Aarlan Soris

From Valwiki

"Darkness is the absence of light. However..If you bring light into the darkness..You will unveil things you have never seen before."

~Aarlan speaks about training in both the Light and Dark Dragoonian arts

Aarlan Soris

Player:	Tash.
Title(s):	Runesand Guardian.
Age:	31.
Race:	Human.
Eye Color:	Green.
Hair:	Black.
Skin Tone:	White.
Height:	5'11".
Weight:	178 lbs.
Alignment:	Chaotic Neutral.

Contents 1 Bio 1.1 Personality 1.2 Details 1.3 Skills 1.4 Abilities 1.5 Blood Runes 2 Possessions 2.1 Weaponry 2.2 Clothing/Armor 2.3 Other 3 Life 3.1 Childhood 3.2 Adulthood 3.3 Arriving on Kharlia 3.4 Entering the Dragon's Belly 3.5 Katlina, Katlina.. 3.6 Enter, Tarus! 3.7 The Juggernaught! 3.8 The Awakening 3.9 The Wrath of Orrovan 3.10 The Prince 3.11 Grimlock? 3.12 Violci's Wrath 3.13 The Oasis 3.14 The Death and the Birth 3.15 Love 3.16 Let the Training Begin! 3.17 A Modest Proposal

Bio

Personality

Aarlan is a man of his word, and a man of his honor. And is moreso a man of respect. He thinks very highly of his home and of his culture, and will defend unto his death as he has sworn to do. He's a headstrong, stubborn man. The strength of an ox, and the cunning of a fox describes the fighting style of Aarlan. He's a man who thinks on his feet, and dislike planning ahead. He is very untrusting of any being, and it is very hard for him to gain said trust in anyone. He has a very deep respect for the magic arts as well. For if it were not for magic, his people would be extinct.

Details

Birthday
Dewfall the 18th

Birthplace
The Runesand Desert, Meridiem

Current Home
Small desert yurt in The Scorched Valley

Scars

• A long gash over his right forearm from an Umberhulk
• A deep puncture would in his left thigh from an Ankheg
• A closed gash on his chest from Tarus
• Charred skin on his chest from the lightning bolt of Orrovan
• Discolored skin along his neck from Tarus, from severe burns
• Stab wound scar over stomach from Nicole

Skills

Body Conditioning
Due to being born and raised in extremely harsh conditions, his body is well adapted to very hot climates, and can go several days without food or water if need be.
Two-Handed Sword fighting
Aarlan specializes in fighting with his large, two-handed blade known as The Sandstorm. Having spent many years wandering the desert, and protecting his home, he has become quite adept with it.
Navigation
Aarlan has an excellent sense of navigation having spent many years wandering the desert, using the stars as a compass to find his way.
Tracking and Hunting
Having spent his entire life tracking and hunting desert beasts for his food, he has become adept at tracking creatures of all sorts to hunt them efficiently.
Stone Working
Aarlan has an expert understanding of stone working and crafting.
Light Dragoon Training
Aarlan has training in the Light Dragoonian arts and aspects of the Dragoon culture. The knowledge, abilities, and combat training of such was bestowed to him by Tarus.
Dark Dragoon Training
Aarlan has training in the Dark Dragoonian arts and aspects of the Dragoon culture. The knowledge, abilities, and combat training of such was bestowed to him by Tarus.

Abilities

Rage
Harnessing the power bestowed to him upon Tarus, Aarlan has become able to enter a sort-of rage. In the heat of battle, once Aarlan's own blood has been spilled, he enters a battle-induced rage. His goal becomes nothing else but to finish off his opponent. He becomes oblivious to the outside world as his muscles begin to bulge, his speed increases, and gains an unnatural blood lust. He can still feel pain in this rage, however, fights through it, dead set on finishing his opponent. Upon the rage subsiding after the battle, Aarlan becomes winded, tired, and weakened until he rests.
Dragoon Jump
Aarlan can jump higher than humans, harnessing the power of his newfound strength, and faith in the dragon spirit. However, he can not match the height that a pure-blooded Draconian can achieve.
Dragoon Dash
Aarlan can briefly sprint at a much faster pace than humans, harnessing the power of his newfound strength, and faith in the dragon spirit. However, he can not match the speed that a pure-blooded Draconian can achieve. His heavy plate mail armor also restricts this ability severely.

