To begin my life, at the beginning of my life, is to state one very unusual fact. I was not born within the boundaries of Elanthia. Nae, my origin begins in a land many many miles from my adopted province.
I was born Athaya Theia Chandice Trelane, in the Kingdom of Caithe...and I was Human. My father ruled there until his untimely death, sadly, by my hand. Tis a very sad story, but I will endeavor to explain.
In my home kingdom, there are a race of people known as the Lorngeld. These people are born with the ability to wield the magical arts. They have, for many centuries, been regarded with fear and loathing by the populace. Persecuted, ridiculed, and ultimately put to death by the Church in a ritual known as Absolution.
Around the time of my twenty first birthday, I discovered that I possessed the magical abilities of the Lorngeld. I was horrified at this discovery, and soon sought the council of one of Caithe's greatest wizards, Master Hedric. After much strife between us, he explained to me the details of a prophecy that told of a woman born of royal blood who would be the savior of the Lorngeld, and who would secure their freedom from persecution. This woman, he said, was myself.
Due to the lack of discipline that I so sorely needed, my new-found magic was vented upon my father in an incident that will forever be burned into my mind. In his deranged state, he mistook me for my mother and his rage overwhelmed me. To this day, I see the fire.....
I was forced to leave my beloved homeland, my family and my dearest love at the time, Tyler Graylen who was the Captain of my father's Guard, and flee to the Kingdom of Reyka where wizards were not only tolerated, but were trained in the magical arts and learned to control their gift. In the course of this flight, Tyler was beheaded for his involvement with my crusade to free the Lorngeld.
It was in Reyka that I met Jaren McLaud, who, unbeknownst to me, was a wizard of noble birth. He was an apprentice of Master Hedric, and had been sent by him to befriend me and to convince me to pursue my crusade. Little did I know at the time, that we would become much closer as collegues in a common cause.
Jaren and I established a clandestine school in the forests outside Caithe. The Lorngeld soon heard of my school, and began to journey there, seeking to avoid Absolution. For a time, the school was successful, but rumors of my alledged desire to capture the Crown turned many of them against me. Nae, the last thing I wanted was to rule Caithe, but no one could understand that my sole desire was to see the Lorngeld free.
A Tribunal was formed by the Archbishop of the Church, and the members of this horrid faction began to seek out and capture the Lorngeld. Under torture, some of them divulged the location of my magic school. Jaren and I were forced to once again flee Caithe. Jaren was captured, taken to Delfar Castle and tortured until his death. In all of his adversity, Jaren never revealed my whereabouts, and it is to him that I owe my very life.
In my travels, I met another very powerful wizard, who's name I took an oath not to reveal. He offered me lodging and food for a time, and I told him my story. I expressed my continued fear of capture at the hands of my brother Durek, who was now the King of Caithe. He offered me an alternative, but it carried a very high price. Not in coin, but in my outward appearance. He possessed the knowledge to change my race. The ultimate disguise, as it were. Once done, he said, the change would be permanent. I would never again be Human, but I would have the freedom to live my life in peace.
So, one fateful night, I accepted his offer. I said farewell to Athaya Trelane forever. He cast his powerful spell upon me, and I became a member of the Elven race. All traces of my former self were gone, but my memories remained.
He supplied me with food, a blanket, some clothing and a few coins from a place he called Elanthia. He told me I could live in peace there, and perhaps once again learn the magical arts. The magical abilities I had once possessed as a Lorngeld were gone, but he told me that I could learn new magic and perhaps live a long and fruitful life.
Then came the day I stood before the gates of Leth Deriel, the City of Elves. As the fates would have it, I befriended an Elven woman and her husband. They took pity upon me and took me into their delightful home and cared for me. After much litigation, they adopted me as their own daughter and I spent several years learning the ways of the Elves. These wonderful people were of the Mahstar family and saw fit to give me their family name, which I hold in very high esteem. I owe them a great deal and I cherish my new family very much.
My mother told me of the Observatory of the Southern Crossbow, located east of the Crossing. She said that my interest in the heavens directed that I go there and become a Moon Mage. It would involve many years of study, contemplation and discipline.
My father, a Ranger of noble birth, taught me the necessary skills to survive a long journey.
With sadness in my heart at leaving my new family, but with a joy I had not known for many years, I set out from Leth Deriel and eventually joined the Moon Mage Guild. I have made many friends, and continue my studies of the heavens.
Such is the story of my life. Perhaps I am very different from the other dwellers of Elanthia, but I have come to love my adopted province and have dedicated my life to my Guild. With the help of Meraud, I hope to have that long and fruitful life that the wizard spoke of. To my great joy, one aspect of the wizard's missive has come true. I am the wife of my beloved Braithton Raymorand and now carry his name as well.
Thank ye for listening to my story. May the Gods also grant ye safe paths, a fruitful Hunt, and a long and happy life.
~Athaya Mahstar~
*Note: In this history, the events leading up to and including the death of Jaren McLaud, are taken directly from a series of books called "A Caithan Crusade" by Julie Dean Smith. The rest is my own.*
*Portrait credit: Many thanks to my dear friend Libbykitty, who 's artistic talent is responsible for my portrait. Please visit her website www.pixem.com to view her other portraits.*
The Lunar Eclipse
Moon Mage Guild Guide
Elanthia Guide
Moon Mage Spells
Scroll Spells
Alchemy & Herbs
