Guest Turi Posted November 20, 2001 Report Share Posted November 20, 2001 (First off... this is my first post here and so far I hate this place. Not for the things that's in here but because I hate filling in forms, joining forums and such... especially after spending 10 hours infront of a computer already (work). Ezboard has one of the crappiest sign up form I've encountered so well, it goes on my nerves. Anyways, lets not spoil the wonderful moment (hehe, post nice replies if you want me to hang out here more... might help me get happy again ) ************************************** Chapter 1 - The reunion It was early morning. The first beams of the rising sun made the barren plain glow with a strange, almost unearthly light, and revealed the moment of a mighty warhorse, which made its way through the landscape with amazing speed. Thousands of speartips pointed towards the lightening sky, and the clattering of hooves mixed with the sound of light footsteps into a regular beat that served as the tunes for a low-voiced, warchant - a common prayer to the elven gods of war. At the head of the army rode Tirion, general of the army. He was an experienced warrior and a cunning commander, old even in the ways that elves count years. Sometimes he felt the years rest heavy on his shoulder, but on a beautiful morning like this one, it was easy to forget everything that had passed, and decide to worry about the things to come later. For the moment, the present was enough. However, he didn't have the time to enjoy the view for long. Up ahead in the distance, he saw the Ellyrian Reavers that had been sent out the night before as a scouting patrol return, pushing their horses to the absolute limit. He noticed that even now, when they appeared to be riding for their lives, they lost nothing of their agility or grace. Neither did they for a moment lose the control of their well-trained steeds. The first of them, their young captain Galandial, reached the general a few seconds later. With a whispered word, he halted his horse who stopped in the blink of an eye. - General, he said, catching his breath as he speaked, they are coming. Tirion nodded and raised his hand to protect his eyes from the rising sun, as he looked forward, towards the hills. Already he could see the first of their enemies appear at the top of the hills. - Are they numerous? He asked the young elf in front of him. - Yes, the captain answered laconically. - I see. Prepare your men for battle. Galandial bowed his head, and then rode back to his men. The general turned his head and made a sign with his golden lance. Behind him, the whole army stopped like had they shared a single mind. The regiments immediately started to form themselves into fighting positions, the bolt throwers were put down on the ground, the knights rode forward with lowered lances, and arrows were taken out of quivers and prepared to be fired. During the time, Tirion watched how their ancient enemies and former kin, the dark elves, rapidly came closer. He couldn't estimate their numbers, but it was clear that his men were fewer than the approaching spawn of Naggaroth. And yet, he had to led them to victory. He looked around one last time before closing the visir and drawing his sword. It was too late for regrets now. It was too late for everything, except fighting. With a thin smile he yelled out a warcry and charged forward, followed by his army. It would be a good day to die. What was just a few minutes ago a quiet and wonderful field, glowing like gold in the rising sun was now a raging battlefield. Sounds of metal striking against metal and screams from the tormented bodies filled the air. The armies of Naggaroth worked their way through their enemies defense slaying everything in their way. Suddenly a bright flash lit up the battlefield. The light was of such intensity that everyone at the battlefield had to cover their eyes. Along with the flash came a great lightning sound that mixed itself with screams from the Naggaroth side. When the light and smoke cleared only a few hundreds of the Naggaroth army remained. Many thousands laid dead on the ground. The once green and gold coloured field was now red and wet by the blood of the thousands of dead soldiers. The few of the Naggaroth army that were still alive fled the battlefield. From a hill close by came a horse riding and on it laid a young woman. The horse stopped next to Tirion who had observed the horse from the moment the light cleared. Tirion looked at the horse and it looked familiar for some reason. By the look of how the horse walked straight towards Tirion one could be certain the horse recognized Tirion. Tirion lifted the woman off the horse so she wouldn’t fall. He laid her down on the ground and bent over her to hear if she was still breathing. "Gwealyn... must... get... Tirion..." she whispered while she led his hand towards one of her pockets. Inside her pocket was a letter, he grabbed it and started reading: Quote: "When you are old enough to read this words Their meaning will unfold These words are all that's left And though we've never meet, my only child I hope you know That I would have been there to watch you grow But my call was heard and I did go Now your mission lies ahead of you As it did mine so long ago To help the helpless ones who all look up to you And to defend them to the end" -Tirion Slightly chocked from reading the letter he wrote himself long ago to his unborn child, he turned to the woman in front of him. She laid there unconscious, pale and week from