Amidst the vast expanse of a wide, open plain, a young woman gracefully made her way forward, capturing the attention of the men fortunate enough to accompany her here. Her hair, as black as the deepest night, cascaded down her back, artfully tied into a long, loose ponytail that swayed with every step she took.
Her skin, strikingly pale like freshly fallen snow, radiated an ethereal beauty against the contrasting backdrop of the sun-kissed landscape. It possessed a porcelain-like smoothness, a testament to her youth and vitality. It seemed as though the rays of sunlight, in awe of her delicate complexion, sought to caress her face gently.
The young woman's skin and hair colour were unlike anyone in this part of the continent. Not only that, she also wore an attire unknown to this part of the continent.
In a scene that exuded timeless elegance and cultural richness, a woman walked carefully, draped in a garment that hinted at a heritage steeped in grace and sophistication. Her attire, a work of art in itself, showcased a harmonious blend of vibrant colors and intricate patterns.
The fabric that enveloped her form seemed to possess a life of its own, flowing effortlessly with each movement she made. It whispered tales of generations past, carrying with it the weight of history and tradition. The delicate threads embraced her figure, accentuating her graceful curves, while granting her freedom of movement.
Her attire showcased a symphony of hues, as if an artist's brush had meticulously painted a canvas of beauty. The colors danced harmoniously, weaving together in a tapestry of rich tones. Hints of soft lilac, reminiscent of blooming spring flowers, mingled with vivid bursts of crimson, evoking the passion and fire within her spirit. Subtle hints of gold and silver adorned the fabric, casting a gentle shimmer that caught the light and mesmerized the onlookers.
The patterns that adorned her attire were a visual feast for the eyes. Delicate blossoms, gracefully rendered, dotted the fabric like scattered petals caught in a gentle breeze. Each bloom whispered tales of nature's splendor, capturing the ephemeral beauty of cherry blossoms in full bloom or the intricate petals of a lotus flower unfurling in serene waters. Meandering streams and delicate tendrils intertwined with the floral motifs, telling stories of the interconnectedness of life and the ever-flowing journey of time.
She stopped and knelt down, inspecting a corpse lying beside her feet. In fact, there were hundreds of corpses scattering everywhere on the plain.
"How is it, Hanabi?" A young woman's voice called her from behind.
Hanabi stood and answered, "Tina. They were just recently killed, probably about a day."
The younger girl, Tina was approaching her on foot while pulling her horse. Unlike Hanabi, Tina's physical appearance was common in this part of the continent. Despite that, Tina could be considered among the better looking girls; one in thousands. Her delicate and slender figure exudes an air of grace and elegance. Her fair skin possessed a gentle luminosity, adding to her overall radiant appearance. Drawing attention immediately were her captivating coral eyes, sparkling with a mix of warmth and curiosity, reflecting her vibrant personality.
Crowning her head is a striking mane of dark maroon hair, flowing down in luscious waves. She has chosen to tie her hair into a ponytail, securing it with a vibrant red string, which serves as a stylish accent and adds a pop of color to her ensemble. The ponytail allows her hair to cascade down her back, framing her face and drawing attention to her alluring features.
Although her height falls below average, it in no way diminishes her allure. In fact, her petite stature only enhances her charm, lending an air of femininity and approachability. Her well-curved body boasts gentle contours, accentuating her feminine silhouette and creating a sense of harmony in her overall appearance.
Adorned in a distinctive ensemble, this girl's attire exuded a sense of stealth and agility. Her outfit consisted of a sleek and fitted black half-breastplate that provided both protection and flexibility. It elegantly contoured her torso, enhancing her figure while maintaining a sense of practicality.
Underneath the breastplate, she wore a sleeveless mesh bodysuit that allowed for ease of movement and breathability. The mesh fabric added a touch of allure, hinting at the underlying strength and agility that lied beneath her appearance.
Around her neck, she wore a light orange scarf adorned with a delicate pattern of red flowers. The scarf provided a touch of color and softness, contrasting with the darker elements of her attire. It added a sense of femininity and grace to her otherwise fierce and formidable appearance.
Complementing her ensemble, she wore black arm gloves with metal bracers, offering both protection and enhanced grip. The gloves provided a sleek and streamlined look while simultaneously accentuating her agile movements. Her black boots, adorned with metal plates around the shin and instep, offered stability and protection, allowing her to move swiftly and silently.
