Thread: The Chaotic Throne

PRELUDE 'History is the most severe teacher of stubborn lessons oft repeated. Humans seem to need enemies like the air they breathe. If they can find no likely adversaries, they will begin to agitate those around them. Ever since I learned of the disaster at Giran Castle, the words of my only teacher follow me, taunting with his perverse sense of wisdom Since humans are made of the refuse of the gods, they are naturally dirty...' - Student of Hardin and Writer of Dasparion, Hindemith, Order of the Empire, 1640 I remember the soft summer breeze that was gently ruffling leaves of the Mother Tree, the cool water in my shoes and the stunning sunrise reflecting in the lake that I've never seen anywhere else but here, at the land of elves. Night was slowly placing it's big hand over the earth that's been damaged by many wars, allowing fields, forests and ancient ruins to rest in peace. Catching a brief smile of my master, I smiled back. We both knew that it's the end. I proudly squeezed my first staff in my hand, and took my first step, leaving the Shadow of the Mother Tree, finally entering the sacred Elven Village no longer as a child, but as a mage who's name will soon be known all over Aden and Elmore, who will bring nothing but fame to my race, that's been forced to hide and isolate from outer world for many hundred years. Though our long absence was forced by other races, we, elves, held no grudge over anyone. Except for the Dark Elves, who once were our brothers, but at the times of despair have chosen a wrong path to follow. Even if document announcing peace between us was signed,the old wounds are healing slowly, and once given a reason, each side could start it over again. Sometimes I can't help but wonder if it's their fault, that at those terrible times when Gods seemed to forsake us they snapped and worshiped the God of Death, or ours, for being so heartless towards our own kind who's lost faith. Or maybe those are orcs to blame? For putting us in that situation, when we had no one to rely on. It can be human kind as well, who have abandoned us after we've taught them magic and fighting skills, expecting to receive some help in war. But instead they have taken away land that's belonged to us, and by using our knowledge got over the continent. And sometimes I just feel like blaming dwarves for being ignorant to anything that's going on and supporting side that was stronger. But times had changed, and as the chaos was slowly taking control At least in our nightmares, that's been repeating every night, we had to unite and forget the past. For our own good, for good of our children and upcoming generations. The Mother Tree was dying, and probably that was the only reason why we, elves, accepted to cooperate with the rest of the world. It was strange, and even frightening to leave forests, that's been our whole world. The outer world seemed to be cold, scary, senseless and full of dangers. But soon we've got used to that, and nowadays it's normal for elven to work at Mithril mines at dwarf land, or teach at Einhovant's school of magic at the Talking Island, the land which was taken away from us by humans. Back then young and naive, already caught into vortex of possibilities that's been opened for us after removing magic barrier that kept us away from others, I didn't find it any thrilling to stay and dull at the locations of my village, when there was a chance to go somewhere else. I heard a lot that the Talking Island lately was the most popular place for amateur adventurers as myself, and just couldn't miss my chance to travel there! Sadly, I didn't earn any gold from hunting yet, so I couldn't use service of gatekeeper, but who cares! I felt strong as never before, even though armors covering my body were made from the thin and cheap leather. Nothing could have stopped me, and nothing could have killed the desire to explore! I didn't wait for the night to end, or for my shoes to dry. Just visited the head of Eva's temple for a farewell and my friend Andelia, who wasn't pleased with me leaving. You will come back, right? She finally whispered, after yelling at me for being a complete traitor for leaving her here alone. Even in the dark I could see her blue eyes staring at me worried. Of course. I said simply. Coming back soon wasn't part of my plan. Not before I find a way how to cure Mother Tree. Andelia awarded me by a tight hug, and my own arms went around her too. We stood like this for a couple of minutes, and I could feel her shaking, her shoulders twitching from time to time. I was hardly keeping my tears too, but the thought of myself being a professional mage who needed a bit of training... didn't allow me to snap. I let off her, and waving headed to the eastern entrance of the village. In a moonlight I've began my long trip from the middle of continent to the very corner of it. For inexperienced adventurer as myself, who's never stepped out of the land which belongs to elves, every step might be deadly. Soon I passed a tiny waterfall with it's protector - old treant, that was hardly moving. My heartbeat got a bit faster - I've never got any further than this. The forest laying after this was a bit darker, had more secrets that haven't been discovered in centuries, and was home of the way more dangerous creations that goblins and wolves I've been hunting before. I'm happy I was born elf and had those pointy ears, since they've allowed me to hear things better than other races - and it had saved me for several times, so I was just safely avoiding enemies. When I finally got out of the forest, after getting lost few times, it was a sunset already. I believe it was the moment when I realized how stupid I was for going to such a long trip without having a good rest... I've crossed the bridge, leaving ever green forests, lakes of pure water, gentle whispers of the wind and stunning sunsets that I've never seen anywhere else, stepping into neutral zone. All day long I was following the sandy path in between of giant hills, where I haven't met anything or anyone alive. When I've reached the Town of Gludio, it was night again, and I could no longer stand on my ground.Not to mention I was thirsty. I haven't taken any water or food supplies with myself, as I didn't expect it to take so long. But I was lucky enough to see that Gludio had a giant market place and even at this hour was still busy. Seeing some elf, I walked to him. Excuse me, sir, do you have any water? I'm thirsty.. The stranger didn't answer me,he just looked at me as if I was a slug, and walked away. It happened with some other people, and only one of them told me there's a veil next to gatekeeper, downstairs from the church. I headed there, as I felt as if I'm dying already, when I've tripped... I felt my body falling on the ground, but I didn't feel any pain... Everything went dark, and I just gave up, letting that darkness to suck me in. Is she okay? Yes, she doesn't seem to have any serious injuries. Just looks quite pale... Poor little fella... She looks to be one of those naive newbies who think they can handle traveling big distances once they finished training. Bring me some water. Water...My eyelids twitched slightly, and I woke up. Some human mage was staring at me concerned, and in a moment human fighter hurried to us with a bucket full of water. I only managed to weakly mutter Wa...Ter.. The warrior helped me to sit up, and mage held bucket for me. No longer caring if it's embarrassing or not, I pushed my whole head into the bucket. Enjoying the feeling of water caressing my cheeks I got out, and began drinking it hungrily, till whole bucket was gone. People who helped me out were a bit of surprised and still worried, but once my face began receiving it's normal color, mage spoke to me. You don't seem to belong to this location. How come you're here? I'm traveling to Gludin. His eyes met warrior's, and I could tell they weren't too impressed. Didn't you know it's a dangerous trip? Finally asked the warrior, keeping me still, though I was able to keep balance myself. Yes. Why didn't you use teleport instead? I have no money. With a sigh, mage took out a pouch, and gave it to me. Is two thousands of adena enough? I widened my eyes, and nodded shyly. With this amount of money I could even buy new gear! Y-yes.. Thank you, sir. I got up and bowed to him. Thank you, as well. I bowed to the warrior too. Is there anything I could do for you? Yes, there is something.. Mage smiled at me, and pointed at gatekeeper. Go to Gludin and find a place to sleep. Only then continue your journey. Once again I thanked my saviors. They haven't introduced themselves to me, neither did I. But I never forgot the kindness they showed towards me. In less than minute, thanks to the gatekeeper, I was at the Gludin village. Since I had no money to spend, I went to the church, and slept there on the ground. The same nightmares got me that night, just like any other night. But even in my sleep I knew, that there's a big adventure awaiting for me, and those bad dreams were no longer scaring me.