The following are  summaries  or actual  posts made during the last great battle played out at the original Nia's Tavern on the original WBS Website.

This game was played prior to the sell of WBS in 1998 and prior to the Close of Nia's in 1999. 

These characters were played and developed over years, and many evolved from basic AD&D Character Classes to much more, just as human's evolve.  For instance, Ray the barbarian became more civilized due to the influence of the elves;  Juliannah, the elf cleric, became a bit more "evil" after being tortured by Sulieman; Chance Holiday, the villain extraordinaire became more heroic after stealing a part of Alexander's soul   Some characters that die in this battle, no matter how permanent the death may seem, come back due to other role-plays where the portals between the afterlife and this life somehow spill into one another.  Some players simply rewrote their characters for other sites after Nia's closed. So who you play to by one name may not be who you see here, or have a memory of this. On the other hand, they may very well remember.

If, at places, it sounds corny (and it will and does), it is intentional.  After all. This is a role-play based on fantasy worlds. If you cannot be melodramatic here, where can you be?

The War Begins

Lord Alexander Goldenshield

It was  a hot day in Crusadia, even this early in the morning. Already, the sun hung high in the sky, beating down upon the green land of Crusadia. As the sun melted away the dawn's dew, Alexander Goldenshield, King of Crusadia rode out among his people. Atop his white stallion, the fabled Avalon, he rode. Wearing his finest armor, made of dwarven full plate, chiseled to fit the contours of his body, all gleaming gold and silver. And around his shoulders, a red cloak. Looking out among the soldiers gathered... elfin archers, dwarven axemen, peasants with pitchforks and the Legion of Crusadia the greatest assembly of warriors ever found under one banner. Each man who participated knew what they rode into.. for it was certain death. But they all came, from every corner, for one goal... to free all the lands of Sulieman's tyranny. With a rousing battle cry, they all took off, the hoofs of a million horses making one thunderous charge, as they rode headlong into Sulieman's army. Spies had revealed Sulieman and his demon allies had divided their force into two main branches, and it was decided that the United force of Crusadia would do the same. Alexander, at the head of his troops, sought the demons, while Nia took her force to seek out the tyrant Sulieman.

Lady Lavania Goldenshield

The sunlight glinted off the elfin mail that Nia wore, her bow and quiver strung over her back did not rattle as she moved. Her pockets carefully packed with potions and spell components, but what she truly relied upon was the sword at her side, the legendary sword of ages, SoulRester. Like Alexander, Nia lead a combined force of men under the banner of Crusadia, elves, dwarves, barbarians and noblemen charged to meet Sulieman's forces. The attitude was serious as the massive force moved forward, for today would settle the fate of the middle-earth. Today would determine if men and fae lived free or under a tyrants reign.

Darien Moonglow

The King of the High Elves had decided he would not ride mounted into battle, for to him, no elf ever rode a horse. And so, Darien Moonglow, leading a small band of elfin warriors and mages, left earlier than the main force, flitting, as the silent elves always did, through the trees and brush of Crusadia. Darien’s elves sound found themselves in peril though. Forest runners had reported that, unknown to Goldenshield, Sulieman had made allies with the Hill Giants to the northwest, and they were advancing towards the flank of Goldenshield's soldiers. The swift thinking elf, knowing he could not hope to get a message to Alexander in time, and knowing the giants would smash through Goldenshield's cavalry, decided that they had to halt the giants. And so, before the giants knew what was happening, fireballs, and arrows hailed down on them. As the ancient elfin king reverted to a time when he was younger, and full of the warrior. The outnumbered elves fought valiantly, and used every advantage they could. Though it took most of the afternoon, and losses were heavy, the elves stopped the giants. And not one of them even got within a mile of Goldenshield's riders. Darien sustained a small injury to his leg, which he said would heal, with a little time, and chocolate cake. This is how a small band of elves, led by Darien Moonglow, prevented the giants from playing a decisive role in the battle.

Lord Alexander Goldenshield

His cavalry rode on, and plunged headlong into the armies. Though no intelligence had reported it, a small group of demons had breached the dimensional barriers, and made their way through the breach, to oppose the heroes who sought to do battle with them. Though the demons were fearsome, the men, rallied around their King, never once broke formation,. And for each man that fell, two demons found themselves returned to the Abyss also. The rivers of blood mixed with the demon's ichor, but somehow... amazingly, the Crusadians pressed on, and ever, their King, in his gold and silver armor, led them.

 Brofin

Familiar with the mountains, and the veins of minerals that ran through them, having mapped many of the caves and tunnels, the dwarves of Brofin slipped into the dark caverns, their intentions to cut through the mountains ahead of Alexander's main force. Their plan to weaken Sulieman's line before Alexander's legions arrived, fresh and ready for war. Unfortunately, they did not know that Sulieman had enlisted the aide of Orcs and Kobolds, or that the caverns of the mountains were being used for the very same purpose by Sulieman's allies. It was here, in the heart of the mountain that dwarf met Orc and Kobold and troll. The mountain rocking with the battle cries of the warriors. Many a Dwarf stood before Odin that day, but they stood with pride for though the casualties were high, the victory was sweet, and at last the few remaining forces pushed through the mountain, a clear line set up now for the King's messengers to transverse. Though he was wounded severely, Brofin refused to leave the battlefield, insisting his men prop him up to view the fight, his hammer and axe at his side, shouting out commands to his troops, the banner of Crusadia still flying high, the bodies of his enemies burning against the afternoon sky, a gift to the gods.