the tremendous power drain in form of the flash. Around her neck was a necklace with the inscription: "To my beloved daughter Iria. - Gwealyn" The next morning Iria woke up in a bed in a little cabin. Next to the bed sat Tirion, the General. He was sitting on a chair and had his head bowed over the edge of the bed. Exhausted from watching over his daughter all night he had finally fallen asleep. Tirion woke up when the owner of the cabin slammed the door open and yelled: "Lunch - Rise and shine". In that moment Tirion felt like killing someone but the man who entered the door was kind enough to lend out his cabin as shelter for Iria so he let it pass. Instead he turned over to his daughter and his face shined up when he saw she was awake. "Good morning Iria. How are you feeling today?" he asked. Iria stretched her arms and turned a little as she answered: "Much better today thank you. I still feel a little week and I’m very hungry. Can’t wait for something to eat." She reached for her robe and rose slowly from the bed. Outside there were tents spread out. Everywhere happy voices were heard. They were on the way home. After being at war for 17 years they were finally going back home to meet there loved ones. Just outside the house there was a table full of food. Iria sat down by the table concentrating to keep her manners even if she had a roaring hunger. It didn’t take long until the table was emptied from all the food. We've got to hurry, Iria said. Gwealyn is sick and doesn't have much longer to live unless she gets help. If she dies the people will elect a king since I'm the only child and I'm a girl. I'm afraid the dark elf Rwon will force the people to elect him king. If Rwon becomes king our village will be destroyed and the good people that is left will be burned alive. We must prevent this from happening. Tirion looked down in sorrow when he heard his wife was ill. His feelings were split. Happy to see his daughter for the first time and see what a fine lady she had become, sad to hear about his wife illness. Close by, behind a shrubbery Galandial - the young captain stood watching as the conversation went on and on. He didn't care much about what was said, he had only one thing in mind: Iria. He couldn't take his eyes from this beautiful girl. Galandial should be married by now but war had prevented him from the regular customs. "Galandial, come here." was heard from the table. The words interrupted his dream world and he shook his head to clear his thoughts. He moved his hand to his sword as he went to the table. Tirion spoke: "I got to hurry back home, the village is in danger. I want you to take command of the troops and head back home. I'll take 5 men with me and ride ahead and you'll come afterwards with the troops. I also want you to guard my daughter Iria. She is still to week for fast riding so I want you to escort her." Iria stood up and curtsied with grace worthy of a princess. Galandial watched Iria for a moment and then he walked up to her and kissed her hand. Shortly after Tirion rode off with 5 of the warriors. Chapter 2 - The Celestial Guardianb It was early in the morning when Galandial ordered his troops to move out. "We have a long way to travel and we have to move through areas of war so prepare yourself for the day" he said. With his hand he waved to a couple of people who was already sitting on their horses. These men were elite soldiers, large men who could handle a sword like none other. Each of the men rode off to their own section of the troops as Galandial waved. A rhythmic sound began, sounds of horses and footsteps, as the troops began to move. Galandial rode closer to Iria now having a reason to do so, to guard her with his life. Noticing the looks from Galandial, Iria turned her head towards him, smiling. "My father told me you were a good leader, a kind and honest person". Slightly embarrassed for the complement he turned his head down, thinking what to say to catch her interest. "I left away from the village when I was 15 years old. You weren't even born back then. I was taught to kill instead of love. My father has become my sword and my mother my shield. Never before have I experienced what I feel now. Somewhat worse than being pierced by an arrow but in many ways more wonderful than what I ever experienced before. Even though I only met you yesterday I know you have taught me something I didn't know existed. This peace and warm feeling inside me." Iria listened closely to what Galandial had to say. In one feeling sorry for the childhood he had to go through but at the same time a little chocked over the obvious love declaration made by Galandial. She thought for a while, then she replied: "I grew up with a sorcerer named Merdieth. My mother, queen Gwealyn, was worried about me and didn't want me to play with the other children in the village. Therefore she asked Merideth to take care of me and teach me the knowledge of the world. Last year the dark elves arrived to the village. They started to torture and kill the village people. At the same time my mother got sick so she sent me away to find Tirion and bring him back home." Iria got silent for a while the tears ran down her cheek. "You are the first one to ever say something like that to me", she said. They both sat silent for a while as they rode through the woods. Galandial and Iria got to know each other better as the days passed by. They had now passed the forest and were heading up to the mountains in the north. The travel had been gentle so far. Exhausting but they