To Bear the Watch

[RipTheShrimp 5]

 

[ Iusrzfel ]

Spirit of the Watch

(Lesser of Vulka, Spirit of Warfare, Strategy, and Siegecraft)

(Err-serrz-fel)

"Walls do not fall when they are struck. They fall when those atop them stop watching."

 ⏿———————

The dark elf stood atop a great wall built atop a mountainside; it was very quiet, the wall stretching from one side of her view to the other, filling the horizon.

In the cold air, frost clung to the armor she now wore; a torch became her only source of heat. Hours passed as the night grew frigid, her torch no longer burning steady, now sputtering. In the tower, her eyes rested upon what appeared to be a war horn; it was larger than her, however a mouthpiece was in reach. 

Ilmra continued to shiver from the harsh cold, her gaze tracing the horn from bottom to the top. Crudely wiping the mouthpiece with the leather palm of her gauntlet, she took a deep breath before beginning to blow.

The war horn echoed through the valley, soundwaves bouncing back and forth. A whisper came upon the winds, spoken by an unseen voice:

“Tell me child, why did you sound the alarm?”

The maehr leaned up from the horn, becoming still; her teeth chattered frigidly.

“My home is under threat,”

she responded firmly, not straying from the voice, teeth now clenched.

A figure descended from the skies, hovering before the tower; it filled her view,

“You are late. But you came before it was over.”

The dark elf kept her eyes locked with the spirit’s, unwavering, 

“I could not prevent the start, but now I must defend my home.”

“Every wall has held a thousand names. When the night comes, you will be awake. If you want thanks, leave. If you want your home standing, stay.”

The maehr’s eyes steadily concentrated on the figure, refusing to turn her attention away as she spoke with determination, the cold no longer affecting her,

“I do not care for gratitude; I will protect my home for as long as I stand. Those that I love are within my walls. And I will not let rancid barbarians impede on my city and my citizen’s wellbeing.”

“Many desire responsibility, few want to bear it; you will come to know its cost. A horn you shall always keep on you, and a shrine upon your walls are my price, should you accept.” 

“I accept, and I will; it is a small price to pay. I accept the responsibilities of the watch.”

“Good luck.”