Masters of their Craft

Abstract constructions1

Silently moving onward2

Hallowed beings of fantastical renowned.3

She was Ash, a mistress of construction and formation. From her lonely, forgotten tower at the coast she could see the ocean waves crash against the rocky base of her home. Her hair was a deep gray, almost white, though various strands were darker highlights. Her eyes were a lighter shade of her hair and her skin was pale. She wore a robe of black and silver with hints of red and orange around the hem. She was young, her face thin and serious. And she was being hunted.4

Through you I will 5

Eliminate the6

Abstract7

Renderings of a blasphemer8

He was Tear, a master of destruction and reformation. His proper title was 'The Lord's tool of destruction of Blasphemy and Proper Formation."His hair was a dingy, greasy off white. His hard, thin face was dirty and pockmarked. He wore black armor with a white cape bearing the Lord's red circle. He was a servant of the Grand Church and his dark eyes peered up at the tower.9

"Blasphemer! Come down and I shall spare your soul in the name of the Lord so you might beg His Divine forgiveness"10

Ash peered out her window, arching her brow. "why would I come to my death, good scoundrel?"11

"To better serve our One True Lord!" Tear cried back, shouting over the roar of the waves.12

"Your true Lord!" Ash returned with a scowl. She turned to the fireplace, which burned each night to keep away the chill. Now it was cold and dead. Ash's glare softened as she saw the remains of the log. 13

She lifted her hands and moved them in intricate, delicate motions. The ash rose at her call, moving and forming, though she did not touch it. The ash bound together and began to take the shape of a raven. This was her craft. Construction and formation. When she was through, a raven sat. It blinked and ash fell from its eyes, leaving gleaming black orbs. The bird shook ad a fine layer of dust fell from him14

"Go!" Ash commanded and the raven took to the wing, pausing on the window sill. It let out a caw and leapt from the ledge. As it did so more of its ilk rose from the pile of ashes and joined their brother in the swarm.15

Rendered beings of16

Ashen beginnings come.17

Vile beings,18

Especially in their damnation.19

No more shall they disrupt!20

"What is she doing?" Tear growled, squinting against the sun's glare. Then the ravens came, swarming around the Lord's Tool, pecking and tearing at his flesh and clothes. Tear cried out, swiping at the ashen creatures. Where his hand would touch the ash would fall and the bird would be disabled.21

"Bastards!" Tear swore and rose his hand. He moved them in complex, harsh motions. Around him the moss rose up, twisting and turning brown as he began to take the shape of an over-large cat. This was his craft. Destruction and reformation. The cat shook itself and leapt up a the nearest bird, causing it fall apart.22

Creature of moss23

Abnormal servant of24

The Lord.25

Moss and ash did battle, soon leaving the cat the victor. Tear laughed, dark eyes glittering. 26

"I have defeated your sinful creations, Lady Blasphemer! Come down and still I shall spare your soul the damnation it deserves truly!" Silence met his request. But soon Ash appeared in the window. She spat. "That is what I think of your Lord!"27

"To the fires with you, then!" Tear cried, raising his hands. The ground trembled and shook. Ash's tower swayed and tipped. "May the One Great Lord pity you, sinner!" Tear laughed as the tower came tumbling downward. He realized, too late, that the great stones were not falling to the ocean as he had planned. A scream echoed as Ash fell with her beloved tower. A strangled yell escaped Tear as the massive blocks collapsed upon him. 28

Two great masters of their crafts. Both buried in the rubble. As the dust settled a lone ashen raven let out a caw and an overlarge cat yowled atop an outlying block. The two monstrosities looked at one another. Their masters were gone.29

Destined to30

Explore greater lands31

And32

Determined to continue the war.33