Aquilo (Anathema)

• Aquilo is born to a small family in the south
• duis sollicitudin elit sed tellus blandit viverra sed eget odio
• donec accumsan tempor lacus, et venenatis elit feugiat noc

Aquilo was born to a humble but happy family in the lands of Nymene. His parents owned a small farm, barely large enough to sustain them with just enough to trade with their village for what they couldn't grow. Little Aquilo learned quickly to be useful, helping his parents with what he could and never making much of a fuss.

He grew with quite the sense of adventure. Though he wasn't unhappy with his future of working on the farm with his parents, Aquilo loved to explore and climb the mountains he grew up on. Looking over the horizon that stretched so far- sometimes he could swear he could see the ocean. He always wondered what was out there, and if he'd one day be able to see it.

He at least made his exploring useful, bringing back firewood and foraged plants from his excursions. His life had fallen into a steady routine, and one that Aquilo wasn't bothered by. Up until his world was turned on it's axis when his parents announced that they were expecting once more.

Aquilo's wandering nature came to a sudden halt when his younger sister was born. So small and fragile- had he been this tiny before? His mother was endeared by Aquilo's attention to his new sibling, and he often helped with caring for her. Letting his adventures come to their natural end as he took on responsibilities. Helping more on the farm as well to let his father have more rest.

As his little sister grew, Aquilo spoiled her. He showed her the best trails to climb, and the best views to be had. Where Aquilo had mindlessly wondered on the horizon, his sister expressed her desire to go and see it for herself. She wanted to explore the world, and she made him promise to go with her. Aquilo knew it wouldn't happen, but he humored her anyways.

Life went by up until Saga was seven. She came back from her own tiny adventure to show Aquilo a pretty crystal. One she insisted was a gift for him, even when he told her to keep it for himself. She insisted she had made it, though Aquilo didn't take it seriously. With her unrelenting, Aquilo did relent. Accepting the gift and keeping it with him.

All was well, or so he thought. Until his mother noticed that Saga's tail was beginning to bald. Concerned, the family inspected it. Only to notice that it wasn't just balding- it was turning to stone. His parents spoke in hushed whispers throughout the night as Aquilo took upon distracting his sister. In the morning the conclusion didn't need to be spoken; Saga was a mage.

The arguments started small. No one wanted to give up the chipper fawn, yet they feared her power all the same. It could be dangerous, his father insisted. She could get hurtm it continued. But his mother didn't want to give her up, and Aquilo most certainly didn't want to either. Surely they could hide it, right?

Though they tried to get Saga to surpress her power.. She didn't seem to listen. For the patch of stone continued to grow, all the hair on her tail long gone and in it's place a glittering surface. His mother's fear was beginning to win out on her love for her child. Fear that Saga's powers could hurt them too. Aquilo took the role as Saga's only protector, getting into constant fights with his parents over her. They wanted to report her, to send her to Ivras. Aquilo wouldn't have it. He'd take her in the night and run away- then they could explore the world, just like Saga wanted.

Aquilo began to put his plan into action. Sneaking away supplies so his parents wouldn't notice, and teaching Saga the path they would take so it would be easier. He didn't tell her what they were doing, and he didn't let his parents know either. He could do this. He could keep her safe.

It happened when he was checking over the stockpile, finally ready to go. When he came back, Saga was gone. His parents looked guilty, and Aquilo was furious. they had sent her away- and they hadn't told him. He was unconsolable and filled with rage, cursing his parents and their selfishness. They believed he'd forgive them. They were wrong. Aquilo made his escape as planned- planning to track down and rescue his sister.

With that, Aquilo left it all behind. Going to the village to listen for rumors of where they may have brought his sister. Yet there was nothing of her. Like a ghost. Aquil forged onwards.. But survival wasn't as easy as he hoped, and progress was slow. Problems began piling, but Aquilo was unrelenting. He was out of food, of money, and he had no idea where he was going.

But that was tomorrow Aquilo's problem. As he settled down for a night. In the morning he'd start again- perhaps make some money in the next village doing something. He could help plow a field or.. something. He was sure. Little did Aquilo know that destiny was not on his side. He awoke to the howling of wolves, far too close for comfort. Run as he might, Aquilo couldn't escape.

But though Destiny was not on his side.. Grace was. As his life seemed to end, it began anew. Unawakened magic bursting force in the form of bitter cold, jagged ice spiking from the earth to fend off what was attacking him. But as often happens when one traverses the line between life and death... You rarely come back the same.

When Aquilo awoke, he was changed. He awoke in snow, a gleaming stone before him with a ethereal blue glow. He remembered nothing, just his desire to go somewhere. He picked up the stone and rose to his feet, stepping over the crumbling ice as he began his journey.

Overtime, Aquilo begins to carry his stone- his soul- in a lantern. Letting it's glow guide him as he continued onward. With it contained, memories return to him. His name, his age... And not much else. He needs to find something, yet he cannot remember what. He cannot go back to find out either. WIth no other option, Aquilo continues forward. It only takes one encounter for him to know he needs to hide from others. He knows he is a mage, and now he knows that mages are unwanted in Nymene.

He knows he must go to Ivras, and during his journey Aquilo works on controlling his frost. Keeping his soul contained helps him remain present, but nothing can keep the chill from his bones. His magic grows stronger, and before Aquilo knows it he is in Ivras. Still, he does not know what he searches for. Instead, he lets fate guide him. He finds work as a Monster Hunter, though he remains unsatisfied. He is a wanderer, of that he is sure. Perhaps it's even in his blood.

TBA