LEGENDS-prologue
The sun was just beginning to set over the amber soil of the red man’s state and creatures were stirring to life. Creatures that lived for the twilight hours. Creatures of the night. Bats, wolves, owls, and other beasts woke in search of prey. Mother Nature’s balance was once more being up held. This was Ardra’s favorite time of the day… or night as it was. It is true that she also loved the sun risings, but sunset had a magic all of its own. The sheer beauty of it alone would make one forget about the dangers that lurked behind every corner once the sun’s last bit of energy was robbed from the soil. Dangers that Ardra knew all too well. Dangers that she had to confront constantly, as is her duty.
She knew she should be making preparations for the up coming counsel, but over the centuries Ardra has learned you have to stop and smell the roses. Most of the preparations were already done. Damia had seen to that. There was no better friend than Damiana. Ardra smiled, there would never be anyway to completely thank her close companion. She’s the only person living in a solid form who knew her for everything she was. With a heavy sigh, Ardra stood from her porch swing and looked around. The sun was now set and preparations or not, there was still much to do. It was her responsibility to summon the heads of counsel for their tri-century court. Many things had been brought to her attention, many things that required an iron hand and an unbreakable courage. She closed her eyes and the smile was gone. Another war loomed in the distance. After so many lifetimes it was still quite a burden. A burden only she could bare. Alone.
___________________
Druce awoke when the last of the sun’s great power was gone. True that he could have risen before it fell, but it left him drained. And he had not been successful in his agenda for the previous night nor had he fed properly. He walked out of the broken down house all the while undoing his safe guards. Before he took that first step outside of the house he sought outside himself to check the immediate area for danger. Once he was sure that nothing was out of the ordinary he went in search of prey. This would be an unlucky night for some poor, unfortunate human. Hunger beat at his very soul. If he even still had a soul, he dared not to think on it. Druce was too tired to even soar across the country side. Deciding to conserve energy by walking so as to not loose control and allow his blood lust to devour the first passer by.
It had become so hard to exist the last few hundred years. The pact that his people had made with the Legends was very strict and moral. After centuries he felt himself being drawn away from that path, but…anything for Ardra. The vampire Kingdom would never have bowed to another. It bowed for Ardra. He bowed for Ardra. If he truly could feel it was because of her. She breathed life back into this bleak shell of an undead King. It was through her that all the immortals were kept in line. There had never been anyone else capable of such a thing. In his mind’s eye she was on a pedestal of admiration. He was nothing to her though and he never would be. Druce did a mental shake, he was on the counsel and the pact truly made life better for his people. That was what a King was there for, wasn’t it? To make his people happy? Was it fair that he could not be happy also, with them? He forced air in and out of his lungs and with a heavy heart he started walking again. Anything for Ardra. Anything.
The lights of homes and businesses alike glittered in the distance and the scent of warm blood filled his deadly senses. He was very near the city now and hoped to find several beggars out tonight. He must still honor the pact, even though the demon within was screaming for sustenance, begging him to slake his eternal thirst. The nights of innocent victims were gone and it wasn’t that Druce missed those days. In fact, it was a relief to his conscience. Those were the days with horrible guilt and the remembrance that his humanity was teetering on the edge of extinction. Druce still couldn’t be certain that his humanity hadn’t already shriveled to dust many centuries ago. He couldn’t discount that his new found feelings weren’t simply a renewed hope for his people. Either way he was their King and he would do whatever was necessary to ensure the continuance of their race. Was it even a good idea to allow his race to continue on? This was not the time for him to second guess himself. The tri-century court was nearing and there was much to do. Some of his people had denied the pact from the beginning and were now planning a revolution. More to the point, Druce feared the revolution was already underway.
He strolled through several allies, not bothering to conceal himself. Then he came upon three drunken vagrants and once more was filled with a since of hope. The pact would not be broken this night by him and no innocent would come to an early grave. Three vagrants would allow him to sate his appetite fully and keep the good citizens free from hell’s doors. Come the day of the counsel he would be able to hold his head up high and meet Ardra’s intense glaze with complete confidence. Well, almost complete confidence. It will be his fault that his people have strayed from the pact. Druce accepted that and whatever chastisement that he would receive from Ardra. Just to be near her would be enough. The years spent apart from her counsel were always dark and empty. Druce was dark and empty. Alone.
_______________
As pure energy, she soured through the night sky. Such a pity to leave this beautiful land before the first storm of the season in Oklahoma was to hit. Ardra doubted that she would be back before the end of the storm season either. Storms were the only thing that made her heart lighter since the great pact was formed until she was at court again. The weight seemed always to lift while she was at court. Why, Ardra couldn’t figure out, but she was indeed grateful of whatever reason. She smiled to herself and allowed her mind to focus on that.
