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 Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2008 7:23 pm
Fire Emblem: Out of the Ashes This Squeal is loosely based off of Chaos Rising. Erin and Shale Darksnow ruled the country of Goldoa for 3000 years. The continent was at peace because of their relations with Gallia and Crimea. Erin and Shale would visit occasionally Daein and Begnion and once every year they would travel to every country and visit the graves and relations of their friends. 500 years into their marriage Shale and Erin had a Son, Shane. However the peace can never last and an old nemesis returned. Erin and Shane's lives were forever shattered by Shale's heroically Tragic death. 500 years later Shale's son is ready to take over for Erin and under the watchful eye of Kris, Erin gets ready to depart her life of royalty and ease and return to the life she and Shale loved so dear: Adventure.
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Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2008 5:30 pm
Chapter One: Training Erin was outside, as she'd been every day for the past 500 years. She was off target shooting when Kris came out. "Erin, what are doing out here? The representative from Gallia is here and is waiting-""Let my Son handle it, it will be a good experience for when he must rule Goldoa.""Erin, he's YOUR SON! I'm not a mother, ever since Shale's death you've become OBSESSED with being as good as he was. But your neglecting the other important things in your life: Your Son and your country.""He's old enough to rule, I was only 1,117 when I took over. He's 2,550, and more then capable of taking over. He's more like Shale and a better... Kris leave." Kris knew what was coming, ever since Shale's death Erin had changed. Ross had been right about Shale only suppressing the Feral power within Erin. Once Shale had been killed the Galdir had been snapped. Kris guessed that because Ross was married to Elyssa, the Feral spell had be shifted to him and that was why Erin was now much more short tempered and violent. She'd become obsessed with getting revenge on Ross for the death of Shale. Erin didn't like talking about it, she would spend hours at his grave sometimes and come back in slightly better spirits but it never lasted. Erin was now hidden in a tree, forced back into her recollection of Shale's death...
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Shale Darksnow Vice Captain
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Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2008 6:34 pm
Shale and Erin were on a nice path on their way to Daein, and they were both laughing at a joke that Shale had told a few minutes before. They were enjoying each others company, oblivious to Shale's impending fate. A large red dragon landed behind them, and knocked Erin aside with its tail. Shale quickly notched an arrow, but before he could fire, claws raked across his back, launching him forward. While this happened, the other dragon had shifted into his Beorc form, Kukris drawn. He stepped forward as Shale fell, plunging the Kukris into his chest. "Good bye, Shale." Ross hissed, kicking Shale aside.
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Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2008 9:23 pm
Erin had watched most of it from the ground. She had let her senses fall when Shale was around. She'd been smashed off a tree and had her wind knocked out of her. By the time she'd been able to breathe Ross had already stabbed him and before she'd managed to get, up kick him aside. Ross had turned on her, and using the same tactics as Erin had once used on Kris, implemented them on Erin with the help of the other dragon. Erin could only watch as Shale died. Once Ross had finished with, 'I will one day returned to ruling in ways better then you and him could have done.' He'd released her and left. Erin had forced herself over to were Shale's body laid, and taking him close, cried for several hours in silence.
Erin opened her eyes, it had all been simple once she was in control again. She'd taken his quiver and bow and carried his body back. She'd ordered he's be buried in the royal graveyard, dragon or not he'd still ruled and was a lot better then most, people had said. After the funeral she'd handed over the ruling of the Goldoa to their son and trained herself, She would only stay until she was as good as Shale, perhaps looking back on it Kris had been right it was an obsession.
Revenge was the only thing that made her get out of bed in the morning. She trained only because the noble name of Darksnow followed her name, and that's how it should be. She stopped shifting after she'd brought Shale's body back, it reminded her too much of the good times. She'd trained to the point of in Kris' words, when she found Erin collapsed outside after a four day session 'To death.' Erin felt she was nearly there and the time was at hand to leave. One thing Shale had done to impress her was to shoot a perfect bulls eye, then split the arrow with another perfect one. In fact he'd done it until the center had been shot out because of the force. All Erin wanted to do was just split the first arrow and she knew she'd be ready.
500 years had passed and she was still here, 500 long years since she'd seen Aeyly and Phell's graves and told them how much she missed them and how much she hated being alone. She had not seen Rajaion since the wedding either. It had been two days since she'd visited Shale too, but she'd been training. She would have her revenge, whether it cost her life or not. If there was any regret it was that she'd not raised their son better...
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Shale Darksnow Vice Captain
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Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2008 1:22 pm
Shane rubbed his weary eyes. Ever since his father's death, his mother decided that he could do way more than he actually could, which seemed to almost be true. He brushed his light gray hair out of his tired face, his head resting against the gold throne.
"King Shane, are you alright?"
"Hm? Oh, yes, sorry Kane." The young king looked at his adviser, his old friend Kane, a white dragon. "Continue, please."
"As I was saying..." Shane rested his head against his hand, and nodded off listening to Kane explain the Daein-Goldoan Compact.
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Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2008 2:21 pm
Erin was awoke in the tree, she was falling back into old habits fast. She decided that considering she was up she might as well go visit Shale. She walked along the well worn path and walked through the gate, picking out Shale's stone mostly by the newness of it. That and it was white marble, unlike most. She walked over and knelt in front of it like she always did. The next part was like a ritual, she would mentally read the stone, then start talking to it.
