New Dawn:
An Ancient War Unfolds
Introduction:
Wine poured, excited laughter filled the atmosphere; a cheer occasionally erupting amongst gatherers, it was a gathering by the King of Sparta; Menelaus, he sipped his wine, a taste of salt and spite – unlike those cheerful murmurs and excited sounds, he was sat with a fierce expression as he regarded the man who had come from the sea – a herald of a distant city; Troy.
Though this was not the only new arrival within the halls; stood behind the King was a figure shrouded in dark robes, an imposing figure that held a paradoxical stance; he stood rigid yet, completely relaxed – muscle tensed but relaxed, his deep hood hiding his face, though could not hide the crimson beneath that indicated his eyes, his very presence dropping the very temperature of what should be a warm evening, a sense of panic beneath the excitement; Zor’Githas.
The herald that stood let his gaze drift towards the shadowy figure briefly before he spoke, repeating himself “The message from Son of Priam; thanks you for you generous Spartan hospitality, with Helen to an honoured guest for Prince Paris”
Menelaus narrowed his gaze, he was yet to respond, in truth, he was not even hearing the words of the herald, he had already been made aware of Helen’s absence, the suspicion of her kidnapping, or perhaps willingness to leave – but, what was really amping up his rage was the whispers from the being stood behind him.
“You would allow these creatures to steal from you?” Zor’Githas purred, there was a subtle shift, a movement as he came forwards, his hands behind his back as he positioned himself beside the King, ignoring the raised spear of a guard that believed he was overstepping “You know what they have done; do you really require this…, bearer to insult you further?”
A subtle growl escaped Menelaus throat, a momentary drift of his gaze towards the red eyes staring down towards him; then, his gaze fell towards the Herald “My queen” he rumbled, his voice low “My wife; has been taken?”
The Herald offered only a momentary smile, a bloodless slit in his expression before speaking “The queen’s will is her own; she walked with the Prince, it was of her own volition”
A Lie – A Polished Life; with a wave of his head, the Herald was removed by Guardsmen, his gaze drifting around to lock once more with the Red gaze locked onto him “You know what you must do” while his face was hidden by his hood, Menelaus was certain Zor’Githas was grinning, without further words, Zor’Githas merely moved forwards, when a Guardsman made an effort yet again to hinder him, he narrowed his eyes, the look alone was enough to force the guardsman to back away, a sense of primal terror erupting at a sudden feeling of extreme danger, eyes locked to observe Zor’Githas’s departure.
The Celestial Realm, a veiled dominion far removed from the Mortal realm; at its centre was a city of unparalleled beauty, a city that would blend rising, gleaming spires of marble and gold, adorned with friezes depicting valiant warriors and celestial beings, Grand amphitheatres and temples with elegant uniformity, with the obvious of advancement of a civilisation far removed from any other.
At the centre of this city stood a Ziggurat, a massive, tiered structure of obsidian, a dark structure that stood out by the utter darkness of its design, the very centre of power that would rarely bend, and within were the chambers that were filled with a thick, ancient and sterile authority.
At the head of a large chamber, Nicon sat – his presence simply radiating power as his eyes held that signature Golden glow, he listened as debate erupted, it circled the same question; Intervention or Isolation – they had come aware of recent events involving Helen of Sparta, suspicion already falling, quite correctly, towards Zor’Githas renewed interest in the world of Gaia – it was a deliberate breach of their observing nature.
Nicon was well aware of Zor’Githas history of whispering to Kings and Queens, Leaders and Politicians – this suspicion towards the Bronze Age Kingdoms was not without ground.
“These Mortals are nothing more than Barbarians!” declared a riled Celestial, anger lacing his voice “If it is true that Zor’Githas has once again whispered into the ears of Kings; he proves only how easy they fall to temptation; they always consume themselves”
A figure, shrouded in similar darkened robes to Zor’Githas himself, tinged with a more reddish fabric, sat quietly towards the back, Aїdes – considered by those around him as a Master of the Dead, whose Realm, unlike Zor’Githas was not purely a world of darkness, nor a vault of souls; but an archive, a silent recording of all that passed from life, leaning forwards, his gaze drifted towards the Destroyer In the far corner “Zor’Githas” he rumbled; a voice that sounded like a distant sound of grinding stone “Do you have nothing to offer these arguments; the Humans prepare to fight yet another violent campaign; do you have no wish to add, no course correction to this archive of violence?”
