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So, that's the end of what I have written of this story. Please PM or post here, which story do you think would be better to pick back up? This one or "Everdark?"

I've left a lot of questions unanswered in both, so if anyone would like the answers just ask in a PM. I wouldn't want to answer them here because obviously these answers would be spoilers.

Thank you for reading and i sincerely look forward to any and all input.

Chapter 7
The were not

Dreams didnâEUTMt come naturally to Marshal Thomas and this one showed no difference. Words, normally confused, were clear and colors were as vibrant as the clouds illuminated by a setting sun. In truth, Welun struggled to tell the difference from the world of his body and the world of his mind.
A velvet canopy, as red in hue as velvet ought to be, sat high in the chamber of his fatherâEUTMs study. He studied his magic and focused his mana much like any other child born to such a family of mystics. The games heâEUTMd played as a child were strewn about his feet and he cried a silent tear of boredom.
The toys grew limbs and lives. They began to march and wander about the room and young Welun thought them all very intriguing. One, a carving of a mermaid, played with a ball of water. The ball was made solid and fell as a marble to the ground. Another toy, this one a small lizard, was still and stoic despite being engulfed in flame.
Welun smiled, heâEUTMd found new entertainment in his toys. He picked up his stuffed lion and felt it turn to stone in his hand. His father, sitting in his chair, would throw him folded paper birds and heâEUTMd marvel at watching them flutter in the wind. Such fragile little things, his toys were, and he found great joy playing with them.
Then, much to his elation, some of the toys merged. The lizard opened its mouth wide and devoured the stone lion. One of the birds swooped down and consumed the hardened marble of water. He watched the new forms in amazement as they catalyzed and reformed each other in beautiful displays.
They took up forms of dolls finally and though made of separate pieces looked nearly identical. Welun saw it only fit to give them names. The brown one, of stone and flame, would be Court. The white, of water and air, would be called Thom. These two new toys would bring him much joy.
His father looked down upon WelunâEUTMs new toys with joy of his own but also concern. Welun looked up to his father and reeled in terror to see his face contort into madness. The massive figure moved toward him as a snake and swallowed his new toys. Much sadness over-came Welun. Blinded by his own tears he ran from the room and found his self in a corridor both dark and unending.
As he wandered this corridor the ground beneath his feet swayed as a rope bridge. Every step forward showed just a little more of where it lead but he was too blinded by his sadness to see. He found another lizard, just like his last, and another lion and another mermaid. He was nearly ready to make them again and though he found paper he knew not how to fold it into the beautiful bird he needed.
Feverishly he tried several ways but it was to no avail. The lion turned to stone, the lizardâEUTMs flame was fully borne and the mermaidâEUTMs water was as clear a crystal as heâEUTMd ever seen. The stage was set and he had no choice. He set the lizard to eat the lion and it did, he was elated. He folded the paper to the best of his efforts and set it atop the marble of water which soaked quickly into it.
Again the forms were made, his dolls were returned to him and he thought them perfect, but they were not. Court, of stone and fire was flawless but Thom, being made of imperfection, was born without a mouth. Welun looked down upon his toys, seemingly reborn, and was happy again.
He sat and watched them for hours as they explored this new world heâEUTMd given to them. He had lost interest in his games but found great joy in watching his dolls make games of their own. The grass tickled his feet and the breeze caressed his cheek as he watched, and the world was fine.
Across the empty field he took in the sight of battle. Men tall and short, dark and light, rich and poor fought to the death for reasons none of the truly understood. He saw his father on that field and he stood high above all of the chaos in the field. Opening his hands two dolls feel from his palm, dolls that Welun knew well as his own creations. All of the fighting ceased at the magnificent sight of these near formless dolls and as the great puppet master barked a single word it would seem that all life did also.
Welun cried out as his creations laid waste to all who battled. It would seem a red tear for every life lost would find its way down his cheek that day. He tried to wipe them from his face but only found more blood on his scarred and wrinkled hands.
Looking down at his new, imperfect toys he still admired the way they played so innocently but heâEUTMd seen the force that lay hidden within them. He would leave them deep in the woods and never speak of them again, so that they may play in peace and never become atrocities.
Jonas woke Trem from his slumber to man the small earthen guard point. Trem could feel more sadness around him, this time more distant than that of the AlaeâEUTMdar. Through the quiet of the morning fog he felt the tears rolling down the MarshalâEUTMs face in his soul and hated the curse that was his talents. Trem left Welun in his sad sleep hoping to hear whispers of the reason, but none would come.

At 5/31/13 03:15 PM, EKublai wrote: This is something I've been wanting to start up since freshman year, but have had to wait til graduation to find the time.

Count me in =)

Chapter 6
Pursued

The three trackers put their training to good use, bounding and over taking one another in one meter increments, a sophisticated dance of strategy. Every step got them closer to their prey and pumped more adrenalin into their systems. Trem watched Jost over take into his next position and marveled at seven generations of selected breeding turned into one amalgam of ferociousness.
The trail was waning quickly and Jonas was barely able to pick up the subtle hints in the dense forest night. They were quickly approaching their search limit and still no signs of the attackers. Trem thought it odd that mages could move so quickly, usually being not adept physically.
Lost in the moment Trem missed the small sparkle of water on the ground. Overtaking Jonas, he stepped into a trench up to his chest of warm muddied waters. The thick mud hummed with magical energy and Trem knew heâEUTMd stepped into a fools trap.
It was JostâEUTMs turn to overtake but he stopped at the sight of Trem thrashing in the mud, trying desperately to get out but it was too late. The water in the muck seemed to flea the scene, leaving only dry earth that became like stone around the young Hayverd. Trem screamed in terror as the mud tightened around him, squeezing his legs and waist nearly to breaking. Pain overcame all of his senses as his feet crumbled in wildly cramping.
Without a word Jost loosed a mace-hand from his side and began to pound at the now solid stone around the Corporal, every strike sending vibrations through TremâEUTMs now fragile skeleton. Jonas watched the scene from the shadows, knowing the two officers may need concealed cover fire however the tightening stopped. Much to TremâEUTMs relief this was a trap to stall, not to injure, that didnâEUTMt much help his now aching legs and pounding headache.
âEUoeWho are you?âEU A mans voice called from the distant trees. Trem thought well of JonasâEUTM foresight to stay hidden. Jost looked to the darkness while unsheathing a menacing looking sword-hand.
âEUoeWho are you and why are you here?âEU Again the voice asked, sounding solemn and fragile fluttering over the nuances of the forest night.
âEUoeJost,âEU Trem grunted âEUoeanswer.âEU
JostâEUTMs muscular form wore the moonlight as an Adonis drapes the fur of a fine hunt on his shoulders. He bit down hard on fury, his eyes nearly glowing in the night.
âEUoeWe are scouts,âEU he proclaimed to the shadows âEUoescouts of New Alamo and the alliance of saints from the east.âEU
âEUoeThen you would do well to return east. We know you are not our enemy but you do stand on dangerous grounds.âEU
Trem heard the seriousness in the words of their hidden foe. His heart calmed a bit as he took in the words of caution. Jost felt the stone beneath his feet slowly start to loosen and jumped away before he fell into the same warm mud Trem had before. Deep breaths of relief escaped from the corporal as his toes tingled with returning circulation.
Crawling out of the muck Trem struggled to keep consciousness as the blood in his body violently rushed from his head. Jost grabbed the neck of his shirt just as he lost that fight. The trees once again were silent and the night again still. Jonas took felt the aura of the mages disappear like fine mist and took his time joining his fellow soldiers.
Trem was soon awake again but his attempts to stand failed him. With his feet still cramped he would not be able to walk under his own will alone. The mage trap did itâEUTMs job fine, it would take Jost and Jonas a full hour to shoulder Trem back to the wreckage of the AlaeâEUTMdar encampment.
Hearing the foot fall of others set Welun into a startle. Not being a trained tracker himself, the Marshal could only prepare for the worst. A sigh of relief escaped his lips as Trem and his crew came into the fading camp light. Some of the AlaeâEUTMdar also had found their way back to the camp and shuffled about the wreckage collecting pieces of their friends.
Humming was thick in the air and rattled the bones of all who heard. You didnâEUTMt have to be trained in the bardic talents to feel the sorrow in their collective tone. Trem fell silent as he listened to the sound and felt himself moved to tears for the first time he could recall. The trained fighter, with pain of his own to handle, felt helpless to sob at the pain of the tree-folk.
Trem shook himself free of his support and slumped to the ground, overwhelmed with emotion.
âEUoeWhat did you learnâEU Welun asked Jonas who moved closer to check on Ulea.
âEUoeThere were two, like I said. They seemed to be trained in the arts of Gaia kinetics and hydrokinetics respectively. Only one spoke, male, possibly early twenties. They smelled clean but not laundered, as if they have a well established camp near.âEU JonasâEUTM report was as clear as he could give it.
âEUoeThat canâEUTMt be,âEU Welun said, nearly angered âEUoethat is a type 3 elemental bomb which takes at least three mages to do. YouâEUTMre telling me that just two people controlled all four major elements at once?âEU
âEUoeSir, I only tracked two people; IâEUTMll leave the arcane figuring to you.âEU Jonas quipped, insulted.
Jonas left TremâEUTMs side to speak with the others. âEUoeMarshal, there is a tale of two brothers that were born with elite elemental masteryâEU¦âEU
âEUoeNo!âEU Welun jumped to his feet in anger âEUoeYou will not speak of any of those legends in my presence is that understood?âEU
Jost stared wide eyed at the enraged man now standing over him.
âEUoeYes, yes sir.âEU Jost stuttered with surprise. Welun walked off into the forest to collect his thoughts. The sun would soon be rising and the long night weighed heavily on every eye. The trademark utility of earth magic again played its part as Welun took his time creating an opening in the ground which then turned into a square subterranean safe haven from the issues of the night.
The mound of dirt pushed aside from the task would make a fine enough hastily arranged guard point which Jonas would be the first to man. Jost grabbed Trem, who was finally calming down, and helped him into the hole. Ulea shuffled her way down the soft, cold hole also. She so hated the idea but knew she wouldnâEUTMt be able to rest in the open.
Welun was the last to enter the small cave. Ulea did her best to warm the moist walls, her efforts exhausting her energy and making her the first asleep. Jost spent some time unable to sleep, jealous of the mages who could exhaust themselves. It was risky but heâEUTMd give anything to do it now.

At first glance, a confrontation looked to be in the works but both of the matrons were surprised to see smiles on the faces of the humans. The marshal was busy juggling perfectly round balls of earth, Trem has retrieved his piccolo and again played sweet music. Jonas was partaking of what could have possibly been sweet ale and even Jost, the hardened war hound, found an AlaeâEUTMdar looking for a quick scuffle. It seemed as though the men had a quicker way of diffusing the tension that Ulea struggled with.
Silent with confusion, and maybe a bit of frustration, Ulea took in the sight of her counter-parts. Jonas stumbled his way over to her, punch drunk and smiling, to take her hand. Ulea glared upon him in disgust but he only refused. Jonas lead the reclusive scholar into the midst of celebration and slowly found herself overwhelmed and enjoying the festivities.
Not another word of war would happen that day. Alaeya stood in the doorway of her hut of straw and branches and whispered into the wind, her somewhat human continence locked in a pleased smile. She stood and watched all that partied as though they were her own.

