Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Short: Letter to Brother Benjamin

*A slightly yellowing parchment sits on a very simple, wooden desk, sunlight illuminating the paper in a warm glow. Neat folds have been straightened, and it sits flat against the wood in stark contrast. A matching envelope sits nearby. The ink on the page is black and strong, the lettering simple, but obviously feminine.*

Dearest Brother Benjamin,
I hope this letter finds you well. I only wish I had been able to write you sooner, as I realize you must have worried about me all this time since I left Stormwind for my training in Elwynn forest. I have seen so much in my short time away from Stormwind proper, including Lakeshire in the Redridge Mountains, the now dry, dying fields in Westfall, and the deep dark of Duskwood. There were many trials, many dangers in these places, but I have surpassed them and I am stronger for it.

I wanted to write to tell you of my latest doings and to ask if there is anything the Church of the Light could do for Duskwood, especially. Dark tidings come from Duskwood and it seems that Stormwind refuses to send aid to their people here. Perhaps the army believes it is a lost cause, but I don't think so. These people stay and fight, and so they should. This is their home, but undead walk in the cemeteries here, and the Horde compound the issue with regular raids on the town. If the Church can send even a little aid, even if it's just rations or bandages for the Night Watch, I know the people of Darkshire would be most grateful.

Ah, Brother Ben, I have seen so much. I mentioned Westfall, and did help the People's Militia there with quelling Defias activity in Moonbrook. I hope that in time, the fields can be made green again and the Defias forced out. I was actually sent back there by Duthorian Rall, one of the Paladins there in the Cathedral. He asked that I find and protect a woman in the northern reaches of Westfall. She was kind and strong. Everything went well enough, though the Defias did attempt an attack or two on her small orchard. Her husband, though, one Jordan Stilwell, is a renowned blacksmith currently working amongst the dwarves in Ironforge. He was so grateful for my protection of his wife, he offered to create a great hammer for me, one that will aid me in my struggles and training. Oh, Ben, it's a beautiful weapon, perfect for a young paladin. It's truly imbued with the Light's blessing and strength.

I had to go through all kinds of hell to get it crafted, though. Lumber from the old Moonbrook mines, now overrun with Defias thugs and their Goblin helpers, was simple to get, though it took some craft on my part. There is a particularly nasty ogre there that nearly took me down. Then it was off to the elvish lands for a Kor Gem. Ben, the elven lands are so beautiful. The trees are immensely tall and purple of all things. Flowers bloom everywhere and it's green, so green... They have their problems, though, as we all do. I had to find a corrupted Kor gem from a Naga sorceress near the shoreline. Thankfully one of the elves was able to purify it, and it sparkled so very brightly. Even Jordan was impressed with it, as he never thought he'd get to work with one. Ogres had stolen a shipment of the metal I needed near Thelsamar in Loch Modan, so I had to go get it back. I managed to take out their leader as well, earning me some accolades there. I tried to be humble, but it felt good doing something for the people living there. They were very kind to me. I'm beginning to think more and more that I should find some way to reconnect with the dwarves. They are my people, after all, even if I've spent little time amongst them.

The final item the blacksmith needed was his father's old hammer. It was enchanted, he said, and it was true. The only problem was it was left behind in an old keep in Silverpine Forest. You and I both know that that forest is not what it once was, fallen under the darkness of the Forsaken. Still, I found my way there, though the dark of night, and entered the keep. Ben, it was filled with Worgen. I don't know what the master of this "Shadowfang Keep" is up to, Arugal I think he's called, but it isn't anything good. I worry. If the Forsaken do not stop him, he'll no doubt cause trouble for us as well, should he ever move south with his strange creatures. Nevertheless, I found the hammer in the stables. It was an excellent tool, and I could see why the blacksmith wanted it back, and not just for sentimental reasons.

Once I delivered everything he got to work. Light flashed as he molded the shape and he spoke a prayer over the cooling metal, and it was complete. The heft is perfect, Ben, perfect. The light pulses through this hammer. I think it knows the sacrifices I made to have it crafted, the good will and intentions I put forth to ensure the crafter's wife's safety, and the knowledge I've gained questing for the materials. It's an extension of myself. I can't wait to show it to you.

I'll be in Stormwind soon, Ben, as I've been informed that I've come up for a promotion. The paladins are prepared to induct me into their mounted ranks very soon, so I've been preparing for my initiation. When I do, I'll be sure to come by, as I've missed all of the priesthood since I've left. I do hope you're being as thorough in your teaching of new recruits as you were with me.

Go with the Light.
'Till we meet again,
Seona Lightstone
Paladin Adept

P.S. Brother Ben, when I arrive, will you bless my weapon? I haven't had it blessed, yet, and I'd be honored if you would do so.

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