First Blow - - Thailen Vicarris
Thailen watched the distant flare slowly fade out of sight as Erasmus talked. The thick fog made it hard to find landmarks to use as potential directional guides, and she feared that if she turned away, she would lose sight of where to go. So it was that when she answered, it was with her back turned to the group, head slightly turned, and eyes locked straight ahead. "I agree. The longer it takes us to get to Wren, the more likely it is she'll have to move to avoid-" Thailen stopped, trying to think of what may await in the dead lands. "Avoid whatever is out there."
Images of grasping claws and towering shadows filled her mind, flitted across her vision. Raising her knuckles to her lips, Thailen muttered a quiet prayer. Mortals were not meant to face foes such as this, not alone. Yet there was no other choice. Without the gods, they were all that was left, and the world relied upon the frailty of man. With a grimace, Thailen adjusted the sword hanging at her hip and the whip slung over her shoulder.
Around them, the fog continued to mock, and tried to fill her mind with doubt. The sounds of her companions and of the departing boat were muffled. They became flat and distant, as if from a dream. Everything began to drift away, leaving her alone amidst the dead and blood.
No. She had to focus, had to ignore it. "The devout need not fear," she murmured, "for they shall be held aloft and blessed. They will fight in Their name and be shielded, and will never be in vain." Taking a deep breath, Thailen lowered her hand and began to stride forward. "Let's go. We can't risk missing her."