Hadrian Estel Angelos's Story

It was a cool day. A peaceful day where the land itself exudes her beauty for all to see. It was at this day that Hadrian can be found walking towards the training grounds of his clan compound with three young initiates following close behind. He donned his armor, though his torso and back are left exposed to the cool air, and securely at his side was his trusty blade. He was humming a tune that was sung by his mother to comfort them when he and his sister were young. In his mind the tune was perfect for the time of day. The tune was serene and comforting enough to make one sigh in content. As he was humming, he turned his head to observe the three behind him.

Two of the three wore the standard outfits for warriors or fighters. Armor made with hardened leather with metallic studs adorning it. The basic round shields and short swords securely strapped at their backs and sides respectively. Nothing special but their eyes glow brightly with determination that pleased him greatly. The third, however, was different. The third strangely resembles a cleric. A holy man, from the robes to the prayer beads that hang by his side. He wondered whether he has to go easy on this one or not. But his subconscious screamed at him that this one has a trick or two hidden under the priestly robes.

The group reached the training grounds. Practice dummies line one side of the field, racks filled with practice weapons located at the other, targets for archery and knife-throwing were located at the farthest area of the field, a training post can be found near the entrance and a raised circular dirt arena is located at the center. The three initiates observed their surroundings as Hadrian walked towards the arena. He stood at the end of the arena just near the center before addressing the three. "Welcome to my clan's personal training grounds. Here you will be tested whether you receive the mark or not. You have trained hard for this very day and sacrificed your time and energy to be here today and receive your mark; but, in order for you to receive the mark you must simply knock me out of this arena." As he spoke these words, the three walked up and stood at the opposite end of the arena listening attentively to his challenge. Surprise, anticipation and a hint of fear were present within their eyes upon receiving their challenge. "You may use anything to achieve victory bar lethal means." He looked at them with cold, calculative eyes before unsheathing his claymore. "You may begin when I say...'start'"

Upon uttering those words the two warriors rushed towards him with their swords and shields at the ready. The first tried to do a horizontal slash while the other tried to thrust his blade at his side. Hadrian dodged the thrust and blocked the slash. He then kicked one of them on the stomach while he punched the other at the jaw with his left fist. Both staggered and stumbled back. "You have to do better than that!" His eyes widened slightly as he dodged two knives that almost landed on his shoulders. He turned to where the knives originated and was not surprised to see the so called "cleric" was in fact a rogue. His robes were open, revealing a multitude of throwing knives ready to be used against him. "I knew you were hiding something," he said coldly, "you seem so bulky with those knives on you." He rushed towards the rogues with his claymore, ready to deliver a vertical swipe. It never connected because one of the warriors intercepted his attack and signaled the other to take the opening before Hadrian could defend. The warrior charged towards Hadrian. He didn't have time to dodge, instead he kicked the warrior towards the rogue and gripped the blade with his fake hand. He channeled his magic to soften the blade and quickly snapped it in half, rendering the warrior's sword useless. The warrior's eyes widened in shock but before he could do anything his neck was held tightly by Hadrian. As his two companions got their bearings, Hadrian shook his head. "You three are pathetic! None of you could defeat me. Now your companion is my captive, a dead man now. So, what can you do now?" He slowly ran his blade at the warrior's right leg and arms drawing thin streams of blood. "Give up! I will spare your lives if you surrender and fail this test! Maybe I could spare this fools life as well if you surrender."

The two looked conflicted at the prospect but the captive warrior rasped, "Don't, don't give up for my sake. We're stronger than this and we ourselves prepared for this moment. Don't give in!"

Hadrian chuckled darkly, "Brave words of a dying fool." He slowly stabbed the warrior's right leg. The warrior tried to resist but the pain elicited a scream that escaped his clenched teeth. The two were greatly intimidated but they still held their weapons tightly. "We give up? I'm sorry sir," spoke the rogue, "but you taught us to continue fighting even if the situation is grim. Kill our companion and we'll still keep fighting. To the demons with your test and rules! We'll avenge our comrade and fight to the bitter end if we must!"

He stared at them for a moment. His cold, unforgiving eyes locked on to theirs. He slowly sighed and released the warrior from his grip before returning his blade to its scabbard. The warrior fell to his knees gripping his injuries to stem the blood flow. The two rushed for their downed comrade and stared at Hadrian with fear and determination. He knelt down in front of them. His eyes were warm and soft now, not like the cold and calculative glint when he fought them. "You stayed. Even if your comrade would face death, even if you would face failure, you stayed. For that alone you passed my test. You must never give up and never surrender. Your comrades are now your family and family must be defended at all cost. I am proud to see you three as a member of the Obscura Rosa." Their eyes widened in hearing his words. He slowly rose up and walked past them. Before opening the double doors he turned to looked at them. "The infirmary is at the west wing. Take the corridor to the left and then take the corridor to the right. Rest up for the next sunrise you will become bearers of the dark rose." He then left the three through the double doors.

