Thread: Another Life {Cheshire Smirk & Blinkk}

Think of what this man has done... For a moment the man's sculpted arms reached out for his discarded weapons. Had they truly forgotten the time of Five Brothers? Had the children of those who had betrayed and warred for the Land of Plenty absolved themselves of those ancestral sins? A rage darker than winter's coldest of nights and hotter than the fires of the underworld itself burned in the warrior's eyes as he looked at the priest. The urge to strike the fool down where he stood was overwhelming. However, now was not the time for such things. His Shieldmaiden was dying. The woman who had seen him through death and fire for the last twenty years was fading swiftly from this world. Anything he could do to prevent, or at the very least ease her passing was a debt that was owed tenfold. The salmon does not begrudge the bear. But I suppose here in the Land of Plenty your kind pay no heed to the Old Ways. It's easier to bury the past and push forward with piety, isn't it? The words were spoken in an emotionless tone. When Lea moved to Mjarrla's side the warrior gave an appreciative nod and followed her instructions. Basic triage was something every Baarskor was taught from a young age. Suturing, tinctures and the basics of the healing craft were a necessity to survive in the frigid North. These wounds however were beyond the skill of any healer. Mjarrla shook her blonde head and gave another bloody cough. Slowly she tried to sit up before collapsing against the floor. Stone resolve faded to sorrow as Mjarrla realized that her body was refusing to respond to even the most basic commands. This was the end and her time to make peace was running shorter by the second. In a solemn voice Mjarrla spoke, doing her best to make every word clear. She would go to the Golden Halls with honor and dignity. She would die with pride knowing she had died a Maiden's death. V...Va...llios. I have...fulfilled...My vows...Th...The G...golden...Ha...Halls. I...see them. I...will...waiting...for you. Every syllable was racked with coughing and spluttering, each sound weaker than the last. The warrior known as Vallios pushed Lea out of the way with a determined hand. It was obvious Mjarrla was too deep into the abyss to be retrieved. Both arms wrapped around Mjarrla's torso and he pulled her close, supporting her jaw with a loving hand. Silently he waited as Mjarrla finished her last words. In a voice choked and crestfallen Vallios responded, cradling Mjarrla's lifeless body. Time seemed to stand still as he stared down at a body that had been filled with a vibrant spirit just a sunrise ago. It was hard to believe he'd never hear Mjarrla's laughter again, would never see her dance again, would never fight by her side again...Was this the end? A horrible, sickening emptiness spread through Vallios as he tried to speak. Heartfelt words felt hollow and distant on his lips as he spoke them, something in the back of his mind screaming in protest and disbelief at what had just transpired. And we shall hunt in the meadows and feast along with the departed when I arrive. Hold the gates and I shall meet you... For several moments Vallios continued to hold Mjarrla, clutching her close as he sat and stared silently at her face. Slowly he reached up with two fingers and slid her eyelids closed before allowing her head to rest in his lap. A dull buzzing filled the warrior's ears, it seemed as if his entire body had gone numb. The thuds of boot upon stone brought Vallios sharply back to reality. He had made an oath in front of the dying, those words had to be kept. Hide...All of you except the Priestess. My people will not believe an empty temple. One devout soul will satisfy their suspicions.