Episode I - A Day Of Remembrance

Integra Marzullo · Jun 6th, 2007, 01:38:35 AM

Integra witnesses the entire conflict and feels ashamed that she couldn't stand up for the sheer amount of disrespect shown to the bravest general to ever grace their fine continent. Just as soon, the conversation ends and everyone begins to go where they have. She sees Sol stepping out of the castle to her general direction and steps closer to him to receive a kiss before he leaves, but he just walks by her without even noticing her.

"Will you leave your wife and go to battle before even giving her as much as a goodbye kiss?"

The loud words stop Sol as well as his generals, but they don't have a lasting effect as they begin climbing on their horses without any sign of slowing down. She narrows her eyes in obvious resentment and follows him outside.

"There's more important things than our marriage, my dear Integra, like the safety of our very people." she hears from Sol, not being able to object. She runs her right hand up Sol's leg, giving him her own version of a farewell. The hand that's not busy, however, is tightened with the rage of a thousand beasts in a fighting pit.

"It's because of that little tramp.." she thinks insidiously, letting ugly thoughts invade her typicaly calm mind, the horrible smoke of death continues to surround the fallen city. It might be the last time she ever sees Sol again. Before the army men can leave, Integra notices the king, the prince and his advisors go to the tallest tower in the castle, curious as to why since the king would go to Scanta for safety. The biggest army and the most remote location in Pangea always turned into the king's refuge in times of war.

Astrid Shardae · Jun 6th, 2007, 01:39:43 AM

A soft moan escaped from Astrid’s lips, her hands grasped at the debris covered ground and awareness fought to gain the upper hand against the blackness that had overcome her. An acute pain in her left wrist helped speed up the process considerably and Astrid’s eyes flickered open to be greeted by the empty stare of a corpse lying next to her. Uttering a horrified gasp Astrid pushed herself from the ground and flung herself away from the body jostling her wrist in her haste. Biting back tears of pain Astrid gazed out at the immediate area. A mix of despair and fear welled up inside as she took in the devastation that lay all around.

 What had happened? Everything had been going so well. Her new father-in-law had returned to the city, there had been a great feast to celebrate the peace that had been brought with him. She’d stepped out of the hall for a few moments, the wine had proved to be a little too potent for her and she had wanted to walk a little to clear her head. There had been only happiness and hope for the future as she had rambled along, then a deafening noise, unconsciousness and this. This wasn’t supposed to have happened, she had been wed to Stratus, son of the great general Sol, where was her happy ending?

 Astrid almost chocked on angry tears and with a new found strength she pulled herself to her feet with the aid of a fallen piece of wall. How dare they? How dare they do this? If they thought to destroy the contentment that she and those dear to her had finally found they were wrong. She would not let them!

A shout from somewhere to her right drew the blonde-haired women’s attention to a group of men that were slowly approaching through the rubble. It took her a few moments of watching the pointing and wild gesturing to realize they were shouting questions at her. Wordlessly she allowed the men to check her over for injuries, and the broken or strained wrist was quickly bound.

“It’s a miracle you’re alive my lady, we’ve found no other survivors in this area.”

Nodding mutely she gripped fiercely onto one of the rescue party for support as she was led through destruction, her anger was still in evidence. However concern for her friend had also taken a hold of Astrid.

“Can you tell me anything of my friend? Daisela is her name. She would have been at the feast…”

“All the women and children were rushed to the tunnels Lady, I imagine your friend would have been with them. I’ll ask about for you once we’ve gotten you seen by a medic, I’m worried you might have a concussion, what with that nasty cut on your head.”

Reaching up to her forehead Astrid’s fingertips came away flaked with dry blood, she hadn’t even noticed… Just then the newly-wed women caught sight of a small child that had been crushed underneath a falling piece of debris. All the adrenaline drained out of her in a moment and the kind man who had offered to help look for Daisela held back her hair from her face as she vomited.

Alysha Wintermoon · Jun 6th, 2007, 01:40:31 AM

The city still burned, providing a horrifyingly glorious display of colors one ever laid their eyes upon. Thick clouds of roiling black smoke billowed skyward, forming gigantic mushroom clouds that blotted out the glow from the full midnight moon. Vibrant colors of fiery orange mixed with violent swirls of crimson red from the raging flames made the late hour look and feel as if it were high noon.

Cries of agony could still be heard from those trapped beneath the fallen bricks and concrete of the buildings smashed effortlessly by the huge flaming balls of fire. Muffled shouts from the tunnels, were the loved ones wept and prayed for the victims, were carried on the winds which seemed to suddenly gust from the North.

There was nothing any of them could have done, not in that moment, at least. Those who held suspicions that the peace was only a front would not gloat. To do so now would be to bring shame and embarassment to themselves - as well as their fellow officers. Those who hoped - or dared to believe - that peace had come at last, would find themselves forever scarred by the nights events. Never again would they trust those who violated the treated with such a heinous act.

The Generals didn't react - they acted. Flanking Sol, they made their way to the King's castle. To see the heros storm through the massive doors had to be an awe-inspiring and fear-inducing sight amongst the commoners and courtiers. Taking their rightful places, the Generals stood stoically as Sol approached King Hrothgar.

Portions of the verbal exchange between the two men went unheard, voices kept low. Then suddenly, the King had practically launched himself from the throne and lashed out at Sol, backhanding him hard enough to have the sound echo throughout the throne room.

