Teela's Tears
Eternia has been swallowed by darkness, and its stench has left no corner unstained. Where once majestic mountains offered inspiration to all who gazed upon them, only rubble and angry rock remain. The forests that once held all forms of magical creatures in its warmth now stands barren and dead. What of the great dragon Granamyr of Darksmoke? He is locked away in some unreachable tomb, imprisoned for what may prove to be his final days. Even the stars themselves, when one is lucky enough to see them, have suffered along with all the others. They carry on as a mere flicker of their once inviting illumination.
One woman, aged and seemingly alone, has contemplated her recent lot in life. She rarely ventures out from her reclusive shelter, for fear of being killed by whatever wicked beast would eye her as a meal. But on occasion, on very rare instances, she has braved the death-soaked land and journeyed forth, ever so carefully.
Her eyes fall upon the changed landscape and her heart sinks further into despair. Where are the mighty trees that held knowledge unimaginable? What of the graceful birds that once flew freely through the air. There were no romantic overlooks to be enjoyed, nor a companion to enjoy them with. No seductive smells of home cooking. Not a single joyous chorus of children playing could be heard. The land was stale and silent. Eternia was rotting.
She was a warrior woman, a well-respected hand-to-hand combat master and the Captain of the Guards. In her days of waging battle, she had gone toe to toe with all forms of beasts and bullies. One could not claim to be evil and escape her wrath, as Evil-Lynn and her band of deviants would be the first to attest to. It mattered not if the foe was a sorcerer or a barbarian, or even a combination of the two, this empowered female stood her ground and fought for all who needed a champion. Her sword had held off invasions, and her hands had helped to rebuild villages. She was in her element at all times, whether it be on the battlefield or standing next to commoners while tending to a damaged crop.
Out of the corner of her eye, she sees the briefest of movements, followed by a rustling of bushes. She decides to return to her dwelling place, opting not to stick around and entice whatever creature is afoot a moment longer. In her mind's eye she can clearly see how things were, and it rips at her tormented soul.
Having returned safely to where she emerged, she lets out a heavy sigh and allows a single tear to fall. Teela weeps not only for what once was, but also for what is still to come.
A/N: For anyone looking to kill a few seconds, I have a poll on my profile page asking who should be the next character featured in an "Old Man Adam" type story. Thanks to all who've read these short pieces, and for all the feedback--- it is greatly appreciated!