In the name of righteousness and vengeance, the White Knights had descended upon the manor, determined to slaughter every Blue Swan that stood in their way. This place must be purged of the wicked, no matter the cost in blood or lives. The courtyard ran red with the gore of battle as the White Knights butchered their foes, cutting down any who dared to stand before them.
As Jojo desperately tried to crawl away from the carnage, Karen brought her boot down upon the Blue Swan's ankle, pinning her in place. The dying warrior's eyes seemed to flash with a mixture of pain and despair as she realized her fate was sealed. There would be no mercy, only the cold and merciless justice that the White Knights demanded. With a swift, practiced motion, Karen raised her sword, its blade glinting in the afternoon light. As Jojo made one last surge to try escape, Karen's sword plunged behind her back, ending her life with brutal efficiency.
Jojo's body went limp, her struggles ceasing as the life ebbed from her eyes. The cries of the battle continued to echo from the walls. Karen stood tall, her chest heaving with exertion, as she surveyed the carnage around her. Her gaze lingered upon Jojo's still form, a fleeting moment of cold calculation before she turned to continue her slaughter.
As Jojo desperately tried to crawl away from the carnage, Karen brought her boot down upon the Blue Swan's ankle, pinning her in place. The dying warrior's eyes seemed to flash with a mixture of pain and despair as she realized her fate was sealed. There would be no mercy, only the cold and merciless justice that the White Knights demanded. With a swift, practiced motion, Karen raised her sword, its blade glinting in the afternoon light. As Jojo made one last surge to try escape, Karen's sword plunged behind her back, ending her life with brutal efficiency.
Jojo's body went limp, her struggles ceasing as the life ebbed from her eyes. The cries of the battle continued to echo from the walls. Karen stood tall, her chest heaving with exertion, as she surveyed the carnage around her. Her gaze lingered upon Jojo's still form, a fleeting moment of cold calculation before she turned to continue her slaughter.
Rose's hair fell limply around her face as she leaned against the ancient pillar. Her gaze locked onto the sword of the White Swan, JP, standing over her, its tip moving closer. The bodies of many Sword Maidens lay strewn about, their eyes frozen in a mixture of pain and defiance. "I will not let you destroy this town," Rose said, her voice steady despite her predicament.
JP's expression remained unyielding. "I am here to purge the vices that plague these innocent people," she declared, her voice ringing with the certainty of righteousness. Rose's eyes narrowed, her hand instinctively reaching for the hilt of her broken sword. "This town is a haven for those who have been wronged and downtrodden. You may see it as a cesspool, but to them, it is life." JP took a step closer, poised to strike. "If we do not cleanse this place of its filth, the innocent will continue to suffer. My duty is clear."
The cry of a black-haired White Knight beheading a crawling Maiden on the temple floor cut through their conversation, the soft thud of the head hitting the stone piercing the air between them. Rose's gaze did not waver, nor did JP's sword falter.
"You may think you are saving these people," Rose said, her voice heavy with sorrow, "but in truth, you are crushing their hope."
JP snarled, "I will not be swayed by your words, Rose. I will bring order to this chaos."
JP's expression remained unyielding. "I am here to purge the vices that plague these innocent people," she declared, her voice ringing with the certainty of righteousness. Rose's eyes narrowed, her hand instinctively reaching for the hilt of her broken sword. "This town is a haven for those who have been wronged and downtrodden. You may see it as a cesspool, but to them, it is life." JP took a step closer, poised to strike. "If we do not cleanse this place of its filth, the innocent will continue to suffer. My duty is clear."
The cry of a black-haired White Knight beheading a crawling Maiden on the temple floor cut through their conversation, the soft thud of the head hitting the stone piercing the air between them. Rose's gaze did not waver, nor did JP's sword falter.
"You may think you are saving these people," Rose said, her voice heavy with sorrow, "but in truth, you are crushing their hope."
JP snarled, "I will not be swayed by your words, Rose. I will bring order to this chaos."
Art by the incredibly talented Trebuxet, a joint commission with Aurasynth (whose Asios are facing my Sword Maidens ).
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In the heart of Eidelstadt, in the north of Thallenberg, the walls were adorned with symbols of its history and prosperity - including murals depicting the triumphs of the local Maiden Orders over the centuries. But the Disciples of Orithell, the Asios, arrived, seeking to control a fabled Mirror Plate that controlled the Mirror Gate. The Maidens stood ready to defend their home against this threat.
Soon, In the heart of the town square, the battle raged, Maidens and Asios fought for every scrap of ground. The blue capes of the Asios billowed behind them like a dark shroud, their white masks a cold reminder of their deadly efficiency. Disciple Eirlys stumbled back, her sword slipping from her grasp as a Maiden blade struck home with deadly precision, running clean through her. Nearby, Maiden Niamh fell to the ground, an Asios's sword piercing her chest, emerging on the other side of her back.
As an Asio warrior collapsed, her mask lying broken on the ground beside her, her face revealed as a beautiful girl with porcelain skin and raven-black hair. Her blue eyes, once cold and distant behind the mask, now seemed to hold a fleeting glance of sorrow before she took her final breath.
The battle churned on, a maelstrom of steel and blood as the Maidens and Asios fell around each other, their bodies pierced through with deadly precision. The outcome of the remained in the balance, the very fate of Thallenberg riding on the edge of a sword.
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In the heart of Eidelstadt, in the north of Thallenberg, the walls were adorned with symbols of its history and prosperity - including murals depicting the triumphs of the local Maiden Orders over the centuries. But the Disciples of Orithell, the Asios, arrived, seeking to control a fabled Mirror Plate that controlled the Mirror Gate. The Maidens stood ready to defend their home against this threat.
Soon, In the heart of the town square, the battle raged, Maidens and Asios fought for every scrap of ground. The blue capes of the Asios billowed behind them like a dark shroud, their white masks a cold reminder of their deadly efficiency. Disciple Eirlys stumbled back, her sword slipping from her grasp as a Maiden blade struck home with deadly precision, running clean through her. Nearby, Maiden Niamh fell to the ground, an Asios's sword piercing her chest, emerging on the other side of her back.
As an Asio warrior collapsed, her mask lying broken on the ground beside her, her face revealed as a beautiful girl with porcelain skin and raven-black hair. Her blue eyes, once cold and distant behind the mask, now seemed to hold a fleeting glance of sorrow before she took her final breath.
The battle churned on, a maelstrom of steel and blood as the Maidens and Asios fell around each other, their bodies pierced through with deadly precision. The outcome of the remained in the balance, the very fate of Thallenberg riding on the edge of a sword.
Barbara's brown hair cascaded around her like a veil of sorrow as she knelt beside the lifeless bodies of her comrades. The rotunda, normally a symbol of their pride and power, now seemed a cold and unforgiving tomb. Her gaze lingered on each familiar face, her mind replaying the battle's brutal dance. Half a dozen fallen warriors, amongst them several former training partners, lay still beneath the Blue Swan crest emblazoned above them.
Jojo's voice echoed through the chamber, barking orders as if to drown out the ache in Barbara's chest. The Sword Maidens had infiltrated their preparations, hoping to thwart their assault on Jade Grove. But the Blue Swans would not be deterred. Revenge burned within Barbara like a wildfire, fuelling her determination to avenge her fallen sisters.
As she rose to her feet, her eyes locked onto Jojo's. "We will not rest until we have claimed our birthright," Jojo declared, her voice heavy with the weight of fury. The Blue Swans would march into battle once more, their rapiers and bows at the ready, their hunger for vengeance that could not be sated.
The fallen warriors' eyes seemed to stare up at Barbara, their unspoken plea echoing through her mind: "Take our revenge." With a steely resolve, she nodded in silent agreement. The Blue Swans would not falter; they would exact the price of their sisters' lives from the Sword Maidens, and claim the land that was rightfully theirs.
Jojo's voice echoed through the chamber, barking orders as if to drown out the ache in Barbara's chest. The Sword Maidens had infiltrated their preparations, hoping to thwart their assault on Jade Grove. But the Blue Swans would not be deterred. Revenge burned within Barbara like a wildfire, fuelling her determination to avenge her fallen sisters.
As she rose to her feet, her eyes locked onto Jojo's. "We will not rest until we have claimed our birthright," Jojo declared, her voice heavy with the weight of fury. The Blue Swans would march into battle once more, their rapiers and bows at the ready, their hunger for vengeance that could not be sated.
The fallen warriors' eyes seemed to stare up at Barbara, their unspoken plea echoing through her mind: "Take our revenge." With a steely resolve, she nodded in silent agreement. The Blue Swans would not falter; they would exact the price of their sisters' lives from the Sword Maidens, and claim the land that was rightfully theirs.
As Rose withdrew a blade from the chest of her opponent, the Black haired Blue Swan fell to her knees, her once-fierce eyes now dulled by the ebb of life.
Through the town square, Maidens and Swans clashed and screams rang out. Rose scanned the chaotic scene, her gaze lingering on a cluster of Swans converging on a lone Maiden, their rapiers levelled and threatening, Rose recognised their target.
With a fierce cry, Rose charged towards them, sword poised to strike. Would today be the day that brought victory for the Sword Maidens or would it mark the end of another brave warrior's tale? Only time would tell.
Rose plunged forward, eager to find out.
Through the town square, Maidens and Swans clashed and screams rang out. Rose scanned the chaotic scene, her gaze lingering on a cluster of Swans converging on a lone Maiden, their rapiers levelled and threatening, Rose recognised their target.
With a fierce cry, Rose charged towards them, sword poised to strike. Would today be the day that brought victory for the Sword Maidens or would it mark the end of another brave warrior's tale? Only time would tell.
Rose plunged forward, eager to find out.
The bodies of the fallen lay still in the courtyard, by the entry arch, a lone Blue Swan and a Sword Maiden were the only two survivors still locked in battle.
Karen squirmed beneath Rose's unyielding grip, her eyes burned with fear and desperation as she realized her predicament – pinned to the stone floor by the Maiden’s blows. Karen’s neck plate, adorned with intricate engravings, pressed firmly against her throat. Rose’s fingers grasping for purchase as she tried to bring her rapier to bear.
Karen's gaze darted between Rose's determined face and the glint of steel at her side, just out of reach, searching for an escape from the Maiden on top of her. But it was no use – she was trapped, as Rose finally managed to grasp the neck plate, holding her neck still, forcing her to look her soon to be killer in the eyes. The neck guard that had once protected her now felt like a cruel mockery, as it was now a tool for her killer.
As Rose's grip tightened, Karen's struggles grew weaker, her breath coming in ragged gasps. Her hand flailed feebly at Rose's arm, seeking to break the hold that would soon end her life. But it was futile – Rose's gip held fast and unyielding. Karen panicked, Rose drew her blade slowly across Karen’s throat, her eyes not leaving Karen’s. For Karen, the courtyard faded into darkness as her life slipped as her blood reached the floor below her.
Karen squirmed beneath Rose's unyielding grip, her eyes burned with fear and desperation as she realized her predicament – pinned to the stone floor by the Maiden’s blows. Karen’s neck plate, adorned with intricate engravings, pressed firmly against her throat. Rose’s fingers grasping for purchase as she tried to bring her rapier to bear.
Karen's gaze darted between Rose's determined face and the glint of steel at her side, just out of reach, searching for an escape from the Maiden on top of her. But it was no use – she was trapped, as Rose finally managed to grasp the neck plate, holding her neck still, forcing her to look her soon to be killer in the eyes. The neck guard that had once protected her now felt like a cruel mockery, as it was now a tool for her killer.
As Rose's grip tightened, Karen's struggles grew weaker, her breath coming in ragged gasps. Her hand flailed feebly at Rose's arm, seeking to break the hold that would soon end her life. But it was futile – Rose's gip held fast and unyielding. Karen panicked, Rose drew her blade slowly across Karen’s throat, her eyes not leaving Karen’s. For Karen, the courtyard faded into darkness as her life slipped as her blood reached the floor below her.
As the dust settled, Emily's body crumpled to the cobblestone street, blood seeping from the wound in her chest. Around her, the lifeless bodies of Sword Maidens lay scattered, their red and black uniforms drenched in blood and dirt.
Karen and Isra rushed to Emily’s side. Without hesitation, they lifted her, each gripping an arm as her weight sagged between them. Pain blurred her vision, and her eyes darted across the bodies of her fallen comrades. The agony cut deeper than the physical wound—it was the sharp sting of memories, of the red and black she once wore, the ideals she had abandoned.
Karen’s voice, soft and steady, pierced Emily’s haze. “Hold on, sister. We’re here.” Isra nodded, her grasp firm and reassuring as she adjusted her hold, lifting Emily with careful strength.
As they tended to her wounds and shared quiet words, a bond began to form between Emily and Karen. Over the following months, their friendship grew, laughter and shared secrets replacing the silence of war. Emily found comfort in Karen’s unwavering loyalty, an unspoken connection that transcended the battlefield. Though their scars remained, it was Karen’s presence that soothed Emily’s haunted past.
Karen and Isra rushed to Emily’s side. Without hesitation, they lifted her, each gripping an arm as her weight sagged between them. Pain blurred her vision, and her eyes darted across the bodies of her fallen comrades. The agony cut deeper than the physical wound—it was the sharp sting of memories, of the red and black she once wore, the ideals she had abandoned.
Karen’s voice, soft and steady, pierced Emily’s haze. “Hold on, sister. We’re here.” Isra nodded, her grasp firm and reassuring as she adjusted her hold, lifting Emily with careful strength.
As they tended to her wounds and shared quiet words, a bond began to form between Emily and Karen. Over the following months, their friendship grew, laughter and shared secrets replacing the silence of war. Emily found comfort in Karen’s unwavering loyalty, an unspoken connection that transcended the battlefield. Though their scars remained, it was Karen’s presence that soothed Emily’s haunted past.
The sun was high over the market square as the Blue Swans descended upon the town like a vengeful storm cloud and soon, amidst the crumbling buildings, the sounds of clashing steel echoed off the walls. Ling, battling her way through the Swans, charged down the narrow alleyway, dodging pillars as she pursued a Blue Swan through the residential quarter.
Her target, a blonde Swan with a blonde bob, spotted Ling turned to face her. Seizing the moment, Ling didn’t break her stride and leapt, her rapier blade raised high to strike down upon her foe.
But just as Ling's blade was about to descend, the Blue Swan reacted with a speed that belied her noble bearing. She crouched lower, her own rapier darting upwards in a swift, deadly arc.
A searing pain pierced Ling's belly as the Blue Swan's blade bit deep, running her clean through. The force of the blow sending Ling crashing to her knees, the Maiden's vision began to blur, her grip on her rapier faltering as she struggled to remain upright. With one final, desperate effort, she toppled backward onto the cobblestones, her body motionless in death.
The Blue Swan straightened, her chest heaving with exertion as she gazed down at Ling's slain form. For a fleeting moment she rested her hand on Lings body, looking for a next opponent, then re-joined the battle.
Her target, a blonde Swan with a blonde bob, spotted Ling turned to face her. Seizing the moment, Ling didn’t break her stride and leapt, her rapier blade raised high to strike down upon her foe.
But just as Ling's blade was about to descend, the Blue Swan reacted with a speed that belied her noble bearing. She crouched lower, her own rapier darting upwards in a swift, deadly arc.
A searing pain pierced Ling's belly as the Blue Swan's blade bit deep, running her clean through. The force of the blow sending Ling crashing to her knees, the Maiden's vision began to blur, her grip on her rapier faltering as she struggled to remain upright. With one final, desperate effort, she toppled backward onto the cobblestones, her body motionless in death.
The Blue Swan straightened, her chest heaving with exertion as she gazed down at Ling's slain form. For a fleeting moment she rested her hand on Lings body, looking for a next opponent, then re-joined the battle.
The Sword Maidens' legend began in the unforgiving lands of Kokoshi. For generations, they dedicated themselves to the noble pursuit of protecting the innocent and promoting justice. Their unwavering commitment earned them the reverence of the people they swore to defend.
In those treacherous times, the Sword Maidens clashed with ruthless bandits and warlords who sought to pillage and destroy all that was good and just. The Maidens fought bravely, sacrificing their own lives to safeguard their communities. Their unyielding resolve led them into countless battles, where they faced impossible odds and still managed to emerge victorious.
Rows of tombstones bore witness to their ultimate sacrifices, the many Maidens who gave their lives holding off enemy hordes. These monuments stood as testaments to their unshakeable dedication, inspiring generations of Sword Maidens to come.
Their bloodied fields were not forgotten; instead, they became sacred grounds where new warriors vowed to follow in their predecessors' footsteps, upholding the unbreakable bond between a Sword Maiden and the people her Order swore to protect.
In those treacherous times, the Sword Maidens clashed with ruthless bandits and warlords who sought to pillage and destroy all that was good and just. The Maidens fought bravely, sacrificing their own lives to safeguard their communities. Their unyielding resolve led them into countless battles, where they faced impossible odds and still managed to emerge victorious.
Rows of tombstones bore witness to their ultimate sacrifices, the many Maidens who gave their lives holding off enemy hordes. These monuments stood as testaments to their unshakeable dedication, inspiring generations of Sword Maidens to come.
Their bloodied fields were not forgotten; instead, they became sacred grounds where new warriors vowed to follow in their predecessors' footsteps, upholding the unbreakable bond between a Sword Maiden and the people her Order swore to protect.
As the sun cast its warm glow over the quaint town of Lin'an, a patrol from the nearby Sword Maiden Order moved slowly across the bridge, their boots clicking against the worn stones. Investigating reports of a Blue Swan recruiting party in this very town, and it was Aura's duty to lead a swift response. Her hand instinctively rested on the hilt of her rapier, her heart pounding with anticipation. Upon entering Lin'an, they spotted a lone Blue Swan warrior, Karen, standing guard at the bottom of the bridge steps, her back to them as she surveyed the citizens in the market, her long black hair tied neatly in a ponytail. Aura moved ahead of her party, her eyes fixed on Karen.
