Topic: War Council

Hera Fyre

Date: 2014-07-01 23:21 EST
The battle may be done, but the war is never over.

That is one thing that those in Rhydin have learned over time.

Hera had done many things, and had even sat upon a battle council before when the alliance was faced with it before but this one was different.

She had watched as her son and the other children were led away by Radella, Audrey, Kraven, Maewen, Max , Lori ,Georg, Vae and Kahn. They vowed to protect all the children. But as part of what ever Shea knew, no one knew just where the children were going save for those going with them. Radella would alone return to help with the battle, the others would stay with the children and keep them safe.

Hera had watched Shea send her daughter and grandchildren off. She had watched Jade weep as her girls followed Vanya off with the other trailing children, Each child had clothing with them but they wouldn?t honestly need any thing. With the ability of magic to get them anything they wanted.

Now Hera sat beside a stoic Jade and looked up the long round table at Shea, Salice and Shavyn. The one thing that was noticeably different was the fact that the men were no where to be seen. The women of the alliance sat at the table, the only ones missing those who had gone with the children.

Hera sat hands folded before her watching the sisters GreenStone talk. The room was hushed, the looming threat of the unknown hung over them all. They had all heard the warning, they had all been in a sense debriefed.
Battles were never easy. War was not something to be taken lightly. But she had never seen Shea so tense about anything. Even when they all faced off against the Cutlass brothers, angels and dragons Shea had been nothing but confident. Now she looked worried.

The D word had been spoken. That this battle, this war would end with death. Hera looked up and down the table. True they weren?t all battle hardened. Some had only seen a few battles and never a war. But many of them had seen war. She knew none of those there would go lightly.
Shea turned to address the group. Hera looked over the elf. Shea was a short thing. Five foot Five maybe. Her hair was dark blue with many streaks of silver through it. Her eyes were eerie, pure silver with no sign of black iris.

She wore what Hera considered basic battle wear, but the mage now even bore a sword that she had not carried in some time. In fact everyone woman there carried a weapon, something physical, more than magic or mere power. Even she was armed tot he hilt as if the battle could begin at any moment.

Was that not why they sent the children away? Battle was close, you could nearly taste it.

Shea spoke. She gave them no pretty words. She spoke to them like a general would. Yet Shea was hardly what most would see as a general. But As Hera watched her she knew that was just what the mage was. She was the leader of this rag tag group. She was the one here with all the power. No matter who sat there at the table, no matter their age or back ground it was Shea they all would follow. And it was the mage who was the most willing to give up her life.

When Shea was done and the war talk was done for the moment Hera rose and nodded to Jade they were going to train Cadaria. The fallen angel had skill but she would need more. Shea stopped her mid stride.

"I am going to see Issy this day, as soon as I hear from Radella about the children. You did tell her I was coming yes?"
Hera nodded. "Yep. Jade and I are going to head out with Cadaria. Of those here she is the one who need a bit more training."
Shea nodded. "Go then, be careful. The men should return by dusk with news of the reinforcements."

Hera double nodded to that and left the room. Hera Fyre had seen battle and war. Blood shed and death were nothing new to her. But still she felt a chill creep up her arm as she walked out behind Jade and Cadaria. Perhaps even the well worn battle ready fighters could need to beef up their skills for what ever or who ever was coming.


Breath of War

Hera Fyre

Date: 2014-07-02 12:34 EST
There was something about training that made Hera think of old times. Maybe it was that she had been through all these paces before. Or maybe it was knowing what battle and war could bring.

Now as she sat in the shade of the forest after running Cadaria through every pace and every training method both she and Jade could think of Hera sat alone eyes closed.

She had left ashes in her wake. She had both seen and dealt death. And now there was another war coming. Shea had asked her a simple question. Has she given Issy the pendant. The answer was yes. Hera had found the will and way to do just that.

Thinking back to that night Hera opened her eyes. She had stated that Shea had wanted Issy to have it. But in in all truth Hera had wanted it too. To reach out to that one old ally Hera could always count upon.

Looking across the open glen now she watched Jade and Cadaria sparing still even as the day lingered on. the fallen angel was ready. As ready as any of them could be. Hera had watched as mounted men and women came towards the woods and disappeared within. The rules of the kingdoms of Edhel Ndor, Crendia, and Sim'Tahl. They had been gathered and spoken to but now they all came led on by the silent drums of war.