Sir Aldaric Hawkstar

Aldaric, the scholar knight, a young man no one ever thought was made for war, proved himself to be made of much sterner stuff than many believed. He followed his childhood friend, and now his king, Alexander Goldenshield, into the battle. Commanding a small group composed of dwarves and humans, his battalion quickly became separated when the demo horde drove a wedge in the line. His ragtag bunch suffered heavy casualties early on, many of the human's screams ringing echoing off the valley's cliff walls. Pinned against the sheer face of the cliff, it seemed for certain that the dwarves and humans would meet their Gods on this day. But Aldaric ever the scholar, remembered a battle song he had heard rouse a small group of barbarians, long ago. And Aldaric, facing certain death, began to sing, loudly. His voice carried over the din of battle and the clash of steel against demonic talon. But, his song, preposterous as it was, roused the men's spirits, and added a savagery to them. If they must die, then they would do so only at the cost of the demon's existence. Remarkably though, the demons were not prepared for the savagery of those they thought would be an easy slaughter, and before long, the monsters of the Pit broke ranks, and fled, with dwarf and human hunting them down, decimating the ranks of those who nearly killed them but a moment before. Centuries later, Aldaric would be known as the ''singing knight,'' for, when he returned, triumphant to Crusadia, every man under his command told the tale of how Aldaric's song had helped them overcome impossible odds, and achieve victory .

Lady Lavania Goldenshield

Moving forward on the trail set earlier in the war counsel, Nia's senses tingled, a feeling that her path was wrong, and as she often did at such times, she halted her ranks. Listening to the inner voice that had guided her since birth, with a sudden shrill war cry she turned her horse, and slapped it, sending the animal home, and directing the elves of her rank to go to their feet, moving into the forests. It was here they met the Gremlin forces. Fireballs, lightening and arrows flew, but at last, the elves emerged again, and once more set on their path. Their faces grim, for the roads they traveled were becoming darker and more dense with the darkness of evil.

Tevros Kneesplitter

Though it was a grand deal when Brofin the dwarf had sworn his hammer to Alexander, there were other dwarves, long ago loyal to Goldenshield, in the battle as well. Among them was the group of dwarves known as the Iron Legion, led by Tevros Kneesplitter. A small, aging force it was made up mostly of dwarves past their prime, itching for one final battle, to do their ancestors proud. Tevros and his Iron Legion were sent to block the advance of Sulieman’s army further towards the capital. Sulieman had decided to march his troops through the Myrloch pass, a small entrance to a valley, that lay between two steep cliffs. Tevros and his dwarves stood, shoulder to shoulder, row in front of two, and blocked the path. Each dwarf was determined to die three times before they allowed even one solider to pass through. The rush of Sulieman's soldiers was fierce, and the small band of dwarves was hopelessly outnumbered. But, the battle lasted for hours, for though outnumbered, the dwarves furiously dug in their heels, and the stout fighters gave not even one inch of ground. As the sun reached its midday peak, less than a third of the advancing soldiers remained, and all that remained were wounded, many of them mortally so. Finally, the call to retreat was made, the dwarves had held the pass. but, the victory was a pyretic one. For, as the last of Sulieman's soldiers vanished in retreat, the last dwarf collapsed. Though they held the pass, and no one ever breached it, no dwarf of the Iron Legion was ever able to celebrate their victory, or receive their awards. For at the end of the night, the Iron Legion returned not to their hearths, but to the bosom of their gods.

Priestess  Juliannah Marie Willowdown

Her heart heavy with the guilt of what she considers her own betrayal of Nia, Alexander and even the great god Corellon Larethian, Juli refused to join the armies that marched under the banner of Crusadia, not because she did not wish them victory, not because she did not intend to battle with them, but because she felt unworthy of the honor. So she had stayed behind as Alex, Nia, Brofin, Aldon, and many others that she loved with all her heart rode forth to destroy Sulieman. After their departure she had gone to her office deep in the temple, and had prayed for their safety. Then she had risen, and donning the garments of her office she had begun to cast a spell. A spell that carried her deep into the battlefield, to the swamps that lay between Alexander and his enemy. A swamp her scrying eye had warned her was infested with the undead. It was there, alone, she met the misty crimson death that infested the swamps. It was a difficult and fierce battle, and when it was over, the cleric was almost dead from dehydration, her bodily fluids drained by the tentacles of the monster, but as she lay, ready to face death, she felt the presence of Corellon about her, heard his voice in her heart, telling her that she could not die here for she was needed later. She would have to join Nia and Alex in destroying what she helped create. And so it was with this last urging from her god that she sent the creature away, her lovely voice filling the woods as the creature dissipated into the clouds, its life force gone, the swamp, for now, safe for Alexander to pass if he chose that path.

