Hamaeth
The dungeon's air was thick with rot, a cold, damp darkness pressing in on Finella and Arkaea as they ventured deeper. Their armor clinked faintly with each step, the only sound breaking the oppressive silence. Torchlight flickered off the slick stone walls, casting eerie shadows that danced with every movement.
In the center of the chamber, the hag waited.
Her form was grotesque, a twisted figure draped in rags and bones, with skin that looked as if it had been pulled too tight over a skeletal frame. Her eyes glowed with malice, and dark magic writhed in her hands like living smoke. As Finella and Arkaea entered, she greeted them with a chilling cackle, her voice grating like nails on a chalkboard.
"You've come far," the hag rasped, her voice oozing malice. "But this is where your quest ends."
Finella raised her sword, stepping forward. "We're not afraid of you."
The hag's lips curled into a smile. "You should be."
Without warning, she flung her hand toward them, and a bolt of black energy shot out. Finella deflected it with her sword, but the sheer force of the blast sent her crashing against the wall. Arkaea lunged forward, her blade gleaming in the dim light, but the hag dissolved into a cloud of smoke, reappearing behind her. A clawed hand raked across Arkaea's side, slicing through her armor with unnatural ease. Arkaea cried out in pain and staggered, barely able to keep her footing.
Finella, her ears ringing from the impact, pushed herself up, but dark tendrils shot up from the ground and wrapped around her legs, dragging her down. She slashed at them with her sword, but they only seemed to multiply, tightening their grip.
The hag laughed, her voice echoing through the chamber. "Such fragile little knights," she mocked, dark energy crackling around her. "I'll enjoy watching you break."
Arkaea struggled to rise, blood seeping from the wound in her side. She tried to call upon her divine magic, but the pain dulled her focus. The hag towered over them now, her eyes glowing brighter as she prepared to unleash another wave of dark power.
Desperation filled Finella's heart. They were losing, and there was nothing she could do. The hag's magic was too strong, her powers too twisted. Arkaea was barely hanging on, and Finella could feel the life being crushed from her by the ever-tightening tendrils.
Suddenly, a blinding flash of light filled the room, cutting through the darkness like a blade of purest radiance.
From the entrance to the chamber, a figure stepped forward. His armor shone with a divine glow, and his Warhammer crackled with holy energy. It was Hamaeth. As Hamaeth entered the dungeon chamber, the oppressive darkness seemed to recoil in his presence. His long white hair gleamed in the faint torchlight, flowing behind him like a banner of purity amid the gloom. His towering form was encased in shining silver armor, the holy sigils of the Order catching the faint light with every step. A white tabard embroidered with golden symbols trailed over his broad chest, immaculate despite the battles he'd faced.
He moved with calm confidence, his deep blue eyes locked on the hag, who shrieked in fury at his arrival. In his hand, Hamaeth gripped his Warhammer, its massive head humming with divine energy. The runes carved into its surface glowed faintly as if eager to release their power.
Without a word, he raised his Warhammer high, and with a single, mighty strike, he brought it crashing down onto the ground. The shockwave of light exploded from the impact, shattering the dark tendrils binding Finella and sending the hag stumbling backward, her shrieks of pain filling the dungeon.
"Stay back!" Hamaeth commanded, his voice steady and filled with authority. He placed himself between the hag and the two wounded paladins, his eyes fixed on the creature.
The hag hissed in fury, launching a barrage of dark magic toward him. But Hamaeth was ready. His shield, shimmering with divine light, deflected the attacks with ease. He advanced toward her, unwavering, each step pushing her further back. The hag snarled, her desperation mounting as she realized her power was fading in the face of Hamaeth's radiance.
With one final surge of strength, the hag lashed out with a twisted claw, but Hamaeth swung his warhammer in a wide arc, catching her mid-strike. The impact sent a shockwave of holy energy through her, and the hag screamed as her body began to disintegrate into ash, the dark magic unraveling and fading into nothingness.
Silence filled the dungeon once more.
Hamaeth turned, his expression softening as he saw Finella and Arkaea struggling to rise. He rushed to Arkaea's side, offering her his hand. "Are you both alright?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.
Arkaea, still reeling from the pain, nodded weakly. "Thanks to you," she breathed, clutching her side.