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He walked briskly towards his personal chambers. His mind was in deep thought about the test he had done. He remembered the times when he too burned with such lofty determination and familial dedication. The time when life was good and peaceful. The time his family was whole and happy. But that determination and dedication shifted into ruthless determination and unwavering dedication. When his parents and a quarter of his clan were slaughtered. When his sister was kidnapped and traumatized. When he lost himself in vengeance and revenge. Now, he's confused. Confused of who he truly is and what he truly fight for. At first he did it all for his family. When they died he did it for revenge. But when he received his revenge he did it for his sister. But is it truly enough to shed so much blood for something others would consider trivial?

He thought these things as he entered his chambers. The chamber was filled with a collection of bookcases filled with tomes and scrolls. A wardrobe filled with his clothes can be found near the bookcases. A fireplace at the far side of the room. Red curtains hung from the windows and a fourposter bed at one side of the room with red and silver sheets and pillows. An armor rack can be found near the fireplace. A painting of himself and his sister depicting them in a noble manner hung above the fireplace. He slowly discarded his armor and placed them on the rack leaving himself bare. A knock was heard from his door accompanied by a soft feminine voice. "Brother, are you decent?"

"Just a moment, sister." He then went for his wardrobe and took out a pair of green trousers before opening the door. His twin, Lyalee Seraphina Angelos stood before him accompanied by one of her female guards. She was a female version of himself though she is shorter than him by seven inches. Long black spiky hair with white and red highlights which is tied in a low ponytail with a few locks of hair framing the sides of her face, deep purple eyes that resembles glittering amethyst gems. Tan skin, lean body with a little bit of visible muscle and perky breasts. On her left arm, a tattoo of black roses with gold tips can be seen with their thorny stems snaking around her arm up to her left shoulder, back, chest and neck. She looked normal discounting the fact that she has a fake eye. Her right eye was in fact a smooth round piece of sapphire held in place by a gold metal piece that resembles eyelids. The gem glows just like Hadrian's gauntlet and on the "eyelids" the family motto was inscribed. She was currently wearing her sleepwear intent on joining her brother for his daily naps. "What bring you here sister," Hadrian asked, "I thought you are still at the palace at this moment?"

"I just got back, my beloved brother. May I come in?" Hadrian nodded and stepped aside for her to enter before closing his door, leaving the guard outside. When the doors closed Lyalee enveloped her brother in a tight hug. "I missed you brother." Hadrian returned the hug with a warm chuckle. "It's only been a day, sister." She looked up at him and pouted. "I don't care. I still miss you." They stayed in each others arms for a moment before Hadrian disconnected and brought her to his bed where they sat at the edge of said bed. "So, what news do have for me" Hadrian asked as he held his sister's hand with his fake one. "Something interesting happened at the Queen's Court, brother. A Veer, named Adion Veris, came to the queen and asked for assistance in locating the Song of Tyr." Hadrian looked at her while raising an eyebrow. The Song of Tyr was considered a myth by many. To those that believed it, it is difficult to retrieve. "Did the Queen granted the Veer assistance?" His sister shook her head. This caused him to sigh. Deep down he knew that majority of the court would not give their support. Most could not believe that the song can be located but these people were too set in their notion of thinking. "What else has happened, my dear sister?" She leaned in closer resting her head on his shoulder. "The lords are preparing something, my dear brother. Troops are being mobilized as we speak in a campaign for Tonule. Forgive me, the exact details are currently unknown." He nodded, "It's alright, my little rose. Who is leading the campaign?" She looked at him and said, "According to my contacts Lord Dalmar with the assistance of Lord Ivagio would lead the campaign." He nodded once again. Two powerful lords under the service of the Queen leading a campaign. The Dark Lord of legend and the Lord of Alzeran. That might be a recipe for disaster or success he thought grimly.