Ardra had soared over quite a distance when the symphony of the night was interrupted by a chilling silence. Stopping in mid air she took advantage of being pure energy and searched the area for the source. There was nothing. Satisfied that no threat was near she gathered her energies together and once again came together in human form. She felt her self becoming agitated, but why? Her father was once the great king of the Elfish kind and her mother had been a mortal carrier of the sacred blood line. Her elfin senses would not let her disregard this area. There should be night noises, for God’s sake; she was right in the deep of a swamp. She couldn’t even hear the buzzing of mosquitoes. Damn it! Devyn, where are you when I need you? She reached for the Elf King with her mind.
…I’m here, little sister, do not fear. Devyn sounded a little too smug for his own good and yet wholly concerned for her as well. Ardra hated that he could do so.
I fear nothing! She took a deep breath in while still scanning the area. This was no time for taking jabs at one another. I have no knowledge of the elfish ways and I have a need to understand something.
What troubles you, little one?
Humph! For lack of a better explanation, old one, I have found myself a blank spot. Ardra felt the abrupt break off and then Devyn was just there. It was hard for her not to smile at his antics. For all of his strict warrior ways, Devyn was always there when she needed someone. And for all that she hated elves and that she was part elf, she loved her half-brother. She also knew that he loved her and somehow even admired her. With him she was not so alone. She was not completely without family.
“Tell me, little sister, how did you come across this place?”
Ardra looked over to her brother. He was tall and muscular like herself with the white hair of the elf warriors. Devyn was very stoic. Something did not sit well with him either and he was doing his best to conceal it from her and maybe from himself.
“Do not over analyze this situation, little sister, I am not fearful.”
Ardra laughed lightly. “I did not say you were afraid, oh great Devyn! Never that. No, you are just concerned with my safety and I picked up on that.” She felt that bullshit smile of hers popping up. How she loved to be patronizing with his majesty. “I was on my way to The Great City and felt a disturbing emptiness here. After I searched the area I came to rest right where I am standing now. There is no one around, at least, I found no one when I scanned the surrounding area. What is it that I can not put my finger on?”
The pair of them looked like statues of forgotten gods, while they stood and felt for a clue to disturbance in this place. Suddenly a breeze picked up and the sounds of the night swamp were back upon them. A fog began to spill over their feet and the eerie solitude that once was, now was gone. Devyn turned to look at Ardra. Their eyes met and spiraled and swirled sending a multitude of messages from one to the other and back. With the bow of their heads they were gone. The swamp was once again just a swamp.
They appeared inside The Great City over looking the countryside in the shelter of the trees. Don’t beat around the proverbial bush with me, Devyn. What the hell was that? I know you felt it. I was called there wasn’t I? No one would leave such an obvious whole in which to be found without a plan.
He was silent for a moment, thinking. Truly, I do not know what it was. I have not felt anything of its equal in some millennia. It was different yet similar to the black elves’ war tactics. But that would be impossible. Impossible!
There was doubt in his thoughts. Ardra picked up on that immediately. She had only read of the black elves. They were an evil unequal to any other on this planet. The rest of the elves and fairy alike battled for ages against them. Until not one of the black elves were left alive. That’s the way it was written, but Devyn had been there. He had fought against the evil of the black Fai.
Ardra dared ask the silent question that hung in the air between them. Looking over The Great City, she turned to stare directly at her brother. The wind blew tendrils of his war braided hair across his face. His features could have been etched in stone, he did not blink. He would not lie to her, not to her. Are you certain that they were all killed? …Is it possible some escaped and laid low until now? …Tell me! If they join in the growing rebellion that is already building, do we even stand a chance?
He looked down at his sister, into her lavender eyes. She was a beautiful treasure. Her eyes were imploring him to speak, but his voice was caught. There would be no chance if it were so. Though it was highly unlikely that all immortal kinds would join forces, some were already doing so. Devyn recalled vivid memories from his last great battle. He did not want this for his sister. Ardra was a pure light, as pure as her snowy hair. Tears drew close to his eyes; she was to be the one. He knew it, but she refused to recognize it in herself. Devyn had to answer her; she would not accept silence for too long. Without a sigh, without as much as a blink of an eye he answered her.
“No, there is little chance of defeating them a second time. Less even, with other immortal kind at their bidding.” Turning to face the moon, Devyn closed his eyes and hung his head. “I will be gone for several days. Know for certain, I will be here for the meeting in your courts. Do not worry too much little sister; I am going to gather some information. It would be best if this is not mentioned to another until I return and speak with you. If any of the black elves have remained, then all hope will be lost among your counsel. They are already wavering as it is.”
