Please comment on what you like so far, also if there are any questions or concerns please don't hesitate to say something! :) This one was PRed by me a few times but if there are any mistakes please do point them out!

OH! and i dumbed down Dola's accent a bit, was too thick before lol i'll change it in earlier chapters later :keh:

It wasn’t long before the sounds of birds were fading the deeper we went into the forest. Until all that could be heard was an eerie silence, with the occasional twig snapping under my untrained feet.

The bottoms of the trees seemed rotted and misshapen, but high above were a canopy of leaves and branches that only allowed the smallest amount of light to pass.

Here and there a chilling fog coated the earth, in these places we did not step since anything could hide in the mist. Vorn was ahead, clearing the way of cobwebs and breaking branches with nary a sound. He did so to mark the path, and make it easier to travel for his group.

Ben was oddly inactive, his ears were down and his tail was between his legs. Animal instincts must be telling him something, surely if I wasn’t here he would have run off and joined a wolf pack or something. I smile faintly at the thought of a Labrador leading a pack of fierce wolves. As if.

As for my other companion, Dola has been quiet this whole time. From the look on her face she is definitely out of her element. Her being about half the size of a human makes it difficult for her to bypass fallen logs and lets face it, she may be a Dwellvar, but this mud smells like shit.

I just thank my lucky stars Vorn is here. Without him we would have most likely stumbled on wild animals or fallen into a mud pool. I wasn’t keen on either. Dola had used the outskirts close to the mountain to get to the cave we came from, but that way would take days.

According to Vorn we didn’t have days if we wanted to warn the settlements. If that army decided to attack while we were busy sight seeing it would be a massacre.

Vorn may not be an active Green Warden anymore, but he still took his old duty seriously. Preserve the balance of the world and protect life from the corrosive influence of darker powers. It all sounded so inspiring, but I know now that those words barely described his duty.

Seeing as I didn’t really want my safety to endanger hundreds of lives I agreed to the shortcut. Also I have no idea where the fuck I’m going… either reason is valid. This didn’t change the fact that this forest was incredibly dangerous. I’ve heard more about it than I would have liked to.

Deformed creatures and monsters were commonplace here, thankfully the forest was huge, and there were ways to avoid contact with the more dangerous beasts. However beasts weren’t the only danger.

Even the forest itself could lash out against us if we weren’t carful. I had thought this a joke until I witnessed the trees move as if to crush something from my vantage point on the ridge before we set out in the morning.

This place is not meant for people, this is where the monsters lay in wait, watching, hunting, stalking their prey. As I think this I try to suppress the shiver running down my spine. I grip the dagger in my right hand tightly, anxiety taking hold.

Every shadow has its secrets in this place. And if you stare for too long, you may end up waking those secrets, quite literally. So I followed the leader, Vorn was a font of experience, and he would from time to time have us stop and listen to the surroundings.

I heard nothing, but about an hour into the forest Ben growled softly. Vorn looked worriedly at him, but a sudden noise made him whip his head around to its source. Motioning for us to get down and shut up… okay not shut up but I did that anyway. Vorn stared hard at the source of the sound. The suspense was killer on my nerves.

The bushes shook a bit before a large boar like animal came out. Its tusks are white and half as long as my arm. It has an armoured back like large scales overlapping each other. Instead of hooves it has three large toes with talon like claws. Its red eyes surveyed the area, its pig like snout testing the air all the while.

Ben was also sniffing away, but he wasn’t stupid enough to confront the beast. We stay there, crouched down and waiting for about twenty minutes before a loud screech could be heard. The boar beast was digging for what I can only assume were grubs or roots when this sound pierced through the area.

It lifted its head in surprise and started to look around nervously, Vorn, seeing it distracted motioned for us to move away from it. With luck we could let the predator eat its prey and move along unhindered.

Too late…

With a thundering crack, a tree fell behind the boar spooking it further. Without a second thought it started to run in our direction. It never made it to us however. A large brown streak of blurred movement fell on top of it from one of the many surrounding large trees. And with one great hit, the boar was laying broken on the forest floor.

Naturally at this point we are all stunned. I want to get the hell out of here but something deep down tells me not to put my back to this creature. The boar beast was still alive… barely, but this new arrival didn’t seem to care. With strength that seemed impossible it tore a leg off the still squealing prey.