Issy had taken the pendant of alliance with out question. It would become a beacon.

Made of elven silver , a tree with a dragon on the left and right and four gems among the trees branches. One for each realm of the alliance. "A token. " She held out the pendant. Hera had laid down just what it did. It opened up the allied realms. But also it would give Shea something to pull from.

Hera leaned back upon the tree she sat under. Her son was away, and safe. Her allies were readying for battle and all she knew was that death was coming. She had long ago vowed to die on her feet, to die sword in hand. She had always figured that death would come in Rhydin. Now she was not so sure.

"She's as ready as she can be." Jade spoke looking down to Hera. "The allies are coming." Jade looked over her shoulder towards the Dark Enchanted Woods. "Salice will begin speaking to them."

"Shea?s gone to Rhydin." Hera felt the pulse there at her neck.

Jade nodded. "The mage is very busy."

"She's hiding something."

Again the lupine nodded as she shifted in to the shade. "Shea does what she feels is best."

Hera chuckled at that. "She's reached out to old allies. And its not to throw a party this time."

Jade lowered her self to sit beside the fire elf. "She's not the only one who keeps secrets." Jade nodded towards Hera's bare left hand.

"Its a choice we all made. When we vowed to fight and die not only for this realm but for Rhydin." Jade leaned back in to the shade. "Shea is reaching out to the sisters for more than their skills or loyalty. You and I both know that."

Hera nodded. "The daughters of the alliance will have powerful allies."

Jade smirked. ?I always figured I would die fighting some amazing battle in Rhydin.?

Hera looked over at the lupine. ?What ever is coming it wont be our end Jade. You and I both know the ways of war.?

Jade nodded. ?Yes we do, but we also are fond of throwing our selves in to the fire, for others.?

Hera smirked. ?If it comes tot hat, then we will all burn together.?

?That is the way of the alliance.?

Hera Fyre

Date: 2014-08-01 17:11 EST
Turning she looked to Shea. Thought he mage was inches shorter that Hera herself. The firechild felt as if the mage had grown a full ten feet. "Its time isn't it?"

Shea looked off towards the castle and nodded. "There is something I must tell both you and Jade. You wont recall it after the battle. But I feel it is only right to tell you."

Hera leaned on the near by tree and crossed her arms over her chest.

" I have sensed death in this battle, but I do not think it will be a normal death. When I took Victor to the Sacred Tree he saw all that I have seen. I sent the children away to keep them safe. And I have sent the men we all love away to Nosgoth. Those who did not already go with the children to protect them. At the end of this battle none who are here save the very powerful in Edhel Ndor will recall Nosgoth. Nor the Alliance. Memories of love and history's will fade. We will not forget our children, but it is the men we love that we are all destine to loose. "

"All of us?" Hera asked calmly.

"For the few men who went with the children to protect them, their memories may fade. I can not see it for them. For those I sent away." Meaning Dark, Victor, Lang for the most part, for many of the others had returned for the battle. "They will forget, it will not go all at once, they will not forget their children. But Nosgoth will be cut off from us. It is a breaking of magic. "

"Victor went willingly?"

"No, nor did any of the others. It was not easy for any of them. In the end it may come that magic rips those of Nosgoth away. That would mean all of them, every last one."

"You said we wont recall this after the battle?"

"Those of great power will. And though you are of great power Hera Fyre. Your memoires of Lang will be washed away. You will recall your son, and a love you had. But he will have no face, no form. And even if you see him again in Rhydin, he will not know you, nor you him. At the end of the battle, it will feel as if they have died a honored death, and be washed from minds. "

"But you'll know."

"I will. Radella, Willow and Anarya. None else. For all else there will be mourning. It is a burden we must all bare."

"Why tell me this if I am going to forget?"

"You have an hour, to gather anything you may need from Nosgoth and say goodbye. After that The portal to Nosgoth will close, perhaps forever."

Hera nodded. She had most of her things with her, she had taken them to GreenStone days ago. But she would go she knew to say goodbye. She pushed off the tree. "Does Lang know?"

"Yes, I have spoken to all the men whom we love who may be taken from us. Even to those who may not."

Hera nodded once more and headed off to the closest portal.

