was stoked and the flickering light gave life to shadows and made them seem like devious deadly things. The three stood, Auron moving to his wife and gently kissing the brow of his daughter before Ezra was lead away, child in hand, by a servant. When she returned she was empty handed with an expression of the deepest loss. She knew that it was all for the best but somehow her heart couldn’t bear to take it. Auron reached out and took her into his arms, tucking her head under his chin. He looked down at her and his eyes reflected the same pain. Wiping away both their tears he ushered her down the hall and toward the door. 'We cannot wait or we risk it all ...' Now-dried cloaks were clasped around necks and hoods drawn up against the cold. They said their thank-you's and last good-byes as they hurried out the door. As the gate was locked behind them both turned to look one last time at the manor which now housed their most prized possession. Neither of them would ever lay eyes on it again...
As the years passed Taelon had a hard time keeping tabs on the child, as she was a free spirit that would not be tamed. But tamed she eventually became, or at least seemed. That Edelanin charm and charisma of hers could easily sway anyone. Some minor spells she picked up. And some major ones she could have easily learned had she not been held back. Her master was forever conscious of the warning he had received and put a stop to her becoming too powerful and outstanding. The more hidden he kept her the more he felt she was safe. He turned out to be deadly wrong. She rebelled at heart and desperately desired to be free. She loved her Master like the father she never had but she did not like feeling confined. In her heart she knew without a doubt that she was not what everyone told her she was. The Mage had other apprentices and they taunted her about her oddities. Her reactions to things, her tall stature though she was rather small as a child, what they considered her odd facial structure which was "not human", her electric blue eyes. They found her to be strange and abnormal but her master assured her they were just jealous and afraid of their own ignorance. Little did she know however that she was more different then she thought. Not long after taking the girl into his care he changed her name to Ryalyn and began to create various potions and such to hide her distinctive Edelan qualities. He made up a story as to his inheriting her into his care. He set up ways to restrict the natural growth of her powers. When Rya was younger she knew none of this. In her eyes she had always had long brown hair, non-pointed ears and such. She had grown to think that she was a human like all the other apprentices, like her foster father. At least until she turned 8 that is…
One day an 8 yr old Rya lay sprawled out on Taelon's bed watching him prepare for a meeting with the parents of one of his new charges. He was lecturing her on behavior for the thousandth time and as usual she was only half listening. Having absentmindedly left the closet door open, an all too curious Rya had peeped inside. There was a trunk in the farthest reaches of the closet inconspicuously hid that had caught her eye. Reaching carefully and quietly for it she laboriously began to drag it out. Having noticed that Rya had been too quiet for too long Taelon turned around and couldn’t see her any where. Having some idea what she might be up to he had looked over behind the bed and sure enough spotted the little vixen peering curiously at a seemingly ordinary trunk with no markings whatsoever. His laughter startled her but she rather skillfully covered her guiltiness with a look of innocence. Expecting reprimand she was surprised to find his words to simply be "It’s about time you found that." Rya's brow furled and she stared up at Taelon curiously. Chuckling to himself as he sat on the edge of the bed he reached over for the trunk and pulled it in front of him. Rya appeared at his shoulder watching the trunk intensely. It had no seams, no latches, no locks that she could see. Looking out of the corner of his eye he noted the familiarity with the object that the girl seemed to have. In fact she seemed to know that it was hers. Running his hand over the top of the lid there came a muffled popping noise that meant that the lid had come loose. He lifted the lid carefully and turned to find that she was already to the floor and looking but not touching its contents. He only allowed her to view a few of the objects inside. It wouldn’t do for her to know too much about her past just yet. He watched her marveled curiosity of the bow and quiver inside. Her parents had made sure to provide everything they thought their daughter would need. Thus, Taelon realized that he would have to have Rya tutored on how to use such a weapon. Later that day he wrote to a relative of his, one of the best archers he knew whom, from his understanding, had a bit of Elven blood in him. Not long after Rya began to take archery and sword lessons. She may have been young but she seemed to be a natural and caught on quickly.
