The sky wept furiously upon the scene, foreshadowed by doom, where the heroes stayed their retreat, awaiting the coming onslaught that was sure to bring damnation to some, and despair to others. The traitorous Miira heckled Rivael continuously over their doomed people, and the leader responded with a voice full of ignorance and arrogance, the true fury of their enemies unknown to any but the Miira who had attempted to sacrifice them. Violet eyes peered down upon the rain-sodden earth, the ground beneath their feet transforming the previously safe haven into a swamp, ready to trap lifeless bodies within its embrace. The deafening thud of approaching monsters, altogether massive by the sound thundering forth from each step, sang as the harbinger of death.

Despite this calamity taking place around the half-naked Nahdib, the world seemed calm to the veteran, all the terrified voices were drowned out by some unknown force, and the stinging rain felt soothing to dulled senses, but this oblivious exterior belied the true existence of what lie within his inner-self, that of a being aware of the plight that lay ahead, and a readiness that made a hunter on the trail of its dying prey pale in comparison. Steady, battle-scarred hands calmly began to attach armor upon weary limbs at the arrival unto their new battle-ground, placing cuisse and graves upon taught legs, while brassart and vambraces were upon muscled arms, saving the gauntlets for last, appearing every inch the true soldier that had been ingrained into his very soul, resounding crack of tree limbs signaled the ever-approaching creatures whose very existence was that of destruction.

Downcast features examined the ground once again, noticing the ease with which feet sank into the earth, unrelenting in its aspirations as a tomb. The sodden ground refused to drink any more water, bloated as it was from the inundation that had soaked the assembly as well, and began weep with each step any person made. The monstrous colossi burst forth from the surrounding forest, issuing monstrous screeches each mouth disharmoniously, fading and escalating at the same time, creating an endless cacophony that could make ears bleed from despair.

"Shed your fear. Shed your sins. Shed any remnants of kindness. Arm yourselves with courage. Arm yourselves with bravery. Arms yourselves with hope. Above all, trust in victory: tonight, dear friends, we shall feast upon their still beating hearts!"

The disgraced Guardsman side-stepped in front of the petite Hana instinctively, giving no more thought to the action than a dog would protecting an owner, as the form of another avian being, probably a Neru’abar by the skin coloration, rushed forth to the woods, doing the gods know what with a length of wire and crossbow bolts. Whatever the task was meant to accomplish, Nahdib had not a clue, but seeing the plight with which it was about to face at the approaching colossi, he knew that a measure of time must be assured it the efforts were to come to fruition. Knowing full-well that this make cost his life, the soldier drew the brilliant long sword from its sheath, praying quietly to the runes inscribed upon the length of the blade, and rushed forth, placing each step carefully so as to not trip during this hazardous venture, to meet the oncoming brute that burst forth from the foliage.

The brilliant blade came slashing forth towards the behemoth, Nahdib’s head reaching only to the colossus’ waist, as a diving leap was made in attempts to circle around the gargantuan creature, hoping to attack the beast from the rear.

The pieces one by one fell into place as Rivael and the fur clad barbarian openly disputed the passing and coming of events. Despite the menace and bravado in the giant Miira’s voice and the malice of his actions, Hana couldn’t help feeling sorrow for the leader’s situation. What a terrible burden to bear. Forced to sacrifice your own people and later after the loss of far too many loved ones agreeing to do the dirty work of such foul creatures just to ensure a proud clans survival. Hana listen with foreboding dread twisting and writhing in the pit of her stomach growing tighter and more intense as the conversation wore on. She felt ill with nerves as the Miira made tell of colossi and tried to reason with Rivaels common sense to have him take his party and flee. Hana could see the resolve in her intrepid leader’s stance. She knew before he made the command that they were going to stand and fight.

The sounds of the colossi approaching shook Hana through to her core, both psychologically and literally as the ground trembled beneath her feet. Nesting birds took to the night sky in a cloud of dark silhouettes and beating wings in spite of the looming weather. The forest was in a state of upheaval. The booming sound of colossus feet flattening the earth strained the ear drums of all present. The tension in the air was as heavy as the grey pregnant storm clouds gathered overhead. Oak trees fell in the titans wake, Hana felt the pain of them dying before their prime.

