Hi eveyone! Sorry I have not updated in a while, but you know how that
goes. I have one thing to say, "Moving is a bitch."
Okay, I know you are all expecting the battle in this chapter, but, I had to give you all a nice little 'description' of what is going on and needed more time to type the battle up, but here you go, please REVIEW! Let me know what you think of this chapter,okay?
By the way, going through my Gollum stage (well, have been on it for a few years.) Morlass is going to have is type of attitude in this chappie, evil guy that he is. Just a little note.
DISCLAIMER: Gollum creeping towards Inuyasha. "The thieves, the thieves. The dirty, little thieves. They stole it from us, my precious." Gollum reaches out and grips onto Inuyasha.
Inuyasha: "WHAT THE HELL!! GET OFF ME YOU LITTLE PERVERTED ............"
Gollum:" It is my own, my precious, it belongs to us, yes precious it belongs to us."
Inuyasha smacks Gollum on the head with the Tetsagia (sorry if I spelled that wrong, it is late okay!)
Gollum: "....................................................."
Okay, I do not own Inuyasha nor (nor hmmmmm, like that word?) do I own Metallica, though that would be AWESOME! I do not own the lyrics to The Four Horsemen either. *Sigh* "Ohhh, yes we do." No really, just love the song. Let me know if you like it. Go download it!
Reviewers: Okay I would like to give a huge and prolonged THANK YOU to Elven Mischief, you gave me six reviews or more. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU,THANK YOU, THANK YOU,THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ah yes, my friend just posted her first story on here, it is a Lord Of The Rings story, her name is LorienRangerElf go check it out! Go read Elven Mischief's LOTR story too, very funny :).
Okay, here you go, PLEASE REVIEW!!
Chapter 23-
An elf prince, with dark greasy hair and pale skin that was once beautiful, had turned into a disgusting image of an elf.
His dark eyes looked into a pool of black liquid,revealing those who he wished to see.
A large, evil grin full of malice spread across his face as he looked at the departing back of his golden princess. "So, you run towards home, yet what may await you,my fair one?" He began to laugh uncontrollably.
"Prince Morlass, we must discuss our plans and stratify the battle." A rough looking man said.
Morlass turned dark eyes towards the man. "That we will. Have you readied the orcs and your men?" The man nodded his head,it was obvious he was terrified of Morlass. " Leave." The man bowed and quickly left.
Morlass focused his eyes back into the pool of black liquid, the image had already started to fade, the water had ripples swiftly swirling it, completely deleted the image.
"There will be no castle or home when you finally arrive, Etain, only death, and then I will grab you at your moment of despair. You will submit to me."
His deep laugh echoed all through the halls of his hidden castle in the mountains.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Etain squeezed both of her temples, that horrid voice echoing through her head. The words ringing over and over again, "There will be no castle or home when you finally arrive."
"ARGH!" Etain screamed as she started jumping up and down, trying to remove the painful ring.
Etain stopped jumping up and down and realized it had stopped. As quickly as it had come, it left at the same speed.
"That was definitely different, and Morlass, you do not know what you have gotten yourself into."
'Alright, now back to the path.' Etain would have used her magic to transport herself, but this part of Frealaf's woods were charmed, no magic could be used.
She would be leaving the charmed area in a few minutes, then she could cast her spell.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
" 'My Lord, what would you have me do?" Aaken asked Frealaf groggily. It was in the middle of the night, now early morning and Frealaf had summoned Aaken. 'Ah, the things I do.' Aaken thought out-loud, but Frealaf didn't seem to notice.
"She is gone, just left. No love? How can this be?"
" M' Lord?" A confused Aaken asked.
Frealaf took Aaken into account, his eyes registering him. "We must help her!" Frealaf suddenly yelled, jumping up out of his leather chair, punching his fist through the air.
Aaken retreated a few steps from Frealaf, quite the confused little toad.
"Aaken, she cannot be through the charmed woods, we can still catch up with her. Send out for troops, and prepare them all for battle. Bring me my dragon."
"Yes, my Lord." Aaken bowed and ran out of the room, tripping over an area rug.
Frealaf began pacing the room, his mind racing. 'What have I done?' He asked himself, no answer came. He couldn't believe what he had done, he had tried to force his Etain, no cage her in his castle.
"What have I become?" He questioned himself out loud. An image of Etain's hurt face raped his mind.
"I HAVE LOST HER,!" Frealaf screamed pounding his fist into the rock wall,smashing through it.
"M' Lord?" Stammered a confused and wide-eyed Aaken.
"WHAT." Growled Frealaf.
Aaken started backing up his head bowed. "Your dragon and the army are ready."
Frealaf nodded his head and quickly walked out of the castle towards the dragons in the courtyard.
There stood an iridescent green dragon with glittering predator yellow eyes, glaring deadly at the soldiers holding its chains. It moved its long,silver clawed talons in a warning gesture.
