Ganondorf Rebellion part 5 Is this what you wanted? (history of Hyrule)

After the death of Lord Oronox, many of the Lords on the west of the river declared their allegiance to the Crimson Prince. Those on the East where his brother had poisoned them they would not commit to him. He had asked Tatyana and Tyros to bring the Lords to heel but his brother's forces held the river's edge. It was time for a more forceful message.

Edict from The Crimson Prince to all Lords failing to exhibit the virtue of Loyalty:

Thus saith the Lord:

Since you refuse to support your Prince
All through the land of Hyrule...

I send a pestilence and plague
Into your house, into your bed
Into your streams, into your streets
Into your drink, into your bread
Upon your cattle, on your sheep
Upon your oxen in your field
Into your dreams, into your sleep
Until you break, until you yield
I send the swarm, I send the horde
Thus saith the Lord.

The Grand Druid who Tyros has gifted immortality was quickly put to work. He called upon the skills of his old life. The lord's whose loyalty was even slightly hinted at disloyalty had their lifestock sick and die cursed and plagued. Their water turned to poison and their forest shrivel and die.

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Ganondorf held the parchment with the Crimson's Prince edict. His brother, lovely and virtuous brother was threatening his people to bring them to obey. She had corrupted him beyond saving. Ganondorf called out into the night striken by sorrow and tormented. He longed only to return to how things were but knew if could never happen.
"Once I called you brother
Once I thought the chance
to make you laugh
Was all I ever wanted..." He just wanted his brother back.

"My Lord?" Mervic asked. Ganondorf replied, "Light the arrows. You can't let those ships reach the shore. They come from the Crimson City with out doubt full of wolf beasts and cold killers. we must sink the ships before they reach the shore. Mervic we must sink them." Merivic replied as he bagan to cast, "I send the thunder from the sky, I send the fire raining down."

With the lightning and fire rained from the sky propelled by Mervic's proficient casting. Lord Ganondorf nodded at the rangers assembled on the shoreline. Praying to virtue that only the monsters were on those ships and no elf."

They loosed their burning arrows into the line of ships. The fire spread quickly among the ceder planks of the ship and linen ropes and sails. Screams filled the night competing with the crackling of the burning wood to fill the night air. Screaming of beasts and immortal both rang through the night.

As Ganondorf stood on the shore he could see at the edge of his elven vision the coast of the Crimson city convinced it was his brother standing on the edge looking back he said to him through the flames that scattered the darkness of night,

"And even now I wish that Virtue
would demand another
Serving as your foe on it's behalf
Is the last thing that I wanted..."

The ships sank and the invasion failed. The shore was held. The rangers had done their duty, now the remaining druids prayed to combine their strength and fill the river with creatures of pure elemental make. Creatures of solid water to isolate the Crimson forces to the island. The Virtue of Nobility required him to fight for those too weak to defend themselves. If she was making use of force to scare and torture the people he would stand between them. He never wanted it to go so far.

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The Grand Druid stood before the Tree Ents of the west forest. The ents spoke first, "Thank you for coming," They said in the slow long dragging tounge of the Ents, "You are different Druid, an unnatural force is sweeping through our forests, and even the leaders of Hyrule burn our young trees. The same unnatural touch that rests on you. We had hoped you could be relied on to but an end to the slaughter of our friends and restore harmony to the forest."

His response was quick, "Do you serve the Lady Tatyana Black Velvet and the Crimson Prince with out question."

Stunned the Tree Ents stood unmoving and unresponding. They thought long before they spoke, "We are not on their side, they are not on our side. It is her that kills the Nymphs and he who burns the forest, they must stop or we will stand against them."

He began to cast and twist nature under his dark power,
"I send a hail of burning ice
On ev'ry field, on ev'ry tree" Burning ice fell from the sky for as far as the elven eye could see. It burned, and froze and died.

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Lord Ganondorf walked with his daughter through the halls of what had become the capital of Green Hyrule. All of Hyrule that remained green did so because they held strong to virtue from the south of the lightning desert to the east edge of the great river to the sea shore. The druid order had started over as a smaller order, the rangers fought to hold the border and had done so now for years. It was a fortunate accident when Nicodemus learned silver harmed both the wolf beasts and the cold ones.

"Tell me about the Crimson City again father." She said. "It was a city build dedicated to virtue with spires built of crystal one for each virtue building a perfect unity and powerful city." He responded trying to hide the sadness from his daughter.
"Though I'm afraid its not like that anymore."

"Why father?"

"We've talked about this princess. When people replace virtue with pride the people suffer. Hyrule was more than great. Now . . . go your tutor is waiting." She nodded and turned doing as her father asked. He paced the halls no longer knowing what to do next. Nobility required he be determined and consistent, he had to stay committed. Despite his commitment he could not find anyway to break the stalemate. He had motivated the and even compelled the people to defend themselves but still could not come to terms with using the golemns. Even if he wanted to there was no realistic way to get to them.
This was my home

He thought about his last day in the Crimson City. Towers of crystal that touched the sky. The tower of Beauty with cascading waterfalls and draping ivy housed the theaters, music halls and galleries of paintings that touched his soul. Tears began to fall from his eyes as he looked towards the Crimson City. Nicodemues' last scouting report said that it was crawling with walking dead creatures and elves ran and hid as they were hunted by an ever increasing number of cold ones who lived by drinking the blood of elves. They were running out of elves to eat and turning on each other. Monsters created devoid of virtue of course could not build a beautiful society.
Looking to the distance and seeing the Crimson Prince in his mind he wept,

"All this pain and devastation

How it tortures me inside
All the innocent who suffer
From your stubbornness and pride..."

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"If the Forest falls their spirit will break. Can you kill it from here?" Lord Tyros said in an even forceful tone. The souless who use to be a druid said, "No my connection with the forest and nature has grown strained. Take me there and I can do it."

Tyros grabbed his arm and lept into the air both turning into smoke and mist than bats. They soared through the night air crossing over the green hills and over the great river. Lord Tyros left him on the gentle slopes of the south green hills. He knew them because he knew all of of Hyrule. As the Grand Druid he knew every blade of grass and every rock, everywind that caressed the trees spoke to him. Now it was time to destroy it all, so was the will of Tyros and the Will of the Lady Velvet. He began to chant:

"I send the locusts on a wind

Such as the world has never seen
On ev'ry leaf, on ev'ry stalk
Until there's nothing left of green"

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Tyros reported to the Crimson Prince. "It is done my Prince I was able to place him across the river. This should give us the opening I need for the remainder of my pack to break their lines. I will have Ganondorf's head by month end.

The Crimson Prince looked like stone. Tyros had seen this look before. He had seen it in all of her lovers, he had seen in in himself. He was totally hers now, as was Tyros. The Crimson Prince nodded, "I send my scourge, I send my sword
Thus saith the Crimson Lord!" Tyros took no insult at the druid being called his scourge or Tyros being called his sword. He laughed inside because he knew that the Crimson Prince was only an extension of her. A weapon in her never ending war. It was only a matter of time before she was bored, they never lasted much past this point it was not to him to find somewhere else for them to go, someone else for her to love.

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Mervic left the cave. It was set up now, Gallendriel would be safe so long as Ganondorf did not know about it. Mervic knew what Ganondorf was only starting to realize -- saving Hyrule was not possible. Too much damage had been done, the kingdom was too far the infection had grown too deep. The focus now how to change to rebuilding Hyrule and to do that an Heir, Gallendriel had to be safe. Ganondorf would become the greatest weapon the weapon Hyrule needed, Mervic's plan was a risky one but it was the only option he saw. One as virtuous as Mandrake Ganondorf could never think of this plan nor execute it until their was no other choice.

His thoughts were distracted as he heard a loud buzz that drown out all other sound. Pouring down the hill was an avalanche of blackness bubbling and twisting on itself -- locust. As the dark cloud rolled over him he responded by fanning his fingers and arcing a huge fan of flames incinerating the swarm in front of him. Where are they coming from?

He spun a spell and lept into the air taking flight to find the source of the scourge. He found it just before dawn. A man in druid robes kneeled on the ground shaking. The rocks that use to be covered in moss that surrounded him where now bare and brown. Mervic acted quickly, he could not let the cave fall into Tatyana's hands. He waved his hand and reversed the gravity below the cursed souless corruption. He fell upwards rapidly and turned to mist scattering.