"What are your plans brother?" She asked him as she stood up nearing the door. "Contact our agents and every member of the Obscura Rosa. Find the Veer and offer him our assistance. Tell them to bring him here if he accepts. Lethal and harmful force is highly discouraged. We would want a peaceful encounter with a noble race of Tyr." She nods before looking back at him. "The campaign?" He lied down on his bed resting his arm over his eyes. "Nothing. We'll just have to wait and see." She nodded again and turned back towards the door. She opened the door and whispered her orders to the guard to contact the members of the Obscura Rosa with explicit orders to locate the Veer, named Adion Veris, and offer their assistance in his quest immediately. She also told the guard to bring Adion to their compound as well without resorting to violence. After receiving confirmation to her orders, she closed the door and walked towards her brother. She climbed on her brother's bed and rested her head on his chest while wrapping her arms around his waist. She sighed in content and joined her brother in his sleep.

It was so dark and cold. So dark that not even the shining moon above could hope to penetrate the blanket of darkness from his vision. So cold that one cannot even feel their own bodies move. Cool smoke escapes from every breath, crystallizing into flakes of ice. The very ground he was standing on was covered with snow and ice while his surrounding were shrouded in shadow that soon played tricks with his mind's eye. Suddenly he was caught in the center of a raging inferno. Purple flames emerged and surrounded him; encasing him in a cage of fire. But strangely enough, there was no heat coming the flames only light. In fact it was cool as the gentle streams found in the forests; it never melted the ice and snow under his feet. It was so bright that the darkness surrounding him vanished, the moon turning into a bright sun and the shadows have crept back into their hiding places. From within the flames he could see a myriad of images; multiple visions of the future. A future of death, war, strife, deception, anguish, hope, triumph, sacrifice, and many more. He could not understand them and yet he felt something from these visions that he could not explain. He wondered what all this meant and then he heard a soft gentle melodious voice coming from everywhere around him. "It seems the schemes of the world herself have finally begun, Little Flame. You and a great many others are destined for greatness. Fated to lead the world into a new era of peace or to a time of cataclysmic madness. We...they...I have witnessed the power manifest into this world today after eons of waiting, of praying for the time of change to arrive. Little Flame, my sweet Little Flame, you are given the choice to choose a side in the conflicts to come. Will you fight for the Light, the idealists, the optimists, those of gentle souls and those of righteousness? Will you fight for the Dark, the pessimists, the deceivers, those of tainted hearts and those who blackened their spirits? Will you fight for the Gray, the pragmatists, the boundary, those who dirtied their hands for another and those who are not afraid to commit evil for good? Will you follow your own path, carved from your own bare hands and drenched in sacrifice? My Little Flame you are lucky to behold for destiny herself could not fathom the path you may take." The world slowly began to shift and soon slowly disappeared from his sight. The flames around him were slowly dying down. "It appears you are about to awaken. Make your choice carefully, my Little Flame. Follow your path, no matter what. We...they...I will be watching!" His vision blurs. Both light and darkness overtake his vision.

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Hadrian abruptly sits up from his bed gasping for air. Sweat slowly trickled down his body as he took deep shuddering breaths to calm his beating heart. It was a dream but deep in his mind he knew it was no dream but a message. A message for him from an unknown. This slightly worried him for a mysterious being took an interest to things to come and he was a part of it. He shook his head and got out of bed. He noticed that his sister was no longer sleeping at his side but noticed a small piece of parchment with a Rose seal at her place instead. He took it showing him a short message written in his sister's elegant handwriting.

"Brother, forgive me for leaving you abruptly but a matter of grave importance has been called to my attention; thus, I must report to the palace. Nala wishes to speak with you, brother. I sent her to your private library where you can speak with her away from prying ears."

He nodded before using a minor manipulation of his power to burn the parchment to ash. Hadrian knew that whenever it involved Nala it always led to serious discussions. He quickly wore his armor and strapped his blade before walking out of his room. He made his way to his private library while his mind wandered about his subordinate. He remembered Nala when she was a young girl. An orphan who looked up to him as a role model of sorts. He remembered teaching her the basics of the sword and integrating her into his family and organization years later. It was a rough start at first but soon she rose through the ranks and obtained the honor of being a member of his personal guard. He came to care for her as time passed since he consider her as a trusted friend and soon he almost knew her inside and out; he didn't know, however, about Nala's love and admiration for him since she was young grew into so much more--Hadrian was clueless about this but the rest of the organization knew Nala's love for him but kept quiet about it.

His musing ended when he reached the entrance to his private library. Standing beside the silhouette of a door was a woman wearing a set of full plate armor with a similar design to Hadrian's armor. The only difference was the armor was a bit slimmer to fit her size and the roses were black and silver in color unlike Hadrian's. At her side strapped to a leather belt, very own claymore. She was a foot shorter than Hadrian, she has purple colored eyes that was rare within the estate, she has long silvery white hair that reaches her lower back, she has fair skin marred with numerous scars and the notable aspect about her was her right eye was covered by a black eye patch that resembles the rose symbol of the Obscura Rosa in full bloom.