Without warning, Aura's left hand grasped Karen's shoulder and pulled her back, catching her off guard. Karen's eyes snapped to the side as her head spun round, raising her rapier, but it was too late. With a swift motion, Aura plunged her rapier into Karen's back.
Karen's eyes widened in shock as she felt the blade pierce her flesh. She looked down at the sword protruding from her belly, her face twisted with horror. She fell to her knees, her left hand clutching at the wound, her right hand grasping for support on the ground.
Aura crouched beside the fallen warrior, her chest heaving with exertion. With a swift motion, she slit Karen's throat, the razor-sharp edge parting the skin like silk. As the life drained from Karen's eyes, Aura knelt beside her, her gaze lingering on the still form. The other Sword Maidens prepared to face whatever Blue Swan warriors lay hidden within the town of Lin'an. For Aura, this moment marked the beginning of a battle that would leave only one side standing.
Without warning, Aura's left hand grasped Karen's shoulder and pulled her back, catching her off guard. Karen's eyes snapped to the side as her head spun round, raising her rapier, but it was too late. With a swift motion, Aura plunged her rapier into Karen's back.
Karen's eyes widened in shock as she felt the blade pierce her flesh. She looked down at the sword protruding from her belly, her face twisted with horror. She fell to her knees, her left hand clutching at the wound, her right hand grasping for support on the ground.
Aura crouched beside the fallen warrior, her chest heaving with exertion. With a swift motion, she slit Karen's throat, the razor-sharp edge parting the skin like silk. As the life drained from Karen's eyes, Aura knelt beside her, her gaze lingering on the still form. The other Sword Maidens prepared to face whatever Blue Swan warriors lay hidden within the town of Lin'an. For Aura, this moment marked the beginning of a battle that would leave only one side standing.
The sun began to set on the battered streets of the small town. The air was heavy with the acrid scent of smoke and the metallic tang of blood.
Barbara crouched beside a lifeless Maiden, her blonde hair tangled with the dust and debris of the battle. With a curt gesture, Barbara grabbed the woman's head by the hair, yanking it up to inspect for signs of life. The Maiden's face was pale and still, a deep crimson stain marring her right breast where a rapier had left its mark.
Irina stood watchfully nearby, sword poised to strike if needed. Barbara's scowl deepened as she looked around at the devastation, her gaze dismissing the Maiden's lifeless body with a mere glance. She released the woman's hair, the head lolling back into its deathly stillness. To Barbara and Irina, the Maiden was just another obstacle to be eliminated on their path to victory.
As they continued their patrol, their thoughts turned to the task ahead: clearing the last of the stragglers, securing the town, and then finding shelter for the night. With a quiet nod, they resumed their sweep, leaving the body of the Maiden lying where they had found it.
Barbara crouched beside a lifeless Maiden, her blonde hair tangled with the dust and debris of the battle. With a curt gesture, Barbara grabbed the woman's head by the hair, yanking it up to inspect for signs of life. The Maiden's face was pale and still, a deep crimson stain marring her right breast where a rapier had left its mark.
Irina stood watchfully nearby, sword poised to strike if needed. Barbara's scowl deepened as she looked around at the devastation, her gaze dismissing the Maiden's lifeless body with a mere glance. She released the woman's hair, the head lolling back into its deathly stillness. To Barbara and Irina, the Maiden was just another obstacle to be eliminated on their path to victory.
As they continued their patrol, their thoughts turned to the task ahead: clearing the last of the stragglers, securing the town, and then finding shelter for the night. With a quiet nod, they resumed their sweep, leaving the body of the Maiden lying where they had found it.
SSR knelt on the blood-soaked ground, his knees aching from the cold stone beneath him. His hands trembled as he lowered his weapon in submission, staring up at Millie, who stood over him, her sword pressed against his chest. Her breathing was heavy but controlled, eyes dark with the thrill of victory. Beside him, the bodies of Rose and Elise lay motionless, their weapons fallen from limp fingers. Blood pooled beneath them, staining the cobblestones.
Millie’s fellow Blue Swans—Isra, Irina, and Jojo—had fought just as ferociously, but now they lay dead at her feet, their blood mingled with that of the Maidens, but Millie wasn’t about to let the moment pass without savouring her victory.
SSR’s voice trembled, the blade tip pressing softly against his skin, his hands shaking uncontrollably. “Please...”
His words hung in the air as Millie’s gaze bore down on him. The point of her sword dug a little deeper into his chest, just enough to make him wince. Her lips twisted into a cold, cruel smile. "You think you deserve mercy after what you’ve done?" she whispered, her voice filled with mockery.
“Please…” he begged again, his voice cracking. He wasn’t sure if he was begging for his life or simply a quick end.
Millie watched him closely, their staring deep into his fearful eyes. The power in this moment was hers, and she seemed to relish every second of it.
With a glare, she thrust the blade clean through SSR’s chest…
Millie’s fellow Blue Swans—Isra, Irina, and Jojo—had fought just as ferociously, but now they lay dead at her feet, their blood mingled with that of the Maidens, but Millie wasn’t about to let the moment pass without savouring her victory.
SSR’s voice trembled, the blade tip pressing softly against his skin, his hands shaking uncontrollably. “Please...”
His words hung in the air as Millie’s gaze bore down on him. The point of her sword dug a little deeper into his chest, just enough to make him wince. Her lips twisted into a cold, cruel smile. "You think you deserve mercy after what you’ve done?" she whispered, her voice filled with mockery.
“Please…” he begged again, his voice cracking. He wasn’t sure if he was begging for his life or simply a quick end.
Millie watched him closely, their staring deep into his fearful eyes. The power in this moment was hers, and she seemed to relish every second of it.
With a glare, she thrust the blade clean through SSR’s chest…
The battle was over, the temple alleyways were silent. The ground was littered with bodies—Sword Maidens and Blue Swans alike.
Blood soaked the earth, flowing from countless wounds, turning the battlefield into a graveyard. Rose lay on the ground, clutching her abdomen, where a deep wound bled heavily. Her red top was dark with blood, both hers and the enemy’s. Her breathing was shallow, eyes unfocused.
SSR stumbled through the carnage until he found her. Kneeling beside her, his right hand rested on her thigh, a gesture of comfort. “You’ll be ok, I’m here now, we made it…,” he said, his voice hollow. “You’re strong.” Rose winced, trying to focus on him. Her fingers trembled as she pressed against the wound in her belly, trying to hold back the blood. Around them, the lifeless bodies of their comrades told a different story.
As they glanced around, it became clear—no one else was left. The bodies of both Sword Maidens and Blue Swans lay strewn across the ground, faces frozen in death. They were the last two standing. The only ones left alive in the sea of the fallen. Rose met SSR's gaze, pain flickering in her eyes. “We’re the only ones left,” she whispered. Neither needed to say it—there would be no victory, only survival.
Blood soaked the earth, flowing from countless wounds, turning the battlefield into a graveyard. Rose lay on the ground, clutching her abdomen, where a deep wound bled heavily. Her red top was dark with blood, both hers and the enemy’s. Her breathing was shallow, eyes unfocused.
SSR stumbled through the carnage until he found her. Kneeling beside her, his right hand rested on her thigh, a gesture of comfort. “You’ll be ok, I’m here now, we made it…,” he said, his voice hollow. “You’re strong.” Rose winced, trying to focus on him. Her fingers trembled as she pressed against the wound in her belly, trying to hold back the blood. Around them, the lifeless bodies of their comrades told a different story.
As they glanced around, it became clear—no one else was left. The bodies of both Sword Maidens and Blue Swans lay strewn across the ground, faces frozen in death. They were the last two standing. The only ones left alive in the sea of the fallen. Rose met SSR's gaze, pain flickering in her eyes. “We’re the only ones left,” she whispered. Neither needed to say it—there would be no victory, only survival.
In the heart of Eldervale, a once-vibrant town now shrouded in dread, a few dozen Sword Maidens stood defiantly by the trader’s quarter, their red and black uniforms standing out against the dour landscape. Before them, the Blue Swan army approached, hundreds strong and eyeing Eldervale with jealous eyes. The Maidens knew they were outnumbered, their chances of survival nonexistent.
Rose and SSR stood a few paces ahead of the line. Her left hand pressed against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her palm. “We’ll survive,” SSR whispered, though his voice trembled with the weight of a lie they both desperately wanted to believe.
The Maidens behind them exchanged nervous glances, knowing that the oath their Order took to protect Eldervale would be fulfilled with their blood. The Blue Swans drew closer, the thud of their boots echoing off the buildings, a grim countdown to the end.
Rose’s fingers brushed over SSR’s abs, drawing comfort from the fleeting warmth of his body, a brief smile on both of their faces warmed the moment. The air crackled with tension as the enemy closed in, and Rose whispered, her smile fading “We’ll die together, won’t we?”
SSR nodded, and the first screams of battle erupted, sealing their fate.
Rose and SSR stood a few paces ahead of the line. Her left hand pressed against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her palm. “We’ll survive,” SSR whispered, though his voice trembled with the weight of a lie they both desperately wanted to believe.
The Maidens behind them exchanged nervous glances, knowing that the oath their Order took to protect Eldervale would be fulfilled with their blood. The Blue Swans drew closer, the thud of their boots echoing off the buildings, a grim countdown to the end.
Rose’s fingers brushed over SSR’s abs, drawing comfort from the fleeting warmth of his body, a brief smile on both of their faces warmed the moment. The air crackled with tension as the enemy closed in, and Rose whispered, her smile fading “We’ll die together, won’t we?”
SSR nodded, and the first screams of battle erupted, sealing their fate.
"No further, this is holy ground you are desecrating!" cried Mara, on the front row of Maidens. The Blue Swans halted, the forces were roughly even, the courtyard was confining, there was no other route round or space for a clever sleight of hand, this was the place where their fates would be decided. Down the line, Maiden braced themselves for the coming battle, Katarina glowered at the rows of Blue Swans, her confidence rubbing off on some of those around her.
The lead Blue Swan, a blonde by the name of Jojo, looked Mara in the eye and raised her left hand, beckoning the Maidens towards her with her finger. "What's the matter ladies? Scared?"
With a terrifying scream, the Maidens charged, the presence of heathens on this land enraged them, knowing that if they didn't fight the Blue Swans would kill them anyway pushed them over the edge. Better to fight and die on their own terms.
As Mara and Jojo met, Jojo was quicker to get her blade to a striking position. Realising, she was able to stop but the blade was inches from her chest. Either side of her she heard the panicked screams of her battle sisters being struck down.
Jojo relished the moment, watching Mara realise the Maidens were making a lethal mistake in facing her forces, then thrust the blade home. Mara gasped as she looked in horror at the blade, but Jojo rapidly pulled it free, turning her attention to the redhead, Laura, approaching.
The lead Blue Swan, a blonde by the name of Jojo, looked Mara in the eye and raised her left hand, beckoning the Maidens towards her with her finger. "What's the matter ladies? Scared?"
With a terrifying scream, the Maidens charged, the presence of heathens on this land enraged them, knowing that if they didn't fight the Blue Swans would kill them anyway pushed them over the edge. Better to fight and die on their own terms.
As Mara and Jojo met, Jojo was quicker to get her blade to a striking position. Realising, she was able to stop but the blade was inches from her chest. Either side of her she heard the panicked screams of her battle sisters being struck down.
Jojo relished the moment, watching Mara realise the Maidens were making a lethal mistake in facing her forces, then thrust the blade home. Mara gasped as she looked in horror at the blade, but Jojo rapidly pulled it free, turning her attention to the redhead, Laura, approaching.
As the lines in front of the market in Jade Grove fell, surviving Sword Maidens outside the market fled, Elise among them, running for her life with Blue Swans hot on her heels. She sprinted through the narrow alleys, her heart pounding in her chest, breath coming in ragged gasps, the sounds of battle and dying screams filled the air.
As Elise rounded a corner, she collided with an imposing Swan and was brought to the ground with a thud. Dazed, she looked up to see an imposing brunette Blue Swan towering over her, eyes cold and calculating. The Swan's sword gleamed menacingly in the dim light as she pressed its edge against Elise's throat.
Elise's mind raced, fear gripping her heart. She could feel the cold steel biting into her skin, a deadly promise of what would happen if she couldn’t break free.
Elise's eyes darted around, searching for any possible escape, but there was none. She was trapped, at the mercy of this Blue Swan. She swallowed hard, knowing that whatever she did she would die here, the inevitability of her fate was clear.
As Elise rounded a corner, she collided with an imposing Swan and was brought to the ground with a thud. Dazed, she looked up to see an imposing brunette Blue Swan towering over her, eyes cold and calculating. The Swan's sword gleamed menacingly in the dim light as she pressed its edge against Elise's throat.
Elise's mind raced, fear gripping her heart. She could feel the cold steel biting into her skin, a deadly promise of what would happen if she couldn’t break free.
Elise's eyes darted around, searching for any possible escape, but there was none. She was trapped, at the mercy of this Blue Swan. She swallowed hard, knowing that whatever she did she would die here, the inevitability of her fate was clear.
A follow up commission by Alexx-C, love it!
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As the Blue Swans advanced down the passageway, the Sword Maidens fell back into the market, Rose and SSR amongst them. Maiden after Maiden fell before the Blue Swans’ blades, the advance was not without cost in bodies to the Swans, but soon the Maidens were surrounded and prepared to sell themselves dearly.
The market, once bustling with life, was now a graveyard. The corpses of friends and foes lay intertwined, the brutal remains of battle visible on every blood-soaked inch. A fierce blonde, the Blue Swan leader who had orchestrated this carnage, was at the head of her troops, stepping out into the market to secure their victory, her lieutenant, a shorter, slightly built Swan, her dark brown hair tied behind her, commanded the gathered Swans to finish off the surviving Maidens.
Laying wounded in the middle of the market, their backs against a barrel of mead, Rose and SSR watched two Sword Maidens dragged from the floor and finished, a dark-skinned Swan ran her blade through the abs of a tall blonde Maiden, whilst a blonde Swan grabbed the hair of a Kokoshi Maiden, holding her head back and drawing her blade across the poor Maiden’s throat. Their death screams joined the violent cacophony as the Swans moved through the market, killing surviving Maidens without mercy.
They soon realised they were the last two Sword Maidens alive. The lifeless bodies of their friends were piled around them, their breath came in ragged gasps, their impending doom now inescapable. Bloodied and battered, they clasped each other’s hands, drawing what little comfort they could from their shared touch.
“We’re the last ones,” SSR muttered, his voice thick with grief and exhaustion.
“I know,” Rose replied, her eyes darting around at the encroaching Blue Swans. “But we’ll go down together my love.”
As they looked up, Rose saw the blonde leader of the Swans standing over her, whilst SSR saw her dark brown-haired lieutenant, their blades blood soaked, but still gleaming and lethal, readying a final strike. Squeezing each other’s hand, they both pushed their chests forwards as a final show of defiance and glowered at their soon to be killers.
Simultaneously, the Swans lunged, impaling Rose and SSR through their chests. No amount of bravado could have masked the pain, their death cries filled the market, as the world started to go dark, they turned to catch one last glimpse of each other in their final moments, their finger intertwined, even death would not separate them.
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As the Blue Swans advanced down the passageway, the Sword Maidens fell back into the market, Rose and SSR amongst them. Maiden after Maiden fell before the Blue Swans’ blades, the advance was not without cost in bodies to the Swans, but soon the Maidens were surrounded and prepared to sell themselves dearly.
The market, once bustling with life, was now a graveyard. The corpses of friends and foes lay intertwined, the brutal remains of battle visible on every blood-soaked inch. A fierce blonde, the Blue Swan leader who had orchestrated this carnage, was at the head of her troops, stepping out into the market to secure their victory, her lieutenant, a shorter, slightly built Swan, her dark brown hair tied behind her, commanded the gathered Swans to finish off the surviving Maidens.
Laying wounded in the middle of the market, their backs against a barrel of mead, Rose and SSR watched two Sword Maidens dragged from the floor and finished, a dark-skinned Swan ran her blade through the abs of a tall blonde Maiden, whilst a blonde Swan grabbed the hair of a Kokoshi Maiden, holding her head back and drawing her blade across the poor Maiden’s throat. Their death screams joined the violent cacophony as the Swans moved through the market, killing surviving Maidens without mercy.
They soon realised they were the last two Sword Maidens alive. The lifeless bodies of their friends were piled around them, their breath came in ragged gasps, their impending doom now inescapable. Bloodied and battered, they clasped each other’s hands, drawing what little comfort they could from their shared touch.
“We’re the last ones,” SSR muttered, his voice thick with grief and exhaustion.
“I know,” Rose replied, her eyes darting around at the encroaching Blue Swans. “But we’ll go down together my love.”
As they looked up, Rose saw the blonde leader of the Swans standing over her, whilst SSR saw her dark brown-haired lieutenant, their blades blood soaked, but still gleaming and lethal, readying a final strike. Squeezing each other’s hand, they both pushed their chests forwards as a final show of defiance and glowered at their soon to be killers.
Simultaneously, the Swans lunged, impaling Rose and SSR through their chests. No amount of bravado could have masked the pain, their death cries filled the market, as the world started to go dark, they turned to catch one last glimpse of each other in their final moments, their finger intertwined, even death would not separate them.
Art by LeftwardCleric as part of an art trade: https://www.deviantart.com/leftwardcleric/
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In the middle of the first Sword Maidens to breach the walls of the Blue Swan stronghold, Maria surged forwards with a fierce battle cry. Bloodied but relentless, she charges forward. A few steps later, she froze—realising she was in the sights of a dozen Blue Swan archers. Arrows fly. The first pierces her exposed midriff, making her gasp in pain. Another two buried themselves in her chest in quick succession, driving her to her knees. Her vision blurring, her life slipping away as she crumples to the ground, the battle continuing around her.
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In the middle of the first Sword Maidens to breach the walls of the Blue Swan stronghold, Maria surged forwards with a fierce battle cry. Bloodied but relentless, she charges forward. A few steps later, she froze—realising she was in the sights of a dozen Blue Swan archers. Arrows fly. The first pierces her exposed midriff, making her gasp in pain. Another two buried themselves in her chest in quick succession, driving her to her knees. Her vision blurring, her life slipping away as she crumples to the ground, the battle continuing around her.
