User:GW-Valentein

Childhood

 * Valentein was born in a small hut in Ashford, a village in Lakeside County in the nation of Ascalon, on Day 45 of the Season of the Zephyr, 1052 AE, to Casimir and Anne, a farming couple. His birth was presided over by his uncle Lawrence, a monk in Ashford Abbey. As he grew, his mother sheltered him from the harsh farming life his father knew, and instead ushered him into the ways of the scholar. Having few friends in the village, Valentein spent most of his time at the Abbey, learning the myths of the Five Gods. On Valentein's thirteenth birthday, Lawrence suggested that he enter into the Nolani Academy of Magic. Since mere farmers could not afford to send their son to an Academy as prestigious as Nolani, Lawrence and Casimir petitioned the Abbot. The Abbot felt the boy's knowledge could be better utilized as a Monk of Dwayna, but after Casimir's protests, he decided to send the decision higher, and bid that Valentein travel to Serenity Temple, to speak with High Priestess Jenessia. As Casimir could not afford to take the time away from planting, Lawrence and Anne accompanied the boy on the journey.

Chosen

 * The group arrived at the Temple late in the day, having departed early in the morning. Jenessia's apprentice, Rashenna, bid them to their rooms, and informed them of their audience with the High Priestess the following morning. It was here that Valentein recieved his first vision.

  Five figures gathered around him, as if he lay on an examination table. Their features were shadowed, hidden, but he could sense the power eminating from them. One of the figures spoke, a female voice, soft and sweet as a gentle breeze. "What do you make of him?"  A male voice responded, weathered and hoarse as charred wood. "He has potential. Put a sword in his hand, and he could conquer Dragons."  Another male, harsh and raspy as jagged ice. "He hungers for knowledge. He could be... dangerous."  Two females, voices intertwining in chaotic beauty. "I forsee a wandering path for this one. He must step lightly."  A last female, voice as solid and stoic as an ancient oak.<BR> "A dangerous path. One that will test him."<BR> <BR> The figures vanished, and light flooded into Valentein's consciousness. </tt><BR> Valentein awoke, sunlight filtering through the window near his bed. As he prepared, the sights from outside filtered in. The sun's light seemed brighter, the air softer, the flowers sweeter. The water he bathed in seemed cooler and more refreshing. He dressed himself, and was led by Lawrence and Rashenna to visit High Priestess Jenessia.

Education

 * Jenessia had seen an aura about Valentein, but had deemed that it would be unwise for him to be bound into a single role. She agreed to send a reccomendation to Shalev, a member of the Order of the Flaming Scepter, and the current Headmaster of the Nolani Academy of Arcane Arts. Valentein was admitted, and began his study of magical arts, as well as tales of the gods, the ancient heroes of Tyria, and other history and lore. Because the other students were mostly nobility, and Valentein was a mere farmer's son, he made sure he looked his best, remaining clean-shaven, his hair nicely trimmed, and his Apprentice Robes spotless.<BR><BR>Mid-way through his third year, Valentein recieved a message from Ashford: His mother was dead, and his father was missing. It appeared his father had disappeared while out late planting, and his mother had ventured out to look for him, and had been killed by wolves. Valentein stayed in his room for weeks, and even after resuming classes he remained quiet and introverted until his graduation, which ocurred in 1069 AE. Not long after, a scribe of King Adelbern of Ascalon arrived, bearing a request that their top graduating students to report for duty in the Ascalon Army, in a renewed offensive against the Charr.

War Preparations

 * Upon his return to Lakeside County, Valentein made pains to avoid visits to Ashford Village. He completed most of his training this way, hoping that his orders would not take him there. Near the end of his training, the day came. He was ordered to assist Captain Devona defeat an invading Grawl force. He traveled quietly through the village, hoping no-one recognized him. Upon meeting Devona, the two traveled together towards Regent Valley. After a short journey, they came across a small group of camped Grawl. Unslinging her hammer, Devona nodded to Valentein, and the two engaged the force. Devona fought off the rushing fighters, and Valentein closed his eyes, focussing, bringing the arcane knowledge he studied to the forefront, and let fly from his fingertips a burst of electric energy. The lightning streaked across the flesh of the unlucky Shaman, who barely got off a scream before falling to the ground, dead. Valentein chose to run ahead, rounding the corner of the valley, before stopping cold. In front of his vision was not only another group of Grawl, but a large, red, upright feline. It was his first up-close view of a Charr. He heard Devona arrive behind him and gasp. The Charr snarled, and the Grawl force charged them. The two fought hard, and emerged victorious. However, as they stepped over the grey, furry corpses, the Charr was nowhere to be seen.