NationStates Jolt Archive

(I've marked openish because I've been asked before if it is alright if people join the story. I don't want to ignore anyone who wants to join so it is marked open just as long as you can find a way to fit in here.)

The ground pulsed and slithered as far as the eye could see. It was an ocean of orcs that had rallied around one of the main chieftains of their tribe and now on they came again. Orcs were always bolden by superior numbers and they threw themselves at the dwarven fortifications along the ford.

Hammers on chains whirled out from behind bunkers. Thudding sickeningly against bare flesh and the skulls of the orcs. They returned with a flick of the rest to the waiting hands of unharmed dwarves. An entire row taking down with one volley. From leveled out cliff faces along the spine of Mythrandir, elven archers took aim and sent a punishing volley of energy arrows deep into orc ranks.

Still they charged on with the earth shaking underneath with the thud of every armored boot. War cries went up as floppy feet crashed into the water and charged up the opposite bank were waiting battlehardened dwarves stayed in waiting. Orcen cries were answered with the battle songs of dwarves as they returned the charge swinging battle axes and heavy warhammers. The smell of plasma filled the air as catapults went to work again flinging the firey concoction far into enemy ranks.

Clear mountain waters turned black with the blood of orcs and dwarves. Bodies began piling up as orcs now scampered over the carcasses of their fallen comrades while dwarves switched out their lines on entrail slicken dirt. Knotched weapons and armor parts were being sent back down to smithies for quick repairs while lines of fresh warriors charged down with family crests emblazened on their shields.

Cries of pain drifted over the battlefield as the barbarian tribes had finally begun their atttack on the orc flanks cutting deep with long broadswords. The barbarian style of battle with unbridaled carnal energy churned within and propelled them forward cutting deep swathes in the lines until they were engulfed by the brutes on all sides. Ultimatly, they created a situation were the tribes surrounded themselves but this did not cause the men to dismay. Each warrior was a fiercesome foe alone but now throwing off barbarian tactics and fighting as unified force, none could stand before them.

The battle was slowly beginning to turn in favor for the Myths but the orcs still held numerical superiority and could afford to lose ten warriors for every one that they brought low. Bodies were hewn and mutilated beyond recognition. Heads of the fallen were worn as trophies as they charged on again over a now damed river of bodies. Dwarven warriors were forced to fall behind a line of regular Myth soldiers that had finally arrived. Energy pikes cut deep, incinerating the innards of the orcs and cleaving some in two. Dwarves were fulling back into their mountain homes as orcs began scaling cliff faces to bring low the deadly elven archers that were stationed there. To their credit, the orcs held off the elvish attacks with some success but were eventually overpowered by elvish swordplay that accompanied every archer. But, this did eliminate any future barrages comeing from the cliff sides as it took all the elves had to keep the orcs at bay.

A low hum drowned out the constant shrill cries of the dead and dying. Those that had the opportunity to, looked up to find the source of the sound. Orcs halted their charge momentarily.

From the mountain range came the dropships of the regulars. On the two leading crafts stood Elder Alurial and Elder Thrandur standing on the rail ready to hit the ground. Dropships hovered over the horde allowing the two leaders to hop out. Thrandur crashed to the ground surrounded by men, elves, and dwarves. His warhammer, Aegis-fang took the heads of two orcs in a single sweep while those with him began circling up and fighting to keep a unified front. Energy blades lashed out, burning any that ventured too close. Alurial hit the ground surrounded by her elven guards. Blade work was her prowess and her curved blade was put to work with deadly efficiency while her elven guards slaughtered any that ventured too close to their lady.

Now the orcs had multiple targets to pounce on with this suicide plan but it was having the desired effect. With so many pockets of resistance, the orcs didn't know who to fight and it was causing confusion among the ranks. Charging off after who ever crossed their path, the horde divided beyond the control of any of their chieftains. There was only one final move to throw at the horde. With everything in place, a charge came from the forest behind the horde. Speeder bikes broke through the trees with a bronze knight leading the charge. They all carried energy lances but the bronze knight also had a chainsword strapped to his back.

Lukien and the rest of the Royal Chargers swept through the battlefield impaling orc after orc and then tearing them loose. Many orcs now choose to flee the battle than stand in the way of assault of Myth forces. Those that choose to run, did not live long as they were cut down by either the barbarians or the continous stream of soldiers that were being dropped in from dropships.

