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Date Posted: 17:57:16 01/08/04 Thu
Author: The Beginning
Subject: ~: Chapter One :~

Fog swelled up from its holding atop the river, persuaded by the front of approaching wind. Thin wisps slipped free, curling about like silver snakes around invisible trees. But pressed by the fresh onslaught from the newly arrived gusts, the pearly mists moved forth like steel sheep persued by howling wolves on the prowl. Negotiating the steep terrain of the bank, the vapour blanket drifted warily across the field at hand. It wove itself about the odd figures which protruded from the grassy tussocks at strange angles. Then as if the breezes became occupied elsewhere, the miasma came to a gradual halt just as its furthest forward tip meandered beneath the bending branches of a tree stationed at the frontline of a forest.

Clear and pale the Sun rose, reflecting off the many facets of the veil which hung murky above the field of twisted mounds. Slowly it melted away the tattered shroud, revealing beneath the scene of mass carnage. Scattered about the field lay countless bodies, their limbs contorted and features half-hidden by the miniature knolls. Many Men were strewn about, roguish features sneering at the prevailing dawn. Their rough leather armour was scarcely touched 'though for one scar caused by the fatal blow. If unmarred was their protection, then it was most commonly seen that there was no head for the body. But further away, almost separated from the sapien corpses, lay other bodies. Shining raiment of silver chain- and plate-mail covered now lifeless shells, cloaks of deep indigo carpeting the field floor. Fair faces in passive silence were exposed, eyes concealed as if they were in rest. The many shades of honey gleamed as the Sun's light touched the loose or braided tresses. A heavy sorrowful emotion hung about, as if morning the loss ones so heavenly.

From amongst the branches of the ageless trees emerged a figure, elegant and glorious to behold but for the somber tilt of its head. Entering into the flaxen light, the shadow appeared as a tall steed, with long slender limbs and a proudly arched neck covered with a velvety grey coat. Jet locks crested the outline from ears to shoulder, and again in a flowing waterfall from the hidquarters. Upon its back sat a black saddle resting atop a twilight blanket. Its design was simple yet stately, nickel fittings sparkling in the illumination, and a bridle of the same make was draped over the shapely equus cranium. With whispering steps the splendid creature wove through the bloodshed, though not straying far from the forest. Head low to the ground, it wandered, searching for something, someone. At long last the beast halted, then knelt and nuzzled a limp figure.

There was a suspenseful silence as the equine paused its movement, focusing a midnight eye upon the body. No twitch was there, but for the gentle flutter of hair coloured like the autumn leaves in the warm exhaled air of the steed. And then a gasp, followed by a second as the prequel to a fit of hoarse coughs. A stiff arm slowly uprighted its body to allow fresh wind to fill the lungs and soothe the erratic breath. Lids pulled back on tearing orbs, irises of flashing silver exposed as they traveled to gaze upon the mount and on to the surrounding death. With silent acknowledgement, the animal knelt beside its mistress, giving support as the first faultering steps were taken. Together they moved about the scene, one leading the other as they sought out an individual.

There was a second gasp, a third, a fourth finished by a gentle click of armour as the lady was brought to her knees by that which lay before her. Gently, gloved hands touched features so akin to her own as if it wasn't believed to be tangible at first. Then the still form was pulled onto her lap, fingers desperately clutching the unmoving fabric of the figure as a shower of crystalline tears impacted the mail.

A cry pierced the air, one of sorrow and anger and despair, leaving none who heard it unaffected.

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