Aviel Irontree  - Half Elf Ranger

Aviel never had it easy,ever since the day everyone in his hometown of Gaial realized that he aged faster than all his other elven siblings. He was the youngest of the eight Irontree children but was catching up in looks, as similar as they can be, to his oldest siblings within years of his birth.
	Aviel had been born of a human female and his elven father. His father had saved his mother on the very borders of their land and in a moment of passion, Aviel was concieved. Eri'me, Aviel's father had no knowledge of this as Rana, Aviel's mother had left the forest and gone back to her hometown after her romantic encounter.
	Nine months passed and Eri'me hadn't forgotten his chance encounter with Rana all that time ago. As he was reminescing he heard a scream near the very same edge of the forest. It sounded so familiar, he rushed through the branches toward the screams. "It can't be." Eri'me thought to himself as he came upon Rana, sat against the roots of a tree holding her stomach.
	"Thank the gods it's you." Rana said as she looked up at Eri'me, as he came down he could now see what Rana was holding. It wasn't her stomach but a small infant, it looked as if it had just been born, small pointed ears already noticable. It's your son Eri'me said as she revealed the baby to him now. "I'm sorry I did not tell you sooner.” she said “I looked for you for so long.” Eri’me now noticed the large pool of blood under Rana, far too much to be from a normal childbirth. “It seems I’m not going to make it.” Rana spoke in a weak voice. “I know its not fair of me to ask, but please take care of him, please. His name is Aviel. I know he would...make you....proud” she said as her head tilted backward, still holding the child.
	Eri’me stunned by the whole situation instinctually reached down to catch the child as Rana’s body slumped backwards. He took a second to ponder and examine Aviel closer. The baby was a spitting image of him as close as a part human could look he thought. Eri’me had decided, he would raise the child, his first son. As Eri’me snuck back into the town in the middle of the night, Aviel bundled in his cloak, he swiftly snuck into the grounds of his home. As Eri’me came through the door he saw his wife, his stomach sank, she was waiting for him as she always did, seeming to know when he would come home at all times.
	“What have you got dear?” Kirana said as she smiled and stepped forward to greet her husband. “My love, it is good to see you, but i have something to tell you.” Eri’me started, knowing the moment she saw the child she would know he decided to tell the truth. “Please try to stay calm.” he said as he started to uncover the child in his arms. “What...is...that.” Kirana said as her happy expression fell into a deep, deep scowl. “A while ago, there was a woman in our lands being attacked.” Eri’me said “I saved her, and, laid with her after in an idiotic, impulsive decision.” Kirana’s expression faltering between rage and sorrow, he continued. “Now i know you may never forgive me, or accept this child, but his mother died during childbirth. She walked to the forest while in labor trying to find me and i happened upon her at the end of my patrol. Her dying words were a plea, for me to take care of the child and, after seeing him i could not leave him to die.”
	 Eri’me now showed her the child, she couldnt help but gasp at the resembalance. It was uncanny, the boy was a spitting image of him. As she fought back tears of anguish he started, “I know it is not your child, but love it is my first son, we have tried so many times to no avail, maybe its a sign.” “IT IS NOT A SIGN!” Kiriana screamed as her face fell into her hands. “It is an excuse, you fool.” “But” she sniffed as she wiped tears away “I cannot imagine the pain she must have gone through for this, and i should not punish a child for YOUR stupid mistake.”  Her tears now drying as she looked at the child closer, touching his cheeks softly with her fingertips. “You will be lucky if I ever let you look at me again Eri.” she said as she took the child into her arms. “Well, does he have a name? “Yes, it’s Aviel.” Eri’me said as he let the child go, still nervous at what could happen. “Aviel huh?” Kiriana said as she turned from him. “Well then, lets go get you fed and get you to bed little Aviel.” Eri’me following behind just to get the door to the bedroom slammed in his face.
	The couple worked hard to keep Aviel a secret as long as they could, knowing that the community would shun the boy if they found out. Eventually Kirana started to bring Aviel out into the town for her errands, the townsfolk congratulating the couple on their surprising new child, not even remembering her being with child in the last few months. “He was small and well behaved in the womb.” she smiled when people would ask about him. Their luck ran out one day though, when people realized that Aviel had quickly outgrew the younger of the Irontree’s children, Rynia, Esillia and the twins, Kiana and Liana. Rumors started to stir about Aviel and eventually, Eri’me was asked by the elder Kirisael if the child was bore by Kirana.
	Eri’me explained the situation and what had happened in the woods all those years ago. After listening to the story Kirisael stood, “I understand why you made the decisions you made Eri’me, I cannot fault you for wanting to save one of your children, but know this.” he continued walking toward the balcony of his home, “He will never be one of us, he will never be able to take up the mantle of the Irontree and protect these lands. And the townsfolk will never accept him, he will be an outcast all his life, even you will outlive him.” “I understand” Eri’me said “However even he deserves a life.” as he walked out onto the balcony and looked out over the town with Kirisael “And who knows? Maybe he will change some hearts, as he changed mine.” his eyes catching a young Aviel walking hand in hand with his mother Kirana.