Mervic countered by weaving a whirlwind containing the mist and forcing it to condense. Lifting his hand the corruption caused one of the locust to expand and rapidly grow. The insect lept to Mervic causing him to divert his attention. A fireball quickly consumed the summoned beast but it gave the corruption time to strike Mervic from behind. Mervic felt pain pulse through his body popping blood vessels throughout his body ripping tears through his flesh all through his body. But what came after the pain was worse. Like all joy and life was being just sucked out of him. Their was only coldness. Shuttering Mervic fell to the ground nearly unable to move. The corruption leaned over him licking his lips like some hungry cat. "The blood of a mage must taste so sweet." It hissed. Cold The thought crossed his mind and gave him teh idea born of desperation. Ice shards shot up through the ground and drew the water in the air around them together freezing solid. The Crystals surround the corruption and seemed to lock him in place. Mervic crawled on his stomach away from the wall of ice. He pulled out his spell book frantically looking for something anything else to cast. But spells he use to know he could no longer remember spells he use to cast no longer made sense. What had happenned to me?

The ice wall began to crack then shatter in an explosion. Mervic could not believe it the strength required to break ice that thick could not be an elf. The corruption lept up in the air and charged like a starving animal. It dove for him just as the sun tore into the sky on the east horizon. Its raise filled the sky to blue and illuminated the landscape. Most amazingly when it touched the corruption it burst into flames. Ash and screams were all that was left. The remaining mass was charred and burning as Mervic stood. Can't be saved has to be rebuilt, Hyrule will find a new day.

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Ganondorf listened as Mervic related the tale of his battle. The damage down to the nature of the area was severe but not unfixable. Why was he attacking the forest? He meant to ruin all of Hyrule, why? His home would be destroyed and for what?

On his balcony looking out over what was left of Hyrule he wept again,

"You who I called brother

Why must you call down another blow?

Let your princess go
Thus demands virtue"

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"They held the southern line from us sir, we just need more men. Those who fight for us only do so out of fear, we can't hold battle lines. When men get close to the border they desert and defect. He is winning the hearts of the people with his lies. We need more men more loyal men or eventually it will all crumble." Arithos reported to Tatyana as the Crimson Prince listened. The Crimson Prince seemed to stand with a broken heart. Arithos and Tatyana continued talking, they seemed to do that often as he more and more lost heart in this war, he wondered if their conversations ever grew into more. Rumors did reach his ears that she had spread her love to others in his court, but so long as she shared it with him he would be content. Love was the greatest of all virtues, why should it not be shared?

LOVE. There were many shapes to love. He had loved his brother. He looked out over the Crimson City and to the East where he was somewhere leading this rebellion against virtue.

"You who I called brother

How could you have come to hate me so?"

He looked at the Crimson city which had become a ruined shell of itself. The towers empty and cold. Trash and debris littered the street. The war had taken such a toll he needed more and more cold ones as soldiers, though they could only travel one night before the sun would vanquish them. The druid grove was destroyed and the forest was dieing, he asked his brother again, "Is this what you wanted?"

Tatyana glided up to him touching his arm. Her cool touch felt good and inviting. All he ever wanted.

"Maybe this is my fault. Hyrule is in ruins and it was I who,

I send the swarm, I send the horde."

"NO!" Tatyana insisted with fervor. Like refuting that fact was the core point of her existence. "You are the Crimson Prince. You are more holy and have more virtue than all of Hyrule. He started this war by ignoring your virtue. Its nobility that demands we be consistent. You can not give what is mine, you love me right. He caused this the virtue of Nobility claims accountability to who caused the tragedy. You must stand my righteous valiant prince."

He felt there was wisdom in her words. He only wanted her love, but it was a blessing that virtue backed her stance. He responded,
"Then let my heart be hardened
And never mind how high the cost may grow
This will still be so:
I will never let my princess go..." Pausing to look into her eyes that for the first time he ever remembered seeing doubt and fear in her eyes, He softly spoke to reassure her,
"Thus saith the Lord."

With tears she said with attempted commitment, "We can still make this work, its not too late."

Looking out his window the Crimson Prince said
I will not...

Ganondorft said
Let your princess go

Rebellion of Ganondorf part 4 (hyrule history)

Nicodemus came back almost entirely unnoticed until he was directly on top of Lord Ganondorf's small camp. "It is bad. They have the gate well guarded, we'd be hardpressed to get in unnoticed, and their orders are direct to stop and arrest you my Lord. In the city .... their are rumors and reports from the Crimson City. The reports are believed and they say you are jealous of your brothers power and forsaken virtue in an attempt to take the kingdom by force."

Sitting Galendriel on the ground Ganondorf stood and paced. He filled the long silence with his thoughts. If the people believe I would conquer for selfishness they will not love me. With out love there is no loyalty, I will saved the kingdom only to have someone else defeat me who is trying to defend virtue. If I reach the golemns and take the Crimson city by force it will make them right. I must let virtue win. I am in the right, am I? Then I must trust the vritue of Wisdom. The people will use their wisdom to see the quest of virtue. Wisdom depends on truth. "I will go to ... and tell them the truth. Mervic, the letters you wrote send them we need to convince the people before we act with any force. Virtue has always ruled in Hyrule I realize my mistake now. The golemns should never have been made, its the love of the people we should be after not the strength of the stone army."

"Yes my Lord." Mervic responded and began weaving his spells to send his letters to all the cities in Hyrule. Nicodemus just shrugged and had that look like he was being forced to do something he did not want to but, as a credit to his virtue of loyalty he agreed.

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"So you see my Lord's the Virtuous Lovely, wise, noble, beautiful, and temperate Crimson Prince has been confused and corrupted by the Lady Tatyana Bloodrayne. I have no desire for the Kingdom, it is rightfully his if his virtue can be restored. It is her that must be targetted not the Prince or the throne. She weaves a deep and dark spell over him it is my love for him that drives these actions it is my nobility that asks me to fight for he who can no longer fight for himself. Please this is the Truth and their is wisdom in it." Ganondorf finished his case and stood in chains trusting in the virtue of truth to win his case.

Lord Titus was known for his virtues of wisdom and nobility. He swept his silver hair back from his ears and reviewed Ganondorft with wise green eyes. "I have too heard of this lady as soft and lovely as Velvet. Such beauty is rarely seen and once seen is often told of when it is seen. The virtues teach us the Beauty is the result of virtue, it also teaches us that beauty comes in many shapes. I have heard more than of her beauty, she slays nymphs to drink their blood, creates creatures from elves who can no longer see the sun with out bursting into flame. What being of virtues creates creatures that must hide in darkness? We stand with you my Lord. With or with out the Crimson Cape your virtue of Love has earned my Loyalty."

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"I do not believe what I am hearing." The Crimson Prince failed to veil contempt and anger from his voice. "You are asking for me to step down?"

"It is not you my Lord," Oronox spoke. He was attractive as these elves all were. His slender features left him somewhere between man and woman with long yellow hair falling below his waste. The leaves decorating his hair would have earned him a ridicule if not death for a man in the human places she had been. She felt no need for silly definitions and boundaries the humans placed, if it was beautiful it was beautiful. The elves were not only more beautiful than the humans, it was the detail of the beauty that amazed her. Elves had keener senses than humans and therefore could sense and detect slighter imperfections and more subtle nuances in art, rather it be music or painting, she quite enjoyed this place for that. .. "HER!" Oronox finished pointing to Tatyana. She was astounded having lost herself in the prettiness of his features she has stopped listening to what was being said. She now paid very close attention.

"Lord Ganondorf makes no charge against you and makes no claim on the thrown. But he does state the obvious, having the virtue of bravery beyond any of us. He says the ruin of you and the ruin of Hyrule is in her. Let her stand trial and be punished for the crimes she has committed."

Who was he? They were placing judgement on her. They were telling him she did not deserve to be loved. He would see their wisdom and cast her out. She would be alone forsaken and shunned just like what happened with Dereck. She calmed herself the Crimson Prince loved her, and he was more virteous than any of them. If he loved her she was worthy of love regardless of what she had done, regardless of what she was. She was confident she held the Crimson Prince in her hands, at least the most important part, she thought almost giggling to herself, but the others would pay they should love her she deserved it.

