A group of men walked cautiously through a thicket of trees, carefully stepping over gnarled roots while warily watching their surroundings for the slightest change in their environment. Some bushes rustled, everyone pausing to watch the disturbance. Axes and swords were raised.
A minute passed, then another, and another.
Slowly, men lowered their arms as a deer walked out of the brush. An awkward laugh came from one of the men, and soon laughter sounded through the thicket. One man held his head in his palm, smile on his face, when an arrow suddenly appeared lodged in his eye. He fell over with a crash and all his still living companions looked at their fallen friend. A moment of shock passed, when suddenly a load roar echoed above them. The men looked up and saw the terrifying sight before them.
A massive forest dragon swooped down, landing on a pair of men and devouring another. The others, galvanised into action by the sudden appearance of this dangerous foe, charged the beast, swinging their weapons into it's hide. The dragon roared in rage, slashing a trio in half with it's claws and eating another whole. It was now that the men noticed that arrows continued to be shot at them, each landing with a perfect shot to the head or heart. Some exploded is fiery light while others split like thorns and shredding through flesh and bone alike.
One of the men, seeing that their gods had clearly abandoned them, turned and ran, tripping on roots and being whiplashed by branches while the sounds of combat slowly fading away behind him as the screams and shouting ended. Falling to his knees from a particularly inconvenient root, the last survivor of thirty man strong raiding party found himself crawl in between trees roots, seeking to hide himself and pray that he wasn't found. This wasn't what was promised to them, this wasn't meant to happen, how had this happened?! Why had the gods abandoned them to this fucking forest hellpit?!
Trembling in fear, heart beating out of his chest and his sword shaking like a leaf in his hand, he laid there. Wind blowing through the trees and the rustling of foliage, everything drew his attention in fear of being what had killed them. What was no doubt looking to kill him too.
Seconds became minutes became hours, and yet this man did not move once. As shadows slowly started to appear and the sun started to dip into the evening, the man stood up slowly and carefully.
Eyes watching for even the slightest movements around him, the man slowly started to move. Maybe he could get out the way they had came? He might just live through this if he is lucky and careful. Damn the chieftain for sending them here, someone must have done something stupid to get them sent here and he would spit on their grave if he found out who lead him to this mess.
A loud snap came from his left, the man threw his head to try and see what had made the noise. Sword raised but trembling, he slowly backed away, hoping beyond hope that whatever made that snap would not be what sought his death. Fortunately, whatever made that sound did not come rushing out at him, neither did an arrow materialise in him. He slowly lowered his sword, turned around and continued his quick pace to escape this damned forest.
Night fell quickly, and with confidence in his ability to remember the trail they had taken in as well as the safety of the night, the man found himself running through the woods. The wind had died down and little came out to make noise at night. However this did nothing to reassure him. At night, every noise was clearer, and he could swear that something watching him. However, as much as his paranoia intensified and fear grew stronger, the man found himself moving at great lengths to escape. Stopping only to eat and drink from his limited supply of supplies, the man made much better time than they had going into the forest.
Chewing on a tough piece of jerky, the man wondered what he should do once he escaped. Did he try and find the main party? Or should he try and find a way back home? Hell, he was abandoned here, why should he give a fuck about home? Maybe he could try a new line of work. Surely someone could use an experienced warrior, Marienberg or Saratosa or even in the Empire, he could certainly find some work right?
His train of thought was broken by the sound of snapping branches nearby. Lying on his stomach, the man waited and watched as fear settled in his chest. Time slowly passed, the snaps growing closer and closer and closer. A figure became somewhat visible in the dark shadows of the woods and slowly came towards him. Suddenly, the figure stopped moving and menacingly stood there. He lay there, hoping this monster hadn't seen him and was simply stringing him along like a fool. A loud, feminine sigh came from the figure, who started to walk over to him. The man, realising he was no doubt discovered, pushed himself up off the ground and, with a loud roar of rage, charged the figure.
Raising his sword above his head, he noticed the figure had no weapon in her hands, but a bow on her back and sword at her waist, black hair with half a mask on the right side of her face and clad in a dark green leather tunic and cloak. He had to admit, she was quite the looker, but as far as he cared, she could rot in hell. Swinging his arm back, he made to cleave her in half from head to toe, and his opponent made no move to dodge or block his blade.