Blood Runes

Aarlan was raised with a minor understanding of Blood Runes. As his home is one of the few places in the world to have master them, he spent much his time growing up around them. Though, he spent most of his time focusing on combat rather than mastering the Blood Runes.

• Able to read and write the Ruinic Language
• Dispelling Seals and Barriers
• Knowlege to create Blood Runes, and how to utilize them
  
  

Possessions

Weaponry

• The Sandstorm
  

The Sandstorm was the blade bestowed upon Aarlan upon being granted the title of the Runesand Guardian. The blade seems rediculously huge for most men to carry, but Aarlan conditioned himself over many years to be able to wield it. The blade was crafted by one of the towns finest blacksmiths, and then enchanted by one of the Ruinic Sages. Upon speaking the world "Illuminate!" the blade bursts to life with an illuminating glow, cutting through natural and magical darkness alike in a ten-foot radius.

• Violci's Wrath
  

The blade of Tarus himself was bestowed upon his apprentice, Aarlan. The blade is crafted of a voidicite, a material that seems to be surprisingly light, yet much stronger than normal iron. It also seems to never lose its edge. The large blade is well-known to be an unholy relic. This blade is currently hidden in a location known only to Aarlan.

• Boot Knife
  

Aarlan carries a decently-sized knife stored on the inside of his right boot. It's primarily for survival uses, and not so much for combat. Though as a last resort, can be used for it.

Clothing/Armor

Armor of the Runesand Guardian
The armor that Aarlan wears is a set of heavy plate mail armor. It was bestowed upon him as he departed from the Runesand to explore the world. The armor is sand-colored to reflect his home, and is adorned with a weighted cape of the same color. The helmet which adorns Aarlans head is of an amazing craft, the likes of which have not been seen in Kharlian lands. It provides ample protection as well as being beautifully crafted.

Ankheg Shell armor
This crude armor was crafted from the shell of a slain Ankheg. It acts similar to a light, thin set of plate mail armor. Though with age, the armor has worn down. It is full of cracks and flaws, as Aarlan has not upkept it much since he dons his newer armor. It is mostly a memento of his home now, kept away for display.

Clothing
The alternate clothing that Aarlan carries with himself is old tattered robes, and a long piece of cloth that he uses to create a sort-of turban to reflect the culture of his home.

Other

• Stone Pendant
  

The stone pendant which dangles on a rope around Aarlan's neck is a Blood Rune crafted by the Ruinic Sage of his home. This pendant wards off the undead in the Runesand Desert.

• Sandworm Goggles
  

These goggles were crafted using the thin film which coveres the eyes of a Sandworm. It allows his to see full well during the heaviest of sandstorms.

• Tablet of Dispel
  

This small, round stone that Aarlan created has a minor Blood Rune engraved on it. When pressed against a minor seal or barrier, the Blood Rune breaks the seal or barrier.

• Rucksack
• Waterskin
• Rune and Stoneworking toolkit. (Contains chisels, hammers, knives, assorted paints, etc.)
• Runic Welder

Life

Childhood

Aarlan Soris was born in the unknown town which remains nestled inside of the Runesand Desert of Meridiem. His childhood was harsh, growing up in such a desert where unspeakable horrors dwell about the sands. He spent years of his life training under the watchful eye of the combatants of the village who were trained during the reign of Meridiallas. Most young people born in the town take up the knowlege of Blood Runes to create seals or barriers, for that is what his people are known for. Aarlan however raised himself to be the Warrior of the Sand that he refers to himself as. His devotion to his training, and his devotion to his home caused the Elders to grant the title of the Runesand Guardian upon him at the age of 19. Upon recieving his title, the Elder Blacksmith crafted a blade for him to use in his endeavours, The Sandstorm. He also recieved a set of Ankheg shell armor.

Adulthood

Shortly after being granted the title of the Runesand Guardian, Aarlan recieved a stone pendant from one of the Runic Sages of the village. Carved upon it was a seal which would ward away the undead which plagued the desert, allowing one to travel freely amongst the desert without fear of being pulled under. He used this to begin to hunt out the creatures which so frequently would attack his home. He spent many years of his life hunting and killing off Ankheg, Umberhulk, Effriti, Genji, and younger Sandworms.

