Telpurion Archive #2
Ryoni looked around slowly, trying to find a way to escape and flitted through the trees as fast as her weakened body could carry her, glancing back warily to see if she was being followed. She was frightened of the Dark Elves that held her captive and she tried to escape them several times, but failed miserably each time. She doesnt remember why she was being held captive by them, the only thing she knew was to escape from them.
"And just where do you think you are going?" a voice said from the trees. Suddenly a dark figure appeared in front of her, it's masqued and black armoured features obscuring any flesh, giving off the impresion that it was either not real or some sort of possed engine.
She stumbles backwards and looks up in fear, falling to the ground and cowering in front of her, sobbing. "No, stay away from me!" She covered up her head with her slender arms, preparing for the blow that she was certain that may fall.
"Get up, you pathetic waste of time" The iron shod warrior barked, bringing the wooden part of his glaive down on her "Next it's the flog, no up!" Several others appeared from the trees. They had been following her all along "Soon you will have others to share in your torment" one pured in her ear before leaping off into the trees. The procession lined the trees, hidden. Dark riders mounted on werewolves could be seen, ready to spring their trap. "Not a word from you" said one of the warriors, strappeing her to a tree before gaging her with a rope.
She cries out in pain when the wooden part of his glaive fell upon her before she bit her bottom lip, struggling weakly against the warrior who tied her to the tree. She lowered her head weakly to her chest, silent tears running down her cheeks as she slightly tested the bindings to her body. A small gasp comes deep from her throat as the rope in her mouth cut into her skin.
"There will be no escaping from you, or will i have to hamsting you first?" He captor growled "Hey that could be fun" another said with a laugh "Ease off, the master wants this one for somthing ladie so i'm afraid i can't let you touch her" said the captain shooing off the others to their posts as he sat down beside her "I'm sorry you got caught up in all of this, unfortunatly there is nothing that i can do about...i'd release you if i could but somone of your type has been requested by the Archon" he said almost sadly.
Ryoni shifted her eyes to him, surprised at his sudden change of character. She became very confused by what he said.
Wh-what...a Dark Elf feeling sympathetic? What is going on? She closed her eyes weakly and slumped her head back down to her chest.
"I am slightly sympathetic because i have retained my heart an conceous, and no that was not me who beat you...that was Zorac my captain" he said in reply to her thoughts. A rumbling sound could be heard up the road "There's a centuar and wood elf convoy coming Cabal leader. We await your orders" cried a scout. The leader turned from his conversation with Ryoni to go to the front and lead the attack. Dozen's or heavily armed lithe warriors stood poised to spring their trap.
Ryoni looked up hopefully and stuggled more against the restraints on her body as she saw the centuar and wood elf convoy coming. She tried to call out weakly, but couldnt seem to find her voice.
Lomien carried two eleven battle swords and a bow and a glaive, leaving Gurthang with Ninquelote as she knew how to use the blade, and the weapons he had chosen where his preferred set
Nin...i sense trouble..can you feel it also? he telepathed to her. He rode on in silence, his hightened sense could feel the unease in the Centuars...whi
ch he knew ment an ambush was near.
hearing Lomien's message, Ninquelote closed her eyes and reached out with her mind, I sense dark figures laying in wait, only a few, but there could be more cloaking their presence. She said inwardly, Lomien, there are werewolves.
Lomien stopped his horse at that word. As soon as he did, howling and screaming broke out, dark armoured figures lept out to set upon the convoy. looking up just in time, Lomien ran his glaive through a were wolf and it's rider. Shouts and screams filled the air coupled with the din of battle.
Ryoni cringed at the noise of the battle and cowered in fear, the rope cutting deeply into her mouth as she did so. She cried out as best she could, blood appearing in her mouth and dripping slightly from her mouth.
Lomien kicking his horse into leaping over a line of dark elves was inturn unhorsed his glaive ending the Cabal leader, who collapsed dead at Ryoni's feet. Aided by five Centuars, Lomien made short work of the foot soldiers. Pulling out his glaive he gave Ryoni an odd look, searing another werewolf with a bolt of lightning.
Nin reached out with her mind, doing what she could to help with her still recovering strength.
Help...me... Ryoni thought weakly, not knowing if they heard her thoughts or not.
Lomien glanced warily around, before approaching her "Well i never expected to find a captive...alive, and by the looks of it untouched...besides alittle scourging here and there" he said gently untying the gag, then cutting the ropes. Sensing a Dark elf with a raised spear behind him, he felt the spear come closer and closer, letting out several bolts of lightning, whaching with a grim smile as the Dark elf fell screaming.
She slumps to the ground, looking up at Lomien, her hair falling in her face as she looked fearfully around. "Th-they're a-all gone?"
As if in answer to her question, Dark elf assasin's leap out one of who's blade smashes into Lomien's shoulder, then, much to the assasin's horror turns harmlessly aside on his shoulder pauldron. Grabbing the assasin by the throat, the girl burst into fire, her ashes scattering in the wind. All around carnage was wrought, the Dark elves where being slaughtered though more where coming. The Dark elves realised over late that the convoy was huge, and well prepared for ambush. Bodies lay everywhere. "They will soon be gone, but come now little one.....we need to get you to one of the wagons" he said picking her up in one arm, his glaive in the other. Each wagon was well protected by the Centuars.
She looked at the ground as he carried her, her slender body quivering in his arm. "I-I want a-away from h-here..." She stuttered while closing her eyes.
Nin found the essence of a Dark Elf who she thought to be one of the leaders and focused on him. He felt a wave of fear wash over him as she concentrated on him, she waited until she felt his life vanish, then slumped against the side of the wagon, weakened by even that simple task. But she wasn't going to sit idly by while Lomien could be in trouble, she reached out again, found Lomien and kept watch over him.
"That can be arranged" he said, hoisting her into the wagon next to Nin "Would you stop trying track me Nin..you'll only end up with a headache....oh and this is a prisoner i found when killing their leader. Don't worry miss, you're well protected with all these Centuars about...more are coming to" he smiled, heading off to the battle, glad he had worn his new armour set that he had designed.
"I will not just sit here." Was Nin's soft and simple reply as Lomien turned away.
Do i need to turn off your abilities then? you're to weak to fight Nin, and i'm sensing alot of...oop..alot of fatigue he telepathed to her as he fought. The Dark elves now found themselves out classed, as the lighter wood elves lept from the wagons, taking up arms and beating off the attackers, more of whom where joining the fray. Lomien retrieved an ax, burying it in a Minotuars chest oh im so glad chieftains hate Dark elves he thought. The attack was begining to lose steam, as most of the Cabal leaders lay dead and strewn about the road.
Ryoni looked up and weakly leaned against the side of the wagon, looking down and seeing a slender long sword not too far off from where she sat. She looked up to see the attack lessening up and smiled slightly.
It doesn't take any effort just to watch. She thought, smiling a little, then turned to Ryoni, "Are you alright?" she asked the girl.
whatever you do, don't touch the long sword...ask Nin what is...i'll explain an answer any questions you have later he told her, feeling her gaze through the black blade even though it was in its' ornate sheath. i know love, just don't use your abilities...your mind is fragile Nin, and it is begining to show signs of breaking...please take it easy love he begged. The remaining Dark elves where either wounded, or trying to flee...which didn't work out so well.
Nin nodded, knowing that he would sense her compliance, Be careful my love.
