Who am I? I'm not sure that this is a question that is easily answered. Yes, I am an Aelfborn and my name is Cairbre. My father, Eremon, was human. He met my mother, Eiligh Lok-Ri, and instantly fell in love with her dazzling beauty and her gentle ways. They spent many happy years together, living in a small village by the sea that she loved so much. Sadly, I cannot remember much more than this. I have fleeting images of them together, happy, in our quaint home but not much more.
My last memories of them are of the night the human army came through our peaceful village, bringing death and destruction with them. My father was butchered as he valiantly defended his people; my mother, I'm told, because of her Elven blood. I do not know why I was spared, but I have wished ever since that I had been allowed to die with my family.
I was taken by the humans and kept as a slave, doing the menial tasks that people don't want to do themselves. Very little was provided, and even then only enough to survive. I was forced to rely upon myself for the things I needed such as ample food and clothing, and developed many skills that allowed me to survive. I learned to blend in with my surroundings, to become one with the shadows, and to move with barely a sound. These were my tools, and I depended on them.
Many others were kept in that same despicable stronghold, some Elf, some human, but none other like me. Because of my differences I was welcome in neither group: to the elves I was human and therefore inferior, and to the humans I was an elf. Nobody looked beyond my obvious differences to see that we were all the same - slaves, caged by the same vicious barbarians.
We were all treated ruthlessly by our captors. At various times some would be taken away, never to return. I had always assumed they were sold as slaves, but only in my nightmares do I truly ponder their fate.
My captors' cruelty and the others' rejection of me did nothing but bolster my self-reliance and my determination to free myself of my imprisonment. Surely there was something better out there... But how would I manage to escape? And once I had, how would I find it?
After many years, I began to hear some of the Elves whisper among themselves of a place to the West, a place where Elves were gathering called House Lok-ri. Here was a name that I hadn't heard in years. Memories stirred in the depths of my mind... Where did I know this name, Lok-ri? Of course! My mother's people! Just outside of the shadows I listened, hoping to hear more...
Rumors of this place and these people continued to make their way to us. I gathered - nay, consumed - each word that was said about this place. The thought of a refuge, somewhere I might call home, called to me. The burning desire to escape my imprisonment was welling up within me. I must find this place, this House Lok-Ri, and take my place among my mother's people.
Ultimately the skills I was forced to develop were the ones that saved me from that dreadful place. One night, as the others slept, I was able to pick the lock to our cell and slip out unnoticed. I made my way through the shadows until I came to a guard near the outer wall. Approaching him from behind, knowing that the last few seconds of his life were ticking away, was sheer bliss for me. I could hardly contain my delight as I slipped his dagger from his belt and sent it quickly and silently to the base of his skull... I discovered then my true calling.
Outside the walls, for the first time in countless years, I slipped away. But I was in a hostile land, away from the minimal shelter of my captors without money, food, clothing... I moved to the sanctuary of the dark woods, and soon saw the faint glow of a campfire. The three human hunters bathing in its warmth were no match for my swiftness and superior strength. Their meager equipment provided clothing and small weapons, and their catch a delectable meal.
Again I worked my way westward, hoping to hear more about Lok-Ri and the people there. Throughout my travels I listened, sifting through the endless drivel in the hopes of gleaning more information about this great House. I finally heard what I had sought for so long, and followed the way to Lok-Ri.
When I topped the hill and saw it in the distance, the House seemed to beckon for me to approach. The walk to the gates seemed endless due to my mounting anticipation. What future, if any, did this place hold for me? Or would I find myself in a situation I knew all too well, held against my will and forced to do the bidding of others? I vowed that I would never allow that to happen again.
As I approached the gate, I was amazed by the warmth with which I was greeted. They did not seem to think any less of me for the obvious human blood that coursed through my veins, or bring any ill upon me for it. I felt strangely at home with these Elves, almost sensing that this was my kin. Accepting their gracious offer, we dined on various meats and drank their wine - the wine! Never had I tasted anything so sweet! It filled me with an unfamiliar yet comforting warmth.
Later, I was shown to a small bed chamber. As I melted into the warm bed, a feeling of peace overwhelmed me and I fell into a deep slumber. I was somewhat uneasy as I joined them for breakfast the nest morning. Had I imagined their warm welcome? I was taken aback by their curiosity and acceptance, but I tried to answer their many questions as best I could.
Some time later, while walking the grounds of their stronghold, I decided that I would work with these Lok-Ri to regain the once-great glory of which they spoke. If, that is, they would have me...