Legends of Belariath

Valin Meirityn

Valin's hometown is the forest Sylvan Elf village of Lyramar, far to the southeast of Nanthalion, not far from the coast, and outside of the Empire's borders.

As long as Valin can remember, he's lived in the village, sharing a home with his 'aunt' Yssembra, who raised him. He had a happy childhood, playing with the other boys and girls of the village, accepted as one of them. Once old enough, Valin began to train as a warrior and hunter, to protect the village as well as help bring in game and other food.

Many years passed this way, with Valin content, yet always yearning to see the world outside the forest, and all its wonder and variety. One day, however, all this changed. Following a failed raid on Lyramar by a small band of goblins, he pursued them through the forest, when they scattered. Alone and without his fellow hunters, he followed them until they were killed by guards from a passing slaver caravan. The leader of the caravan, a Moriel named Chellyra Azshara, captured Valin and made him her personal slave.

For the next two years, he was subject to the sadistic whims and desires of his erstwhile mistress. Beaten painfully yet unmarked, he always thought of escape, but didn't dare to attempt it due to the caravan guards. One day, the caravan passed too close to the domain of a more wild tribe of sylvan elves, and they were attacked. In the ensuing chaos, Valin picked up the sword of a fallen sylvan warrior and slew his mistress, freeing himself.

After this, the now-78-year-old Valin decided to realize his dream of seeing the wider world, and after returning to his village for a few months, made his way out of the forest, winding up in Nanthalion after many days of travel.

BACK