Rising from the ash..

[Camus]

Camus hurried through the hallway, he could hear the harpies now, and the building began to quake violently. Dead Elves lay littered throughout the hallway, he couldn’t tell the difference between friend and foe anymore. Elves as a race were generally good people, though like all living peoples they could be swayed to think otherwise, but a whole kingdom? Perhaps Lucien had managed to worm his way into the good people and corrupt their kind spirits, but that would take months, he couldn’t possible have foreseen his victory, Moridanu’s exile and escape route. Could he?

He thought of Mori. Of her broken body and spirit, a single tear manage to escape its prison, but Camus wiped it away angrily. It wasn’t the time for tears; he would meet up with his friends soon. They were all headed to the same place after all. Camus was too deep in thought, he didn’t sense him before it was too late. A slobbering Goblin and beautiful elf stood hand in hand, Swords raised, they launched out of a side chamber directly at Camus, he’d slipped up, he could see his own demise before his eyes, he’d never see his friends again. Camus closed his eyes and welcomed rest. He heard two soft thuds and the sound of bodies’ slump to the ground, he opened his eyes. A woman stood at the end of the hall, a beautiful woman dressed in black. Her long blonde hair was clipped tightly behind her head in a long braid. She was beautiful, all Elves were beautiful of course, this woman had something about her. She lowered her longbow.

‘You are a Faun. The Faun. Camus Ondessa?’

She said gently through narrowed eyes. Camus was still trembling from the close call.

‘I am. Who are you?’

The woman hurried towards Camus lowering herself to his level.

‘I am a White Elf from the nation of Yellederia. I am Idabelle Whiterose. I was sent here to find you and the Queen. I’ve spoken to your civilians and your soldiers, they are already out of the city walls and on their way to Yellederia as we speak, it took much convincing, but they left several hours ago.’

Camus nodded unable to take all the information in.

‘That’s where I was going’. He muttered quietly.

The Elf smiled kindly. Camus took a step backwards, raising his arms defensively.

‘Hang on’. He said regaining his common sense. ‘How do you know all this? How do I know your not working for Lucien?’ Camus growled. The woman smiled again. She wore tight leather pants, black boots and tight buttoned up sleeveless tunic with white trimmings.

‘I was sent here by Talisen Phoenix, he grows very weak but he foresaw your betrayal, we must bring the Queen back to Yellederia.’

Camus gaped, he knew it! Talisen was alive!

‘Then we must find the Other Demon Auditor, he has her!’

Camus turned in the opposite direction, Idabelle hurrying behind him.

‘Auditor!’

He called out loudly, hoping he would hear Camus with more than his sense of hearing. [/i][/color]

((Excuse the typos! Too late to proof-read!))

[Queen Pruaga Sorrow]

Pruaga growled dangerously, a bird like noise erupting from the pit of her stomach. She grinned savagely.

‘I have no illusions to whom and what Dark Lord Lucien is. You think he sent us here to be killed by Elves?’

This time she took a step back and laughed loudly, it was laughter without the slightest hint of humor.

‘What Elves fool? These Elves belong to us! They are our puppets, they dance for us’.

Sabis was quick. His sudden attack almost took her by surprise. Almost. Pruaga wasn’t quite done with the banter yet. Her Pike sparked with the sheer force of Sabis attack, he easily pushed her blade aside, He was far stronger then her and Pruaga’s bird like body was amazingly light.

She plunged her pike into the surface below her and bent her body backwards, while lifting her entire body off the floor and onto her Pike. The razor sharp Talons on her hands and feet easily wrapped around the Pike, like the way a bird perched on a branch. She felt the Katana whiz past her, slicing off several strands of her layered battle skirt. With a sudden and incredibly fast ferocity, Pruaga lunged forward with her right foot, her talons raking out towards the soft flesh of Sabis’s thigh, aiming for tendons, trying to cripple. She then launched herself into the air, pulling her Pike free and regaining her balance, she swung her Pike in a wide arc, trying to increase the distance between them.

‘You were a god once. No more. You forget how old my kin and I are. I was around during your God Dom, and I must say, I wasn’t impressed.

It’s Queen Sorrow to you Ranger’.

[sabis]

'The limber, agile man isn't even there when Pruaga lunges out with her claws for his leg. He's busy, doing a full-body layout spin, using the momentum from the missed slash to force the sideways flip to his right. A pair of small throwing daggers zip out of the tight spiral before his legs plant, blade back in front of him, two handed, posture perfect, blade held upright with an ever so slight dip forward. Of all the times to finally crack a smile, he has one now, grinning from ear to ear, enjoying a challenge.'

Oh please, You really don't know how old I was BEFORE I took up the mantle. You think they called me King of Immortals for no reason? I was old before the Queen Moridanu was BORN. I was at her coronation and not even she knew it. And elves belong to their gods first, their masters second. Even now, I KNOW nearly half this city's forces have defected. I have eyes in places you cannot know. And Those eyes tell me much. Now, do you wish to keep dancing, or shall I kill you now?

'He bursts forth again, this time his boots flashing with light, his speed suddenly tripling as he closes the distance near instantly, his blade moving with equally improved speed as he swipes at her mercilessly.'

