Private Hope Rekindled

[Arden Durane]

The commander remained silent as the venture continued. Keeping a vigilant eye while also listening to Beren Blackmane and Thurion Heavenshield converse about the church. The Jedi took in as much as he could, however there was something gnawing at him since they arrived. He closed his eyes for a bit as he listened to the words being exchanged.

He opened his eyes just as the lift came to a sudden halt. Arden took a small step forward to keep himself balance as he glanced towards Nina Heavenshield and Thurion to make sure they were okay. Arden could hear them extremely well, sounding off in randomly at first, but then they started off in unison and they were getting closer.

"Shields up!" Arden declared immediately after the High King spoke. A defensive perfiemter then formed around the High King as well as Beren and Nina.

The Lord Commander brandished the twin swords as he moved into a defensive stance. There was a line of the guard that formed in front of the defensive barrier that protected the trio that was Thurion, Beren and Nina.

Arden stood ahead with the outer line his first and foremost job, was to ensure the safety and survival of House Heavenshield. It would be put to the test today, and he would not fail.

They were approaching, and then the fight began. Arden soon went to work as did he first line, ensuring nothing moved past them.

 

[Nina Heavenshield]

The eldest lion cub was enjoying the slow descent beside her beloved, hurriedly scribbling down notes into a pocket-sized leather-bound notebook and sketching pieces of the machinery and little architectural details she spotted. As the chief chronicler of the entire world's history, the excitement of an entirely new chapter for her life's work was fascinating beyond belief. She approached the situation with a scientist's fascination and a scribe's diligence, hoping to jot down anything she could lay her eyes on.

She beamed a childlike grin at Arden just as the first drums echoed faintly from below, the realisation wiping the excitement off her face. Sloppily finishing the last sentence, she stowed her notebook back into her pack as the Lionguard prepared for battle. She found herself at her father's side, his Sunlight Blade bathing the defenders in its brilliant radiance.

"Beren," the Lion demanded the Duergar Prince's rapt attention. "You focus on getting this lift back up and running. We will be your shield." Nina pulled back her hood and discarded her flowing blue robes as she drew Spring Blossom from its sheath, its curved steel singing as she did. She and her Papa shared a determined nod. The Lion and his first cub would stand together this day, as they always had.

Skittering noises now drowned out the distant drums, followed by vicious snarls and threatening grunts. Nina found herself looking everywhere at once, trying to discern whence the first creature would spring. She placed her hand upon Beren's broad shoulder, feeling his entire being quivering in fear.

Rustling chainmail and clanking of steel came next as the first ambushers appeared from the darkness surrounding the platform by way of climbing up the sides of the chasm and onto the lift. Nina recoiled at first sight; they were hideous - human-sized, hunched-over creatures with deformed faces and wide, bulbous eyes. They screamed as they threw themselves against the small band of warriors. The initial assault proved easy enough to dispatch by the sturdy perimeter of elite Lionguard, but those were but the first of many.

More and more poured in from below, now appearing from all sides. When it no longer became feasible to maintain formation, the High King ordered to meet the attack head-on, turning the limited space into a full-on brawl. Nina sliced through one Uruk after another, staining her usually pristine self with black blood and bile. She cut off one foe's hand before Force Pushing it back whence it came and yet more took its place.

Poor Beren found himself in a panicked bid to dislodge whatever was halting their descent whilst dodging and weaving past would-be assassins, either through sheer clumsiness or the timely intervention from one of his far more capable companions.

Already the treacherous platform was running slick with blood.

Arden Durane

 

[Arden Durane]

It was clear that they had the numbers, however that meant nothing against the strength of the Lion guard. When it became evident that holding formation was no longer and option. The order came to break formation and fully engage. Fighting came just as easily as breathing did as the Commander moved about the platform his twin blades moving around with a relative ease and his movements were even graceful like. The Jedi's hand moved forward and a wave of force energy shot forward knocking several enemy combatants off balance and off the platform.


An arrow or two then zipped by him as he looked in the direction it came from. Arden sheathed one of his swords as he raised his hand up, gathering the energies around him. The force was strong with him as an invisible barrier was created around those around him.

"We need to move, now!" Arden shouted to those around him.

Arden looked to Beren. "How are we doing?"

Thurion Heavenshield Beren Blackmane

 

[Beren Blackmane]

The hectic battle atop the stuck lift did not exactly help when trying to locate the source of their predicament. The Duergar had not witnessed such coordinated swordsmanship since his brother Belek, and on more than a couple of occasions found himself just staring at the slaughter. While he loathed violence in all forms, something was mesmerizing about the dance of death performed that day, far more elegant than the hacking and hammering of dwarven tactics.