Frealaf waved the guards away and strolled straight up to it.
The guards squirmed away, terrified of the monster. It bared its teeth and hissed at the guards,causing them to scream and run far away.
Frealaf placed a cool hand on the dragon. " I thought we spoke of being non- aggressive towards the palace guards, Poe."
The dragon commonly called Poe, snorted at Frealaf.
Frealaf chuckled, then his expression changed. "Poe, this battle we will enter may be one of the most fierce we've ever been in. Prepare yourself dear friend, there will be skilled elf warriors,orcs and men in this war. I do not know what their steeds will be,but must likely there will be stormwings."
Poe's eyes had a glint in them at the mention of the fowl beasts. Long ago had Stormwings and Dragons been declared enemies.
Stormwings always tried to raid dragon's nests and attack their fledglings.
Frealaf mounted Poe, and they began descending into the sky.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Etain finally entered the charmed-free realm, where she may be able to cast a spell.
She could hear something approaching, hiding in the foliage of bushes, she knelt ,and drew her bow and arrow, aiming her bow towards the sky, waiting for the creature to appear.
The sound was very familiar, almost that of a dragon's wing.
An iridescent green dragon with glittering silver claws came into view, with a silver-haired rider. Frealaf and Poe.
Etain sighed,as she put her arrow and bow away. Poe would find her easily enough with that reptilian nose of his, also the magic he possessed would enable him to seek her scent out simply. What of Frealaf? What did he want now? To prevent her from leaving, was he going to capture her?"
As if on queue, his eyes spotted her and he began to drop towards the forest.
They landed loudly, even if dragon were noisy, it was worth the noise.
Frealaf had a mixture of relief and pain when his eyes landed on Etain.
"You are in no condition to go to war. We must get you the proper attire."
Etain stared at Frealaf in disbelief, had he just offered her his approval.
She then notice the chain of mail and armor he was wearing.
"Frealaf?" She asked in disbelief.
He extended his hand to her. "Come we must hurry, before the armies arrive."
Etain gripped his hand firmly and began to swing herself behind him,but he lifted her in front of him.
"Noro lim, Poe." Etain called. She heard Frealf, ahem in his throat.
"This is my dragon,My Lady."
"Really? I had no idea."
Poe began flapping his wings,the green mixing in with the forest, easily descending upwards.
Frealaf leaned forward and whispered into Etain's hear. "Forgive me, I know not of what came over me. Our army will arrive soon to aid your people.
Etain felt the tears brewing in her eyes,but lied to herself and said they were from the wind.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Morlass looked in anger and disbelief at the image in his black pool of water. The green dragon with the silver-haired demon and his golden princess.
He slammed his hand into the water, destroying the image. Shaking violently he began to speak out loud to the reflection-less water.
"She is mine,my own, my precious. You will not have her Frealaf."
Morlass knew nothing of Celeblim. He didn't even bother to look for an army that may be coming to aid the elves.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Etain sensed they were drawing near, she could smell the ocean, the meadows, and fell the warm air. 'Do I bring the footsteps of doom here?' Etain asked herself, she slowly opened her eyes, and she felt an overwhelming happiness swirl inside her.
Everything was just as it had been five years ago, only the trees may have started to touch the stars now. None knew what their fate would be, none were aware of the evil that had been brewing these past years. The hatred that was set against them.
Etain looked down and saw a glowing fire red chestnut galloping across the moon-lit field, following them.
"Naurlach!" Etain cried out and Frealaf looked down at his old friend and smiled for the first time in a long while. These lands truly were beautiful, but his had an entirely beauty that equaled this one. "Frealaf, I think we should land and let me ride in so we do not scare everyone with a big dragon."
"But, they have seen Poe before."
"Yes, but they are not expecting us."
Frealaf agreed and motioned for Poe to land in the field.
Poe landed with a loud thump on the green grass.
Etain gave Poe a pat and quickly jumped onto the ground.
She looked up at Frealaf who had paled a bit.
"What is the matter?"
"Nothing." Frealaf did not want to voice his concern for their child, Etain had promised him the child would be fine. He smiled to himself, after all this Etain and I, and our child will be able to leave peacefully.
Etain shrugged her shoulders at him and turned to look for Naurlach, and where was Celeblim? Naurlach suddenly appeared,cantering up a hill down towards them.
Etain felt her face break out in a large smile as Naurlach approached.
"Naurlach!" She cried out and gripped him in a huge embrace.
She buried her face into his mane, inhaling deeply she breathed in his familiar scent. There was a trace of a regular horse's scent, but the Elvish horses had the smell of something else.
"Where is Celeblim,Naurlach?" She spoke in the common tongue for Frealaf.
'I do not know.' Etain nodded her head at him,knowing she must act quickly and get to her people.
"Naurlach,auth innas na am men then a im must alert i gwaith (war will be upon us shortly and I must alert the people).
'How fares my father?"
