DaydreamChronicles

Episode 19: Balance Perfected

As the elemental storms raged across Entralia, Laurel thought of a way to contain Gerthran. The damage from the storms had reached as far as the Frigis Isles. Entralia was in peril of being destroyed. As Gerthran continued to strengthen along with the chaos, Laurel thought of a way to end this before it was all lost. She held the ringblade in front of her and entered a state of meditation. Pieces of history flashed in her mind. In these glimpses she saw how Astros banished Cythia in the past. It was an intricate and mystical dance that could unleash an incredibly powerful spell. Banishment alone would not suffice though, Gerthran’s power and influence would eventually seep out of wherever he was imprisoned. Instead Laurel thought of a modification that would disperse the chaotic energies and bring them to return to the worlds naturally. So she began to move. The ringblade followed her hand movements. The weapon seemed to dance along with Laurel. Slowly an orb of energy formed and split. Three orbs formed. One split into fire and water orbs, another into wind and earth and the third into light and dark. The elements formed in a balance perfected. These orbs followed the shape of the ringblade and spun around it. When the dance was completed small particles of energy began to flow out of Gerthran and dissipate.

Gerthran – “What are you doing? What is happening?”

Laurel – “This is how I defeat you, not with a blade through the heart or a spell of destruction, but with a dance and a send off.”

Gerthran – “You can’t possibly…, urk.”

Gerthran was shocked, his power diminished quickly. He was no longer in control. The artifacts he held fell off and became inert. Even the staff of Zanathas lost its power. He slowly fell back to the ground. The elemental storms lost their power and the skies cleared. The sun was starting to set on the horizon. Cythia reappeared.

Cythia – “I see now. Astros and Danathos have been gone for a long time. You there, the chaos here is no longer mine, but spread out among the worlds. Your actions resemble those of Astros himself, yet you are no god or deity.”

Laurel – “I don’t need to be, these are the actions that best fit our survival. We have grown beyond the need of beings like you.”

Cythia – “Nothing tethers me to the seven worlds anymore. So I will fade, like Astros and Danathos.”

As she said this Cythia’s body faded away along with some of the chaos energy that was flying off. Meanwhile Gerthran was on his knees. The forces of Entralia took away the remaining warriors of chaos who quickly surrendered once their leader was defeated. Laurel walked up to Gerthran.

Laurel – “You could have destroyed us all. You dismissed all the pain and suffering that all that would have caused.”

Gerthran – “I cared nothing for that. Power is all that mattered and now you’ve taken it all away.”

Laurel – “The Entralian council will decide how to punish you. I’m done here.”

Soldiers arrived and took away Gerthran. Laurel searched around for Lumos and Thistle. She finally found Lumos waiting on a small hill. The old sage surveyed the damage. Parts of the plains had been sundered and littered with cracked stones.

Lumos – “To think one person could cause such damage. The land will need time to heal.”

Laurel – “Are you alright?”

Lumos – “Physically, yes. Seeing all this is mentally taxing though.”

Laurel – “Where is Thistle?”

Lumos – “She left, but not before mentioning something about traversing the ether.”

Laurel – “Hmm, though I’m sad about her leaving like that, I’m sure she had her reasons. I wonder what prompted this sudden departure.”

Lumos – “Wisps continue to be a mystery. I am sure she will come back someday.”

The battle of chaos has ended. More of a skirmish than a war, but it took its toll on Entralia. The dimension that once held Cythia dissipated with her. Laurel and Lumos left to return to Balancor. Once there they saw the damage done by the elemental storms. Many homes had been damaged or destroyed. It would be a long road towards recovery. Laurel was confident that using Astros’ Ringblade she could help hasten all the work ahead.

Lindrel met with Laurel and was relieved to see her safe. The burden placed upon her was taxing. So she took some days to rest.

In the following months Laurel spent a lot of time traveling and helping different regions of Entralia to rebuild. She met with Lidya one last time while meditating near the village of Jaunr.

Lidya – “You know I used to live here?”

Laurel – “Lidya! Where have you been?”