The action surprised many, even stunned a few, drawing sharp gasps and visible cringes from many in attendance. Always ready to defend, all five Generals immediately grasped the hilts of their swords, ready to draw in defense of their leader. Yes, even against the King - if it were warranted.

"I would rather have my people wiped out than fall under the loss of our culture and religion. I will never allow filthy technology to stain our fine tradition, not as long as I'm alive!", the King shouted.

Those words lost the King any respect that at least one of the Generals might have held for him. Alysha's slender fingers flexed and uncurled from the hilt repeatedly; her jawline tensed and relaxed as she gritted her teeth, biting back the strong urge to .. well .. to get herself beheaded faster than one could imagine. Alkimius shook his head, so subtlely that the motion could not be perceived by anyone whom was not standing directly at his side. She let go of the hilt...reluctantly.

As it appeared that the heated exchange were over and Sol was about to leave, a lowly messenger boy raced in, panting heavily, out of breath. Something was given to Sol, whom perused it quickly, then let it fall to the floor.

"Scouts have been spotted in North Noria...."

Alkimius cast a glance down to Alysha from the corner of his eye, and she looked back up to him. They knew exactly what that meant and what would be involved. The two looked at each for another minute, then turned sharply and marched out of the throne room with Sol.

Hushed conversation was exchanged among a few while they mounted their horses. Even the animals were on nerve. Prancing nervously, gnawing at their bits, whinnying and snorting with irritation.

A blond woman suddenly made her presence felt, approaching Sol. Alysha watched the two as Integra tried to coax a tender kiss from her husband; he just snubbed her and put her in her rightful place. Inside, Alysha smirked, but her outward appearance remained aloof.

As each horse fell into line and began to leave, Alysha made sure to pause in her passing of Integra.

"Perhaps you should honor your husband - as well as your status to your people - by tending to them.", she said while staring down at the woman.

She said what she wanted to, rarely being the type to mind her tongue and in this case, it was definitely appropriate to say as such. These people had just been attacked, many were killed or lay trapped and dying amidst the rubble and all this stuck up woman could think about was whether or not she'd get a kiss from her husband!

The last thing Intergra saw was the ***-end of Alysha's horse as she rode away.

Helena Marzullo · Jun 6th, 2007, 01:41:45 AM

The fire had died off already, but the tragedy wasn't any lesser. As the women and children were herded into the safe place, screams and cries could be heard. Woman in pain, children lost from their mothers. Helena sighed and leaned up against a wall. It was cold on her bareback. Cold, but refeshing. She closed her eyes and attempted to drown out the painful noise. She wanted to escape this place, even if she could only do that in her mind.

All in the sudden, a child ran to her and began to cry. Something about her mother. Helena looked at the young child with a bewildered expression on her face. What could this child want with her? She knelled down, eye level with the tiny girl. "What's wrong?" She questioned not knowing how to act around children. Words were barely formed by this little one, let alone sentences. Helena was beginning to get annoyed and frusterated. "I can't help you if you can't talk to me. Now, calm down and speak slowly."

"I want my mommy." The child spit out between cries and screams.

Helena sighed again. Her mother was probably killed in the bombing, but how was Helena going to explain that to her. By this time the girl wrapped her arms around Helena. This threw Helena off and she just let the girl stay like that for a few moments. Helena's handmaiden, Jasmine, walked over to her to see if Helena was okay. She just shook her head and basically shoved the little girl into Jasmine's arms. Jasmine looked confused at first, but took the girl with ease and tried to calm her down.

She just walked off and let the girl to her handmaiden. She wandered around and looked at all the misery that was packed into the room. Helena didn't know how to take it. The place she hated was destroyed, but she was still trapped and now people were wounded and dead. It seems she would never get what she wanted. But there was nothing she could do about that now. She just found a corner of the room that was less crowded and took a seat. She looked at her dress with a half-smile, atleast one thing she hated was destroyed and no one was hurt over her torn and tatered dress.

Gara Huss · Jun 6th, 2007, 01:44:39 AM

It's a typical night for a pair of Trejan soldiers who were given the annoying task of doing the night watch, but it had to be done and it wasn't up to them to decide. The sky in the vast distance seems to be a particular tone of red, sometimes a bad premonition in most cultures. There was a lot of fog that morning and the ocean seemed hungry for solar light.

"Two more hours and we're back to the shelter, I hate it out here." remarks one of the guards, obviously aggravated.

"My feelings exactly, brother, only tw-"

The guard finds himself no longer being able to speak, a horrible feeling begins rushing his body as he feels around his neck, finding a thick arrow that had penetrated it. The other guard watches in horror as a blade's tip emerges from his throat as if it were trying to escape. The two guards fall and their bodies roll down the sandy beach, but are soon shoved aside by a landing ship.

The large ship's ramp lowers and hundreds of soldiers run out, each taking positions to assassinate all guards that hadn't taken notice, those that did suffered more cunning deaths. Two more of the large ships cut the sand and lower their ramps, releasing yet more soldiers with large equipment of war. Their intentions were clear.

Ten more ships land to the left of the first, but those wouldn't be the last, they would be the tip of the iceberg. Hundreds of additional ships make their mark soon after, beginning the largest invasion force the Huss ever had to offer. A poor woman in particular is captured and the leading Huss grabs her face, lifting her in front of the soldiers as a precious trophy.

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"Sol broke our king's neck, now we break this woman's.."

