Seeking the Truth

Jillian and Morgan stood in the Greycastle's courtyard. They watched Lord Dante practice the forms and strikes of his Katana blade with incredible precision. He flowed from move to move with a grace and oneness to his weapon Morgan had only seen in Grandmasters of the blade. That was what he was training for to become a Grandmaster. It had been a couple of days, a couple of days too long. Perhaps patience was a virtue but this waiting she saw no value in. It had been almost a day since Dante pulled them out of the forest and it was a day after Veritas before he even did that.

"Jillian, Morgan we came as quickly as we could." It was Nathan's voice that broke her angry brooding. Jillian began spewing forth salutes formalities and pleasantries as quickly as she could remember them. Morgan gave a salute and tried desperately not to be annoyed by Jillian's floundering.

Nathan responded warmly and confidently. "It is a matter of Truth that no soul can step so far into the shadow that they can not find the light. We can save them of that I am sure. Morgan and I have spoke extensively on the Antilife equation and while the task maybe daunting I do not fear it."

"Neither do I." Jillian said back like a sheep. Morgan calmed herself and repeated, "Neither do I fear it."

"I have brought Lana and Kadean with me. I have a feeling how this is all connected we may be better served with you Jillian for now."

"Who else did you bring." Morgan pointed to the two elves standing behind the large black Pegasus.

"That is a confessor. A race created by the Godess Andrea may she live forever to aid my search for truth. Sworn protectors and servants of the seeker of truth she may compell one to tell the truth just by touching them. I think if we can get her to touch on of our friends Darkness may give us all the answers we need. The other is someone you said you wanted to meet. Her name is Aspen. She will be returning to Oa to help with things there while we are away but I know Lord Hajama sent you to find her. So you have found her. We should not delay more than a moment Perhaps you would like to return to Oa with her? It seems fate pulls us in many directions."

"Yes my Lord, While I feel the urge to go fight for my friends. I should do as the Great Hajama commands and stay with Aspen."

"Yes, perhaps we have different roles to play. But if you find we do not take this journeymen book. It will be able to keep us in contact. I may need your council with the antilife."

"Yes, my Lord." She was proud of herself as the words almost did not catch in her throat.

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Perhaps this was foolish Darkness thought. They would not still be in these woods. Despite the two day hunt they had found nothing, no pixies, no unicorn and certainly no paladins. Even Miriska's vamperic senses could find no trace.

She still dressed in her white gowns began to thrown small tantrums as a spoiled child would upon not finding a scent. Tatyana always coddled her followers making them weak and childish. He compared her to Dessad in his mind and noted how much better pain suffering and fear worked to make a reliable servant.

"I grow tired of your failure Miriska. Perhaps I now know why you were of so little value the whore left you those thousands of years ago."

He could tell from how her body tensed she wanted to lash at him, or the vessel that was once Soska. Yet fear held her in place. More proof that she was wrong. Fear was more powerful than love - it is why she never found the Anti-life equation and he did. When the vessel turned his back to continue on in the wood Miriska leaped for him. Darkness saw it through the other vessel he had there the one that once belonged to Rowena. "How dare you speak of Velvet in such as way." Miriska pounced on the drow flesh and easily pinned it to the ground.

Darkness spoke from behind her with Rowenna's mouth, "You forget your place attacking a puppet does nothing to the puppeteer." He then released a silver tipped arrow into her back driving her off of him and into the wood. Another strike found its mark and he continued to speak now through Soskai, "All you have done is reveal you are not loyal to me. And that I have no use for those who are not loyal to me." Through the drow body Darkness ignited the coffin constructed for Miriska. As she watched it burn and bleed form her wounds Darkness could see the reality hit her. He spoke again, "Who do you serve?"

"You, my lord." She said with the thunder of a broken heart. Fear over love. Love = Lies. He laughed thousands of miles away.

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Just as Miriska was being tamed Darkness was also entering the southern edge of the dessert. Controlled and settled by dragon worshiping barbarians the dessert looked rough and unforgiving. No doubt the mortal vessels would experience great discomfort and suffering in the quest for the staff piece her. Though it matterred not they would survive. Or the wouldn't and he would get more.

The staff was important because according to Tatyana it possessed the ability to magnify the loyalty one had for their master. It's magic was the basis of a spell used on her that magnified her attractiveness and powers of persuasion. That bit of amplification, however slight, may be just what he needs to perfect the equation and make it impossible to resist.

He was fortunate that he had taken over the abilities of Rowena as it allowed him to sense the staff pieces. At least one of them. Their were two other locations both seemed shaky. He surmised since the one coming from the staff piece Dessad had previous found went shaky when Dessad removed it them the other shaky feeling to the north could only mean someone else had already taken it. The memories of the vessels were foggy to break into but he seemed to remember Nial knowing where the other one was. It was something about a town called Reddas. So he was sending vessels and vampires to the town of Reddas now in search.

The urnings he focused on now took him further into the dessert. To where Owen and the werewolves had been embattled against the lightning sworn for over a day. The tribes of nomads were defending a large mountain like tower in the near center of the dessert. Home to their dragon god. If it were not for that dragon the wolves would have broke through the lines long ago. He would use Keshala's shell to break through the lines in a way that the force of the werewolves could never do.

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Katsumi raced through the trees looking for clues. She had done her best to distance herself from the vampire and the others when they were fighting. The strange symbol radiating from their eyes gave her shivers and convinced her she should have never left home. NO I avenged Jubei, no matter what else happens I know I succeed there when father thought I would fail. The glory and honor waiting for me at home must keep me going.

She wiped the sweat from her forehead and peered into the open meadow. Having searched every inch of this wood over the past 3 days left her exhausted but she continued. Then something caught her eye. It was like a large butterfly. It then flew closer. Katsumi watched until she realized it was flying right for her. She instinctively rolled to the ground and silently behind a thick tree. Scared of a butterfly? She almost giggled at herself but thought caution better than foolishness.

She was then surprised as another butterfly like creature approached her from the opposite direction. Only it was not a butterfly, it had legs and arms and ears like an elf. It landed playfully on her outstretched hand. "I was suppose to tell you this earlier but I was too scared of the others. The unicorn and your friends are this way." The pixie then flew into the air and to the south motioning for Katsumi to follow.

A deal with the Devil

Lord Darkness watched the fire intently. It was simultaneously soothing and exciting. Dessad's failure to contain the situation in the wilds meant the great secret was in danger. It had been a full day and Katsumi and even the Great Darkness through his Vessels could not find them. If they were gone for so long with teleport they could be anywhere. He knew he would have to go to him for help again. The thought of it made his skin crawl. He was Lord Darkness.

He had been loyal to the Raven before. They offered secret knowledge that he could not find outside his own realm in the mountains. They even farmed mage children for him to eat and maintain his defenses. They asked so little in return and Trevor was not a man to oppose. Darkness left the Raven when He took control of it. It was he and his friends that broke the sanctuary of his self imposed exile and unprovoked attacked and scared him. Oh how he made them pay. Laughter filled his head.

Yet, now I am here taking orders from that blasted FOX. It would not last forever. Though the fox had the urn and kept the threat of using it close and painful the Fox was no Trevor and he had not the patience of Darkness. Darkness's plan could wait if for a moment. He stared deeper into the fire. Now that I have the equation near perfection no urn and no fox will stop me.

"Lord Darkness you said you had a message for the Fox." A well dressed Genevan with lacy cuffs and curly hair approached the fireplace. It was a pity their rules forbid Tatyana to be in the room. 3 seconds with her and he would have the puppet for his own too. "Yes." He said in a cold serenity. "Is he aware the equation with the addition of the Veritas variable worked.?"

"Yes, he is. He congratulates you on your success."

"Then does he also know that it was not perfect and two Paladins escaped. They are beyond my sight now. If he wants the secret contained he will need to deal with them."

"The Black Raven has been extremely graciousness to you Lord Darkness. We have faked your death to give you privacy and safety, we have aided you in pursuit of your equation. Reunited you with lost friends and even provided the demon stone and Geneva citizens for you to experiment on. This is your mess it is our opinion that you should clean it up. Sloppy methods lead to sloppy results we are not your servants. You forget it is the other way around."

In less than an instant Darkness had the boy suspended in the air being lifted by only the one hand on his throat. "I AM DARKNESS. How dare you speak to me and do anything but coward in fear. I AM YOUR END." He released the torrents of dark hatred with in him that caused fear in even the bravest of souls until the man was shivering and losing control of his fluids. Darkness then flung him across the room into the fire. He felt it was unfortunate that his neck broke so easily he would have enjoyed watching him burn in the fire. He would pay for this he knew but such indignities could not be tolerated.

"Miriska I count on your senses to find them quickly." He spoke through the vessel that was once Duncan. She smiled rising up from her coffin ready for a fresh nights hunt.

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Everything was going according to plan. At least as far as he could tell. With plans like this you had to leave somethings running for a while unchecked but he was confident. He was far enough in now that he had a better chance of winning than anyone else. A dangerous game. He closed his eyes for just a moment listening to Mallory sing. The girl was a gift from the muses to be sure. A powerful voice, he hoped to be able to save her was it worth surviving if he couldn't take the finer things with him.

Putting down the silver cast spoon after finishing his last bite of the delicious tart Filtch focused on the task at hand. "Good evening Lord Ishmael, I was afraid you planned to keep me waiting."

Having just appeared on the other side of the room was the most beautiful man to ever walk the prime. A son of Zeus and now the leader of the rebellion against him. He was strong and capable if he could get into this room. Filtch had gathered from observation and other avenues that Ishmael, the Navigator of Chaos, was stronger then even he let on. He would have to be strong to do what needed to be done. Yet Ishmael needed him if he was to obtain his goal and Filtch new that.

