Battle Over

Days gave way to weeks that seemed to turn into centuries the battles raged ever onward and monotony was by far the biggest enemy. In the still times between battles my head rang with the echoes of all the previous battles, and when my eyes closed pictures and images flooded my being. The concussion from the Light Demon coupled with the trauma of knowing I was alone separated from my comrades and about to die with them all watching unable to help still pounded in my head. At times the pounding was so loud my teeth hurt because of it. How the images haunts me! It was indeed good to be back in the time and place with the rest of my crew but the images that taunt me make this life difficult indeed. Even the sight of my old crew, which was a joyous sight indeed, cannot erase the images of the blinding flashes and the searing fire that ate through my own skin and trapped us in a world so close yet so far from our own. And now together again our battle not yet complete, yet the body weak and worn wishes to be anywhere but here.
There was an eerie silence where it almost seemed as the air itself was holding breath in anticipation for things to come. A glance at the gate proved the reason for such response. Like a rock on a hot summer day shimmering and waving in the sun the moongate took on an almost ethereal look. The color began to shift from the light blue to a silver gray as if it was being bent or rent into pieces. The low rumble from deep within the gate sent an uneasy shiver through the troops gathered for battle. The monstrous beast that emerged, this other worldly monstrosity, would have bested us all had it not been for quick wits and incredible timing on the parts of our Navy and Pirate crews. Cannons fired, arrows blazed the sky, swords clashed to no avail until one mighty crash brought the evil beast to its knees. Another order given and the gate became the next target, and with each shattering volley the creature screamed and hissed losing strength and life. The final push and torrent of ammunition brought the hideous monster to the ground sizzling and hissing with its oozing life force staining the ground beneath it. We looked and saw the gate still and in a deep oily black shroud. Standing in stunned silence and poised for another attack I heard voices say it was done. Just like that it was finished, the battle and the war was over. Magincia stands in ruins but no more lives will be touched by these creatures.
As I walked numb and stunned back to the CAROLINE, I could hear the voices and cheers of those around me, but the silence that encased my exhausted mind blurred my steps. “Set sail for Guardian’s Gate.” The only command I gave before disappearing into my cabin. Some have said that having a female aboard ship is bad luck, and sometimes I believe it may be so. Today is our day! It belongs to the valiant and the brave, or those of us just too dumb to give up without a fight. I am proud of my crew and the others with which I serve, and I know that when the numbness unveils my soul I will feel it, until then I rest in the misty gray that is my own thoughts.
Back at the Guardian’s Gate so many bodies wounded and healing were wandering about with almost an excited lilt in their step. An electric air of excitement mingled with a deep heady fragrance of pine and other yuletide decorations. Holidays at the Gate were festive occasions regardless of what personal beliefs and feelings one held. My short walk from the docks to the Ottersrun Taphouse gave a chance to take in the cleansing breaths of festive air. By the time I made way to the party my mood and spirits were almost on even keel.
*deep and heavy sigh*
The night went on and dinner was complete. Nevyn stood and raised his glass to herald us as heroes. My thoughts raced to my fallen crew that I had not so long ago returned to the Sea. Then as if reading my own thoughts, Commodore raised his glass to remember our fallen. It was more than I could tolerate, my own guilt savagely ripped my heart from my chest still beating and uttering their names in my ear. I had to leave!
The Christmas party still going strong I finally was able to get Tiberius alone.
“Request permission to take the CAROLIN back to Zento and make repairs there, Commodore.”
“Zento? What? Its Christmas, Greyy, loosen up and have fun, spread some of the Christmas cheer you have locked up in your cabin!!”
“Tiberius, I have no family and have lost so much, not to mention my ship is in horrible condition. I would really like it if you would….”
Before I could continue a voice from behind us interrupted my excuses.
“Excuse me, Commodore? May I take her away from you for awhile?”
“I think that would be a great idea, Bulls!” said Tiberius as he took my hand and gave it to Bullseye.
“Thank you, Commodore. Greyylene, would you care to dance?” He took my hand without giving a chance for me to answer or object.
Tiberius gave a lopsided smile and said, “Seems to me you do have family.” Then he turned and walked away.

“Well, now that I have you here on the dance floor, I guess it would be only fair to warn you that the Admiral thinks he has perfected your recipe for Savage Ale.”
“No one can perfect my recipe!”
“I know why do you think I’m telling you this. You know he is going to want you to try it.”
“Oh great, he wants me to be his elven guinea pig. He better have gotten it close is all I have to say.”
The night wore on and the music played, ale and rum ran like a river in the Taphouse. Then the moment I had been warned about came when I saw Tiberius and Roland speaking in hushed tones, as hushed as drunken sailors can be. Their mischievous looks and not so subtle giggles told me I had better be prepared. As sure as the sun shines and the rain falls Roland came over with tall mugs of ale in his hands to offer me a “celebration drink”. His small entourage of the Commodore, Nevyn, Gowron along with Bullseye told me it was high time to make a good show of whatever this offering may be.
“Ev’n, Greyy, care f’r a drink.” he said with a slur and a wobble.
“But of course, Admiral, what do you have for me tonight?”
“Sssts m Savage Ale!”
The pride in his intoxicated voice made me smile as I took a large gulp. The vile liquid contained in that benign looking mug caused me to spew my mouthful across the floor.
“Oh the Lands and Sea you are trying to Poison me! That is a Wicked concoction you call my Savage Ale.” I tried in vain to wipe my mouth clear of the horrible taste.
“Admiral, you drink the Ale well enough, but seriously need to leave the making of this to those who know how to!”
I watched as Roland slunk onto a corner stool to pout in his Ale. Almost subconsciously he slovenly brought his own mug to his lips and drank greedily. The look on his stunned face when the realization hit his drunken stupor was as priceless as the king’s diamonds! He had swallowed his gulp and it indeed had traveled all the way down, but the shockingly ghastly after taste took hold of his foggy mind almost shaking him to sobriety. The wheezing and sputtering from him made me laugh so hard it made me sit down hard on the stool and brought tears to my eyes. Such laughter I had not experienced in so long I had quite forgotten how it felt. Apparently others in my company were unaware that I was even capable of laughter, and were so shocked to hear it they became silent in their shock.
“What? It is Funny!” I said with some indignation.
I walked over to the Admiral and said, “Its ok, Roland, I’ll go get some from the cabin. Can’t have you poisoning the rest of the crew with that… that… stuff.”

~The End~