Kelian Hannen: Ashes of Dawn

[Ailander]

Waterdeep, tower of the Sun's Rest - 10 Ches 1380

Finally finding a moment for himself, Kelian climbs once more the stairs towards his favorite spot. The view behind the door of the terrace was the usual he had seen for several nights, on clear skies at least: a dark mantle covered in shining diamonds with selune trailing across the sky. Those had been busy days since Mabon had just finished, the last fireworks being used the other day. Travelers came and went even despite the attack of bandits he kept hearing about from new adventurers flooding the City.

Still, despite the joyous days and having seen his daughter that same night again, he couldn't help but feel restless.The troubles on the road and the rumors of creatures of shadow being seen around the city...the guest right under his feet had warned him would had happened, this "Mr Brown", but he decided to ignore his warnings. Is not his war anymore, Kelian kept repeating to himself while taking and lighting up his pipe smoke.No, he decided to abandon that road years ago...yet, this night, the words of Rumthril summoned back a time long past, of before the time of troubles, of before he even started walking that path. The nostalgia calls to him like it didn't happe nsince years

Closing his eyes, he remembers the first time that he heard that elven farewell. To Doron Amar, the friends he made there, Candlekeep...everything now a bit confused, for the decades began to take its toll. The pain is something that always comes first, slower to forget and vanish then the moment of laughter and joy. Slowly his minds begins to remember various faces, vaioures places, but once more, they are ethereal like a dream vanishing at the first rays of morning light. Opening back his eyes, the irony of it all, he notices the stars beginning to fade, as one by one they disappear to makeway to complete darkness, even selune compleating her travel in the skies.

Alarielle,Edelgarde,Rose,Ayaki,Fenwick,Sirion,Alexander,Charlotte...he remembers so many names, so many faces, yet the memories related to them slowly disappearing, just like those stars. Take a good long inhale from his pipe and, slowly, exhales, watching the white smoke defiantly break the darkness of the night for only few moments before it too begins to vanish.

Kelian: "..I must be more tired than i thought" admits to himself, massaging the back of his head and trying to shake himself off from those feelings to no avail

After few moments he looks to the complete dark sky murmuring

"..I am sorry, Alari, i fear have disappointed you as well afterall."

With that name, another quickly gets reconnected to that name. One that he holded more dear than his own life. He still remembers her clearly, her golden long locks, her green emerald eyes. For a moment, he could see the glimpse of a smile, but he shaked his head almost furiously ,to send that memory away. Emptying the pipe he turns a moment to look at the sun slowly peeking, illuminating the sleepy city under him. He could already hear the bruising voices of hundreds people filling the streets. Another sleepless night it seems, as he began to think that, he turned his back to the view to goback where he came from.

For a moment, he stops to look at the dawn, his mind wondering on the past one more time, before definitely walking down and closing the door behind him.

[Ailander]

Baldur's Gate, Farmlands - ???

Walking down the road leading from the city, he passed several familiar faces: some new, some old, some barely acknowledged in mutual grudging respect, and some friends... All were there that morning for reasons unknown. The journey back to Beregost, to aid the faithful of the Morning Song, was long, but duty demanded it. Yet, something felt strange: the farther he walked, the more distant his destination seemed. Before long, he found himself in the Glimmerwoods—known to humans as the Forest of Sharp Teeth. Despite his efforts to turn back, he only ventured deeper into the forest.

Figures from his past began to appear: foes, antagonists, and shadowy forms with piercing red eyes—the auxiliaries, the dariuses, even those he once called friends, now distorted, wicked, or grotesque. As he ventured deeper, the shadows surrounded him, leading him toward the gates of a hidden village—now burning, in ruin. A lone elven figure with long golden hair knelt in the dirt by the remnants of the bridge. Panic rose in him at the sight of her, his breathing grew shallow. He tried to halt, but the shadows began clawing at him, dragging him toward the Tel'Ques maiden.

“You finally showed up,” came her cackling, unnatural voice, reminiscent of when he heard her at Ulgoth’s Beard. “You disgusting coward.” When she lifted her head, her face was too twisted, too grotesque to look at. She rose, banshee-like, floating toward him, and screamed:

“IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT!”




