Battle for Castle Fairlith

"Lady Fila, Lady Fila," shouted a royal handmaiden, flying frantically through the royal chambers, searching for the Queen of Emeraldin.

Clearly concerned, the very pregnant fairy queen fluttered out to meet her breathless servant. Standing at nearly a foot high, Queen Fila towered over most of her subjects and it was in no small part due to her divine size and in-born ability to command that she gained her status on the throne.

"Calm down Imadea," said the queen, grasping the shoulders of the distraught handmaiden. "What is going on?"

Out of breath from flying so fast, Imadea squeaked, "The Ternictus are invading! They've already taken Fort Branshed and three towns in Bissmark! The beasts have to be coming for the princesses!"

Fila's face fell at the news, "Ready the defenses at once! Find Captain Marlaine and have her secure the princesses in separate locations, and have them guarded until midday's sun! We must protect them at all costs!"

Within minutes the old fairy castle was readied for the siege - archers lining the upper walls, positioned hundreds of feet in the air, ready to rain down upon the foul invaders. Dragonfly cavalry stood ready behind each frontward facing gate, awaiting the order to charge. Elite guards were posted around the frightened princess fairies and Fila herself donned her royal armor and stood upon her balcony, staring off into the misty distance, waiting...

"They approach," whispered Imadea to her queen, shivering from cold and fright.

Through the shadowed forest weaved innumerable green tentacles, of infinitely varied size and feature. They snaked over the leafy ground, ceaseless in their advance, until they reached a point just beyond bow's range, looking for all the world as if they were sniffing the air.

Fila could see the fear in the face of many fine fairy warriors today, and she herself even could not suppress a shudder, placing a small hand on her full belly, remembering the consequences of the Ternictus' last ...

"Warriors of Emeraldin," bellowed Fila, drawing the attention of the castle's soldiers. "Let not fear cloud your minds this night - the enemy gives pause, rightly fearing the swift justice we may bring upon their foul designs! Take this moment to remember what you are here to protect; fifteen princesses of Ysyra hold their hopes with you! Stand strong and we will not fail them!"

A rallying cheer rose up from each warrior, emboldening all those around them. The Ternictus seemed to hiss up at them, and charged forward, the has begun!