"Shed your fear. Shed your sins. Shed any remnants of kindness. Arm yourselves with courage. Arm yourselves with bravery. Arm yourselves with hope. Above all, trust in victory: tonight, dear friends, we shall feast upon their still beating hearts!"

Hana took a sharp intake of breath as the first of the colossi burst through the tree line and into the glade. At this moment the heavens opened up and torrents of rain fell down from the sky drenching the land. It was as though the Goddess and God were sobbing over the destruction of Mother Earth. Astonishingly Hana’s mind was free from panic as she looked upon the towering three headed beast. She felt a detached calmness in her soul as though she was merely listening to a talented story teller. Nahdib protectively side-stepped in front of her and squared off with the monster. Hana felt warmed by the kindness and consideration shown by the mountainous avian man, followed by a seething rage at the prospect that he may get hurt or worse. The rage burnt deeply as she thought of the injustice of these demons towards the Miira tribe and the devastation they caused to the peaceful woodland. Her hands were clenched into tight fists at her side, her nails digging into the palms of her hands. A murderous scream of rage peeled from her lips.

“RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!”

She took off at a fast run in the direction of the biggest tree she could find to the side of the colossus. Her feet pounding against water logged ground. She scaled the tree with ease regardless of the rain and was soon perched on the highest bough strong enough to hold her looking out at the canopy of the woods, above the titan’s heads. She knew from a childhood playing “hide and seek” that people hardly ever looked above their level of eyesight and hoped that this theory would prove to be right in this instance too.

From her seat in the canopy Hana saw Nahdib, sword in hand, take a diving leap in an attempt to get behind the colossus. She spread her arms out caressing the tree bough feeling the smoothness of the limb and the roughness of the bark. She felt the down pour of rain cascading down the trees trunk and down her own body alike. It felt good. She held onto the bough and the trunk as though they were an extension of herself. The strong wind whipped her sodden hair around her head, rustled the leaves of the tree and swayed the tree in time with its wrath. Hana smiled in delight. The branches felt strong and enjoyed the stretching movements. She focused of one of the lower thicker branches, one about head height of the colossus. It wanted to reach out and slap the face of one of the hideous heads. In a quick movement it lashed out and clipped the colossus on the nose. Giving the monster a face full of leaves, not really doing any damage, but sufficiently distracting it from Nahdibs manoeuvre ensuring he safely got behind into a tactically better fighting position.

((I have not read through everything, so if there is something wrong with my post please tell me. I'm not too sure about this post either, I could have waited, but I've never been very patient.))


Brynn sat by the fire, smothering it with dirt while Fin continued to ravage the carcass of a deer. They were a wild pair, the lynx by nature, and her by choice. Her dark brown hair was kept in a tight braid, but she smeared with dirt and mud. Her feet were blackened from walking barefoot all the time, but it was more than her physical appearance that showed her wildness. She walked and moved somewhat like an animal, her feet quietly padded on the ground much like Fin's paws.

Suddenly, as they walked, the forest went silent. All the small signs of life, signs that were so easily overlooked, stopped. Both Brynn and Fin froze, Fin's ears twitched and turned and Brynn listened carefully for what was so terribly wrong. Then a trembling began, she could hear the cracking and falling of trees as something incredibly large came crashing through the forest. As the force of the trembling grew stronger, both Brynn and Fin ran further to the side to avoid whatever was coming. Trees near the two of them were shattered by enormous beasts, and Brynn hid quickly in the brush as Fin followed. What was going on here? Brynn thought as the creatures thundered by.

The sky gave way to sudden rain like a broken water skin, it was a strange coincidence that it would pour like this after such strange creatures. Brynn stared up at the sky in wonderment as the rain quickly drenched her hair and clothes. Some of the dried dirt that marred her skin started to wash off because the amount of rain. Normally she'd scrub her feet when she met so much water, but now was not the time. She wanted to find out why the Mother Earth was being so greatly pained. So she followed the trail of destruction, Fin followed nervously at her heels. Those creatures were more than frightening.

