Illiithin

    It was so hot that summer; any place that the sun touched was dulled by the heat or steamed if it was somehow still damp. Though most of the roads remained untraveled, there still were the few that ventured out into the arid wastes between the oases of settled areas.    The Griffin was one such lone traveler. Taller than most others of his order, he bore armour and weapons that had seen many battles. The integrity of his suit was poor, with several openings in his chestplate and helmet that had been used to the enemy's advantage, judging by the newer chips and dents near them. His lance, though it lacked ornamentation, was sharp, and as

     Seven months passed as the Heart of the Freljord surprised the residents of his homeland with an even happier aura. He was constantly smiling, even when not speaking with others. Every footstep or crouch or word was deserving of a wide grin, or a heartful laugh.     Smiling to himself as he finished the last of Ashe's list, he accepted invitation to stay the night in the village and enjoyed himself with the festivities. The next day saw Braum grinning to himself as he made his way back to Sascha's home before the sun rose.     He couldn't wait to see her again.     Two weeks of a swift pace that led him through mountains and flatla

     When morning came, Braum found that he had slept longer than he had in many years. Perhaps it was the peaceful quiet, or the comfortable woman beside him.     Rolling on his side, he looked down at Sascha, whose hair had somehow managed to get even wilder during the night. Her bare shoulders visible above the quilt told him it hadn't been simply a dream what had gone on after her nightmare. It's not as though he wanted it to be an illusion, anyway.     “Sascha.” he called softly, smoothing his hand over her hair. “Sascha, is time to wake up.”     An unintelligible mumble came from the pillow that her face ha

     As the Heart of the Freljord finished off the young ice serpent with a crushing blow to the base of its head, he heard the villagers roar in approval. The huge, dark blue creature gave its final scream, then fell to the ground dead as he lightly jumped off.     Immediately he was swarmed by the people, any individual praise indistinguishable from the countless expressions of thanks.     He smiled and accepted invitation for a meal by the village, but he ensured all knew he had to leave before nightfall. Braum was on a tight schedule, and besides, the next stop was close to Sascha's farm. He could stop by earlier than normal.     Th

     Two hours later the pair were walking through the rows of stalls, Sascha showing Braum the things she liked while he did his best to juggle admiring them, and politely trying to encourage his adoring followers to enjoy their own fun.     “I think after another dance, we go.” he said once they reached the end of the merchants' rows. “Would be best to get back before dark.”     She nodded. “But not until we try a few games.”     Braum chuckled. “Alright.”     Sascha led him through the stalls until she found a strength test.     “Do you want me to win prize for you?” Bra