Her spirit awakened her body at the break of dawn.
Moonshadow slowly opened her tired eyes and took in the familiar view surrounding her. Darkness greeted her and enveloped her, just like every morning of her unsatisfactory life.
She stared at the emptiness of her bedroom with her silver orbs; the bleak stone walls and ash covered floors displayed melancholy, whereas the equally gloomy window framed with blood red drapes showcased the dark and treacherous city of Neriak. She frowned at the depressing scene until the memory of what day it was struck her mind.
Today was her birthday; and her 16th birthday at that.
Today was the day she was considered a young adult in the drow society and finally earned the title of a dark elf. The reason why 16 is such an important age is that dark elves can choose the class they wish to be and fight for their savior and God, Innoruk. If a dark elf fails at satisfying the guild master of the guild he or she desires, they are disowned or killed by their family.
All drow that are younger than sixteen are viewed as scum and pointless beings in dark elf society until they prove their use once they turn the rightful age. Children are not greeted with smiles or signs of affections; often times they are beaten if they displease their elders and are put to work much like a slave would. That is why it is so rare to see a dark elf smile; most do not know how.
Moonshadow considered her options. Her mother, Snaydaru, was a well known necromancer; one of the most feared and respected classes of dark elf society. Snaydaru used her abilities venomously against anyone who stood in her way of gaining power or annoyed her in the slightest sense. Her list of victims throughout her life amount to one-eighth the population of Neriak, which is a city of thousands.
However, necromancy was not something for Moonshadow. Although magic amazed and entranced her, she did not desire to learn it. Her heart was one of a warrior, and her true talent rested with the blade. At the age of seven, while her mother was out doing "errands", Moonshadow snooped around the house (more specifically the attic), even though Snaydaru whipped Moonshadow whenever she inquired about the attic. "NEVER go in there if you want to live" was all she would say. Moonshadow felt more rebellious that day and pick locked the door that led to the forbidden room. Cautiously she entered the place. Her eyes search the area and they immediately fell upon a beautiful sword hidden in the corner, beneath piles of dust and intricately woven spider webs.
She bolted towards it.
Moonshadow's eyes widened in awe as she closely examined the broadsword. The handle of the weapon was made out of the pure platinum and was twisted to give the wielder a better grip. Its hilt had an x-design that was curved at the ends to give it a charming look and a ruby gem was placed in the center of the x. The blade itself was hard but light and the edge was as sharp as a shark's tooth.
Moonshadow gripped the weapon and felt some sort of magical energy enter her. At once she felt one with the sword, as if it was a part of her body and was natural. She practiced only at night while Snaydaru slept for fear that her mother would disapprove and beat her mercilessly.
Now, nine years later, sixteen years after her day of birth, Moonshadow had enough confidence to tell Snaydaru her true intents; pursuing the class of a warrior.
Or so she thought.