After felling his first Sandworm, Aarlan used the film over its eyes to fashion himself a set of goggles to protect his eyes from the harsh sandstorms which plagues the deserts. After years of protecting his home, and training younger people to fight, he felt it was his time to depart. The same smith who had presented him with his blade, presented him with a set of sand-colored armor before he departed to explore the world. He spent many long days and nights trudging through the desert until at last he emerged from the endless ocean of sand.

He first set out to explore the lands of Meridiem, to which he spent many years exploring from coast to coast. His time spent in Hurlin was where he learned to speak common tongue. Many years passed until he at last had arrive in Marsailles, where he took a ship to the Kharlian lands. After some time at sea, he at last docked in Kharlia, only a few years after the turmoil between Valikorlia and Imperial Dalmar had ended.

Arriving on Kharlia

Upon arriving on Kharlia, Aarlan felt very out of place. His customs were far different than that of the Kharlians. He felt almost outcasted, as well as insulted by the way many of them acted. Feeling as though the Kharlian lands were disgusting, and its people scum, he kept himself very distant from anyone. The first true "Friend" he had made was a Forgewrought by the name of Baou. Baou would soon come to be the only Warforge that Aarlan would trust, as he grew a hatred for the rest of them due to the actions of Siege.

Upon departing from his meeting with Baou, he found himself in the Headquarters of The Hand of Dawn, where he exchanged questions with the one known as Celosos The Insightful. His customers were much different than theres, and it showed as they believed he was disrespecting The Watch, but he believed The Watch to be disrespecting him. Shortly after arriving in Ganelon, he found himself departing, disgusted in Kharlia.

Entering the Dragon's Belly

The next stop on Aarlan's journey was that the forests of Mournglade. As he entered into the woods, he was two people being attacked by a duo of forgewrought. The four people were Siege and Baou, fighting against Vaegotha and Pamina. He recognized one of the two attacking Forgewrought to be Baou. He slid his helmet onto his head, drew out his blade, and stepped forward. As he went to shout out for Baou, the Forgewrought known as Siege charged forward toward Pamina Calidon in a bullrush. Aarlan stepped into the battle and fought Siege one on one. He managed to do some decent damage to Siege before Vaegotha fled, and Baou turned his attention to Aarlan. Seeing the odds were quickly losing his favor, Pamina grabbed ahold of Aarlan, and the two fled off back to the safety of the Dragon's Belly.

Katlina, Katlina..

During his exploration of Kharlia, one of the stops Aarlan had made was to the lush cliffs of Laboo. While in Laboo Aarlan met Katlina for a second time. His first time meeting her was in Ganelon, with The Hand of Dawn. He was very judgemental at first, and disliked her greatly for her lack of honor and devotion to her cause. After an exchange in words, Aarlan discovered that she was very unhappy with her current situation in life. Discovered that she, too, hailed from a desert land, he felt it almost necessary for himself to aid her in her troubles. The two spent time together, exchanging much about themselves as they stood beside the river during one evening in Laboo. Katlina grew to become one of the few people Aarlan would consider a friend. And remains the only person on Kharlia to as much about him as he does.

Enter, Tarus!

The morning after having his discussion with Katlina, Aarlan found himself sitting atop one of the many cliff faces of Laboo. He watched the waterfalls flow as he reflected on his past, missing his home. His peace was soon disturbed by a whirlwird erupting from the sky. The water at the base of the waterfall froze into a solid chunk of ice, and ass the whirlwind faded away, there was a man in its place. Startled, Aarlan jumped to his feet, ripping The Sandstorm from it's sheathe. He had no idea who the man was, and believed it may have been one of the "Denizens of the Desert" (as he so aptly called the undead of the Runesand) which had followed him to Laboo. Some time passed with a long exchange of words, and the man revealed himself to be Tarus Rubeus, drawn to Aarlan due to a vision he had. Tarus had made an offer to Aarlan that Aarlan could not refuse. What this offer was..Is known only to Aarlan, but he accepted himself to be an apprentice under Tarus.