When she was 4 she somehow came into the acquisition of a most peculiar creature, though he never quite knew how. Rya was very careful to keep Ayden hidden out of sight. Taelon of course knew she had him but he chose not to say anything. And Rya knew he knew but chose not to comment either. Their understanding on the subject was a sympathetic one with no need for words either way. As time passed Taelon found that no one held his favor as Rya did and no one held hers quite like he did, except perhaps Ayden. He rather suspected the creature to be much more intelligent than it appeared. All in all they managed to maintain a delicate balance until it was utterly destroyed by the most unfortunate circumstance.
When Rya had been younger the other charges of the mage often taunted her and played tricks on her. It greatly tried her patience. One time a boy had tricked her and she had gotten lost in the woods for several days. She had been without the various potions and such that hid her features and when she was found her Edelan traits where nearly all revealed. The other children had redoubled their taunting to the point where she could not take it any longer. She had run off to her room.
Ayden could try to quell her emotions but in the end he always fell victim to whatever emotion wracked her heart. She was in such a fit of enraged tears that she hardly noticed him shrink to a smaller animal and hide beneath her shirt as a figure approached the bed. Taelon noticed the little quivering lump but said nothing. He was glad she had someone, even if it could not always be him. He sat down on the edge of the bed and reached out a gentle hand to stroke her hair. He found himself wondering what she would look like if he had not concealed her Edelan looks. She looked up surprised for a moment and he saw her mental shields go up as she jerked away and brushed away her tears. Abruptly her face took on a careless indifference as she turned quickly from him. Getting up she stalked over to the window, her arms wrapped about her and Ayden now a ferret wrapped warmly around her neck like a scarf, two glittering black eyes peering out at Taelon from under a bushy tail. With a sigh Taelon got up and moved over to Rya slowly not wanting to agitate her more. Another tear escaped sliding silently down her cheek. He hated it when she was upset. It seemed to enter him and fill him with her grief. It was like the entire world shared her pain. The sky darkened and anything near grew depressed and silent. She was connected to it all even if she did not realize it.
The two stood in silence for a time. Quite suddenly though slowly and without a spoken word Taelon held out his hand and Ryalyn took it allowing herself to be drawn into a fatherly embrace. Ayden slipped into one of her pockets and waited his time as Taelon whispered in Rya's ear.
And so he spoke, trying to explain the world to her. How much he cared though could not show it. Humans were of a jealous and cruel sort of nature, he assured her, especially when they are young. He had continued on that he had an obligation to his other apprentices and that he could not ignore them at her wish. This of course had been what Ayden had voiced prior to Taelon's arrival. In his words Taelon wove the gifts of understanding, calmness, and clarity. Rya knew this but said nothing. Only someone who cared as much as Taelon would try so tirelessly to help her understand....
Thus, the boy who had tricked her was reprimanded and sent home on the grounds that Ryalyn could have been gravely hurt.
Years later when Rya had become a teenager the boy had returned. At this point all the boys were now interested in girls and of course going against all the years of torture and grief they had given her, decided to try and swoon Ryalyn. At this point she had become very withdrawn and aloof, treating them all as if they didn’t exist. The other girls tried to befriend her and when that didn’t work, got jealous. The boy who had returned was the best looking and when he did not get the girl he wanted he took it upon himself to pull another prank on her. This time she nearly would have been killed had her Edelan powers not saved her. The boy was banished but the damage had been done. The ‘seekers’ would surely find her and so Taelon had revealed to her the story of her past. How her parents had brought her there so that she may be hidden and protected until she was old enough. How they had been killed shortly after ... Not wanting to risk the life of the one that had sheltered her all those years she had took what she needed, destroyed everything else that implied that she had ever lived at the manor, hugged Taelon good-bye and vanished in the night. And not all too soon. Even a few days later she had heard that the place she once called home had been burnt to the ground. "I hope they made it out" she thought.
Belongings:
Ryalyn possesses few objects due to the fact than much of what she once owned was destroyed. She does however, posses some things that her parents had left, passed on to her by Taelon. One thing she has in her possession is a pendent whose origins are unknown. She also has a Edelanin hand crafted bow, arrows and quiver all made by her parents and etched in the ancient scripts of her people, though what they say is a mystery to her. Two long knives are in sheaths attached to her quiver. She also carries a rucksack filled with food, medicinal herbs, a few trinkets from the trunk, and what little money she had before she was forced to leave the only home she had. She does not need to carry much because Taelon taught her how to find whatever she may need in the forests. She had gone many times with him on herb gathering and hunting expeditions.