Said that, the brutal Huss general snaps the innocent woman's neck effortlessly, dropping her body to roll down the beach as just one of thousands being slaughtered in Northern Noria, but that city was not the target. The great army city of Lana would be their best trophy yet, unprepared and lustful for peace.

Angus Peledriel · Jun 6th, 2007, 01:56:43 AM

The continent of Pangea is very well known for its uncompromising desire for peace, however it is also known for not being populated by sitting ducks. The archipelago fortress city of Collaria is a fine example of this, a string of islands surrounded by magnificent walls that have never been breached. All of Treja's civil wars have been fought on the foreign continents, but the bombing of Demenor had changed that.

The biggest island hosts the great castle of the stewards that is governed by an Angus Peledriel, a steward son of stewards. It was an easy job, just sitting around all day and supervising the various commercial activities. News of the bombing had just made their way along with word of the king's forbiddance of any action.

Angus Peledriel blinks slowly as the sunrise begins illuminating the eastern coast, Collaria along with it. His right hand brings him some shadow when he hears a messenger boy run to him as he sits on the throne of the steward.

"Sir steward, our scouts sent word of a massive army gathering a few miles by the Narcorian border!!"

Angus quickly gets up from his seat, stepping closer to the boy as he grips his shoulders, the news had taken him by ugly surprise. After deliberating for a few seconds, he inquires:

"How many?!"

The boy looks aside, thinking of the right thing to say. At this point it was obvious that the number was not small and that things would have to get moving fast. He looks back into the eyes of Angus, not believing himself by answering:

"Two...."

Angus drops him and sits back on the throne after a loud thud, he looks into his war table and nods in determination.

"We can handle two hundred thousand, these walls can handle twice the amount."

The boy's eyes widen as he has been misunderstood, but his duty forces him to step closer to Collaria's leader as Angus returns his focus upon the boy, wondering what he wanted to say now.

"Not two hundred thousand sir, two million."

Angus' eyes widen as well as he covers his mouth to stop himself from screaming like a coward, he kicks his war table out the window in frustration as he circles the throne, his fist being bitten almost to the point of wounding.

"That's the entire Nark army, boy, are you sure??" he asks with clear fear, his sanity was hanging by a thread, he never had embraced such responsability before.

"Every last one of them, lord Peledriel, even their king."

Angus walks over to the beacon that lets every soldier know that they must get ready but his orders stand, they must not make a single agressive move unless being attacked first. The first attack might prove to be too lethal to counter with any success however. In other times of war, the legion of Collarian catapults would make the first move and pummel the attackers before they could even breathe, but now King Hrothgar had explicitly ordered the catapults to be put away.

Angus looks out the window and prays to the gods that the king would change his mind, every other soldier in Collaria just wishes to run and never look back after hearing the news of the massive army approaching.

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Stratus Marzullo · Jun 6th, 2007, 02:05:25 AM

Tranquility. That is what Stratus felt this evening. All was moving forward according to the King's orders, thus fulfilling their side of their treaty with neighboring adversaries. While it was true that his majesty bought into the treaty wholeheartedly, King Hrothgar was naive and being guided by the blind hope that his people could live in peace for the rest of eternity. By royal proclamation, relayed half-heartedly by their father, Stratus and Hadrian had been overseeing the disarmament of the cliffside city of Lana.

 Thus far, things were going according to plan, and the mood flowing through the city mirrored that success as those dwelling within the municipality rejoiced as they too bought into the naive beliefs of their ruler that this treaty would be upheld.

"I just don't understand...." Stratus uttered, as he rested on the rail of an upper level balcony. "These people just don't get it." He then rose to his feet and turned to walk back inside, where his brother was going over the logistics of what they had completed so far. On paper, their job was nearly complete, but something just didn't feel right. "King Hrothgar has never fought against these armies. He has never stared them in the eye with his life on the line. Never had to watch as an innocent was slain. What makes him think he can trust a piece of paper?" With voice kept low, as many would consider his rant blasphemous, he continued toward Hadrian. "What do you think brother?" he inquired of his elder sibling.

With a resounding series of thumps on the solid wooden door, both captains made their way to the door, silently plotting the demise of whomever dared disturb them at this hour. Upon reaching the other side of the room, a set of hinges groaned in protest as a cowering young male appeared before them, lowered onto one knee. "I'm sorry my lords, but I have urgent news..." the unmistakable quiver of fear heard in the teen's tone as he feared for his life. It was well known that those who delivered ill-fated news rarely lived to see the dawn of a new day.

"Do not dare hold your tongue, what is it boy?" Stratus commanded.

"Sirs, across the way, an army is building. They plan to lay siege to this great city!" The show of panic on the boy's face suggested there was still more that he was not sharing. It was well known, even amongst the common folk who could not read nor write, that there had never been a successful attack made on Lana. Knowing this, the young Marz pressed the messenger further. "The rest of it. You and I know the history of this grand city, what is it that has you so terrified?"

"Sirs, the size of the army is greater than I have ever seen or heard of." With a grief sticken mask over his face, the boy looked up to face the captains, "Sirs, it's over a million."

Dorian Xelan · Jun 6th, 2007, 02:14:27 AM

"Ready...!"

A few hundred Visigodian archers, perhaps the best in all of Pangea show calm and brave faces as their blue war paint begins to smear them. The hard rain makes matters worse for them, but it wasn't the time to hesitate.

"Here they come...wait for my order!"

Thousands of women and children run past the frontline archers as riding warriors hop over with their tarnath; beasts of war, bird-like repitilians that could jump meters high. The dark clouds seem to be running along the fleeing citizens as the general spots the first few hundred enemy foot soldiers.

