The Tiefling Paladin

[Destinysdesire]

Born into slavery he was ripped from his parents right at birth, Thay had no value for tieflings short of slavery. It was the last time the newborn babe would see the open sky for many many years as he was carried like one might carry a pumpkin. Something the young babe was not happy with what so ever as he fussed. Dropped into a small rickety crib it would be his prison until he was old enough to sit up and move around on his own. Then the real hell would begin. He could remember the experiment labs since his earliest memories. Told over and over that it was his actual place of creation. A mix of alchemy and dark magic to create the freak that he was. Various painful experiments, exposing the youth to extreme hot and cold temperatures. Painful spells to test endurance. Tests to see how long he could hold his breath under water, if he could breath under water, how long he could tread water. Always were his "Masters" there to remind him he was a monster and a freak. He didn't deserve the life "they" had so kindly granted him. In truth, he believed them and hated his life. As he grew he found himself very often confined to a small cupboard of a cell.



Rest never came easily to the young tiefling. Always the fear that sparked to his very soul on hearing the boots of his Masters. Literal dread that would wake him no matter how deeply he slept, if he slept at all. Their arrival always meant pain, suffering, experiments on the beast to see what he could endure as he grew. How many times he had wished their horrible experiments would finally kill him, only to wake with one of their wicked clerics there watching him. Tonight was no different. Sore, battered, another horrid round of testing complete he sat in his cell and wept, tail curled in close around him. His eyes peered up into the darkness fearfully as he heard the "Click" of the door, red eyes glowing in the darkness as he looked for his tormentor, though...no one was there. Rising slowly, painfully, he made his way to the door. Touching the door he gasped softly as it opened, though peered around again tensely. Half expecting one of his masters there ready to pounce and punish him for daring to even consider touching the door. Yet he found none.

Slowly he braved the halls, peering around each corner as he felt his heart in his throat, terror following every step and every movement was made in dread. Rounding a corner he spotted an area he had never been in before. At the end of the hall was a window with a large glowing white object outside. He suddenly found himself urgently wanting to be out there. To see what the glowing thing was for himself and found his feet moving as he closed in, just as one of his masters walked out of the room and right into him, eyes widening in alarm as he locked onto the confused and suddenly very angry red wizard who reached for a wand, the immediate promise of very painful suffering on his features. Fear filling his features he reacted before he could think, his hand grasping the wizards neck and with a quick jerk of his head, he heard something "SNAP" before the man went lifeless in his arms. Terror suddenly drove home at the realization he had killed one of his masters. An unforgivable sin that would see very, very painful consequences. The pain would never end after this as he ran for the open window, no longer caring if it would kill him, he leapt out. Falling six floors down he heard something crack as he landed on his arm, though not caring he fled the tower heading into the nearby town, then from there into the woods.



Hiding alone in the woods he looked to his arm whimpering softly in pain. Knowing he had to escape soon or they would find him. Having had bones set many times he grabbed a branch and bit down and snapped the bone back in place with a pained growl. It wasn't gonna be perfect or truly usable for some time, yet it was a start. Slipping back into the village he swiped some heavy clothes from some of the hanging lines and dressed himself to hide what he was. Tucking his tail into the belt so it would remain hidden, he snuck onto a ship heading off and hid. Discovered several hours from Thay the sailor took one look at the terrified looking creature and let out a sigh. Agreeing to let him stay aboard till they landed in Waterdeep on the condition he worked for his fee and he would be fed as well. Agreeing he downed a large bowl of soup and bread, more then a bit hungry as the Captain watched him more then a bit curious and a bit sad for the poor creatures condition. He had long heard of the treatment of non humans in Thay, but had never seen such a poorly conditioned creature come from Thay, even if it was a tiefling. He worked hard on the ship. Learning quickly and doing his best to never fail in his duties. The Captain while pleased, wasn't entirely convinced that the youth did it more out of fear of punishment, then out of any eagerness to please. A sigh escaping him as he moved to keep the crew calm about the tieflings place, reassuring them he would be getting off in Waterdeep and would not be coming along further.