An arrow appeared from the darkness and slammed into his arm, his sword falling from his hand as pain enveloped his arm. A strange feeling started to grow in his wound. Poison probably. Another arrow slammed into his chest, and that sensation started to spread from there too. The man found himself fall to his knees as shock took over and his strength failed him. He watched as another woman appeared from out of the shadows.
She had white hair and instead of a sword, a spear lay on her back while a bow in her hand revealed to him his killer. The same half mask was also being worn by this one, except on the left instead of the right. While he felt his sight start to blur and darken, he couldn't help be notice that the two of them were perfectly identical. Height, face, body shape. All identical.
The dark-haired one said something to his killer, displeasure clear in her tone but speaking in a different tongue to him. The white-haired one shrugged, and looked over at him with a sick, predatory smile. The dark-haired sighed and walked over to him. The poison was acting rather fast, the man ideally noted, already he doubted he could move his arm and his breathing was painful and slowing.
The woman pulled the sword from her sheath, and kneeled down. Her expression was one of reluctant acceptance as she placed the tip of her blade against his chest. She whispered something, then slide home the blade into his chest. With one last heaving breath, he looked at his killers with a defeated look.
Some pointed eared elfling was not what he expected to be the last thing he'd see before being taken to Khorne.
"Arahan, you really must cease your needless cruelty. This Norscan may have been a foe, but waiting hours just to kill him like this was unnecessary..."
"Aw, why must you always take the joy out of my hunt Naestra? These filthy humans don't deserve your mercy."
The twin Sisters of Twilight walked back through the woods, an argument that had been held many times before and would be held many times again being thrown back and forth between the sisters. Naestra was certain Arahan enjoyed these fights between them, but alas, the two always will be polar opposites.
As the two made their way back to their home, Arahan wondered about that group of Norscans. Curious that they got far enough into Athel Loren that THEY, the Sisters of Twilight, the twin representatives of Queen Ariel, the Avatar of Isha, found this raiding party before any waywatchers or waystalkers.
"Hey, Naestra?" asked Arahan. Her sister turned to look at her.
"Yes, Arahan?" questioned Naestra.
"I've been wondering, those Norscans, how did they get so far into Athel Loren? I've been thinking about all I can concieve is that they just happened to be bless with fortune in making this far." Arahan said. It truly was unusual, but nothing concerning surely?
Naestra hummed thoughtfully before shrugging, "Your guess is as good as mine sister. Maybe it was just chance that th-" Naestra cut herself off suddenly and drew Dawn off her shoulder, frown on her face. Arahan noticed it too and raised Dusk.
A sudden surge of power echoed around them. The two drew back their bows and took aim at whatever sought to appear before them. A flash of green light came, and the two sank to their knees at the sight of their queen, Ariel.
"Our Queen, what is your will?", said the twins, waiting for why their mistress was before them.
Queen Ariel waved a hand at the twins, who rose from their knees. The avatar of Isha gazed up her chosen representatives with a motherly smile. The two always amused her with their antics, almost like they were her daughters and her their adoring mother.
"Naestra and Arahan, I am pleased that you destroyed those Norscans that entered Athel Loren. It is gladdening that you successfully prevented these intruders from potentially harming the forest." said Queen Ariel. Naestra bowed with a polite smile while Arahan smirked with vicious glee. "Nevertheless, while I am glad you continue your duty to Athel Loren, that is not why I have come for your two though it does likely have relevance. No, I have come to tell you that I have a specific quest for you two, one that will have dire ramifications on Athel Loren should it go ignored or fail."
The twins looked up at the Queen. Naestra's face was one of concern while Arahan's spoke of anger.
"My lady, tell us what you require from us," started Naestra, "And we shall see your will done." finished Arahan.
Queen Ariel looked at her chosen and nodded. "Excellent sisters."
"I have spoken with Orion recently. He was informed that various intruders have slowly started to come to Athel Loren uninvited with more regularity. While this is not something to be concerned about, many of these groups have been using paths normally used by our rangers and waywatchers and coming in routes that only those that live within the forests would know. A waywatcher party from Talsyn encountered a band of Bretonnian knight-errants unusually close to the King's Glade. When the waywatchers slaughtered the intruders, they discovered they were under directions to get to the Oak of Ages." Ariel watched the sisters frown in confusion.
"My lady, if these men had been sent to the Oak of Ages, did they learn who had sent them?" Naestra asked. Arahan looked at her sister before resting a finger on her temple.
