The cold lonesome road. (PK post)

[StarGazzer 286]

Spoiler

 

 

 

As dawn breaks over the desolate landscape, a blanket of pristine white snow stretches endlessly, covering the scars of previous conflicts with an icy embrace. Amidst this wintry expanse lies a crude wooden fort, its walls weathered by time and strife, standing as a bastion against the encroaching darkness.

 

Soldiers clad in heavy furs and armor bustle about the fort's perimeter, their breath crystallizing in the frigid air as they prepare for the imminent clash. Torches flicker dimly against the pale backdrop, casting elongated shadows that dance eerily across the snow-covered ground. The War Druid walk upon cold cobble roads, and through inches of snow to join his northern allies and fellow druii to fight against one of many great darknesses that plague the land. Upon his duty and desire to preserve nature’s balance, he would march forward; even deciding to join the ranks of a cavalry formation to charge into the thick of it as he had felt power and visions given to him by his Patron Mani and the Aspects. It was something he has done more times than he could count, always fighting for nature's balance and those he cares for most. Mounting upon a warhorse, he would run his hand across its head. “At ease girl. We both will come back home.” he hummed as he placed his helmet upon his head, getting ready to  charge with other warriors.

 

The first sound of the battle was a rhythmic beat of cannons that mimics the beating of a heart. Boom…BOOm…..Boom, how many times has the War Druii heard that same rhythmic sound. Making him recall upon a dozen battlefields, a dozen of deaths weighing on his mind and soul. He looks around as he sees incorporeal figures marching beside him, all of them lifeless in the face. These memories of his comrades bring a sour look upon his visage. 

 

 

How many times has he failed those around him? 

 

 

What if he fails here, what will become of his friends and family?

 

 

 He shakes his head as a dark figure rises over his shoulders, a man made of thorns and steel, a huntsman that has haunted his mind ever since the gore filled beaches upon where he helplessly watched his loved ones die, not too long ago.  The cold gray eyes looked to the War Druii as he said “Kill them… release me… then I can kill them…or I kill her…” The man snarled at the huntsmen. “No such harm will come to her..or we both go out…release your wrath huntsmen…and we will slay our foe. Moccus, and the Father demands such.”  The Huntsman entered the War Druii’s body as both personalities combined into one figure.

 

 At this moment, they lead the ground forces across the frozen wastelands, ultimately leading the  cavalry to charge forward soon afterwards. Cannon fire and raging flames destroyed the enemy, yet a volley of fiery arrows slaughtered the horse which caused the War Druii to be dismounted and  launched across the snow. He then would rise and rush to keep moving forward to slaughter for his divine creed. Charging across a frozen lake and frozen gate, the Druii raised his shield to block arrow fire, seeing an old friend about to take an arrow shot , he rushed forward to block an arrow with his shield. “ You fool! Let them die.. Focus on the slaughter…”  whispers the huntsmen, the War Druii shakes his head. “A friend is still good to fight if they live-” he is cut off as an arrow slides through his visor, piercing his skin where it sinks to the frontal lobe of his brain. Red covers the man’s eyes as the huntsman takes over the War Druii’s body, hearing a shouting from a friend behind.  “MOCCUS GUIDES YOU, MAL’ONN. STRIKE FORTH WITH HIS FURY.“ He roars and growls as he feels the spirits of Moccus enter him as he uses all his strength to dash forward to a group of thralls. He missed slightly as spears pierce his leg, this wouldn't stop the War Druii as he crashed into the ranks, slaughtering five men before collapsing. His vision shifted around as his breaths grew heavy and thin. The life in his flesh turning blue upon the freezing north. 

 

 

The War Druii was taking his last breaths.

 

 

The first vision he sees of his daughter Talienora as a baby, walking in a golden field of wheat. Chasing a fox with a childlike wonder, he followed her with great feelings of joy and love for his family, holding his wife’s hand as he looked to their daughter. Looking around as he watches his first daughter swimming down the river. The one he lost long, long ago. He blinks as he sees Talienora as the young woman, having only just last seen her working on her seed trial items. His hand would then reach out to touch hers, but it phases through like a faded memory. “Im sorry dottir..” he cried as his face turned red. He then attempted to wrap his arms around her yet again, his body would phase through as she seemed to not notice he was there. 