"Fire!"

A rain of nearly perfectly aimed arrows completely wipe out the first row of Huss soldiers, halting the advance for a few seconds while the archers reload. Just as they are about to fire again, enemy arrows filter through the front row of enemies, bringing about the instant use of the women's shields. One arrow managed to tear away an archer's ear next to General Dorian Xelan and as the blood begins to soak the ground below her, she makes no sound or move.

"Fire!"

The second defensive rain of arrows once again kills the entire Huss frontline, accurately sending them to the afterlife with an arrow to the forehead to each of the invaders. The Visigodians had many other means of defense, but they were still under repair from the last war and they had been taken by complete surprise.

"They keep coming! Our arrows won't be enough...!" yells the male general, there were very few males in the amazon-like city. The next wave of enemy arrows makes landfall, this time killing a few of the brave women out of mere chance.

Dorian is about to order the next attack, but then is horrified by the large wave of Huss fire bombers approaching in the distance.

"Huss fire bombers all the way here? Retreat immediately! To the caves!"

Fully disciplined, the women put away their vows and hastily begin the retreat, it would have been a complete waste of veteran warriors if they had stayed any longer. The city had been safely evacuated. The brave general is the last to begin the retreat as wave after wave of ships tear through the sand in the Visigodian coast.

"Didn't Pangea just form a blasted pact with these creatures?!" yells Dorian to himself as he turns his head to witness the humongous invasion force, he had never seen anything like it.

Sol Marzullo · Jun 6th, 2007, 02:36:55 AM

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After a few hours of riding, Sol's horse begins showing signs of fatigue. They had made it halfway along the northern sea coast between Demenor and Lana as the sun rises with a particular shade of red. Not a good sign of things to come. Sol's armored horse comes to a complete halt before they can go through some bushes, backing away slowly. A puzzled Sol jumps off the horse and gently runs his hand up and down the horses' face.

"What's wrong lady? Tired already?"

Sol gives his generals and other volunteer soldiers a glance as he looks about the area and smells something uncommon of the lands, but very familiar.

"...or is something harassing your nostrils?"

Sol immediately ducks, the arrow slips past and hits a volunteer in the throat as he grips the arrow and gags in surprise and pain. A big group of Huss assassins emerge from the bushes and quickly go for the kill but their targets were no defenseless merchants. After ducking, Sol pulls his sword out and swings it downward an incoming Huss, splitting its forehead in half from the top as its darker blood sprays his armor and the horse's side.

Without having much of a chance to scream for any alerts, Sol turns to the opposite angle, catching another assassin by the neck, then quickly knees it and as the creature falls to its knees, Sol places both of his strong palms and twists the head, breaking it viciously. The amount was overwhelming but not impossible, Sol had dealt with much larger forces in the past. A sledgehammer lands on the back of his helmet however, throwing the brave commander forward as he tries to regain his focus. The brute attack had left him blind for a few seconds.

"No! Not now!!"

Alysha Wintermoon · Jun 6th, 2007, 02:38:58 AM

Re: Ride To Lana And Fight For Your Destiny!<hr size="1"> Plumes of vapor spewed forth from the flared nostrils of Alysha's war horse, Aeris, as the rising sun worked hard to raise the temperatures of the midnight low that had dipped into the lower double digits. A thick, wet, heavy snow began to fall shortly before the midnight hour and continued through the night; blanketing the grounds, making it nearly impossible to see the trail ahead. Ice-crystals formed on the thick, long hairs that had grown to cover the lower ankle and hooves of Aeris; as well as on his mane and the ends of his full, bushy tail.

Silence. So much so that it was very unnerving. It felt as if a heavy, invisible cloak had just fallen over the dozen or so heading to Lana; smothering any noise or screams that could possibly be made, including the crunching made by the heavy hooves of the horses with each step into the frozen snow.

Gloved hands released the loose hold they had on the reins and lowered a deeply cowled hood from the rider's head with a light shake to rid the material of sparkling crystalized flakes of snow. Alysha looked around. Though she could not see anything, she sure sensed something. Aeris must have, as well for when Sol's own horse came to a sudden and complete stop, the rest seemed to follow in unison. Aeris began to prance in place nervously, gnawing away at his bit; enough to force a thick foam of saliva around his sharp jaw.

The General leaned forward, rubbing her gloved hand alongside of the war horse's neck, shushing softly into his ear. Aeris grew more nervous and whinnied his protest. It was very obvious the horse was not going to take another step further no matter how hard his mount might spur his side.

Aeris was a fine beast. Taut muscles, rigidly toned, and had seen plenty of wars. Though he was a fine stallion, he was quite ornary and had been growing restless. The horse seemed to want greener pastures to spend the rest of his days in where there would be nothing but peace. There were those who said that the beast had gone mad, literally, and strongly suggested he be shot.

It was when she thought none were looking that Alysha and Aeris first met. He was riled up, ready to charge and tromple the next person who dared to venture near. Until he heard her voice. To this day no one knows exactly what Alysha said to the magnificent animal, but whatever it was had settled him down considerably. She came to within three feet of Aeris, whom stood there staring her down while pawing the ground with one hooved foot; as if readying to rush at the petite woman and end her life in one fell swoop.