"I don't know how you did it, Kris said it was because you had several hundred years over me and that I would never be as good as you. She's right I will never be, I don't want to be either..." Erin closed her eyes, thinking. "I should have never let my guard down, I should have been stronger, I keep thinking there was so much I should have done..." By this point, tears would water the grass the before her. "Kris is right, I have become obsessed with revenge Shale, I doubt you'd want to see me now but I cannot go and live my life knowing Ross will get away with it. Like I always tell you, I will be good enough to like up to the name of Darksnow. Once Ross is dead I will be a good mother, like I should be." She manged to pull herself together by this point. "Shane is a lot like you. So much so, that sometimes I want to believe he is you. I know he's not, but just sometimes... Oh Shale, I miss you so much, please be happy where ever you are." It would always end like that. Then she would leave as quietly as she'd come.
Erin returned to her training, she could just never get it. Shale had always made it look so easy. In fact she'd once asked him to do it with his eyes closed, he did. Erin couldn't do it with her eyes open. She remember that things always evened out in the world. She made an attempt to teach Shale the art of fighting with Rain's Kukris. He was good or better then her up until she got to the throwing part. Something about that he couldn't make work... Erin forced the memory out again. She never thought while she trained, she just let her anger out. There was no point in wishing things were different.
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Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2008 10:55 am
Kris was watching Erin from the window as she did when she wasn't in the kitchen. Erin would never perfect it, it was a Shale thing. Erin didn't to get her head around it, Shale was dead and she had to step up. Shale had been loved by the people as much as Erin was, they missed him too but they didn't all go abandon their stations did they? Kris went out to talk some 'sense' into Erin, in other words, make her come in again and eat. She'd fallen back into old habits. "Erin you need to come back and eat you've been nearly three days and-"
"I told you Kris i'm fine." Erin said with a snarl."You might be, but he needs you, he's still young and YOUR NOT THE ONLY ONE THAT MISSES SHALE!" That set Erin off again. Erin with the speed given to a feral, she had Kris pinned to a tree holding her up by the neck. "Silence. I will hear no more, except for Shane and you I have lost every person I care about. I will not not have Ross appear one day and murder him too. I will hunt him down and teach him why you do not make yourself a threat to MY family, MY WAY! No one will stop me, not even you Kris." She threw Kris to the ground and nocked another one, not even watching, fired...
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Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2008 6:55 pm
Chapter Two: To the Journey Erin was stunned and for several minutes listened to Kris’ breathing. Finally she spoke, “So it begins, goodbye Kris. When I am gone I want you to look after Shane for me. Be the mother I could never be. One day, may he forgive me for my actions.” She turned and went inside past the throne room to her chamber. She walked to the mirror and gazed at herself for a moment, time had been kind to her, and she’d added maybe 10 years tops to her appearance. She tucked a strand of her sky blue hair back, thinking about what she’d need for her trip. Shale’s bow, her potion kit, quivers… that was all. No wait, there was something else, she walked over to her wardrobe and opened the box at the bottom smiling at what it contained: Rain’s Kukris. She sat on her bed Shale’s bow beside her, the memories she’d suppressed for so long filled her mind: Killing Rain, her first meeting with Shale, their journey together, the Tower, Aeyly and Phell, the wedding… She pulled out Rain’s Kukris and like she used to, flicked the blades into her forearms, allowing the pain to cloud her mind.
Several minutes later Erin had herself controlled enough to not be a threat to anyone. She’d had another robe made that was like her first set. She’d never wore them only because they reminded her too much of before, now it was perfect. She loved the feeling of the material and cut was flawless, the dark blue matched her eyes, which reflected the anguish within her heart. Perhaps that made her weak, her lust for revenge, Shale had drilled her in non-violence. She mused he didn’t know he was going to die, but she wished she could ask him if she was going about it right. Well that was another matter for another time. She now had a cloak that went with it, but first: On with the kit, the Kukris fit in the slots on her hips, and then the cloak, the quiver across her left side, and the bow clipped to her right. She looked at herself again, wondering if there was anyway she would come back a better person for this. Kris looked now the she could force her mind to get the thoughts in order. Erin had damn near killed her; she wandered over to the target and… “By the Goddess she did it!” Erin had gotten two perfect bull eyes. Kris was happy and yet sad, this meant that Erin was going to look for Ross now, this would probably end up getting her killed. Erin would fight til the death because of what had happened. Erin had never really talked about it; Kris wondered if Shane had really been told what happened to Shale in detail. At the funeral Erin had only said that “The Noble Prince Shale had been murdered by an outcast Dragon who was of direct relation to the throne.” Nothing more after that. Erin had proceeded to lock herself in her room for over a week and finally reappeared long enough to make a formal statement that Shane would be taking over for Shale and that she was stepping down, and then became obsessed with training. She headed back to the kitchens with full understanding that she would at least talk to Erin before she left, maybe making her take her with her.
Erin had gone back to Shale grave. “Yeah it’s me again, I suppose you must know by now, I finally did it. So I can keep my promise to you, I know I’m doing more for my own interests but I can’t help but think he might go after Shane next. It was hard enough to lose you and not beside you when you died. I will always hate Ross for two things, your death and being right. You can never take the feral you of me, and now I will teach him what happens when you mess with anyone I care about. I’ve decided that before I hunt Ross down I will make a trip and apologize to Phell and Aeyly, I did not keep up our pilgrimages after your death. I did not want to go admit to them I failed you…” She dropped to her knees in the soft grass. “Now I suppose if you were still here you’d say softly I didn’t. But your not, and never will be, I wish I was as strong as you were Oh Shale you’d hate how I’ve become.” She managed to hold herself together more by luck, then willpower. “Well I guess I better go, goodbye Shale, please watch over Shane.” She got up and touched the stone, missing the warmth and bolted out before she broke down again.
