Wading through muddy swamp water within the forest of the beasts. Adeka followed Arens lead. Intending to group up with his successful contingent. Their target already captured.
‘ugh, grimy mud, Crummy waters. And worst of all low rations.’ Adeka grumbled to herself. Glancing at the sky, disappointed she couldn’t fly for fear of the sun.
Yet despite the horrid terrain she could not help but consider constructing an outpost here. The forest’s far-reaching canopy provides eternal darkness despite the sun. On account of the forests notorious reputation naturally deterring explorers. It can prove to become a profitable harvesting sight once a secure path to Eln is established.
“uhh” falling into the water. Submerging the rest of her body into muddy and stale swamp water on account of her misstep. Adeka fumed in indignation. Her noble personage soiled with grime. Standing up she flung the mud covering her face.
“Lord Aren. How much longer must we crawl like vermin in this filthy place.” Adeka grumbled. Displeased by her current circumstances and the lengthy journey lasting many days and nights.
“Not much further, lady Adeka. In another four days, we will arrive at the night beast clan…remember to be cautious of what you say when conversing with the heads of the clans. They brutish creatures are quick to anger. If we are to succeed we must maintain an amicable relationship with them.” Aren said to Adeka.
Knowing this did nothing to help her frustration. Managing to calm herself, she continued trailing after Aren. Anxiously hoping their hosts are educated enough in hospitality to provide a meal.
III.
Deep within the sunless underbrush nightfall is signalled by the increased activity of the beasts.
Long having left the marshes still hungry and tired. Aren accompanied by Adeka arrived at the village of night beasts.
Cloaked in darkened mist, The territory of the night beasts stretched far. The clear contrast from The forest behind to the forest before them.
They entered the territory of the night beasts, walking in the darkness they avoided money trees and shrubs neither stumbling nor losing their way. Before long they came upon clearing of lush vibrant shrubs and vines. Akin to an oasis jungle within a dense dry forest.
Large earth mounds protruded from the ground. Each having a dark hole leading to unknown places.
As the two walked wither in the seemingly scattered mounds revealed to in fact be constructed in an orderly manner, providing roads of soft futile earth littered with dry leaves. Randomly walking along a road they were lead to a towering tree at the centre of all surrounding mounds. It's shape akin to that of a mushroom's. It's girthy branches stretched far, it's moist leaves thrice the size of the two gawking from below. Thick vines hanging down from the tree's branches swaying in the breeze.
" Beautiful isn't it," said Aren to Adeka.
Adeka observes everything, the captivated voice of Aren reach her ears, but she pained its mind. She mumbles while examining the tree, walking closer her steps silent and in tuned to a peculiar rhythm. She mumbles " the joys of youth. In time you'll grow accustomed to these such sights and experiences."
" ...Sounds depressing." Replied Aren. Standing there not daring to move and at the ready for unexpected conflict.
"Uh uh. The cons of immortality… but don't be discouraged. In time it makes those new unique experiences greater." Adeka assured.
" To have the privilege to speak such of immortality… I presume you two are the blood-feeders we've been expecting?" Echoes a primal guttural voice.
Within the darkness, a beast is pitched on the tree's branch. Thick black fir, sharp opposable claws capable of a firm grip, the body structure like that of a cat, it's sole black eye stares at the two. From the large black eye emanates black mist shrouding the beast in darkness.
"We are"replied Aren. his gaze affixed to the beasts every movement.
Suddenly the beast leaps from the branch. Falling a great distance to the ground.
With a loud thump and an explosion of dirt into the air. The beasts lands on its feet creating a pit on the ground.
From within the dark mist echoed the rough voice of the beast" welcome guests. Our chieftain awaits you in his domicile.follow me." The best leads the way climbing high into the dauntingly large tree.
Using their sharp nails the two claimed the tree following aster the dark beast.
The climb is lengthy. The further up they got the more Ravanois their hunger. The two looked even paler that they naturally are. Their robust figures slowly withering down.
