Re: LA T\'ien Chi
With a deep intesity General Aithwyav's sharp eyes peered Southeast towards the highlands of Farseer Mountains. Already the leaves there darkened, gaining a brittleness unseen since the Seraphim Wars when the ancestors of the Raptor Clan were disovered practicing the blasphemous ways of the Dark Arts and were forced from the Kingdom. Even after the return of the Raptors and their now-limited knowledge of Death Majiks, the delicate balance between Growth and Death had been maintained to the benefit of the lush lands ruled by the Seraphs. Now once again the blight of Death spread, this time from a source wholly out of the realm and understanding of the Raptors.
Suddenly Aithwyav broke out of his fierce concentration, startled by the presence that seemingly materialized next to him.
"I feel it, Lord Aithwyav. And I cannot lie when I say it feels like it infuses me with pure, raw power. It is the force of Inevitability, of Oblivion, of Death. It excites me yet repulses me." Zbaurvant the Caretaker stood beside Aithwyav, his eyes glowing a strange purplish hue.
"Control yourself Caretaker, lest I decide in your disfavor to which side you truly belong." Aithwyav's eyes glared at Zbaurvant.
"No fear General. You know where my loyalties lie. I may have sworn the Way of Harab but what true family I cannot have now exists within the heart of our kin. And what we spy approaching does not bode well for us." Zbaurvant sighed and Aithwyav detected a note of regret in that loose of air.
"Yes, you are correct about your ill tidings. But know that if the time draws near, your heart will feel my Ice Blade before I allow you to taste the power you seemingly desire." Aithwyav ran his blade along his palm to increase the effect of his threat.
"Heh, no worries M'Lord. I expect you await news from our Soveriegn, Lady Serenity?" Zbaurvant inquired.
"Yes, and it worries me that we haven't yet received word from her. It was over two months ago that she and High Marshall Caelos left with the Army. I am now quite concerned." Aithwyav returned his Blade to its scabbard with an audible snap.
"As am I. Two weeks ago a Black Servant dispatched by Elder Grifec brought me word that Serenity had convinced Caelos to drive into Old Man Mountains. She knew that The Ashen Empire had annexed what was previously ours and seemed determined to gain it back." Zbuarvant waved his arm in the general direction of the Northeast, towards Old Man Mountains. Aithwyav blanched at hearing mentioned the name of the long lost dreaded Empire.
"I haven't received word since." Zbaurvant leaned heavily on his skull-encrusted staff.
"There." Aithwyav's gaze sharpened towards the North. A dark cloud appeared in the sky, gaining size until it crystallized into dozens of individual specks.
"So our Army returns." Muttered Zbaurvant. Squadron after squadron of Spire Archers alighted in the city of LA Caelum, reforming ranks as Squadronnaires barked orders. With a rush of wings, a Storm General landed heavily on the Central Tower next to Aithwyav.
"Greetings Lord Marshall." General Dashtayana bowed before Aithwyav.
"Brother, do not bow." With a smile and a thump, Aithwyav slapped Dashtayana on his back.
"I must my Lord. As much as I wish it were not so, I bring news that you are now Grand Marshall of the Army of Caelum." Dashtayana's gaze remained glued to the gleaming Ice Greaves worn by Aithwyav.
"What? But it cannot be so!" Exclaimed Aithwyav. "What of Serenity? Lord Caelos!"
"Gone Lord Marshall. Both ascended to whence they came. Both lost in a glorious fight but defeated nonetheless. Caelos wading in amongst hundreds of deathly warriors, shattering bone and helm as he bellowed his fury. Serenity herself laying waste to a Legion of Devils as they tried to cut down our Archers. But on they came, and there was nothing we could do to prevent the relentless tide washing over us." Dashtayana bowed even lower, if that was possible.
"It cannot be!" Aithwyav muttered.
"I'm afraid so Sir." Replied Dashtayana. "Losses were grievous for the Undead as well but you know they raise two more for every one we send back to the grave."
"Yes. I truly know. Very well. Reorganize our forces and get them fed and rested. More battles lie ahead and by the Gods we will acquit ourselves well. Maybe even pull out of this." With that declaration, Aithwyav strode back into the tower.
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