Alysha didn't move. Instead, she lowered her head as if bowing in respect and waited for Aeris to approach her. Had she known that others had suddenly grown very quiet and still; and had been watching in earnest, things may have turned out quite differently. Minutes passed - human and beast just standing there, unmoving. Aeris moved first, taking a step, and then another toward Alysha. It wasn't until he nudged her cheek with his velvety soft muzzle that she looked up and came eye to eye with the horse. ..

 Taking a cue from Aeris' actions, Alysha unclasped the cloak and let it fall from her shoulders, then reached for the hilt of her sword. Aeris' ears twitched, and he whinnied again, just as Alysha caught a whistling sound. 'Incoming arrow!', she immediately thought but didn't have enough time to shout out a warning. Luckily, Sol ducked just in time.

Immediately, she snapped the reins with one hand while brandishing her sword with the other. Aeris raced ahead as soon as the Huss emerged from the bushes. The Huss had their targets chosen before that first arrow was loosed, coming from what seemed like all directions at once and began to try closing a circle around the General and her horse. Aeris was smart for a beast. He reared up and used his mighty hooves to trample the Huss that was rushing toward them from the front as Alysha arched her sword from left to right and brought the blade down diagonally across the chest of another who advanced from the right. Blood spewed in all directions as her blade met its mark. The Huss fell, dropping his weapon as he looked up to the woman in utter shock and disdain.

A jerk of the reins spun Aeris around, his *** end knocking the third Huss off balance and sent it sprawling into the snow. A quick kick to the hindquarters and a snap of the reins sent the horse onward, allowing Alysha to adjust the grip upon the hilt and send the tip of the blade deep into the Huss' chest as they stormed past.

CLANG!

The noise snapped her attention to the direction it came from. She knew it was metal upon metal and immediately searched out the meleeing group to see whom had hit what. Her eyes had found Sol, just in time, as he went forward from a sharp blow to the back of his helmet.

"GENERAL!"

Tufts of snow kicked up as Aeris shot off and charged straight through the melee, miraculously avoiding getting hit by anyone or anything. Things were pretty chaotic so it's not likely that anyone truly noticed a sword-wielding woman upon a racing horse driving its way through the battle.

The Huss who had slammed his weapon into the back of Sol's helmet took notice, though. He unleashed a wicked laugh and shifted his stance. Alysha, seeing this, whispered something into Aeris' ear. As the Huss lifted his mighty sledgehammer and readied to knock Alysha from her mount, she jumped off to the right and Aeris immediately stopped; rearing up with an angry whinny. The Huss never expected the action, and the pawing horse kept him busy. As he backed up a step and started to lift his weapon over his head a sword impaled itself into the Huss' chest. The sledgehammer teetered over the Huss' head before falling to the ground behind its owner.

Stunned, the Huss lowered its gaze to the woman on bent knee. He'd never seen her roll, then reverse direction to place herself perfectly to strike. Blood and spittle drooled from the corner of his mouth. With one good upward shove, the tip of her blade finally pierced the Huss' heart completely. It's eyes widened and he grunted from the pain; then he just sank to his knees and held Alysha's gaze until the life left his eyes.

Kiera Pandora · Jun 6th, 2007, 02:51:38 AM

Kiera, a warrior through and through, watches the Huss invaders from the back of her tarnath. Her woad, marking her face and body in tribal patterns, starts to smear in the rain. Grey eyes watched the Huss and the front line of her army… her and her sister’s army, to be more precise. She reached up to push her jeweled crown up, shoving some of her black hair out of her eyes as she did so.

Kiera Pandora was a queen. She and her elder sister, Valda, had decided to rule Visigodia jointly when their parents died, as neither girl could figure out who would rule best. They were near-opposites in personality, demeanor, and attributes, which is why it was difficult for them to choose between themselves. Somehow, their parents had figured they’d rule well together and, due to that, didn’t name an heir. And indeed, the Pandora Sisters did rule well together, balancing each other to perfection.

"They keep coming! Our arrows won't be enough...!" Dorian’s voice came to her clearly over the sounds of coming battle. Grey eyes narrowed coldly. Her blood burned with the lust for battle, her ears ached for the screams of Huss as they were ripped to shreds by the talons and teeth of her tarnath, her eyes longed for the sight of blood and death. She started to turn her tarnath forward, but was stopped by one of her closest friends.

“My lady… you are queen. You should not be in the front lines.”

“I am but one queen of two, Lydia. I’m a tarnath rider… I’ve ridden tarnath longer than I’ve been queen,” she says, rubbing her tarnath’s neck.

“I know that. We’ve been friends since birth, Kiera. Trust me… Dorian needs you where you are. Please, my lady, stay.” Kiera looked warily at the smaller, blonde-haired Visigodian woman next to her, then nodded.

“I heed your wisdom.”

Shortly after Kiera spoke, the call for retreat came. Kiera wheeled her tarnath around and started riding towards the caves. She purposely kept her mount slow, however, as she tried to hang back and let Dorian catch up to her. She needed to talk strategy with her homeland’s general, as they would be defending the caves. She too had seen the size of the invading force.

Darius Tempest · Jun 6th, 2007, 02:53:39 AM

Not a few meters away from the ruckus, General Tempest deals with Huss on his own. His left arm's chain bow; an invention of his own, shoots multiple arrows at incoming enemies, taking down a sizeable amount while he tramples others with his white steed. It is at the crucial moment of Sol's own battle that he notices his fall, he would have saved him immediately had it not been for the female meddler.