	“Wait for me!” a small boy yelled as he ran after two girls in front of him “Ari’ka! Eli’sae! Wait you are too fast!” He continued as the older girls quickened their pace. “You’ll never be able to make it in the woods if you can’t even keep up with us in town Aviel!” Ari’ka shouted back at the boy, her strawberry blonde hair shining as her head turned and caught the sun. “Yeah, dad won’t even let you start to train if you are that slow!” Eli’sae added her long black hair swinging around as she turned to yell. “It’s not fair! You’re taller than me! Your legs are longer!” Aviel yelled to them as he huffed extending his stride as much as he could. Straining himself a bit he managed to start to gain on the girls when they turned a corner and he lost his footing, sliding into the nearby stand with various fruits and dried fish tied up around it.
	“You filthy half-breed bastard!” The shopkeeper yelled as he reached up to strike at Aviel, who was scratching his head as he started to stand. Just before his hand struck the boy across the face another hand blocked the shopkeepers blow, a resounding *SLAP* as the hand was clasped. “I would not do that if I were you.” A tall slender elven girl said, her deep blue eyes glaring at the man her golden blonde hair still falling from the sudden movement to her brother’s side. “You know our father is friends with the elder, who has given Aviel permission to live with us, correct?” Her grip tightening around the mans wrist now the bones starting to creak under the pressure “And as forgiving as they may be if you struck him, I would show you no remorse for hurting my baby brother.” she finished as she threw his hand away. “Fine, but i expect you to pay for the damage to my stand!” the shopkeeper grunted as he nursed his wrist. “You’ll get your money you brute, I’ll have one of our hands bring it down to you by the end of the day.” The girl said as she took her brother’s hand “Come now brother, we have some siblings to catch.”
	“Thanks Eviria.” Aviel sniffed as he wiped the tears from his eyes. “Do not worry Avi, I will always be here to protect you.” Eviria said as she rustled the hair on Aviel’s head. “Now, hop on lets go get our sisters.” kneeling down for Aviel to get on her back. As soon as he finished climbing on her back Eviria lept from the ground to the nearby rooftop, Aviel’s head snapping back for a moment from the sudden take-off. The wind rushing through his hair as his sister moved nimbly from rooftop to rooftop, quickly catching up to the two sisters in the street. “Hold on!” Eviria yelled to her brother as she knelt down, springing into a flip down into the street below just in front of the two younger siblings as they stopped abruptly. “NO FAIR AVIEL YOU CHEATED!” Eli’sae yelled at her younger brother on her eldest sisters back. “Yeah you can’t have Eviria help you all the time!” Ari’ka added with a pout, “now now, so what if he used what was available to him. Isn’t that what we are supposed to do as rangers, use any advantages we come across to complete our duty?” Eviria smirked at the girls. “I guess you’re right, but no more helping him it’s no fair!” the smaller sisters said in unison.
	The years passed and Aviel grew older, finally old enough to join his sisters for their ranger training. Even though he wouldn’t be allowed to protect the lands out of tradition, Eri’me thought his son should learn the ways of thier family regardless. So he set Aviel out into the wilderness, taking him far away from their home into a desolate part of the woods, blindfolded. “Now Aviel, the first thing you must learn as a ranger is how to survive, how to read the land and use it to your advantage.” he continuted as they continued through the forest. “Now, I believe in you my son.” as Eri’me pulled a bow and quiver around the boy adjusting the straps to fit him they slowed. As he finished fitting Aviel they stopped and just as Aviel started “What now?” he barely got out as his father pushed him out of the tree.
	Aviel was now falling, surprised by the sudden shove from his father he ripped the blindfold from his face. Just before impact Aviel caught a branch of the tree he was plummeting beside, his weight making the branch flex under his weight. His feet slowly touching ground as the branch was at its limit, Aviel let go and let out of sigh of relief. “I knew this was going to be hard but he didn’t need to be so rough.” He scoffed as he caught his bearings.  Looking around this place was unfamiliar, Aviel had explored almost all of the lands surrounding his hometown yet this place was new. Surprised that his father knew of such a place Aviel set off towards what he thought was towards home.