[Moridanu]

*The water was cool to her skin. Moridanu lay in the dark pool, her eyes closed as her auburn hair floated on ripples of cool water around her face. The sound of the nearby waterfall could be heard vaguely by her submersed ears and Moridanu smiled dreamily as she floated in the pool.

It was cool and dark in the pool. Quiet- apart from the waterfall. And Terance. She could hear him, and she smiled and nodded as if in answer to a question. She knew he was here. Where else would he be? He was where he belonged – by her side. Her thoughts turned to memories of their time bathing in a pool such as this, and she felt her body go warm at the memory. Her languid limbs tightened as she flexed and pointed her toes before relaxing again, a huge grin forming on her lips. Terrance….

She heard him again; calling to her, and she tried to turn towards him but her head was far too heavy. She opened her mouth to speak to him, but she only succeeded in swallowing a mouthful of water. She coughed, struggling to breathe as the waves of the pool began to churn around her. Gone was her tranquil pond. In its place was a raging sea, and while she tried to open her mouth to scream out to Terrance for help, all she managed to do was swallow more water.

NO!! screamed the Queen of Morthika, kicking and flailing her arms and legs. This would not do at all…

*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Darkness….. cool darkness… dappled sunlight.. birds singing..

*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~~*

The earth was cool beneath her. A pillow of moss cocooned her head as she turned her head to the side and snuggled down into the moist, earthen smell. The sound of birds singing reached her ears and sunlight shone down at her, dappled beams of light against her alabaster skin. She tried to open her eyes, but her eyelids were too heavy. So, she did all that she could. She lay there in the cool shadows, smelling the scents of the forest and listening to the birds.

And Terrance.

She could hear him again. He was calling her name, telling her how much he needed her. She nodded. She needed him too. She tried to reach out to him, but her arms felt as though they were made out of lead. She opened her mouth to call out to him, but all she could do was swallow mouthful after mouthful of moist earth. Coughing and gagging, Moridanu struggled to breathe as the ground beneath her began to tremble. A deep groaning sound could be heard beneath her head as the earth began to crack. A giant earthquake caused the ground beneath her to split in two, and then she was falling down into a deep dark pit. Hot air rushed up to meet her, and she breathed in the smoky scent of the flames that leapt up to lick her skin. She screamed, her skin blistering in pain. And then, she heard him again.

Terrance.

She felt his strong arms around her. She tried to respond, to give any sign that she could, but she was incapable of doing anything other than lying limp in his arms.

Now, she was flying…..
*

[Queen Pruaga Sorrow]

Pruaga allowed the Ranger to regain his balance as he spun away from her in an impressive display of agility, Pruaga hissed and straightened up, flipping her lance in her talons to regain the feel of the weapons weight, her prey was a different sort so she’d had to compensate. Pruaga knew he was fast, she could see it with her own eyes, or she supposed it’s what she couldn’t see. She felt the sharp intense pain as the throwing dagger hit her shoulder. She managed to dodge the first, she wasn’t expecting twin blades. She grimaced and took a great leap backwards soaring into the air for a split second before landing on the ground with a crunch of her talons. She laughed.

‘That’s how you define age? You were old when Moridanu was given the throne?’

She let out another great laugh from the pit of her stomach.

‘The fallen Queen of Crows is little more than helpless babe, how old is she now? Five and Twenty? You don’t fool my sisters or I, we know exactly who you are’.

Sabis launched at her once again, but Pruaga wasn’t underestimating him this time, it was a mistake she was sure that Sabis was making though. She managed to parry each attack, pushing forward.

Pruaga spat, She kicked out with her talons again, with incredible speed, her legs raked towards his forearms this time, She managed to keep her balance and hover for a second even though her legs were brought up to waist height. Pruaga took a deep breath and screamed. It was a scream that could shatter concrete, bend metal; even Sabis couldn’t avoid its wide arc or its sheer brunt. Pruaga used the time to tear the throwing dagger out of her shoulder.

‘Come then Ranger. Kill me’.

She said hoarsely. Blood trickled from the open wound.

[Camus]

Meanwhile

The Nation of Yellederia

The White Elf Priests had been gathering around the pool of Hallowed Wands for the last several days. They surrounded the pool and chanted, they chanted to the Elder Gods who held no sway in the moral world anymore, but still they chanted, their eyes glowed and odd colour and the ancient energies manifested. It wasn’t the power exactly; it was the place, the hallowed ground, the ancient sacred land with so many tied to those that came before.

At first the Elves hands began to glow, then a stream of electricity cracked flowing like liquid to the center of the pool, the water began to crackle with the same electricity, every colour of the rainbow. The Pool of calm water then began to whirlpool; the water slowly began to rise into the air, spinning in a circle around the perimeter of the pool. At the heart of a pool now a blue orb could be seen, the blue light was shifting now slowly taking the shape of a skeleton.

One of the Elves collapsed in a pile, the energy flow lessened. The elf looked up at the sky.

‘If they don’t return soon. All is lost’.

