The nightly breeze slipped through the window gaps, causing the curtains to shift as though a spirit had passed through the thin fabric. Silver eyes are open and gazing blankly at the movent. Snow-white hair draped over the large pillows like a cascading moonlit waterfall. His expression is devoid of sleep.
One would think he looked lost in the chaos of his thoughts. However, he was simply in a state of calmness, relaxed and serene. It was unlike the burst of raging emotions he had experienced several hours earlier...
The sheets shifted as he slowly sat up, glancing at the slumbering body beside him. Perhaps it was because of Hadrian's presence.
The lord's alluring features appeared more sinful under the dimness of the bedroom. He looked so deeply asleep that Moulin wondered if he'd wake him with a tap of his finger. Although he wanted to, he knew the day had tired the man out. Teleporting tirelessly back and forth between the stronghold and the realm while burdened by the responsibilities of the battalion and as a High Lord.
"..." Even if he was so busy, he still ca to the realm and lazed around. Varick must be extra devastated right now.
Moulin chuckled to himself before he slipped off the bed and headed to the balcony. The chilly air greeted the youth, gently caressing his face. Subconsciously, he released a breath. Feeling an invisible weight vanish within his chest, he embraced the cold comfort of the evening breeze. Although it was just an illusion, he couldn't help but be fooled.
He couldn't sleep and he was too tired to be thinking of his current issues right now. Rubbing his arms, Moulin silently recalled his attempt to pray to Morhas. Honestly, of all things, 'this' had to co to mind... but truthfully, he wasn't making any progress with it.
Glancing around him, Moulin shrugged. It wouldn't hurt to try again. At least this ti, no one would interrupt him.
He was about to clasp his hands together but stopped, realizing that he didn't even know the first thing about worshipping or communicating with heavenly deities...
Weren't it all about expressing your devotion to your patrons? At least, that was what he heard about from the disciples in the books. Not knowing when to begin, Moulin decided to rest his hands on the balustrade, closed his eyes, and lifted his face to the bright illusion of the night sky.
He recalled Morhas's gentle guidance, his soft words whispering to him in his dreams. The thrum of his magic coursing through his spiritual veins. His vague warnings, although trapped and ruthlessly used by his unforgiving sire. Despite all that, Morhas remained benevolent and protected Moulin, the sacrifice, in spite of the tornt and the demons's exploitation.
A wave of gratitude and faith washed over him. Moulin could hear the pounding of his heart from his chest. For all Morhas had sacrificed, Moulin promised to free him of his restraints and suffering. Let him be at peace and finally grow, be recognized by all that is living...
Silver eyes slowly opened, and a tiny snowflake fluttered onto his nose. Moulin smiled, placing a hand on his chest as another breeze swept his hair. All he did was think and let his heart speak... couldn't be a bad start, right?
Suddenly, he felt a gaze on him. Moulin lowered his head and spotted a lone figure in the garden below. The familiar eye-catching stature stood among the stone planters in silence, staring at him from a far.
Ordan?
What is he doing? Moulin tilted his head slightly. Seconds later, Ordan did a small nod and revealed a faint smile. Then, without a word, left the garden in haste.
"..."
Strange...
Suddenly, Moulin heard sounds coming from the bedroom. He froze, turning behind to notice the lamplight being lit up. Casting one last glance at the garden, Moulin hurried into the bedroom.
.....
The trendous depth, the bottom unseen but pulsing occasionally with orange light. The smoke-filled air was suffocating but they trudged forward, each with unbreakable will. After several hours of climbing down the gorge's walls, they finally settled themselves before the daunting bridge-like structure stretching trendously to the edge of the other wall of the chasm.
Smoke gathered too much, making it difficult to see. It was already a miracle for them to successfully reach the end of the bridge. The group of warriors approached but kept a safe distance, wary of the unknown dangers.
"We must cross it." Emlen decided. "We can't linger any longer. I know you are already aware. We aren't alone here."
The n nodded, expressions turning dark. They wasted no ti and carefully walked upon the uneven rocky ground. The bridge had a wide width that could fit thrice the number of n in their group. It looked quite sturdy, but who was to know truly?