Pets/Familiars:
Well, I guess you could qualify Ayden as one of those though he is not a pet. He is a Vegra, a shape shifter who can only take the form of animals but possesses an intellect equal to Rya’s own. He can speak though usually chooses to do so telepathically as physically can be somewhat difficult or alarming to the person being spoken to. He has been with Rya most of her life, coming into her companionship shortly after she turned 4. There is a special connection that they share having both come into the world at the same instant, which is unique to Vegra. They connect with that person in a way that makes them nearly inseparable and they live for as long as their companion lives.
Other useful facts:
Hmmm I think I squashed everything in somewhere somehow :p The only thing would be to impress that not many people know about Edelan and mistake her for an elf. Also, Ryalyn is not her real original name. In addition, here is some further in depth explanation to Edelan abilities:
Edelan have a very faint and strange one, unfamiliar to those who've never smelled it before. So it’s usually written off as nothing unless something else causes the one with the nose to question it. It really all comes down to mental ability. Edelan, if focused, can throw the senses of others or disguise their own qualities if they have the knowledge. Ryalyn is young and did not grow up with her kind. What knowledge of this disguising is instinctual and has flaws. Thus, yes you can sense her by smell and/or heartbeat. Species that drink the blood of others (e.g.- Vampires) may wish to refrain from biting Edelan. Their combo of blood (i.e. Dragon and Elf) might be poisonous. Dragon blood is powerful stuff. It also immunizes the effects of other creatures' bites (such as werewolves) by destroying whatever it is that enters the body after such an event.
As explained earlier, the Edelian are so connected to the world around them that they have a special connection with the animals and plants. As such, they can influence an animal to trust or fear them, simply by impressing a mental projection and/or feeling on the creature.
For example, if focused enough Rya could cause a wolf or other predatory / non-predatory animal to back away fearful of her if Rya feels threatened or angry enough. Sometimes, Rya could even influence a weaker person to be wary of her. Especially when she gives that look that she is so partial to. (lol)
Why? First of all, the emotions and minds of Edelan are very strong and influential. Secondly, her dragon ancestry brings fear into nearly any creature's heart and her Elven ancestry balances that to the other extreme of love and caring. Whichever has predominance at the time will influence in what way her character is perceived, especially by animals. After all, animals do seem to have quite strong senses and instincts and can sense her power and strength, even if she is not aware of it herself yet.
When Ryalyn develops this gift at a conscious level she may very well learn how to establish such a trust as to influence animals do what she asks them to, although she really doesn’t have much use for that. She greatly values freedom...
Name: Ryalyn Eliya Kylana
Nickname: Rya
Gender: Female
Age: 18
Race: Edelan
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Edelan are a mysterious race rarely heard of or seen. Most believe that they are only a myth. Preferring to keep to themselves, the Edelan are hardly ever found near the establishments of mortal creatures nor do they meddle in the affairs of others. When other peoples do come across one, however rare that may be, they are often mistaken as Elvenkin because of their likeness in physical appearance and stature (pointed ears, angular facial features, unnatural beauty). The difference, however, can (in one way) be discerned by their eyes. Their eyes have a crystalline quality and often change color or even appear to spark and burn like a crystal or flame would. They will glow when agitated or from intense emotion.
Likely though you will not come across many because they prefer to travel in stealth. Having an athletic yet strangely slender build, their movements are fluid like and smooth, often not making a sound as they pass nor leaving very many if any signs of their passing. This is accomplished partially from the fact that they weigh less than most other species their height. Their bones and muscles are made of a different quality, tough and strong yet light weight and compact. Hunting and stealth are two of the activities they excel in as it comes so naturally to them. They also have excellent senses, far more advanced than most species, even to include a the mental sixth sense (sensing without the other senses). As such, they have good night vision, though in the absolute darkness it may be a bit more difficult, though not necessarily impossible, to see.
