Of Love and Hate

[Seheren]

Rays of gold streaked across the morning sky, as the Sun rose above the rolling green hills. The light caught by the dew in a brilliant display of natural beauty. Sitting on a rock, a small boy enjoyed the display. As if some God, somewhere, was granting him this view personally. A perfect morning.

So engrossed was he, that he never heard the rustle in the bushes. Nor the soft padding of feet behind him, until it was too late. He was wrapped in vice-like grip, falling towards the dewy grass, then tumbling across the ground to rest on his back. The sound of laughter erupted, seemingly from everywhere, atop his quiet hillock. The larger boy sat atop his chest like a triumphant warrior and tousled his hair before rising to his feet, still laughing.

"Come on, get up you! We ain' all got time fer sittin' about. We only gots an hour or so 'afore chores!" The boy cried, accompanied by various shouts from the other boys. He stuck out his hand, helping the boy up, and pushing him along towards their favorite spot. A place where for once he was accepted, where he did not feel excluded....

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Another morning, a less brilliant sunrise. Low gray clouds clung to the sun, draining its light, and casting dancing shadows upon the hills. A fine mist swept across his face, a biting chill despite the mild temperature. He looked over his shoulder, then, between the copse of trees, down the hill. He saw the small village, alive with the work of the farmers, bakers, and butchers. Children running about on errands, making up games as they went. All running about on a mission, as he was left to his many thoughts.

But there was one that caught his eye, she wasn't what the other girls were. She was different, and that made her an outcast. Much like himself, so he thought. She had frizzy black hair, it ran rampant down her back, most days. She wore the tatters of clothes like the rest, but she seemed out of place in such drabness. Her skin was pale, and she reminded him of the eerie beauty of the dolls he had seen packed within his mothers belongings. At times he thought she almost seemed to glow.

Her eyes belied her ragged appearance. Inquisitive and meaningful, they were two dark brown orbs that could swallow him whole, if he let them.. She moved slower, with a grace the other children lacked... The sun did not dazzle him this morning, but his heart was warmed more then equally....

[Seheren]

Days came and went, for the boy. He watched the village. He watched as people interacted, he watched friends laugh, children play, and people cry. He saw the gambit, and he studied it. He watched liars lie, and thieves steal, and even at a young age it outraged him. Never would he allow such behavior, never would he let them escape punishment. The days went ever slowly, the children often to tired to bother climbing his hillock. Leaving the young boy to himself, to watch.

When the sun peaked, and his stomach growled in protest, the boy simply pulled himself to his feet to march towards his home. Down the hillock, around a copse of trees and the main path to the Village was laid bare before him. Along the path he marched, bending around towards the small gate to the Village. Coming to a stop where the path forked, just a stones toss from the bustling settlement. It was often here that the boy would watch, for just a moment longer, as the life of the people were laid before him. Watch until again came that rumbling in his stomach, a pleading to fill it with food.

Back on the way, parallel to the Village, the path rose upon another hillock, a gated home nestled against a copse of tall oaks at its peak. The twin spires of the main home jutting towards the sky like the tips of two giant spears. Often catching the evening sun directly between them, making it seem the the sun set into the heart of the estate. At the gate hung proudly the blue and gold banner. More of a fortress, the boy always thought. The stone wall surrounding on all sides, the iron and oak gate that blocked entry, a fortress indeed.

The road smoothed much as it forked towards the estate, well cared and kept. A road traveled often, by more then the wandering boy. Time always seemed to speed up as he neared, feeling that the walk ended far sooner then it should, much shorter then the walk to his hillock, his perfect view into his realm. For it would be his, someday...

[Seheren]

Past the Gates of the quiet estate, the boy kept his pace. Passing the few guards patrolling the wall, the three men sitting idly in the small guardhouse just inside. As he passed the stables, two boys worked within, their plain clothes dirty and ragged, but their smiles bright as they played games as they finished chores. He passed the path that led to the small cottage that held the working families, giving a short glance that direction.