She arrived at the palace sooner then later and went to see Shane. She studied him, yes he looked much like Shale, both spiritually and physically, in fact if he didn’t shift into a dragon she’d wonder where she was. “Shane I have something to tell you, I’m leaving. Before say anything left me explain. Shale was murdered by your great-grandfather Ross, I don’t know why, yet. I will reclaim what is rightfully yours, and make sure Ross can never harm you. I know since Shale’s death I have not been a good mother to you, but perhaps one day you can forgive me. I don’t know when I will next see you again Shane, perhaps I never will, but I have never stopped loving you. Kris will keep an eye on you for me.” She gazed softly at him realizing only now what her obsession had cost her…
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Shale Darksnow Vice Captain
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Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 6:07 pm
"Sounds fun. You get to go off seeking revenge, and I'm stuck in here. Well have fun." Shane crossed his arms, leaning against the throne. "Mother, don't worry about me. I'll be fine. You go get revenge. Just don't die. I really don't want to be ruling and not have a life, you know?"
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Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 8:35 pm
Dang. He was Shale’s Son all right; he could read her like a book. The funny part was, his attitude slightly frightened her. She knew that it was because of what she’d done, she dumped the ruling of a country on him and honestly never noticed how Shale’s death had affected him. This made her a horrible mother in some ways, yet in the end, he would be stronger for it. “You’re so much like Shale, it scares me. Yes, no matter what I say it is pure revenge plain and simple. You’ve become wise and I guess I never noticed. I wont I can’t leave you alone here, you have done well on your own but Goldoa can only teach you so much, by traveling the continent you will gain more wisdom then me and Shale combined. Then you shall return and become and even better King then you are now.” Erin nodded once to him then walked off to the barn.
Once inside the barn she tacked up her favourite horse Kari, a black mare with a blaze that cut over her left eye. She mounted and rode out of the barn only to e stopped by Kris!“Erin you’re leaving right? Well then Shane has Kane to look after him and so I thought since Shane requested you not die… Well I should come and make sure you don’t right? Please Erin let me come.” Erin sat back in the saddle and thought for a bit. “No Kris, I’d rather not have another death on my hands. Plus, I need someone here to help guard Shane while I’m gone. Oh and who would cook? Honestly now the Kitchen would suffer! Think about it Kris, I could go hunting for Ross and then Ross could show up here and how would I know? We still have a connection and I need that connection. You also fight will and I cannot think of anyone I’d trust more to watch over my Son then you. Bye Kris I’ll see you again someday!”
With that she spurred Kari and was gone out of the Goldoa Castle in minutes. Kris shook her head and said “Shale, if you can hear me I think you better watch over your wife, she’s gone and been all reckless again.” Kris sighed and walked back into the castle knowing that on the outside Shane was not showing much emotion, but perhaps like Erin, he kept it locked inside to use as a weapon like she could. Or maybe because of the past 500 years, Erin was already dead to him…Chapter Three: The Sole Survivor Erin decided the first thing she needed to do was see her friends. 500 long years, was 499 years to long. Since Gallia was the closest she’d go there first, she wondered if anyone would remember her there. She wouldn’t shift she’d given that up the day after Shale’s death. Every time she thought of shifting it made her angry, she hadn’t thought of shifting during the battle with Ross. Looking back at it, it might have saved Shale’s life, that and it would remind her of the good times with Shale and the time when everyone was alive. She was the Sole survivor of the group; there would be no more of Aeyly’s witty side comments or Phell’s calm manner. Being alone drove her into the dark abyss of life and now she was fully alone, well she had Kari.
Some had said that next to her obsession with Archery, was her life in the barn. Some had also said that Erin loved her horses more then her Son. Which was not true, but this ‘other life’ helped to relax and not think back and become all angry and depressed. She’d taken up hobby breeding but it grew into something more. Now she probably had the best horses on the continent. Kari was her favourite mostly because of the markings and the colour, but she a spirit and temper as well and was a challenge to ride. She could now see the Goldoa-Gallia border, Kari was also fast and had tones of endurance but Erin knew even she could only hold out so long. Erin arrived at the border within the hour and was stopped by the guards.
“Who are you?” One of them yelled down at her. “Erin Darksnow; Queen of Goldoa!” She yelled right back. “State your business.” “Visiting an old Friend in Gallia and speaking with the King.” The guards muttered among themselves for a while, Erin knew why, they didn’t remember or were not born. “How do we know you’re not a spy?” “I could shift I guess.” She dismounted and honestly knew it was going to come to this so why fight it? She shifted and looked up at them with angry in her eyes. “They went back to muttering until a voice called out, “What are you going on about!” An ancient looking Lion appeared, and looked over the side and nodded. “Erin Darksnow it has been a many a moon since to have come to us, I wondered if ever in my lifetime I would see you again. I was just a young cub when I first saw you and Shale, yet you come alone? Is he busy.” “He is dead, I am the Sole survivor and have come to pay my respects to your King for my long absence and to my friend.” “Yes, let her in.” He said sharply to the guard who looked very confused but did as told.
Erin rode in and met the lion on their side of the wall. “You know me; do I have the privilege of your name?” “Travis, Travis Reed.” “Thank you for your help Travis since Shale’s passing I have been neglecting my duties, it ends today.” “Since you come mounted I will escort you to the plaice.” He shifted, he had been a black lion during his youth but was now more of a smoke colour. “It’s not necessary Travis, really.” “Then let it be my honour Queen Erin.” He stated while picking up a slow but easy lope. Erin followed knowing they would not reach the castle tonight.
