NationStates Jolt Archive

Ellison looked out of the window of the small boat she had fled the country in. She had only once been to the land of Damien the Destroyer, but they had been allies for ages. Things in Sigma Octavus had become far too hostile. Snowlander had thousands of soldiers out to kill her and her supporters.

Around her were her closest friends and supporters. Two of her generals sat across from her at a table surrounded by soldiers working on battle strategies. Dominic Wrathe and Ellen Paniri played cards in the corner. Her recently found nephew Dmitri Chaknov sat in the corner, staring at the wall.

A hatch opened and the captain entered. "Miss Chaknov, we've arrived."

Ellison followed the captain out onto the deck of the fishing boat and looked at the city. It was lit blood red from the setting sun. A hand fell on her shoulder and she looked behind her. Dominic was carrying young Dmitri on his shoulders, smiling. The smile was fake, and Ellison knew it. "Well, Elli, we've gotta lay low here for a while. I know that you want to go back home, but it just can't happen yet. Once things have changed a little, you'll be back in your office." Ellison moved her eyes back to the view. "I know..."

The next few minutes where busy as the belongings of the passengers were unloaded. Once everything was off the ship, the captain waved farewell and departed back to the seas.

They were now in Automagfreek, exiles of their country.

Hundreds of Sentinels lined the docks as the ship pulled up into port. Dozens of banners made with the crimson and black colors of The Destroyer fluttered in the breeze, ripe with sea salt. Dressed in ceremonial armor and decorated with fancy swords, the Sentinels stood at attention as they prepared to meet their newest (and possibly longtime) guests.

Dreadfire was not waiting for them at the docks, but instead Hartman stood at the very edge of the pier and greeted his guests warmly as they set foot onto Freek soil. Welcome to the mystical land of Automagfreek, longtime friends of Lord Damien Dreadfire and the fine people of this territory. The Empire is most honored to receive you, and we will accommodate your every need. Now please, join me in a feast with the man himself, Damien Dreadfire.

The car ride through the twisting countryside was breathtaking, and the first snowfall in years had draped a beautiful white blanket over the entire land. The journey through the ULE Mountains was dangerous but even more awe inspiring, and as they came over the final peal they took a second to overlook the ULE Valley in all it's splendor.

The Great Hall was visible on the largest peak in the valley, and Hartman leaned over to the dignitaries with a slight hint of excitement about him. Almost there, your host is expecting you. The winds began to blow out of the west, bringing with it a flurry of white powder. It seemed as if things had finally turned around in the country, and AMF's newest guests had arrived at the perfect time.

The car pulled up to the massive front door of the Great Hall, where another fist of Sentinels opened the doors of the vehicle and lead the troop up the large set of stone stairs. The gigantic oak doors slowly opened with a loud creak, and a gust of warm air rushed out and encircled them all. A great feast had been prepared indeed, and an even greater evening lay in front of them all.

Ellison greeted Hartman and accepted his offer. She, Dominic, Ellen and Dmitri went along, but the others declined, and went off to set up where they would be living. The car ride was a first for Ellison. She had never seen snow before. Neither had Dmitri. They were gaping in awe at the snow covered landscape. Everything was so peaceful.

Once they arrived at the Great Hall, they quickly got out of the cold. Living in the desert their whole lives hadn't prepared Ellison and Dmitri weather like that. The hall itself was fabulous, and they caught the smell of food coming from deeper within. They had been living on what the fishermen had caught for a while.

They felt that they would enjoy their stay in this nation.