Tarus and Aarlan had then departed from Laboo, and headed to the thick forests of Mournglade. Tarus revealed much more of his plan to Aarlan at this point, and explained much of the meaning behind the Dragoonian lore. He produced an ancient Dragoonian text to Aarlan, from Drakaden's personal library. Aarlan took the book in hand, and departed off to study the ancient text.

The Juggernaught!

With the ancient text under his arm, Aarlan was heading back to the Dragon's Belly Inn, hoping he could relax in peace and study the text. Upon arriving however, he was confronted by Arken Rennatta and Pamina Calidon. They questioned him about the text which he held, which bore an ancient Dragoonian symbol on the cover. Arken claimed to be a Dragoon, and Pamina claimed to be Tarus' Archon. Aarlan did not believe either of them though, and did not recognize Pamina in the darkness of the evening. The confrontation escalated to the point in which Pamina was about to attack Aarlan. When suddenly, a forgewrought bursted from the treeline, nabbed her, and took off! And just as the forged did so, another, much large one emerged from the opposite treeline. This forgewrought Juggernaught stood twelve feet tall, and its plating was as black as obsidian. Having faced much worse things in his time, Aarlan showed no fear in engaging the beast alongside Arken. The battle ended with Aarlan slaying the Juggernaught, and heading off with Arken to find the location of Pamina.

The Awakening

Several days pass, and Aarlan finds himself alongside Tarus once more in the vast cliffs of Laboo. Tarus claimed it was time for Aarlan to truly begin his training, but being a human, would find himself limited in what he could do. Tarus decided to sacrifice a part of himself to aid Aarlan in his training. Through a strange ritual, Tarus provided Aarlan with some of his own blood and power. With Tarus' blood flowing through his veins, Aarlan felt as though he was stronger, and quicker on his feet. But along with this transition of power, also came a transition of memories, as some of Tarus' memories flowed into Aarlan's mind as well. Shortly after the strange ritual has ended, they had discovered that one of Wind's Dragoonian apprentices was present throughout the whole thing, watching.

After an exchange of words, Tarus had deemed it time to leave. Standing atop a high cliff face, Tarus told Aarlan to jump. Aarlan severely doubted his own abilities as he looked down the towering cliff face. Filled with unrest and fear, he doubted if he should even attempt it. At the last moment, he looked over his shoulder to see Katlina watching from behind a tree. A smile crawled along his face, and he began to approach the edge of the cliff. With a final burst of energy, he leaped off the edge!

It was a small step into a much larger world for Aarlan as he soared through the air, unsure if he would live or die. It felt like an eternity as a few short second passed before he crashed to the ground below, landing on one knee and one hand, his form leaving an indentation on the ground as he landed very ungracefully. After a few moments he managed to muster up the strength to get to his feet where he looked to the top of the cliff to see Tarus headed down, Katlina in his arm.

The two landed in front of Aarlan. After a short exchange of words, Tarus deemed this training more than enough for any man in one day, and bid Aarlan farewell as he headed off down the road. Aarlan, left in disbelief over the feat he had accomplished, stood in awe beside Katlina, unsure of what to expect next..

The Wrath of Orrovan

It was a peaceful day, Aarlan spent the day sitting in The Dragon's Belly reflecting on old times with Katlina. There was a sudden commotion and the crowd rushed outside. Curious as to what was unfolding, Aarlan followed the crowd outside. What he saw was unlike anything he had ever seen the before. The sky darkened and pulled apart. There was a thunderous roar that echoed across the lands as a streak of lightning shot across the darkened sky, and a comet of sorts soared towards Laboo.

Aarlan, along with the rest of the crowd, headed off to Laboo to see what had happened! Was he saw before his eyes was that of a god-like visage. Orrovan had come to Kharlia to speak word about the Thunderson. Aarlan, however, knew very little about the gods and what they meant on Kharlia, for he was raised in a land much different than that of Kharlia. Stricken with confusion, and partly fear, he drew his blade from his sheathe, keeping it at the ready. Orrovan took this as a threatening gesture, and struck down Aarlan with the might of a god! The sky hurled a lightning bolt of god-like fury down, striking Aarlan in the chest. The bolt charred his armor and blasted a hole straight through him, sending him airborn, back unto the riverbank.