It was not long before he pulled open the door to the largest structure, the ornately decorated door swung open loudly, the iron hinges weathered, and the wood swelled in the moist climate. Filling stone doorway snugly. As he padded through the main entrance, he heard a deep familiar voice echoing through the halls.

"Glory be to Tyr, Lord of Justice.
In you, Lord, we put our trust: may it never be put to shame.
In your justice, we find our strength,
Be our rampart, our fortification;
keep us safe from strife,
For you are our strength and our refuge:
Grant us the strength to fight injustice
Let your eyes fall upon us, and let us be worthy
Let truth be heard eternally in your presence."

The voice paused, and after a few seconds of silence another voice echoed across the stone. The voice deeper and graver then the first. The flat tone giving it an air of finality.

"The eyes of the Justicar are on this proceeding. Let none speak falsely"

"For Truth is the Tool of the Just." The sound of at least a dozen voices echoed as one.

"Submit, and be judged." Came the deep reply, the sound of people moving, and quiet chatter filtered down the hall. As the boy edged ever closer to the sound, he neared the end of the hall he peaked around the corner. The chamber's large double doors loomed ahead, embossed with golden scales. A single guardsmen before it, the boy put his back to the stone, keeping from view.

"The trial of Tanner Vauln will commence." The familiar voice of his Father boomed over the noise. A single shrill cry echoed across. "Murderer!" the woman's voice wailed. The voice of a woman racked by sobbing. He could make out the quiet soothing tones of several others consoling, as his Fathers booming call echoed in the chamber.

"Order! Outbursts will not be tolerated!"

[Seheren]

The voices continued to filter down the hall, several times he could hear his fathers voice calling the room into order. He stood there for what seemed like hours, his feet ached from the cold stone floor, and his knees were sore from standing so still. He strained to listen to the voices, but could hardly make out a word.


Before he knew what he was doing, he had rounded the corner, and crept towards the door. The guardsmen must not have noticed the child at first, listening in on the trial himself. He jumped at the sound of the boys approach, his hand going instinctively towards his blade. Though, before he could even speak a word, a look of knowing came over his face and he relaxed his hand.



"Korvus! You gave me start.. What're you doing here? Your Father know your out sneakin about?" The guard scolded, waving a fat finger towards the boy. He did strike him as the fatherly type, there was just something about his round face, and thick goatee and the boy instantly straightened, realizing his mistake.



"Oh--Yeah, I was just checking to see if he was done, Sir.." He stammered the feeble excuse. His eyes at the mans feet. "The evidence is clear! The man mangled the poor girl, he's just too much a coward to admit it!" Came a higher pitched voice from behind the door. The voice was accusing, and impish. Just hearing it, Korvus could picture the hawkish nose and greasy black hair set on a pale emaciated looking face that accompanied the shrill tone.


"You best be off, boy. If your Father knew you were eaves dropping on this, and I let you, he'd have my ass!" The guard continued, sounding a bit distracted by the ongoing sounds from the Trial."Reckon his daughter saw the whole thing, too! Her blouse was thick with blood." The impish voice continued, the mention of the mans daughter striking a chord in the boy.


Immediately he could picture her, her black hair seemingly unkempt, tied loosely behind her head by a simple ribbon. He could see the intense flicker behind her eyes, and the graceful way in which she moved. The thought caused his heart to flutter, and at the realization of his company his face turned bright red as the heat of that realization rose into his face.


"Keen on that ones girl are ye?" The guard taunted, flashing an empathetic grin. "Get on, boy. I won't speak a word of this to your Father, long as you find a better place to wander." He added kindly, moving forward to tousle the boys hair and gently push him towards the other end of the hall.


It was strange, Korvus thought. That she could make him feel such a thing at nothing but mention of her existence, but it was all he could think of. He hardly noticed that he had been walking before his feet found the path outside the Temple. The sudden change in surroundings drew him from his all consuming introspection, only to confuse him further. Beneath the awning of a nearby building she sat. Her hair pulled back, just as he had imagined, she sat against the pillar, her arms wrapped around her knees. Rowena Vauln.....