"After I go through the trouble of importing some of the best wine and cheeses of the world here for us, I had expected a civil evening one where friends could sit and discuss business."

"You should know your place, you maybe a Chosen but you answer to me. Lanfear learned that lesson too well and many before her."

Chosen is what the Forsaken called themselves. Chosen to survive the Great Dark Lord's rapture and rebirth of the multiverse. He did like the connotation of Chosen more than Forsaken made him feel important. "What place have I forgotten my Lord. Simply going into the details of how I have attempted to make your visit more pleasurable."

"The only thing I need from you know is the Anti-Life you promised. Its been two days since you've said you would have it. My patience has grown very thin."

"Oh come now, you've waited thousands, millions, of years to stick it to the old man. Why the rush?"

"My reasons are my own. Do you have it?"

Filtch new he had the upper hand most Darkfriends would be killed for speaking as he did. The Forsaken would never dare and if they did, while death may not be their punishment they would wish it was. Yet, he stood there pouring another glass of brandy having leveraged all the power. He took a long sip then offerred Ishmael a drink. When he refused he pulled out a file folder and flopped himself on the dining table chair throwing his feet up to catch the table just in time to stop him and the chair from falling backward. He slip the folder across the table smoothly gliding to the far end where Ishmael stood. "There you have it. Fear negated the faith and hope as suspected. Took a couple days to get the mechanics down but you can place anyone in that variable and take over whoever has lost all hope. Now that you have the codex in your possession there isn't anywhere you can't reach with that equation is there?"

"You have done well Chosen. I will not forget it at the day of the Chaos End."

"You mean, the Dark One will not forget it when he rewards us unfaithful." Filch was fishing and got the clue he needed from Ishmael's action.

Before he left he asked the question Filtch new was coming, it was of course the source of his power, "How close are we to the seals?"

In an only slightly more than casual tone he replied while flipping a coin. "I have a way into the vault at any time. I can have them when you are ready Lord."

"It will be soon." And he was gone. This is the most Dangerous game.

Darkness Falls

The end of life. Because with out your own choices and your own will, even if your body lives the soul does not.

Darkness opened his eyes. It was as if his eyes were open for the first time. He was seeing through this vessel for the first time. He became aware of the senses that make a body. The feeling ground beneath one's feet, the caress of the cold night air against his skin the smell of an early Autumn forest, and the sight of himself. He was manifesting through many vessels now. Several were here, the conclusion of their experiment and efforts to improve if not perfect the Anti-life equation.

The Equation had been a success most of the party succumbed to the equation after the influence of Veritas but two did not. Dessaad was already trying to neutralize one of the paladins but to no avail. Darkness glared at the one called Jillian in an attempt to charm her will into submission. With immeasurable frustration he found again that channeling his abilities through his vessels was less than perfect.

She grabbed a book from Darkness's hand. It was a book meant to communicate with one they called Dante the one of his vessels use to answer to him. No matter who or what that king maybe he could not dare stop Darkness. "Take it, it will do you no good." Especially since she was about to die. Her and Morgan both would be murdered by the bodies of people she once called friends.

It would be wonderful. Morgan and Jillian would struggle to find a way to save themselves and their friends with out hurting them. They would struggle desperate and frantic and never find a way. He wondered if their compassion or survival instinct would win. Would the paladins start killing there companions or allow themselves to die once they found no other way? His amusement was so heavy that he heard himself chuckling through the other vessels.

It was then the unexpected happened. A unicorn just appeared, teleported, into their midst. As Darkness rushed to react charging them the creature caused a bright illumination to radiate from its horn. It caused no more than a split seconds delay to the rush but it must have been enough for the foul creature and the two paladins were gone. They were now more than a play thing or an amusement they had become an annoyance.

Three of Darkness's heads, those which use to belong to Keshala, Rowenna, and Ara Isar turned to see who was screaming. They saw Dessad looming over Katsumi. Katsumi had been very helpful in tracking the group after Darkness changed her mission from that of killing Owen to finding and spying on this group. She was so helpful in large part because Dessad knew how to get results.

"Where did they go worm?" He said as his pain poured over her. It was exciting to watch. Someone to hurt so deeply and fully. It was pure pain. It could strip back all the layers of a person and leave them with just the ability to feel and of all the things mortals felt the thing they could feel most deeply was pain. "I don't know." She finally whispered her body exhausted by the pain. Her body may have been exhausted but her soul was a long way from breaking. She had an iron core, if it were not so Darkness would have simply possessed her body too.

Dessad applied the pain again. Katsumi fell to the ground and thrashed about as a wild animal being drug into a trap. Desaad stopped the pain to ask her again and Darkness held up the hand that once belonged to Nial and said simply, "again." She may have told them what they wanted to hear after the second round of pain but Darkness enjoyed watching it so he allowed himself the this one tiny pleasure, he had so few of those lately.

When it was done she groaned, "The unicorn is from part of the forest south of here. I don't know exactly but I will go and find them." Her eyes were dried of tears and only blood was left to leak from her tired ducts. "It is a pity Owen and the pack have been sent north after the other staff piece the wolves would make better hunters than even you girl." Desaad said in a almost a giggle. "You will have to do."

The Darkness that was once Soskai said, "The pixies know where the unicorn is. We'll go there an make them talk. We must make haste. This is not the time to have these two heroes report what we are doing. Far too much depends on it. Desaad, the staff is also important. I will accompany you north to meet owen and reclaim the second piece. I will also go with Katsumi to the unicorn. Mirishka will join us there as well. I'll dream her to us when it is day. Prepare a coffin to shield her from the light."

"Yes my Lord," was all he said then it was done.

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It just stood there almost staring at them. Then Jillian realized she must be doing the same -- Just staring. She bowed her head and said, "I am Jillian faithful Knight to the Lord of Bravery Hajama. Thank you.. thanks for your help." The unicorn stomped and shifted its weight then it spoke, "I could tell your hearts were pure. The blight on my forest blocked many things. When I saw you be drawn into it I tried to get in and rescue you but could not. It is a fierce storm that i can not fight the rest of your companions seem lost to me."

Morgan responded, "They have been subjected to the Antilife equation. Lord Darkness a very old and powerful vampire has taken control of and possibly replaced their souls," not at all surprised the Unicorn could speak or really by anything that had happened. What have you seen that makes you so dull to these fascinating events. Jullian thought to herself. Jillian almost stammerred, "Replaced their souls?"

"Yes I think so. In others I have studied that fell to the Antilife equation even after death it was Darkness that i spoke to in communing with their spirit."

"No, Rowenna was taken by the equation before and came out of it herself?"

"Did she? of has Darkness been using her like a puppet this whole time?"

"No she was on the isle.." Jillian suddenly felt a realization that she did not know for certain that Rowenna was ever freed.

"It does not matter anyway. From here are decision is the same, we survive..." He words stopped in her throat then started again like it was a new person talking. "If its possible they are still in there we have to save them. Perhaps Nathan will know what to do."

"Duncan found him through Dante and this book before, maybe we can use that again."

The Imbued

"Dearest Lloth hear my prayer,
I strive to serve thee. I have lived my life to thy teachings. Here I stand serving Raz Guz, our devotion to restoring the Mountain King failed. We now serve men of Draconia. But I know I am meant for a higher purpose. Direct me to that purpose."

An angel to Lloth heard this prayer. An angel tasked with defending the faithful of Lloth from the harm of rival deities. An angel that had failed when Serusha attacked the faithful in Jong Gou. Now Serusha was on the earth again -- Fallen. She could not strike Serusha directly -- it would fall to the faithful.

The angel manifested herself in vision to the praying drow. "Your divine calling has come. The heretic and blasphemy of a fallen angel approaches you. She has plagued our mistress and her faithful people. Go and destroy her." The image of Serusha as a mortal elf and long red hair filled the drows mind.

"How am I to fight a fallen angel?"

"Do not dare doubt your faith. I will grant you the power to do this. Your faith has made you powerful."

The drow felt power wash over her like being dipped in a cold pool. She shivered. Opening her eyes she beheld a suit of armor and cross bow. With these you will be powerful. The voice rung in her head. She stood quickly and dressed in her new gifts.

She left her small tent and gave orders to Bryz her lead orc, "We leave now to find Serusha hiding in the forest." He replied, "My mistress General Raz Guz is still forming the ranks we have just arrived. He plans on burning the forest before dispatching any troops."

"I will not be delayed, I am Sybal the Imbued and I will execute Lady Lloth's fury upon her."

Division, "it won't be long now"

"This seems wrong don't it" Utho said in a hushed tone to Ur. Ur just shrugged as scartched his bearded face. Ur didn't know much about right or wrong. He knew the clan chiefs were working together and they had marched west to fight in the greatest battles of history. Or that is what they said. In the end, he knew you did what the clan chief said or you and the clan died.

"Listen Ur. Those aren't men that united the clan chiefs. This isn't right."

Ur shrugged and wiped the sweat from his brow. "there are lots of things that aren't men that live to the west. Heard the shaman and bard stories since we were kids. I remember Nial talking of dragons and demons and the like to the western desert."

"But why are we fighting their fight?"

"I don't know. These people for far away came to invade their land and they asked for the chiefs help? I don't know. Its not my concern. They ask me to kill so I kill."

"I don't worry about the battles. It brings us honor. But the greatest sin that leads us. They say he answers to a half god creature that is the reason the desert is hear. That he destroyed the sea and took away the water. That he kills even his own men for pleasure. I think the clan chiefs have been tricked. I don't think any of us are going to survive this."

