The Ram of War

There is a legend that is passed down from generation to generation in the kingdom of Brightvale. It tells the story of Mioru, the Ram of War, and how he came to be. The old ones still love to tell the tale to the children, who eagerly sit down and listen by the elder's knees every time. So come my child and partake in the tale of battle, love, loss, devotion and determination. There, have a seat now. It all began on a cold winter's day, deep in the valley of the mountains…

Birth of a Warrior

A bleating scream echoed across the vast fields from the mountains. Inside the cool lip of a cave lay a doe, anxiously watched by a great white ram. With a tremendous push, the frail body of a lamb collapsed onto the stone ground. As soon as the newborn entered the world, the mother set to work carefully cleaning remnants of her womb off her baby. It was a boy. The tiny stumps of his horns were already visible and, though he could not yet stand, it was evident his body was strong. The father sniffed curiously at his son and snorted in approval. He then tenderly licked the mother's face. She closed her eyes with exhaustion. "What shall we name him" he said? Her breathing was slow, yet her body trembled. "Mioru" she whispered. He looked carefully at his son, and then repeated "Mioru" under his breath. In a single stride, he leapt outside the cave entrance and reared onto his hind legs. With the force of hammer smashing through rock, he brought his two front hooves down with such might, that it shook the face of the mountain. "Mioru, son of Tasroth, has been born" he roared! Insane whinnying and stomping resounded from every corner of the mountains in response. "Now your enemies will fear your name, for you are a warrior my son". Mioru bleated pitifully before his mother heeded his cries and let him suckle. "He will be a powerful one" she said with a loving gleam in her eyes. Then, without words, she fell asleep and Tasroth lay down beside her. Though they did not know it, their son was fated to bring the end of days to the kingdom of Brightvale as it was.

To Be One with the Clan

Several years had passed since the day of Mioru's birth. As all had expected, he grew up to be a strong ram. His spiral horns were tougher than steel, the snow-white fur along his back glistened in the sun, and the muscles on his legs bulged incredulously. Mioru already outmatched the other rams his age and he could hold his own against even the strongest opponents. He had become the warrior his father wanted him to be, destined to rule the clan and replace him as chief. Today was a very important day, for it was time to prove his worth in order to become a full member of the clan. As was custom, all the males born within the clan of Rakelia had to complete a task chosen specifically for them by the oldest and wisest does. This was done ceremoniously. Everyone from the clan gathered around the selected rams and watched as each one was approached by an elder doe. There was silence as the elders examined every inch of the young rams. Once all had been inspected, the elders conversed in secret together then faced the crowd. A single doe took a step forward and yelled "Rilack, son of Theris, you must defeat the great Bearog that lives in the southern mountains. Come back with his head as proof. May you return triumphantly or die in battle". Rilack bowed his horns and left without looking back.
It continued on like this until only Mioru remained. He ground his teeth in excitement. "What powerful beast must I conquer" he thought? "I hope I have to kill the most feared creature in all the land" he decided joyously, "something that will prove my true strength". Finally, the elder doe spoke and declared "Mioru, son of Tasroth, you must find the most beautiful artifact in the entire world and bring it back to us. Do not come back unless you are sure you indeed have what we seek. May you be triumphant on your journey or never return". He stared flabbergasted at the elder for a split moment, before bowing his horns and leaving without a word. He could see his parents exchange worried -disallowed_word- although most doe do not) she had stunning silver horns spiraling from the top of her head. "Good morning sleepy, you've been out cold for almost 3 days" she said with an amused grin. "Three days?" he repeated, "what happened"? She dipped the cloth into a bowl and placed it back onto Mioru's head. "I was hoping you'd tell me. I found you on the side of the path" she said. "You looked worse than dead, what happened"? "I'm trying to complete my journey" he replied, almost as a reflex. "Which would be what exactly" she responded?
Mioru was not used to others speaking to him so directly; in Rakelia it was considered rude to address anyone above your rank without being addressed first. Since he was the chief's son and strongest of the rams, almost no one ever asked him anything. "It is difficult to explain" he said and closed his eyes. "Then you don't need to" she whispered. "Thank you" Mioru murmured gratefully. "May I know your name" he asked? She smiled at him, "Shian. And yours would be"? "Mioru" he said, returning the smile. A sudden pang of exhaustion got the best of him and, without another word, he fell asleep at Shian's knees.

The Hidden Glade

It took another two full days for Mioru to recover, during which he and Shian got to know each other. He told her about his quest and of the places he had seen along his way. She, in return, told him about her past, and of a story she had heard growing up of a mysterious orchid that grew in a hidden glade. "It is said to be the most beautiful flower in the world and has magical properties" Shian shared with him, "though this was probably just a fairytale my mother told me when I was young" she added. "At this point I am willing to try anything" he told her. "Then I will accompany you on your journey" Shian said beaming, "it has been far too long since I myself have had a bit of adventure". Mioru gazed at her solemnly. "It may be a perilous quest," he said, "but I owe you my life and whatever you decide I will accept". "Then lets head off" she said without hesitation. He smiled, though wasn't entirely sure whether her presence would be welcomed or not. It had been a long time since he had remained with anyone for more than a day and he was desperately lonely. There was a part of him that longed for her to join his side, but who knew what dangers lay in ahead. Despite ill feelings, he made an approving gesture and they took off without another word.
Together, the two companions travelled to the deepest crevices of the earth, and to the highest peaks in the sky. Nowhere that they sought held the secret glade, yet Mioru did not seem to care anymore. For the first time in his life, he was joyously oblivious to his chosen path as a warrior, now discovering what it meant to be in love. In spite of himself, Mioru couldn't help but turn into a fool whenever Shian was watching. He pranced up fallen logs, leapt gracefully onto steep boulders, and playfully engaged her in mock head-butting. She always rewarded his childish behavior with a grin or baying laugh, which he found to be music to his ears.
One night, as the two of them lay side by side, Shian looked at him and asked "Mioru, do you miss your home"? She had never before asked him such a personal question, so he hesitated before answering "Yes and no". When she said nothing he continued; "I miss my family more than you could ever know, but I am no longer the ram I once was. Too many years have passed since last they saw me. I am bound to be no more than a mere memory in their minds by now, that is if they do not believe me to be dead. No one in my clan's history has ever spent over 3 years away from home, yet I've been away twice that and am no closer than the day I first left". "You know they haven't forgotten you" she spoke softly, "we will find a way to return you home to open arms, you have my word". He looked into her eyes, which shimmered from the stars above, and he was immediately lost in them. "You have my word" she whispered again. Mioru felt a burning sensation flood his vision and closed his eyes. Together, they fell into love's embrace and awoke the next day in a state of affectionate tranquility.