Edelan also hold an affinity for nature. As such, their power and strength seems to come from it. Their emotions can sometimes affect the environment around them, which explains why they go through such rigorous training during adolescence. As to their exact power few really know for they tend to hide their talents from others because they fear that it will draw attention to them. This usually is not a problem however because they live in areas that seldom have outsiders passing through. Their abodes are hidden and difficult to penetrate, though once discovered are found to be some of the most beautiful places on earth.
As for the Edelanin personality, most, with the exception of Rya and her parents, are aloof and apathetic toward other races. How they acquired this attitude few are sure. They do, however, have a great care for all things that live (except for those who destroy needlessly) and a love of all things they consider beautiful.
(On another note, some may be known to exhibit odd personality traits inherent from their ancestry though they are quickly squashed by rigorous training from youth. Some, like Ryalyn and her parents, seem to have a tolerance against this training and choose the freer path. Today's Edelan believe this to be highly dangerous and foolish but those like Rya's parents believe that they are only harnessing the gifts they have inherited from their ancestry.)
Inherently, Edelan tend to exhibit extreme emotional changes. They may be happy one moment and deeply saddened the next with no apparent reason to the observer. This is also another reason for their training, to control this emotional chaos. They also have a superior intellect which surpasses most. They learn very quickly and are often capable of proper (grammatical) speech in their own tongue by the age of 4 and writing by the age of 6. Their language is rather complex and is sometimes difficult for other races to follow. It sounds, however, beautiful and flowing like their own movements. Finally, the Edelan love to sing and play music. It is one of their most favorite past times. It is unearthly beautiful and haunting, a wonderful example of the beauty of their language and culture.
The Edelian: A History
In ages long passed a race of elves traveled to what was thought to be a treacherous region in the high north. Other elves had sheered away in fear of the beasts said to live there. However, a host with the utmost curiosity sought out this region and managed to pass into lands that were nearly impassible. Therein dwelt a race of dragons most fierce yet beautiful to look on and gifted with the most wonderful knowledge. The dragons had thought them to be rather novel and took them under their wing, so to speak, and shared their lands and knowledge with the host. The Elven people had found a most beautiful land snuggled in the Vale of Lumenath and full of life even surrounded by lands thought to be deathly cold. Little did they know at first that the dragons themselves had created such a paradise. Exiled to such unforgivable lands they had sought to make the best of it. Soon, however, the dragons passed on this knowledge to the people they had come to consider their soul mates. They interacted in a way that seemed to defy logic. Elves hardly ever got along with dragons and visa versa. Even so the years passed and the age of the dragons began to wane. And a fear grew in everyone's heart. They could not see a life without the other, so attached had they become. In time an idea came to the elders, though a risky one. So that they should never be parted the dragons and the elves had decided to unite forever. The dragons called upon one of their most valued gifts; the gift to shift their form. Taking on a more humanoid (though not human) shape they each chose a mate. And so, together, elves and dragons created the race of the Edelian or Edelan as it was later called. Even to this day the Edelan feel the inherited blood of the two kindreds in their veins and contain the abilities of both.
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Occupation: none
Physical Appearance:
Her hair is jet black; developing a blue, silver sheen in moonlight and starlight and a red, black sheen in sun and firelight. She is tall about 5' 10" to be exact, slender weighing about 120, and athletic, her movements fluid-like and smooth. Her facial features have the angular Elven-like appearance though a bit less severe and more smooth and fluid-like. Overall she has a rather ethereal quality about her but that, however, is not what is her most magnificent feature. Ryalyn has eyes of a newborn star; electric blue that seem to pierce and see beneath all false exteriors. When angered or agitated they will glow a swirl of blue, silver or even turn a torrid black. She also has a black birthmark (that turns silver blue in moonlight and red black in firelight) on the back of her neck shaped like two thin flames twisted together.
As with most travelers, she adorns the standard long sleeved shirt, a tunic, articulate belt and leggings that most males wear (dresses simply wont due to travel as she does). Having found these clothes like most of her belongings in an old trunk of things her parents left her, the cloth of this clothing is formfitting and comfortable, allowing ease of movement. It is also able to change to suit her surroundings for she often must travel in stealth. If caught out in the open, however, her clothing may appear black or gray so as to be inconspicuous, though the clothing is edged with intricate and delicate silver designs. On her feet she wears knee-high boots that are hidden from the ankle up under her pant legs. About her shoulders she wears (depending on the weather) a traveling cloak or a wide scarf-like shawl used as a hood.