"I am the Crimson Prince I have spoken. I stand in judgement of virtue as is my holy and sacred right. I find her actions motived by the virtue of Beauty and the virtue of my love for her finds her innocent and virteous."

"Just because you say a thing does not make it true!"

Silence filled the hall. Tatyana could feel Hyrule crack under the weight of those words. The morality of the leader was always considered absolute and his words truth and wisdom. Now, over her, that was coming to an end. Hyrule would no longer stand. SHe did not desire the destrution of Hyrule but she did not care. She wanted him, if Hyrule burn to the ground and he loved her than that was enough.

"The virtue of Temperance suggests I head your words. How many of you think this way?"

4 of the 12 lords raised their hands, the others had their eyes on her, specifically her bosom. The spell Arithos wove was making her stronger. She stood silent but nodded to Tyros it would be dealt with.

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Lord Oronox ascended into his carriage drawn by two white horses. Speaking to one of his clerks, "We stand with Lord Ganondorf so long as she is in the Crimson City it is not safe and the virtue of Hyrule is comprimised. Her influence is spreading at an alarming rate, I find myself enchanted with her and doubting the validity of my points. Only more evidence something dark and supernatural is occuring something that must be stopped." The carriage took off with a lurch. The horses seems to run erradically pulled then tipping the carriage.

Oronox was dizzy having bumped his head when the carriage overturned. "Driver" he called out. The response came, "I'm sorry my lord, one of the rangers wolves spooked the horses I'll. . ." a growl and then silence.

"Driver?" silence "Driver?" silence. Silence. The door of the carriage was ripped off flying into the air. Behind it came a think black cloud and rain. Rain that was thick and sticky dripped from white specs in the black cloud. Then he noticed it was not a cloud at all. It was a beast, a cross between man and wolf a true manimal if fear had not gripped his senses still he would have admired the balance between elf and animal this spoke of. The thought only began to cross his mind as the drool coverred teeth lept for him and then --- silence.

Ganondorf Rebellion part 3 (History of Hyrule)

"We believe he's headed to the druid's isle, My Lord." The scout reported.

He adjusted his cape a reminder of to everyone in the throne room of its color and what that meant. He was the Crimson Prince and he needed HIS people not to lose heart just because the enemy they now fought was his brother. "The Druid's Isle is sacred, he disgraces it by going uninvited. We will not do the same." The Prince made his decision.

"But my Lord please reconsider the impact of your decision. He has stolen the staff of kings, the ruling staff and fled the city in the night. He can only of done that if he plans to take the kingdom from you, and even if he fails such an attempt will divide Hyrule is ways that are unrepairable. He has stolen and thus comprimised Nobility, he has violated the Druid grove violating temperance, he means to rob you of the Kingdom in clear violation of loyalty and showing no Love for you my Prince. He will bring war to Hyrule and ruin to the virtues. If it is temperance that keeps us out of the Druid's grove then even Temperance itself aims for balance. Which action causes a greater loss to the balance, arresting the traitor in the grove or not going into the grove?" Said one of the advisors.

The Crimson Prince paced the floor. She could tell by looking at him that he was losing his nerve. That the real reason for this conflict could come to light, and make her life much more complicated. All because Ganondorf thought she did not deserve to be loved, she would not stand such an insult. The Crimson Prince loved her and he was the best of them all. If he loved her than she was worth loving. She simply could not let this conflict with his selfrightous overbearing martyr of a brother ruin their love. It was the greatest of all the Virtues she barely silenced a laugh before it left her lips. She had to firm her standing. "My Prince if I may speak, the more time that is lost while he hides from us, the more he could rally to his cause. Even underserving of it, the staff could force others including the druids to love him, not for his virtue but inspite of it. Those who are loved should earn that love. You should go not into the Druid Grove to defile it but to save it, save it from him. Do not confuse who is our enemy."

"My Lady speaks true words of Wisdom. What of your protector Lord Tyros he nearly succeeded in arresting them before can he go?"

"No the Druid grove is warded somehow he can not enter. Nor can the other's I sent. Perhaps if that ward were to come down, my men could be of assistance."

The advisor spoke up, "I think that sending golemns into the serenity of nature is not wise. It should be living people that go. And the Velvet Lady has the largest non-golemn fighting force there is. What ward prevents enterance?"

Tatyana responded, "My Lord, Arithos. is already working on a way to allow my men enterance. Allow him the time to do that."

The Crimson Prince nodded, "I do this but with much saddness. It is his evil that forces this upon us. The rest of you send messages and runners explain what has happenned. We must convince as many of our citizens as possible where virtue stands on this topic, they will with out a doubt be confused we must act as a standard from them, its what they expect from their leaders and what Love and Nobility demand."

The Lords left and Tatyana wrapped her arm around the Prince's and said, "Thank You." THank you for chosing me above all else, perhaps I am worth something? She would thank the advisor for making the case as she told him to later. He would be thanked very well.

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Gallendriel played chasing butterflies just to the south while Ganondorf spoke to the Grand Druid. "Since you've come here we have refused to listen to your case, chosing instead to remain neutral in your conflict as we always have, as the sun rises on the just and unjust, as the Rain fails and the virtous and wicked so are we too neutral. If you had come for council then we would offer it as we always have, but you have not, you have asked for our support and protection already decided your course of action. The time has come for you to leave, we have heard in the wind that your staying here much longer will bring ruin to this grove. That can not be allowed. This grove is more immortal than Hyrule, it is as immortal as the river and the mountains Hyrule is built on. It must out last this conflict as it outlasted all previous."

Ganondorf tried not to think ill of the Druids, their wisdom and temperance were examples to him, and to see their grove was to witness the spectacular virtue of Beauty. Though at times he felt the entirely lacked the virtue of Love. Still temperance demanded their words be heeded. "Very well Grand Druid. Mervic has finished scribing the manuscripts we should leave to tell the people and work in our own way to resolve this conflict. But allow me to once more tell you what is happening, She has in her the power to destroy all the virtues and Hyrule with it. She replaces Love with Lust, Wisdom for expediency, Nobility for Selfessnes, Beauty for Vanity, and Temperance for greed. And she is making the greatest of us, The Crimson Prince the same as her. It will only be a matter of time before she comes here too."

"All things come in seasons even virtue. Your decision has been made there is nothing more we can offer you."

Ganondorf nodded and motioned to Nicodemues and Mervic it was time to go. Picking up Gallendrial in his arms he embraced her. They made for the floating bridge it seemed the golemns were his only choice. Not too far south there was a gate that could take him high into the mountains close to the valley the golemns were stored in. He would head there.

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The ships stopped just off the coast of the Druid's isle. The river was not very deep but neither were the boats so they could come right to the shoreline. They waited there until sunset. Tyros stood on the deck of the ships watching the sun go down. As it touched the horizon he patiently walked along the deck of the ship and placed a key into the locks of all the collars and unlatched them. The beasts could serve well when properly controlled but were too dangerous to let them walk around with out some degree of control. He had spent most of his life hating and hunting the beasts. After centuries of doing so he realized while their incredible strength and drive made them horrible enemies it also made them useful servents. Like any animal they could be domesticated, even bred and improved -- the filth.

Breading, training and using them kept him valueable to Tatyana. It was shocking to think that for the longest time he was hunting her and trying to kill her. That was before he met her. Just upong seeing her he knew she was not the evil he thought. She was sitting in the woods crying, lost and scared. Werewolves were circling her about to attack. He saved her, and for a time she loved him, even made him immortal. And despite her growing to hate him she still loved her.

He could not blame her for hating him, he was only a shadow of what he once was. He no longer felt greatness in himself. It was disheartening to feel your whole life you were meant for something great, had a huge destiny to fulfil and now thats no longer true. He did not need it though, he had her. And while she had other lovers and conquests none had staid with her like he had. Its because he was useful he found a purpose. And for that purpose he could remain close, smell her scent, hear her voice look on her body and occasionally feel her skin. She was all he wanted all that matterred.

The last man was uncollarred as the sun sunk in the west. "Wake them." He said as a command and two uncollarred men went below each deck to open the coffins. The Lady wanted to be sure this was solved quickly so she sent were wolves and cold ones, as the elves called them, in number to do what Tyros could not.

