by L. R. Wolf
Aya stepped forward and raised her hands as she began casting the stat buffs on everyone within the village, NPC and Dreamer alike. The Dreamers, being used to being buffed, didn’t seem to notice the new buffs settling over them, but the Guards most certainly did. Their eyes darted around before they came to rest on Aya. They quickly nodded in thanks before they moved their eyes back to the front. The Guard Commander met Aya’s eyes and saluted to her.
In the distance, two groups, consisting of twenty dark troops, started forward towards the waiting Dreamers, each troop drawing a sword from a scabbard at their side and raising it in front of them. The Troops wore dull dark plate armor, much like Elohwa’s armor so that it wouldn’t glint in light and give away their positions. The eye slits glowed yellow where the eyes would be, giving an otherworldly look to them. One particular rider per group had glowing blood red eyes indicating a higher status.
The Dreamers had taken positions in front of the guards, not to protect the guards, but so that they would get full experience and loot from what they killed. Voksil pulled his disguised Sword of Living Flame from his back while Elohwa pulled her longbow from her bag. Aya equipped her fingerless gloves with the new Unique Ancient Mana Infused Elemental Foci set into the palms, the appearance she had chosen was just a simple fire Foci. No one would look at them twice right now, but later when they could actually reveal their real gear, they would have all eyes on them.
“Ready?” Voksil’s voice was steady and calm in the face of the approaching danger.
Elohwa nodded, “I am ready.” She pulled a few arrows from the quiver hanging at her back and held them in the same hand she used to hold her bow to make drawing and firing quicker.
Thorn raised his hands and flexed them, the vines expanding and contracting. His eyes changed from a bright green to a dull red, large thorns sprouted through the vines covering his body, tiny drops of his new poison infusion augment were on every sharp tip ready to unleash the deadly poison held within.
“Ready here. Let’s show em what we’re made of! Hopefully, not literally!” Aya grinned innocently while Voksil rolled his eyes and Elohwa chuckled to herself.
Already, those who favored ranged attacks were raining arrows and spells down upon the two advancing groups. While some fell under the barrage, most were going to make it to the front lines where those skilled in melee could close with them. Voksil rushed in to meet them head on while Elohwa stayed back with Aya firing arrow after arrow. Aya raised her hands, clouds rushed in and unleashed an onslaught of ice spears. Wherever these spears hit, the soil froze causing the ground to become slippery and causing the dark forces to lose their balance as they moved across it, opening them up to more ranged attacks.
Another gesture and Aya cast mass Fire Shields on both Dreamers and Guards before she began throwing out Fire Domes separating some of the troops from the others. The first of the frontline forces finally met up with the Dreamers. The sound of steel on steel rang out as blades were brought to bare. Light from Aya’s shields and the torches glinted on weapons and armor as they flashed through the air towards their targets. Cries of pain were mixed with shouts and defiant roars as the Dreamers clashed with the dark troops. In less than ten minutes, the fighting was over and a message flashed across their interfaces.
Wave 1 Complete. Wave 2 begins in 51 minutes.
One of the Dreamers in the front started complaining. “WTF, man? That was way too easy and I hardly got any experience.”
“What’d you expect, man?! The event just started. It’s gonna get harder so just chill out!”
“God, this sucks, I thought it was supposed to be challenging.”
“Dude, did you not hear what the other guy said? It’s going to ramp up over the next 24 hours so either suck it up or leave!”
“Yah, what he said!”
“STFU, scrubs! Defend or go Dream somewhere else!”
Aya sighed. No matter what game she played there were always those who would find something to complain about. She knew that by the end of this event they’d be scraping the bottom of the barrel for every bit of mana, stamina and health. She would be leaving the event at some point to see her kids, but considering they could only remain in the Dreamscape for about an hour she would be back rather quickly. Voksil would miss about half the event, but would be back for the last few hours due to having to wake up in the next few hours to start his day taking care of the kids.
Aya looked around and spotted Trav back at the portals. He, in turn, saw her and waved. “I’m going to go talk with Trav, to make sure everyone made it through. While we’re waiting on the next wave, Elohwa, would you mind teleporting to the other starting areas and see how the evacuations are going there?”
Elohwa nodded before she flicked her hand out to the side and disappeared. Aya, Voksil and Thorn made their way over to the mage. Dreamers started to gather around Thorn who pulled his thorns back within the vines so that any too curious Dreamer wouldn’t find themselves poisoned if they decided to touch him, which inevitably they did.
“Hey who owns the giant pet?!”
“Yah, where’d you get him? Can I have him?”
“How much for him?!”
“I want one! Where’d you find the spell?!”
Aya kept walking, ignoring all of the chatter while they made their way to Trav. Thorn, knowing that Aya had to keep her anonymity in regards to owning Eventide Falls moved away from her and Voksil which had the effect of pulling the group of Dreamers away so they could talk in relative peace, considering some of the Dreamers were elves with keen hearing.
“Aya! How goes it!” Trav’s smile grew broader once he noticed the Molten vanity armor she was wearing.
