Light of Empyrion
Prologue
Author: TUCfan.
Pairing: Korinia/OC.
Rating: T, because the game is likely meant for older teens.
Description: Their last battled loomed. The fate of the world hung in the balance. It was time to rise, and defeat the final threat once and for all.
Disclaimer: I do not own Grim Dawn (I have bought the game and all available DLC, though) or Crate Entertainment. I am simply writing this for my own sake, not for gain.
Author's Note: Hello everyone. Welcome to the beginning of the end. This will be my final story in this timeline (unless I am struck once again by inspiration). I don't know how many chapters it will be, but do know there will be a final epilogue as well.
Song: Written while listening to my soundtrack playlist.
Far, far across the land, over the Cairan sea, north of the Asterkarn mountains, a change stirred. Deep underground, below the graves of thousands in the Necropolis, where natural light was never to be found, the fate of many was suddenly thrown into the balance.
In the darkness, those gathered began to chant. "Shiya, shol skaevat. Shiya, shol skaevat. Shiya, shol skaevat." Over and over and over again. Behind them, a deep drum was beat along with their words. The rhythm picked up pace, and the gathered Bloodsworn chanted faster and faster, "Shiya, shol skaevat. Shiya, shol skaevat. Shiya, shol skaevat."
The once-mighty, now-mutilated body of Salazar, the Blade of Ch'thon, was dragged forward and placed on an altar. The blood of several men and women, shed and sanctified in terrible rituals given by the blood god, was poured out over him. The tempo continued to increase.
The ground began to shake in such a way that it seemed the whole world trembled. Dust rained from the ceiling and walls. Many of the Bloodsworn began to cower and gather close to one another.
The arch that once held the Ch'thonic rift cracked as another swirling red portal appeared. From it, a faint glimmer that was blood-red in color floated out, and began to move towards the body of Salazar. The rhythm continued to get faster, until, all of a sudden, when the wisp and the body connected, they ceased, and a great hush fell over them.
In the darkness, a great roar was building in the throat of the now-resurrected Salazar. His body began to writhe and convulse on the altar. His eyes opened, and he jumped to the floor, landing in a crouched position, head bowed.
"M-my lord?" asked one of the Bloodsworn. "Are you with us again?"
Salazar raised his head. "Blood... for the blood god!" he roared, his great and terrible eyes aflame with crimson fire.
In the darkness, Ch'thon, the blood god, was reborn.
Ares sat bolt upright, sweat pouring off his chest. He panted heavily, and it took him several moments to regain his breath. The same sinking feeling from after their battle with the Aetherials rose in him. What did it all mean?
Next to him, in the tent they shared on their honeymoon, lay Korinia. At the sound of his labored breathing, she awoke and reached for his hand. "Nightmare?" she asked, voice low in her drowsiness.
"No, something else," he said, looking around him. At the foot of their bedrolls lay his sword. Good. They were still somewhat safe.
"What was it?" asked Korinia, sitting up and laying her head on his shoulder.
The air glimmered before them, and the apparition of Empyrion appeared. "It was a vision of what is to come," he said. "The Bloodsworn have begun preparations for their ritual."
Ares cursed in Aetherial. "I thought we would have more time," he said. He looked at his wife. "I thought we could be together for longer."
"I wish for the best, for you two. But alas, those who seek to oppose me never rest," said Empyrion. "You must make haste and begin your preparations tomorrow, at the earliest you can."
The couple nodded in unison, and the apparition faded, leaving the two alone.
The Dervish poked his head out of the tent to gaze at the stars above. The moon had vanished, and a miniscule light on the horizon was growing.
Retreating back inside, he lay beside his wife again. "It will be dawn soon. We have some time before we must leave. Will you sleep again?" he asked.
"I find I am wakeful," she replied, scooting closer to her husband. "We still have some time, yeah?"
"We do," he said quietly, lowering his mouth to hers.
By the time the sun had risen, the couple had fully repacked their camp and were on their way. The small valley they had camped in, just southwest of the Asterkarn mountains, was untouched by the corruption of the world. They had found such beauty in the forest that lay at the foot of the terrain. The couple had briefly discussed returning there once the battle was over.
Before they stepped through his riftgate, he gazed around the wood one more time. "I think we could make a home here," he said. She smiled and nodded, and the two set off.
Stepping out of the portal, the brisk air of Fort Ikon greeted them. Up on the wall, Creed, Ulgrim, Wilfor, and Bourbon stood around a large map.
Ares and Korinia mounted the steps together and strode quickly over to the four. "What are you preparing?" asked the Dervish.
"Ah, the happy couple," said Ulgrim. "I was not expecting to see you for another two days. What happened?"
"Empyrion gave me a vision. The Bloodsworn have begun preparations for the ritual to resurrect the dead blood god," he said, laying down his pack and equipping his sword and shield. "Should all go wrong for us, the world of Cairn itself will be destroyed."
Eyes widened, the four immediately began to question him. "When did this happen?" "The blood god himself?" "'Are you certain it wasn't a nightmare?" "What do we do now?"
Ares held up his hand. "Early this morning, I awoke from the vision. Empyrion came before us and informed us that we have little time to spare," he said. "I must make haste in gathering our allies."
"What shall we do?" asked Creed.
"Gather the scouts and have them begin to search for weak points we may breach," said Ares, moving to the stairs. "If there are none, we ram the gates."
Creed nodded, and the couple walked back down the stairs.
"I will rally the Malmouth troops, then head to Devil's Crossing, since they know me there," she said. "You will have to go to each place that they know only you."
Ares nodded and kissed his wife goodbye and he stepped into the riftgate. It was going to be a long day.
There we have it. The prologue of Light of Empyrion. I have a few surprises planned for the end of this story, so stay tuned. Until then, happy reading!