A/N: Welcome to Fear Not This Night! If you enjoyed the story, it would be much appreciated if you left a review. Constructive criticism is welcomed!
The interactions between charr and humans were unsteady, to say the least.
Adrien Agreste, a noble of Divinity's Reach, had spoken to charr before, but only ever for a few brief moments. Actually, all his conversations with non-human races were short-lived.
The first time he had really interacted with a charr was when he dared to venture to the village of Shaemoor, outside the protection of Divinity's Reach. He had intended to help the Seraph fend off the centaur attacks, as he was no stranger to fighting. In fact, he was one of the more combat-ready nobles. He technically identified as a guardian, even though he'd never worn heavy armour. His weapon of choice was a greatsword, though only his close friend Lord Faren and a few of his more trustworthy servants were aware of the fact.
He had encountered a strange charr on the road to Shaemoor. He had a few grey patches of fur amongst coal black, indicating he was much older than Adrien. His teeth were long and sharp, and his fur was torn in some places. This was someone who knew what fighting was.
"Human," the charr had growled when Adrien met his fierce orange eyes. "I sense a great power lying dormant in you. Tell me, can you fight? Or is that greatsword a show of grandeur?"
"I can fight, sir," Adrien had swiftly replied. The stories of Ascalon had been told to him many times. He knew it would be a bad idea to make an enemy of a charr.
The charr rumbled a noise of approval. "I can tell from your clothes that you lead a sheltered life. I can offer you freedom, but you must first prove yourself."
Adrien couldn't deny the rush of excitement that filled him. The promise of freedom had captured his interest. "How can I prove myself, sir?" he asked, trying not to seem too eager.
"I seek a future hero of Tyria," the charr explained. "Someone who will protect the people of Kryta, Ascalon, the Shiverpeaks and the Maguuma Jungle alike. Someone with the potential to slay an Elder Dragon."
"Slay an Elder Dragon?" Adrien echoed. He had heard stories of the horrible, powerful beasts, and seen the corruption of the undead dragon Zhaitan. His minions, the Risen, crawled through all corners of Tyria. "Sir, is that possible?"
"With strong alliances, it is," the charr confirmed. "My allies and I almost slew Kralkatorrik. We failed, however. Now is the time for new heroes." He let out a growl-like laugh. "You've passed the first test- listening. The hero I seek must appreciate history. Take this token to the Seraph captain, Logan Thackeray." Adrien was passed what looked like the talon of a harpy. Before he could question it, the charr was gone.
Unsure but excited, Adrien had made his way to the Shaemoor garrison to meet with Captain Thackeray. The brunet had momentarily been surprised when the blond had presented him the harpy talon, but then he'd nodded. "Your timing is fortunate. The centaurs keep coming at us in waves- we're doing the best we can, but our resources are severely limited. If you want to prove yourself, get in there and fight!"
Adrien had drawn his greatsword, trembling with anticipation as he made his way to the frontlines. He'd sparred with Lord Faren before, but this was different- now, things would be actively trying to kill him. Clad only in expensive silk, Adrien felt naked and vulnerable. A centaur wielding a sword and shield broke formation to charge at him, probably viewing him as an easy target. He held his greatsword with shaking hands as he braced for attack, praying to the Six Gods that he would make it through this.
His greatsword collided with the centaur's sword, sending tremors down the blond's arm, causing his grip to tighten around his weapon, knuckles turning white. Adrenaline surged through Adrien as he pulled his weapon back, swiftly striking at his opponent's neck. He tried not to look as his blow struck true, the Tamini warrior staggering for a brief moment before collapsing, crimson flowing from his partially decapitated head. It was kill or be killed, Adrien reminded himself, even if he didn't like it.
It took him a while, but he eventually got the hang of the whole fighting thing. That wasn't to say he had walked away unharmed- he had quite the collection of bruises and scrapes, and a rather nasty gash he'd have to take care to keep hidden from his father. He'd disobeyed his wishes coming out here, after all. The centaur herds were starting to thin out, when a voice like thunder boomed across the landscape.
"Enough of this! I will deal with you myself."
The remaining centaurs were quick to retreat, revealing a bigger, stronger-looking member of the Modniir tribe- at least, that was what what he appeared to be. Adrien found it odd the Tamini tribe would be working with the Modniir tribe, but he really didn't have time to question it.
"Take down their leader!" Captain Thackeray was shouting. The Modniir centaur, a High Sage by the looks of its weapon and garb, narrowed its eyes at him.
"Pitiful humans. You think you can defeat me?" Some of the Seraph soldiers started to advance towards the seemingly vulnerable champion, but froze as it raised its staff and started chanting in another tongue. Dust and dirt flurried before the centaur, and whatever was happening, Adrien knew it wasn't good. "Rise!"
The rock and earth formed together, towering above the garrison, and Adrien's heart sank as he recognized a creature he'd only ever read about. It had to be a greater earth elemental.