'Much has happened since your departure,Etain. Your father was killed last night. All are in the ceremony now, grieving is death. A messenger was sent to give you the news.'
Etain nodded her head grimly.She had not the time to grieve the dead. So they thought to weaken them, give them the death of their king, and strike when an attack is least expected. How low of a creature you are, Morlass. I will slay you even if it claims my life.
Etain gripped Naurlach's mane, and eased herself quickly onto him.
Naurlach eyed Poe warily and questioned her, "A amlug (a dragon)?"
Etain laughed and stroked his mane. "Do not fret,Naurlach,Poe will not harm you.He is here to give us aid."
Etain looked at Frealaf, who had not spoken. " Frealaf, they have murdered Lord Lir, and all mourn at this hour. I must go to them."
Frealaf leaned down and gripped her hand firmly. "Be careful, I will go find my men."
Etain slipped something into Frealaf's hand, and watched his reaction to it.
Frealaf felt something in his hand and looked down, a small glowing white- gold flower on a white silver chain lay in the palm of his hand. "What is this,Etain?"
"Ninglor,i loth en Aearon." Etain said simply.
Frealaf looked at her with that expression, 'huh?' Etain didn't realize she had spoken in Elvish. "Sorry, the Ninglor,the flower of the Great Sea. It is the stone of my people. The essence of one of the great powers is given to each of the royal blood. Mine, was a gift from the Great Sea, the stone, Ninglor.
It will keep you and Poe from harm during the battle. Never remove it."
Frealaf was stunned by the gift she had given him. "I cannot except this,Etain, you must wear to protect yourself and our child from harm."
Etain smiled at him, her expression softening.
"I refuse to take,Etain, and I'll tie it around your neck if you don't wear it." Frealaf stated in humorous type of manner, but with an edge of seriousness.
Etain nodded, unable to speak and whispered, " We shall meet again."
Without another thought she and Naurlach took of across the field, with shadows dancing behind every blade of grass, teasing the moon.
Etain normally would have enjoyed the fast-paced ride, but she was distracted. Her thoughts strayed to Frealaf and Celeblim.
She stopped thinking of it as they neared the castle.
There was a field were they dead were honored and grieved. It was set up on a hill that overlooked everything, the sea,the castle, the fields,and the waterfalls.
All were walking back down the hill.
"My people, I bring you urgent news."
Whispers stirred as they recognized Naurlach and Etain, "The Princess has returned to us!"
"That I have, though I wish it were on better circumstances. Stop, I must speak with you all."
All of the elves gathered around,bowing their heads to Etain.
"War will be upon us soon."
Everyone gasped,but stayed still.
Etain dismounted and began walking in front of the people looking at them all.
"My father, Lord Lir, was a great King to you, but he did not protect our country from evil. Your eyes were never opened to the treachery that exists.
Our once ally, Prince Morlass formed an army of elves,orcs and men to raid this land, they killed the king and they wish to take your lands over, taint it with their evil and have you crawl at their feet.
I am not here to rule as a Princess. I am here for you, this land is as much as yours as it is mine. I promise you all, that they will fall even if by my death our home shall be protected.
Who will join in this fight?"
One of the guards stepped forward. "My Lady, tell me how even if we all fight how will we be enough to fight orcs,men,and elves?"
"Lord Frealaf will be here shortly with an army to help." Etain walked up to him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Never lose hope."
A she-elf stepped forward, "How do we know you and that demon aren't after more kingdoms?"
" Here I am, to fight for you and our home, you accuse me of treason?"
"Hear me now, I am not here for alliances, or to proof we are the strongest. I fight for every flower, the water, the animals, you and your children,the trees, every little thing I fight to protect from the evil of this world.
I would fight for the next generation, so they know what we have known about growing up in fields, trees,the sea, the animals. Being able to lay in fields and stare at clouds and the stars.
All of this will be destroyed. No longer will you live peaceful lives, no longer will your children be able to roam freely. They seek to destroy all, have you live in fear and be chained like dogs.
I will fight alone if you do not believe me. Go into the castle and shut the gates and await this battle out.
Time is of the essence.", Etain chuckled loudly, "Time is all an elf has, I was once told, yet look at us now."
" I have seen into the future what will happen if nothing is done. This kingdom will fall, the trees that speak with the clouds and stars will be no more. No longer will flowers bloom, and the endless green meadows and fields exist.
Our dear Elvish horses will be brutally assaulted by man, forced into captivity. Harsh saddles thrown onto their backs, jagged bits gagging their mouths. Their talent-less riders, digging spiked spurs into their beautiful flesh.
Children and parents alike frightened to death. This is only a small portion of what shall befall our home.
Now, I ask you if you do not wish to fight take the children and lock the gates and go below the castle. Fowl beasts will be shortly, that would gladly taste the flesh of Elvish children and innocent Elves."