As they neared the end of the trail, they slunk down into the brush. Moving closer, she could see the glade and the people facing those terrible creatures. Drawing her bow, she prepared herself in case she found herself dragged into the fight. "Fin." she whispered a little desperately as the lynx slunk off around the glade. Hesitantly she followed, keeping low to the brush as she moved. Fin was staring from low in the brush at a Neru'abar, he was doing something strange, something Brynn didn't understand. Cautiously, Brynn moved forward to be beside the lynx, her bow ready. So she watched the man with Fin, as well as her surroundings. She was unsure what she'd do if she had to faceone of those creatures.

The broad cloaked in ebony was amongst the throng of Miiras. Her form, elegant, regal, peaceful. While the bodies of the tribesmen pressed against one another, chaos erupted as the Colossi appeared. The Lady was statuesque, not moving, nor blinking. Though she looked to be carved out of marble, she breathed, and lived her own life. An epiphany of peace, and fearlessness. The children wailed, the mothers shrieked, and the fathers stood, starstruck by the gruesome sight before them, not hearing the screams and shouts of their own flesh and blood, only watching the Colossi come, hear their roars...Watching their lives flash before their very eyes.


"O'onia!" A small boy-child whispered, throwing himself at the woman's feet and kissing the ground, "Please help us! Save us!" He wept uncontrollably, curling up at her feet. The Soul Keeper knelt down to the little boy, her navy cobalt eyes wide and glazed, her hands soft as she slowly pulled the child's face from the ground and kissed him once on the forehead, wiping the tears he had shed away gently. On her knees, she was eye to eye with the child, her gaze calm and warm, comforting the boy. "Little one," She murmured to the distressed child, "Have I ever told you what fear does to the heart and soul?" The child shook his head at this, fresh tears welling from his eyes as he looked at her. "Let me tell you then." She spoke louder, as the men and woman near the pair had turned to her. "My love, to be fearful, is to be limited. Let your fear dissolve! Let it go and be replaced with courage and bravery.." O'onia rose to her feet, her visor flashing with triumph as she looked at the Miira child. "Be brave my child, be strong and you will live." The little boy looked at her with awe on his face as the woman ruffled his hair softly and gently pushed him in the direction of his mother. He went, not looking back as he plunged into the sea of bodies.


The fiery light in O'onia's eyes did not dissolve as she arose to her feet in one fluid movement. On her right hand, she fingered the signet ring that had been passed down for generations upon generations. Slowly, steadily, she began to walk to the front of the mass, towards the guards. The Matriarch no longer looked warm and comforting, but cold and calculated. Whereas the Colossi approached, she stood in the line of Miira soldiers who took no notice of her. Trees fell, one by one, each one creating a symphony of cracks and snaps, the Colossus' footsteps echoing throughout the hills. The mountains shook, and the flatland cracked at the sound of the gargantuan approaching. She knelt onto the ground, her pitch black skirts fanning around her as she bowed her head. Her hands together, fingers intertwined, lids closed and her expression at peace. "To the mother of all things, let nature erode the very core of this earth, let fire be bested by water, let us prevail!" She cried out in the ancient tongue of the Earth, flinging her head back. There was a moment of silence, the swarm of Miira's had grown quiet, and the world seemed to hold it's breathe..


O'onia kept her head raised, her arms up over her head as if summoning the Gods themselves. One could feel the earth shudder, and she knew that she would have victory. "It is done." She murmured softly. Thunder rumbled deafeningly, drowning out even the roars of the Colossi whilst lightning cracked through the sky, the arcs of electricity nearly blinding all who looked at it. O'onia laughed as a cascade of black rushing water fell upon the occupants of the clearing, the flood soaking many and all. The woman rose to her feet in order to push back her long, wet raven black locks as she shouted to the heavens, "Let the Miira join the Travelers in battle, and rejoice when the beasts has perished!"


