Post by Icarus on Feb 6, 2015 23:36:32 GMT
In the dead of the night, the valley of Windsor Woods seemed deceptively safe. The birds, boars, and various other artificial creatures that normally filled the forest with life either had been farmed into rarity for experience and crafting materials or had slipped off as part of their evening AI routine. In their absence, everything was calm and still. Humming pleasantly to himself, Icarus the White ventured deeper and deeper into the darkness. He had long since abandoned the main roads. He had a specific destination in mind.
The familiar wet grass and hardy pines gave way to gnarled roots and cracked, overgrown debris. The heretic soon found himself in the shadow of Windsor Castle. Beaming, he stopped to admire its ancient bones. The once great fortress remained quite imposing in its decayed state. Its former purpose had long since rotted away. Now it stood in a lonely, silent vigil over the surrounding wilds. It would have been a nostalgic sight, reminiscent of ruins across England, were it not part of a video game. Unfortunately, it was. Therefore, it was a fake with no real history at all.
Both comforted and saddened by that knowledge, Icarus eagerly approached the estate. Thick fog settled over the area, catching the moonlight and playing tricks on his eyes. It was eerily quiet. An oppressive tension hung in the air, as though waiting with bated breath for him to make a mistake. The atmosphere was enough to send better men than him running for safety. The high level monsters that inhabited the grounds were not hunted very frequently. He had yet to encounter any, but he knew they were waiting for him. A novice like him should not have come alone.
The thrilling sense of danger and mystery drew Icarus closer, a moth to a flame. With a quiet confidence, he picked his way through thorns and lifeless statues right up to the front gates. They barred his progress completely. Miffed, he paced restlessly back and forth, sizing up his opponent. On either side, a ten foot stone wall sprawled as far as the eye could see.
It would take him hours to walk all of the way around. Another entrance might not even exist. No thank you! The barrier was lined by a spattering of trees. Their finger like branches would be perfect for climbing. Unfortunately, there was nothing peeking over the other side. Going up would be pointless if he could not get back down. Nope! The gates themselves were crafted of thick iron. It would take a formidable siege weapon to break through them. Someone like him, who had no offensive abilities at all, had no chance of getting through. Boring!
Icarus sighed with defeat. In the same gesture, he leaned on the gate for support. To his surprise, his weight pushed it loose without a fight. He almost fell over as it swung open, screeching metallically. The only solution he had not considered was the most obvious one. Unlocked. It was unlocked! Someone must have been through here before him. He could not help but laugh at himself for over thinking the situation.
Cheerfully, he skipped across the threshold. As soon as he did, the sound of movement behind him stole his attention. Something was coming. He glanced back but could not make anything out. Well, well. There were really only two possible threats. Either it was an enemy or it was an adventurer. Which did not really matter. He had trapped himself inside Windsor Castle’s grand courtyard. Whatever it was, he would have to cross it to get out.
Excitement crept through his system. He had no idea what to expect. Silently, he withdrew behind a curve of the inner wall for cover. He gripped his staff a little tighter and waited.
The familiar wet grass and hardy pines gave way to gnarled roots and cracked, overgrown debris. The heretic soon found himself in the shadow of Windsor Castle. Beaming, he stopped to admire its ancient bones. The once great fortress remained quite imposing in its decayed state. Its former purpose had long since rotted away. Now it stood in a lonely, silent vigil over the surrounding wilds. It would have been a nostalgic sight, reminiscent of ruins across England, were it not part of a video game. Unfortunately, it was. Therefore, it was a fake with no real history at all.
Both comforted and saddened by that knowledge, Icarus eagerly approached the estate. Thick fog settled over the area, catching the moonlight and playing tricks on his eyes. It was eerily quiet. An oppressive tension hung in the air, as though waiting with bated breath for him to make a mistake. The atmosphere was enough to send better men than him running for safety. The high level monsters that inhabited the grounds were not hunted very frequently. He had yet to encounter any, but he knew they were waiting for him. A novice like him should not have come alone.
The thrilling sense of danger and mystery drew Icarus closer, a moth to a flame. With a quiet confidence, he picked his way through thorns and lifeless statues right up to the front gates. They barred his progress completely. Miffed, he paced restlessly back and forth, sizing up his opponent. On either side, a ten foot stone wall sprawled as far as the eye could see.
It would take him hours to walk all of the way around. Another entrance might not even exist. No thank you! The barrier was lined by a spattering of trees. Their finger like branches would be perfect for climbing. Unfortunately, there was nothing peeking over the other side. Going up would be pointless if he could not get back down. Nope! The gates themselves were crafted of thick iron. It would take a formidable siege weapon to break through them. Someone like him, who had no offensive abilities at all, had no chance of getting through. Boring!
Icarus sighed with defeat. In the same gesture, he leaned on the gate for support. To his surprise, his weight pushed it loose without a fight. He almost fell over as it swung open, screeching metallically. The only solution he had not considered was the most obvious one. Unlocked. It was unlocked! Someone must have been through here before him. He could not help but laugh at himself for over thinking the situation.
Cheerfully, he skipped across the threshold. As soon as he did, the sound of movement behind him stole his attention. Something was coming. He glanced back but could not make anything out. Well, well. There were really only two possible threats. Either it was an enemy or it was an adventurer. Which did not really matter. He had trapped himself inside Windsor Castle’s grand courtyard. Whatever it was, he would have to cross it to get out.
Excitement crept through his system. He had no idea what to expect. Silently, he withdrew behind a curve of the inner wall for cover. He gripped his staff a little tighter and waited.
HP:100% MANA:100% WORDCOUNT:633