"I will return shortly, those you wish to remain, go in the castle so I may cast a spell that will protect you from harm's way.
Thank you for listening, and loving your king. Indeed that was great to mourn at such an hour. The sun will rise soon."
Without another word Etain gripped Naurlach's mane and rode towards the stables, leaving her people behind, watching her retreating figure their fate would be discussed.
The stable was a large, cozy structure set back from the castle surrounded by the woods and fields. It twinkled a welcome in the moonlight.
Etain left Naurlach outside of the stables, as she entered the large building.
The floor was their sparkling silver stone off of their shores, as was the entire structure of the building, all glittering white. The stalls were larger than four of the huge bedrooms in the castle. Elves hated to confine the horses. The only reason they had built this was when the men came with horses.
Etain came to the armory room, she grabbed her armor and dressed quickly ( think Lord Of The Rings elves armor.) She braided her long silver gold hair to keep it out of her view when the fighting began.
Etain had no thoughts on her people, she didn't care if she fought alone, only if she could protect them all. Her thoughts strayed to Celeblim,and his where-about.
She strapped her spare daggers to her calves,and inner thighs, her sword hung around her waist in proper place. The Elvish blade had tasted blood before, it was called 'Naur en Aearon, Flame of the Great Sea.'
She stared at the craftsmanship of the blade, swinging it in tight circle, it was as light as feather, a true Elvish blade.
She felt start to quiver in her hand, it anticipated the encroaching battle, it desired to taste the blood of orc-hide once again. "Soon, you shall be able to amulet yourself."
She also brought her bow and arrows, never know what could be coming.
Walking quickly through the stables, back out into the fresh air.
Naurlach stood patiently waiting for her, she mounted and rode him to the top of a hill.
The breeze lifted her silver golden braid, and caused it to sway with the whispering wind. Etain was waiting for the sun to rise, turning her head and looking at the moon, as it began to sink down into the depths of the earth.
Focusing her attention on the East, for the soon to be rising sun, her keen ears picked up the sound of Elvish hooves approaching, and the light pat of Elvish feet gliding over the surface of the earth. The sound was from behind, turning again, she gasped in disbelief.
Armed in the glittering armor of her people, Elves rode on the Elvish horses, while some ran softly on the ground, their long-bows already in the grasp of their hands.
Her people, they were backing her, not her, but protecting their lands. She felt a single tear spill down her face, a happy smile broke across her face.
The solider that had spoken earlier, approached on a white horse.
"You....."
"No need, My Lady. I must apologize for our questions." He dismounted his horse and removed his helmet, long golden hair spilled out.
" I pledge my loyalty and allegiance to you, My Queen,Etain." He bowed lowly to her, a hand across his chest, a gesture of total respect and love.
"Queen Etain, we all are here to defend our home, for every flower, every fallen petal from the ancient trees, the stars, everything. You are our leader, advisor, please guide us."
Etain was so overwhelmed with pride and honor for these people, she couldn't speak.
Finally she found her tongue.
"I thank all of you, but no words could fully express my feelings, but come, we must speak of matters of war.
Orcs,elves,and men will be marching here shortly, our friend, Lord Frealaf of the Western Lands will be bringing aid shortly. Attack at your own free will. It is doubtful you will receive any mercy, some faces you may recognize, but remember they are here to destroy you. It is likely they do not think for themselves any longer, but from the mind of Morlass.
Use your own judgment, and now let us wait for the sun to rise, and see what fate will bring."
All stood lined across the hill, up and down, waiting for the sunrise, and the enemy to attack.
The sun began to slowly peak out from behind the mountains, spilling blood out into the sky. The sun itself was blood red.
As the blood-stained sun spread its rays across Etain and the Elves and the sky, it indeed was blood red.
Etain spoke quietly, "Blood will be spilled this day."
By the last breath of the fourth winds blow
Better raise your ears
The sound of hooves knocks at your door
Lock up your wife and children now
It's time to wield the blade
For now you have got some company
The Horsemen are drawing nearer
On the leather steeds they ride
They have come to take your life
On through the dead of night
With the four Horsemen ride
or choose your fate and die
You have been dying since the day
You were born
You know it has all been planned
The quartet of deliverance rides
A sinner once a sinner twice
No need for confession now
Cause now you have got the fight of your life
The Horsemen are drawing nearer
On the leather steeds they ride
They have come to take your life
On through the dead of night
With the four Horsemen ride
or choose your fate and die
Time
has taken its toll on you
The lines that crack your face
Famine
Your body it has torn through
Withered in every place
Pestilence
For what you have had to endure
And what you have put others through
Death
Deliverance for you for sure
There is nothing you can do
So gather round young warriors now
and saddle up your steeds
Killing scores with demon swords
Now is the death of doers of wrong
Swing the judgment hammer down
Safely inside armor blood guts and sweat
The Horsemen are drawing nearer
On the leather steeds they ride
They have come to take your life
On through the dead of night
With the four Horsemen ride
or choose your fate and die
Okay, I know you are all expecting the battle in this chapter, but, I had to give you all a nice little 'description' of what is going on and needed more time to type the battle up, but here you go, please REVIEW! Let me know what you think of this chapter,okay?
