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[center][h3][i]The Fate of the Bear[/i][/h3][/center]

Solveig sang loudly, with fellow Earthican's next to him, in a very busy and loud Exodus tavern. They sang many tunes, their boisterous display being eyed by many different people, some even joining in. They drank and drank Exodus beer, and even though it tasted like piss, it was the only thing that could be afforded in quantity, and that little group was surrounded by empty glasses. Next to the bear of a man were other fighters who had been eliminated from the tournament, but it didn't phase them, for Earthica had won!

The large man stood up, laughing as he almost tripped. With a glass in his hand, he shouted, [color=0054A6]"For Ultfic!"[/color] he tilted back his head and chugged the beer down in one sitting, [color=0054A6]"At least one of us can fight!"[/color] he proclaimed, and the Earthican's in the tavern erupted into a chorus of laughter and mirth. Solveig sat back down, grabbing another beer to drink slowly. His little bout in the arena had not gone as planned, but at least his friend had won. It was all good fun the tournament, but he had been eliminated quiet early by a couple of Primfira's with lances. Despite his brute strength and power, they had tired him out and finished him. The man smirked however, he could have won if it was for real, but there was no need to loose himself in a frenzy over a game. So he took it like anyone could, and left with his head held high.

He hadn't needed any medical attention, but instead chose to nurse his pride with beer, so he gathered the other fighters who weren't seriously hurt and hunted for a tavern. He would congratulate Ultfic in the morning, he imagined his friend was very busy being a champion and all. He would also find out what happened with Laurel, for he had heard some strange rumors about fighting with a Luthran. Other then that, his day had been most uneventful besides the tournament, and he had missed the grand party or whatever it was, not that he cared! Bunch of politicians and royalty had a way of ruining fun.

He was deep in a beer when a man ran in screaming, his face contorted in fear. The room died down as people helped him sit down, someone even shoved a beer in his hand and he spoke in a haunting voice. He told of a creature, something large and terrifying, ripping through guards down in the lower city. He had been outside to piss when he heard the shouting and screaming, and when he looked, well he broke into sobs then.

This sounded like a challenge, perhaps another opportunity to show off prowess of the Earthicans! Without even waiting to discuss what to do, he grabbed Bloodforge and shouted for his men to follow. Though he was slightly intoxicated, he almost slipped on the wet stones then, he was a bit trashed honestly, but his duty demanded that he check out if the man's tale was true. 

Adrenaline began to pump into Solveig, as he heard men screaming. They were deep in Exodus now, close to the outer wall. They rounded corners and ran through streets, the shouting and blood curdling screams getting closer. They began to see Exodus guards running in the direction they were coming from, some bloodied and others so frightened that they dared not stop to talk. The only few words they could get out was, 'monster' and 'voice stealer' but Solveig shrugged it off, whatever it was couldn't be too terrible. Right?

His little group at last rounded the final corner, coming face to face with a creature he could only describe as a demon bear. The ones he heard stories about as a child. It's skull was coated in wet blood and viscera, as well as it's fur. Multiple cuts and arrows stuck out from its hide, a thick red blood poured from its wounds. The ground was littered with bodies, limps, and more blood. It was a gruesome display of violence, and he could hear several of his men vomiting at the sight. He fought the very same urge to do so. The Exodus guards still standing were not doing well, and as one slipped upon the water mixed blood, the man was mauled. There was no more time for waiting!

[color=0054A6]"Come men! For glory!"[/color] and he charged at the bear, Bloodforge held high. About halfway there, the bear snapped to look at their direction, letting open it's mouth to roar. Solveig, ran to meet the enemy, the bear charged him but Solveig sidestepped the beast, then plunged his ax into it's mighty flesh, upon the right shoulder. The bear opened it's mouth to roar again, but this time the thing screamed like a man, a desperate final wail he had heard before. This made Solveig pause, fear gripping his heart, but the bear stood suddenly, forcing Solveig to let go of his ax. He tried to roll away from the bear, but he was too slow, and he felt a mighty paw smack him on his right side. Bone crunched, giving away at the force of the blow. He felt his body fly for a few seconds, then land with a terrible splash in puddle of blood and water. 

He desperately tried to breath, but his body was in shock. He could only gasp for air, each moment seemed to last a lifetime. Then he breathed, quick gulps of air. He groaned, looking down at his body where there was a large gash, his own blood now mixing with those that had come before. He also knew that a couple of his ribs had broken. Solveig's troubles were far from over, as one of his men screamed for help, and he turned to look just in time to see the man get his face caved in by a paw. He had tripped on a corpse. Solveig cursed, getting up slowly. Another Earthican fell, his throat being ripped out. He watched, as the man grabbed his throat, squirming on the ground, trying to breath. Solveig did not have time to watch him die, he couldn't look.

He shouted at the others, [color=0054A6]"Get away from it! We need range!"[/color] But his voice fell on deaf ears as an Exodus man was thrown to the side. It was killing so indiscriminately, caring not who it ended. At the sight of another Earthican dead, Solveig broke into a rage, grabbing a fallen spear, the Bear of Fortunheim, would not let it kill another soul! He began to jog, pain ripping through his side, but as his rage set in, the pain was only a reminder of that the foe had done to him. The giant man, soaked with rain and blood, ran at the bear. 

He screamed at it, and the bear turned around only to meet a spear tip, stabbing right into it's head. The bear wailed horribly, flailing about before it fell slowly and moved no more. Solveig breathed a sigh of relief, removing the spear with a sickening sound and then put his right foot on the creatures head. He then held his spear high above his head. Exodus and Earthican alike began to cheer. The bear was dead, it's terror over! He had won his pride back! Oh this was going to put Ultfic to sha-

Lightning flashed, and the bear jolted awake, biting down upon his left leg. Solveig fell backwards, hitting his head upon the stone. He lost the spear as the men's shouts turned to yells of horror. The beast had him, it would not let go now. It bit down further and Solveig screamed. As men began to pelt it with arrows and spears, the bear let go of Solveig's leg, and for a brief moment the entire world seemed to calm down. 

He looked at the bear, and the bear looked at him.

The bear then lunged for his neck, tearing it open with one painful bite. He gurgled blood, flailing about while clutching his neck. The world began to go dark, his vision failing. The last thing he heard, was his own screams.