He then nodded to Arithos. He hated the man as he hated all of her toys but he needed the wizard to get into his prey. The wizard stood on the front desk of the ship rolling up the sleeves of his rob and adjusting his sash. They always have to look so pretty, no value in function. "Just go elf." He said realizing that he was once an elf so using it a curse should hurt his own feelings. But, he had not been an elf for a long time.

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Arithos stepped onto the rocky shore and step by step made his way into the grove. The thick soft green grass cushioned every step. As the night was rapidly approaching some of the plant even began to glow. The beatiful trees stretched for their branches and then drapped their leaves over the narrow walk ways. Everyting was perfect, butterfiles danced to the sound of the wind between the rocks and for a moment he forgot why he was here. Then he remembered her face, and how not even the beauty of this place could compare with her. He wanted ot be with her, wanted to touch her again. She said that if he did this he could have her again, and that was worth risking his life for, that was worth killing for, there is no price he would not pay.

He only made it a few more steps until one of the druids just walked out of the trees. "More univited guests." The druids were serious about their privacy, few elves outside of their order ever saw the grove and none come who were not invited. They stood in Hyrule as a symbol of something outside even the rule of virtue, a reminder that Hyrule has to live in balance with the land King Hyrule had found them. A reminder that somethings should not be touched and not be defiled. He broke the crystal and as the black liquid touched the ground that all changed.

As the potion he had made, largely a mixture of Tatyana's own blood magnified by his own enchantments, spilt onto the ground death raced out in all directions. Grass dired turned yellow then brown then curled up and fadded to dust. Expanding out in a violent circle the ring of death took the light from the flowers. The trees contracted and shrank until all the water was gone from them and hard rock skeletons were all that remained.

Druids were all quickly arriving trying desperately to undo what he had done. But they were not fast enough the worst was yet to come. Growls and snarls filled the air as a pack of hairy drooling ugly beasts rushed past him leaping onto the druids shredding them with their teeth and claw. One lept for the throat of the druid who had confronted him to be met with a fireball thrown from the druids hand. The beast screamed as the druid calm as the great river itself bowed his head and began to pray. Swarms of locus appears as from no where and attacked the beasts. It did not seem to hurt them but certainly broke their ranks and charge. Gave them something to attack besides the druids.

This was not part of the plan, he was to lower the ward and the traitors were to be captured not the druids slain. He had to find Tyros and stop this. Lightning cracked the sky and struck a group of the beasts sending them flying. Thorn bushes sprung from the dry ground ensnaring the beasts, and Arithos. It hurt to move. Wiggling more than an inch causes a large thorn to stab into his flesh and pour his blood on this once sacred ground.

Then the cold ones came. They flew through the air in tufts of smoke and mist. Then would land and physically break the Druids. He saw one lift a druid over his head and tear him in half at the waste drinking the blood as it rained down upon him. They moved through the thorn bushes as if they were not there at all.

It was Tyros who cut him free using those strange curved swords of his. Before the mage could even say thank you Tatyana's general, as it would seem, marched over the the praying druid. He was being held on both sides by cold ones. Tyros looked down upon him in his simple robes and laughed. "Your faith could not stop us, where is he?"

"You are not alive. Nature's embrace has not place for you. When one dies one should die." Was the druid's response.

"You will be well aquianted with death before the night is over druid. Tell me where is Ganondorf."

"He was right we should have listenned. Though it appears we had not the power to hold you back. I wonder if anyone does. I will tell you nothing. All things die, if my flower no longer blooms I am ready for the winter."

"Of course you do not fear death, but you fear undeath. The twisted perverted state that we are. How terrible for you to have to become one of us."

"You wouldn't. You have no sould. I plead with you show mercy."

"Tell me! where is Ganondorf?"

The Druid closed his eyes for a long moment considering his options it would seem. Then with courage and resovle that exemplified the virtue of Nobility he grasp his holy symbol to Demeter hanging from his belt and declared, "FOUL CREATURES OF DEATH! THE LADY OF NATURE REBUKES YOU AND COMMANDS YOU TO FLEE FROM THIS SACRED GROUND! YOUR UNHOLY SHELLS MUST DEPART." Green light shoot from the holy symbol illuminating the entire grove and causing the two cold ones next to him to flee in what would seem to be terror. Strange how in some ways they seemed creatures born of terror.

Tyros himself seemed to be frozen but uttered words as commands, "Mage, the symbol."

Arithos did not know what to do. The druid had envoked the sacred name of the mother of the forest and it caused the creatures to flee. The could not enter the grove until he made it possible, was he on the wrong side? Who am I fighting for? Then of course he knew, Tatyana. For Love. He quickly cast an enchantment which caused the holy symbol to fly from the druids hands.

"Well done mage." Tyros said as beasts leaped on the druid and pinned him down. Tyros slowly walked over to him, "You will tell me all I need to know when you awaken." With that Tyros bit into his neck like he was an animal, like he was one of the wolf spirit beasts he controlled.

Rebellion of Ganondorf part 2 (history of Hyrule)

Lord Ganondorf looked back on regret to the Crimson city but then to determination to the northern shore. The Crimson city was on an island in the grand river at as close to the exact center of Hyrule as one could get. More elves lived in the south than the north. The north was more mountains and harder to grow the forest. In one of those hidden valleys stood a army of hundreds of golemns he had commissioned be built in case he could not make his brother see virtue.

Nicodemus had suggested assassination -- kill the Crimson Prince and the lawful rule of Hyrule would fall to him, allowing him the power to deal with her as needed. Lord Ganondorf refused, he would not be dishonest and slide through shadows to do what must be done. He would ride to the valley awaken the Golemns and march on the Crimson City with the power of Virtue behind him. It did no good to replace one man robbed of virtue with another one. For the sake of Hyrule he had to maintain his virtue.

He had hoped never to use the golemns. He had even had them built so that only he could awaken them. That way such an army could only be used for this one purpose and then destroyed afterward. He was grateful for the virtue of Wisdom that caused him to see the truth, that this was needed.

"My Lord." Nicodemus said to get his Lord's attention. Nicodemus was small for an elf, thinner than most and shorter to. He fidgeted with his left hand when it was not in someone's pocket. Ganondorf had first met him performing in an acrobatic show. Ganondorf was so impressed by their beautiful performance he invited them onto his entourage. As they were crossing through the blue desert towards Beisure, the city of the north, lightning sworn attacked the caravan. Worthless bandits remnants of a sad time for the elves when they served the Dragon's across the sea. They were nothing more than savage bandits no love, no nobility and certainly no beauty to be found in the lot of them. Despite being wounded by the attack, Ganondorf lived because of Nicodemus. He rescued him and hid him until golemns came to secure the scene and take them back home. He had risked his life for another there was no greater love.

"I have them, my Lord." He handed Lord Ganondorf a staff wrapped in cloth and presented his younger daughter. No more than 80 years old she was the joy of his life -- Galendrielle. She looked just like her mother before she was killed by the Lightning sworn all those years ago. "How are you my dear?" He asked his daughter and she smiled, "Well, father where are we going in the middle of the night, I'm tired."

"We have somewhere to be and I don't know if the city is safe for us any more."

"Why wouldn't it be safe for us father, its our home?"

Sadness touched him again as he decided to spare his daughter the horrors of what must happen. "If you are tired you can sleep most of the way my dear."

As she smiled and left to go below deck with he lady in waiting, Nicodemus extended the staff to him again, "So I got it, I must admit I'm a bit confused about your whole talk of marching with virtue and then you have me steal the staff of ruling from the Crimson Prince's throne room."

"The staff would just magnify her control over the good people, it is too dangerous to leave behind, besides I am co-ruler. The staff is as much mine as it is his." To be Noble is to be Determined.

"As you say, my Lord." and Nicodemus left the conversation at that and decided to look over the bow of the ship as the north shore approached.

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Tatyana took long gliding strides down the corridors to the tower of Wisdom. Though it had been many thousands of years since the Sun had caused her pain, she still greatly preferred the night. She was more comfortable with out the light of the sun glaring down on her.

The guards allowed her to pass freely, as ordered by the Crimson Prince. She needed his orders, the elves were more resistant to her charms than were the humans and dwarfs she encountered. She also noticed that these elves fell to her charms easier than did the elves in Jong Guo. Perhaps these elves were different, perhaps through time and experience she had learned how to more strongly control the will of others, or perhaps it was just the result of her gifts growing over time. Derick cast her out because he was afraid she would grow too powerful to control as she got older. She missed him, the love of the Crimson Prince dulled the pain of the loss.