[sabis]

'Sabis grins right at Pruaga, shielded from the scream by the one item of power he himself didn't make. The Cloak of the Shroud has been his best defense for centuries, shielded from mental compulsion, from sonic attacks, and his face permanently shaded when the hood is drawn. Even with the hood down, the sonic protection keeps his ears safe, even if the force of it rattles his bones and billows his cloak like a gale force wind. So rattled, when her talons go for his forearms, he doesn't move, even drops his sword, letting one talon grab hold...

'Of the thick, black bracers he wears on his arms, bracer studded with mithril spheres. While they provide strong protection to him, they aren't there as a defense. They too are enchanted, like every other garment he wears, these for strength to his arms, one of the sources his immense hitting power. And grappling power. With the avian creature this close at hand, he grabs out after his left arm is nabbed, grasping at her leg if he can, his intent to pull the bird queen down to his domain, to his ground.'

I define age as a function of experience. I have more then fifteen centuries of it OUTSIDE of Godhood, how about you Tweety?

[The Demon Auditor]

His feet touched down on the street to the barracks where the refugees and soldiers were supposed to be, but not a soul was in sight. His wings folded behind him, and draped down until they became his trench coat in a soft flutter. Mori's green dress rustled against his pants in the breeze. Above he could see the shadows of the harpies seeking their prey high above in the sky circling in small formations, but there was nothing more to find, it seemed. He could smell the blood and fires as other parts of the city seemed to be fighting back against the sky witches. Out in the open like this with Mori in his arms, he knew it'd only be a matter of time before they came for them.

He looked to her stunned and motionless face. Naturally with her head tilted forward he eyes drifted forward, not even close to his face, but somehow he knew she wanted to look at him. He could feel her reaching out, even if she lay quiet and limp. Camus' cries echoed in his mind briefly, and he frowned. He wanted to take the time to try and pull Mori from the depths, but Camus had a point whether he knew it or not. It was time to go. His contemplation was interrupted by a shrill screech from above, forcing him to step to the side as a spear pierced the ground where he had just stood.

He looked up at the diving harpies and frowned. It'd be difficult to fight with Mori in his arms and keep her safe, but maybe...

As the harpies descended, he counted three groups of five. His trench coat billowed around him, allowing four black masses to escape. The shadows moved quickly around him, and instantly there were now five Demon Auditors, complete with five Moridanu's in their arms. Undeterred, the harpies began their strike, and the five Demon Auditor and Mori pairs bolted in separate directions.

The slowest fled into the barracks, followed by a screech, "That one! The others must be decoys they run so fast!" one of the groups flew into the doors of the barracks, and when those doors shut...war cries became screams of terror before muting into cracks and splashes.

The second group followed a pair across the castle courtyard before surrounding him. The supposed Demon Auditor grinned as the hovering harpies closed in around him at lightning speed. The spears clattered as they ran through Terrance and Mori's shape. Immediately the colors drained from the pair and they became a single black mass, which then became much larger and menacing then before as a single creature.

Near another entrance of the castle, Terrance met up with the other two dopplegangers as further screams of sheer terror and anguish pierced the night. Holding Mori close to his chest, he looked over his shoulder at the last five harpies that had decided to end their luck by following him. "Finish it," he spoke in a calm tone. The other two pairs of Terrance and Mori faded into dark masses, reshaped themselves, and sprinted to the attacking harpies.

The one and only Demon Auditor carried Queen Moridau into the castle proper, heading to find Camus. Blood, screams, and chunks of flesh with feathers all found their way into the entry hall as the doors swung shut behind him. His boots climbed the stairs to the upper hall, his coat billowing behind him again as one by one the shadows hastily slipped back to their home.

"Hang in there, babe," he whispered to Mori, "We'll be outta here in no time."

[Camus]

Camus and Idabelle scrambled up the tall stone staircase that led to the main hall. Camus didn’t know the castle well enough, so they kept getting lost and he wasn’t sure where to look for ODA and Morthika next. They moved quickly, trying to find shelter Idabelle shot arrow after arrow into the sky, Blood and feathers fell like rain and Harpies dropped out of the sky like hail stones. She had impeccable aim, but her ferocity with a bow and arrow were bringing them the attention of the Harpies. Camus flung a confusion spell over their heads just in cast but was drained and it wasn’t having too much effect. Camus felt a sudden surge or energy; someone was using magic, magic that felt all too familiar.

‘Quick this way, I feel them!’

Camus said grabbing hold of Idabelle’s hand and dragging her in the opposite direction, she managed to let loose one more arrow. Camus was knocked off his feet.

‘Auditor!’

He said happily as he dusted himself off. They had literally knocked into each other.

‘That’s the Queen?’

Idabelle said surprised. Camus’s heart sank when he saw that the Queen was still comatose, he just assumed, or hoped that she’d snapped out of it, or broken whatever spell had her in it’s thrall.

‘Forgive me Demon Auditor, I am Idabelle Whiterose, I’m here on Talisen Phoenix bidding to deliver you to safety’.