   Chance  Holiday

He was sitting in Hayven enjoying what would be his last glass of red wine, when he learned of the battle. Standing, he cast one last glance about this place, his beloved home, and let out a deep sigh. It was time to face his destiny, it was time to take the ultimate gamble. No one ever before had been able to cheat fate... he only prayed he would be able to change that. Closing his eyes, he gathered the shadows about him, and prepared to march into the Valley of Death.

No one even knew that Raydakar had planned on coming to the battle. But, dragging behind him a large barbarian horde, Raydakar had decided that the time spent hiding away from evil had passed. Now was a time for heroes, and he knew, that now was his time to make his life, and death count. Seeing a great cloud of dust rising, it was easy enough to guess where Alexander was, and when he spotted the silver and gold gleam of his armor, he knew for certain that this is where he King of Crusadia had taken battle. With a bloodcurdling war cry, the barbarians too entered the fray. The wild savages found their bone speaks and clubs little use against the demons, and so, they turned their wrath upon the regular armies, the contingents of Sulieman's desert warriors, and so, the battle became spear against scimitar, eastern decadence against western savagery. The barbarians fought well, and decimated Sulieman’s foot soldiers. The tale of Raydakar though, took a tragic turn. For one of the soldiers had broken ranks, and was poised to strike Goldenshield in the back with a poisoned dagger. Raydakar, keen eyed, stood in the path, and took the dagger into his heart. With one last breath, he wrapped his giant hands about the throat of the would be assassin, and crushed his windpipe, rendering him dead. Raydakar could not be saved, and, tragically, he too died. But in death, he had become a hero like those told in barbarian legend, he had finally fulfilled his destiny.

Aldon LeafSoar

Dispersing many of his own men to the ranks of Nia and Alexander, Aldon, like Juli, had decided that his gifts were best used alone. Slipping through the woods unseen and unheard, he'd quietly moved among the Harpies and Grimlocks that served Sulieman, silently ending their lives, naming a friend's name with each throat he cut, making each kill in their honor. He was moving forward, toward his next man when he saw the dagger fly toward Alexander, saw his dear friend, and old adventuring companion, leap forward to take the dagger meant for the king. With a cry that revealed himself to the enemy, he leapt forward, whipping potions from his pack, hoping to save Raydakar, but as he moved to the barbarian's side he heard the whistle of an arrow in flight, and muttered softly, "You fool. You forgot your own first command." The arrow landed with a harsh thud in his back, piercing armor and clothing and flesh. Ignoring the pain, he struggled to lift the barbarian, to feed the potion to him, but Ray was gone. His eyes already held the hollow glaze of death. With a soft sigh Aldon lowered him to the ground again, aware of his own blood seeping through his clothing, of a poison coursing through his own veins. "Farewell my friend. You died as you wished to die this time, with honor and with glory," and he fell forward, bleeding, the potion he meant for Raydakar still in his hand. It took all his remaining strength to lift the potion to his lips, to stop the poison from finishing the work it had begun, and as he lay there, paralyzed, an arrow in his back, he wondered if the potion had been in vain.

Lord Alexander Goldenshield

This must have been how Valor Goldenshield felt, when he drove away the Flight of Dragons that plagued Crusadia. It did not even occur to him that he was actually upon the same battlefield where Valor, his heroic ancestor, had made his courageous stand against the dragons, until many years later when he was an old man, recalling the memories of this pitched war. For now though, the focus was on this battle, and breaking through the ranks. The elves, dwarves and humans were holding up well. Behind him, he heard a loud groan, someone dying. Somehow, the voice sounded familiar, but to turn his head to look was suicide, and so, he did not know that Raydakar had fallen behind him until hours later. he also did not know that Aldon was behind him, these things were only revealed to him after the last bit of dust from the war had settled. However, his men could not hold up forever, and so, Alexander, still a brash warrior, spurred his mount on, as he broke though to the front of the line, seeking out Belasco and Zarathos. Only by killing the demons could he gain the decisive advantage. But, as he stumbled upon them, nothing could prepare him for what he saw.

Zarathos & Belasco

Using black magic too obscene to actually detail, Belasco and Zarathos merged their dark essences into one. An ancient ritual, fueled by the anguish of those dying all around them, merged them into one great Super demon. This being, neither Belasco nor Zarathos, but something much more powerful.. an incarnation of pure evil, turned just as the King of Crusadia rode upon them. This great demon laughed with feral savagery, and launched into a furious assault. Battle was joined, as the demon sought to utterly obliterate Goldenshield... who would win? It was to the Fates to decide.

As Sulieman's demonic forces press deeper into the lands of her birth, Ygraine moves to the villages of Crusadia, rallying the people around the temple, reminding them that death is preferable to the horrors that Sulieman will offer them. Her priestly robes, once as pure and white as the lily of the valley, become stained with the blood of her enemies as the priestess and her clerics battle the demonic hordes, calling upon their gods to protect the temple. The battle rages on, each victory of Alexander's foes strengthening her troops, each failure and loss weakening them. Through it all, her prayers and chants continued as demon after demon fell at the feet of her and her troops.