"To die in battle is honor." He spat onto the dry ground the water from his spit nearly vanishing before it hit the ground.

"I don't think we'll die in battle. This greatest sin will murder us when we are no longer useful. I have a woman and two sons in the hunting lands. I know you have a son and two daughters. If this greatest sin destroys our warriors our women will be easy prey for him and his horde of monsters."

"What are you saying?" He said with the slightest hint of interest.

"There is a large group of us that are leaving tonight. We are just going to go home. I want you to come with us Ur."

"I'll come friend this heart of darkness makes my stomache turn."

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Zui Sui, the Greatest sin, carrier of the forbidden, knelt before the great Chosen Ishmael. "The ranks are breaking many of the barbarians are fleeing. With no enemy in sight they are sneaking off to avoid their mandate to serve me. I will destroy them for their cowardace."

Zui Sui cautously observed the other messenger. He was finely dressed and human. A genevan from the look of him and his dress. Ussually, Ishmael should never be interupted but he thought this warranted the interuption. Ishmael's voice was calm with no surprise in it, "Let them go. They served their purpose." Ishmael was holding the bound volume in his hands. The same volume Zui Sui carried in his flesh from the arena of Dragon to the Heart of Darkness, and the same one Ishmael ripped from his body. He did not know what it was exactly but that it was powerful. And since that day Ishmael was always holding it. "With the weapons Persephone gave you, this smaller force should still hold off Raquel. And if not I can kill them all myself now that I have this." He lifted the volume. "It is only Galan that concerns me and he will be here soon. Do not waste resources keeping the barbarians. Keep the patrols looking for Galan. It is critical that he arrives, and equally critical I be prepared for it."

Ishmael dismissed Zui Sui. He was a good servant and had the potential to be one of the Forsaken someday. Someday soon maybe, as their would be vacancies soon. But, that was not Ishmael's concern. He turned to the messenger, "My apologies for the interuption. Continue."

The man spoke in an equally even tone. "The Antilife equation works by replacing the will of one with the will of another. It essentially convinces the will their is no point in its struggles and has it surrender to the last variable in the equation. It is mediated by Hope. The more the subject will has hope the more their faith can drive them to action. We are very close to unravelling how to remove hope in a predictable systematic way. But your targets in the underworld should have no such problems. Shades are by their nature devoid of hope."

"You and your master have done well. And will be rewarded. Soon the great lord Abbadon will be released and a new world built for just us faithful. Your master's timeline is acceptable but I urge him to caution. Do not move too fast, it must be perfect."

"Yes my Lord." He said and with a nod he vanished.

Ishmael breathed a sigh, It won't be long now. It will all be over.

Cut off.

The distinguished and honorable lord Beckett executive to command of the 501st legion, commander of rear crusade operations, presents the following report to the light of the seven kingdoms, the defender of the faith, the glorified daughter of the goddess, the empress of the mightiest nation- the crystal empire, may she live forever.
May my words please her.
It is with shame I report most of our fleet and forces lost.  Despite my accurate assement and prediction of defeat that caused me to reccomend a full withdraw the commanders chose to press forward the crusade and are responsible for the loss of great amounts of the empress's may she live forever resources.

Lord Raquel Al-Shatel returned from the front defeated with haggerred men.  His appeals convinced Lord Shisimaru Landstarr to depopulate our rear camp of all but magic users and charge back into the unwinnable contest.  Their leaving required we redirect our firepower and effort from the former stalemate we had established.  This allowed us to provide a path for the charging army to get past the golems and into the dead magic zone.  It also caused us to take heavy losses on all sides.  Eventually we fought back our ground and restablished the stalemate but only with extreme effort. 

Two days after this our camp was hit with waves of attacks of unmatched magnitude.  Golems of all different makes including those capable of flight and ranged energy attacks swarmed us.  Down manpower and already sustaining heavy damage we were quickly overran and consumed.  I held the post as ordered until the last possible moment and then evacuated all I could. 

Even with my timely evacuation the loss to us, the world, and generations to come can not be overstated.  The best and greatest of all the world in terms of equipment, magic items, and genius of mages had answered the Keeper's call manning that post.  With many of them down not only is the cost in incalculatable gold but the genius lost means we can not simply rebuild them.  It may set us back two or three generations of magic research.  With out mages to maintain the current extravagent use of magic in our societies they may degrade.  The long term impacts could mean a fundamental change to our society. 

This is compounded by the fact that only the nations that serve the light with full conviction had sent their resources.  Nations such as Dragon maintained their strength and may now outpace our great Empire in accomplishments.

I lay the blame and responsibility for this tradgedy squarely and entirely on the shoulders of Lord Captain Commander Shisimmaru Landstar, and Vanquisher of Shadow Raquel Al-Shatel.  Their lack of wisdom and inability to head council lead them to give impossible orders at great cost.  I would reccomend fully stripping them of all position and title though I believe their death will be assured shortly as they now march on the Heart of Darkness in vain.

As a closing note, the forces of the forsaken presented a wide variety of resources and power of those resources in their final attack.  Creatures and power we had not encounterred before.  I must either deduce that they only recently gains such force, or if they had it from the begining we were only able to maintain that position for as long as they wanted us to.  If that is true, it means Ishmael let us have that camp there because it served a purpose to him -- and that it no longer serves his purpose.  IT can only mean that he wanted Raquel to lead the group of men he did on ward at this moment in the conflict and he only now wants them cut off and alone.  I can not believe this is a good thing for their chances.

I am as always your faithful servant and solider, my loyalty with the Empress, may she live forever.

Captain Commander Becket of the 501st. 

Ganondorf Rebellion part 12 An End (history of Hyrule)

Ganon examined the crimson cape, the symbol of legitimate rule in Hyrule. It has been slightly frayed on the end, but other than that was still in good condition. Twirling it in the air with a flutter he slid both of his arms through the the sleeves and cherished how well it fit across his shoulders. He adjusted it so he could still pull his sword if needed and smiled. He now had could not be questioned as the sole sovereign -- He had the cape.

The cape was his, Tyros destroyed, his brother dead and Tatyana having already fled things were going very well. Mervic had the staff of kings, he would get it from him and rebuild his new kingdom. The virtue of Strength demanded he eliminate any rival and the virtue of zeal demanded he do so quickly. He needed Mervic to get the staff and to awaken the Golemns, He also needed to pursue Tatyana and ensure she never returned. Then the only contender for power would be his daughter that he could instruct in the new virtues.

What if she did not believe these new virtues? What if she allowed Hyrule to become weak again. The virtue of strength should be upheld at all costs. He considered his situation carefully. He would live forever with the blood of the demon king in him, he did not need an heir. She would only bring those who wanted the old virtues together to oppose him. If he was to have order he could not have her. It was not a great loss, the virtue of utility demanded everything have a purpose and she did not have one.

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Tyros led Tatyana north as fast as they could travel. Moving in bat form was faster over the rough terrain but whenever the terrain was even the moved so fast on foot they would outpace their bat forms. So they traveled quickly alternating between forms and taking no time to rest. They reached her entourage in two days.

The group was her inner circle of belongings. In addition to their hearts, all the men Tatyana loved provided her a child -- the unloved. They were unloveable monsters, manifestations of the evil of their fathers. Tyros's son was a winged animal creature.

Sylvia was Xio Long's daughter. Perpetually 8 years old with greasy hair and pale skin. She never spoke but used her mind -- like her father.

It disgusted Tatyana to look at or remember them. So she stopped thinking about them and moved on. They were her children and any good mother would take care of them as she had but they disgusted her deeply.

The rest were the highest ranks of those she had made immortal. Selene Stargazer was once a royal ranger who served the Crimson Prince. Her loyalty to Tatyana surpassed her companions and was therefore rewarded with a closeness to Tatyana. Tatyana loved her smooth delicate skin.

They all traveled as a group now. Tyros had expected them to be found and slain by the monster Ganon. "He must have been distracted." He said evenly. "Let us hope his distraction keeps his attention long enough for us to get into the pass. Despite the fact they will slow us down their skills may help if he does catch us." It was always about protection and efficiency with him. She was grateful for as long as he thought about those sorts of things, she did not have to. However, this was different, for the first time he was truly concerned. He protected her and executed her wishes before but it was all just a game, she was never in real danger. Never...until now.

She watched as Tyros took the form of a wolf and howled into the night. It was faint in the distance but the howl was returned. Breaking through the still star-filled the howl may have terrified mortals but it was different to her ears. It meant hope.

They continued north.

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He traveled north to pursue Tatyana and to find Mervic. In two longs days, he found Mervic alone, not with golems has he had hoped. Ganon adjusted the crimson cape to emphasize who he know was. "I hope you have results." Ganon said unable to mask the anger in his voice. Mervic replied nervously. "No, my lord. The statues were soul bound to you, you have a different soul, nothing can be done. Unless we find a way to remove the Demon's connection to you. There maybe a way, at the tomb of King Hyrule there are silver arrows enchanted with a special..."

"I do not need help, I will not sever my connection with the Demon King. He has given me strength -- the greatest of all virtues. Before, him I was a weakling with a clouded view of what Hyrule needs."

Defiantly he spoke up, "And what does Hyrule need? To trade one Tyrant for another. Please Mandrake you must still be in there somewhere listen to me. We have accomplished our goal we can fix this and restore the virtues please." That last part sounded a pleading.

Ganon was surprised to hear a name he no longer recognized. Was that his name? Yes it is my name. This is not what I wanted. Tatyana is fleeing I can let her go and rebuild, I should not let hatred drive me.