Hera Fyre

Date: 2014-08-19 21:51 EST
"There!" Sira's bow fired off, quick and fast as lightning. Hera looked and saw the fog roll in over everyone.

"Atara!" Aiden's voice cried out and Hera saw him fade in to the fog as well.

"Be ready!" She's voice called out. Hera drew Alfirin from her back and saw it begin to glow. Though she could see none of her allies she knew they were there.

"Hera." A voice, deep and rich and filled with the past. Turning Hera looked in to the eyes of Byron Druconis her former guild master and head of the Haloisi Akh'Velahr stood before her, as he had years ago long before she had killed him and his fellows.

"Byron." Hera moved in to her defense stance ready now to face his ghost and what ever else or whom ever else he might have brought with him.

Hera Fyre

Date: 2014-08-26 21:50 EST
The Haloisi Akh'Velahr were not to be trifled with. They were assassins of the finest order. Yet Hera Fyre had been the ruin of them all. They had sought their own destruction, the moment they crossed her.

She recalled the day fully still. The day the woman she now was was born. She had not been born to blood and war. But had been forged as much as the twin blades she carried. There were few better at it than she had become.

She wasn?t arrogant, or fool hearty. She knew the risks of war. She smirked now at Bryon. She was not the same woman who had killed him so long ago. That woman was strong, this one before him now was forged through fires of hell, twice as strong.

There were somethings a warrior like Hera could never forget, or forgive. What Byron had done would damn him to hell for all time as far as she was considered. Alfirin was a solid reminder in her hands of what and who she was fighting for.

Not only her trusted allies here. But for herself, and for those allies she had sought so long ago.

Though she knew the specter before her was real, as real as he had been all those years ago. She knew she could defeat him. It would bot happen as it had before. For they stood on green grass and not within the confines of the old Manor house. She had been young then. So young.

But the names of those who she had killed for The assassins would always remain with her. If they had been worthy of their deaths, or if it had always been a joke, some sick joke. Hera Fyre would never know. She could live with it.

She had made death her art and in the end. Divine vengeance was hers.

Partenia Harosi,Merrick Ridgley,Carica Rhiamon,Mya Sorin,Dagnar Sirllie,Vana Herie,Kunne Lirie, Jathrn Loremoren,Lady 'Krsha and Andaiti had all died by her hand. One by one she had taken them all down. The might house had fallen and Bryon had been the last one to fall.

It made perfect sense to her. He embodied everything she hated. And everything she fought not to be. Hera would never forget the day she stood there in that burning manor. Set upon killing the man who had taken everything from her. But he had also given her the training that would end him.

Hera had never been one to believe in destiny. That was until she met a certain wind mage. She did believe in honor and justice. He had spoken to her then, but the wraith before he wasted no words. He went right in banishing a weapon that too had burned.
So she stepped in to combat.

Hera Fyre

Date: 2014-09-13 21:57 EST
What is an assassin? But someone who kills. One death, then another, then another. The blood washes over the blade, the hands, the soul. It changes one. No matter if that death is justified.

An assassin is never truly done. No matter how removed from that life they have become. If there is one never to cross it is the assassin. The next is the warrior. crossing someone who is both. You will be lucky to leave with your life.

Byron Druconis, had never been that lucky. Hera looked at him now, the form the spector of war had taken on. Hunched over already bleeding. She was no longer the same woman she had been all those years ago when she had walked in to his formal office while the guild house burned behind her. She was stronger now than she had ever been.

Alfirin had cut a burning line in his flesh. Meneluin had scored him along the back of his leg. He had tried and failed to use that gun on her once more. Now it lay a melted pile of molten metal in the green grass.
Bryon was hunched over , coughing up blood from a well placed kick across his jaw. When he looked up at her and started to rise he held another weapon.

A dagger. He had never been the best at hand to hand combat. But as he rose she saw his form and face shift, to take on that of another fallen member of the once mighty band of assassins. Carica Rhiamon, master of all things you could throw as a weapon. Daggers had been her favored thing. She looked as she had, short cropped green hair, eyes like daggers themselves.

I had killed her with a poison dart, and done it with flare. The memory was not one I minded having. That dagger flew, a lesser warrior might have been caught by it but not Hera Fyre.

Hera Fyre

Date: 2014-09-24 18:13 EST
Hera knelt on the grass. She spat blood from her mouth and looked up to the fog that surroudned her.