Idabelle said excusing herself. Camus smirked at his friend, seeing his surprise at hearing Talisen’s name. Idabelle once again took to flinging off arrows. Camus took the opportunity, he pressed his hand against the Queens forehead, she didn’t seem to have a noticeable fever, she wasn’t ill. He could almost fill her buzzing somewhere behind her eyes. He lowered his face closer to hears, listening to her under the surface; he could almost hear her, almost. Camus took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He said a quick incantation, when he opened his eyes again; all that was showing were the whites.

‘I still can’t see a spell or Hex’

He said to the Other Demon Auditor.

‘I don’t understand this at all. Unless it’s self induced, she may have accidentally put a spell on herself, she’s powerful enough for accidental magic, nothing but sheer will and enough magical energies, anything’s possible’.

Camus said darkly.


Camus suddenly felt himself go dizzy, he blocked his ears in pain, he felt a trickle of blood on the palm of his hand, the Harpies were massing above them, using their sonic screams. Camus looked up but there were already too many to count. They were blotting out the sun.

‘We can’t fight them all!’

He cried feebly above the terrible noise. He heard another noise them, a horrible and ferocious roar, the Harpies were screaming now, but not at Camus and his friends, they were frightened.

‘Oh no...’

Camus said terrified, he could hear it clearly now, it was a sound he’d never heard before, a horrible roar.

‘What is that?’

He said trying to be heard above the noise. He could see it the distance now. At first it was just a shinny speck, but he could see the black ash and smoke spewing from somewhere behind the horrible beast. Its metal skin looked like it was put together by hand, it was a mix match of different materials, it didn’t have legs, but rather moved on funny looking treds like a caterpillar. It was huge and its back part was long and box-like. Camus couldn’t tell if it was a demon or a giant insect. As it got closer Camus could see someone inside, screaming in terror in the creatures jaws. It was moving so quickly over debris and rocks.

Just when Camus thought they were all done for, when he thought the metal monster would tear through them, it stopped. It made a loud noise and the creatures jaws opened wide. Three Morthikan Gnomes were inside, strapped down.

‘Sim?’

Camus asked, seeing his Gnomish friend inside the beast.

‘We came back for you! Quick get in the back, we made this last night for the journey!’

Sim said happily, pressing several coloured instruments Camus couldn’t fathom, he hadn’t known the Gnomes to be this adept at magic, enough to summon a demon for them to ride in.

[Queen Pruaga Sorrow]

‘You are a fool, who is fixated with the past. Why do you keep berating me with your former godhood? I didn’t care then, and I don’t care now!’

Pruaga roared and she was grappled back to the ground. She felt blood on her talons and smiled. They crunched into the rooftop in an impressive display of strength. More and more of her sisters were falling from the sky. She spun her pike and slammed out the blunt end towards Sabis chest, intending to get some distance between them. If he was a normal man, the ribcage would shatter.

‘Sisters! High Fliers, fall back! Weather witches form on the ground!’


She roared supernaturally loud to her army. Immediately the pike throwing Harpies fell back, and the strong, land units began to land, taking out the few Elves who were defending their fallen city. While she issued orders, she kept a hard eye on Sabis, watching his subtle movements and learning his attack plan. She didn’t drop her guard for a second. She was about to hit out again when she heard a horrible rumbling coming from somewhere near the edge of the city. It was a noise she’d never heard before, like a bellow from hell, almost mechanical. She lashed out at Sabis with her pike in a wide arc then quickly took to the skies. She could see the metal beast, the queen and her allies were surrounding it.


‘It seems your friends are meeting their end Ranger’.

Pruaga laughed, thinking the hulking mass of silver and stone was a demon sent by Lucien to devour Moridanu. She ignored the pain in her shoulder, it began to spread through her chest and forced her to cough a small amount of blood onto her lips.

[sabis]

'He grinned inward the force of her pike's butt end slamming his chest actually absorbed by the light mail armor and multiple layers of clothing. It hits slightly on the right side, so he goes with the flow and spins that direction, his cloak billowing upwards, hiding him for a brief moment. It releases from him, granting him another brief second of time where she wouldn't be able to see him. By the time her second swing comes around and knocks the cloak away, he's done his three hundred and sixty degree turn. He comes back around, unveiling his endgame.'

'There he stands, his greatbow in hand, summoned from his glove, already nocked with an arrow. And he's already releasing it. With the crack of thunder the arrow is transformed into a shaft of lightning, aimed straight for the harpy's heart, less then three seconds after she struck his chest a moment ago. This had been his plan all along, distract, confuse, bide his time and wait for this chance to pull his bow out. He quickly grabs three more arrows from the quiver, letting all three loose right behind the first, maybe a full second behind it, their angle spread vertically to ensure a second hit even if she survives or somehow manages to dodge the first. He doesn't say another word for now, but he's near certain: It's over.'

[The Demon Auditor]

The Demon Auditor looked down at Mori's listless body and frowned as Camus discovered the absence of spells or hexes.

"I don't know... It's like she just shut herself off... I don't think it's anything magical, more like some sort of physical and mental reaction to stress. I've been trying to figure it out since we left the room, but she just won't respond to anything. I can feel her, though, she's in there, trying to reach out. There's too much commotion right now, though, I can't concentrate on helping her and keeping us alive at the same time! We need to get out of the city and away from the fighting!"