Ryoni looked over to Nin and bittly replied, not knowing exactly what the woman has been through so far. "You try being held captive for a long time, being beaten everytime you do something wrong, not knowing what will happen to you next." Tears entered her eyes as she looked back at the long sword. "I have no idea how long I was held captive for..or why I was their prisoner...and why cant I touch this sword?"
Gurthang, gave off an erie blue hue, whispers filled Ryoni's mind. Lomien felt Gurthangs snare being set is that blade ever anything but trouble? he thought, thuroughly exasperated by now. The wounded Dark elves, some of them quite young begged for their lives "My lord Lomien....what is to be done with thease?" Arantar asked, gesturing to the Dark elves. "Kill them all Arantar" came the simple reply as the Centuars set about their work killing any surviving Dark elf.
Nin's face darkened, "You do not want to go near that weapon." Nin said softly, "It would bring you more pain than it could ever be worth."
The small woman clutched her head as she cowered into the wagon. "What is that dreaded whisper?!" She pulled her legs up to her chest and tried to ignore the whispers, falling silent as she concentrated more.
Lomien roved along the woods, walking back out of the tree line, black smoke billiowing in the distance behind him. The Centuars and Lomien had razed the Coven keep to the ground. His armour was dented and in some places, pocked by the arrow that had gone into but not pentetrated his armour. He continued looking, three of the rear wagons had been hit hard and many of its' occupants and guards where either dead or wounded.
Ryoni peered out over the edge of the wagon and glared at the sword. Get out of my thoughts...
Gurthang sang with the baleful shrieks and cries of the souls trapped within, though this could only be heard by her Who do you think you are to order me around?
She broke her gaze away and breathes lightly before looking back to the sword. And why do you come in my thoughts, I would be of no use to you.
Nin moved her focus from Lomien's actions, to Ryoni. She filled the girl's spirit with a soothing calm in an attempt to quiet her mind.
She calmed at Nin's calming and strengthened her mind, glaring more at the blade.
"Because it wants to take you, make you into a wraith and bend it to its' will" said Lomien, materialising out of the tree line in front of them.
Ryoni looked up at Lomien and sat back down in the wagon, looking into her hands that she had placed in her lap. She nods slowly, closing her eyes warily.
Nin looked up at Lomien, "How went it? Are you alright?" She asked softly.
"Yeah i'm fine" he replied. Lomien reached out to Ryoni's mind, gently probing her memories for where she came from and how she wound up a captive.
Ryoni started to dose and the only information that you could have gotten that she could remember was that her family was killed by the werewolves and vampires several years ago.
"Arantar, lets move on before the other Coven's are alerted" Lomien said grimly, deciding to walk on foot instead of seek out another horse. Casting his helmet, glaive and bow into the wagon, he walked on wards by the rear opening of Nin and Ryoni's wagon.
What can you find out about her? Nin asked Lomien, assuming that he was probing the girl's mind.
she has a history to her was his simple reply. The convoy neared the grey lands as night began to fall. Lomien glanced around uneasy again...he did not like being caught on the Dark elf side at night....that had happened once before...and was the reason for the war he was apart of now.
Ryoni stirred slightly in her sleep and opened her eyes slightly. A light moan of pain passes her lips as one of the welts on her back opened up slightly from one of her earlier beatings.
"Ask someone to bring some bandages, would you love?" Nin asked him softly, moving over to Ryoni.
Lomien returned with a few bandages, handing them up to Nin he whached calmly as an arrow passed through the flesh in his arm "It would seem my love, that we might have alittle more trouble yet" he smiled at her, turning with his sword drawn intime to clash blades with a hooded assailant.
Ignoring the pain in her back, Ryoni lifted up her left hand as the hooded assailant burst into flames. She leans heavily back down on the bench, gasping for breath as she peered out over the wagon once more, weakened by her use over fire.
Nin jumped startled by the sudden appearance of an arrow in her husband's arm.
"Press on, they are only here to bog us down until more arrive, keep going!" Lomien shouted, slightly in pain as it dawned on him that the arrow was poisoned.
"Lomien," Nin looked at him, fear in her eyes, "stay with the wagon, please?"
Sighing, he lept up into the wagon, but only after Arantar gave him the *listen to the lady...she knows best* look. Sitting on the edge, he removed his uper arm guard where the arrow had punched through. Wincing as he yanked the dart out "This was a crossbow..." his voice trailed off. Around the wound, the skin was black, with a tinge of purple.
Nin's eyes widened, "Do you know what kind of poison that is? Is there an antidote?" She asked him.
Lomien looked at her, bleary eyed "I have no idea what poison it is...but im sure this is an antidote" he said, as fire coalesced into a blade on his finger tips. Lomien brought the blade closer to the wound, flames began licking the fire blade as the poison was flamable.
Nin grimaced as she watched Lomien.
Before he could do anything, Lomien colapsed. Struggling to keep the poison under control, as dark black trickled down his arm from the arrow into the wound as Lomien lurch. The poison was numbing him, and he was fighting this, however his mind was still to damaged to fight somthing like this off...it was somthing his momentary recovery had not repaired.
"Lomien!" Nin cried, seeing him collapse. Withdrawing from Ryoni, she reached out to him, her blue eyes starting to shimmer, and a feeling of strength and resolve to fight washed over him. Nin knew that her powers only created an illusion of feeling, but she knew not what else she could do.
Lomien sank deeper i..Nin, help me...i can beat this..but i can't, because i don't want to tap my dark side...h..e.l..p me he was growing weaker, the poison sent black veins across his neck, he felt the dark energy within him rage against his barriers, trying to stave the poison. He knew he could rid himself of it...he didn't want her to see him like that again though.
Nin called for a healer, watching in horror, as the black poison spread through his veins. Then, in a last attempt to save him, she transferred all the strength that she could without killing herself to him, hoping that it would be enough for him to fight the poison as she blacked out.
No Nin he said to her "Archelon neilneth druath ilci nienor nay ri nek tov bolroch na" Lomien uttered the spell, his eyes glowed a sea blue, an eight pointed star crested on his forehead. The poison coalesced into a black solid ball, which he threw out the wagon. Waking Nin, returning her energy that she had lent to him. He collapsed awake, yet to weak to move much, and to ashamed to look her in the eye.
Ninquelote woke, her strength having returned to her, and moved over to where Lomien lay. "Are you alright my love?" She asked looking tearfully down at him.
Lomien lay curled in a corner, the fading blue eight pointed star glowing on his hand.
Nin stared at the star, but only for a moment, "Lomien...Lomien, love, are you alright?" She was growing more fearful as he did not respond.
He nodded his head, his eyes where slightly glazed over. The caravan was no in the grey lands. However they where still far from being safe. A river lay up ahead, and to Arantar's dismay, it had been cut. "The bridges are cut!" the call went out. Lomien shivered as snow began to descend the already friged landscape. The place was bleak, everything had been torn apart in the war between the Dark and wood elves.
Nin lifted Lomien's head and held him to her, "Don't ever scare me like that again." she whispered, tears sliding down her cheeks.
Lomien's eyes fluttered slightly "scare you how so my love?" the poison had subsided, however he needed rest and food. He realised he hadn't eaten in days, to focused on keeping Nin alive an safe. A distant howling could be heard in the distance, followed by the even more distant, yet sickening thud of thousands of Iron shod boots "Well my love, it would seem we got ourselves caught in a surprise attack....i'm sorry Nin, i'm sorry that i brought you into this" he said bitterly.
Arantar, unaware of the gloomy outlook of the rear guard, was overjoyed. He could see thousands of wood elf soldiers and cavalry moving up, they would be here long before the Dark elves. The wood elves had masqued their approach having covered and padded all the feet and wheels in their army.