"By all Six Gods, it's huge!" one of the Seraph shouted. "What is that thing?"
"That, soldier, is a threat," he heard Captain Thackeray reply. "Take it down! Its weak spot is its hands. For the queen!"
There were rallying shouts from the Seraph forces, charging towards the beast. Adrien hung back a little, observing the creature. Dark clouds formed around it, spewing out smaller earth elementals. He immediately knew this would be a harder fight than one with a Tamini centaur.
Suddenly, Adrien felt the ground underfoot shake. The Seraph soldiers closest to the elemental screamed, falling to the ground, injured. The blond had been protected from the shockwave by his distance from the monster, but a shiver ran down his spine nonetheless. Is this the power of a greater earth elemental?
Fear gripped his heart, but Adrien knew he had to help fight. Taking a deep breath, he adjusted his sweaty grip on his greatsword. Now more than ever, he was aware of his lack of armour. If he made one faulty step, he could die.
Rushing forwards, he swung his greatsword out in a wide arc, reducing some of the lesser elementals to stone and dirt once more. His green eyes were focused on the larger threat- he had to take out its hands before it killed everybody.
A chunk of debris hit him and he stumbled, his hands scraping against the ground. Gasping for air, he inspected his injuries. Small cuts covered his skin, blood trickling from some of them, but he could persevere. He would have to persevere.
Picking up his greatsword again, Adrien straightened up. He was almost at the elemental's left hand. He sprinted forwards, trying to ignore his shortness of breath. Reaching the hand, he began to hack and slash at it wildly, watching the weapon slice through the formations of rock. He was no expert in the battlefield, but he could sense the elemental weakening.
Suddenly, the elemental slammed a hand down. Adrien was sent flying across the field, ending up on his back. He tried to get up, but found himself unable to move as a jolt of pain ran up his spine. He was now as helpless as many of the Seraph soldiers. No! he thought in despair. This isn't happening, it can't be!
As he lay on the ground, Adrien noticed the bright sheen of magma envelope the elemental's right hand, quickly followed by several fireballs. The creature let out a roar of pain as its hand disintegrated.
Is that… an elementalist?
A small geyser erupted from the ground beside him. As the cool water washed over him, Adrien felt his bones mending, skin stitching itself together. The nearby Seraph soldiers received the same treatment.
A large spike of ice slammed into the elemental's remaining hand. It roared again as a thick layer of frost began to spread from the point of impact.
Scrambling to his feet, Adrien glanced around for the mystery elementalist, but didn't find anybody. Huh… that's strange. Still, the elemental was currently incapacitated, the perfect time to strike. Picking up his greatsword once more, Adrien ran at the creature. Reckless, yes, but he figured he wouldn't get another chance as good as this.
The moment his greatsword connected with the hand, it shattered. The elemental let out a final roar of pain, dirt flying everywhere.
"It's not dead yet!" he heard Captain Thackeray yelling. "Brace yourselves, I think it's going to explode!"
Hearing the warning, Adrien ducked to the ground, covering his head with his arms. He heard an earth-shaking boom, and felt the impact of rocks hitting his body. Darkness nibbled at the corners of his vision, before he blacked out.
"Ugh… where am I?" Adrien felt dizzy, and he had a throbbing headache. "What happened?"
"You're in the hospital," a feminine voice told him. A young woman wearing Dwayna's regalia entered his field of vision. "You were injured when the elemental exploded. Captain Thackeray brought you here personally. You've been unconscious for three days." She paused to let that sink in. "You've had a lot of visitors. Some villagers from Shaemoor, a few Seraph, and even a noble from the city. He came by several times."
"That'd be Lord Faren," Adrien explained. "He's a good friend. I'll have to go see him once I'm fully recovered. What should I do now?"
"Fresh air and exercise are the best medicine," the priestess informed him with a smile. "The goddess Dwayna helped you. Perhaps you could help others?"
"Thanks, I will," Adrien nodded. "And thanks for taking such good care of me."
"Bless you. You'll find plenty to do out in the valley," she replied. "May Dwayna protect you. Your greatsword is leaning against the wall over there." She indicated the weapon, before leaving, presumably to check on other patients.
Adrien slowly stood up. There was still stiffness in his muscles, but for the most part, he felt completely fine. Walking over to his greatsword, he reached out for it, then paused. He hadn't noticed it at first, but there was a slight shimmer to the weapon now. He hesitated, unable to discern the cause, before cautiously putting one hand around the hilt.
Adrien felt a rush of magic wash over him, and blinked as he looked down at himself. He was shocked to find himself clad in black, iron armour- he didn't feel any of it. With his free hand, he attempted to touch the metal- he succeeded. This is an illusion, he realized, but a tangible one. He'd read about this kind of magic before. Only high-level mesmers could do it. He wondered how his greatsword got such an enchantment.
Still, this was the perfect chance to venture out and truly make a name for himself. He'd take it.