Waterdeep, Sun's Rest Inn, Private Quarters - 16 Ches 1380

With a scream, the aasimar jolted upright in bed. Shocked, he looked around, disoriented, breathing heavily, his hand instinctively reaching for a sword that was no longer there. Slowly, he recognized his room, realizing where he was, which helped to steady his breathing. He remembered going to sleep earlier while Aurora and Naraviel attended the Promenade for the full moon sermon, and his son was off studying some recent arcane mystery.

He exhaled deeply, wiping his sweaty face, then sat on the edge of the bed. All the recent talk about his past must have affected him more than he realized. Taking another deep breath, he shook his head softly. “...Maybe I should have changed my name after all, Father…” he murmured to himself, gazing out the window. Selûne’s pale moonlight illuminated the room. His hands were still shaking slightly, so he reached for his pipe, filling it with Goldenleaf. Standing up, he walked to the window, lighting the pipe with a quick spark cantrip. He took a few lazy puffs, watching the quiet streets in silence for a while.

How long had it been since he last thought of those events...the war? When he was tempted to reach out, to confirm his fears? Or worse yet, to hear the words of House Divine and Candlekeep proved true all along? Folding his arms, he leaned against the wall, a thin trail of smoke rising from his pipe as he stopped smoking. He hadn’t thought of her in years, yet in a matter of days, she had resurfaced in his mind. Once more, he reminded himself, there was nothing he could do. She made her choices, he made his, and the consequences had driven them apart. End of story.

How many times had he repeated that to himself? Each time it sounded more hollow than before. He missed his “sister” now more than ever, especially after being reminded of friends he hadn’t seen since before the war. He kept telling himself he had done everything he could—that this was the best possible outcome. Yet that, too, felt empty. Closing his eyes, he tried to recall the good times with her, but so many years had passed, and those memories had nearly faded; only the pain and conflict remained. He exhaled another slow stream of smoke.

Despite his failing memory, his wounded heart remembered all too well. Opening his eyes, he sighed deeply, deciding to dress and head to work at the inn. Sleep was impossible with these thoughts lingering. Perhaps work would distract him, and he might soon forget the dream… Hope was all he had left, after all.

[Ailander]

(usually don't use anime songs but...eh, this one is fitting. Also, someone accuses me that Kelian is always gloomy so.. )



Waterdeep, Sun's Rest Inn, Main hall - 22 Ches 1380

Patting gently the fox on his lap, he can't help but look at the fire thinking on everything he said to her and all the things said to him in those days. Visits from old friends are always something good, puts him in a good mood and help him remember the good memories, rare as they are these days. The routine of a normal life enthralled him by now..the sun raises, he goes to manage the inn, helps with some informations here and there and then back to bed. Still, despite the happiness, he can't erase some of the words heard those days

"She was hatefull. All from Doron Amar were" "Do you even follow your own advices?"

Puffing some smoke out from his pipe he can't help but think again of the past with her, with his beloved sister. Painful as it was, tragically as it was, if wasn't for her and their promise, one way or another, they would not be there.

"..you know Rumthril you were right"

-----------

After the chat was abruptely interrupted, he continued to pet the fox on his lap, thinking about the night he was sitting under the night sky with her, about her dream and the promise they shared. He could never swear that she upholded to her end of the promise and under all the pain he forgot his own too. Maybe they are right...the sister he loved is all but gone...but still, one way or another, everything he has, he owes to her and the fragments of her dream that encouraged him to make the place where they were standing now. A place were elves, tieflings, drows and even fey can enjoy a quiet night in front of a fire, drinking, laughing and making deals.

Even beyond all that

"..you know Hyro"

"yip?"

"Despite everything, i hope the person i told you about yesterday... i hope is living a good life."

Focusing then to the conversation he was having with the others in the inn

[Ailander]

Waterdeep, Sun's Rest inn - 7 Tarsak 1380



Heading off to bed he stops a moment on the balcony to look at the main hall where Rumthrill, Hyro and the others were clearing the hall after the event. He closes his eyes a moment, remembering how it was in the past few years. How few people showed up because of the war, how frail seemed the hope things would get better. And yet, this evening was proved wrong.

So many people gathered togheter, from different corners of the world, with different believes and different views...yet, they enjoyed a night of merriment and games. All gathered around tables there were half drows, tieflings, humans,assimar...noone spiting eachother, but laughing and drinking. Smiling he opened his eyes as looks down to the hall again to those that made it all possible

"Eh...guess Rumthrill earned his job" says amused as he goes back to the door of his apartment. For a long time in a while, the aasimar closed the door with quite the serene smile and headed to bed without a worry in his mind. Not even the recent happenings at the docks have shaken him. Going to bed he wondered only one thing "..Reiker said wanted to make a singing night."

