Redeemers

BlackTornado, having gone through its costly campaign to find long sought after the Destiny Stone and attaining valuable treasures from their journey, the guild returned to Colhen for it to be its base of operations once more.
Idrial, the lady of light, is in a heated argument with the Captain of the Crimson Blades, Aodhan at the blade's barracks.

"My priorities are my men Aodhan, I don't care how you feel about this."
"It's my men as well Idrial let's not forget this."
"Have you forgotten that bloody siege back at Ortel, it was my men that took those heavy losses under your orders! And now you're asking me to throw them to the wolves again because 'The Royal army order this'?."
"I haven't forgotten nor will I ever, I lost men too Idrial, good men."
"Colhen is under the protection of the royal army an --"
"Colhen is under the protection of us! Where was the royal army when the fomors attacked Colhen..where were they when Quijinn.."
"Idrial..I --"
"I'll talk with the men, it's up to them if they want to take this Ben Chenner job."
"I can't ask anymore from you, thank you."
"This is the last time Aodhan, the last time."

 The day changed to night, there was a soothing wind that night and only murmurs came from the main village. Idrial and her mercenaries were residing in their barracks a little outside from Colhen, Idrial has summoned all of the Blacktornado roster for a mandatory meeting discussing the decision to go to Ben Chenner.
"They want us to go to Ben Chenner?" laughs Riesse
"Why doesn't that scum of the earth Riordan go himself" says Kondem
"That doesn't matter, Aodhan asked me." Idrial replies
"Aodhan did huh? so he is going then? That crazy bastard" barks Rotx
" Rotx.." Mutters Ceara.
"Yeah, they leave tomorrow morning”. There was a silence for a moment.
“Let's be honest guys, as brave as they are the blades are not as strong or have as much man power as us, but they took us in when we were smaller than them, they paid us for missions they didn't have to give. I'm not going go as far as to say we should help them, but It'd be wrong to let them go to their deaths needlessly."
"Well Boss, you have my staff, always, I will go with you tomorrow." Chimes in Tony
"Tony.." Blushes Idrial
There's a general mutter in the room as members raise their voices to volunteer.
The next day the BlackTornado guild left for Ben Chenner Mountain along with the Blades, Brynn, and his mysterious friend, Muir.

 A few days and nights have passed since the convoy arrived at Ben Chenner, camp has been set up at the foot of the mountain . Aodhan, Idrial, Brynn, and Muir have sat down in one of the tents with a heap of old maps and ancient textbooks on the table they've sat on, the four are in deep conversation
"...This entire situation is, quite odd, Ben Chenner for years has just been known as a lowly, uneventful mountain. But..you've sense it too haven't you Idrial." exclaims Brynn
"Yes, I have, odd doesn't even describe it."
"Describe what? What are you two on about?" snaps Aodhan
"There's been a large Erg energy around this area, unusually large."
"Should we be concerned then?" replies Aodhan.
"I'm not sure, yet." Chimes in Brynn
"Could it be connected to the Elves, you think?" replies Idrial
"There's no point in worrying about it at this point. The royal army wants evidence of these elf sightings, and to assess the fomor threat from this area
while they continue their assault in the western regions." retires Aodhan
"Yes, we've got them, but It wouldn't be wise to leave it at that, according to the information my men got from their queen, there's much more to this, there may be no fomors here, but, there's certainly some hidden power in these lands, It would be unwise to leave this unchecked Aodhan." says Idrial
Muir speaks up, after being silent the entire discussion. "Regina is an ancient and powerful being, it would take a potent spell to sway her mind, let alone her captain Callidus and his elves." says Muir
"Brynn you never explained who your friend was, he has a suspicious amount of knowledge of the goings on here." Aodhan says coldly as he furrows his brow.
As Brynn and Muir stammer to find a response, Gallagher steps into the tent, and clears his throat in a rather loud and obnoxious manner. The group look at the man, with bitter eyes.
"Aodhan --"
"That's sir to you." snaps Aodhan. Twitches his eye in irritation.
"Sir, the BlackTornado leaders have returned, they asked for permission to debrief."
"Yeah that's fine, have them check in with the medical team first and then tell to come to this tent." replies Idrial
"Yes sirs." Gallagher responds with a touch of mockery in his tone.
"Gallagher!" Snaps Aodhan
"Sir?"
"I've already heard complaints about you. Unless you want to march back to Colhen, I suggest you watch yourself, closely, do I make myself clear?"
"Sir, yes Sir."
"Dismissed." Says Aodhan with an uplifting voice.
As Gallagher leaves, he grits his teeth, kicking a supply box as he walks out into the fields.
"He seems fun." says Brynn sarcastically.
"He's pain in my arse." retorts Aodhan.

