#Lore24 – Entry #337 – Sci-Fi Month IV #2 – Humble Beginnings Upon Andyllion
Transcribed From the Personal Recording Implant of Andra Ganim, Chronicler of the Codex Infinitum
Though a storm rages outside, I cannot hear the thunder nor feel the force of the wind upon the building as I sit in Rivalle Volcari’s office, and barely notice the lightning due to the flash-hiding properties of the windows. I can sense the arcane resonance in the air around me, mixing in nigh flawlessly with the technological systems that one would expect to find in a corporate office. The enchantments are indeed of a warding nature, but are cloaked as to their full purpose, and I dare not probe them further with my arcane sight, for I can sense the power within them, lurking as if they themselves were some predators waiting to strike. Even the plants inside the office make me wary, for though they are flowered and smell quite pleasant, I have little doubt that they are some kind of specialized breed of maidenbane vine, for they shift about as if following me.
The doors to the office opened within a matter of minutes after my arrival, and two people entered, Rivalle Volcari and her kerryn assistant, following dutifully behind her carrying a tray of food and drink. I rose to greet her, steeling my nerves as the intensity of her gaze and mere presence slammed into me; there is no question as to the power present in her aura, and I could only begin to guess at the nature of the multiple enchantments upon her and her clothing. I have never once seen someone with such a powerful aura of magic about them; this is something you would see hundreds, maybe even thousands of years ago, when magic was at its height, certainly prior to the wars that saw the collapse of the Great Elvish Imperium, at any rate. Also, I can’t help but think I’ve seen her assistant somewhere before; she looks very familiar.
I shall begin the interview immediately, for her time is no doubt limited; any observations and thoughts will be noted as the conversation is transcribed; standard recording devices and handwritten notes will be taken as well.
AG: “I am so very grateful that you have agreed to allow me to interview you, Ms. Volcari.”
Note: Her perfume seems to be scented in a similar, if more concentrated, aroma as the majority of the flowering plants in her office. Her grip is firm, skin smooth, tingling as my arcane sense picks up on the enchantments upon her. She stands a few inches taller than me, in addition to the high heels she wears. She makes no effort to hide her apparent amusement at our meeting, in contrast to the typically stoic or uninterested looks she typically gives during standard interviews.
RV: “You’ve certainly done your homework, Ms. Ganim. I daresay you’ve been the single most dedicated researcher I’ve encountered in quite some time. Or would ‘stalker’ be more accurate? No, I suppose not; you’ve not been that close, not until now, anyway. Whatever could you wish to know from me that you’ve no doubt already uncovered?”
AG: “There are several questions I have relating to various aspects of the history I’ve found, more often than not on details that are unclear or questions as to whether you were involved at all. There are multiple times within our recorded history where the record is questionable at best, and one who has lived for as long as you have must surely have unique insights upon certain events. Ah, forgive me if I’m a bit too forward in assuming your age, but you’ve reviewed the initial notes I’ve sent you. Was I correct in my assertation that you are indeed of an age that precedes the Andyllion Demonfall and Great Cataclysm?”
RV: “No, think nothing of it. Though my reputation is rather infamous, I do respect the work you’ve done. I daresay I’m rather flattered that I have become your obsession, Ms. Ganim; yours is certainly the healthiest such obsessive personality I’ve come across. Most who obsess over me to this degree typically wish to see me dead. Sit, Ms. Ganim; Lila, see to her comfort.”
Note: Her assistant, Lila. As she serves me tea and sets out plates for us as we take our positions in the chairs by the window, I know now why I thought her so familiar. She is indeed the very likeness of Lila Darius, a fellow historian whom I’ve met many times during my years. This could not possibly be her, though, for I know for a fact that Lila Darius is exploring the Demon Sector at this moment. A curious observation indeed, especially considering we’ve brought up the subject of obsession.
AG: “Might I inquire as to your origins, Ms. Volcari? You are originally from Andyllion, but I am unable to ascertain the exact time frame. And could you tell me of your early days?”
RV: “Oh, I don’t have exact numbers, for I cannot be bothered with such trivial details. Going by the current scale by which we track the passing of time, I would say that I was born approximately…five hundred years before the Demonfall. Yes, that sounds about right. My early life was nothing special; I was born amongst the dawn elves of long-lost Fyva Dorthore, though I knew early on that I was quite special even amongst their kind.
I was, and still am, possessed of a most keen intellect, you see, and a remarkable affinity for the magical arts. You’ve no doubt sensed the enchantments around us and upon me by now. Oh, don’t look so surprised, Ms. Ganim, I’ve done my research on you just as you have done yours upon me. If I thought you were a threat, I would have taken appropriate steps long ago, and you would either e in one of my private collections or dead. Back to your question…my childhood and early development were rather unremarkable for the time, save that I excelled at the arcane arts. At the time I was hailed as something of a prodigy in that regard and had already surpassed my mentors in my backwater little village before I had reached puberty.
I would then journey to the great city of Arcavarlon, and from there enroll in the prestigious academy upon the Isle of Fang, the youngest dawn elf to have done so then, and now, if I’m not mistaken. The Azalina Fang Academy as it is known now, such a droll name…it has gone through many names over the years; you can determine which one it was using during this time, I’m certain; again, I don’t keep track of such trivial details. You may even have records of me being there, though I was, at that time, using my full name: Rivaressel’alle’nara of House Voclari. It had not yet reached the status of a Great House yet; that would come later, and with no small amount of work from myself to see it happen.”