Arithos's door opened when she approached. He sat reading but looked up from the manuscript to fully view her step into the room. "Good Evening my Lady. To what do I owe the pleasure of this company?"

She smiled and flutterred her eyes. "I have brought the item you requested. She was particularly beautiful and alluring if I do say so myself." She held forward a glass flask full of blood.

"Coming from you that is a heavy compliment." Arithos stood up and accepted the flask. She knew that he would do what she asked, his ambition to please the Crimson Prince was rivaled only by the lust he felt for her. She had even given herself to him to ensure the control was enmeshed so deep not even the great wizard he was could recognize or free himself of it. "I've been reviewing the notes on the Staff of Ruling as we discussed." He said staring at her bosom. She helped him by leaning forward slightly. He stuttered then continued. "Its ability to control and influenced others is both similar and different to the Anti-life equation you shared with me when we began."

The Anti-life was a project of Derrick's he thought he could master it to control all the way he controlled those he made immortal. Tatyana's version of the equation did not strive to replace the will of another, that was impossible, but convincing that person to surrender their will was possible. She did not know how to rewrite the equation, it was flawed to begin with and did not have the mind for such things, so they only thing she had to work with was Derrick's notes, "How so?"

"The staff of ruling inspires loyalty in people. The ability is locked to only be used by the rightful heir. The lock is separate from the enchantment one works with out the other. The equation you gave me looks like it attempts to dominate the will of another and replace it. With wildly unpredictable results. The staff generates devotion in those who see it, they keep their own wills but their wills are directed towards the leader. It attempts to create love and let that love create loyalty, as we are taught in the virtues."

"Can you use what you've found to correct the equation?"

"Certainly, that is why I needed the nymph blood. They already exercise the same principle we've been discussing. Beauty begets love and love begets loyalty. They entrance most men by their beauty. Using this blood as a component in the spell I maybe able to magnify it and get you the equation you want. Though I can't believe you need help making people love you?"

She ran her fingers through her hair and giggled at his comment. "You are took kind," she said from behind a coy smile. "It is the Prince's and my wish that you exhaust all things available to you for correcting the equation." Letting her hair fall from her hand she traced a line along her neck and to the top of her bosom. "You will certainly be rewarded."

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The ship made port along the north shore. It was covered in green grass and yellow stem lilies. Ganondorf unloaded quickly carrying his young daughter who was waking due to the jostling of being carried off the boat. "Are your awake sweet heart?" The question gathered only a low moan from the child.

The rest of the party except Nicodemus had previously unloaded and were loading the horses for the ascent up to the stairs. Previous rulers had built large stairs through out the mountains to make traveling and climbing them easier. Their efforts had led to slight colonization of the region, however, the creation of the stream gates seemed much more effective in opening the lands that were difficult to reach.

A concentrated twisted tendril of black smoke wound through the air over the water and landed a few yards from the boat harbor. The smoke condensed into an armored elf with pale blue eyes. He stepped forward with speed and purpose. One of the minstrels, called out, "excuse me, Lord Tyros did not expect to see you he..." Tyros's blade removed his head before he could finish the greeting. Another curved sword appeared, one in each hand, and he smoothly swirling and cutting through the entire party. Those who fled he let go his path was a straight line for Ganondorf.

Ganondorf dropped Galendriel behind him and drew his sword. He had never used it much, nobility promoted strength so he kept a sword with him. He doubted any swordsman or golemn in the kingdom could stand up to Lord Tyros. He was like her, fast strong and seemingly invulnerable to attack. But, he could not let his daughter be taken, even if it meant death he would try.

Tyros stood his armor reflecting the moonlight and curved blades dripping the blood of friends Ganondorf had just moments ago. Tyros looked Lord Ganondorf in the eyes squarely, "Feel blessed she did not chose you." Ganondorf was so surprised by the comment he felt his sword lower, and as the blow was coming Ganondorf felt his hair stand up. Lighting flew between the two men striking Tyros and driving him back.

Looking to the source of the lightning he saw Mervic on the bow of the ship sparks still flying from his fingers. Standing next to him was Nicodemus already holding Galendrial who was crying. It was Nicodemus who called out, "Get back to the ship!!"

Looking over his shoulder and running Ganondorf saw Tyros standing his magical armor fully absorbing the blow. Jianchilie wode boahuzhe thought Ganondorf awakening the golemn built to be his protector.

Springing from the deck of the ship the statue made life spun through the air spear in one hand sword in another and landed creating a crater on the beach between Tyros and the ship. Mervic wasted no time and spun an enchantment allowing the wind to drive the ship out into the river and away from the conflict. "Take us east, to the druid grove, his kind has problems with the running water we'll be safe their. East is Safe."

"East is safe" Mervic and Nicodemus said in unison as they watched Lord Tyros and the golemn protector battle. The stone body shatterred under Tyros's blows but by then they were nearly to the isle of the druids. There they would be safe.

Rebellion of Ganondorf part one (Hyrule History)

Ganondorf sighed under the weight of his brothers confusion. He stood alone in the chamber after the Crimson Prince left to go be with her. Mervic, his trusted mage adviser, entered the chamber, "Did he listen to you my Lord?" Ganondorf just shook his head. "I'm afraid it will get much worse. He's defensive now and will certainly go to her. And we can only guess her wraith."

"Then is it time? Time for what we feared but have prepared for?"

Ganondorf nodded. "It is my virtue of love that makes this decision. Because I love Hyrule and because I love my brother I can not let her destroy them. We should speak no more here. Meet me at the north port. I'll gather my family and be there in an hour." Mervic bowed and left.

Ganondorf wrapped his green cloak around his shoulders and raced towards the north tower. Crossing the causeway he saw the crimson banners hanging long and majestic over the walls of the towers and buildings. Fastenned to the roof the fabric rolled in the wind despite its heaviness. He paused for just a moment and absorbed the city. It was the greatest most beautiful city in the world. He breathed in deeply as he accepted the fact he would never see this city again.

-------

The Crimson prince rose his head from the nymph who was now cold. The taste of silver in his mouth, he licked his lips. Tatyana looked up at him. "What is wrong my love?" He responds, "How can you see into my eyes like open doors?"

"Because we are one. You've come into my soul where I had become numb. You gave me life among death."

"It's my brother Ganondorf. He doesn't trust you. He feels your actions and my actions since you are of . . . questionable virtue. But they are all inspired by my love for you, and Love is the greatest of all virtues."

"Are you going to cast me away? Chose him over me? Please don't leave me, please save me from the nothing I've become. Now that I know what I've been with out, you can't just leave me." The longing and desperation in her eyes drove him to action.

"No of course not. As the Crimson Prince I see your actions virteous, and the crimes you've committed justifiable by the virtues of love and beauty. There is no reason for you to leave. Whatever problems Hyrule has are mine and his to be accountable for. Not yours. He should know the virtue of Nobility requires leaders are accountable for their stewardships."

"No, my love, you are the Crimson Prince it is not your virtue in question. He has attempted to divide our love, he questions your judgement breaking the virtue of loyalty. It is him to blame. Hyrule nor us will be safe so long as he interfers." Stroking his she continued, "And you can't let him take me away from you."

"He has to be stopped."

The Crimson Prince stood motivated by his love, his wisdom knew the conflict would come to chose between his bride and his brother, Nobility required him to be committed, and she was more beautiful than he. He set off barking orders as he left. "Find Lord Ganondorf, I need him here immediately." Servants responded, "He left from the north port less than a half hour ago with his minstrels and attendants.

Tatyana looked to the black velvet curtain and with an evil snakelike smile she slightly nodded. She had sent the hound.

Virtues of Hyrule

The Virtues of Morality by King Hyrule the Deliverer. By these virtues are nations made and joy found.

1) Love

- All virtues come from love. It should be the motivation of all action.

- Love begets Loyalty and Devotion.

- Love earns Loyalty and Devotion.

- Love leads to selfless sacrifice for the betterment of others.

- As all sacrifice all are made better.

2) Wisdom

- Wisdom is used to guide when and how to act for the benefit of all.