 The four continue to discuss the plans for the upcoming journey. Meanwhile in the camp, it's midday, and there are mercenaries moving equipment, unpacking carriages with food supplies medical kits and equipment, it's busy. Vulkas is sitting down with Ceara and some other mercenaries in the mess hall, resting from their skirmishes earlier in the day. Bando is busy with the other BT lieutenants coordinating the scouting parties.
Twitchy, one of the leaders, finished with his medical checkup enters the tent with the two leaders, and begins to explain what she saw on her mission.
"What do you mean hidden temple?" Idrial wonders.
"Well when we first went there we didn't see any signs of architecture, but on our way back at night, we saw this weird, cross pattern on the floor as we went to examine it closer, it gave in." replied Twichy
"Wait, cross pattern? Did it have four pillars, on each of its corners?" asks Brynn
"Yes, it did." Twitchy replies with furrowed eyebrows
"It..couldn't be." mutters Brynn to himself.
Muir glances over at Brynn, Brynn briefly looks up at Muir, but turns back to the on-going conversation.
"What happened then? Please continue." says Idrial in a rather concerned tone.
"Well, you won't believe it but, we encountered this giant."
"You mean, like, a fomorian orge?" Aodhan interrupts.
"No, he had..wings." replied Twitchy
"Wings?!" Idrial blurts out, as images of Tieve, Keaghan, Morrighan and Cichol flash into her mind.
"How did he look?" Muir says in a composed manner.
"He was as pale as snow, twenty feet tall, if not more. He had white wings four arms, and two large swords at least ten feet tall themselves.
"Did he have any..powers?" exclaims Muir
"Yes actually, he was able to open these magic holes in the ground that would take us to the top of the temple and drop us down, me and Jahliya barely made it out alive.
"Lord Glas Ghaibhleann." Muir exclaims.
The entire group looks at Muir who is suddenly more vocal.
"You know of this being?" Aodhan asks.
"He was apparently one of Morrighan's famed warriors, he, alongside Lugh Lamhfada fought countless battles, and won all of them." jumps in Brynn
"But we found him chained up in that 'temple' why would a famed hero be chained up, and be so violent towards us at that as well."
"Well that's what I'd like to know indeed." exclaimed Idrial
"What happened to this supposed lord, Twitchy?"
"I'm not entirely sure boss." replies Twitchy, meekly.
"What do you mean? Explain yourself." says Idrial quickly
"Well we managed to defeat him in that first encounter, and behind his sealed door we find this cavern leading further up the mountain. When we tried to walked back to the temple to see if there were any hidden routes, he was, gone, as if he was never there in the first place."
"This is strange indeed, I don't like this at all. Thank you for your report Twitchy."
"No problem boss."
"Jahliya, we need more information on this, I want you to get a team ready, inform Bando of everything you said here, tell him I want him leading this expedition."
While Idrial had be talking, Brynn and Muir had been whispering to each other.
"We want to go as well." Brynn chimes in
"Out of the question Brynn, weren't you listening. It's far too --"
"Idrial, we need to go. Just trust me please." Brynn looks Idrial dead in the eyes. "When I can, I'll explain everything, I promise."
"Fine, but I want you in the safest position in the group at all times."
Idrial scribbles down a note on a piece of paper and hands it to Twitchy.
"Take that to RedRose."
"Yes boss." replies Twitchy
"Aodhan what do you intend to do?"
"Riordan is expecting to hear from us, I will send a team back with some evidence of the Elf presence, it may be too early to relay this information." exclaims Aodhan
"Oh?" Idrial replies defensively
"It's not that I don't trust your men and their word. Rather that the account of two leaders, of his encounter with a supposed god, with no evidence, is not feasible to relay as intel to the Royal army, even  though the information comes from leaders."
"Yes well, that, is most definitely your problem Aodhan. My concern is what threats are about us here on this mountain. If you wish you can have some men stay until we have something 'feasible' I'll make sure they'll be taken care of."
"No that's fine, I intend to stay until we're all, done here."
"As you wish Aodhan"

 The group disperses to make for preparation for the upcoming venture to the peak of the mountain. Idrial and Fornost it'd be best for expedition to depart towards the evening as to use the night to disguise their movements. Idrial pays Shawny a visit in her tent before she departs, Shawny is getting her gear ready while the two are talking.
"I don't trust this, I’ve a bad feeling to go all the way up this peak"
"Just trust me on this one Shawny. You know why I want you on this one right?" replies Idrial
"To keep an eye on everyone?"
"Yes..but, more importantly I don't want to lose any more people. This mission has turned out to be far more dangerous than we expected." exclaims Idrial
"Don't worry, I'll make sure everyone gets back in one piece." Shawny says with a soft smile
A Blacktornado member comes into the tent.
"Apologies for the interruption boss. Lieutenant, the team is ready to leave at your command."
"Very well, have them ready the horses we'll depart in a few minutes from now." replies Shawny
"Alright." says the mercenary as he leaves the tent
"Shawny."
"Yes boss?"
"Swap one of your earrings with mine."
"Boss?" Shawny says looking confused
"I've worn these for a long time, even if they aren't with me I can sense the residual mana imbued in it."
"Ah, you want to keep track of the team.""I want to keep track of you."
"Remember that promise I made to Vulkas?"
Shawny face drops "Yes, I do."
"Please be careful, this isn't a normal one."
"Don't worry Idrial, I always am."