“Good! How have you been? I wanted you to meet my husband, Voksil.” Aya gestured to her side where Voksil was standing. He had sheathed his great sword and removed his helm when the fighting ended. His brown hair was matted to his head due to the sweat caused by wearing the heavy helmet.
Trav bowed his head towards Voksil. “It is an honor and a pleasure to meet you, Voksil. Your wife is quite the lady! I do not believe I have ever seen anyone use spells quite the way she has. I’m quite impressed!” He had been able to watch some of what was going on with the first wave of troops and had seen the spells that Aya had cast.
“Don’t I know it!” Voksil grinned and winked at Trav before putting his arm around Aya’s waist and pulling her closer.
“I couldn’t have done it without those spells you taught me my first time through here, Trav. Thank you for that. How is the evacuation coming along?” Aya leaned into Voksil and put her head on his strong shoulder, something she had missed dearly.
“I believe this is the last group of farmers from the outlying areas. Fortunately, they had just enough warning to be able to gather their families and get here and get to safety.” Trav knew where the refugees were going since he was given the coordinates by one of the local foremen that had been hired to perform tasks there. He was also very aware of who owned that land and that it was to remain secret until the proper time came.
“Good, thank you for your help in getting them out of here. I’m sure they appreciate it, too.” Aya smiled sadly knowing that at the end of this event they would likely be without homes or possessions. They had all seen smoke rising from where the outer farms lay.
“Just as I am quite sure they are appreciative of the kind Lord or Lady that is taking them all in during this time.” Trav’s right eye twitched in an almost wink. “You two should get some rest before the next wave arrives. If I had to guess, each wave will be more difficult than the one before it.”
“I’m sure they will. Most likely by the later waves we won’t have much, if any time at all to rest.” Voksil knew that he’d be waking in another six to seven hours so he would miss most of the event, but he would definitely be back for the later, much more difficult waves.
“Quite right you are sir. I shall be joining the fighters in the upcoming waves once the l
ast of the stragglers have gone through.” Just as Trav said that, the last of the refugees waiting in line disappeared through the portal which closed behind them. Trav motioned to the other mages standing nearby who gave him a nod before they headed to the front to join the Guards. “I would wish you the best of luck, but I get the feeling you may not need it.” He had noticed the way that Voksil had torn through the dark troops as if he wielded a knife through warm butter and how Aya’s spells had more of a kick to them than they should have.
Voksil chuckled a bit before holding his hand out to Trav. “Good luck, my friend. Should you need assistance, please let us know and you will have it!”
Trav reached out and clasped Voksil’s wrist. “And to you as well, my friends! May the Goddess smile on us and grant us continued victories!” He let go of Voksil’s wrist and grabbed Aya’s hand bringing it to his face and kissing it. “My Lady!”
Aya blushed and giggled at the gesture. Trav rejoined the rest of the mages as they proceeded to join the guards stationed at the edge of the village. Aya sent a message to Elohwa through their private Party chat to see how she was faring.
Party chat- Aya “How are things going, Elohwa? You ok?”
Party chat- Elohwa “Apologies, some of these villages were still fending off attackers so I stopped to help.”
Party chat- Voksil “No worries. Do you need help?”
Party chat- Elohwa “Not currently, no. So far, it appears that most of the villages have been fully evacuated. Those that are still in the process should be done before the next wave begins.”
Party chat- Aya “Great! Thanks, Elohwa. Hurry back when you can and please stay safe.”
Party chat- Elohwa “I shall and thank you. I will let you know if I run into trouble.
Aya felt much better knowing that the evacuations should be complete by the time the next wave came through. She sent a message to Va'lore to see how things were going back in Eventide Falls.
Private Message to Va'lore “Elohwa says the evacuations of the starting villages should be complete within the next thirty minutes or so. How are things going there?”
Private Message to Aya “Better than I expected honestly. There have been a few...misunderstandings... between the races, but most are too concerned with their own families to make much trouble. The tents are almost done being raised. Certain races have already begun to segregate themselves away from the main bulk of tents, which is fine, since it should help to keep fighting at a minimum. Rations are being dispersed as we speak.
Private Message to Va'lore “Good. Sounds like everything is being taken care of. Thank you so much for your help, Va'lore.”
Private Message to Aya “While, I would be lying if I said that I did not envy you and my sister the opportunity to do battle, I am still quite grateful of the trust you have shown in me. I swear I will not let you down.
Private Message to Va'lore “You’ll be joining us soon enough on our adventures if we have anything to do or say about it!!
Private Message to Aya “Of that, I have no doubt. I will message you if any urgent issues should arise.
Private Message to Va'lore “I trust you to do what needs to be done. We might end up getting too busy to do anything to help you if there’s a problem.
Private Message to Aya “Thank you, I will do my best.”
Private Message to Va'lore “I know you will. Good luck!”
Private Message to Aya “Goddess bless and keep you.”
Private Message to Va'lore “And you as well, my friend!”
Voksil tapped Aya gently on the shoulder, startling her. She closed the private chat with Va'lore and then turned to glare at her husband who chuckled at his wife’s jumpiness, but then again, they WERE in the middle of an event with another wave to begin shortly. “You should probably check your inventory. I overheard some of the others bragging about the loot from the first wave. Sounded like a few of them got some nice stuff.” He watched as her eyes unfocused while she opened her inventory to check it. He took his own advice and opened his own inventory scrolling to the bag he had given Thorn since he was their official looter.