Nala stood in attention as Hadrian approached her. He nodded to her in greeting which was returned with a small smile. He stood in front of the silhouette before he placed his palm on the center and channeled his power through the silhouette. The sound of locks clicking were heard from the other side and the door opened. Hadrian entered his private library which prompted Nala to follow close behind. Upon entering, the door closed behind her. She inspected the door which now bore the characteristics of a real door unlike the silhouette outside.

Hadrian's private library was filled with numerous bookshelves with books ranging from the basic knowledge people could gain access at the local libraries to forbidden tomes of lost and ancient arts. At the far end of the room stood a black wooden desk, two simple cushioned chairs for the guests and behind it a cushioned chair which resembles a padded velvet throne for his use. Behind these things was a large stained glass window, depicting the Angelos siblings, overlooking the forests surrounding the Angelos Estate. A fireplace could be seen at the center of the room and above it a hole for the fumes to escape whenever the pit was lit. Currently the fireplace isn't lit in order to cool the room with the air coming in the hole above it. Hadrian approached his chair and sat on it before gesturing Nala to take a seat. She took a seat before staring at Hadrian.

Silence permeated the entire room for a whole minute before it was broken by Nala's voice. "Lord Hadrian, I bring news. The city of Tonule has finally fallen under the might of Dalmar and Ivagio." Hadrian nodded, his facial expression unreadable and his eyes narrowed darkly. Many thought that Tonule would not fall. But Hadrian and his Lyalee knew that the old city would fall due to the people's arrogance. It was just a matter of time. "I see...how did you come across this information?"

"My lord, members of the Obscura Rosa that fled the city through the tunnels minutes after the walls collapsed sent a falcon detailing the events as best they could." Hadrian nodded before he closed his eyes and sighed. At his men were successful in escaping that damnable city. "M-My Lord?"

Hadrian was puzzled by the hesitation and fear in her voice. His eyes were still closed with a frown was forming on his face as he internally asked what made her nervous and frightened all of a sudden. "Yes? What is it, Nala?" He heard an audible gulp which was a very bad sign for him. He opened his eyes and saw that she was shaking like a leaf with beads of sweat forming at her brow. This does not bode well indeed. "L-Lord H-Hadrian, t-they...t-they've left it. I-In t-their e-escape, t-the t-treasure r-re-remains i-in T-Tonule." He stood up abruptly, eyes bulging out in shock. They left it? This truly did not bode well for them all. He noticed his actions caused Nala to yelp in fright and shield her face from a possible attack. It broke a piece of his heart that someone he considers a sister in all but blood fear him to this extent. He quietly walked towards her and knelt down beside her. He place a hand on her thigh while the other gently caressed her exposed cheek. He made shushing noises as he tried to calm her down. He knew he was ruthless and unforgiving to most of his subordinates, he would never be heartless to the few he considers as his brothers and sisters, like Nala. "Hush, my dear. Please you have no need to fear. I won't hurt you for the idiocy of another." Slowly she calmed down before making eye contact with him. She nods and before continuing, "According to those that arrived here, the treasure still lies hidden inside the Town Hall. They assured me that no one can find it..."

Hadrian sighs audible before clicking his tongue. This is a disaster. The Book of Roses is indeed a treasure that would worth more than the Queen and her lands combined. The names of every member, retired or active members, were on that book. The hierarchy or the names of key officials working with and for the Obscura Rosa from past to present Grand Masters were all written in that book. The names of every safe house, every supply cache, every tunnel entrance and exit, and every other facility owned by the Obscura Rosa were written in that book. Every spy, every collaborator, every sleeper agent and every supplier known to the Obscura Rosa were all written in the book. Basically it is a book filled to the brim from cover to cover with the names of everything associated with the Obscura Rosa. His forefathers were complete fools to leave such a valuable treasure behind. They foolishly trusted the spiel that the Millennial Fortress could keep anything safe. He remembered that his grandfather and his father argued that it must be moved to the estate instead but those old, now dead, fossils are too narrow minded to heed the words of a Grand Master. Now it all comes back to bite them in their proverbial backsides. They have to retrieve it as soon as possible before Dalmar or Ivagio can find it. He was pretty sure those two would notice something amiss within the Town Hall if they would inspect the building. It was only a matter of time before they discover it. He shook his head before addressing Nala in a cold voice. "Nala, I want you to prepare your men. We're leaving for Tonule as soon as possible. Do not, under any circumstances, reveal that the Book of Roses is our primary objective."

