DWC Day 5 - Restless/Faith
It was common knowledge that the antithesis to shadow was light. The Light, however, did not reach everyone, whereas Shadow’s embrace could touch all. This was the basis for the existence of the Academy, to teach those unfortunate souls, whom Light could not touch, how to combat the shadow’s influence by using unorthodox methods. Its grand purpose, to safeguard Quel’Thalas against otherworldly threats. Its populace, however, shunned anyone who attended the Academy, seeing them as outcasts who studied dark magic simply for the thrill of it.
Turasil was used to being shunned in this way. In her youth, she was quiet and withdrawn, ever drawn to subjects most would consider ‘strange’. But in the Academy, she felt welcome, she belonged. Here, she whiled away her innocent years, studying the dark arts in the hopes that she might understand them. For she did not understand the Light, nor did it ever close the distance to her. There were many people like her at the Academy, and through them, Turasil made connections, and even friendships.
Things that would not last.
Rumor had it that a former student of Dar’Khan Drathir would come to serve as an instructor there, and for many, Turasil included, that was an opportunity for advancement. Here, Drathir was seen in high regard, whereas the rest of the world ignored him. Here, he was seen as a pioneer in their field, and to study under his own student would surely bring levels of knowledge and understanding not previously achieved by any of the student body.
As she was once an ambitious woman, Turasil seized upon this opportunity. And Drathir’s protege took notice immediately, for her skill was nothing laughable. Soon she found herself privy to special projects, expeditions to historical areas, and risky, even dangerous experiments. Her understanding of the Shadow expanded rapidly. Turasil was happy, then. She had experienced fulfillment.
She had not realized her goal was moving further and further away. The deeper they delved into the forbidden together, the greedier they became. Until it was too late.
Turasil was cursed. Banished from her homeland for her transgressions. Transgressions she could no longer remember- so how ever could she hope to make amends? How could she go back to those golden forests and ivory spires, tainted as she was, now but a stain upon her people’s history, along with the academy? Along with Galarisen..?
For better or worse, she would seek redemption the only way she knew how: by slaying the very thing that sought to tarnish her. Set upon the road, she would travel north and south, and back again, hunting creatures of shadow wherever they reared their vile heads. If she could not get back to her home, the least she could do was ensure the shadow could not reach it either.
This is how she would atone, even if the golden gates were forever barred. For what else could she do?
@daily-writing-challenge