 Shawny leaves to depart with the expedition. The sun is setting as they leave. Idrial went for a walk to the river nearby, she is sitting kneeled with trees surrounding her presence, she is in her deepest part of thoughts, daydreaming. A faint wind blowing outside, inside the wind begins to stir also. A faint murmur seems to be growing louder in Idrial's ears, it starts as a whisper but grows until it can be made out.
"Would you repeat the same choice even if you were to lose everything? Is that what is called destiny?" says the mysterious voice
"This voice..it sounds familiar." Idrial says to herself.
"Keaghan..?"
 The air becomes still again.
It's late afternoon and the expedition arrives back, Idrial is sitting privately with Fornost discussing strategic matters when a BlackTornado mercenary informs them the team has arrived. They decide to walk out to greet them at the stables.
"Welcome back, very well done you managed to not lose this mage or his friend along the way." Fornost lets out with a large chuckle
"A jester as well as a commander, how talented." Brynn blurts out bitterly.
"Yes, miraculously nobody died. We got to the peak and found this large door made of light, but we couldn't go any further, so Muir suggested we turn back." says one member carrying a staff
"Where is Alyessia?" Idrial says softly.
"Who's that sir?" Says a Tornado member with a perplexed look
"Boss we don't have that name in our roster, not even the newer recruits." Says another Tornado member
"Maybe she means one of the horses!" Says Fornost with a snicker
"Never mind." Says Idrial
"Go to the medical tent, get yourselves taken care of. Fornost can I leave you to deal with the debrief?"
"Does a dog sniff it's own arse?"
"Good, I must take care of something."
Idrial begins to climb on a horse
"What are you doing Idrial?" exclaims Fornost
"I'm ordering you to not follow me under any circumstances. The more people that come the more dangerous it may be."
"What is this Idrial? Explain yourself!" Yells out Fornost
"There is something going on here and I fear it may be something treacherous indeed."
 Idrial shot off as fast as she could in the direction of the peak.
Everyone's memories have been altered. The last time this happened it was the doing of a god, and I think I know exactly who is behind this." Idrial muttered as she sped faster and faster along her path.
Halfway up the path Idrial abandoned her steed, the path being too steep for horseback now, making the rest of the way on foot. She drew near to the peak, when a voice boomed over the mountain. It was loud but was youthful as well.
"So you're the one Fragrach calls out to." exclaims the voice
"You're just a tiny woman, what kind of mockery is this?  Very well, meet me at this mountain's highest point and I will remind Fragrach who it's rightful owner is" says the voice again
The voice fell silent again.
"Fragrach? What or who is that?" says Idrial
"And that didn't sound like Cichol, who is behind this sorcery? I need to get to the bottom of this fast.

Night falls the moon and stars have illuminated the sky, Idrial has emerged from the cavern to reach the door made of light. Idrial tries to use her mana to force the door but has failed.
"Ugh, I don't have time for this." snaps Idrial
"You were never good with the subtler arcane arts were you?" says a voice from behind.
"Who goes there - Brynn? What are you doing here I order everyone to not follow me!"
"Well it's a good thing I'm not under your command then." replies Brynn
"I've brought someone who I think can help." says Brynn
Muir steps in from behind Brynn, he's wearing his white shirt with a necklace around his neck.
"I know who is behind this door, it's my son Lugh Lamhfada." says Muir.
"Your son? Who are you exactly Muir!" exclaims Idrial
"He is the sea god Muir." Brynn chimes in
"The ancient sea god Muir?" snaps Idrial in disbelief
"But how?" She continues
"We don't know yet, he's still lost his memories, and with that, his powers."
"Just think of me as a normal human with some history for now." says Muir
"But Lugh, he is angry, angry at me, we found out it was him who put the elves under a spell. Perhaps..perhaps I can talk some sense into him."
"That doesn't sound to smart." says Idrial.
"It's worth a try."
"Alright."
 The three of them begin to enter through the door of light, Muir going in first, the light parts itself for Muir as he steps into it, Idrial quickly follows but as Brynn begins to step in, the door snaps shut.
"Brynn!" The two of them shout
"Don't worry I'm fine, I'm not hurt." replies Brynn
Muir tries to reopen the door but to no avail.
"Don't worry, just go on, finish this Muir."
"Very well." replies Muir
"Idrial watch out for him, please."
"With my life." says Idrial
 The path before them is ethereal in nature, the floor is a translucent hue of light blue, trailing up to a large open space surrounded by pillars.
"This place feels, familiar." mutters Idrial
"What was that?" says Muir
"Nothing, don't worry." exclaims Idrial
The two walk down the path, seeing a tall blonde man, drabbed in fine cloth and plate mail.
The man begins to clap and laugh.
"Not bad."
"Fragrach!"
He then summons a sword to him. It's design motif is intricate and regal, this did not look like an ordinary sword in the slightest.
"Muir, stay back, I'm going to have to subdue him before any words can be exchanged."
"Please be careful, he is still my son." exclaims Muir.
"I will." replies Idrial.
Idrial draws out her staff as she charges in to the center of the arena.
Lugh vanishes leaving a trace of golden light where he last was. Reappearing behind Idrial, letting out a loud roar as he goes her neck.
Idrial instinctively defends herself using her amber shield.
"Hmph, not bad." exclaims Lugh
As Lugh is still distracted Idrial lets out a burst of lightning. Lugh screams in pain as bolts shot up through his platemail. He throws of one of his gauntlets, now damaged. A glowing stone shines a light piercing outwards.
"Hmph." mutters Lugh
He imbeds the sword into the ground, as the sword meets the ground Idrial is bound by the power of the sword.
Lugh walks over to his trusted spear pulls it out from the ground and vanishes.
He appears meters away from Idrial charging rapidly at her to deliver the final blow.
When suddenly a large man, beastly in nature charges to catch the spear in midair, throwing it back to the warrior, piercing Lugh's shoulder.
"Breaki!?" Idrial screams out of happiness but still disturbed, wondering how he got here.
At that moment a flurry of artillery shoots past Idrial exploding in front of Lugh, his guard breaks, dropping Fragrach, freeing Idrial.
A team of BlackTornado soldiers swam in to join the fray, led by Fornost brandishing his legendary Cross gun.
"Fornost, what are you doing here?" exclaims Idrial as she's picked up by her vice commander.
"Well after hearing Twitchy’s debrief the danger sounded too great to leave you on your own."
"Yes but -"
"No buts, lets deal with this guy first." snaps Fornost
"Very well."
Lugh now recovered from his on slaught by the tornados. He disappears and appears in the middle of the arena.
"Try my Tahlum blast."
Lugh ascends with Fragrach in hand, as golden orbs descend onto the ground below.
"He's charging his attack!" Muir yells out from the distance.
"All of you absorb those orbs, its your only protection." He adds on
"Does as the man says, all of you!" Idrial commands
"Take this!" Lugh says throwing a large glowing golden blast beneath him, falling down as he does so.
The blast is consumed by the orbs cancelling the blast on the ground, the pillars shattered in the process.
At that moment Idrial immobilizes Lugh using the gravity around him.
"Now, he is off balance!" Yells Fornost.
"Give him everything you have."
RedRose slashes at Lugh's legs with her twin blades, causes him to falter, suddenly unleashing a flurry of slashes at an inhuman rate dealing devastating damage to the man.
Lugh tries to resist Idrial's power with the last semblance of strength he has, almost breaking free, when Shawny steps in, using arcane power slows Lugh down to a halt, while Breaki begins to viciously pound into the fallen hero.
Bando readies himself, taking aim.
"Get back!" He yells out, losing a payload that explodes at Lugh's chest.