Rather than staying on his own mount, Lukien gave the control over to one of his lieutenants and took out his chainsword. Alone, he cut his way through disorganized bands of orcs. His emotions played out in every swing and agonizing cry that ensued from the bite of his blades. Orcs cried out to their primitive gods as they were torn assunder. Gore splattered across his armor and face giving an even more primal appearance to the elf that marched on determined. Now instead of swarming over the lone warrior, they stepped aside choosing to face any other force.

With the continuous punishment handed out by the Myth forces, orcs began giving way. Dwarves had gained ground across the ford and were pushing out. The ring around Thrandur and Alurial was greatly increasing with every passing stroke and the barbarian men and women had linked up into one force and marched on pinning the orcs on all fronts. Lukien weighed in against a fat orc that looked to be commanding. A heavy club came crashing down only to be deflected harmlessly off to the side and into the dirt. Lukien whirled around driving the blade of his sword deep into the orc's spine and finally cutting the fat beast in half...

Wind swept over the plain below the Mythril Fords. It had been months since the battle against the orc hordes. Months since the great grieving that soon followed for all those that fell along with the villagers in outlying settlements. Now the elf stood looking out over it all once again. In his mind's eye, he could see the frozen corpses reaching for the sky. Cries of pain still carved into their faces. Unlike most, Lukien was not someone that despised war. War was something that defined who he was.

One of the Forge's newest spy vessels had been sent to outlying systems that would be suitable for colonization. There was one that had been discovered though while contained oxygen, also had harmful substances in the air. Breathers would be required but it was worth the risk. He was to escort Lady Alurial to the planet along with a decent contigent of warriors should any problems arise or the planet be inhabited. Bronze armor reflected in the sunlight from its newly polished shine. Behind him, the transport shuttle awaited to sweep him up into orbit where a small fleet stood by.

Up above, Alurial sat in command of one of the Avenger battleships. Wraiths, Angellic cruisers, and Horde Battlecruisers formed up around her grace. In the belly of everyone of those ships hungered the lust for blood of the ork hordes of the Myth. Their own personally engineered battle horde stood ready for programing and a target.

"M'Lady, Lukien's shuttle has just docked. We are ready to leave for the Aero System."

The elf female turned around with pursed lips as she regarded her messenger. "That boy does take far too long keeping me waiting like this. Oh well, I shouldn't complain with such a wonderful toy as him. Let us be off."

"As you wish m'Lady."

Breaking formation, the fleet moved towards the own appointings within the warp. Slips of energy came to claim the vessels pulling them deep within the chaoses of the warp until they were gone from existance.

In the darkness of space a short 190 km from where the myth fleet was to come out of warp a small organic vessle no bigger then a fighter drifted threw space its power readings almost zero and hidden in a small astroid. It was a moonwasp from the Qiraji Empire. It had been in this system and nearby systems for the past weeks gathering data on this power. At first they did not figure it to be much of anything but after watching its battles and gathering data on its races the Qiraji saw them as a major threat.

If that was not bad enough they were now expanding projections of Qiraji Planned expansion and that of the myth forces would put them at odds in only 10 years. The Qiraji did not like the idea of dealing with problems down the road. So the moonwasp was ordered to gather more data and learn the patterns of the myth. Once they had enough data to know every thing they could about them and know the majority of their likely stratgeys they would unleash the Qiraji Hordes that had been waiting thousands of years to be unleashed on the universe.

But for now they would wait and watch.They still had much they wished to learn befor they would risk anything as large as a invasion. Their first and most importent mission was to keep them from even knowing of the Qirajis exestence. So the moonwasp would be forced to keep its power low makeing a job that should take days take months. But they had waited thousands of years... what are a few months to them? The larva inside of the moonwasp tho had taken intrest in a few people in the nearby fleet. Not able to read their minds but it could still learn their persionality and it was finding out these people for the most part were not as weak as other powers....they would require a large ammount of force to break their will.


OOC: Long post i know lol but since my little scout wont interact with anything in this rp it was most likely the only post i will make here.

Royal Starfleet Headquarters
Eurasia, Stirling System

Admiral of the Fleet Elliot Carver sat at his desk and yawned, looking absentmindedly at his empty cup of tea.

Maybe I'll make some more, he thought. Or not. Whatever.

His office was luxurious but spartan at the same time. There were no decorations, merely data charts and holograms displaying the locations of the Fleet.

"Incoming transmission," reported his computer happily, which situated on the corner of the desk.

Stupid fucking integrated personality circuits, he thought. "Computer, shut the fuck up and display the transmission."

"Processing," it replied. A hologram appeared over the desk.

"Admiral of the Fleet, this is Commodore Chang. We have a situation," the hologrammed face said.