hadn't encountered any problems even if they had been on enemy land for the past few days. As they approached the mountains one of the troop leaders rode up to Galandial. "Are we going to take the path through the mountains?" he asked with a little fear in his voice. "Yes, it's the fastest way to the village" Galandial replied. The troop leader looked worried at Galandial, "are you sure that is such a good idea. I've heard stories from those mountains. People who have come from there say evil lives there and dragons". Galandial who was aware of the stories looked at the leader and spoke "sure you don't believe in dragons do you? They are all just stories. No we have to ride through the mountains. Tirion wanted us to get to the village as quick as possible and this is the fastest way." Now looking even more worried the troop leader rode back to his position as they continued up towards the mountains. After a day in the mountains a sound of trumpets broke through the air. The troops stopped and stood quiet. Again, the trumpets were heard. War signals. On the third trumpet blow a massive army appeared behind the mountaintops. The army seemed to wait for something cause they just stood there. For several minutes it was just silent. From a distance a weak sound of something that sounded like a flag or a sail blowing in the wind, but more rhythmic. The sound grew stronger, but still not revealing its source. The armies’ still wasn't moving. Suddenly a great red dragon appeared. The dragon stopped just over someone that looked like a sorcerer. The sorcerer made some gestures and the dragon started flying towards Galandial and his troops. Galandial ran to take cover behind a few rocks. It all happened very fast. All the hiding places behind the rocks filled up quickly leaving Iria and a few of the others standing there facing the dragon alone. It was no longer quiet. The sound of fleeing soldiers mixed with the flaps of the giant red dragon. As the only person not running Iria bowed her knees and started to pray. "God, don't let our enemies say: Their God couldn't help them, they relied on thier God to save them but he didn't listen. No God, grant me the powers to fight our enemies. Let it be known that you are a powerful God that listens to your servants." With these words Iria stood up, now all alone at the place they all stood before. Iria screamed with all her lungs as she raised her hands. At the same time the dragon breathed its flaming fire towards her. Iria began to feel the fire burning her flesh causing her to scream even more. From the heavens another dragon appeared, the Celestial Guardian. This golden dragon was even larger than the red one. The Celestial Guardian dived towards the neck of the red dragon. The both dragons fell to the ground and shook the ground. After a great rumble one dragons stood up, the Celestial Guardian. Now the decks of cards were turned around. Galandial was the first one to appear from his shelter. The sight was amazing. Their enemies were fleeing from the giant golden dragon that was spitting fire towards them. Galandial just stood there watching. The dragon suddenly turned around and flew towards Galandial causing him to go back to his shelter. The dragon stopped next to Iria who were badly burned. Galandial appeared again as the Dragon was flying back to the heavens. He ran to the place he last saw Iria but she was gone. On the ground Galandial picked up Iria's necklace. He squeezed the necklace and bowed his head. His troops who were now appearing from their shelters as well saw Galandial bowed over the location from where Iria had disappeared. They all stood quiet honouring the memory of a brave princess who saved them all from certain death. Galandial stood up and with tears in his eyes he ordered his troops to continue their journey. He remained quiet the rest of the way back home to the village. Chapter 3 - Path of the deadb It was dark all around her when she came to her senses. Iria looked around not feeling any pain from the burning. She touched her body and couldn't feel any scars or any injuries. Far away there was a little light. She started moving towards the light very slowly trying not to stumble over anything. When Iria approached the source of the light she heard a mighty voice declare: Quote: "O for a voice like thunder, and a tongue to drown the throat of war! When the senses are shaken, and the soul is driven to madness, who can stand? When the souls of the oppressed fight in the troubled air that rages, who can stand? When the whirlwind of fury comes from the Throne of God, when the frowns of his countenance drive the nations together, who can stand? When Sin claps his broad wings over the battle, and sails rejoicing in the flood of Death: When souls are torn to everlasting fire, and friends of Hell rejoice upon the slain, O who can stand? O who hath caused this? O who can answer at the throne of God? The Kings and Nobles of the Land have done it! Hear it not, Heaven, thy Ministers have done it! O who will go? Who can walk the path of Death? Who will go back to fight with the Celestial Guardians? Sound thy voice thou little child! Let thy name be heard!" It got quiet. Iria looked out and saw a large crowd of people standing, listening and breathing. No one raised their voice. From a great throne came a bright light. It illuminated the whole area, Iria could see no other source of light but yet the large room was totally illuminated. The silence lasted. Iria remembered the letter her father once wrote to her. Her