[Seheren]

His heart raced as he walked towards her, it was like walking into the sun, the heat rising to his face, yet he kept his course. She hardly seemed to notice as she sat, rocking back and forth humming. "H--Hi." Korvus blundered akwardly, unable to control his voice properly, it came out more of a croak.

Rowena looked up lazily, though as she studied the boys face she offered a slight smile. "Hello, Korvus..." she offered softly, shrugging shyly only to look back at her feet. Hearing her say his name struck Korvus profoundly, almost as if she had kissed him on the lips. "So.. What are you doing out here?" Korvus replied shakily, his hands sweaty with anxiety, his face burning red.

"Oh.. I was just daydreaming, would you sit with me?" She looked up at him as he spoke, timidly from behind a few wild strands of hair, her beautiful brown orbs drawing him in. With a nod to her side, she slid over, offering a space next to her. He sat, before he even gave it thought, overwhelmed by the rush of his own thoughts, and the complicated feelings of adolescence.

"I'm sorry about the stuff with your Dad.." He blurted awkwardly, the words seeming to escape from his mouth before he could stop them. He dared a look at her as he spoke them, watching her bite her lip and seem to shy away from him at the mention of the man."I'm sorry! I--I wasn't thinking..." He continued clumsily, turning to face her more squarely, instinctively reaching out to put a hand on her arm as he plead to her.

"I--It's ok..." Was the only response, her eyes still at her feet. It was several long moments before he realized his hand was still on her arm, and a moment more before the heat rose further in his face as he quickly pulled back, rocking back to sit beside her.

"It'll all be ok, Rowena.. Don't worry." Korvus offered more somberly, looking at the girl meaningfully. "I hear the Tulips are in full bloom in the garden!" he proclaimed, jumping to his feet and offering Rowena his hand. "Come, I'll show you." As the two walked slowly, they smiled, and as the sun set, neither had tired of the others company....

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It was a storied thing, innocent and joyful. It was a year from that day, when their lips first met. Hardly a moment apart, it would remain so for years. Friends, whom held each others hearts.

Upon his sixteenth birthday, Korvus began what would amount to his test of manhood, years of training and further education, looking to make his grim faced Father proud. To follow in his famed footsteps, and to continue his family's dedication to upholding Justice...

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"Jab, parry, jab, boy!" "That's it!" Jerome bellowed. The thirty something man flailed wildly with the wooden sword. "Keep your feet moving, and force me to go where you want me!" He shouted again, dipping low and thrusting towards Korvus' mid-section. The young Korvus' twisted nimbly in his leather jerkin, forcing the jab outward with his parry, and following with a reverse of his blade. The quick slash catching Jerome in the shoulder. "Gods have me, boy! That's good!" He laughed, clapping the boy on the arm. "You'll make as fine a paladin as you're father, at this rate.."

"You think so?" Korvus responded hopefully, his spirits soaring as his mind depicted years of glorious deeds. Saving cities, and smiting all foes of Justice. "Aye, you're as fine a student as I've had, and as strong of Faith as your Father could dare to hope." At that, he launched into a controlled attack, swiping and jabbing at the boys defenses, putting him back on his heels.

Jerome went wide, then, coming under Korvus' waist to strike his legs. Recovered, Korvus brought his own sword down, stopping the momentum, and blocking the quick jab that followed. With a step forward, he brought his elbow to the mans exposed chest, knocking him back, quickly followed by the tip of his blade at his heart. "It seems I've won!" He laughed, watching as the stunned Jerome shook his head.. "Boy, you've got nothing left to learn from me..." Came the eventual reply, accompanied by a soft chuckle.

