500 Years Earlier

     "Sir! Sir, you can't do this! It's a suicide mission!"

     "The man kept walking through the cobblestone hall, the echoes of battle ringing throughout the torch-lit arcs.

     "Louis! Please! You're only one person! Surely you don't think you-"

     He suddenly turned and faced his pursuer, the light from the torches flickering across his grim features. A frown of worry and determination was hidden on his brown, chin-length beard. With a heavy sigh, he placed his hand on the cloak-clad shoulder of the young woman before him, warmed, yet slightly annoyed by her persistence.

     "Aron," he pauses, kneeling in front of his wide-eyed apprentice, "you are strong, and courageous-- One of the greatest students I could have ever asked for, but, we all knew deep down that this day would come-- that I would have to take on my role and duty. You and I both knew this the moment you were assigned to me. These are troubled times, little one, and we are all fighting for what we love."

     She pulled her golden eyes away from her mentor's bright green ones, and swallowed the lump of fear that had formed in her throat.

     "I understand that, Louis, but... Lucius is stronger than just one man. He... He has an entire army of dragons on his side! Please, let me at least fight beside you, too." She pleaded, grabbing Louis' thick, armored forearm in her dainty hands.

     Louis smiled softly, placed a meaty hand on her head, and ruffled her red-blonde curls like he normally would when she said something silly.

     "Oh, Aron, you are much too inexperienced still, and have you forgotten what I've taught you? What we've all been taught for centuries? Lucius is separated from the Mother; He is at the disadvantage, but we, the Dragonriders, were created to keep the balance of good in Her world. We will go through hardships, we will go through pains and trials, but it's for the good of Elsweyn and Her people. As a Dragonrider, we have sworn to put our lives on the line for each other, as well as our world and Mother."

     The girl stifled a quiet sob as Louis pulled her into a warm, tight hug, gently running his fingers through her hair.

     "I am so very proud of you, Aronsdall." He whispered softly. "You will grow to be a strong Rider. And besides, you know that I'm never truly alone. I have Numinoh with me. Together, we can do many things."

     Aronsdall nodded into her mentor's shoulder, and hugged him tighter, the feeling that this was the last time she would see her teacher, friend, and fatherly figure in her lifetime pulling harshly on the strings of her soul. Louis pulled away and held her at arm's length, looking into her beautiful, golden eyes. She was so much like her mother, with her soft features, yet sharp personality. She would indeed grow to be strong and brave. Better yet, she would be the first female Dragonrider known to Elsweyn. He was just sad that he wouldn't be the one to initiate her.

     She was the daughter he never had.

     "Alright, little one, I must go now. Remember all that I have taught you, and be strong. You will make it in this world if you work hard, and believe in yourself." He pulled her in one last time, and kissed her forehead, his heart wrenching in anguish at the tiny sniffles that the girl tried to hide. With one last look into her vibrant, yet sad eyes, he smiled, and continued down that desolate hall, leaving his apprentice in the confines of the fortress.

     He sighed--it being a harsh, shuddering breath. He knew in the depths of his heart, that he was never to see her again.

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