Chapter 5
To jump but not leap

The day would dwindle on as the party wound down. Whispers overcame the celebrants in both the human tongue and the seemingly indiscernible groans of the AlaeâEUTMdar. Welun kept a smile on his face, doing what he could to feign comfort but deep inside he was torn between the dayâEUTMs events and his memories of these savage peoples slaying countless of his troop.
He eyed his small group one by one and they all silently understood his message. One by one they collected together in a corner and shared their notes of the AlaeâEUTMdar.
âEUoeMarshal, they seem mighty hospitable,âEU Jost began âEUoebut I donâEUTMt understand their angle. They should be half way to guttinâEUTM us by now but they just partyâEU
âEUoeThatâEUTMs because they are not aggressive Private Jost.âEU Trem said. âEUoeThey actually are friendlier than half of the people in New Alamo. Marshal, Ambassador, they seem to speak only in tunes and arpeggios which convey only the emotions of their message. Theoretically I could hold a better conversation with them through my lute than a dozen well read scholars.âEU
âEUoeIâEUTMve wanted to say this from the moment I was sure but it didnâEUTMt seem necessary. Our words are absolutely irrelevant to them, we could all just as well hum. They can hear the very intent in our tones whether it be anger, deception, fear or what have you.âEU Trem continued.
âEUoeSo what youâEUTMre saying is they already know I wish they were dead but theyâEUTMre playing along with this charade?âEU Jost said fighting his anger.
âEUoeActually, now that you mention it, yes I suppose they do.âEU said the young Hayverd. âEUoeI suppose they also realize how, more importantly, you wonâEUTMt strike unless provokedâEU
Ulea was both startled and dumbfounded. âEUoeWhat youâEUTMre talking about is nothing short of mind reading. Are you sure Corporal?âEU
âEUoeAs sure as my training in the bardic talents allow.âEU Trem answered.
âEUoeThen it is pointless to attempt deceit.âEU Welun spoke up. âEUoeWe should consider returning to the council for further advice, it is apparent that the situation has just changed drastically.âEU
âEUoeI would agree Marshal,âEU Trem started âEUoebut how would you propose we part? If they can hear deceit they may stop us.âEU
The five of them sat quietly, feeling the eyes of curiosity weigh heavily on their shoulders. At first Ulea thought the AlaeâEUTMdar brood-mother off but now sheâEUTMd to become suddenly aware of being watched. She remembered the words of Alaeya, that they were merely curious eyes, and did her best to relax.
âEUoeThen we will simply tell them good-bye and be on our way.âEU Welun suggested âEUoeFirst thing tomorrow we will leave in the morning and make our way back to the trucks. They do not know our way and they shall think it to be mornings of silence, understood?âEU
Jonas stood suddenly and gazed into the engulfing darkness that seemed to be closing in on the small camp. His actions were so sudden they startled every one of his companions.
Trem grabbed JonasâEUTM wrist âEUoeJonas! What in goodness sake arâEU¦.âEU
âEUoeSshhâEU¦.âEU Jonas commanded. As Welun watched him searched the woods he noticed the AlaeâEUTMdar did the same. The geomancer finally felt it, magic creped through the air like a phantom ready to strike the peaceful gathering.
âEUoeWeâEUTMve been out only 3 days,âEU Welun whispered. âEUoeThis couldnâEUTMt be us.âEU
The magic around them began to jump and tingle until it became still and silent. Welun took little chances and decided to prepare his defense. The unpacked soil on the ground started to move slowly toward the fire set center stage of the now ended festivities.
âEUoeDown!!!âEU Welun shouted striking his palms to the ground. A wall of earth rose from the ground which the soldiers all instinctually ducked behind. The magic condensed into a luminescent ball of dirt hovering above the flames.
The AlaeâEUTMdar scrambled but it was too late for a few of them as the ball exploded and shook the trees, sending gravel and flaming branches flying in every direction, fodder of the massive explosion only a team of mages could construct. These were the tools of battle and Welun knew them well.
The world roared with the massive concussion. The darkness of the night struggled to reclaim the forest. The burning stink of mana clouded the humanâEUTMs eyes and noses. The MarshalâEUTMs earthen barrier wasnâEUTMt phased by the blast but the same could not be said for many of the AlaeâEUTMdar that lay on the ground, some in pieces. Ulea would remember well how their bodies didnâEUTMt soften upon death.
âEUoeWhat, what was that?âEU Jost was only able to cough out a few words.
âEUoeThat was not our people,âEU Welun exclaimed âEUoewe donâEUTMt attack unprovoked. TremâEU¦ Trem!?âEU
The young Hayverd was stunned by the blast but unharmed. âEUoeSir?âEU He answered
âEUoeWhat is our actionâEU Welun asked, trying to spur his young corporal into action. Trem cleared his throat and gathered his wits.
âEUoePursue, us three will recon. You should stay with Ambassador Shaw for care and protection.âEU He commanded, reminding Welun very much of his father. Jost, Jonas and Trem jumped to their feet not wanting to miss a second of the track. Jonas was always the swiftest of trackers and made little time seeking the trees for the trail.
âEUoeThere was two, theyâEUTMre heading south and quicklyâEU Jonas notified Trem who looked to Welun for consensus.
âEUoe10 kilometers, no more.âEU Welun said to the team, who quickly rushed off into the dark woods.
The ambassadorâEUTMs thoughts all seemed to gather and avail her all at once. âEUoeTwo men?âEU she though. âEUoeHow many dead?âEU She thought. âEUoeWhereâEUTMs the tree mother?âEU. All of these questions chased the sound of her heartbeat from her chest down her stomach, she was unable to hold back the vomit in her throat. Welun rushed with urgency to her side.
âEUoeUlea, Ulee are you ok? Sit down.âEU
âEUoeLet me go Welun IâEUTMm fine,âEU She said sensing his concern. âEUoeand call me Ambassador Shaw.âEU
âEUoeRight right, IâEUTMm sorry, Ms. Shaw.âEU Welun said smiling, relieved she was ok.

Just ran across a thread here that made me wonder, why do people become writers? What is your motivation for taking up this hobby of word-smithing? How many people out there are hoping to be the next R.L. Stine and how many just do it for kicks? Here's the post I was going to place in that thread, before I made this one.

I haven't published anything yet but I have been writing my whole life. I hear talking about their motivations for writing and I think that's very intesting! If I may add my 2 cents, I write because it comes to me naturally. I've never thought about writing, it's just been the way that the pen hit the paper. In all honesty I'm not even sure why what I do is considered writing because anything I write is just my attempt to find the right words to display what I'm thinking or feeling.

It comes out poetic, but it's actually just my inner monologue without my attempts to cencor it coming out of my mouth. I'm not sure if anyone else feels that way but I think that writing should be like that in some fashion. It has to be natural and flow in order to be true to the writer.

Not sure where I'm going with this really. I guess I mean, if you're gonig to write then just let it happen. Any attempts to play to a market will probably be not as fulfilling. Not saying you won't get published and won't get money, but personally if I'm going to do something which requires a trade in energy then it wouldn't be writing. Writing is where I feel free! I wouldn't tarnish that with deadlines.

Hey everyone. I have several posts in the writers forum showcasing my talent as a writer. I'm looking to work on a project (game or animation) that encompasses great character detail and lore. Even if you have some elements of a story you wish to flesh out and make into a project, let me know! Thanks.

Chapter 4
Speak of the devil

The long road to the AlaeâEUTMdar outpost was easy going compared to the trip there. The roads became more defined as signs of constant use were more apparent. Slowly, the group began to see small huts and lean-toâEUTMs meant to combat the winds and rain. Sounds of a celebration began to flood through the forestlands, a celebration which Welun didnâEUTMt feel very welcomed at.
The trees opened up to reveal an area of great openness where many AlaeâEUTMdar were dancing and making noises unexplainable by the greatest of bards. Their guide stopped just short of the partying Tree folk. Welun counted nearly twenty of them and quite a few in the surrounding huts preparing what smelled like fresh oat porridge.
The guide took in a deep breath and exhaled a mighty blast of air that shook the leaves on the ground. The partying stopped and all patrons looked toward the group in amazement. Silence filled the crowd as green heads also poked out of the tents to see the new arrivals. One by one, they seemed to chirp softly until the air was filled with the sounds of a hundred birds in flight.
The males all looked strong and lean. A few of them had battle scars which didnâEUTMt seem to bleed or heal. The females had uncovered breasts but no discernable genitalia, their figures very much human though. The fine details would certainly turn even the most reserved humans head. Ulea was less impress than the enthralled men.
âEUoeWe are here to speak of peaceâEU Ulea said softly but sternly. The chirping of the group stopped suddenly and in unison, startling Ulea. The group of silent AlaeâEUTMdar stood perfectly still, eyes locked on Ulea and her companions. From one of the tents stepped an AlaeâEUTMdar female, this one even more beautiful and human like than the rest. She wore natural drabs and approached the group. The other AlaeâEUTMdar watched her move through their crowd and it was obvious she was their leader.
âEUoeI am the grand-mother Alaeya,âEU She spoke softly to the humans. âEUoeAnd you have come to my home to speak with me. I will not disappoint you.âEU
Ulea was pleased at the AlaeâEUTMdar In their matriarchal commune. She saw it even more fitting that she be the first one to speak.
âEUoeI am Ulea Shaw of New Alamo City. WeâEUTMve come to you today to seek peace and understandingâEU
âEUoeYoung one, you speak with unknowing wisdom, please.âEU Alaeya said, walking back into her tent which sat under large great oak tree.
âEUoeMs. Shaw, are you sure this is wise? We know what these people are capable of. Dare you trust her so early?âEU Trem said in whispers.
âEUoeThey are well aware of what we are up to also. If this is their queen then they are taking a much bigger risk than I.âEU Ulea said, starting away. The thin crowd parted to give her way, each AlaeâEUTMdar seemed to sniff the air as she passed. Ulea was more concerned about leaving her attack dogs without a proper master to leash them. She could only trust Marshal Thomas to keep them at bay.
Jost eyed the crowd. Anger, fear and the lust of battle fought to control his actions. He surveyed his opponents and figured a forty percent chance of the groupâEUTMs survival, and a fifty-seven percent chance of his survival alone. His odd werenâEUTMt the best but being the most battle hardened in the group heâEUTMd seen worse.
The crowd closed back in at UleaâEUTMs passing, again turning their attention to the human men. Welun took the opportunity to set the example for the other men, by sitting down cross legged.
âEUoeMarshal, these men and women could strike at any time!âEU
âEUoeSit private. Not a one of them has so much as reached for a weapon and neither shall we.âEU
As the men sat down hesitantly the sentinel that guided them to the camp moved slowly closer to the group and sat with them, eyes fixed in an unmistakably over-watching way. The crowd took in the sight for but a few awkward moments before the celebration continued anew.
âEUoeSo, you are the mother of the others?âEU Alaeya asked of Ulea.
âEUoeI am not but sometimes I feel it so. Are these all your children?âEU Ulea asked
âEUoeThey come from my seed yet they are not only my children. They are also the children of the treesâEU Alaeya said with broken speech.
âEUoeSo, you are their mother then, thatâEUTMs quite impreâEU¦âEU
âEUoeYouâEUTMve come to ask more important questions yes?âEU Alaeya interrupted.
âEUoeYes, I would suppose so. Where did you come from?âEU Ulea asked.
âEUoeI am from your world. Your people would call me different but I came from a seed much like yours. My birth mother gave me birth but the forest gave me life.âEU Alaeya answered, pouring what looked to be tea into an earthen glass. Ulea was instantly impressed by her sophistication and took special interest in the ways Alaeya conducted herself.
âEUoeYou seem not like your children, is there a reason?âEU Ulea asked.
âEUoeI was born of two human parents and one natural seed. My children are born of my seed and life from the forest. We are different beings but they are better, purer and more perfect than I.âEU AlaeyaâEUTMs voice became solemn, almost remorseful of her supposed imperfection.
Ulea sipped the drink offered by the AlaeâEUTMdar mother and it was earthy like mud strained through spring flowers. She did her best not to show her disgust.
Alaeya fixed her eyes on the visitor. âEUoeYou wish to know our weaknesses, our strengths and our ways do you not?âEU
âEUoePardon me, I do not wish to find your weaknesses for ways of battle.âEU Ulea said quickly.
âEUoeIt is fine. You are curious about us. ItâEUTMs a good step toward peace I suppose. You may be upset to know that we have no exploitable weakness I can share with you, out of want or necessity.âEU
Ulea was surprised by her own disappointment at the statement.
âEUoeNow, Ms. Shaw, I wish to ask you a question.âEU Alaeya placed her cup on the ground. Ulea noticed for the first time that this AlaeâEUTMdar was the only one which showed such human emotion.
âEUoeOf course, please doâEU Ulea said.
âEUoeI would ask, why you war with us.âEU
Ulea was thrown heavily by this question. It was the AlaeâEUTMdar who warred with the humans or so sheâEUTMd believed. Why was this, the leader of her tormentors, asking such a question?
âEUoeIâEUTMm not sure I understand. It should be I who asks that question of you.âEU Ulea said, lost in awe.
âEUoeWe only defend our lands. Do you not know the reasons of your attacksâEU Alaeya said, eyes fixed on the human.
âEUoeOur attacks? IâEUTMm sorry but I think there must be confusion.âEU UleaâEUTMs words trailed softly out of AlaeyaâEUTMs ears. The queen of the AlaeâEUTMdar looked vacantly into the distance.
âEUoeDid you hear? We start no quarrel...âEU
âEUoeYes, I heard you and I apologize. How many are in your party, may I ask? Were you followed?âEU Alaeya interrupted.
âEUoeWell there was myself and my four guards. Is something the matter?âEU Ulea asked, attempting to feign concern. Alaeya sat quiet and still as a deer feeling its self being tracked.
âEUoeI believe you may have brought something else with you, something the prophet foresaw.âEU She said shaking her uneasiness. âEUoeIt is no concern, but I feel the presence of a watcher upon us. There are many watchers, this one seems only curious.âEU
A sudden commotion erupted outside of the tents. Startled both of the matrons jumped in suspicion of one another. Grunting and struggling could be heard coming from outside, Ulea was able to make out JostâEUTMs roar. She hurried to the door to see what was happening.