Nala nods her head. When she heard his cold voice she knew he was mad. Just barely restraining his temper by sounding cold and apathetic. She would prepare her regiment for the march for Tonule. "As you command, my lord."

"Also, I want you to choose ten of your best men to prepare for a mission in Tyr. They are to locate and assist a veer named Adion Veris in his quest to restore the Song of Tyr. They are to provide support in his endeavor to their fullest potential. He most likely to be inside the tunnels of Tyr. Tell them to consider this as their test for captaincy." Hadrian ordered as he stood up and look at her waiting for her confirmation.

"As you wish, Lord Hadrian. I will do as you ask of me." She stood up facing him in attention. She bowed with her right hand closed into a fist above her left breast before leaving the library, ready to carry out her Lord's command.

Upon feeling that Nala's presence is no more, Hadrian turned to the corner of the room before moving close to the door. "You can come out now...sister." There revealed Lyalee Seraphina Angelos clad in a gorgeous red and black dress. Her face was frozen in a grim expression mirrored that of her brother's earlier expression. "I heard everything, Hadrian."

"I know. What news have you brought me during this...dangerous time?" Lyalee walked closer to her brother. She wrapped him in a firm embrace as she buried her face on his chest. Hadrian returned the embrace with the same firmness as his sister's. "According to my spies in the servants quarters of the Royal Palace, there are rumors that the Queen seems to be...a bit off as of late."

"Explain."

"According to the servants, the Queen was not acting like her usual self and Mirra, the handmaid of the Queen, seems to be adamant at keeping people from finding out the exact condition of the Queen. I also acquired a dirty little secret about Her Majesty that would surely cause a panic. But...I'm not telling until the right time." Lyalee's melodious voice was heard as she laughed at what she had said. Hadrian could only nod. He wanted to know what she knew; but, he knew his sister well enough that she won't share such information until the opportune moment would present itself. But he had to wonder, what could possible be this secret that she had uncovered? Her laughter soon died down which was replaced with silence.

Lyalee releases her embrace as did Hadrian. She held both his hands on her own while looking intently at his eyes. "Brother, I wish the Spirits, the Voices and the Gods to protect you on your quest."

"Thank you, little sister. I trust that you will keep everything under control while I'm absent?"

Lyalee nods her head. "I will brother. Just, please, return to me in one piece." Hadrian nodded while he gave her a smile. "Promise me brother. Promise me that you will come back."

He leaned closer to her cheek and gave her a chaste kiss before he ruffled her hair. "I will, little one. I promise you." Hadrian then left his private library. His sister still inside with a hand on her cheek, a somber expression on her face as tears trickled down her eyes. "Good luck brother. May our ancestors guide you to victory." Her words soon fell to the whispers of the wind.

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Nala was running towards the barracks located outside the Angelos estate. The words of her Lord still echoes from the depths of her mind. The Book of Roses is near enemy hands. They needed to move fast for time is their enemy now.

Upon reaching the barracks, the soldiers noticed her and shouted for the others to stand in attention for her arrival. They lined up in front of the barracks awaiting their commanders orders. Nala surveyed her troops. Most of them have their armor and weapons at the ready while only a few are in the process of putting on their armor and arming themselves. No one was completely caught without a piece of clothing on their backs. She has to relay the orders but she must keep silent about the true nature of said orders.

"Charlus, Elena, come forth!"

Two people came forwards. One was a man who is 5'9" in height, with short messy black hair, chocolate brown eyes, and the most notable feature about him was a scar that run across his right cheek and neck. He was wearing the standard issue Full Plate armor worn by most knights complete with a war hammer strapped at his side and a kite shield strapped at his back. The other was a woman who was an inch taller than the man, with short spiky red hair, forest green eyes, and the most notable feature about her was the splotch of white skin across her neck and arms that signifies that they were burnt. She too was wearing the standard issue Full Plate armor although it was a bit slimmer for her size and mobility complete with two short swords strapped at her sides. These two are Charlus Vaharian-Angelos and Elena Fairwind-Angelos, two members of the Angelos branch families.

"Charlus, Elena, you and your squad are assigned a mission at Tyr. You are to locate and assist a veer named Adion Veris and you are to provide support, in his quest in restoring the Song of Tyr, to the best of your abilities. Failure is not an option. This will be your trial for captaincy. You are to leave immediately, now move!"