[Destinysdesire]

It was a few weeks at sea before Waterdeep came into view. The youth had recovered well after the ships healer ensured the arm was indeed correctly set and used a few light healing spells. The meals had definitely helped and the boy had started to relax amongst the crew, who had also begun to accept him into the crew. They knew it wasn't to last, but at the Captains request, they made the youth at least comfortable. He worked hard, kept to himself for the most part though showed a great eagerness to learn that always made the Captain smile. He learned much about the moon and the stars, the open sea, how to greet and speak to people, some table manners, how to properly clean and upkeep a ship and even navigation using the stars themselves. Honestly the Captain was fairly sure the youth would be happy at sea, though he knew that he couldn't remain. He had promised the crew that the youth would leave in Waterdeep and they were treating him well with the expectation it was short lived. The Captain called him late one eve, apologizing profusely when he saw the look of terror in his features that someone had come for him. Gently guiding him out to the bow of the ship as Waterdeep came into view. The moon glowing brightly over the city as the Captain pointed out several landmarks, smiling as the boys fear faded into awe and curiosity. Reminding him gently that this was where they were to part ways when they landed. He handed him some coin and patted his shoulder gently. Advising him that the world would judge him harshly due to what he was, but to try and forgive them, for it was only in fear and ignorance they spoke. The youth nodded as they prepared to dock, watching the crew move about as the Captain kept the young tiefling beside him.

The landing was the easy part, though he felt the fear return when the guards were eyeing the tiefling. One walking up as he eyed the captain demanding to know what he was doing bringing a tiefling into the city. The captain looked to the guard stating that "Young Aramon was simply a guest on his ship with paid passage and would be disembarking here for further travel". The guard grumbled but nodded stepping aside and letting the youth pass with a grumble of "keep your fingers to yourself and don't wear out your welcome". Looking back to the Captain who had advised him of paths he might take simply nodded to the boy and moved to do his own work. Heading into town he pulled up his hood and bought a few supplies, suspecting it wise not to stay overly long in the city as he saw one of the guards from the pier speaking to a man in golden armor and nodding his way as the man in golden armor moved off for the time being. Buying what he could with the captains more then generous offer he moved towards the gates of the city and headed out into the countryside, taking a breath at the view that he could enjoy.



After walking a ways he felt something stir within, causing him to look back as three men in silver armor came after him, the one with golden armor he had seen with the guard leading them. He swallowed down the fear he could feel growing within as they surrounded him and began demanding answers of him. Who he was, where he came from, what god he served, that Torm would tell them if he was lying. He tried to answer, telling them his name was Aramon, that he had escaped Thay and was just trying to find a place to belong, and that at the moment he didn't serve any god. Though they did not believe him, deeming him an evil threat he felt the two behind him jump onto his back to pull him down as the third pulled out a rope that looked rather thick and began making a noose with it. The one in gold stood back and watched as he was beaten down and dragged to the treeline. Feeling the rope go around his neck and tighten they tied the rope to one of their horses and had it pull him up high till his feet no longer touched the ground. Instinctively he fought, trying to free himself, fear and panic swelling deep within him as he tried to free himself to no avail, yet when he was starting to pass out, he suddenly felt the rope snap out of nowhere, hearing the confusion of many of the paladins as he fell to the ground. Battered and hazy, he wasted no time. Leaving everything behind he fled into the woods in fear. Running for hours he didnt stop until he finally collapsed from exhaustion. No longer sure if the paladins were chasing or not, he blacked out into oblivion, finally letting sleep take him.



For many weeks after he walked the forests. Alone, scared, tired, hungry. He had left the remains of the noose behind in the woods a long ways back. By the time he reached the next city, he was very wary of the people within. Scared to approach. More so terrified when he saw actual paladins baring the symbol of Torm. If only he knew then that he had just met his future Knight, that Torm had a special place for him if he would reach out for it. Perhaps it was Torm himself that guided Alexander to visit Blunt that rainy night and drew his curiosity to the skittish tiefling. One would never truly know. For gods work in mysterious ways. Though that chance meeting would open a great many doors for the young tiefling. Paladinship, squireship, a guard job, even adoption into a family. What more might lie ahead as the Time of Troubles loomed. Only the fates knew, and they never revealed their secrets.