He looked up as the harpies gathered above. He couldn't reach to his ears with his arms holding Mori, but the trench coat provided, the collar expanding up and covering his head into a hood and padding his ears. It was painful, but he was more annoyed than anything right now to be bothered with reacting. He looked back at Mori, afraid the sonic attack would start scrambling her brains, and pressed her head against his chest to shield her.

Just then the mechanical monstrosity approached, frightening off the harpies.

"That's not one of mine..." he wondered aloud, "Who could..."

He trailed off as the beast came closer and closer, and then he could clearly see the treads and rivets all over the beast. He grinned broadly as it came to a stop.

"Well shove me down a Brattler's gullet and call me Shirley!" he laughed as the gnomes appeared within the creature's maw.

Sim gave them the order to get in back, so he carried Mori to the rear of the creature looking for an access hatch or something in the box-like part of the mechanical wonder.

"Sim, you wonderful craftsman, open the hatch and let us in!" he shouted above the screams and shrieks of harpies. Hopefully Camus had enough sense to follow him and not stop and wonder how DA could know what to look for or what he was talking about or what language he was speaking.

[Moridanu]

*As Elemental Magic was at the very core of her being, it was not surprising that even in her apparently unconscious state, Moridanu naturally drew upon the elements of earth, air, fire and water to regain her strength. Although all four of them provided temporary relief from her exhaustion and grief, the reprieve was always short lived as Moridanu lacked the strength of the final and most important element: spirit. With everything that had happened to her over the past few months, her spirit which had once been the most glowing and inspirational in all of Morthika, had been slowly chipped away. Crowe’s apparent capture and subsequent disappearance, along with the defeat at Kendelah and the hostile takeover of her beloved home had destroyed almost all of her unwavering spirit and belief in her kingdom and her people. If she had been less than a Queen; if she had been a normal human woman, Moridanu would’ve simply given up many moons ago. However, she WAS a Queen and it was her duty to lead her people. That fact was undeniable. A deep, burning sensation of resentment began to bloom deep within her soul and Moridanu squirmed subconsciously, moving in Terrance’s arms as a low moan escaped her lips.


Everything around her had melted away – even Terrance. She was aware of nobody and nothing – except for that feeling of resentment. This feeling began to mix with a new emotion – disgust. She was absolutely disgusted with herself for just giving up like this, and to anyone who may happen to look upon her at this moment; a sneer would now be evident on her lips. She snarled and barred her teeth, somewhat like a wild animal as she hissed and began to kick with her legs. Anyone close enough to her, would have to dodge her kicks as well as her arms which were now flailing about around her. She screamed silently, her mouth open as her vocal chords strained in an agonising cry of pain as her entire body went rigid. Spasms caused her locked muscles to convulse in a series of seizures which would be terrifying to anyone present to see them.


Despite the chaos of the war raging around them, and while Terrance and Camus were in the processing of escaping with her body in tow, the sound of beating wings soon reached her ears and the seizures stopped. A lone crow, bigger than normal and with feathers as black as night, flew into the open doorway of the metal beast. It made no sound other than the sound of its huge beating wings, flying low as it circled the interior of the machine, examining all of those present with gleaming ebony eyes. The crow seemed to pay particular attention to Terrance, seemingly assessing his worthiness of being the Queens protector, before it flew over to Moridanu’s body and perched on her chest. The crow sat on her chest, its brilliant tail feathers splayed out over her stomach while its eyes focused on her face. As it cawed out softly to her, its talons tightened, digging into the green fabric of her dress and puncturing the skin beneath. Blooms of red blood appeared on her dress and the crow clacked its beak together almost in anticipation as more of the Queens blood began to flow. As if the smell of the Queens blood had summoned them, more crows appeared and began to fly around and alongside the metal beast. They attacked any remaining harpies, making short work of them with surprising efficiency, scarily quiet as they remained focused on the metal beast that carried their Queen. Soon the sky was almost completely black as thousands of crows flew alongside the metal beast.


Inside her metal chariot, with her lover by her side, Moridanu smiled. A laugh bubbled in her throat as a tear of sheer joy slipped down her cheek. The crow clicked its beak again before nuzzling her neck with its feathery head. Slowly, as if she were underwater, Moridanu’s right hand lifted to stroke the crow which was now making a cooing sound. The crow playfully nipped her lip, causing Moridanu to laugh again as her eyes fluttered open. She blinked several times before lifting her head to look at the crow. The crow lifted its head and clicked its beak again before dipping its head as if in a bow. Moridanu nodded and sighed deeply, stroking the magnificent bird once more before it raised its wings and flew off her. In a moment, the crow had flown out of the open entranceway and the Queen was sitting up, blinking and looking around in wonder. She had no memory of anything after the exploding elf, although she did know that she had checked out for a while. Something told her that this had been necessary for her survival and although she felt weak and shaken, she knew that she had been recharged and was now ready to continue the war against the dark force of Lucien and his minions. Looking around, she wondered briefly where they were and who these new characters may be. But for now, the questions would have to wait.