The initial shock wore off, and I took a close look at the predator in front of us, not even two meters away past the bushes we used to hide ourselves in. If I were to compare the thing to an animal I know, it would be an ape. But this was no distant relative of mine!

Towering at about eight feet tall and probably weighing more than a ton the Ape was truly intimidating. As if to make the thing even more imposing, it sported sharp fangs and a powerful jaw that could crush bones. And its body didn’t just have brown hair.

A chitin like exoskeleton armour protected its arms and upper body. I could also clearly see the muscle rippling through the beasts body, and with arms like a cannon, its no wonder it could one shot a creature of the boars size. Also its internal skeleton must be thick, since its forehead was like a hammer.

The ape monster, for it truly was a monster I don’t care what anyone else says. Let out a piercing howl that shook the trees and almost made me go deaf. It then proceeded to voraciously eat the leg it held in one hand. The boar beast was dead now, finally succumbing to its injuries.

Around this time I remembered there were other people with me, and the first person I looked to was Vorn. His face was pale and looked to have aged many years, not a good sign. Dola was tightly gripping her pick and biting her lip with a look that told me enough to understand.

We’re screwed! Game over man! where’s the restart button?!

Ben was gone, damn dog, saving himself. I didn’t even see him go. Must have been spooked rather badly. Though I cant really blame him, he’s even afraid of thunder for crying out loud. Probably curled shivering under a bush somewhere. I’ll give him the disappointment glare later, if I survive this.

Now I can only wait for what Vorn decides to do. I only hope whatever he plans on doing he does it soon, the boar will only last so long, we’re running low on time.

={====>Vorn Harzan<====}=

Blast it all to the void! It was all going so well too! They may not be experts but they knew enough to be quiet and keep relatively calm. I had expected to run into trouble, but this? How could I have anticipated a Gorgar? They normally live deep in the Untamed Lands in the higher reaches where more powerful beasts reside, why is one so close to the border?

Perhaps someone or something chased it out of its territory. Either way, our chances of slipping away unnoticed are slim to none. It may not look it, but this is an incredibly intelligent creature and it’s hearing is acute. Should I try fighting it? From this vantage we would have an opportunity, I may get a good strike in and cripple the beast.

I look at the others only to find them looking at me. We may have a chance, Dola is strong and Blake seems to have a sense for fighting. But the first strike has to be me. I subconsciously squeeze the hilts of my weapons. Both of them will be needed. Thankfully this Gorgar is not an undead, my other blade will affect him.

Giving Dola a wink to reassure her, and nodding to Blake who has the look of a man who just saw a Dragon for the very first time and is terrified. Although I suppose he actually will see one for the very first time sooner or later if we survive this. Just another reason for this old man to protect the young ones I suppose.

Silently, I draw my blades; in one hand is my favorite, an indestructible blade made by the best blacksmith in my order. Honestly it’s my favorite more so because it’s been with me for so long, a faithful companion from the start of my life as a Green Warden.

In the other hand is my trusted Hrender. Craigor… Dola’s father forged this one himself. An Extrinium blade forged with my own blood and bound to my aura. Only the Dwellvari can forge Extrinium. A pure black metal that is nearly impossible to destroy. Not due to any enchantments, like my other sword, it’s just that tough, like the Dwellvar that forge it.

Everything will be decided on the first strike. I close my eyes and focus on the Essence within, willing it to Hrender. The blade starts to react, a soft, nearly inaudible hum is heard, and the area around the blade begins to distort.

Due to the nature on my affinity, Hrender can draw out my potential from Illusion Magic to its fullest extent. My aura also strengthens the blade and burns anyone other than me who dares to touch it. At least this beast is an Alpha type, meaning no other enemies within the area should interfere.

={====>Blake Lambet<====}=

Vorn seemed deep in thought for a while, a scowl like no other on his face. I can see where all his wrinkles come from. After a few seconds his expression softened a bit, and turned to Dola. He winked. Not in a creepy old man way, but in a reassuring way. Dola gave a worried smile then nodded.

He then nodded to me and slowly drew is weapons, this was the first time he had even drawn both weapons if from of me. Honestly I was starting to think there was something special about his other sword. I wasn’t wrong.