Several hours later Erin and Travis had set up camp, more for Kari then Travis, which mildly surprised Erin. Travis was also an excellent hunter and camp builder, cook and entertainer. Only thing she didn’t like was aside from grooming Kari he would let her lift a twig, she could honestly build a camp and do everything, but since she was a guest no… However he caught her up on all the news and gossip, and told stories and jokes and together they talked into the night. “Queen Erin, no matter what I do, you have yet to look happy. I can see it in your eyes, you miss Shale more then words can describe and yet 500 years have passed and you will not allow yourself happiness? Do you honestly believe that Prince Shale would want to see you like this? Or support what you’re doing for that matter?” Travis said worriedly, knowing full well the answer.
“I cannot be happy until I know Ross is not a threat to my Son any longer. I want to know why he murdered my husband. Now I need to know why, when I do I can accept and move on. I don’t know what Shale would say, he’s dead so I can’t ask him can I? Goodnight Travis we’ll begin at dawn. Erin retreated to the tree she tied Kari to, wondering herself those very same questions and whether she was just lying to herself to make it seem better…
The next morning Erin began at first light with Travis on her heels. It was cool dawn morning with some light mist, reflecting the first rays of the sun. The beauty of it was breathtaking and yet Erin did not notice it, too intent on getting to the castle to care and trapped within her own mind. By mid afternoon she could see it looming on the horizon and Travis said that he was going ahead to make sure the King would be ready and have a meal warm on the table for her. Erin watched him leave and her mind flicked back to something Aeyly once said. “Gallia not only has excellent cooking, but we’ll do anything for a friend, even give the shirt off our back, we are the most loyal.” Phell, Shale and Erin glared at her for several moments then all broke down laughing. Erin forced that thought out of her mind, needing to keep it on the task at hand.
Went she arrived she was lead by Travis to a grassy slope to put Kari to pasture and after grooming and washing up headed inside to supper with the King. Once they were seated the King spoke, “So you are Queen Erin Darksnow of Goldoa. When my Father ruled you visited once a year with Shale if he was not busy, I was sorry to hear of his passing, when we heard of this I sent some of my best spies after him; some were even descendants of your old friend Aeyly. However they all back with nothing or didn’t come back at all. I’m sorry we could be of no help. Tell me though, what made you come today and the way you did?” He then started eating the soup. Erin thought then said. “You are correct we used to come every year to learn of the news and visit Aeyly’s grave, the dead are never forgotten just not physically with us, but their spirit shall always linger. I came because I felt ready to come, I was glad that Travis was there or I would still probably be there, I know I was in the wrong for become reclusive, but I was not ready to face the world yet.” “That is quite understandable. It is why I had Travis tell you all the news, after supper you may visit your old friend in peace, then return and at least stay the night, I have already had a room prepared. Unless you’d rather be outside…” “No it is fine, I suppose if you went to all the trouble I should.” She said with a small smile, thinking back to what Aeyly had said all those years ago…
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Posted: Thu Apr 17, 2008 9:08 pm
Chapter Four: Old friends Reunited The sun was setting in the dying hues of the evening, the brillant red, yellow, orange, gold blazed with a covering of misty purple clouds. Erin was sitting in a tree after dinner, she was thinking on with she would visit Aeyly in the morning after breakfast or tonight. She liked the idea of the night, the air was fresh and cool, and the shadow held as many secrets and death it self. She was reflecting upon her decision when Travis appeared. “Queen Erin, will you be going now or would you rather in the dawning light?” Erin had not thought of that. Dawn, in all it’s radiant glory, beckoning the world to start anew. The world was fresh and green, the dew would sparkle on the grass and the air was sharp and crisp. That, she mused, was more befitting of Aeyly.
“Travis, the way you said that, I don’t know, but it was like the answer to my question I was pondering within my mind. But yes I will go at dawn, thank you Travis. Will you be coming with me? You seem to always show up.” “Queen Erin, if you would like that then I suppose I shall, however, I will not follow you to the grave. I know you have much to explain that is not befitting for me hear.” “Travis can you PLEASE call me Erin for the 37th time.” She said a tad exasperated. “Actually it’s the 39th.” He said with a chuckle. “It would not do for you to be called by any other name then what I call you.” “Aeyly didn’t and the King does not.” “Aeyly… was your friend and she was close to you, I am not. I am an escort and you and the King are of the same station, again I am not.” Erin sighed and nodded her head.
It had become dark, the night air was crisp and sharp, but the wind through the trees was lonely and sad. “I believe if you don’t mind, I will turn in for the night. Goodnight Travis and thank you for your help over the past two days.” Travis nodded suddenly lost within his own world and made no reply. Erin headed in and listened to the sound of her own footsteps on the plush carpeting, and the sound of silence, no Kris yelling at random. It was almost wonderful as she turned the old brass knob and pushed open the ancient oak door.
She looked soberly at the room she sometimes Shale would have stayed in if he’d come. Except for having been cleaned, the room still looked basically the same as her memories showed her. Erin suppressed them as she walked over to the small window and looked out across the moonlit grounds. She didn’t want to play ‘travel down the memory lane’ right now so she soon settled under the down comforters and thought to herself. May Shane and Kris be safe and I pray that I have reached the right the right decision, Shale I implore you to watch over your son, let me find Ross before Ross finds him. With that, she soon drifted off into a troubled sleep, full of worry and fear for the future…
Dawn was soon upon Erin, perhaps sooner then she would want it. She’d had a rough night and it showed, however she would not go back on her word. She headed out and into the barn to get Kari, once mounted she hunted for Travis who was oddly not that hard to find, he was waiting by the castle gate. “Good Morning Queen Erin, I see Sleep did not favour you this fine morn.” “Not in the least Travis, not in the least. Let us be off.” Travis picked but a light lope and Kari a canter and by sun up they were at the graveyard where Aeyly rested. She dismounted and tied Kari and nodded to Travis and walked over the lush green grass carpet, listening to the song of the birds.
