History of Angelburn
Angelburn
I was born naked and crying like any other baby on a rainy day that was no good for fishing. Because of the rain, my father saw me born. It was an easy birth, as if I honestly wanted to get out as quick and easy as possible. My mother, thinking me as an angel, named me Gabriel this especially rainy day.
I lived during my childhood in a small fishing village among only a few hundred people on the coast of Hausson. The basis of our economy was fishing; it was expected of all young men to become successful fisherman. My father happened to be a great captain whom was very esteemed... for this reason I grew up with moderate wealth and comfort. I also grew up with a lot of pressure.
Perhaps fishing never really hooked me, but I never found it more then leisure. It was one of those relaxing things to do... there was no adventure involved. This overload of boredom drew me to the outlying thick forest in which almost all the children played in. We were told time and time again not to go too far; but my only sister Keely and I always did. I was usually the leader, pushing farther into unexplored territory, trailblazing through thick brush and beautiful streams and hills. Ignoring my sister's requests to go back and obey our father's word. I found nature to be more comforting then home and an adventure like no other. At a very young age I was hunting fearsome beasts and learning all I could about the wilderness and its secrets. I found a rhythm... a heartbeat to the earth and I followed it. It gave me the greatest clarity of life and reason. It was here that I knew I found myself, that I was destined to be.
My father, of course, was disappointed. The day I brought my first venison home was the also the day he first raised his hand to me. He ignored me further on, even after my great deeds in the town. My older sister proclaimed to the family she was going to leave to Koguryo, to train amongst the mightiest of warriors. I knew this was coming and I had planned well. My trapping, deals, and odd jobs wielded a great amount of coins and I was able to save a lot of money. When I left this day, which was also rainy, I received two things: a basket of food and blanket from my mother, and a small journal from my father. I left with my sister by horse, without another word spoken. The journal left unread for more then a Yuri, I had no idea how important the text could be. This journal, however, is a legend, a huge, unbelieveable text in itself. I will not include it at this time with my history.
I entered Koguryo in the summer of Yuri 24. It was all I expected.. the land of opportunity. I sought belonging immediately... I fixed my eye on the Merchants. Luckily, I found myself such a great guide as ShadeDraco. Under him I became a pretty prestigious trader, but never became a guide. I started the first price list, (one I still have today) and the first lottery. I borrowed a Moon armor from the Merchant elder Kalaman for just 85,000 coins, which I kick myself today for. I became the Minister of Economics under Prince M'hul. The merchants enveloped me for over 5 Yuris (( 1 year in real life )) and yet I didn't get much in return. I learned some about myself, but it was not me. I left the merchants.
The Baekho path looked most promising, so that I joined them for some time. I strengthened my muscles and technique, and learned of different fighting styles and mass attacks. Though the Baekho path made me a strong man.. it never gave me much insight. It was.. bland.. like soured rice wine lost in a pile of sticks. When I heard the shadows disbanded I was disheveled. But I also had optimism.. opportunity was soon to arise. And it did.. I learned of the Rangers, a newly arisen band of adventurers within the wilderness. I instantly inquired with the elder whom was Angelica. In Rangers I found who I was, and who I wanted to be. I could never based my life on the value of money or the value of knowledge without going insane soon after.
I was a Ranger, nothing could change that. The Ranger code has so many hidden meanings, so many true values. And Nature! Oh, who could not enjoy a beautiful sunset with the one you love? Respecting Nature isn't about hugging trees and worshipping the ground you walk on... its about knowing Nature... and knowing yourself. Nature is in part, the pure soul we could never have. Nature is wonderful, loving, and brutal all at once. I love it. The opportunity to lead the Rangers was more rewarding then anything. To have people look up to you... to trust and confide in you, its a very endearing thing. In Rangers I tried to be the most uncorrupted, most encouraging, most helpful Elder possible. What I did that day that was dark was as much for the path as myself.
I realized one day that I couldn't handle the responsibility anymore. It's a hard thing for an Elder to do when they look into the future, and see that they might not ever have the chance again. The time I spent with my family was harmful to my responsibility as Elder, not so much as keeping things in order and attending meetings, but consitantly improving and progressing the path... I had a good 6 major path improving projects all in a kind of frozen state. Elder was eating me inside... the guilt was tearing at my conscience... and I just wasn't cutting it. I made the decision mostly on the fact that I knew the perfect successor... the one I had instilled so much trust and confidence in. Valdessi became the new Elder of the Rangers, as my final act of love to the Rangers. I did not take up Guide as Valdessi offered... I don't believe the situation would have been much different. I wouldn't have been a good Guide either at my present state. Me abandoning the Ranger path? That was my own act of grace for myself. I guess you could call me a coward or a loser for doing it, but I abandoned because I honestly couldn't face my brothers and sisters. I abandoned because I lost the grace of the Rangers when I gave up on them. I felt this was the only possible avenue for my complete destruction. Am I wrong? Only time will tell. Whatever happens.. I will always have the heart of a Ranger.
What happens after this is not for your eyes. Perhaps someday I will reveal my Father's journal, as well as the rest of my story.
-Burn