"Blast that woman!" he yells within his mind, trampling more Huss as he rides to the scene and slices a few more before clearing the area, even Alysha's horse does not seem to like him. At this point, the heat of dawn and battle had near completely melted the snow away. Darius retrieves a medical kit as he quickly removes Sol's helmet and inspects for damage, but Sol's strong hand slaps the general's arm away.

"Sol..."

Darius does not know what to make of his leader's rejection, but he sure finds a culprit in the eyes of the female. His eyes slowly narrow as he shoots a spiteful glare in her general direction. At this point the Huss assassins had been nearly wiped out and a few manage to escape, bringing the brief conflict to an abrupt end.

Alysha Wintermoon · Jun 6th, 2007, 02:54:55 AM

Re: Ride To Lana And Fight For Your Destiny!<hr size="1"> Typical of an end-of-battle scene, those left standing either remained where they were amongst the spilt blood or remounted their horses and formed a defensive perimeter around the immediate area. Their leader and General had nearly lost his life and needed a few minutes to shake the stars from his eyes and the dizziness from his head.

Alysha knew this. She also knew Sol well enough to realize that he is a very proud man, proud to the point of being self-centered and extremely arrogant; hence why she didn't dare approach the man whilst he was upon his knees. To do so would degrade the man and that is the very last thing in the world she would ever do to the man.

The femme fatal cast a sideglance toward Sol as she rose from bent knee and placed a booted foot against the chest of the Huss she had slain moments before he could steal Sol from this world. With a sick wet noise, she freed her blade and turned her attention from Sol to Darius, who seemed to be practically breaking his neck to get to Sol.

As she saw Darius dismount his horse and rush to aid the temporarily fallen General, Alysha took a step forward, as if she were going to signal Darius and halt him in his tracks. It wouldn't have done any good. Darius loathes her and would only see it in a negative way. So when Darius tried to help Sol, Alysha cast her eyes to her blade and began swiping the steel against the grass and snow, ridding the weapon of as much of the Huss blood as she possibly could.

She still managed to see Sol slap away Darius' arm and inwardly, Alysha cringed. Now she did look away, to scan the perimeter and note where the other Generals had taken up their positions at. When she turned back around, she did it just in time to catch the spiteful glare thrown to her by Darius' cold eyes.

This was too good to pass up, but she had to be careful. Quickly, Alysha took another look around to be sure that the other Generals weren't paying attention. Thankfully, they weren't. They all had their backs toward the trio and were busy watching the lines in case more of the enemy were lurking in the bushes, planning to ambush. Her eyes reverted back to meet Darius'. Slowly, a soft smirky smile parted her lips; which only seemed to anger Darius more. Alysha sheathed her weapon and walked over, maintaining eye contact with Darius the entire time. She even made it seem as if she were going to come nose to nose with Darius, then immediately strut past him and approached Sol.

Sure, later on when none were looking or paying attention, Sol may chastize the woman for the action she was so boldly about to take, but she could handle that if and when the time came. Though Sol could be and has been harsh toward her in the past, he always ended it with a gentle stroke to her cheek or a passionate kiss. His way of letting her know that he was only doing his job as both a man and a leader.

Gently, she placed a hand upon Sol's left shoulder and gave a very light squeeze. Then she leaned over and whispered into his ear, gently intoning that they must press on and inquiring if he was able to get to his feet. However, only Sol heard her murmured words. Darius, however, saw the female General lovingly tending to the leader - all the while maintaining a locked gaze with Darius. She even managed to hold a come hither smile, as if daring Darius to act on his feelings.

The look granted to her by Sol made her step back, though Darius wouldn't have seen it. Alysha was good at what she did - in all aspects of what she did - so the step away from Sol looked perfectly natural. She turned to face Darius and actually blew a kiss in his direction before returning to Aeris.

Alysha and Aeris proudly trotted past Darius as she returned to take up a defensive position to the right of Alkimius.

"They know we're coming.", was all she said to the man. She had a feeling that this would not be the last of the ambushes before they reached Lana.

Helena Marzullo · Jun 6th, 2007, 02:55:25 AM

While sitting on the floor, inspecting her dress with an amused look, Helena's mind began to wander again. She began to think of fleeing this awful place. Freedom. Helena whispered the word. It felt sweet on her lips. Sweet and reachable. It was a new feeling for Helena. She never thought that she could actually pull it off, but with the bombing and everybody running around, no one would even miss her. She was sure of that. This disaster was a blessing for her. The chaos would be her shield.

Quickly, a plan started formulating in her head. Her hand maiden’s would help her. She stood up and looked around for Constance, her must trusted servant. She spotted her near some of the other servants. Helena called her over and she came without question.

"Quickly, Constance. Trade dresses with me." She nodded and undressed, Helena did the same. She smiled with approval. This was going to work, she thought.

"Listen to me." She said pulling Constance close to mouth. She whispered her escape plan and how Constance would be her decoy. She nodded and without another word, Helena slipped through the crowd, unnoticed. As she was walking, she found an abandoned robe on the floor. She picked it up and threw it over her shoulders. She pulled the hood up over her head and continued to sneak through the sobbing, scared crowd. She reached the entrance and a solider stopped her.

She kept the hood covering her eyes.

"I'm sorry, ma'am. No one is allowed to leave until the city has been proclaimed safe."

Helena just shook her head and pushed past him. He grabbed her arm and pulled her back. At that instance, Helena reached out her hand and slapped him across the face. She removed her hood and glared at the gaurd.