Like always his usual blade gave off a powerful feeling, like it was a sword filled with pride. It was a blade of simple beauty, no golden filigree or fancy hilt, a sword with a purpose. That was its charm. The other however was odd. The pure black metal it was made of seemed to move, as though alive. And small runes decorated the blade, much like the ones on Dola’s Pickaxe.

The hilt was wrapped in dark leather straps to form a solid yet comfortable grip and the guard had a few faintly glowing blue stones. The glow wasn’t enough to cast light on the surroundings but enough to suggest it was a powerful weapon, worthy of respect.

Vorn closed his eyes for a moment and the new blade in his left hand seemed to hum softly before the blade itself distorted and moved like liquid. This was just like with the pebble, only this time it was a blade that distorted. What exactly is this sword?

Vorn watched the Ape as it devoured the boar, a look of resignation on his face. I know now that there is no getting around this. We have to fight, we have to win, and Vorn will attack first. The whites of my knuckles are showing from the tightness I hold the dagger.

God I wish I had a bigger weapon. Like an axe or a mini-gun, a tank might work… my little dagger against the chitin plated monkey spawn from hell. I think I’ll keep my distance and only attack once I see an opening.

It was quiet, the only sounds coming from the monster eating its fill. Then it started. Vorn moved quickly and with little sound, his blades at the ready, poised for a lethal blow. The Ape looked behind it just in time to see two blades aimed for the back of its neck.

Damn.

The blades stabbed the Ape perfectly though an opening in the chitin, but the thing moved at the last second, avoiding a lethal hit. It was slowed though; the blood matted its hair and dripped from its chitin. Howling in pain and anger the Ape faced Vorn and rushed him with power that could crush a boulder.

However, before it could reach him it was hit by Dola’s Pickaxe that ripped into its leg and made it stumble off balance. The pure fury in its eyes was terrifying, it now was wary of the two insects that dared to attack it. Its injuries would not kill it, but they were still rather severe and would slow it down.

Dola was smiling now, any trace of uncertainty gone and replace with bloodlust, she had charged when it was focusing on Vorn and was unnoticed due to her small size. It was going well, but the Ape was more or less pissed off now, and wary. It eyed the two, circling them just outside the range of their weapons.

Its back is to me, Dola and Vorn moved around it to put it in a good position for me. But I should wait until it gets ready to attack them again right? Or perhaps I should use the enchantment of the dagger and throw it. But then I wouldn’t have a weapon. Damn, where’s my bazooka!?

Vorn went in to attack again, the black blade in his hand shimmering with a deep purple Aura. The ape went to block it with its chitin-protected arm but Vorn’s blade went right through… Seriously, right through without damage. The image of Vorn then disappeared as his real body passed through it, the illusion dissipating like smoke in his wake.

With a savage expression I had never seen him make before Vorn went for a killing blow, but the ape was smarter than that. It shifted its body and used the chitin on its chest to deflect the strike. Then one tree trunk of an arm came crashing down. Vorn dodged but was blown away by the impact all the same. He was tossed a good ten feet away.

Dola, seeing Vorn on the ground, went to take the Apes attention from him, it was about to strike her as well when I rushed it from behind and landed a shallow wound on its other unwounded leg. Blood rushed through my entire body, adrenaline and fear making me move faster than I thought I could.

But not fast enough.

I saw the arm swing at me, and felt the overpowered bitch-slap keenly. I flew a good distance before hitting a tree and stopping. Luck was on my side though, since I didn’t hit my head, but damn! The pain! I think I broke a rib, GAH! Two ribs.

Dola used the opportunity though and swiped at the chitin protecting its chest. Like a rock wall it cracked and crumbled, a shallow wound in its flesh. But the damn monkey was persistent and still stood… fury beyond reason in its eyes.

With a howl that split the bark of the trees around us it rushed in and was about to smash Dola to paste, but Vorn was back! I love that guy, such a badass! He used the Apes momentum against it and pierced the opening in its armour that Dola had made.

I was sure that was the end, relief filled me and I let out a large breath. But then the air got caught in my lungs. The Ape was still alive, and Vorn was way too close. With power unmatched it swung its sledgehammer like fist. He didn’t have the room or the time to dodge, so he tried to block as best he could. Vorn went flying again, but this time… he wasn’t moving.

