Viessa Ravenheart/History

A portrait of Viessa

Telarus Ravenheart (brother, spellblade, alive)

> "*I don't know, just... don't you ever think about peace with the Naevi? Don't you ever think that... all this conflict could easily have been avoided?"*
>
>
> *"Don't be like that, Telarus. You know all too well they had it coming. They started this with their own provocations and hostilities. Come on, let's go rejoin the battalion. It's time to kick ass and smoke pot, and I'm all outta pot!*"
>
>
>
> ― Viessa and Telarus before the Battle of Icebound Forest
>
>

### **Early life**

Viessa was born in the city of Fal'Serin, an Adraethiien settlement deep within the shadowed recesses of the Ithaeriien woods. A member of the infamous Ravenheart family, many in Fal'Serin heard of her birth but almost none celebrated it, as most saw the Ravenheart as yet another family of arrogant, heartless and most of all snobby nobles.

To say the people of Fal'Serin hated nobles is an understatement; they despised them with a burning passion. Thus, Viessa's childhood was devoid of friendship. The only one she could rely on was her older brother.

To make matters worse, the threat of a Naevian invasion was on the horizon and, needing more forces, the Adraethiien Army began forcefully conscripting as many elves as possible. In order to avoid being conscripted themselves and to try and support the war effort, Viessa's parents let the AAF take her and her brother with them once she turned six. She never saw her parents again, as they were later slain by a mob of angry peasants.

### **Life in the Adraethiien Armed Forces**

Viessa and Telarus trained for many years in order to better serve the Venearei. While Viessa mastered the bow and arrow, Telarus went for a sword and shield combo.

Together, the two fought in over 95 battles, in which 87 were victorious. The gruesome war between the Venearei and the Naevian took its toll on many warriors from both forces. In fact, this war was such a horrible sight to behold that about 65% of Venearei were given exotic plants to consume; exotic plants which calm them yet heighten their senses should they be called to battle.

There are two battles Viessa and Telarus will never forget: the battle of Omath'lume and the battle of Icebound Forest.

### **Then Death Came**

The Adraethiien city of Omath'lume to the west used to be a marvellous mark of civilization, with sprawling markets, beautiful rivers and large forests which made sunsets all the more enjoyable. That is... until the Naevian invaded.

They set up an outpost and built a colossal container of unstable magical energies that they planned to unleash upon the city. The AAF fought fiercely and bravely but, despite their best efforts, the energies were set free and burst as violently as a nuclear bomb, wiping out nearly everything on the island. Buildings were shattered, trees were burnt and people were incinerated. It is a miracle Viessa, Telarus and a few other comrades survived the explosion. This event is precisely why the island is now called the 'Desolate Highlands', where death and despair rule.

A few months later, two Adraethiien battalions (which included Viessa and Telarus) were sent to the Icebound Forests, south of the Desolate Highlands. Scouts reported the Naevian were planning to open another portal and, consequently, another front. The Adraethiien battalions marched for hours, deep into the forests, and then set up camp to rest. While Viessa and Telarus were away discussing various topics, a detachment of Naevian snuck up on the unsuspecting Adraethiien in their sleep and slit their throats. Knowing they could have prevented this by being on guard duty, Viessa and Telarus' hearts became heavily burdened by the fact they could easily have prevented dozens of deaths... yet they did not.

Still, they came out victorious due to their better tactics and equipment. After five days, they left the forests they now detested and returned home.

### **Whimsical New Beginnings**

Once Viessa and Telarus arrived at Fal'Serin with what remained of their battalion, they agreed to go their own separate ways due to possessing different goals in mind. While Telarus sought to keep fighting for the Venearei, Viessa simply wanted to leave the AAF and start a new life away from tragedy.

And so they parted ways.

Viessa tried to find her family's mansion but couldn't. She assumed she was just being a dumbass and had no sense of direction, or even the slightest remembrance of that place, but no; the angry mob of peasants had burnt it all down when they slew her parents.

She did end up stumbling upon a lake though, where she found the mythical dragon Sofyr resting. The two conversated for an hour or two whilst Sofyr discreetly examined her. Seeing Viessa's heart of gold, Sofyr smiled and asked if she wanted to be his student. She joyfully accepted his proposal and learnt the intricate workings of Xetera magic over the course of many years. Sofyr grew greatly proud of Viessa, to the point where he even saw her as his own daughter; the daughter he always wanted but never got the chance to have.

Thus, Sofyr entrusted her with his mage order which seeks to safeguard the use of Xetera, for unstable magical energies could cause a disaster similar to the Omath'lumian tragedy in the past...

And Viessa gleefully did so, mentoring her own young trainees now and then while reading about the great tales of the awesome, inspiring and alluring Riko Silvian.