There was no hesitating, the yells and screams of the Miira mingling with the cries of the soldiers running for the invaders creating a sublime melody. The guards were not trained to stay in formation, but trained to kill and only kill. Though some of the soldiers had swords or spears made from hard Ore and molten steel of ages ages, others did not and were prepared battle unarmed and unprepared. The tribe grew quiet, the children's eyes watching their fathers in shock. The mothers cheeks streaming with tears, tears for their husbands, for most of them knew that their children would be fatherless, and their lives would be in ruins. O'onia felt an icy wind blast the warm hope that had bubbled in her chest. She had sent these men to their doom. She had sent them with hope in their hearts, fake, she had lied about without realizing. The keeper bowed her head, eyes burning with hot unshod tears. Sighing silently, she saw out through the corner of her orbs a perplexing scene. As the Miira soldiers entered the range of the Colossi, they veered away from them, thirty soldiers, some armed, others unarmed, streaming into the forest behind the titans in the clearing. She swayed on her feet, a coil of dread squeezing her stomach. Oh Goddess of the forest.. O'onia prayed silently, If your will be done, let our soldiers return unharmed..


The leaves were only a blur to the pack of soldiers as they dashed through the timber, the vegetation slapping against their dark skin. They had only been able to see the giants entering the glade, but somehow intuition was guiding them. "This way!" the leader yelled, his heartbeat magnified by a tenfold as his labored breathe matched the others. Each and every one of the them knew that more than half of them would die. Each one dreaded to be pulled into the pit of death, dark, dank and endless. The man's name was Kh'oi, he had just begun his life with his wife and little girl. He was determined to live, he was going to live. A howl of fury and rage erupted through the woodland, forcing the men to adjust their course as to head for the terribly noise in the distance. Kh'oi ran faster than ever, persevering though his arms and legs had begun to burn, his lungs painfully rattling in his chest. He growled through his clenched teeth and pulled ahead of the group, bounding through the forest and pulling out the traditional dagger he had been given to by his deceased father. He closed his eyes as he heard the rattling march of the Colossus.


"For the Mother of All!" Kh'oi bellowed, racing towards the left leg of the massive beast. It roared in anger as the Miira's swarmed it, and so the battle between man and beast, begins...


The Miira in the front row (all but Kh'oi) had perished, the claws of the Colossus proved to be too much for leather and animal skins. Deep lacerations laced across each of the dead tribesmen chests. The leader had managed to evade the grasp by rolling to the mucky floor, banging up his arms and legs roughly. He winced as he felt his ankle give way, a sharp snap ringing through his ears, mingled with the sounds of moaning and the sounds of plaintive death screams. He had been a soldier his whole life. He had heard these things, but never had he been so desperate to live. Never had he been so desperate to survive for his little girl. Withal, wraiths had now slipped behind the men, having followed them from the clearing. The group had not realized yet that they were being tracked and as they dwelled deeper and deeper into the forest, the air grew colder and colder. The two-tailed animals would wait until the titan would descend on them, then they would attack.


"O'ziake eko'loavi se! The Shadow beings!" A scout screamed when met with the sight of the white beasts.


A wraith held the first choking victim by his neck and the Miira did not move a muscle. The warrior coughed time and time again, his eyes bugging out as the pressure was increased. And with an abrupt shift of its head, the victim's wind-pipe lay punctured, the brute fleeting towards the shadows. " I'izachna! Jo'isukalla noi!? My brother! Can you speak to me!?" Kh'oi cried as he looked into the dead-man's face. He did not reply, gargling softly before turning his head and heaving a gush of blood. The leader wept: " Miza Fiulzuta... My fault.." - moaning as he gently placed the brethren's head on a soft green fern. The piercing shriek of the Colossus grew louder as it drew nearer towards the pair of men, the rain still pouring, slicking back the hairs whilst mixing features with blood and mud. "Thek'alluv'oi Ze'k'lanvoyan, May the goddess be with him.."; the Miira knew that he had no time to mourn, and that the no-longer-living would want Kh'oi to honor him by fighting along side his comrades. He sprinted towards the rocking demonic Colossus, ignoring the head aching pain he had by now developed. Things were not going well. Over half of the thirty men had died, only about 12 were left (including Kh'oi) and all those men were exhausted.