Lidya – “Ah, here and there. I’m glad you got the hang of that ringblade. You saved Entralia.”

Laurel – “Is this how you felt? In the battles you fought?”

Lidya – “I was a hot headed and stubborn mess to begin with. For the longest time I lived for the challenges ahead. To be called a hero by the people always felt odd. I was just following my heart and trying to protect others. What I don’t have is the same composure as you do, nor the patience. Indeed, I would have used all my power to kill Gerthran. Your solution was both elegant and brilliant.”

Laurel – “Thank you. I still don’t know if I will be able to take someone else’s life.”

Lidya – “It’s never an easy thing, and I think it’s best not to dwell on that. Anyway, I’m actually here to say farewell. The weapon of power is safely in your hands and you have used it with honor. Your future with it is fully in your hands.”

Laurel – “Thank you again, it was an honor to meet you.”

Lidya – “Goodbye.”

The figure of the great heroine disappeared and behind it was a certain wisp.

Laurel – “Thistle?!”

Thistle – “Hi Laurel!”

Laurel – “Where have you been? Lumos told me you left but it was all so sudden.”

Thistle – “I had things to explore and other wisps to meet.”

Laurel – “I thought that was a rarity, did something special happen?”

Thistle – “In a way, yes. As you know, wisps hold great elemental power. We used this power to help shield the other worlds from damage. So the chaos unleashed here didn’t affect them. It was like a natural calling for us. Now we are free to wander again.”

Laurel – “Does that mean you’ll be traveling with me once more?”

Thistle – “For sure!”

With the good friends reunited they set off on their next adventure. Laurel visited each of the other worlds again. She returned the now inert artifacts. In Brensur, she met with Zethia and spoke to her about Lidya. At Ixis, King Hector was very happy to add the Circlet of Cold Flames and the Ring of Frost to the royal vault. In that world Laurel met once again with Umari and even went on a short stint to some far off islands. At each visit to the other worlds Laurel made sure to speak with the leaders and Sentients that helped her along the way. Upon her return to Balancor, she was greeted by a lot of people who were grateful for her and called her a hero of Entralia.

Episode 18: Gerthran’s Plot

The battle continued. This day felt like it stretched for hours upon hours. Cythia’s influence threw the elements into disarray. Laurel struggled to break free from Gerthran’s hold. The spell was powerful and tugged at her very connection to the elements.

Gerthran – “Laurel, you will be the first to bear witness to my ascension!”

He lifted the staff of Zanathas high above his head. The staff began shining with a strange dark light that engulfed the area. Cythia herself was stunned and then she noticed the effect. Her energy was being drained and transferred into Gerthran.

Cythia – “What are you…? You fool! Do you believe yourself powerful enough to contain my energy?!”

Gerthran – “That and more my mistress, you are not needed here. Your master is likely long gone or he would have appeared before you already.”

Cythia – “No, that is impossible! There is no path that would…”

She stopped realizing she didn’t feel Danathos’ presence. Also she noticed something else, but could not be sure what it was. Her body began to shrink and slowly fade. When Cythia disappeared completely Gerthran started to float. His power augmented to an unknown extent.

Gerthran – “I have done it! I succeeded!”

Laurel – “This was your plan all along? Not just to bring her here but to steal her power?”

Gerthran – “Cythia was another pawn in my game. A long time ago we were freed from the influence of deities. I can feel that now. Those beings are gone, but I remain. I will rule, my chaos will be absolute!”

Laurel – “You’ve lost your sanity.”

Gerthran – “I would offer you a place by my side, but it would be so inconsequential to someone of my power. I will do this though.”

Laurel, still held in the air by Gerthran’s magic, struggled more and more. Then her artifacts started falling off one by one, and flying towards Gerthran.

Gerthran – “These are mine now, no one will ever be tempted to defy me.”

The only thing that remained by Laurel’s side was her ringblade. The half rusted weapon looked like it would break. In that instant, while nearly losing consciousness, the mysterious figure appeared before Laurel.

Mysterious Figure – “Stay awake! You still hold the key to defeating this challenge!”