"Yes, Commander Nala!" Both Charlus and Elena bowed and proceeded to assemble their squad for their mission.

"Now for the rest of you. You are to prepare for a journey to Tonule, men. We have been given the honor of escorting Lord Hadrian to the city of Tonule for a matter that needs his attention. His safety is will be our top priority! Failure is NOT an option! Understood?"

"Aye, Commander Nala!" Roared the entire regiment.

Nala nods in satisfaction. Things will be going according to plan. "Good. Prepare for our departure! We'll be leaving immediately!" Her men soon scrambled around the barracks preparing horses, provisions and the like. She had a feeling that something's going to happen when they reach Tonule. Whether it would be good or bad, she wasn't entirely sure.

The halls, they seemed endless. Maybe it was just that fact that there were no trees in the Under. Adion had spent so long in the city, and so long in the Under, at least to him, that he was beginning to miss the trees of the forests above. To him, there was no feeling like prowling through the trees, tracking a deer before making a feast of it. This thought only made Adion miss the forests more.

The stone in the under was cold and grey, with blue glowing crystals and fluids. The forests that Adion was used to were warm and lush greens and browns, filled with peaceful life, and beast's calls. All the sound here was that endless dripping. That was it. His feet and the dripping. Nothing else. It only made Adion more anxious.

Then he heard the sound, the distinct sound, of running humans, armor and all. It was getting closer and quick. It was not like Adion had been going faster than a slow walk, but he had still had time to make it quite a distance. These humans must have been tracking him, or hunting him. The armor was what really set the veer off.

Now noting how close they were, Adion whipped around to catch one of the humans, the leading female, in his grasp. In one clawed hand, he held her against the wall in such a way that her hands were trapped at her sides. The most she would be able to do is squirm.

Adion was not stupid. He knew from the sound, and its continuation, that more humans were coming. He would keep his hold on the female tight, and the moment he saw another human, likely clad in the same style armor, he would begin to snarl. Not that kind of 'I will feast on your bones snarl,' but the 'step back' kind of snarl.

Charlus and Elena were ecstatic upon receiving their marching orders from the legendary Commander Nala, a member of Lord Hadrian's retinue of specialists that acts as his personal guard. They were to assist a veer in the restoration of the Song of Tyr. A noble undertaking fraught with countless dangers. A mission from the Grand Master himself.

They listened to their commander's orders and soon they quickly prepared their equipment and provisions for the journey. In their minds it would take them a short while to reach Tyr via the tunnel networks created by the Obscura Rosa.

"This is the day, isn't it? We're going to rise through the ranks as Captains." Charlus asked while he and Elena, along with their squads move towards the tunnel entrance, which was disguised as a tree, located within the estate. Elena nodded with a toothy grin. "Hey! Don't grin like that , love. I know we're going on another adventure; but please, don't do anything stupid again." The grin on Elena's face dropped into a pout which made Charlus chuckle as they entered the tunnel network.

"'Do something stupid' he says. As if I did something stupid while on an important mission. Name one time I did something like that!" Elena's voice echoed throughout the well lit tunnel.

"The time you stabbed a minor nobleman of Tyr inside his own home which caused the local guards to chase us out."
"The arrogant swine deserved it."
"The time you woke a sleeping wyvern in Jotun when we rested inside a cave that you said was safe."
"Okay maybe I should have checked first. But--"
"The time you slapped a farmer and insulted a fisherman in Krestmere."
"I was tired and I had a bad day, but--"
"You burned down a section of the Velmon forest which--"
"Okay fine! I get it! Just stop, please!" Charlus nodded without looking at her.

They continued on their journey in utter silence. The sound of their steps echoed throughout the tunnel. "Hey, Elena."
"Yes?"
"You know I was just poking fun, right?" He looked at her with a tinge of worry in his eyes. She looked at him and nodded while flashing a soft smile on her face. "I know for a fact that if something strange didn't happen while you're around, then you aren't the woman I came to care and respect."
"Thanks Charlus. Now, let's hurry and get our heads back in the mission. We got to reach Tyr as soon as possible!"

The group ran as fast as they could, determined to complete the mission handed to them. It took them a couple of hours to reach the exit which led to Tyr. After emerging from the exit, they inquired about the whereabouts of Tyr's underground caverns. It took a little bit of effort on their part and a few gold coins to loosen the tongues of the populace until one of the guards gave them extensive information about about the tunnels, known as the Under and agreed to lead them to one of the entrances of the cavern. They entered the cavern; bearing as well the warnings of the guard to keep a vigilant watch within the deep tunnels.

