[center][h1] The men of green[/h1]
[@Jangel13][/center]

[hr]

As the wolves roared the earth started to shake as something in the forest begins to wake. The birds flew to the heavens in a rush, while the beast of the earth mother’s forests started to flee away from the east side of the forest. Then large footsteps echoed from the distance growing louder and louder with every minute as it gets closers to where Argos and his pack was. Nobody knew what or who was making the noise but, whoever it was, it didn’t felt out of place. 

Soon, a giant humanoid creature easily the size of a three story building stood on the distances, making its way towards where is Argos. With every step it takes, the forest seems to roar driving off the nearby wildlife away from it without any second thoughts. It had a body made out of stone and wood with a visible green moss as its skin and a dark green flame emanating from inside, revealed by a large hole in its body. 

It was a creature told in tales and forgotten by time, though it was formidable in the distance large cracks and holes in its body have suggested that it has seen its fair share of battles, sporting scorched makes and some of its body has either been scattered or have broken off. Once it has closed the distance, it crouches as it eyes the alpha.

Argos few silent with the others as they heard loud noise echo through the forest as if it was getting closer. He could feel something in the air but he didn't feel threatened at least not to the point of growling or trying to attack outright. 

He moved forward towards the noise and soon he saw an ancient creature of the earth. He remembered his ancestors speaking of the tree men which they called ‘Soctoa’ though to human speak it was Ent. When it crouched Argos sniffed him a bit before he asked "what wakes you ancient one?" He said not wanting to seem threatening but he stated in his wolf form for he was still small in stature and needed to display his own strength even to one did ancient as He

It lowers its head as it sees the alpha, mumbling in an unknown language, but it doesn't matter as the loudness of its voice and tone makes it impossible for him to understand. But, as it spoke the roots covered by the land burst forth creating a platform below, and raising him from the ground and at eye level of the earthen giant. 

He spoke once more with the forgotten language and with every word the ground shifts and the trees grew higher than they were supposed to be. Dwarfing those near them creating a wall of trees that separates the two from his kin. The giant sits down with the pedestal maintaining within eye level. 

He continues to talk with the begotten tongue but, in time his tone becomes weaker and weaker and the green flames continues to dim as the trees around them continue to grow.

The alpha was shocked for a moment as he was suddenly moving upwards but he calmed when he realized that the Ent was simply giving him a pedestal so he could see the ancient one eye to eye. He then crossed his arms and listened as he spoke in a forgotten language that he couldn't understand. He wished he was able to speak with him properly that didn't seem likely anymore. 

He saw the flames on his body as the Ent grew weaker and he didn't know what to do. He then said "please speak plainly ancient one I can't understand you. If I can't understand you I can't help you. Please know I want to help you, you are an ancient and powerful being and you do not deserve to simply burn away like this. My shamans and potion makers can heal you if you let them" he said firmly hoping that the ancient one understood what he was saying. He repeated the same sentiment in beast speech in case that would trigger something in him so they could speak.

Though the forest giant didn't understand a word he said, he understood the sentiment and care in his word. earning him a time to talk and explain himself even though it was futile due to the language barrier between the two. After he was done the giant nodded that it was going to be related to his current state knowing that no matter what he could do or after his time was up. 

He spoke once more as large bits and pieces of its body begins to erode and rot away. The flame within him slowly starting to fade away. His body which was given by the forest was once again returning to where it came as his legs and hands that were connected to the land was becoming brittle and still transforming to that of a natural wonder as he still looked like a giant humanoid that once lived and roam the lands. 

But, there was still time for the alpha to get something from it, a lead or a cause to his awaken before he finally becomes that of a mountain.

He watched as the large Ent laid down and looked as if he was decaying and wouldn't be able to accept help. He wished he could help the ancient one he really did but for now he would have to find something from his body to aid him in case he saw another Ent wake up. He then got on his knees putti g his hands on the pedestal floor and bowing. He then said "forgive me for what I will do" he then stood back up and jumped down landing inside the body of the Ent before he started to look around for anything useful before it's body completely eroded

As he jumped inside, he can see the giant's inside were turning to that of a naturally occurring cave as the nerves of the creature and the organs have completely turned to stone and dirt as its life has come to an end. But, still strange green lights still illuminate his insides leading him towards a straight path further inside him. But, he could sense that there was something inside the giant like he was but, they didn't sound friendly. 

