BOONS ON BLACK TONGUES - I

Since Gallean would not have her, Mortis' corrupt mind began to construct a grand plot to wound him. His children, her children, the Elves were a weakness to the reborn God. Their queen dead, the Elves were scattered and without direction. Mortis' corpse army continued to grow as conflict sweep across Nevendaar. It would be a simple task to eliminate the weakened Elves, but something much darker stirred in her mind. Perhaps and old enemy could become a new weapon.

The wolves of Mortis were successful. Playing on the simplistic nature of the Dwarves, Mortis had them embracing her plan with unwavering reverence. Soon the Mountain Clans would be unknowing tools of their bitter enemies and the goddess would have her revenge.

A VOICE SILENCED - II

Mortis had given the Dwarves instructions on how to use their runic magic to open a gateway to the realm of the Gods. The Clans believing that Wotan wished to speak with them directly, eagerly began to research the rituals required. Meanwhile, Mortis had time to focus on an another part of her plan.

The Elven prophet Lachla'an arose to spread the word of Gallean to his people, an action Mortis was sure to notice. Their God had returned, but chose to communicate only through a chosen avatar. Mortis saw an opportunity in this wandering messiah and ordered her skeletal minions to retrieve him.

As the pieces slowly slid into place, Mortis was preparing her own dark ceremony.

The Legions had managed to slay Lachla'an before the Hordes could reach him, but this was only a minor distraction for Mortis. Her armies were able to gather the fallen Elf's remains and reconstruct them into her own dark avatar.

THE FULCRUM - III

Mortis' tainted will had given birth to the Dark Elf Lachla'an. He had become a twisted representation of his father's beautiful Elves and his mother's black heart. Mortis' new avatar was filled with contempt for Gallean and his children. With their corrupted messiah at the forefront, the Hordes began their relentless assault.

Meanwhile the Dwarves were nearly ready to begin their ceremony. While they joyously prepared to receive the voice of Wotan, the Hordes prepared to alter the ritual with their own dark magic.

Gallean had dismissed the fleshless goddess and he would soon suffer the consequences.

Dark Elf Lachla'an had provoked Gallean into lashing out at the world with hatred, thus momentarily tasting the rage that infected Mortis eternally. The goddess had taught her divine consort a valuable lesson.

THE END

Gallean's Beast had been destroyed, yet the forests around its lifeless corpse lay in ruin. Slaughtered Elves were scattered among the debris of the fallen undead. The two ancient races were reunited in death, their Gods sharing the same rage for but a moment.

And then, some say, Gallean wept. It rained in Nevendaar for weeks, and soon the blood was washed away and the earth reclaimed the bodies. Nature began to resume its cycle; the flowers bloomed once again. Yet horrible, unnatural sounds still echoed faintly, deep in the forests at night.