[Destinysdesire]

The young tiefling woke with a cry from his room within the Bladestone inn, his hand reaching over across to where his first love had laid with him, keeping him safe and comforted, feeling the empty space once more as fresh tears ran down. Even having died himself and come back had not dulled the pain of grief and loss. Every sleep brought back the pain and anguish. Finding his lovers body in pieces across the orc fields where his magic had gone so badly. The sound of him crying out for Aramon left him with a cold chill. Reaching to the side of the bed he quietly retrieved the sword hilt that Sirion had given to Arkaw, one that he still had to return to him one day. Getting up and dressed his heart ached as he slipped on the outfit his mother had lovingly made him after his revival. Peering out the window he could see the moon still setting and knew it was still at least two hours till the sun would rise as he sat down at his desk, a quiet sob escaping him as he rested his head on his arms, softly crying until again, he could no more. How long could ones heart ache so badly was a question he had no answers to as he slowly sat himself up. Hesitantly he looked to the address he had been given long ago by Arkaw, his parents address, when they were gonna write to them together, one to inform them he was safe, and that he had found someone that loved him, and about what had really happened that fateful night. Now he had to write to them, and tell them that their beloved son was dead. That he had failed to keep him safe, one of the promises that would ache his heart for as long as he lived. Wiping his face he slowly picked up a clear sheet of paper, and began to write.


To the parents of Arkaw,

I apologize I never fully had the time to learn your names, though I ask that when you read this, please be together, and please be sitting down. I write to you on behalf of your son Arkaw. The young man I had come to love. First I want to express that he regretted deeply what happened the day he fled. He fled out of fear and distress. Your son is...was a Theurge. A mix of a Sorcerer and a chosen of Corellon. When he arrived here in Baulders gate, he was completely blind, scared and lacking in confidence. He had stumbled into a library and was seeking a place to hide as his magic continued to act wild and uncontrolable, something that truly scared him. Which of course only made the magic more unstable. I told the library owner by the name of River, I would take him under my protection and guided him to the Bladestone Foundations inn, better known as the Warriors Rest where after speaking with my adopted mother, he was welcomed into the inn to be kept safe. He was provided a teacher named Niyressa who worked hard to help him and as I got to know him, we became very close. Soon we were nearly never apart. Doing everything together. He became my first love, and I had advised him that we should write home to you, let you know he was okay. He even managed to regain his sight. Sadly though, while I got the address to write the letter, before we could sit and discuss what to write to you, the magic and surges of wild magic...caused an implosion within him as best I could tell when he had gone off training without me, which..*there is a notable pause here* which unfortunately led to his passing. I feel as the one that loved him, and was closest to him, it is my duty to send this to you. I will be speaking as I can to the Elves here to try and arrange a proper sending for him to the Elven Father, to ensure he is at peace. I only wish I could have been writing to you with better news. Though I can say for the time we were together, he was happy, loved and cherished. Again, I can only send you my most humbled and heartbroken condolences. May you find peace in the knowledge I have sent, and I am sorry I could not send you better news.

~Aramon Summerheart - Squire of the Triadic Order of Baulders Gate and Paladin of Torm

A soft sigh is sounded as he places the letter in an envelope and writes the address, waiting for the ink to dry before sealing it with the wax seal of the Triad. Setting the letter on the side of the desk, he curls up once more as fresh tears start again, pain and heartache once again setting in as he tries to keep himself quiet, not wishing to disturb other patrons, or even other staff. Looking out as the dawn rises and taking a few more breathes to bury the pain once more, he takes the letter heading downstairs, handing it to Reinhard as well as five hundred gold, asking him to ensure it gets to the address listed, before moving to sit at his table, and begins to debate a proper elven sending.

//OOC Theme song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhAE3lQ_FHg

[Destinysdesire]

So much had changed in the last three days. Arkaw had come home to him, having died the day before he did. He couldn't explain it but truly he was overjoyed. He collected the letter from Reinhard and after letting Arkaw read it, he burned it, never wanting it to be found or accidently sent. Sitting on the chair near the bed he looked over to Arkaw, soundly in reverie peacefully as he pulled out a new sheet of paper and began to write again.