Aya dove into the inventory screen and mumbled to herself, her eyes scanning over the massive amount of items within. Fortunately, any of her special bags, like the one she had given Thorn was always at the top along with any new loot she might have picked up herself. “I really have got to get more bags for specific things just to keep everything sorted.” She opened the bag attached to Thorn. The Dark Troops had only dropped a few gold coins, but one item caught her eye. It was a simple gold bracelet, but the border glowed purple indicating an epic item. She focused on it.
Charm Bracelet-This simple gold bracelet is more than it appears. Will allow the user to charm an enemy once an hour turning it into a friend for anywhere between a few hours, or if one is lucky enough, to turn them permanently. Ability to charm strengthens based on the caster’s power.
Aya linked the item to the Party chat-before she pushed her right sleeve up and slipped the bracelet onto her wrist where it shrank a bit so that it couldn’t slip off.
Party chat- Elohwa “That looks useful, Aya. I would wager you could get some valuable information from one of the Dark Troops.”
Party chat- Aya “Yeah, that’s what I was thinking. Grab one on the next wave and ask them some questions. Did either of you get anything good off that wave?
Party chat- Voksil “Nah, just a few gold here.”
Party chat- Elohwa “Nothing more than what Voksil received here either. I believe the evacuations are finishing up as we speak. I shall be returning to Sorrent shortly.
Party chat- Aya “Sounds good. Second wave will be hitting in the next five minutes.
Aya and Voksil headed back to the front line. Even more Dreamers had gathered as people were made aware of the event and decided to take long naps in order to log in for a bit. A large crowd surrounded Thorn, but were now keeping a safe distance from him. He had had enough of people touching him and grabbing his vines so had unleashed his thorns. As they approached, they could hear the Dreamers talking about Thorn.
“What IS that?”
“Is it someone’s pet?”
“Looks like someone hacked the game. I’ve never heard of that thing before and I was in Alpha.”
“The game can’t be hacked you dumbshit.”
“Yeah, right, like you were in alpha. Do us a favor and wake up pal.”
Aya sighed, it was going to be an incredibly long twenty three hours of this.
“WAVE TWO INCOMING!!” A Dreamer in the front yelled as the wave counter hit zero.
Aya once again cast buffs over all those present. The second wave consisted of five groups this time totalling one hundred troops. At least one group consisted of archers. Once again, she cast Ice Storm on the fields in front, causing the ground to turn to ice causing their speed to slow. The troops slipped and fell, giving the ranged Dreamers free shots at them as they flailed about. Fire Domes sprouted around the enemy archers, preventing them from firing, any projectile travelling through the dome would burn up as it attempted to pass through.
“Ok, who the hell is doing that? We’re not going to get any loot or experience!!”
“Yah, knock it off whoever it is.”
Aya sighed once more. She kept her spells up, but didn’t cast any more offensive spells. Instead, she started throwing out healing spells on those who needed it, to level that skill. She cast her new Regeneration and Lesser Heal spells on the Guards that were taking hits. Once they were healed, she started casting on the Dreamers. Dreamers could come back, but Aya wasn’t quite sure what would happen if the NPC’s died. She had already found out the hard way that Elohwa could come back, but then again she was a Companion.
The first Dark Troops of this wave made it within range of the melee with closing attacks. She watched as Voksil took out two troops with a single swing of his sword nearly cutting them in half. Elohwa suddenly appeared beside Voksil, her Tw
in Blades flashing out briefly before cutting into one of the troops. She yanked the swords free before turning on a second one close by. Thorn was using his vines to wrap around the ankles of the Dark Archers and pulling them into melee range to be finished off by the waiting Dreamers.
Aya decided now was a good time to use her new Charm Bracelet. She pointed at a Trooper that was closing in on Elohwa and activated the bracelet. The trooper stumbled as the spell hit him and took hold. The Trooper stopped and looked around, his sword and shield dropping to his sides.
“Get over here!” Aya shouted at him. He turned towards her, his eyes glowed white through the slit in his helm. He was walking towards her when a Dreamer tried to backstab him when he walked past, but now that he was considered a pet, the attack failed.
“What the fu…?!” The Dreamer looked around searching for the culprit just as another Trooper was coming up behind him. Aya sent her new ‘friend’ out to greet his former comrade. The charmed one rushed out and slammed his shield into the Dark Trooper’s unprotected side just as he was about to ram his blade up through the ribs of the distracted Dreamer. The force of the blow sent the Dark one flying to the side where he was set upon by the blood thirsty Dreamers.
“Good boy!” Aya gestured to her side, which caused the Charmed Dark Trooper to rush over. He continued to hold his sword and shield at the ready, in the event any of his former allies decided to go after his new Mistress. Aya looked him over briefly, there didn’t appear to be anything special about him. She attempted to peer into the visor, but the glow from the eyes was a bit blinding causing her eyes to hurt. “Remove your helmet, so I can have a look at you.”