Zor’Githas’s gaze fell towards Aїdes, eyes now amber as he regarded the question, “Correction?” he repeated, a subtle chuckle present in his throat “Correction is a fools errand when dealing with these creatures” his voice was an unnatural rasp of steel on granite “Like all of Mortal kind, they are a blight that is defined by their fleeting viciousness, not to be nurtured or corrected; if we speak of guidance, the only guidance they require is to embrace their violence, to eradicate themselves, they require purging”
A Subtle sigh of profound disappointment swept across the room drawing Zor’Githas’s gaze; it had emanated from Elpis, the youngest amongst their ascended; an outlier whose large amethyst violet eyes and angelic features would usually offer a beacon of hope, but increasingly, it was struggling against the constant arguments of her own kind and the violence that so often erupted “The Path to Destruction is always the easiest to choose” Elpis spoke, her voice clear, resonant; her gaze narrowing with frustration “It requires no patience, only boundless cruelty”
Zor’Githas merely offered a grim smile, he recognised her disapproval – often, he found it endearing if a bit misguided, but, it also acted like a subtle draw.
As the council seemed to descend further into debate and argument, murmurs of indecision; she could take little more, instead retreating, drawing Zor’Githas’s gaze as she quickly escaped the room, a momentary shift, while his face remained unreadable, there was a subtle concern for her, a question on pursuit, but for now, he remained.
As Elpis wandered to the Ziggurat’s grand exterior, she decided to seek her solitude near the gardens that would so often bloom when she was happy – like most of her surroundings, they seemed to be withering, in sync with her very mood, sitting down, she simply stared.
She wouldn’t remain alone though; as she sat, a powerful, comforting presence soon came up behind her; Nicon – he stood quietly, watching her, waiting until she was ready to speak.
As Elpis raised back to her feet, her Raven-Dark Hair tied at the tip swayed below her waist with her movement “We can’t keep retreating Nicon” her voice, soft, yet a determined steel “We should guide them, not retreat”
Nicon offered a warm, steadying smile; moving his hand and gently placing it onto her shoulder, a gentle, grounding intent as he gave a subtle squeeze “My dear; our history is a long one, our isolation is for protection, not simply for ourselves but those who would not understand our kind, mortals have long sought to replicate us and it has once seen a greater display of violence, the reason behind our retreat was to prevent future wars as blood as those I found myself in when I was but an ascendant like you; these debates, they can be a let down at times, but it saves us and them from a blood-filled confrontation on a scale you’ve never seen” he watched her carefully, offering a smile “And hopefully Elpis; it is something you’ll never have to experience”
Elpis let out an irritated sigh, offering a slow, reluctant nod – she understood that his understandings came from eons of history and observation; but, the suffering still clawed at her consciousness.
Their conversation however would be interrupted – a presence of shimmering intoxicating beauty, a powerful, alluring scent; the woman stood before them, her very being a visible, potent force that drew the gaze, a mane of long golden blonde hair “Aphrodite” Nicon greeted
“Such serious expressions my darlings” she purred, a voice like silk “Perhaps you would like to accompany me to view the display of mortals, it maybe a little…, brutal and violent, but a show of passion nonetheless; I find my interest to see this terrible love firsthand would very welcome company, Elpis, would you like to join me?”
Nic’s gaze flickered with apprehension “It would be unwise; Human wars are volatile”
“Nonsense Nicon” Aphrodite waved him off with a dismissive gesture, her voice a charming wave of silk “We are only there to observe, no need for panic”
Elpis felt the eager pull; an opportunity to witness, to perhaps soothe suffering if she is presented an opportunity to do so; a smile curving her lips as her eyes brightened eagerly “I shall come, perhaps there maybe a chance to mend”
Nicon’s gaze drifted to Elpis, a worry crossing his powerful features – he knew where Elpis’s compassion could lead, and knew that her emotions if she was to react could create more chaos, but, he wouldn’t try to stop her seeking out ways she could help.
While the two women would leave; it was from a nearby balcony that Zor’Githas observed, his eyes lingering on the spot Elpis would stand before she crossed from their own realm towards the Mortal Realm, though, sensing Nicon’s eyes on him; he drifted his own eyes towards him, the amber shifting towards Crimson as he locked onto Nicon’s golden hued eyes .
Zor’Githas wouldn’t remain though; he too intended to travel from their realm back to the Mortal one – he had taken interest in a particular group of Humans, a curiosity that had led him to discovering the birth of a Cultist movement that he found odd, what he wasn’t aware of though, was this new movement he had decided to watch, was dedicated to him – the depictions of the Cultist gathering simply showing a Dark Figure with Crimson eyes.
