(This is written out of order at the moment. It might be best to start with number two.)

The half-elf stumbled over the burning ruins of his village, the loose clothing he wore in tatters. His green hair was a mess, and his blue eyes full of panic. He calls out a woman's name repeatedly.
         "Satrea?! Satrea, are you still alive?1 God damnit, say something, please!"
A disturbingly calm voice spoke from behind him.
         "...You are a very loud person, do you realize that?"
The half-elf turned quickly to face whoever it was who could speak so calmly of this destruction. His eyes met those of a tall, thin man in solid black clothing, with rather long, messy silver hair, his face painted white with black markings, and eyes that glowed a pale blue.
         "Who the hell are you? And what gives you the right to speak like that among the-"
         "Say it. Among the dead. You're searching for the dragon-woman, yes?"
The half-elf nods, staring blankly at the tall man.
         "I thought so. You know she's dead, you just can't deal with it."
This snapped the half-elf back to reality. With a yell, he grabbed a sword off of a nearby fallen soldier and ran at the tall man, who easily blocked the half-elf's slash with his own weapon, and then shove dhim back with little effort, knocking the breath out of his smaller opponent.
         "...how...how dare you..."
         "I dare, Virvius Antares, because I do whatever I please. And currently my attention is drawn to you. The first thing we need to do is bring you back to reality. I don't think you've even noticed the burns on your hand."
Virvius dropped the sword, and looked at his hand before realizing he had second-degree burns across the entire palm. With a hiss, he closed his hand.
         "Open it. I don't think they heal properly that way. That's what you get for grabbing a metal weapon out of a fire. The second step is to make you realize that your wife is dead. I walked across her body on my way into the town. She died in her dragon form and collapsed the bridge when she fell from the sky, so I had to improvise."
         "You..."
         "Monster? Most likely. You can call me Kejeri, by the way."
         "...Well then... do you know what happened to my son, Valius?"
         "I have no idea. I do, however, enjoy chaos and carnage. And you have the innate talent to become a powerful sorcerer. And you have people to focus your anger towards."
         "Who?"
         "Forceful, impulsive, and talented... but dim. The usual for a sorcerer. The empire Ghaelin is building, you stupid elf. Who else? Did you think I was going to set you off against the vampire clans? Of course not. I'll handle them myself someday when I get bored."