Oct. Contest Entry #6

[Aredhel]

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Beta-Slot Entry #6

Turning back the pages of time that has long been lost in a shrouded memory. A memory filled with pain and sadness. A eternal longing that cannot be quenched, Mahedros sits in his stronghold brooding and contemplating. Yearning to use his powers, the secrets of the dead, in the hopes of reuniting himself with his love, one that was stolen from him so long ago.

Wearily, Mahedros drifts off in a dream of times gone by...

The dream transports him back to over 25 years ago, Elnarae Lokin, Mahedros's wife, and soul mate was alone out in the field gathering herbs for her latest potion concoction. A sturdy mixture she had been devising to strengthen the warriors spirit and resolve in battle. She was an alchemist of great skill and standing within her community of Leth Nurae. All knew of her talent in her field, and also of her love for her husband, Mahedros.

Seeing the blood red flower of the vitalis plant that she had been searching for before her, she made her way close to the entrance of a large opening in the side of a rocky outcropping where it grew. Kneeling down in her delight to have found the plant, she was unaware of the danger that stalked her from above while she gathered the elusive flower she sought.

Above her watched the cold, cruel, eyes of a bloodthirsty troll. Waiting and watching for her to come within range it sat, tense and about to spring. It needed no sight of her, for her lovely and pure smell was a beacon to this hungry monster, one that it could not resist.

As she moved closer from one plant to the next it sat, camouflaged against the rock wall and waited for just the right opportunity. It was smart enough to know that she looked like she might be a formidable opponent with the shining, deadly longsword hanging at her side. Surprise was going to be its method today, the method of a predator, no warning would be given.

Off in the distance Mahedros spied his love, again she would be found out in the field gathering reagents. Mahedros reigned his steed to the left and spurred him onward to meet her. Coming within sight of her she saw Mahedros approaching, and stood and waved to him.

It was then Mahedros saw the beast move from above her, he cried out for her to run, but it was to late. The troll had pounced on her and in one fell stroke had broken her neck from behind. Lifeless and dead she fell to the ground, the flowers still in her grasp.

It was then that Mahedros's whole world had changed. In that one moment the pleasure and sanctity of life left him, changed he was, and scarred forever more. In a rage he assaulted the troll, burning so hot that he thought he would burst into flame. His blows were that of a giant, his sword strikes were that of a man plagued with hatred and of vengeance.

The troll lie dead at his feet, he then hung his head in sorrow, not wanting to turn around where the body of his love lay in the grass, cold and lifeless. Gathering all the strength he possessed he turned and went to his love and held her in his arms. Crying through the night and holding her close to his breast.

It was in that time that all reason left him, the wisdom of the high elves was replaced by a madness. It was in this time that he set his feet upon the path of the dark arts in the hope that he would find a way to revive his lost love and bring her back to himself from the realm of the dead. It was in this time that a high elf was turned to necromancy.

He carried her body back to their stronghold and had her preserved and set in a chamber to await the day that his power was enough that his madness of bringing her back could be fulfilled. To await the day that the art of necromancy might reunite them, at any cost...