Her feet had trod this path many a time and she soon found the one she’d come to see. Like with Shale’s she mentally read the name and dates, and then kneeled at the foot of the grave. “I… Aeyly, please forgive me; I know I’ve been rather foolish. Things are coming to light. Not a day goes by where I don’t miss everyone. Life is not fun being alone. I mean yes there is Kris and Shane, but when you know something is missing, it’s never the same. I… I should have been better, I did not learn from your death. I did not learn the price I would pay, if I had, Shale would still beside me now. If I was better, you would still be alive; there wouldn’t have been this long silence and worst of all Aeyly…” Erin trailed off, the anger reaching another peak where it was next to impossible to control. “Ross was there the day you were killed. I know he had a hand in your death, in fact I bet he had a place in Phell’s death… I do hope that one day I will see you again, you have earned your rest, may there be peace in your death.” She let her mind flick back to the day Aeyly passed on.
It was the end of the Gallia-Begnion war that sprung up eight years after Erin and Shale’s wedding. It was basically a siege on Gallia, although the Cats were much more active in fighting back then most siege victims. It had been going for nearly six months when Begnion made their final attack.
Aeyly and Thomas fell into the fight, as usual working as team despite Aeyly’s spy-driven habit of fighting in both her forms and Thomas’s stubborn insistence to fight as a Cat. He went down and hit their opponents’ legs with swipes of his claws as she shifted to Beorc-form and threw a couple knives. They were surrounded, but in a different way than usual, and it was much easier since they weren’t the only people the enemy was fighting.
They made their way quickly through the front lines, going to take care of the long range fighters that posed a serious threat to their army.
But of course, that meant it posed an even more serious threat to them. Two Cats against a group of about ten archers. Luckily the mages were somewhere else, but it still didn’t sound very pleasant. They split up; both in Cat form, dodging arrows.
Before they could get to the archers, Aeyly took an arrow in the side.
Cursing, she realized she couldn’t shift and take it out or she’d be hit with more. She was moving slower than normal, but she’d have to hope she could make it to close range… She made it halfway there when one of the archers figured out she was wounded and managed to hit her again.
This time, Thomas saw. “Aeyly!!” He changed direction completely, heading for her.
She swore and shifted, throwing a poison-bomb Philip the scientist had made, pulling the two arrows out of her side. Blood poured out. Then a third hit her, near the heart. She was torn between the pain and screaming something about how they should just die quietly. Thomas reached her and shifted, clonking to the ground beside her. “Aeyly-”
She choked and coughed up blood. That arrow hadn’t hit close to her heart… It had hit it. “Thomas… I’m sorry… Tell the kids… I loved them and make sure, they don’t follow my lead and die early… Please…”
“Shut up, you’ll make the bleeding worse!” He was searching his bag for an Elixir, and Aeyly realized he was crying.
“I don’t think I could ever tell you how much I love you… But it’s too late…” She could hardly hold herself up anymore, but she found it was easier to accept and fall backwards then she’d ever thought it would be.
Erin had come on her own; Shale was in Goldoa, doing the ruling thing and keeping an eye on their young son. Erin had been fighting up near the Gallian front until she saw Aeyly and her husband Thomas take off towards the enemy back lines. Erin had shifted back to her Beorc form to follow. She’d seen Aeyly take the first hit but was then cut off by several sages. By then Aeyly had been fatally hit, Erin had rushed over but looking at the position of the arrow had known that she was dead. In respect for the both of them Erin had then forced on killing the remaining archers so that Aeyly and Thomas could have their moment in peace. As far as Erin’s knowledge went, she’d died in his arms, and in battle. Erin was ready to slaughter, everything living when she’d seen him…
Ross, he was grinning like an idiot. Erin’s newfound rage sprang and she bolted over only to find him gone. She returned to finish the battle and secure Gallia’s continued safety. However she lost someone important that day and vowed that she would never lose anyone else that way….
Erin shook her head cleaning the thoughts from it. Her mind had become numb and she felt no emotion. “Well Aeyly I guess this is goodbye. I will return on the anniversary of your death if I don’t meet you again sooner.” She touched the stone feeling the coolness under her flesh and walked out and without a word to Travis, mounted and spurred Kari on. Not wanting to look back.
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Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2008 4:38 pm
Chapter Five: Long Road to Ruin
Erin returned to the castle to enjoy a good breakfast and bid the King farewell. “So you are leaving I hear Erin?” “Correct as always.” She said with a quiet nod. “You miss her, you miss them all, do you not?” “As long as I draw breath I will miss them, what has been lost can never be replaced.” “Well Erin, I know Aeyly was a good friend of yours and she would no want to see you harmed, I have found… well she found me, she is a somewhat a bit, a distant relation to Aeyly and Thomas and your stories have not gone forgotten. She asked to at least see you and I consented. Amber, come.” A young cat, closely coloured to Aeyly appeared. You could tell she was called Amber for her fur looked like that. However, she was young, perhaps to young. “I wish to not be alone in this journey and yet no matter what you say I cannot allow her to come. I cannot bear the thought of another death on my head, I am sorry Amber. The Kit looked her but said nothing. Erin rode out and on, next to see Phell and perhaps Ross.
The King nodded at Amber and she shifted and took off, following Erin. Erin now had to cross though Crimea and Daein to arrive at Hatari It would be a good week at this pace, if she kept it slow, perhaps they could do it under a week. Kari cantered onwards, and Erin had a feeling not all was as it should. Over then next few days she would ride straight though Crimea, thinking about her past and the pieces of her childhood as Kari’s hooves beat a rhythm on the ground. Near the Crimea-Daein border a song came into her head, rather vaguely at first, but she could remember all she needed to know. By the fourth day for her journey, she hit the path that she and Shale had been walking along nearly 501 years ago. She began to sing the words…
When you got to keep is strong, move along,
Like I know you do,
And even when your hope is gone, move along,
Just to make it though.