Carver strode out of office, and stood overlooking the main floor of the Command, looking at the main display. It showed a small spacecraft that had entered the system and been picked up by the sensor network.

"Order the Fleet to intercept this craft, now!" shouted Carver, going back to his office.

HMS Miranda
Sovereign-class vessel
On intercept course for spy craft

"We are approaching unknown vessel," reported the Tactical Officer.

"Raise shields, bring weapons online," ordered Captain Lin. She went to the communications panel and started to signal the unknown ship.

Signal to Unknown Vessel:

You are in Eurasian space. Identify yourselves at once.

Royal Starfleet Headquarters
Eurasia, Stirling System

Admiral of the Fleet Elliot Carver sat at his desk and yawned, looking absentmindedly at his empty cup of tea.

Maybe I'll make some more, he thought. Or not. Whatever.

His office was luxurious but spartan at the same time. There were no decorations, merely data charts and holograms displaying the locations of the Fleet.

"Incoming transmission," reported his computer happily, which situated on the corner of the desk.

Stupid fucking integrated personality circuits, he thought. "Computer, shut the fuck up and display the transmission."

"Processing," it replied. A hologram appeared over the desk.

"Admiral of the Fleet, this is Commodore Chang. We have a situation," the hologrammed face said.

Carver strode out of office, and stood overlooking the main floor of the Command, looking at the main display. It showed a small spacecraft that had entered the system and been picked up by the sensor network.

"Order the Fleet to intercept this craft, now!" shouted Carver, going back to his office.

HMS Miranda
Sovereign-class vessel
On intercept course for spy craft

"We are approaching unknown vessel," reported the Tactical Officer.

"Raise shields, bring weapons online," ordered Captain Lin. She went to the communications panel and started to signal the unknown ship.

OOC: My vessle is not in your space i have talked with myth this system he is going to take is owned by no one atm nore could the moonwasp be detected at the moment.

Tentacles of light arched through the deepest reaches of space depositing Forge ships into the system. Four planets circled the medium sized star and encircling this quiet system was a large asteroid field which was another draw to this little gem in the universe. The seemingly endless supply of asteroids would make this a wonderful system for defensive purposes in an ever increasing hostile universe.

Phantoms had indicated that the second planet was rich with crystalline deposits. Instrumental in creating Forge armor for ships and other various items for commerce. Alurial's vessel moved towards the head of the column over a blue, grey, and green planet without fear of any retalliation from below since it was believed the planet remained unihabited.

Sculpted thighs crossed underneath a mail skirt while crimson lips pulled back in a smile. From the command deck, the planet below had an intriguing aura about it that only an elf could feel. The sensation excited Alurial as she eyed the prize. Perfect for the taking.

Darkness fell over her fleet as the planet slowly blocked the sun in its eliptical path. Flesh around her breast plate heaved against the cold metal as they rose and fell with the Elder's heavy sigh. Orcs were such a primitive beings to her refined taste. They were only good for cannon fodder and sword practice.

"Where has that silly boy gotten to now? Do go find him for me please Drafir. I do hate being kept waiting." She finished with a slight purr.

The dark elf bowed his head. "Right away my Lady Alurial." His dark cloak billowed up behind him as he turned and departed the open command deck. A sensor door swished open allowing him to dive down into a pale grey hallway. Drafir could smell the blood of the other half of his race. An uneasy peace between the clans. He knew where his rival for favor would be hiding out. The elf dispised space and would busy himself in the docking bays preparing for their eventual landing.


A single speed bike would be all that he required for a land vehicle. Necron tanks and other speeders were prepared as well. His lieutenants moved around behind him securing drop pods. Akeela, Lukien's young brother, checked his fine green armor and hooked an energy blade on his belt. Bregger tucked an electrostaff underneath his arm and checked the programing in the Necron tanks. He pulled break the skull cap of one and checked the brain matter within. Energy flowed and pulsed inside the organic matter. Red eyes scanned the docking bay as the brain went through targeting protocol. The dead made again into the living, compliments of the Bog from War Mistress Shizra. Even a cage of reanimated was on standby should they be needed. "Bah these things stink worse than a dwarven smithie in the summer time."

Lukien looked over at the man as he checked his chainsword on back. "Aye but I've seen some of the things you eat. Don't look much different than that thing's brains."

"Now captain, I only eat what you serve me. If the Forge wishes to serve its officers and soldiers zombie brains for dinner, then who am I to argue?"