She had never guessed she would see so many old ghosts. Perhpas it had been a long time coming. Rising slowly to her feet. She knew she was alone.

At last alone. No ghosts or spectors came through the fog. Theghosts of the past were gone. She had fought them and survived. Taking a deep breath Hera felt a moment of peace.

Her body was bloody, but wounds would heal. Around her the fog stayed, yet she could hear the sounds of battle. The clash of blades, the call to magic. Hera stood there alone, and swore for a moment hse heard Jade scream. "You have done well, Hera Fyre daughter of great Haloisi ." Hera turned,looking for the voice.

"Be at ease." There standing in the fog, was a woman. She was dressed in gray robes. "I mean you no harm." Hera looked to her, she was slight of stature. Her skin was tan. Whenthe hood of the cloak she wore was dropped Hera was shocked. She had heard much of the woman known as Cala. But had never seen her, nor met her.

"Your Cala." The woman nodded. "You are wise. Yes, I am Cala." There was a scream, then the sound of magic, that pieced the fog. "The battle wages on, for the others, yet be at ease. Not many will fall. And those that do, shall be remembered for all time."

"We were told you were gone. Why don't you stop this?"

"I can not. It is the realms destiny. " "Destiny is cruel." "Yes, sometimes. But at the end of all this one and all shall come to see it was for the better. Take my hand, I will allow you to see what only Shea has fully seen."

Hera took a step forward and with out a seond tought touched her palm to Cala's. Hera felt the utter power that ebbed through the woman. She saw flashes of the battle, of her cloestest friends and allies. Of those who had already fallen. Then of the grim future that would await them all should this battle never have come.

She stood with Jade at her side. The lupine stood in her half human half wolf form.Beside them stood Aiden and Sira. Before them a mass of graves. All with names she knew. They were battled forged, and blood soaked. Yet some how Hera knew, they were all that was left. Turning in the vision she saw GreenStone Castle bathed in darkness and fire.

When Hera opened her eyes again she was kneeling before Cala. "This is what must happen, Shea saw that end as you did. All lost, few to remain. The kingdom gone. It is less you all will loose now."

"My memories." Hera let out a low sob. "It will be up to Shea, as to what you recall. But know this, even if you recall everything, nothing will change. Nosgoth will be gone, stripped from the alliance, and though you may see those you knew in Rhydin. They will never know you, even if you know them. Your destiny lies with another Hera Fyre. " Cala took a step back. " Rest now, you will need your strength in the days to come."

Hera stayed there kneeling in the grass, the fog wavored and Cala was gone. Then there was a call through the fog. "Atara!" That was Aiden's voice.

Hera Fyre

Date: 2014-09-29 19:51 EST
Hera Fyre had seen much in battle and war.

Hell Hera Fyre had caused much in battle and war.

But it had been a long time sense she felt helpless.

Standing there on the edge of the fog as it drifted away looking in at the slight wind mage. Shea floating there in mid air. Shea was bloody, beaten, starring off in to the beyond with a gaze of pure silver that even made Hera shiver. It was just too eerie.

"Shea!" Hera beat her fists upon the magical barrier that kept her from rushing to the mages side. A moment ago, Hera had felt such deep pain but now, there was this peace. This utter peace even as she starred at the broken wind mage.

There was no more pain. No more wonder if that lover, friend, or ally had fallen in battle, only sure known peace that all was well. Attention turned again to the fallen warriors.

Attention turned to Shea. The elements that wiped about her.


As the others came to stand there at that barrier. Hera could see their wounds, but they seemed to pay them no heed. Salice cried for her sister, Aiden shouted. Jade had come limping up and stood there looking utterly defeated, her eyes showing much more despair than Hera could have thought possible from the lupine.

No matter how they shouted Shea did not hear them, nor seem to even see them. No matter how they pounded on the barrier it did not give way.

The elements that had been dancing there forged each in to its own sword, made of that element. One each for wind, water, earth and fire. Each of the four elemental swords floated around Shea. Another was forged then of the spirit of the realm. Two more then forged one made of pure darkness, one of pure light. They floated there, each pulsing with pure power. Seven elemental swords conjured by the magic of the realm.