So a day when you lost yourself completely
Could be the night when your life ends
Such a heart that will lead you to deceiving
All the pain held in your…
Hands are shaking cold, your hands are mind to hold.
**All American Rejects – Move Along: Chorus and Verse Two Amber listened to Erin; she was not a bad singer by any means. The words to her song however, were sad. She was a tad confused about this, she knew Erin was going into Hitari to visit a grave but that start on this path. Oh look, Erin had stopped and dismounted and was kneeling in a certain patch of grass. “If you must know, this is the exact spot where my husband died and I was powerless to save him. Amber, you really think I cannot tell a cat’s footsteps? You and Aeyly have the same job; I remember the sounds a cat’s body makes as the branches and wind crosses it. Come out please and show me yourself. Busted. Amber came out as asked but said nothing in her own defense. That was where she differed from Aeyly and everyone else. She would have had some witty reply and Phell would have come out looking wary yet dignified, probably with a little introduction speech.
As Erin remounted and continued riding through Daein she thought about what she was going to say to Phell’s grave. Phell was more like the night: mysterious but friendly, cool and calm yet sharp and crisp. There was safety in the dark yet hidden danger. Yes, that was fitting. A wolf of few words but still caring and protective, but not overbearing like she was. Loyal to the end, she and Shale had dragged him over hill and dale and he still came willing and never complained. On day five she could see the shifting sands that protected Phell’s home of Hatari. So began the long slog through sand…Amber had said nothing over the course of five days, and now she was being forced to cross a desert?! That was just great. She followed Erin noting that Erin was rather unconcerned with hidden dangers and what not. She wondered if the wolves of Hatari would be so accommodating like Gallia had been, or if she was even allowed within the city, being a cat and all. However two days later she had an answer…Erin wondered if Amber would follow her across the desert and she had! Well now, that was fine turn of events, they were only several miles off from Hatari when several wolves came and greeted her, with the usual fashion, snarls. Erin looked down at them and spoke. “I’m going to hold my doubts that you remember me, Erin Darksnow Queen of Goldoa.” One of the wolves spoke, “Actually, we have heard of you. If you can back your claim then you are most welcome here.” Erin mentally sighed and dismounted and shifted. There was fast muttering and a “I told you so!” Then the wolf spoke again. “It is true, you have returned.” Erin shifted and nodded. “Yes after my husbands death I needed to be alone for a while but I have returned to visit and old friend and learn the news.” Just then, a wolf pounced on Amber. Amber hissed and turned to face her snarling attacker. “Stop! She’s with me, an envoy from Gallia, renewing old promises and what not. She’s also kind of my escort, I beg of you do not harm her.” The wolf retreated and Amber trotted over to Erin, looking rather grateful. Together they followed the first wolf to the castle in the sands. Erin met with the Queen, a direct descendant of Phell, if I might add, his: great, great, great, great, great, great, great-granddaughter. Erin smiled knowing that Phell’s bloodline still ran strong. She spoke like Phell’s daughter Aredhrel had, with soft grace, yet with authority of a ruler. “So, I hear that you are Erin. You knew Phell, and have come to visit his grave. I have heard many stories but after the death of death of Shale I thought you would never return. We have not had time to prepare anything for you and your escort, nor your mount.” “It matters not, it is sunset, I will walk to Phell’s grave then come back for Kari and Amber, if it not too much to ask.” “No, go on, we don’t have much to say, being where we are. All is at peace once again, there is not more needing to be said.” Erin nodded her head, following the path she also knew much to well.
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Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2008 4:53 pm
Chapter six: The Twilight of the Past
She walked along the dirt path, thinking of the times of yesteryear. Speeches planned and recited… now she had to make up another one again. However, she had run out of heart. Perhaps it was just beginning to overwhelm her, or the lack of life maybe. So instead she reflected back on the day she’d first heard of Phell’s death…
She and Shale had been sitting in the throne room, talking about some accident Erin had caused when she tried to shoot by hearing. Erin had countered that with a horrible throw by Shale that had nearly gotten her, and she’d been behind him. They had started to laugh when a grey wolf appeared, rather unannounced, and stated that Phell had died several days ago from old age. His wife and children were fine, and that they were still welcome within Hatari.
Within that week both Erin and Shale had gone to Hatari to visit, Phell’s children were like him in every respect and his daughter Aredhrel had become Queen of Hatari. His other young ones were all protectors as their father before them was. Over the next thousand years, she and Shale watched them all grow and marry and have young ones of their own… Erin smiled and pushed open the gate and hunted down his stone. The like with Alyey’s she read it and knelt. Somehow she didn’t have much to say. It was twilight, a certain fleeting moment of the day, very rare and short, but beautiful. It gave strength to her voice and she said her piece.
“Phell, some things never change, like your homeland, it is still the same place. Yes, different wolves, but essentially it is still the same. I suppose I should apologize to you, I have not come in over 500 years. Shale was killed by Ross, and I didn’t handle it as I should. The current Queen of Hatari is a relation of yours and reminds me of your daughter Aredhrel. You always said you were never much of a fatherly person, yet your children and their children all seem to be good and wise. I think, the un-motherly person is me. I know I have caused Shane much suffering, I’m sure you were a better parent. Shane is more like Shale then me, I’m glad for it too. I wish you all were still here, and that I didn’t have to be alone, but wishing wont change anything will it? Well, I hope you have found peace and perhaps I will see you again someday. I will never forget what you taught me, but I have a feeling I have not used the lesson correctly. Goodbye Phell, I will come again next year if I can, some things should never change.”