A Legend Falls

Lady Lavania Goldenshield

Breaking through the brush, the troops of Sulieman the Butcher spread out before her like thousands of rats. Lifting her sword, she gave the battle cry, and around her the troops surged forward to meet their fates. Sword clashed against katana, arrows flew about her, but she did not charge forward. She was drawn to another place. A place that the others knew nothing of. A place that only her heart guided her to. She had taken only a few steps when a piercing, agonizing pain seized her, almost brining her to her knees, and as tears spilled down her face she fought a rising panic, for the pain had come from within her. A signal from a soul bond. She could not know that this bond, this pain, was the first bond, long ago, the bond she thought totally severed, and as she struggled to her feet once again, rage, blind fury and agony pushed her forward, for she was certain that it was Alexander's pain that threw her to the ground. Only when she stood, face to face with Sulieman, did it occur to her that the comforting presence of Alexander, the strength of her heart was still deep within her. Bringing soul across her body, she spread her feet apart, glaring at Sulieman, "Do you wish a slow death? Or do you seek mercy?"

Sulieman Ibn Bajazet

"Ahh... Goldenshield's trollop," Sulieman spoke, as he looked up to see Nia. At his feet, a young elfin warrior lay on his back, split from bow to stern, his entrails slowly oozing from his body. And all around the Butcher, more evidence of his murderous rampage was there. A dozen or more eviscerated bodies, killed in the most gruesome fashion, testified to his skill with his dark bladed sword. "I offer you a choice Nia... you can surrender and be my slave, the way your precious Juliannah was, or you can stand, and join your fairy brethren in the afterlife...,"; he too brings his sword in front of him, for he truly hopes she stands to fight. The death of this elf will crush Goldenshield, and make this battle over that much sooner".

Lady Lavania Goldenshield

Her emerald eyes, usually known for their passion and fire, are cold as they look upon Sulieman, and they do not spark in the face of his taunts. Carefully her mind measures the distance between them, the speed she knows she is capable of with her elfin boots of speed verses the bulking gait of her emery. Never though, do her eyes move from his face, never do they give away her intent. Still locked upon them, she leaps forward suddenly, bringing SoulRester out and around in one hard, circular motion, an arch away from her rib cage toward Sulieman’s, an arch meant to split him in two, and yet, even as she leaps forward she begins to turn so that whether she hits or not, it will take an act of the demon's god to place him near her when she lands, for the pirouette in midair is meant to allow her to slice through her enemy and still arrive where she started from.

Sultan Sulieman Ibn Bajazet

The positioning of his blade allows Sulieman to fend off Nia's attac, but  he underestimates the lithe elf, and tries to grab at her. Nia's pirouette outdoes him though, for she is out of his reach even before the thought of counter attacking is in his mind. Thus, the first strikes are misses.

Circling Nia warily, his eyes set into a bloodshot look of mania, he will kill her, drink the blood as it flows from her veins, and then have total victory. With a blood curdling snarl, he simply launches himself at Nia. his attack has no degree of finesse to it, he seeks to overwhelm her with his strength and size and to force her to her knees, as blow upon blow rains down overhead upon her. Attacking with brutality and savagery, Nia's only hope is to outmaneuver his blade, which slices through the air, like the Grim Reaper's scythe.

Lady Lavania Goldenshield

The corner of Nia's lip turns up as she sees the blind rage come over Sulieman’s face. Her face set, she sees his intent to charge even before he begins to move. Deciding to put the butcher's height and bulk to work against him, she lifts Soul up above her to protect her, not from Sulieman's blade, but rather from his arms and elbows, for she does not try to fend off his blows. Instead, she darts forward, charging toward him, ducking under this arm. It is for this reason alone that Soul is positioned above her, for the natural reaction of a man of Sulieman’s size would be to bring his arms down, to try to elbow of pummel the elf as she charges, and if he does so, she intends to let Soul feed upon his soul. She tried to keep her charge close to his body, close enough to make any other attack impossible, while letter her slip past him to stand behind him.

Sultan Sulieman Ibn Bajazet

His charge foiled by the clever elf's tactics, he does indeed act as predicted. Bringing his elbow down, towards the top of Nia's head, he finds himself howling in agony as the silvery blade of SoulRester cuts across his flesh, and drains a part of his essence. Undeterred, he brings his leg out in a sweeping, upward arc. His hope is to catch Nia in her knee, and to either sweep her from her feet, or to buckle her leg. Knowing that an injury to her leg could very well be the easiest way to victory.

Lady Lavania Goldenshield

A thrill of victory courses through her veins as she hears Sulieman's cry of agony mingle with the trill of Soul as the blade feeds, but there is a disadvantage to her victory. Soul, feeding on the soul of her enemy, tarries a bit too long, digging into his flesh, and even though she feels the shift of her opponents weight, she cannot quite free her blade quickly enough to avoid the kick he sends her way. There is a sickening crack as his boot connects to her leg, and she feels herself beginning to fall at an angle.

Howling with pain, she jerks the sword back in and ducks toward the injured leg, curling into a roll that carries her away from her enemy. Panting, pain forming droplets of perspiration upon her brow, she struggles to her feet, but she can already feel pain creeping up her leg, and she knows that it is a miracle she stands at all.