 

 

“I'm sorry if I failed you…I'm sorry I won’t be with you in body…but I will always be with you in spirit…I am so proud of you…you are my world...”

 

 

Then he shifts his head to a beach, The same beach he had gotten married upon, and proclaimed their love, a love that would last a lifetime until death had parted them.  He always wanted to be the one to outlast her as he knew she would be devastated by his passing, but he wrapped his arms around her giving a kiss on her forehead “Love, you are stronger than you know…You have saved my soul more times than not…I will prepare us a home for when you come to join me…enjoy life…have good moments…” he hugged her as she returned with a smile.  As she spoke in return, a wave would crash into them, leaving him alone upon a vast endless beach. Her words ushered upon the wind... 

“Our love will be Eternal, See you soon.”

 

Talliyun’Orrir went to walk down the cold sand until the beach turned into a hall, a wooden and green hall that has many familiar faces of his deceased siblings. He gave each one a hug as it had been a few hundred years since he had seen them. He wanders around the hall as he sees visions of Arle and Sonna looking at his bloodied body as he goes to wrap his arms around his sisters  “My dear sisters… You two have helped me more than I can count…the best family I could have asked for…I hope I was there for you…I hope I can be the second to welcome you to the forest. Thank you for all that you did..I love you all so deeply.” The trio would embrace one last time before this vision would end in fire. 

 

A raging twisting fire would burn around the War Druii as he raised his hands in a defensive form. His eye shot around from every corner of the fire, seeing silhouettes of twisted flames and shouts as warped images of people screamed at him. Suddenly, red would cover his hands and visage as he recognized each and every individual he had slain. Many he knew he was pushed to by blood mages, but he owns the blood upon his hands. 

 

 

``I am sorry for meeting you when I did…I am sorry… death has came for your murder… gain your justice.'' 

 

 

The fire would start to rush at the War Druii, attempting to tear him to pieces. Yet in that brief moment, a transparent bubble would engulf him as his friends and family fully surrounded his form. The fire dies out as the War Druii collapses to his knees. A hand went to rest on his metallic arm, his godmother, and mentor Elenora would help the War Druii rise to his feet . He went to give her a hug, then one to each of his friends and allies. The Faces of Bjorn, Malii, Lilyana, Valmir, Zaelyn, Dyonne, Nora, Tailesin, and one more face stood out to him, and one who held extremely close, his guide and friend, Nenar. The two rushed at each other as the embraced, the War Druii lifting his teacher up “Thank you for all that you’ve done, you have been my closest friend, and I will always be here if you need me.” He hummed as he let out heavy tears from overwhelming emotions, Saying goodbye to each person as they faded away, until only the War Druii remained. 

 

“I guess it's time to walk into the forest…marching alone once more.” hummed Taliyun’orrir as he started to walk towards an archway of vines and roots. An emerald glowing light would glow from the door away as a voice echoed around the Druii “Not alone, my Omeii.” He went to look around for the voice before an emerald light reached for his hand, moving to grasp ahold of it. The illuminated glow revealing his mother’s form.  “Haulen I...” He choked on his words as he looked at the Emerald Maiden. “Shhh.. Shut up and hug me my son, I have missed you.” Awaiti hummed with a soft smile. The War Druii lifted his mother up and wrapped his arms around her, not wanting to let go. “I am sorry Haulen…. For all the terrible things I-.” Awaiti put two fingers upon the War Druii’s mouth “Ssh..You need not to be forgiven…I am proud of you who you are, and who you became. You are a good son… Don't be so hard on yourself silly.” she whispers softly, wrapping her arms around the man’s shoulders. 

 

 

“It's good to have you home…let's head further in. We will have eternity to talk...”  

 

 

The duo entered the archway as roots  and vines disappeared into the ground,  The Druii’s soul found its peace. Leaving the man’s body to take its last breath, going cold and still upon the fields of battle.

 

[DistantCryprid 266]

From deep within the verdant forest's brush, a figure that bore ivory hair and frosted skin would make the long trudge to meet their fallen brother, they had marched from the nightfall to the twillight, soon to find him, wherein they had opened their arms to welcome him home.