Liying down next to Naraviel already in Reverie chuckles as whispers "..now i really can't wait for that tomorrow to come"

[Ailander]

Waterdeep, Tower of the Sun's Rest inn - 22 Tarsak 1380

Left alone in front of the fire, the aasimar finds himself deep working on the usual requests from the City and permits requirements for several of the plans they had in mind. Especially for the festhall required for the upcoming event of Alie. Making a thin smile, he found himself to think about the last few days spent with Hyro and Rumthril on a treasure hunt, aiding more adventurers to find their way in the City and more...it bringed him back to good old times. The smile quickly disappears as hears a familiar voice

... "A fashon show? really?...you have horrible dressing tastes"

making a soft sigh the aasimar flips one of the papers

"Never claimed otherwise. Is for that new girl, Alie. She is quite talented"

the blue robed man would go to sit to the now free chair next to the aasimar

..." Back then, i would had never imagined you having this life." the stranger raises his head towards the statue next to the fire "is that why you sit here? to remind youself who you truly are?"

rolling a moment his eyes the aasimar would flip another page

"I have work to do and since you keep not telling me why Janeira came looking for adventurers in my tavern, i have no reason to answer you"

..."Again?...i told you, they are not to my exclusive service. Some of the Lords must have requested them to act"

"Yet, you are the one debriefing and fitting them for the battle. I remember that well"

silence falls heavily on the duo for a little while after that, the man making a soft shake of his head

..."I still do not understand why you treat us as the enemy. We always aided you in your efforts"

the aasimar sighs from the nose a moment "No, you didn't. Just like many before you, you simply wanted me as another defence for your wall, another weapon to your arsenal. I am done with that life and since then, you made very clear that since i broke the contract, this property is no longer mine"

..."That was not my decision and you know it" quickly answered the human

Silence reigns once more untill the aasimar emits a tired sigh

"I know you are not the enemy. Not you, nor Janeira, nor the Grey Hands. I simply want to be assured that you won't try to drag me in that world again" putting down his papers looking at the human from under his hood "I am tired and i have a family to take care of."

after a moment of silence he answers

..."...your family would be much more safer if you take matters in your hands, and you know it, but as you wish"

the human would then stands up, walking past the aasimar and, standing near the stairs, would call out to him one last time

..."Your friends that made that for you, though, are you really sure you would answer that way to them? after all you have done, i doubt they would really say anything but having good words for you...and i doubt you won't really care, or that ornament wouldn't be here"

after saying those words, the man would just climb the stairs again, going back to his temporary study, leaving the aasimar alone, thinking at the fire, untill few minutes later hears a familiar yip calling out to him again into reality, turning with a thin smile to the arriving group at his inn

[Ailander]

Waterdeep, Sea Ward, Temple of Beauty, Outside - 22 Tarsakh 1380

The blue-hooded aasimar walked through the streets of the city, with the frantic hengeyokai, Saffron, darting ahead of him and occasionally running back to circle around him. The energetic little fox drew a warm smile from him from time to time; she reminded him of another lively friend he had known long ago. She had wanted to visit and pray to the goddess of love, and since he was one of the few at the inn who knew the best way to reach the North Ward, he had agreed to guide her.

The lavish Temple of Beauty stood before them, surrounded by a grand garden. Constructed entirely of marble, it rose three stories high, its path adorned with golden and silver decorations that led to the main staircase. Saffron yipped excitedly and dashed towards the entrance, eager to go inside. Kelian lingered behind, staring at the flowered path leading to the stairs as if it were a treacherous road of lava and jagged stones. His smile faded as memories of Baldur's Gate surfaced—the last time he had been surrounded by too many Sunites. Just as he turned to leave, a feminine voice called to him from behind one of the fountains.

"Are you not going to stay?"

The voice was melodic and sweet. He remembered her well. Adrianna, once a favorite of the goddess and a High Priestess in her youth, stepped forward with silent grace. Though a human past her prime, her beauty was undeniable. He always found it strange that only young priestesses could hold the highest clergy positions, but such was the way of the faith of Fieryhair.

Adrianna: "You know you are always welcome here."

Despite her words, Kelian remained still, caught between the temple's entrance and the chaotic streets of the city. His silence prompted a worried look from the priestess.