 Lugh is thrown to the floor, unable to get up, coughing uncontrollably.
"Lugh!" Shouts Muir as he races to his fallen son.
"Stay with me lugh!" says Muir as he meets in on the floor
"Ah, so you've..found yourself..another fool." spurts out Lugh, coughing in pain
"Please, hold on son." says Muir
"This wasn't what I...The path, was too much for you."
Lugh starts to chuckle in spite it causing him more pain.
"Will you never learn?" says Lugh
The pain now turning unbearable, sensing his end near, with his last breath he exclaims
"Your path leads to hell!"
With that Lugh falls silent.
"Lugh!" Cries out Muir
Now weeping
"This was not your fault." exclaims Muir over his son's body
Muir stands up, now looking at Idrial
"It's time I put a stop to this." says Muir, now with his gaze fixed on Fragrach, Sword of Heroes.
"Fragrach, must be put to rest."
"It is..too heavy a burden...the path, cannot claim another victim."
With that a burst of black and red energy rips open freezing everyone in time save Idrial lady of light.
Stepping forth from the familiar looking energy a being draped in a black hood, bearing, white wings. Cichol, god of the fomors emerges walking towards the lady of light addressing her, and her alone.
"He knew what this would cost his son."
"Yet he still allowed it to happen."
"Is that...the power of fate?"
"Or the poison of hope?"
"How does it feel to know the gods toy with you? Under the guise of a greater calling."
Cichol now looking down at Lugh
"This man was their hero."
"Now. I promised you a path to Erinn."
Cichol suddenly reveals a mysterious looking feather.
"This holds the power of Elchulus. With it, I can control life, and time."
"It is the only way to bring back the dead."
At that moment Cichol reveals Alyessia lifeless.
"If you desire this power, when the time comes. Obey me."
"That is all I ask."
"Together we can end this. Forever."
Cichol then imbues Fragrach with the strange feather. A ray of brilliant light bursts from the hilt of the sword.
"You may find my methods...unkind, but I will do whatever it takes, for Tieve."
With that the god, vanishes.
Time resumed where it left off.
"...Too many have suffered." exclaims Muir
"No one else will follow my son. And Fragrac - "
Idrial, understanding what Cichol meant accepts the pact and reaches to claim the sword.
"No you can't!" exclaims Muir in desperation
"Stop!" Shouts Muir.