[Seheren]

It is the motivation of all men, a life's vision for all. The eternal quest for the perfect life. Many have thought it within reach, others who envision they live it. If nothing else, Korvus saw that his life was going perfectly. He excelled at his studies, both martial and in faith. His zeal and proficiency soon becoming a thing of legend among the small community. The people finding that the small, introspective boy was both engaging and intelligent beyond their expectations. It was said, by some, that he would surpass the gains of even his Father. The areas Lord and protector, a grim yet fair Paladin of Tyr. A title the young Korvus was near to share.

As his skills progressed, his role amongst the area became clear. Swiftly being given command of the small contingent of guards, he began to blossom as a clear leader amongst the men. Even the most Veteran of guards dismissing any mention of his young age, trusting in him with earned confidence. Not all things were so storied, however. The passing years had been dotted with scattered raids from Orcs and goblins, only increasing after Korvus' rise within the Guard....

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"Sir! We've spotted a score Orc gathering in the north!" Jerome spouted breathlessly. Korvus let the words sink in as he stared out over the western most edge of his Fathers small territory. "Ready the men, archers on the north wall, and keep eyes on our backs." He ordered, as he picked up his bracers, strapping each on tightly. "We will drive them back to their holes, this night!" He nearly shouted, turning as he spoke so all the nearby men could hear the proclamation, drawing a cheer from the guards, doubling their pace to make ready.

Within minutes, nearly a score of his some thirty men lined behind him in formation. They waited just within the wooden gate, six men atop the wall, bows ready. The next minutes drew slowly, as the sun began its decent behind the distant peaks, the men on the wall straining to keep sight of the approaching band as the sky darkened. So slow, those minutes were, that the coming would fly as swift as any arrow. The shouts from the wall, and opening of the gates seeming distant, as if his body was moving all its own.

The first cries were those of Orcs, the howls piercing the darkening sky as surely as the arrows that pierced their chests. Rushing past the partially open gate, the men quickly formed a line, Korvus at its center, and as the last man found himself on the far side of the gate, they charged. The line became much more of a sweeping wedge. Korvus leading, his charge meeting the dis-organized Orcs first.

Within the first moments, the battle was decided, so Korvus saw, the scrambling Orcs falling or fleeing quickly, from the organized group. in the midst of a pocket of Orcs, Korvus could hear the calls from the wall, but they were lost on his ears. Down went his sword, then wide to parry the broken spear. He punched out, finding the side of the Orcs head, following through with all his strength to knock the beast down. Another Orc fell in line behind its fallen comrade, sending a spear tip at the off-balance youth, with a grunt he twisted his body, taking a glancing hit to his side, the spear tip finding the flesh of his hip. With a grimace, Korvus stopped his momentum, turning back to parry the Orcs off-balance jab, driving his blade through its exposed ribs.

As the melee continued, the seconds felt as minutes, the initial moments had heralded a quick end, but the Orcs had been clever, their numbers seemingly doubling after the initial skirmish. The men fought on, several falling under the pressing spears of the near two-score Orcs.

"Korvus!" The shout came, cut short by the ring of steel, but strong enough to draw his attention. "Watch the left!!" came the cry of several voices, but by the time the words registered, it neared too late. The giant mace came in swiftly, clipping his shoulder and sending him spinning to the ground. The giant of an Orc hurrying to loom over Korvus' prone form. He pushed up with all his might, dodging to side as the mace came down for the killing strike. Weaponless, he scurried across the bloodied dirt towards his blade, scooping the weapon up as he created some distance from the behemoth.

As he turned on the reviling beast, he paused to give his Patron a warriors prayer. As the beast charged, Korvus dug his foot in, readying his blade and mind. His senses seemed doubled, and the darkness seemed suddenly brighter. As the Orc closed, he could feel a pressing brightness within, an unexplainable feeling of calm and power. A power he strangely knew he could use, as if it had been there all his life. With a battlecry to Tyr, he met the orcs charge with a ferocious two-handed slash, the blade seeming to be guided into the giant Orc with devastating effectiveness, nearly splitting the creature in half with a flash of light, the release leaving Korvus teetering, only to fall into blackness.....

