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Spoiler Alert: Contains Content from Pegasus Plateau

 

Two paths diverged on a windy plateau

Joreen and Lagertha took the one less traveled by

and that made all the difference

Wise footed Winter Hunter lead the other heroes

to the top, to be nuzzled by loving Melody, then to purr

Dappled Hawkbeak roughly greeted Bronwyn, reaching for food

Silvery Snow seduced the Snow Runner

Thane and First Among Jarls saw other humans nearby

The Fair Dancer, then the Foul follower, who worshiped

the Daughter of Seven Mothers, she sought to reach the summit

"Stand aside," said the Tarshite to Two Braid

who grinned and responded, "I don't think so."

Her foul magic failed, stronger was the Storm

she turned aside and lost her best chance

 

Melody to Sarawyn soon was in harmony

Shy Lyra flew from Freyar, found friendship with Sorala

Joreen could not gain the trust of reserved Lightbearer

the proud golden Roan found Andrenik more fair in Air and Harmony

Chisel Wing, most brave and fearless, chose most carefully

only the doughty Thane of Apple Lane would do for him.

 

Moon Woman finally arrived, in curious company

Nameed, Destroyer of Chaos, at her side

Driven desperate by desire, both sought to bond

an adult by attack, led by a lasso, against all tradition of the Air

Lyra launched to defend, as did the heroes

spells shimmered, the usurpers soon senseless or slept

 

Joreen gently approached an adult, against all advice

impossible to tame, too proud of their freedom,

only the mighty may make such an attempt,

Heroine made her Owl Clan proud, her strong heart winning Leaf Lover.

Those who had tamed their treasure flew home in triumph

While Storm and Earth, walked the dishonorable down

where they would face the agony of defeat.

 

Landing field defilers, an ambush awaited

the keen senses of the heroes too sharp, sent them in prepared

no match were Hanar and his three maggotty minions

Honorless villain spake sheepishly, his schemes rent to ruins

"Well, I tried." sneered the scoundrel

"But you won only by help of the Lunar-lover Nerestina"

Lagertha's brow bristled, her breath blowing heated

but Bronwyn was brisker, she bellowed a challenge

"You will answer for that lie, and face me on Freezeday"

All arranged, fates to be faced, the heroes hurried to the Festival

Soon followed by Freyar and the chagrined losers

Robbie scolded Nameed that he would fare better by keeping 

his hand on his sword and off Kana's sweet butt.

 

Feasting and fun, friends to be won, lovers to woo,

the evening and night passed in pleasant company.

The Morrow the last day of Festival, and the first of the Locaem Council

to decide a Ruler, Aritha aimed to find accord

between Hanar, Orlanthi nephew of Orstalor

Kana, stranger from afar, yet victorious and who honored Hospitality

Joreen, daughter of Aritha, young and inexperienced

Sorala the healer, victorious and with a hippogriff

In harmony, Aritha presented each candidate's strengths and failings

Orstalor decried the Lunar scum, said Joreen is "Not ready"

Sorala is sweet but war is coming, no time for a White Priestess to lead

the tribe needed a bold and crafty fighter, Hanar is the man

others spoke for Joreen, the balance was mixed

Jarna, friend to the Colymar, spoke well of Sorala and Kana

Baugi of the Taralings, thane of Apple Lane, leader of the heroes

spoke strongly against Kana, befoul'd servant of Shepelkirk

As for Hanar, he is a cheater and a loser

Joreen hesitates to be named queen, this is not a flaw in a great leader.

Orstalor lept to his feet, angrily shouting

"You'd better not put up Sarawyn as candidate for our queen 

she is a murderess, accused by wise and noble men!"

"Hanar was my most important leader in the underground, 

his tricks and skills rallied the resistance"

Thom Bradinson then told countless foul lies, twisting Sarawyn's past

The wisdom of the council was tried and tested, and passed, his message ignored

no matter how long the last of his evil family survives

Bronwyn spoke next, words simple and true

"The threat of war with the Lunar Empire is remote,

but even should they invade, nothing Kana can do will preserve you. 

The Lunars will deceive you, the tribes of Sartar will distrust you."

Lagertha rose, questioning the so called bravery of Hanar

"Is the honor of the Locaem to be tied to Hanar's honor?

As for Joreen's so-called inexperience, she bonded with an adult hippogriff.  

Let only those who have also done so question her fitness and ability." 

 

Andrenik was last, his speech well worth awaiting, the words wise and true

"The Gods have presented many signs of favor, signs through the Festival

to turn aside from the wisdom of Air and Earth would be folly."

Joreen's faction was the strongest, but none could prevail 

long through the night only fractious discord would avail

the weary heroes retired to rest for the morrow.

 

When the world's candle stood straight to the south

two fighters met in the holy death circle

Hanar no Honor, nephew of Orstalor, faced

Bronwyn Torvalasdottir, traveller in truth

let first blood decide their differences

with no magic to hide weakness

both swore an oath to the truth

stepped to opposite sides and saluted, and advanced

shields and swords at the ready, well matched,

swinging swords slowly took slices from shield

till a mighty blow from Bronwyn shivered Hanar's shield

and his crafty riposte shattered her sword

briefly defenseless, she grabbed for her greatsword

the blow from Hanar fell weakly, armor protecting

his parry then failed, the point of her sword struck true

he bellowed as blood burst from his belly

Humakt judged truly, she claimed victory

Honorless Hanar reluctantly conceded 

The heroes celebrated with drinks, and made their farewells

returned to their Tribe and wise Queen Leika Ballista.