While the insides where that of a maze the alpha shouldn't have any trouble navigating to where the Ent wanted him to go through as the other routes was shouted in complete darkness giving him no other direction to go through.

The alpha looked around and saw his path. He wasn't a fan of looting a corpse but it was clear he needed to get whatever the ancient one wanted him to grab. He ran through the lit passages and looked for what the ancient one wanted knowing he needed to move fast

Once he passes one of them it light dims until it fades away hinting that it could no longer have the energy to keep it up as it starts to return once more to nature. But, once the light fades away a creature takes its place hiding in the shadows waiting for the alpha to fall short from the light before he could attack. Soon, he could see a radiant green light off to the distance many times brighter than the small lights that was guiding him.

Argos didn't stop running at full speed. He could sense that something was wrong but for the time being it didn't matter. He was on the clock and it clear from the dimming lights that he was running low on time. He ran as quickly as he could towards the light. When he got close he didn't break his stride and instead reached out as he kept and grabbed the beautiful green orb waiting for him.

As he grabbed for it, the orb of green shined brightly for a second as the last traces of life was sucked out of the body of the great one. 

It stabilizes shining a constant light around the alpha's surroundings. And like it never breathe the body of the creature stood in silence now part of the scenery as the emerging roots of the trees pin it into place removing any clear indication of its face and body and now no longer different from a solitary hill around the forest of the eternal mother. 

The alpha could sense it as the wooden roots and stone walls stopped growing and moving as the giant finally rests once more. While the orb glows with pride it can only light up what was near leaving what was beyond unknown from sight but, the wolves keen senses does not betray him. A foul smell of rot was ever present outside the reach of the orbs glow. 

But, it was clear that there was more to this chamber that he had found himself on. As visual clues littered around the walls and floor of the room suggest that it was artificially made.

Argos made a grab for the glow and was soon rewarded or at least he was treated to the site of the ancient one falling silent. The area had stopped moving and it seemed like the ancient one was finally asleep. However, he smelled something foul in the air so he kept his light held high to keep whatever was close away from him. 

He didn't know why or how but part of the ancient one’s body was artificially made and not part of the earth mother as He expected. He started to look around using the light as both a torch and a deterrent as he looked around.

Looking at the walls of the chamber it was clear that it told about a by gone era. Where monsters, legends and heroes lived and existed. It told of a legend forgotten by time, where a coalition of heroes has driven back the horrors of the night and providing light to their world. 

It was a story that the alpha had not heard about, from the orcs, dwarves, elves and all of the other races. But, as he could think even further a spear was launched from the shadows and towards him.

He looked through the walls interested in the story since he never heard it. He knew the shamans would love to see this and examine it. Then he heard the swoosh of a spear being thrown and he dodged it easily. He turned to the direction it was thrown and said "if you are no coward then show yourself. If you dare attack an alpha prepare to die" he said giving a loud roar in challenge into the darkness.

As he shines the light at the direction of the attack he would see no one as the assailant had already vanished and retreated away from the door. But, as he did a new spear was thrown from the opposite side of the room.

Soon, the faint smell was ever present the smell of rot and decay started to surround the room and from the initial greeting they were far from friendly.

He growled and used his free arm to grab the second spear that was thrown at him. As much as he wanted to fight he knew he was at a disadvantage and whatever was throwing spears wouldn't be taunted. He growled and said "cowards" before he clutched the light tightly and ran at full speed the same way he came in to get out.

As you charge back towards the corridors many spears were being thrown from behind him or not, but in the front it would often be delayed as it seems that whoever was doing it was eager to distance itself from him. But, it was obvious that it wasn't one that was harassing him earlier as the smell started to emanated from everywhere. Though he was halfway through.

Argos kept listening and predicting where the spears would land as he kept dodging past and avoiding them running at full stride. He didn't hesitate to run as fast as his legs would take him until he saw regular sunlight again. He then jumped out of the ancient one and landed back on solid ground with the glowing heart in his possession. At least he assumed it was the heart.

He would see the light Cleary from the distance which was clearly the exit out of this maze like structure, and once he had gotten closer and jumped into it he emerges from his what seems to be a woody hill propelling. Combined with his speed and rush he propelled into the skies visible around the other wolves living inside the forest. 

The creatures of the dark soon fled back into the darkness but, it was obvious that this wasn't going to be the last time they would meet. As the day have sunken and dusk was nearby the creatures whatever they would be will emerged from the carcass and into the divine forest of the mother.

