The Poet's Epilogue

From Atlantic Roleplay Wiki

Title: The Poet's Epilogue

Author: Stephanos

Two black robed figures moved silently through the snow swept streets of the small township, cloaks bound tightly against the chill wind.

The first, seemingly the leader, moved with a light but purposeful stride, while the second followed unsteadily, casting nervous looks at the dark windows of the nearby dwellings.

At last, the two came to a halt in an open space beyond the last outskirt buildings of the town. The moon shone down where they stood, bathing them in a radiant pool of silver light. After a long silence, the leader turned to his companion, who spoke nervously.

"Master, should we not depart from here? You said yourself that you are in grave danger, and we do noteven have the aid of the Archons!"

"Hush, Thelps. You do not understand. I cannot flee this encounter, nor can I sacrifice the Archons, for they are the key to my survival."

The leader paused, and smiled, and turned from his companion to face the darkness. As he did this, he shouted at the shadows in a clear, unflustered tone.

"Astaroth! You may show yourself now, for there is no more need to hide from me."

As he spoke, the shadows outside the moon's light seemed to coalecse into two forms, which moved into the light. One spoke, it's voice harsh and cruel.

"It is time, Nosfentor. Have you prepared yourself for death?"

The leader turned back to his companion.

"When we first met, the shadows of your soul were a sanctum, in which a piece of Myself could rest. This is all that binds you to me, and now I must take it back, for I have need of it's power."

As he spoke, the leader reached out, his hand passing into his companion as if he were merely mist. Suddenly, both shuddered in pain, and then the comnpanion fell screaming to the ground.

"Run, Thelps!" the leader shouted. "Perhaps one day a piece of me shall find you once again." The companion turned and fled, leaving his master to face the two shadows.

The last image he saw of his leader was a burst of light as the two shadows leapt forward, silver claws glinting as they prepared for the attack.

Later, when others arrived upon the scene, they found no sign of any combat, save a spray of scarlet blood and a black cloak lying empty in the snow.

Perhaps a time will come

For all thing to cease to be

Every mother, every child

Every flower and every tree.

For happiness is far too fleeting

For hardships are endured too long

For the foes we must fight are too many

And lethargy stifles joy and song

But though the joyful hope of change has vanished

Though the blood of elders stains the ground

Though I may have long departed

Within these words I can be forever found.

-Stephanos