THE MOMENT
"This isn't what I thought it'd be...," Malwynn sighed as he fell back on his throne with a sigh. It seemed he had just enough time to sit down before the tall iron doors of his throne room began to open again. Time for another hero.
"Greetings, Hero," Malwynn began his speech before looking up. When he first took over as Dark Lord, he practiced his speech day and night; he wanted to do his best to impress the heroes. Over the years he had less and less effort to put into. This time he only managed to sound slightly disenchanted with the whole thing.
"I must congratulate you for...," He rose from his throne and pointed his rapier at the hero before taking a proper look. "...being beautiful...," The elven mage tilted her head at him in curiosity, but a light smile tugged at the corner of her lips. Malwynn shook his head, then remembered where he was.
"I must congratulate you for making it this far!" his voice boomed with newfound enthusiasm, and minor embarrassment.
"Your reign of terror is over Malwynn," she replied with just as much enthusiasm. She took several steps forward to close the gap between them. Malwynn moved closer as well. Loose strands of her long blonde hair began to rise from her head as Malwynn felt the air around them electrify. The blue jolts of electricity dancing in her jade eyes made Malwynn's knees weak. He grinned. He knew it wasn't the best reason, but the need to impress her as a hero sparked to life in him.
"You think your magic is strong enough to challenge me!?" He roared, then added his best obnoxious villain laugh on top of it. He hadn't used the laugh in months, but he still pulled it off perfectly. The elf mage couldn't help but smile at his performance. She stepped forward, her electric eyes locked on his.
"I don't need magic," she said. She moved quickly; Malwynn felt a dull pressure against his stomach and looked down. An ornate golden handle was sticking out of his black robe.
"You.. you..," Malwynn sputtered in surprise. He looked back up at her smiling face. "That's not fair," he grumbled. More than anything he was disappointed he wouldn't get to spend more time with her. Her smile instantly disappeared and she stepped back.
"Oh no, did I cheat? I'm sorry!" she immediately began to apologize to him. Malwynn shook his head knowing it was too late; the deed was done. He smiled.
"It's fine, it just surprised me is all. The heroes that come through here usually like to drag out the experience."
"Oh, okay," the elf mage said. A loud, high ding sounded throughout the throne room as she mimed wiping sweat from her brow. "Phew," she grinned. "So, what now?" Malwynn shrugged as he pulled the dagger out; it disintegrated into white dust as soon as it was free again. Before he could answer a black-robed figure walked out from behind Malwynn's throne. The newcomer nodded at him, then Malwynn returned his attention to the elf and smiled.
"Now, I'm on lunch," he said. He tilted his head towards the throne behind him. "Wanna see what goes on behind the scenes here at Heroic Fantasies & Experiences?"