Thousands of years later, the war between the Sword Maidens and the Blue Swans has spread across the galaxy, claiming billions of lives. Despite technological advancements, their traditional crimson and black, and azure costumes persist, both sides embracing traditions of their ancestors.
Inside a massive space station, the echoes of gunfire are deafening. The Sword Maidens, rifles in hand, engage their enemies with desperate ferocity. Their costumes, exposing bare midriffs, mean they are as fragile vulnerable as their ancestors. The Blue Swans advance with ruthless precision, the casualties are staggering on both sides.
Bullets tear through flesh and ricochet off walls. The air is thick with smoke and the stench of blood. Bodies pile up, and the screams of the dying fill the corridors. Amid the carnage, a Sword Maiden and a Blue Swan lock eyes, their ancient hatred etched in their faces, each firing as their battle sisters fall around them. The station trembles under the relentless slaughter. The war rages on, an eternal, intense and brutal conflict.
Inside a massive space station, the echoes of gunfire are deafening. The Sword Maidens, rifles in hand, engage their enemies with desperate ferocity. Their costumes, exposing bare midriffs, mean they are as fragile vulnerable as their ancestors. The Blue Swans advance with ruthless precision, the casualties are staggering on both sides.
Bullets tear through flesh and ricochet off walls. The air is thick with smoke and the stench of blood. Bodies pile up, and the screams of the dying fill the corridors. Amid the carnage, a Sword Maiden and a Blue Swan lock eyes, their ancient hatred etched in their faces, each firing as their battle sisters fall around them. The station trembles under the relentless slaughter. The war rages on, an eternal, intense and brutal conflict.
“Leave none alive!” shouted Rose, the anger making her voice quiver, “They deserve no mercy for what they have done…”
Elise looked out at the bodies surrounding the surviving Sword Maidens, fallen Blue Swans lay alongside her fallen Maiden sisters and beyond them, in the marketplace, she could see the bodies of the townspeople. The Blue Swan raid had hit the town at it’s busiest, cutting their way through the market before the Maidens of the local Order could reach them. This meant all-out war for sure…
The Maidens fanned out, searching the bodies for any sign of life, a couple of Maidens paused to tend to their wounded battle sisters. As she tested the bodies with her sword, looking for signs of life, Elise heard the cries of wounded Swans as they were discovered, and swift justice was delivered. As her feet nudged against a young Swan with a black ponytail, Karen, who had been trying to play dead, opened her eyes in panic, her right arm pushing her up and away from Elise, her movement making it obvious she was unable to stand, never mind flee.
As she stood there, her sword beside her, she made eye contact with the terrified Swan before her and she stood, enjoying the fleeting moment of power, the fear very much visible in the Swan’s eyes. A confident look started to cross her face as she asked a simple question. “Why…?” The Swan snarled, realising that she was trapped and not wanting to give Elise the satisfaction of an answer.
This was enough for Elise who lunged, her sword entering the Swan’s chest just below her collarbone, and piercing her lung, she cried out and looked to the sky. As she weakened and fell back and Elise kneeled next to her, her fingers tracing over the Swan’s breastplate. What would drive a person to butcher unarmed people in a market? She mused as she watched the life leave the Swan, surrounded by the bodies of both foe and battle sister, as Rose led the search for any more survivors..
Elise looked out at the bodies surrounding the surviving Sword Maidens, fallen Blue Swans lay alongside her fallen Maiden sisters and beyond them, in the marketplace, she could see the bodies of the townspeople. The Blue Swan raid had hit the town at it’s busiest, cutting their way through the market before the Maidens of the local Order could reach them. This meant all-out war for sure…
The Maidens fanned out, searching the bodies for any sign of life, a couple of Maidens paused to tend to their wounded battle sisters. As she tested the bodies with her sword, looking for signs of life, Elise heard the cries of wounded Swans as they were discovered, and swift justice was delivered. As her feet nudged against a young Swan with a black ponytail, Karen, who had been trying to play dead, opened her eyes in panic, her right arm pushing her up and away from Elise, her movement making it obvious she was unable to stand, never mind flee.
As she stood there, her sword beside her, she made eye contact with the terrified Swan before her and she stood, enjoying the fleeting moment of power, the fear very much visible in the Swan’s eyes. A confident look started to cross her face as she asked a simple question. “Why…?” The Swan snarled, realising that she was trapped and not wanting to give Elise the satisfaction of an answer.
This was enough for Elise who lunged, her sword entering the Swan’s chest just below her collarbone, and piercing her lung, she cried out and looked to the sky. As she weakened and fell back and Elise kneeled next to her, her fingers tracing over the Swan’s breastplate. What would drive a person to butcher unarmed people in a market? She mused as she watched the life leave the Swan, surrounded by the bodies of both foe and battle sister, as Rose led the search for any more survivors..
At the steps of the temple, the High Maiden of the order looked out on the two rows of Initiate Sword Maidens kneeled in front of her, the pair of Maidens that had taken them under their wing to train walked slowly up the steps and bowed in front of her.
"High Maiden, they are ready..."
The High Maiden nodded and turned to the kneeling Initiates as the Maidens stood beside her. As she looked out at the fresh faces, she saw hope, but also fear. She would have liked to allow more time for training, but with the massive losses due to an increase in Blue Swans raiding out of the mountains of Vasaro, the Order was in desperate need of more warriors. They had sent messages to other nearby Orders requesting help, but for now they were on their own, all that stood between the towns and villages under their protection, was their willingness to stand firm, and die if necessary, to stop the attacks.
As she kneeled in front of the High Maiden, Elise grew nervous, as she listened to an inspiring speech, part congratulating them on becoming fully fledged Sword Maidens, partly calling back to legends of the first Sword Maidens in Shogunate, partly reminding them why they joined. Their families, their friends, their homes, were under the protection of this Order of Sword Maidens, it was a noble cause, but also a dangerous one, she peered left and right and wondered if she or any of the now, fully fledged, Sword Maidens around her would ever see home again? But she steeled herself, by their sacrifices in battle, her family would be safe, that was enough.
The High Maiden brought the ceremony to a close, there was only one matter left, she looked at the first Maiden in the first line and nodded. The Maiden stood, walked up the steps and kneeled in front of the High Maiden. A Maiden to the High Mistress's left passed her a battle grade weapon, a thing of beauty, the High Maiden took it and offered it to the Maiden, handle first. The Maiden bowed her head and took the blade, returning to her place in line. It was Elise's turn. As she kneeled, she looked at the handle of the blade, this was the moment she had been training for, when she took the blade, she would take her place as a fully fledged Sword Maiden...
"High Maiden, they are ready..."
The High Maiden nodded and turned to the kneeling Initiates as the Maidens stood beside her. As she looked out at the fresh faces, she saw hope, but also fear. She would have liked to allow more time for training, but with the massive losses due to an increase in Blue Swans raiding out of the mountains of Vasaro, the Order was in desperate need of more warriors. They had sent messages to other nearby Orders requesting help, but for now they were on their own, all that stood between the towns and villages under their protection, was their willingness to stand firm, and die if necessary, to stop the attacks.
As she kneeled in front of the High Maiden, Elise grew nervous, as she listened to an inspiring speech, part congratulating them on becoming fully fledged Sword Maidens, partly calling back to legends of the first Sword Maidens in Shogunate, partly reminding them why they joined. Their families, their friends, their homes, were under the protection of this Order of Sword Maidens, it was a noble cause, but also a dangerous one, she peered left and right and wondered if she or any of the now, fully fledged, Sword Maidens around her would ever see home again? But she steeled herself, by their sacrifices in battle, her family would be safe, that was enough.
The High Maiden brought the ceremony to a close, there was only one matter left, she looked at the first Maiden in the first line and nodded. The Maiden stood, walked up the steps and kneeled in front of the High Maiden. A Maiden to the High Mistress's left passed her a battle grade weapon, a thing of beauty, the High Maiden took it and offered it to the Maiden, handle first. The Maiden bowed her head and took the blade, returning to her place in line. It was Elise's turn. As she kneeled, she looked at the handle of the blade, this was the moment she had been training for, when she took the blade, she would take her place as a fully fledged Sword Maiden...
The serene mountain town, nestled among the towering peaks of the Kokoshi border, was suddenly thrown into chaos as raiders descended upon it with a fury. The town, protected by a valiant order of Sword Maidens, became a battlefield, echoing with the clang of steel and the cries of the wounded.
The raiders, a brutal and relentless force, stormed the outer defenses, their sheer numbers threatening to overwhelm the defenders. The Sword Maidens, their crimson and black attire a stark contrast to the ordinarily lively market streets, fought back with unparalleled ferocity. Each clash of swords sent sparks flying, and the narrow alleys became rivers of blood.
The battle raged on, each side nearly evenly matched in strength and skill. Sword Maiden Aura, with her hair flowing like a dark river, led a desperate charge, her blade carving through the ranks of the invaders. But for every raider she felled, two more seemed to take their place. Beside her closest comrades, she fought with a grim determination, the air around her thick with the scent of sweat and blood.
As the raiders pushed further into the heart of the town, the Sword Maidens formed a defensive line, their swords gleaming in the waning light. The town’s once-peaceful market square was now a chaotic battleground. Buildings burned, and the cries of the wounded and dying filled the air.
Amidst the carnage, Aura , a seasoned warrior but und, locked eyes with a raider, their blades meeting in a deadly dance. She felt the strain in her muscles, the fatigue of battle wearing her down, but she knew she couldn’t falter. Her thoughts flickered to SSR, fighting somewhere nearby, and she drew strength from their shared resolve.
Hundreds lay dead or dying, the streets of Kokoshi stained with their sacrifice. As night began to fall, the battle showed no sign of ending. Both sides, nearly evenly matched, fought with a ferocity born of desperation. The fate of the mountain town hung in the balance, each warrior’s blade a potential harbinger of victory or doom.
The raiders, a brutal and relentless force, stormed the outer defenses, their sheer numbers threatening to overwhelm the defenders. The Sword Maidens, their crimson and black attire a stark contrast to the ordinarily lively market streets, fought back with unparalleled ferocity. Each clash of swords sent sparks flying, and the narrow alleys became rivers of blood.
The battle raged on, each side nearly evenly matched in strength and skill. Sword Maiden Aura, with her hair flowing like a dark river, led a desperate charge, her blade carving through the ranks of the invaders. But for every raider she felled, two more seemed to take their place. Beside her closest comrades, she fought with a grim determination, the air around her thick with the scent of sweat and blood.
As the raiders pushed further into the heart of the town, the Sword Maidens formed a defensive line, their swords gleaming in the waning light. The town’s once-peaceful market square was now a chaotic battleground. Buildings burned, and the cries of the wounded and dying filled the air.
Amidst the carnage, Aura , a seasoned warrior but und, locked eyes with a raider, their blades meeting in a deadly dance. She felt the strain in her muscles, the fatigue of battle wearing her down, but she knew she couldn’t falter. Her thoughts flickered to SSR, fighting somewhere nearby, and she drew strength from their shared resolve.
Hundreds lay dead or dying, the streets of Kokoshi stained with their sacrifice. As night began to fall, the battle showed no sign of ending. Both sides, nearly evenly matched, fought with a ferocity born of desperation. The fate of the mountain town hung in the balance, each warrior’s blade a potential harbinger of victory or doom.
Version with original Sword Maiden outfits
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The serene mountain town, nestled among the towering peaks of the Kokoshi border, was suddenly thrown into chaos as raiders descended upon it with a fury. The town, protected by a valiant order of Sword Maidens, became a battlefield, echoing with the clang of steel and the cries of the wounded.
The raiders, a brutal and relentless force, stormed the outer defenses, their sheer numbers threatening to overwhelm the defenders. The Sword Maidens, their crimson and black attire a stark contrast to the ordinarily lively market streets, fought back with unparalleled ferocity. Each clash of swords sent sparks flying, and the narrow alleys became rivers of blood.
The battle raged on, each side nearly evenly matched in strength and skill. Sword Maiden Aura, with her hair flowing like a dark river, led a desperate charge, her blade carving through the ranks of the invaders. But for every raider she felled, two more seemed to take their place. Beside her closest comrades, she fought with a grim determination, the air around her thick with the scent of sweat and blood.
As the raiders pushed further into the heart of the town, the Sword Maidens formed a defensive line, their swords gleaming in the waning light. The town’s once-peaceful market square was now a chaotic battleground. Buildings burned, and the cries of the wounded and dying filled the air.
Amidst the carnage, Aura , a seasoned warrior but und, locked eyes with a raider, their blades meeting in a deadly dance. She felt the strain in her muscles, the fatigue of battle wearing her down, but she knew she couldn’t falter. Her thoughts flickered to SSR, fighting somewhere nearby, and she drew strength from their shared resolve.
Hundreds lay dead or dying, the streets of Kokoshi stained with their sacrifice. As night began to fall, the battle showed no sign of ending. Both sides, nearly evenly matched, fought with a ferocity born of desperation. The fate of the mountain town hung in the balance, each warrior’s blade a potential harbinger of victory or doom.
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The serene mountain town, nestled among the towering peaks of the Kokoshi border, was suddenly thrown into chaos as raiders descended upon it with a fury. The town, protected by a valiant order of Sword Maidens, became a battlefield, echoing with the clang of steel and the cries of the wounded.
The raiders, a brutal and relentless force, stormed the outer defenses, their sheer numbers threatening to overwhelm the defenders. The Sword Maidens, their crimson and black attire a stark contrast to the ordinarily lively market streets, fought back with unparalleled ferocity. Each clash of swords sent sparks flying, and the narrow alleys became rivers of blood.
The battle raged on, each side nearly evenly matched in strength and skill. Sword Maiden Aura, with her hair flowing like a dark river, led a desperate charge, her blade carving through the ranks of the invaders. But for every raider she felled, two more seemed to take their place. Beside her closest comrades, she fought with a grim determination, the air around her thick with the scent of sweat and blood.
As the raiders pushed further into the heart of the town, the Sword Maidens formed a defensive line, their swords gleaming in the waning light. The town’s once-peaceful market square was now a chaotic battleground. Buildings burned, and the cries of the wounded and dying filled the air.
Amidst the carnage, Aura , a seasoned warrior but und, locked eyes with a raider, their blades meeting in a deadly dance. She felt the strain in her muscles, the fatigue of battle wearing her down, but she knew she couldn’t falter. Her thoughts flickered to SSR, fighting somewhere nearby, and she drew strength from their shared resolve.
Hundreds lay dead or dying, the streets of Kokoshi stained with their sacrifice. As night began to fall, the battle showed no sign of ending. Both sides, nearly evenly matched, fought with a ferocity born of desperation. The fate of the mountain town hung in the balance, each warrior’s blade a potential harbinger of victory or doom.
Mille’s family had always been attracted to power like moths to a flame. Thousand of years ago, her ancestors had, in the mountains of Vasaro, had walked into Aetheria House to swear allegiance to the Acardi family and take up arms for the Blue Swans, attracted by their shared dream of seizing control of the lands of Caladora, something that they regarded as their birth right. Generations of the family had willingly handed over four in every five girls to the Blue Swans, girls that would grow up and die as Blue Swans as they faced the vast armies of Caladora, alongside regular bloody clashes with local Sword Maiden orders, who the Caladorans had enlisted to defend their lands.
Now, as the majority of the world was controlled by the faceless and bureaucratic entity known only as the “Government”, Millie’s family proudly served in it’s army. This was not as noble an aim as it might seem, whilst there were few figureheads to speak of, the army was a hive of corrupt administrators, expert in financial sleights of hand, having some level of family ties to notable units was a useful security. Millie, like her sisters and her forbears, carried out whatever heartless repression the Government required, whether it was fighting Black Hand Corporation henchwomen by the hundreds or putting down local populations without mercy, but her first loyalty was to the family, if that meant she would die like so many other family members, so be it.
Now, as the majority of the world was controlled by the faceless and bureaucratic entity known only as the “Government”, Millie’s family proudly served in it’s army. This was not as noble an aim as it might seem, whilst there were few figureheads to speak of, the army was a hive of corrupt administrators, expert in financial sleights of hand, having some level of family ties to notable units was a useful security. Millie, like her sisters and her forbears, carried out whatever heartless repression the Government required, whether it was fighting Black Hand Corporation henchwomen by the hundreds or putting down local populations without mercy, but her first loyalty was to the family, if that meant she would die like so many other family members, so be it.
As Isra stumbled, her sword fell from her hands and she collapsed to all fours amongst the casualties of battle, both Sword Maiden and her Blue Swan sisters. She looked at her sword, lying between her and the Maiden, and paused, the Maiden's sword was lowered, it's point ominously close to her own sword.
The Maiden's eyes glowered, "You thought you could subjugate Kokoshi, but now it is your turn to beg.." she growled as she kicked Isra over onto her back, aiming her blade at her chest. Realising her fate was sealed, Isra raised her right arm in a pleading gesture, their eyes met and she wondered how many of her battle sisters this Maiden had killed. The mountains of Aerynamra were a distant memory, their battles against Sword Maiden Orders had taken them into the lowlands of the borders, so many had died on both sides, would they ever have control of their birth right lands? Looking down at the blade now hovering just a hair's breadth above her vulnerable flesh, Isra knew she would never see that day.
With a grunt and a sudden motion, the Maiden ran Isra through, her sword sinking into the doomed warrior's chest. Isra gasped and cried out as pain became unbearable, looking down at her opponent's sword in horror. As the world started to go dark, her head fell sideways, the Maiden didn't flinch, the main battle had moved elsewhere, so she watched the life go from Isra's eyes, her hands on her waist, the sword standing proudly from the fallen Blue Swan's form, all her Maiden sisters that had died today played in her mind, the death of a Blue Swan invader was a small measure of justice.
What now? Her mind returned to the duties of her Order and the screams of battle she could still hear, duty called...