"Welcome Mal'onn, there are so many tales to tell!"

...

From within the Vale, Bjorn felt the call of the warrior's death, panic gripped them, until much later in the day, his body would arrive, cold and bloodied, they were the one to sew his wound shut, the one to aid in thawing and cleaning him of the bloodshed, they had no time for tears, for the sounds of his wife and daughter's anguish broke them more than any death could.

[Drusus 160]

Deep within the Eternal Forest, the old Lynx Druid exits the court of the Stag Prince as she felt a familiar song enter the realm. After some searching she finally found Brother War. She offered a grin and stretched out her arms. "Hah...welcome, friend. It is time for your old bones to finally rest. Come! I think it's high time we share drinks and war stories, don't you think?" She asks as she sat herself down and offered over a bottle of booze made from a certain Mountain Druid. 

 

Valmir hung her head as she looked towards the roaring flames, toying with an offering. She tossed it into the flames and quickly pulled on the helmet for her Sanguine Fire creed armour. Her hand balled up into a fist as she rested it over her heart before speaking. “Narnsae ito iyl, mal’onn. May you rest easy now.”  With that she took her leave from the fire to work upon a new project, one to aid in the remembering of her fallen friends.

The young Volcano Druid, held a damp cloth to her bruises. When she closed her eyes she could still see her brother’s final moments. Was she right to encourage him to keep on fighting? The wound was a death sentence anyway. The one thing that she could not shake was a feeling of guilt. Guilt that she wasn’t able to save him, though it wouldn’t take long at all for that guilt to turn into fury for she was truly her Grandmother’s blood. “They shall remember you, mal’onn. Mark my words. I will make sure they never forget.” She uttered that promise to the dark and empty room, her golden gaze coming to a close as she winced - applying a fresh cloth to those wounds.

 

[marslol 672]

Stood over the end of the bed where the fallen druid's corpse lay in silence, the Rain Druid uttered a quiet prayer under his breath - allowing the emotions to roll over him like a tidal wave sweeping over the sandy beach. Hanging hid head low with a deep sigh, a singular tear fell upon the table with a quiet shudder.

 

"Ahernal ito."

[wolfersquad2004 156]

An elfess..now a widow sat in her home...it felt more empty without her love...her light, she wiped her face of tears that peirced through running down her face "I...will miss you my love...until we meet again...." she muttered as she then sat there and began weaping more..the pain recent and far too grand at the moment..but she knew she would have to be strong...for their daughter. 

[Wizry 437]

The man approached the area where the Druid had fallen with his squadron, observing at a distance - as the grounds had been sanctified through the fight. He'd then lower his head gently, before going to reply to the scene,

 

"Taliyun died as he would've like to live. Though he did not accomplish all he wished to do - may he rest in peace."

 

Alfie then turned back to trot back home, having seen enough to satisfy his curiosity as to how one of his comrades had perished.

 

Old soldiers never die,

Never die, never die,

Old soldiers never die,

They simply fade away.

 

 

 

[craneia 103]

An emerald gaze falls to the lifeless body of Taliyun, the look of utter defeat displayed

across the scarred face of an 'ame now grappling with the loss of her elder brother - one of the 

strongest mali she has ever known.

"Rest, now, mal'onn... you have earned it."

The grieving sister whispers to her brother, pressing a kiss to his forehead. 

Tears are shed, a promise is made, and nature sinks into solemn silence as the druid

takes her leave - penning numerous letters to estranged kin with a heavy heart and a shaking hand.

[HazelWazel 448]

Beneath the trees she rested, the sun just slightly breaking through the shade of the leaves. Despite the peace this place should have provided her, The Scorpion Druid, found no such thing. They had just spoken. She had just replaced his arm to his liking. He had just told her to stay alive.

 

"What a fool.. Could he not take his own advice?"

 

Despite her callous words, her teeth dug into her lips to hold back a sound of despair. A hand of wood lifted up to the sky shakily, the palm faced up to the sky. Here it remained for a few moments, before it curled into a fist and thusly dropped down.

