LOM - Battlegrounds - 23 Years BDC

[Hollywood Heidi]

Battlegrounds

Located in the Land of Mythos

Events occurring 23 years before Dark Curse

[Lady Lee-o]

23 years BDC - The Last Stand

The fighting never ended, it seemed to go on forever. The more they killed, the more they came and the Amazon Nation saw no end to Rome's destruction. Rome’s Conquered were proudly displayed on crosses, messages carved into skin and left to rot. ‘Si vis pacem, para bellum - If you wish for peace, prepare for war.’ They had wished for peace, every day since the war began but they would not back down from Rome. Some days, Ephiny wished they had taken Cyane up on her offer- run to the north but that wouldn’t have helped and she knew that.
Cyane fought hard but in the end, her cowardice had her flee back north. She hadn’t lasted long when Rome came, Ephiny dreamed of the day when she saw her again.
Charging forward, she sliced into the Roman men, her anger far outweighed her fatigue. She slid underneath and allowed her sword to pierce through his tenders, like butter. Pulling her sword free she smiled, kicking him down before lifting the sword above her head. "Dog," She brought it down with cruel intent. The sword now pierced his stomach, she twisted and watched his face contort with agony. Blood gurgling from his lips, she leaned down and smiled. “You will not live to see glory this day.” The day was coming to a close and each side gathered their dead, pulling back to give rest where it was needed.
The pyre burned so brightly that night, the night sky was cast into daylight. They sent their sisters to soar, the sounds of mourning filled the night, drum beats, all too familiar as they said goodbye.

By morning they started to return to the lines, hearts heavy but swords ready. Ephiny was leading a small group of Amazons into the nearby woods, finding the remains of another battle. The Roman’s dirty work was written all over this, “and they call us savages.” Ephiny made a few gestures behind her and they moved forward, her seasoned sisters following every move. As they traveled further in, Ephiny moved over to a familiar figure that lay on the ground. She ran quickly over, lifting her mask before turning the body over. “Solari,” They had a lot of history, they had been friends since they were kids and more. She felt the sudden urge to cry but pushed it down, she had no time for tears, she couldn’t show weakness now. She signaled them to move forward, she would grieve later.

Ephiny’s patience was wavering, this young Amazon from some tribe was starting every sentence with ‘in my tribe...’ and she didn’t care for it. This was her tribe and Amarice would follow orders or get out of her way. “How does your tribe feel about taking orders?” She gave another signal to move in, Romans were rushing the clearing. It was time to protect her lands and get revenge for the death of her love…

The Roman was high ranking, she could tell by his armor and the way he held himself. His skill matched her own, this could be either of their victories. The sword entered her chest, the pain only lasted a few seconds but it was intense. She stared into the eyes of this man, the one who took her life. Her body started to drift away, she could feel her soul leave her body. She hovered over the battle, watching as her sisters fought back the Romans. Her death helped give them the push they needed, “back to the village, quickly!” She watched Chilapa fall right into command, the sisters didn't question it.

Chilapa sent Amarice to find Xena and Gabrielle, rumor has it they were finally back in Greece. She stayed with her sisters for a day and a half, she watched as they fought back the Roman and saved the village. Two long years of fighting and they brought peace in just two days. Her body was prepared, sent to soar...

Only she didn’t soar, she didn’t find herself at the gate of Eternity. Instead, she stood face to face with the God of War. “Ephiny, I don’t believe we had the pleasure,” She looked around and saw that she was in one of his temples. “You looked confused, let me fill in the blanks.” He circled around her, his hand on her shoulders- she shrugged them off.
“Don’t touch me.”
“Fair enough, your majesty,” He smirked and started to tell her all about the debt that Artemis owed. “You see, she lost a bet and owed me a favor. So, two hundred Amazon souls and we’d call it even.”
“Why would she make a deal with you?”
“Gods like to make bets, some of my family are good at it- some aren’t. Artemis should stick with hunting and the moon. The bet was made hundreds of years ago, she has learned her lesson.”
“Why me?” His hands rested on his sword hilt and he walked around her, much like an animal stalking its prey. “Because you have a fire, you stood against Rome for two years and not once backed down. I like that in a warrior, especially when she is outmatched. I need that, you can give that to me.”
“And if I refuse?”
“You don’t have a choice, your soul is mine and if you ever want to find peace- you’ll do as I say.” Ephiny didn’t understand what the god of war wanted from her, but she had a feeling she would never see the gates of Eternity.