In Forging Alliance, we rejoin Tarian and the defenders of the Larian colony after the arrival of the elves and the dwarves. Their combined assault on the monstrous horde shattered the enemy ranks. However, in the wake of the brutal siege, the survivors are left to grapple with the true cost of survival.
Yet among the wreckage, something unexpected begins to take root, a sense of cooperation. This new entry in the Colonization series follows the warriors and leaders as they navigate suspicion, gratitude, and duty in the uneasy calm that follows battle. Can trust truly grow in a place so recently soaked in blood?
This piece is paired with “Moments of Rest”, a contemplative piece whose calm, measured pace mirrors the tentative peace settling over the ravaged colony. Its quiet melody captures both the tension and the relief of survivors who must now rebuild from the ashes.
Behind the Scenes:
After showcasing the arrival of the dwarves and elves, I knew I needed to highlight what came next. If I’d fully mapped out this short story, I might’ve allowed this subplot more room to breathe.. But for the sake of the broader series arc, I needed to build a believable alliance quickly. In my experience, actions speak louder than words. That’s why I used the aftermath of the battle as the moment to sway both races toward Tarian’s offer of friendship, while laying subtle groundwork for its fragility. It took a few rounds of tender care, but I’m happy with this revised installment in the series.
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Lloyd walked over to Tarian. “The dwarves have decimated the rear ranks of the enemy.”
Tarian shifted the telescope toward the rear and watched the dwarven axes cleave through the retreating remnants of the horde. Relief washed over his features as his shoulders slouched. “The elves and dwarves arrived just in time.”
Sherry’s fingers covered her lips as she stared out over their allies. “What do you think they’ll want from us?”
Lloyd glared at her as his fingers curled into fists. “The enemy crumbles under the elven arrows and dwarven blades.”
“That’s my point.” Sherry stepped toward Lloyd as her eyes narrowed. “Now we owe them. What are they going to demand from us?”
“Give me a break,” Lloyd said as he kicked some debris.
“This is serious,” Sherry said, her voice bordering on shrill. “I can’t be the only one afraid they’ll prove untrustworthy.”
Standing up from the crumbling wall, Tarian turned around, putting a hand on Lloyd’s and Sherry’s shoulder. “Sherry, we needed help, and they answered our call. Examine the battlefield. It’s taken all our collective power to eradicate this scourge.”
“Tarian, we can’t trust them,” Sherry said, her voice only a whisper.
“We don’t have the luxury to isolate ourselves,” Lloyd said, matching her tone.
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