Lord-Magister Aldarithus Runesong, is a high ranking Ren'dorei within the Grand Alliance that is active in both the military, and the political machine of the faction.
A firstborn Ren'dorei who was part of Magister Umbric's original group, Aldarithus is devoted to the plight of his people, and believes in a world where the Children of the Void, and all the children of High Home, may one day return to Quel'Thalas; together.
Part 1: Dawnrise of Goldenmist[]
Early Life[]
Childhood in Goldenmist[]
Born in Goldenmist Village to the Dawnrise family, Aldarithus was a simple, but bookish child. His family, once nobility many generations ago, had forsaken their right to any noble claims to live a more simple life. His father, Ricarithus operated a small business based on fixing magical items that had become broken. His mother, Katharia, made coin by selling bit and bobs; from furniture, to minor arcane trinkets. The youngest child, Aldarithus had a single sibling, Briannaryn Dawnrise. Though Aldarithus felt as though he was often in the shadow of his elder sibling, he had been blessed with a loving family, and a stable home.
"The woods of Goldenmist."
Aldarithus, was not the only youth within Goldenmist at this time. The Dawnrise's, had always been close with another; the Autumnheart family. In that family, Aldarithus came to know the three triplets, Layalora, Loralaya, but most of all, Loralaya.
From the moment he saw her; perhaps even longer, Aldarithus was enthralled by Lolaraya. Though, perhaps the feeling was not mutual; or perhaps it was? Either way, the language of their love was written in the bullying actions Lola took against the young Quel'dorei. From tomes and books thrown in the river, poems scoffed and laughed at, and wilted weeds and flowers mocked, Aldarithus did not give up on his perceived unrequited love for the young woman.
An Apprentice of the Academy[]
Like many young Quel'dorei, Aldarithus soon displayed natural gifts with the Arcane. So much so, that his family placed near all of their coin into supporting Aldarithus' enrolment into Falithren Academy. In this environment, Aldarithus would surely be able to turn his meek attitude and bookish ways into an avenue of opportunity.
"Falthrien Academy."
Coming to the Academy, Aldarithus soon discovered that even here, he was the runt of the litter. Taunting, and teasing words followed him even to these hallowed halls, and Aldarithus felt his confidence once more begin to shrink. Days spent hiding from the more gifted apprentices, and from those that would see him return to Goldenmist in shame, Aldarithus soon found himself protected by a person he never expected.
He, was not the only child of Goldenmist Village sent to Falithren that year. One, he had never thought to gaze upon, nor thought he would be anything to arrived, and protected him from the ire of his classmates. Rhysaria Everveil. A tomboyish, confident youth of nobility, that soon became his closest friend. With her, Aldarithus felt his confidence grow, and grow. Soon, the young boy who could scarcely stutter out a word, became a capable apprentice and mage within his own right.
Aldarithus and Rhysaria enjoying simpler times.
Soon, Aldarithus began to look at this young woman with eyes of affection. She, who had been his only solace in this storm. She, who had unlocked who he was truly underneath. All the while, Aldarithus had been blissfully unware of her own affections for him. Resolving to confess his love for her, Aldarithus spent near a day, and a night composing a poem for the one that had become his rose. Though, such was not meant to be. When the now young man, sought out his rose the next day, she had vanished. Aldarithus, would never see her again; not while he carried the trappings of a Quel'dorei.
Throwing himself into his studies, in the vain hopes to bring both his rose back to him, and to be worthy of Lolaraya, Aldarithus followed under the close tutelage of his mentor, Magistrix Anesteria Oddfield. Seeing her as another maternal figure, Aldarithus realised that his potential would be wasted as a simple mage. With the guidance of his teacher, Aldarithus soon began his path into the elite of Thalassian society; the Silvermoon Magistry.
Aldarithus Dawnrise as an apprentice of the academy.
The Magistix's Apprentice[]
Taken under the wing of Anesteria, Aldarithus began to flourish. Anesteria had been involved with the Magistry for centuries, and recognised the trappings of a Magister within the young man. Perhaps, he reminded her of herself. Or, perhaps she saw the beginnings of how their society might change under within Aldrarithus in a leading role. Regardless, Aldarithus would spend years with his teacher, learning of the responsibilities, and requirements of the rank.
Even so, Aldarithus soon became rather lax, and arrogant in his upcoming position. Relying more on natural talent, than on study and practice. Such things, were noticed by the ever diligent Magistrix Oddfield, who corrected her young student with harshly.