But what about order, another voice answered, you were too weak to enforce it before. Mervic now questions us. He stands in the way of order. He has the staff and your daughter. His ploys and plots never stop, he is after the cape. Yes the cape. He has always wanted it, this entire epic ordeal with the cold ones, the escape the war the demon king its all so he can get the cape. He is evil, he destroyed Hyrule.

He is the enemy.

Opening his eyes Ganon realized he had been mumbling to himself. His eyes fixed on Mervic steel with resolve. "Where is my daughter?"

Confused by the seeming change of subject he was flustered because now he knew that Ganon knew his plots. He said again, "Where is Galendriel?"

"She is safe as you asked me to make her my Lord."

"You tricked me into giving that order and now I am changing it. Tell me."

"My Lord, we should be focused on other matters."

Ganon full of rage extended his claws dripping with poison and shoved the spikes into Mervic's ribs. "The poison will kill you in a couple of days. You can chose to tell me or you can chose to die. Your plot is over. Tell me where she is. NOW!"

Wincing in pain Mervic fell to the ground his walking staff rolling away from him. Saddness colored his eyes despite the paleness taking to his face. "Very well, may mercy forgive me. I find regret even in the truth of the lies. We lied to each other thinking we could control the demon king. The truth is we have become the monsters."

Ganon kicked him in the face breaking his nose. Sniffing the blood, "I'll take you. You have proven the virtue of strength well enough my lord. She is north just beyond the world of Hyrule in the High Mountains. It is now filled with Giants who have migrated from the west."

"Enough, take me there. First her and then we discuss the staff. Lets hope you live long enough to give me what I need."

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They rested the day in a small fortification at the mouth of the only thing that could be considered a mountain pass in the unbroken wall of stone that divided Hyrule from whatever lay beyond. It was once manned as a wilderness outpost by the Hyrule army but with the civil war it was completely abandoned. They could not afford to stay long but She wanted to rest and the others could not travel in daylight anyway. It would also would make possible for the pack to catch up, then Tyros could give orders and have them set up as a shield to leave behind. He did hope some of the elders, the breed not created beasts to take with them so he could breed a new pack.

He new they may need them. A vast assortment of monsters and creatures have been entering Hyrule through this pass. They had to be coming from some extremely untamed land. What reports he could gather from the creatures all referred to a man and his army chasing them out of their homes clearing land for their people. The descriptions were of a brave strong and valiant individual. He was the type of man that did not tolerate the immortals.

Whatever lay beyond that pass would be safer for Tatyana than Hyrule, there were too many monsters in Hyrule.

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Ganon looked at the cave entrance. Mervic said Gallendriel was in there, they had travelled a couple of days Mervic being dragged by Ganon over the rocky broken terrain to the final point. It had come to this. Ganon had gathered the power to chase the cold ones from the land and now wanted to cement his rule as Mervic knew would happen.

This was why Gallendriel was hidden and the staff scattered. Ganon's pride and ambition drew him here. He would have to kill Gallendriel quickly to catch up to Tatyana now. He walked into the cave driven by zeal. Mervic smiled in wisdom as he appeared to follow him. With Gannon beyond the entrance and Mervic standing in it, Mervic opened a small vile. He poured the angel tears on the small altar he had previous built into the side of the cave entrance. In his haste, Ganon and not seen how Mervic had built a gate prison based on his study of the Demon King's prison.

The seal enacted immediately with Ganon trapped with in the mountain and Mervic outside it. He felt his stomach empty its contents to the ground as the poison continued to march him to death, but even that pain did not stop his satisfaction. Hyrule was now safe of the cold ones and of its demon blooded ruler. He was too weak to make the journey south and awaken Gallendriel, but she would eventually awaken and his enhancements would guide her to her destiny and to rebuild Hyrule.

He struggled to his feet and used magic to shape the stones around the cave entrance to hide the sealed demon. "I'm sorry Mandrake, my friend. What you did you did for your love of Hyrule as did I. Please see this is the only way. In this farewell there is no blood, no alibi. So let Mercy come and wash away what I've done. It was the only way."

The stones formed perfectly covering the hole in the rock. He fondly thought of his lost friend, "Put to rest what you thought of me while I clean this slate, with hands of uncertainty. Hyrule starts again and whatever pain may come, today this ends."

He stumbled back and left one more enchantment. He could not give up hope. If ever one most exemplified the virtues of Hyrule they could open the cave, perhaps that someone could still save Ganondorf from what he's become.

Exhausted by the strain of magic used he went to sick up again but found nothing left in his stomach. He began to cough and large masses of blood painted the ground. He laid down just to rest for moment. Though, he knew it was not for a moment. He closed his eyes and he heard something, maybe wolves or other beasts running past but he was too tired to even open his eyes. He passed to blackness with only the hope Hyrule could be rebuilt.

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Epilogue

The elves had been massively depopulated. And while the new creation of Drow were strong there were small in number for the continuous waves of creature and monster that washed in like a waterfall from the north mountains. With out a leader, or organization the few bands and towns could not defend from these new threats or from the native dark creatures of the forest. In a generation that focused more on just surviving than educating their children the virtues and traditions of Hyrule nearly completely faded. The once great knowledges of science and magic and art and architectural where forgotten in the ruins of the once great elven cities.

Across the mountains the Human's flourished moving from hunter gathering nomadic tribes to eventually built their own empire based on commerce and trade. Some elven colonies escaped on boat and landed in the Enron woods to build a civilization with out central leadership and to be continually divided between supporting one noble or another.

The humans and the elves and the dwarves to the north all called the land that was once Hyrule an unclaimed and unexplored wilderness -- the Wilds. That is the scholars did, most thought as Hyrule did before that nothing existed behind the wall of the edge of the world.

All the while Gallendriel slept protected by enchantments so she could wait to be awoken at a time where it would be possible for her to rebuild Hyrule.

The End of the History of Hyrule

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Lord Arvan dismounted his stead. Scouts had reported seeing a camp in the pass and he wanted to see it with his own eyes. Just over 6 feet tall he had to crouch not to be seen over the small trees and bushes. The reports said wolf beastly creatures and what looked like humans though pale. Arvan had fought his entire life to make the plains safe for his people. He had battled countless giants and with the Gods granting him power he had won impossible victories. Arvan and his men had made the land safe for his people, even constructed a fortress only a couple of miles back to prevent anything from coming back through the pass. All he had ever want was to serve, protect and help anyone in need, he had done so very well.

He was not sure if this group of travelers were more monsters or more likely someone who had come up here to find him looking for help. Either way, he needed to use caution.

He took to the top of one of the look out towers that were built through the pass. Each equipped with enough oil to burn a warning signal to the next tower, this way his men and he could communicate about threats that happened anywhere in the pass. At the look out point he returned the salute of the young solider and stepped onto the roof himself. He remained low hoping his armor did not shine too much of the moonlight.

He saw the small camp next to a little pool. The moonlight reflected off of it and shone upon her. She was bathing. The most lovely woman he had ever seen. Skin like white porcelain shiny red black hair and gorgeous flawless features, he could think of nothing else but the desire to be close to her. . .

Ganon rebellion part eleven (history of hyrule)

Tatyana kneeled next to the charred body of tyros.  He had protected her well.  Monster or not he did his duty, he loved her. As much as that upset her she also needed his sword in case the monster ganon returned.

She looked down at his charred body. Bones shown through the cooked off flesh. She held up her new jar. She kept the hearts of everyone she once loved to remember. She wanted to remember how it felt to be loved by a good man, a great man. The better the man the better it felt. The jar which held the heart of the man who loved her just moments ago was half full of blood. She looked at it then down at tyros. His was the first heart she collected. Part of the strange ritual that made him her bride. It was all backwards but that is how derrick described it when he did it to her and she did not know any other way to say it. She thought she loved him then. She knew she needed tyros now. She poured the liquid from the jar and heart into the deformed mouth and cooked flesh. As soon as the life giving blood touched tyros flesh, the flesh began to heal. Muscles stretched and expanded over the raw chunks of bone. Tendons and fibers stretched to give strength and shape to his body. His eyes, which had been opened because the flesh had been seared off, sparked to life. He was sitting up and trying to stand before the layers of cold white skin could finish covering him. Cold and hard he looked to her and simply asked , "are you unharmed?" She nodded. He was quick efficent and perfect clearing the area and escorting her away, not even stopping for the feeding he desperately needed because he loved her more than he loved himself. And she hated him for it.

Hyrule Ganondorf’s rebellion pt. 10: A last gift (History of Hyrule)

“Live! Live!” He looked over at Merivic, anger fueling his heart. He had built these things. Why wouldn’t they work? He looked over an army of hundreds, no, 1000s of golems. They ranged in make from stone to steel, and iron and clay, an army Ganon built for this purpose would now not obey his command. Though, he may not need them, he had with raw destructive force had already razed this Crimson City to the ground. He had with only minor exertion of effort the coven of Cold One guards, placed here by his brother to keep Ganon away from his own army. Ganon knew, if he needed, he could kill the Crimson Prince, Tyros and Tatyana all by himself, but keeping the kingdom in line after he had done so would require forces to be spread through Hyrule, acting as a symbol of his power. He would need to induce loyalty through fear. He had also considered killing them all, all of Hyrule. That would bring order. But he would try this first.
“My patience has grown thin with you, Merivic. Tell me why they won’t work. Bring them to my command,” he ordered the wizard. The mage who, had always seemed to have a plan for everything, now had a face that clearly showed signs of confusion and doubt.
“I built these golems to only be able to hear and respond to your commands. They were linked to your soul. We did this at your request so that only you could control so powerful of an army. My theory would be that whatever . . . happened . . . to you in the temple of the demon dragon may have altered your soul enough that the golems no longer recognize the link,” Merivic hesitating replied.
“You do not know? I thought you knew everything,” Ganon condescended. “Patience and failures are no longer things I have time for. This is a riddle you must solve, and that you must solve quickly. Stay here. Fix them. I and the drow will continue further west. That is where he and she are supposed to be.”