Nin held him tight, "They will not touch you, if I can stop them." She whispered darkly, "They will not take you from me." Tears still ran from her eyes, but on her face was a look of anger and determination.
"Nin, i want you to run, please my love...you're no use dead. Run Nin, please" he said kissing the underside of her chin, as that was all he could reach. Lomien could here the distant rumble grow closer, as he shuddered, his shirt an pants where ripped in many places, in some places the blood simply and painfully froze.
"Neither are you." she shot back, "Lomien, the Alliance needs you....I need you." She her shoulders shook as she stifled a sob, "I will not leave you my love."
"Nin, if this ever growing cold doesn't kill me, that army will" he said softly. The cold was growing, already anything liquid was already frozen, and in some cases the glass had broken...somthing the cover of the wagon offered little protection from to somone trying to recover from a poisoned wound.
Meanwhile, Arantar was meating with the leaders of the wood elf army, most of whom where now out in front. In fact these where the banners that Lomien had seen, though since they where unfamiliar he naturally assumned them to be Dark elf.
Nin rummaged around the wagon, but found only one thin blanket, she held him against her again, and put the blanket over him, "You will not die, not if I can do anything about it. If I have to give you every ounce of strength I have left, you will survive." Nin held him as tight as she could, trying, not quite successfully, not to let her tears fall. Her tears froze, leaving sparkling paths of ice down her cheeks, but she didn't care, she would stay with him if it killed her.
Lomien could hear the shouts and din of battle "Nin my love, please...i want you to live" he said, enjoying the little warmth she had to offer. The poison had left him weak, he could very well use his abilities, however he was barely strong enough to even lift his head or hands.
"I will not leave you." She whispered, but her voice had a note of finality, she would not leave him, and that was that. She would rather die with him, than live, not knowing if she could have saved him.
Lomien slipped in an out of conceousness, finally blacking out entirely from fatigue. Though it seemned like he had died. Arantar galloped to the back, a look of horror came over him as he saw Lomien's pale form "M'lady...what happened?" he said shocked "We are free, look the wood elves even now make war upon the unsuspecting Dark elve's!" he said with a shout. His voice turning to sadness.
"A poison arrow, Arantar." Nin whispered, tears in her eyes, "He has rid himself of the poison, I think he will be alright, but he needs rest and food, and warmth." Then it sunk in what the Centuar had said, "The Wood Elves? Is that who's banners we saw just moments ago? We believed the Dark Elves upon were us."
Lomien stirred fitfully "Nin" he said struggling to regain conciousness "Nin my love please, i want you to live" he said almost inaudibly.
Arantar looked at Nin "He'll make it m'lady...i've seen him get out of some pretty tough scraps, some more so that this one....though i get the feeling that he had a prior encounter...he'll live" was the casual reply. The young centuar trotted off to the front lines, never to be seen again.
Nin gazed after him a moment, then looked back down at Lomien, "It is alright my love, the Wood Elves are here, we are safe."
Calmly sitting up, Lomien gazed out to the growing battle. His heart longed for the heat of battle, but he knew that right now he would sooner end up dead as a fresh recruit than anything else. Lomien undid his armour, seeting it neatly on the opposite bench. Pulling out his trunk and unlocking it, he found a fur blanket that he had stowed "Here love" he said wrapping her up in it.
"You need it more than I, my love." She said, taking the blanket from her shoulders, "I will trade you." she said, nodding to the blanket she had put over him.
"Or how about this" he said, snaching her up into his arms, drawing the fur coat over his shoulder. He held her lightly "How are you wounds doing love?" he asked smiling down at her.
Nin smiled a little and let him hold her, "They still burn, but I am not so weak as I was." She looked up and saw a tall blond elf passing, "Friend," she called, "there are two in here who could use a healer, would you go find one?"
Lomien arose, jumping out of the wagon...only end up chest deep in snow "Th-th-th-that is c-c-c-cold!!!" he growled, finding a spot where he could regain his footing. Standing outside the wagon "I think i'll go and observe this little battle" he said walking off towards the direction of the fighting.
"Lomien," Nin called, getting out of the wagon, "stay, you need a healer."
Lomien shuddered at the word before continuing "I'll be fine Nin, the poison has stopped....and besides...you know how much i hate being poked and probed" he called over his shoulder.
Nin sighed and watched him go.
Lomien was weary, and it showed. He stumbled along in the snow, cursing when he realised that somthing had gotten stuck into his side.
Ryoni lingered near the wagon that occupied Nin, leaping down into the snow, her body completely lost from view. Annoyed with her height, she summoned her fire magic and melted the snow around her and looked up at Nin, questioningly. "W-w-would you like to be k-kept warm my lady?"
Lomien returned shortly, his face grim. "There now little one, you jumped into the river bed just like me, up ya go" he said hoisting her out of the snow drift. He sat on the edge of the wagon, his face fororn, an sad "Arantar...he's dead" he said softly.
Finally, the tall blonde elf came back with another cloaked elf behind her. "I am sorry I took so long. There are very few healers available to help at the moment. Is there anything else I may do for you?" She seemed slightly reluctant to ask. Almost as though she'd rather be out on the battle field herself.
"See to it that her wounds are healed, and this one that i pulled out of the snow...she had many cuts across her...she is a former prisoner of the Dark elves.
"Erm, alright. And your wounds? I see you were hit by a poisoned arrow. I have the antidote if you desire."
"That would be most welcomed" Lomien sighed, relenting. He knew that if he took the antidote then his body would recover much faster.....and put him on the front lines quicker.
With a guilty smile, she pulls the antidote out of the pouch at her hip and gives it to him. "Here, i hope it works quickly for you. Where, may I ask, did you leave the arrow? If you do not remember, thats fine." She backs off slightly, and like the open book she is, shows her guilt openly upon her face.
Nin looked relieved as she watched Lomien return, "Thank you," she said to the young elf, "what is your name?"
"It's not a problem. I am called Celest Eldalain." She bows her head slightly, and hope they don't suspect her for shooting that arrow, for she knows her face is an open book.
Lomien, catching the look in her eyes, gave her an odd look "I take it that the arrow is yours?" His senses weren't entirely back on line, but he could still guess faces.
Nin smiled at her, "Thank you, Celest." Then at Lomien's words her smile dissapeared, she looked from one to the other, waiting for Celest's reply.
With these looks, her face flushed, "I am sorry, I don't need another enemy. Sitting between the Dark Army and the Alliance, I just lost control, I need to remember that no matter the issues I have with the Alliance, they ARE on my side." Celest's playful eyes grow dark as she remembers how she lost her friends, her family, and her home.
Nin's face softened a little,"Celest, I know not what your greavence with us is, but we fight one who must be stopped. It would be appreciated if you did not turn your weapons upon the Alliance's leader."
Lomien stiffened alittle at her mentioning his posistion in the Alliance you want to just go ahead and put a bulls eye on me right now then? you must really be addled Nin he chided her telepathically "As a matter of fact i do have your arrow" he said to Celeste, retrieving it from a slit in the wagon. "And yes we are on your side, i know most of the wood elf leadership personally" he said with a slight smile. "We have all lost alot Celeste, and believe me...the war you have seen here is only a part of what is continueing over seas"
Nin bowed her head a little, why hadn't she thought of that?
At the mention of who this man is, Celeste's eyes flare as she reaches for her arrow. Then in a rather harsh tone, still attempting to keep her fire in check-for she has not quite yet mastered her powers and they come as her emotions do-says "Thankyou for this. I shall leave you two be now with these healers. Theyll take care of you." Then, she began to back toward the door.