Personality:
Rya's personality is most unique, especially from her own people. Having grown up with humans she differs from the Edelanin norm. Even though most would see her as being aloof and apathetic at first glance, that facade is greatly deceiving. On the contrary she has a great amount of curiosity. She may seem not to care less but nothing escapes her sharp eyes and mind. Another personality trait she has is a sly, mischievous manner. This mannerism seems to earn her ill favor in the respect that she is often suspected of being of an evil nature. However, that is not the case. Ryalyn simply views the world in a way that few others do. In fact, she is often more sympathetic to others than most people realize. However, sometimes Ryalyn does not quite understand the emotions of others that she comes across because her childhood was spent with human children her age which are difficult in themselves to understand. She also suffers from extreme emotional changes. She may be happy one minute and deeply sad the next with no apparent reason.
Magics:
As she was raised by a Mage she can perform some minor level magics and healing that she learned while in his tutelage. However, now that she is on her own and no longer being held back by her Master’s guiding yet protecting hand she will begin to run across some abilities she did not know she had (all inherited from her historical and parental ancestry). These will pop up under stress or sometimes mere curiosity and will take a lot of time, energy, and care to control and develop to their full potential. She will also be able to learn and pick up abilities (magic spells, etc.) from others along the way, but they will also require time and energy to develop.
Strengths/Good Qualities:
- Ryalyn possesses a very beautiful voice and she loves to sing.
- She heals quickly and can heal her own minor wounds, like cuts and scrapes.
- If frightened her Edelanin powers tend to reveal themselves.
- She possesses undeveloped psychic abilities though, other than talking with her companion Ayden, she doesn’t know how to use them yet.
- She also has the ability to learn far quicker than any human. If paying well enough attention she is able to pick up an ability simply by observing it being done (though a bit of practice is helpful and preferred). This is one of the reasons why she picked up and became so well at archery and the magics her Master allowed her to learn. She is able to pick up information with all her senses and store it well in her memory for later use.
Weaknesses/Bad Qualities:
- Due to the cruelty of her fellow apprentices she tends to be secluded and often lack an understanding in things she has not come across before. In general she often finds other races, such as humans, to be confusing in their nature. This does not mix well with the fact that she tends to be highly curious.
- She cannot as of yet use her Edelan abilities on command except perhaps her psychic speech and anything she learned from Taelon.
- She often will not use the magic she has learned from her Master because she is being pursued and fears being found.
- Ryalyn and her companion Ayden, though most of the time in sync with each other, sometimes have disagreements and strifes, like two inner voices of reason. Since they switch roles of reasonable and unreasonable, this may put either one off guard or cause them to do something irrational.
- She is usually very secretive and enjoys seeming mysterious. She also has a mischievous streak in her as well. Many times these characteristics cause many to believe that she is an enemy rather than a friend. However, when a trust has been established she may allow more of herself to be revealed.
Character History:
Thunder rumbled metallically up in the black clouds that hung heavily in the sky. Rain had been coming down in buckets for hours and had only now subsided to a moderate drizzle. If one listened closely one could hear the quick beat of horse hooves faintly underlying the thundering tumult. Two riders from the north passed quickly through the forest on steeds that had once been white, though were now a mud spattered black in the prevailing darkness. Upon reaching the cross roads the figures, each sitting hunched against the rain in their waterlogged cloaks, slowed to consult with each other. One, it seemed, held to their person something that they were trying to shield from the storm. A brisk nod to each other and they started off on the road to the east, a path that wound on into the deeper forest and up to the edge of the mountains. They drew up to an intricate iron gate locked tight against the night. One of the riders dismounted and approached the gate to peer at what appeared to be a large hulking shape in the distance. He turned back to look at his companion as they waited for what seemed an eternity.
Quite suddenly a figure appeared on the other side of the gate wrapped tight against the gale and holding a lantern who's light refused to go out. Words were exchanged and the gate hastily unlocked. The patron held the gate for both to pass then closed it tightly and hurried after them. Once inside the manor the patron summoned servants who took their sodden cloaks. It could be seen now that the travelers were not what one expected. Both adorned very intricately fashioned clothes and had noble bearings. In the woman's arms she held a child wrapped safely against the weather. Her eyes sidled to her husband who smiled reassuringly at her and took her arm as they followed the owner of the manor.
