Hi, my name is Liralisong and this is my mentor, Pao. She came to my hometown in search of people to teach to live more in balance with the world around them and to be a beacon of peace to those around them. I took this photo right before being sent out into the world to complete my initiation into the outrunners, a paramilitary group associated with Silvermoon City. My parents were against me leaving the comfort of the estate and facing any danger, but I have seen too many of my peers overcome by the sickness of mana addiction to sit idly by and watch. I decided to follow the guidance of Pao and try to make a difference and help those that are in need.
I stare at these corrupt warding crystals every day and they seem so sinister to me. I fear their power is reaching beyond the walls of the estate and are pushing us to depend on them more than they offer protection. In my training I heard of others being consumed by the power these crystals offer and becoming shells of themselves with no desire other than to obtain more power. I do hope that one day this plague will be contained, and we can rise back to the power of the high Elfs that we claim our heritage from.
As a graduation task I have been sent to Falthrien Academy to destroy some corrupted spirits and find the headmaster. My commander is not sure what has come of him, but he fears the worse. I found the academy to be overrun with wraiths and other beings corrupted by mana. What was once a great school for the training of our youth in the arts of magic has become a haunted graveyard of mana fueled ghosts and wraiths.
I killed my first elf. My heart breaks for Felendren, but he attacked me, and I had to do it. I am not sure I will ever forget the feeling of his bones breaking under the power of a well-aimed kick after he yelled something about how "nobody will mourn my loss" and how I "will be used to fill his need." I weep for what has happened to our people, and fear that if I stay here, I will have to attack many more folks that have fallen to the addiction. I was unable to find any evidence of the headmaster of the academy, but with the threats of consuming my flesh that Felendren shouted at me before I had to defend myself, I fear the worst.
After returning to my commander and explaining the situation at the academy he has sent me closer to the heart of the reconstruction efforts. Apparently many more of the addicted have formed gangs of bandits that have made the construction efforts dangerous for everyone. I found an outrunner who had been attacked on my way to my next assignment, I will have to keep my eyes and ears open as I make my way to the project. I can't wait for my first assignment away from my home and my parents. They did cut me off as an effort to keep me "safe" behind the guarded walls of our estate. I took this picture heading into my new post; you can see the remaining destruction but also how the city has taken shape around it. I am excited to be here.
Gotta love timers on cameras so you can get cool shots like this. This is my new post for the next couple of days, weeks, months? They have really done a good job of trying to make it feel like the estates of the elite, while also employing the outdoors. I find it so strangely beautiful.
My final picture after a long day of travel. I have made it to the local inn and feel great. We will have to see what tomorrow brings, but for now it is time to get some food, some sleep, and some relaxation.
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