Post originally by Character_Valaria

Months Prior

Within the fallen halls of Vadish, stood a lone figure cloaked within fur line robes. The snow had begun to fall heavy, as winter was approaching soon. Her mind raced over the battle that was over. Over, with the death of the man who held her heart since their first encounter.

False echoes of swords, clanged within her mind as she recalled the final battle between her and her teacher. He was far better than she was but that would change. Fate was on her side, looking down upon her as each move was made. Malik would advance and she would counter each move. Tears threatened to form within her sapphire colored hues, as the heated discussion before the final battle would replay within her mind.

“It’s Fate!” Malik would hiss towards within the direction of Valaria.

“You cannot betray the King you serve. Even though you don’t see the course that must come.” She would take a step forward within his direction. “I don’t understand why you took the side of the War Lord?”

“Understand this!” Malik was within distance as he backhanded Valaria sending her falling to the cold stone floor. Blood began to drip from the corner of her mouth as dark hair cascade forward, first covering her face from his view. Her hands palm flat on the stone floor pushed down to help her once again stand.

She brought her hands up to her face pushing that long mane of hair back while listening to his speech. “Our King had grown weak. Weak within the mind and in the body. He has no heir so to speak or known of. The people grow restless for leadership. Do you expect me to continue this trivial mindless servitude? No. I take up with the War Lord with promises of more than I can ever dream of.”

Valaria shook her head within disbelief while listening. “You can be by my side or you can die. Take it or leave it. There is so much more you can learn, Val.” Those words stung her soul deeply.

Her stomach began to roll recalling that the War Lord didn’t allow women to hold fighting positions within his ranks. Women were only good for one thing in his mind, to breed.

“You cannot promise anything to me because of the Lord that you serve.” The young woman would lift her chin up slightly looking within the direction of her mentor. “I cannot serve him, Malik. Never.”

A slight smirk graced his lips as he spoke. “Then this is it.” She was not ready for what was yet to come but instinct took over as his hand moved quickly to pull the sword from the sheath. “You have to die!” His words were cruel and dark as his eyes.

He lunged within her direction as she dodged his advance. Within moments, her sword was drawn and held firmly to block a downward cut. CLANG! The sound echoed. While battling, the Keep was being over ran by the soldiers as the walls were being pounded with blast of rock and fire from catapults along with containers of explosive powders that were ignited with fire.

The room shook, as dust fell like rain. Malak advance while Valaria counter his moves. Each exchanging blows. She lost her footing and feel backwards as a blast took out the wall in the room next to the one they were in. The look upon his face was etched within her mind, as the feeling of being overwhelmed took over. His sword was above his head ready to deliver the deathblow.

Survival, that feeling washed over cold like icy water bringing her back. Her left hand grasped the handle of her sword to bring it up swiftly to impale him within the midsection. The look of being startled melted within his eyes as his hands released the sword and it fell behind him onto the stone floor with a clatter.

Valaria swallowed hard while watching him fall to his knees as his hands moved to the hilt of the sword.

“I knew this day would come.” Malik whispered. “Val, I didn’t want to harm you. But, you had to.” He took a breath, as his face grew pale. “But, you had to make a decision.” She was by his side as tears began to stain her cheeks. “Don’t cry, Sparrow.” That was his name for her. “Leave now, while.” He gasped again before speaking. “Leave before they come for you.” Softly she kissed his forehead before laying him on the ground.

She couldn’t leave him but had to or her Fate would be sealed with the other women. “Take the sword.” He swallowed. “Sparrow.. I do love.. you.” Malik’s body went lifeless as the final word left his lips. Shock rushed through her form but the loud voices within the halls brought her to. Taking the sword from it’s spot upon cradle, Valaria moved towards the hidden passage, her hand brushed over a corner edge of a stone before it opened for her escape to freedom.

Rumor has it that the War Lord had within his employment, a Dark Sorcerer. Word had spread over the land that Malik wasn’t dead, that he was saved to serve his new King. Valaria couldn’t and wouldn’t believe what was being spoken of.

Her mind was brought to the present where she stood. The cold brought shivers up her spine. Valaria moved through what was left of the Keep. Bodies were removed and buried after the battle. What was left, were ghost and blood stains.