Lord Tyros watched Ganon and watched Merivic speak from a considerable difference. With his gift of immortality thousands of years ago came greatly increased his senses, including his sense of hearing. He stayed a great enough distance away that even with his enhanced hearing; he could barely discern the conversation. He dared not move closer, though, for fear of being discovered. Ganon had . . . changed, not unlike the way the Crimson Prince had. But Ganon’s change was readily apparent and manifest in his physical form. He now, finally, looked a worthy enemy of Lord Tyros. Such a worthy opponent he had not fought in centuries. He would engage him now. With all that he was he longed to engage this adversary in combat. As if every fiber of himself were meant to fight and destroy such a vile a monster. Or, at least, it had been that way long ago. Now, he needed to save her even more than he needed to destroy him. She was all that ever mattered to Lord Tyros.

The Crimson Prince awoke, saddened by the fact that his dreams of Tatyana had ended.
He tried again to close his eyes, and shut out the world and return to the dream he’d had, lying with Tatyana. But the dream wouldn’t return. He reluctantly opened his eyes and, most unexpectedly, saw her. Perhaps this was still a dream. It was like many of the dreams he had of her. Standing in the starlight, supremely beautiful, pristine, like a statue cut out of flawless marble. A sleeveless red dress hung from her shoulders to the floor, clinging to her body as tightly as he would like to. But it was the sad, painful eyes that drew his attention most and confirmed that it was not a dream. In his dreams he was happy, and wanted to be with him still, before he had shamed himself in some unknown way. He sprung to his feet, and then fell to his knees, bowing before her. Yet he could not cast his eyes to the floor. It had been too long since he’d looked upon her and his eyes drank her image the way an elf that had traveled across the lightening sworn's desert drank water to live.
“You please me greatly with your presence, my Lady Velvet. Lately it has only been in my dreams that I have seen you; that, I’ve felt you. You’ve cut my heart open, and, I bleed only my love for you. Your every breath is command I dutifully follow. I see sadness haunting your eyes. I shall chase it away, as I would any other enemy. Who disturbs you? Tell me what I can do and I will do it... Tell me what I should be and shall be it. Tell me what I can give and I shall give it”

With the sadness of some thousand great losses, her angelic gaze radiated upon him. Her porcelain fingers caressed the lowest line of her stomach. Then her honey-dipped velvet voice spoke. It spoke as the chorus of all the gods singing. As if the once great forest itself had a voice, and she said, “You have already given too much. I am carrying your child. It is the child of a monster, of a man who burns his own forest and eats his own people. I now must carry your bastard within me, whom I fear may be as great a monster as you. You have forced to choose between that and a mother’s love. Tyros have come for me. I’m leaving.”
“No! All I’ve ever done, I’ve done for you. For love, the greatest of all the virtues. Our child will be heir to the Crimson Throne, and carry the staff of kings. You must not leave. You cannot leave. My whole soul belongs to you. I have only tried to be what I thought you wanted me to be,” he sobbed pitifully at her feet.
Tatyana’s eyes widened for the briefest moment, and then dimmed again just as quickly. Her words became daggers.
“Lord Tyros says Ganondorf is coming, and that he’s changed. He has become a vile, wretched monster, like his brother. He plans to destroy you. He’ll be here soon. You should prepare. The two of you deserve each other,” she spat.
And then she was gone.
The Crimson Prince soaked up his misery. He did not know how much time had passed before he heard the alarms.
Lord Tyros waited. He stood just within the entry of the tower. It was an impressive sight. The Crimson Prince had built a fitting tribute to what he and Tatyana had done to this land -- graves, as far as the eye could see lining up all those who had died in her name. He sometimes, if only for a moment, wished he had been in one of those graves. Then, at least, it would be over. He, like those in the graves, could have paid the ultimate price to prove he loved her. And maybe just for a moment, she would understand that, and return it. But his wished did not matter. Only her safety mattered.
The alarms sounded. Lord Ganon and his Drow had arrived. How could they have moved so quickly? How did I not outpace them? What new and bizarre magic are they using? He didn’t feel fear; he was far too numb for that. But he watched with a kind of admiration as the small fist of dark-skinned eleven warriors blended attacks of magic and sword to make progress through the ranks and assault the fortress.
Even the immortal guards would have had difficulty keeping up with the surprise attack and precision. But, they were not here; Tyros had sent them ahead to secure the path. He expected Ganon’s forces to be coming through the mountains and wanted to put as much of a barrier between them and Tatyana as possible. It was a gamble that did not pay off, now he was all that stood between these forces and Tatyana. The few elves still loyal to the Crimson Prince fought as best they could but were not match for the faster and more ruthless drow. Perhaps he would earn that grave after all.
His Katana blades leapt to his hands ringing with the vibration of the swords leaving their sheathes. In one fluid motion he sliced the closest one in half. Before its body hit the ground he spun taking the legs off another and the head off a third. A silver arrow aimed at his heart passes through him, harmlessly as he turned to mist. The arrow struck another drow behind him.
Solidifying his body he was instantly attacked. A silver blade came in an overhead chop. It was strong but too wide; Lord Tyros quickly parried and impaled the assaulting drow in the lower chest with his other blade. Spinning the sword holding the parried blade he caused the draw’s fingers to lose grip dropping its sword. Tyros drove the other katana into the high chest of his enemy and simultaneously kicked him center chest propelling the dead drow 10 feet off his blades and into a small group of advancing attackers.
“Enough, I knew it would come to this.” The deeper power driven voice spoke from behind the group of advancing drow. Ganon continued, “My men have the day. None of my brother’s forces are left to stand, but you don’t fight for them, or my brother, you fight for her. Where is she?”
Lord Tyros smiled and quickly said, “She has already left. You notice no ‘cold ones’ here don’t you. I sent them away. They are north, most likely have already made the pass and fled Hyrule. She is beyond your reach now.”
“Then I will have to settle for killing you. It needs to be done anyway.”
Fire raged and flew from Ganon’s mouth engulfing where Tyros stood. His armor blocked the magic of the attack though he could still feel the heat. He sprung to the air soaring above Ganon and behind him. He swung with commitment and precision. The blow struck cracking the green scales and spraying blood into the air. Then Ganon was gone. He was 10 feet to the left, invisible but Tyros could hear his heart still. His heart did not beat like an elves' there was a deep slow darkness to the sound. Then Tyros heard it, a second beat in almost unison with the first. The momentary distraction caused Tyros to take a blow to the face from some clawed hand.
Tyros stumbled back feeling the wound burn. He could still hear him approaching and ducked as another blow came. Tyros tackled the invisible Ganon and wrestled him to the ground. But before their momentum could even stop Ganon was gone . . . behind him. Tyros spun and lifted from the ground. A worthy opponent.
Tyros felt fire run along his bones though nothing touched his armor. It began to eat his flesh and boil his insides. He was aware of screaming and then blackness.
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The Crimson Prince watched from his window as Tyros fought and died to defend the tower. His bravery and loyalty born of love will never be forgotten. His brother Mandrake Ganondorf stood in front of him floating in the air. But this was not his brother; it was a twisted version of him barely recognizable. “Brother,” the Crimson prince could hear the love and desperation in his own voice. Had he come to save him? Was he worth saving? He realized he was wrong, he had fought this whole war and lost Hyrule for a woman that would never love him.
“Brother.” Was the only part of the response he heard before the flames consumed him. He was glad to be able to feel anything again, before he felt nothing ever again.

Tatyana waited an hour after they left before she came out. Without Tyros, she was scared. For the first time since he had been with her, she saw him beaten. She was alone – almost.
She glided to the Crimson Princes body and looked down. It was truly over, all the love he had shown her, the joy she felt as he embraced her. That a man so good could love one so as I am. She knelt down and whispered with tenderness, “There is one more gift you can give me.” She placed her fingers through the burnt flesh to grab the sternum and ripped it free. There she found his heart and lifting it from his body she placed it in a small glass jar.

The fights that need fighting (Present Crusade update)

With what was left of his men fed and sheltered finally able to rest raquel met with all remaining commanders to discuss the next step. Raquel was not accustomed to losing nor falling back, and while he knew it was the right decision it still did not sit well with him, they needed to press forward not backward.
Around the table which displayed illusion images of the army positions within and outside the camp sat the Allied generals. Lord shisimaru landstarr commanded the entire forces of the crystal empire.  He was a passionate man driven for victory determined and decisive, too decisive at times acting before considering all the options.  His primary executive officer lord Samuel worthington Beckett sat next to him stirring his tea casually as if the war barely concerned him.  He was a product of the imperial system wealthy educated in all military matters and coldly detached from the emotional and moral implications of his decisions, he wasn't amused or treat it as a game it was all just a math equation to solve brilliant and arrogant--imperial.
Captain trevor dorson represented the green lantern core. He was always more concerned with the wounded than the objective.  It was a needed role and the best for him since the lantern core, despite the keepers invitation, did not send many troops just a handful.  The rest troubled themselves with keeping peace and order in the rest of the world.
The general from cyrodil, another nation whose help was appreciated but too little.  They only spared what they thought they could and not compromise their other interests.  Seanchan commander whose forces had all left for home. And more down the line.
Raquel had sat with the keeper as he dictated cold letters of condemnation to the nations of the earth for their lack of support.  If only they would have been willing to sacrifice as was asked they could have won.  Now they were defeated only a small trickle of reinforcements all from Geneva, and a war council that wants to retreat.
Lord Beckett made a good argument, "further advance will only.kill us.  We can not win.  If victory can not be achieved resources are better spent where we can win.  Perhaps in the future more nations will be willing to help. If our forces retreat here we can combine forces with them later therefore increase chance of victory."
Raquel stood up and checked his sword. "Then leave.  Come back when you can.  I'll take as many as want to go and restart the march."
"My lord?"
"I have never entered or exited a conflict based on probability of victory."
"We fight the fights we can win"
"We fight the fights that need fighting. And more than any other this fight needs fighting.  Ishmael can be stopped we have to try."

