The following year, Melor told Aryus an interesting story of his past. He described to the young half-elf of how he once came upon the Moon Runners elf tribe, north of the Lava Gorge, during his younger years when he wandered the world. One of the elven mothers of the tribe asked him to carry her baby for a moment while she went to get some food. That moment lasted for 16 years and still has not ended. Aryus realized then that he was a bastard child who had come into Melor’s care by a mere accident. After the story, Melor asked Aryus of his purpose in life, Aryus could not find an immediate answer.

The Moon Runners

Free spirited like the wind, Aryus decided to embark on his time of wandering at the age of 17. Melor felt that his former student was ready to discover his own destiny in the world. He sent Aryus off with an enchantment of flying and the words, "May gentle winds carry you through your life." Aryus flew from his island home westward until he came upon the mainland of the Jagged Cliffs region. Upon landing on the ground, Aryus thought for a moment of where he should head first. Then he remembered Melor’s story of his past and the Moon Runners tribe. If his memory was correct, Melor also said that the tribe had an oasis near this area. With that little information, Aryus set off in search of the Moon Runners, hoping to learn more of his past.

For many days, Aryus traveled in an aimless direction through the harsh desert wastelands. Instead of the powerful silt laden winds of his home, he was now scorched by the blistering winds of the Lava Gorge. It was then that he realized that the winds of Athas were dying and that he must faithfully serve his element.

On the sixth day of his wandering, Aryus stumbled upon a small patch of dry plants near a dried pool of water. Lying motionless next to the dry oasis was the body of a young elf woman. She was beaten and in bad shape, crying for water with her fading breath. Aryus quickly offered her his water and for the next few days, nourished her back to health. This was the first time Aryus had encountered another person aside from Melor; she fascinated him.

The elven woman introduced herself as Alana. She was banished from the Moon Runners tribe after the tribe’s leader discovered a dark secret concerning her and two other tribe members. They practiced sorcery. Alana was a preserver and for that, she was left in the desert to die. Although Aryus did not understand preserver magic, he felt sorry for her nonetheless. Alana was not wicked at heart; it was difficult to grasp her fate. When Aryus had shared his story with Alana, the woman nodded her head in understanding as her heart ached in compassion. Alana had known Aryus’ mother. She was one of the three tribe members who had practiced wizardry magic. Unfortunately, her fate was worse than Alana’s, she had fallen to an angry mob. Upon hearing about her mother’s practice of preserver magic, Aryus’ felt a strange longing towards it. What was this mystical power that was worth dying for to practice? Realizing his interest Alana began to teach Aryus of her dangerous art.

The Greatest Loss

It wasn’t long before Aryus’ skill of preserver magic matched his skill with the wind. As the pair traveled together across the great wastelands, the shared many battles and memories. Often at the campfire, Alana told Aryus of mysterious cities to the south. She believed these cities to be the center of tolerance, civilization, and knowledge. The city was a concept unknown to Aryus who had spent his life in empty lands. Unable to contain their curious minds, the pair finally decided to travel south one day in hopes of finding one of these cities. They had no idea how far they must walk or if even these places exist, but their passion to discover the unknown burned their hearts.

After many months of travel, they finally stumbled upon a large group of refugees. These refugees were heading to a place known as Urik, where they claim they may be protected by marauding beasts after a great earthquake in the mountains. Alana asked if Urik was a great city, they nodded half-heartedly and replied, "Urik is a big city, not great, just big."

When the towering walls of Urik came into view Alana and Aryus were petrified with wonder. The place looked so grand and gigantic, excitement raced through their hearts. But it wasn’t what it appeared to be. Suddenly the great gates of the city were opened, and a horde of armed men emerged. The refugees suddenly realized what was happening; a mad panic occurred. People scrambled away and ran for their lives. Total chaos reigned. Confused, Alana and Aryus tried to ask what was going on, but it wasn’t long before they found out. A swarm of arrows descended upon the mad crowd. People screamed in pain and terror and fell to the ground. A moment later, another swarm of arrows came, and then another. Aryus scrambled to call upon his elemental lord of air to shield the refugees with a protective wind. It worked; the next wave of arrows fell without much strength. Unfortunately it was all too late for many lives, Alana included. She was struck by half a dozen obsidian tipped arrows, her death was quick.

Aryus wailed in anger and stared back at the horde of armed men who so casually slaughtered the refugees. They had stopped their arrows, and stepped aside to let another horde of armed men charge forward wielding their sharp swords. Along with the survivors, Aryus turned and ran. They ran for many hours straight into the desert before they finally collapsed into the sand.

Tyr

Only a small band of the fastest and strongest refugees escaped the Urikite massacre. They discussed and decided that they should head south along the trade route to Tyr, where hopefully they may finally find refuge. Still saddened and disturbed by the loss of his closest and only friend, Aryus followed the band to Tyr like a zombie. Besides, he really had nowhere else to go.

Aryus is a strange and aloof character. He has had very little contact with people aside from Melor, Alana, and the refugee band. He has a calm and soothing voice, like that of a soft and cool wind. Although charismatic, Aryus does not like to involve himself in social formalities. Currently the loss of Alana has turned him as still as a tombstone.

Like most air clerics, Aryus is draped in a heavy cerulean cloak with many layers. He enjoys having the wind blow on his cloak, causing it to flap about madly. Strapped across his back are a finely carved great bow and a quiver of sharp arrows. Aryus dislikes jewelry, feeling it only holds him down with its heavy pieces. However, he does have an affinity towards cerulean and green gems, and would not mind possessing one. Aryus is not heavily built or muscular. He is tall and agile preferring the freedom of the wind.