Laurel – “Who are you? Why do you keep encouraging me?”

Mysterious Figure – “Well, it’s about time I told you. I was the wielder of the Twins of power and the Andraconus. I was a hero to the people for many years. I faced down gods and power mad foes. My name is Lidya.

Laurel – “The great heroine? How can you be here?”

Lidya – “You have something that can overcome this madman. A weapon of power. You see that ringblade? It has the potential, but it is only fueled by your courage.”

Laurel – “Then I will use every ounce of it!”

Lidya – “That’s the spirit!”

Still almost completely paralyzed, Laurel focused her mind and tried to move the ringblade. To her surprise and Gerthran’s, the ringblade flew between them and let off a blast of energy. This was enough to sever the spell that was holding Laurel.

Gerthran – “What?! How?”

Laurel – “I will not let you get away with this!”

Just as she said this, reinforcements arrived from different places. Wolves from the Astros Plains, soldiers from Brensur and Ixis, even the Queen of Zanathas herself arrived with a contingent.

Gerthran – “You will fail, you will all fail! I have already taken all the power from you, there is nothing left for you to do.”

Laurel – “Dismiss me at your own peril.”

Laurel readied the ringblade to launch, and as she was charging energy into it the gems of the other artifacts began to glow. These gems split off from the artifact that held them and flew towards the ringblade. The rusted part of the ringblade cleared up and revealed a golden side with inserts for each gem. Once the gems were in place a surge of power and ancient knowledge overwhelmed Laurel. The new knowledge revealed that this weapon is called Astros’ Ringblade. An ancient deity who valued justice, courage and kindness had wielded this ringblade to cast out Cythia. Now Laurel would use it to do the same to Gerthran.

Gerthran – “What have we here? Did I miss an artifact?”

Laurel – “This is not just any artifact Gerthran, it’s a weapon of power and these choose their wielders. Like the Twins of Power or the Andraconus before, I wield this to bring back the balance and save Entralia!”

Their battle resumed. This time Laurel had the upper hand the entire time. The staff of Zanathas was rendered inert and little by little all the other artifacts began to fall off from Gerthran. His power was diminishing with each blast of energy that Laurel was able to hit.

Gerthran – “No! I will not allow this to continue!”

Laurel – “Then give up! You have no chance of winning.”

Gerthran – “If I cannot defeat you, then I will reforge the worlds however I please.”

A large ray of intermixed elements shot up toward the sky. The elemental storm above the area intensified. Parts of the ground began to float. The winds carried searing heat all around and hail peppered everything. The chaos began to feed into Gerthran and he in turn unleashed more power. Despite having been stripped of most of his artifacts, Gerthran continued to rampage.

Episode 17: Cythia Unbound

A giant storm of light and darkness swirled over the capital city of Balancor. Laurel, Lumos and Thistle arrived quickly through a portal that dissipated behind them. They made their way to the council chambers where only a few of the members were present. Among them was Lindrel.

Laurel – “Dad! What’s happening here?”

Lindrel – “Oh thank goodness you’re safe. I thought you had rushed off to face Gerthran.”

Thistle – “Now why would you expect Laurel to rush off like that, it’s not like she does that often.”

Lindrel – “As for what’s going on, it seems Gerthran has unleashed all his power upon Entralia. It has made moving our troops difficult.”

Lumos – “So the council decided to make a move?”

Lindrel – “They did indeed. We could not continue to stand by while Gerthran executed his plan. At this point we’re not sure if we can stop him.”

Laurel – “I have to face him, I have the artifacts necessary to counter Cythia’s power as well as Gerthran’s.”

Lindrel – “You are truly our best hope. I didn’t think that gathering the artifacts was going to put you in such a position. I must confess that the original idea of sending you away was not entirely mine. Some time ago a mysterious figure told me that some artifacts needed to be found. It was very cryptic, but I supposed it had to be this way.”

Laurel – “I think I know who you’re referring to. This figure has been guiding me.”