Far from the shadowy meetings observed by Zor’Githas, and the Peaceful Celestial Realm – an unfolding horror of fearful men marching across muddy terrain in bronze; an army marched, their heavy treat shaking the ground, the air stank of unwashed bodies and the distant tang of salt; amongst this marching force was Lycus – a man in his early twenties, and already a veteran of past fighting, defined by exhaustion that etched his eyes.
Lycus joined a forward scouting party, his heavy shield in hand, his stomach turning over at the fear of the unknown, what had been a glorious story in his youth was far from it in experience – War was not some glorious epic, it was a ceaseless labour and sudden chaotic death.
That very night chaos would reign supreme; they would be ambushed along the river, a shallow tributary – darkness simply dissolved into a chaotic unfolding of screams and clashing metal; a harsh clang as bronze struck bronze – torches flickering, illuminating terrified expression before disappearing to the dark ground to be trampled, eyes wide with utter terror.
Lycus found himself increasingly alone as he fought as best he could – but courage would falter when his nearest companion fell, he made a desperate effort to defend, but it would not be – dropping his shield, he staggered backwards, an unfolding of the muddy slaughterhouse – his felt a surge in panic, and did not hesitate to run, he had no clue where he was going, he just simply ran for the first gap in the fighting that he saw, cries echoing out.
As he ran, he staggered over rotos and submerged stones; the sound of a bloodbath fading behind him, replaced by the thunderous beat of his own heart; then, with a surge, burst through a curtain of dense foliage and into a small, eerily still clearing.
He immediately froze though – not from encountering the enemy; but something entirely different.
Standing before him, illuminated by the moonlight was a woman dressed in white, dark hair, a contrast to pale beauty and violet eyes; Elpis, as she stood beside a woman whose mere presence made Lycus feel dizzyingly aware of his own base desire, even amidst such bloody horror; Aphrodite.
Elpis lifted her hand, surprised by the sudden, desperate appearance of the youthful soldier, before she could speak though her gaze was drawn to the rapid approach of pursuing soldiers; briefly flicking her eyes back to Lycus, then upwards again as the first emerged into view, she made a simple gesture.
An almost casual wave of her hand, directing from left to right, executing a devastating display of power; the very ground erupting beneath approaching soldiers; the earth buckled, roots tore and stone splintered, shooting about like shrapnel, a great fissure opening to swallow the first rank of fighter in a violent display of raw energy.
Lycus; he collapsed backwards, scrambling back on hands with his feet kicking him back as fast as he could – the woman that had just saved him, had done so in such a horrifying, effortless display, he saw the luminous hue within those amethyst eyes that held a depth he couldn’t grasp “Please….” He choked “Let me live, I beg you”
Elpis watched the youthful veteran shake in fear; a pang of internal hurt striking her, she had only intended to save him – yet he was utterly terrified of her, opening her mouth to speak, to try and offer words of comfort, the residual chaos of the river battle, coupled with the raw display of power, a sound that echoed out so loudly, acted to draw pursuers from two different sides creating a highly volatile situation
Drifting her gaze about, she tried to calculate how best to respond – the temperature though, it suddenly dropped, for Lycus, an icy drop that felt bitingly painful against exposed arms and legs, but it was the sudden, sickening silence that fell over the small clearing that made him feel most unease, it crushed the sound of distant war, the light around seemingly dimmed, and a cloaked sense of primal dread settled in.
Zor’Githas, aware of what was happening had decided to intervene.
His arrival was no gentle fading in, or crossing of one realm to another; but a defensive display of his pure, unfiltered rage; a wave of force that radiated outwards centred from Elpis and Aphrodite – a silent, devastating display that tore the surrounding foliage from the ground, shattered tree’s; turning a dense, vital thicket into a smoke, cold wasteland, the approaching soldiers now silence – as he made a physical appearance, he did so by first approaching behind Elpis, his tall, lean frame cloaked by his fluttering robes – his hand raised, and gently, they traced the back of Elpis’s neck, a possessive, territorial gesture.
Elpis relaxed infinitesimally at the contact; despite his often icy presence, she felt an unusual warmth from that simple, protective rage; it was only a brief warming sensation before that usually coldness settled over her – but yet, it was not uncomfortable to her, and that rage, that anger; was directed outwards and not at her – her gaze shifted to him, offering a silent, complex thank you that acknowledged both his terror and guardianship.
