Descent

Original Submission

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Story

Wandering from the dark woods, Eimir the branded swordsman and the mysterious Belzy traversed the wilderness to seek shelter inside a small inn. They only wanted a small room for the both of them. A place to feel the comforting embrace of fire, a place to rest for this night. Safe from the seemingly infernal gaze that has been locked onto them since Eimir's recovery. A strange occurrence, still shrouded in darkness. He had many questions, which they both had hoped to unearth together. Linked by the shackles of their past, they moved to the border of a small village. Awaiting the right moment to traverse the empty streets within the night.

Their skill set was unique, as they both are capable individuals. Allowing them to hide themselves under their cloaks. Moving closer and closer with each step towards a safe haven for the eve. At least that's what they had hoped for. It took them only a short amount of time until they reached an almost empty inn. Cloaked, they entered the front entrance, moving towards the innkeeper.

Belzy moving in closer, she opens her mouth while pulling down her cloak. “Greetings, we are seeking a place to stay for the night. Do you have a spare room, perhaps?” She asked with a feint smile, whilst holding a bag of coins in her hand. “Only for tonight, I want you out of here before sunrise. Strangers are not welcome here.” The innkeeper said, a grumbling tone in his voice. They talked a bit, bargaining about coin, which Eimir ignored, his attention was drawn to a darker matter.

He looked over, veiled under his cloak. Only his glooming red eyes looking over the room. It was mostly empty, with only a handful of drunkards sleeping on their chairs. But one table piqued his interest. A table in the corner of the room, where three men were resting. Eimir looked at them close, the first one, seemingly drunk, already unable to walk in a straight line. While the other just sat there, eating his meal. But the third one, a bear, big in stature, saw how the three of them got eyed upon. Curious and confident, the bear met Eimir's gaze with a look of provocation. It didn't take long for the bear to stand up and walk towards Eimir.

Seeing that, Eimir's sight blackened for a moment, his ears dimmed every sound he perceived. Then, a hissing in his head, a serpentine voice clawing his way into his mind. “Take him down, it only takes one fell swoop...” He heard, like a viper poisonings his prey, he felt weaker with each passing moment. Feeling how time works against him, “You are a delicate artist. Paint this canvas in blood...” The same fell voice in his head, echoing through his thoughts.

Opening his eyes, Eimir quickly grasped the hilt of his sword, pulling it out in one motion with a shiver in his hand. Pointing it directly towards the approaching bear, revealing his marked arm to the patrons, shining in a crimson malice. A snake almost moving on his skin, black and red with the same glow in his eyes, is painted on his arm. Belzy quickly covering it up again with his kimono, grappled a hold of the Swordsman's shoulder. “Stay calm, be at ease.” Belzy whispered into his ear. Another voice mingling in his mind, piercing through the clouded veil that overtook him.

Eimir's will, reinforced by his companion, grasped control again. The bear, visibly frightened by the piercing look Eimir gave him, growled, returning to his seat, mumbling words both he and Belzy couldn't perceive. “I want you both out at sunrise!” The innkeeper said with a stern voice. With that they both grapped their food and drink and went to their room.

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Remarks

Thank you so much Deymark for putting a lot of effort into this artwork. Its amazingly well done and portrays Eimir character very well! And also big thanks to the one who gifted me this wonderful piece of art! Thank you so much Rav. Its such a spledid gift, which I hope to do justice to <3!

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Artists

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Characters

Eimir © Davidsch
Belzy © Davidsch