“Your peers despise your insouciant attitude, already, as I’m sure you’ve noticed—in spite of your refusal to acknowledge it. Talent, Aldarithus, is tactless. Talent will get you nowhere in Silvermoon. If you wish to get anywhere in life, you must learn to be more than talented; you must be skilled. Humble. A dagger is only as effective as it is sharp. If you wish to earn respect and be taken seriously by others, you must first do so for yourself. Am I making myself clear?” - Magistrix Anesteria Oddfield
From then on, Aldarithus learned a key lesson; the difference between pride, and arrogance. From then on, Aldarithus became devoted to his studies, and his goals of obtaining the rank he so desperately coveted.
Returning to Goldenmist when he could, Aldarithus would still pine after Lolaraya, and await and pray to Belore that one day, Rhysaria would return to him. Though, as time passed, Aldarithus began to change. Gone, was the bookish, "dork" that Lolaraya would tease. Absent, was the "Goober" that Rhysaria would need to protect from their classmates. Aldarithus embraced the role of Apprentice, to Arcanist and then finally with the outbreak of the Second War; Magister.
Magister of the Quel'dorei[]
Promoted in response to the Horde's incursions into Eversong, Aldarithus was the youngest Magister in near a century; barely sixty years old. Sponsored by Anesteria, Aldarithus soon had to contend with his more senior colleagues. Often chastised, ignored or put in his place, Aldarithus often clashed with his more senior colleagues due to their differences in age. However, when a Magister would berate him, Aldarithus would soon find them apologising to him the next day.
Anesteria, would not have her student, and now colleague be reduced by bullies and cruel words here either...
Prior to the outbreak of the Third War, Aldarithus joined the Seekers of Knowledge, focusing on developing and innovating their societies magical knowledge. Such pursuits suited him well, and by the day, Aldarithus not only grew in his arcane ability, but in his desire and ambition for more coveted positions. In his mind, if he were to climb the ranks, Aldarithus might finally have both his lily and rose. Perhaps he would of, if fate had been kinder.
The Scourge Invasion of Quel'Thalas[]
For many weeks, reports had spoken of a plague moving through the human kingdoms. Though, no sign of it had reached High Home at this time. The Runestones were warded, and the Elf Gates sealed. Nothing could overrun their homeland. Aldarithus, had been as of late staying on the Isle of Quel'Danas, using the knowledge he had gathered within the Seekers to strengthen their homeland. When reports came of the Scourge invasion, and the traitor prince's advance, Aldarithus joined his colleagues in the defence of the Sunwell.
Though, no amount of willpower, magic, or prayers could prevent the inevitable fate that befell them. Aldarithus saw the fall of their greatest champions, the felling of their King, and the death of the Grand Magister. Retreating to a far corner of Quel'Danas, Aldarithus was only saved by the piles of corpses, debris and Belore knows what else baring the Undead from reaching him. With the destruction of the Sunwell, and the resulting feedback, Aldarithus was brought to unconsciousness.
Awaking hours later, Aldarithus saw himself surrounded by the bodies of those he once knew; and beset by just as many. It was then, that a horrible realisation befell Aldarithus.
Lolaraya, his family, his home. Goldenmist was in the South...
Using what magics he could, Aldarithus escaped the Isle of Quel'Danas. Paying no heed to how his legs screamed, how his lung burned, how his boots tore, and how is robes flayed, Aldarithus ran as fast as he could, to finally be the hero he always dreamed of being. Perhaps now, he could finally be worthy of Lolaraya. Perhaps now, Rhysaria would see him for who he was and come back to him.
Arriving in the remains of his home, Aldarithus found it empty of all life. No matter how much he screamed, no matter how much he begged for Belore to bring them home; those he loved had been taken. Not even their corpses remained, as Aldarithus entered the home of the Autumnhearts, his very will breaking as he collapsed in the room of Lolaraya.
Once more, had Aldarithus failed. Once more, had the "great" magister, proven himself to be nothing but a weak, bookish boy. Lolaraya, was surely dead. Rhysaria, would never come back to him and more than likely walked within the ranks of the Scourge alongside her. His mother, father and sister, could linger knowing their pride and joy, was nothing but a failed man.
Burning both his home, and Lolaraya's to the ground, Aldarithus Dawnrise swore by Belore, that he would never let weakness take him again...
Part 2: Dawnrise of the Sin'dorei[]
Child of the Blood[]
"Weakness cannot be allowed to grow once more..."
Once the fog of death had been purged from their homeland, and their new identity as Sin'dorei been taken, Aldarithus Dawnrise threw himself back into the Magistry with more purpose, than ever. In this world, there was no room for weakness. Weakness, had caused the fall of their homeland. Weakness, could not be tolerated in this new society.
