The Darkest Dawn

Chapter 1: Nature's Blessing

"OPEN FIRE!"

The sounds echoed out on the dust strewn battlefield as more guns and bows were let loose, arrows and bullets alike striking their targets from great distances. As wave after wave of men fell, more continued to rise up in their never ending attack, relentlessly bearing down on their enemies without mercy. The call rang out once again as more arrows and bullets scattered the sky, blocking out the setting sun. More bloodshed this day, just as any other...

"Tory…Tory, wake up. Tory, come now. Get up!" Fast as lightning, a foot comes down on the side of a man, stirring him from his sleep. He groans as he sits up rapidly, glancing to his side at the culprit. "Agh! Is that really necessary?!" The culprit was a woman; a young, beautiful Elven woman, her lightly tanned skin and long, flowing brown hair were the features that primarily stood out. Along with those bright green eyes, one would certainly be captivated by such beauty.

The woman giggles lightly at the man, "Yes, it was very necessary. You sleep like a bear. Besides, we've got stuff to do today." The man gets up off the ground, stretching a bit as she speaks, his muscles tensing slightly as he pulls them out and relaxes them. He was a fairly attractive Elven man himself, his pale complexion fit well onto his muscular body, and matched even more so with his long brown hair. He had a crooked smile taking over his lips, his blue eyes flashing from side to side.

"Aye, we do have much to do today, Salys. But next time, don't wake me up that way. I'll react like a bear from now on." With a light wink, he walks past her to a nearby tree stump, grabbing his sword in it's sheathe that lean against the stump, then straps it to himself. His eyes scan out over the horizon, taking in the sites and knowing that where they headed today was not a place to be taken lightly.

After a brief moment of staring, Salys slowly makes her way beside Tory, her eyes scanning out in the same direction as Tory's. "I don't much care for where we're going, Man-Bear." Tory chuckles softly, his gaze never fading from the distance. "Well, the Undead were never a grateful bunch. But it doesn't matter. We won't be there long. Just long enough to finish our task Valdin sent us out to do."

A moment of silence washes over the two, then Salys looks to Tory with a soft smile. "Valdin is a wise man, and a powerful Blood Knight. But he had a moment of insanity when he paired us together. I think the ale got to him." Tory looks to Salys, and then shakes his head, starting to walk forward. "A moment of insanity, I'm sure. You weren't exactly fine by your lonesome. In fact, if I recall correctly, I've saved your life thirty one times now."

Her eyes narrow as she lightly sprints up to his side before walking at his pace, her tone defensive. "No! Not thirty one! It's…once. You only saved me once!" Tory chuckles at her once again, his head lightly nodding. "Shall I start naming moments?" Her hand flies over his mouth as he shoots off, his voice coming through in an incoherent grumble. She holds it there with a scowl as he continues rambling. "You can shut up some time soon, Tory…"

He laughs into her palm, making her face turn red with aggression. She pulls her hand off his mouth, moving in front of him with a finger prodding at his chest sharply. "You did not save my life thirty one times, it was only once! I am a woman, I am strong, and I can handle myself! And furthermore…" His finger shifts to her lips, silencing her on the spot. "Shh…quiet." His voice was just under a whisper. He slowly draws his sword, holding it forward as Salys takes her place by his side.

Cautiously, he begins moving forward, his long, pointed ears perk up, listening on everything around the two of them. Sounds of animals, the wind, and a creek flowing in the distance all filled him up, but it was not the sound he was searching for. Salys looks from side to side, whispering to him lightly, "What is it, Tory?" He brings a hand back, putting his finger to her lips once more. She scowls at the finger, smacking it aside. "Hey, you can't keep making me be quiet when you decide you want me...AHH!!"

In a flash, Salys was tackled to the ground, her entire body pinned down under the power of a massive brown bear, its snarling jaws not inches away from her face. She lets out a scream and tries to push at the bear, but its no use. Not for long at least. As fast as it came, the bear was thrown off her, now engaged in a fight with Tory. His sword met the claws of the creature, parrying all its attempts at striking him and injuring the animal in return.

The roars of the creature and the sounds of flesh tearing against blade filled the surrounding woods, but this fight was not to last much longer. With a graceful slash of his blade, Tory's sword cuts down the side of the bear, then pierces directly through the abdomen of the creature. Pulling his sword out of the bear, the slain animal falls to the ground with a thud. Panting, Tory gazes to Salys, that crooked smile coming back. "Thirty…two…times…"

She scowls at him, "Oh, I bet you feel all high and mighty now. I could've handled it myself, thank you." He looks to the ground, laughing between labored breaths. "Of that I am sure, Salys." She places her hands on her hips, her eyes staying firmly narrowed on him. He slowly looks up to her, smiling lightly, "What?" Her eyes widen, her hands slowly lowering. Tory looks at her quizzically. "What is it?"

With a click, a rifle was pressed to Tory's head, and a hoarse voice followed. "I'll be asking the questions here, Elf!"

So, this is just a my quick little first attempt at posting any of my work anywhere. I enjoy honest criticism, so any advice, tips, or applause would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, everyone.

- Tory