It was cold and silent. The only sound that could be heard was the clicking of metal and the dripping of water along the cavern walls and ceiling. Crystals, embedded along the walls of the cavern, bathes the entire tunnel in a soft eerie blue glow. They were ready. They were marching with a purpose. Their hands near their weapons and senses sharp. Elena was leading the group, with Charlus at the rear. This was their moment. Their moment to prove themselves worthy of being a member of the organization. In their minds they are worried and excited. Worried that they might not find the veer in time and fail. Excited that they are a part of the few that ventured down these tunnels after a long time.

At first, there was nothing but the silence. But their was a sharp whistling sound that startled Elena. She had little time to react when she was pinned down on the wall by a large clawed hand. She couldn't move her arms to swing her weapon and defend herself. Her eyes widened in panic as she gazed at the being the held her. It was the veer! A large black wolf-like being that towered over her helpless form. Her comrades, who just arrived and witnessed her current state, brandished their weapons ready to free her from the veer's grasp. "Elena!" Charlus yelled as he drew his sword and readied his shield. Elena heard the veer snarl. A warning for them at least.

"Stop! Don't you dare approach! This is our target! Stay your hands and let me speak!" She called out to them. "Adion. Adion we're here to help. We are members of the Obscura Rosa. Our lord, Hadrian, commanded us to assist you in restoring the Song of Tyr. A thousand pardons if we startled you; we were forced to come here in a hurry. Please, Adion. What was said was the truth. We seek nothing from you in providing our services to your quest. Our lord, ordered us to assist. We swear on our marks that what we speak is the truth." The men around her slowly dropped their stances but still had their weapons on hand. Charlus was reluctant to do so in fear for Elena. Everyone hoped that Adion would understand that they truly meant no harm. That what they have said was true.

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While Charlus and Elena were deep within the Under of Tyr, Hadrian and Nala were on their way to Tonule. They, along with a thousand knights bearing the marks of the Obscura Rosa, rode on horseback towards the Millennium Fortress. It took them half of the entire day to reach the outskirts of Tonule by passing through plain lands and the forest routes. Along the journey, he had the time to contemplate. If they reached Tonule, what would happen? Did those fools discovered it already? Can the book be retrieved at all? He shook his head and growled. He hated it when something felt wrong with the entire situation.

"My lord, are you alright?" A muffled voice said to his right. He looked at his right and saw Nala's look of concern. She looked different; everything's the same, but there was a silver mask that covers the lower half of her face. The mask resembled the snout of a snarling wolf. Her hair billowed slightly from the breeze and her posture was alert. She reined her horse closer to his until they rode side by side. "My lord?"

"I am fine, Nala. Do not concern yourself about me." She nodded before looking back on the road. It was a quiet journey. None of them spoke after her inquiry. The men on the other hand whispered with one another about what they'll face. They remembered the reports that Tonule is under the control of the Dark Lord and the Lord of Alzeran. But titles mean nothing to Hadrian's men. To them they are but two men with too much fame and infamy on their names. Two men that are mortal as any other man; that can bleed and die as any other man. Thus they themselves are prepared and alert. Prepared to test the whether these two Lords are what the tales made by the people true; and alert to any surprises that may come upon them.

The sun was near the horizon when Hadrian and Nala knew they were nearing the Millennium Fortress. The reports were true. The walls have crumbled and the ground was covered in ice. The work of a powerful arcanist or the work of a brilliant strategist? In Hadrian and Nala's mind, it was the strategist that deserves the applause. Any man that thought of using Arcane Power in the destruction of an object as large as the walls of the fortress deserves recognition.

"Nala, be on your guard. I have a bad feeling about the entire situation, since our journey across the forest. We must be prepared for anything." Hadrian said as they approached the gates of Tonule.

"Yes, Lord Hadrian." Nala whispered and slowly nodded her head. She steeled herself from the coming storm. She knew, deep down inside, that everything would go down hill in a moment's notice.

"At least your lord has some knowledge of the past to know what dangers your kin will soon face should my kind go without rest. These forests will become the source of terror for this entire world. The solution to this is deep within the core. I am not sure if it has been corrupted or drained of its energy. All that I know is that some high human in his empire caused this, putting the whole world at risk, and placing Tyr on the brink of starvation." Adion stated dropping the woman before slowly walking forward.