Taelon, he was named. He had come out in the night to fetch them for he had been the one to hear their call. Leading them to a comfortable parlor he sent his servants away to fetch food and drink. Warily he looked at the two whom he had met on a previous occasion and drew up his memories. Ezra and Auron. Both possessing jet-black hair, tall and slender yet powerful builds, eyes like crystal and haunting to look at. The moment of their arrival he had known that something had gone awry. His developed divining qualities had tickled at the back of his mind warning him of tragedy yet to come. So he regarded them both with a guarded look that he know they infallibly would see through for they always did.
Ezra had leaned back gently to rock the sleeping babe, staring down at its face which wore a sleepy frown. She smiled sadly though feeling Taelon's gaze looked up at him, her head still bowed giving her a slightly dark look. He smiled weakly and turned back to Auron who had been speaking. Their conversing had continued on through much of the night.
Finally, as dawn approached, though hardly visible through such a storm, the stories had ended, a decision made, and a compromise struck. Not that it was needed but the travelers had insisted. They wanted only the best for their daughter and they knew that only Taelon could give it. He was far removed from them as far as others were concerned. In fact, a relation between the couple and Taelon would not even be suspected. Their kind would normally never converse with outsiders.
The fire was stoked and the flickering light gave life to shadows and made them seem like devious deadly things. The three stood, Auron moving to his wife and gently kissing the brow of his daughter before Ezra was lead away, child in hand, by a servant. When she returned she was empty handed with an expression of the deepest loss. She knew that it was all for the best but somehow her heart couldn’t bear to take it. Auron reached out and took her into his arms, tucking her head under his chin. He looked down at her and his eyes reflected the same pain. Wiping away both their tears he ushered her down the hall and toward the door. 'We cannot wait or we risk it all ...' Now-dried cloaks were clasped around necks and hoods drawn up against the cold. They said their thank-you's and last good-byes as they hurried out the door. As the gate was locked behind them both turned to look one last time at the manor which now housed their most prized possession. Neither of them would ever lay eyes on it again...
As the years passed Taelon had a hard time keeping tabs on the child, as she was a free spirit that would not be tamed. But tamed she eventually became, or at least seemed. That Edelanin charm and charisma of hers could easily sway anyone. Some minor spells she picked up. And some major ones she could have easily learned had she not been held back. Her master was forever conscious of the warning he had received and put a stop to her becoming too powerful and outstanding. The more hidden he kept her the more he felt she was safe. He turned out to be deadly wrong. She rebelled at heart and desperately desired to be free. She loved her Master like the father she never had but she did not like feeling confined. In her heart she knew without a doubt that she was not what everyone told her she was. The Mage had other apprentices and they taunted her about her oddities. Her reactions to things, her tall stature though she was rather small as a child, what they considered her odd facial structure which was "not human", her electric blue eyes. They found her to be strange and abnormal but her master assured her they were just jealous and afraid of their own ignorance. Little did she know however that she was more different then she thought. Not long after taking the girl into his care he changed her name to Ryalyn and began to create various potions and such to hide her distinctive Edelan qualities. He made up a story as to his inheriting her into his care. He set up ways to restrict the natural growth of her powers. When Rya was younger she knew none of this. In her eyes she had always had long brown hair, non-pointed ears and such. She had grown to think that she was a human like all the other apprentices, like her foster father. At least until she turned 8 that is…
One day an 8 yr old Rya lay sprawled out on Taelon's bed watching him prepare for a meeting with the parents of one of his new charges. He was lecturing her on behavior for the thousandth time and as usual she was only half listening. Having absentmindedly left the closet door open, an all too curious Rya had peeped inside. There was a trunk in the farthest reaches of the closet inconspicuously hid that had caught her eye. Reaching carefully and quietly for it she laboriously began to drag it out. Having noticed that Rya had been too quiet for too long Taelon turned around and couldn’t see her any where. Having some idea what she might be up to he had looked over behind the bed and sure enough spotted the little vixen peering curiously at a seemingly ordinary trunk with