Argos ran out and soon found himself looking over the hill that used to be the ancient one. He also noticed it was close to dusk, he wished be was able to leave sooner so he could have prepared for what he knew was going to happen next. He saw the creatures hiding in the shadows inside the ancient one spew out like rats making him growl. He grabbed the bark of a tree to stop his forward movement before he dropped to the ground and said "potion wielders grab your light fires and throw at the hill where they are spewing from! Shamans create a wall and trap them in a cage! Warriors at the ready carry torches these things fear light!" He ordered and everyone scrambled to fulfill his orders the females and pups hiding in their tents as they got to work doing some extermination.

Upon further examination it was clear that these creatures are nothing short of abominations. Creatures overcome by rot and mold as fungus, and other illnesses plague whatever was left of its body. Faces sunken and overcame with sadness and despair as these creature’s swarm outside finally out of their prison. However instead of freedom the same thing they dreaded the most was in front of them or thrown towards them. 

As the life reveals more of these foul creatures they escape retreating to their cages once more. Cursing these new creatures of fur and claws, but, as he walled off the hill the alpha knew that these creatures would eventually come out once more.

He watched as the lights revealed what they were and to say he was disgusted was an understatement. They were rot incarnate and he had to struggle not to puke. He watched as the creatures scrambled back into the ancient one who was now just a hill. Once inside Argos said "shamans I want mother's flame by those entrances! Potion makers I want production of light fire to be a priority and warriors set up a patrol around the hill from now on." He said knowing that mothers flame was something only the eternal mother could provide and were bright green flames that could not be extinguished. They were hard to obtain and could only light a small area like a torch but they didn't die out and that's what he wanted right now. He wanted to make sure that those beasts never came back out again.

As the potion makers and his people rush their way into creating the necessary barriers to keep the abomination away. But, it was odd on why such creatures lived in such a being of growth and stability and to what those creatures were was another but, for now they were kept in bay by the light that they wielded but, since they had weapons or tools proved that they had the ability to think of an alternative route. 

As the shaman nears one of the entrances spears started being thrown out in an attempt to stop their attempt to bar anymore of the entrances.


He watched and wondered how such an amazing being had such rot inside them. He was powerful and ancient so why were those creatures inside it. He then growled when he saw spears being thrown at his shaman. He then grabbed a large shield and went over letting the spears be thrown. He took the brunt and he gave the shaman time to set up the light. Once that was done he pulled away before the shield could be broken. He repeated this until all exits were sealed.

They retreat back to their caves cursing the alpha and his kind. But, the downside of these was that he had no idea what these creatures are capable of. All he knew was their disgusting figures and their capabilities of making tools and weapons. But, all around him was his people confusion and fear of this new force would affect them and in turn to him for answers noticing the green orb in his hands.

He groaned as all the passages were covered in light to keep them out. The alpha knew however that this method wouldn't last forever, they were smart enough to make tools after all. If they could do that than they would surely find a way out. The problem was actually getting rid of them. 

When he noticed his brethren looking at him he held up the orb and said "the heart of an ancient one! He entrusted it to us and we shall prove we were worthy of such a gift. Shamans when you are done securing the rot beasts examine this orb closely. I want to know everything possible"

With the announcement of the what was the green orb in his hand the people of the forest cheered out in response never, for them the winds of change were in cycle and now part of what would soon change the world as they knew it. They yelled out in pride as their leader now held up an item of mythical importances and one that could in legend used to modify the land as the user sees fit. But, as they celebrated a loud sound vebrebrated throughout the forest, coming from the nearby orcish port town and from the years of interaction with the orcs in their lands it was clear that war was coming.

He smirked as he was given a loud cheer from his clan as they obviously saw how important the orb he collected was. Argos knew that this would be important but for now he left it in the care of his eldest shaman. When he heard the loud sound conning from the orc lands he growled a bit knowing war was coming. He then said "war time rules" he ordered knowing that his clan would be excited cause now it meant they could fight. Though he knew that the warriors would be pleased as well cause it meant all fertile females could breed.

Out from the foliage an orc scout has emerged bring with him a letter of great importance. "I have come as the representative of the venerate sage." He announces before bowing down in a bid to show respect. "I have request the representative of our brothers the shadow striders, in mother's embrace." He told in his own tongue, awaiting his answer before continuing.