Weeks have passed since the Ben Chenner incident.
The Royal Army, led by Lord Ronaun and his brother Riordan, now informed by the Crimson Blades of the land surrounding Ben Chenner, made expeditions beyond the mountain, discovering new fomorian lands, the Lochlann Plains. Upon discovering this new fomorian stronghold, has called for various mercenary groups to aid in the assault on the stronghold.
The pontiff has also joined convoy, under guise of holy blessing.
"Boss isn't it strange that we haven't seen any fomors yet, they usually don't wait this long." note Jahliya on horseback.
"Yes well, it’s possible the fomors here, are not the ones we are familiar with."
"Smart fomors? Is that what you're trying to imply?" says Fornost with a chuckle.
"Hey don't go putting words in my mouth!" Snaps Idrial with a crack of a smile.
"Still, be on your guard."
Further behind the mercenaries is Lord Ronaun's convoy, Blawynn arrives.
"Sir?"
"Yes Blawynn, how may I help?"
"Sir, the scouts have returned, it seems we've discovered a village a few miles ahead."
"Very well, lease with the mercenaries commanders, have them secure a base of operations if possible."
"Hmph, I fail to see why you trust those filthy peasant mercenaries brother, it'll lead to no good."
"Don't worry Riordan, we have capable men here, besides it's better we don't make use of the Royal Army unless we have to."
"Very well my lord." snorts Riordan.
Noticing Blawynn still standing respectfully.
"Apologies Captain, please." Says Ronaun as he gestures Blawynn with his hand.
"Y-yes, my lord!" Stammers Blawynn.
 As commanded Blawynn informs Aodhan, Idrial, and the other leaders of the various companies of the plan. The BlackTornado, being one of the more competent mercenary guilds takes the lead into the siege of the Lochlann village. As the pontiff was also part of the convoy, he had insisted that a priestess go with the different companies as a means to help combat the dark fomorian magic.
Seanna was assigned to the BlackTornados.
However, as the guild got further inside, the village appeared to be disease stricken. The water in the ponds and various water systems, were pink with infection. They made for the depths of the town.
"Is that a Gnoll?" Exclaimed the girl with twin swords.
"Yes but it has, some creature on its head."
The creature in reference had one yellow eye and had what looked like mutations around top of its skin.
"These look, like parasites." said Idrial
"Yeah, in fact these eyes are everywhere." The gang of soldiers began to notice the eyes embedded in the ground and the various veins connecting them. 
The village looked completely run down, as if it had been many winters since humans or fomors lived here, as the party delved further into the village, they encountered more of these deformed creatures, along with larger deformed monsters, oozing out substances that looked toxic to touch. They also noticed a large statue of a winged robed human.
"Woah, that is one big statue." Says one of the members.
"Yes, it's of the fomorian god Cichol" Seanna responds.
"We also noticed there were humans here too, did they worship Cichol here?" asked Mero
"Hmph, humans worshiping the fomor god, how could anyone be so foolish." muttered Fornost
"Yes, according to the ancient texts, the fallen ones were referred to as Nemedians by the fomors, but yes some humans closer to the fomor lands were known to worship Cichol."
"Careful everyone, don't drop your guard, or don't let this toxic stuff get on you." shouts Idrial, cutting the conversation.
"I see now why that bastard Riordan wanted us to go in first. Better we die to some disease than him." snaps Vulkas in a fit of anger.
"Vulkas, calm down. We're going to need a cool head if we're going to - Aahh "
Before Idrial could finish her sentence she falls through a hidden crevice into a dark cavern below.
"Boss!" various members shout after her.
Shawny, Fornost, along with several other members of the guild jump down after her.
As they jump down they see a vast underground city or rather remnants of one, with great beams of light shooting down from other holes illuminating the depths of the expansive cavern.
The team dropped down onto a damaged tower not far from a wide flatland.
"There! Over there!" Shouted Breaki.
Boss laid unconscious on the far side of the wide expanse.
"Look! Up there!" yelled RedRose
In the distance, climbing up a building was what looked to be a large mutated purple fomor attempting to disrupt the rocks around the wide plateau.
"He's trying to tear down the grounding down there." called out another member.
"We have to get the boss out of there."
"Yes, we need a plan, and fast." replied Breaki
"No problem, we need to keep that beast busy, Shawny, Vulkas can you get his attention?" asks Bando.
"I can do one better and get from down onto the ground." replies Fornost
"Great." responds Bando.
"You and you" Bando pointing at two members in the background. "While we are distracting the fomor, get Idrial to somewhere safe. That thing may try to bring this whole place down”
“We'll try our best to not let that happen.”
"all the matters is that the boss survives if that's the case.”
"Yes sir." says one of the two.
"Ok, let's move!" howled Fornost as they scurried down to meet the beast.
As they got closer, the beast let out a screeching howl kicking down bits of rocks and buildings, the cavern shock as great heaps fell down, WOOSH! BANG!
"REEEEEEEEE!" Howled the feral beast
"He's one of those parasites on him as well." Shawny cried out as they run down to the expanse.
"Yes he looks disease ridden like the ones we saw earlier. Just, he's a lot bigger." said a female member wielding a glaive.
"You two, now's the time get to the boss."
"Bando, Fornost, Mero, are you ready?" cried Shawny in a sarcastic way, having doubts about this action.
"More than I'll ever be." They said in unison, as they kneel down to take aim.
*Zwoop* Bando let out an explosive payload. BANG! An explosion just hit above the beast.
"You missed!" shouted out one of the soldiers.
"You might think." Said Bando as he got up, grinning and turning away from his target, confident in his accuracy. "I don't miss."
The beast let out a chilling howl as the scaffolding above it broke off from the rest of the rocks, with no footing to hold onto the beast fell to the wide expanse just in front of the group, now furious as the damage accrued.
"Your overconfidence will blind you one day old man." Breaki bursting into shrieking laughter, as he took vanguard.
"Form up behind me!" He yelled.
"REEEEEEEEECCCH!!" yelled the beast
"AAAARRRRRRRR" yelled a member in defiance, aggravating the beast drawing it's attention towards her. The beast began to charge at her, she lifted her shield up, centering her energy and momentum onto as she began to charge as well.
"Go now!" commanded Fornost to the rest.
The beast and the shielded member clashed making a loud THUD, the shield smacked right in the face of the beast, but she got knocked by its behemoth paw, smacking her into one of the distant corners.
"Nooo!" Cried out the man with twin blades.
 The girl with her staff charged her mana, and in an instant summoned a horrific storm of meteors, the first one burst alight on the beast's back, letting out a piercing scream of pain as it's skin charred under the heat of the flames.
Another girl proceeded to bind the beast with the invisible threads of her scythe. She darted around the beast, blinking in and out of space, barely evading the strikes of the beasts arms and legs. Finally blinking back in with the beast bound immobilized.
"… now!" called out the girl.
Not missing a beat the young man bear two blades darted one side of the beast, slashing it as he crossed it and leaving a trail of flames from his reckless speed, and darted again, as much ferocity, if not more the second time, then the third, then the fourth and continued until he could bear be seen anymore, slashing the beast so ferociously, it could barely take anymore.
The beast now on its last legs, lets out a final screeching howl as buildings began to fall among the mercenaries.
"We need to end this and quickly!" yelled one of the members still in the fight.
"You're right, but the bugger won't give up. It's like a mother protecting babies or something!"
 At that moment a loud yell could be heard coming from the south west of the expanse as she charged into the beast, slamming the spike in her shield into the eye of the beast, and began punch the other eye of the gnoll, and aggressively pulling open its mouth from above its head.
"MERO, NOW!" screeched the woman
"Yes ma'am." replied the man as a crack of a grin cropped up on his face.
The man took aim. *Zwoosh* silence fell for a mere moment. *Burmm* the underbelly of the beast tore open, letting out the beast's guts and a swarm of those one-eyed purple parasites that were consuming his insides.
"Disgusting." the girl with the staff cried out, barely grasping her mouth.
"Ah, it's done." said Jahliya with a sigh and a wipe of her forehand.
"Is everyone alright?" said Fornost with deep care.
The group in chorus replied with a yes.
"Now we just need to find those two and the boss, where are they?"
 Meanwhile the two members took Idrial off the plateau and down into the lower levels.
A voice from the dark, that everyone could hear revealed itself.
"She's in danger still" said a voice, youthful in tone.
"Who goes there?" cried one of the men.
"Don't worry I mean you no harm." appeared a small boy wearing the robes resembling the statue of that god back on the surface
"Please, we have a village down here, we can give her aid."
"Can we trust him? He is just a boy, but it could still be some kind of trap." said the small mercenary.
"You're still a boy, but I've seen you kill a dozen in seconds." replied the large muscular one.
"Still, whatever they have, I'm sure we can fight off regardless, let us go." He continued.
"I'm sure you two could indeed." The boy chimed in "We don't have any warriors, we're just survivors, barely hanging on at that, but I can explain on the way." he added.
"Very well." said the larger soldier. "Lead on."
"Certainly. Call me Lechaud by the way."

