(Yes, I know this is early. But I will be busy all next week, so I wanted to go ahead and get this out in case I donât have time then.)
(Music to go along with the prompt as you read~)
Westfall had been peaceful for the last couple days. Something which both Gaius, as well as Adrien were suspicious of. The cult had gone to ground at the persistent investigation coming from the WRP, the demon sightings ceased. The burning scarecrows vanished, and it was almost as if they had never been their in the first place.
After a meeting with Consul Adrien ran late, Gaius felt sufficiently tired enough to attempt sleep. Somewhat wishing that his Fiance could be there with him to help sooth the nightmares that were sure to come. Regardless of whom he wished was present. A small feeling of hope had started to kindle itself in Gaiusâ breast. A feeling that perhaps everything would work out. That the dream he had for Westfall could be realized.
As the Bulwark of Westfall slipped into bed that night, pulling the covers up to his chin. A smile was for once on his face, as ironically a nice dream awaited him, until he was violently awoken by a nightmare.
Sitting up suddenly in his bed seemingly just as the Infernal raining down from the sky smashed into his home. Producing green fel fire that sent him hurtling off the bed and onto the floor. The matress flipping and landing ontop of him. The Cult had done their work well. Picking out the spots that would make westfall all the liable for the Legion to take out. Attacking Sentinel hill while simultaneously attempting to take out the hope of the People, by attacking their Bulwark at his own home.
Felfire licked across wooden boards, gradually spreading through what was left of his childhood home. The home that his parents died in. And the home that he was now likely to die in. A small ironic grin crossed his face as he struggled beneath the bed. Everything the knight had worked towards was up in flame. The infernal had landed, turning the center of his house into a crater of felfire and brimstone. Leaving shortly after, content that the occupants in the house were dead.
Fortunately for Gaius, or perhaps unfortunately considering what he was soon to see. Adrien discovered him along with a few WRP soldiers. âGaius! Gaius are you alright!?â
âIâm trapped under a bed with my house burning down around me. What do you think Adrien, Get me out!â He said, struggling again to no avail. Clad only in his small clothes. Blood from wood shards that had pierced his skin staining his bare chest. (For gaius always slept without a shirt.)
As the trio of men worked to move the bed and free their commander. Another explosion sounded nearby. And gaius dared glance towards the sky. Noticing the green hue, as well as the sight of infernals raining down. Fel fire raining from the sky. What hope did westfall stand against a full on burning legion invasion.
As the bed was moved, Turned over onto itâs side. Gaius staggered to his feet, wincing as bare feet tred on broken glass from shattered windows. âWhatâs the situation?â Gaius asked as he pulled some of the lighter wood beams out of the way, moving towards his armor rack. Every step he took caused a wince to cross the knights face. His body was already aching, combined with the occasional stab of pain from one of the hundreds of tiny splinters littering his upper body.
âNot good...Sentinel Hill is holding, but barely...Demons are coming from everywhere at once it seems, Practically pouring out of the deadmines...Moonbrook is all but lost.â He commented as Gaius worked on his armor, Adrien stepping over to help with some of the straps. As gaius paused, thinking to Miriam before pushing her from his head. He had more thoughts on his mind right then. âKnighthood, is he safe?â Gaius asked after a few moments of silence. Well, as silent as the end of the world could be. The sounds of swords and steel clashing in the distance, along with further explosions as infernals rained down hell.
âAye, we pulled him out of the stables...Heâs spooked, but we damn near had to stop him from rushing into here after you.â
âAlright...Letâs go then...â Gaius muttered, pulling on his boots with a groan of pain, the glass embedding itself further in his feet. But he couldnât aford to whine and moan right now. Westfall needed him. Now more than ever.
Hefting up his hammer and shield Gaius stalked forward with a purpose. Brushing past Adrien and the soldiers to head outside. Immediatly taking Knighthoodâs reigns from another soldier and peering around. Now that he was free of the ruins of his home, he could see much more clearly. And it wasnât good.
Fel Fire was burning away at crop fields, while civilians ran around. Many attempting to flee to Elwynn, and getting cut down by various demons. âWe need to protect the civilians!â
âWith what?â Adrien asked from below him, causing Gaius to blink. âWith the WRP Guardsmen...If we can fight our way to Sentinel Hill, we can link up with the Alliance soldiers and form a effective resistance.â
âGaius...This is whatâs left of the WRP...â Gesturing around to the group of 9 soldiers he had with him. Causing Gaiusâ jaw to drop. While the Guardian branch of the Westfall Revival Project had never been fully staffed. There had still been over a hundred guardsman.
âWhat the hell happened!?â
âInfernals hit the Barack's...The demons knew just where to attack to get us at our weakest...There may be more, Patrols were still out and about...But we have no way of knowing if they survived.â
âFuck!â Gaius cursed from his place on Knighthood, causing his horse to shift nervously, letting out a small whiny. âIâm guessing you have a plan then Consul?â he asked, shifting in the saddle to look at Adrien, who was in the process of mounting his own horse.
âYes, I believe we should Withdraw.â
âWithdraw?! Are you fucking daft?!â Gaius all but screamed as another infernal explosion rocked the ground.
âNo. We donât have the forces to do anything but get ourselves killed Gaius! Think of the future! The Legion wonât be here forever. But if we give our lives, how does that help Westfall? Hell, who will even remember that we lost our lives? No one. We need to Retreat. To stormwind. Tell the council of nobles whatâs happening! And return in force!â
âI...I canât!â Gaius said, his resolve faltering somewhat as he glanced around the small pocket of soldiers around them. Every single one of them was scared shitless. Their faces pale and hands shakey. These were not men who could fight.
âThink of the future Gaius...â The consul said as he nudged his horse towards Gaius. âThink of your Fiance...We have to pull back!â
At that, the will that the Bulwark of Westfall was famous for. Broke. Slumping slightly in his saddle. A tear streaked down his ash stained face. âSound the withdraw...â He murmured.
Adrien then called for them to Withdraw. Realizing that Gaius couldnât, and wouldnât nudge Knighthood forward. He swooped down and grasped the horses reigns from Gaiusâ grasp. Leading the silent and broken knight away.
Deep down in side Adrien knew that this was the right move. Even retreating was not a bloodless option, countless demons bared their path to freedom. And it would certainly be a fighting retreat. But as the Consul looked towards his friend, and commander. he felt a small twinge of sympathy. Leaving Westfall was something Gaius swore he would never do.
And now he had done just that.
In previous days and years, Gaius had ridden off into the sunset of Westfall. Ready to fix the land he called home. But now, however unwillingly, Gaius was leaving, shoulders slumped in defeat. As westfall burned.
@miriammaybrooke (mentioned) @beywood (Mentioned)
vaporwave
origamiaround
pixelskylines
tangentwithtanner
prguitarman