Able to deduce the issue was not with the lever itself, as whenever he pulled it the machinery made every effort to get them moving but to no avail. Something must have gotten stuck. Beren stumbled through the chaos, tripping over fallen foes and slipping on their black blood, but eventually reached the platform's edge. There he lay down and stuck his head over the edge to look at the great chain driving the machinery, having to fight off his big bushy beard from blocking his view.

"Eureka," he invoked the name of one of Dwarrowdelf's most famous engineers. An iron rebar had been shoved through the chain, preventing the platform from descending any further. Even now the lift pressed down on it, trying in vain to resume its journey.

"We are doing just fine," Beren shouted back up at Arden while fishing out a flintlock pistol from inside his jacket and aiming at the offending piece of rebar. The outlandish gun was of his design and he'd gotten quite good at using it, though he'd never fired it while upside-down before. The pistol went off, its lead bullet dinging off the rebar and knocking it out of the way.

"...though I'd hold on to something if I were you!" Beren got up on all fours to crawl over to the lever and disengaged the handbrake, causing the lift to fall as if the machinery wished to make up for lost time.

Uruk were seen clinging on for their lives, the hewn corpses of their ilk being cast aside from the high velocity of the drop. Beren used the butt of his pistol to strike the fingers of a nearby Uruk trying desperately to hang on, causing to it let go and fly off the platform.

"Not to worry, there's nothing a little Duergar engineering can't fix!" Beren pulled the lever again with the intent to slow down the out-of-control descent, only for it to break and come loose. "Oh... Well, I've done all I can!"

But then the High King scrambled to his feet, eyes closed and his hand held out while the other held onto something. The Force grabbed hold of the falling platform, slowing its descent just in time to prevent it crashing into the ground below. It was still a bit of a rough landing, the sudden stop knocking everyone off-balance and kicking up a thick cloud of dust. There'd been a sickening squelching sound as the thick slab of stone had landed on top of the last remaining Uruk, turning them into an unrecognizable sludge.

"See? Nothing to worry about," the rotund dwarf dusted off his beard, kicking a severed arm over the side.

Nina, who had lost her footing from the sudden stop, found herself lying atop her gallant knight safe in his embrace. She blushed but did not move out of the way, instead staring down lovingly into Arden's eyes. Only when the others started sheathing their swords did she get off him, helping the Lord Commander to his feet.

Arden Durane

 

[Arden Durane]

Steady, and hold strong. That was the key, and to brace. Perhaps they all combine with one another. The devils that left them, did so in great haste as well as in several pieces. Smashed as well by the lift resuming its stance and thus came the freefall.

It was then that their High King Thurion Heavenshield showcased his affinity and strength with the force essentially saving them all. From what would've been a death fall.

The Lord Commander stood strong however but the final shake knocked him to the ground as well as Nina Heavenshield with him. He held her in is arms, as they both laid on the ground for what seemed like an eternity. When you were looking into eyes as wonderful as Nina's. And you could see she was staring back at you, immobilized by awe and just the goodness, strength of her heart and spirit.

Arden leaned in and gave her a soft kiss before they stood up.

It was times like these, that he knew he would follow her anywhere. Give his life for hers, and everything else that could've have been mustered.

"Thank you, my love." Arden said as she helped him to his feet.

"Is everyone alright." The commander looked from Nina, Thurion and then Beren as well as the rest of the lionguard.

 

[Nina Heavenshield]

"I'm alright," Nina sounded off, eyes darting between her father, Beren, and all the members of the Lionguard. One or two had sustained a few cuts and bruises, but nothing they couldn't handle. The once-pristine plate armour had been stained with blood, but not theirs. They cleaned their weapons before continuing, leaving the destroyed lift behind. Following the tunnel, it soon opened up into a massive underground cavern with chasms so deep they appeared to go on forever. What was initially lit only by scant torches became bathed in reds and oranges as a nearby river of magma created all the natural warmth and light one could ask for.

"Tell us about these Uruk," the King requested.

"Aye, there are three kinds you'll need to be wary of," said Beren. "Those we fought back there were Vaettr — the bulk of their ilk. Dumb as doornails, they are, but they make for good cannon fodder through sheer numbers. Then we have Skrolkr — nasty little buggers. Real cunning with a knack for ambushing. They'll wear you down with quick cuts and tiny stabs until you're bled dry."

There was a pause as Beren clutched the gold pendant hanging from his neck.

"Last but not least, there are the Urdr — the most powerful of the bunch. Tall and brawny like yourselves and with intelligence to match. They're disciplined warriors and act as the lynchpin for the rest of the rabble. Whereas Vaettr and Skrolkr are cowardly by nature, Urdr will stand and fight to the bitter end. They are not to be underestimated."