"No one speak to me like that. Don't you recognize me?!' She demaned. The solider took a step back and bowed his head. "S-sorry, m'lady." He stammered. She smiled triumphantly and slid past him. Sometimes her fame came in handy.

Freedom at last, she thought as she made her way to the stables. She found a horse and jumped on his back like a true rider.

At this moment, she was truly happy that her brother taught her how to ride when she was younger. She remember sneaking out at night to fight and train with her brother. It was practice for him and a nice break from the 'lady training' for her. Night after night, she would use the weaponary with Sol and he would teach her how to ride. Good practice for both of them.

She rode off into the woods with her mind set on Cypra. For the moment, that would be her sanctuary.

Alkimius Govan · Jun 6th, 2007, 02:57:58 AM

Nearing the end of the intense battle, Alkimius rides up the hill between some trees as he executes a few remaining Huss with his fine blade. A few seconds later, he reaches the top and watches a few fleeing by using some type of giant reptilian bird, but could they be what he thought they'd be? It seemed irrational at the time. After he makes sure the grounds are safe, he turns his gaze to Sol and the other generals.

"They flee!"

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He doesn't waste another second riding his steed towards his leader of so many glorious years, but thoughts of his family in Demenor invade his mind. He never even had the time to check wether they had survived the inferno, he simply followed Sol's actions like a true disciplined warrior.

During the few seconds he had to figure things out, he convinces himself that what he saw was real, that he never made mistakes when judging appearances. He was in formidable shape and during times of war, he always remained sharp.

"They fled and disappeared in the distance my lord, but if my eyes have fooled me, they used their Gormon birds..."

Speaking of birds, a messenger hawk lands on Alkimius' arm with a message, he unfolds the tiny scroll with haste, but not a moment passes without his complete horror being clearly displayed in his face. He's looked upon by the generals with sheer curiosity, and he bears the burden of having to pass on very bad news.

"Collaria is under siege, the Narks are attacking us as well....their army....!"

Integra Marzullo · Jun 6th, 2007, 02:59:28 AM

Back in Demenor where destruction still smeared the moral of the survivors, Integra continued to sulk about the humiliating experience suffered. At this point she seriously considered violence on the female general while the king disappears with his son in the high tower. Such thoughts weren't appropiate for a lady of her caliber she thought.

A woman of Integra's stature would have no problem getting by the king's bodyguards since she would be the last person on the planet who would try to bring him any harm. Dead serious and decisive, she enters Hrothgar's high tower and begins walking up the steps but brings herself to a sudden halt when a conversation can be heard from the top:

"Sol means to destroy us all by destroying our religion, father."

That was the king's son, definately. His arrogant tone of voice was unmistakable. The words were bitter and manipulative and they interested her. Snitching was one of her favorite hobbies.

"He has fought and won so many battles for our lands, son. How can this be true?"

That didn't sound like the king, at least not from what she heard in the streets. Word had it that the king was irrational and overzealous during the brief emergency meeting between Sol and himself.

"He should be arrested as soon as possible, father. He's a threat to us all. I should be the commander of our military, I am your son!"

Integra's eyes widen in surprise and in pain, a sudden pain that had fallen upon her. It seems that during the raid she did not escape completely unscathed, her right arm had burnt a little, but her skin turned a strange green and scaly. It was freakish, she had to get this sudden defect fixed.

"Parisia..."

Narcoria · Jun 6th, 2007, 03:01:10 AM

In the dark world of Narcoria, king Larcus opens his eyes and notices a female Nark slacking off on her duties, not nearly scrubbing his body as fast as she could. He slaps her sponge away and a different female takes her place. The Nark king is being cleaned before wearing the sacred armor of Narcoria.

"Good enough, leave me alone now."

Larcus steps off the tub in the nude, making his way to the highest balcony in the entire kingdom. A brute wind flaps his long ears as deafening sound follows. The last army to leave the kingdom -the last of the males in the entire continent- cheer for their king proudly and fearlessly. They were thirsty for war after the humiliating treaty that saw the death of the Huss king, who they considered their brother.

Larcus slowly raises his arms and the huge army comes to a complete halt. A storm creates thunder far in the south, giving the moment more atmosphere.

"This war is not wise, my brethren!" he loudly declares, stunning the entire crowd. The front armies were about to launch the siege that would definately see them as the ultimate victors in the war to end all wars and the king bursts into a lecture of peace?!

"We will all..."

Larcus drops to his knees and places his hand on his forehead as he mutters gibberish and some drools makes its way out. His bodyguards immediately rush to his aid and see that no harm had fallen upon him, but something was piercing his mind at the moment. A mere headache? The king returns to his previous stance and blows the horn of war that pumps adrenaline into every last soldier. Now things made more sense to the confused, now the king was playing the right tune.

"Let's leave not a single human alive!!!" he screams, winning the complete approval and devotion of the army. The ground rumbles and trees rattle, the army begins its march towards Collaria, towards the destruction of the Pangeans. Once and for all.

Gara Huss · Jun 6th, 2007, 03:03:13 AM

While the flames of war consume the devastated Pangean city of Northern Noria, a Huss soldier makes his way towards the commander. His halt has him stand on the head of a dead child with an innocent gaze. It was total war. Every man, woman and child would be quickly executed. The goal wasn't even to win the war, but to exterminate every last human on the planet.

"We've executed the last of the humans in the city, commander."

The commander of the Huss war effort smiles as his narrow eyes scout the horizon. Just over the imposing mountains of Lana, it's invincible fortress posed the greatest challenge he'd ever face.