All forces who could walk marched on the heart of darkness to fight what needed fighting.

Ganondorf rebellion part nine a brave new world (history of hyrule)

Ganon watched the wounds on his ARM heal.  It took some experimenting to find something to cut his scaled skin.  Steel and stone just broke.  Silver could cut him as easy as it did the cold ones and wolf beasts. Fortunitly heal healed from such wounds, if slowly, mervic needed his blood.  The spell was suppose to imbue the rangers with power the same way the demons blood and empowered him.
  The wolfbeasts were only two days away from the scout reports. That did not give the time for the golemns to journey and make a difference before tyros's monsters took the capital.  He would leave to waken the golemns and march on tatyana only after he made the men strong enough to defend themselves.
The forces stood in rank and vile looking up at their supreme lord whose blood was now there blood.  He stood upon a balcony and leaned on the hickory railing carefully grown and sculpted into a strong rail.

"My brave new warriors. My fighting drow welcome to our brave new world. Hyrule faces unprecedented danger.  Not just from tyranny oppression persecution but from annihilation.  If we want to live to exist our worldview must change.
The greatest virtue is strength.  The source of all virtues.  Only with strength can the other virtues be defended. The second virtue is cunning. Battles are won before they are fought. You must think your enemy. The third virtue is determination. As we are ambitious we discover ways to be stronger, determination will compensate for lack of understanding. It decides who survives and who does not. The less determined will not survive. Fourth virtue is utility. All thinks serve a purpose to increase strength. All things can be resources for survival. Find utility in all you hold or do not hold it. The fifth virtue is zeal. When a little will fail you must commit. Proceed to seek survival and strength with all zeal.
The now green skinned warriors absorbed his words entranced by his clarity of understanding. He knew exactly what was needed to make hyrule survive. Now to kill.

Rebellion of Ganondorf part 8 wrath (history of Hyrule)

He breathed air seemingly for the first time as he strode out of the temple. He could almost feel the ground beneath his feet through his boots as he stood holding Mervic looking south toward the dock where his men were waiting. They were waiting for him to save them, waiting for him to save Hyrule. Save Hyrule he would. He realized now for the first time that Hyrule was greater than any one person and if the blood and death of one person or whole people's were required that is the price he would pay. Hyrule would have order -- His Order.

Mervic moaned and strained to open his eyes. Ganon tossed him to the ground. "Come mage." He commanded ignoring the look of shock and fear that Mervic used to gaze upon his lord. Mervic took a small vile and struggling to his feet poured its contents upon an altar near the door to the temple. The liquid caused the doors to swing shut and click. Ganon and forgotten they were open, he had little concern for it.

In fact, Ganon spent no more than a moment thinking about it and started to list all the threats Hyrule faced. The Crimson Prince was the head of the snake but Tatyana pulled the strings. They would both need destroyed. The Lightning sworn had been tolerated too long they would swear loyalty or die. NO. They had killed his wife, they would die. The should die first, a lesser threat should be dealt with first.

"How do you feel my Lord?" Mervic said running to catch up. Ganon slightly smiled and responded, "Like our hope is restored."

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Tyros enjoyed the sound. Crying, screaming, dieing. Occassionally he could overhear a beast still gorging on the corpses. He had told the elders of the pack, the ones bred for this not the abominations he infected at her order, to leave none alive. He did not want to grow the pack by infection and was hoping that as they pushed deeper into Ganondorf's territory more would be killed. But to stop the infection from spreading he gave the wolves the command to kill and devour all they encountered.


As much as he hated the mutated rodents they were effective in accomplishing black velvet's goal. The entire population of hyrule would shortly fall. He had pushed passed and overrun all the forts and checkpoints along the southern shore of the river. The elves freed or died- it was wonderful total and complete.He would tell the wolves to press on to the sea turn north and meet them at the mouth of the pass he had found. They could devour the rest of ganondorfs people and forces without him. And even though it brought him great joy to see victory it brought him more to be with her. Besides, the infected stunk. -----------------------

He had ordered most of his escort to go home the long way. If the caravan was too large the lightning sworn would avoid it and not attack. He needed them destroyed but did not have the time to look for them. By the second day of desert travel he should be surrounded.It was the second day now and the plan was working. Giant scorpions flanked him on a dune ridge and what seemed to be blue painted foot soldiers trailed him. Up ahead more scorpions blocked his path. The first wave of arrows bounced off his scaled skin. The few servants he was with were not blessed as he was and lay dieing next to him. He knew the elves were too weak he would need to make a new army, grant his people a portion of the power he had gained. That would happen later now it was time for revenge.

The lightning sworn had been a problem in Hyrule since the beginning. Followers of the deliverer who could not let go of dragon worship. They brought two dragon eggs with them and as a secret society hatched and nurtured and worshipped them.The deliverer would not have all he did undone so the society was hunted killed and what was left fled to the desert. It was the delivered's love that staid his hand and let them live then. Ganon was not burdened by such things. All Hyrule must be controlled.First he used fire. Causing it to erupt and spring from the ground engulfing the lightning sworn traitors. Their screams and scents of charred flesh thrilled him. Almost without effort the fire came raging and spreading finding targets and embracing them. The fire began to glow blue and before ganon could figure out why a scorpion four or five time larger than a man charged and struck ganon in the chest with his stinger. The poison barn broke against ganons's scaled chest. Ganon drew his blade and severed a pinched that tried in vain to grasp him. The sword was heated by ganons's fire and simply skid through the bone claw.The second pincher was faster and ensnared the great warrior lord. Lightning sworn with staffs which carried blue flame sent bolts striking ganon.

He was aware of the pain but did not really feel it. The pain was happening to someone else that shared his body. He reached deep within himself to summon strength from what seemed like endless reserves. Grabbing the pinchers he forced them open with brute strength. The scorpion resisted trying to match strength until the claws snapped and fell broken to the sandy ground. They threw lightning with there staffs again but he was gone leaving only a trail of red black twisted smoke.He appeared behind a lightning sworn and struck with his heated sword severing the spine of his enemy. He shifted again leaving only smoke and struck another Target. She shifted and struck again. Shift and strike he found a rhythm. Shift. Strike. Shift strike. Until all adversaries were butcherred.

On the now lone battle field, he smiled as he heard and felt his wounds sealing and healing themselves. He was unstoppable no cold one could stop him not tyros not tatyana. The sound of roaring thunder and beastly roar drew his attention to the sky and widened his smile. "Finally, come and I will do what the deliverer should have done. I will bring order to Hyrule.". He screamed into the air as the blue dragon the lightning sworn worshipped approached. He was large. 300 or more feet from nose to tail sharpened claws shone in contrast to rich deep blue scales that covered the vile beast in a skin of armor. Armor not unlike ganon's own.It twisted its wings at a sharp angle causing a plummeting descent.

It's mouth opened and ganon could feel his hair stand on end. The beast sprayed forth lightning on a quick and deal arch that only found black and red smoke. Ganon shifted behind the dragons ears and struck with his clawed right hand injecting poison into the creature. The strike caused the beast not to recover from the dive and strike the sand covered earth with a tremendous rumble. Ganon had shifted away just a moment before impact and stood just a few feet from the beast.


They killed my wife. The thought fueled the power within him. The beast disorented by the demonic poison thrashed trying to get its feet under him. By the time he did he was already dead. Ganon closed his eyes and could feel the dragon's heart beat. It was almost like it was his own but with focus he could tell it was seperate. Then he openned a channel to the other heart and focuseed the rage he felt over his wives death to the other beating heart.

She loved me, it was the greatest of all the virtues. I loved her. You took her from me. You took her from Gallendriel. You deserve to die. You deserve the pain, you desrve to suffer, as I sufferred. You deserve the pain of death by fire. The beast stood straight up wings spread to gather enough air to lift and then started to scream as a child would. Flames erupted from with in the dragon searing large rifts and holes into the beast's belly and chest. Following the lines of his bones the flames races through the inside of his body and fought to come out. WHen they did the creature was an incennerated tribute to Ganon's power.

Now it was time to build his forces. Golemns The thought crossed someone else's mind.
The war would be won, if he had to kill everyone himself.

Ganondorf Rebellion part 7 New life (history of Hyrule)

Laying up looking at the ceiling he admired the painting on the ceiling. It was a fairy dancing withe two deer. Heavily stylized almost too rigid for his liking but it reminded him of simple art. Art and beauty should flow and be flexible, this was older when many artists began to think there was one perfect and aim towards that. The deer are drawn exactly as they were suppose to be. Ganondorf turned over in his bed no longer interested in the perfect deer.

As he rolled over he heard the satin of his pillow tearing behind him. Springing up he saw Nicodemus knife in hand tearing through the satin of the pillow causing duck feathers to leap from their prison and scatter through the room. He barely more than whispered, "your death the lady demands is." Then lept forward again stabbing into Ganondorfts left arm that he rose to defend his faith.