no markings whatsoever. His laughter startled her but she rather skillfully covered her guiltiness with a look of innocence. Expecting reprimand she was surprised to find his words to simply be "It’s about time you found that." Rya's brow furled and she stared up at Taelon curiously. Chuckling to himself as he sat on the edge of the bed he reached over for the trunk and pulled it in front of him. Rya appeared at his shoulder watching the trunk intensely. It had no seams, no latches, no locks that she could see. Looking out of the corner of his eye he noted the familiarity with the object that the girl seemed to have. In fact she seemed to know that it was hers. Running his hand over the top of the lid there came a muffled popping noise that meant that the lid had come loose. He lifted the lid carefully and turned to find that she was already to the floor and looking but not touching its contents. He only allowed her to view a few of the objects inside. It wouldn’t do for her to know too much about her past just yet. He watched her marveled curiosity of the bow and quiver inside. Her parents had made sure to provide everything they thought their daughter would need. Thus, Taelon realized that he would have to have Rya tutored on how to use such a weapon. Later that day he wrote to a relative of his, one of the best archers he knew whom, from his understanding, had a bit of Elven blood in him. Not long after Rya began to take archery and sword lessons. She may have been young but she seemed to be a natural and caught on quickly.
When she was 4 she somehow came into the acquisition of a most peculiar creature, though he never quite knew how. Rya was very careful to keep Ayden hidden out of sight. Taelon of course knew she had him but he chose not to say anything. And Rya knew he knew but chose not to comment either. Their understanding on the subject was a sympathetic one with no need for words either way. As time passed Taelon found that no one held his favor as Rya did and no one held hers quite like he did, except perhaps Ayden. He rather suspected the creature to be much more intelligent than it appeared. All in all they managed to maintain a delicate balance until it was utterly destroyed by the most unfortunate circumstance.
When Rya had been younger the other charges of the mage often taunted her and played tricks on her. It greatly tried her patience. One time a boy had tricked her and she had gotten lost in the woods for several days. She had been without the various potions and such that hid her features and when she was found her Edelan traits where nearly all revealed. The other children had redoubled their taunting to the point where she could not take it any longer. She had run off to her room.
Ayden could try to quell her emotions but in the end he always fell victim to whatever emotion wracked her heart. She was in such a fit of enraged tears that she hardly noticed him shrink to a smaller animal and hide beneath her shirt as a figure approached the bed. Taelon noticed the little quivering lump but said nothing. He was glad she had someone, even if it could not always be him. He sat down on the edge of the bed and reached out a gentle hand to stroke her hair. He found himself wondering what she would look like if he had not concealed her Edelan looks. She looked up surprised for a moment and he saw her mental shields go up as she jerked away and brushed away her tears. Abruptly her face took on a careless indifference as she turned quickly from him. Getting up she stalked over to the window, her arms wrapped about her and Ayden now a ferret wrapped warmly around her neck like a scarf, two glittering black eyes peering out at Taelon from under a bushy tail. With a sigh Taelon got up and moved over to Rya slowly not wanting to agitate her more. Another tear escaped sliding silently down her cheek. He hated it when she was upset. It seemed to enter him and fill him with her grief. It was like the entire world shared her pain. The sky darkened and anything near grew depressed and silent. She was connected to it all even if she did not realize it.
The two stood in silence for a time. Quite suddenly though slowly and without a spoken word Taelon held out his hand and Ryalyn took it allowing herself to be drawn into a fatherly embrace. Ayden slipped into one of her pockets and waited his time as Taelon whispered in Rya's ear.
And so he spoke, trying to explain the world to her. How much he cared though could not show it. Humans were of a jealous and cruel sort of nature, he assured her, especially when they are young. He had continued on that he had an obligation to his other apprentices and that he could not ignore them at her wish. This of course had been what Ayden had voiced prior to Taelon's arrival. In his words Taelon wove the gifts of understanding, calmness, and clarity. Rya knew this but said nothing. Only someone who cared as much as Taelon would try so tirelessly to help her understand....
Thus, the boy who had tricked her was reprimanded and sent home on the grounds that Ryalyn could have been gravely hurt.