The elf grunted and moved on to his other tasks. "Lukien, Elder Alurial requests your pressence on the command deck. She wants to begin landing procedures immediatly and is tired of waiting on you and your men."

"Well if it isn't our Lady's little toadie come to see how us real warriors are handling our mission. Why must you hackle us, peasant?"

Drafir's lips pulled back in a sneer as his hand fell to the hilt of his blade. "You forget, Nessmede, that it was by our clans will to allow a light elf to assume the seat of Elder that the clan wars subsided. Bronze knight, your Lady beckons. Now be a good little dog and come when your master calls."

With the final word, the dark elf walked back up the iron rung stairs and headed back to meet Elder Alurial. A heavy plated fist pummeled a nearby speeder bike, leaving a fair size dent. "Damn that denizen elf. It would be worth starting the wars all over again just so I can get my hands around his little neck."

"Easy captain. He may be scum, but he is Alurial's scum. Your head would not remain on your shoulders for long."

"Do you think Alurial is the one that likes being dominated in the relationship or does she enjoy domination?" It was the first words Akeela had spoken since they left home. Lukien's seething hate gave way to a helpless laugh as Bregger joined them.

"Gods I have no idea little brother. Frankly, I don't want to know." Lukien shook his head and marched up the stairs to meet Alurial and Drafir.

Bregger looked at Akeela. "Good god boy, what goes through your mind?"
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Night fell on the planet below. Noises of the nocturnals drifted on the air playing out its mystical music. Forests of green, violet, and oranges dotted the mountainous landscapes. Exotic wildlife roamed rampant in empty fields and forests.

Far more majestic were the tall crystalline towers jutting up from the earth. Shadows moved around and within. Looking up towards the sky, the Myth fleet moved about like dancing stars. An ominous sight to those not accustom to such things.

"Something stirs among the stairs. What could it mean?"

"I do not know. It could be a possible sign from the Gods or something more current and threatening."

"Regardless, Raigar should be informed. He will know what to do."

"Agreed. Assemble everyone and be ready for a council meeting when the sun rises."

"My dear sweet Lukien, Why must you keep me waiting for so long? We are here in a new system to claim for the glory of our kingdom and you are no where to be found. I cannot take a new planet under authority of Mythrandir without one of its champions leading the way. What were you doing anyways?"

Lukien stopped short for a brief moment as he entered the bridge. Alurial had on her typical golden armor with mail skirt and golden leggings but despite this, the elf always knew how to be inticing no matter what she wore. Carnal urges couldn't help but cause him to wonder if she was even wearing clothing underneath her armor. She might as well not as far as he was concerned. He approached her chair and bowed deeply. "Forgive my tardiness m'Lady. I was seeing to the men and our equipment before we disembarked for the surface. All units are in their respective landing craft and ready to go."

Alurials pouty face vanished, replaced with a pleasant smile and a pur in her voice. "Very good. We'll launch the first wave of orcs and trolls and then we'll follow in behind with our warriors."

Lukien's eyes skipped over to Drafir for a brief moment. "Who will be in charge of the fleet while we are down below."

"Don't worry dear boy, I will have someone capable of handling situations while we are away. Now, as far as landing our horde on the planet below, I would prefer to land them somwhere in the opening first."

"As you wish m'Lady. We will leave once a perimeter is established and secured."

The landing craft for orcs and trolls were not craft in the conventional sense but merely pods. Pods that shot from Alurial's ship like spores vomitting seeds. Orcs and trolls were chained down on their death drop to the planet below. Plating along the hulls glowed bright orange until they passed through the atmosphere on into the stratosphere. Nothing was there to ease their descent except the dirt on the planet surface. Dirt and debris billowed up into the sky as each pod hit with a loud thud and nestled into their own deep craters.

A mixture of stone and iron covered the hull. Great lids began to turn along the top until the top hatch popped open and a ramp descended. Armored orcs poured out and began securing the perimeter. It was amazing to watching from a race that was so reputidly stupid. Their nerve sensors were still firing from the last programs that were plugged into their altered brains during their pod ride down. They were given battle commands and instructions to prepare them for any eventuallity. Even now, they were linked with Alurial's ship incase upgrades were needed to be programmed in. Completely obedient to their command, the orcs made excellent soldiers for the fastly growing Myth horde. Trolls were the last of them to crawl out towering over everything in the area. They were the heavy support and reinforced the fear factor for facing off against the horde.

Orc sentries were programmed with a communication link even though the all clear did come in with all gurgles and growls. The computers were still capable of deciphering them. Drafir took the report from one of the ship's ensigns and read it to Alurial. "First wave has secured the area and is ready for us."