By the way, going through my Gollum stage (well, have been on it for a few years.) Morlass is going to have is type of attitude in this chappie, evil guy that he is. Just a little note.
DISCLAIMER: Gollum creeping towards Inuyasha. "The thieves, the thieves. The dirty, little thieves. They stole it from us, my precious." Gollum reaches out and grips onto Inuyasha.
Inuyasha: "WHAT THE HELL!! GET OFF ME YOU LITTLE PERVERTED ............"
Gollum:" It is my own, my precious, it belongs to us, yes precious it belongs to us."
Inuyasha smacks Gollum on the head with the Tetsagia (sorry if I spelled that wrong, it is late okay!)
Gollum: "....................................................."
Okay, I do not own Inuyasha nor (nor hmmmmm, like that word?) do I own Metallica, though that would be AWESOME! I do not own the lyrics to The Four Horsemen either. *Sigh* "Ohhh, yes we do." No really, just love the song. Let me know if you like it. Go download it!
Reviewers: Okay I would like to give a huge and prolonged THANK YOU to Elven Mischief, you gave me six reviews or more. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU,THANK YOU, THANK YOU,THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ah yes, my friend just posted her first story on here, it is a Lord Of The Rings story, her name is LorienRangerElf go check it out! Go read Elven Mischief's LOTR story too, very funny :).
Okay, here you go, PLEASE REVIEW!!
Chapter 23-
An elf prince, with dark greasy hair and pale skin that was once beautiful, had turned into a disgusting image of an elf.
His dark eyes looked into a pool of black liquid,revealing those who he wished to see.
A large, evil grin full of malice spread across his face as he looked at the departing back of his golden princess. "So, you run towards home, yet what may await you,my fair one?" He began to laugh uncontrollably.
"Prince Morlass, we must discuss our plans and stratify the battle." A rough looking man said.
Morlass turned dark eyes towards the man. "That we will. Have you readied the orcs and your men?" The man nodded his head,it was obvious he was terrified of Morlass. " Leave." The man bowed and quickly left.
Morlass focused his eyes back into the pool of black liquid, the image had already started to fade, the water had ripples swiftly swirling it, completely deleted the image.
"There will be no castle or home when you finally arrive, Etain, only death, and then I will grab you at your moment of despair. You will submit to me."
His deep laugh echoed all through the halls of his hidden castle in the mountains.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Etain squeezed both of her temples, that horrid voice echoing through her head. The words ringing over and over again, "There will be no castle or home when you finally arrive."
"ARGH!" Etain screamed as she started jumping up and down, trying to remove the painful ring.
Etain stopped jumping up and down and realized it had stopped. As quickly as it had come, it left at the same speed.
"That was definitely different, and Morlass, you do not know what you have gotten yourself into."
'Alright, now back to the path.' Etain would have used her magic to transport herself, but this part of Frealaf's woods were charmed, no magic could be used.
She would be leaving the charmed area in a few minutes, then she could cast her spell.
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" 'My Lord, what would you have me do?" Aaken asked Frealaf groggily. It was in the middle of the night, now early morning and Frealaf had summoned Aaken. 'Ah, the things I do.' Aaken thought out-loud, but Frealaf didn't seem to notice.
"She is gone, just left. No love? How can this be?"
" M' Lord?" A confused Aaken asked.
Frealaf took Aaken into account, his eyes registering him. "We must help her!" Frealaf suddenly yelled, jumping up out of his leather chair, punching his fist through the air.
Aaken retreated a few steps from Frealaf, quite the confused little toad.
"Aaken, she cannot be through the charmed woods, we can still catch up with her. Send out for troops, and prepare them all for battle. Bring me my dragon."
"Yes, my Lord." Aaken bowed and ran out of the room, tripping over an area rug.
Frealaf began pacing the room, his mind racing. 'What have I done?' He asked himself, no answer came. He couldn't believe what he had done, he had tried to force his Etain, no cage her in his castle.
"What have I become?" He questioned himself out loud. An image of Etain's hurt face raped his mind.
"I HAVE LOST HER,!" Frealaf screamed pounding his fist into the rock wall,smashing through it.
"M' Lord?" Stammered a confused and wide-eyed Aaken.
"WHAT." Growled Frealaf.
Aaken started backing up his head bowed. "Your dragon and the army are ready."
Frealaf nodded his head and quickly walked out of the castle towards the dragons in the courtyard.
There stood an iridescent green dragon with glittering predator yellow eyes, glaring deadly at the soldiers holding its chains. It moved its long,silver clawed talons in a warning gesture.
Frealaf waved the guards away and strolled straight up to it.