To the parents of Arkaw,

It is with great joy I am able to write you this letter. Your son is safe here in the Bladestone Foundations inn known as the Warriors Rest here in Baulders Gate. He is safe. Your son was very regretful of the things that happened that night, and I wanted to write in and explain. Your son is a Theurge. A combination of a Sorcerer and a chosen of Corellon. When he arrived here in Baulders gate, he was completely blind, scared and lacking in confidence. He had stumbled into a library and was seeking a place to hide as his magic continued to act wild and uncontrolable, something that truly scared him at the time. Which of course only made the magic more unstable. I told the library owner by the name of River, I would take him under my protection and guided him to the Bladestone Foundations inn, better known as the Warriors Rest where after speaking with my adopted mother, he was welcomed into the inn to be kept safe. He was provided a teacher named Niyressa who has worked hard to help him and as I got to know him, we became very close. Your son has his sight back. He also keeps my heart which I hope you can accept. For while we are in love, I will not lie to you that I am a tiefling. Though I am also a Paladin of Torm and Squire to the Triad, serving as a guard of the Bladestone Foundation. I truly love your son and he makes me feel complete. I hope this is something you can accept. Your son does miss you, and he hopes you are well. As I write this he sleeps peacefully behind me, comfortable and safe. I promise you I will keep him safe. Attached to this I will leave the address so if you wish to write to him, or actually come yourselves to see him. You are more then welcomed. May you be blessed.

Sincerely: Aramon Summerheart, Paladin of Torm, Squire of the Triad and Guard of the Bladestone Foundation.

Slowly he sealed the letter with the wax seal of the Triad and set it aside to be sent in the morning, truly grateful that he could be sending this letter, rather then the one prior. Moving back to the bed, he curled against him and pulled him in close, resting Arkaws head on his chest keeping him close. Kissing his brow gently before allowing himself to once more fall into sleep.



// Theme song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wxyN3z9PL4

[Destinysdesire]

The writing is slow and methodic, well thought out as if the person had been considering what to write for weeks before writing



It has been a very long road. Arkaw has finally been returned back to his parents who have pleaded for him to stay. They didn't really approve of me, but needed Arkaw to stay there, his father has been unwell for a while and Arkaw was truly needed. I was sad to tell Arkaw he needed to stay. His family had to come first, though he would always be in my heart, it was better this way. At least this time, he is alive and well. I will miss him, though I know too that he is where he needs to be now.

I have only recently returned back to the gate. It was a long road back alone. A lot of time to process letting him go. It still hurts, I cannot deny that in any form. Yet he lives, that is more then I could hope to ask for. I hope in time he will come to accept everything about him as I did. He has so much to look forward to in life. At least now he knows how to do so.

It is good to be back home though, back with my family. Good to see my mother smile at me once more which even I cannot begin to deny, lifts the spirit beyond anything I could imagine. She means more to me then she can understand. We may not be blood related, yet to me, she is as good as blood.

// OOC theme song - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JWTaaS7LdU

[Destinysdesire]

*The writing is slow and neat, though there is some evident emotion in the writing as the ink is pushed into the paper.

What is it that I am doing wrong exactly? I get most people hate tieflings, but I like to think I try and make a good example before people. Today at Rivers, I even removed Solaris for her, tried to help ensure things stayed peaceful, then inside I got to hear hers and Declans wedding list. Needless to say for me, it was a bit devastating. My entire family, everyone I am close to, is invited to the wedding, except for me. Because she sees them as family, and she doesn't know me or see me that often. Nevermind I was the one protecting her on the Undead fields. Nevermind that Declan is a brother in faith and also excluded me. Nevermind I would have done anything to protect and help them. I guess I just don't really matter to people. I am just the person they can use and just push aside for anything that isn't keeping them alive or guarding them or doing tasks for them.

Literally everyone is invited, Lylan, Derik, Niy, Alex, Gaven, Mae, Mizz...all my family, all people I am directly and closely connected to. Though no, why should I feel sad or excluded. I don't have emotions I guess. I don't really matter. I didn't bother to argue, to beg or plead. I just politely pardoned myself and left them to planning. I get not inviting everyone in the realm. What I don't get is inviting an entire family...and excluding one person entirely. If I wasn't feeling socially outcasted before, I do now.

~Aramon

// OOC Emotional Theme: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SA8aCb3KYc