Randsford (prime)/Vignette: Icemule's Lost Protector Returns

This is a creative work set in the world of Elanthia, attributed to its original author(s). It does not necessarily represent the official lore of GemStone IV.

Title: Icemule's Lost Protector Returns

Author: Randsford (prime)

Weary from last eve's battle a figure all clad in white makes its way towards Icemule Trace. Mid journey the figure stops to turn and stare over the glacier's horizon. He clutches a heart shaped ruby pendant with an open hand and mournfully closes his eyes.

The figure looks visibly shaken and suddenly collapses to his knees. He barely manages to catch himself causing tiny bits of flesh clinging to his aegis to strike the snow. He clutches his shield tightly as a soup of blood drips down its surface. Rumors of the battle had already begun to spread; a dark image of a dead baby grifflet clenched by the fist of the Turamzzyrian Empire before being viciously thrown to the ground and stomped on as if it were a burning fire; a subset of Landing's populace cheering.

Regaining his composure he grabs a fistful of snow and begins to slowly clean the silvery edges of his aegis, slowly revealing the gleaming white eonake below. From within his shield, a small wolf's whimper is heard. He speaks, "Is this the ferocity of the Turamzzyrian Empire I have heard about? Is this why the Commander's rage boils over from within? Will the elves similarly show no mercy?"

He grabs another fistful of snow and wipes away the remaining blood revealing a glimmering emerald heart shaped symbol. He traces the budding flower within the heart as his expression visibly soothes. He speaks as he stands, "Icemule will not succumb to such brutality while the Goddess still gives me light!" The whimper in his shield turns to low growl followed by a triumphant howl!

Meanwhile, a pack of ghost wolves slowly crept on the hill to his side. The beasts drawn by the scent of flesh stand still seduced by the howl. The figure makes eye contact with the beasts, gives a respectful nod, and returns his steady trudge towards Icemule. The wolves stand silently until the figure all clad in white disappears into the snow before then helping themselves to a snack of griffen entrails