Thread: The General and the Warrior Princess (Starlet and Vladimir)

The kingdom of Nevrath was a peaceful kingdom. There were not wars, no rumors of wars, no arguments, but an orderly way to resolve all differences. It was a kingdom that had existed for thousands of years and secluded itself from outside influences or prejudices that often surfaced from non fae folk. It was ruled by the royal family of Nevrath that were one of the people, but even more. For long ago a gift had been given to the bravest of their kind, passed on by a great fae wizard that possessed powers never known by the fae before. This wizard put a mark on the elven Zandros arm, who was then risen to the title of King of Nevrath and every child from that day forward would be born with the mark on their forearm and all the gifts that came with it. For 1500 years Zandros children ruled the lands and kept peace from all outsiders with the use of this magic. Never had anyone been able to break into their boundaries, and the people never spoke of their royal family, least someone tried to harm them and leave the people vulnerable. As the kingdom grew, the lands were divided into 10 provinces, each having a ruler to oversee their people and report any problems to the royal family. But it was rare indeed for such an event to happen. They preferred to trade with other fae, and only had contact with the outside world when their merchants, who occasionally traded with the non fae, would return with extraordinary stories that were told around large campfires for all to hear. But the news that was now being told to the people was of wars and an army so fierce that none were able to defeat them. One name above all others was whispered into the night sky when such talk would begin. The name of Argath. The last time the merchants told of such stories, was when they came home with the news that their beloved kingdom was next to be attacked. Even though no harm had come to the people in thousands of years, this new threat seemed to weigh heavy upon them. So it was declared that every province leader was to travel to the palace to meet with the royal family in council to decide what they would do with this coming threat. It took a month for everyone to arrive. Never had the royal kingdom seen such a spectacle. People would line the streets to watch the leaders arrive with their entourage with awe and respect. Everyone knew that what was decided in the next few days could change their entire way of life. So all efforts were made to make their stay as comfortable as possible. Once all had arrived, they were lead to the castle where King Zelphar, his Queen and his only child, Vanya, sat within the council room waiting for the leaders to arrive. They did not have long to wait, as the large doors opened and the leaders, with their wives, mille into the room. Each nodded respectfully to the royal family as they passed to their seats. There was no sound except for the shuffling of feet, the swish of long robes and the scrapping of chairs as they found their places around the table. Once they were finished, and silence filled the halls once more, the King slowly rose and announced. It is with a sad heart we meet today. But I want you to know, that never has an enemy entered this realm, and my family will not allow a battle to bleed within our boundaries. This I promise you. In over a thousand years, we have not been required to use our terrible powers, but do not fear, for we are ready to keep the peace by any means possible. We have not forgotten the vow of our forefather and it will live on within our children forever more. Slowly King Zalphar sat back down, glancing quickly towards his wife and daughter before turning back to the leaders and nodded, signally they now had the floor. Vanya chest swelled with pride for her father. Never had she seen him so filled with love for his people as he displayed today. But then, they had never been threatened before. Vanya was still a young maiden by elven standards. She was blonde with crystal blue eyes inset into white alabaster skin. Her lips appeared the color of a rose against the whiteness of her flesh. One day she would be ruler, but that day would be far into the future. Her thoughts were filled with the moment and her admiration of her father. The details of war bored her and she knew that it would never touch her for her parents would make sure nothing happened to their world. But her attention was suddenly backed in the room when she heard a word, one word that she had caught within the whispers of their servants. The name of Argath the terrible. Often she had wondered about this feared man of war. Even fantasizing what he must look like with his fierce eyes, and dragon breath of fire. Suddenly, her thoughts were interrupted once more as her father stood up. Had so much time truly passed while she day dreamed? King Zalphar rose once more, raising his hands as he said with a tone of sadness in his voice. So you have chosen the way of war, as you have a right to. Perhaps we have lived in peace so long, that this generation has forgotten all that goes with it. He paused as he remembered the stories he heard as a boy. Then so be it. Collect your armies, gather your weapons, meet them at Hells Mountain. Our blessings will go with you. Vanya couldnt believe her ears, were the people beginning to lose faith in the family? How could her father agree to this? She did not know, but suddenly her father and mother were hand in hand and quietly leaving the room with her a few feet behind them. As they left the room, Vanya could hear the swishing, scrapping and shuffling once more as the people made their leave. It was another three months before the warriors of Nevrath gathered at the mouth of Hell Mountain. The young and old were lined up to fight for their beloved kingdom. Many told themselves that they owed it to the royal family, others just wanted to kill and maim anyone that dared to think they were superior enough to take them. Egos were running high, with little common sense of the reality of the situation. Too many leaders, not enough training, and just bold ignorance of battle were their handicaps, but they didnt realize that battles outside their village had changed throughout the years. So there they stood their swords and shields held high, as Argath the Terrible finally arrived. The vastness of his army causes the elven warrior to fall into dead silence. Never had they seen such a horrendous sight. So quiet was it, they heard the loud voice of a strong, ferocious voice call out for them to reveal their Princess. A mumble grew among the ranks, why would he want their Princess? What were they to do, what were they to say? Since none of the leaders wanted to follow the lead of the other, there was no one to speak for them. So one leader took it upon himself to yell, Our Princess is safe within the castle of Nevrath, along with her parents, we will protect them to the death!! A roar rose from the crowds of Elves, such a small roar in comparison to the soldiers in front of them.