The Colossi itself was enjoying this immensely as it seemed to cackle with delight, the guttural roar more humorous than scary whereas it grabbed a older combatant by the waist, squeezing him as hard as it could. It grew bored after a few seconds, popping the soldier into its mouth and relishing the salty bitter-sweet blood still warm as it was pumped through the crushed body of a man who once lived. He was mortified by the sheer raw power of the giant yet did the unthinkable: stopping the earth with both legs, the male releaved a blood-curdling yell in order to the Colossus' attention. Did he get its attention? The answer is, as any might expect: yes, its cringing eyes turning to the now limping man while seeming to smirk.


The monster bent over, its nose almost to the ground so as to grab Kh'oi. Five Miira men intercepted the claw, all instantly killed before Kh'oi's own eyes. He gasped, faltering as he saw the titan lift the men into its mouth and swallow without chewing. The beast grinned at Kh'oi, a pearl-white bone stuck between its two front teeth. The warrior felt dizziness sweep over him as he began to charge at the creature, not realizing that there were wraiths behind him, already swarming over the remaining Miira, the Colossi itself seeming to beckon to the Miira warrior, its leer still apparent. Over the course of thirty seconds, two important things happened: the first one had as its protagonist Kh'oi locked in a running spree without any possibilities and/or intentions of halting his momentum. The second, the Colossus was so intent on his kill, he didn't realize that Kh'oi was baiting him, a dagger behind his back, waiting for the direct moment to strike.


Crack! the sound of metal against plated scales resounded through the vicinity. The reverberations of a bone-chilling yelp entered next, the yowl of pain from the giant monster. Least, but not least: the echoes of chewing. Kh'oi was with his brother in arms. The Colossi had gotten over its pain quickly, but its eyes had been impaled by the traditional ornamental dagger used to strike it. Blinded by the once noble leader, the remaining six soldiers destroyed it with ease. As soon as the aforementioned brute collapsed, the wraiths devoured another three of the soldiers whilst permitting the other half run off in search of the clearing. They did not get very far, for fatigue and exhaustion takes its toll, even on the supernatural.


Lives given for a just cause.

Cough, spit. More blood- fresh- mixing with the dirt. Torim's eyes widened and he mentally scolded himself. He should have known that the gashes weren't the only injuries; that there were other wounds hidden inside Risu's body. The Shara had fallen out of a tree, for crying out loud! And yet, the thought hadn't crossed his mind until then. The location of said wounds was relatively easy to locate, as well, seeing as Risu was clutching at the pained area.

Treatment had to be given, and soon. There was no telling exactly how bad the damage was, but Torim was sure it wasn't light. He also knew from experience (not personal experience, mind you) that internal injuries had a tendency to be worse than external despite receiving less damage.

But then came the dilemma: moving around now would make the internal lacerations worse, making them life-threatening if they weren't already; but waiting any longer meant they could be attacked at any moment and neither would have a chance at survival if that happened. Not unless Torim abandoned Risu to the beasts, but he wasn't about to do such a thing.

”Go... now, please,” a small voice whispered. The sharp tug at his clothes for balance reminded Torim that there were things to be done. While neither choice was pleasant, moving away from their current location had a slightly higher chance for survival. Not to mention, Risu was too anxious and nervous to simply sit still and allow any more healing to take pace.

Wrapping an arm around the Shara's shoulders with his hand hooked under Risu's arm for support, Torim matched pace with Risu and started forward. A final glance was cast around the area; checking for any signs of danger and any herbs that may help. Neither were found and the pair continued their march onward.

*Character view change: Risu*

Step. Pain. Step. Pain. Step. Pain. Risu sighed, glad that he could breath easier but unhappy about the constant pain. Each step made the dull ache flare up while the pause between steps would allow the pain return to just a dull pounding. But there were more important things on his mind than the constant hurt, like, 'just where had everyone else gone' and 'where the hell was he, anyway?'

”Are you sure you're okay?”

Risu blinked, vaguely aware of the fact that he was no longer moving. ”We're not moving.” Way to go, Captain Obvious. ”Why?”