Nina made a quick note in her journal before stuffing it back in her bag. It would only be a short while until she would need to pull it back out, this time for good. As they came around the bend, they gazed upon the gates of Dwarrowdelf gloriously carved into the rockface in the likeness of its founder, Dwarrow I. It featured a massive set of steel doors and a moat of magma, accessible only through a drawbridge. Mighty cannons lined the impenetrable walls manned by soldiers so heavily armoured they resembled small tanks.

A horn bellowed in the distance as the aforementioned drawbridge was lowered by great and intricate machinery.

"No matter what, leave the talking to me, aye? A lot of folks won't be too pleased seein' outsiders trying to enter their city. Speak only when spoken to and we'll be alright."

Arden Durane

 

[Arden Durane]

Thurion Heavenshield

Arden's brow furrowed slightly at the mention of the Uruk. Different breeds of beast, nestled down here in the depths of Midvinter. He thought back to the writing's on the walls.

The patterns and writing hidden in the deep dark. That night that Nina Heavenshield , his great love was kidnapped.

What else was hidden that could spring out and surprise them. Arden placed his hand every so gently against the wall, a crack in the earth. His attuned sense of hearing, coupled with the lightside of the force.

Something....

Dark....

It wasn't until he felt her touch again that his concentration broke and he glanced towards her amid a look of surprise. He showed her a small smile, however beneath that was concern.

She would be able tell.

Arden did a quick glance back towards the crack before turning to Beren Blackmane and listening to his words.

"Understood."

 

[Beren Blackmane]

M I D V I N T E R
U N D E R - R E A L M
D W A R R O W D E L F

Arden Durane ​

Gears rumbled and clattered as the drawbridge came down, allowing the dwarven host that was revealed to cross safely and set up a perimeter of shields with halberds held at the ready, creating an impressively dense hedgehog formation seemingly bereft of weak points. Thurion maintained his composure, his hand resting upon the pommel of his sheathed sword and the shield stapped to his back. Beren approached the formation with his arms up.

"Baruk Khazad, kinsmen! 'Tis I, Beren, and I brought friends at the behest of Archon Berethor III!" There was a pause, then a lone voice answered from behind the formation. "Beren? Is that you, my Prince?" A deafening clatter of metal as the formation came undone, revealing the Captain of the Gate wearing a horned helmet. At Beren's signal, the party of tall folk were allowed to approach.

"Aleksi," he clasped arms with the Captain. "Good to see you, old friend." Aleksi eyed the giant strangers with a wary gaze before leaning in for a private word. "My Prince, I think you should go see your father with haste. His Majesty's been under siege ever since you left." Beren was visibly concerned. "The Grand Cleric?" Aleksi nodded. "Thank you, my friend."

"Bakaz Arûd," the Captain cried out, ordering his host to stand down and head back inside.

"Come, we may pass," Beren turned to the others. The party ventured forth, following the Duergar warriors across the drawbridge and entered through the gatehouse, after which the drawbridge was raised again.

Before them was a long and wide bridge, suspended a thousand feet above an ocean of magma broiling far below, and lining the sides of the bridge were towering monuments to ancient heroes and kings, all of it hewn from the rock they dwelled within. Then, as they ascended a number of stairs, the party found themselves upon an overlook from where a sprawling city opened up before their very eyes. It went on for miles, with the the artificial rivers of magma running through the city acting as a natural light source. Mighty pillars reached all the way to the ceiling, and stairs led down into even the deepest chasms where dwellings were carved into the mountainside to allow refugees from the long lost holds a place to live. The finer quarters were lined with intricate gold designs, and towering above it all were the Imperial Palace and the Grand Cathedral.

"Welcome, lords and ladies, to the ancient city of Dwarrowdelf!"

Nina's eyes couldn't get any wider, she was trying so hard to drink everything in everywhere she looked. She was so mesmerized she'd forgotten to take notes in her journal, only being reminded of it by the nudge of her father's elbow.

"Isn't it amazing," she turned to Arden, grinning with excitement. "Nobody at home will believe us...!"

 

[Arden Durane]

"Ancient, more like magnificent." Arden stood in slight shock for a few brief moments as he glanced around. Who would've known that there was a place like this beneath their feet. The Commander took a deep breath and it wasn't until Nina Heavenshield spoke to him that his awe broke and he looked to her and almost as if he took his first breath of life.

"Isn't it amazing,"

"It truly is...." Arden said as his hand held hers and gave it a gentle squeeze. "If you weren't here right now I would seriously believe I am dreaming."

"Nobody at home will believe us...!"