- Wisdom can not be achieved with out first knowing truth.

- Truth must be found by study and inspiration.

- Wisdom makes the mind more valued than the body.

3) Nobility

- To be Noble is to be brave.

- To be Noble is to be determined.

- To be Noble is to be consistent.

- To be Noble is to be honest.

- To be Noble is to be strong for the weak.

- Nobility defines the manner one acts.

4) Beauty

- Love begets beauty and beauty earns love.

- There are many shapes of beauty.

- Virtue brings beauty to ones soul.

- The beauty of ones soul is expressed in art.

- Acts of Virtue create beauty.

5) Temperance

- All things in measured balance.

- The virtues act in temperance.

The Cold Woman from the North

She was watching him from under the sheet. Her red almost black hair was soft and shone in the early morning light that strained and peeked from behind the blackvelvet curtains. She was the most fair and truly breathtaking creature he had ever seen. Even the pixies, nymphs and high elves could not match her astounding beauty. She was not an elf he ears were round at top, it was something he found gorgious in its own way, something that further distinguished her from the common or vulgar scenery he was forced to place his eyes on when she was not next to him. He enjoyed and rejoiced in their beauty before he met her but it was like they were all grey and only she was in color.

Stroking the white blonde hair of a young woman elf, a servant in the Crimson palace, she spoke a voice wrapped in velvet and dipped in honey. "Hyrule is the most wonderful place I have ever visited. Such beauty and pristine serenity of you elven people. Its refreshing." She said such things often. 
she was obsessed with the virtue of beauty having many of the household servants replaced with more attractive servants. She even bestowed her gift upon some she felt were the most attractive, a gift of beauty that would wash over them. Their skin became like hers, porcelian and pristine. Their eyes became like hers, cool and inviting. They were like here but still faded to her glory. He did wonder if her obsession and gifts with beauty may violate the virtue of temperance, yet it was so intoxicating it could not be wrong.

"Tell me about the other places you've been."She had arrived in the high mountains of Hyrule a year ago. She did not come alone, her protector Tyros seemed totally devoted to her. And a collection of men who were perfectly blended and harmonious with the wolf spirit. They met shortly after that and he was mesmorized by her from the begining. He invited he to join his court so that he could learn of the other lands and be increased by her obvious virtues.

She sat up shifting the silk sheets and turned to look out the window her hair cascading down her back. "Why would you want to hear about the other places I've been? Nothing compares to here. None of them compare to you."

"The virtue of Truth invites us to learn all we can. For the virtue of Wisdom demands truth to fully develop and manifest in a man. Besides, nothing here compares to you there must be others like you."

Smiling the smile that warmed a heart and caused a man to lose all his walls and defenses, "You truly are amazing. There are no others like me.  I am unique." Her eyes went distant and filled with sadness as if she were looking into the face of despair.  She mouthed the word derick and continued, "How does someone like you love someone like me?" A begining of a tear begin to grow in her right eye like the dew on the leaves of the yellow lilly in the morning.

He rushed to her side unable to bear the sight or her in pain. "Don't say that my precious, my love. You can do no wrong.. .I am the Crimson Prince I say who is guilty and who is innocent, I pronounce you virtuous."

The door openned with a strong and attractive young woman on the other side. Her eyes fell on Tatyana and the speech seemed stolen from her mouth. It happenned oftern when anyone looked on her, she seems to simply overpower them with her stunning auroa. "Come out with it servant." The Crimson prince barked upset that someone dare interupt so tender a moment, and jealous that anyone else would see HER when this was suppose to be his time with her.

"We have the Nymph Shire." She said. "She came as summonned."

Tatyanna jumped out of bed and ran to the doorway where the nymph stood in serene silence beauty seeming to roll off of her in waves. Yet those waves were ripples compared to the hurricane that stood only steps from her. The servant reluctantly step out and Tatyana embraced the Nymph. The Nymphs and elves had a good relationship, they both cared for the forest and valued beauty. Hyrule had always valued their close relationship and saw them as the great symbol of natural beauty. Something that could not be made, something pure.

Tatyana violently bit her throat and snapped her neck blood rushing in gushes from the wound. Tatyana's face was painted red and she smiled, motioning to the Prince, "Come Derick, drink with me, make her beauty our own."

He stepped towards her ignoring the fact she called him ny another name and took her hand. Then they kneeled down together and drank the blood of beauty incarnate. Surely this would raise his virtue.

The Miracle of The Darkest Hour

Raquel was not one to retreat. So close to ending all of it and he now found himself trying to round up and collect the scatterred soliders. Boys left home because he asked them to, died by the thousands to execute the will of the Light. His heart both ached for the tradgic ending of it all and was inspired by their nobel example of faith and self sacrifice.

Having been driven back from with in striking distance of the Sphere of Annhilation he had stopped two days south of it and had been camped for two days while scouts gatherred the scatterred men. The starving, dehydrated and beaten men could not charge against the new energized lkarmy of Darkfriends now holding the heart of Darkness. The 501st and IMperial airships were holding with the Advents on the border of where magic became too unpredicatble to rely on. They were to hold a fortress to allow any reinforcements which could be gatherred a secure road to the fighting. It was a gamble, he had not heard any word from them in weeks. Its possible the golemns overran them, or forced them to retreat.

The possibility of reinforcements was too much to turn aways. Raquel gave the orders and the army made ready to march. Revieiwing the ranks he did not see the disciplined ranks he was once accustom to. Tired men who had given all the could and even standing remained a struggle was all he saw. He realized with out help the army wouldn't make it to the 501st with or with out resistance.

Straightening his armor and cape he walked to the middle of the camp kneeled down and began to pray.

Oh Fearless One. My beloved companions have inspired me. They have walked to the edge of their faith, and to the edge of their abilities. They have faced fear and stand brave to follow whatever orders the light gives them. I am grateful for their companionship, their brotherhood, and their faith. How great their hearts! They have done all they can and as is our conditional we mortals have found our strength insufficent. We know our true strength is not in our arm or our wisdom but our courage that begets faith. We stretch forth our faith to THEE and the gods of the light asking to make whole where we fall short. Give us the power to execute thine will. Heal our wounded, strengthen our backs. We ask only to be helped for those things we could not do ourselves. We stand fully committed, we will return to the fortress General Galan established and regather our strength and with renewed comittment we will take the Heart of Darkness. We thank THEE for the oppertunity to see the miracles of this crusaded and for the honor of being chosen to stop the Forsaken and Dark ONe and keep your kingdom defended.

AMEN.

Light pierced through the ash filled sky. Cool warmth rose from the dust of the ground. They could feel the faith fight against the choas warding the and eminating from the Heart of Darkness. The soliders having nothing left to do but hope fell to the earth adding their prayers the Vanquiser of Shadows. The Ash cleared, men felt health and strength and nourishment fill their bodies. Torn flesh healled and tired eyes brightenned. The water bags filled with clean water and the grain wagons filled when they were empty before.

Smiling Raquel embraced General Kendal, "The gods have saved us, we march." Lifting his voice to be heard by all those close, "We see now miracles among us even hear next to the heart of Darkness, no hatred greed or even choas can block the faith of such nobel souls. How can we fail, let us go forward not backward and the gods pave the way before."

She's a woman to me

She is dangerous. Can't you see what she does to you?" Ganondorf said hoping his brother would hear the love from which he spoke. But he loved her too. Not a real love but some childish infatuation and sexual obsession like she had an enchantment upon him. Could he hear his brother's love through the web she had spun. It was easy to see why his brother was so captivated she was beyond beautiful and captivating. She can kill with a smile, and beauty was one of the virtues.

"Brother, there is something not right about her, She can wound with her eyes, She can ruin your faith with her casual lies, And she only reveals what she wants you to see She hides like a child. While she kills the forest and robs you of the virtues."

The Crimson Prince responded, "What you say maybe true, But she's always a woman to me. She can lead you to love, and isn't that the greatest virtue brother."

"The Selfless love that causes you to serve others, to act for the betterment of all. You may have that for her but she does not for you. She can take you or leave you. She can ask for the truth But she'll never believe you. All she'll do is take what you give her, as long as it's free. Yeah, she steals like a thief. Steals from the people their food even their souls it would seem. Making them like her. Making you like her, selfish and Carnal."