Finella, finally free from the dark tendrils, pushed herself up. She wiped the sweat and grime from her brow, her chest heaving with exhaustion. "You saved us," she said, looking at Hamaeth with deep gratitude.
Hamaeth gave a modest smile. "We are in this fight together. I couldn't let you face this alone."
When Finella, still catching her breath, asks Hamaeth, "Why are you here? We thought we were alone in this mission. We're searching for relics to stop Obec," Hamaeth pauses for a moment, his intense blue eyes meeting hers.
"I was sent by the Holy Order," he replies, his voice calm but filled with purpose. "Ilya herself sent me on a parallel mission. Word reached her that Obec's minions have been scouring this region for ancient relics tied to powerful enchantments. These artifacts could be the key to Obec's dark plans—or the means to stop him."
As the trio ventured deeper into the dungeon, the air grew colder, and the stone walls seemed to press in on them. Hamaeth led the way, his warhammer still aglow with faint divine light, casting long shadows down the narrow corridor. Finella and Arkaea followed closely, their injuries healing but still aching from their battle with the hag.
After winding through the maze of tunnels, they reached a large chamber. At the far end, embedded into the wall, was an enormous, intricately designed door. The surface of the door shimmered with an otherworldly light, runes and symbols etched into the stone, pulsating softly as if alive. It seemed untouched by time or decay, an unmistakable sign of its enchantment.
Finella stepped forward cautiously, her hand tracing the glowing runes. "What is this?" she whispered, marveling at the craftsmanship.
Arkaea joined her, eyes scanning the symbols. "I've never seen anything like it," she murmured. "This door... it's not of human or elven make. The magic feels ancient, older than anything we've encountered so far."
Hamaeth studied the door in silence before speaking. "It's a guardian, of sorts. A seal protecting something—or someone—from the outside world."
As if in response to his words, the runes began to shift and reconfigure, rearranging themselves into a coherent story across the door's surface. The trio stepped back in awe as the symbols formed an elaborate mural, glowing brighter as a voice, deep and resonant, began to echo throughout the chamber. It was not a language any of them had heard before, yet somehow, they understood its meaning.
"In ages long past, before the rise of kingdoms, there existed a relic of untold power—a fragment of the First Light, imbued with the breath of the gods. The light, pure and uncorrupted, was hidden from the world when the darkness grew too strong, sealed in the earth beneath the coast of the abandon stillcoast outpost. There, it waits, guarded by the Forgotten, who swore an eternal oath to protect it until the worthy come to claim it."
As the voice spoke, the mural showed images of a radiant shard of light, buried deep within a mountain, guarded by ethereal figures—ancient beings whose features were lost to time. The figures stood resolute against waves of shadowy forms, battling back darkness.
The voice continued, "Many have sought the relic, and many have failed. Only those who walk the path of light, free of corruption, may approach it. Travel to Stillcoast to uncover what remains. But beware, for darkness follows the light, and the relic has drawn many to ruin."
As the glowing runes faded and the chamber fell silent, Finella, Arkaea, and Hamaeth stood in contemplation.
"This relic, the First Light…" Finella began, her voice steady but thoughtful. "It sounds like exactly what we need to stand a chance against Obec, but StillCoast? I've never even heard of it."
Arkaea shook her head. "Nor have I. And if it's as ancient as this door says, it's possible no one has ventured there for centuries. We're going to need guidance, and fast."
Hamaeth frowned, his hand still resting on his warhammer. "We must return to Ilya. She has knowledge beyond our reach. If anyone knows where StillCoast is or how to approach it, it will be her."
Finella nodded, agreeing. "She might even know more about these Forgotten guardians. If they're as powerful as the legend says, we'll need all the help we can get before we face them."
The three turned, leaving the now-silent chamber behind as they retraced their steps through the dungeon. By the time they reached the surface and made their way back to the Paragon Temple, night had fallen, and the weight of their discovery hung heavily in the air.
In the quiet sanctuary of the temple, Ilya received them with her usual serene grace, but the moment they mentioned StillCoast and the First Light, her expression shifted to one of deep concern.
"StillCoast… I had hoped it would not come to this," Ilya murmured, her fingers brushing lightly across the ancient texts spread on the table before her. "The First Light is indeed a powerful relic, but the path to it is perilous. The Forgotten were once noble warriors, but now they exist only to protect the relic, unyielding to all."