Years later when Rya had become a teenager the boy had returned. At this point all the boys were now interested in girls and of course going against all the years of torture and grief they had given her, decided to try and swoon Ryalyn. At this point she had become very withdrawn and aloof, treating them all as if they didn’t exist. The other girls tried to befriend her and when that didn’t work, got jealous. The boy who had returned was the best looking and when he did not get the girl he wanted he took it upon himself to pull another prank on her. This time she nearly would have been killed had her Edelan powers not saved her. The boy was banished but the damage had been done. The ‘seekers’ would surely find her and so Taelon had revealed to her the story of her past. How her parents had brought her there so that she may be hidden and protected until she was old enough. How they had been killed shortly after ... Not wanting to risk the life of the one that had sheltered her all those years she had took what she needed, destroyed everything else that implied that she had ever lived at the manor, hugged Taelon good-bye and vanished in the night. And not all too soon. Even a few days later she had heard that the place she once called home had been burnt to the ground. "I hope they made it out" she thought.
Belongings:
Ryalyn possesses few objects due to the fact than much of what she once owned was destroyed. She does however, posses some things that her parents had left, passed on to her by Taelon. One thing she has in her possession is a pendent whose origins are unknown. She also has a Edelanin hand crafted bow, arrows and quiver all made by her parents and etched in the ancient scripts of her people, though what they say is a mystery to her. Two long knives are in sheaths attached to her quiver. She also carries a rucksack filled with food, medicinal herbs, a few trinkets from the trunk, and what little money she had before she was forced to leave the only home she had. She does not need to carry much because Taelon taught her how to find whatever she may need in the forests. She had gone many times with him on herb gathering and hunting expeditions.
Pets/Familiars:
Well, I guess you could qualify Ayden as one of those though he is not a pet. He is a Vegra, a shape shifter who can only take the form of animals but possesses an intellect equal to Rya’s own. He can speak though usually chooses to do so telepathically as physically can be somewhat difficult or alarming to the person being spoken to. He has been with Rya most of her life, coming into her companionship shortly after she turned 4. There is a special connection that they share having both come into the world at the same instant, which is unique to Vegra. They connect with that person in a way that makes them nearly inseparable and they live for as long as their companion lives.
Other useful facts:
Hmmm I think I squashed everything in somewhere somehow :p The only thing would be to impress that not many people know about Edelan and mistake her for an elf. Also, Ryalyn is not her real original name. In addition, here is some further in depth explanation to Edelan abilities:
Edelan have a very faint and strange one, unfamiliar to those who've never smelled it before. So it’s usually written off as nothing unless something else causes the one with the nose to question it. It really all comes down to mental ability. Edelan, if focused, can throw the senses of others or disguise their own qualities if they have the knowledge. Ryalyn is young and did not grow up with her kind. What knowledge of this disguising is instinctual and has flaws. Thus, yes you can sense her by smell and/or heartbeat. Species that drink the blood of others (e.g.- Vampires) may wish to refrain from biting Edelan. Their combo of blood (i.e. Dragon and Elf) might be poisonous. Dragon blood is powerful stuff. It also immunizes the effects of other creatures' bites (such as werewolves) by destroying whatever it is that enters the body after such an event.
As explained earlier, the Edelian are so connected to the world around them that they have a special connection with the animals and plants. As such, they can influence an animal to trust or fear them, simply by impressing a mental projection and/or feeling on the creature.
For example, if focused enough Rya could cause a wolf or other predatory / non-predatory animal to back away fearful of her if Rya feels threatened or angry enough. Sometimes, Rya could even influence a weaker person to be wary of her. Especially when she gives that look that she is so partial to. (lol)
Why? First of all, the emotions and minds of Edelan are very strong and influential. Secondly, her dragon ancestry brings fear into nearly any creature's heart and her Elven ancestry balances that to the other extreme of love and caring. Whichever has predominance at the time will influence in what way her character is perceived, especially by animals. After all, animals do seem to have quite strong senses and instincts and can sense her power and strength, even if she is not aware of it herself yet.
When Ryalyn develops this gift at a conscious level she may very well learn how to establish such a trust as to influence animals do what she asks them to, although she really doesn’t have much use for that. She greatly values freedom...