âEUoeâEU¦but, how will that protect us?âEU Asked Jonas.
Ulea stood silently for a moment, looking for a clear foot trail through the brush of flora.
âEUoeThe trees of the western front all communicate with each other,âEU Welun started to explain âEUoeon a level we canâEUTMt perceive or understand of course, but they do. Some say itâEUTMs through the roots, others say they send messages on the wind passing through their branches. In other words, Miss Ambassador here just gave a peace offering.âEU
âEUoeVery good professor,âEU Ulea quipped âEUoeitâEUTMs been such a long time since the school house I thought youâEUTMd have lost your touch by now.âEU
As the team made its way through the forest the occasional doe or squirrel would scurry away. It was about an hour before they found the foot trail that would lead them to the AlaeâEUTMdar shire. The rapidly warmly fall air made the dense forest line bordering the trail creak and grumble to life as the sun rose. Jost, being the most field experienced of the group, was the first to recognize the groan of an arbor tree. The deep rumble sent its vibrato through the soil where Welun picked up on it.
âEUoeWeâEUTMre being watched.âEU Jost said watching the trees.
âEUoeWe have been watched for about an hour now, weâEUTMre just now being warned.âEU Ulea said without breaking stride. âEUoeIt only means weâEUTMre getting close, not that weâEUTMre under attack.âEU
Welun bent down and scraped a sample of the moist dirt into his hand. The taste of it suggested high amounts of nitrates, low sulfur content and very minimal waste. He thought it a fine substance to work with, unlike the empty desert sands surrounding Alamo city. He continued to walk while he separated the minerals in his hand. He pocketed a tiny ball of white alabaster and gold, the rest clumped itself together which he threw to the side of the road.
Ulea held up a hand over her shoulder. An AlaeâEUTMdar moved out from the shadows of the trees and made his self known. His thin frame was barely distinguishable from the saplings around him both in width and color. His eyes, black as onyx, peered toward the humans. An arrow was knocked in a crude bow in one hand, as one would brandish a sword in a hilt on their hip.
âEUoeRelax now boys,âEU Ulea said to the near salivating dog men at her sides. âEUoeWeâEUTMre guests here, letâEUTMs not ruin what little welcome we have. What do you say we break for lunch?âEU
Jost struggled in vain against his own tongue âEUoeAre you out of your mind woman? That AlaeâEUTMdarâEU¦.âEU
âEUoeIs wondering what weâEUTMre up to. LetâEUTMs send a message that says âEU~nothingâEUTM senior private.âEU Ulea interrupted.
The AlaeâEUTMdar male was a sentinel. Welun has seen this before and knew that he wasnâEUTMt a direct threat while unprovoked. Jost and the other werenâEUTMt as comfortable with his presence. The uneasiness hung in the air as the team ate silently.
âEUoeWhen youâEUTMre done eating, clean up all of your trash before we continue.âEU Ulea whispered and everyone followed her lead.
âEUoeYes mother.âEU Jost quipped
âEUoeMs. Shaw, should we hide our weapons?âEU Jonas asked.
âEUoeNo, as a matter of fact if you get a chance to display them without being threatening please do. We harbor no secrets here.âEU
They finished their meal and began to walk again towards the sentinel, standing stoically watching them. Ulea found it astonishing he could stand so still for so long. Only his eyes seemed to track the humans as the approached. The team stopped a few short paces away. Ulea was the first to speak.
âEUoeWeâEUTMve come to speak of peace.âEU She said but received no response. She said it again in every language sheâEUTMd been taught but still nothing.
Corporal Hayverd touched her shoulder, âEUoeDo you think I could give it a try?âEU
âEUoeYou could try I suppose.âEU Ulea said defeated. Trem pulled a small piccolo from his pocket and began to play. The AlaeâEUTMdar slowly looked toward him. Welun could see his eyes widen slightly and his face soften as if pleased.
âEUoeWell, young Hayverd, it appears youâEUTMve gotten through to himâEU Welun said with a bit of hesitation.
âEUoeJust as I thought sir, the universal language strikes againâEU Trem said trying to stifle a proud grin.
The silent sentinel, now looking around, seemed to be taking account of his new visitors. He looked into the near by brush and let out a loud bark, much like a dog. He repeated a few times and each made Jost a little more nervous. A rustling came from the tree line and from that rustle another two AlaeâEUTMdar stepped forward. These two had been perfectly hidden on both sides of the dirt path and now surrounded the small party.
âEUoeItâEUTMs an ambush!!âEU Jost shouted. Welun grabbed for his arm which was going for his side arm.
âEUoeNo, wait. They would have ambushed long ago, before we knew they were there.âEU He said softly.
The two newly found AlaeâEUTMdar stepped out from the tree line and behind the group. The first turned his back and began walking up the path slowly. It was obvious he meant to lead them but to where? UleaâEUTMs curiosity won out over her hesitation, as it does for most, and she walked on deeper into unmarked AlaeâEUTMdar territories. The others in the group walked on behind her, Jost took off his jacket and purposely displayed his side arms and his freshly sharpened short sword.

Chapter 3
The winding path

With the sun, new possibilities arose. The possibility of hope, battle and death loomed stalwartly in the air. The morning fog that sat low on the ground would be a blessing if this were a normal excursion however the concealment it provided was useless against the forest stalkers.
Jost was the first to stir awake, the painful lesson on his cheek making it difficult to sleep. The others woke also and packed up their gear. Ulea rewarmed the stone cube to everyoneâEUTMs joy.
"I never understood that arcane stuff," Jonas said looking puzzled "I mean isn't it like using your soul? What happens when you run out?"
"Almost correct and in the beginning of training that's a huge concern. As you improve though... well it becomes more like just holding your breath." The geomancer answered, used to such questions.
"So... if you try too hard, you could drown yourself?" Jonas asked.
"Something like that."
"WeâEUTMd better get going," Trem interrupted "the sun will be coming up soon."
It was another half-hours ride through the desert before they would start seeing foliage. The abrupt difference was always unsettling, almost like life had drawn a line in the sand and dared any fools to cross it.
"It's time to stop the trucks." Ulea shouted over the road noise, eyes fixed on the wood line. A call over the radio alerted Trem Hayverd to UleaâEUTMs decision and he readily conceded. The two trucks stopped a few short yards from the soft grass. Welun set his bare feet on the ground again but something felt off this time. The soil felt empty and cold, hollow and silent between his toes.
The three officers grabbed their survival packs from the trucks. Trem was glad that he sensed no fear or hesitation in his crew, it made him even surer of his fatherâEUTMs choices. He wished, though, that he could say the same from the marshal who seemed to lose his focus rather quickly.
"Is everything alright Marshall?" Trem asked. However Welun gave no answer.
"He is fine," Ulea said "now for the next five minutes none of you are to speak."
The men all nodded silently, Ulea was surprised by their obedience and astuteness. She walked to the nearest tree just a few paces ahead of the others where she pulled out a small flask of fresh water. Opening it, she poured the liquid into her hand and let it drain onto the trunk of the near dead looking oak. Welun was puzzled by this until he felt the ground under his feet become warm again, welcoming them into the forest.
âEUoeThere, that should do it. We shouldnâEUTMt have many problems, what do you think Marshall?âEU Ulea asked.
âEUoeWe... Feel welcomed. What did you do?âEU
âEUoeI merely warmed the tree with warm water. In the fall as it is now they greatly appreciate a break from the cold.âEU She answered with a small smile on her face.

This is the last of this story that I have written. If you found this interesting please read my other story "First Dawn" and let me know which you would prefere I restart.

