Firiona Vie Everquest

Hooves thundered, causing tremendous clouds of dust to swirl around the riders. The dryness was unusual this close to Surefall, but if it was noticed by the heavily armored horsemen, there was certainly no indication. All of them were similar in appearance, full plate armor in a Legionnaire's style, and all were matched in deep charcoal grey and scarlet colors.

Horses too were covered in sturdy barding, and the six riders were all uniform enough to look, at a distance, like flawless copies of one another. Leading the men, however, was a giant of a man so large he stood out at first glance. His armor was like their own, save the stiff and proud crest of rank on his helmet, but the sheer size and power of the man was phenomenal. His arms were bare above the bracer and the hugely thick muscles were clear indication of the strength the man possessed.

Holding up one hand in a closed fist, the leader brought the riders to a halt as one. Obvious training and discipline shone through their movements, all stopping in near perfect unision and order. The hulking lead rider turned back towards the others, and looked them over a minute before addressing one in particular.

"Seigfried! Give me the bag," his voice rang out, deep and graveled.

The one addressed as Seigfreid nodded assent to the command, and quickly jumped gracefully down from his horse, the dismount made all the more amazing given his heavy armor. Untying a silk bag from his saddle, he walked to the huge rider and presented it to him. The lead horseman took it, and nodded before speaking again.

"Remain here, I will present this.. gift... alone. Watch this road, allow none to pass until I return, but I will not be gone long. In Her name we do this!"

At his last words, the other men saluted him as one, fists over their hearts, the thick metal of bracer and breastplate clanging together and ringing harshly amongst the peaceful countryside. Returning the salute, the giant spun his horse around and rode the last short distance towards Surefall Glade. The silk bag was gripped firmly in one enormous and calloused hand, its contents slapping against his saddle as he rode.

Not even bothering to dismount, the lone rider approached the Rangers. His helm shadowed over his features enough to block his appearance, but the huge hilt of his broadsword was sticking up from its scabbard, his weapon not drawn. Still, the enormous size and power of the man made the Ranger guards of Surefall nervous and they notched arrows to bows as they waited for him to close the last bit of distance.

As he drew closer, his face was visible better in the open faced helm, and a sneer was obvious through its opening. He eyed their bows contemptuously, clearly enjoying their discomfort. Light gleamed off the dark metal of his armor, the burnished grey ominous even in daylight. The blood red scarlet of his cloak snapped loudly in the wind, and he took his time, savoring their curiosity and fear.

Finally, the rider reached up and removed his helmet. The enormous muscles of his arms twitched and flexed unconsciously as he moved, and he set the helmet down on his saddlehorn as he glared at the Surefall guardsmen with storm-grey eyes. His face was arrogant and cruelly handsome, with prominent high cheek bones and a strong jaw. Pale blonde hair was tied tightly back, and he was immaculately shaven. Though of obvious Halasian ancestry, there was nothing of the jovial Northman in this Warrior.

"I bear greetings from the Dark Mistress, Tatjana Scareltfire! She who rules us, She who leads the Scarlet Storm. All glory to Her!"

The Rangers kept their arrows in their bows and their captain awaited further words, despite a myriad of questions quickly forming in his mind. Continuing, the giant picked the guard captain out and addressed him in particular.

"I am Tylur Stahl, Commander of Her Legion. I bring this," he held the silk bag up for all to regard, "as warning and evidence of my convictions and Her words."

"You will take this bag to the Alliance, along with the words I will now tell you. Give it to Licinia, Jetamio, or Elianeth.. and be sure to pass along exactly what I say. Had I known where to find them myself, I would have done so.. but they hide as always, and their present location was as secret as usual."

Throwing the bag down at the feet of the Ranger captain, Tylur sneered, white teeth behind the tan skin of his face.

"This is what remains of Videtta, formerly of the Chosen. Know that the Chosen are no more, they are either dead, scattered, or they have.. like myself.. found a true calling. Videtta refused to understand, and she sought me out. At my Mistress' order, I removed her head from her body. Show this to the Alliance.. and tell them my Mistress will reward any similar attempts at confronting us with the same response."

"The Legion of the Scarlet Storm is born, and will sweep Norrath! Join us and find unending glory in Her will. Fight us," he nodded at Videtta's head, "and suffer the Cleric's fate."

"All glory to Her, the Mistress Tatjana!"

Ignoring any words or movement of the guards, Tylur put his helmet back on his head and spurred his horse. His message now delivered, he rode back to his troops and his Mistress.

The captain of the Rangers watched him ride away, his hand up.. a breath away from giving the order to fire arrows. Still, he thought, a messenger is not a target even one with a message like this....

Opening the silk bag only slightly, knowing he had to confirm its grisly contents with his own eyes, he choked back anger and frustration with a loud gasp. The almond shaped eyes of Videtta Freedell looked out upon a darkening Norrath, forever unseeing and lifeless, their bright spark only a memory.

jumps down from a near by tree and trails after tylur away from the outpost* i will avegene my mother storm i will do this..................... 8 his armor is no longer of steel but that of leather like a monk as i run swiftly and quitly after the men that i wish now to kill*



your time is at end mother but your death will not be unherd i will not stand this



*runs into the night after his enemys with tears falling down his cheeks*

A heavily cloaked figure trailed this strange party, but she kept her distance, usually out of sight. Not for fear of these men, but simply from the difficulty of travelling in daylight. She could not bear the sun for long, but she did not need to keep them in sight so long as she kept the scent of their blood. As they neared Surefall Glade, the trees thickened and the cloaked figure could travel much faster with their shade. She had them in her sights again as the Leader broke off and went on alone to the Rangers. Unseen, she tailed him among the trees, standing still when she stopped. She did not need to get closer to hear the words spoken, her supernatural hearing allowing her to keep the safety and shade of the trees. She doubted the tall one would harm her though, she had been told he was seeking her to join them and it was curiousty that had made her follow his people to gather more information. But the Rangers would not think twice about shooting her.
A gust of wind blew back her hood, revealing a Tier'Dal priestess of twilight skin and a long silky mane of silver hair. She stood perfectly still, her black eyes watching everything until the man turned and left. With a muttered word she too dispappeared in a puff of soft gold smoke.

~*~

Jetamio heard the shouts before the door flung open and a harrassed looking Ranger stood in the doorway. He spotted her, then hurried over and whispered something in her ear. Her eyes widened and her face paled at whatever he had told her and she stood.

"Find the others, and my husband." With that she left the building and headed to the scene.

follows the band till he can go no more then returns back to the rangers*

take me to see lady jet plz and thank you i must see her or storm emdeitly my mother is gone i have no home here