Alurial smiled at her two men. "Then the rest of us will leave immediatly. This will be the last call to all warriors to report to their boarding stations. Anyone late will be left behind and face severe consequences from me."

The three various elves left the bridge and headed down to where Lukien was previously seeing to his equipment. Here their landing equipment was far more sophisticated than what the orcs and trolls had experienced. Actual landing craft was stationed down in the bays and most of the warriors were already onboard. Alurial Drafir boarded their own craft while Lukien remained out in the middle to address the company. "Readings from the planet below show that its gravity is similar or slightly more to that of Mythrandir so don't be caught off guard if you feel queezy. The air contains oxygen but remember your breathers. While it may not be lethal during our stay, the air does contain a few toxins that can cause long term damage to your lungs. These drop ships will not be touching down so make sure to clear those murder holes. We're not expecting any resistance but keep your eyes open and watch each other's backs. I'll see you on the ground."

Lukien then hopped into the craft along with Alurial and Drafir. Yellow lights flashed throughout the interior of the dock as pressurized doors slammed shut. The air was being sucked out of the room to stabilize the pressure once the drop doors were opened. The first drop ships was grabbed by the tail and angled straight down. Once the bay doors opened, the ship was dropped sending the crew screaming down towards the planet.
-----------------------

Word had not reached all inhabitants of the planet about the meeting that was to take place within a few hours. Several warrior groups were already making their way to the sight of what was believed to be a meteor site. Meteor ore was a valuable material on the planet and was covetted by all.

Their progress stopped at the edge of a forest semi-encircling a clearing. The creatures lurking around could only be classified as intruders as they were foreign to their knowledge. Several of the bigger ones shook the earth when walking. Word passed throughout the company, they would attack within the hour once all were in position.

Their descent was a jostle of turbulence, wind currents, and flashes of gas igniting within the atmosphere. Crews bobbed up and down with the violent entry as the air around the small landing craft begin to stabilize. To Lukien's gratitude, no one had lost their previous meal on the ride down but it had been known to happen from time to time. Lukien peered through one of the windows across the narrow walkway to see that the white hot flames had subsided and they were now passing through clouds beneath the stratosphere. It all looked surreal to him below. The land was exotic and the forests below looked comprised of a multitude of colors not seen on Mythrandir.

A sudden jolt shook the ship and tossed everyone around despite the restraints. Confused, Lukien untied his harness and made his way up to the cockpit. A hit like that wouldn't have come from the turbulence, something hit them. "What was that?"

"Unknown. Something just screamed by the ship." The young woman tossed her brown hair back to get it away from her eyes.

Lukien looked out the window and then around at them. "Did you even get a good look at it?"

"Sorry Captain. All I know is that it was big and had wings."

"Wings?"

"Yes Captain."

Lukien shook his head and left the pilots to their job. He fumbled around past Alurial and back to his seat, praying that they would land soon before whatever that thing was hit them head on.

To great relief, the shuttles all arrived without further incident. They hovered over their appointed landing zone while warrior groups hopped out onto the meadow floor. With their cargo emptied, shuttles turned and headed back for their respective ships. Orcs on the planet below had fanned out towards the fringes of the trees for their patrols.

Alurial centered the assembled warriors as Drafir and Lukien stayed the closest to her while the rest circled around. A holographic projection of the topography of the planet's surface flared to life in front of them from Alurial's open palm. "Our first objective is to investigate the crystalline structures near the mountain ranges. We'll take readings to discern their value. Once ascertained, we can inform homeworld to begin mining operations at their earliest convenience. From there we will have biologists come and cataloge this planet and all of its species. Our last order of business will be to go over the encircling asteroid field of this system and begin laying plans for fortifying the system. Any questions?"

Seeing as there were none from the gathered, Lukien and his lieutenants began issueing their orders and calling in several orc platoons to begin their march through the woods. It was estimated to take only a few hours of marching to reach the first few structures in the distance. Lukien, Bregger, and Akeela mounted up on their own ionized hovering bikes dubbed Steads. The travelling would be slow for sometime while they picked their way through the tanglement of vegetation so orcs were sent to the front with the larger trolls covering the flanks.
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"They come this way."

"Do we attack or monitor their progress?"

"We attack but let them enter the forest first. Hide in the trees and attack from above."
------------------------------------------

Drafir and Alurial had taken up the center as they walked along with a few soldiers in their midst. The going was quiet except for the occasional crunch of leaves under a boot or the snap of a dead twig. Light conversations rose and died quickly while Lukien and his two lieutenants maintained vigilance atop their Steads.

