A'Riel Seraph

A’Riel grew up in a small farming community in the west of Gaul**.** Despite the small size of their village, Aasimar made up the majority of the population, though most outsiders wouldn’t notice or care. A’Riel’s birth was marked with celebration, and as an omen of prosperity for their family. Having golden eyes or a faint halo were commonplace, but his birdlike limbs and feathery hair were seen as divine provenance; clearly he was destined to do great things!

Despite the great expectations his community had for his future, A’Riel’s childhood was an uneventful one. As the youngest of five, their family had enough help to see to most community duties, but A’Riel was always eager to help where he could, even from a young age. During the day he enjoyed helping his neighbors with their chores just as much as playing with the other children.

At night, however, he spent much of his time intently staring into the hearth. He was indeed an Aasimar blessed, and was connected to his very own “guardian angel” he called Selene. Many other fortunate Aasimar may only receive visions in dream, but A’Riel was just as likely to receive these visions and guidance in the warm light of the nightly fire. Though none could see these visions but him, A’Riel told of Selene’s indescribable beauty to others, with the one feature he could make out best being her radiant wings of fire. She was his most constant companion in life, telling him of Pelors’ grace, and advising him on how to help others feel Pelors’ warmth.

As the years moved by A’riel grew to the cusp of adulthood, until the day that fire began raining from the sky. The Blood War had come to Avalon but A’riel, still only 17, was ready to defend his home. While that first night of fire spared their village, it was still a sleepless night for the many who did not yet know what was going to happen to them. But A’Riel slept, and he dreamed. He saw Selene that night, and she gave him one instruction:

“*GO WEST, LEAVE THE OTHERS*”

Frightened as he was, A’Riel packed up the next morning, said his goodbyes, and started his westward journey. Leaving his family behind was the most difficult thing he had done up to that moment, but he felt deep down a reassurance that they would be ok, as long as he kept his faith. He didn’t know where his destination was, but felt a gentle pull that guided him towards those who needed or would provide help, and away from most lurking dangers. He didn’t hear much from Selene during this time, just the occasional dream-message which was always the same:

*“GO WEST”*

And he obeyed. Until one day his march lead him right to the vast shore of an ocean he had never conceived of, far away from any settlements. He could go no further.

So he waited on the shore. He prayed. He constructed a bonfire. He caught fish. He ate. He prayed. He slept. He whispered to Selene. He called out to Pelor. He waited. And he waited. And he listened, and he prayed. And he heard…nothing.

After days, and weeks, and months on the shore, he could wait no more. He knew he had a duty, and that there were people in need of his help, and that his family was still behind him waiting for his own return. For the first time he disobeyed his God’s will, and set off to reunite with his family.

The trek back was much more difficult, but after years away from home he eventually returned…to find his home and everything else empty. There were no ruins, or blood, or signs of mass exodus; it was as if everyone had just vanished. A’Riel was left completely unmoored. His family and community were gone, and his god and guardian unresponsive. So he decided to press on and search for answers.

Why was he left behind?