Days pass as Idrial is still unconscious, there is concern that she may not recover or awaken from her situation.
Idrial is in a state of slumber. In this slumber she begins to make out a woman, taller than normal human size.
"Denied my status, denied my..my wings."
"This sea of corruption will be my fury, I swear it!"
 Idrial wakes up to find herself lying on an unfamiliar bed. The woodwork of the reminds her of Ernmass' Inn back in Colhen.
"Where am I?" She thinks to herself.
Laughter and the babble of various conversations could be heard a level below her.
Idrial attempts to stand up but finds herself considerably weakened. Her legs tremble as she begins to get up, she spots a staircase and stumbles towards it.
The laughter gets louder, and sounds familiar.
"The men?" she asks herself.
Idrial slow makes her way down the stairs.
A child's voice peeps up. "Look, that woman is awake!"
The room is brighter than her dimly candlelit room, it takes some time to adjust, but the lady of light makes out about a dozen unfamiliar faces, and two familiar ones, the two men that carried her earlier.
"Boss!" The larger man calls out as he runs over to help her walk
"I'm fine...where are we?" asks Idrial.
"It's a long story. How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine, like I said, just sit me down somewhere. What is going on here? Where are we?"
"You're in the underground village of Berbhe." says one of the unfamiliar faces.
"Sorry, my name is Macklin, I'm sort of the village leader here." he adds
"I see, I didn't know humans lived underground, did you know you're in Fomor territory?"
"They aren't humans boss." says the smaller soldier
"They're fomors in disguise." adds the larger soldier
"W-what? says Idrial, puzzled.
"Don't worry we're not hostile." says what looks like a teenaged boy dressed in what looks like a soldier's uniform.
"You don't dress like you're friendly."
"You're one to talk!" snaps a little girl from the corner.
"Roma!" squeaks out the voice of another little girl dressed in the same pink dress pushing her as she yells her name.
Macklin looks at the larger man supporting Idrial as she sits down.]
"Perhaps it'd be best to take her to Lechaud to have things explained first." explains the gentle looking fomor.
The large man nods.
"Boss they have a priest, he helped us understand what's going on here, I also think it'd be best to talk with him about all this." said the man privately.
"Very well, take me to him please." replied Idrial.
The large man leads Idrial outside, revealing a small shanty-like town all underground, illuminated by candles and the occasional sunlight beaming down from the crevices above.
As they walked Idrial's eyes met with several unfriendly ones, making it clear she was not in the slightest, welcome there.
In the far outskirts of the town they came to a set of stairs that went even further below the depths, lit by candles, they saw a large statue of a robed man, with a pair of wings overshadowing the small shrine. Idrial without thinking immediately blurted out.
"Cichol!"
"Yes, god of the fomorians." said the small boy standing below the statue.
"Why are you - "
"Wearing the robes of Cichol?" interupted the boy
"Y-yes, who are you?" added Idrial
"I am Lechaud, more importantly I'm a priest." says the boy
"Why do you fomors look like humans? I've never seen fomors actually look like humans before." asks Idrial
"Well, I actually am a Nemedian, a human as you may call it."
"A, Nemedian?" says Idrial looking confused
"Yeah, in these lands humans used to live, under the protection of the Royal army, but obviously they lost control of these lives, so naturally the humans lived under fomorian control, they refer to us as Nemedians."
"That's why we saw those humans back on the surface Boss." adds Breaki
"Yes, it's been like this for so long we Nemedians are considered part of the fomorian society, albeit lower in status than some, but included nonetheless." explains Lechaud.
"So, how did these other Fomors turn into, humans." Idrial adds
"They haven't 'turned into' humans, they are being disguised." exclaims Lechaud.
"Isn't that the same thing?" asks Idrial.
"Well, I guess in a way, yes." says Lechaud, recluctantly.
"Well to explain that I suppose I must explain the current situation the town is in." says Lechaud
"Please have a seat, there's a fair bit to explain." the boy adds
"As I'm sure you've noticed these lands are infested with some kind of disease. These fomors that you see here, are some of the last NOT infected by this plague." says the boy, now looking up at the statue with a faint look of sadness.
"I'm lucky in that it doesn't infect Nemedians, or at least without prolonged exposure, but the others are susceptible to it quite violently." he adds
"So that's why they are in human form?" asks Idrial.
"Yes, by orders of our local Priest I may add." says Macklin walking down the stairs.
"Yes..." says Lechaud, now quite shy and embarrassed.
"He had a vision one night of a special flower, Light Shade, which ironically only grows in dark, cool areas. And that it'd help delay the onset of the disease." Macklin continues, now resting a comforting hand on the boy's shoulders.
"Without this revelation if you will, there would have been no more 'sane' fomors, perhaps just a boy in a deserted town."
"That's quite sad actually." says Idrial now looking physically distraught.
"I don't believe in the human prophecy of killing all the fomors, but I found it difficult to see, maybe, that not all fomors are blood thirsty savages.
"Well maybe not blood thirsty, but you should watch the way Macklin eats his food." says Lechaud with an innocent smile on his face.
Idrial looks up, and creaks a tiny reassured grimace.
"Surely there's something we could.. help with." exclaims Idrial
Macklin's and Lechaud's face turn sour.
"Boss..." says Breaki with a frown on his face as well.
"The townsfolk allowed us to scout around the surrounding area. It...It doesn't look good."
"Well can't we get them out of this area or some-" retorts Idrial but is cut short by the shaking of the man's head.
"Let's walk back to the inn." Chimes in Macklin in an attempt to cut through the tense atmosphere, beckoning with his hand to the stairs and with a meek grimace of a smile.
The four of them decide to walk back to the inn, as they pass the main makeshift street, Idrial catches a glimpse, in the distance, of two red eyes, that instantly vanish, as if in reaction to her gaze.
"I'll give you guys some time alone, we'll make something for you to eat." says Macklin as they take Idrial back up her room.
"Thank you Macking." responds Idrial
"Macklin, M'lady, don't worry about."
He and Lechaud leave, Lechaud giving a warm smile to them both as they leave down the stairs.
"This is depressing." says Idrial as she sits down on her bed.
"Boss..." mutters Breaki now sitting on a chair nearby.
"Boss, we've done what we could, we got them as much of those flowers as possible, but even they are aware it's futile. Why should we care more than they do? They're bloody fomors after all!" exclaims the man now standing up.
"Sounds like you're just as confused about this matter as I am." retorts the girl
The room falls silent.
"Boss, when you fell down, a few others came with us, we still haven't been able to find them." 
"Have you left any signs for them to follow?" replies Idrial
"Yes, we did finished with the last a day or two ago, if they managed to find the first, it'd be only a matter of days before they find this village." explains Breaki
"Good, what about these townsfolk, have they seen anything or such."
"They don't venture out much now, there are fomor here, infected, they seem to turn aggressive, even to their own, I encouraged Macklin to allow for us to go out for what they needed since they took you in Boss."            
"Fair enough." snorts Idrial now looking displeased.
"Boss, let's talk more tomorrow, you're beginning to look pale again."
"Alright, thank you Breaki."
"No problem Boss."
Breaki gets up to leave, blowing out the candles as he exits the room.