Rising shakily to her feet, she reached a hand out to Terrance so that he may catch her if she fell. After taking a few deep breaths to steady herself, she wrapped her arms around him in a tight embrace. With a low voice that was merely more than a husky whisper meant for only him to hear she breathed in his ear ~M’love… forgive me..~ She drew back, just enough so that her mouth was now in front of his as she kissed him deeply and with a passion that made her toes tingle. Once the kiss was complete, she told him ~I shall explain later.. when there be time… thank ye for not giving up on me..~ She kissed him again, softly this time before she stepped away and looked around. Raising her voice, she stood to her full height as she looked to Camus.

~Camus, m’old friend, it does the heart good to see ye. Pray tell, who be driving this… this…~ she waved her hands around ~wonderful contraption? For although I am sure ye have a destination in mind, I am afraid we will need to take a slight detour!~ She smiled then, wrapping her arms around her lithe frame as she hugged herself, the stain of her blood still on her dress.
~He’s alive!~ she sang. ~Crowe is alive! And we need to go and rescue him!~ At her words, the thousand or more crows that flew alongside them all cawed out loudly in unison and quickly overtook the metal beast so that they were now in front. ~Follow those birds!~ she called out happily, turning her brilliant smile upon Terrance. ~He came to me! Did ye see him? He came to save me, and now it is our turn to save him! Lucien has him in a tower, I have seen it … there are many guards.. but we must save him!~

With the hope of seeing her soul mate again, Moridanu’s faith had been restored. She glowed with an inner light and was now the Queen of Morthika that people would be proud to follow. She looked upon an Elf she did not recognise, and although the Elf smiled at her, Moridanu narrowed her eyes. She immediately mistrusted this stranger and as this woman was standing near Camus, Moridanu pulled Terrance to the side.

~Forgive us Camus, Terrance and I need some privacy..~ She waved her hand almost absently and a thick green mist enveloped Terrance and Moridanu so that nobody could hear or see them. Happily cocooned with her lover (if only for a moment) Moridanu fell down onto the floor beneath her, pulling Terrance down with her. Positioning herself so that she was sitting in front of him, leaning against his chest, she entwined her fingers in those of his right hand as she tilted her head and gazed up at him.

~I heard ye.. ye were there… with me… tis hard to explain..~ she reached up to nuzzle his neck. ~I not be sure what happened to me.. or why… but something tells me it had to happen.. I feel.. stronger…more.. charged if that makes sense?~ She kissed him, what felt to be a hundred times before she snuggled up to him for the long ride ahead.
~Tell me, what did I miss? Who is that Elven woman? And why on earth does Camus trust her?~ *

[Camus]

Camus was apprehensive. The Demon roared like a beast straight from Hell, but apparently The Demon Auditor thought the whole thing was masterful; he loaded the Queen into the beast and took a seat himself. Camus sighed, he was always taught since he was baby, to beware creatures of magic and metal, but he eventually stepped gingerly inside the beast, testing the floor of the creatures belly with his hoof. It didn’t take him much longer to realise the beast was in fact a machine. His bruised and battered face flushed. Camus sat in the seat next to the Other Demon Keeper and Moridanu while Idabelle sat in a seat opposite them. He noticed she held her longbow on her lap ever at the ready; she wasn’t sure what the make of the beast either, Camus thought. As Camus rested, he let his mind wander, he realised for the first time how tired he was. He felt his eyelids grow heavy and it wasn’t long before he was drifting off into an awkward half sleep.

He saw Oona Ondessa stalking towards him, she was angry that he’d failed. She drew back her heavy fist and slammed it across his jaw.

‘Follow the red!’

Talisen said dramatically, his voice wheezing painfully, half alive.

Camus woke up with a start; the Queen had kicked him in the face during her seizure.

‘No’.

He stammered, still barley awake. The Crow was circling now. He shooed the bird away angrily, but he could feel the Crow’s otherworldly essence. Everything was happening at once and Camus couldn’t handle it anymore, he stepped back and felt Idabelle’s strong hand on his shoulder, reassuring him. He was almost certain the Queen was dying.

‘Moridanu!’

He cried in alarm, but just like that, she was smiling, then laughing and she was awake. As if she’d only been asleep, he could feel the waves of mystical elementally energy swirl from her core, it was both comforting and aching. The Crow swooped out of the beast and the door slid closed. There was a roar from outside and suddenly they were off, Sim was working furiously at the Vehicles pilot seat. The Queen greeted Camus and he beamed happily, he’d never felt such utter relief in his life.

‘You don’t know how good it is to hear your voice my Queen’.

She was excited, happily, she had a purpose, but Camus’s blood ran cold when she mentioned a detour. Idabelle had explained everything; the day was rapidly turning to night.
‘No.’

Idabelle said standing up. She dropped her longbow on the vehicles floor, all but forgotten.

‘You don’t understand.’

Idabelle said pleadingly.

Moridanu told Sim to follow the birds.

‘No!’

She roared again, but the Queen was engaged, enthralled.

Moridanu had already erected a barrier between them. Idabelle looked at the barrier to Camus and back to the barrier again, at loss for words, angrily tears welled in her eyes. ‘No’ she repeated over and over again. She turned to Sim through the driver seat.

