The World Trembles as War Begins

Samarra sighs heavy as her squadron enter the courtyard of a chaotic city square. Breathing was heavy as they had made their way through waves of soldiers, fighting valiantly to make their way so close to the capital of Aeternum. The four mages halt as suddenly as if their feet were bound by ropes. Dust swirls in the late afternoon air as if they were standing in some dusty library with old books being pulled from high shelves. Samarra bends down to tug at a piece of stuffed fabric, a sight that sends her heart plummeting into the earth. She can see through the dirt the stitched in smile and pink circles for cheeks of what was a small stuffed doll that had gotten left behind in what she imagined was a family's chaotic journey for safety as the sirens of war ring throughout their ears. To see the doll in such a state turns her stomach as she thinks of the little child who must be weeping tears of fear for the loss of her one companion through this troubling time. It was this thought alone that made Samarra despise the ways of war and despise the man who brought them to this point. Without thinking Samarra strokes the hair of the doll that no doubt was once perfect and strong. It feels like a dog's hair when caked with mud, and her fingers come away covered in grime. Samarra hugs it tight to her chest before she clenches her jaw and shoves the small doll into the inner pocket of her vest.

Turning to her team she speaks calmly but calculated, "There is no doubt that civilians could still be hiding in these quarters, so we must be careful and not fire any attacks without caution. If I calculated correctly we should be approaching the city's headquarters soon and so we must be prepared for strong forces that will be guarding it. Is everyone doing ok?"