The morning sun radiated across VerâEUTMneths fine Elvin features. She awoke to the moist morning dew saturating her armor, making the metal chain seem even colder than normal. Sitting against a tree she tried to remember the nights events but a headache stopped her every thought. A dull pain in her neck would be the first clue to her situation. She tried to shake her head to ease the pain but to no avail. Her head was stuck backward, with her face pointed toward the sky and every attempt brought her hands closer to the back of her neck. It didnâEUTMt take long for VerâEUTMneth to realize, she was hog-tied with her own beautiful silken hair wrapped around her wrists.
âEUoeSo youâEUTMre awake are you fierâEUTMdal?âEU Lilly said to VerâEUTMneth using the ancient Elvin name for the dark-elves.
VerâEUTMneth let out a groan and blinked hard trying to clear the haze from her eyes.
âEUoeYou will pay dearly for this. YouâEUTMve made a fatal mistake and will suffer Innorruuks harshest talents.âEU VerâEUTMneth protests with her parched voice.
A single kick to the dark-elfâEUTMs stomach sent her flying backwards several feet before coming to a stop. The jolting kick loosened VerâEUTMneths bindings and freed her hands but she was too overcome with pain to realize that now. The sound of gasping brought a sadistic smile to LillyâEUTMs face.
âEUoeSakary et laet saar. Tunare siet almuin forisa jopalaâEU LillyâEUTMs voice hummed on the morning air with a sickening sweetness of a child at play. VerâEUTMneth felt the ground rumble beneath her and crack with the sound of vines slowly coming to the top soil. They wrapped themselves around her body tightly halting any attempts sheâEUTMd make to right herself. The smell of dirt filled VerâEUTMneth with dread for she knew what would be next. She let out a scream of agony as thorns as long as a drakes claws grew from the vines and penetrated her flesh. She was not dead, but she certainly wished she was.
âEUoeAre you done fierâEUTMdal? I have a few questions for you if youâEUTMd be so kind.âEU VerâEUTMneth found herself unable to speak, only peer into LillyâEUTMs eyes in submission.
âEUoeGood,âEU Lilly started âEUoethen you will tell me everything you know of Stanos and his thieves.âEU

Chapter 2
The immortal door

Their convoy of two traveled for nearly an hour. Welun Thomas sat silently listening to the banter of the two young officers that joined him. To his left was the ambassador who also appeared to have nothing to say.
"So what is your name young scribe?" Welun asked.
âEUoeI am Ulea Shaw and I am far from a scribeâEU. She replied timidly.
"Yes, you must be to garner such esteem with the council." The noise of the truck and the commotion of the terrain overshadowed their voices, abruptly pausing the conversation.
"So Ms. Shaw," Welun continued "you've studied these... people, these Alae'dar. What have you learned so far?"
Ulea beamed a slightly insulted glare at Welun but understood his concern.
"The Alae'dar is a race of nature folk that live in the forestlands of the CaliforniaâEUTMs. I've never seen one personally but I understand they're greenish brown color and walk upright with a frame roughly human. They're believed to come from a new breed of tree that arose during the Great Spirit war."
A call came over the radio interrupting Ulea's account.
"Marshal Thomas this is Corporal Hayverd, over"
A sigh escaped Welun. He struggled to reach for the radio sitting in the center column.
"Go ahead Corporal, over"
"Marshal it's getting dark and we're nearing the western border. What say we stop for the night? Over" The young Hayverd didn't have to ask but Welun appreciated his humility.
"Sounds like a fine idea Corporal. Out"
Senior private Jost, the officer at the wheel, slowed the vehicle to a stop. The night air in the Arizona desert was cold this time of year and a chill seemed to make its way quickly to Ulea's bones. Trem joined them after a brief sweep of what was to be the perimeter.
The steady earth felt welcoming under the geomancers feet. He was pleased it took so well to his manipulation. With little effort he coerced a small bunker from the sand, just enough to cut the steady wind and keep their lights from unwanted eyes.
"Marshal, would you also give us a stone here?" Ulea asked, removing her gloves. He obliged her by raising a mound of dirt about six feet on four sides. With a little concentration the mound tightened in on itself halving its size and becoming as hard as stone.
"Will this do, Ms. Shaw?" he asked
"That will do just fine thank you." She brought her hands to the stone and the soldiers were surprised to feel heat begin to radiate from it, as if she set a camp fire ablaze within it.
"Ahh, so we have a pyromancer also with us? That should come in handy." said senior private Jost with a chuckle, his thick mustache quivering on the wind.
Ulea gave a coy smile. "I'm not some battle mage, I was only gifted with the touch of one."
"Well I suppose that must be useful in bed, eh corp?" Jost laughed long and heartily. Even though she rather enjoyed his candor as a change from the boring sages, she felt his crudeness shouldn't go unpunished. Unable to stifle her grin she walked over to the near seven foot tall man and slapped him. He fell to the ground and screamed in pain. Looking back at her, fury in his eyes, the others were able to see the shape of her palm scorched onto his cheek.
"You have no idea." Ulea said, meeting his stare with one of her own. He saw in her eyes the golden ring that all archanist have, the ring that all norms feared. Luckily for him she wasn't quite as unstable as some others however she learned early in life how to use that fear.
"Alright kids," Marshall Thomas chimed "that's enough sparring for one night. Each of you pick a corner and no coming out 'till you hear the bell." Ulea winked at Jost and walked calmly away.
"Oh and Marshall, that'll be Ambassador Shaw if you please."
"Yes ma'am." Welun responded with a smirk. He was beginning to like her more and more. The five person squad made last minute preparation for tomorrow entry into hostile lands.
"Finish the story." Jost hollered to Ulea.
"Ah yes the story, Ms. Ambassador." Welun spoke up to diffuse the tension.
"Very well, where was I?" Ulea straightened herself up as if preparing to recite a great poem.
"I think you were as the spirit war, ma'am" Private Jonas spoke quietly, intimidated by Ulea which only pleased her further.
"Thank you, yes the Alae'dar are recorded as being first spotted during the spirit war. Some even say we would not have won it if not for them. Somehow, though, things soured when we tried to set up outposts in the west. People started disappearing. We learned their true natures in a grotesque find of our soldiers remains in the forestlands. They had been disemboweled and half buried."
Jost's shift of anger from Ulea to the Alae'dar was nearly visible
"Well that's all I know for now. Hopefully tomorrow we'll have more to go on. Corporal you understand that the moment we hit the tree line the ball is in my court correct?"
"Y... yes I would suppose so." Trem Hayverd answered trying not to spit his ration all over himself.
"There's no need to suppose, know that the moment we encounter an arbor the Alae'dar will know every action we take and every word we utter. Some say they can read minds and while I don't know how true that is we shouldn't take risks we can't handle." Ulea concluded.
"So now we're supposed to stop thinking also?" said Jost.
"Well while that may be easier for some of us than others, no, you're supposed to follow my lead and you will do so whenever possible. Clear?"
"Aye, as the night sky." Welun said, the tone of his voice ending the conversation. He had always been amused by how diplomats were rarely as tactful with their own people. The crew slowly babbled themselves to sleep. There would be time enough tomorrow to fray their senses.

The First Dawn

Another war, another pointless end to an equally pointless life. The few cents spent to make the bullet deserved a better cause. The now faceless mass of human fodder would find a way to soften the scorched earth, making burial a simple task. One man stood mid-stage upon the macabre sight. From his pillar of dirt swords, shields, rifles and bodies seemed trapped in the purgatory of madness.
His name was Welun Thomas and his hands beckoned to the earth. As they swayed so did the ground swell and fall to his will. The field again lay silent without the chorus of battle or suffering and so Welun would finish his duties. Summoning great amounts of mana in his chest he willed the earth to move once more. This time it shook and split, the quake swallowing the nights refuse into gaping chasms, glowing with magic.
Welun took in the sorrowful sigh. Even the hardest of soldiers loathed burying his own and the geomancer was no exception. The earthen column crumbled beneath him and slowly brought his bare feet to the warm, tingling ground. The foot trek wouldn't be long back to Alamo city but just long enough to Welun to prepare his report.

Chapter 1
The river

The city tower tolled in the hour and on this day its news would bring grim news. Welun arrived in the council hall and presented his report.
"From the western front, Marshall Welun Thomas." He said, his voice resonating throughout the grand hall.
"Report, Marshall Thomas" the Archite chancellor responded.
"Council, the western front has fallen. One survivor, one-hundred twenty two dead in action, zero captured, zero resources located. End battle loss report." Welun maintained his composure while fighting the sourness in his gut. The silent, vacant stares of the council did nothing to help. A young scribe approached Welun and ceremoniously accepted his loss report documentation.
"Report, Marshall Thomas" The Edocite chancellors voice boomed.
"Council, upon my arrival to the western front the fighting had already begun. Our units did a commendable job maintaining a pyramid formation but arbors tunneled deep below our mages. By the time the roots were discovered it was too late and the mages went under. Alae'dar surged on one side as a distraction and with opposition from outside and within it was only a matter of time. Estimated opposition; thirty Alae'dar, five arbor. End battle-assessment report."
Again the young scribe accepted his report and again the damned silence. After a few moments the third and final chancellor took his turn.
"Report, Marshall Thomas." his voice solemn
"Council, I plan to coordinate with Captain Hayverd and assemble a small contingent to observe the western front. I also request an ambassador to go to the Alae'dar forestlands and seek resolution. End battle intention report."
Once more the scribe took the report documentation but this time the silence was replaced with the whispers and murmurs of the few attendees, surprised at the idea of an ambassador to the violent Alae'dar of the forests.
"Marshal Welun Thomas. Make your plans with Captain Hayverd. When you are prepared return and we will have your ambassador ready." Although the words came from the Edocite chancellor he knew they were the words of the entire council. His form stiffened as he gave a salute. Exiting the council hall the city tower tolled and in its ring lay news of the western front. Tears fell from nearly every innocent eye as a city mourned its loss.
Welun met with Charles Hayverd to recruit an observation team. He always hated dealing with the captain as he was one to take things far too seriously..
"Captain Hayverd," he started "the council has sent me to gather a small group to man the western front."
"Is that right, Marshall?" he said with unmistakable contempt. "More blood for your orchard is it?"
"Oh come on Hayverd you know nothing grows in that land." Welun said with a bit of jest.
"No, apparently not."
"Besides, this is just an observation task. The Alae'dar seemed to have a particular interest in that area and I'm hoping to find out why. We even have an ambassador joining our little field trip." The Marshalls plan seemed valid enough for the old hound.
"Heh, an 'ambassador' you say? Was that the councilâEUTMs idea?" Hayverd grabbed a cane near his desk and hobbled his way toward a weapons rack.
"Actually, it was mine." Welun replied
"Right, what we need is a good spy or assassin in there."
"That too was my idea, Charles" Welun gave a sly grin as the two conspirators were finally in understanding. He was happy it didn't take the council as much time to catch on.
"Well it seems you have your wheels oiled and spinning as quick as ever and I've never been one to throw the preverbal wrench." The captain yielded. "As a matter of fact, this sounds like a great task to get my son used to field work."
"I trust your choices Captain. I will need three of your brightest to meet me in the courtyard ready for a weekâEUTMs expedition." Welun said making his way to the door. "Oh, and I'll let you know if anything grows out there."
It would be a few minutes to get back to the council chamber. That would afford him the chance to gather all the essentials. Ammunition for his side-arm, a bit of untainted birch for a campfire. He even had time to have his dagger sharpened and re-enchanted by the town smithy. An aero-split enchant was undetectable by non-mages and would be his best choice if stealth was needed
Upon his arrival, as was promised, an apprentice scholar was dressed in impromptu ambassador robes and waiting for him outside the hall. Also present were three officers from Captain HayverdâEUTMs third ranks. One of which Welun scarcely recognized as his son, Trem Hayverd, to lead the squad.
"Western front expedition!" Marshal Welun commanded to the scattered group. One by one they feel into line, all except the scholar who only gave an agreeing nod from under her hooded head-dress.
The earth mage went down the line, inspecting and sizing up the squad. Each of the three was more battle-ready and intimidating than the last. He continued his path silently toward the entrance to the hall. Trem gave the marching commands and they followed into the hall, trailed by the scholar in her own stride.
"Your team is assembled Marshall Thomas?" asked the Edocite chancellor.
"It is and we've readied our accoutrements, council."
"Good, your expedition has been recorded in the minutes. You and your team are to head west and ascertain the current situation there while attempting to create a political foundation upon which as agreement may be built. I cannot express to you the importance of your task nor the inherent dangers. Understand Marshall that if we do not hear from you for more than seven days we will continue our efforts as if you've not survived.
"I understand, council." Welun said.
"Then under the guidance of Marshall Welun Thomas and the command of Corporal Trem Hayverd, begin your expedition." Edocite Chancellor Fras concluded, ending a ceremony Welun was very much used to hearing. Again he gave a salute and fell in line with the rest of the squad.
"File left!" TremâEUTMs voice was full and clear through the hall. The now four man squad marched out of the courtyard and to the city gates. Once there the formation was dropped and the five of them took two trucks through the desert surrounding Alamo City. It would be a dayâEUTMs ride to the hostile lands to the west and that would be more than enough time to educate the scholar about her role.

