Out of Character:
Solo. Takes place in Anebrilith, but I'd like to invoke training forums/Writers' Workshop if I may. Thanks!Also, you'll notice several recent edits. The content hasn't been changed; my italics didn't copy/paste and I haven't caught them all yet.
1.
"Mother,
I miss the days I spent with my brother. He was the light in our lives, a fine brother and son. Seven years my elder, Tanus was more of a father to me than our own, who could hardly be wrenched away from his political meddling. When Tanus died, so too did the Erissa that existed only in his company.
I despise how Father plotted. The time he spent with Tanus was little more than grooming him for an expected future. Surely you recall Father's reaction when Tanus rejected the magical study and opted instead to join the Tel Aglarim. 'A common soldier,' Father said with such disdain as to cause one to think he'd choked on some bitter thing. His purposes were not well suited and his strategy quickly shifted. When Father's eyes fell upon me, I was acutely aware, even at that age, that the bothersome little one was being measured and weighed. For what purpose I did not yet know, but now it is all very clear. I wonder how how much you knew and when?
I will not be a second-rate pawn for my father's political maneuvering. He spent his son early -- not for the honor of the High Elves of Raiaera -- but so he himself would have the honor of military contribution and a cloak of grief under which to maneuver. With his magical prowess, it was cowardice alone that kept my father among his books to offer Tanus in his stead. I, however, refuse be spent by any will other than my own.
Doubtless my actions seem drastic. But this is the only logical choice for me. Mother, what would you have me do? Weave outrageously expensive and meaningless baubles for the self-important hierarchy to win their approval? Vanity! Bow to my father's every beck and call as he moves and manipulates every aspect of my life for his benefit? I would sooner cast myself from the highest tower I could find. There is no life for me here. I am dead and dry as the Black Desert. Wherever I go and for whatever reason, I go to find hope. I go to honor the life of my brother instead of mourning his death from within my own crypt.
--E"