She paused, her eyes meeting each of theirs in turn. "If you truly seek this relic, you will need guidance—and there is someone who can help."
Finella leaned forward. "Who?"
Ilya sighed softly. "There is a paladin, an old ally of the Holy Order, who resides in NeverReach. His name is Hagus, a bullywug who has served the light for many years. Though unconventional, his wisdom and experience are unmatched when it comes to ancient paths such as these."
"A bullywug?" Arkaea raised an eyebrow. "I've never heard of a bullywug paladin."
Ilya smiled gently. "Hagus is... unique, but his faith and skill are undeniable. He knows the paths to StillCoast, and he may even know more about the relic than I do. But NeverReach is not an easy place to reach itself. It lies deep in the swamps, and not many venture there willingly."
Hamaeth nodded. "We'll go. If Hagus can help us, we'll need him. The First Light could be our only hope of stopping Obec before his power grows any further."
Finella stood, determination hardening her expression. "Then we make for NeverReach. We can't afford to waste any more time."
After their conversation with Ilya, the stillness of the Paragon Temple hung in the air, broken only by the soft rustle of robes and the distant hum of magical wards. Finella lingered by one of the tall windows, gazing out at the moonlit courtyard beyond, lost in thought. The weight of their mission pressed heavily on her shoulders, but there was a strange comfort in the quiet after so much tension. Hamaeth stood nearby, watching her with an unreadable expression, his long white hair catching the soft light from the torches.
He crossed the room with an easy stride, coming to stand beside her. "You know," he said with a low, teasing tone, "for someone who just survived a hag and discovered a world-shaking relic, you look remarkably composed." His voice carried a playful edge, one that Finella hadn't quite expected from the normally serious paladin.
She glanced up at him, arching an eyebrow. "Composed? You think I look composed?"
He gave a slow, approving nod, his blue eyes gleaming with amusement. "Mm-hmm. Either that, or you're hiding all that worry behind those fierce eyes of yours. I can't tell." There was a hint of challenge in his tone, and the corner of his mouth curled in a half-smile that was far more relaxed than usual.
Finella turned her gaze back to the window, trying to play off the flutter in her chest. "If I am, it's only because I've had a good teacher," she replied smoothly, trying not to let on that his words were affecting her. Still, her lips twitched with the barest hint of a smile.
Hamaeth leaned a little closer, his voice dropping to a more intimate pitch. "Is that so? And here I thought I was the one learning a thing or two from you." His eyes lingered on her a moment longer, making it clear he was enjoying this rare break in their usual intensity.
Finella could feel his presence more acutely now, the warmth of his body just inches from hers. She turned her head slightly, casting a sidelong glance at him. "Careful, Hamaeth. You're starting to sound like you're flirting." Her voice was light, but there was a sharpness behind her words, as if testing how far he would push.
A grin spread across Hamaeth's face, slow and confident. "Maybe I am," he admitted, not backing down. He took a step closer, his broad frame almost brushing hers now. "But can you blame me? You've been impossible to ignore ever since we crossed paths."
Finella's heart skipped a beat, though she made sure not to show it. Instead, she rolled her eyes, shaking her head. "I think you've been spending too much time in that armor, Hamaeth. The metal must be making you bold."
Hamaeth chuckled softly, the sound deep and rich. "Bold? Or maybe I'm just getting better at noticing what's right in front of me."
Finella tried to stay nonchalant, but her lips quirked up in a small, barely-there smile. "You're impossible," she muttered, turning her head fully now to meet his gaze. But she didn't move away, and the spark between them hung in the air, neither of them quite willing to end the moment.
Hamaeth's eyes softened slightly, though the teasing never left his tone. "Maybe. But you don't seem to mind too much." His voice dropped again, almost a whisper, his face mere inches from hers. The closeness was deliberate, playful, and she could feel his gaze moving from her eyes to her lips and back again.
Finella tilted her head slightly, her expression cool but her heart racing. "Don't get too comfortable. I'm still focused on the mission."
Hamaeth's grin widened, his gaze holding hers. "Oh, I don't doubt that for a second. But who says we can't enjoy the little moments along the way?"
For a moment, the air between them crackled with unspoken tension. Finella let the silence stretch, knowing full well that her own pulse was quickening. Finally, she gave him a subtle smile, enough to show she wasn't entirely immune to his charms. "Maybe... if you can keep up."