Hey everyone. This is my first original story. I actually started it about 5 years ago, played with it for a few months then never touched it again. I only have about half of the story worked out in my head so the character paths aren't exactly set in stone. I'm trying to decide which of my two stories (this is or Everdark) would be better to pick back up. Give them both a read and let me know which one you prefer.
~Vicero
The birth- Prologue
It was given to him in a dream, the instructions to make new life.

The two siblings, skin of healthy earth, took into themselves seeds of natural birth. The sister into her womb and the brother into his flesh. Their secret gestation would bring hatred upon them and spurn to their names but they'd be called heroes and revolutionaries to others.

His seed grew from his scalp, roots formed down his spine and into his brain. The life that took root on op his head became source of new thought and new perception beyond what humans could ever achieve alone. New wisdom, passed down from the earth and trees for millions of years flooded into his conciseness and at first over-whelmed his mind. Even though the experience was sometimes torturous he dared not harm the plant for he knew that it was now a part of him as he were a part of it, inseparable. His burden, his child became like the crown of a king on his head. King Sophsis he would be called and though he held no kingdom, he was indeed praised.

Her seed grew in her womb. For many years it sat in gestation, so many in fact that even sheâEUTMd forgotten about its presence. She married a wealthy man who made her want for nothing but a child. Many long years they tried and it wasn't until they made love in a spring river did she conceive. Her womb surged with life and awakened the dormant seed within. This new life grew in the belly of the child and also filled her child with the knowledge of nature. The birth of this child would be seemingly normal but as time went on her skin thickened and from her head green hair grew wildly. She would be named Alaeya.
The wealthy man, seeing this, sought to cure this sickness, as he called it, but there was no cure and so she was cast out into the damp woods like a dying dog. She did not die though for as the seasons came the green of her hair nourished her and with winter her thick dark skin got even thicker and even darker, so much so that she lost the ability to move between fall and spring. For many years she came to the same spot to lie on the river bank and await the time when her cocoon of bark would split open and awaken her to a new spring, her skin soft and radiant beyond measure.

King Sophsis heard on the whispering winds that flowed through his crown of a being much like himself, one with the spirit of nature, which would awaken soon on the banks of the California rivers. Being an outcast afforded him ample time to make the trek up the mountains to behold the sight and converse with the spirits that lived in each tree along the way. At last he came to the stream and waited to see for himself the rebirth of this goddess of nature. Silent and stoic he waited for days and at the first breath of warm spring air his nostrils flared and eyes widened in the serenity that all nature feels, alive with sensation. A creaking beset his ears from nearly a mile away and he knew it had begun. He made haste down the river side and came upon the form of a woman, maybe twenty winters aged, which seemed to be made of wood through and through. The coarse and filthy hair made of fine green moss that fell to the ground and buried itself deep like roots to sip the water.

The smell of flowers and fruit filled the air as the bark split open. He sat in silence, afraid to intrude on such a splendid sight. From the hollow cocoon stepped an earthly maiden who set her emerald eyes upon the sky and locked gazes with eternity, drinking in the sun and warmth. She walked silently into the river and washed the dirt from herself and emerged even more beautiful than Sophsis could imagine. The two met eyes for the first time but neither were surprised. They shared the same senses, the same blood and were connected in thought.

King Sophsis would ordain her the queen of a new and grand race, a race called the Alae'dar.

Although Alaeya would be called his queen the two never lay together and although she gave birth to many offspring she never knew the touch of a man. Every year, left in her cocoon, was a seed from AlaeyaâEUTMs womb that would become it's own young when touched by the root of a tree. And so the Alae'dar grew over time and flourished in the seclusion deep in the mountains. Queen Alaeya and King Sophsis sat atop the highest tree and watched through the seasons, their children spread further into the distance.

King Sophsis lost the ability to walk some forty years after finding Alaeya. He ceased on top of a majestic oak tree and though his limbs drained of life he still existed as an echo in the growth born from his head. It would grow longer and longer, draped down the sides of the oak tree as moss and vines and Alaeya would sit beneath it and share the first spring wind there each passing year. They'd both drink in the splendor of life and knew themselves connected with their children, where-ever they may be.

Also, does anyone know how to disable the way the boards messed up special characters??? This is killing me.

The beast brothers looked as Calleth, stopped just a few yards away. They didnâEUTMt seem surprised, they knew he was there long ago. The barbarians turned away to gather their belongings and wrangle the passive drogmors. A quick glance around and Calleth saw no sign of VerâEUTMneth. Undoubtly sheâEUTMd made her escape while all the commotion was taking place.
The heartbeat in his chest was the only sound to breech Calleths awe and though he heard nothing an aura of rage seemed to suffocate him. Being a seasoned warrior he was not unaccustomed to the sensation, he was however never surrounded in it as he was at that moment. It became clear to him, Nogood was its source.

Chapter 7
Shards of Reckoning

The cries of Karana himself would be silenced in this desolate, soul numbing expanse. Fully engulfed in its fury Calleth sat in awe, unbelieving of his own eyes. Before him stood the Vah shir he once knew as a playful child now staring at him with the piercing eyes of death itself. The fur on Nogoods back seemed to pulse and flow, almost as if it too were alive with rage. The snarl on his lips, the gape of his maw, was the likes of which would chill the bones of the fiercest or warriors.
Nogood growled a turned away, his footsteps striking loudly upon the supple ground. The night fog drifting lazily in the air moved aside silently to allow this stalker unobstructed sight to his quarrel. Without even a flick of his hand or an utterance of magic Nogood disappeared into the night leaving deathly silence.
Calleth felt himself tire, as if his soul had been crying for a thousand years. He fell backward onto the ground in a daze, trying feverishly to break his confusion. A screech would do it for him as KerlaniâEUTMs voice rang into the night in an infuriated cry. Calleth turned and ran to the sides of his companions to find the songstress on the ground, it was apparent sheâEUTMd passed out that way. Crog sat a few feet from her, eyes wide, peering at the sleeping bard.
âEUoeCrog, what has happened? Say somethingâEU Calleth said to Crog
âEUoeAye IâEUTMm fine as a well Cal but yer cat nearly took my head off. IâEUTMd no choice but to put an awful stun on her. When she regathered she collapsed âEU~ere you see âEU~er.âEU Crog explained. âEUoeDamned cats, neâEUTMer know what they be thinkinâEUTMâEU
A terrifying sound came from the horizon, the sound of men screaming and wolves yelping.
âEUoeCome now my friend, weâEUTMve got to go find Nogood! HeâEUTMs gone rogue and I fear the worst.âEU Calleth said, hurrying Crog to his feet.
âEUoeAye, what of Kerlani?âEU
âEUoeWeâEUTMll come back for her, doesnâEUTMt seem sheâEUTMll be moving anywhere at the moment. Come now heâEUTMs off this way.âEU Calleth said running toward the sound of battle.
The two ran over small hills and ridges, dodging the occasional tree. They passed a leg, severed from itâEUTMs knee, then an arm separated from itâEUTMs shoulder, then a head separated from itâEUTMs body, the head of Eric Marrow. Ivan was heard some ways ahead, screaming in panic. Calleth and Crog finally came to the fight; Nogood ripping to shreds the wolves Ivan was summoning to buy time in futility. This wasnâEUTMt a fight, this was slaughter.
Nogood charged Ivan roaring in a battle-cry that sent ice down both of the spectators spines. Fangs ripped into IvanâEUTMs throat, blood ebony in the twilight poured from the barbarian neck. Holding strong to his throat, Nogood placed a single clawed hand on IvanâEUTMs chest. His ebony claws dug deep into the soft leather armor and with one downward motion removed all flesh, animal and human, from IvanâEUTMs sternum leaving exposed ribs.
The gurgled cries of Ivan made Crogs stomach churn, he found himself unable to keep his meal down. IâEUTMd been nearly 80 years since Crog witnessed such ruthlessness, such ferocity. He felt himself being watched almost as if he was being judged and he was found lacking. Tears streamed down the dwarfs cheeks as he was over-come with a sense of helplessness in the face of dread.
Nogood gazed up at his two mentors and huffed as long tendrils of blood and sinew hung from his mouth. The blue eyes Calleth knew once again regained their sparkle as they slowly pointed to the sky as if seeking. For a moments time Nogood sat there in silence and seemed to watch Luclin hover over-head. Calleth started to walk over when Nogood gave a wince of incredible pain. His voice no longer in a snarl, the vah shir doubled over onto the ground and writhed in agony. Calleth ran to his side and kneeled on the grass next to him, Crog would make his way there also but with a bit more hesitation.
Calleth cradled Nogood as best he could. Nogoods thrashing made it difficult but at last Calleth managed to place a hand on his chest. A dull glow emitted from his palm for a short moment before he turned to Crog.
âEUoeItâEUTMs the poison Crog, itâEUTMs throwing him into the fits. Come now you donâEUTMt have much time.âEU Calleth hollered.
Crogs steps ceased all together as he looked down on the two. In his eyes sat fear and mistrust.
âEUoeCome now Crog, work your magicsâEU¦âEU¦âEU¦âEU¦.âEU
âEUoeNo, Cal. This has gone far enough. We canâEUTMt allow him to liveâEU Crog protests, never removing his eyes from Nogood.
âEUoeWhat?!?,âEU Calleth proclaimed âEUoeNo, Crog listen heâEUTMs fine, heâEUTMll be safe, IâEUTMll make him safe. Please come, help himâEU
âEUoeCalâEU¦. Listen to meâEU¦âEU¦..âEU
âEUoeHelp him!!!!âEU Calleth shouted and lifted his head. Crog could see the tears and concern in his eyes. âEUoeHelp him,âEU he said again, almost apologetically âEUoepleaseâEU.
Crog regained him thoughts and gave a sigh. He hesitantly started into a prayer that seemed to bring Nogood out of his torture but he slipped quickly into a quiet sleep. Crog knelt by the two and placed his hand on Nogoods brow. Low murmuring escaped his bearded lips as he traced the crest of Brell in the air above Nogoods chest with his other hand. As crogs hand passed upward from gut to jaw a light of magic appeared behind teeth and blood. Moving outward, a small crystal of coalesced poison floated in mid air. Calleth grabbed it up, never one to miss an opportunity for new poisons.
âEUoeThar,âEU Crog said, sighingly âEUoeYer pupil be as safe as I can makeâEUTMem.âEU
Calleth gave a nod of thanks, as much as one could ask from him in his off-putting state. He carried Nogood back to where Kerlani was sleeping, they had no problem finding her from her snoring. They would set up camp and try to rest while the sun rises over the horizon.