[Seheren]

*Held for a part I can't find just yet...*

[Seheren]

The sun filtered down through the massive oak, its leaves offering the woman shade in the midsummer heat. The breeze was gentle and warm, caressing her face as it twirled her auburn hair around her face. She smiled as she looked down, her hand running over her greatly protruding stomach, feeling a great kick from her child. A sudden rush of feelings causing her eyes to fill with tears of joy. This was the beginning of her family a day she had dreamed of since she was girl. "Rowena!" Came the distant shout. "Rowena!?" the deep voice shouted again.

Rowena smiled as she thought of the young man, his strong features, his pure heart. As he came into view, she smiled all the wider, his mid-length black hair tied neatly behind his head and flitting about in the wind. "Korvus. Here love!" She shouted to him, watching the well dressed young man bound towards her, his tanned face glistening with sweat and smiling all the way. "My dear, your too far along to be running off!" He scolded, though his smile defeated the tone. "Come, my Father summoned the priest to check on our child. We musn't be late, you know how my Father gets.." Korvus said as he reached down, helping Rowena to her feet. They spoke quietly, hand in hand as the walked the short distance up the trail, rounding the bend to see the twin spires of the small fort that looked over the village.

As they wound through the cobbled street, they passed the few outlying buildings. Stables and a guard house, men and children working diligently at their appointed tasks, the small gathering of shacks off to their left that housed the laborers and their families. Sudden and jarring came the ragged shout, as an old stooped man shuffled from a nearby stoop. "Bad omen! The sun will hide at your child's birth, Cursed!" Defensively steeping between Rowena and the man, Korvus held a hand forward, his smile quickly replaced by a dark scowl. "Go back to your hut, hermit. Do not trouble my bride again!". "A son born on a Black Sun! The Gods have cursed you!" He continued, his sinewy arms flailing dramatically. Korvus looks back, his expression offering no room for argument. "Go Rowena. Tell my Father I will be there shortly." and with that, she set off quickly, glancing back every few paces as her scowling husband dealt with the man.

She rounded the final bend on the path as the everything began to darken, the mid-day sun seeming to be swallowed by a black disk as she looked to the sky. As her eyes met the sun, her mind exploded in fire. A familiar madness strangling her thoughts, she could see the village aflame. The men, women, and children being hopelessly slaughtered by dark figures. She fell to the stone screaming, but she could only hear the sounds of the slaughter. Writhing on the cold stone she could feel a cold hand upon her neck, and all she knew was black...

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"ROWENA!" Korvus shouted, his panicked tone matching his expression as he sprinted down the path, the mid-day sun still shining down brightly upon him. He could hear the screams, and as he rounded the corner he shouted again "ROWENA!". The sight nearly knocked him to his feet, her prone form rolling across the stone, screaming wildly as she clawed at her neck. Red streaks following her nails across the delicate skin. Leaping into action, the young man bound forward, sliding down to wrestle the woman's hands away from her neck as she continued to thrash about. "Rowena, stop! Someone fetch the priests!" He shouted over and over. Within minutes she began to calm, her normally dazzling eyes looking blankly at the sky as darkness slid in front of the sun, as the eclipse began...

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"Father!" Korvus' paniked shouts echoed down the stone halls, as he carried the unconscious woman towards the worship hall. As he neared the doors to the large chamber burst open, two priests rushing out, followed by a larger, more regal looking man shouting behind them. "By The Even Hand, whats happened!?" He shouted as Korvus set her onto the stone. "Father, she fell in the street, thrashing and screaming as if she was being dragged to the Abyss!" Korvus responded frantically, his voice cracking as he gave a frightened look at Rowena's unmoving form. The two priests slid to their knees hastily, one looking over the woman as the other intoned prayers. "The baby comes, my Lord.." the smaller of the two men said, looking over his shoulder to Korvus' father.