Prologue - Irazhi's Early Life
Corsain, Dragonsong Dominion a small settlement a few miles along the coastline from Western gate is where Irazhi's past takes place. Riad, a well known horticulturist in the local village and his wife Millicent, an equally well known carpenter had set themselves up a small cottage of sorts with a garden that one could almost feel at peace in but such is expected from the home of a horticulturist.
Here is where their family blossomed and bloomed having three sons. Ezer, the first born was let loose upon the citizens of our peaceful village and not twenty-one months later did Irazhi enter the world. Mu the youngest of the three came as somewhat of a surprise to Riad and Millicent as he set about joining us twenty-two months after Irazhi.
Not much of note can be said about the first few summers although with the passing of time the personality of our three young boys became apparent. One could almost say there was a flare between them. The electric between the eldest and youngest caused many fights, with Mu's short temper and Ezer's need for attention always erupting into the sounds of a screaming child. A scream that would hinder Irazhi in his desire to study and learn which in turn would bring him into the fray of combat. Two versus one or one versus one versus one... Irazhi's only desire would be to quench the sounds of screams which disrupt his concentration.
Riad and Millicent certainly loved their children although riads stubborn ways and inability to help keep the boys under control began plucking away at a rope that was love which only frayed more so as the years went on. Many summers came and passed and with the boys fighting more and more things were beginning to look bleak. It was clear the boys loved each other dearly, but Millicent only wished they would stop their battles as it was driving her round several bends and as such our happy life had to come to an end and so it did. Ten years, three months and 11 days later some unforeseen events brought about the abrupt end as Millicent left with Mu to Western Gate but not before a battle of wills took place.
Riad wanted all three boys to stay with him; Millicent wanted them to come with her. After many days and nights of constant arguing an arrangement had been decided; Millicent would leave with Mu to Western Gate. Ezer would stay with Riad in the cottage and Irazhi... he was left to decide who he loved more; Riad his father, or Millicent his mother.
What would you decide?
Would you have regrets?
Well surely.
Irazhi thought after thinking long and hard came to a choice neither Riad nor Millicent had expected. He would leave and travel. He wanted to discover more about this large country of Corsain, but not just here. Everywhere! Irazhi wanted to travel the world. In utter shock and disbelief Riad and Millicent tried to persuade Irazhi otherwise. They wanted him to choose one of them, so they know he would be safe, but Irazhi had made up his mind. He would leave.
His first taste of adventure was to travel with his mother and brother to Western Gate. Walking beside the horse and cart was certainly his first experience walking such a great distant and it invoked a feeling he would never forget. Millicent and Mu were soon moved in but Irazhi found himself bored of the environment his mother was trying to create. She began lessons with Mu to teach him the mastery of wood work. Such an interest subject, but with no real interest in the skill itself Irazhi made his way home but explored Western Gate before leaving.
Irazhi found as he reached his father's home that Riad had also started to teach his son, Ezer the eldest in this case the art of horticulture and ways to create medicinal substances from these natural sources. Irazhi was amazed of such feats but what amazed him more was why the sun set and the sea moved. Often seen gazing into the horizon he worked for the local tavern serving and helping with the preparations of meals for small amounts of gold, leaving a good 6 months down the line with gold in his pocket, a rucksack on his back and ambition in his eyes.
Following a brief farewell to his Brothers and parents he set about for the port district in Western Gate. Alindor was his aim through the Sea of Harj. His first task was setting about finding a worthwhile vessel to travel on. Captain after Captain laughed at him and swept him aside against his request. Irazhi's sum of money was but a pittance. Not enough to get him from coast to coast but for all his might he swore he would see the world.
During the late hours of the day as the majority of the pirates, Captains and sailors made their way to sunder and ravage the taverns; this was Irazhi's chance! Slipping aboard a large vessel, a Carrack which Irazhi later discovered was named after a Captain who had been murdered many years earlier he glance about the ship and skulked towards what appeared to be a doorway.
Having slipped past a chunky sailor who laid snoring beer in hand, Irazhi slowly twisted a door handle which let out the most extraordinary squeal which reminded him of his little brother screaming. A shudder rolled its way down his spine at the thought as he managed to bring the door ajar before slithering his way down the stairs into the darkness of the ship's hull, the only source of light being the flickering of the lanterns hung periodically along the corridor.
That's weird... Irazhi thought to himself as he heard a lot of movement from above ship. Panicking he made his way to the bilge of the ship hiding himself between some crates in a dark corner. He placed his rucksack to his side and sat wearily soon drifting into slumber by the hypnotic rhythm of the vessel on the water.
Aw uk! aw uk! AW UK! AW UK! WHAT THE!?!
Awoken to the scorching light, the morning air and the squawking of the gulls encompassing the vessel Irazhi suddenly became increasing aware that he was hanging upside down. Glancing around sporadically his eyes finally fell upon a middle aged Elven lady with an air of authority.
Rather inappropriately Irazhi became awestruck at this most beautiful image as she howled at him in Elven.
"Amirilan ilma aey weelv el sa elalalaac fea!"