‘Good Gnome, I’m sorry to be so harsh, but you don’t continue along the path to Yellederia, I will kill you’.

She growled angrily.

‘Camus, lower that hoodoo barrier’.

She said, obviously trying to contain her anger.

Camus wasn’t sure what to do, he didn’t want to defy his Queen, but at the same time, he could feel Idabelle’s desperation and it was contagious. He felt he could trust the woman, thought he’d only known for several hours. He could feel Oona inside him and it bought him hope. What would Oona do? Let a little barrier stop them from saving Talisen? Camus sighed deeply. First he tested the water, Moridanu’s spells and charms had a... flavor of sorts, seeped in arcane energies long forgotten, her magic was strong and elemental, it was pure and that was the most fierce kind. That being said, Moridanu had no reason for defenses, she wasn’t trying, magic was complicated like that, it was all about intent and all Moridanu wanted was privacy. Camus tried to match the Queen’s elemental charge, it took the last of his strength and his magic, he felt his eyes roll back into his head and a trickle of blood dripped from his nose.

‘Disaparato’

He said quickly and immediately after, blew as if blowing out a thousand birthday candles. She was too strong and the dispell was too weak, but he felt the barrier give way, as if smoke. He felt Idabelle caught his limp body, he was conscious and able to speak, but his body simply wouldn’t move.
‘Forgive my horrid intrusion Queen, but we will not be taking a detour. Talisen Phoenix is clutching at straws now, he can no longer hold onto the fabrics of our reality. My people are trying to rebuild him from the soul up, but they don’t have the skill or the magic. His soul is not meant to be and the sheer force of his magical nature are tearing him apart, if we are not able to contain him and rehouse his soul in a body, he will implode. The magic is killing my people’.

Idabelle said dramatically, angry tears were trickling down her beautiful flawless features.

‘If you choose your friend over Talisen Phoenix, you will find no sanctuary in the Nation of Yellederia, and you will be facing war with more than one faction.’

Idabelle said, steeling herself this time, trying to appear as the Head of House that she was instead of a feeble angry girl. She didn’t like giving the Queen an ultimatum, but she didn’t see any other choice, the Queen was too preoccupied and Idabelle was desperate.

‘I can promise, if you return to my country and help us contain Talisen Phoenix, my people will be forever behind you. We will declare war on Lucien’s forces and I will personally help you to free your friend Crowe. If not... please let me out here’.

[Moridanu]

*Moridanu listened carefully to anything Terrance chose to discuss with her as she snuggled up to him and prepared herself mentally for the long ride ahead. The fact that she finally knew that Crowe was still alive filled her with a happiness that almost threatened to blind her to anything or anyone else and she felt her entire being tingling with anticipation at seeing him again. He was her kin – her soul mate. He had literally been created for her, and she had felt as though half of her was missing during the entire time they had been apart. Now that they were to be reunited, she felt confident that they would turn the tide of the war and recapture Kendelah from Lucien and his horde. Content with this feeling of renewed faith, Moridanu allowed a welcome sense of relief to consume her as she snuggled up to her lover and listened to his voice wash over with its reassuring tones.


Her state of contentment was short lived however, and she suddenly felt something foreign tugging at her privacy barrier. The effort was weak and had no hope of succeeding, however she was so surprised by this sudden attack that she allowed the barrier to evaporate as if it had been made from nothing more than a puff of smoke. Surprised and enraged that somebody had managed to invade the metal beast and try to attack her and Terrance, Moridanu leapt to her feet and glared around the inside of their transport. Confusion swept over her as she saw nobody apart from Camus, the driver of the metal beast and the strange Elven lady she had noticed before. At the sight of Camus, Moridanu realised immediately what had happened, and her eyes widened in shock before narrowing suspiciously towards the Elven lady who foolishly chose that moment to speak.


‘Forgive my horrid intrusion Queen, but we will not be taking a detour. Talisen Phoenix is clutching at straws now, he can no longer hold onto the fabrics of our reality. My people are trying to rebuild him from the soul up, but they don’t have the skill or the magic. His soul is not meant to be and the sheer force of his magical nature is tearing him apart. If we are not able to contain him and rehouse his soul in a body, he will implode. The magic is killing my people’.

Moridanu listened with an arched brow as this strange woman proceeded to tell her that they would not be taking a detour. She opened her mouth to say something, but then thought better of it as the woman finished speaking. The mention of Talisen Phoenix in grave danger filled her with sadness, but as the last word she had received of him had been of his death, this only served to add to Moridanu’s confusion. She listened sympathetically as the woman spoke of her people dying in their attempt at saving him, though the woman’s next words soon eroded any sympathy Moridanu may have felt for her or her peoples’ plight.

‘If you choose your friend over Talisen Phoenix, you will find no sanctuary in the Nation of Yellederia, and you will be facing war with more than one faction.’

Moridanu blinked in shock at these words before turning her emerald gaze towards Terrance. She arched her brow at him, as if to say ~WTF??~ before she turned her attention to the woman who was still speaking. Moridanu’s eyes were no longer their brilliant green. Instead they were a deep amber colour which was slowly deepening to a dark gold as more words spilled from the strangers lips.