Emlen followed the n before him, walking cautiously while glancing behind to check the rest. The heat was unbearable, making sweat profusely. The lead of the line was the man deed to have excellent perception and awareness. He must be reliable and careful. One wrong decision could lead to disaster.
"My Lord..." A warrior called Emlen from behind. Emlen did not turn to look but responded.
"How many days do you believe it will take us to arrive at the mountain?"
After a few seconds, Emlen replied. "If you have successfully crossed the gorge, I anticipate a day or two."
His response imdiately sparked motivation within the group. No matter how dangerous this route was, they had to cross it!
'Ghana and the rest should have arrived already.' Emlen thought. 'They must be currently occupied, looking for the relic as fast as they could.'
"Halt!"
The n instantly stopped. Dread washed over the group as they waited in silence. anwhile, Emlen's eyes narrowed suspiciously. Once more, he felt like they were being watched.
Suddenly, the ground beneath them trembled violently!
A crunching noise pounded around them, echoing throughout the chasm. Like the sound of a thousand n fleeing for their lives. Cautiousness imdiately filled their souls as they braced. Emlen paled. The bridge began to shake and one violent shift almost threw them off.
The sound seed to be coming from behind. With a pounding heart, the pathfinder lord turned back.
A gigantic centipede-like malibreed scittered up from the edge of the bridge. The long armored body almost camouflaged with the dark grey walls. Its large pincers snapped with unknown sli dripping unto the ground. Its hundred eyes fell upon the group of soft flesh before it.
It produced a strange clicking sound, echoing throughout the chasm and gripping their souls. Emlen and his group stood frozen, enshrouded by the monster's shadow as it lood closer, observing them in hunger. Before the monster, they looked like vulnerale sheep ready for slaughter. With its snake like body, it blocked the end of the vast bridge. Thousands of sharp legs flexed one after another like a wave.
The n paled considerably.
It... doesn't seem to be affected by the charms they wore...
Emlen snapped from his trance and instantly shouted. "Run!"
The word echoed not only startled the n but the grotesque giant as well.
Filled with the crushing urge to survive, the n turned their heels and ran. In that instance, the centipede released an ear-piercing hiss, its body curling, drawing like a bowstring before lunging towards its fleeing prey.
Emlen could hear the wind hiss as he ran; the smoke almost blinded him, but like the others,, they didn't care and could only run. He felt his body grow light and his legs stretch.
Boom!
Out of the blue, the ground gave away. Rocks broke apart, swallowing the fleeing n who didn't even have the ti to escape. With expressions full of fear, they fell into the darkness.
Boom!
.....
The mont Emlen regained consciousness, he gasped, causing dust to enter his nose sharply. His limbs are weak. It felt as though he was being squeezed into a tight crevice. The pressure was so great it was difficult to breathe, let alone move an inch.
As the ringing in his ears gradually faded, he tried to calm himself.
"-lord!... My Lord!"
A voice called faintly. Emlen groaned loudly, trying to save his breath.
"He's over here!"
Not long after, Emlen felt the weight around him shift. It wasn't too heavy. Thus, he tried crawling out until one strong hand grabbed him and carefully pulled him out of the rubble. A faint light filled his vision.
"My Lord, are you well?" The man asked. A small oil lamp, no bigger than his palm, hung from his elbow.
Emlen coughed in between breaths. "I'm fine... How are the others?"
One of the n stepped forward with a grim expression. The silence grew heavy. "We lost Jared in the fall, but the rest are fine. A few minor injuries..."
Emlen clenched his jaw. All paused in silence for the dead before one spoke up. "We must keep moving. I fear we are being targeted..."
Grey eyes turned to the one who spoke. "They've caught up with us?"
"The centipede malibreed possessed a malevolent aura and traces of evil mana."
Damn it. Emlen stood up and scanned the group. There were four left, including himself, and the fall sohow brought them into a cave tunnel. The warm air made his lips crack and his eyes dry.
He released a breath. Now that they were pursued, they should hurry and reach the mountain to reunite wit the rest of the expedition.
With determined eyes, he spoke. "Let's keep moving."
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