Irazhi tried to refocus his eyes as the blood rushed to his head when he was abruptly lifted higher and thrown onto the deck of the ship. It was this realisation as he hit the ground with a solid thud that he had been hanging overboard and scurried on his bottom backwards a couple of feet in fear.
The Elven Captain slowly encroached upon him, looking down with a cold look in her eyes.
"I asked you a question boy, I expect an answer. What are you doing on MY vessel?"
"I... simply wanted to go to Alindor ma'am. I couldn't afford the fares so I thought...I'm really sorry miss!" Irazhi pleaded with the Elf.
She glared at him before kneeling and smiling, ruffling his hair
"Well do you want the good news or the bad news?"
Irazhi began to his head with a puzzled look on his face
"Gone quiet now have you boy? Well I'll start with the good news. I like you boy, you have initiative and you showed me some respect... I like that." *She smirks* "On the other hand we're heading to Dregar, not Alindor."
"What... but..." Irazhi hangs his head for a moment before looking the elf in the eyes with a smile "That's fine by me Ma'am! I want to see the world; I guess it doesn't matter where I start!"
Making his way to his feet introductions were made between Irazhi and the elf. He soon learnt that the elf's name was Rinwen and that she was the proud owner of the vessel they stood on. It became apparent that Irazhi would be working to pay for passage and it was actually he who requested as such.
The rest of the voyage went on without much activity but Irazhi was glad he got to enjoy the experience of working on a vessel and meeting an elf such as Rinwen. It's not often you get to meet an elf as nice as her. Reaching port in Lor they part ways as Rinwen hands Irazhi some gold in case he wishes to board any more ships and calls it payment for all the extra work he did upon her ship.
Having spent a good couple of weeks with no means of travelling north Irazhi decided to travel to his original destination instead. Paying for passage this time around to reach Alindor his journey went about a little more smoothly as he set foot in Katherian. A city he soon came to realise was a bad place for a young boy to be. He hastened his way out of town without thinking much of the consequences.
The start of his trek along the Alindor country side went relatively smoothly considering he was a young boy with the combat capabilities of a new born kitten. Avoiding a lot of trouble via being fleet of foot but his luck was soon to hit a dry spell, and today was that day. Making it just past Fort Morholt Irazhi's chances seemed slim as a pack of wolves encroached upon him.
His back firmly against a cliff face, this was Irazhi's end. He had a good journey up until this point, and at eleven years old he had a good life he thought to himself. Closing his eyes as tight as possible and holding his hands in front of his face waiting for his end to finally come he was left with an eerie sound of nothing. Opening one eye slowly as he lowered his hands he jolted back, smacking his head firmly against the rock face.
"Am I really that ugly...?" Irazhi heard as he regained consciousness looking towards a man in his early twenties. The man walked over to him and gave him a broth that Irazhi started to sip at.
"No Sir... you're not ugly at all... I was expecting death and in its place I..." The young man was clearly human with a slight accent which Irazhi wasn't used to "just... what happened back there Sir?"
"Well... I saved you... basically. Would you like me to run it by you more simply?" the man chuckled to himself with a cheeky grin on his face. "What on earth were you doing out here alone!?"
"I'm travelling Sir. Out to see the wor-"The man interrupted
"...You're travelling out here on your own without any ability to protect yourself... either one is an idiot or a very close relative of a gnome." He smacks Irazhi lightly round the head. "What were you thinking!?"
The gentleman in question was later discovered to be a man called Pawru. He was a Monk from a small monastery not far from this small one room building they were located in. After much discussion Pawru offered to teach him some fundamental basics in the art of inner peace- Irazhi being intrigued decided to agree with Pawru's offer and soon found he finally discovered something he loved learning and perfecting.
Having found favour in Pawru's eyes they managed to bring him into the monastery to learn the art of perfect body harmony; a skill which takes a lifetime to perfect. Four years passed in Irazhi's learning. Many trials and hours of study passed. Fifteen years of age Irazhi had developed in body, mind and skill. He was still far away from being a man, but with the arrival of a caravan of nomads in the village close to the monastery Irazhi decided it was a good time to continue that journey he had put on hold for so many years.
The caravan of nomads was accompanied by a young Elven archer. She was... cute. Clearly confident in her abilities she also made use of basic wizardry spells which she pulled from a tome she held dearly within her pack. Having spoken to this Elven beauty it was decided he would travel with them towards Mariners Hold as she clearly had resided in the local area many years ago.
The travel to Mariners Hold was at best uneventful, and upon the arrival the young Elven girl invited Irazhi to join her to a trip across the ocean to Leringard on the continent of Mistone. Irazhi jumped at the chance, especially since the young girl offered to pay for the cost of the ship due to Irazhi's work in protecting the nomads on their travels. He honestly hadn't done much more than scaring away some stray animals but it was enough to warrant this young Elven girl to offer.
The journey on the vessel was interesting simply due to the presence of this Elven girl, able to catch fish through the use of her bow and her stories kept the sailors and guests on board entertained throughout the journey. She disappeared soon after the arrival in Leringard with nothing more than a smile before she mumbled and vanished from sight.