Hamaeth laughed, a warm sound that sent a pleasant shiver down her spine. "Oh, I plan to." His eyes lingered on hers for a beat longer before he straightened up, pulling back just enough to leave her wanting more.
Finella, refusing to give too much away, turned back to the window with a casual air. But as Hamaeth left her side, she couldn't help the small, satisfied smirk that tugged at her lips. He had started it, but the game wasn't over yet.
For now, though, she was content to let him wonder just how much his flirting had affected her.
The next morning, as the first light of dawn filtered through the Paragon Temple, Finella and Arkaea began their duties of the Holy Order. After a long night, they resumed their commitment to serving the people of Autumn Valley, providing food, water, and aid to the less fortunate. The streets were alive with the usual hum of activity, and the crisp autumn air carried the scent of woodsmoke and fallen leaves. The two paladins moved through the town with baskets of bread and jugs of water, offering comfort and support wherever needed.
As they made their way toward the town's small creek, where children played in the shallow waters, Finella glanced at Arkaea with a wistful look. "Do you ever think about what life would be like after all this? When the Order doesn't need us on the front lines anymore?"
Arkaea smiled, her eyes catching the way the golden leaves drifted down from the trees. "Sometimes," she admitted. "A simpler life. A family, maybe. A house near the creek where the kids could run wild, splashing in the water. You?"
Finella chuckled softly, her gaze turning distant as she handed a loaf of bread to a passerby. "Yeah. I've thought about it. There's a part of me that dreams of a quiet life. A home with enough land for a garden, a place to watch the seasons change... maybe even someone to share it with."
Arkaea grinned, nudging her friend lightly. "That sounds nice. I can see you chasing after little ones, scolding them while secretly letting them get away with too much."
Finella laughed. "Maybe. But it all feels so far away. Like it's something for another life, after we've dealt with Obec and whatever else comes our way."
The two shared a comfortable silence as they continued walking along the creek, watching the children play, the sound of laughter filling the air. It was a peaceful moment, one that felt like a rare gift in the midst of their many responsibilities.
As the sun climbed higher in the sky, the golden hues of Autumn Valley cast a warm light over the Paragon Temple's courtyard. Finella and Arkaea prepared for their next mission, packing their horses with supplies and sharpening their blades in quiet anticipation. The weight of the upcoming journey to StillCoast hung in the air, but there was also a sense of determination between them.
Finella sheathed her sword and gave her horse, Ember, a pat. "I think that's everything. Now, we just need to find Hamaeth."
Arkaea, adjusting the straps on her saddle, smirked. "Knowing him, he's probably off somewhere trying to look brooding and mysterious."
The two shared a chuckle before setting off to search for their companion. After a few moments, they followed the sound of water trickling and soft splashing, which led them to a nearby spring hidden just beyond the temple grounds. The sight that greeted them made both paladins stop in their tracks.
There, waist-deep in the crystal-clear water, was Hamaeth—completely naked, his long white hair slicked back and droplets of water running down his muscular frame. His back was turned to them, but he must've heard their approach, because he turned around, startled.
Finella and Arkaea froze, their faces instantly heating as they took in the sight of Hamaeth standing in the water, utterly exposed. His eyes widened in surprise, but there was a flicker of amusement there as well.
"Well," Finella said, recovering first and raising an eyebrow, her voice dripping with playful sarcasm. "You certainly know how to make an impression, Hamaeth. Though I think you've forgotten something." Her eyes flicked downward briefly, and a mischievous smirk tugged at her lips.
Arkaea, blushing just as furiously, quickly jumped in with her own teasing. "Yeah, did you leave your sword back at the temple, or is this... a new way of fighting?"
Hamaeth blinked in surprise, then grinned as he caught onto the joke. He gave a mock bow, unbothered by his lack of clothing. "Ladies, if you must know, I like to keep things... light during my downtime."
Finella laughed, crossing her arms. "Light, huh? More like you're trying to give us a reason to look away."
"Don't flatter yourselves," Hamaeth shot back with a playful smirk. "I'm just getting ready in my own way. Clearly, I've left you both... speechless."
Finella rolled her eyes, trying to suppress her laughter. "Right. We'll leave you to your 'preparations,' then. But don't take too long. The horses are ready, and so are we. Unless, of course, you need more time to... collect yourself?"