Entering the upper canopy of the tree, climbing branches five times their size. Easily providing room for movement. They say up closes the enormous leaves of the tree. They surveyed in surprise at the majesty of the tree.
The beast leads them deep into the canopy strung together by interlocking branches and intertwined leafs.
The passage is dark. Bereft of all light and large enough to accommodate the three walking side by side.
Soon the path ended, leading them to a large clearing emptied of branches and overhanging leafs. Like a dime structure, the canopy hung high above. Below their feet leafs tangled together so tightly it became the floor.
At the centre of this place. Layed a large beast liken to their guide here. Yet it's size was far larger, it's sole eye could shake one's soul Invoking terror and dread. Dark as the night it fir emits nothing but darkness, giving the impression of a solid shadow.
Arriving before the beast. The two stood there gazing upon the chief beast. Suddenly Aren bowed in greeting. Adeka standing beside him was surprised.
" You would lower your head to another than our lord." She mumbled just loud enough for Aren to hear.
And so too did the beast hear her. For the first time, the towering beast moved, shaking the entire canopy of the tree. Sitting upright like a man, with it's 'arms' resting on its knees the beast spoke:" am I not worthy to be greeted with such respect…does your kind have no such manners."
"... " Adeka gazed upon the beast in silence. Her disdain evident." No. My kind bow to no one but our lord. And this disappointing junior of mine has much to learn."
"Already I do not like you," said the beast
" And I do not care. Now we came all this way for an elf, and your participation of slaying her father." Adeka said not wanting to entertain such trifles further.
"... Bring the elf!" The beast commanded.
Before long another beast dragged the tied elf to them.
Her slender body bound by vines, her trademark pointed ears decorated with immaculate airings and piercings. Her light brown skin littered with cuts and dried muddy grime. She lay there unconscious.
Gazing upon the elf Adeka stepped closer to her. Caressing her face she said" where have you're pride gone. Oh newly as ended elder at this point I'm sure the delusion of you're higher existence is shattered. Soon your father will arrive...oh you've awoken!"
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With burning hatred in her eyes, Celia glared at Adeka.
Adeka smiles " he should arrive at the next sunrise… plenty of time to prepare"
" So dark beast, what is the price of your services.?" Adeka asked the beast after three sunless days.
The beast looks to Aren. " The promise of a pact… one that will ensure my kind's survival in these rapidly changing times"
"... Aren… what did you promise them?" Adeka menacingly glared at Aren
" Um.. just the sanguine curse."
" I see. Any you beast would forsake your current existence.?" Adek's enquired.
" There's not much left to forsake." The beast replies.
---
At great speed, Edhil accompanied by a unit of six vahilla vanguards flew above the dense forest canopy in search of his Celia's last known location.
Eventually, the stopped above a patch of the enormous intertwined cannot.
Diving down at great speed Edhil severed branches with his glowing sword.
Suddenly a small black object darted at Edhils exposed neck. skillfully he repelled it with his sword.
Alertly surveying his surrounding he realised it was an ambush…
His armour scratched, puncture holes dotted his armour. He pants bereft of breath he wheezing, a sigh of his collapsed lung. Blood drips from his nose, his blond hair dishevelled with strands sticking to his sweat covered face.
Standing on the ground in absolute darkness. His allies now reduced to four during the fall. Edhil gripping his sword stayed alert for his unseen enemies next actions.
" Tch. I should have known you're kind was up to this...I thought it was beneath you to seek help from the likes of beasts." Edhil taunted. Hoping to write the vampires to action.
"Huh" with his shape hearing Edhil recognised light tap of footsteps.
Bolting to his right he aimed to confront his enemy.
With a flash of light from the loud impact of swords, for a second the face of Aren and Edhil were illuminated. The blood-red eyes of a vampire stared back at Edhil, it's pale face and sharp thin fangs looked menacing, it's pointed ears decorated with intricately carved ear accessories illude to their distant relation.
