Thread: Against the Dark Ones (Emperor_Nero and I)

Two weeks. That was how long ago Princess Teysa had left her host behind at the edge of the southern forest with four others. Sir Balthalin, Sir Ferwall, and the guides, Jormund , a mercenary from the south marches and Tajic, a Finshan Army scout. Sir Ferwall had fallen in three days into the hike when they came about a bunch of berries that Jormund had said were editable. Little know, they were, unless you ate an entire bush of them. Over the next few days Sir Ferwall became ill with every passing hour it seemed. Finally the Princess told him to head back since he was slowing the already slow going march into the thickly vegetated forest. The man refused only for a half second before turning around and taking the mounts with him. It had been decided going on foot at that point was going to be safer. After the old knight had turned back only a short while later screams and nickers were heard. Upon following the trail back all that could be found was a horse, or what was left of one, and a bloody chest plate shredded opened. Needless to say, the party became increasingly uncomfortable after that. It was shortly after that event that it became very apparent to the remaining trekkers that Jormund, the so called guide, was really just a master of the tongue who knew nothing about where they were. The crude maps were nothing of any importance, and the man simply explained it was due to the forest changing month to month. As the hours turning into days Jormund would go off on rants about the King, who he did not wear the colors of for 'concealment', was mad for thinking any of the original elves lived. When the crass man continued his rampages, that showed he had become comfortable around the princess, Sir Balthalin took it upon himself to shut the man up by hitting him. Still, the grumbles reached the young Princess' ears but it had to be endured for now. She in her hear questioned her father's words of the elves still being alive but would never speak on them to those she did not trust. Tajic was young but ever faithful and always putting himself first wanting to protect the Princess even from the larger than necessary bugs that walked by. One morning they woke to find Jormund missing along with a good ration of food. Tajic, the ever eager, was able to find his trail and the remaining party had come about his corpse. Rather, what was left of it. The cause was easy enough to determine as there was an arrow through the mans chest, but already the large ants that roamed the under brush had stripped most of his flesh away. It was a gruesome sight that finally sent Sir Balthalin over the edge. The middle aged man was known for his service to the crown, as was his entire linage before him as far as could be remembered, and had been there all of Princess Teysa's life. She was like niece to him. Granted, a very capable niece, but one none the less. Once the three moved away from the freshly rotting corpse Balthalin grabbed Teysa by her slender shoulders and looked her dead in the eyes. If she did not know him as well as she did the man would look crazed. His beard had grown now over the few weeks that seemed like months right now covering his somewhat weak chin he had. The peppering hair on his head was long and tangled and dirt covered his features. Really, the look was more becoming of him but Teysa knew better than to look amused since his eyes were worried. He muttered something about turning back but the young woman just waved him off and continued forward knowing the other two would follow. The morning after they had found their guides body left for the forest to consume the trio came upon a ledge and heard some horns sounding off. Not thinking anything of it Teysa shot forward to the edge of the ledge falling to her stomach and shimmying so she could look over easily enough. Her grey eyes grew wide as her two male companions joined her. Down below there was a massive gathering of the Drow. All the dark skinned elves gathering together and getting into a somewhat formation. It was odd how the 'dark ones' as Teysa had heard the King call them, seemed to take more after the human way of war. Conquer and suck everything dry. After watching for a moment or two she signaled for Balthalin and Tajic to come away from the ledge. Feeling they were an ample distance away the young woman sighed brushing her black matted hair out of her face. They are heading towards the host. Sir Balthalin you must go back and warn them. The massive amount of Drow are heading right for the pitch flats. We cannot have our cover blown until I find the elves. We need them to be able to travel through this damned jungle. I cannot leave you out here looking for a race that has thought to be extinct for almost twenty years! The man shook his head looking as if there was no arguing with him. I'll protect the princess! It has to be easier than trying to save over five thousand men, only a man of your stature could do such a task Sir, Tajic spoke up. He was only a young man of fifteen but his chest puffed more than men double his age. The sandy blonde hair gave him a boyish look but the young man had proven himself to be worthy of any task placed before him. Go. Every second you waste is one that they are closer. Move them north three days off the path. I will come find you once I have the elves with me. Then we will be able to meet with my father to the east and cut this force in half. Send a message letting him know the Drow are closer than expected. Go! Teysa hissed out at the man. He looked troubled but there was nothing he could do, he answered to the young princess. The only one she answered to was the King, but she had earned her respect over the years leading many men to many victories. Balthalin nodded his head and spun on his heal making his way back through the forest with her orders. Nodding to Tajic the group was now down to two as they headed out. The next day the pair covered much more ground but they both missed the sun. Above the canopy completely blocked it out as the trees soared above. They knew when it was day from the humidity level and the creatures being more active above in the branches. There had still been no sign of any elves, but still the Princess trudged on with Tajic, who was now following her like a lost puppy. At first the young man had not known her status but it had only taken him a day to put it all together and start fawning over her. It was cute, annoying, but cute. Tajic's eyes almost popped out of his skull when Teysa stripped off the leather armor, the small amount of metal armor she wore she had stripped off only a few days in and carried in a bag tied to her waist, wearing nothing more but cotton breeches and a tight under shirt. She was melting in the leather and knew she was getting dehydrated. If they spent a few more days she might not make it out alive. Are you sure there are elves? Tajic asked as they walked slowly through what seemed a mini forest of saplings that were as tall as him, the lanky boy stood a good six feet tall where the princess was a short five foot three inches. Even for her smaller frame she had filled out nicely as the soaked white cotton under clothes showed. Thank the Gods for the linen band around her breast, otherwise she feared her companion would be three legged. Yes Tajic, my father says so, and he was alive when they still were known to be. There's something he is not telling me for sure. I'm to look for the Prince of Leaves. He is supposed to be the leader of what is left of them. Supposedly he and the King have an agreement that will make them help us. I have a feeling though that we should have been helping them these past few decades. Who knows what kind of thoughts they will have towards us. Be silent once we find them please, Teysa stated then stopped in her tracks. When she had been speaking the forest had been loud, but now it was silent. That was never a good sign. Carefully she pulled out the short broad sword that hung on her right hip with her left hand wrapping her fingers around the hilt. Out of habit her stance widened as her eyes searched along with her ears. Tajic did not need any further words, soon as the woman had pulled her sword out his bow and arrow were drawn and pulled taunt. Back to back the two stood and a low cat like growl was heard. In a flash two large black panthers were in view, where they had come from was unknown to the two clumsy humans, with Drow riding them crude swords in hands. Immediately Tajic fired and caught one Drow between the eyes making it drop off its mount, which charged but the young man took off giving the natural hunter a good chase. The other Drow looked at her then went to fish out something from the side she could not see. Moments later it became apparent that it was another horn the dark elf was reaching for. Not a chance, Said the Princess as the Drow was bringing the horn up to its lips. There was a flash of steel and a cracking sound heard only a half moment later. The arc of the swing cracked the horn in half along with the flesh and bone of the Drow cutting the being from shoulder to shoulder. The loudest cracking sound however was the blade lodging itself in the tree. The dying elf let out a gurgling laugh which made black blood flow from the corner of its mouth followed by another rumbling growl. Teysa looked over her shoulder as she tried to pry the steel loose of the tree, but it was stuck. The mount of the dying Drow lowered its body and head ready to pounce its eyes narrowed and muscles coiling. This was it. Teysa turned to face her death like a proud warrior she was waiting for the killing blow she would not be able to block.