Although her equipment and armours manifested stealth and violence, her trouser gave off a different vibe.
A flowing and elegant garment designed for women, the pant style had a unique and distinctive appearance. It featured wide, loose-fitting legs that gracefully cascaded down from the waist, creating a sense of fluidity and movement. The fabric was typically lightweight and breathable, allowing for comfortable wear in various climates.
Behind the two girls, there were 50 men on horses.
A man from that group spoke, "It seems there was a fierce battle here very recently."
"The corpses were in several different uniforms. They must be from the opposing force. But, I don't see anyone from Hezri Kingdom."
Another man added, "They didn't care about their fallen comrades. They just let these bodies rot."
Hanabi's gentle face suddenly made a devilish smile. She said,
"We just stepped on the land of Orlais state but I never expected to find fresh corpses. I am here to collect dead bodies after all."
Tina was a trained assassin formerly from a famous assassin guild while Hanabi was a necromancer who used black magic. Tina was sent as a reinforcement in this foreign land for a stealth job while Hanabi was tasked to assemble an army of undead for Hezri Kingdom. The civil war in Orlais was a good opportunity to collect resources for the undead army.
As Hanabi's words hung in the air, Tina's coral eyes widened with a mix of surprise and curiosity. She had grown accustomed to the gruesome nature of her work as an assassin, but the prospect of witnessing Hanabi's dark magic in action still intrigued her. Tina had heard tales of the Hezri Kingdom's necromancer and her mastery over death, but this was her first opportunity to witness it firsthand.
"What's the plan, Hanabi?" Tina asked, her voice filled with a blend of anticipation and wariness.
Hanabi's gaze shifted from the lifeless bodies strewn across the plain to the distant horizon. She paused for a moment, considering her options and formulating her strategy. The sight of the fresh corpses presented a golden opportunity to bolster their ranks with new undead soldiers.
"We'll need to ensure our safety first," Hanabi replied, her voice calm and measured. "We don't know if there are any surviving enemies nearby. Keep your guard up, Tina."
Tina nodded, her training kicking in as she scanned the surroundings for any signs of danger. The men on horses behind them maintained a defensive formation, their eyes watchful and weapons at the ready. The plains stretched out in all directions, vast and seemingly endless, creating a sense of eerie isolation.
Hanabi began to chant in a language unknown to Tina, her voice carrying an otherworldly resonance. As her incantation grew in intensity, the air around them seemed to shimmer with a dark energy. Shadows twisted and coalesced, swirling around Hanabi in an ethereal dance.
Gradually, the lifeless bodies began to stir, their limbs twitching with an unnatural vitality. One by one, they rose from the ground, their eyes devoid of life, replaced by an eerie glow. Hanabi's control over death was a formidable sight to behold, her power bending the natural order.
Tina couldn't help but feel a mixture of awe and unease as the undead soldiers stood before them, ready to obey Hanabi's commands. Their bodies were marked by the scars of battle, their armor dented and bloodstained. Yet, there was an unmistakable aura of menace emanating from them, a lingering reminder of the violence that had taken their lives.
Once Hanabi clapped her hand after changing hand seals, the flesh on the dead bodies disappeared. The walking corpses turned into armour wearing skeletons.
"These fallen warriors shall serve the Hezri Kingdom once more," Hanabi declared, her voice carrying a tinge of satisfaction. "Prepare them for the journey, Tina. We have much work ahead."
Tina nodded, her previous trepidation giving way to a steely determination. She approached the undead soldiers, her movements swift and precise. With practiced efficiency, she inspected their weapons and armor, making necessary adjustments and repairs. Despite their lifeless state, these soldiers would march once more, guided by Hanabi's dark magic and Tina's skill.
As the group began to move, the undead soldiers in tow, Hanabi and Tina exchanged a brief glance. They both understood the gravity of their mission and the risks involved. The civil war in Orlais had created chaos and unrest, and the Hezri Kingdom sought to seize this opportunity to strengthen their forces.
Together, the young women led their unusual entourage forward, stepping over the fresh corpses that had littered the once serene plain. Each step was a testament to their commitment, their individual skills converging to serve a common purpose. In this foreign land of strife and conflict, Hanabi and Tina would leave their mark, their presence forever intertwined with the tales of the dead and the living.