The Maiden's eyes glowered, "You thought you could subjugate Kokoshi, but now it is your turn to beg.." she growled as she kicked Isra over onto her back, aiming her blade at her chest. Realising her fate was sealed, Isra raised her right arm in a pleading gesture, their eyes met and she wondered how many of her battle sisters this Maiden had killed. The mountains of Aerynamra were a distant memory, their battles against Sword Maiden Orders had taken them into the lowlands of the borders, so many had died on both sides, would they ever have control of their birth right lands? Looking down at the blade now hovering just a hair's breadth above her vulnerable flesh, Isra knew she would never see that day.
With a grunt and a sudden motion, the Maiden ran Isra through, her sword sinking into the doomed warrior's chest. Isra gasped and cried out as pain became unbearable, looking down at her opponent's sword in horror. As the world started to go dark, her head fell sideways, the Maiden didn't flinch, the main battle had moved elsewhere, so she watched the life go from Isra's eyes, her hands on her waist, the sword standing proudly from the fallen Blue Swan's form, all her Maiden sisters that had died today played in her mind, the death of a Blue Swan invader was a small measure of justice.
What now? Her mind returned to the duties of her Order and the screams of battle she could still hear, duty called...
Standing up from her first kill, Aura watched as the retreating Blue Swans disappeared, she moved back towards the town side of the bridge. Taking a moment to clean her blade, she dipped it in the water by the bridge as the other Sword Maidens returned to the marketplace. Looking back up and readying herself to return, she came face to face with a vicious looking Blue Swan.
Had she hidden as the others retreated? Were they coming back already? Was something else afoot? Any explanations were quickly irrelevant as the Swan lunged at Aura. Her first attack was wild and easily deflected, but as they traded blows, Aura could feel the Swan’s strength wearing her down, then as her own strike was parried away, the Swan shoulder barged her, she felt her back strike the stone of the bridge. With one swift athletic motion, the Swan kicked her forearm and pinned it against the bridge, her hand striking the surface and her grip on her sword failed.
As the sword clattered to the ground, Aura realised that she was defenceless, her eyes focused on the blade now pointed straight at her vulnerable belly, the Swan smirked. In that moment, pinned into place, she realised that this was it, she was about to join her ancestors, what would they say if they knew she died so soon, after only one kill?
She didn’t have long to think, the Swan’s blade pierced the soft, yielding flesh of her belly, she gasped in horror, looking her killer in the eyes as the blade was removed and then jabbed again. Five times she felt the blade enter her body, before her head slumped.
No one came, fighting had moved elsewhere, the Swan realised she had a moment and kicked Aura to her knees. Standing behind her failing victim, she swiftly brought her blade over Aura’s head and, without a hint of mercy, drew the blade across her exposed neck. Aura felt her blood flowing and looked up, trying to see her killer, but she knew was dying.
As her body fell to the rocks, her killer stood above her as if admiring her handiwork. Another Maiden dealt with in the way she deserved, or so she had been taught since childhood. Leaving the lifeless body of Aura where she lay, she continued to hunt Maidens, the battle was still to be won.
Had she hidden as the others retreated? Were they coming back already? Was something else afoot? Any explanations were quickly irrelevant as the Swan lunged at Aura. Her first attack was wild and easily deflected, but as they traded blows, Aura could feel the Swan’s strength wearing her down, then as her own strike was parried away, the Swan shoulder barged her, she felt her back strike the stone of the bridge. With one swift athletic motion, the Swan kicked her forearm and pinned it against the bridge, her hand striking the surface and her grip on her sword failed.
As the sword clattered to the ground, Aura realised that she was defenceless, her eyes focused on the blade now pointed straight at her vulnerable belly, the Swan smirked. In that moment, pinned into place, she realised that this was it, she was about to join her ancestors, what would they say if they knew she died so soon, after only one kill?
She didn’t have long to think, the Swan’s blade pierced the soft, yielding flesh of her belly, she gasped in horror, looking her killer in the eyes as the blade was removed and then jabbed again. Five times she felt the blade enter her body, before her head slumped.
No one came, fighting had moved elsewhere, the Swan realised she had a moment and kicked Aura to her knees. Standing behind her failing victim, she swiftly brought her blade over Aura’s head and, without a hint of mercy, drew the blade across her exposed neck. Aura felt her blood flowing and looked up, trying to see her killer, but she knew was dying.
As her body fell to the rocks, her killer stood above her as if admiring her handiwork. Another Maiden dealt with in the way she deserved, or so she had been taught since childhood. Leaving the lifeless body of Aura where she lay, she continued to hunt Maidens, the battle was still to be won.
Aura's blood ran cold, the screams were close, it was finally happening, she would fight as a Sword Maiden. A small raiding party of Blue Swans had forced their way into the town of Harmony Falls, the limited forces of the local Sword Maiden Order had rallied in the market district, it was their duty to protect the populace and see off the threat. The main force of Maidens fought the attackers in the dockyards, Aura stayed behind with the other recent imitates as security for the retreating townspeople. Peering out of the archway, they spotted a breakaway group of Swans heading to cross the river, immediately the shout went out to charge, down the steps and up the bridge she ran, the screams of pain she had been listening to made her acutely aware of her own vulnerability form and the lack of protection her Maiden uniform offered, feeling a tinge if fear, whilst also proud to be following her family's footsteps in service to her people.
Following a tall blonde Maiden up the arch, she saw the leading pair of Blue Swans attack. The tall girl lunged and ran her rapier through the heart of a blonde Swan, a soft faced girl with a blonde bob, she gasped as the sword withdrew and fell backwards. Sensing the threat, the other Swan jabbed, her blade piercing the soft flesh of the Maiden's abs. The tall Maiden screamed as the blade lingered, dropping to her knee. Aura seized the moment, slashing wildly at the slight, brunette, Swan catching her throat with the tip of her sword. Blood erupted from the Swan, who fell backwards, choking, to the cold stone of the bridge, her life ebbing quickly away.
Seeing the fate of their two sisters, and watching the Maidens streaming from the archway, the remaining Swans retreated to find another route. Aura kneeled over the dying Swan, her first kill, it felt good, exciting even, but at what risk to her own life? She looked to her right, the blonde Swan was still alive, but just, trying to get some words out, but beside her, the tall Maiden lay motionless, the life gone from her body, blood trickling from the single wound in the soft flesh of her abdomen. Aura's mind wandered, this was the first time she had seen a fellow Maiden die, it would probably not be the last, how fragile she felt, if she'd been just a few seconds quicker and been the first up the steps, would she have faired any better? Probably not, she mused, that poor, and now silent, Maiden would have been her. Confronting her vulnerability for the first time up close, she felt a thrill travel up her spine, she knew her fate was certain, she would end her life on the floor like that Maiden and her family members who had become Maidens before her, but she couldn't think of anywhere she'd rather be.
Following a tall blonde Maiden up the arch, she saw the leading pair of Blue Swans attack. The tall girl lunged and ran her rapier through the heart of a blonde Swan, a soft faced girl with a blonde bob, she gasped as the sword withdrew and fell backwards. Sensing the threat, the other Swan jabbed, her blade piercing the soft flesh of the Maiden's abs. The tall Maiden screamed as the blade lingered, dropping to her knee. Aura seized the moment, slashing wildly at the slight, brunette, Swan catching her throat with the tip of her sword. Blood erupted from the Swan, who fell backwards, choking, to the cold stone of the bridge, her life ebbing quickly away.
Seeing the fate of their two sisters, and watching the Maidens streaming from the archway, the remaining Swans retreated to find another route. Aura kneeled over the dying Swan, her first kill, it felt good, exciting even, but at what risk to her own life? She looked to her right, the blonde Swan was still alive, but just, trying to get some words out, but beside her, the tall Maiden lay motionless, the life gone from her body, blood trickling from the single wound in the soft flesh of her abdomen. Aura's mind wandered, this was the first time she had seen a fellow Maiden die, it would probably not be the last, how fragile she felt, if she'd been just a few seconds quicker and been the first up the steps, would she have faired any better? Probably not, she mused, that poor, and now silent, Maiden would have been her. Confronting her vulnerability for the first time up close, she felt a thrill travel up her spine, she knew her fate was certain, she would end her life on the floor like that Maiden and her family members who had become Maidens before her, but she couldn't think of anywhere she'd rather be.
Their training complete, the Maidens filed out of the temple. The final initiation rituals had only lasted an hour or so, the Maidens dispersed to their duties. They were now recognised as battle ready, each of them held their newly presented sword. Some strutted confidently, but Aura :iconAurasynth: stared at the blade with wonder and a wave of mixed emotions came over her. Her family had been amongst the first to send most of their daughters to fight the Blue Swan threat, for generations they had fought and died in defence of their homeland.
Aura looked at the blade and realised that now it was her turn. These other Maidens, first generation Maidens from villages and towns across the land, didn't realise quite what a fate they had in store, she mused. They had grown up on stories of heroism, of victories won and tales told on the training field, they didn't have memories of those that had joined and never returned that she had.
Reminding herself that her forebears had faced this moment on their journey to defend their lands she would not fail and sully their memory. Aura sighed, resigning herself to her fate and allowed herself to smile a little as the Maidens around her joked, they would all be dead soon, there was no point in ruining what little time remained...
---------------
Thousands of years later
---------------
Natalie winced as the Willow behind her took a round to the belly and started to fall forwards. She would be ok, the training rounds stung, but they weren't fatal, a small dose of drugs would keep her asleep, but then it would be time for debrief.
It had been two years since the CAS delegation on Oracion in search of a perfect soldier as a counter to the Anolyth invasion. As a member of the Planetary Guard Special Operations Team, Natalie was in the first wave of screening, from which she had been chosen as the template for the "Willows". Days of tests, some in the lab, some in the field, had pushed her to her limits and nearly beyond, but she knew that she had to endure. She was a Clare after all, recipient of the Iron Swan for bravery, her family had been serving as far back as she could trace, no matter who was leading the people of Oracion, the Clare family were helping to protect them. Her great grandmother even told her stories of relatives serving the people as far back as the Sword Maidens thousands of years ago, "Aura" was the name she mentioned most in her stories. Though she couldn't prove it, she hoped it was true...
But now, here, with the first batch of Willows, her duty was to help train them to become effective soldiers like her. Whilst she could pass as a Willow and blend in during mock battles, It was always strange seeing herself "die" so many times up close. The training battles were all non lethal, but it did make her think about her own likely fate. Once they were set onto the Anolyths, there was no doubt that millions of them would die, such was the threat they faced. Every night, Natalie imagined herself dying over and over again, these skin-tight bodysuits provided no protection against the threats they faced, nothing could, it was just a question of bravery and numbers. No matter how vulnerable they each might feel, it didn't matter how many died, even if she was one of them, as long as the Anolyths were defeated.
Suddenly, the Willow to her left took a round and fell backwards dramatically, her body arched backwards as she fell, lifeless, to the ground. "Come on ladies, you can do better than this!" she roared as she fired her training pistol furiously, despite the tank behind them trying to drown out her voice.
This was going to be a long debrief....
Aura looked at the blade and realised that now it was her turn. These other Maidens, first generation Maidens from villages and towns across the land, didn't realise quite what a fate they had in store, she mused. They had grown up on stories of heroism, of victories won and tales told on the training field, they didn't have memories of those that had joined and never returned that she had.
Reminding herself that her forebears had faced this moment on their journey to defend their lands she would not fail and sully their memory. Aura sighed, resigning herself to her fate and allowed herself to smile a little as the Maidens around her joked, they would all be dead soon, there was no point in ruining what little time remained...
---------------
Thousands of years later
---------------
Natalie winced as the Willow behind her took a round to the belly and started to fall forwards. She would be ok, the training rounds stung, but they weren't fatal, a small dose of drugs would keep her asleep, but then it would be time for debrief.
It had been two years since the CAS delegation on Oracion in search of a perfect soldier as a counter to the Anolyth invasion. As a member of the Planetary Guard Special Operations Team, Natalie was in the first wave of screening, from which she had been chosen as the template for the "Willows". Days of tests, some in the lab, some in the field, had pushed her to her limits and nearly beyond, but she knew that she had to endure. She was a Clare after all, recipient of the Iron Swan for bravery, her family had been serving as far back as she could trace, no matter who was leading the people of Oracion, the Clare family were helping to protect them. Her great grandmother even told her stories of relatives serving the people as far back as the Sword Maidens thousands of years ago, "Aura" was the name she mentioned most in her stories. Though she couldn't prove it, she hoped it was true...
But now, here, with the first batch of Willows, her duty was to help train them to become effective soldiers like her. Whilst she could pass as a Willow and blend in during mock battles, It was always strange seeing herself "die" so many times up close. The training battles were all non lethal, but it did make her think about her own likely fate. Once they were set onto the Anolyths, there was no doubt that millions of them would die, such was the threat they faced. Every night, Natalie imagined herself dying over and over again, these skin-tight bodysuits provided no protection against the threats they faced, nothing could, it was just a question of bravery and numbers. No matter how vulnerable they each might feel, it didn't matter how many died, even if she was one of them, as long as the Anolyths were defeated.
Suddenly, the Willow to her left took a round and fell backwards dramatically, her body arched backwards as she fell, lifeless, to the ground. "Come on ladies, you can do better than this!" she roared as she fired her training pistol furiously, despite the tank behind them trying to drown out her voice.
This was going to be a long debrief....
Alternate version with different victim.
-------------
"So what do we do with her?" Rose asked SSR, her fingers running over Irina's chin.
The Blue Swan struggled, but SSR's grip was too strong and she'd fought too long, her strength was failing her. She realised she was in a very bad spot.
"How many have you killed? Wench, how many Maidens have fallen before you? HOW MANY?" roared SSR, they had found Irina stood over the bodies of a pair of Maidens at the end of the battle, she was too distracted to notice them approach. Now it was time to decide her fate?
Irina panicked, should she minimise the number? Hope that they were merciful? Or should she tell the truth about the dozens she'd slain? Die with dignity? Her mind raced...
"Such a cute thing though babe..." mused Rose, holding her prey's chin up. Her eyes met SSR's and a knowing glance was exchanged. "Bit of fun?" smirked SSR, Irina's mind raced, what did they have in mind?
Rose's hand tightened around Irina's neck as panic spread across her face...
"I like our new toy..."
-------------
"So what do we do with her?" Rose asked SSR, her fingers running over Irina's chin.
The Blue Swan struggled, but SSR's grip was too strong and she'd fought too long, her strength was failing her. She realised she was in a very bad spot.
"How many have you killed? Wench, how many Maidens have fallen before you? HOW MANY?" roared SSR, they had found Irina stood over the bodies of a pair of Maidens at the end of the battle, she was too distracted to notice them approach. Now it was time to decide her fate?
Irina panicked, should she minimise the number? Hope that they were merciful? Or should she tell the truth about the dozens she'd slain? Die with dignity? Her mind raced...
"Such a cute thing though babe..." mused Rose, holding her prey's chin up. Her eyes met SSR's and a knowing glance was exchanged. "Bit of fun?" smirked SSR, Irina's mind raced, what did they have in mind?
Rose's hand tightened around Irina's neck as panic spread across her face...
"I like our new toy..."
"So what do we do with her?" Rose asked SSR, her fingers running over Irina's chin.
The Blue Swan struggled, but SSR's grip was too strong and she'd fought too long, her strength was failing her. She realised she was in a very bad spot.
"How many have you killed? Wench, how many Maidens have fallen before you? HOW MANY?" roared SSR, they had found Irina stood over the bodies of a pair of Maidens at the end of the battle, she was too distracted to notice them approach. Now it was time to decide her fate?
Irina panicked, should she minimise the number? Hope that they were merciful? Or should she tell the truth about the dozens she'd slain? Die with dignity? Her mind raced...
"Such a cute thing though babe..." mused Rose, holding her prey's chin up. Her eyes met SSR's and a knowing glance was exchanged. "Bit of fun?" smirked SSR, Irina's mind raced, what did they have in mind?
Rose's hand tightened around Irina's neck as panic spread across her face...
"I like our new toy..."
The Blue Swan struggled, but SSR's grip was too strong and she'd fought too long, her strength was failing her. She realised she was in a very bad spot.
"How many have you killed? Wench, how many Maidens have fallen before you? HOW MANY?" roared SSR, they had found Irina stood over the bodies of a pair of Maidens at the end of the battle, she was too distracted to notice them approach. Now it was time to decide her fate?
Irina panicked, should she minimise the number? Hope that they were merciful? Or should she tell the truth about the dozens she'd slain? Die with dignity? Her mind raced...
"Such a cute thing though babe..." mused Rose, holding her prey's chin up. Her eyes met SSR's and a knowing glance was exchanged. "Bit of fun?" smirked SSR, Irina's mind raced, what did they have in mind?
Rose's hand tightened around Irina's neck as panic spread across her face...
"I like our new toy..."
Just a snatched moment of peace with Rose whilst other Maidens assemble for battle. Will it be our last? 🥺
Amidst the remains of the battle, Rose and SSR stood as the only survivors, surrounded by the fallen bodies of their comrades and their sworn enemies. The stench of blood and death hung heavy in the air, a grim reminder of the violence that had consumed so many lives. Bodies littered the ground as far as the eye could see, the battle had raged for hours. Yet amidst the chaos and despair, Rose and SSR found solace in each other's arms.
With a passionate kiss, they reaffirmed their love, their lips meeting amidst the carnage that surrounded them. As they embraced, SSR's right arm provided a steady anchor, supporting Rose as she leaned back, their eyes locked in a silent exchange of devotion.
In a rare moment of tenderness, SSR reached out and plucked a single rose from a nearby bush, its petals a stark contrast against the bleakness of their surroundings. With a gentle smile, he offered the flower to Rose, a small token of his undying affection, only made stronger by their shared adventures and the fleeting nature of survival.
Their love, forged in the crucible of war, burned bright amidst the darkness of the battlefield. In each other's arms, they found strength, resilience, and the unshakeable determination to survive whatever challenges lay ahead.