mission. Iria looked down and finally Iria raised her voice: "I, Iria, will go. I will fight with the Celestial Guardians. I will help the helpless ones and to defend them to the end." The crowd turned towards her. From the throne the same voice she heard before spoke: "Come here my child". Iria started walking towards the throne. As she walked the crowd split, making a path for her through the crowd. Iria reached the throne and kneeled by the throne. She still couldn't see the person who sat on it cause the light was too bright to look into. For a moment it was just silent and she could feel herself being watched at by the person on the throne. After a while the voice spoke again: "You are indeed worthy to take on this task. You have sacrificed your life to save the life of others. Take this staff with you. It will help you in your task. Also take my blessing." He reached forward a staff and touched her shoulder with it. Iria took the staff and raised, turned and walked away from the throne. The crowd now forced her in one direction, towards a large Copper door. She opened it and walked inside. She found herself standing in something that seemed like a cave. Her clothes was changed, they were white and was glowing slightly. The staff she held in her hand was made of something that looked like gold but much lighter. In one end there was a blue crystal that were glowing. In the other end a sharp blade, like a knife. She felt a power flowing through her that she had never felt before. Iria started walking through the cave. She could feel heat coming closer as she walked on. She could hear hollow screams coming from the walls. Suddenly ghosts appeared in front of her. Screaming shadows... The shadows twisted in their pain. A mist formed in front of her. Suddenly there stood a giant creature in front of her with claws that could easily rip her apart. The creature bowed down over her and spoke: "Ha Ha Ha... Another one for my collection! You shouldn't have come but it's to late for you to turn back now. Now you die!!!" He raised his arm to slice her but then a bright blue light spread through the cave. It appeared to be coming from the blue crystal. Quickly she pierced the creature with the staff and bright light came through the creature, ripping it apart. Iria got blinded for a moment by the light. The screams stopped and it got quiet for a second. Silently but rising she could hear sounds of battle. When she could look up again she was standing on a battlefield. There were many dead already. She could see four people fighting in the middle. One of them: A female archer - an Amazon, the Second a Paladin in heavy armor, the Third a Muscular Barbarian wielding two great axes and finally the Fourth one a bony Necromancer summoning golems for his defense. They were fighting, as they were the only ones left, taking on an entire enemy army. On the Paladin shield she could clearly see a Golden Dragon, then realizing - those are the Celestial Guardians. Iria raised her staff and started to cast fireballs. From the energy she created came a bright glow. She cast spell upon spell to vanquish the enemies. Shortly after her arrival the battle was over. The forces of Light had triumphed once again. They looked around at the death and destruction around them. Many had fought this battle and lost. While not the only ones left alive: they were the only ones left standing. They found those still functioning and healed them and fed them and prepared them for the next battle. Chapter 4 – Fighters of the Tirion empire Years have passed since Galandial and his troops finally arrived to the elf village where Gwealyn was Queen and Tirion was king. Gwealyn and Tirion had been very saddened hearing they lost their daughter. But life continued. Iria lived on in their hearts. Galandial was filled with guilt from acting like a coward leaving Iria alone with the dragon. But it was to late for him to do anything about it. She was gone. The elf village had grown and elves were only the minor part of the population. There were all races and they lived together. The army had rebuilt and new enemies had awakened. Enemies are easy to find when things are going well. Jealous people always want a share of the cake and so they start wars to get it. That was also the case now. The scouts had reported of an army marching against the peaceful town. Galandial had prepared the army and marched to fight for the peace and freedom of their city. In front of them lay the open fields. The newly risen sun made the trees cast long shadows on the ground. Mist covered the green colour of the grass on the ground. Galandial, who was now a strong and mighty warrior, made sign for everyone to stop and be quiet. It was a fine morning and the birds sang their lovely tunes. Little did the birds know of what was going to happen on this field in just a matter of hours. Galandial sat off his horse and told his men to do the same. They took cover under the trees from the slight drizzle. After a while rumble from horses and many men started to sound from the other side of the field. Up on the hill appeared an army carrying dark blue flags with a blue sun and inside the blue sun a skull. They appeared outnumber the army taking cover under the trees. Galandial told his second in command, Elena – a pretty warrior princess from the south, to give the order of preparing for battle. Elena waved to the group leaders around the army. Sounds of metal clashing to metal filled the air as the army led by Galandial stood up and prepared for