The black blade was still embedded in the Apes torso; I could hear a sizzling sound coming from it. Like it was burning flesh. Dola screamed out and went on the offensive. I try to move, no, I have to move! She can’t win alone, damn why am I so fucking weak!?

Practically crawling on the ground, I approach the two; Dola is fighting it by using its height against it. She runs through its legs and attacks it quickly, exchanging power for speed and flexibility. She’s doing well, but she’s tired, the tears in her eyes, show her worry for Vorn, and it fuels her attacks but she cant last forever.

I… need… to help her. I stand with great effort with the dagger I had dropped when I was flung off to the side. This thing won’t kill it, but if I distract it long enough for Dola. The pain is immense, but faced with imminent death and the death of those who helped me. I run.

Ignoring the pain that burns with every step, ignoring the protests from my sore limbs. Something inside me was burning, no, blazing hotter than the pain. I could feel it fueling my steps and making me lighter. Until I was there, the Ape was blocking an attack from Dola. An opening.

With more force than I knew I could give I plunged the dagger into the leathery skin, and the Howl that followed nearly broke my new found resolve.

“Now! Kill it Dola!” I shouted at the top of my lungs, trying to be heard over the ear splitting howl. But Dola just stood there, Pickaxe over head about to attack… a surprised look on her doll like face.

“What are you waiting for!? Kill-”

I finally notice what she’s so surprised about, my hand… its on fire. Dark blue flames run down from my shoulder to my fist. The daggers blade is also aflame, but it seems to be… disintegrating. The flesh is also disintegrating where the flames touch it, the Ape is still alive, and it’s not howling like it was before. It’s face looks almost lifeless.

I dismiss the confusion and take the godsend for what it is. We can debate over what happed if we survive. Right now the only thing that matters is…

“Dola, finish it.” I would but her pick would be faster. She seems to snap out of it, and then brings the pick down with all her strength piercing it in the abdomen and making a hole that nothing on this world or mine would wake up from.

I collapse, holding my side and vomiting blood. The dark blue flame is the last thing I see before I pass out. Slowly guttering out.

={=====> Dola Ironhide <=====}=

He passed out.

The odd blue fire that engulfed his arm was starting to gutter out. Only a small flame could be seen still burning. I look where the dagger was and I’m surprised to see it nearly completely gone, like it was rusted away. Just what was that, when I saw it, I felt weak, as though it were draining me very spirit.

I even stopped moving and just stared at it in shock and could feel a cold sweat run down me back by just lookin at it. I felt as though I was in a tunnel with little air and was slowly suffocating.

Shaking me head I dismissed the thoughts. Uncle Vorn! Is he all right?! I ran to where I saw him land, and inspected his wounds. The external were fine, a broken arm and a lot of bruises, some old-fashioned Dwellvari medicine would fix em up right as stone. Well It’s mostly alcohol but it does the trick!

But the internal, I couldn’t tell, I’m no healer by trade. Unpacking a blanket I use when camping for the night. I wrapped him up tight and dragged him carfully to where the corpse of the Gorgar was. Usually the animals and beasts would flock to the easy meal.

But a Gorgar was different.

Just the smell of it would repel almost all the creatures in the forest. Which is why it used the trees to move about. Where it could hide its scent.

Even when dead, they wouldn’t dare approach; anything that could kill a Gorgar was superior to most in these woods. I can only hope one of em wakes soon; I can’t carry both for Baerridun’s sake!

I look at Blake; he seems to be rather uncomfortable, though I admit I ain’t exactly in tip top shape myself. That ability of his truly was strange, at first I thought it was an aura, but the flames, if that is truly what they were, seemed to be more erratic and unstable.

“He’s like an ingot waitin to be forged into something grand. Can’t wait to see the finished result.” I say with a warm smile. Oh what am I saying! If father heard me praising a man so… I shudder to think what he’d do to the poor soul. Outsiders rarely saw Dwellvari women for a reason.

I went to work on the surroundings. Using the Gorgar’s entrails and blood to mark the surrounding area. This should deter animals and beasts, but I hope they wake before Gogs or Goblins find us.

Fiction Page