He crashed into the ground hard, his helmet rolled off his head beside him. His body lay smoking, unmoving. His breaths were slow and shallow. He was clinging onto life only just barely. Katlina came rushing to his aid, and brought with her Celosos, the cleric. By use of his clerical ways, he had managed to somewhat patch the god-induced wound, but it did not help much. Aarlan was now laying on his back, looking up to the darkened sky just in time to see Orrovan heading back into the heavens. He was too weak to even keep his eyes open, as they fell shut like a ton of weights. He lay muttering himself in a barely audible tone. "..Home...." He dreamt of his home long and hard, fearing he was going to lose his very life, and fail his people. But his strong will and support of his comrade Katlina kept him strong. A man by the name of Crim'me aided Katlina in carrying Aarlan back to The Dragon's Belly Inn, where he remained lying in bed, pondering why the gods would do such a thing to himself. He was harmed not only in body, but in mind as well.

The Prince

A handful of days after healing somewhat from his violent experience with Orrovan, Aarlan made his way back to The Scorched Valley where his home lay. He spent the day hunting for a dinner, and returned with a few salamander, and cacti heads. He returned to his home where his friend Meldor remained. After some time of conversation, and working on the crafting of his Blood Rune Tablet of Dispel, there was a loud pounding as his door, heard over the whipping sands of the ensuing sandstorm.

Aarlan grabbed his blade and answered the door, where a man claiming to be Prince Xanthos Straton stood, asking for shelter from the storm. Hesitant at first, Aarlan allowed the strange man in. As Meldor and Xanthos conversed, Aarlan completed work on his Tablet of Dispel. Shortly after completion, Aarlan felt a slight tremor below his home. Thinking it may be an Ankheg, Aarlan quickly geared himself up and headed out with Xanthos. As he had suspected, the sandstorm had died down, and he saw a deep tunnel belonging to that of an Ankheg, though no Ankheg was to be seen. Words of intimidation were exchanged between Xanthos and Aarlan, and the two ended up with weapons at the ready.

The fight was short lived, as both men ended with eachothers blades at one another's necks. With hesitation, each had sheathed their weapons with a newfound respect for one another. The two then headed back into the small desert yurt of Aarlan to discuss many topics. Though as they headed back, Meldor was strangely missing..

Grimlock?

Approaching the Dragon's Belly Inn which had become so routine for Aarlan was strangely different this time. There was a large crowd facing a group of strange, gray creatures wielding large axes. Aarlan slid his helmet over his head and stepped forward. He watched the creatures conversing with the men around him for a short time. When one of the creatures made a move towards someone, Aarlan sprung into action, with Xanthos fighting at his side. He drew his weapon and engaged the Grimlock Trooper.

The battle erupted with many forces on each side. After a short quarrel with the Grimlock Trooper he had engaged, he cleaved his blade downward into its skull, ending the creature immediately. Covered in the creatures blood, he shot his blade to the side, the blood whipped off of the blade, trickling unto the grass below. Suddenly, a Grimlock Marksman bursted from the treeline, preparing to fire a large crossbow off at someone. In a swift move, Aarlan stepped forward, his blade crushed through the crossbow, thoroughly destroying it as it cleaved into the Grimlock's side. Wailing in the pain, the creature fled for its life, along with whatever other survivors were left. Covered in blood, he slammed it blade into the dirt and shouted out for a more worthy contender.

It was then that Aarlan had come to notice that Tarus was watching the entire fight. He retrieved his helmet, which he lost due to a hit from a Grimlock, and sheathe his blade. He approached Tarus' side, but before they could depart, Tarus broke into a conversation with an old friend, Pamina Calidon. After an exchange of words, Tarus deemed it time to continue Aarlan's training, and the two departed once more for the green cliffs of Laboo.

Violci's Wrath

Upon arriving in Laboo, Tarus drew his blade, speaking that he wished to test Aarlan. He wanted proof that Aarlan was as tough as he seemed. "If you want your proof, come and get it." Aarlan spoke, drawing his blade and wrapping his hands tightly around it. He anchored himself, and prepared for the fight that was about to ensue. Blow after blow was exchanged between the two, Voidicite met Steel in a fury of sparks. Impressed with Aarlan's speed and power, Tarus began to bark commands to him to embrace his inner power and unleash it. With that, Tarus began to envelop himself with his own draconic power. The one fierce fight turned into a maelstrom of power and attacks being exchanged. The two locked blades with one another, and Tarus opened his mouth. Smoke bellowed from his nostrils, and a plume of dragon-like fire exploded forth from his mouth, enveloping Aarlan.