“I agree. Come back unharmed, brother. My heart is heavy and I could not endure the loss of my only family.” …Do not let me face this alone.
She knew she should be making preparations for the up coming counsel, but over the centuries Ardra has learned you have to stop and smell the roses. Most of the preparations were already done. Damia had seen to that. There was no better friend than Damiana. Ardra smiled, there would never be anyway to completely thank her close companion. She’s the only person living in a solid form who knew her for everything she was. With a heavy sigh, Ardra stood from her porch swing and looked around. The sun was now set and preparations or not, there was still much to do. It was her responsibility to summon the heads of counsel for their tri-century court. Many things had been brought to her attention, many things that required an iron hand and an unbreakable courage. She closed her eyes and the smile was gone. Another war loomed in the distance. After so many lifetimes it was still quite a burden. A burden only she could bare. Alone.
___________________
Druce awoke when the last of the sun’s great power was gone. True that he could have risen before it fell, but it left him drained. And he had not been successful in his agenda for the previous night nor had he fed properly. He walked out of the broken down house all the while undoing his safe guards. Before he took that first step outside of the house he sought outside himself to check the immediate area for danger. Once he was sure that nothing was out of the ordinary he went in search of prey. This would be an unlucky night for some poor, unfortunate human. Hunger beat at his very soul. If he even still had a soul, he dared not to think on it. Druce was too tired to even soar across the country side. Deciding to conserve energy by walking so as to not loose control and allow his blood lust to devour the first passer by.
It had become so hard to exist the last few hundred years. The pact that his people had made with the Legends was very strict and moral. After centuries he felt himself being drawn away from that path, but…anything for Ardra. The vampire Kingdom would never have bowed to another. It bowed for Ardra. He bowed for Ardra. If he truly could feel it was because of her. She breathed life back into this bleak shell of an undead King. It was through her that all the immortals were kept in line. There had never been anyone else capable of such a thing. In his mind’s eye she was on a pedestal of admiration. He was nothing to her though and he never would be. Druce did a mental shake, he was on the counsel and the pact truly made life better for his people. That was what a King was there for, wasn’t it? To make his people happy? Was it fair that he could not be happy also, with them? He forced air in and out of his lungs and with a heavy heart he started walking again. Anything for Ardra. Anything.
The lights of homes and businesses alike glittered in the distance and the scent of warm blood filled his deadly senses. He was very near the city now and hoped to find several beggars out tonight. He must still honor the pact, even though the demon within was screaming for sustenance, begging him to slake his eternal thirst. The nights of innocent victims were gone and it wasn’t that Druce missed those days. In fact, it was a relief to his conscience. Those were the days with horrible guilt and the remembrance that his humanity was teetering on the edge of extinction. Druce still couldn’t be certain that his humanity hadn’t already shriveled to dust many centuries ago. He couldn’t discount that his new found feelings weren’t simply a renewed hope for his people. Either way he was their King and he would do whatever was necessary to ensure the continuance of their race. Was it even a good idea to allow his race to continue on? This was not the time for him to second guess himself. The tri-century court was nearing and there was much to do. Some of his people had denied the pact from the beginning and were now planning a revolution. More to the point, Druce feared the revolution was already underway.
He strolled through several allies, not bothering to conceal himself. Then he came upon three drunken vagrants and once more was filled with a since of hope. The pact would not be broken this night by him and no innocent would come to an early grave. Three vagrants would allow him to sate his appetite fully and keep the good citizens free from hell’s doors. Come the day of the counsel he would be able to hold his head up high and meet Ardra’s intense glaze with complete confidence. Well, almost complete confidence. It will be his fault that his people have strayed from the pact. Druce accepted that and whatever chastisement that he would receive from Ardra. Just to be near her would be enough. The years spent apart from her counsel were always dark and empty. Druce was dark and empty. Alone.
_______________
As pure energy, she soured through the night sky. Such a pity to leave this beautiful land before the first storm of the season in Oklahoma was to hit. Ardra doubted that she would be back before the end of the storm season either. Storms were the only thing that made her heart lighter since the great pact was formed until she was at court again. The weight seemed always to lift while she was at court. Why, Ardra couldn’t figure out, but she was indeed grateful of whatever reason. She smiled to herself and allowed her mind to focus on that.