She got up in the darkness of night, and touched his stone, it was cold as well. She sighed; warmth would never be in her life again, every one of them was dead. She bit back the tears of anger and self-pity that threatened her vision and walked down the path in silence. Allowing the shadows of the night to envelope around her and calm her like an old friend. Once arriving at the castle she said her farewell to the Queen and said that if it was possible she would return on a certain day next year; the day of Phell’s death of course. She mounted Kari and rode off with a silent Amber at her heels.Someone was watching Erin’s little adventure with much interest. He knew she was coming for him, it was true. Since he’d exacted his own revenge of Elyssa’s death over 500 years ago, he knew she’d come. He’d watched her leave and head to Gallia, then cut across Crimea and had arranged that she and her Cat friend not be attacked in Daein, soon she would endure more heartache. Her face, he would savour when she discovered the other things he done to make her life a living Hell… Author's Note: My apologies to Phell, I found yours hard to work with for some reason. But I tried, I think there might be a touch of writers block. Oh and my friend complained about the colour, so I changed it.
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Posted: Sun Apr 20, 2008 7:37 pm
Chapter Seven: The Power Revisited
Erin and amber were riding out of Hatari and had been crossing the desert when a voice spoke out of nowhere. “Erin Darksnow! How wonderful to see you again, well I can see you but you cannot see me. Funny how that is? I am in your very soul; Shale could only control your feral self for so long. Come Erin, I know you want your revenge for Shale. Your very heart yearns for it. Come to the place of power, you path will be clear and you may even earn your hearts desire.” His laugh faded into silence. Erin looked down at Amber, noting that she’d not noticed or heard anything and that they were still riding across the desert. Erin had a feeling that only she’d heard the voice. “Hey Amber, did you hear a person talking that wasn’t me like a minute ago?”Amber shook her head. Erin mentally wondered why the cat did not speak. However some things were best left unsaid. “Come to the place of power? Where in all land is that?” Only once they got out of the desert did Erin discover her answer, “Amber, were going to Begnion.” The cat merely nodded and followed, looking rather tired. “Amber why do not speak? Tell me if you don’t mind.” Amber looked up at Erin and did speak. “I had no clue upon how to address you. The King said you were used to being alone and that I was only to be a shadow, and shadows don’t really talk do they?” She stated in a rather know it all tone. Suddenly Erin regretted asking the question and merely nodded. Cutting through Daein to head to Begnion, was never a smart move, but it was the only option at this point. Erin for the first time realized then how much she’d left behind. Yes, she’d wanted to go after Ross, but she now found herself wishing she had come up with better things to say to Aeyly and Phell. Perhaps it was because she was now riding towards death that she was regret moments but still, never had she wanted to hear from Shane so bad… KRIS! Kris can you hear me?!Kris had been in the middle of making dinner when Erin after two long silent weeks had said something! She’d accidentally dropped the bowl she was mixing the eggs in, listening partially to the shattering sound. Yeah, yeah I’m here Erin what’s wrong it’s been like two weeks and Shane is getting more and more over worked- Kris listen to me please. I just heard from Ross, I’m going to find and kill him now- Erin listen to ME for once, Daein is planning to attack Goldoa! Apparently your old friend Rajaion like destroyed good piece of the country oddly in the same location as... THE PIT! Thanks Kris, tell Shane I miss him, perhaps more then he may know.
“Amber! I’m going to a certain place in my past and you are not coming. Before you start saying anything it’s because your young and-” “Lady Erin please stop talking right now, I have my orders and I’m not anywhere and you can not make me go simple as that.” Oh great she had Aeyly’s stubbornness, but was not a quarter as fun. “Fine you can come but-” “No buts Lady Erin, I will do my job and you have no say in it. Now lead on before I work out where it is on my own.” Amber glared up at her. Erin looked right pissed herself; she was being told off by a cat?! But the again, it made sense in a way… “Right come along then, but don’t go getting yourself killed.” Was all Erin added as she spurred Kari on.
Less then two days later they were at the… ruins of the pit. It looked liked something had demolished it from the inside out. Erin dismounted and walked about the ruins, though the halls with Kari’s reins in hand and Amber by her side. “You know Amber, I never was really here, I was in the one in Begnion, but I did come here once to shut down this place. It looks like I failed.” Together they walked into the a section of the building Erin didn’t remember, it looked like a lab. “The lab was in Begnion not Daein, yet here it is, just I remember it being. I do not understand…”“Ah Erin, there is much you will never understand.” “Show yourself!” Erin barked nocking an arrow. Amber looked confused, there was no one here, and had not been for a long time. What was Erin going on about now? “Moronic child, I am in your head, not where you are. You want to know what happened here I guess? I’ll tell you.
One day your friend came to Daein, I do not know why, but that matters not. I decided that while waiting for the perfect time to murder Shale I would re-launch the Feral Program. He stumbled a tad to close and we pounced. He put up a damn good fight, we won in the end. He killed two of your cousins, that was why only me and Bren came for you and Shale. I decided to test a new serum on him, seeing as he was the only dragon and males seem to have less will power and he was predisposed like his father. It worked like a dream, better even. However things quickly went sour pretty fast when he caught word of this…
Ventro, his friend showed up one day. So much like you in fact, but he was coming to save his friend and the only way to stop him was it hell froze over, or so it looked. I was thinking of stepping in an killing the pest myself, however Rajaion had not been injected thanks to Ventro interrupting. In the end Ventro signed his own death warrant. He opened the door and took off running, only to be ripped apart by Rajaion. It was fun to watch Ventro’s face as Rajaion’s jaws snapped shut on him. I decided to let Rajaion out knowing full well what he could do and what would soon happen.