In a battle-induced rage, already beaten and battered, the flame licked across Aarlan's body. Though his heavy platemail protected most of his body, the flames crawled along his neck, and down under his chestplate. His skin was charred and blistered immediately. With a final explosion of power, Aarlan carved his blade deep into Tarus' side, cutting through his armor and dragon-like scales and burying it deep in his flesh. Tarus jumped back, blood dripping from his wound as he deemed Aarlan worthy to have completed this step of his training.

Tarus then slowly healed Aarlan's wounds, and explained to him that he was leaving the Kharlian lands for some time. He commanded Aarlan to find himself an apprentice, and begin the apprentice's training before Tarus had returned, and with such, he bestowed his own blade, Violci's Wrath, unto Aarlan. And with a final farewell, he departed. Aarlan stood atop the cliffs of Laboo, gripping tightly the large blade, his body was beaten and battered. Sweat dripped down his face, smearing the dried blood which covered his face and armor alike. He had exceeded even his own expectations of himself. He was more than just the Runesand Guardian..

The Oasis

Aarlan sat in his home later that night with Meldor, when there was a sharp knock on his door. He pushed open the heavy wooden door to see the figure of a Draconic woman standing in the desert night. It was Nicole Maverick. She claimed that she came all the way from Laboo to his home to thank him for his respect. Unbelieving of that being the reason she came, he walked with her in the desert night to the nearby Oasis, where the two sat for some time, exchanging each others pasts, and goals in life. He was most intrigued by her, considering that most Kharlian's either feared Aarlan, or due to his association with Tarus, scowled his very presence. He felt as though some strange new bond was formed in his life as he watched her depart from his home.

The Death and the Birth

Aarlan remained in his home, resting from the previous day of training. He was suddenly awoken by a sharp, piercing pain through his chest. There was no physical explanation for the pain as he gripped his chest tightly, wincing, almost screaming in pain. After a few short, though seemingly endless moments, the pain ceased. A sudden feeling of immense emptiness came over Aarlan. It was Tarus' blood in his veins that made him feel this. He knew, by the physical and metal pain of this..That his "mentor," Tarus, was no more. It wasn't until he heard the rumors of his death that he believed it. He realized that his training was now, indefinitely, over. And he was left with the knowledge Tarus had bestowed unto him, as well as Tarus' blade which he still carried. He also considered himself to be one of the Dragoons now that his Dragoonian training was over.

He spent the remained of his day holed up in his home, thoughts of all kinds racing through his mind. He was unsure of what he was to do next. Was he to continue perusing training an apprentice? Was he to avenge Tarus? Was he to carry on the legacy? Lost in thought, Aarlan decided to leave his house as night was slowly rolling in. Bucket in hand, he departed for the Oasis to retrieve himself some water. But when he arrived, he found more than water. He found Nicole sitting once more at the base of the Oasis. He went and sat beside her, where they discussed life, love, and fear.

The conversation soon turned from a serious one, to a more playful one, where the two ended up swimming in the spring of the Oasis. They were playfully splashing water at one another, exchanging snide, playful comments. Splashing led to tickling, led to teasing, which eventually led to the two holding one another as they looked off the horizon, watching the sun gently set over the sandy horizon. Realizing the cold was coming in fast, the two headed off to his warm home. After a bit more of the playful teasing, the two found themselves embracing in a kiss, the dim fire flickering silently in the background. As he pulled back, looking to herself, he questioned himself "Is this..love?" Aarlan made a promise to her on that night. a promise that he would protect her and keep her safe for as long as should live, and he also promised that he would one day take her back with him to the Runesand. He sealed this promise by taking his cherished pendant which dangled around his neck, slipping it gently around hers.

The death of a mentor, the birth of a love.