	Hours seemed to pass, yet Aviel hadn’t made any headway from what he could tell. “Maybe if I check from above.” he thought to himself as he climbed the nearest tree. As Aviel reached the top he looked out at his surroundings, a uniform treeline as far as he could see. “Well then, it looks like I am staying for the night.” as he climbed down and grabbed some large branches on his way down for a shelter.  He reached near the bottom of the tree and began creating a platform for himself to sleep on for the evening. He finished the impromptu platform, standing up with a sigh “Man this sucks.” he said out loud to himself as he wiped sweat from his brow. “I should probably start looking for some food for the night” as he picked up his bow and quiver. “Only a couple hours of light left”
	Now stalking through the trees for his quarry, Aviel was moving as quietly as possible. Suddenly  in the trunk next to his head an arrow sinks itself deeply into it, the air cutting by his face as it shot by. Quickly Aviel dropped a couple branches into the tree hoping for some more cover from the foliage. Just as he was landing on the branch below, two more arrows near his feet. Aviel lost his balance and started to fall, plummeting towards the earth below. “GUH” Aviel exhaled as he landed on his back, the air escaping from his body. “What do you think you are doing out here, halfbreed?” a strange voice called out as Aviel tried to catch his breath, sitting up trying to recover. As he looked up he saw what had shot at him, four tall slender shadows stepped foward into view.
	It was four young elves from Gaial, Aviel recognized them from the town as they walked closer. “This is a sacred training ground for rangers of our home, you have no right to be out here bastard” the tallest one stepped forward over Aviel as he drew his sword from its sheathe. “You will pay for this transgression with your life” as he raised his sword preparing to bring it down on Aviel’s head. Reaching for his bow Aviel couldn’t find it as the sword started coming down towards him. As he found the bow and got it in his grasp Aviel felt a heavy weight on his back, followed by a hollow thunk. With his eyes closed Aviel reached for his chest, he pulled his hand away it was now wet with blood but he felt no pain.
	Four simultaneous gasps rang out as Aviel turned over, this weight still on his back. looking up he saw a familiar face, it was his sister Eviria, blood coming out of the corner of her mouth. “You see Avi, I told you I would always be here to protect you.” She coughed as Aviel now saw the wound on her neck, blood streaming out of it. “NO!” Aviel shouted as his sister rolled her her back, her body getting colder as the blood left her. “This can’t be happening” he cried as his sister lay against him her body getting weaker. “It’ll be ok Avi, I’m not going to leave you, i’ll always....be....here” Eviria barely got out as her last breath escaped her body, Aviel now weeping, tears falling over his sister’s face now.
	“Run!” the boys shouted as they finally recovered from the shock of what had happened, their forms disappearing quickly into the canopy above. “They won’t get away with this” Aviel sniffed as he wiped the tears away from his face. After laying his sister’s body down, arms crossed, Aviel grabbed his bow. “Wait for me, I’ll be back sis” His eyes now stern, his face filled with rage. He shot off after them, the leaves swirling behind where he once stood. Checking each tree as he passed for signs of the boys Aviel was able to track them, their path sloppy from their haste.
	As he gained on them, Aviel drew an arrow knowing he would soon be seeing them. The tree cover was getting lighter and it was getting easier to see further. Two shadows now visible he drew his bow back as far as he could, not slowing down he fired. The arrow whistled as it left the bowstring, seeming to cut the air in its path out of the way. A resounding thud as the arrow found its mark, the body falling from the tree where it landed for its next step. Quickly nocking another arrow Aviel let loose another shot as the second shadow had slowed, shocked as his friend fell from the trees.
	Another loud thud rang out as the second arrow found its mark, this one much easier on a stationary target. The body fell from the tree the arrow now visibly protruding from the front of the boys throat just before he hit the ground. Putting the bow back around him Aviel sped up, knowing the last two couldn’t be far ahead. In his haste and blind rage Aviel didn’t notice the two shadows kneeling near the trunk of two flanking trees. Wham, Aviel whipped his head back as an arrow flew by, cutting his cheek before slamming into the tree. The second arrow finding its mark in his arm as he stopped, Aviel grimacing in pain with it now embeded.
	“You really messed up now halfbreed” the tall elf said as Aviel descended the tree now seeing where the two were hiding. “This should be easy now, finish him” the tall one gestured for the other to finish Aviel off. Stepping forward the elven accomplice drew his sword following the others order. Backing up slowly Aviel put his back against a small tree trying to get the arrow out of his arm so he could defend himself. “Just stand still and let us get this over with” the boy said as he started to lunge toward Aviel. Suddenly, Aviel spun around the tree to avoid the overhead swing from his assailant. Hearing a snap, the elf barely had time to react as he felt a sharp pain in his neck.
	Aviel had swung around the tree branch, his hand around the shaft of the arrow protruding from the back of his arm he rolled it around the trunk of the small tree to snap the shaft in two. As he broke it he came around and jammed the arrowhead into the boys neck finding the jugular vein to ensure there was no saving him. “Wha....” the elf barely got out as blood spilled from his neck his body falling to the ground, limp and lifeless. “Why can’t you just die easy like the little shit you are” the last boy remaining as he drew his sword hoping to finish Aviel off as he was distracted.