He grits his teeth when the scout came knowing they had an agreement with the orcs that they wouldn't venture this far in unless it was an emergency. He didn't want them so close to the eternal mother like this but it seemed that thus was important so he would let it slide, this once. Once he handed the orb to the shaman he walked over and said "speak then green one" he said standing in front of the orc the obviously stronger and larger of his brethren signifying his alpha status

He was relieved to have known that the wolves were in fact ready to hear them out like what his masters and peers would say. "A force of unimaginable power has come and tip the balance of the world." He said in a worried tone. "Our world and the eternal mother is in danger, for these creatures are world eaters, demons from an unknown world that have destroyed there and are seeking to destroy our world.' he continues maintaining the same tone as before.

Argos grit his teeth and was enraged at the thought of the eternal mother conning to harm because of the world eaters. However, they were going to have to fight on their turf and if there was one thing his brethren could do was defend. He then said "where is the meeting taking place?" He said knowing that such an event would call for a council and because of their connection to the orcs and dwarves they would no doubt be called upon as well

"In the capital of the mother herself, Mother's Embrace." He answered with humility. "We have arranged transports for you and your escorts, me and my brothers will be waiting at the ports to take you there to the orc lands on the south." He continues. "though you and your people are not part of the orc clans we have considered that you are a great ally in this time of crisis." He ends awaiting his answer.

He sighed as he heard him call it the mother's embrace. That was one thing he didn't like about the orcs as they said that the eternal mother was in their domain instead. He wouldn't bring up the subject however since there were bigger issues to deal with. He then said "fine we will get to the port in a few hours once I have my affairs settled here. Now go and jet your masters know we will be coming"

He nods pleased to hear of his answer, as he bows and rushes off back to camp to rejoin his kin and his masters. Right before an elf with two of his constructs emerged from the foliage. "You are summoned alpha, to the highlands." He said in a commanding voice." Do not attempt to go attend their superstitious council of fools, go to the highlands and you and your tribe shall benefit greatly" He continues with every word being more and more commanding and authoritative as time goes by and without warning leaves with his escorts expecting the wolf to choice them rather than the orcs.


He sighed and was about to go pack when a sharp ear came and told him to go to their meeting instead. He disliked the condescending tone the sharp ear was giving him. He was an alpha and would be treated as such. As the elf turned away the alpha ordered two swords fruition his warriors and when he threw then they pierced through his constructs. The alpha then said "get back here or the next one will go through you. I don't know who you think you are but when you speak to me to speak as an equal or not at all. If you choose to turn away still, then this conversation never happened" he threatened knowing that if he was sought out by the sharp ears it was for good reason. He hated their condescending tone and he could manage it but when they come to his home as speak that way he won't let that stand. He also suspected that the elf was told to get his cooperation so he doubts he would just walk and gain dishonor

After the display of force with two of his escorts being pierced near him. He was impressed at first he thought that there was no real reason to get the tribal to their side but, seeing that their swords pierced through two stone constructs had him interested with one more they could do. He turns back with a smirk in his face, and so did his stone guards. "Well done." He said clapping his arms together as his body guards have pulled the swords right through revealing a white and green orb inside their bodies that he narrowly missed. 

He waits as the constructs ready themselves for a fight. He looks around seeing the other wolves around them and even if he knew that they were beneath them he still displayed caution he was outnumbered and out gunned at the moment. "Ok, alpha you have earned that right." He says with a cheeky bow. "I bring great news; you have earned the right to sit with our race in the hall of heroes." He continues as he stands with pride.

He crossed his arms as he turned around and he glared a bit as the elf clapped as if he was putting on a show for him. He was surprised when he saw green orbs inside the construct but he was easily able to hide his surprise. Clearly if the orb could bring life to stone it would change things for his tribe. He growled a bit as he instead became cheeky and said he earned the right to sit at their table. Truth was the only reason he was even considering this was because the sharp easts clearly understood what the green orbs were and how to use them. If they could figure out what they could do he could only imagine how much stronger his tribe as a whole would become. 

He decided to get more information and asked "who is at your table besides you sharp ears. The orcs are also holding a meeting and I want to know which races I'm allying with. Not to mention I want to know what these rewards you promised are"

"We are a nation of heroes, the strongest of the strong, unlike the cowardly orcs in the south we bring prosperity and wealth to all within our ranks so I trust you alpha to be smart and choose your friends carefully." He continues once he knew he got his attention trying to make sure he has the better deal and the upper hand in this situation.

