Thread: The Fall of the Elves - Sebastian & Thy Beloved

INTRODUCTION The Most Serene Republic of Zatlassan has stood for centuries as flame of elven culture in the darkness of a savage and cruel world. Ruled by a democratically elected High Council, it had weather several invasion attempts from hordes of orcs and goblins. Yet its fall would come at the hands of what they considered their less uncivilized allies the humans. The nearby Kingdom of Isgramor had grew from a tiny city-state to a sprawling kingdom in less than a century. The common elven opinion was the the humans would soon turn on each other and anyway they would never dare to attack the might of the elven republic. About a year ago they were proved wrong. A strong new king quelled any internal dissent, modernized the army and marched on the sacred soil of the elven nation. After a few initial victories the human army got bogged down in a costly attrition war. The tide seemed to be turning and the elven army, confident that the humans were now weak and tired, engaged the invading army in a pitched battle. In elven annals it would be recorded as the Battle of Unnumbered Tears. Through a combination of iron discipline, superior experience and good leadership the humans annihilated their opponents. After that, the great elven cities fell one by one. Only two remain under elven control and one is under siege and the other is discussing the terms of surrender. The city of Athwen was among the last to fall. Once it was a great fluvial port, renown for its spiced wines and precious silk, now it has been reduced to a ghost of its past glory. The humans rule of the city with an iron fist, especially after the elvish resistance murdered a human patrol. With the humans controlling the city and its resources, the price of basic necessities has gone through the roof. Food and medicines are now precious commodities. A HARSH NEW REALITY Ashilanna was wondering aimlessly through the city. In her youth she was considered a true elven beauty, tall, willowy with golden hair and deep blue eyes. Nowadays her beauty was not gone, just hidden beneath the scars that the cruelties of life had inflicted her. Her sweet beloved husband has died at the Battle of Unnumbered Tears leaving her with three children to raise. Then the humans came and they took her family's house and vineyards. Left with no income she tried to find some kind of employment, but the city was full refugees desperate for work. So she sold her jewelry and anything they didn't need. The money lasted for a while but it was never going to last. That morning she left the small cottage she shared with her father and her children looking for some food to put on the table. It had been two days since she last ate and she was now weak and desperate. With her head full of gloomy thoughts she passed a ruined house when a weird smell hit her senses. She stopped and filled her lungs with the scent. Freshly baked elven bread. She had no doubt about it, even if she hadn't encountered it in what seemed ages ago, she could never forget such a heavenly aroma. Without thinking she followed the fragrant trail, she had no clear idea of what to do once she found its source. She just knew she had to find it. Then she would think of something. Maybe she would beg, maybe she would steal, at this point she was ready to do anything for a still warm loaf of bread. She didn't have to search for long. At the end of the road, there was a gate in a high wall and through the gate was slowly passing a wagon full of bread. She watched as it disappeared, with its mouth-watering cargo, in some building behind the gate. A bitter disappointment struck her it was the human garrison. Her disappointment turned into a river pure hot hate. First they killed her husband and now they feasted as her children were starving to death. She clenched her fist. Oh, how she wished them dead! How she fantasized about mowing them down like weeds. But she was weak and alone and her youngest son, Ilrion, was ill. Rage was simply a luxury she could no longer afford. Reluctantly she let go of her fantasies of vengeance and moved on. As she turned, an idea wormed its way into her mind. There were rumors going around of some girls who got some gifts from the humans in exchange for company. She tried to fight the idea, she was the daughter of a true elven family. Asking the humans was beneath her. A voice in her conscience asked if she was ready to let her children suffer in order to preserve her elven dignity. Her family counted on her and she just could not let them down. She resigned herself. After all maybe the humans would take pity on her. Maybe they wouldn't ask too much of her. With a dreadful sensation in her bones, she turned toward the guards at the gate, head hung low. Alt, who are you and what do you want? Demanded one of the guards pointing a spear toward her in a lazy gesture. From up close she found the humans even more repulsive than she remembered. Stocky, rough and smelly, they looked like beasts to her. Arrogant, cruel beasts at that. But her family needed her. So she cast her eyes down, swallowed her pride and pushed the words out of her mouth. Sorry to disturb you, I have three hungry children. Could you please let me have some of that bread that you took in? Just one loaf would be enough. I - she hesitated - I could work ... The knot that she felt in her stomach stirred, threatening to break her voice with emotion, but she forced herself to add in a whisper I could keep you company . The guards relaxed and smirked at each other. It wasn't the first time that happened and they knew how to handle the situation. The first guard circled around her like a wolf circling his prey. She realized that he was checking her out. She wasn't exactly looking her best, clad as she was in a simple and worn blue dress, but beneath the grime and fatigue she was a still attractive elven mother. Yes, I think we could work something out ... but before letting you in I have to search for hidden weapons Ha said with a lusty smile. It was too late to go back now. So she simply nodded and held her breath. When his hands touched her body she closed her eyes. Only her husband had ever touched her this way. As he groped her with impunity she focused on the faces of her children. When he was done, she opened her eyes again. Satisfied, the guard turned to his colleague. I think we should send her to the Commander. She's his type. What do you think? The other guard was visibily disappointed. What?! We found her, we get to keep her, that's the rule! Why send her to the Commander? He's got plenty of elf-bitches! The other human sighed audibly. See Eric, this why I tell you that you have no vision. Sure, we could employ her services right here and now. But, if we give her to the Commander and she makes him happy, the Commander will make us happy. You understand now? His comrade smiled broadly. Ah! I see! Good idea Tom! Addressing the nervous elf with a more professional tone he added This way darling, I'm sure the Commander will be pleased to see you Ashilanna felt she was making a terrible mistake, but it was this or watching her children die. So she said nothing and followed the human.