Lumos – “That cannot be a coincidence, but we don’t have time to investigate. Lord Lindrel, I will take command of a battalion myself.”

Thistle – “I can go ahead with Laurel and provide support.”

Lindrel – “Come, I can point you to where Gerthran is.”

They entered a room with a large map. Lindrel pointed out that reaching the ancient ruins of the Cythia world portal would take hours. Laurel scoffed and told him how she could ride the winds and be there in mere minutes. The confidence she showed was in great contrast to how she was after her defeat by Gerthran. As soon as they knew where to go, Laurel and Thistle rushed ahead.

At the ruined portal, Gerthran gathered his power. Behind him his army had formed a protective shield. The forces of Entralia held their formation near them, ready to engage at any moment. It was in these circumstances that Laurel and Thistle arrived. Gerthran turned and addressed his opponents.

Gerthran – “Entralia will know chaos once more. I know you’re here Laurel, I can feel the power you hold. You are too late! Cythia will be released!”

He signaled his troops to march against the Entralian army. While the troops were engaged in battle, he continued to channel energy into the portal which began to assemble itself. Laurel and Thistle had to face off against a group of warriors. Many of them seemed to be in a frenzy. The fighting was intense but by the time Laurel broke through the portal had been assembled.

Gerthran – “You see? There is nothing you can do to stop this.”

Using the chaotic energies he wielded, Gerthran opened the portal. As soon as he did all the power that had been sealed away, and was now roaming Entralia, entered the portal. The silhouette of Cythia could be seen on the other side of the portal. Slowly she stepped through.

Cythia – “Ah, what a wonderful feeling. Freedom once more. My lord Danathos I am here once again to serve!”

Gerthran – “Mistress Cythia! Welcome to Entralia.”

Cythia – “Entra…lia? How many ages has it been?”

Gerthran – “Too many it seems.”

Cythia – “I cannot feel his presence…”

Gerthran – “Who is this Danathos you speak of?”

Cythia – “Mortal! You dare speak his name?!”

Laurel – “Looks like you bit off more than you could chew. Give up Gerthran!”

Cythia – “Hello you wonderful gnat, I see you have opponents. Gerthran, you are my champion. I guided you to my artifact, to my Ambition. Yes.”

Gerthran – “You remember.”

Cythia – “Barely. Having my very being split has this sort of effect on you, but no more. I will rule this time.”

The storms all over Entralia intensified. The army of chaos was emboldened and pushed back against their opposition.

Cythia – “Blessed be this chaos, for I bring it in the name of lord Danathos. You will bow before his might.”

Gerthan was puzzled by Cythia. She seemed to not recognize the time or place.

Laurel – “Something is very wrong with her, but no matter, I have to face Gerthran.”

Laurel stepped forward and prepared her half rusted ringblade.

Cythia – “Gerthran, deal with this insect. I will watch over you.”

Gerthran – “With pleasure. All hope is lost Laurel, chaos reigns!”

Great power seeped from the artifacts Laurel was wearing. Their battle would prove to be chaotic and intense. Gerthran was using a staff that Laurel recognized. It was the staff used by the queen of Zanathas. Beams of light, fiery embers, bolts of lighting and all other kinds of spells flew in every direction. Some deflected by Gerthran, others redirected by Laurel. This pleased Cythia as it was natural born chaos from combat. She grew in size and power as the fighting raged on.

Gerthran – “You cannot win Laurel. No matter what artifacts you possess.”

Cythia heard this and stared at Laurel for a moment.

Cythia – “That… Thing! She has it.”

Gerthran – “What is it my mistress?”

Cythia – “The ringblade…”

Mesmerized by the ringblade Cythia was paralyzed. As if fear had gripped this goddess of chaos. Gerthran noticed this and continued his assault against Laurel, intensifying his attacks. The release of energy from the fight continued to feed into Cythia. She continued to grow and increase her power. The ground nearby sundered and split. Thunderbolts raced across the sky, intermingling with the other elements that flew about. Laurel wanted to push further but Gerthran stopped her with a spell much like the one that had paralized her before entering Grentis.