There was a slight noise at the head of the formation as a few shots were fired. Rustling in the bushes and trees quickly died leaving the party to the previous silence it had known. Lukien headed to the front where the only thing remaining was the weapon an orc had been carrying along with an amount of dark blood. His eyes quickly darted around but with the near complete darkness of the area, there was nothing to see. He cursed his own lapse in forgetting the Cat's Eyes which would help in such darkness.

Another tussle was heard, this time to Lukien's far right. He didn't need to investigate the now silence to know that the orc was also gone. Gesturing with his hands, he order for the formation to tighten up and be alert. He headed back to the center of the formation and relayed orders that all conversations were to stop immediatly.

Five more orcs were lost in the last half hour and still no one had caught a glimpse of the stealthy attacker. It was becoming apparent that attacks were coming high above in the trees. Light might help reveal the agressor but it would also make anyone holding a flame a wonderful target.

Again Lukien cursed for not bring any Cat's Eyes for his men. The folly was his alone. They had to keep moving and hope that they would reach the edge of the forest without incurring many more losses. It was estimated that there was still an hour and a half left of marching before they would break through this jungle.

Lukien hissed through clenched teeth when he found his lieutenants. "Bregger. Akeela. I have a job for you two."

Bregger stood up straight stretching his arms and back with a grin. "Finally. I was starting to get bored walking around wondering when our Captain would actually do something about this."

"Just shut up and follow me." He lead them both over one far end of the ever closing ring of orc fodder. As best as he could tell, the attacks were attempting to appear random but every troll was left untouched. This looked as good a spot as any.

Pointnig up, Lukien grabbed Bregger so he could whisper. "You and Akeela are going up in the trees. Whoever is hunting us, is up there in the boughs of these trees. Take only light weapons and armor. I don't want to hear one of you screaming as one of you fell down because you broke a branch."

Akeela was already on his way up with only a sword strapped to his back and his green armor laying at the base of the tree trunk. Bregger looked up then back down shaking his head. "Damn it Captain, I'm not a monkey!"

Fire flashed through Lukien's eyes. There were few things he could not tolerate, questioning his orders was one. "You'll get up that damn tree because I told you to soldier. You're a soldier of the Forge and our warriors accomodate for all circumstances. Now get your fat ass up that tree!"

There was a pause between the two as they locked stares. For a moment there was a contest of will and pride with each of them shooting the other daggers through their eyes. Bregger spit, "To hell with you Captain."

Bregger unlatched his armor and let it fall to the floor. An energy lance wouldn't do much good in such close quarters, so Bregger took a hand axe and hooked it to his belt. With a running leap, Bregger latched onto the wide tree trunk and started shimmying up after Akeela he was already up in the branches searching for movement.

Lukien scooped up the dropped armor and carted it back off to their respective mounts. Alurial had noticed the departure and gave him a questioning look. "A plan m'Lady. We cannot keep trudging along like this for two more hours if we don't who or what is attacking us."

"I'm surprised you didn't handle it yourself."

"Those two can handle it themselves." Lukien put his earpiece back in to link up with the various orc commanders.

"Lights."

At the edge of their formation, darkness shrinked away as the lights embedded in the orc armor flared to life. Providing an easier target for who was ever up in the trees might help Akeela and Bregger find the silent attacker. If nothing else, at least they would be able to see where they were walking for once.
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"I haven't done this since basic training and damn it, I shouldn't have to do it now. Anything Akeela?"

The silent elf only shook his head.

Bregger found his own position in a nearby tree and began scanning other branches for any movement. Some star light had managed to poke through but the darkness above was nearly as complete as it was below on the floor. They would be hard pressed to find anything before it was too late. That was before there was light ringing around the captain and Elder Alurial.

"Very clever Captain."

Off to his right, Bregger heard a tree branch creak. Thinking it only the wind, he ignored it until the sound became inconsistent. "Akeela, to the right."

The elf's eyes were far better than his and a nod of his head confirmed Bregger's suspicions. It was big, surprisingly big that a creature that size could be up in the trees without much effort.

Off they shot after the creature running from branch to branch without much of a sound. Bregger had his axe in one hand while Akeela unsheathed his sword. Akeela went far right to try and circle around the creature while Bregger went head on. They both hid in a small knoock in the trees biding their time until the shadow moved out to the edge of a branch.