Lomien, sensing her power build reached out an froze her abilities it would serv you well to keep a handle on your temper little one...for i am not as weak as i appear he cautioned her now, what is it that you have against me? I am an ally of your people, and i have led their armies to many victories in the past and am now returned with the intention to do so again he was cautiously speaking into her mind, he knew she was unstable.
Nin watched the both of them carefully, she could tell that Lomien was speaking with Celeste telepathically.
Celeste, startled by the sudden hold on her by Lomien, knew she wouldn't win in a mental fight against him, so gave in and let him emerse himself in her thoughs on the day when her village was attacked. After sending flashes of her emotions around the horrible events of that day, she ended with the Alliance was supposed to have been there. We were promised a friendship and assistance against the Dark Army. You were too late, they slaughtered and burned everything, except for the one who got away, myself. Please, dont blame me for having a bit of a grudge against you. Then a stray thought popped into her mind I'm glad I hit him with that arrow, it makes feel feel much better now that I know I've hurt the leader. Then as she realized he was still looking into her mind, she receeded as far away as she could from his consciousness, and waited to be set free from his strong grasp.
A look of sorrow an pity crossed his eyes as he looked at her we came, however we where ambushed by a much larger force....by the time we had fought our way through everything had been destroyed...i'm sorry Celeste, i was coming, however no one knew that such a large army waited to ambush us he smiled at her thought of the arrow "It takes alot more than one poisoned arrow...or at least a much stronger poison to bring me down" he allowed a chuckle to escape him. He kept ahold of her psychicly "We fought for nearly two days before we broke through to your town Celeste. That is how large the Army that set upon us was"
He says that, and yet that one arrow almost did bring him down. Nin thought to herself, she hadn't re-erected her mental barriers yet, but she didn't care if Lomien heard her.
Ryoni sat nervously on the edge of the wagon, looking up into the woman's face, a sorrowful look on her face.
Slightly embarassed and greatly angered, Celeste attempted to gain control over herself once again so she could leave. "If you'll excuse me, I believe I should leave."
"Very well, if you leave than do so.....but if you do attack me again..you won't live to make another such mistake again" he warned her grimly. Lomien released her, there was nothing more he could say or do. The arrow that he held out to her burst into flames, the ashes scattering in the breeze "Yes, i am a fire elemental as well as pyscic" he said with a slight smile.
Ryoni looked up at Lomien and smiled, looking back out over the horizon, her smile fading.
Lomien turned from Celeste to Ryoni "What's wrong?" he asked her softly. His senses where returning, the anitdote was working much faster than what he thought possible...he had low expectations for healing herbs and potions, and an equally low liking for them.
Celeste turned to leave the group I wish I could have as much power over my abilities as he seems to have However, sensing a slight disturbance in the air around the group, she paused so as to hear what the issue may be. Though she is usually such a free spirit, she has very few friends because she always closes herself to others, but, she thought she could help even more in this war and take revenge for all she lost if she took up a side. So, she turned back to Lomien, "If there is anything I can do, please let me know..."
"I think for now no more poisoned arrows, and the healing services rendered is enough" he replied cooly. He generally did not trust new comers easily...her shooting a poisoned arrow at him did not help this one bit either. Lomien turned to Nin "Are you warm enough love? Do you mind if i join the battle" he asked her tentitavly.
Turning away yet again, eyes downcast, Celeste walked away. Though she wished she could join the battle, she couldn't, for she had been given her job. No wonder I can't master my fire or water...I never get a chance to use my abilities
She looks up and shakes her head. "Nothings wrong Sir." She replied ever so softly. "I just thought I saw something at the horizon, but I think my eyes are playing tricks."
"What do you see Ryoni? I doubt your eyes are playing tricks on you" he said, his mind was realing from battle reports...and it was not looking good. From what he could gather the wood elves and Dark elves where locked in a bloody and brutal stale mate....but he sensed somthing else coming to the field...somthing much darker and sinister. I can teach you to use your ablilities if you want... he offered Celeste Though i think you may get a rather nasty chance to use them....oh i hope im off in guessing what this new apparation is
Startled by his sudden appearance in her mind, a new, less hostile, Celeste turned back, eagerness showing in her now sparkling blue eyes, "Really? You would help me?!" And she forgot the circumstances happy that someone was finally going to teach her how to use her abilities to the fullest.
"I am alright love." Nin looked at him a moment, unsure of what to tell him, "Take me with you?" She asked, making up her mind, "I am strong enough now, at least to sit to the side and help."
Ryoni stands to get a better view, a look of fear on her face. "I-I see something terrible coming this way my lord!" She looks up at him in terror. "What is that thing? I have never seen it before, but is that what I think it is Sir?!"
At Ryoni's words, Nin looked up in the direction the girl was staring, "Oh," she breathed, her eyes wide.
Celeste turned and looked up at the horizon. "What is that?"
"It would appear ladies that they have a dragon prince on their side....haven't fought one of these in awile..this will be fun" Lomien spat sarcasticly.
Nin got out of the wagon and stood beside him, resting her hand on his arm, "Let me help you." She said.
"A dragon prince?" Celeste asked tentatively, with eagerness, excitement, and a thirst for revenge, making her tell tale eyes turn a deep red, almost black.
"You, are of no use to me burnt to a crisp..which in the state you are in is about as best as it will turn out" he said poking Nin in the nose. Lomien turned just in time to see the Dragon burn a swath through the wood elf lines, as futile blasts of fire an other elements shot up going wide of their mark as they who had shot where incinerated or badly burnt "Looks like you will soon be busy Celeste...hope the smell of burn flesh doesn't addle you" he said grimly. Lomien fished around for his armour, retrieving it and Gurthang "well then....let's hope this Dragon prince is up for a fight...any body well enough to join me?" he asked with a slight laugh.
"I can help." Nin said following him, "Please," She placed herself in front of him, "please let me help. I will not stay here, not knowing what is happening. I am strong enough."
"Nin...you are strong enough to stand and little else" he said softly "What is it my love that you can do against somthing as powerful as a Dragon prince?" he said moving her aside gently, he had left his helmet on the wagon edge...he didn't like to wear them at all.
"You know my power Lomien, you know at least as well as I what I am capable of. Please my love, I can help." She was beginning to get desperate, she had just watched him almost die, she was not going to sit idly by while he went off to put himself in danger without her. "I swear to you love, I will not overexert myself." Not unless it will save your life. She added in her mind.
"Exactly" he said, hearing what she had added "I do know your power, but almost all of it Nin is untapped potential that you have to train hard to use" he said softly. He had seen her tortured at the hands of the Dark elves, and that was somthing that would always hamper her efforts to combat them....all the more with one who's power is bound to that of a deamonic dragon.
"I can help." She responded determinedly, "You know me Lomien, I know you do, you know that you will not dissuade me." I will not--cannot--sit here while you go fight something like this. Tears began to collect in her eyes.
"Ummm...I don't mean to be rude, but I think it's time for us to go..." Celeste looked into the distance, her eyes reflecting the red of the fire dancing in the darkening sky, where the dragon prince killed everything in its path. Then, strange flickers of the past entered her mind, and she remembered what she had tried to forget...This is what murdered my people.