At 5/15/13 10:15 PM, NocturnalLodestar wrote: Hey guys. ^-^ This is a new poem I came up with a couple of days ago. I'm not really good with poems, but I thought I ought to give 'em a try, so this is one that I've produced. Feedback would be appreciated! :D

Very creative! when I read this I hear an internal monologue that we may all have at one point or another. It resonates to me the coming of age moment when we're faced with our own conflicts regarding who we are and who we hope to become.

The addition of "green eyes" at the end is a great! I like that as a detail which brings the piece to a personal level, so as not to just be a disembodied voice speaking to another. It's also a very intimate detail as making eye contact is the most probing action one person can do to another without physical contact. You should feel happy with this piece. I'm glad you shared it.

I hear you! I find that the soul of gaming is gone. There is hope though, if you know where to look. I have a 2 year old blackberry so I'm lost when it comes to app-based games like angry birds. I still haven't even played that one. I did play a lot of MMORPG's and while they're now fluffed for maximum curb appeal I find that there's a lot of passion that goes into them. At the end of the day, games like World of warcraft have been crafted by gamers who care about the gaming experience. They not only want to get you to buy the game, they want you to enjoy playing it.

My advice, ditch the one pump chump games like call of duty for games that grow through player input. I'd rather spend 200 hours grinding in circles on Diablo 3 than spend 2 hours playing god of war just to beat it and never think about it twice.

Chapter 8
Light and brilliance

The legendary might of the Lightbringer crushed the men and will of the alliance. Distraught, King Wrynn was unable to think as he took in the horrible thought. This man, once Arthas' mentor and a hero to all who knew his legend, was now just a pawn on the Lich King.
A single swing of his mace found three undead crushed under it's wieght. The unstoppable force that was once the light of the alliance was now barreling towards its king. Even in his current state his very touch was paralyzing to all undead around him.
Pandorra saw this and knew she felt compelled to stop it. She ran as fast as she could to get closer, dodging falling bodies as they were flung into the air by Uther's might. She set eyes upon the dark paladin and knew of only one option to stop him.
She pulled her flask from her belt, it was nearly empty. Taking the lid from it she placed her thumb over the neck as to not waste a drop. Forcing her way through the crowd she came up to Uther and jumped at him, forcing the entire flask into his mouth with all the force she could muster.
The Draenei fell to the ground, paralyzed by the paladins touch. The undead human wrealed as the fluid made its way down his throat. His trashing stopped and he looked around, confused and angry. He spat out the flask, now crumpled into a ball and took in the sight around him.
Uther cringed in pain as all of his memories rushed but to him at once. When Uther reopening his eyes, Wrynn could sense the fury in his old friend and wanted to burst open with joy. The light bringer took back up his mace and with a mighty roar began destroying all undead anywhere around him. One of the gladiators grabbed up the still paralyzed Pandorra and carried her to safety, seeing that the great paladin Uther cared not to ask undead of thier affiliations.
King Varian Wrynn saw an opportunity to approach his old friend and had to seize it. Protected by his elite guard, the king made his way to Uther.
"Sir Uther my friend, it is Varian, King of Stormwind." He shouted from as close as possible. Uther stopped his offensive and looked to Wrynn with the fury in his eyes.
"What?" Uther asked, anxious to get back to his slaughter.
"These are pawns. Thier leader is there, on the hilltop looking down. You should know, it is your killer, and the killer of your king. It is Arthas and he is possed by the power of the Lich King." Varian informed Uther. The greatest of seas couldn't match Uther's howl of fury.
Charging out of the crowd the mighty paladin ignored all attackers and charges for the Lich King. The frozen eyes of Arthas met the firey rage of Uther as the two collided into battle. The armor of the Lich King made Arthas into a near immovable object and the two met blow for blow. Uther's mace came down with sickening force on Arthas' shoulder but glanced off of his armor.
No slouch to armed combat, Arthas challenged his former mentor with a strike of his own. Uther's old mangled armor provided little protection and the slice severed a few of Uther's rotting fingers from his hand. The undead seemed not to pay it much mind and returned with a crushing blow to Arthas' chest plate. Even the armor of the Lick King couldn't absorb a blow so strong.
The blue orbs of eyes in the frozen helm seemed to flicker as Arthas realed. The gloved hand of the Lich King rose toward Uther as if to cast a spell.
"You wish to control death?" Uther laughed "I've had my fill of that, and now it's your turn!" The incredible force of Uther's mace came down on the back of Arthas' neck. The armor shifted down under that weight and a loud pop prevaded the air as Arthas's neck popped.
The Lich King fell to the ground and was still. Uther looked down upon Arthas' dead body and felt only sadness. Then, a cackle came from the suit, even more deranged and evil than before.
"You are indeed strong, Uther the Lightbringer," Strugling to his knees and then to his feet, the Lich King rose to meet Uther's confused stare. "but do you really think the king of the dead cannot become undead?"
Laughter filled the ears of all on the battleground. The Lich King's army fell to the ground as if thier marionets had been dropped.
The voice of evil surrounded the living.
"You've done well in defending this place but I will return, as sure as death itself." The voice of the Lich King faded as quickly as he did.
The battle was over and they were victorious for now. The cost was high but they'de struck a mighty blow against the army of the Lich King and saved the lives of many innocents. Even amoungst the scrap and fodder of war a sense of peace filled the air. Uther collapsed as the little bit of elixir faded from his system.
Pandorra also ran out of time, having used the last of her elixir to turn Uther. Her body layed still and cold and any semblence of life left her.
The king would have a memorial erected to the scouts of Exodar in that spot and they would be forever honored as heros.
Cuurtero went on to tell the story many times and each of them were buried in the tabard of the Argent Dawn.

Note: Again the ending was rushed so I know it's not as good as I wished. Still, let me know what you all think!

At 5/15/13 01:25 AM, YellowisCOOL wrote: You're a good writer, but I suggest writing a story that isn't based on a video game. Only my opinion though.

I know, I love my MMO's. I do have another story that I've been writing and while it is based off of a game, it's actually my story which I would like to make into an game someday so it is completely my original lore. I've been wanting to post it on the forums but I figure I have enough going on here atm. I'll finish posting what I have of these 2 stories then post my story later.

I'm actually trying to decide which of my stories to pick back up. I hope you give them both a read and let me know which one you are more interested in.

Thank you for the response! I don't get any feedback so I never know if anyone's actually reading this stuff and/or what they think.

Chapter 6
Trial by sire

The three travelers had been awaken by the sounds of drogmors tromping through the plains and quickly did their best to hide their tracks. A smugglers run, it appeared, and guarded by two fierce beastlords, though Calleth sensed something else in the air, something familiar.
Calleth quickly disguised himself as a lone Halfling and went out to investigate. As the small convoy went about its way he watched the night and took in every clue to this mysterious air and itâEUTMs in the shadows he found the source, his lost protégé. âEUoeWhat a glorious opportunity..âEU he thought to himself âEUoeto test for myself his strengthâEU. It seems, although, that the chance would not come for Nogood remained hidden in the shadows while Calleth had a bit of fun with his traveling companions.
A few strikes here and there would be enough to place caution in Nogoods mind. Calleth took his dive, surprised in the teamwork of the famed Marrow brothers, and slipped away before any could notice. Now sitting back with his group he gives Kerlani a mission, if he would not be lured into combat, then the combat will be taken to him.
âEUoeMy dear,âEU Calleth said, panting and sore but smiling none the less âEUoedo you see the young Vah shir there talking to the fierâEUTMdal assassin?âEU
Kerlani gave a nod âEUoeThatâEUTMs him isnâEUTMt it?âEU
âEUoeAye my dear, thatâEUTMd be our little lost kittenâEU Crog said, not taking his eyes off of Nogood.
âEUoeWhat should we do now? We were supposed to meet him in Highhold werenâEUTMt we?âEU Kerlani asked.
âEUoeYes however it seems Zek has other plans tonight, and when Zek makes plans itâEUTMs usually toward battle.âEU Calleth replied âEUoeWell then let us not disappoint, my dear. I need to test the lad, do you think you can give him a good fight with one of his friends?âEU
The bard smiled wide and madly, a smile that nearly frightened Calleth at the same time. âEUoeI so rarely get to use these songs, IâEUTMll have to ask that you plug your ears and hum a nice little tune to yourself while I work.âEU It perhaps was a strange request but seeing this bard in action once before led both of the hardened adventures not to hesitation.
Kerlani's pawed hands glows slightly and a web of magic laced itself between her fingers. With her lips pursed Calleth could tell she began to whistle but could not make out the song. At first he tried, then remember his instructions and hummed louder. The energy of her sound coalesced into a milky white light that began to bounce in a triangle between her lips and hands, then shot quickly outward, covering the small group in ethereal bonds. They all froze in place, completely caught off-guard by the mental attack. Kerlani went to work on the other spell, her lips moved and throat glided but no sounds could be heard. Only a bard could whisper in the ear of a dark-elf from some 30 feet away and this secret would make VerâEUTMneth want to kill Nogood.
Her dagger bit hard into the exposed skin under Nogoods arm. The searing pain was more than enough to break his trance. Anger evident in his growling voice, he yelled âEUoeWhat is with you woman?!âEU
The notes of song still fluttered about on the night air but heâEUTMd little time to worry about their source. Another glancing attack, this time scraping loudly against the chain of his coif, came from the enthralled Dark-elf.
âEUoeControl yourself woman or I will have to control you.âEU He said, steadying himself against a nearby tree. VerâEUTMneth rushed forward and with one wild trust at Nogoods gut, buried her dagger deeply into the massive oak tree. Nogoods flawless parry, effortless in its execution, nearly made Calleth cheer and expose his position.
With her dagger planted in the mighty tree VerâEUTMneth pulled in vain to release it. Nogood took his chance to land a crippling kick to her stomach in the finest of martial practices. The Dark-elf fell into a stunned slump without protest and fought hard for every breath.
Nogood looked all around him for the source of the music, a bard no doubt. With the uneasy feeling heâEUTMd gotten from the mysterious Halfling and now the unusual music enthralling his travel mates, he was certain something was amiss. His heightened feline senses explored every aspect if his surroundings. The mysterious tune, the cold ground under his bare feet, the glint of movement in the hills to the east, the growling.
Nogood spun quickly to the sight of the glistening fangs of the Marrow brothers. HeâEUTMd seen them in action and knew a direct confrontation would be his death.
âEUoeLooks like sheâEUTMs started without us hey brother?âEU Ivan called to Eric.
âEUoeIt appears so, oh well this place is as good as another. LetâEUTMs kill this spy of Qeynos.âEU
Nogood was surprised to hear the claim. He was certain heâEUTMd kept his identity a secret.
âEUoeYes vah shir, we know of your mentor Calleth and Stanos has ordered your head.âEU Ivan grinned in the same cold, bloodlust Nogood had just witnessed. The wolves charged in first, snapping at Nogood with voracious ferocity. IvanâEUTMs warder bit hard into Nogoods shin causing him to fall to the ground. The emence crushing force of the beastâEUTMs jaws sent a sickening crunch to echo through-out the plains as NogoodâEUTMs leg gave to the pressure.
Nogood let out an incredible howl of pain. Knowing the ground is the worst place to fight a wolf he did his best to tumble to his feet and shake himself free. The sound of jaws clamping hard just inches from his ear assured him heâEUTMd made the right choice. Calleth forewent all stealth and commanded to Kerlani to stop her enthralling spell but she only looked at him in complete confusion. âEUoeâEU¦but, IâEUTMm not controlling them.âEU
Eric charged in next with inhuman speed. Nogood felt a freezing chill at his back, one glance at Ivan and his suspicion was answered. One last second side-step and Eric missed his target. The force of his blow going directly into the man-sized block of ice that was also closing in on Nogood from the rear. The massive column of frost exploded into hundreds of pieces. Nogood took his chance to strike. With a simple flick of his wrist his new dagger gave free of itâEUTMs sheath, gleaming in the light of Luclin. Caught off balance from the parry, Eric was unable to guard himself. With all his might Nogood thrusted forward but just inches from EricâEUTMs exposed gut his dagger stopped as of the thickest armor protected the beastlord.
A hum emitted from the weapon, and then a light. It was the rune on the blade.
âEUoePoor rogue,âEU Ivan snickered âEUoethat dagger is a ruse, meant for marking saps that dare tempt fate at the hands of StanosâEUTM thief guild.âEU Nogood found himself again paralyzed, unable to fend off the approaching Ivan Marrow. âEUoeNow this dagger,âEU Ivan reaches into a small holster on his side âEUoeis the real thing.âEU It was nearly detailess and crude in construction yet one glance at the blade and Nogood knew, it wasnâEUTMt the weapon, it was the enchantment.
At the first sight of IvanâEUTMs dagger CallethâEUTMs blood ran cold. With panicked vigor he lept to his feet to rush into the fray, trying to make it in time. Ivan lumbered toward Nogood, half hunched over in a feral gait. He placed one large hand on NogoodâEUTMs shoulder and, quicker than the blink of an eye, stabbed into his back three times. NogoodâEUTMs armor melted, offering little protection. Calleth watched in horror as his pupil fell to the ground with deathly flaccidity.