The guards squirmed away, terrified of the monster. It bared its teeth and hissed at the guards,causing them to scream and run far away.
Frealaf placed a cool hand on the dragon. " I thought we spoke of being non- aggressive towards the palace guards, Poe."
The dragon commonly called Poe, snorted at Frealaf.
Frealaf chuckled, then his expression changed. "Poe, this battle we will enter may be one of the most fierce we've ever been in. Prepare yourself dear friend, there will be skilled elf warriors,orcs and men in this war. I do not know what their steeds will be,but must likely there will be stormwings."
Poe's eyes had a glint in them at the mention of the fowl beasts. Long ago had Stormwings and Dragons been declared enemies.
Stormwings always tried to raid dragon's nests and attack their fledglings.
Frealaf mounted Poe, and they began descending into the sky.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Etain finally entered the charmed-free realm, where she may be able to cast a spell.
She could hear something approaching, hiding in the foliage of bushes, she knelt ,and drew her bow and arrow, aiming her bow towards the sky, waiting for the creature to appear.
The sound was very familiar, almost that of a dragon's wing.
An iridescent green dragon with glittering silver claws came into view, with a silver-haired rider. Frealaf and Poe.
Etain sighed,as she put her arrow and bow away. Poe would find her easily enough with that reptilian nose of his, also the magic he possessed would enable him to seek her scent out simply. What of Frealaf? What did he want now? To prevent her from leaving, was he going to capture her?"
As if on queue, his eyes spotted her and he began to drop towards the forest.
They landed loudly, even if dragon were noisy, it was worth the noise.
Frealaf had a mixture of relief and pain when his eyes landed on Etain.
"You are in no condition to go to war. We must get you the proper attire."
Etain stared at Frealaf in disbelief, had he just offered her his approval.
She then notice the chain of mail and armor he was wearing.
"Frealaf?" She asked in disbelief.
He extended his hand to her. "Come we must hurry, before the armies arrive."
Etain gripped his hand firmly and began to swing herself behind him,but he lifted her in front of him.
"Noro lim, Poe." Etain called. She heard Frealf, ahem in his throat.
"This is my dragon,My Lady."
"Really? I had no idea."
Poe began flapping his wings,the green mixing in with the forest, easily descending upwards.
Frealaf leaned forward and whispered into Etain's hear. "Forgive me, I know not of what came over me. Our army will arrive soon to aid your people.
Etain felt the tears brewing in her eyes,but lied to herself and said they were from the wind.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Morlass looked in anger and disbelief at the image in his black pool of water. The green dragon with the silver-haired demon and his golden princess.
He slammed his hand into the water, destroying the image. Shaking violently he began to speak out loud to the reflection-less water.
"She is mine,my own, my precious. You will not have her Frealaf."
Morlass knew nothing of Celeblim. He didn't even bother to look for an army that may be coming to aid the elves.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Etain sensed they were drawing near, she could smell the ocean, the meadows, and fell the warm air. 'Do I bring the footsteps of doom here?' Etain asked herself, she slowly opened her eyes, and she felt an overwhelming happiness swirl inside her.
Everything was just as it had been five years ago, only the trees may have started to touch the stars now. None knew what their fate would be, none were aware of the evil that had been brewing these past years. The hatred that was set against them.
Etain looked down and saw a glowing fire red chestnut galloping across the moon-lit field, following them.
"Naurlach!" Etain cried out and Frealaf looked down at his old friend and smiled for the first time in a long while. These lands truly were beautiful, but his had an entirely beauty that equaled this one. "Frealaf, I think we should land and let me ride in so we do not scare everyone with a big dragon."
"But, they have seen Poe before."
"Yes, but they are not expecting us."
Frealaf agreed and motioned for Poe to land in the field.
Poe landed with a loud thump on the green grass.
Etain gave Poe a pat and quickly jumped onto the ground.
She looked up at Frealaf who had paled a bit.
"What is the matter?"
"Nothing." Frealaf did not want to voice his concern for their child, Etain had promised him the child would be fine. He smiled to himself, after all this Etain and I, and our child will be able to leave peacefully.
Etain shrugged her shoulders at him and turned to look for Naurlach, and where was Celeblim? Naurlach suddenly appeared,cantering up a hill down towards them.
Etain felt her face break out in a large smile as Naurlach approached.
"Naurlach!" She cried out and gripped him in a huge embrace.
She buried her face into his mane, inhaling deeply she breathed in his familiar scent. There was a trace of a regular horse's scent, but the Elvish horses had the smell of something else.
"Where is Celeblim,Naurlach?" She spoke in the common tongue for Frealaf.
'I do not know.' Etain nodded her head at him,knowing she must act quickly and get to her people.
"Naurlach,auth innas na am men then a im must alert i gwaith (war will be upon us shortly and I must alert the people).
'How fares my father?"