 

"Blessed be, Brother War. You may lay down those weapons you held within yourself now."

[DragonofTaters 480]

Across the realm a sharp pang ripped through a woman's soul. A gaping wound ripped through her, to never heal. The pain to be carried always, a reminder of the soul lost.
Warrior. Father. Student. Friend. Brother.

War. A totem which meant darkness, strife, and loss to most. Yet as soon as he had spoken it, it brought hope to her. He was a man who did not falter. Did not yield. He fought, until there was nothing left to fight. Or until there was no fight left to give. An inspiration for a woman who so often faltered in her own steps. Who wondered if it was worth the price....
That sorrow echoed through her now. War had come, and War had gone. His last fight fought until the very end. No longer would he counsel or comfort her. No longer would his steady presence help bring reassurance and calm when all seemed at its worst.
Warrior. Father. Student. Friend. Brother.
Brother...
He would always be her brother. His words would not leave her, even as his spirit departed to another realm. Though she was the guide, it was he who often taught her. His love and strength would not be forgotten. 
Sanguine eyes burned. Anguish and triumph, joy and rage. A myriad of emotion fighting to be heard, to be seen.

Armor clad she ventured across the lands. Warhammer at her side. 
War would not be forgotten.
Her brother would not be forgotten.
Taliyun'Orrir Sirame would not be forgotten.
His strength leant itself to her now.
He could fight no longer.

So she picked up the hammer in his stead...
 

~*~

 

When the news made its way into the wilds, the woman oft called 'The Mountain' turned to the trees. When her mother had fallen, there was siblings all around to offer comfort and support. Taliyun was one of them.

Now it was he they mourned, and she stood alone. Her ventures had carried her too far, away from the warmth of her family. And now, now there was no goodbye. No parting hug for her beloved brother. The hulking woman gathered up her tools and set out. Leaving the wilds she'd dwelled in for so long to find her brother's resting place, and ensure he wasn't alone as he crossed to the Forest.

Her stoic soul would not allow tears to be shed. Her silent, lonely walk offering no comfort for the ache that settled deep within her chest. Icy eyes set ever forward as Mordun Sirame finally made her way back home.

[Juno. 1307]

The Fox gently cradled her beloved daughter's face in her hands as she wept, her sweet Magnolia stuttering as she relayed the news of their elder brother's loss. The shock and pain of it rocked the Elder Druid, hot tears stinging her cheeks as she pulled Arle into a tight and warm embrace.

 

"Do not fret, my sweet girl. Haelun has him now. Although he was taken from us too soon, we shall always honor his memory."

 

Sonna looked out to the setting sun as her fingers gently combed through her daughter's hair, closing her eyes as the memories of the last Son of Awaiti washed over her.

 

"You died a warrior, mal'onn." She murmured to the horizon. "Morea and Moccus shall be proud."

[rathat 636]

"Say Amber-Cold Fools right now." The boar-man spoke, dumbfounded.

 

Jokes aside, the Rage Druid, usually ambivalent to news of deaths in the aspect's folds even in the face of nature's overwhelming sorrow, found himself succumbing to a series of emotions. Bosh. 
The druid of  War was one of the few he respected, and a fellow venerator of  The Boar. Never in the mortal plane would they fight alongside once more, and never in the mortal plane would they get to do that spar.

Either way, the death of Talliyun was one deserving of utmost respect, and the path of mourning wouldn't be met with any sadness for long from the Edict member. He had died in the way he had promised for himself. 

And with a saining near the altar of Moccus in the Grotto, a "Death and Glory" sounded from his brother in Rage.

[twinwolf1 193]

Upon entering the forest the newly arrived druii would be assaulted by a crazed goblin who jibbers and jabbers about a ferret back tour through the forest. she needs someone to atleast once take it who wasnt one of her students!

[Rushodan 59]

A Frozen Waywatcher clad in ice-blue firs stood on the battlements, loosing another arrow on the assailants. He noticed the druii fall and offered a light shake of his head. "War druii - Isn't that an oxymoron?"  He muttered, a fleeting thought. The archer  swiftly moved on and directed another volley of arrows towards a different target. . .