Pain. Never had a blade separated his skin nor caused him to bleed. Rangers, and mages and even Nicodemus had protected him from such things all his life. Pain was not a sensation he was use to but the deeper pain was that of his longest friend now vowing to kill him for the sake of the lady. Tatyana will you leave nothing beyond your corruption.

He was not much of a fighter but he was quick. Rolling to duck another swipe of the blade be bounced up and dove behind his waredrobe. Engraven to resemble the holy yellow stem bushes of the southern shore it offered only a moment of hiding before Nicodemus threw his dagger with precision into the shadow striking Ganondorf low in the chest. Falling to his knees the pain and shock gripped him as he saw his own blood spread out in a pool before him. He screamed out for help in panic. Nicodemus charged him and kneed him in the mouth breaking several teeth and causing him to fall back.

Nicodemus pulled the knife from his chest, which to Ganondorfs surprise hurt even more than going in and it bleed worse too. He was dizzy from blood loss of the knee to the face he did not know but he did not dare stand up. His vision cleared just in time to see the blade charging for his face. But it stopped. Nicodemus was hurt. He sat back and Ganondorf saw two rangers loading their bows in the archway. Nicodemus looked stunned as hs touched his back and found his fingers covered in blood. He tried to dash for the window but two more arrows struck him as he lept for it. One struck his right hand causing him to loose grip on the curtain and fall from the tower to the courtyard.

The rangers rushed out to the courtyard to catch him but Ganondorf knew there was no need. He was not moving his longest friend besides his brother was now dead. Dead because of her. All because his brother was too foolish to see the truth, he was willing to take everything from the people, everything from him in order to keep her. If Nicodemus could fall under her spell anyone could. He could not wait for Mervic to return.

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He looked it over and thought surely this would do it. Surely this would bring her back to me. The Crimson Prince had noticed Tatyana was slipping. She seemed less and less interested in him. From the beginning she had doubted that she was worth loving, though he could not possibly see or understand why. She had the skin of fine porcelien, rich deep eyes and a long list of other traits that sang in harmony of beauty. Virtue begat beauty so she must be more pure and valiant than anyone else he had ever met. Even Nymphs paled in comparison and they had been known to kill men with their looks.

He had decided to show her how much he loved her. He brought everyone who had died for her in this war to one spot and had the mages construct monuments to all the dead. Each stone read, "I will always Love Tatyana." He knew that if he could lay out all the death and carnage all the price that he had paid for her in one place she could not argue that he loved her, and finally see she was worth loving. Perhaps even lay with him again, she had not done so in weeks.

"It looks marvelous Arithos." He complemented his head mage who responded, "The study with golemns teaches us how to meld stone quit easily. It is a very impressive feet my lord. Not the magic, but how many people love her and will sacrifice for her. It proves your brother is wrong."

"Indeed it does." He looked over it again. For as far as his elven eyes could see in every direction was gravestones. A grey death lay over the ground laced with the early morning fog that no longer seemed eager to leave. Though the overcast sky prevented the sun from chasing the fog away. Another addition he had made so the cold ones would be more comfortable here. It was quit perfectly quit. A silent praise that inspired awe as so much death and destruction. He was happy so many had died, for it proved his love, and Love was the greatest of all the virtues.

"She is here my Lord." The news lifted the Crimson's prince's eyes and spirits. She was ascending with her protector Lord Tyros not more than one step behind. Her and her cold one servants glided across the difficult terrain as is floating is was marvelous to watch. The war with his brother, the reports and thousands of creatures giants and monsters coming through the check points and barely guarded bases in the north all of it faded away as he looked on her.

He raised his arms and spun as if trying to point to all of it at once. "See my tribute to you my Lady Velvet. All the men women and children dead for you. Nearly the whole of Hyrule here because I love you. Gaze upon my love and see for yourself." The words nearly ran out of his mouth as he hoped it pleased her.

She gasp and panned around slowly. They stood on top of a tower of white stone built in the very center. From here she could see it all. He knew her eyes were even more keen then his but had not doubt the sacrifices lined up far beyond even here eyesight. Then she spoke honey dipped words, "It's beautiful. Your love flatters me." Casting her eyes to the ground she began to cry. The tears fell from her eyes to the ground crashing like gem stones on the stone spreading ice wherever they fell. "You know me too well, you have done all of this because of me. I have made this."

He was confused, was she sad? "Yes for you. Only you, deserve this. Nothing, no one and not virtue matters to me like you do." She went from crying to sobbing and threw her arms around him.

"Oh Derick that means more to me than you will ever know." She breathed in deep and he tightened his grip on her hoping to never let her go. But she easily broke his embrace and through his affection to the side. "But what does it prove to be loved by a monster like you?"

The words shattered his heart. He fell to his knees shaking, trembling barely aware of the tears that now fell from his face. She turned to Tyros discarding the Crimson Prince as if he were nothing more than a toy a child had played with so long it had worn out. "Release all the hounds on Ganondorf, let them shred Hyrule to the ground if there is anyone left I will be displeased. A lot of memories here to erase it will please me if there is nothing left to remember. And for our escape there is a pass to the north west, is it still open?"

He responded in the same manner, completely ignoring the insignificant Crimson Prince on the ground. "The mountains are now infested with all sorts of creature and giants. Fire and stone both. Reports from them indicate they are all fleeing an expanding human settlement on the other side of the mountains. One holy knight leads them and promises to make the human's land safe. It is from him that all these creatures flee."

"Yes, a holy and strong man. Perhaps he will have what we seek. Be about your mission Tyros, I will be here in my new tower until you have made safe the way and it is time to depart."

She turns to leave gliding as she walked through the archway leading down the stairs to the tower. He realized that was only standing still while the scenery moved behind him. Looking around he could not believe what happened. Did she love him like he loved her? Did she need him like he needed her? Was he worthy of being loved? Was it possible to love him after what he had done?

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They had traveled a little further south that what would have been the quickest route but it avoided the Lightning sworn and their desert. That was an unstable element he wished not to bring into the fray just yet. Though it was an advantage they were there. What small land they did control lay between the southern green and where the river began. So cold ones and wolfmen who tried to come in from the north had to attack them first. With the Crimson Prince occupied only with attacking Ganondorf he ignored that path of attack all together and focussed on the southern end of the river that, virtue be praised, they were able to hold.

Ganondorf thought this over as he hoped it would all be done soon. The ship had docked and his men were stepping off onto the ancient pier. "No stay here. I will go into the ice temple alone. None of you should be asked to do such a thing."

"Not even I." Came a familiar voice to Ganondorf's ear. Mervic was waiting on the pier for him.

"Of course you may come old friend, I thought you would never make it."

"I arrived just after you left. Finished the enchantment we discussed and his the letters. Then I rushed as fast as I could to get here. Luckily you took the long way around." His smile fell short, " I heard about Nicodemus, my sympathies. I still can not believe it."

"She is a bewitching temptress. We could all have fallen to her. Thank Virtue we have been spared."

"So, no turning back now."

"Nope. May mercy forgive us. What we do we do for Hyrule."

The both side by side walked onto the plains of ice that surrounded the temple of white stone. Ice covered mountains make a near perfect wall around the temple constructed by the Dragon Lords thousands of years earlier. The Grey Haven Elves worshiped the Dragons but the Dragons had a criminal among them. One that they hated and ordered imprisoned. And they were going to open this prison and wake him up. It was he who he who first allowed the elves of to know of this land that Hyrule founded and now he just may be its last hope to save it.

The door way was massive. Large enough for a dragon to cross the thresh hold. Mervic began his chanting. The altar next to the doorway made not mention of how to open the doors only spoke of how to close and seal the prison. An elaborate ritual that involved the tears of an angel. They bond would be strong and nearly impossible to open. But nearly impossible was what Mervic seemed best at. The doors opened his chanting.

They walked into a temple seemingly made of crystal and ice. Frozen half beast mean filled the corridor. "The Demon King's followers." Mervic said his voice laced with excitement. He engaged the virtue of wisdom with out remorse or reservation. Wisdom, needed truth and he would find all the truth the world would show him.

He turned his attention from Mervic to the frozen man the elf was studying. It was not a man or an elf but had the horns of a goat and wings of a wyvern. Hoofed feet stood frozen to the floor despite the obvious strength of the muscle fibers. Ganondorf continued on, "We are not here for his followers. We stick to the plan, my apologies to wisdom and truth." Mervic followed close behind.

They stood now looking upon him. The area immediately around his body as not frozen ice as was everything else. It seemed a raging fire just under the ice trying to melt it as the ice tried to keep it frozen. The creature was larger than anything he had ever seen. Resembling a snake but with long fleshy wings and easily 1000 meters in length. The demon king lay coiled, eyes closed and unmoving, not even breathing.

The sheer power was captivating he could feel his heart beat in rhythmic time with some unheard music. It almost controlled him and moved him. It drew his eyes to a crown that lay upon an altar in front of the beast. The inscription read, Whosoever shall wear this crown can command the Demon King. Ganondorf reached for it before Mervic grabbed his hand.

"No, that crown does not give power over the demon king but give him power of you. If you so much as touch it he'll awaken. Let me talk to it first." Then Mervic, without waiting for a response, sat on the floor and began chanting and mixing humming and breathing than he spoke but is was not his voice. IT was a voice with in his voice.

"RELEASE ME."

"I've come hoping to bring a peace to our people."

"PEACE, NO PEACE, RELEASE ME."