Bregger leaped out for a tackle and found the creature bigger and heavier than he had anticipated. The branch shook madly as the creature tried to fling Bregger off his back. Claws raked at the air trying to find flesh. Akeela saw the tussle and did the only thing he could do. With one great slash of his sword, the branch was severed taking Bregger and the creature down to the forest floor.

The two hit with a loud thud, Bregger landing on top of the creature to his relief. Lukien and Drafir were quick to follow up to investigate. "Are you alright Bregger?"

"Damn it Akeela! I had the situation in hand. Now I think I've pulled something."

Lukien looked around. "Where is Akeela?"

From the trees, a lone figure darted down and landed with grace and poise. An elvish figure walked back into the ring of light with a smile on his face. Bregger was still sputtering and cursing when he finally got up. "You little..."

"Enough. Bring some light over here and let's see what you two have caught."

An orb from Alurial's pouch began to glow as it hovered over to the party. Light peeled back the shadows surrounding them and giving the first real good look of the creature that had been attacking us.

"Well I'll be a son of a ..."

Light peeled away the darkness covering their captive and revealed...feathers. Not only feathers but great wings, golden beak, talons, and great golden eyes that stared back wildly at its captives. Already with the party illuminated, the creature started thrashing madly to escape its captive. Fear of the unknown and anger for being discovered drove it on while its wings beat the ground with renewed fury.

Lukien rushed over to his STEAD and pulled out a pair manicles to fasten the creatures wrist but there was still the problem with the wings. "Nobody happen to bring any rope did they?"

From the darkness, a hand passed Lukien a bundle of rope. He signalled to Bregger and Akeela to lift the being up in order to restrain the beast better. It was a surprising wrestle match with Bregger cursing and spitting as they rolled and flopped around together. Finally, the hulking creature was lugged up to its full stature which reached well above anyone present. Standing close to seven feet, its raptor glare encircled everyone.

"Well I'll be a son of a..."

"Yes Bregger, we know."

He looked at his captain somewhat stupified. "I was just saying...well look at it. Have you seen anything like it before? It's a giant bird on two feet."

Lukien turned a sharp glare on the lieutenant. "Shut up Bregger! We can all see." He sulked around for a moment thinking about what to do with their new prisoner.

Alurial stepped forward among them all. Her golden eyes roamed over the creatures body. Well muscled and prettily feathered, it looked like an attraction to her. "No harm will come of it while it is in our care. Keep him tied up but do not harm him. We'll take him with us in case there are more of these creatures."

For Lukien there was not much to contest with since he didn't have many ideas now that it was captured. "Keep it with Elder Alurial. The sun will be up soon so we should continue marching on until we are through this jungle. I am hoping that there aren't anymore of these things out there but I want everyone keeping an alert eye until the sun breaks."

Its fate decided, the creature was banished to the center of the formation with three guards flanking him while Alurial eyed it. A prize for herself she assumed. On they marched for two more hours without incident. The sun began its ascent in the distance though the jungle floor was still dark from the thick canopy. Up ahead the trees began to clear which was the sign they had been looking for from the start. The crystalline peaks and fissures were not much further.
-----------------------------

"Raigar, Sky Scream has been captured by the intruders and they are now just reaching the edge of the forest. What would you have us do?"

"Pull all of our people inside the towers and have our warriors ready. We shall meet them on the field when they are in sight."

"Ah! We have finally arrived."

The sun broke over the horizon and began to illuminate the land below. Cyrstalline spires up ahead appeared to be engulfed in flames as it was bathed in light. It was an amazing sight for all the foreigners to see and they stood there in admiration underneath the shadows of the great structures.

Their prisoner did not share the similar feeling about finding these spires. However, his overall gloom had not changed much so his gloom was unnoticeable to Lukien or anyone else. Alurial on the other hand was eccstatic as she had accomplished her reasoning for coming here. Now the geologists, environmentalists, and engineers could begin their work here. "It is absolutly beautiful. Lukien, inform Dag'goroth that we have found what we've came for. They may begin construction of military bases and prepare mining operations."

Lukien nodded and walked off to the side. Akeela followed him carrying a portable long range communication uplink. In the mean time, Alurial ordered orc units forward for a closer look at the crystalline spires.

Silence that had once been prevalent since coming upon the covetted minerals, was now ripped away by blood-curddling screams. Orcs fell away dead with spears portruding from all over their bodies.

"What the hell?" Lukien rushed over to Alurial's side to investigate the matter for himself. Out from the crystalline spires, hundreds of figures dotted the slick surface. With the sunlight interfering, Lukien could hardly make out what they were but he assumed that they were similar to their captive friend here. "It looks as if we are outnumbered."