As they stood amidst the fallen, their hearts beat as one. And in that fleeting moment, amidst the chaos of war, Rose and SSR found peace in each other's embrace, a beacon of hope amidst the devastation that surrounded them.
With a passionate kiss, they reaffirmed their love, their lips meeting amidst the carnage that surrounded them. As they embraced, SSR's right arm provided a steady anchor, supporting Rose as she leaned back, their eyes locked in a silent exchange of devotion.
In a rare moment of tenderness, SSR reached out and plucked a single rose from a nearby bush, its petals a stark contrast against the bleakness of their surroundings. With a gentle smile, he offered the flower to Rose, a small token of his undying affection, only made stronger by their shared adventures and the fleeting nature of survival.
Their love, forged in the crucible of war, burned bright amidst the darkness of the battlefield. In each other's arms, they found strength, resilience, and the unshakeable determination to survive whatever challenges lay ahead.
As they stood amidst the fallen, their hearts beat as one. And in that fleeting moment, amidst the chaos of war, Rose and SSR found peace in each other's embrace, a beacon of hope amidst the devastation that surrounded them.
Chloe peered through the darkness of the forest, the escaping Blue Swan had come this way, she was sure of it. Her sisters in arms were searching too, she could hear them in the distance.
"Barbara, where are you? Come on out, pay for your crimes and I'll make it quick..." she goaded the darkness.
She didn't have to wait long, as she rounded the next tree, she spotted her quarry, stood with her sword in a ready pose.
"Such a pretty thing, shame I don't feel like paying today" her target mocked, Chloe knew she should call the others, but this one was hers. Chloe charged, her first swipe being deflected with ease. As she passed her opponent, she felt her leg against hers, falling ungracefully to the forest floor.
"I thought you were going to make this quick?" gloated Barbara. Enraged, Chloe leapt to her feet and took another charge. This time Barbara's hand grabbed her throat and threw her backwards against a tree. Her sword clattered to the floor.
Struggling to breathe, Chloe felt the eyes of her prey trace up and down her exposed body, drinking in her vulnerability and powerlessness. As their eyes met, Barbara smiled and thrust the sword into her, just below her bellybutton, the blade exploded out of her back and she felt the thud as it entered the tree, pinning her there.
As Chloe gasped in pain, grabbing for the sword, Barbara let it go, her hand tracing over Chloe's cheek, touching her lips gently. Realising the other Sword Maidens hadn't heard, she traced her fingers down to her overconfident victim's breasts and reached in for a final kiss.
"Barbara, where are you? Come on out, pay for your crimes and I'll make it quick..." she goaded the darkness.
She didn't have to wait long, as she rounded the next tree, she spotted her quarry, stood with her sword in a ready pose.
"Such a pretty thing, shame I don't feel like paying today" her target mocked, Chloe knew she should call the others, but this one was hers. Chloe charged, her first swipe being deflected with ease. As she passed her opponent, she felt her leg against hers, falling ungracefully to the forest floor.
"I thought you were going to make this quick?" gloated Barbara. Enraged, Chloe leapt to her feet and took another charge. This time Barbara's hand grabbed her throat and threw her backwards against a tree. Her sword clattered to the floor.
Struggling to breathe, Chloe felt the eyes of her prey trace up and down her exposed body, drinking in her vulnerability and powerlessness. As their eyes met, Barbara smiled and thrust the sword into her, just below her bellybutton, the blade exploded out of her back and she felt the thud as it entered the tree, pinning her there.
As Chloe gasped in pain, grabbing for the sword, Barbara let it go, her hand tracing over Chloe's cheek, touching her lips gently. Realising the other Sword Maidens hadn't heard, she traced her fingers down to her overconfident victim's breasts and reached in for a final kiss.
Esther stood on the bridge, the cool breeze drifting through the fortress brushing against her face as she gripped her sword. Her fingers traced down the flat of the blade, feeling its cold, unyielding steel beneath her touch. In the distance, the rhythmic march of Blue Swans echoed through the fortress. With each passing moment, Esther's anticipation grew, bloodlust igniting within her. Thoughts of the Sword Maiden lands, ripe for plunder, filled her mind with a savage hunger. She relished the prospect of the coming slaughter, the thrill of combat coursing through her veins like wildfire.
Esther's thoughts turned to the Maidens. Foolish, naïve, and utterly unaware of the impending storm that loomed on the horizon. They would be no match for the might of the Blue Swans, no match for Esther's blade.
A wicked grin tugged at the corners of her lips as she imagined the chaos and carnage that awaited them. The Maidens would fall like wheat before the scythe, their cries of desperation lost amidst the thunder of battle. Esther's resolve hardened like tempered steel. The Maidens would soon learn the true meaning of fear, and she would be there to revel in their demise. Victory belonged to the strong, and the Blue Swans would emerge triumphant, bathed in the blood of their enemies.
Esther's thoughts turned to the Maidens. Foolish, naïve, and utterly unaware of the impending storm that loomed on the horizon. They would be no match for the might of the Blue Swans, no match for Esther's blade.
A wicked grin tugged at the corners of her lips as she imagined the chaos and carnage that awaited them. The Maidens would fall like wheat before the scythe, their cries of desperation lost amidst the thunder of battle. Esther's resolve hardened like tempered steel. The Maidens would soon learn the true meaning of fear, and she would be there to revel in their demise. Victory belonged to the strong, and the Blue Swans would emerge triumphant, bathed in the blood of their enemies.
I've always wanted to see what my Maidens would look like done by Alexx-C, it's awesome!
---------
Jade Grove, a frontier trading town and normally a bustling hub of life, now echoed with the guttural cries of war as the Blue Swans descended upon it. Market day turned into a blood-soaked battleground as Maidens fought desperately to defend their home. The stone-walled trader's gate, flanked by statues of noble leaders from the past, served as a grim backdrop to the impending tragedy.
The Blue Swans, led by a formidable leader of noble descent at their head, carved through defenders with ruthless efficiency. With surprise achieved, the speed of the attack meant they had breached the gate before it could be closed, The passageway beyond, once a symbol of strength and unity to welcome visiting traders, now place of certain death. The market square, once vibrant and full of traders, now bore silent witness to the gruesome ballet of combat.
Rose, a proud leader amongst the Maidens, led a hastily assembled force to meet the invaders, realising that all would be lost if they didn't slow the advance, even at the cost of their own lives. Soon they were entwined in a desperate dance of death, isolated in the narrow passageway. Screams echoed as both defenders and attackers fell in increasing numbers, but soon, lifeless bodies of their sisters laying at their feet, the remnants of the assembled force Sword Maidens steeled themselves to die with honour as the Blue Swans closed in, their blades thirsty for blood. The Blue Swan's imposing leader orchestrated the carnage with a lethal efficiency and cold detachment to the deaths in front of her and led from the front as her forces swarmed past the beleaguered and doomed Maidens, a breakout was in reach.
As the head of the Blue Swans force broke out of the passageway, Maidens running from all corners of the market to face them, the Blue Swans further back cleared the passageway of the surviving Maidens, sensing victory, and fuelled by the frenzy of battle, they descended upon the cut-off Maidens with a savage thirst for blood. The Maidens continued to fight resolutely, even as their numbers dwindled, all would fight to the death to save their home.
In the heart of the chaos, Rose and SSR, her dear love, fought together against the tide of violence. The clash of steel against steel resonated through the passageway as the Blue Swans closed in, their blades slashing through the air. In a surge of defiance, Rose lunged forward, her sword finding its mark in a blonde warrior. Blood sprayed as the warrior fell, her eyes wide with the shock of defeat. The passageway, now a canvas of blood, bore witness to a fleeting moment of resistance. Yet, even in this violent act of defiance, the inevitable truth was that they were doomed, whether the town held or fell, any moment now they would die, together in this blood stained passageway, lying amongst the lifeless bodies of both Maidens and Swans.
---------
Jade Grove, a frontier trading town and normally a bustling hub of life, now echoed with the guttural cries of war as the Blue Swans descended upon it. Market day turned into a blood-soaked battleground as Maidens fought desperately to defend their home. The stone-walled trader's gate, flanked by statues of noble leaders from the past, served as a grim backdrop to the impending tragedy.
The Blue Swans, led by a formidable leader of noble descent at their head, carved through defenders with ruthless efficiency. With surprise achieved, the speed of the attack meant they had breached the gate before it could be closed, The passageway beyond, once a symbol of strength and unity to welcome visiting traders, now place of certain death. The market square, once vibrant and full of traders, now bore silent witness to the gruesome ballet of combat.
Rose, a proud leader amongst the Maidens, led a hastily assembled force to meet the invaders, realising that all would be lost if they didn't slow the advance, even at the cost of their own lives. Soon they were entwined in a desperate dance of death, isolated in the narrow passageway. Screams echoed as both defenders and attackers fell in increasing numbers, but soon, lifeless bodies of their sisters laying at their feet, the remnants of the assembled force Sword Maidens steeled themselves to die with honour as the Blue Swans closed in, their blades thirsty for blood. The Blue Swan's imposing leader orchestrated the carnage with a lethal efficiency and cold detachment to the deaths in front of her and led from the front as her forces swarmed past the beleaguered and doomed Maidens, a breakout was in reach.
As the head of the Blue Swans force broke out of the passageway, Maidens running from all corners of the market to face them, the Blue Swans further back cleared the passageway of the surviving Maidens, sensing victory, and fuelled by the frenzy of battle, they descended upon the cut-off Maidens with a savage thirst for blood. The Maidens continued to fight resolutely, even as their numbers dwindled, all would fight to the death to save their home.
In the heart of the chaos, Rose and SSR, her dear love, fought together against the tide of violence. The clash of steel against steel resonated through the passageway as the Blue Swans closed in, their blades slashing through the air. In a surge of defiance, Rose lunged forward, her sword finding its mark in a blonde warrior. Blood sprayed as the warrior fell, her eyes wide with the shock of defeat. The passageway, now a canvas of blood, bore witness to a fleeting moment of resistance. Yet, even in this violent act of defiance, the inevitable truth was that they were doomed, whether the town held or fell, any moment now they would die, together in this blood stained passageway, lying amongst the lifeless bodies of both Maidens and Swans.
The yard, strewn with the aftermath of the brutal battle, echoed with the haunting silence of the fallen. Karen and Jojo, part of the victorious Blue Swan army, moved methodically among the lifeless bodies of Sword Maidens. The metallic scent of blood lingered in the air as they checked for signs of life, their cold eyes motionless and uncaring of the scene of carnage round them.
Amid the stillness, a faint groan reached Jojo's ears. She turned to see Rose, a wounded Sword Maiden, struggling to stay conscious. Jojo, with predatory grace, approached her, blade in hand. The threat was unspoken but tangible as Jojo's eyes bore into Rose's, dark and threatening.
Jojo, kneeling by Rose, leaned in with a whispered threat. "Your kind never learns. The price of defiance is pain." The blade traced a perilous path along Rose's neck, leaving a thin trail of blood as she sliced deeply. Rose, weakened and dying, but defiant, met Jojo's gaze with a fierce determination that belied the pain as she started to fade.
Meanwhile, Karen, a lethal force in her own right, had spotted SSR, battered but alive. Astride him she knelt, raising her rapier high above her head, the blade glinting in the dim light. SSR's eyes widened with fear as he felt the cold steel pointed menacingly at his bare and vulnerable chest. Karen, revelling in the control, watched his every move with a sadistic satisfaction.
"Stay down, wretched Maiden," Karen hissed, the rapier's tip pressing lightly against SSR's chest, delighting in his vulnerability. The courtyard, once a battlefield, now bore witness to Karen's moment of power. Hearing his lover Rose choking in her final moments, SSR's eyes widened, and without a second thought, Karen thrust the sword into his chest, his mouth opened in shock and he looked skywards.... Karen watched with delight as he struggled helplessly on her sword before falling backwards slowly.
Moments later both he and Rose lay silently amongst the Maiden bodies that lay witness to the cruelty of the Blue Swans, their eyes fear-stricken but mute witnesses to the Blue Swans' merciless victory.
Amid the stillness, a faint groan reached Jojo's ears. She turned to see Rose, a wounded Sword Maiden, struggling to stay conscious. Jojo, with predatory grace, approached her, blade in hand. The threat was unspoken but tangible as Jojo's eyes bore into Rose's, dark and threatening.
Jojo, kneeling by Rose, leaned in with a whispered threat. "Your kind never learns. The price of defiance is pain." The blade traced a perilous path along Rose's neck, leaving a thin trail of blood as she sliced deeply. Rose, weakened and dying, but defiant, met Jojo's gaze with a fierce determination that belied the pain as she started to fade.
Meanwhile, Karen, a lethal force in her own right, had spotted SSR, battered but alive. Astride him she knelt, raising her rapier high above her head, the blade glinting in the dim light. SSR's eyes widened with fear as he felt the cold steel pointed menacingly at his bare and vulnerable chest. Karen, revelling in the control, watched his every move with a sadistic satisfaction.
"Stay down, wretched Maiden," Karen hissed, the rapier's tip pressing lightly against SSR's chest, delighting in his vulnerability. The courtyard, once a battlefield, now bore witness to Karen's moment of power. Hearing his lover Rose choking in her final moments, SSR's eyes widened, and without a second thought, Karen thrust the sword into his chest, his mouth opened in shock and he looked skywards.... Karen watched with delight as he struggled helplessly on her sword before falling backwards slowly.
Moments later both he and Rose lay silently amongst the Maiden bodies that lay witness to the cruelty of the Blue Swans, their eyes fear-stricken but mute witnesses to the Blue Swans' merciless victory.
In the secluded and calm atmosphere on the balcony, Jojo regarded Irina with a predatory gaze, acknowledging her nervous presence. The daylight intensified the coldness in Jojo's eyes as Irina's trembling right hand reached out in submission. The fortress walls, silent witnesses to the unfolding encounter, seemed to close in on them.
From a distance, Irina had watched in both awe and dread as Jojo carved a path through Maidens with ruthless and lethal efficiency. The blonde commander seemed to derive pleasure from each victory, her confidence and dominant presence a telling reminder of the power dynamics at play.
As if toying with a pawn on a chessboard, Jojo allowed Irina's tentative touch. A wicked smile played on her lips as she stroked Irina's cheek, a gesture that carried both a semblance of intimacy and a chilling reminder of power dynamics. Her fingers trailed down Irina's neck, watching her nervous expression change slightly as her fingers rested by her throat.
As Irina's trembling hand made contact with Jojo's side, a rush of amazement surged through her. The reality of touching her hero, stirred a complex whirlwind of emotions within Irina. The once-distant figure, an enigmatic force on the battlefield, had now become tangible beneath her fingertips. Did Jojo feel the same admiration and affection that she did?
In that fleeting touch, Jojo's thoughts turned to Irina as a mere pawn—a tool to be manipulated, a plaything to be discarded. The vulnerability in Irina's eyes became a source of dark amusement for Jojo, who saw in her both admiration and subjugation. She felt Irina's touch trace up her side and her fingers play gently over her breast, she allowed this to continue and smiled a little.
The daylight framed this sinister moment, casting shadows that danced across their faces. Jojo's gaze lingered on Irina's features, her mind calculating the strategic value of this encounter. As her fingers left a trail down Irina's neck, the blonde commander reveled in the knowledge that, in this twisted game of war, Irina was but a pawn at her disposal. Her hand, which had been resting affectionately on the skin of Irina's neck until this point, suddenly grasped her throat hard. Shocked and unable to breathe, Irina panicked and looked skywards, her hand grasping at Jojo.
Enjoying her power over her pawn, Jojo watched Irina choke, her eyes skywards and her hands searching for any way out. How far would she take this? She wondered, Irina was a good soldier, but this was so much fun....
From a distance, Irina had watched in both awe and dread as Jojo carved a path through Maidens with ruthless and lethal efficiency. The blonde commander seemed to derive pleasure from each victory, her confidence and dominant presence a telling reminder of the power dynamics at play.
As if toying with a pawn on a chessboard, Jojo allowed Irina's tentative touch. A wicked smile played on her lips as she stroked Irina's cheek, a gesture that carried both a semblance of intimacy and a chilling reminder of power dynamics. Her fingers trailed down Irina's neck, watching her nervous expression change slightly as her fingers rested by her throat.
As Irina's trembling hand made contact with Jojo's side, a rush of amazement surged through her. The reality of touching her hero, stirred a complex whirlwind of emotions within Irina. The once-distant figure, an enigmatic force on the battlefield, had now become tangible beneath her fingertips. Did Jojo feel the same admiration and affection that she did?
In that fleeting touch, Jojo's thoughts turned to Irina as a mere pawn—a tool to be manipulated, a plaything to be discarded. The vulnerability in Irina's eyes became a source of dark amusement for Jojo, who saw in her both admiration and subjugation. She felt Irina's touch trace up her side and her fingers play gently over her breast, she allowed this to continue and smiled a little.
The daylight framed this sinister moment, casting shadows that danced across their faces. Jojo's gaze lingered on Irina's features, her mind calculating the strategic value of this encounter. As her fingers left a trail down Irina's neck, the blonde commander reveled in the knowledge that, in this twisted game of war, Irina was but a pawn at her disposal. Her hand, which had been resting affectionately on the skin of Irina's neck until this point, suddenly grasped her throat hard. Shocked and unable to breathe, Irina panicked and looked skywards, her hand grasping at Jojo.
Enjoying her power over her pawn, Jojo watched Irina choke, her eyes skywards and her hands searching for any way out. How far would she take this? She wondered, Irina was a good soldier, but this was so much fun....
I stood atop the castle walls, my heart pounding like a war drum, as the approaching Blue Swan army unleashed a relentless barrage of arrows upon us. The sky darkened with a cloud of death, and hundreds of Sword Maidens lined the battlements, ready to face the oncoming threat.
Time seemed to slow as we watched the arrows hurtling toward us, a maelstrom of wooden death, with feathers like vultures' wings and sharp steel tips glinting in the cold, pale light. There was no escape, no refuge to seek as the onslaught closed in.