"My love you are such a handful...very well, please do keep out of harms way" he said tassling her hair, turning to Celeste "It was a different one that burned your village to the ground...i have the head of both rider and Dragon in an underground vault if you want it" he said grimly "Yes we must go...i think there is a bit of fun to be had" he said. His black armour gave off no glint of light, in fact it seemned to absorb the light around it. Gurthand sat in his ornate sheath, as Lomien eyed the Dragon prince, who had probably by now heard his psychic challenge.
Nin nodded grimly, and retrieved her sword from the wagon. Girding the sword at her hip and pulling her thin traveling cloak tighter about her, she prepared to follow Lomien.
"Ryoni, you stay here...and stay out of sight, we'll be back shortly for the celebration of victory" he said confidently. Lomien running to the front, stopped atop a small hill, surveying the carnage. All around wood elves wheree butchering the Dark elves, though their casualties where severe. This was thanks to both the Dragon prince and renforcments that the Dark Elves had recieved. The dead where every where, what caught his sight though was the bloody swath that had been burned across the wood elf line. Charred, dead, and dying Elves in their hundreds lay strewn acoss a blackened section of the field.
Nin followed him to the crest of the hill and stood beside him, surveying the damage, her spirit was assaulted by the pain of the dead and dieing, and she retreated further within herself.
Celeste, followed the two elves and, forgetting the carnage around her, continued on after Lomien and Nin halted, moving closer and closer to the center of battle, focusing only on her anger...eyes black as eternal night.
Lomien turned just in time to see the Dragon diving at him. Hurling Nin and Celeste out of the way, he drew Gurthang, running the lengh of the Dragon's neck. The rider stared at Lomien, as their blades met with a ring. The Dragon was very much in a bad mood now, spewing fire all over the place in its' anger Celeste, concentrate on the heat..welcome to inbattle training. Be careful to much concentration will distract you and get you burnt very badly
Nin drew her sword and crouched in a ready position, her eyes could be seen glowing white, just before she closed them. She reached out with her spirit, through her power she could "see" all that happened on the battlefield more clearly than with her eyes. She did not launch herself into battle, but rather watched and calculated, observing the Dragon Prince, waiting to strike until she was needed.
Lomien's eyes shown a white, saphire blue eyes. Raw energy coalesced in his left hand, Gurthang singing in his right hand. The prince let out a blast of fire, consuming Lomien's entire right side of his body.
Seeing Lomien suddenly engulfed in flame broke Celeste's concentration, and, suprising even herself, a vast jet of blue flame errupted from her hand and hit the rider square in the face. Her eyes widened Wow...I have NEVER done that before...
The dragon, not at all pleased with Celeste's attack on its' master, sent forth a gout of flame, the very body of the Dragon gave off a stiffling dark energy, its' body emblazoned with symbols of the occult.
Nin gasped, "seeing" the flames engulf Lomien, but she remained calm, knowing that he was probably fine.
Celeste jumped away and was only slightly singed.
Focusing only slightly, Lomien eyed the horrified look in the Dragon princes eyes, as what should have been a death dealing blow. The flames appearing to engulf him, avoided any part of his body. Lomien brought Gurthang down, running it into the base of the neck, only this time it was his turn to be surprised. Instead of collapsing and all his flesh seering away, turning into a wraith. The prince's eyes glowed a sickly yellow, as he fought agianst Gurthang's fatal bite. Raising his right hand, he brought the sword down onto Lomien's shoulder, the grind of metal on metal, as his armour strove against the blade. The dragon, more like it's deamonic spirit went hunting for Nin, paralizing her and her ablilities as it sought her out, sensing the connection she shared with Lomien, and knowing that her harm was the only thing that could distract Lomien from destroying his master.
Nin fought against the dragon, breaking it's hole on her and assaulting it. Should the dragon attempt the same again, it would have to break through her mental barriers, she only hoped that they would hold.
The Deamon prince within the Dragon, zeroed in on her, ripping at her mental barriers i will break you came a cold chilling voice in her head. The Deamon prince was fresh, it had lain dormat for many years and had much energy to expend before it even got weary.
Not without a fight. She though grimly. She was weary, but ancient as she was, she had much power. Ignoring his presence in her mind for the moment, she struck directly at him, attempting to distract him from Lomien.
no you don't came a cold voice. The Deamon possesed her, her attack vaporizing in mid air now be a good girl and you may make it out unharmed it spoke in her mind, infecting her body and shutting down her abilities as it eroded her barriers you can't win..your mind is breaking cruel laughter filled her mind.
Don't lie to me demon, she spat inwardly, as she struggled to break free, we both know better than that. Besides, it is you who cannot win, let me go or it will be all the worse for you. Useless, she knew, but she hoped that she could occupy his attention long enough for Lomien to do something.
Slightly afraid of, yet enjoying her powers, Celeste struck out again, but burned herself. OH! No, why did I do that?! She then resorted to her bow and fired at the dragon prince, aiming for any vunerable areas she could find.
Lomien struggled with the prince, the dragon confronting Celeste. Gurthang screamed in pleasure, likewise the prince in agony as the two contended for his soul. Finally with a scream the prince collapsed, the spell broken, falling from his saddle with a crash. The dragon was busy with Celeste, enjoying its' toying with her.
Now you are mine the Deamon whispered in her mind. Her vision in one eye was cut off, a sickly feeling permeated her body i can kill you right now, so behave and you will live....i have need of you still it whispered harshly, compeling her to walk forward to Lomien, with sword held at the ready.
Guessing the deamon's intentions, Nin struggled harder, beating the his presence back and struggling to back up, rather than advance. You will not harm him.
Celeste dodged the dragon yet again, then noticed it was riderless. Looking around for the first time, she noticed the rider on the ground-an empty shell- and Lomien standing over him. Then she noticed Nin, walking-no, fighting the urge to walk- toward who she has taken to be her lover. "Nin! What ARE you doing?!" She raced around he dragon, light on her feet, and, without thinking, went to Nin, hoping to help.
Ryoni, sick of waiting around, crawled out from under one of the wagons raced over to where the others were fighting the dragon. On her way, she stooped down and picked up a bow and quiver of arrows, notching an arrow to the bow and took aim. "HEY UGLY!" She let fly the arrow, using it to try to distract the dragon from Nin long enough.
whach how easy this will be...and you will even get to whach him die the Deamon laughed. Her hand shot out, fire burning from her hand to Lomien's back.
Lomien dodged aside, sending a bolt of lightning sub conciously at his new attacker that's odd i thought all the Dark elves where fighting over...yipe he said dodging another blast. Lomien froze "Nin?" his voice pained and confused.
"NO!" Nin screamed with both her voice and mind, "You will NOT take him from me!" She pushed him from her mind, then Lomien's attack hit her. She fell to the ground, barely conscious.
Ryoni sprinted towards Nin, firing off another arrow at the dragon and wrapped an arm about her shoulders, whispering cool soothing words in her ear, trying to keep her mind from being taken over again. She looked up at the dragon, searching for a weak point. Damn...I wish I didnt know fire right now...
The Deamon left, its' work Lomien had unwittedly thwarted in his lash out. The dragon released from its' bonds back away, sensing the power build. Unleashing a furious assault on the Dragon, he felled the complacent beast.
Turning to Nin, seeing a black hole burned through her armour. Caustiously approaching her "Ryoni...you an Celeste can you go and find that Prince...he's run off towards the wagons" he said softly to them. Kneeling down next to Nin "Nin...?" he asked cautiously.
Why didn't i do anything? I just stood there like a blubbering fool while she was attacked Celeste after many silent moments replied, "Uh, yea, sure..." Then she turned in a daze to fulfill her task. She felt herself demoted once again...she wanted to do battle, she just couldn't find it in her power...fighting was against her very nature, but she wanted it so badly. Now, however, she was back to simply cleaning up after battle, as had been her duty for a very long time.