Sultan Sulieman Ibn Bajazet

He  lets out a highly victorious yelp as Nia goes down. Swiveling upon the ball of his foot, he stands right over Nia. The black blade poised to decapitate her. Sneering evilly, he draws his blade up, but.. a sudden appearance distracts him.

   Chance  Holiday

A blackness descends over Nia's face, as the sentient shadows slowly protect her, as well as Distract Sulieman., "Your reign has come to an end Butcher..."  Chance's voice is especially grim, full if finality. In a few moments, his battle will be over, all that is left for him is to make this count, but he does not strike at Sulieman.  Instead, he reaches down, and his hands touch Nia, as her wounds begin to heal, as she is restored to full health, tragically though, his back is left exposed to the murderous blade of Sulieman.

Sultan Sulieman Ibn Bajazet

   Chance  Holiday

He is amazed, because, in truth, it does not hurt as badly as he thought it would. There is simply a moment of realization, the sword has passed through his body, has skewered him, and the magefyre is eating away at his essence. So this was it.. this was how the end could come. Slumping forward, he fell to the ground, and rolled onto his back. He would cling to existence long enough to see Nia destroy Sulieman. For, he knew, that in his death, Nia would have the opportunity to kill Sulieman.

Lady Lavania Goldenshield

As Sulieman looms over her, she brings SoulRester up to defend, believing it will only be a matter of time before Sulieman's death blow destroys her, but then she sees Chance, feels his healing touch, and at that moment a feeling of doom washes over her. Screaming "No!" she tries to warn Chance of the magefyre aimed at his back, but she is too late. With horror and tears she watches the blade slice through her brother-by-law, and rage once more consumes her. The agony in her heart as powerful as any she has ever felt in her years as a bladesinger.

Her heart ripped in two, she comes to her feet, hatred for Sulieman giving her a strength greater than any spell could have bestowed upon her, she lunges forward with Soul, plunging the sword into Sulieman's  groin and yanking up, attempting to split him open as widely and as painfully as she can. Wanting, with all her heart, to make his an agonizing death. The rage of generations of elves filling her veins as she twists her blade from side to side in its path upward.

"Do you hear that song you bastard of Hades? It is your soul being fed to the goddess! There will be no resurrection for you!"  She feels his blood splattering against her, mingling with her tears as she lets the sword feed, wishing, even as Sulieman dies on her blade, that she could prolong his agony. Understanding how Alexander felt that day long ago when he hacked this same man to pieces.

"Perhaps I will free you someday, free your black soul to inhabit the body of a kajira. Yes, that will be a fitting life for you... to serve as you have brought others to serve through torture," And then, letting this taunt be the last words Sulieman hears before soul sucks the last of his soul into the depths of the blade she jerks her sword free, and carves the golden shield of the lion in Sulieman’s chest, that any finding the body may know that this man died at the hands of a legionnaire. A warning to any who were foolish enough to follow his path. Only then is her rage sated enough to let her turn to Chance, and sobbing, she goes to his side, her knees buckling as she sees his pain.

"Oh Chance! I.. I've got to get you to Hayven." Her hands moved over him, wanting to heal him, feeling helpless because she knows she cannot heal one such as he.  "I am so sorry, Chance.  Why did you come? Why didn't you let him kill me? Oh, you foolish man! I didn't want this. Come! Please! We have to get to Hayven," trying to encase him in her arms.

Sultan Sulieman Ibn Bajazet

Reveling in his victory over Chance, he does not even pause to give Nia a second notice. This all ends however, when Nia’s sword enters his groin. Letting out a yelp, a sound of pain never heard by mortal ears before... he begins the final sound that will ever pass his lips. His screams echo across the valley long after he falls to the ground, or rather, both halves of him fall to the ground in death. And thus falls Sulieman the Butcher, as any hopes he had of conquest are sundered in the same way Nia has just rent his body.

   Chance  Holiday

He is well on his way to oblivion by the time Nia is cradling him in her arms. Black blood seeps from a gaping hole in his chest, and his eyes slowly roll back in his head. But, even this close to the bring, he retains enough lucidity to speak.

"No.. Nia.. this is it.. the end. it's all over now, I am going to die. It is all right Nia... everything comes to an end. Remember I said I wanted to be mortal? Well.. being mortal, means death. I am honored to die, as a mortal," his lips, even though blood slowly flows past them, curl into a smile, "Llisten to me very closely Nia... because I have to tell you how to defeat the demons, how to fulfill your destiny. Do you remember, when Alexander and you used the SoulBond to join as one? That.. is the key to defeating the demons. Together, you and Alexander, with one soul, can strike a killing blow to Zarathos and Belasco.. it is the only hope, you must do it Nia, I will no longer be here to protect you mortals, it is your job now."

His eyes close, and he begins to cough, but he forces himself to go on, "There is one last thing. SoulRester.. was never completed.. because I was afraid. You see.. the blade was never tempered, for it can only be tempered in Blood," and by this, he does not mean anyone's blood, but those of the Blood, immortals, "Iit must be tempered by me... and I never wanted to sacrifice myself. You must... temper the blade, to defeat the demons Nia, you MUST do this. Put your blade in my wound... draw forth the blood, it is the only way.."  He begins to cough again, but his resolve remains firm, "Do it Nia.. do it NOW!!! End the reign of demons, and temper the blade.... "

Lady Lavania Goldenshield

Cradling him in her arms, she brings her ear close to his lips as Chance whispers his final words, her hands gently trying to wipe away the blood that spills from his lips, an instinctive action born of her knowledge of his fastidiousness about his appearance. So close is she that her tears fall gently on his face, washing away the dirt and blood that clings there.