To my right, Hanna clenched her sword, her face etched with fear. She was a steadfast warrior, but the relentless storm of arrows was enough to make even the bravest quiver.
To my left, Rose, our leader and a symbol of unwavering resolve, faced the impending doom with a resolute determination. Her brow was furrowed in fierce concentration, but I could see the fear in her eyes. If even Rose, our indomitable leader, was afraid, then the gravity of the situation was undeniable.
Desperate cries pierced the air as Maidens all around me were struck by the merciless arrows. They fell, their once-strong bodies now limp and lifeless, many tumbled from the walls. The screams that erupted in the chaos were a cacophony of terror, mixing with the sound of flesh landing on the stone below as the archers' deadly symphony played on.
I could feel the tension, the fear that gripped each of us. We were soldiers, but in this moment, facing such a relentless storm of arrows, we were also just flesh and bone, vulnerable and scared.
As the arrows drew nearer, I closed my eyes for a moment, bracing myself for the inevitable. The memory of my family, my friends, and all that I held dear flashed before me. And then, the arrows arrived, a tempest of death and destruction. They whistled through the air, like vengeful spirits, and I could feel the rush of wind as they passed by, perilously close to my face. The deafening thuds of arrows striking the stone walls and the agonized cries of my fellow Maidens filled my ears.
Desperate cries pierced the air as Maidens all around me were struck by the merciless arrows. Each arrow told a different story of agony and despair, as the Maidens fell one by one. Some cried out in pain, while others met their fate with stoic silence, the light fading from their eyes.
There was no escape, no sanctuary. We were trapped, caught in a storm of steel and death, and then it happened, a trio of arrows pierced my chest, which exploded in pain, and I fell backwards, my mouth open to scream, my eyes locked on the arrows that had just doomed me. As I started to fall, I hear Rose and Hanna scream as they too succumbed to the onslaught and fell. We had stood no chance, and now in this brief moment, I saw my lover and many brave Maidens falling. We were doomed, all of us....
Time seemed to slow as we watched the arrows hurtling toward us, a maelstrom of wooden death, with feathers like vultures' wings and sharp steel tips glinting in the cold, pale light. There was no escape, no refuge to seek as the onslaught closed in.
To my right, Hanna clenched her sword, her face etched with fear. She was a steadfast warrior, but the relentless storm of arrows was enough to make even the bravest quiver.
To my left, Rose, our leader and a symbol of unwavering resolve, faced the impending doom with a resolute determination. Her brow was furrowed in fierce concentration, but I could see the fear in her eyes. If even Rose, our indomitable leader, was afraid, then the gravity of the situation was undeniable.
Desperate cries pierced the air as Maidens all around me were struck by the merciless arrows. They fell, their once-strong bodies now limp and lifeless, many tumbled from the walls. The screams that erupted in the chaos were a cacophony of terror, mixing with the sound of flesh landing on the stone below as the archers' deadly symphony played on.
I could feel the tension, the fear that gripped each of us. We were soldiers, but in this moment, facing such a relentless storm of arrows, we were also just flesh and bone, vulnerable and scared.
As the arrows drew nearer, I closed my eyes for a moment, bracing myself for the inevitable. The memory of my family, my friends, and all that I held dear flashed before me. And then, the arrows arrived, a tempest of death and destruction. They whistled through the air, like vengeful spirits, and I could feel the rush of wind as they passed by, perilously close to my face. The deafening thuds of arrows striking the stone walls and the agonized cries of my fellow Maidens filled my ears.
Desperate cries pierced the air as Maidens all around me were struck by the merciless arrows. Each arrow told a different story of agony and despair, as the Maidens fell one by one. Some cried out in pain, while others met their fate with stoic silence, the light fading from their eyes.
There was no escape, no sanctuary. We were trapped, caught in a storm of steel and death, and then it happened, a trio of arrows pierced my chest, which exploded in pain, and I fell backwards, my mouth open to scream, my eyes locked on the arrows that had just doomed me. As I started to fall, I hear Rose and Hanna scream as they too succumbed to the onslaught and fell. We had stood no chance, and now in this brief moment, I saw my lover and many brave Maidens falling. We were doomed, all of us....
The battle had raged on for what felt like an eternity, leaving the once-thriving town in ruins. Amidst the broken buildings and debris-strewn streets, the lifeless bodies of the fallen lay scattered like discarded dolls. The field of carnage was testament to the merciless brutality of the conflict, thousands of Sword Maidens and Blue Swans had met their end in this nameless town.
Amidst the shattered remnants of the town, SSR walked slowly, his steps heavy with a profound sorrow that seemed to permeate every fibre of his being. His searching eyes fell upon the lifeless forms of his fallen comrades, each one a stark reminder of the horrific toll this war had exacted. As he passed by each fallen Maiden, their battle dresss covered in blood and dirt, hope, that carried them forwards into battle, extinguished. Body after body, he searched for signs of life, but none were to be found. The battle had been as deadly as it was intense.
In the midst of the desolation, as he rounded the corner into the square, SSR saw Rose, his beloved and the unyielding leader of the detachment, kneeling amidst the chaos. Her breaths were labored, and her hand pressed firmly against her wounded abdomen, blood seeping through her fingers. Her once-imposing attire, with its black and gold trims and exposed midriff, was now stained with the harsh reality of war.
"Rose," he whispered as he kneeled beside her, his voice trembling with grief, "I'm here. You're not alone.", wrapping his arm around her shoulders.
Rose turned her gaze to SSR, her eyes reflecting the agony they had all endured. Her lips trembled as she attempted to smile, but the pain was etched across her face, and her strength had waned.
Rose recognising that she was dying and that their efforts had ultimately failed. She rasped, her voice barely a whisper, "I'm dying, my love. We've failed, haven't we?"
Tears welled in SSR's eyes as he listened to her words, his heart heavy with despair. They had fought with every ounce of their being, but the darkness of war had proven relentless, and their sacrifices were a testament to its unforgiving nature.
"We did," he replied, his voice filled with a sense of hopelessness. "We tried... but the world... is unforgiving."
Rose nodded faintly, her grip on SSR's hand growing weaker as the life seeped from her. The pain in her eyes was palpable, and her breaths became shallower, each one carrying her closer to the abyss.
"I love you, SSR," she whispered, her voice tender but fading. "Promise me... you'll carry our memories... and keep fighting... for a world... that we couldn't save."
As Rose's life slipped away, SSR held her, their love had not been enough to conquer the abyss that had claimed them.
Amidst the shattered remnants of the town, SSR walked slowly, his steps heavy with a profound sorrow that seemed to permeate every fibre of his being. His searching eyes fell upon the lifeless forms of his fallen comrades, each one a stark reminder of the horrific toll this war had exacted. As he passed by each fallen Maiden, their battle dresss covered in blood and dirt, hope, that carried them forwards into battle, extinguished. Body after body, he searched for signs of life, but none were to be found. The battle had been as deadly as it was intense.
In the midst of the desolation, as he rounded the corner into the square, SSR saw Rose, his beloved and the unyielding leader of the detachment, kneeling amidst the chaos. Her breaths were labored, and her hand pressed firmly against her wounded abdomen, blood seeping through her fingers. Her once-imposing attire, with its black and gold trims and exposed midriff, was now stained with the harsh reality of war.
"Rose," he whispered as he kneeled beside her, his voice trembling with grief, "I'm here. You're not alone.", wrapping his arm around her shoulders.
Rose turned her gaze to SSR, her eyes reflecting the agony they had all endured. Her lips trembled as she attempted to smile, but the pain was etched across her face, and her strength had waned.
Rose recognising that she was dying and that their efforts had ultimately failed. She rasped, her voice barely a whisper, "I'm dying, my love. We've failed, haven't we?"
Tears welled in SSR's eyes as he listened to her words, his heart heavy with despair. They had fought with every ounce of their being, but the darkness of war had proven relentless, and their sacrifices were a testament to its unforgiving nature.
"We did," he replied, his voice filled with a sense of hopelessness. "We tried... but the world... is unforgiving."
Rose nodded faintly, her grip on SSR's hand growing weaker as the life seeped from her. The pain in her eyes was palpable, and her breaths became shallower, each one carrying her closer to the abyss.
"I love you, SSR," she whispered, her voice tender but fading. "Promise me... you'll carry our memories... and keep fighting... for a world... that we couldn't save."
As Rose's life slipped away, SSR held her, their love had not been enough to conquer the abyss that had claimed them.
The setting sun cast long, eerie shadows across the gallows, the once-thriving market square now a haunting tableau of despair. Chloe and Theresa, the final surviving Sword Maidens from the battle for the town that had claimed the lives of their comrades, stood in grim silence. The battle had been a merciless crucible, and the two Maidens had emerged as the sole survivors of the garrison, the rest of the Maidens had met their ends at the blades of the Blue Swan army. Now, it was their turn. Their hands were bound, the harsh bindings chafing against their skin, while the wooden beams of the gallows loomed above them like sinister sentinels, ready to claim their lives.
Isra, a woman with cold eyes and a heart to match, was the one tasked with the gruesome duty of binding Chloe's fate. Her fingers worked with eerie precision, methodically winding the coarse rope into a noose and placing it around Chloe's neck. Chloe shuddered a little as she felt Isra's cold touch and the rope brushed over her shoulder. Beside her, Barbara, a Blue Swan as ruthless as any, performed the same task for Theresa. As the nooses were tightened with a sinister purpose, the two Maidens couldn't help but share a wordless, sorrowful exchange of glances. Their eyes locked in a fleeting moment of shared fear, resolve, and a silent farewell.
With every knot tied, with every twist of the rope, the reality of their impending doom weighed heavier on Chloe and Theresa's hearts. The nooses dangled ominously, swaying in the brisk evening breeze. It was a haunting reminder of the harsh justice that awaited them, a justice administered by their ruthless captors. The weight of the world bore down on their shoulders, and the knowledge that they would soon meet their end was a cruel burden to bear.
As the executioners, with their cold eyes and colder hands, carried out their macabre duty, Chloe and Theresa's breaths grew shallow. The cruel ropes constricted around their necks, and the air grew heavy with the oppressive finality of their impending death. The world seemed to fade away, and the darkness of unconsciousness beckoned.
Isra, a woman with cold eyes and a heart to match, was the one tasked with the gruesome duty of binding Chloe's fate. Her fingers worked with eerie precision, methodically winding the coarse rope into a noose and placing it around Chloe's neck. Chloe shuddered a little as she felt Isra's cold touch and the rope brushed over her shoulder. Beside her, Barbara, a Blue Swan as ruthless as any, performed the same task for Theresa. As the nooses were tightened with a sinister purpose, the two Maidens couldn't help but share a wordless, sorrowful exchange of glances. Their eyes locked in a fleeting moment of shared fear, resolve, and a silent farewell.
With every knot tied, with every twist of the rope, the reality of their impending doom weighed heavier on Chloe and Theresa's hearts. The nooses dangled ominously, swaying in the brisk evening breeze. It was a haunting reminder of the harsh justice that awaited them, a justice administered by their ruthless captors. The weight of the world bore down on their shoulders, and the knowledge that they would soon meet their end was a cruel burden to bear.
As the executioners, with their cold eyes and colder hands, carried out their macabre duty, Chloe and Theresa's breaths grew shallow. The cruel ropes constricted around their necks, and the air grew heavy with the oppressive finality of their impending death. The world seemed to fade away, and the darkness of unconsciousness beckoned.
In the dimly lit market town, Sword Maiden Chloe confronted her adversary, the ruthless Blue Swan, Karen. Their swords clashed, the metallic ring of steel filling the eerie silence that had fallen upon the town. Chloe's resolve was unwavering, her swordplay a deadly dance of precision and brutality.
As the duel raged on, it became clear that Chloe's skill outmatched Karen's every move. In a swift and calculated manoeuvre, Chloe disarmed her opponent, sending Karen's weapon clattering to the ground. She pressed her own sword against Karen's throat, her eyes cold and unyielding. The fear in Karen's eyes was palpable.
Karen knelt on the cold, unforgiving cobblestone, trembling with terror. Chloe's grip on her sword tightened, and she knew what she had to do. The weight of her decision hung heavily in the air. She understood that sparing Karen was not an option; she had a mission to accomplish, and Karen was an obstacle she could not afford to let stand.
As the duel raged on, it became clear that Chloe's skill outmatched Karen's every move. In a swift and calculated manoeuvre, Chloe disarmed her opponent, sending Karen's weapon clattering to the ground. She pressed her own sword against Karen's throat, her eyes cold and unyielding. The fear in Karen's eyes was palpable.
Karen knelt on the cold, unforgiving cobblestone, trembling with terror. Chloe's grip on her sword tightened, and she knew what she had to do. The weight of her decision hung heavily in the air. She understood that sparing Karen was not an option; she had a mission to accomplish, and Karen was an obstacle she could not afford to let stand.
Laura, a courageous Maiden, found herself on the battlefield as chaos reigned. An arrow, as cruel as fate itself, had found its mark, piercing her chest. She crumpled to the ground, her right hand trembling as it struggled to hold her upright.
Her left hand reached for the cruel shaft lodged in her chest, a painful reminder of the brutality of the battle. Her thoughts raced, not of her own suffering, but of the plight of the Maidens. They were outnumbered, overmatched, yet they fought with unwavering resolve. The temple, their sacred charge, must be protected.
As her fingers closed around the blood-soaked arrow, Laura could feel the life slipping away. Her breaths became shallow, her vision blurred, but her spirit remained unbroken. The Maidens were more than warriors; they were a sisterhood, bound by an unbreakable oath.
In her final moments, Laura's thoughts were not of fear or pain but of the Maidens who had fallen before her. Their sacrifices would not be in vain. With a last surge of strength, she whispered a vow to protect the temple, even beyond her last breath.
Her left hand reached for the cruel shaft lodged in her chest, a painful reminder of the brutality of the battle. Her thoughts raced, not of her own suffering, but of the plight of the Maidens. They were outnumbered, overmatched, yet they fought with unwavering resolve. The temple, their sacred charge, must be protected.
As her fingers closed around the blood-soaked arrow, Laura could feel the life slipping away. Her breaths became shallow, her vision blurred, but her spirit remained unbroken. The Maidens were more than warriors; they were a sisterhood, bound by an unbreakable oath.
In her final moments, Laura's thoughts were not of fear or pain but of the Maidens who had fallen before her. Their sacrifices would not be in vain. With a last surge of strength, she whispered a vow to protect the temple, even beyond her last breath.
Rose, along with her loyal band of Sword Maidens, and SSR, her lover, made their final stand at the front of the temple. The odds were overwhelming, and Rose knew that victory was an unlikely outcome, yet she was determined to fight to the bitter end. Their swords gleamed in the fading light as they met the relentless Blue Swans head-on.
The battle was fierce, the clash of steel against steel echoing through the courtyard. Rose and SSR, their hearts burning with a shared determination to protect their sacred temple, fought valiantly together.
As the battle raged on, the numbers of the Blue Swans proved too great to withstand. The lovers fought bravely, but one by one, their comrades fell in defense of the beloved temple. Chloe, Hanna, and Mara lay dead on the cobblestone ground, their sacrifices a somber reminder of the cost of this last stand.
Despite the grim odds and the weight of grief, Rose and SSR continued to fight side by side. Their love had become a source of strength, and they were determined to stand together until the very end. The courtyard had become a haunting battleground, a grim testament to the unwavering dedication of the Maidens and the enduring love of Rose and SSR.
The battle was fierce, the clash of steel against steel echoing through the courtyard. Rose and SSR, their hearts burning with a shared determination to protect their sacred temple, fought valiantly together.
As the battle raged on, the numbers of the Blue Swans proved too great to withstand. The lovers fought bravely, but one by one, their comrades fell in defense of the beloved temple. Chloe, Hanna, and Mara lay dead on the cobblestone ground, their sacrifices a somber reminder of the cost of this last stand.
Despite the grim odds and the weight of grief, Rose and SSR continued to fight side by side. Their love had become a source of strength, and they were determined to stand together until the very end. The courtyard had become a haunting battleground, a grim testament to the unwavering dedication of the Maidens and the enduring love of Rose and SSR.
Rose, along with her loyal band of Sword Maidens, and SSR, her lover, made their final stand at the front of the temple. The odds were overwhelming, and Rose knew that victory was an unlikely outcome, yet she was determined to fight to the bitter end. Their swords gleamed in the fading light as they met the relentless Blue Swans head-on.
The battle was fierce, the clash of steel against steel echoing through the courtyard. Rose and SSR, their hearts burning with a shared determination to protect their sacred temple, fought valiantly together.
As the battle raged on, the numbers of the Blue Swans proved too great to withstand. The lovers fought bravely, but one by one, their comrades fell in defense of the beloved temple. Chloe, Hanna, and Mara lay dead on the cobblestone ground, their sacrifices a somber reminder of the cost of this last stand.
Despite the grim odds and the weight of grief, Rose and SSR continued to fight side by side. Their love had become a source of strength, and they were determined to stand together until the very end. The courtyard had become a haunting battleground, a grim testament to the unwavering dedication of the Maidens and the enduring love of Rose and SSR.
The battle was fierce, the clash of steel against steel echoing through the courtyard. Rose and SSR, their hearts burning with a shared determination to protect their sacred temple, fought valiantly together.
As the battle raged on, the numbers of the Blue Swans proved too great to withstand. The lovers fought bravely, but one by one, their comrades fell in defense of the beloved temple. Chloe, Hanna, and Mara lay dead on the cobblestone ground, their sacrifices a somber reminder of the cost of this last stand.
Despite the grim odds and the weight of grief, Rose and SSR continued to fight side by side. Their love had become a source of strength, and they were determined to stand together until the very end. The courtyard had become a haunting battleground, a grim testament to the unwavering dedication of the Maidens and the enduring love of Rose and SSR.