He growled and said "that's not what I asked. I asked who was at your table. If all I find is that you only have others of your kind, then how is it a council? You can't deny we are facing a global problem if you think this can only be handled by sharp ears then you are even bigger fools then the orcs"

He was caught off guard when he heard of comment about being more idiotic than the orcs. "Every race are welcome of course, as we speak many more of us will be coming and preparing their delegates for the council meeting." He answers which was obvious that he was annoyed at the words he commented about them. "As for rewards we are more than happy, to fund your journey to the capital which is more than enough for you and your kind." He continues

He listened as he explained that all races were welcomed though he highly doubts that was the case if they weren't informing the orcs. He then had the nerve to say that just the trip to the capital was reward enough. He growled a bit and said "we are not dogs that are excited about a ride your pretentious sharp ear. You offer nothing that the orcs wouldn't offer, then I have an ally in you what do I get? Sharp ears looking down on me and my kind because we weren't born the same way? Unless you offer something serious then you can leave. Though by all means just try to take me by force" he challenged knowing that the sharp ear wasn't dumb enough to think that he was just a mongrel on the street. He wouldn't wag his tail for a small kindness.

"Watch your tongue, we could easily burn down all of this." He said reaching his arms around him indicating what he meant. "Providing you access to our lands is reward enough for you savages." He continues abandoning the previous half-baked attempt to diplomacy with them. "But, by virtue of my benevolent master I will conduct myself and show you creatures respect." He ends before his constructs readies for battle. 

"So don't be an idiot alpha, done us the place where heroes are born." He says before starting to leave with his body guards obvious fed up with this 'negotiation'.

He turned his nose up at the sharp ear and growled loudly as he threatened to burn the earth mother's domain and date to call him a savage. He then ordered the warriors to destroy the constructs and if they could to salvage the hearts. They finished the job in only a moment with their ferocity and skill working for them. Argos then ordered some rope and when he was given it he charged after the elf knowing that even if he could run fast Argos as the alpha was the fastest beast on 4 legs. 

Once he caught the sharp ear he broke both his hands and tied him up. He then said "oh we will go but only so I can see if your master is anything like you. You made a grave error threatening this forest if I don’t get an apology I'll show you what savagery looks like you whelp!" He growled showing his sharp teeth. He ordered for a scout to inform the orcs that they needed to have "a discussion" with the elves.

In of a second the elven representative was tied and his hands crushed by the power of the alpha. He struggles to keep his cool demanding to be let out. "Don't you dare, if I die then my people will avenge me." He said knowing that his life was completely within their hands but, his eyes widen when he said that he was planning to bring him back to the elven territory. "Are you crazy, you're going to get your people and yourself killed." He said absolutely trying everything for him to not follow through. 

While he discusses with the elf, the scout that was ordered to the port town shall the wooden palisades and the iconic structures of the orcish race. Seeing the stoned religions temples dedicated to the mother herself and the diverse nature of their everyday life. He soon, found the orcish representatives that quickly waved for him to go to them.

He growled as the sharp ear said that he shouldn't dare kill him nor go to his turf. The alpha then said "if I wanted you dead you wouldn't be speaking. You sharp ears like to say your smart then I know your master will realize that if you dare insult our home and the eternal mother then as far as we are concerned it's a declaration of war. What I'm doing will keep that from happening. Now your going to lead me there and for every time you try to lead us into a trap or steer us off course I'm breaking another body part" He warned before he ordered a squad to be readied with his head shaman and warrior with him and a few potion wielders along with a crate of extra potions to squeeze through the dwarves in case they run into trouble.

The scout soon went over to them and bowed his head saying "May the eternal mother guide you" as a greeting he then said. "I'm sorry to inform you but our alpha was approached by an elven representative shortly after your scout left. The damn elf had the nerve to insult our forest so the alpha broke his hands and is taking him back to their council. Instead we will be sending a beta to act as the alphas representative" he said with a deeper bow as apology.

The orcs accepted the scout’s apology. “Brother our council are more than welcome to accept such brave race as yourself.” He said as he pats the wolf on the back, his escorts wearing a grin as he hears the plans of this races alpha. “BROTHER AND SISTERS WE WELCOME THE FANGS AND CLAWS INTO OUR COUNCIL.” He yells out with his brothers and sisters cheering in triumph.