"Of course my lord!" Ryoni replied quickly, moving quickly back to the wagon, having saw where the prince had gone exactly. Ohhhh princey...come out, come out where ever you are...
Nin looked up at Lomien, her eyes slightly glazed over, I fought him off, she thought, to weak to speak, I couldn't let him make me do that. Her eyes slid in and out of focus as she raised her burnt hand to caress his face.
Lomien backed cautiously away, the burnt flesh on his arm stung from her secound blast, his hands raised slightly....half expecting another gout.
The Dragon prince steps out behind Ryoni "You really think that you will get me so easily" he said as a blast of fire shot from his hands at her.
Tears gathered in Nin's eyes and her hand dropped as Lomien backed away. "I...I'm sorry love..." She struggled to force the words, then began coughing up blood.
Ryoni whirled around to face the Dragon prince, a blast of fire shooting from her right hand as well. "And you thought that you would have me fooled as well." She narrowed her eyes at the prince, smirking slightly as she studied him intently.
Celeste, climbing over a wagon, looked up at a sudden commotion. After surveying her surroundings, she sees Ryoni and the gragon prince. Going on impulse, as she often does, she raises her right hand and released a stream of burning blue fire at the dragon prince's seemingly vulnerable back. Walking forward, Celeste holds her aim steady, trying to distract him from Ryoni.
Lomien arose not sure what to do "Nin?" he asked sorrowfully, a betrayed look in his eyes, he looked around for any Deamons. Finding none, he stalled, a forlorn look in his eyes. The wound was such that she could easily stand, he had hardly put any power in it, being just enough to burn a small hole in her armour and nothing more.
"The deamon...possessed me..." She was still speaking weakly, but she was starting to recover, for it was the strain of ejecting the deamon from her mind, rather than Lomien's attack that had done the damage.
"What...what Deamon? Nin, there is no Deamon here" he said ever more cautious, his every move threatening to vault the Dragon carcass and vanish off into the darkness of the Wood elf woods.
"The dragon...Lomien...check for yourself if you do not believe." She said softly opening up her mind to him as tears came to her eyes.
"The Dragon is dead Nin...why..why did you...i thought..." his voice trailed off. Lomien had been unable to sense the Deamon's early escape because his mind was focused on using Gurthang to kill the Prince. A dark mood began to come over him, the blackness began to creep in around the edges of his eyes. He was not enraged, just overcome with the thought of betrayal. Lomien collapsed in the snow, sinking below the surface. He felt a raging river run beneath the thick sheat ice, dark thoughts began to enter his mind. If Nin was reaching out to his mind...she would see these as well.
"Lomien!" she cried out as he disappeared. She reached out to him with her spirit, when she found him she could sense feelings of betrayal and loss, and darker feelings. She was still too weak to call out to him, so she instead wrapped his spirit in her own feelings, feelings of sorrow and fear, and of her deep love for him. Please, she thought to herself, Please don't leave me here like this. I swear to you, it was not I...
Lomien turned his palms skyward, fire coalescing in his palms, his will weakening and losing the fight. He was no longer himself. Indeed the same Deamon was playing in his thoughts, willing him to turn his palms down onto the cold ice. He could not here Nin, the cold was mind numbing and in his state of mind he was slipping.
Nin struggled to pull herself upright, then to stagger through the snow in the direction Lomien had gone, when she was close she fell through then snow, landing beside him. "Lomien," she murmured, pulling herself closer to him as she saw the flames dancing in his hands, "Lomien my love, look at me," She gently pulled his chin so he was looking at her, "don't do this, search my thoughts, don't do this." She begged, sparkling trails of ice showing on her cheeks where her tears had frozen.
Lomien staggered slightly to his feet, before colapsing again, sinking through the ice into the water. His head and shoulder sunk into the icy water, the rest had burned through onto solid ground. Pulling himself up he reeled from her. Reading her mind, a look of sorrow crossing his eyes "I..i..i'm sorry Nin" he said to her, his head throbbing from the ice headache that he had. Lomien picked her up off the ice "I told you to stay put" he said chiding her softly. Sitting down on the far end of the wagon train he saw on the other end the fight between the Prince, Celeste and Ryoni. Carefully tending to Nin's brunt hands and body wound he then wrapped her in a fur blanket, placing her on the floor amidst the flower sacks to keep her warm.
Nin let him carry her and dress her wounds, then wrapped her arms about his neck as he set her down. "Don't leave me again." She whispered tearfully, holding tightly to him.
"As you wish my love" he said, whaching the battle rage to and fro. Lomien had taken off his Armour, keeping the close knit mail shirt on between his shirt an outer coat. As much as he wanted to be out fighting, he was very content with waiting for that...happy that Nin was safe you are so much trouble little one he thought to himself, sitting down with her in his arms. In the distance fires loomned as the night drew on and the battle continued to rage.
Ryoni staggered slightly because of her weakened state, but her determination kept her strong in the fight. She lept back away from the Prince and quickly searched the ground for a blade of some use.. Spotting one not to far away, she swiftly lunged for it as fire came crashing down upon her. Her left side of her body had gotten caught in the fire, but only enough to singe the skin and nothing else. She shakily got to her feet, her breath coming in sharp intakes of searing pain inside her lungs. No, not yet...I cannot rest until this Prince is dead! She scolded herself.
The Prince laughed at her, drawing his own blade "What use does somone of such power have use for you?" he sneered, referring to why Lomien had rescued her. Fire shot forth from his hands again, he knew now that he could goad her into action since she did not have enough strengh to deflect the more powerful blasts he was throwing at her.
Ryoni glared at him as she just narrowly dodged from his blasts and lunged at him, slashing upwards at his chest. "You will not defeat me!" Her eyes flared angerily, faded memories of her families demise so many years ago flooded into her mind.
Casualy side stepping her stroke, only to send a gauntleted fist crashing across her face "You really think your going to win?" he asked mono tone.
Sensing somthing amiss Lomien stirred slightly "My love, i think i need to go check somthing out...will you stay here or do i have to tie you up in one of those flower sacks?" he asked alittle teasingly Ryoni, what's going on? Do you need any help
Nin nodded, "Go ahead," she murmured softly, "but do be careful."
Ryoni sank to the ground stunned and gasped out slight. Sir..I need some help. She wiped the blood from her torn face, she staggered to her feet again. She replied coolly back at the Prince. "I will win...no matter what!"
The Prince brought his gauntleted fist down on her, this time smashing into her stomach "No i don't think you will" he said with a smile, placing his foot on her discarded blade.
"You know what? you're really starting to annoy me" Lomien said scornfully. Bringing a broad sword crashing down on the Prince's sword arm, severing it at the shoulder joint. Sinking to his knees with a scream of pain he shot a gout of flame at Lomien, only to look on in horror as it parted around him. Lomien sent heavily armoured gauntlet into the princes face. A sickening crunch of bone followed "He's all your's Ryoni" he said with a smile "Where did Celeste dissapear to?"
Ryoni retrieved her discarded blade and brought it across his throat, cutting his throat deeply and no chance of being able to survive for she severed the juglar artery. She straighted and shook her head. "I dont know where she is."
Nin sat among the flour sacks with her eyes closed, watching what happened outside.
"We need to find her, the battle looks like it is waning now" he spoke softly. He returned to the back of the wagon after instructing the driver to continue into the dry river bed. Perching on the back of the wagon, examining the arm that had been burnt by Nin. He remained perched on the edge, thinking she was asleep and not wanting to wake her.