Moving from the Seekers of Knowledge into Civil Administration, Aldarithus soon became a supporter of much; if not all of the Magister's questionable methods. With many of the old guard dead, Aldarithus found it rather easy to move through the ranks of the Magistry, and have his voice finally be heard. This new generation of Magisters were ruthless, prideful, but most of all; ambitious.
Though his mentor had survived the Scourging, Aldarithus and Anesteria drifted apart day, by day. Both, had lost their hearts in the invasion, and both could not replace the hurt. However, despite how much they differed, Aldarithus saw his teacher as his last line of family. She, was all he had left of who he once was. Magistrix Oddfield was the closest thing to a mother now that Aldarithus had.
And she too would soon leave him alone in the world.
Aldarithus awakened one morning, to hear notice that Magistrix Oddfield had left her post. That she had become was near enough to a traitor, and would not be party to the new regime. Once more, had Aldarithus lost what little he had. In his mind, this was just another failure. Another notch to the belt of his growing contempt for himself.
Aldarithus would never see his mentor again; not while they carried the name Sin'dorei.
Magister of Silvermoon and the Sunreavers[]
"Aldarithus 'conversing' with Wretched..."
Aldarithus supported his peoples integration into the Horde. In this world, they would not be able to survive alone. It was in this path, that Aldarithus soon met Courlithara Silverfire. A mage of their people; though not a Magister, Courlithara was forthcoming, and progressive in her ideals. Teasing him, jesting at simple things that made the two forget their woes, Aldarithus soon fell for her; his silver fern.
Refusing to let fate take her as it did Lolaraya, and Rhysaria, Aldarithus and Courlithara soon married, and began a new life together at the onset of the war against the Lich King. Taking up residence in Dalaran, Aldarithus and his wife engaged in both the Nexus War and the war against the Scourge. His love, had calmed him. No more, did he speak of weakness. No more, did he speak of loss and failure. Aldarithus became the man he once was. Even taking on his first proper apprentice, a young Sin'dorei girl, with dreams to be a Magister; just like him. Secretly, Aldartihus prayed to Belore, that perhaps his teacher could see him now, and tell him she was proud.
After the Cataclysm, the two Sunreavers did what they could to stay as far away from the conflict as they could. Their small measure of peace, would not be taken from them, not by Warchief Hellscream, not by the rising tensions. Finally, Aldarithus had a small measure of happiness; and a family soon Belore willing.
The Purge of Dalaran[]
Dalaran, Aldarithus' new home
Fate once more would treat Aldarithus with its normal tune. Both had heard the whispers of the Divine Bell, and of Sunreaver involvement. However, the Kirin Tor, were neutral. There was no need for them to involve themselves. However, both sides soon made the choice for them. Aetheas Sunreaver, allowed his agents to break the neutrality, and Proudmoore responded with force.
Aldarithus and his wife, were training in the yard of their small quarters within Dalaran, when agents of the Silver Covenant arrived; demanding arrest. Questioning the orders, Aldarithus dismissed the Quel'dorei, stating that Proudmoore could come herself if she had issues with peaceful peoples. Unbeknown to the two, the Covenant had orders to respond with as little care for those who resisted as possible. At their orders being questioned, an Arcane Blast was sent towards the Magister; only to be intercepted by his wife.
Courlithara, died a painless death. Neck snapping in a moment, though her husband was not given the same treatment. The last thing Aldarithus saw of his late wife, were her fading green eyes, her neck at an unnatural angle, and the portal to Orgimmar opening before him.
Pilgrimage to Pandaria and Training[]
Broken, in both body and mind, Aldarithus spent the next several weeks within the walls of Silvermoon. Failure, had once again turned its ugly head towards the man. Once more, had he failed a love. Rhysaria, Lolaraya and now Courlithara. What if he had been stronger, or faster? Would she still be here with him? Would they all still be here?
Aldarithus, remembered the actions of his mentor, and soon cast himself from the Magistry. At first, it was only leave he took; feigning some correspondence to keep up appearances and still receive coin. All the while, Aldarithus made his way to the Jade Forest, and from there, Kun-Lai. For months now, he had heard tales of the monk of Pandaria. Of how they had conquered their emotions, and their greatest failings. How their bodies were now weapons of purpose and clarity. Aldarithus, wished now to embrace their philosophy and their training.