"What about the fleet in Visigodia?"

The soldier makes a child-like expression, feeling like a complete idiot after forgetting such an important detail. It was around this time that the last supply ships were unloading their fierce cargo; cannons. Not distant yet forbidden technology in Huss culture.

"The forces have already sent the Visigodians running, my lord. The city is being overrun as we speak."

The commander shoves the runt out of the way as he picks up his walking speed slightly, just over the small sand hill on the blood-stained beach where he headed to lied a horizon-tearing army that would be too much for any eye. His imposing growl earns the attention of every high-ranking Huss and runt alike as it echoes throughout the shores.

"March!"

Horns are blown that excite every soldier, the moment had arrived. Their king would be avenged! The lush lands of Pangea would feed them to bursting! Lana would face her greatest challenge yet. A million Huss with artillery to boot, more advanced ways of killing. The commander would not walk with mere grunts however, he makes his way towards his ship and the crew arranges quick sailing. He would witness the most glorious day in their history in the front of the army. Whatever buildings still standing collapse, bodies twitch artificialy, blood splashes as the giant army begins heading to the north: to the army city of Lana

Angus Peledriel · Jun 6th, 2007, 03:05:01 AM

The formidable fortress archipelago of Collaria trembles in absurd ways. A general aura of confusion and despair surrounds every man with common sense in the main island. The man in charge does nothing but sit on the steward's throne with a gaze that gave him away to a five year old child. This man was stressed, sick and worried, his job is to protect Collaria but he had been ordered to follow something that totaly went against it.

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Just outside of the fortress, not a mile away by sea, the most massive army of Narks is assembling for an obvious siege. Angus had been there for his city before, but mere raids were easy and forgetable all the same. This was an invasion, an army assembled to rid him and the rest of his kind of their existence. He waited for the chance. the turn of events that would bring sense and reason to the situation. Sweat runs down his face as his desire to protect his land gripped his heart like a cry for help.

"Any news from the king?" he asks, losing hope with every second wasted. Outside of the steward's tower, the force of fifty thousand for the main island alone run to the gates and begin barricading. Archers run up the multiple stairs as they take their assigned positions. They catapults were put away and with that about half of their defensive capabilities.

"I received an envelope just now, Peledriel Steward, and king Hrothgar forbids you from attacking the Narks at all, even if they keep attacking us. He believes the peace treaty can still be saved..."

Before Angus can say anything, a giant rock tears through the tower, taking the messenger and a few servants with it as rock falls and smoke rises. Angus slowly opens his eyes in surprise that his life hadn't left him. The tower had no roof now and he could see the army from his fallen position. The infantry was making way for ....machines? Steel monsters that were pulled by renodonts. Huge beasts with unwordly horns that rivaled the height of most towers in Collaria.

"Hrothgar, what have you done...?!"

The beasts of war were so massive that catapults could be used from their backs, the same catapults that had struck moments ago. The machines pulled by the renodonts looked like giant blocks with gears that seemed to allow them to unfold. Their wooden wheels could barely support the weight.

"They will use those to charge directly? They have never done this before.."

Angus rushes down the tower with the remnants of his servitude, he would wear his armor of war and decide wether following the king's orders was the safest option for the people he has to protect.

Daisela Marzullo · Jun 6th, 2007, 03:06:00 AM

Grime clustered upon porcelain skin doust by soot and pooling sweat uproaring Daisela's nostril in crinkled disgust. Swine. Useless, tainted, fearful. Had she been reduced as such or was it her own cynical being that twisted reality into some monstrous form. Clinched teeth grated sharply together as azure eyes beheld the tears of the women and children who displayed all intentions of giving up, to lay and rot with the maggots. Daisela would never do as such.

Traipsing a soiled hand through her golden mane, rabid thoughts of an escape frantically danced around. Neither choice posed to be advantageous, a dismal refrain echoed in the wake. Nails cleaved into tender skin as Daisela balled dainty hands into fists, her knuckles turning a ghostly shade. Rippling swells of red liquid waved over her soft skin, staining the peach tincture with crimson.

Rancor emotion tarnished the demure and gentle ladiness of Daisela - it turned volatile, unwavering. Dismissing the queer stares from the other maidens and their babes, the young woman unfurled her fingers which allowed the blood to flush without restraint. Narrowed in determination were her now serious eyes, a wave of heat raped through her body as she felt as though something had gone terribly wrong. Something amiss, something other than the tragic downfall of the beloved Demenor. Astrid. She had to find her adored friend.

Hastily charging through the hoards of the citizens, Daisela ignored the raving of those she carelessly clumped her body into. Feeling a grasp onto her arm, a ball of saliva chocked up into her throat as she searched desperately for her voice to scream out. Doe-eyed, Daisela searched to her captor and sneered in blatant revolt.

"I'm sorry Miss, but I can't allow you to travel back. It's too dangerous...you must stay here,"  words sounded out as though it were some becon from a siren - the voice belonging to a burly man. Someone not of great importantce...atleast not to the maiden.

"I don't know what your trauma is, Sir, but I suggest you release me at once before you regret it," as meek and soothing as her voice had been showered with -even during times of distress and rage- oceanic eyes fueled with a fire of ferocious intent.

Shoving out a gust of agravated breath, the man released his clutch upon the woman and unapprovingly shrugged off her decision. Blasting beyond him, Daisela scampered down the tunnels without a second notion to look across her shoulder to the safety she left behind.