Adrianna: "You used to spend so much time here after your long journeys... You changed after your travels to the south. I always wondered what happened in Baldur's Gate to change you so much."

At the mention of that place, his gaze dropped, memories flooding back. He took a deep breath and spoke softly.

Kelian: "I am fine."

Adrianna: "Are you...? I’m glad that your... family keeps you together, but you’re clearly in pain. You have been for years. And after the war—"

Kelian: "I said I am fine."

His tone was sharper now, cold. A heavy silence hung between them for a moment before Kelian broke it.

Kelian: "...Thank you for your concern, truly. But it’s pointless to talk about it. Talking never solves anything."

Adrianna took a step closer to the temple’s entrance, still staying within the garden's bounds.

Adrianna: "Maybe... But you once believed things could change, didn’t you? And your songs—they were so beautiful. I remember when I was a little girl, and you would sing a song or two after your journeys..."

For a brief moment, his thoughts darkened. She just wants something from me, like they all do. He forced the thought aside, knowing it wasn’t true. Adrianna wasn’t like that. With a sigh, he pulled his pipe from under his coat and lit it. The priestess watched him in silence for a few moments longer.

Adrianna: "...I will not force you," she said finally, giving up. "Just know you are always welcome here."

Kelian: "...Thank you, little Adry."

He pulled a small pouch from under his coat and gently tossed it to her.

Adrianna: "But you didn’t ask for any services..."

Kelian: "Can’t I make a donation to my friends?" he replied with a faint smile before turning away.

Without another word, he headed back towards the streets, making his way to the Sun’s Rest Inn back again

[Ailander]

Waterdeep, Sun's Rest Inn, Main Hall - 8 Mirtul 1380

Resting in front of the fire, he found himself warmed by the presence of Hyro and his daughter—even if only for a little while—and by the company of several adventurers and friends gathering around to enjoy a calm night. Lyris, though—the way she viewed the world, so small compared to what it actually was—was slowly making him go silent, as his memories drifted back to the past.

From Candlekeep to Baldur's Gate itself... a long time ago, even before the Time of Troubles. Down the streets or near the Friendly Arm Inn, he had always heard the same things: how the world was a flat plate of bread, how their little towns were the center of the world, how monsters were created from some absurd tales.

And I tell you, in reality, demons are born from nightmares, one of the so-called adventurers had declared at the Friendly Arm.
They are all evil monsters—drow, goblins, bugbears, giants... just kill them off and rid the world of them, said one of the auxiliaries of the Radiant Heart.

The young Lathanderite had tried to make them see the light, to show them how they were closing themselves off from a world of possibilities. He remembered the splits, the looks of hate and disgust—even from those he had called close friends. For a moment, he could hear again that gnawing rage that had consumed him in those years, raging:
Where are they all now?* Dead. *Burning in the hell they created for themselves. Let them rot. Let them suffer the same pain they inflicted on you

He tried to push those thoughts away, but a part of him couldn't help but feel a twisted peace at those angry words.
There is no shame in delivered justice, is there? Wasn't this what the Hoarites always preached? At that question—such an alien thought to him—a very old memory surfaced, of one of the noble friends he had made at the Gate.

There is a reason why many choose to serve him in this city, in the end, his friend had said, showing the symbol of Hoar hidden under his high-class clothing.
We have all suffered at the hands of this place. One way or another, they won’t leave you

Tired of those memories, and of the endless talk of such gibberish, he tried to suggest a game of dice to dispel the mood—but to no avail. He didn't want to hold it against Edgar or Lyris, especially as the latter was trying to expand her view of the world after having lived so long in a place of closed minds. But he didn't want to hear any more. He stood up, trying to flee once again, and as he climbed the stairs, he couldn't help but think that, slowly, callously, he was becoming exactly the kind of person he had always promised himself he wouldn't become. Refusing to give up on things that no longer mattered... for what reason? To be mean to the young ones?

Stopping for a moment to look at the group still chattering, he overheard the woman ask, surprised:
What do you mean you've never been to Baldur's Gate? It's the center of the known world; everyone goes there.

He couldn't help but smirk slightly, hearing the sneers of a couple of other patrons. Almost instantly, though, he felt bad, and the smirk disappeared. Deciding he was too tired, he shook his head and headed for bed. The next day, he resolved, he would reach out to them to apologize—or try to—for how he had left.