The Orii'm placed a hand against Risu's forehead before listing, ”Pale, low fever, loss of balance, you aren't even walking by yourself anymore, and your breathing is strained. You sound like you're trying to breath through a straw; never a good sign.”

All very good points, but they had to move, like, now. Risu swayed, taking a step back to regain balance, when he was unexpectedly released. A second later, Torim was crouched before him. ”Walking will only make things worse. Climb on.”

Wait, what?

Risu blinked, aware that he had zoned out for a moment and was now staring blankly at Torim's back. By the way the man was crouched, with arms being held back, the purpose was obvious and Risu was never one to turn down a piggy-back ride. Moments later, the pair were moving again, this time with a faster stride.

*Character view change: Torim*

With the extra weight on his back, Torim found running awkward and, instead, settled for a fast walk. Unaccustomed to the weight of a person, he found himself somewhat off balance and thus kept his eyes focused on the ground to avoid tripping on anything. Tripping now would be dangerous; more so for his cargo rather than himself.

Despite the situation he found himself in, Torim was surprised by how calm he felt. He should have been panicking, running for his life, or screaming like a little girl (okay, maybe not that last one). So why did he feel so relaxed, like everything was going to be okay? He glanced back, catching a glimpse of Risu's face. There wasn't much to see, however, as the male had slid down so that only half his face could be seen. What could be seen, however, looked more like a sleeping child rather than someone who had almost been gouged to death.

Which wasn't a good thing.

”Hey, friend,” he said, slowing his pace but not stopping. ”Wake up.” There was no reaction and he was tempted to stop and slap the man awake. ”Friend-” STOMPITYSTOMPSTOMP Torim came to a sudden halt and felt Risu shift on his back.

“What the 'ell?” Risu slurred, blinking awake and sitting up slightly.

Torim hesitated, not sure what to do. For a moment, the stomping sound was silenced and he became aware of loud voices shouting. Part of him was excited, sure he had found a group of survivors that could help him, but he was afraid at the same time. What was the sound that he had heard earlier, and would these people really help him? But, where there were people there was hope and there was a chance that someone would have mercy on them.

He had barely taken another step when the noise started up again and the source of the noise crashed through the trees before him. He felt Risu stiffen in fear and shock and was sure his own mouth had hit the forest floor. The thing was HUGE! And hideous beyond words, but that was beside the point. The point was, he was screwed if he tried to get any closer. Heck, the Wraiths were safer than this thing!

Well, so much for trying to reach the survivors. With a sigh, Torim retreated until he could no longer see colossus and then traveled several yards more just to be safe. Once satisfied that they weren't being followed, he deposited Risu at the base of a tree. After bringing the Shara back to the world of the conscious, he grabbed at various pouches hanging from his belt in search of specific herbs and what not.

”Okay, let's see what we've got here.”

Nothing seemed to happen for a while, so Fin seemed to lose interest and do the sensible thing. He started off in a direction leading away from the giant creature. Brynn watched the lynx go for a little bit, wondering what would happen to the people here. Of course, she followed Fin, walking in the same low crouching way as she had before, her bow in hand. Catching up with the lynx, she looked back to make sure the monster was out of sight, or at least that she was out of sight, before straightening and pulling her bow around her.

Fin trotted just ahead of her, he would stop every now and then to make sure she was following. Then, quite abruptly, he stopped and sat down in the brush. Clearly he was telling her they needed to stay a good distance away, and Brynn listened. She didn't sit down like Fin had, she was far too nervous and cautious at the moment to sit down. Well, so was Fin, but he was trying to make a point.

Then the sound of other voices reached her ears and she instantly crouched down again. Fin reacted too, turning fast in the direction the voices were coming from. He crouched low like Brynn had and moved a couple feet at a time in a quick paced walk, as if he were stalking prey. She followed him until she could see two people against a tree, or at least one of them one was. After a long moment, she decided that they weren't hostile and one seemed to be hurt. Surely, no harm could come from confronting them, perhaps she could help. So she stood up properly and approached with caution to a point where she was still a distance away from them, but that she could be heard. "Do you need any help?" She asked, feeling a little awkward about the way the way she confronted them. She didn't seem particularly good at socializing.