 Idrial lays down for a while, pondering over her feelings on the fomors and their plight before she slips into a slumber.
Idrial slips into a dream state. She sees the blonde woman again, but now the vision is clearer. She is standing on top of an obsidian tower, around this tower is what seems to be an endless sea spanning miles past the horizon. Idrial moves mentally to go closer to get a clearer look at this woman.
Instantly the woman snaps her head around looking directly at Idrial's direction. Idrial clenches her fists, ready to defend herself. The woman looks around briefly, then returns to look back in her original direction.
"She, doesn't see me?"
"Her name is Neamhain." says a familiar voice.
Idrial feels pulled back to her room aggressively, passing through different planes rapidly as this happens. She is now back sitting on her bed.
A ring of black and red mist pierces through the fabric of the space in the room. Out walks the man in robes, Cichol.
"You look confused, the lies fed to you, seem to be clashing with the reality of what you're seeing." says the dark god
"Fomors are all evil that must be vanquished. When the last drop of fomor blood is spilled, Erinn will come." he adds.
"But here you see, what seems to be civilians in the lands of the fomors, not to different from what you're already familiar with."
Scene of Colhen flash in Idrials head, of Clodagh, Alisinn, Ferghus.
"I have a task for you, a test if you will. I will give you all the means to accomplish, save the one more important component. The will."
"What do you mean?" asks Idrial still in a daze.
"Tomorrow when you wake, summon your men, and go to the edge of town, a servant of mine will guide you the rest of the way." 
"When does this end?!" exclaims Idrial
As she uttered her words the room reverted to its pitch black state. She wakes up to find herself not sitting as she was, but instead laying down.
"I was asleep, was that real?" Idrial says to herself now more confused than before.