Taking refuge under some trees situated in the streets of Leringard as the snow softly flittered from the sky Irazhi started practising his meditation, moving his body in eccentric ways as a way to keep himself warm. Sitting upon the gentle crunch of the snow he set about a very cold and dreary evening. Shivering as the street lights began to dim, one by one causing a dance of the burning embers a young lady appeared with a cup of steaming hot water and tea leaves, and hands it to Irazhi. He looks up in thanks, taking the cup from her hands longing for warmth. They entered a small humble home not far from where he sat as they began to talk.
"My Sir, what would possess you to stay outside in such weather!" the sound of a young child crying erupts from a back room and she rushes off "My apologies I shall not be a moment"
Looking around the room Irazhi holds the warm mug firmly pressing it close to his body when he catches two young boys glance at him through the door arch, one a few years older than the other before vanishing as the lady makes her way back into the main room.
She enters the room with a smile "I thank you for waiting. My name is Theophania. May I request to know your name Sir?"
"Irazhi, ma'am Irazhi would be my name." He blows into his hands as the heat dissipates from the mug in his hands.
"It's a pleasure Irazhi welcome to my abode." Paintings on the wall showed images of a sturdy man, a royal sailor would be Irazhi's best bet based upon the uniform the gentleman in the painting had upon him. Theophania noticed Irazhi's interest in the painting.
"My husband," a smile slowly boiled upon her features. One could tell she was proud of him, although her eyes betrayed her. She missed him, dearly. "Where are you from Irazhi? What are you doing here all alone?"
He blinked lowering his head before returning it to eye level with pride. "I'm travelling Theophania; I have been for many years since I was but ten years of age!"
Sitting beside a fire they began to talk about what had brought Irazhi to Theophania's door step and in wide anticipation Irazhi recalled his tales to the young lady and how he was on a quest to learn and discover. He wanted to know everything! Theophania listen with great interest and as the night drew on she gathered some blankets for Irazhi to lay out on the floor by the fire to rest.
"Hehehe a man!" Irazhi slowly opened his eyes trying to focus when he noticed a young girl being shushed away by Theophania. "Would you like breakfast Irazhi?" Sitting up he gazed around the room to see the two boys once again. The eldest didn't appear to be much younger than Irazhi, three years younger at best whilst the other looked to be about nine years old. As they rushed out the door play fighting a tiny young girl of possibly two years old at best waddled after them giggling.
Theophania laughs as the children go as she offers a kind smile "breakfast?"
Irazhi nods in thanks and gets to his feet. "I cannot thank you enough... How can I ev-"
"Don't be silly, I'm more than happy to help... that reminds me actually. I have something I want to show you" she disappears into the back rooms once again returning with a small piece of jewellery. "This is the symbol of Aragen.. Do you know of him?" Irazhi shakes his head "He is the almighty god of knowledge the Wise God. I believe he is someone you should seek out for I believe he may help you achieve what you long for. A few followers of Aragen pass through here from time to time I request you at least give it some thought." Nodding Irazhi remembered the name; for in not too long it would be a name he would never want to forget. "You are more than welcome to stay here until then Irazhi; I would be honoured to harbour you as my guest"
A month passed by before any Aragenites passed through Leringard but Theophania came rushing in one day alerting Irazhi of their presence. Theophania and Irazhi had become good friends in the time he had spent there, and an air of sadness filled the air the day Irazhi left for new pastures.
Irazhi made haste to meet with the Aragenites and spoke of his wishes to learn and discover. They seemed impressed with his ambition and pure intentions so allowed him to come with them to their temple.
Four years Irazhi spent with the Aragenites learning how to write and gather information more effectively. He did work for the local farmers and citizens doing errands to be able to pay for books for him to write within and contain the information he had gathered; spending the time to write a journal on his life. All this while he never once stopped practising his martial arts abilities. In the time spent with Theophania he promised her never to use his fighting skills to intentionally harm others without due reason and Irazhi means to keep this vow.
Within the last year since leaving the Araganites he made his way back home, to Corsain to see his parents. His brothers have both moved on in life in their own right. Mu becoming increasingly skilled with this ability to work wood and Ezer, Irazhi's older brother has become a healer, using his flowers and medicinal remedies to cure those around him.
Irazhi's parents are still alive and were ecstatic to finally be able to see their middle child once again. Both had retired and had new partners neither had any more children but both were happily remarried and were actually starting to get on together once again.
Retracing the steps of his childhood path he returned to Alindor, missing out Dregar altogether. Retracing his steps step by step he returned to see Pawru. He had since matured into an amazing monk in his own right. Like brothers they embraced in respect of being able to see each other once again. Their friendship continues even to this day.
Upon Mariners Hold he took sail to Leringard. On his arrival he paid a visit to Theophania and family, finally able to meet her husband of which he had heard much about. Truly a dedicated Sailor and father had Irazhi ever met one. Their meeting was fairly brief as Irazhi had a goal in mind but he did spend a good few weeks with them retelling stories and hearing what the children had been up to.
Making his way out of Leringard he set his sights on reaching Port Hempstead; along his travels he had heard word of mighty warriors and wizards gathering there.
What an intriguing thought Irazhi thought to himself.
That's where I shall begin!