"Well, she tried to distract the Prince when he was attacking me, so she should be near here..." Ryoni looked around and pointed into the snow. "I-is that her Sir?"
Nin's eyes faded from silver back to blue as she opened her eyes, "How are you my love?" She asked Lomien, watching him as he sat on the back of the wagon.
may be...we need to move though before the wolves descend on the battle fireld....trust me...you don't want to be around a coven of hungry werewolves he spoke softly in Ryoni's mind. Surprised that she was awake, he turned, balancing himself on his burnt arm to look at her "I'm fine" he said sweetly, though internally he was screaming in pain from turning on his arm forgot...my hand is burnt to and there are splinters in this wood he thought to himself.
Nin smiled a little and leaned toward him. Reaching out with her unburnt hand, she gently picked up his, her long white fingers were cool, and she held his hand to her cheek. "Good." she whispered.
Sliding off and into the a stack of blanket, Lomien's stomach lurched from the intense pain in his burnt hand. Discarding his mail shirt, packing that and his armour up into a trunk. He hung Gurthang acroos two of the supporting beams next to him.
Nin watched Lomien as he moved around, she could tell that he was in pain, and it hurt her all the more to know that she had inflicted it, even unintentionally.
Feeling a warm sensation trickle down his burnt arm, he let out an exasperated moan, reaching for what he thought where pain meds...not knowing that it was somones narcotic stash "Why do i get the feeling that these..blech" he spat them out. Sitting whaching the blood trickle down his arm from multiple points in his arm an shoulder.
"Lomien, are you alright?" Nin asked, sitting up worried
Sitting up, and slightly addled from the pain "Yeah i'm fine" he said. He had made sure to conceal the worst of it from her, his hand slipping, ruined all of that. A very burnt and bleed arm fell right into her lap, as Lomien but down trying not to yell in pain.
"Oh, Lomien, I am so sorry." Nin whispered, tears threatening as she stared at the damage to his arm.
Recoiling in pain, and slight embarassment, Lomien nestled down as best he could, bandaging his arm, the narcotic did ease the pain, and wrapped up in a fur blanket was begining to make him sleepy.
"Are...are you alright?" Nin asked him softly.
"Yes" he said with a slight yawn. His arm no longer burnt thanks to the balm he had applied i just hope that wasn't a narcotice to...yeesh nasty stuff he thought with a shudder.
"I am so sorry, my love." Nin murmured, curling up beside him and burying her head in his chest.
"What's on you mind love?" he aske her, wrapping his bandaged arm around her "It's fogiven love" he said softly kissing the back of her neck.
"I am tired of feeling this fear, of fearing that I will loose you...But the worst is to fear that I will be forced to kill you myself." Nin shuddered.
"What about it love?" he asked her softly.
Nin just shuddered and shook her head, almost unnoticeably, she wanted to forget it, to get the fear out of her head.
well well my pet, it would seem that you weren't burnt to a crisp after all a chilling voice came into her head this is good, as you have so much energy, and that makes for such a tasty meal cold fingers began clawing at her mind now to try a more direct aproach...i'll let you chose even...the dagger, Gurthang, or piting your own abilities against his cruel laughter filled her mind.
Nin raised her head, "Lomien," she murmured, her eyes wide with horror.
"What is it?" he asked stroking her cheek, then kissing her. He could vaguely sense somthing, however the Deamon had masqued its' presence wisely.
none of the you, or i'll just cut to the chase it growled inside her mind either that or you can die slowly and painfully....at his hands the Deamon gratted against her mind, whithering away her defenses so that he could fully posses her and do as he threatened.
Nin shuddered, and fought against the deamon's presence in her mind, "You cannot have me, you will not harm him." She said quietly, through gritted teeth.
"Nin?" Lomien spoke earnestly. Taking her by the shoulders, he felt the Deamon warring within her get out filth! he growled at the Deamon.
aww Nin, now you've done it...i'm afraid that this will be the end as she whached her hand raise up a dagger. Lomien caught it "I'm here Nin" he said softly to her she's mine Deamon, you can not have her!!
Tears fell from Nin's eyes as she struggled against the deamon, attempting to drop the dagger and beat the presence back.
hmm, your struggle is so intoxicating, no matter....let's try this on for size an intense burning shot down her arm, coalescing on the dagger, burning down onto Lomien.
"Thanks for the outlet Deamon" Lomien replied through gritted teeth. Lashing out at the Deamon psychicly, knowing though that it would hurt her severly. All he could focus on though was destroying the Deamon.
A wrenching scream filled Nin's mind as the Deamon was caught in the back lash of Lomien's attack.
Nin cried out as the fire shot down her arm, and then again as Lomien attacked the deamon within her mind. She bit down on her lip to keep from crying out again.
The Deamon went berserk, smashing into anything inside er body that got in his way of escapeing, before being paralyzed inside her let me go..augh! it groaned as Lomien crushed it.
Nin bit down harder, and blood began to show. Her eyes glowed white as she helped Lomien attempt to crush the deamon.
Lomien, reaching into her weary, shattered mind plucked the Deamon screaming out of her mind i think Gurthang would like to use you was his simple reply as he cast the entity into the sword NO!!!! you can't do this!!... the Deamon's voice trailed off as Gurthang hungrly engulfed it.
Nin slumped against Lomien, the dagger dropping from her hand, as the deamon was removed from her mind.
Lomien wrapped his arms around her gently "It's over my love, your safe" he said caressing her back "Please say somthing love...anything, what's on your mind..?" he asked..slightly desperate to get her talking as he probed her mind..attempting to repair as much damage as he could.
"I...I'm alright." Nin said softly, wrapping her arms around him, "Are you?"
"Yes i am" he said setting her down, getting up and looking for his battle sword. He didn't want to use Gurthang this time now where did i put the armour suit...ahh here the trunk is
"Where are you going?" She asked him softly.
"Returning to battle..possibly" he replyied flattly, he was growing weary of life, and somthing calling to him promised an end to this. He had forgotten to close his mind off to her.
"Lomien, what are you thinking?" She asked him, guessing at his thoughts, "Lomien, my love, stay." she pleaded.
"Why?..." he asked softly.
"I may not be able to read your thoughts as you can read mine, but I know you well enough to guess at them." Nin said quietly, "Lomien, don't go for those reasons, please, I don't want to lose you...I love you Lomien."
Lomien perched himself on the wagon edge as it lurched across the river bed, wishing he had a horse. Looking out into the gloom he could see the ever distancing fires of battle. "Very well" he replyed softly.
Nin moved over to where he sat, "What is going through your mind?" she asked, gently placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Life grows burdensome Nin...after so long i feel so over extended" his voice forlorn and hollow.
"We all do at times," Nin answered softly, "It is the curse that comes with the gift of immortality. But we must carry on, many rely on us, especially you my love."
"Why especially me?" he asked, scorn dripping from his voice. Lomien was weary, he was at the peak of his abilities, there wasn't much more that he could do, and oh how life had worn on him, especially the tremendous guilt from his tortured past.
"Because the Alliance needs you. Your death would make it all that much easier for Ullari to gain control over Arda" Nin reminded him, "...and over me." she added quietly.
Lomien, looked at her intently "He won't ever come near you my love" he whispered softly. Trees began to pass aside as they entered the Wood elves realm. Sliding off the the lip of the wagon, and between the two seats he looked up at her lovingly "I won't leave you my love...i promised you that"
Nin nodded, looking up at him, "I know." she murmured, wrapping her arms around him.