Painted red lips pulled back in a pleasing smile. "Nonsense. Our trolls can level this entire area and non of our warriors have been harmed. Not to mention we have something to barter with. Bring up our friend."

Drafir ran to the back of the formation and grabbed the feathered creature, hauling him back to Alurial. He was now in plane sight for all to see. Legions of similar creatures fluttered to the ground but five came forward out of the multitudes. One stood out in the center as larger than the rest along with far more decorative clothing than the rest. All surmised that this one was the leader. Orcs begin falling back to by Lukien's command. There was no need to initiate a fight if there was no need to. However, their mere pressence proved a hinderence to the plan. An intelligent race by no means would be forced under the rule of the Eldars. Even if it was fine with Alurial, Sebastian would never allow it.

"Eldar I believe we should reason with their leader. Five of us should go out to meet him along with our captive. Perhaps then we can come to some understanding."

"Lukien. Lukien. Do you think me that incompetent? Why else do you assume that I have had this bag of feathers brought to our side?"

Lukien bowed his head more in agreement than out of apology. "Akeela, Bregger, and Drafir. Front and center!"

With the six arranged, they walked out calmly to meet this host. The only weapons were of their own personal desire, leaving the rest back with the others so as to not draw any unwarranted attention. Alurial brought her company to a stop a few feet from their opposing hosts. "Release him."

The others looked at Alurial as if she had gone mad but did as she instructed. There were few who would actually oppose an Elder's demands. None were here this day. Shackels and rope gone, the feathered creature looked around for a brief moment as if this were some sort of joke. He still did not trust any of them and he had no reason to. Sensing that he was actually free, Sky Scream fluttered his wings over to stand beside the others. "I have released him as a gesture of good faith. He and possibly others, killed several of our soldiers during the night. By rights, I can have his execution but I am willing to believe that he merely acted in self-defense to military force that had arrived in his home."

Finished with her explanation, Alurial waited for the others to reply. An uncomfortable silence followed leaving Alurial to wonder whether or not they understood a single word she said.

The larger of the other creatures finally spoke up. "Who are you?"

"I am Elder Alurial of the Kingdom of Mythrandir. At my side is Captain Lukien of the Royal Chargers, Drafir my personal assistant, and lieutenants Akeela and Bregger. May I ask who you are?"

The response was equally slow and forthcoming as the last. "Raigar. Leader of the seven Griffon tribes. What do you want here?"

"Griffons? So that is what you call yourselves. We have come originally to see whether or not this planet could be used for our people to live on as our homeworld grows more crowded. We also have noticed the crystalline deposits on this world and would like to harvest them for constructive purposes. We originally had plans of making this another colony of Mythrandir but sense you already inhabit it, that changes our plans slightly. Now I can offer you the chance to become a part of our kingdom and you will receive all the benefits that come with it. You will be able to choose who you wish to become Elder to represent your people back on Mythrandir. You will be able to engage in trade galactically with other races and you will also receive anything your people require for a comfortable life. Your people may also wish to attend our Warrior's Institute or apply to the Forge navy and serve on our star ships. Options are limitless to you if you agree to become part of our kingdom!"

Alurial was a little disappointed that there seemed to be no emotion coming from those she was addressing. The least they could do was act excited about a proposal that would help their people. Raigar's response finally came though this one took longer than the rest. Perhaps he was actually considering the option. "What if we refuse?"

She was tired of his primitive speech and long, slow dialect. Frankly, she had grown bored with feathered creature and could care less about it or his people at the moment. "Then you will be invaded by a horde that you could not hope to repress. You will be turned into a feudal state with a lord from Mythrandir governing your people and you will have no say in any laws that are passed over your people. You will be forced to pay tribute to maintain the defense of this planet and the system. Or, we could simply move into this system as we please and still setup a naval base in the asteroid field. As time goes by, we will mine the crystalline minerals that we need. It will be heavily guarded should any of you wish to attack our workers. Out of all your options, I recommend agreeing to become a part of our kingdom."

Lukien leaned over to Alurial. "You well know that Elder Sebastian would never approve of something like that. A naval base, perhaps, but not forceful mining or conquering of these people. They are primitive and would only receive his mercy."

"I know well how Elder Sebastian thinks, but I have no intention of giving into these creatures. Let us hope threats will be enough to sway them to our side."

Raigar folded his great wings under his arm. It almost gave the appearance of a feathered suit. "I shall return with our answer."

And just like that, he was off flying back to one of the towers.