"My apologises, Queen Ariel, but I wish to know why this matter is something you wish us to investigate. Surely a waystalker could be sent to find the one that sent them?" Arahan said warily. Naestra gave her sister a stern look.
"You both raise the right questions. As Naestra asked, it is not known precisely who sent them, Orion learn they had a missive on them with the directions given." Ariel drew a letter and let Naestra look over it before continuing. "As you see, the writer knows well the routes of Athel Loren, but draw your attention to the symbol in the corner." Arahan looked over her sister's shoulder.
In the corner appeared to be the symbol of Talsyn, except the horns of the Stag were missing as if broken and what appeared to be slash marks across it's face while the background was painted a dark red. Clearly, whoever made this has ill intent for the Asrai and Athel Loren.
"Could this be the work of Drycha? Perhaps after what happened in the Witchwood, she wants to use the other races to accomplish her goals?" Arahan suggested, a smirk on her face. "Perhaps I finally get the chance to break that filthy branchwraith bitch?"
Naestra sighed while Queen Ariel shook her head. "No, this is not the work of Coeddil's handmaiden Arahan. The truth is these fools got their orders from someone else." Queen Ariel clasps her hands together before continuing. "Orion believes that we have been betrayed, and I agree with him." This got the sisters attention. Naestra gasped while Arahan let off a low growl. "A number of other recent intruder's belongings were checked by Orion's orders and a number of notes with the same symbol. If not for the idiocy of these knights for writting precise instructions, then it's unlikely the connection would have been made. Someone is sending intruders from the other races to Athel Loren to get to the Oak of Ages, and I command that you, Naestra and Arahan, leave Athel Loren to located and eliminate those that seek to harm our home."
The Sisters of Twilight shared a single glance before kneeling once more.
"Your will shall be done our Queen." proclaimed the twins in unison. Queen Ariel smiled and nodded.
"Good. As these Bretonnians seem to be the most recent attempt, you are to travel to their lands known as Bordeleaux. The knights came with that places heraldry, it is both my and Orion's assumption our foe was last there. You will begin your hunt there." Queen Ariel explained, the sisters nodded rose once again.
"If there is no further need my Queen, I would like to prepare Gwindalor and Ceithin-Har for our quest." Naestra requested, however Queen Ariel raised her hand.
"No, you will not be accompanied by your two companions in this venture. They shall remain here." Queen Ariel said with a tone of finality. "If the ones you seek are traitors, they will no doubt know they are being hunted if they identify either. Furthermore, I doubt they will be able to assist you, it is more likely you will be attacked by fools thinking you are in fact invading them. Lastly, while I do not expect you to do so, I would suggest that you try to interact with the other races, perhaps you may learn something from the occasion that might assist you in your quest." Both sisters looked disappointed, however neither could refute their Queen's reasoning.
"We understand my lady," Arahan spoke, "May we request steeds granted to our use for transport?" Naestra asked.
Queen Ariel nodded in confirmation. "Of course. You have your quest, now I command that you got forth and see it done. Find those that seek to harm the woods and eliminate them from ever being a threat to Athel Loren again."
The sisters bowed before their Queen, who in disappeared in a flash of bright green light much like when she had first arrived. Naestra looked to Arahan, who had a vicious smile on her face.
Arahan looks into her sister's eyes, "Well sister, it seems we go to hunt a traitor, oh how that makes my heart sing in delight." she said.
Naestra merely sighs. As much as she hates wonton violence, such treasonous action must be stopped before it can bring more harm.
Arahan shrugs at her passive half, "Oh, come on sister, just enjoy it, there's no reason to be so sad about killing someone that deserves our wrath. Anyway, lets go find those two and tell them the news." Naestra nods.
"Yes, they need to be told so they don't worry about us disappearing again." she said. Ah, that was an interesting time. Who knew that Gwindalor and Ceithin-Har acted like one another when they disappeared for a little without warning.
The Sisters of Twilight resumed the walk to their home while Naestra immersed herself in her surroundings. It would be some time before they likely returned, so she ought to get the most of it while she could.
A few days later...
Naestra gazed out onto the open plains. As much as she loved Athel Loren, it was always a treat to see other places of nature out in the world. These plains may not seem interesting, but certainly had an appealing view as clean and open space for animals like horses to roam free. With a smile on her face, Naestra looked over at her sister. Arahan's face was devoid of the nominal mask she wore, same as herself, and had a rather bored expression on her face.