Aphrodite crossed her arms, regarding the Destroyer with suspicion mixed with a begrudging gratitude, for the swift, decisive action.
Zor’Githas did not acknowledge her though; his Crimson eyes shifting to Amber as his gaze settled onto Lycus “Why would you save a Mortal Elpis?; Ah…” he paused “Yes” he added, a slow, predatory smile spreading across his face “That ceaseless, misguided love you have for their kind”
Zor’Githas gestured towards Lycus “Tell me Boy; why do you fear her, when she acted to save you” he paused, his grin remaining wide “And if my dear Elpis instils this much terror, then what emotions does my presence provoke” from casual, dismissiveness, his tone slowly drifted to something more predatory
Lycus swallowed hard, the cold radiating from this dark being made his bones ache “She is terrifying; that power…, she’s a monster…, but you….” He shook his head, he couldn’t think of an appropriate word “I do not even know how to describe you…, it is like…, like the end of all things…, like the land of the undead”
A flicker of hurt crossed Elpis’s face as the Youthful Veteran declared her a monster – but, she stepped forwards, an effort to reclaim the moment “I only seek to protect you, to advocate for your people” she told Lycus, her voice soft but firm “I protect you from my own, I advocate against those that call for your eradication” she subtly gestured towards Zor’Githas – a gesture not unnoticed, eliciting Zor’Githas’s chuckle, a dry, chilling sound
“Indeed…, she is correct” Zor’Githas watched Lycus carefully – the atmosphere seemed to intensified, radiating from Zor’Githas, he deliberately moved closer to Elpis, his hand finding purchase at her lower back, gently, but firmly pulling her against him “By alienating her, you alienate the very person who advocates for your future”
Elpis shivered in response – a response not to the cold, but to the possessive weight of his touch – all her strength seemed to drain away, replaced by a disconcerting weakness, eyes widening a fraction, but yet, she made no effort to move, if anything, she seemed to retreat into him “Go” she whispered to Lycus, the word itself sounding weak, utterly unlike a voice that had only moments ago commanded the very earth “Seek safety; go…”
Lycus saw the sudden shift in her composure, that mix of terror and longing; but, he wouldn’t hesitate any longer; he was given a chance to flee, and took it.
As Lycus fled; Aphrodite observed the possessive touch and Elpis’s sudden shiver, the way her usual strength seemed to completely crumble “Tell me; what are you two doing here, amongst this carnage” Zor’Githas queried, though it was directed to Aphrodite as his grip lingered around Elpis’s waist, a purposeful intent to keep her close, his gaze unmoving as he fixates on her
“We came to observe the chaos of the mortals” Aphrodite replied, noting her companions struggle to form words, her gaze narrowing, she wasn’t use to seeing Elpis quiver, an especially not with Zor’Githas
He gave a slow nod, finally releasing his grip, his hand finally withdrawing from her back, but leaning in close, his lips near her ear “Remain safe my dear; this world of death can be very dangerous, and I would hate for you to require saving a second time, it may draw questions” he gave a subtle grin as his face drifted close to hers – Elpis met his gaze, offering a slow, almost hypnotic nod – for the briefest of seconds, his amber eyes shifted, adopting the deep, violet hue, matching hers before returning to amber, straightening, he made a swift departure – crossing the realm once again.
Aphrodite stared after him before turning her attention to Elpis whose breath was ragged “What was that” she questioned, a shift from her usual silken tone to a more serious questioning “You looked like you was trapped when he touched you, since when did you freeze up, you’ve never displayed such a vulnerability before”
“I…” Elpis hesitated, shaking her head “It was nothing, just…” but she couldn’t answer – she had nothing to offer, but didn’t want to admit that growing pull she felt, he had been purposely ramping up his efforts as of late, and, it had been working, conflicting emotions warring within her that made her ache. “Let’s just continue our observation…, please”
Aphrodite gave a slow nod – she could see Elpis’s embarrassment in her eyes, and knew she was trying not to voice what had clearly been so easily visible, she decided to just ease the moment, deciding that she would need to speak with Nicon, to raise the issue as something that would require observation; gesturing, she let Elpis move forwards ahead of her, giving her a chance to recompose herself without further questioning.
Elpis tried to turn her focus onto the unfolding Human drama – what had started off as a hope to help, was now a desperate need to distract herself in the chaotic drama of Humanity.
Written By: Westley H.
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