Love

It was a calm, warm late afternoon while Aarlan was sitting in his home working on his stoneworking when the door opened and in stepped Nicole. A warm smile crawled along his face as he stood up to greet her with an embrace, completely forgetting about Katlina sitting quietly in the background. After introducing the two to one another, Aarlan and Nicole headed off through the seemingly endless dunes of sands, because Nicole wished to teach an ability to Aarlan. Now standing far from the desert yurt, Nicole began to explain to Aarlan how to use his connection with the Dragon Spirit to sort-of remotely view things. A way to enhance his senses to well he can find others in which he needs to. Step by step, he began to do as she asked. He began to dwell deeper and deeper into a meditative state. His senses became heightened to almost extreme means. His could smell things he never smelled, hear from from far off, even feel things from ages away.

However, he was soon overcome by the immense rush to his senses. In a groan of pain he snapped out of it, gripping his forehead as a headache began to settle in. It was then that Nicole smirked and noted that she taught him something, and asked him to teach her. With a smile, he vowed to teach her the only thing he could, how to harness both the Light and Dark sides of the Dragoonian ways from which Tarus has taught him. But it was too late for further training as the cold wind began to swiftly come in with the setting sun in the background. The two began to head off back to his home. Aarlan removed his heavy weighted cape, and wrapped it around her shoulders, wrapping his arm around her contently as the two walked back.

The two stopped outside of Aarlans home, and looked to eachother. The entire way back they had discussed life, love, all manner of things. It was outside this door, with the sky glowing red from the beautifully setting sun, that the two had proposed their love for one another, and embraced eachother in a passionate kiss. After a long few moments the two pulled away from one another with a smile as they headed inside and out of the cold night air. The two spent the rest of the night laying beside one another, continuing their discussion as they soon fell asleep in one another's arms.

Let the Training Begin!

It was a warm morning as the sun began to peer in through the cracks in the walls and door of his home. Aarlan rubbed his eyes, yawning as he slowly opened them. He frowned a bit to see Nicole was not beside him. However, as he rolled over, he saw her sitting at the table, drinking a cup of tea. A smile crawled along his face. He went to climb out of the bed, but stopped dead in his tracks seeing Katlina sitting at the table as well. He quickly darted a hand out from under the blanket, and scoured the floor for his pants. He nabbed them and pulled them on before climbing out of bed. He wasted little time in waking himself up, and greeting his love. He informed her that the training her promised her was to begin today. He was going to train her in the Dark Dragoon arts that he was taught by Tarus. Aarlan was taught in both the Light and Dark Dragoon arts, and wished for her to be trained in both as well.

After equipping his armor and weaponry, he headed out to the oasis with Nicole. The two faced one another, and Aarlan began to tell Nicole the fundamentals of fighting like a Dark Dragoon, while remaining the grace of a Light Dragoon. The training was long, and hard. He had to teach her to change not only her physical and mental properties during battle, but her spirit as well. She must, in a sense, become a different person. However, she has to remain holding onto her light training to keep her from getting lost in the darkness of the training. The training was very taxing on the both of them. Aarlan allowed her to plunge one of her blades into himself, making no attempt to dodge it. He wanted her to lose all feeling of love and care in battle, sacrificing his own health to do so. He helped her climb her first step in a much different style of fighting.

A Modest Proposal

Several weeks slowly go by, without much out of the ordinary happening. By now Nicole had officially moved in with Aarlan, and the two were now living together. Aarlan spent his days as he usually did, training, and spending time with Nicole. The relationship between the two of them continued to grow and flourish more and more with each passing day and night. One day Aarlan trailed to Laboo after his daily physical training. It was at this time in Laboo that he had at last met Azenthius Esthras, the man who Nicole spoke about Aarlan having to meet for some time. After conversing with Azenthius, Aarlan realized that the training Tarus had given unto him would slowly corrupt him over time. He was doubtful, but with the encouraging words of Nicole, he didn't doubt it. That night when he headed back to his home, he pulled open a small, hidden storage compartment in his home. He gently placed Violci's Wrath into it, and with a final glance shut it, and sealed away the evil blade into hiding.

That same night, after Aarlan and Nicole had spent it together once more, they spoke about life, love, and their future together. Aarlan swallowed his nerves, and slowly removed a golden ring from his finger which was decorated with a ruby inset. He held it in front of Nicole, and told her the story of the ring, how it was passed onto him by his mother to one day be given to the woman he loves. And it was at this point that he proposed marriage to her. His nervousness sank away as a feeling of joy overwhelmed him when she said yes. The two were now engaged.