Hiccuping she nods her head, feeling suddenly like a lost child, "The bond. Yes. I .. I will do it. I swear to you on .. on.. Alexander's life I will not fail."Her hand gently brushing against his forehead, "Let me take you to Hayven, Chance. Please. Malek will be..," she cuts herself off as Chance speaks again, and when she hears him talk of tempering the blade she lets out a wail of soul-wrenching pain for she does not think she has the strength to do what he asks of her. Brushing his hair from his face she looks down into his eyes, watching the embers flickering out and sobs again. This, of all the deaths she has known, is the most painful. Her heart breaking, she lays her hands on his face, one hand on each cheek and nods, "I.. I will do what I .. must do," and with a gentle kiss on his lips, blinded by tears, she slips away from him.

Fumbling for her blade, she lifts it, bringing it to his neck, but her hands tremble and she stands there, fighting herself.  Wanting to carry out his final wishes - unable to do so. Finally she closes her eyes, reaching deep into her heart, reaching through the soul-bond to Alexander, and lifting SoulRester she brings the sword down in a strong, thrust, piercing Chance's heart.  She hears Soul feed, and knows that Chance's soul now mingles with Sulieman's, trapped for eternity in the blade. Her job done, the blood drains from her own face and she sinks again into the dirt of the battlefield, her body convulsing with sobs as she looks at the lifeless body of the man who was once her greatest enemy and is now, with the one exception of Alexander, her greatest friend.

What was she to tell Alex? What was she to tell Malek? What had she done? Embracing him, holding him tightly against her, she presses her face against his lifeless chest, oblivious to the cold of his body, of the grime and blood that covers her face. Slowly her breath returns to normal and she pulls herself up, removing her own cloak she carefully drapes it over his body, and not knowing what else to do, she sends his body to Hayven, and turns, calling down fire upon the body of Sulieman.

   Chance  Holiday

His body shudders only once as Nia thrusts the blade into his heart. But, it is just a very slight shiver, like a child sleeping beneath an open window suddenly hit by a cool breeze. There is no pain in his eyes, as SoulRester drains away what remains of his life. In death, he seems quiet and serene, the picture of graceful death. It had been a good existence, one to be proud of. His job was done.. it was time for him to pass on, and so he did, Chance Holiday was no more.

The Battle Ends

Lady Lavania Goldenshield

Trembling, she draws another shuddering breath, aware of a growing pain deep within her, a pain that can only mean one thing, and with a scream that echo's over the hills she touches SoulRester, vanishing from this scene of carnage only to re-appear at a scene just as bloody. Her grief has made her careless, for she materializes, not on the edge of battle, but in the very center of it. At the side of Alexander, who is in the depths of the war.

Lord Alexander Goldenshield

Sorely pressed by the Demon, Alexander  is on his last legs in the fight. Belasco-Zarathos has long ago taken the advantage, and Alexander is now reduced to fending off death blows. A nasty gash cuts him along the forehead, sending rivulets of blood into his eyes, partially blinding him. One arm hangs limply at his side, the result of a bone crunching claw swipe. But still, his resolve is firm, he will not give in to the demon. Battling on, he feels a sudden pang, and knows that Chance is gone, that his brother has passed. But now was not the time to mourn, for he and Nia still lived, and the task was still at hand.

Taking a deep breath, he caught sight of Nia, and something in his heart soared, filled him with hope once again. Nia had made it to him, once more, they were together. A smile actually formed on his lips, as he was once more reunited with his love, the woman that had always fought at his side. With her there now, he new, failure was impossible.

Zarathos & Belasco

The great Demon, Belasco-Zarathos, was fairly certain that Goldenshield was dead. And so, it continued, actually awed by this human's resilience, but it would do him no good. As Nia appeared, the demonic entity sneered evilly, and turned to face her, "Ah.. at last the Chosen makes her appearance known.. good, now we may kill off both at the same time."

  Crusadian Legionnaire 1

Struggling beside the king, trying his best to protect the king from any who would come to the aide of the demons, one legionnaire fends off would be assassins. His uniform is tattered and torn, his side bleeds from a gash, and then he sees the queen materialize beside the king, just as one of the assassin's steps forward. With a startled cry the young man leaps forward, impaling himself on the blade that would have slain the queen. Even then, as he falls, he throws his own blade, impaling his enemy as he himself has been impaled.

Lord Alexander Goldenshield

“Nay m'love..," he says with a slight grin, "you are right on time."

Feeling her reach out with the soul-bond, and instinctively understanding what she seeks, he lets his body relax. Trained as a psionicist, even in his injured state meditative focus is easy to reach. He feels his way to Nia, feels the mystical link between them. The soul-bond, symbol of their eternal love for one another. And it all suddenly makes sense, what else could stop the forces of evil, but the purest of  loves?