With a smile, Lomien looked down at her, slight pain shot through him from his old burn marks in Ecthelion "What's on your mind love? can i do or get you anything?" he asked stroking her hair and shoulders.
"I just want to stay here with you." She murmured softly
"What do you mean by that love" he asked, the cold began to set in again oook this is cold...i can't feel my nose! he thought with a slight shiver. The silent forms of the Elite custodians kept pace with the wagons i hope these are friendly...oi..to lazy to check he though sleepily. Despite the bitting cold he was fine, if at first alittle in pain on the account of his burnt arm.
Celeste stirred and shivered. W-what happened? Did I pass out? She ccould hear the distant sounds of horses, men, and flames. She tried to prop herself up in the cold ice below her, but was too exhausted. So, she lay there, drifting in and out of consciousness for she had depleted ger energies in trying to face the dragon prince on her first real venture into battle.
An elite Cusodian group chanced upon her "Come miss, you need to get out of here soon..the Dark elves are routing the wood elf army and we need to get to whomever leads your people and warn them"
"I am weary, and I am weary of fearing for your life, I want to stay here, knowing that you are safe and with me." Nin said softly, closing her eyes.
Lomien, reaching for the discarded fur blanket proceeded to bundle her up in it "Warm enough love?" he asked her softly. Telepathic messages began flooding in, dark elves in unheard of legions where marching. Some said Gurthar and the Dark Army where with them, but as of yet these remained unconfirmed rumors.
"Yes." Nin murmured with a soft smile, "Are you?"
"I'll be fine" he said gently. The wraiths proved to be loyal, and where in fact relaying messages to Lomien....many of whom where not good. A hand full of the surviving Centuars galloped in formation back to where they had come from.
"What news?" Nin asked, guessing by the look on his face that he was receiving reports from his wraiths.
"The wood elves have retreated, thousands on both sides are dead or missing. Four Dark elf fortresses have been leveled, the shadow lands have advanced nearly a mile into the Dark elf side of the woods. The wood elf army is currently fighting its' way out of a bloody ambush" Lomien spoke calmly "My lord we approach the region border citadel" called out the captain of the Wraiths.
"How does it look for our allies?" Nin asked him.
"They have lost many in the ambush, as well as many captains and a forward general..but i think they will pull through" he said reassuringly though in what state...that remains to be the question he thought to himself.
"I hope so. How much longer do you think it will be?" Nin asked softly, then her eyes widened with a realization, "Has anyone found Celeste?"
"How much longer till what?" he asked her softly "Yes one of the custodes pulled her out of the snow further back"
Celeste was cold, laying on the ice as snow piled up around her. She simply did not have any strength. She heard a large group coming closer and did not know who or what they were. She willed herself to move under an upturned wagon, where she continued her rest...
"That is good." Nin said, relaxing a little, "How much longer do you estimate, until this battle ends. Does it sound like things are drawing to a close, or will it be a while?"
"The battle i can imagine won't last long, and we need to hope the remnants of our convoy reach the fortress befor we are overtaken by the Dark elves...the wood elves have retreated southward so we can't expect much help from them" he said quietly as they drew close to the immense fortress gates.
Nin nodded, hoping that they wouldn't be plunged into the middle of the battle again, hoping also that Ear and Eldur would arrive soon.
The fortress was three levels in makeup, very similar to Eldamar, except smaller and it served more of a refugee base than a fortress. They entered in, immediatly one could tell that it was garrisoned by only a skelleton staff, though the vast armouries would come in hand should the Dark elves assault...though Lomien imagined that this would cost thousands of lives and may not even succeed.
The whole time, Ryoni kept silent, watching as the fortress came into view. She hadn't bothered to ride with Lomien and Nin, but instead of walked beside the wagon. Now she slowly followed behind Lomien, keeping her head lowered as if lost in thought.
Jumping down from the Wagon, Lomien is met by the fortress castellan "Welcome my lord" he said with a bow "ahh Lomien, it is good to see you again. What news of the battle yonder...we haven't heard anything all day" he asked with a smile. Lomien's face turned grim "Not well, the army has retreated to the south fortress, and the Dark elves advance with nearly three legions at their back" he let his words sink in. The casallen's eyes went wide "Very well, i need you to command the fortress, i have buisness that i am already late for with legion command" Lomien nodded in reply, and began barking orders.
Nin got down out of the wagon and stood silently behind her husband.
Sensing her next to him "Take her to the Citadel" he said to the Wraith guards "i will meet you in your room at the end of this seige" he said quietly to her. "Arm everyone that can carry a weapon, i need archers backed up by swords men on the walls, i want that gate braced there to!" he continued. Turning again to Nin "Please love, wait for me in the citadel" he said softly to her, kissing her lightly on the lips.
Ryoni looked up slightly. "And what would you have me do too my lord?"
Nin returned his kiss, "I will wait." She said a little reluctaintly.
Lomien whached her go, then turning to Ryoni "If you can fight then grab a weapon of your choosing and i'll find you an assignment..but don't force yourself" he said softly to her.
She nodded once and looked at the selection of weapons. "I've recovered almost fully from the fight with the Prince and I dont hurt anymore." She replied softly and picked a black and gold katana and weighed it in her palm. She then turned back to Lomien. "I am ready my lord."
"Good, i don't think i will have any swords men on the secound levels, i want all of them here, and one with a sword ax, glaive, spear, any one with a weapon that they can fight with we'll put here on the first level. I don't intend to let them break through" he said grimly. Lomien knew the dark elves would most likely lose, even if the majority of his men where wounded or had little armour, they had a strong fortress and huge food stores. "I will lead the gate detail to defend the gate...this battle should be over soon...even now my scouts are reporting that they are dividing to attack multiple points along the forest line"
Ryoni nodded and looked towards the gate. "So do you know when they will come? I want my revenge on the Dark Elves!"
As if in answer to her question, fiery orange contrails, followed by their crashing into the walls began sounding. "They are breaking apart that section of the wall...every one on the ground floor to me! bow men keep those advanceing infantry pinned! supporting swords men prepare for seige towers" he said franticly. Donning his armour, choosing to holster a regular eleven broad sword...though this one could channel his ablilities. With this in his right hand and a taloned gauntlet in his left he ran with the men to the impending breach.
Within the walls, Nin took charge, issuing orders to whatever soldiers had been stationed within the gates.
Celeste awoke alone in a room. Getting up to look around made her slightly dizzy. It was much warmer here. Where am I? She heard a commotion outside, and though her body didnt want to, she stood up and walked to the door. It was then that she noticed and felt the burns coveriing both of her arms and the singed holes in her clothing, showing bright red skin beneath. Then, seeing the battle outside, she understood her whereabouts, grabbed a cloak to hide her injuries and her bow. I will not mess up again She went up to join the archers, running past Nin on her way, with her hood up, hoping not to be seen. I'm sure my injuries can hold out
Ryoni prepared herself for the battle that will soon be coming, grabbing another katana, but of black and silver. She grinned and stood beside Lomien, watching the walls carefully.
Lomien whached as the walls collapsed, troops poured through onto the defenders. All around him the battle raged. Felling a horrid mutation, Lomien blacked out. As his eyes dimmed he could see the wood elf renforcments lay into the Dark elves. He felt himself being bound and born away, seeing the fortress distance itself. His captors tied him on a cross bar nailed to a tree...he knew what would happen next. Waking up what must have been hours later, his captors dead around him along with several wood elves. It was early dawn.
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