Despite being named Ellavanya, the noble Aefir councilwoman would take the name Alana, as she was often overshadowed by the beloved Ellavanya Farric.
Alana Aefir was a striking Vanir, her radiant red hair and piercing eyes a testament to a distinguished elven lineage. She was often seen in elegant robes of silver and blue, embroidered with the golden wings of her house crest. Her composed demeanor concealed the grief and turmoil that marked much of her life. While not born to the Aefir family, she grew up in a minor noble house before marrying Elendril Aefir after she completed the Trial of The Arcane Elements.
Early Life and Rise to Nobility
Despite being born into a minor noble family, Alana displayed an unparalleled affinity for the arcane from a young age. Her natural talent earned her personal mentorship under Headmaester Vodney Ularen at the prestigious Aefir Academy of The Arcane. She excelled in her studies, mastering the transmutation school of magic and earning exceptional marks during the Trial of The Arcane Elements.
Alana married Elendril Aefir, a renowned Battle Mage and the captain of Aerenal's guard, forming a formidable union that strengthened the family's political and arcane influence. Together, they had two children, Tyrael Aefir and Elora Aefir, who inherited their parents' brilliance.
Tragedy and Loss
Her idyllic life began to unravel with the mysterious disappearance of her husband, Elendril, during his ill-fated voyage across The Silver Veil Sea. Not long after, her daughter Elora perished during the Trial of The Arcane Elements, sacrificing herself to save her childhood friend, Fineas Farric. Tyrael, consumed by grief and a yearning to honor his sister, left Aerenal under suspicious circumstances, further fracturing Alana’s family.
Desperate to find answers and driven by the loss of her loved ones, Alana turned to forbidden arcane practices. These dark pursuits unwittingly drew the attention of Balthazar the Blighted, a Demon of cunning deception. In a moment of weakness and manipulated grief, Alana succumbed to Balthazar's schemes, resulting in the birth of a child, Guy the Grateful after the demon disguised himself as a miraculously returned Elendril.
The Blight of Balthazar
Balthazar’s influence marked a turning point in Alana’s life. He abducted Guy during his early years, plunging Alana into despair. Consumed by guilt and grief, she became increasingly disillusioned with The Elden Council and her ability to protect her family. She withdrew from the court's public eye, turning cold and unyielding in her decisions when she did engage.
Redemption and Demise
In a twist of fate, Guy returned to Aerenal as a young man, recounting the horrors of his enslavement aboard the cursed ship, The Valorant, and the truth of his parentage. Alana was devastated to learn that Balthazar had also manipulated Elendril into his doomed voyage. With newfound resolve, she joined Guy in his quest to track down and destroy the demon.
Alana’s final act of redemption came in The Crucible, where she confronted Balthazar alongside her son. Despite her formidable magic and maternal determination, she met her end at the hands of the demon. Her sacrifice, however, fueled Guy's resolve, leading to Balthazar’s ultimate defeat.
Legacy
Alana Aefir is remembered as a tragic figure, a once-brilliant mage whose life was marred by loss and manipulation. Her story serves as both a cautionary tale of the dangers of unchecked grief and a testament to the enduring strength of familial bonds.
Though her life ended in tragedy, Alana’s contributions to the arcane arts and her unwavering love for her family left an indelible mark on Aerenal’s history. Her surviving son, Guy the Grateful, carries forward her legacy, ensuring that her sacrifices were not in vain.