Like nothing had happened silence returned to the darkness clearly Aren retreated to the darkness once again leaving Edhil without a target.
Truly they were trapped within this endless dark forest, surely they would be ambushed before they could fly above the canopy, regrettably, they could neither run for this dark forest stretched far.
One way out one way to success. Edhil drew upon his power, utilizing his powerful soul to empower his sword with a burning light.
Like a lantern in the darkness, the sword illuminated much of Edhil surroundings, including many large trees and his four remaining compatriots.
Knowing he couldn't lose this opportunity become. Edhil ran through the forest in search. Every moment that passes his exhaustion grew, a result of calling upon his soul to perform such a task.
Suddenly from above came an enormous tree. Dirt still stuck to its roots, a sigh of its recent uprooting.
With effort, Edhil evaded, but not sharing in Such luck another of the vahilla vanguards fell. His body hit by the tree, he was sent tumbling out of Edhils illuminated range.
From the darkness, his screams were heard for a moment.
" Damn cowards! Honorless as always!" Edhil spat at the darkness.
---
Now alone and fighting for dear life against the two vampire lords Edhil's manic battle cries echoed through the dense forest.
All those that had accompanied him were felled to tricks and schemes.
But through his skill and wit, he holds his own against his two assailants.
Like a cornered animal Edhil retaliated ferociously taking Aren's right arm. Like a banshee, he screams in pain as he momentarily retreats. But unfortunately in his moment of distraction Adeka drove her sharp elongated claws into his armour, impaling his stomach.
"Guh" a pained groan escapes his mouth. Through force of will, he effectively retaliated knocking her back.
With his heart racing and a manic howl, Edhil swings his sword in an arc. Cutting down a circular patch of trees.
Together they tumbled down, shaking the forest beneath.
Darting from shade to shade. Adeka along with Aren Frantically evading heavy trees on land and sky destroying the section of the canopy above, allowing the light of the sun to shine in. Firecly shunning the approaching light. Horrified the two dared not come into contact with the light of the sun.
Seasons the opportunity Edhil chased after the panicked Aren.
With great speed he arrived before Aren, blocking his path of escape to the shadows. Being Forced into the light, Aren' s pale skin began Boiling, exploding pustules cracked his skin, at the moment of contact with the light of the sun all moisture in his body boiled to vapour. His kindling bones crackled under the sporadic flames appearing across his body.
Like a burnt corps he crawls to the shadows. Yet before he could reach salvation, Edhil with his shining sword impaled the severely weakened Aren to the ground.
Edhil could not help but smile as the familiar scent of burning bloody charcoal tickles his nose. Yet before he could taste victory an enormous tree was thrown his direction.
Reflexively he withdrew the sword from Aren's pitiful figure without wasting a moment he cut the incoming tree in half. Unluckily another towering tree was sent flying from behind, which sent him flying in pain with a now injured back and ruptured internal organs. Vibrant blood spills from his mouth, his body yet to reach the ground.
Using the opportunity Aren finally crawled out of the light. Within moments of his escape of the sun Aren's body began to heal itself. From torn ligaments to his atrophied muscles he regenerated his body and flesh.
Without a word he sprung up from the ground to give chase after Edhil.
Seeing this, Edhil grew indignant. His body tumbled on the ground, sliding into the darkness. Awaiting him Adeka with a menacing glair struck him in the chest. Her sharp nails picturing his heart.
" NOO" with a defiant howl, Edhil rejected his demise. Shunning death's embrace he ignites his body of light. Further exhausting his soul.
Swiftly Adeka retreated deeper into the forest. The scent of bloody charcoal lingers.
Standing up Edhil held his sword tight. Every beat of his heart making his body tremble, his thought parched. His eyes dry and bloodshot.
Suddenly from his left came Aren, hocking up a plume of dust and dirt he surprised Edhil. Managing to momentarily block his light. Aren seized the chance to kick him further into the dark forest.
Like a bullet he body rocket back into the dark forest where Adeka waited in ambush.