With out response to the academic posterings of his brother's quoted virtue he fell back to the one thing that made it seem right, the reflection of love. "But she's always a woman to me. She isn't like the other maidens, she can takes care of herself She can wait if she wants, She's ahead of her time. Oh--and she never gives out And she never gives in. Her will is strong she's committed."

"Only until She just changes her mind and she has what she wants from you. She'll promise you more Than the Elissian Fields, Then she'll carelessly cut you And laugh while you're bleedin'."

"You don't understand brother. But she'll bring out the best And the worst I can be. Hyrule's problems I Blame it all on yourself Cause she's always a woman to me. You rule the kingdom like I, don't worry about her, Oh--she takes care of herself She can wait if she wants She's ahead of her time. You could learn from her, she never gives out And she never gives in, She just changes her mind. Besides I don't see your issue with her, She is frequently kind. Kindness and compassion are the fruits of the virtue of love."

"And she's suddenly cruel, drinking the blood of nymphs and burning villages because the uglieness of the sick offends her."

It was clear his brother was not going to let this go. And perhaps she was right, beauty was one of the virtues, we had a duty to protect it and find ways to make ourselves more so. That is what she said she was doing when we shared the nymph blood. His will steel now to defend his love and his virtue he raised his chin and declared as the Crimson Prince, "She can do as she pleases She's nobody's fool. And she can't be convicted She's earned her degree and acquittal from me. The matter is closed. I suggest you learn to be loyal to your new Princess we are to be married on mid summers eve."

His heart breaking for his deceived brother. He could not see it. The virtue of loyalty and love together now demanded he take action to defend the kingdom against those who would destroy virtue. The Crimson prince turned to leave, no doubt to retire to the bedroom. The brother spoke, "Before her you had the love of the people, the strength of the virtues, my love and devotion. And the most she will do Is throw shadows at you. None of this is real you are caught in some spell."

Seeming to ignore his bother the Crimson Prince strode to the doorway inlay with relief carving of the sacred long stem tree, placing his hand on the pillared archway he turned his head over his shoulder just enough so his brother could see his lips and slowly and softly made his case, "But she's always a woman to me."

The Lantern

To the Seeker of Truth:

Upon as extensive review as could be done in the short time frame you requested I present the following report to you as the truth about the Central Lantern Battery as I know it.

It was created based on an evolution of the research of project Umber, creation of intelligent golemns. It is based on the theory shared by many high sages that there is an etherial energy which permeates the multiverse. This energy in its rawest form is existence. It can be and is refined into lay lines, which when tapped into give the energy source for arcane magic. It can be tapped into controlled and fed on by the gods then disseminated to their priestly followers in the case of define magic. Many believe it is part of this great ocean of energy which concentrates itself to create a soul. some smaller sects, such as the xio lynn monks and the shogun orders claim to harness and magnify this energy of their souls directly with out lay line or divine filter.

The golemns soul was simply crafted by building a case that can capture and condense the ever present ethereal energies like a soul does. This makes them autonomous and free thinking, if in a limited nature, like any other soul. The lantern essentially does this on a much larger scale. Initial estimates claim the lantern has as much energy as would 10 million golemns. And that number could be far too short.

It appears a similar construct was used by the late mage Yavin in creating a battery for his tower desiring a purer form of energy than what was given him by the magical lay lines. I would like a team to go into jong guo and gather all information available from the ruins of his tower when time permits. Though I also believe Polaridin tel al Mordin's tower to contain the documentation already obtained on the subject.

It stands to reason that since this is simply a larger case than the intelligent golemns soul housing it would too be intelligent. Observers of Yavin's lanterns postulate the same thing. Though detection spells do not indicate life, nor an alignment. That maybe indicative of the fact it is not alive or that our current methods are insufficient to detect this type of life, or an even more extreme theory is that this life form is blocking such detection.

It is important to note that Serith Silverwing made extensive notes on his attempts to prevent the Lantern from becoming self aware and simply be a battery of power. Some of the logic in these steps seems counteracted by later formulas which allow it to record and store data, what is the human mind if not life energy and a collection of memories we call knowledge?

The rings of the lantern corps are thought based weapons that channel this energy and feed knowledge back to the central lantern. The lantern through the rings can provide knowledge and even translate language to the wearer. There does not seem to be anything preventing that direction of energy flow from completely providing motives, directives, personality etc through the psionic link. Further, the lantern is connected directly into the city of Oa and powers the many seemingly magical functions of the city including its teleport gates, its surveillance and defenses.

The rings allow the wearers to construct anything they imagine, their will and thoughts materialize out of pure energy and can be commanded by the wearer. The boundaries seem only limited by the users imagination.

Much much more investigation is needed on this to determine its true nature. There are many many formula's that are beyond my current level of knowledge and study. There seems even some formulas on how the energy is stored that almost seems patterned after a memory of some kind and seems to have no purpose in the construction of the lantern or the souls but that formula is used in both places so it must provide some crucial role I just don't understand it yet.

If the Lantern is alive it has the ability to be of limitless power and capacity, which could mean a great threat of great ally. It does not appear to behave intelligent of self aware in which case there is not threat and no connection to the golemns.

If it is however a live it would have the will power and soul energy beyond imagination. And with the ability Lord Toshiro just granted it to create rings and send them to the multiverse to find new recruits it has the ability to reproduce.

My professional opinion is that it is alive self aware entity and we should attempt to make contact with it.

This concludes my report, but if you have any questions I can go over any and all details with you.

Lana Lang (you know hot chick smallville.

Last Journal entry of a Crusader

No food and water is wearing us down but our faith sustains us. The priests are able to clean some water but it gets harder and more unpredictable as we get closer. We take heart though as we know the worse it gets the closer we are to victory. I just hope we can wrap this up soon.

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The Navigator of Chaos himself faced us today. This close to the Heart of Darkness nothing seems to work but chaos magic, the priests can't cast the shogun and lanterns power gave out a few miles back even the physical world seems . . . bent. But Ishmael out of options and out of protectors was drawn out in a conflict today. His voice carried over the whole of the army. He cried out to the gods and to his father, whoever that is must be proud. Asking why is father forsook him and then seemed to take control of the minds of many of the soldiers, and in droves the began committing suicide. Like the chaos and his singing drove them mad. It was the direct bravery of Raquel Al- Shatel that saved us. In an act straight from a Bards tale he threw his ax as Ishmael's face. Ishmael froze it in midair but it was followed by two more these catching him off guard. while the men tried to recover from their trance and orders were being barked up and down the line waves of silence and awe filled washed over the crowd as we could only watch the most amazing displays of swordsmanship ever witnessed. Their blades struck each other as if thunder meeting stone. Each seeming to strain to keep up with the other. one of Raquel's blades fell from his hand, he caught it with his foot and using his still grasped sword to parry a massive blow from which sprung blackness, he kicked his other blade into Ishmael's stomach under his guard. The act caused our lord to lose balance but gave the edge in the battle to him until Ishmael fled. Silence was replaced by waves of cheers. The crusade was not won yet but the powers of light could not be stopped. Less than a days march from the Heart of Darkness and out objective Ishmael has no where to hide and has been soundly beaten. I dream of home and of the lives we protect, of the children that will grow up free of the dark one's threat. Of my children and of my friend Terrance's children. Light save us all tomorrow it will be done.

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Terrance is dead! So many are dead. We thought there was nothing left to fight. we had fought demons, golemns, zerg, and forsaken. But it was men who beat us. Coming from behind we first thought they were the reinforcements we so desperately asked for, until it was too late. exhausted by thirst disease and fatigue we had no choice but to cling to the hope of reinforcements to ride in glory together to capture the heart. When they were close enough they attacked. Some strange magic which must be protected from chaos by the forsaken was weilded by these men. It shot beams of magic that disintegrated anything it touched. Attempting to form our lines with our broken ranks to return an attack was fruitless as the rested opposing army charged right through us. Some men broke rank I and Terrance did not. He died shielding me from an axes blow. The great crusader army could have held if maybe we just had more men. They say no more could come because they were keeping peace back home, well if we lose here there won't be a home to protect. None of that matters now I suppose. The army did flee, what is left of it. We regrouped several miles out. Despite the opposing forces clear ability to wipe us out they did not pursue, consider it a matter of grace light save us. they were not all men there was a large mixture of creatures though primarily men. Their leader appeared to be some kind of demon with lightning strikes marked across his chest. Some of the survivors say he was a lightning bearer a powerful type of demon. I believe the light will triumph but I no longer see how. It will take us days to reorganize into units to advance again. Days we don't have without water and with out food. And if the enemy comes now our small picket wall will not hold them back. My prayers and faith must sustain me. I'm tired 2 days with no water, I am hoping sleep will bring rest and the ability to do the lights will another day.