Arkaea snickered at that, biting her lip to keep from laughing too loud.
Hamaeth chuckled, shaking his head as he waded toward the edge of the spring. "I'll be ready in a moment, ladies. Just don't go getting lost without me." He shot them both a wink before turning his back to them and continuing his bath, completely unbothered by the whole encounter.
Still blushing, Finella and Arkaea exchanged a look, their earlier tension melting into amusement.
"Let's head to the stables," Finella suggested, barely containing her grin. "We'll give him some time to... compose himself."
As they walked away, both of them couldn't help but giggle at the ridiculousness of the situation. Hamaeth's confidence was nothing new, but the sight of him in such a vulnerable (and yet entirely unphased) state left them both a little off-balance. It was a lighthearted moment, a brief reprieve from the serious mission that lay ahead.
By the time they reached the stables, the two paladins were back in focus—though the teasing smiles on their faces hadn't entirely faded.
The journey to EverReach took the better part of the day, the coastal winds growing stronger as Finella, Arkaea, and Hamaeth rode along the rocky cliffs that overlooked the distant sea. By the time they arrived at the small coastal town, the sun had begun its descent, casting a golden hue over the ocean, making the waves sparkle with the last light of day.
EverReach was not a large town—more a quaint port settlement nestled between steep hills and the edge of the sea. The houses were made of weathered wood, their roofs covered in moss and sea salt, giving the place a worn, yet cozy appearance. The narrow streets were cobbled and slightly uneven, reflecting the town's age and the constant battle with the sea air. Fishermen mended their nets by the docks, and small boats rocked gently in the harbor, their hulls battered by years of use. The scent of brine and fish filled the air, and the distant call of seagulls echoed over the town.
Despite its size, there was a certain charm to EverReach. The locals moved about with a sense of routine, familiar with the rhythm of the tides. The town's centerpiece was a modest lighthouse that overlooked the port, its light faintly flickering even during the day, a beacon for sailors navigating the treacherous coastlines.
Finella, Arkaea, and Hamaeth dismounted their horses at the town's entrance.
"All right," Finella said, scanning the streets. "We'll cover more ground if we split up to find Hagus."
"Agreed," Hamaeth said, his usual playful demeanor more serious now. "We should meet back here in an hour."
Arkaea nodded and headed toward the narrow alleyways, while Finella and Hamaeth set off toward the market square. The two of them walked in companionable silence for a moment, before Hamaeth spoke.
"You've been quiet since we left Autumn Valley," he observed, glancing at her.
Finella shrugged, her eyes focused ahead. "Just thinking about everything. This mission, the fate of our land, all of it. It feels… heavy."
Hamaeth nodded thoughtfully. "I get that." He paused for a moment before adding, "I don't talk much about my past, but... maybe now's a good time."
Finella turned to him, her interest piqued. "You never have. What made you become a paladin of the Paragon Temple?"
Hamaeth sighed softly, as if gathering his thoughts. "I wasn't always part of the Order. Before, I lived a different life. I grew up in a small village, much like this one. Simple. Quiet. But there was darkness there, too. My family was… taken from me by a band of marauders when I was young. I barely survived."
Finella listened intently, her expression softening. "I'm sorry, Hamaeth."
He gave a small, sad smile. "It was a long time ago, but the pain never really goes away. I wandered for a long time, lost and angry, not knowing where to go. That's when I came across a paladin of the Paragons. He saw something in me, I guess. He took me in, trained me, gave me a purpose. And ever since, I've been fighting to make sure others don't have to go through what I did."
Finella was quiet for a moment, her eyes searching his face. "You've been through a lot," she said softly. "But you turned that pain into something good. That takes strength."
Hamaeth looked at her, his blue eyes softening. "I don't know if it's strength or just survival. But I'm glad I'm here. With you. With Arkaea. This mission—it's important. And I think we're meant to see it through."
Before Finella could respond, a commotion broke out in the distance. They both turned toward the source of the noise, eyes narrowing.
In a shadowy alleyway on the other side of town, Arkaea moved with purpose. She had been searching for Hagus when she stumbled upon the scene—goblins, sneering and laughing, surrounding a figure on the ground. It took her only a second to realize who it was: Hagus, the paladin they had come to find.
