Open Chronicles Burning of Knottington

[Maude]

Maude gave no quarter on the retreating invasion force. The red grizzly gave pursuit, her massive form rolling at speed down the lanes between burning houses, past the sneaking figures of Aithlin Kitansyr and Viktoriya Antonov and into the smoke-filled town. Though they moved faster, her chase did not let up - those injured and slow fell to her claws and savage bite - until she'd found herself coming to the town limits with her foes slithering out of sight.

A threatening bellow of a roar followed their retreating forms, a warning to never return, plumes of fog pitched from her maw like the steam of a dragon's firebreath. The bear watched for a short time, listening to the sounds of her surroundings until all she could hear was the crackling of wide-spread fires and the voices of the citizens as the able-bodied returned to save their homes. Maude turned and made her way back through the village, back to the main hall. She arrived under the veil of heavy snowfall; russet pelt shadowed by soot and stained by blood, a fresh dusting of snowflakes melting into the fur. Making her way through the crowds to the great alarm of those in witness, they gave her a wide birth as she made for Arnor where he lay on the ground in a growing pool of blood.

The figure of the bear slowly melted away, rising like steam to reveal the blood-covered figure of Maude, complete with two arrows stuck in her chestplate. She released a deep breath as she took the last few steps towards her fallen comrade, yanking the arrowheads from her armor and tossing them aside.

"Is there a doctor...a healer?" the woman called out to those emerging from the hall.

"In here! Bring him inside-" called a woman.

With a deep breath Maude bent to grab his arm, hoisting Arnor's body over her shoulder and lifting him with a strength that was exceptional, even for her own kind. Stepping through the falling snow, she carried him into the Great Hall, leaving a trail of blood in her wake.

 

[Arnor Skuldsson]

White tundras.

Pine trees.

Soft laughter.

The warmth of a fire, the sound of his mother calling him home. He was in Faarin again. He was home, he was there- there was light, there was love.

And he knew it was all a lie. Fever dreams.

Fever had taken Arnor, as his body struggled to fight off the vicious wounds he had received. Blood loss not withstanding, the Naga carried with them all sorts of disgustingness- of which Arnor was covered in. The healer did her best, trying to wipe clean the Nordenfiir, and to her credit, she did fairly well.

Arnor's eyes fluttered in and out, and could barely make out the beams of the great hall he was currently looking up at. The people inside, scared- but relieved that they had driven away the Naga, gathered around Maude, and Arnor. They were murmuring thanks, reaching out. The same would be said of any of those that defended Knottington- outsiders who had no business other than staying there, and risking their lives for it. They would be remembered, they would be honored as heroes.

Arnor's breath was ragged, but he could make out a mane of hair, red as the deepest roses. He reached out for her hand, feeling weak. He laid his head on the ground that the healer had set him on, as the healer called for blankets and something to keep Arnor's head comfortable with. His hand slipped, just as it barely touched Maude's. The healer began to work, shouting orders for those willing to help her with saving Arnor's life.

 

[Viktoriya Antonov]

That was odd the younger girl seemed confused for a second, the expression plastering the other Elf's face carrying a sudden wave of worry. It seemed quite odd, there was not immediate danger, nor did she think the ranger had been bitten by one of the Naga, so what was the cause for the sudden. Wait did they recognize who she really was? no that couldn't be right, she seemed much to young to have known about her actions before leaving the forest, nor had Viktoriya done anything recently to gain unwanted attention.

It was something to keep in mind as the two crouched down near cover, observing the current white sheet street, her own heart racing a little as the younger women came up to her side. "Well I guess you are right if they never see me they ca... the signals, well, yes this isn't the best time to talk but I can do this". She slide her hand over her head, taking the red cowl off, her elven pointed ears sticking out from behind her golden hair for the youngsters to see. "I hope that can answer your questions for the time being but we can always talk later young one, come now, I believe the cost is clear".

Aithlin Kitansyr