"Prepare your people. The creatures that you will face down here are hardly a threat, the real threat is the dripping of the water. It never changes. Not rhythm, not volume, not distance. It can easily cause the unprepared mind much pain and many problems." Adion stated, turning his head around just to speak to the humans, before resuming his slow walk towards the core of the Under.

Elena stood up as she rubbed her arms to relieve the aches she received from Adion's strong grip. She was glad that the results of their confrontation with Adion did not result to bloodshed. Though now it seems distrust and weariness dominates the air around them. She heard footsteps to her left, she turned and soon she came face to face with Charlus. His face bore a worried expression. "Elena. Elena are you alright?" He reached out and held her in his arms. He inspected her trying to find anything that is wrong with her.

"I'm fine Charlus." She said as she inspected her arms. Bruises were slowly forming from where Adion had gripped her. She quickly hid it from him but she knew he saw it. "Don't worry yourself about trivial matters, Charlus." She gave him a reassuring smile. "I'm a grown woman and a warrior. I can take care of myself."

Charlus looked at her with a stern look. He opened his mouth to say something but closed it. He knew he could trust Elena but seeing her get hurt every time worries him to no end. He sighed and shook his head before giving her a weary smile. "Only you, Elena. I...I trust you. I trust your decisions and I will support you. But if something seriously wrong is about to happen then I will step in."

She smiled at him and ran up to Adion's side. She was then followed by Charlus and their men who followed with their weapons at the ready.

"Hey, Adion. I think we all got off the wrong foot or paw and I, uh, want all of us to begin anew, so to speak. So, hi, my name is Elena, Elena Fairwind-Angelos and this lovable guy is Charlus Vaharian-Angelos." She said while pointing at Charlus. "We're both members of the Obscura Rosa."

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The destruction of the wall, seen near or far, was such as sight. It was a glorious sight from afar. But it was a harrowing and sorrowful sight when close by. Victory in exchange for the lives and homes of many innocents. It was, for Hadrian, a tasteless victory. To shed the blood of the innocent in pursuit of success was a deplorable act. But he couldn't fault the invaders much with regards to the tactics used in taking Tonule. All that he could do was reflect and learn the mistakes and actions done in what the history books would call, "The Battle for Tonule".

Hadrian and his entourage approached the ice encrusted gates in a neat line; with Hadrian and Nala at the front followed by the thousands of knights behind them. Surprisingly, there were no guards guarding the gates at the moment. Hadrian shook his head in dismay. It appears that the men under Dalmar and Ivagio were too complacent. "My Lord, there are no guards at the gate."

Hadrian looked at Nala then back at the gate. "It appears so, Nala. The soldiers here seem to rely on the reputation of their generals alone." Nala nods her head as they continued into the city. They passed by many buildings, some were in relatively good condition while others were destroyed by the debris from the crumbling walls. "Alright, Nala, we are to proceed to the Town Hall as soon as we can. Pray that we reach there without incident."

"Yes, Lord Hadrian. Men, maintain defensive formation." The men behind them quickly rode to formation, ten men surrounding them in a defensive box while the rest stayed in formation with their hands hovering above their blades. The rode through the main streets while garnering some glances and whispers from passers by; though, the majority were focused on living their lives as if nothing has changed.

After a considerable amount of time, they passed by a crowd surrounding two people who are in an argument. Hadrian and his entourage paid no mind to the squabble and continued on. They were so close to their objective. So very close.

"Elena is it? I am Adion Veris and my only care in this world is to return the Song of Tyr. Do not stand in my way, or threaten the singers, and you will be fine. I will give you a warning about the Under. It drives those who are not prepared insane, and gnaws at the sanity of the prepared." Adion stated with a wave of his hand further down the tunnels.

"Another tip would be not to believe yourself to ever be safe down here. Nothing is safe down here, for that which threatens you can always find a way. No amount of armor or prior training that the surface can offer will aid you against some of the more specific threats that hide down here." Spoke the veer as he began to walk towards the the center of the under, ever further down the stone walls that emanated the blue light.

"Elena is it? I am Adion Veris and my only care in this world is to return the Song of Tyr. Do not stand in my way, or threaten the singers, and you will be fine. I will give you a warning about the Under. It drives those who are not prepared insane, and gnaws at the sanity of the prepared." Adion stated with a wave of his hand further down the tunnels.

"Another tip would be not to believe yourself to ever be safe down here. Nothing is safe down here, for that which threatens you can always find a way. No amount of armor or prior training that the surface can offer will aid you against some of the more specific threats that hide down here." Spoke the veer as he began to walk towards the the center of the under, ever further down the stone walls that emanated the blue light.