Chloe lingered in the courtyard, her left arm resting heavily on the cold, lifeless stone bannister, her right hand gripping the wickedly sharp sword with a white-knuckled intensity. Her gaze fixated on the Sword Maidens as they trained, their movements a cruel ballet of violence under the unrelenting, blood-red sun.
A bitter frustration gnawed at her core, for she yearned to throw herself into the brutal fray. The Blue Swans had devoured countless of her sisters, leaving only haunting memories behind. Death was all but certain on the battlefield, but it was a macabre duty she embraced.
Chloe's eyes bore the weight of desolation, as she understood the merciless cycle of war. The courtyard was a stark reminder of their impending doom, and the clang of steel and anguished cries of the Sword Maidens only intensified her grim resolve.
She clenched her jaw, her soul draped in shadows. Her longing for battle was a twisted desire, one that twisted her heart with every passing moment. She knew her fate was sealed, that death would come for her as it had for so many before. With a chilling determination, she waited, knowing that darkness would soon claim her, as it had her sisters, one by one.
A bitter frustration gnawed at her core, for she yearned to throw herself into the brutal fray. The Blue Swans had devoured countless of her sisters, leaving only haunting memories behind. Death was all but certain on the battlefield, but it was a macabre duty she embraced.
Chloe's eyes bore the weight of desolation, as she understood the merciless cycle of war. The courtyard was a stark reminder of their impending doom, and the clang of steel and anguished cries of the Sword Maidens only intensified her grim resolve.
She clenched her jaw, her soul draped in shadows. Her longing for battle was a twisted desire, one that twisted her heart with every passing moment. She knew her fate was sealed, that death would come for her as it had for so many before. With a chilling determination, she waited, knowing that darkness would soon claim her, as it had her sisters, one by one.
To keep up with the terrible losses from their unrelenting quest to defend against the Blue Swan attacks, a Sword Maiden's life is full of new people to meet, that they may soon become departed friends is generally left unspoken.
Mara and Katarina were from different ends of the realm, both drawn to the cause despite the dangers, but within hours they were like long lost friends, facing an adventure together. Would they survive?
Tomorrow would be their first battle together. The life of a Sword Maiden was often short, but they remained hopeful and sword to stick together come what may.....
Mara and Katarina were from different ends of the realm, both drawn to the cause despite the dangers, but within hours they were like long lost friends, facing an adventure together. Would they survive?
Tomorrow would be their first battle together. The life of a Sword Maiden was often short, but they remained hopeful and sword to stick together come what may.....
"Steady! Steady! Let them come..." Shouted Laura at the front of our group of Maidens, we could see the Blue Swans advance, our hatred for them knew no bounds, it took all Laura's authority to keep us in check. I looked left at Rose and smiled, reaching past Carina to briefly hold her hand. Behind, I could hear Hannah baying for blood, I returned my focus to the Blue Swans.
It was a small force, no more than a few dozen, we could take them. It was, however, enough to distract us from the archers moving across the rooftops. As Laura turned to inspect the situation, she became wide eyed with fear for the moment between seeing the first volley and the piercing thuds of arrows violently impaling her breasts and belly, Iva took one to the chest and one to the abs and Rose, whose abdomen was repeatedly pierced as the arrows found their mark. Laura was thrown backwards, landing with her back arched and the arrows that had killed her standing proud, Rose started to collapse next to her and Iva fell by my side, her final moments watching the unfolding horror.
Within moments, the sheer weight of fire swept us from the battlefield, the volleys of arrows piercing yielding vulnerable flesh, our uniforms, which we wore so proudly, offered no protection from the unfolding slaughter. Hanna was thrown against the pillar by multiple arrows to her chest, she raised her arm defiantly, before slumping, held up by the arrows now embedded in the pillar. On either side of me, Mara and Carina let out guttural gasps as multiple shafts pierced their chests, the arrows pushing them to fall backwards even as they collapsed to their knees, the arrows proudly raising themselves skywards as if to highlight the violence visited on such beautiful bodies . Theresa took two to the chest and was thrown backwards and lost her footing, whilst Mel took one in her abs, then directly into her heart, twisting left with a look of horror on her face. Katarina collapsed forwards, clutching her belly and gasping in horror at the shafts protruding from her chest.
Then it happened, four arrows found me, two in my chest, two in my abs. I reached for the bottom arrow as I fell to my knees like the rest, looking at the vicious protruding shafts that would kill me. I gasped in horror as screams filled the air, my fellow warriors dying around me, my enemy now unopposed on their way to the temple. I had failed, my life was forfeit and I would lie here, forgotten already, as the battle raged. Many more would die, this massacre being merely a bump on the road to the battle that had only just started.
It was a small force, no more than a few dozen, we could take them. It was, however, enough to distract us from the archers moving across the rooftops. As Laura turned to inspect the situation, she became wide eyed with fear for the moment between seeing the first volley and the piercing thuds of arrows violently impaling her breasts and belly, Iva took one to the chest and one to the abs and Rose, whose abdomen was repeatedly pierced as the arrows found their mark. Laura was thrown backwards, landing with her back arched and the arrows that had killed her standing proud, Rose started to collapse next to her and Iva fell by my side, her final moments watching the unfolding horror.
Within moments, the sheer weight of fire swept us from the battlefield, the volleys of arrows piercing yielding vulnerable flesh, our uniforms, which we wore so proudly, offered no protection from the unfolding slaughter. Hanna was thrown against the pillar by multiple arrows to her chest, she raised her arm defiantly, before slumping, held up by the arrows now embedded in the pillar. On either side of me, Mara and Carina let out guttural gasps as multiple shafts pierced their chests, the arrows pushing them to fall backwards even as they collapsed to their knees, the arrows proudly raising themselves skywards as if to highlight the violence visited on such beautiful bodies . Theresa took two to the chest and was thrown backwards and lost her footing, whilst Mel took one in her abs, then directly into her heart, twisting left with a look of horror on her face. Katarina collapsed forwards, clutching her belly and gasping in horror at the shafts protruding from her chest.
Then it happened, four arrows found me, two in my chest, two in my abs. I reached for the bottom arrow as I fell to my knees like the rest, looking at the vicious protruding shafts that would kill me. I gasped in horror as screams filled the air, my fellow warriors dying around me, my enemy now unopposed on their way to the temple. I had failed, my life was forfeit and I would lie here, forgotten already, as the battle raged. Many more would die, this massacre being merely a bump on the road to the battle that had only just started.
Rose and Laura strolled down a quiet side street near the temple, their guard momentarily lowered. Oblivious to the impending danger, they chatted and laughed, their camaraderie evident.
Unbeknownst to them, Jojo, a beautiful Blue Swan with a sinister aura, lurked in the shadows. With calculated stealth, she closed in on the unsuspecting Maidens. In a swift, merciless motion, Jolene struck, her sword impaling both of the unsuspecting Sword Maidens with chilling accuracy.
Rose and Laura's laughter turned to startled gasps as pain erupted through their bodies. Laura's arm grasped Rose as her sword fell to the ground, Rose looked down in shock at the sword that had pierced clean through her chest. As Jojo slowly withdrew the blade, they fell to the ground in a heap, blood flowed from them and the world darkened as they realised their impending fate. As they lay dying, Jojo stood over them, a cruel smile curling her lips. Raising her sword to her shoulder height, she scanned for any more Maidens.
Jolene's victory was undeniable, her intentions clear as she prepared to move toward the temple. Rose and Laura lay in a heap, their bodies broken, but only the first of many Sword Maidens that would die that day.
Unbeknownst to them, Jojo, a beautiful Blue Swan with a sinister aura, lurked in the shadows. With calculated stealth, she closed in on the unsuspecting Maidens. In a swift, merciless motion, Jolene struck, her sword impaling both of the unsuspecting Sword Maidens with chilling accuracy.
Rose and Laura's laughter turned to startled gasps as pain erupted through their bodies. Laura's arm grasped Rose as her sword fell to the ground, Rose looked down in shock at the sword that had pierced clean through her chest. As Jojo slowly withdrew the blade, they fell to the ground in a heap, blood flowed from them and the world darkened as they realised their impending fate. As they lay dying, Jojo stood over them, a cruel smile curling her lips. Raising her sword to her shoulder height, she scanned for any more Maidens.
Jolene's victory was undeniable, her intentions clear as she prepared to move toward the temple. Rose and Laura lay in a heap, their bodies broken, but only the first of many Sword Maidens that would die that day.
The Blue Swans attracted recruits for many different reasons, some, like Millie, believed the ancient tales about their birth right, that their people's superiority was the natural order of the world, some, like Barbara, believed that the Sword Maidens were subhuman, and their cause a pathetic and immoral one. Some, like Jojo, simply enjoyed the power that battle afforded. To take the life of a Sword Maiden, to command fellow Blue Swans in attacks towards almost certain death, it didn't matter which side came off worse, the power made her feel alive. Watching the Maidens in the valley below the fort, Jojo addressed the gathered Blue Swans, "Today, we shall show these pathetic Maidens who the real power lies with. No mercy! No quarter! For our birth right! For US!". As she raised her sword, a cheer rose, which soon settled into a steely look of determination on all the gathered faces.
Theresa stood on the balcony of the temple, her bow drawn taut. Along by two fellow Maidens, Mara and Rose, they unleashed a barrage of arrows upon the approaching Blue Swans. The battle raged below, screams and clashes filling the air.
Their position gave them a perfect view of the battle below, but exposed them to return fire. Before long, tragedy struck. Arrows found their mark, piercing the bodies of Theresa's companions. Mara and Rose fell, their life force extinguished. The world around Theresa blurred in a haze of chaos and despair and she realised her predicament.
As Theresa continued to loose arrows into the melee below, her eyes widened as she saw an arrow hurtling towards her. Time seemed to slow down, and a wave of shock washed over her. She realized with a sinking heart that there was no escape route, no way to evade the impending strike. Her breath caught in her throat as the arrow drew nearer, its lethal trajectory unyielding. The sounds of battle faded into the background, replaced by a deafening silence. The weight of the battle bore down on her, the enormity of her impending fate impossible to ignore.
In that fragile moment of realisation, Theresa's world seemed to fracture, shattered by the harsh reality of war. The arrow was unavoidable, sealing her fate and marking her as yet another casualty of the relentless conflict.
Their position gave them a perfect view of the battle below, but exposed them to return fire. Before long, tragedy struck. Arrows found their mark, piercing the bodies of Theresa's companions. Mara and Rose fell, their life force extinguished. The world around Theresa blurred in a haze of chaos and despair and she realised her predicament.
As Theresa continued to loose arrows into the melee below, her eyes widened as she saw an arrow hurtling towards her. Time seemed to slow down, and a wave of shock washed over her. She realized with a sinking heart that there was no escape route, no way to evade the impending strike. Her breath caught in her throat as the arrow drew nearer, its lethal trajectory unyielding. The sounds of battle faded into the background, replaced by a deafening silence. The weight of the battle bore down on her, the enormity of her impending fate impossible to ignore.
In that fragile moment of realisation, Theresa's world seemed to fracture, shattered by the harsh reality of war. The arrow was unavoidable, sealing her fate and marking her as yet another casualty of the relentless conflict.
Theresa stood with the small Sword Maiden force defending the temple against the relentless Blue Swan attack. Maidens fell around her, their cries filling the air. A red-haired Sword Maiden fighting on the right side of Theresa was fatally slashed, her life cut short, just moments before Theresa delivered a thrusting blow into Esther's chest. The Blue Swan screamed in pain as she looked skywards, panic overtaking her final moments. As the battle raged on, Theresa felt the weight of Maiden losses and the sacrifice of her fallen comrades. Yet, she refused to falter. With each swing of her sword, she channelled her grief and anger, striking down any Blue Swan that crossed her path.
The temple steps became a grim tableau of carnage, soaked in the blood of both friend and foe. The Maidens fought with a tenacity born from desperation, their hearts filled with a mixture of determination and sorrow.
Silence descended upon the battlefield as the realization of victory and loss sank in. The fallen Maidens, including Mel, lay as a testament to the price they paid for their cause. Theresa stood amidst the aftermath, her breath ragged and her spirit weary. The battle was won, but it came at a harrowing cost. The future remained uncertain, and the weight of their fallen sisters would forever bear down upon them.
The temple steps became a grim tableau of carnage, soaked in the blood of both friend and foe. The Maidens fought with a tenacity born from desperation, their hearts filled with a mixture of determination and sorrow.
Silence descended upon the battlefield as the realization of victory and loss sank in. The fallen Maidens, including Mel, lay as a testament to the price they paid for their cause. Theresa stood amidst the aftermath, her breath ragged and her spirit weary. The battle was won, but it came at a harrowing cost. The future remained uncertain, and the weight of their fallen sisters would forever bear down upon them.
Amidst the throng of countless initiates, Theresa stood, acutely aware of the harrowing truth that hung over her and her fellow Sword Maidens. Now simply a face among the faceless, a mere pawn in the dark game the gods played. She knew her fate, shared by the others, to be a grim one—fallen on the blood-soaked field of battle.
As she and her fellow Maidens buried themselves in training, the spectre of death loomed, an ever-present companion. Theresa sharpened her blade with relentless determination, embracing the cruel reality that each swing brought her closer to the cold embrace of oblivion.
A shroud of desolation enveloped the Maidens, their souls weighed heavy by the knowledge that their sacrifice might be in vain. Bound by their shared destiny, they stared into the abyss with unyielding resolve, knowing that their lives were mere kindling in the fires of war. In a silent pact, they acknowledged the futility of their struggle, a unity born of purpose. Each Maiden moved forward, a harbinger of doom, their hearts clinging to a fleeting glimmer of hope, while steeling themselves for the inevitable fall.
In the darkness, Theresa and her comrades pressed on, driven by an unspoken determination to be the only line of defence against the encroaching threat of the Blue Swan invaders. They were but pawns in a merciless game, dancing on the edge of the abyss, their existence destined to be consumed by the relentless void of war, yet holding steadfast as the last bastions of hope in a world teetering on the brink of destruction.
As she and her fellow Maidens buried themselves in training, the spectre of death loomed, an ever-present companion. Theresa sharpened her blade with relentless determination, embracing the cruel reality that each swing brought her closer to the cold embrace of oblivion.
A shroud of desolation enveloped the Maidens, their souls weighed heavy by the knowledge that their sacrifice might be in vain. Bound by their shared destiny, they stared into the abyss with unyielding resolve, knowing that their lives were mere kindling in the fires of war. In a silent pact, they acknowledged the futility of their struggle, a unity born of purpose. Each Maiden moved forward, a harbinger of doom, their hearts clinging to a fleeting glimmer of hope, while steeling themselves for the inevitable fall.
In the darkness, Theresa and her comrades pressed on, driven by an unspoken determination to be the only line of defence against the encroaching threat of the Blue Swan invaders. They were but pawns in a merciless game, dancing on the edge of the abyss, their existence destined to be consumed by the relentless void of war, yet holding steadfast as the last bastions of hope in a world teetering on the brink of destruction.
Mara stood captivated by the haunting beauty of the desolate garden surrounding the crumbling temple. A sense of melancholy lingered in the air, mirroring the turmoil within her own soul. Unbeknownst to her, in the shadows lurked a merciless Blue Swan assassin, patiently waiting to strike. As Mara turned, a chilling silence fell over the garden. In that ominous moment, two arrows were unleashed, piercing through her chest with ruthless precision.
Agonizing pain engulfed her, causing her to collapse backward onto the cold, unforgiving walkway. Gasping for air, her vision blurred as she gazed upward, her gaze fixated on the darkened sky above. It seemed to mirror the bleakness that had consumed her existence. The world felt cold and indifferent, as if mocking her fragile mortality. In those final, harrowing seconds, Mara's mind raced with regret and despair. She pondered the cruelty of fate, the betrayal of trust, and the depths of human darkness. Her life slipped away, and as her body grew cold, a profound emptiness settled upon her soul.
Agonizing pain engulfed her, causing her to collapse backward onto the cold, unforgiving walkway. Gasping for air, her vision blurred as she gazed upward, her gaze fixated on the darkened sky above. It seemed to mirror the bleakness that had consumed her existence. The world felt cold and indifferent, as if mocking her fragile mortality. In those final, harrowing seconds, Mara's mind raced with regret and despair. She pondered the cruelty of fate, the betrayal of trust, and the depths of human darkness. Her life slipped away, and as her body grew cold, a profound emptiness settled upon her soul.
The others lay dead around us, Karen had knocked me to the floor, it was only so long before the Coup de Grace would be administered. I panicked as I felt her gentle hand on my side along with the sharp pain in my back as the blade escaped my chest....
Laura and Jojo clashed amongst the fallen, the temple raid had claimed many lives on both sides. Their swords danced in a lethal symphony, each move executed with precision and grace. With a surge of strength, Laura propelled herself toward Jojo, her hair streaming behind her like a flaming banner. In a swift and unexpected manoeuvre, she forced Jojo's sword towards the ground, overpowering her with a display of raw power.
Sensing an opportunity, Laura unleashed a devastating strike towards Jojo's chest. The blade sliced through the air, finding its mark with chilling accuracy. Jojo's eyes widened in shock and pain as the lethal blow connected, cutting deep into her chest. A gasp escaped her lips as she fell backward, clutching her wound.
A heavy silence enveloped the battlefield as Jojo's strength waned. Laura stood firm, watching her opponent as the life force left her. The battle had reached its fateful conclusion, and Jojo lay amongst the fallen. Her journey as a Blue Swan was at an end, just another body to be collected.
Sensing an opportunity, Laura unleashed a devastating strike towards Jojo's chest. The blade sliced through the air, finding its mark with chilling accuracy. Jojo's eyes widened in shock and pain as the lethal blow connected, cutting deep into her chest. A gasp escaped her lips as she fell backward, clutching her wound.
A heavy silence enveloped the battlefield as Jojo's strength waned. Laura stood firm, watching her opponent as the life force left her. The battle had reached its fateful conclusion, and Jojo lay amongst the fallen. Her journey as a Blue Swan was at an end, just another body to be collected.