Ardra had soared over quite a distance when the symphony of the night was interrupted by a chilling silence. Stopping in mid air she took advantage of being pure energy and searched the area for the source. There was nothing. Satisfied that no threat was near she gathered her energies together and once again came together in human form. She felt her self becoming agitated, but why? Her father was once the great king of the Elfish kind and her mother had been a mortal carrier of the sacred blood line. Her elfin senses would not let her disregard this area. There should be night noises, for God’s sake; she was right in the deep of a swamp. She couldn’t even hear the buzzing of mosquitoes. Damn it! Devyn, where are you when I need you? She reached for the Elf King with her mind.
…I’m here, little sister, do not fear. Devyn sounded a little too smug for his own good and yet wholly concerned for her as well. Ardra hated that he could do so.
I fear nothing! She took a deep breath in while still scanning the area. This was no time for taking jabs at one another. I have no knowledge of the elfish ways and I have a need to understand something.
What troubles you, little one?
Humph! For lack of a better explanation, old one, I have found myself a blank spot. Ardra felt the abrupt break off and then Devyn was just there. It was hard for her not to smile at his antics. For all of his strict warrior ways, Devyn was always there when she needed someone. And for all that she hated elves and that she was part elf, she loved her half-brother. She also knew that he loved her and somehow even admired her. With him she was not so alone. She was not completely without family.
“Tell me, little sister, how did you come across this place?”
Ardra looked over to her brother. He was tall and muscular like herself with the white hair of the elf warriors. Devyn was very stoic. Something did not sit well with him either and he was doing his best to conceal it from her and maybe from himself.
“Do not over analyze this situation, little sister, I am not fearful.”
Ardra laughed lightly. “I did not say you were afraid, oh great Devyn! Never that. No, you are just concerned with my safety and I picked up on that.” She felt that bullshit smile of hers popping up. How she loved to be patronizing with his majesty. “I was on my way to The Great City and felt a disturbing emptiness here. After I searched the area I came to rest right where I am standing now. There is no one around, at least, I found no one when I scanned the surrounding area. What is it that I can not put my finger on?”
The pair of them looked like statues of forgotten gods, while they stood and felt for a clue to disturbance in this place. Suddenly a breeze picked up and the sounds of the night swamp were back upon them. A fog began to spill over their feet and the eerie solitude that once was, now was gone. Devyn turned to look at Ardra. Their eyes met and spiraled and swirled sending a multitude of messages from one to the other and back. With the bow of their heads they were gone. The swamp was once again just a swamp.
They appeared inside The Great City over looking the countryside in the shelter of the trees. Don’t beat around the proverbial bush with me, Devyn. What the hell was that? I know you felt it. I was called there wasn’t I? No one would leave such an obvious whole in which to be found without a plan.
He was silent for a moment, thinking. Truly, I do not know what it was. I have not felt anything of its equal in some millennia. It was different yet similar to the black elves’ war tactics. But that would be impossible. Impossible!
There was doubt in his thoughts. Ardra picked up on that immediately. She had only read of the black elves. They were an evil unequal to any other on this planet. The rest of the elves and fairy alike battled for ages against them. Until not one of the black elves were left alive. That’s the way it was written, but Devyn had been there. He had fought against the evil of the black Fai.
Ardra dared ask the silent question that hung in the air between them. Looking over The Great City, she turned to stare directly at her brother. The wind blew tendrils of his war braided hair across his face. His features could have been etched in stone, he did not blink. He would not lie to her, not to her. Are you certain that they were all killed? …Is it possible some escaped and laid low until now? …Tell me! If they join in the growing rebellion that is already building, do we even stand a chance?
He looked down at his sister, into her lavender eyes. She was a beautiful treasure. Her eyes were imploring him to speak, but his voice was caught. There would be no chance if it were so. Though it was highly unlikely that all immortal kinds would join forces, some were already doing so. Devyn recalled vivid memories from his last great battle. He did not want this for his sister. Ardra was a pure light, as pure as her snowy hair. Tears drew close to his eyes; she was to be the one. He knew it, but she refused to recognize it in herself. Devyn had to answer her; she would not accept silence for too long. Without a sigh, without as much as a blink of an eye he answered her.
“No, there is little chance of defeating them a second time. Less even, with other immortal kind at their bidding.” Turning to face the moon, Devyn closed his eyes and hung his head. “I will be gone for several days. Know for certain, I will be here for the meeting in your courts. Do not worry too much little sister; I am going to gather some information. It would be best if this is not mentioned to another until I return and speak with you. If any of the black elves have remained, then all hope will be lost among your counsel. They are already wavering as it is.”
“I agree. Come back unharmed, brother. My heart is heavy and I could not endure the loss of my only family.” …Do not let me face this alone.
posted by boabhan sith at 11:14 AM
1 Comments:
I LOVED THAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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