Persona Thingy: Aidon

It has been a long road to Talon Nest, and only a day away, in the early morning, you come to a small hamlet at the side of the road, surrounded by a vegetable patch or two. There is also a fair-sized nest in back, well away from the road. However, there is no sign of any recent dragon occupancy. Hoping the occupant may give you directions to the nearest lodging, you duck in.

The inside of the shanty proves to be no comparison with the scrawny exterior outside. Despite the sun's perfectly good illumination, candles adorn the Spartan furniture and doorways. At the far end of the room is a boy engrossed in what appears to be meditation or prayer. The robes and hood he wears make it impossible to discern any details beyond the bare bones: he is either small for his age or a mere child, and he hasn't had a good meal for weeks. He is clad in the vestments of some religious sect you are unfamiliar with: a hooded robe of brown and yellow, leaving the hands and feet free to work. The clothes, like the house, have obviously seen better days, but show every evidence of being cared for.

Hesitant to disturb him, but doubtful if you can find another place before nightfall, you take a step forward, but you are saved from embarassment by the boy, who stands to greet you. Now that you have a better look at him, he looks to be about 17 years old, built on a small frame, but he shows no evidence of frailty despite his poor condition. "Welcome to my humble home", he says in a surprisingly musical baritone. "Is there something you wish to know?" With the words, his hands reach up to his hood and pull it down, revealing his face and head for the first time.

He is completely and totally bald.

His oval face remains expressionless, while piercingly blue eyes seem to stare right through you to some place beyond. The top of his head is mottled and covered with scars from ancient wounds. It takes you nearly half a minute to recover your bearings before you manage to tell him you are looking for a place to spend the night.

You are not surprised when he replies: "Ah, I see you are going to Talon Nest? As it happens, that is my destination as well. You may travel with me if you like." After a brief pause and another glance by those searching eyes, he adds, "Although from your expression I don't expect you'll take me up on my offer." A smile touches the corners of his mouth, the first expression you have seen from him.

Intrigued by this mysterious character (as well as hoping to change the subject), you try a different tack: "Why are you going to Talon Nest?" you ask. Surprisingly, he responds: "My name is Aidon. I am a priest of the Order of Tomalak. The Order has never had a... representative... to the dragons before, as most of the brothers consider association with dragons or salrinds to be a sign of spiritual weakness. I aim to correct that misconception. Hopefully I will serve as an example to the inhabitants of Talon Nest and point the way toward the truth." He thinks for a moment, as if making some inner decision, then breaks into a grin and adds, "I hope to have some fun as well!"

He concludes with a question: "So, do you wish to travel with me the rest of the way to Talon Nest, or may I point you elsewhere?"

Name: Aidon
Age: 17
From: Monastery, southwestern Antilo
Parents: Unknown, deceased

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