"Come sister, can't you enjoy this wonderful sight before us? The beginning of a journey quite unlike anything we've done before. Not at the head of an army or hunting from the back of our companions, but as a pair of travellers on the road with no specific route we must take." Naestra excitedly said to Arahan, who merely gave her a blank look.
"Sister, I want to get on with this. I want to get this hunt started so that we may bestow vengeance and retribution on our foe. Not leisurely travel around with nothing to do that I can enjoy." Arahan exclaimed. Naestra merely continued to smile.
"Not to mention, we might get to meet all kinds of interesting people and things. We don't usually do things like interact with commoners from different races." Naestra continued, much to her sister's distain.
"Oh yes, let us talk socially with annoying Bretonnians, and then maybe we will talk with the grouchy midgets from the mountains. Or how about those filthy rats? I still don't get how you convinced them to leave us alone back in Naggaroth..." muttered Arahan.
Naestra ignored her sister's disparaging words, this was a rare opportunity for them and she fully intended to not only fulfil her Queen's will, but also take the chance to immerse herself with the outside world and it's people. Sure, most her kind, Arahan included, prefer to avoid the other races when possible, but surely they could learn about and work with other like-minded races.
Arahan on the other hand, wanted nothing to do with the other races. They should stay away from the elven forests, and they would leave the outside world to do what they want. If they wanted to fight, then she would enjoy herself with hunting them down, but still, why Queen Ariel insisted they should interact with the other races? It's not worth the effort to Arahan, outsiders would still seek to harm Athel Loren, so why waste her time playing niceties like Naestra. But...then again, perhaps her sister had a point, maybe there would be some point Queen Ariel's suggestion.
Going through her horse's saddlebags, Arahan pulled a map. They were leaving from northern Athel Loren, near the Bretonnian city of Parravon. Knowing her sister, Naestra likely wanted to visit the city for the sake of visiting. Then again, perhaps they could learn if there has been anything suspicious. The Parravonese did fear the Asrai, they would probably tell them out of fear. That could be fun.
"Sister, I presume we head to Parravon?" Arahan asked, replacing the map and checking everything was secure. Naestra happily nodded in confirmation. As expected of her dear twin sister.
Spurring their horses forward, the two sisters left the forest edge of Athel Loren and onto an old road long retaken by nature. Various animals roamed around them, birds flew above them while the sun shined down on them with faint clouds in the distance. Looking back at the forests, the sisters both got the distinct feeling this would be the last they would see Athel Loren for sometime.
Taking a deep breath, Arahan took a risk. "Well, Naestra, say that we encounter some of the other races on the road, I suppose you will want to travel with them to Bordeleaux yes?"
Her sister looked at her, wide-eyed and pleasantly surprised by her sister's suggestion. "Yes, that sounds like a wonderful idea Arahan! Oh I knew you'd come around to trying the diplomatic approach eventually dear sister. Trust me, I think by the end of our little adventure, we will have a new perspective of the other races outside our beloved forest."
Shaking her head, Arahan couldn't help but smile at her sister's endless optimism. This certainly would be an interesting venture they had been given. Of that, the sisters had no doubt.
Total War: Warhammer 2, its a game I enjoy and, along with Vermintide and certain fanfic, got me interested and hooked into Warhammer Fantasy. So, Throt and The Thots...oh er I mean, The Twisted and The Twilight, seems pretty aight DLC for Warhammer 2. Sisters seem to be the better lord, but Skaven love-preference get best-freshest cheese again yes?
But hey, immortal twin wood elves, one that is ridiculously kind, potentially to the point of being naïve, the other being absurdly rude and more than likely start fights with everyone that talk with? With a pair like this, my first thought was "Imagine if they got sent out to travel the world like Gotrek and Felix?". And so, this was born.
Now, I'm not versed in the books or even rulebooks, only became a Fantasy fan a few years back, but I've done some research and I hope I can get this right. To be fair, I'll probably rely more on how characters act in Warhammer 2 as well as read up more lore when needed. Hopefully I can make something good. Also, I will take a little bit of creative licence with stuff, such as how the Sisters act. We know basic shit, but as far as I know, there is no real specifics so I will be doing a bit of creativity with how I think they would think. For example, Naestra is kindly and tries to get along with everything she can, therefore I plan to write her like this, but hey, I'm open to hearing out others if they think/know otherwise.
Also, if you came from my other story by chance, I am probably going to write something about it soon.
As always, any advice or helpful criticism is always appreciated, AD