'Much has happened since your departure,Etain. Your father was killed last night. All are in the ceremony now, grieving is death. A messenger was sent to give you the news.'
Etain nodded her head grimly.She had not the time to grieve the dead. So they thought to weaken them, give them the death of their king, and strike when an attack is least expected. How low of a creature you are, Morlass. I will slay you even if it claims my life.
Etain gripped Naurlach's mane, and eased herself quickly onto him.
Naurlach eyed Poe warily and questioned her, "A amlug (a dragon)?"
Etain laughed and stroked his mane. "Do not fret,Naurlach,Poe will not harm you.He is here to give us aid."
Etain looked at Frealaf, who had not spoken. " Frealaf, they have murdered Lord Lir, and all mourn at this hour. I must go to them."
Frealaf leaned down and gripped her hand firmly. "Be careful, I will go find my men."
Etain slipped something into Frealaf's hand, and watched his reaction to it.
Frealaf felt something in his hand and looked down, a small glowing white- gold flower on a white silver chain lay in the palm of his hand. "What is this,Etain?"
"Ninglor,i loth en Aearon." Etain said simply.
Frealaf looked at her with that expression, 'huh?' Etain didn't realize she had spoken in Elvish. "Sorry, the Ninglor,the flower of the Great Sea. It is the stone of my people. The essence of one of the great powers is given to each of the royal blood. Mine, was a gift from the Great Sea, the stone, Ninglor.
It will keep you and Poe from harm during the battle. Never remove it."
Frealaf was stunned by the gift she had given him. "I cannot except this,Etain, you must wear to protect yourself and our child from harm."
Etain smiled at him, her expression softening.
"I refuse to take,Etain, and I'll tie it around your neck if you don't wear it." Frealaf stated in humorous type of manner, but with an edge of seriousness.
Etain nodded, unable to speak and whispered, " We shall meet again."
Without another thought she and Naurlach took of across the field, with shadows dancing behind every blade of grass, teasing the moon.
Etain normally would have enjoyed the fast-paced ride, but she was distracted. Her thoughts strayed to Frealaf and Celeblim.
She stopped thinking of it as they neared the castle.
There was a field were they dead were honored and grieved. It was set up on a hill that overlooked everything, the sea,the castle, the fields,and the waterfalls.
All were walking back down the hill.
"My people, I bring you urgent news."
Whispers stirred as they recognized Naurlach and Etain, "The Princess has returned to us!"
"That I have, though I wish it were on better circumstances. Stop, I must speak with you all."
All of the elves gathered around,bowing their heads to Etain.
"War will be upon us soon."
Everyone gasped,but stayed still.
Etain dismounted and began walking in front of the people looking at them all.
"My father, Lord Lir, was a great King to you, but he did not protect our country from evil. Your eyes were never opened to the treachery that exists.
Our once ally, Prince Morlass formed an army of elves,orcs and men to raid this land, they killed the king and they wish to take your lands over, taint it with their evil and have you crawl at their feet.
I am not here to rule as a Princess. I am here for you, this land is as much as yours as it is mine. I promise you all, that they will fall even if by my death our home shall be protected.
Who will join in this fight?"
One of the guards stepped forward. "My Lady, tell me how even if we all fight how will we be enough to fight orcs,men,and elves?"
"Lord Frealaf will be here shortly with an army to help." Etain walked up to him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Never lose hope."
A she-elf stepped forward, "How do we know you and that demon aren't after more kingdoms?"
" Here I am, to fight for you and our home, you accuse me of treason?"
"Hear me now, I am not here for alliances, or to proof we are the strongest. I fight for every flower, the water, the animals, you and your children,the trees, every little thing I fight to protect from the evil of this world.
I would fight for the next generation, so they know what we have known about growing up in fields, trees,the sea, the animals. Being able to lay in fields and stare at clouds and the stars.
All of this will be destroyed. No longer will you live peaceful lives, no longer will your children be able to roam freely. They seek to destroy all, have you live in fear and be chained like dogs.
I will fight alone if you do not believe me. Go into the castle and shut the gates and await this battle out.
Time is of the essence.", Etain chuckled loudly, "Time is all an elf has, I was once told, yet look at us now."
" I have seen into the future what will happen if nothing is done. This kingdom will fall, the trees that speak with the clouds and stars will be no more. No longer will flowers bloom, and the endless green meadows and fields exist.
Our dear Elvish horses will be brutally assaulted by man, forced into captivity. Harsh saddles thrown onto their backs, jagged bits gagging their mouths. Their talent-less riders, digging spiked spurs into their beautiful flesh.
Children and parents alike frightened to death. This is only a small portion of what shall befall our home.
Now, I ask you if you do not wish to fight take the children and lock the gates and go below the castle. Fowl beasts will be shortly, that would gladly taste the flesh of Elvish children and innocent Elves."
"I will return shortly, those you wish to remain, go in the castle so I may cast a spell that will protect you from harm's way.