Without hesitation, Arkaea drew her sword and charged into the fray. The goblins barely had time to react before she was upon them, her blade flashing in the dim light. With swift, precise strikes, she took down the nearest two, their snarls of laughter turning to cries of pain.
The remaining goblins scattered, clearly not wanting to face the wrath of a trained paladin. Arkaea stood over Hagus, her breathing steady despite the rush of battle. The goblins fled into the shadows, leaving the alleyway silent once more.
Hagus, bruised and battered, struggled to sit up, wiping blood from his mouth. Arkaea knelt beside him, offering him a hand. "You all right?"
He nodded weakly. "I'll live. Thank you."
Arkaea helped him to his feet. "What happened?"
"Just… bad luck," Hagus muttered, wincing as he stood. "Ran into the wrong crowd. They were looking for a fight."
"You should be more careful," Arkaea said, her tone light but concerned. "We're here because we need your help."
Hagus blinked in surprise. "My help? Who sent you?"
"Ilya," Arkaea replied. "We're looking for a relic, and we were told you could help get us to StillCoast."
Hagus frowned, his brow furrowing as he took in her words. "StillCoast? What's this about?"
"It's a long story," Arkaea said with a sigh. "But we're running out of time. Will you help us?"
Hagus rubbed his jaw thoughtfully, nodding slowly. "If Ilya sent you, I'll help. But we'll need to be careful. StillCoast isn't exactly a friendly place."
"Neither are the goblins you just faced," Arkaea said with a smirk. "We're used to unfriendly places."
With that, she led Hagus back toward the meeting point, knowing Finella and Hamaeth would be waiting for them.
As the sun began to set over EverReach, casting long shadows over the coastal town, Arkaea and Hagus arrived at the docks where Finella and Hamaeth waited. The sound of the ocean crashing against the pier echoed in the background, and the smell of saltwater filled the air.
Finella spotted the pair approaching, her eyes landing on Hagus, the bullywug paladin. With a sly grin, she greeted him, "Looks like you had a fun time, Hagus."
Hagus, still a little bruised but no worse for wear, chuckled and waved her off. "Nothing I couldn't handle. I've had worse."
Hamaeth crossed his arms, giving Hagus a nod. "Good to have you with us. We're going to need all the help we can get for what's ahead."
With that, they made their way onto the ship, a sturdy vessel with the markings of the Holy Order on its sails. The ship was modest but well-built for long voyages. The Pale green Tree a symbol of the Paragon Temple stood proudly on the flag that billowed in the wind. The crew, all members of the Holy Order, greeted the group and helped them load their supplies.
Once everything was in place, they set sail, the ship pulling away from the docks of EverReach and heading out into the open sea. The journey was far from easy. For five days, they navigated through rough waters, the ship battered by relentless waves. Dark clouds often loomed overhead, and the crew worked tirelessly to keep the vessel on course. But the group, seasoned warriors as they were, weathered the storm with calm determination.
The nights were quiet, filled with the sound of the wind howling through the sails, and the days were spent in preparation for what lay ahead. Finella and Arkaea sharpened their weapons while Hamaeth meditated in the ship's lower deck. Hagus, ever the survivor, kept his spirits high, sharing stories with the crew and the group, easing the tension.
On the fifth night, after days of grueling travel, the coast of StillCoast came into view. The moon hung low in the sky, casting a dim light over the jagged cliffs that lined the shore. But something was wrong.
As they drew closer, flames became visible, flickering in the distance, licking the sky with an eerie orange glow. The wind carried the faint scent of burning wood, and the sound of distant screams echoed over the water.
Hagus was the first to speak, his wide eyes narrowing as he stared at the horizon. "Something isn't right," he muttered, his voice tense with concern. "Those flames—this place should be deserted. But it looks like there's trouble."
Finella tightened her grip on the ship's railing, her gaze fixed on the distant fire. "We need to be ready for anything. This could be a trap."
Hamaeth stood beside her, his face serious. "Whatever it is, we'll face it together. We've come too far to turn back now."
Arkaea unsheathed her sword, her expression determined. "Let's prepare for whatever's waiting for us on that shore."
The ship pressed onward, the flames growing larger as they neared the coast of StillCoast, the group bracing themselves for the unknown dangers that awaited them.