Feeling the threat of death, Edhil planted his sword into the ground slowly stopping his momentum.
Suddenly the atmosphere began to change, the cold night became even colder, inaudible whispers sounded in the stillness. From Edhil's breath burst forth turquoise coloured mist. With a word all sound ceased." Sanctuary." His spirit command, swaying the nearby trees.
Still, trees became active with the colour of turquoise glowing bright from large trunks. Jettisoning from the earth, guarding Edhil and futilely attacking the Approaching Aren and the hidden Adeka.
Focusing on Aren, Edhin charged forth to assault him. The clashing of swords sounded through the forest accompanied by Speratic flashes of light. On Aren's occasionally illuminated face Edhil saw fatigue and struggle.
Sensing weakness Edhil's attacks grew fiercer. Rattling Aren and shaking his every step. Unable to retreat, unable to advance Aren stood his ground. Parring all of Edhil's strikes. But he proved inferior to Edhil in the way of the blade. Severed horizontally at the wast Aren split from his lower half. Falling to the ground he yelled pain. But before long Edhil stabbed his sword into his skull injecting bright light into it. But before he could withdraw his sword from Aren's now ashen corpse a tree came flying at him. Unable to evade he receives the full force of the flying tree, once again sending him tumbling in the darkness.
Disoriented he tries to regain his standing but Adeka didn't give him the chance, swiftly and ruthlessly she assaulted him at close range, trading deadly blows about their exhausted bodies.
As the battle dragged on Edhil's inferior agility began to assure his defeat. Not allowing himself to lose the upper hand he resolved to escape. And so calling upon what remains of his strength he repelled Adeka then scaled the towering trees with great speed. Managing to outrun Adeka and elite from the thick forest canopy. Feeling the light of the sun he relaxed his power, taking a breather, he quickly tried to devise a plan of action. But at that moment a robust beast of misty darkness burst forth from the canopy, ruthlessly attacking while shading him from the light of the sun.
Realizing the deadly ploy he attempted to speedily retreat. But yet again Adeka gave no such chance attacking him while shrouded by the dense dark mist.
Once again he is assaulted by two. One a beast of night and shadow, the other a sanguine bloodsucker.
In his moment of parallel, he released a burst of tremendous power through his sword. Shining brighter than before, surpassing that of the sun, a thin beam of light extended from his sword to Adeka's side disintegrating much of her gut, liver, and lungs.
But to his demise, the final surprise came when from Adeka's gored wounds flowed her blood to her left hand.
In his ears echoed the sound of shuffling glass as those it was trying to reforge itself. In his eyes, he saw the blood of Adeka morph into a curved dagger.
Even to him, it looked beautiful, the blood-red dagger ladened with intricate carvings. It's visage glistened red in the expanding mist. From the moment the dagger formed it plunged into Edhil's chest, bursting a fist-sized hole.
Fatally wounded, Edhil plummeted from the sky. Crashing through the trees canopy on the way down.
In a loud thump and a plume of dirt, Edhil fell to the ground. His dying body lay still in the light shining through from the path while falling.
In his fading vision, he admired the light, but even that was ripped from him as the black mist covered the hole. Hearing a muffled thump in the distance he knew his slayer had come.
Looking down at him, her ruby red eyes glowed in the darkness. Her pale skin rapidly regenerated itself of all blemish. Her once tattered stomach and entrails now visibly healing. The vampire lord stared down at him. A fanged smile blossomed on her face. Calmly she said" you're a worthy pride. Thalas's guardian Edhil the venerated, Dead in an abhorrent forest far from Eln!...I must say I'm excited, really excited, lustful even… oh, that young elder daughter of yours." She says no further leaving Edhil do die in silence as she stared into his eyes.
Before long Adeka withdrew her gaze from the decaying corpse of Edhil. From the ground roots wriggled into the skin, running themselves throughout his body. Soo his corpse metastasized with the roots and soil, finally becoming part of the ground.