Thank you for listening, and loving your king. Indeed that was great to mourn at such an hour. The sun will rise soon."
Without another word Etain gripped Naurlach's mane and rode towards the stables, leaving her people behind, watching her retreating figure their fate would be discussed.
The stable was a large, cozy structure set back from the castle surrounded by the woods and fields. It twinkled a welcome in the moonlight.
Etain left Naurlach outside of the stables, as she entered the large building.
The floor was their sparkling silver stone off of their shores, as was the entire structure of the building, all glittering white. The stalls were larger than four of the huge bedrooms in the castle. Elves hated to confine the horses. The only reason they had built this was when the men came with horses.
Etain came to the armory room, she grabbed her armor and dressed quickly ( think Lord Of The Rings elves armor.) She braided her long silver gold hair to keep it out of her view when the fighting began.
Etain had no thoughts on her people, she didn't care if she fought alone, only if she could protect them all. Her thoughts strayed to Celeblim,and his where-about.
She strapped her spare daggers to her calves,and inner thighs, her sword hung around her waist in proper place. The Elvish blade had tasted blood before, it was called 'Naur en Aearon, Flame of the Great Sea.'
She stared at the craftsmanship of the blade, swinging it in tight circle, it was as light as feather, a true Elvish blade.
She felt start to quiver in her hand, it anticipated the encroaching battle, it desired to taste the blood of orc-hide once again. "Soon, you shall be able to amulet yourself."
She also brought her bow and arrows, never know what could be coming.
Walking quickly through the stables, back out into the fresh air.
Naurlach stood patiently waiting for her, she mounted and rode him to the top of a hill.
The breeze lifted her silver golden braid, and caused it to sway with the whispering wind. Etain was waiting for the sun to rise, turning her head and looking at the moon, as it began to sink down into the depths of the earth.
Focusing her attention on the East, for the soon to be rising sun, her keen ears picked up the sound of Elvish hooves approaching, and the light pat of Elvish feet gliding over the surface of the earth. The sound was from behind, turning again, she gasped in disbelief.
Armed in the glittering armor of her people, Elves rode on the Elvish horses, while some ran softly on the ground, their long-bows already in the grasp of their hands.
Her people, they were backing her, not her, but protecting their lands. She felt a single tear spill down her face, a happy smile broke across her face.
The solider that had spoken earlier, approached on a white horse.
"You....."
"No need, My Lady. I must apologize for our questions." He dismounted his horse and removed his helmet, long golden hair spilled out.
" I pledge my loyalty and allegiance to you, My Queen,Etain." He bowed lowly to her, a hand across his chest, a gesture of total respect and love.
"Queen Etain, we all are here to defend our home, for every flower, every fallen petal from the ancient trees, the stars, everything. You are our leader, advisor, please guide us."
Etain was so overwhelmed with pride and honor for these people, she couldn't speak.
Finally she found her tongue.
"I thank all of you, but no words could fully express my feelings, but come, we must speak of matters of war.
Orcs,elves,and men will be marching here shortly, our friend, Lord Frealaf of the Western Lands will be bringing aid shortly. Attack at your own free will. It is doubtful you will receive any mercy, some faces you may recognize, but remember they are here to destroy you. It is likely they do not think for themselves any longer, but from the mind of Morlass.
Use your own judgment, and now let us wait for the sun to rise, and see what fate will bring."
All stood lined across the hill, up and down, waiting for the sunrise, and the enemy to attack.
The sun began to slowly peak out from behind the mountains, spilling blood out into the sky. The sun itself was blood red.
As the blood-stained sun spread its rays across Etain and the Elves and the sky, it indeed was blood red.
Etain spoke quietly, "Blood will be spilled this day."
By the last breath of the fourth winds blow
Better raise your ears
The sound of hooves knocks at your door
Lock up your wife and children now
It's time to wield the blade
For now you have got some company
The Horsemen are drawing nearer
On the leather steeds they ride
They have come to take your life
On through the dead of night
With the four Horsemen ride
or choose your fate and die
You have been dying since the day
You were born
You know it has all been planned
The quartet of deliverance rides
A sinner once a sinner twice
No need for confession now
Cause now you have got the fight of your life
The Horsemen are drawing nearer
On the leather steeds they ride
They have come to take your life
On through the dead of night
With the four Horsemen ride
or choose your fate and die
Time
has taken its toll on you
The lines that crack your face
Famine
Your body it has torn through
Withered in every place
Pestilence
For what you have had to endure
And what you have put others through
Death
Deliverance for you for sure
There is nothing you can do
So gather round young warriors now
and saddle up your steeds
Killing scores with demon swords
Now is the death of doers of wrong
Swing the judgment hammer down
Safely inside armor blood guts and sweat
The Horsemen are drawing nearer
On the leather steeds they ride
They have come to take your life
On through the dead of night
With the four Horsemen ride
or choose your fate and die