Feeling the bond between them, his mind slowly begins to open the channel, until the bond begins to spread. Joined by the union, it slowly covers them with its warmth, as the soul-bond evolves, these two becoming as one unity. And then, in one electric moment, it occurs.. Alexander and Nia cease to exist, instead, there is simply a unity of souls, a joining of loves. Alexander's strength and Nia’s compassion. The discipline of Alexander, and the wisdom of Nia, and at that moment, all evil quakes, for this is the final curtain call for its masters, Belasco and Zarathos.

However.. something more occurs to Alexander, for it is not two who are joined.. but three. A new life, only discovered on these killing fields, but such thoughts, they distract, and so are pushed away. Alexander-Lavania now fully evolved, it lifts its arms, the one that wields SoulRester. The ancient blade hums its tune of death, a haunting melody that puts fear into the depths of the fearless Abyssal monster it was created to destroy. Lashing out, this unity of Soul aims for the Demon's heart, seeking to end its foul existence in one fell swoop.

Zarathos

&

Belasco

The merged demons think the Alexander and Nia display folly at first, for they cannot understand what love means, or the power it holds. But, as the two souls merge... even the demons realize their death knell has been sounded. It lets out a feral scream, futilely protesting its imminent demise. But, it is all for naught, because nothing will save these two masters of evil from their destruction. When SoulRester rends its scaly hide, the demons let out a scream that rocks all of Crusadia, and lifts the ocean's waves into great tsunamis, but even this last bit does nothing. For, an instant later, with a small POOF of brimstone, the demon's bodies have dissolved. For, the day has been won, Zarathos and Belasco are no more. The fiends that plagued the mortal realm for untold millennia simply cease to exist, the dark cloud that hung over Crusadia lifts, to reveal a peaceful summer day.

Lady Lavania Goldenshield

Opening her soul to Alexander, the love that kept her alive during Drake's torture, during her imprisonment by Lexius, during the loss of their child, through battles, illnesses and joy wells within her, flowing to Alexander as his love flows back to her. She feels the merging of their spirits, the ecstasy of their love, and then she understands. It is her body which raises the sword, but it is Alexander's strength and skill which wield the blade, sundering evil in two. The light of love cutting through the veil of evil as a flame cuts through darkness. As the love explodes within this being that has formed, this.. triune.. a smile radiates from the elfin features. When at last she feels the souls separating into their private sectors once more, always bonded and yet.. individual, she feels a slight loss, as if she has been asked to leave paradise, and yet.. there is something. different. She looks at Alexander, confusion on her face, knowing that he must sense this too, this.. change.

Crusadian Legionnaire 2

Looking on as the royal couple take on an ethereal glow, the weary men of Crusadia and her allied nations watch as this new creation of love drives the elfin blade of the ages through the monstrous demons and then the air explodes with cheers. Swords ring out strong again, exhaustion flees as victory is now visible to them, and soon the ranks of Sulieman and the demons began their retreat, but it is a futile attempt for they charge right into the reinforcements come to aide the king.

Finally, a broad grin upon his face, a soldier approaches Alexander. His arm hangs at his side, bloody, limp, useless, but he seems oblivious to this fact as he salutes Alexander, "Your majesty! The cowards flee right into the ranks of Tysira’s old guard. There will be none left before the sun sets on the oceans. The field and day is ours!" And cheers ring out again.

Lord Alexander Goldenshield

As the soul-bond ends Alexander turns to see his Legionnaire approach him. At the good news, his lips curl into a smile. When the soldiers begin to gather at the destruction place of the demons, he moves to their center, calling for all of their attention.

Healed now, through the power of the soul-bond, he sheathes his twin silver blades. Rapidly, he throws off his gold and silver breast plate, letting it rest on the plains of battle. With a quick motion, he stands atop a great rock, looking out over the tired, but victorious army that he had led to triumph these are his people, and he must address them." Listen to me!!!,"his deep voice rings out over the plain, as he calls to everyone.  "All of you, dwarf, human, elf, gnome, halfling, and all others. Each and every one of you, and all of your fallen comrades, risked everything on this day. You came... not because you had to, but because of something you felt in here, his hand thumps hard against his chest, where his heart would be. "You all came, because you KNEW that tyranny could not ever be suffered to exist. You fought for your homes yes, and for your fallen friends and family, but you also fought for something far greater than that. You fought to prove that no one can ever violate certain principles. You fought because the weak should never be made to suffer under the yoke of oppression. Each and every one of you... you have done something for which the whole world owes you an un-repayable debt. You have made the world safe again, for your children... and," he looks to Nia, and a very proud smile crosses his lips, "For my child... Go all of you, return to your lives, and pray prosperity find each of you. And remember this, whenever you see a child smile, or hear its playful laughter, now that it is because of you that the child can smile and laugh, as a free person, and does not frown and cry under the yoke of tyranny," and, at these words, he steps down, returning to the arms of his beloved wife.