As the approaching Blue Swans came into view, the temple's contingent of Sword Maidens formed up, hopelessly outnumbered, this would be their final stand, but it would give time for the wardens to get the artefacts away. Fear, tinged with excitement, rose amongst the Maidens, but they would not trade honour for survival.
The moment of truth was approaching fast, the gathered Maidens assembled on Rose and steeled themselves to sell their lives, they hoped that the price paid by the approaching warriors would not be a small one.
A Maiden's life was almost always short and the loss of a large number of Sword Maiden lives was rarely a surprise, but these heroes would be remembered, even as they were rapidly replaced by new recruits. The Maidens were never short of volunteers ready to die for the cause.
The moment of truth was approaching fast, the gathered Maidens assembled on Rose and steeled themselves to sell their lives, they hoped that the price paid by the approaching warriors would not be a small one.
A Maiden's life was almost always short and the loss of a large number of Sword Maiden lives was rarely a surprise, but these heroes would be remembered, even as they were rapidly replaced by new recruits. The Maidens were never short of volunteers ready to die for the cause.
Laura didn't know who had got her, she didn't realise she was outflanked until the blade errupted from her chest, standing proud between her breasts, covered in her blood. As the pain overcame her, she couldn't work out how she'd failed, all she knew is that she had failed her Maiden sisters.
As the blade entered Mel's abdomen, her eyes met Isra's and for a brief but painful moment she was at one with her killer. As the experienced Blue Swan forced her blade further into the young Sword Maiden and hour her back, the realisation that there could be no doubt about the outcome overwhelmed the beautiful redhead....
My first named heroine "Red" really going for it.....
Another abandoned render from the 2015/16 period, revitalised, finished and up to scratch 😅
Another abandoned render from the 2015/16 period, revitalised, finished and up to scratch 😅
Isra looked at the dying Maiden laid before her, she hadn't posed much of a challenge, her attacks bold but unwise. As their eyes met she started to pity her, such a pretty and innocent looking fool, but the fire in her hear was real. Such a waste, she mused, she could have made a great Blue Swan if paths had been different.
Lying on the cold floor, Carina looked up at the Blue Swan that had defeated her, a beautiful raven haired girl, at least if she had to go, at least she was killed by someone so stunning. As the Blue Swan kneeled over her and placed her hand on her tummy, her thoughts wandered as the world started to go a little dark....
Lying on the cold floor, Carina looked up at the Blue Swan that had defeated her, a beautiful raven haired girl, at least if she had to go, at least she was killed by someone so stunning. As the Blue Swan kneeled over her and placed her hand on her tummy, her thoughts wandered as the world started to go a little dark....
As my battle sisters fell around me, I saw the Blue Swan responsible, I turned to confront her, she saw me and charged. Millie would add another to her kill tally with ease....
As Hanna climbed the stairs to the top of the bridge, Blue Swans fell like flies before her, Millie fell back, her heart pierced, Lydia steeled herself for a clash with the large Maiden. It was not a long before she fell to the Maiden's blade. She would not be stopped by one so fragile...
Jojo recognised me across the battlefield, she knew how many deaths I was responsible for, many of them her friends. She set her mind on settling the debt, she would not stop until it had been paid.
Rose and I were no match for Isra, we would both meet the same fate as the thousands of Maidens I had sent to their death, it was only fair.
"When I said I though we'd look better in co-ordinated outfits, I'm not sure that's what I meant...." stuttered Rose, the shock obvious in her voice....
I smiled, trying to contain the urge to laugh "Well, where's the fun in covering up? You look so cute in that outfit I thought, equal opportunities for all? Why not?". I winked and stroked Rose's cheek as she stood there, finger on her bottom lip, unsure what to say.....
I smiled, trying to contain the urge to laugh "Well, where's the fun in covering up? You look so cute in that outfit I thought, equal opportunities for all? Why not?". I winked and stroked Rose's cheek as she stood there, finger on her bottom lip, unsure what to say.....
Laura and Rose demonstrate the danger of fraternising with the enemy to Barbara, it's unwise even if it's fun at first.....
After hours of slaughter, Maiden and Blue Swan bodies filled the grounds of the temple, who had won? Those silently lying there neither knew nor cared. Thousands upon thousands of lives, ended on the whim of the Blue Swans, each with their own tale to tell,
Barbara and Carina had fought a good fight, Barbara had been bested, but in her moment of victory, Carina had fallen to another unseen Blue Swan. The pride of victory had turned instantly into the horror of defeat as the blade entered her body, she turned to face her killer as her strength failed her, falling onto her own victim. Did her killer survive the battle? Unlikely, a short string of exhilarating victories before the shock and pain of defeat was the most likely outcome, exactly what Carina had experienced. But Carina's fight ended there and then, lying on Barbara's motionless form.
Barbara and Carina had fought a good fight, Barbara had been bested, but in her moment of victory, Carina had fallen to another unseen Blue Swan. The pride of victory had turned instantly into the horror of defeat as the blade entered her body, she turned to face her killer as her strength failed her, falling onto her own victim. Did her killer survive the battle? Unlikely, a short string of exhilarating victories before the shock and pain of defeat was the most likely outcome, exactly what Carina had experienced. But Carina's fight ended there and then, lying on Barbara's motionless form.
As the last of the Maiden's gathered in front of the temple, ready to fight to the last Maiden. All their routes out were cut off, the only course of action now was to sell themselves dearly. Nervous eye glanced at each other around the courtyard, wondering when the final battle would begin. The Blue Swans drew their bows. They would not allow these impetuous Maidens the honour of a noble death.
Katarina glowered, her excitement at her first kill was tempered with her rage at the invading Blue Swans for the deaths of her battle sisters. Esther was just in the wrong place at the wrong time, nothing could save her now.
Back to back they fought off Blue Swan attacks, together as a team the battled. But when they finally fell, they were together in death as in life....
One a new Maiden's training is complete, before she can join her battle sisters on the field of battle, she must pay respects to those that have fought and fallen before. Katarina was sure that the decision to join was the right one, but the sheer scale of the memorial to countless Maidens that had fallen to the Blue Swans made her heart race. Would she be joining them? Possibly. Was she going to sell herself dearly in aid of their noble cause? Absolutely....
Every Maiden knows that the most likely end of the path they are on is their lifeless body lying on a battlefield somewhere, but the alternative is slavery to the evil Blue Swans, a fate far worse, so new recruits are plentiful. Karen, Iva, Mara, Carina and Mel were part of a raiding party sent to seek to investigate reports of a Blue Swan camp and harass anyone moving outside the camp. The Swans were waiting for them and surrounded them, as the circle closed with each fallen Maiden, they realised that the their end, they all knew was coming one day, was coming today....
As Rose launched herself off the bannister, the Blue Swan turned to face her, but at the sight of Rose, hurling through the air, screaming, like a blood crazed banshee, she froze. A moment later, she started to raise her blade, as if to try intercept Rose mid-fall, but it was too late, Rose's blade slashed across her chest and her knees crashed into her, sending her to the ground.
Amazed that the gamble had paid off, Rose pushed herself up on the body of the Swan, looking around she was saddened by the number of her battle sisters that had fallen already, but she could see it. A way out....
Amazed that the gamble had paid off, Rose pushed herself up on the body of the Swan, looking around she was saddened by the number of her battle sisters that had fallen already, but she could see it. A way out....
As Rose started her leap, Barbara realised what was happening and a moment of panic gripped her, raising her sword instinctively, she saw Rose start to swing, it was too late to run now, the crazy eyed Maiden was coming for her.
She closed her eyes for a moment, expecting the Maiden's blade to connect any moment now, her sword was still moving up. She felt a weight and heard a scream as her blade arrested the Maiden's fall slightly. Opening her eyes with a fresh rage, she saw, only for a moment, the Maiden, her face a picture of shock, on her blade in the air. Her blade slide through her abs like they were butter, the Maiden screaming in pain. A moment later they would both be on the ground, Rose on top of Barbara, but as Barbara rolled the dying Maiden from on top of her, she realised that she had been fast enough.
Laying on the ground, the Swan's sword clean through her, Rose realised that she had gambled and lost. As the pain in her abdomen dulled, the world became dark. The last earthly sensation she would have was the vicious looking Blue Swan pull her blade from her belly, allowing her to roll onto her back and see the sky for the last time.
She closed her eyes for a moment, expecting the Maiden's blade to connect any moment now, her sword was still moving up. She felt a weight and heard a scream as her blade arrested the Maiden's fall slightly. Opening her eyes with a fresh rage, she saw, only for a moment, the Maiden, her face a picture of shock, on her blade in the air. Her blade slide through her abs like they were butter, the Maiden screaming in pain. A moment later they would both be on the ground, Rose on top of Barbara, but as Barbara rolled the dying Maiden from on top of her, she realised that she had been fast enough.
Laying on the ground, the Swan's sword clean through her, Rose realised that she had gambled and lost. As the pain in her abdomen dulled, the world became dark. The last earthly sensation she would have was the vicious looking Blue Swan pull her blade from her belly, allowing her to roll onto her back and see the sky for the last time.
Surrounded, the sounds of dying Maidens ringing in her ears, Rose climbed the steps, knowing full well that there was no escape route on the upper level. As she rounded the corner, she spotted a Blue Swan eyeing her, she knew that she was making things worse the further she retreated. There was only one way out, through the advancing Swans. Breaking into as fast a stride as she could manage across the stairway, Rose lept over the bannister and let out a battle cry, her sword poised to strike the Swan below...
As Laura lay on the ground, her body pierced by Blue Swan arrows, her eyes lifeless, her chest still, the battle raged on, she was just one of the thousands of Maidens that would die that day, victory or no victory, the battle continued as it did before her death, a maelstrom of blades, blood, screams and death.
Rose thought they were safe in the forest, Blue Swan formations were on the high ground on the other side of the valley, but the forest would give concealment, shade and food. She didn't count on the Blue Swan scouts being this far ahead, as arrows hissed through the trees, her body was pierced and she fell to the rocks, watching her sister Maidens fall too. How could this happen?
As the screams of dying Maidens filled the air, the Blue Swan pushed into town. Hanna had finally met her match, as she kneeled before Millie, the Blue Swan turned to watch her sisters advance, and drew the sword slowly from Hanna's abdomen, the scream of another fatally wounded Maiden excited her, more would fall before her today....
As Hanna celebrated with her fellow Maidens, Amelia cut a slice of cake and wondered, who would get the most of the slice, Hanna or the Lab.....
As I ran Irina through, she gasped and her eyes widened as she looked at me in both pain and disbelief. How had this happened? She clearly didn't comprehend.
I felt the tip of my sword meet the wood of the door frame and hold fast, it wasn't stuck but there was no way Irina could escape now. I took a moment to savour her expression as she grasped the wall for support, her rapier clattering to the floor.
I felt the tip of my sword meet the wood of the door frame and hold fast, it wasn't stuck but there was no way Irina could escape now. I took a moment to savour her expression as she grasped the wall for support, her rapier clattering to the floor.
As the arrows fell, so did Maiden after Maiden. Caught in the open, one by one they all screamed as the arrows entered their bodies. Mel was the last to fall, realising she was about to die like a practice target, she sighed, almost on the verge of tears., the arrow entering her upper abs moments later. It was all done, dead like her sisters...
"Take care out there, I'd be lost without my angel..." I warned as the other Maidens formed up.
Rose smiled, "Are you saying there's anyone that could take me on?"
Hoping she was right, I leaned in to kiss her forehead...
Rose smiled, "Are you saying there's anyone that could take me on?"
Hoping she was right, I leaned in to kiss her forehead...
After a hard fought battle, Hanna towered over the final surviving Blue Swan, before grabbing her throat and lifting her clean off the ground. "Tell me where your camp is!" she bellowed. Barbara was a short and slight girl, she choked as the much larger Maiden lifted her by her throat, her eyes darted around, terrified, was this how she was going to die? "Talk, bitch, or I'll cut you down like the rest of your sisters...."
Hanna seethed with rage, she had seen too many of her battle sisters cut down, she was going to avenge them today.....
New model, just a quick pic to introduce the lovely Hanna 🙂
New model, just a quick pic to introduce the lovely Hanna 🙂
"And there I was, surrounded by the Blue Swan raiding party, I thought I was done for...." explained Carina, as Mara listened intently....
"But you're here now, so you must have escaped.." interjected Mara.
Carina smiled, "Escaped? I killed the lot of them of course..."
"But you're here now, so you must have escaped.." interjected Mara.
Carina smiled, "Escaped? I killed the lot of them of course..."
Barbara knelt before me, but I knew a Blue Swan could not be redeemed, death it was....
Millie had been left behind when the Blue Swans withdrew, the advancing Sword Maidens forced her to the ground, Rose and Laura were bored and decided to have a little fun 😉
The battle was hard, Maiden after Maiden had fallen to the Blue Swan invaders, but at the final bridge before the main temple, Rose held them at bay. As her battle sisters fell, so did Blue Swan after Blue Swan to her blade. As the last ones fell, she realised, to her horror, she was now alone...
Mara and Amelia were having a quiet guard duty, the Blue Swan raiding party advancing quietly behind would soon change that....
Sylvie, Iva and Mara took the first volley of arrows, but the rest of the Maidens realised they were next, this charge had been a foolish move. As Rose caught one with her sword, a million to one move, Laura looked at the arrow with her name on it....
Jojo and Irina took their place in the Blue Swan vanguard, nothing could stop them Until Amelia and Laura that is...
Laura didn't spot Irina crouching in the rafters, as the blade entered her back and exited her chest, she never knew who had killed her.
The Blue Swans would miss a valued warrior such as Esther, to lose her to a fragile wench like Iva was embarrassing, but to trade her for two Maidens was enough. As they slowly succumbed to their wounds, Mel and Carina watched their killer fall to the floor beside them.
As Maidens and Blue Swans fell all around her, Karen stared in horror at the unfolding bloodbath, this was not the noble death she had hoped for....
Rose got her own back for once, guess I must have forgotten our anniversary.... 😉
As the Sword Maiden defences failed, dozens of beautiful Maidens lay on the ground, Carina and Laura were amongst the last survivors, but Esther didn't even hesitate to run them through.
In life they were mortal enemies, but as Rose looked at the Blue Swan in front of her, a girl named Esther, she wondered if they could have been friends in another life. Instead, they had mortally wounded each other, Esther was now dead, Rose could feel she had only moments more.
As she felt the soft touch of fingers on her belly, Sylvie hoped it was her lover surprising her on guard duty. As the softness of the touch was replaced by a searing pain in her back and chest, she watched Lydia's blade with horror as it erupted from her chest...
As Iva collapsed into her arms, Barbara leaned in for a kiss, dying Maidens were good for one thine at least....
Iva took a moment's rest between battle and training to remember why they were fighting for this land...
Iva knew she was defeated, as the powerful Blue Swan warrior pinned her down, she waited for the final move. She didn't have to wait long as her killer drew a short blade....
I never saw them coming, it was a quiet night and I was about to end my shift. It ended sooner than I expected.
As the Maiden caught Lydia's eyes, Lydia scowled and forced herself towards her killer. She would not die a coward.
After defeating Amelia, Esther made a rookie mistake, she turned away from the enemy, Mara made her pay.
I'd only been able to watch Jojo and Rose fight from afar, but when I saw Rose fall to Jojo's blade, and the evil Blue Swan sitting astride her screaming at the sky, I was overcome with rage and had to avenge my beautiful Rose at all costs.....
As Karen stood, shocked at the sight of the sword through her chest, Carina tired of the pause in the fight and pushed the invader off her sword, admiring the look of horror on her first victim's face as she fell to the ground.
Mel, like most Sword Maidens, had her days, they may be few and far between, but today, she was killing it... Jojo however...😅
Rose brought Karen to her knees, I finished the job... I think I got the better end of the deal 😉
"Good girl..." whispered Jojo into Barbara's ear as the arrows pierced her. She had served well as a meat shield for the volley, a little light encouragement with her fingers had been just enough to keep her compliant.
As a second volley came into view, the encouragement continued, Barbara was already mortally wounded, she knew this, but her mistress' fingers were working their magic and arousing her even more....
As a second volley came into view, the encouragement continued, Barbara was already mortally wounded, she knew this, but her mistress' fingers were working their magic and arousing her even more....
Irina and Isra were part of the first wave, the Sword Maiden archers were waiting, they and many other Blue Swans would die that day.....
As the arrows pierced Mara, she fell backwards, nothing could save her from the long fall, not that it would matter in the end...
After killing countless Blue Swans, Rose and Laura get some well deserved downtime 😉
Jojo considering the next move for the Blue Swans, those pesky Sword Maidens must be defeated...
Finally, the inevitable happened and the arrows found Laura, as she lay dying next to her friend Rose, she wondered if her sacrifice had been enough. The Blue Swans ran past her now, she was nothing more than a meat speedbump....
As the Blue Swans died on the bridge, even Millie falling to an arrow, their archers returned fire on Laura and Rose who had killed so many Blue Swans that day. Rose screamed as an arrow buried itself in her chest and Laura resolved to sell her life dearly to give the other Maidens chance to prepare a counter attack.
Millie and Jojo called for a charge, if it meant that Karen, Isra, Irina & Lydia had to act as human shields, that was a loss the Blue Swans were prepared to take...
Amelia & Karen met on the battlefield, now they are united in death as they never were in life
Rose & SSR settle some disagreements the old fashioned way, but SSR takes it too far as always 😉
Rose & wounded Mel try to escape the attacking Blue Swans, but their escape is soon blocked....
A couple of Blue Swans enjoying a moment together in a risky courtyard near the battle, Barbara pays the ultimate price
The Maiden screamed in horror as she looked at the blade visible from her chest...
A post battle celebration is interrupted when the one they didn't find, finds them 😉
It's not all butterflies and early violent death for the Sword Maidens, sometimes they get to be badass too 😉
A rare moment of quiet for a young warrior named Mara to commune with nature. What will the future bring? Will she best her evil foes? Will she die a noble death like so many Maidens before her? Now is not the time for such thoughts.
