Lani was the son of Lyria Xailo and Solorin Lerret. Lyria was a wizard, while Solorin had shown the innate ability for magic, like a sorcerer. From an early age Lani had shown innate magical ability. There have been numerous instances where Lani had made something light up, or made light dance up and down the halls of their home. It was at these moments that Lani's parents had encouraged him to develop his skills. Once Lani was able to read and write, he started to keep a journal of his trials and errors on his magic use. It did not take long until Lani was feeling more confident in his budding ability.
Lani's parents were there to help him every step of the way. Offering guidance and assistance whenever they could. They encouraged him to try new things, and not be afraid to fail. "If it wasn't for the sour taste of failure, success wouldn't taste so good." Lani's father was very fond of that saying. Lani actually found it very comforting, and gave him that little extra thing he needed to go back and try again. His father was right, for when Lani was successful, success did taste real good.
Lani's early childhood was no different from any other typical elf. He enjoyed all that life had to offer, and took his time to enjoy it. He became familiar with the forest and learned to appreciate and respect the natural world around him. Lani had a tough time making friends, though. Lani's biggest fault, which he did not see, was his eyes. They were different from the rest. His were that of a dragon's. Just a steel blue, that was just slightly lighter than his skin, and an elongated pupil. Once the other children got to know him, they warmed up fast enough. It was just that initial reaction that gave Lani pause to wonder why he was different.
Lani had questioned his parents about that, but they had just said that Corelleon had made him special. He then asked who this Corelleon was, and they explained that he was their God, or creator. Lani then did a little reading on his own, learning his history and popular beliefs and accepted his parent's explanation easily enough. It was around this time that his father had said that he needed to go away for a while. When Lani asked where, Solorin just said that it was something that he had to do. Not understanding, Lani tried to get specific answers out of him. But the only thing he got out of his father was the time at which he was leaving. Solorin said he would leave once Lani had chosen his name.
Lani had been waiting for this day for a while, where he would choose his own name. He had labored for several months thinking of different names, and meanings. He had finally decided on one. His parents were obviously curious, but he made them wait. The day finally arrived and after the ritual, he gave himself the name Lani Cerlynlerret, or Beautiful Blackmagic. He had also told them of a nickname he would be using, Nehlahr, or No Name. He did this as kind of an ironic joke, because in the first century of his life he, in reality, had no name. That drew a smile from his parents. Once night fell, Lani and his mother said their goodbyes. As Lani and his father embraced, Solorin whispered to him, 'Remember all that I have taught you, remember who you are, and always remember me. I will visit from time to time.' With that he backed away from his family and with a few gestures and words, he slowly disappeared from site. Lani turned to embrace his mother, and found her crying. For the next few moments they just stood there and held each other.
The next few years found Lani doing well with his studies. He was learning new things and controlling his magic a little more every day. One night while in reverie, Lani had a dream. He was walking in a field, the sunshine warming his skin. When he noticed something coming towards him. It was big, looked like a reptile, and could fly. 'By the gods', he said, 'It's a dragon.' He was awe struck. His feet felt as if they were encased in stone, he could not move or take his eyes away from the site that was before him. What seemed to be hours passed in a matter of seconds, and this dragon was standing before him.
He had read about dragons from a few books, and while doing research on Corelleon, but he had never encountered one until now. This creature was magnificent, its scales were steel blue, its eyes were captivating, and above all it was huge. It seemed to tower above all the trees. However, Lani felt no fear, and almost felt connected in some way. Going with that , and the fact that this was a dream, Lani went up to the dragon walked around it. Touching its scales, and its smooth underbelly, amazingly enough the dragon just sat there and let Lani do his thing. After his inspection of the magical creature, he tried to climb onto its back. After several slips and mis-steps, he made it. Lani sat on the creature's neck and surveyed the land about him. He felt that he could see for miles, and before he could make any move to get off the creatures neck, they were airborne. The dragon lifted off the ground with the ease of a fish swimming in water. It was the most invigorating feeling Lani had ever had. It was just him and this dragon, in the sky, and apparently in the world, for as he looked down, he saw not another soul. After what seemed to be hours of flying, the dragon landed, and Lani got off. He walked to face the dragon, and said good-bye. With that the dragon took-off and flew away. Seconds later, Lani snapped out of his reverie with a feeling of contentment. He quickly wrote down his experience. In the morning, he explained his dream to his mother, with the help of his notes. Lani's mother just listened with a mother's genuine interest, and just said wow, and how nice.
Those dreams occurred over the next few months with regularity. The same thing would happen, except on one visit Lani got caught in the dragon's stare and was taken back by what he saw. He saw himself, in those huge eyes. A wave of questions filled his mind, and the dragon flew off without his customary ride. When Lani awoke, again, he made notes of his trip. This time questions lined the page. Who was this dragon, why me, who am I really??
The following morning, Lani bombarded his mother with questions about his father. When his mother was able to get a word in, she asked him why the sudden interest in his past. Lani explained his last dream to her, and the questions he had. She didn't know what to say, she had no answers for him. Lani prepared himself for the next visit from his dragon friend. He knew the questions he wanted to ask, and was hoping would get the answers he so desperately needed. That very night, he was visited.
There was the dragon standing before him, just waiting for Lani to make the first move. But, Lani found that he was unable to bring himself to question this. He has come to look at these dreams as a gift from somewhere, or better yet, someone. Lani felt that the responsible party for the dreams, was the dragon. He mounted the dragon's back and enjoyed the ride as he has so often done. While flying through the air, Lani's thoughts went back to who was this dragon, could he be somehow related to this magnificent creature. He was so lost in thought that he almost missed a startling vision. They were flying over an open field when he noticed something on the ground. It was a symbol of some sort. Lani studied the image carefully, and tried to memorize its design. The ride ended and he awoke. He was sure to copy, as best as he could, the image he saw.
The following morning, Lani, again had shown his mother the drawing and explained the dream. This time Lani's mother looked a little puzzled. While his mother was out of the room, he recognized the drawing as a modified symbol of Corelleon Larethian. The only modification was a dragon flame coming from the center of the quarter moon. When Lani questioned this, his mother just walked out of the room and came back with a small box in her hand. She opened the box and had shown Lani the contents. Inside was a signet ring, with the very design that Lani had reproduced from his dream. His mother explained that the ring belonged to his father, and that she was supposed to give this to Lani as a good luck gift when he left his home to start his own life. In Lani's mind this was enough proof that he was indeed related somehow to this dragon, and even more so this dragon was related to his father. Lani's mother was still skeptical.
A few months
have gone by since his last dream visit. This has made Lani more than a little
nervous. He has decided to leave the comfort of his home and go in search
of his father and/or this dragon. He has packed his few belongings and headed
out.
