Areiana

Areiana was once a member of a powerful light clan. Like many from the light flight she too was a brilliant scholar and thinker. All her life she had been driven by her own clan to seek out the knowledge of the universe. It wasn't her fault that they didn't like what she found.

In her clan it was tradition for all young dragons to undergo the trials of light. These trials were said to test ones devotion to the path of light and their ability to control the light magic within them. Those who did the best would receive the highest honor and become the next generation of acolytes. Those who had some magical talent were sent to become scholars, artists, architects, and paladins. Those who lacked little to no talent in the use of light magic were forced to live the life of a commoner as it was believed that they served little purpose in the pursuit of knowledge or the ability to purge the darkness from the world. From birth they were taught to praise the Lightweaver and devote themselves to the acolytes who had mastered the powers of light, and those identified as commoners would do just that. They're duty was to see to the needs of the acolytes basically treating them as kings.

At an early age each hatchling was taught the use of light magic in order to heighten their chances of receiving a more esteemed position in society. Areiana was born into a family of scholars. Both of her parents had become adept in the use of magic and expected their children to develop similar skills. Her brothers and sisters were quick to learn the manipulation of light and the development of a luminous orb. Areiana on the other hand struggled with even the simplest tasks. Soon enough she was able to maintain a light orb and master other simple techniques but one thing she simply couldn't wrap her head around was the healing aspect of light magic. They were told to draw power from the sun to heal wounds and grow flowers yet she couldn't heal a paper cut.

The trials were approaching quickly and she did not want to shame her family through failure. She was told of an ancient abandoned temple that was once a place of worship for Lightweaver. Rumor has it that the temple is a natural source of light energy and has helped other in the past to focus the energy within themselves. Areiana traveled all day to reach this ancient place by which time the last rays of the Sun barely gleamed over the grassy hills. To her surprise the temple was little more than a mound of ancient stones and pillars. She sat amongst the pillars and closed her eyes taking in the sounds and smells. Little mice scampered through the long strands of grass that shuddered in the warm evening breeze. Waves lapped against the rocky shore leaving a strong scent of salt and fish behind. With her eyes still closed she sliced a deep gash on her palm and began to focus her thoughts on the energy around her. Her hand began to tingle as if it were healing but her head was beginning to ache and her body felt tired. A screech of pain broke her focus and her eyes flickered open. A plump female rabbit was tangled in the coils of a large black snake but the rabbit hadn’t given up. She kicked and bit at her attacker until she managed to free herself. The snake lunged but the rabbit dogged each attack with ease kicking out with her powerful hind legs sending the viper flying. As the snake slithered off into the night the rabbit collapsed on the ground gasping for breath. Areiana clambered over the stones to the rabbits side.
“You fought so hard in the face of death. If only I were as strong as you then perhaps I could save your life.”
“I’m sorry you have to die like this.”
A tear rolled down her cheek.



The day of the trials came too soon for Areiana



These so called master acolytes were said to commune with the Lightweaver herself but Areiana had her doubts, and he had seen first hand what was done to lose who strayed from the path of light.