battle. The two armies stood lined up on each side of the open field. Silence… they stood there observing each other knowing that soon was the moment of either rising in victory or dying a honourable death. The leader of the enemy army seemed to be a bit thin for a warrior and he seemed to be shouting at his own troops. A few of the troops seemed to turn around as the thin warrior shouted on them and as he saw it he ordered his troops to shoot them. Galandial and Elena stood there observing as it all took place in front of them. A bit strange they thought. Galandial rode up to discuss the terms of peace with the thin warrior from the other army. Elena stood there wondering what they were talking about as they surely took their time. Suddenly everyone could hear an evil laughter from the thin warrior as Galandial fell off his horse. “Haha. I could destroy you anytime, just as I did to your leader Galandial. I only need to breath on you and you would all die. Haha! I laugh at your face” - shouted the thin warrior from the middle of the field. Elena burned with anger and shouted to her troops: “We have endured this long enough. We won’t tolerate any more. We fight for our freedom and for our honour. We are the proud fighters of The Tirion empire. We will not bow!!!” A great battle shout was heard as they started running into the battle. Storm clouds filled the sky with darkness. The rain became stronger. The four winds blew with tremendous anger. The armies raised their weapons into the air. Without warning screaming their warcry they led the attack. On to the battle they rode. They met with a might clash. The ground shook. Swords cutting through steal and flesh. Blood gushing. A small group of warriors joined the fight from the east. They were carrying black flags with a golden dragon on. Together they fought bravely against the thin, weak warrior and his pack of evildoers. The earth drank much blood that day. When the smoke did clear many people were dead. There were much blood and gore. Their bodies lay broken and scattered across the battlefield like brown leaves blown by the wind. The thin rider rode off the battlefield together with the few of his remaining troops. Like a coward he fled the battlefield along with the still loyal troops. Remaining on the battlefield was Elena with a largely decimated army along side was also the late arrived small group of warriors – the Celestial Guardians. Elena spoke the words of the warriors’ prayer. “Gods of war I call you. My sword is by my side. I seek a life of honour free from all false pride. I will crack the whip with a bold mighty hail. Cover me with death if I should ever fail. Glory, majesty and unity, hail, hail, hail.” Iria, the young elf sorceress from the Celestial Guardians, were attending the wounded on the battlefield. She noticed Elenas bleeding shoulder and walked up to Elena to attend her wounds. She managed to hear the warriors prayer Elena was saying. She waited until Elena finished the prayer, a bit overwhelmed over the words was saying. Such power, devotion and self-confidence she had never heard before. Their eyes met as Iria healed Elenas wounds. “They smiled at each other. We won, we defeated the evil.” said Iria. Iria wandered around on the battlefield. When she saw Galandial laying dead on the ground she remembered. How they had starting to love each other but how this man had left her to die along when they were attacked. Even if her mind was telling her that this man wasn’t worthy of her tears she could not keep herself from crying. At the same time the power of Elenas’ words burned in her mind. Words full of confidence, words she wished Galandial had been able to speak but now he was dead. Though her feelings were torturing her she tried to calm her mind and continued to search the battlefield for any survivors. Victorious they rode back to the city. Once again they had defended their city. Iria rode next to Elena, talking about the past, asking about Elena and her past on the way. Once in a while they smiled at each other. Both of them have had a tough life. Strangely Elena didn’t look at Iria with despise when she told her story. It was like Elena believed every word. Who would do that? Who wouldn’t question the very strange story she had to tell. Chapter 5 – Friends forever The neared the city of The Tirion empire. People rushed out to great the victorious army now led by Elena. As they entered the city the King and Queen came to greet them. Everyone was cheering except Tirion and Gwealyn who just stood there silent looking at Iria. They couldn’t believe their eyes. Here they thought their daughter was dead but here she was. Riding in the front together with Elena. They ran up to her. Iria saw her parents coming, jumped off the horse and ran at them hugging them. They cried tears of joy. It was surely a happy day. Months passed and it was peace. Elena and Iria spend much time together. In many ways they shared a similar passed. They became very good friends, Iria joined the army and together they fought and won many wars. The Celestial Guardians lived together with the citizens of the city of the Tirion empire and they very well liked by the people there. Reflections This story is true and has been told as good as I can remember it. It is the beginning of a long story about the fighters of the Tirion empire. The story continues and perhaps this story will be told by me someday. - HighElf Turi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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