Morana

"The secret side of me
I never let you see
I keep it caged but I can't control it
So stay away from me!
The beast is ugly
I feel the rage and I just can't hold it--"

"I feel it deep within,
It's just beneath my skin,
I must confess that I feel like a monster!
I hate what I've become
The nightmare's just begun
I must confess that I feel like a monster!"

-"Monster," Skillet


She was cursed.

Herself, her sister, her father, her ancestors, her descendants--the whole family line was cursed. For she was a child of Ignis, the demon dragon.

The world's demons needed a home, and the gods cursed them to Ignis. And now, the curse follows her and her children, chasing them from all corners of Sornieth. Demons of large, demons of old, demons of all darkness and evil. They plague them, haunting them, taunting them. They would send their hosts into a rage, giving them enhanced strength, speed, and other abilities. But, of course, at the cost of their freedom. Was it worth it? Morana thought not.

Morana learned of this evil at a young age, witnessing her father give in to his demons and fall into the rage. In her father's defense, their home was being raided by a rival clan, but after viewing the power firsthand? Morana knew she wanted nothing to do with it. Oh, but it was her destiny, she was told! She must take up the mantle passed on through the generations! Take pride in the family name, in the family power! After all, was this not truly a glorious gift?

No, it most certainly was not!

She left her home. She ran, knowing well she needed a way to escape this madness. She flew away from the sunbeam ruins, heading to the west. Arcane magic. Surely there was some type of magic that could help her? There had to be a cure. She didn't want to be taunted her whole life, forever at the mercy of the demonic spirits that kept her prisoner. So, she went to seek help.

However, that went about as well as expected. All she spoke to of her plight turned her away, calling her crazy, insane. Well, that is, all except one. A small tundra, by the name of Sybil. She called herself a "Mystic," saying that she, too, carried the burden of her own demons. Intrigued, Morana asked her to elaborate. As it turned out, Sybil could read minds. Only briefly, however, as whenever she did she suffered temporary blindness that could last several hours at a time. Join her, Sybil urged. For she was not alone.

There were others like Sybil. Others who were part of a clan, seeking ways to cure themselves from that which ailed them. Surely there would be a way to cure herself? Morana was definitely tempted. However, just as she opened her mouth to agree, she was halted. Her sister had followed her.

Morana hatched from a two-egg nest, with only one sister to call family. Azubah was her name, and contrary to herself, Azubah reveled in her power. She warned Morana of the dangers of joining a clan. They'd never allow her in, never accept her. And, should she even get that far, should she succeed in finding a way to lift her curse? It would lift it from the rest of the family line. Surely she wouldn't do that to the others, would she? Strip them of their power, take away their means of defense? Azubah was all sly smiles and predatory eyes, as if she had already won. But Morana, she was unmoved. Sticking with her resolve, she agreed to join Sybil and her clan, even more determined than before knowing now that she could help her whole family line.

Azubah, completely enraged, attacked. Morana pounced before her sister could damage the tundra, rushing to her new friend's defense. The two fought in a frenzy of teeth and claws, slashes and bites. And finally, when they were tired, they agreed to go their separate ways. Morana doubted her sister's sincerity, for Azubah had always been a liar. But, for the moment, at least Morana had a home and a clan. And hope.