This is my website. It contains a LOT of my writing. Please feel free to patron my site and let me know your thoughts.

www.vicerolives.com

http://www.wowwiki.com/Uther_the_Lightbringer

Chapter 7
Unforgiveable

They watched as many dwarves, gnomes and humans were engulfed by the sea of the Lich Kings evil. The six teams of two made ready thier swords, daggers and Zasperons. The first of the undead ran madly toward the gladiators and was quickly cut down by a swift blade and agile hand.
The howl from that undead attracted others as slowly more and more came. Now under full attack the gladiators took much joy in shreading apart the mindless ghouls that attacked them from all sides.
In these battles the dance of death was a beautiful one. The zasperon, leathal in both it's offense and defensive strength kept enemies at all sides at bay. With it's bladed shield like head on a staff of nearly as tall as a man, it could be swung in a circle or brought down like a mace to control any offense.
Inside the perimeter created by the gladiator wielding a zasperon, another with short swords or daggers could defend and destroy any who dared get too close. The teams worked with immaculate timing and became inpenetrable obstacle not to be taken lightly.
"We have to help them." Pandorra said her companions
"Aye, we do," Feand agreed, making her way toward the frey.
The two of them got as close to the gladiators as they dared and aided anyway they could. Pandorra took her to focus her mana into totems to feed their radiply fading spirits while Feand did her best to salve the pain in there muscles through spell.
The shaman beckoned to the lightning to strike at her foes. Angry magic filled the air as Feand summoned moonfire to strike mighty blows upon the crowd of rabid undead. Bowmen took up position and picked off undead one by one, buying time.
The sea of death kept coming, a feeling of hopelessness overcame Carlin at the sight. The sounds and sights of darkness enveloped the land.
A scream came from the front lines. One of the gladiators had been struck down and his partner shortly there after. Feand and Pandorra did thier best to fill the hole left. With her maces swiging wildly Pandorra's spirit became enraged. One by one they'de fall and two by two they'de come. She let out a howl in anger, one that called to the very wild and the wild answered.
Two wolves formed from the very ether in the air lashed out to protect the shaman. Even Feand was frightened at the sight but much pleased at the ferocity of the mongrel spirits towards her attackers.
Another scream and another team crushed under the onslought of undead. The force was wiegning but not nearly enough. Another team fell, this time Feand found herself startled by the gladiator scream. Her concentration broken for just a second was just enough for a sword to find her throat.
The druidâEUTMs body slumped to the ground, deathly flacid. Cuurtero could only watch in disbeliefe as she disappeared into the crowd now closing in on the gladiators from all sides. A voice boomed from the cliffs above Stratholme that chilled every drop of blood in Carlin's body.
"You will all fall," it said "do not fear death for I control it and I am good."
The paladin of the Brotherhood of light fell to his knees and sobbed in hopelessness at the sight of the Lich King standing on a hillside. He watched with Sindragosa and another figure at his side. Then another voice filled the Plaugelands, this time from the south.
"Arthas!!" It was the unmistakeable voice of King Varian Wrynn and he'd come ready with one thousand of the alliance's strongest men. "You will pay for this day, with your eternal soul."
The soldiers of the alliance surged hard at the back of the ghoulish army, taking many of them by surprise. Looking down on the fight, the Lich King turned his army against the oncoming men, leaving the barricades.
Pandorra watched her attackers leave her and turn toward her saviours. The bodies of the gladiators laid strewn about her feet, she didn't know she was the only person holding the line. She thanked the tenacity of her undead body.
The lich king looked at the line the gladiators had held and thought them worthy of his army. He beckoned to thier corpses to rise and indeed they did. Pandorra heard the groan of returning dead. Every one of the massive gladiators was standing again. She readied her weapons to still them once more when she heard one laugh, and laugh loudly.
The undead gladiator turned his gaze upon her.
"Pardon me sister, have a drink?" He said eyeing her elixir. Baffled she took out her flask and handed it to him. Taking in a big swig and passing it down the line, the gladiator howled with exhileration.
"But... you were dead" Pandorra said in disbeliefe.
"Aye, but before we were dead, we were ready." he replied with a maddened grin on his face. King Wrynn looked through the fighting and saw his plan come to fruition. The elixir would not last long but it would be long enough.
Now blessed with the strenth and speed of the undead, the skilled and cunning gladiators layed waste to the Lich Kings forces. From the hill top he watched and was confused by the sight. A nod of his hand and Sindragosa took flight, again swooping down on the army of the alliance. Archmage Angela Dosantos took her chance to help and casted her strongest of spells on the wyrm which quickly fell to the ground in defeat.
The alliance seemed to be making ground but the Lich King had one more trick to play. Again he nodded, this time to his companion on his side. Slowly at first he lurched forward then his pace quickened. This monster of a human form came down upon all in his path and struck with a fury King Wrynn hadn't seen in nearly a decade.
Varian's eyes defied his mind. His mouth open in silence he could scarcely tell of. A single tear trickled down his battle-scarred face.
"..... Uther," He whispered "no."

Chapter 6
The enclave of light

The sun broke the long and cold night in the plaguelands. Makeshift barricades were set along the road leading to Stratholme and guards stood ever watchful of the horizon. Inside the long abandoned city, new residents took quarter and braced themselves for the inevitable. Pandorra and Cuurtero waited anxeiously at the gate for any sign of aid.
"So, what do you think the day brings?" Cuurtero said, grinning while sharpening his daggers.
"I'm not sure but I know it's a friend of death." Pandorra replied.
"My girl have you been here all night?" Carlin's voice approached from behind.
"Do you wish me to fiegn sleep?" Pandorra quipped at the paladin. "Oh, my apologies sir. There is much anger in the air i.."
"Don't apologize," Carlin interrupted "it is my wit that asked the question I suppose."
A hollar came down the line of guards at the barricades.
"Riders approach!" they sounded in repeat of each other.
The guards that were resting in the makeshift emcampment hurried to equip thier gear and make ready for battle. Over the horizon a squad of riders came on horseback, all human except for one very distressed night-elf.
"We are here from Stormwind," The leader called to the encampment "ready your arms, all of them. The forces of the Lich King are moments off and headed this way."
Feand was the first to dismount and run into the camp. She ran right to Cuurtero's side and held him tightly.
"They come and they're horrible. My eyes took them in to west and many ugly hands has the Lich king. Be this my last word if I look upon them once more. Pease it no one in all of creation these foul ugly horrible......"
"Feand, feand slow you down." Cuurtero tried to calm his sobbing, distraught mate. Pandorra felt the unusual pain in her chest once again, the thump in her chest was unmistakeable as she knew well the presence of the Lich King. The shaman struggled to pull her flask from her belt and take another sip of the prophets elixir but another thump from her chest nearly made her drop it.
The stink of death came anew to every nose. The ground beneath them seems to tremble with fear and they knew it would not be long.
"They have come." Carlin whispered. A great brown cloud engulfed the sky as the footfall from one hundred score soldier kicked earth into the air. Obscured in the sun, an indistinctable mass made its way over the horizon and moved toward Stratholme. Every sword ready and every heart a flame, the battle was about to begin.
"It's the dwarfs!" A call came from the frontline. Repeated every time down the line, growing louder as did cheering.
"Ha!," Carlin laughed heartily in reliefe and joined in the cheer. "it is the whole of Ironforge, the dwarfs came to aid."
Pandorra looked into the crowd and saw hundreds of squat hands ready for battle but did not feel any reliefe. "Wait, all if not well." She said
Carlin looked at her through his smile "My girl what do you mean?"
At that moment, a great crowd of undead swarmed the convoy of dwarven reinforcement and overtook them. The screams of terror could be heard from Stratholme and echoed from it's walls. The army of the Lich King arose even from the ground itself and dragged the would be saviours to a quick and gruesome death.
Sindragosa circled over the field, swooping down to blaze her azure flame and pick up the gnomish mechanized armor to drop onto the dwarfs.
The refugees watched in horror as the fight raged on for some time. The Brotherhood of the Light were helpless, as they had to protect thier posts. The small group from Stormwind readied themselves. The most skilled of gladiators and soldiers manned a line that only the damned would dare cross. Twelve men had come from Stormwind and they now faced an army of well over two thousand which grew with each second of battle

Hell everyone, I'm starting an animation project and looking for people who want to work on porfolio stuff. I have a 2-3 minute vid in mind and can provide all script and stage direction. No pay implied, i just like working with other skilled and serious artists. If you're interested please PM me for more info.
~Vicero

After a few moments to ensure no back-up for the mysterious Halfling, and to give the beastlords a chance to calm down, Nogood jumped down from his hiding place to compare notes.
âEUoeWhat was with him?âEU Nogood inquired
âEUoeIâEUTMm not sureâEU VerâEUTMneth said âEUoeit seems a bit odd a lone thief would attack a caravan.âEU
âEUoeIndeed missy,âEU Eric agreed âEUoethen again these are desperate times.âEU
Nogood was surprised this man was the same ravaging mad man heâEUTMd just witnessed tear someone in half.
âEUoeWell, whatever the case itâEUTMde be prompt of us to keep on our way.âEU Ivan said as he strolled into the group, wiping blood from his cheek.
âEUoeIndeed brother, let us make haste..âEU EricâEUTMs voice trialed off into nothing as Nogoods feline ears twitched. The faint sound of music was coming near but he couldnâEUTMt discern from which direction. In the blink of an eye the music filled his mind with paralyzing static. His body frozen in place he was helpless to resist the trance. Through his confusion he noticed that every one of his companions had also fallen prey to the sirens tune, all except VerâEUTMneth, now slinking towards Nogood with dagger in hand and a blank glare in her eye.

