How This Came Together
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?
Music Pairing
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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Forging Alliance
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.
“Agreed. We’re surrounded by ash and broken walls. If we are isolated, another assault would overwhelm our defenses.” Tarian’s voice rang out across the ramparts, reaching every nearby ear. He turned back to the battleground and lifted the telescope to his eye. “The remnants of the horde are retreating. Lloyd, gather the most rested defenders and bring them to the gate.”
Sherry folded her arms. “What for?”
Tarian collapsed his telescope and slipped it into a pocket. “We’re going to cleanse the filth that’s staining this field. Then we’ll offer aid to those who fell while helping us rebuff the assault.”
“On it,” Lloyd said, tapping his brow. The quartermaster gave Sherry a self-satisfied smirk before disappearing through a doorway.
“Please, Tarian, I don’t trust them,” Sherry implored.
“We fought hard, but now, we need to be diplomatic,” Tarian said, squeezing her shoulder. “I have other plans for you.”
“Fine,” Sherry said, bowing her head.
“I want you to identify what needs to be repaired,” Tarian said. “Also, dispatch our best scientists to create explosives.” He lifted Sherry’s chin as he softened his voice. “I want to restock our defenses. I want to be able to rebuff another assault alone if needed. Is that understood?”
“Yes, Tarian,” Sherry said as she turned to follow him.
The two started walking down the stairs, parting at the base. Sherry wandered deeper into the complex while Tarian strode for the gates. When he came within twenty feet of the entrance, he raised a hand, and the gate creaked open.
The pair standing by the gate stepped aside, letting Tarian exit as three soldiers flanked him. He swallowed the dry lump in his throat as he trod upon the corpses of the monsters littering the ground. As he continued to walk away from the wall, two groups approached. As they drew nearer, he made out Keldon and Caleb, one with a dwarf, the other accompanied by an elf.
Caleb called out, lengthening his stride.
Tarian quickened his pace to meet the four approaching men and embraced Caleb. “Thank you.”
“My pleasure,” Caleb said as he stepped to the side. “Just remember to thank Fitik and the dwarves for their efforts.”
“And to Variel and his elven archers,” Keldon said, offering his hand to Tarian.
“Of course,” Tarian said, grinning as he clapped Keldon’s back and took his hand. He disentangled himself from his men and stepped forward to face the elven and dwarven leaders. With a deep bow, he said, “Thank you both for coming to our aid.”
A booming laugh escaped Fitik’s mouth as he sauntered over to Tarian. He slapped his back. “Are you kidding me? We always enjoy a chance to wipe out,” Fitik said as he spread his hands out, drawing everyone’s attention to the littered corpses, “these filthy creatures.”
“Thank you,” Tarian said, clapping the dwarf’s back.
Variel glided over to Tarian and cleared his throat. “The praise for bringing me and my brethren here belongs to Keldon.”
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