[Story] A Dark Fate

[Ailander]

Epilogue of The Silent Woods: ARC I

Everyone affected by the obelisk's power suffers from restless sleep this night. A dream torments them—a nightmare for some—that won't fade with the coming sunlight. They find themselves deep within what appears to be an abandoned, ruined fortress. Banners of long-forgotten cultures, ripped to shreds and ruined beyond recognition, hang from the ceiling. The entire hall is a blur, as though a thick fog of darkness covers the place, but three things stand out almost distinctly: a giant gem in the center resting on a pedestal, a crude stone throne that looks unnatural, and a figure cloaked in darkness with two blood-red ruby eyes staring hungrily at the gem from their throne.

The silence in the hall is broken by a whimpering voice.

"My lord..." A shadow appears at the edge of their vision, a few meters away from the dark figure. "...The believers are en route... the invaders have claimed the forest... and the shrine... is lost."

As the report is given, fear is palpable in the newcomer's voice, yet the dark figure remains unflinching.

"So?" a deep, scratching voice answers.

After a few moments of silence, the shadow hesitantly responds. "We... have lost too many. Even with the newfound power, it will take time to reorganize our forces."

"This is of no matter. The war has left more desperate souls to join us. Our newfound 'allies' will defend this place."

"But... my lord, holding the power of the shrine was what kept them motivated... and the elve—"

Before the sentence could be finished, the shadow gasps, as if the air had been stolen from their lungs. The dark figure stretches a hand toward them. A chill runs through the dreamers’ spines as they watch this motion, as if it is grasping at something intangible yet striking so deeply that even in the dream, fear grips them—almost as if their very essence is being held.

"They will fight. They will die... and they will fight again. One way or another," the voice screeches, turning colder and more fearsome as the shadow struggles for air. "These invaders will not claim the forest. This forest *will* burn. Waterdeep will be destroyed... and the elves will be next."

Lowering its arm, the shadow begins to breathe again—desperately. At the same time, the chill that had gripped the dreamers fades.

"Our mistress has waited too long for this. They will soon come, and nothing will stop them. We must be ready for that time, and no one shall stand in our way."

The shadow bows upon hearing these words and quickly flees, vanishing from the dream. Those brave enough to keep their gaze fixed on the dark figure would see it rise and slowly approach the crystal in the center of the room.

Passing its hand over the crystal, leaving slight scratches upon its surface, sparks of arcane energy crackle from within, as though the crystal emits a glowing light. The dark figure recoils in frustration.

"Your secrets shall be mine," it says simply, turning back toward the throne. "I will destroy everything. This world *will* burn." Sitting calmly once more, it continues, "We have waited this long. We shall have it, my Lady."

As those words are spoken, a new presence fills the air—something deep, entrancing. Those who dare stare into it for too long awaken in madness, screaming, before realizing it was all just a dream, and they are still in their resting place...

...or were they?

(this is an event actually happened in game. Feel free to role it as you wish in the server...investigate it or ignore, what will you choose? :3)