Arden laughed and shook his head. "Even with all the eyes we have on this place, this is something you would have to see in person. Describing it would not even do it justice."

The Jedi cleared his throat as he glanced towards Thurion Heavenshield as the comment 'under siege' had just registered in his mind.

"Something tells me that skirmish was only a small thing in comparison to what is ailing these people."

Beren Blackmane

 

[Nina Heavenshield]

Following the dwarven prince into the city, word of the arrival of these giant strangers spread like wildfire through the busy streets of Dwarrowdelf. The Lionguard were soon forced to form up around their king and the princess to prevent them from getting crowded. Some shouted unknown words at the strangers, others were merely curious, but all seemed wary of their presence. Only Beren remained unmolested as they advanced through the sprawling city, the locals instead giving him a wide berth and bowing their heads. He did what he could to smoothen the strangers' arrival, but it was slow-going nonetheless.

Nina remained by her father's side, eyes darting everywhere at the faces of this newfound people, witnessing the fear and anger in their faces. This was no time to record notes, her own curiosity replaced with fear for her life. A piece of fruit struck her cheek, and would have knocked her to the ground were it not for her father catching her. At this, the Lion's patience reached its end and he drew Anarion from its scabbard and held it aloft with a roar. From its shimmering blade shone forth the light of the sun, blinding all but those in his care and forcing the crowd to disperse. Hardly the introduction he would have preferred, but they cast the first stone by endangering his daughter.

"Hurry, we're almost there," Beren shouted and the party hurried the remainder of the way, their entourage no longer surrounded. Soon they were rescued by a contingent of royal troops, allowing the strangers passage then closing the way behind them with their shields. Now able to catch their breaths and lower their guards, Nina wiped the bits of fruit from her cheek, smelling her fingers afterwards. It smelled rancid, the fruit clearly rotten.

"Is everyone alright," Thurion asked, sheathing his sword. His men sounded off, some having been pelted with worse things than fruit during their slow march but were otherwise unharmed.

"Arden?" Nina found her beloved, checking him for any injuries.

"You mustn't blame them," said Beren, greatly embarrassed by yet sympathetic to the behaviour showcased by his people. "They've never seen your kind before. The Church preaches isolation and xenophobia every chance it gets, instilling in us the belief that none but our kind are to trust. Ours is a people greatly adversed to change, which is what you represent."

Beren looked Thurion in the eye then.

"I assure you, my father is different. You are here at his behest. Please, meet with him. Hear what he has to say."

The High King turned to Arden. "You are my chief security officer, Lord Commander. What say you to his request?"

Arden Durane

 

[Arden Durane]

The Guard formed up around the High King and the Princess, as they moved through the city more. And the further they got there were more eyes on them then before. A crowd soon surrounded them, shouting things at first, and then that was when the rotten fruit began to fly. "Shields up!" The commander declared which the sudden quick shift of the Lion Guard seemed to startle the mob around them but did not hinder them.

It wasn't until the High King himself drew Anarion and the light emitting from the blade that to this day was still a wonderous thing to see. But now it was used to drive a sense of fear into those around them. And it did it's job as they scattered. Arden was silently furious, they were called here to help and this was the greeting they received. He wondered if this King of theirs had a handle on his people. Surely he should have sent something to the populace about their arrival. But given what Beren Blackmane had informed them.

That would've started a riot before it even began.

"Arden?"

"Don't worry about me, are you okay." The Commander said with a look of concern, yet she would be able to tell that he was indeed furious at this debacle. He took her in his arms, checking her cheek where the fruit made contact. He didn't care what it was, they had harmed them first. And not just a lionguard, but they Princess of all people. He gave her a soft kiss and then kissed her forehead. Before they moved again and were met with the Royal Guard.

"They've never seen your kind before. The Church preaches isolation and xenophobia every chance it gets, instilling in us the belief that none but our kind are to trust. Ours is a people greatly adversed to change, which is what you represent."

"Even so, this was completely uncalled for." Arden said with a stoic expression on his face, doing a better job right now at hiding his disappointment and frustration.

"I assure you, my father is different. You are here at his behest. Please, meet with him. Hear what he has to say."

"You are my chief security officer, Lord Commander. What say you to his request?"

"I hope so....." Arden trailed off as he glanced around once again, the crowd had indeed dispersed, yet several were watching from a distance now.

"If the High King is to meet with your father he will not do so alone. Your father will speak to him in presence of the Lion Guard. I will not have another action such as what just happened." Arden glanced towards the High King, as his safety was indeed paramount. Arden moved closer to Thurion so to just speak between them two. "If you should wish it your grace, send me to negotiate with Beren's father? We cannot risk you."

Thurion Heavenshield