Arriving at Kun-Lai, Aldarithus found himself a master, a grizzled old Shado-Pan going by the simple name of Hanshi. However, this was no mere teacher. Hanshi, was a Grandmaster of the White Tiger, the August Celestial of strength. Aldarithus, trained under Hanshi for many months; finding the ways of the monk to be rather easy to pick up for an accomplished mage such as he. By the Siege of Orgimmar, Aldarithus had already risen to mastery of the ways of Xuen.
Aldarithus, stayed in Pandaria for much of the coming conflict with the Iron Horde. Within that time, Aldarithus had soon become accomplished within the schools of the Red Crane, and the Jade Serpent. However, Aldarithus could never truly grasp the further concepts of the Black Ox. Fortitude, and resilience seemed to be above him. Moreover, the peace and stoic nature that those teachings provided.
Finally, Aldarithus had accomplished his goal. Not only was he a master of the Arcane, but now his very body was a weapon. His fists, could shatter stone. The very mist in the air could now heal his wounds. He could run faster, strike quicker and almost feel the very energy of the earth around him now. However, Aldartihus still felt weak.
Aldarithus did not want more power; he needed it.
Dawnfall[]
Just as he had done before, Aldarithus left his temple and training without a thought, or even a note. Never again, did he see Hanshi, who soon had passed away from his old age and rather unhealthy lifestyle; a point Aldarithus does his best to forget. Returning to Silvermoon, Aldarithus sold all that was expendable, or not need and began a second pilgrimage. However, this journey was destined to be darker in nature...
Those that had been keeping tabs on him, or sought to report his movements to the Magistry, the Sunreavers of even the Silver Covenant, lost all traces of the former Magister during the Iron Horde's invasion. Though, nothing had stated that Aldarithus had gone through the Dark Portal. Everything, seemed to indicate that the man had simply vanished without a trace. Gone, from the world as if Dawn had been swallowed up whole.
Until it wasn't.
Part 3: Voidsong of the Ren'dorei[]
The Embrace[]
Aldarithus returned to the world prior to the onset of the Fourth War. Reports indicated, that the former Magister, had taken up residence within the Ghostlands with those ambitious few that followed the teachings of Umbric. It was there, that Aldarithus once more found someone he had come to believe he had lost, his mentor, Anesteria.
Aldarithus Voidsong as he was as a Ren'dorei. His pale skin, and red eyes being a characteristic look of his at this time...
She too, had begun to follow Umbric's teachings, and many weeks were spent connecting once more. Aldarithus soon followed his colleagues into Telgorus, and found themselves turned into the first generation of the Ren'dorei. Though as always, Aldarithus seemed to take to things a little differently than most.
His skin, was a deathly pale, with lines of purple veins webbed across his skin. His gaze, did not hold gems of violet or blue, but deep and resonating crimson them seemed to ebb and seep with a different type of darkness. Upon his chest, lay a rune, carved in an ancient and perverse tongue. Even his mind seemed more changed than the others. To him, the whispers were akin to a crying chorus of maddened moans should he be unprepared.
Those Whispers were stained with the screams of those women he loved. Of Rhysaria, begging him to tell her he loved her, of Lolaraya, begging him to run faster, of Courlithra, promising him that if he were only stronger, he could save her; save them all. Aldarithus, now only sought silence. And now, what was more silent than the void?
The Fourth War and the Breaking of the Veil[]
Aldarithus, soon joined the fighting within the Fourth War. Like many Ren'dorei, he was conflicted. Not too long ago, these enemies were his friends and allies. Now, he fought against them. With each day the war was waged, his standing in Silvermoon was surely lowering, and lowering. Once the lingering taint and corruption of the Old Gods rose, Aldarithus shifted his focus into more scholarly activities.
Even after the Realm of Death became traversable, Aldarithus stayed within the bounds of Stormwind, and the greater Alliance territories. His focus, remained upon whatever dark desire now consumed him.
His Lily Returns:[]
During time of the reawakening of the Dragon Isles, Aldarithus found himself in the employee of House Shadowstorm; a noble human house of Stormwind. Biting away, his Thalassian pride, Aldarithus began work as a scholar of their libraries; and worked within their bookstore. Many a night, was spent within their walls, reading, focusing and doing what he could to gain more, and more power. Though, this bored him greatly. He was not satisfied, with simple coinage, and this daily routine. Aldarithus, craved something; anything.
It was then, that something happened, he could never have expected.
By chance, Aldarithus found himself sitting within the Cathedral Square, simply reading a book to pass the time. When, for the first time in decades, did he hear a familiar voice; Lolaraya. She, was as beautiful as he remembered, the same fire within her that he had fallen for so long ago. Strawberry blonde hair, red lips, sun-kissed skin. He had never forgotten her face.