Chapter 5
A hero's unwelcome

âEUoeCircle, spinning into nothing. This spiral of darkness is your womb. Grow into light or stay as dark as your soul. Spawn of war with a crown of sorrow. Those that punish the innocent to repent before their death. Your soul is my hand and your blade is my will. Together weâEUTMre tear open the door of victory and march toward oblivion.âEU

Never before has Nogood been so grateful for an interruption than the one now at his door. Awakened from his dreams with heart at full stampede over his spinning mind his feline form clumsily makes itâEUTMs way to the door. âEUoeWhoâEUTMs there?âEU he asked but only silence responds. âEUoeSpeak, what would you want?âEU again he implores but again hears nothing. Finally, with his eyes and ears in agreement again, Nogood Glances out of his window and sees the sun settling in it mountainous bed. He would soon have to report to Stanos and had no time to dwell on dreams, regardless how foreboding.

Even for as late as it were very few people could be found in the city of High Hold. This made Nogood quite uneasy but he shrugged it off for he was never able to understand the way of humans and even often times found himself thinking of them as irrelevant beings. âEUoeAn animal that can talkâEU heâEUTMd think âEUoehow novelâEU. A smirk came to his face as he neared the cities rear gate. This entrence, unlit and obscured by growth, was known to the city folk as âEUoeThe rat holeâEU and only StanosâEUTM ilk dared approach it.

Outside of the gate stood five huge drogmors packed with an abundance of goods on their backs. Nogood hated dealing with the lumbering reptiles, with breath like theirs one would rather make acquaintances with trolls. Leading them were two barbarian beastlords with their pets, wolves as white as the snow of Halas, undoubtedly mercenaries. Then there was the other rogue, opposite Nogood, to protect the caravan from the shadows. It was her, the dark-Elvin temptress from the din, now clad in expertly crafted chain patches over tanned bear hide, dyed midnight black. Her silver hair was now hidden under a silken headdress that cascaded to reach her slender neck.

âEUoeSo, youâEUTMre going on this little excursion too sister?âEU Nogood asked, trying not to stumble his words over her beauty.
âEUoeMy name is VerâEUTMneth, anything else and IâEUTMll have the pointed ears from your head, cat.âEU She coldly replied back with eyes burning into his. The defeated Vah shir planted his gaze firmly on the ground.
âEUoeMy.. my apologi..âEU he started
âEUoeDo you like my feet Vah shir?âEU she interrupted.
âEUoeIâEUTMm.. I donâEUTMt understandâEU¦âEU
âEUoeBecause if you stare at them any longer I shall think you want to kiss them and IâEUTMd do you the favor of putting one in your foolish mouth.âEU Her threat betrayed her devilish grin. Nogood weighed his options, then stared at her chest. Her face took on a more serious expression.
âEUoeLets move outâEU she said through nearly clenched teeth.
The song of Norraths desolate night played silent staccato between the plodding of heavy drogmor feet. Both rogues were now imperceptible as they danced through the shadows. Nogood tried his best to keep pace with his accomplice but often found himself in awe of her silent grace and frighteningly precise movements.
Back they went into the plains of Karana. The night air sweetly filled Nogood with the thrill of the hunt. A wolves howl awakened the hunter to the task at hand. The drogmors stopped and beastlords readied their weapons. VerâEUTMneths voice whispered over Nogoods shoulder.
âEUoeReady yourself vah shir, weâEUTMre not alone.âEU
NogoodâEUTMs nose inquired the breeze but was not as keen as that of the wolves and only lead him to wonder. One of the guardian wolves let out a pathetic whimper as it was struck in the face with a poisoned throwing dagger. Its body slumped coldly to the ground then dissipates into the magical aurora from which it had been summoned. The lord of beasts, its master, cried out in solace and startling rage a feral howl for his defeated companion.
Through the brush a few meters ahead of the caravan stepped a single squat form. Nogood could sense his aura of magic and viciousness. The warderless beastlord charged the shadowed attacker. A few paces from the man he stops, staring with frenzied anticipation. Incantations, sounding nearly like grunts and whelps to Nogoods ears, came from the lips of the barbarian. The figure raised a hand from his cloak of darkness and the light emitting from the barbarians hands illuminated a small ivory dagger in the hands of the small halfling. With darting quickness the Halfling rogue makes ground on the beastlord and thrusts his blade forward.
âEUoeâEU¦..Khati Sha!âEU The last words of the spell erupted into a shower of magic around the attacker. His ivory dagger, now mere inches from the much taller barbarians gut, slowed down as if he were attempting to push it through sand. The beastlord grinned and easily moved out of the way.
âEUoeIf you want to defeat the Marrow brothers youâEUTMll have to do much better than that.âEU Shouted the amused barbarian.
âEUoeIvan, busy this naïve would you?âEU he asked his brother.
âEUoeSure thing EricâEU replied Ivan as his wolf companion darted forward. IvanâEUTMs warder lashed out as the off balance halfling, driving her claws deep into his leg. Nogood steadies himself and goes to join the fray only to have VerâEUTMneths hand planted on his shoulder.
âEUoeCalm now young rake. Stealth is a card only played when necessary. The beast brothers are quite capable.âEU Her voice was steady in the tongue of the thieves. Nogood held his place but couldnâEUTMt help but feel something amiss about this small assassin.
More spell weaving emitted from Eric, the more magically inclined of the brothers, as a spear of ice formed in the air above the shadowblade, now exchanging blows with Ivan and his warder.
âEUoeYouâEUTMve made a fatal mistake my dear boy,âEU explains Ivan âEUoenormally I wouldnâEUTMt interfere, however by disposing of my dear brothers warder youâEUTMve left him at a disadvantage I simply canâEUTMt accept. Now feel the fangs of the marrow brothers!âEU
EricâEUTMs ice attack lands home, staggering the Halfling but giving way to his chain helm. Ivan takes this opportunity to land a crippling blow with his club of a totem. With the slowing spell now starting to fade the Halfling scores a few critical hits of his own. He knew if he didnâEUTMt finish this soon heâEUTMd be done for. One wild swing caught IvanâEUTMs cheek, carving a new battle scar in the barbarians rugged disposition.
IvanâEUTMs eyes flurry back and forth, sending silent commands to his canine companion. A berserk fury overcomes his senses as Ivan Marrow nears his breaking point. Eric meanwhile has summoned another companion and has started on yet another spell, undoubtly to heal his wounded brother. Desperation takes hold of the foolish bandit that dared stand against two beastlords as he notices the wound on IvanâEUTMs face begins to close.
EricâEUTMs new warder gallops in at full speed and lunges as his unfortunate preys throat, a shrill cry of agony escapes into the midnight and leaves Nogood breathless at the futileness of the struggle. The nearly enraged lords and their warders howl in pure carnal gluttony.

The human city was famous for its trade but today the air seemed dark. Fear crept within every shadow and Feand knew her words of warning would not go unheard here. The winding streets were always confusing to the Night-elf and she often found herself missing the natural world, as none seemed present in this "glorious city".
Again she would seek an audience with the king and again she would find it waiting for her. The sun would soon be fully set and Feand was grateful the humans were a bit more estute to her speech. The long trip made it hard for her to kneel before the king but she would have to manage.
"Your Highness, I bring you warn from Northrend." She started.
"I'm aware, please go on." King Wrynn said.
"Your Highness, your city and people are in danger. The Lich King looks to claim foot in the Plaugelands then march to your gate."
King Wrynn looked down upon her in disbeliefe. "So you say they are amassed and marching? These are undead; slow, stupid and disorgaized. What foolishness is this marching?" he said indignently
"Your highness, You mock not the wit of undead but evil of the Lich King. Forgive my word but fear I your danger misunderstood. If you fear not for Stormwind, please you the people of Light's Hope and send aid." Feand spoke with a clear compassion.
The king of stormwind took in a pause to look to his advisors, who gave an agreeing nod.
"I see, your words are odd but your message is clear enough in your face. We shall send aid north and until they return we will ready ourselves for battle. You may give this word to the Brotherhood of the Light." Said King Wrynn.
"Your Highness there is but one thing. A stranger gave me writ for you. Said he the importance matched my cause." Feand grabbed up the parchment from her belt and handed it to the king. "He said it be the words of Medivh."
"The prophet Medivh?" Asked Wrynn, snatching the paper from her hand with great urgency. "Silly girl you know not what you carry." King Wrynn took to reading the scroll with maddened intensity. Feand sat to watch for new words but none would come before she was excused by one of the Kings royal guard. Her task was done and her message spread, the druidess would not be able to sleep tonight but she would have no choice with the coal black skies looming over-head.
Tomorrow she would make her way back to Light's Hope chapel and defend that crucial land with her life. Tonight, however, she would rest.

Varian,
"You don't need a prophet to tell you much evil has beset your friend Arthas. You were given this by a messenger and don't mis-hear the message. To the north, the king of death will seek to reclaim his home and if he succeeds will have a proper foothold from which to crush many innocent souls."
"You must protect the light, and to do so you must use the light. I see the spirit of one so great fables are made even from his defeat. I know it is not your way but you have a great and powerful ally in this fight. You must understand, that the only way to defeat death is to embrace it."
"I've given an elixer to my pupil, her sacrifice has tought me the secret to sustaining the mind of the dead. You will need this elixir if you wish to maintain your forces for the fight ahead. He seeks to claim the spirits of the strongest warriors and so that is what he shall have."
"I have included here a formula you will need to give your soldiers before battle. I have faith that you'll do what is right and make your father proud. Remember, the truest of lights is never exstinguished."
Medivh*