"I can do that. I come because the elves now risk losing our kingdom. An immortal woman of cold skin enchants all she sees. Everyone falls under her spell and Hyrule falls to ruin. We no longer have the power to keep her at bay, she must be destroyed. If you help us do this I will release you."

"Then it is not PEACE you look for but war. I can bring you WAR!! And for being the one to open my prison I reward you. I bestow gifts upon you. Cut your hand and lay it upon the altar."

The desperate ruler of Hyrule recoiled for fear but remembered this was the path he had chosen. To be Noble is to be brave. He cut his hand and laid it on the altar blood rushing from it.

"GOOD, VERY GOOD. MY BLOOD IS YOUR BLOOD MY SOUL IS YOURS OUR POWER IS ONE. NOW TAKE THE CROWN AND AWAKEN MY BODY. I AND MY ARMY WILL DESTROY THIS COLD ONE AND TAKE OUR VENGENCE UPON THE ELVES AND ALL DRAGON KIND."

Ganondorf pulled back taking his hand from the altar. Power, strange and sickening power ran through his veins. Thoughts that were not his began to form in the back of his his mind. He chased them away before he knew what they were. His body began to change to. Springing from his jaw ripped two large tusks. Green scales cracked and tore their way to the surface replacing his once fair elven skin. Bones snapped and broke realigning, claws extending from his right hand. The claws dripped with a black liquid. RELEASE ME. The voice came in his own head now.

Ganondorf did not want to bring vengeance upon all the elves. He only wanted to bring order to what was rightfully his kingdom. His enemies needed destroyed. He could save Hyrule, what it needed was order. And while compulsion pushed him to take the crown he resisted. I will be lord of Hyrule and share that with no one, DEMON OR MEN OR WHATEVER THEY BE.

He turned to leave and saw Mervic out cold on the floor. He leaned down and grabbed the wizard by the arm. He was talented and loyal to Ganondorf he could yet serve useful no need to leave him here to die. Not when there were so many others that needed to.

Ganondorf Rebellion part 6 Release the hounds (history of Hyrule)

He walked with confidence as always. He also walked with anticipation, he never bored of looking at her. Even after all this time, he felt excitement and even a certain cheer wash over him when thinking about seeing her. For thousands of years he was by her side and while she may no longer love him, she was graceful enough to let him look upon her, and there was no greater prize. Yet what he had to tell her would certainly raise her to anger.

He hated this room. She spent a lot of time in lately looking at her jars. His own heart was in one of them. All the men she dared love all who had given their heart to her she literally took. Some women collected favors, like candies or cards or jewels from suitors. Those were for plain or even noble women. For a woman as great as she, black velvet accepted the beating - or unbeating - hearts of those who would love her. She always waited until there was nothing left to admire, took it as a memory he supposed.

"How much longer before the Crimson Prince is in a Jar?" He said with contempt for the man. He never liked him, reminded Tyros too much of himself before her met Tatyana. Though he regretted using such a tone as he realized it may have upset her. She responded, "He isn't going in one. He will never fall, and we will never be apart. He loves me and I him, he absolves me of my sins and gives me virtue. Love the greatest of all virtues."

"Don't talk like one of them you aren't one of them. We are the same -- not them." He said as he said all things with the hope she would see his loyalty and their inevitable destiny to be together.

"Why can I not be both? What about me is such a monster that I can not have virtue?" She almost sounded like virtue or morality mattered to her. Like a long lost child speaking.

"He's not the pillar of virtue he was when you met him." Tyros said deciding to keep his case targeted on his competition not on Tatyana, whose magnificence washed over him. She seemed even move lovely, if it were possible, these past few months. "He allows vampires to rape the forest and feed upon his citizens. He declared an unceasing war against his brother who only wants to preserve their way of life. We are the monsters her Tatyana, and he has sided with us."

Slapping him across the face Tyros felt the sting emotionally and physically. Appearing to be smaller in frame her strength came from a supernatural well aged vampiric core fueled by a beautiful dark force. Desperation tinged her voice as if holding onto a fantasy and if believing something so deeply could actually make it real she said, "Do not dare accuse him of such things. He is perfect, and lovely. The unquestionable. He is virtue incarnate, and HE LOVES ME."

She stepped back looking at her shelf of hearts. Tyros eyed his on the shelf, "You summoned me, Lady Velvet."

"Yes, how was the assault? Did he open a large enough opportunity for your hounds and soldiers to press through?"

"He started but someone stopped him. We did a full charge but the pack is nearly destroyed, fighting with a dozen wolves. And the other immortals froze in the river as the rangers stood their ground. We can't get the immortals past the river with out the wolves and the I don't have the man power to make a hard enough press. I could get personally involved. There is not a mage of swordsman in their ranks that could stand against me. It would take time perhaps a decade but I would kill them all for you. I would butcher the entire world for you to love me."

"I can not love a monster." She said as if a disease fell off of her tongue, "The solution is to simply create more wolves. I've discussed it with the Crimson Prince and he has designated 3 villages for you to convert and train."

"Are you asking me to spread their filthy curse. Breeding is a manner of controlling them. To unlease the curse, and on purpose infect others with it sickens me. It should not be done."

"How could I have ever loved you?"

The words hit him stronger than the slap. An eternity in a moment of silence followed by, "I don't know, I am not worth to be loved." Looking up at the jar containing his heart he added, "It will be done. I will infect train and unleash a massive force. By tooth and claw victim will beget victim and make your world perfect."

"I will still never love you Tyros. But you are a good pet."

He turned to leave filled with ecstasy that he was such a good pet. He even did something he no longer thought himself capable of doing -- smiling. He was a good pet.

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Yuleti had moved from the Crimson City nearly a decade ago. He felt to be in the woods produced a more temperate environment for his young children. The Crimson City was a tribute to virtue to be sure, but with the war and the cold ones, it seemed better to get away and be one with the forest. But the forest had not enjoyed more than a two week spring in all the years he had been here. For rebellion against the Crimson Prince the local lord's forest died showing to resist virtue is always folly.

The village did its best to help it regrow and was able to nurture a few trees. Grenrul actually maintained a grape vine nearly to harvest last season. He tried not to worry about what it was his children would eat, he knew virtue would win the day and the forest return. To be Noble is to be steadfast he often told his son Huron.

He heard a scream. It was from his hut, Huron. He ran leaping over the well throwing open the door to his hut. Blood covered the hut and some black hairy beast was gorging himself on Huron. He reached for the quarterstaff he had by the mantle and heard a deep commanding voice cut through the scene of now dozens of people in the village screaming. What could be happening? He focussed on the voice.

"They are of no use dead. They must be bitten and live. Bitten and live, control yourself you stupid beast." Lord Tyros, the Lord Tyros who had come to lead the Crimson armies stood in his hut next to this beast. He sliced it with his curved blade causing it to recoil from his dead son. He fell to his knees and crawled to his son as the beast recoiled and said, "Thank you, thank you my lord. For trying to save our house."

"No, thank you."

Yuleti looked up just as the wolf beast used its razor teeth to shred a chunk of flesh from his arm.

"You are mine now." Tyros said as Yuleti felt a collar clasped around his throat.

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Gallendriel enjoyed spending time with the talking trees and thought her father did too. He always seems scared and worried. Not like he use to be. She could not help but wonder if it was something she had done. If she was not a good enough daughter, or if she asked too many questions. She loved her father and new that he loved her, she just wished he wasn't so sad. She talked to the Ent, "what's your name?"

The tree who was little more than a sappling said, "I'm Red. And I will grow tall and strong and take care of the trees. My seed dropper says you elves of Hyrule will always protect the trees too."

"Oh Yes, you are very pretty, and all life is to be respected and Loved. Love is the greatest of all virtues. That is what father says."

"Gallendriel we must be going now." Her father called out to her. Uncle Mervic was talking to him at the edge of the grove. Father was never happy after speaking to Mervic. She said back to the Ent, "Goodbye it was wonderful to meet you."

"Me too, come back no matter how soon an Ent will never forget. Especially one as nice as you."

She skipped over to her father and overheard uncle Mervic say, "...creating them in hundreds is what he said. As soon as Tyros is comfortable using them as fodder they will overwhelm all the exhausted checkpoints we have left. If we wait much longer there will not be a chance. We could get cut off from it like how we were cut off from the golemns."

"I will never turn to the Lightning sworn." Her father snapped, talking to Mervic always made him angry. "To call on a dragon for help will undo all the Deliverer did and all we have built."

"My Lord, the Demon is a Dragon as well."

"Yes but he didn't kill my wife." Looking down at Gallendriel his face went white and with out speech. Father never talked about Mother except to say she loved Gallendriel and that men with out virtue took her.

"My Lord?" Mervic said softly to break the silence.

"Of course, it is time. We are out of choices." He bent down, "Uncle Mervic is going to take you someplace safe. I'm so sorry for everything. Please know and never forget that I love you. You will be safe and that is what is important. I pray that mercy can wash away what I will do." He embraced her so tightly that it hurt. She almost complained but was stopped as she had the clear feeling her father was saying good bye. Tears came to her eyes before she even knew what was happening. She felt scared and alone and frightened then terrified. Where was dad going? What is wrong? Did she do something?

He cried too a steady silent stream across his face. Looking into the eyes of her father she tried to look at every part. She never knew her mother and know had to be with out a father, alone. She had to remember him she had to know his face. She was desperate to create some memory, some thing that she could cling to. Someway that meant she was not alone.

"You will be safe, and its possible I will come back for you. Don't give up on yourself or on Hyrule. What I have for you is the Greatest of all Virtues and inspires all my actions."

With that Mervic took her by the hand and they walked south. Father walked North.