Rajaion slaughtered and killed many, he was better then you in fact, and if it wasn’t for Ventro I would have set him upon you. Fate stated it’s path and that what went down. I managed to hold the peace until Rajaion’s death several weeks ago, now on top of hunting me you have war. Enjoy yourself! “ROSS!” Erin howled. “I… WILL KILL YOU FOR THIS!!!” Erin anger was peaking again, and she nearly lost it. Amber saw this coming and lunged and bit on her arm.
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Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2008 3:41 pm
Chapter 8: How It All Ends Erin was breathing hard, looking angry. “Amber, you can’t hear him can you?” Amber let go of Erin sensing she was in control again. “Well you know, I can’t hear the voices in YOUR head, now can I?” Amber stated in that matter-of-fact tone.Erin went silent again trying to process what Ross had just said. Sometime after Aeyly’s wedding, Rajaion had gone to Daein and been caught by Ross and used like his father had. Probably only a few days had gone by before Ventro attempted to save Rajaion and died. Then Rajaion attacked the Daein country side until the Feral wore off. Erin mused that because he’d never returned to Goldoa, he must be here somewhere.
“Ventro, I don’t know your exact location so I’ll speak generally to the building and hope you hear me. If what Ross said was true then in some round about way, your death is my fault. Ross did that to Rajaion, he would have never hurt you other wise. If I had known, I would have come personally… I will end this Ventro, for everyone’s sake. Thank you for everything you did, including saving my life by your actions.” She bowed her head and again fought the emotions that threatened her sanity.Amber listened to Erin’s speech, so another for her friends must have died in the horrible place, dark, damp and cold. The air still reeked of death and decay. It felt like pure evil, but again other then a name, Erin did not tell her anything, which kind of annoyed her. Oh wait, Erin was in control and talking to herself, joy… “Ross, tell me please were Rajaion died…” Erin held her breath, Ross wasn’t the type to tell you stuff unless he wanted to use it against you, and she hoped he would. “Because you asked nicely Erin I think I will grace you with that much, the mountains of Deain, southeast from here, about a day’s ride. Enjoy what you’ll find.” “We ride Amber, to the Daein Mountains to see and another friend of mine.” Erin was about to spur when Amber spoke, by the Goddess did Erin hate her voice. “Will this person be ALIVE, I don’t really like talking to graves or nothing at all, I can’t see the purpose of it all really. If you hate Ross that bad, go kill him and get on with your life already, jeez!” Erin snapped then and there. “No this person will not be alive, all of my friends have been murdered, I know this means nothing to you because I doubt you know the pleasure of friends by your side. I will kill Ross, for them, and me.” “Oh I know the pleasure thank you Lady Erin, I just don’t understand why you can’t kill Ross and THEN go and tell them all about how you got your revenge for them and yourself.” “Amber, you must never forget the departed and what they did for you during their lives. It is the greatest sin of all; most don’t see it that way. Perhaps when you have lost so much you will come to understand what I mean.” Erin spurred with a silent Amber following.
Erin rode through the night, she spent several hours in the saddle just watching the stars. Remember something Shale had once said. “The stars never move, they will always be there to guide you Erin. That way, if you manage to get yourself lost again, you can find your way home again.” Erin sighed; she’d gotten lost… again, on the way to Hatari. Shale found her cold, wet, and angry within Crimea, and told her that. He was right as always, he was almost always right, unlike her. What would Shale do? Great question one and she couldn’t ask him. “Cause he’s dead.” She said sadly coming to the base of the mountain. “Amber stay here, you don’t need to come, watch Kari for me.” Erin began her climb to the top of the mountain. Amber thought screw that, and went off hunting. Kris went to see Shale and then Shane, as Erin had asked. Even as she knocked softly and entered his chamber, she could tell just how much Erin had put him though. Both mentally and physically he suffered, as of late he was working harder because of Daein threatening Goldoa with an attack, plus after Erin’s goodbye the long lapse of silence. He might not show it, but he missed her more then Erin could have guessed. He was trying to be strong like a good King, he was a lot like Shale, Erin was always the one crying at their friend’s death or word of, and Shale was always supportive. Now Shane was emulating his father’s strength for the people, himself and Erin. “King Shane, I finally got word from you mother, she finished her visiting and is now hunting Ross, she misses you and I’m honestly sure she’s worrying. She used to do that a lot, things will be right again, but like her stubborn old self, ‘on her terms’. Do you want be to make you something special? Or will you be joining is for dinner?” Kris wondered if she was going about this right.
Erin had arrived at the cave and she like always knelt, but this time picked up a skull and looked at it. “Oh Rajaion, I’m so sorry, you were always so kind to me. I had as much hand in your death as Ross did. I showed mercy, damnit Rajaion I showed mercy and look what he did. Now Aeyly, Shale, Ventro and you are dead. I’m amazed he didn’t get to Phell and Maria. Perhaps they were the lucky ones. I wish so much that I’d known that you were here. I would have come, I know what you did, and you were always still welcome in Goldoa. I wouldn’t have cared. At least I wouldn’t have had to worry about you. So many nights I wondered where you were. Now I know and my heart is still restless, you died alone and angry at yourself for what you caused, no one should…” Erin choked back tears. “Ever have to die alone.” She put the skull back down sick of the bleached bone and sightless eye sockets, which would never again reflect the gentleness within them. She pressed her back against the wall and cried, cried for the pointless suffering and death caused by Ross and his games. For Rain, Rajaion’s father, Aeyly, Phell, Maria, Ventro, Rajaion himself and Shane, hell, even Kris and perhaps herself. Mentally telling herself soon, she would never cry again, no one could make her…
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