Bio - Voltaere

[Voltaere]

((I havent written in a while, so here goes - its the Bio of Voltulio's brother - and elven mage by the name of Voltaere))

Voltaere was a prized student for his skill in magic. His parents saw to it that he received the best of training to hone his natural talent. He was sent on seminary across the land to study abroad. He felt the ebb and flow of the magic tides around the world. He surrounded himself in artful magic, preferring the use of magic for aesthetic beauty that magic could provide the senses and mind. Silvermoon City was a marvel of creative mathemagics in design and form – one day he hoped to help construct marvelous architecture. Not for the purpose of being great or productive, but for the purpose of enjoying the act of creation – a purpose that only the true artist can understand.

During his time away, he thought of his elder brother Voltulio, still in Silvermoon city. Voltulio was a natural born leader – athletically gifted, well spoken, and generally liked by all. Being everything Voltulio was not, Voltaere often resented his elder brother. Voltaere retreated into his magical studies and often isolated himself because he felt inadequate next to his elder brother. Voltulio wanted his brother to be with him, to enjoy and excel as he did - but Voltaere was happier alone, lost in magic. On the day Voltaere went to study abroad – Voltulio and Voltaere exchanged parting words,

Voltulio sighed and admitted, “I would have you stay and study here in Silvermoon. I don’t understand why you want to leave. We have so much. And so many good times”

‘I know’, Voltaere paused to reflect on the words he was about to choose, “it is hard to see the ground when you are a star. I can’t be a star like you. I will forever be on the ground. It can be lonely here on the ground, underneath the stars”

Voltulio was saddened to hear this, but tried to make light of Voltaere’s feelings, “You can’t stop trying. Perhaps they can teach you something at seminary that will get through your thick skull, you dramatic goon”

Voltaere smiled weakly, “Yeah…”

Voltulio continued his rally, “A star?! A star! For goodness sake, you need to get into life! Take the bull down by the horns and never give in. I know you are good with magic, you just need to realize what you can do with it.”

Voltaere shook his head and resolved, “I think its time for me to get going”

Voltulio tried to keep some cheer, “Take care, come back soon. We will have some grand fun when you return”

“Sounds great” Voltaere again weakly said, and with that was off abroad.

On the day the Sunwell was destroyed, Voltaere felt the tidal wave across the world. A tidal wave of emptiness that completely crashes, engulfs, and surrounds. He knew there was a problem with the Sunwell, and wanted to leave seminary to attend his family and people. His instructor at the time, a quirky gnomish mage named Faeboo warned him not to go…for only pain and darkness awaited him. Faeboo knew that Voltaere was too young and impressionable to deal with the events of the world. Faeboo knew that the talented and artful Voltaere could be destroyed by the tragedy. He urged him to stay, and to learn, so he would be ready to face the challenges and help rebuild when he was ready. Voltaere listened and considered – he knew in his heart of hearts that Faeboo was right.

Voltaere thought that Voltulio must be suffering greatly. Voltulio never had the magical aptitude that Voltaere did, and was not sure that Voltulio would not be driven to madness at the loss of the Sunwell. This is what spurred him back to Silvermoon City, even at the warnings Faeboo gave him. Unsure that he could even help, Voltaere knew only that he must find his elder brother – to help the only ‘star’ he ever really knew – one he would not allow to be extinguished, despite any personal resentment he had.

Upon returning home, he was waylaid by the Wretched. His own people, disfigured and corrupted, turned against him. Using a little trick call Blink he was able to escape their clutches and proceeded on to Silvermoon City.

As Voltaere approached the gates of Silvermoon, the extent to which the city was damaged became apparent. The Dead Scar was a symbol of the destruction wrought…mindless undead still roamed toward the city. Half the city was destroyed! Could Voltulio have survived? As he passed through the gates, he realized that his people were forever changed in mind, body and soul.

Voltaere made inquiries about his brother, but no one knew where he was. Could he have become Wretched? Perhaps he had died after all. Days of searching graves and vanquishing wretched turned up nothing. Days turned to weeks turned to months. Often Voltaere was feeling quite depressed. He had taken up a humble residence in Silvermoon to continue his search while affording him some measure to continue his magical studies.

Time went on…and he became aware that he was becoming less concerned with finding his brother than he was with his magic. His magic…its all he took solace in anymore. Everything else was dust. He did not see that he had become a magic addict and was headed toward becoming wretched. Each day dragged on the farce…wake up, drain some magic energy from one of the many mana worms he had cooped, walk to the town square and ask the authorities if there was news, walk home, pick up more worms, meagerly study the arcane the rest of the day – or just stare at the wall, maybe eat some bread…maybe, then drain another mana worm before bed.

The addiction took its toll. Voltaere lost weight and became pale and sickly. He had almost lost all sense of care he ever had. He had even stopped asking about Voltulio.

One day he caught his reflection in the water basin and wept. Wept at the horrible truth staring back at him - that he hated himself. ((to be continued))