A New Beginning

Chance  Holiday

“Well.. you all did very nicely, " he simply is there, behind Alexander and Nia, grinning like a madman. Healthy and whole, one would never guess he had perished minutes ago., a fact he does not even seem to acknowledge, talking and acting nonchalant. Finally, he turns to look at Nia and Alexander, wrinkling his nose.  "Why.. what is the matter... you look as if you have seen a ghost! Oh wait.. you have! Well.. let me explain, you see, according to Fate, I was to die at Sulieman's hands. But you see, also according to fate, if the ''renegade'' helps aid in Belasco and Zarathos' demise, he will be redeemed. Apparently, Fate never counted on my risking death to cheat death., but I did.. and here I am, back, and quite healthy.  "He chuckles again, as he lets out a sigh, "I have finally cheated Fate. But let me tell you.. I am glad this is only supposed to happen once, I am too old for such foolishness. "

 Brofin

A group of dwarves, singing loudly, approach the trio standing on the blood tainted fields. They carry Brofin, laughing, shouting out victory oaths.

Priestess  Juliannah Willowdown

Slipping out of the woods that surround the battle ground, Juliannah makes her way through the dead and wounded, pausing time and time again to heal those who wait at the door of death. Guided by Corellon, she eventually stumbles upon a horrid sight, and biting her lip, looks up to Nia, her own heart breaking. How could she tell her? She draws a deep breath, kneeling beside the large barbarian's body, and begins to prepare him for the final journey to the next world when she realizes an elf has fallen on his legs. Moving to separate the bodies, she rolls over the elf and gasps, for she looks into the face of Aldon. At first he appears dead, so pale is he, so still his body, but his body is warm and with a cry of joy she quickly cuts the shaft from the arrow, pressing it through and then begins her healing chant.

Aldon LeafSoar

In pain, he gasps and moans as Juli cuts the shaft and begins her work upon his body. The healing is not an easy one, and long before he has the strength to sit up Aldon looks up at his friend and growls, "Do they not teach mercy in that temple?" But his lips turn up in a gentle smile. "'Tis a good man I pledged my blade to Juli. A good man." And then he passes out once again, letting the elf finish her work as he sleeps.

Lady Lavania Goldenshield

Too worn and weary, too heart broken to think, Nia listens as Alexander addresses his men, her mind torn between joy over their victory and a deep, penetrating void as she counts the casualties in her mind. She has not seen Ray's body, but she knows, that somewhere in those fields, the barbarian who once won her in a poker game, lies in death. This time there is no part of his soul kept in her blade to save him. And Jaeyrel, never again will the Captain stomp his feet and demand she listen to his advise. And Chance. Oh, Corellon, what would she tell Malek? Did Alex know? Or would she have to break the news to him also?

 She looks away, her eyes roaming the fields, Alexander's words flowing around her, but not really penetrating her until he speaks of a future with children. Only then does she look up at him, meeting his eyes. As he grins down at her, she cocks her head to one side, and then her eyes grow wide, her lips parting as if to ask a question, a hand instinctively going to her womb.  "Alex? Are you.. do you...," Was it her imagination? Was this the third presence in the bond?

She had so many question, but then she heard another voice and turning, saw Chance. With a squeal of utter delight she flung herself at him, showering him with gentle kisses on his cheek, tears again streaming down her face, and then she stepped back and slapped him.

" How DARE you frighten me like that!? How COULD you do that to me! I .. I am NEVER speaking to you again! You.. you... Oh, God. I'm glad to see you!" And she again flings herself at her brother-in-law, hugging him tightly. Finally, she frees herself from Chance and moves to meet Alexander, slipping her arms around him, gazing up into his face.  "Alex? Are you.. are we.... I mean.. How could YOU know such a thing afore I?"  Wanting with all her heart to believe it, afraid to believe it. Expecting him to tell her he spoke figuratively, praying his words were more.

Lord Alexander Goldenshield

As Nia runs to him, he smiles, and lays one hand gently on her stomach. "Aye Nia.. I sensed it through the soul-bond, you and I.. we are going to have a child Nia."  He leans his head against her, just content to hold her, to end this day in the bliss of her arms.

Chance  Holiday

 He smiles to Nia and Alexander as the two embrace. Seeming to be a bit older.. wiser now, and somehow.. calmer, less threatening than he had been in the past, as if he has gained a new insight.  "If you two would... let me ruin the surprise. Nia is indeed carrying Alexander's child, and it is a daughter.. the Lioness that you two have long prayed you would have. You two are entering into a new era in your lives, one where you will.... " but he pauses, and simply grins, "Oh no, that would be telling. I shall leave it at this, soon you both will be parents and then the fun times shall truly begin. But as for me... I am tired, death, it seems, has taken a lot from me."  And with that, he spins upon his heel, and is gone from view, to return to Hayven, once more watching over and guiding events in the mortal realm.

Lady Lavania Goldenshield

Emotionally drained, joy overwhelming sorrow, she snuggles against Alexander, literally leaning against him, for though he has healed, she has not. Her hand lays against her womb, the awe of the fact that she bears the daughter of Alexander the greatest emotion within her. She finally looks up at Alexander and holds SoulRester out to him, "Take your family home love."

Lord Alexander Goldenshield

And he takes hold of SoulRester, the blade that saved them, and saved everyone on this day. And, with the blink of an eye, they are GONE, and all is well.

Or Was It?

Lord Elton  Hawksbridge