The next Idrial awoke to find herself more or less recovered. She stepped out to find her two men sitting around a large campfire with what looked like a group seemingly familiar faces.
Idrial smiled to herself, knowing exactly who they were. She strolled over, stepping as lightly as she could as to make as little noise as possible.
- So out of nowhere from the corner of this flatland, the loudest man scream, I've ever heard. -
"What do you have? A group of slackers do we?"
"Boss! Yells the group with relief and excitement
The young girl with the white-purple staff strung to her back jumps on top of Idrial, poking her cheek aggressively.
"You're alive! You're alive!" she exclaims with elation.
"Yes, but I won't if you keep at it Shawny." snaps Idrial, directing her to get off her back."
"How're you feeling chief?" adds Fornost
"I'm feeling better but, I think we've got a problem to deal with."
The group looks at each other, trying to work out what the woman is implying.
"I'm sure Breaki informed you of the townsfolk situation."
They slowly nod, once again locking eyes with each other.
"I think I may have a way to purge this disease."
"But Boss this isn't our pro-" but is interrupted by Idrial as she continues on.
"Something here, isn't quite, right. I don't fully understand everything here, but we built our guild on protecting the weak and helping those that can't help themselves."
"I'm not forcing you to come along, but with or without you guys I'm going to do what I can."
Several moments of silence pass.
"If it wasn't for these fomors, the boss may not have survived that first night. I'm going to help boss, whatever way I can as well."
"The boss is going to get us all killed someday, but what the hell!" Chimes in Shawny.
"Very well, if this is your wish." adds Bando in a reluctant manner.
Fornost and the others nod in agreement.
"So what do you have in mind?" asks the young girl with twin blades.
"Tuathal!" yells Idrial
A large reaper, draped in all black tattered robes appears before the group.
"Woah! Holy-" yells one of the mercenaries.
"Tuathal is a guide sent by one of the gods. Somebody is causing this infection, he can take us to them, but we need to take them down ourselves."
"That sounds simple enough." says Vulkas.
"I've seen her in my mind's eye, she looks, strong. Please be on your guard, all of you, I don't want to lose anyone on this one, it's going to be tough, perhaps tougher than anything we've fought before."
"Don't worry boss, I'm sure the deadliest thing we'll encounter will be another hole in the ground!" exclaims Breaki letting out a loud ogre like laugh as he says his piece.

"Are you ready to give it your all?" says the reaper in a bone chilling sharp tone, you could tell no sense of the amusement fell on this being.
The group nod in agreement.
"Yes, please lead the way." says Idrial.
"Very well, your choice  will seal your fate."
The reaper, with a wave of his hand, opened an all too familiar red and black ring pulling open the space near the campfire.
"This way." said Tuathal.
The group walked through with what looked like an entirely wait space.
There was only a set of stairs and an endless space of whiteness. Tuathal then opened another ring of space.
"Temper your wills, only your desire for victory will see you through your challenges. When you are ready step through this portal."
There was a slight breeze blowing among the group. Silence fell and the atmosphere turned chill. The weight of the endeavor falling began to dawn on the party. There suddenly felt no more room for amusement, or merrymaking.
"Is this what he meant, about feeling like a toy?" muttered Idrial to herself.
The group looked at her unsure of what she said.
"Let's go everyone, watch each other's backs and we'll get through this."
The group rallied themselves and stepped into the portal, revealing what looked like a cavern half filled with what looked like red water, and Tuathal standing next to a wooden boat.
"Is this blood?" asked RedRose.
"Why don't you have a drink and find out?" snapped Fornost with a cheeky look on his face
The young girl rolled her eyes.
"Guys let's stay focused on get on the boat." exclaimed Jahliya clearly annoyed at the interaction.
The group followed suit. Tuathal entered the boat at the last member of the party got in. Immediately the boat began to move. The air sat, more still than ever, what awaited them at the end of this path?
The worry of being tricked, played by Cichol fall into some folly, dragging along her trust comrades began to dawn more and more on the lady of light.
More and more questions began to fill each of the mercenaries head's.
*CREEEEEEEKK* The boat came to a halt, revealing a large pillar in the middle of a platform.
"Look at that!" exclaims Shawny
"It's massive." says another
Idrial recalls the tower almost instantly.
"Be on your guard guys, the person responsible is nearby."
"HMPH!"
 The group began to make out the shape of a figure on top of the large structure. The figure stands up, throwing one of her arms out as if to gesture at someone, or something.
At that moment a loud rumbling can be heard, beneath them, the sea level begins to rise. At this moment Tuathal vanishes behind them, saying nothing.
"We have to get to higher ground." yells Mero.
The group find a set of stairs spanning around the large platform. The group follow it up as the water rises faster and faster. As the group reach the top, the rumbling increases as if the very ground was going to split open.
At the moment the rumbling reached its climax a creature emerged from beneath the depths of the sea, it's size was titanic, it seemed to resemble the features of a cockroach bearing a tough shell on its backside, but also bore large pincer like claws as if it was crustacean in nature. It had two blue beady eyes and a large glass-like segment in its chest matching that of its eye color.
"By the gods..." mutters Vulkas
The others are in too much of a shock to move or say anything for the next few moments.
The creature lets out a terrible screech, it's sheer size makes the howl sound so deep and chilling it would have defeated any lesser beings by voice alone.
"FORMAAAAAAAATIONS!" Yells one of the mercenaries as they all charge wildly into the fray.

~ A Sinister Sea~