Then one by one each sword fused together. The first four of the elements, wind,water,eart and fire and spirit became one great sword. The last two of darkenss and light fused together, then became one with the great sword forged of the elements. Now the one great sword floated before the mage.

"What in the hell?" Hera looked to Jade who leaned heavily on to her left leg. Then to the horrified Aiden and Salice who stood there watching. They could do nothing.

Hera looked back unable to tear her eyes away from Shea. Then it happened.

That sword forged of the elements spun up and dove in to Shea's breast.

"NO!" Aiden pounded on the barrier and he was not alone. Hera beat her fire born fist to it. Jade raked her claws across it. Little droplets of water danced down the invisible shield as Salice threw all her magic at it, yet still it did not waver.

The others had gathered and pounded on it with everything they had, yet it did not break. "Atara!" Aiden cried. He beat on the barrier, his hand bloody.

"Shea!" Hera cried out and noted that Jade joined her in the call.

"Seler!" Salice voice was joined by Shavyn's. But none of them could do anything. They stood helpless on the outside of tha barrier that held them at bay.

Hera Fyre

Date: 2014-09-30 18:52 EST
Hera knelt looking down at the figure who lay in the grass.

Blood soaked,battle worn. So small. Hera had never judged Shea by her height, as most could and often did. The elfess was short and slight, and thus most would look upon her as see a fragile thing.

Hera had seen beyond it all. Ever before she trusted the elf with her life. Now kneeling there while others begged for Shea's life to be saved. Hera thought the elf looked very small indeed.

Radella stood looking older than Hera had ever seen her look. Aiden wept in the grass. Salice and Shay's tears ran freely. Beside her Hera saw Jade give her a glance.

The had both known war and battle for a long time. Both had seen so much bloodshed. This was the cost of battle.

"I can not." Radella said with a solemn look. "Radella, she will die." Salice pleaded as well, tears streaked the queen's face.

"It is her destiny to die. Shea knew the costs." The elder looked upon Shea. "She knew far more than she told any of you. She had foreseen great death in this battle."

"Its true. Cala came to me." Hera stated, her mouth felt dry and gritty, she tasted blood upon the tip of her tongue.

"She came to me as well." Jade muttered softly. Hera spared a glance to the lupine. Then looked back to the fallen Shea.

"We need to take her to the counsel house to the healing room. I will tend to her wounds." That was all the wise woman could offer.

There was a few slow nods and Jade, Aiden, and Hera lifted the fallen mage off the bloody ground and walked with her between them.

As Hera backed out of the healing room, she felt the pain of the loss.

Shea's loss. Hera shook her head and slowly let down her hair. How much loss could they all bare? Shea had died before, and been brought back. Yet this time it seemed very different. Magic was powerful, but perhaps not that powerful.

As the fire elf stepped outside she saw Jade standing against a tree. The rest of the alliance was there..Hera blinked. Someone was missing. She lifted her hand to the pendant at her neck. The feeling flashed away as soon as it came. Salice stood with Shay. Aiden with his arms tightly around Mila.

They waited. Hera walked slowly over to Jade. " What did she say to you?"

Jade looked over to Hera. Even in battle worn mode the fire elf was still lovely and fierce to behold. "She sent in a messenger first. Elear."

Hera leaned softly beside the lupine. The name didn?t ring any bells with her.

"He was an ally of mine, long ago, and long dead. She was there then. I thought at first it was Shea. Yet then I saw her fully. I could barely get off the ground." She looked now to her bound leg. "She said that she was not there to hurt me, she told me the battle for me was done. She gave me a choice.."Jade rubbed the side of her head. "I don't remember what it was.." She shook her head, there was something missing. " Then suddenly it was like she was gone. I heard Aiden's cry and then I saw Shea."

Hera nodded softly. " I thought it was Shea too, when Cala came to me. That same essence of power. She told me I had done well. To be at ease. She spoke of the realms but.." Hera ran her hand through her hair. "There?s something missing..some part of what she said that I cant recall."

Jade nodded. "Powerful magic's."

"She came and went so quickly. I felt a moment of peace. Then I saw Shea."

Jade sighed. "We both have seen enough war to know that Shea may never come back. Even with all her power, what happened out there." She lowered her eyes to the ground. "It was like nothing I have ever seen or felt."

Hera agreed a bit silently. Looking back towards the counsel house she could only hope and pray.