‘I can promise, if you return to my country and help us contain Talisen Phoenix, my people will be forever behind you. We will declare war on Lucien’s forces and I will personally help you to free your friend Crowe. If not... please let me out here’.

Moridanu shifted her weight to her back foot and forced herself to count to ten – slowly. When the woman appeared to be finished, Moridanu took a deep breath in an attempt to calm her rage before she spoke. As it was so linked with her anger and passion for her people, the element of fire could now be felt by anyone inside the metal beast as the temperature rose by at least twenty degrees. The driver of the beast turned and cast a fearful glance over his shoulder, and Moridanu could see in his eyes that he was scared of the strange Elven woman. Taking a few seconds extra, Moridanu probed deeper into his mind and saw that she had threatened to kill him if he followed her orders. It was the final straw for the emotionally and physically exhausted Queen and she turned her now fiery gaze back towards the Elven woman.


~Ye dare to address the Queen of Morthika in such a tone, without so much as a word of introduction as to who ye are or why ye are here??~ The temperature within the metal beast was quickly becoming unbearable as Moridanu struggled to contain her rage.


~Not only do ye insult me by having someone who I thought I could trust ~ she shot a look of pure disgust at Camus before continuing. ~ invade my personal sanctuary and privacy, ye also attempt to overrun my instructions, and have the audacity to TELL me what I will be doing and where I won’t be going?! Who the hell are YOU to tell ME what I will or won’t be doing?!~


Moridanu became aware of the rising heat and she waved her hand absently in the air to summon a cool breeze which blew around the interior of their transport. In her current state of rage however, the breeze soon became a blistering gale force wind, resulting in her auburn curls flying madly around her head as she continued, her voice growing steadily louder.


~In one sentence, ye deliver me with an ultimatum and then threaten my people with war if I do not meet ye demands??!! REALLY???!!! I ask ye again STRANGER – who the hell do ye think ye are??! IF I agree to ye terms, ye pledge the support of the people with whom ye just threatened me with, if I disagree?! Have ye listened to yourself? Don’t ye see how insulting and blatantly stupid that is???~

Moridanu’s voice was now a roaring yell, and the crows flying outside all raised their voices in unison, a loud cawing sound filling the air. As if their voices gave her some form of a calming effect, Moridanu took a deep breath and lowered both her voice and the force of the wind around her.


~Ye wish me to believe that ye are a representative of the Nation of Yellederia? A nation that ye say will “be forever behind me” .. that you will declare war against Lucien and ye will “personally” help me find my friend? Oh wait, but that is only if I follow your DEMANDS!~ Moridanu snorted in disgust, her hands clenched in angry fists at her side.


~I ask ye STRANGER, where the hell were ye and your precious Nation of Yelledaria when this war began?! It is not just a war against Morthika, it is a war between light and dark, good and evil!! It has been raging for too many moons to count, though I believe in some realms, they would say it has been at least ten years!! Where have ye and ye people been all this time??! Ye certainly haven’t been fighting on the front line like the rest of us here. In fact, up until.. what.. an hour ago.. ye didn’t even exist to me! So pray tell, why the hell should I give up on m’soul mate! I will forgive ye ignorance as to Crowes role in this war, as .. like I said.. YE KNOW NOTHING ABOUT IT!!~ These last words were a roar which sent a hot blast of wind in her direction. Moridanu was shaking all over with rage, and she forced herself to at least attempt to calm down.


When next she spoke, her voice gave the impression that she was calm once more. But Terrance and Camus would know all too well, that this was merely an illusion. If the woman continued with her arrogance and ignorance, there was little chance that she would leave this place alive.


~Talisen.. is a friend.. and I am truly sorry if he is in need of assistance as ye say. However, my duty is to the people of Morthika and my destiny is to defeat Lucien. In order to do that, I must have Crowe by my side – there is no doubt about it. Once I have Crowe back in service for the safety of all Morthikans, I will seek out Talisen and offer what assistance I can. In the meantime, if ye need beings with magical powers to help him, perhaps ye should take Camus with ye as he seems to think he is powerful enough to challenge even me.~ Again she looked at the faun, but her previous look of disgust was gone. In its place was one of disappointment. Moridanu breathed a deep sigh and turned her gaze back towards the woman.


~Your ultimatum has been received and rejected, so ye can make of that what ye will. If ye wish to leave to carry on with ye mission, I suggest ye get the hell out of my way and go ahead without me. Camus can choose to go with ye, or stay.. the choice is his. See.. unlike ye, I do not threaten death or war against people who may not like to do what I ask.~
Moridanu looked at the driver who was glancing backwards again, wiping the sweat from his brow.

~Fear not.. ye will not be harmed. I am grateful for ye assistance with this transport and ye people shall be rewarded in turn for ye service..~

Moridanu shot a look at the Elven woman, as if daring her to contradict the Queens orders again before she clicked her fingers and the back door of the metal beast blew open.

~Don’t let the door hit ye on the way out..~ she snarled at the woman, before turning back to the driver. ~As I said before I was so rudely interrupted.. follow those birds!~ *