	Aviel felt a warm sensation as the sword from his last assailant plunged itself into his side. He winced in pain, the sword still in his stomach as he looked in this elf’s face. “Well then, looks like there will be one less bastard in the world” the boy smiled as he pushed the blade in deeper. “Yeah, seems so” Aviel coughed as he slammed his hand into the boy’s temple. The elven boys eyes wide in surprise as Aviel pushed him away, his hand falling away revealing his sister’s hairpin he had taken. Stumbling backward pulling the sword from his side, Aviel quickly wrapped up the wound as he hurried back to where he’d left his sister.
	The adrenaline leaving his body now as he came upon his sister’s corpse Aviel fell against the back of a tree once again, the pain now shooting through his entire body. “Eviria?”Aviel questioned as he pulled his sister closer to him “Wake up, wake up!” shouting as the tears started to flow down his face once again. “You said you wouldn’t leave, you promised” crying as he squeezed her tighter. “You said you’d always be here” Aviel whined as he wiped his tears from the face of his beloved sister. The hours passed, the sun fell, Aviel sat there crying over his sister’s corspe through the night.
	“What happened here!” Aviel was awoken by someone shouting “Aviel what happened?” his eyes opening to see his father.  “Aviel, wake up, what’s going on” Eri’me asked looking over his son and eldest daughter’s body trying to comprehend the situation. “Four boys, whatever, from the village came to attack me while i was training.” Aviel started “before I knew what was happening one went to attack me and Eviria threw herself over me.” “WHAT! Where are they? They will pay for this” Eri’me questioned as he looked around. “Dead, all of them. I tracked them down and killed every one of them.” Aviel sniffed now fighting back another bout of tears. Eri’me let out a long sigh “My son, my dear son, as happy as i am you couldn’t have made a bigger mistake.” “While they indeed should have been punished for what happened, it should not have been you who executed them. I’m afraid the village won’t turn a blind eye to you killing four of their children either, for you are not one of them.” Eri’me sat back as he finished, pondering what he could do.
	Knowing how grave the situation was Eri’me had no choice. “You must leave son” he said, his expression now falling further into sadness.  “I have to leave? no way I can’t leave you all” Aviel said the tears still falling down his face. “You must son, or they will kill you, and I will not lose another child, not today” Eri’me said, his face now serious. “But where will I go? I dont know anything about the world” Aviel said as he looked up at his father. “It will be okay Aviel, you can obviously survive on your own now. Now go, before someone else arrives!” As Eri’me shoved his son, studying his face for one last time. “But son know this, I...am...proud” as he picked up the body of Eviria and started to turn away. Aviel seeing a tear falling down from his father’s face.
	Darting through the forest, looking for a way out, grabbing his side trying to nurse his wound Aviel’s eyes watching all sides of himself. Suddenly a loud roar breaks the silence as Aviel is attacked by two giant claws, swiping at him from beside a tree. Aviel just barely managed to roll out of the way before slamming his head on a rock, his body now sprawled out on the ground as he saw the beast that set upon him. A gargantuan bear roared as it stood on its hind legs, its form standing at least twelve feet tall. As the bear set down upon him and Aviel drew his sword, suddenly, the bear is pushed aside by something. A white and grey blur darting through his vision Aviel now looked to the side, a large dire wolf now hanging from the bear’s neck, its teeth sinking into it.
	The bear roars in pain as it tries to shake the wolf off of it, its front paws leaving the ground once again. Aviel seeing this chance with the bear’s back now turned grabs his sword and leaps onto the animals back, plunging its tip into the beasts back as hard as he could. The bear winced in pain as the blade clearly hit its mark, before its body started falling backwards, the spinal cord severed. Slamming into the ground Aviel quickly scooted backwards towards a tree trunk, clamoring for his sword, preparing for the wolf to set upon him next. His back hit the tree as he saw the wolf’s form climb over the now still bear, arms shaking from weakness Aviel couldn’t hold the blade anymore. His arms fell to his side as strength left his body “Well I guess this is it Eviria, get ready, I  am coming to join you.”
	Suddenly, Aviel felt somthing under his neck, but it wasn’t the teeth he was ready for, it was the wolf’s nose, bleeding slightly from the slight wounds it got from the bear moments before the wolf ran its snout past Aviels cheek its body now slinking down laying on top of him. “What’s going on?” Aviel said in disbelief as the dire wolf now lay against him looking down at it.  The wolf started to whine and lick his face and he noticed it, a small mark above the wolf’s ear, just like his sister’s hairpin. “No way, it can’t be, there’s no way.” He could feel the tears welling up in his eyes. That’s when he looked into the wolf’s eyes now, its expression saying the words his sister had always said to him. “I’m here Avi, I’ll protect you always” with that the wolf laid its head down across his legs, a deep breath in and out as the two started to rest.