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no further journal entries were found.

Adventurer Vs. Food

I have traveled extensively, seeing nearly all parts of the known world I have learned much about people. I have learned the different behaviors, cultures values religions and personalities of the cities and countries of the world. It is an incredible tapestry of differences that makes a dynamic and beautiful world we have to live in. While I have seen many things that make us different I have too seen many thing which make us the same. Everyone sleeps, everyone urns to be loved, everyone struggles to succeed, and despite all the people in the world everyone at times feels alone. And we all Eat.

Yet individuality pokes through even in these universal shared commonalities. This is no more readily seen then in the food we eat. What can food say about a culture and a people? Those who travel the world enjoy the rich diversity of the eats they encounter. Below is a guide from my experience the food you will find in taverns across the world as you may travel there.

Those who visit the City State of Dragon are familiar with the locals saying, "Dragon is the Greatest City in the World." And the experienced traveler will agree the claim has a lot of merit. Most of the city is clean and well organized. The advancements in applied magics bring all the greatest comforts to its visitors.

Establishment: The Green Dragon

Locale: Temple Square, Dragon

Best known for: Honey Cakes

Review: Walking into the Green Dragon, one is immediately assaulted with the aroma of the famed honey cakes. I am happy to report that the honey cakes live up to their reputation. The sweet bread blends perfectly with the touch of caramel, and the honey glaze on top of the cakes nearly convinces one that these morsels come directly from Mt. Olympus.

Unfortunately, the honey cakes are the only good thing at The Green Dragon. The lamb was poorly seasoned and the ale stale. While the fireplace is a gorgeous piece of architecture, the entertainment at the hearth was atmosphere lack-luster.

2 stars.

Establishment: The Leaky Cauldron

Locale: Old City, Dragon

Best Known For: The Rough Crowd

Review: You know, folks, I sat here for 10 minutes trying to think of something nice to say about The Leaky Cauldron. I couldn't come up with one. It is a cold, dark, depressing, malodorous tavern. Surprisingly, there was a fairly large crowd of patrons, though none of them seemed to be of favorable character. My waitress was well-endowed but barely looked at me, and instead of getting the rolls and drumstick I ordered, she brought me back oatmeal with what I think were raisins. There did seem to be some sort of entertainment upstairs, but I dared not venture up there. Large and heavily armed men guarded the stairs and honestly, I didn't want to spend a minute longer in The Leaky Cauldron than necessary. My advice is avoid the the "establishment", and the Old City altogether when in Dragon.

1/2 star. The waitress' bosom was quite large.

Establishment: The Squealing Pig

Locale: Any town of note within the Crystal Empire, with franchises throughout the world.

Best Known For: Variety of Cuisines

Review: The Empress, may she live forever, has done wonderful things for the vast expanse that is the Crystal Empire. The Squealing Pig franchise is merely a reflection of the order she has brought to her lands. The staff in each establishment are dressed uniformly and are well-groomed, with manners to match. I was most impressed by the sheer variety of foods offered. I could have ordered Seanchan curry, Talyun fried noodles, or Jong Guo pasta if I'd had the mind to. I chose a grilled chicken served over brown rice and was quite satisfied with the meal. The bard was funny with a real knack for the sitar. My room was clean and I even had an after-dinner mint on my pillow.

Four stars.

Establishment: The Roaring Lion

Locale: Dual Franchised Trade City Docks and Down Town Atlanta

Best Known For: Great Gambling

Review: For any gambling enthusiastic the docks on Trade City are paradise. Among this paradisaical glory is the 8 story hotel casino the Roaring Lion. Magically augmented entertainment as you are greeted by an illusion of a roaring lion and augmented serving girls maybe fake but still nice to look at. Game tables were not to favorable to me but I did at least enjoy the fact the Trade City smell stopped outside the door.

4 stars

Establishment: The Merovingian's Bar

Locale: Old City Dragon

Best Known for: Being a magnet for the desperate.

Review: Can't say much about this place as I was not allowed in. The locals report that the club is full of all manner of creature and beast with food and drink to please them all. But its a private club you must be invited to. No one seemed upset they had not been invited.

NO star rating available

Establishment: The Journey's End --Atlanta

Locale: Part of a two part Franchise the other is Journey's Begining in Trade City.

Best Known For: Cheap drinks.

Review: The friendly neighborhood tavern has a decent common room and always entertaining singers and minstrels, much more than would be expected for such a small tavern. The drinks are cheap but stout and you can not beat the companionship of the Local Atlantian people. Seems like everyone is always buying the tavern a free round. Trade stories or just listen to the retired paladins tell there's. Rooms have great views of the Isle and the docks. A great best kept secret.

3.5 stars.

Establishment: The Angel's Haven

Locale: Haven, the Isle

Review: Nowhere short of the Imperial Palace could one find such luxury and comfort. This massive Inn with its 6 performing stages 6 stories of spacious rooms, swimming pool and 3 different bars was built to cater to the Imperial crowd. Less than a 5 minute walk from the Temple of Light this Inn was built to cater to the world leaders and wealthiest of merchants who travel to the Temple of Light to pay their devotion. It is not uncommon to run into a diplomat or King while staying here. I must note I have heard the best singing here in the whole world. A young lady named Mallory sang a set of songs fit for the courts of Olympus. Just an example of the great entertainment a patron will find. Beware this best of the best has the price tag to match.

a FULL 5 STARS.

Maximus the unstoppable, Maximus the Merciful

I am General Maximus Testosterous, General of Draconia, The Avalanche.

For the bards to sing my praise...

Upon returning from Enron, where the entire nation was defeated conquered and enslaved by me in under a week for the glory of Aries, I found the vile goblin lord Raz Guz had taken the opportunity to attack the flourishing Draconia, a bright light of civilization against an otherwise dismal and bleak landscape.

His attack was deep for his army was strong and savage, with out the fear of my presence to keep him at bay he attacked. The city wall fell the lifestock carried off and many women and children murdered. Many escaped into the tower itself where the goblins and orcs despite their rage could not go. Taking what they could and considering the battle over they left back to the holes in the rocks they live in.

My forces and I returned to the desolation of Raz Guz's attack and I decided no more. I organized the elites into groups. Assigned a mage escort to each. Teleporting just beyond where there borders were Leomonds secure shelters dotted the border staffed by the elite. Expecting a fight Raz Guz marshalled his men. Then the mages turned their cavernous rock hole homes into muddy death. The orcs fled. I laugh as I think of the untold number of goblin and orc babies who drown in the mud of the caverns suppose to protect them.

Having no where to go Raz Guz took his army away from the muddy death ever expanding toward him and fled south off the ridge onto a level ground. There the calvary and archers made quick work of the unmounted monsters. In the chaos and heavy losses Raz guz did earn my respect as he continued to give orders and fight caring not for the lives of his men. His closest officers, drow, shielded him from the magical assault i brought to bear so I had to deal with the matter personally. Charging in on my stead I slayed them with my own sword until I found the orc's precious Grimthor. We locked blades, he fought with hatred, desperation and brutality. Despite my vastly superior skill I felt a kin to this general and in a moment of great wisdom realized the wilds hold many threats and a ruthless vassal such as this, who now clearly knows his inferiority to me can be used as a shield for my extended campaign of conquest.

I offered him a place on my council if he surrendered and what tiny fraction of his forces were left served me. Having no choice he accepted my merciful terms. Maximus the Merciful they call me. AM I NOT MERCIFUL.

He tells me the werewolf threat he was facing to the north has migrated on seeming to just leave their camps. I'm sending his hordes further north then carrying the banner of Draconia to extend and spread our borders as far as they can. Of course accompanied by professional soldiers and overseers. The goblins and orcs die well but can't be left to make decisions.

this I have done for the Glory of Draconia and for the Glory of High General Maximus.

Strength and Honor.