Swatting away mosquitos, Seona sighed heavily, allowing Caliburn to slow to a walk for a bit after all the traveling. She had heard that the goblins were hiring for many odd jobs around the jungle, and paying decent enough wages, so she had made her way down from the human lands. She was beginning to regret the decision, though, as another insect decided she tasted delicious and bit down.
If her recent plans were to come to fruition, though, she'd need the extra coin. Some days ago, she had been in Stormwind and had overheard a knight asking about local guilds and political groups. He was well established and well known, and she had listened, eager to hear what would be recommended to him. Most of the groups mentioned were well enough, but the one that caught Seona's ear was a new kingdom, a new human kingdom that had signed a treaty with King Varien Wrynn to protect and claim some of the northern territory in the Eastern Kingdoms for the Alliance. They called themselves the Kingship of the East, and they planned to retake the lands that had once belonged to Lordaeron and return them to the Alliance.
She had then made her way to the Stormwind archives to do some digging, and realized that this "Kingship" was an excellent organization, very after her own heart. She applied for citizenship and now had to wait. Certain criteria needed to be met, such as more training, as well as plenty of time set aside to speak to one of the high-ranking members of the Kingship's government, such as it were.
Seona was only slightly nervous about the interview. She had heard that it was often the Queen herself that sat with new applicants, a prospect that made Seona a bit queasy, as she had never dealt much with royalty. Her life had consisted of wandering and helping refugees, not sitting in on tea or socializing with the elite or aristocracy. Still, this Kingship seemed like an excellent new nation, and one that didn't seem to require more than loyalty and honor and a little sacrifice to regain lost lands. Seona wanted to belong, and they seemed to accept just about anyone who didn't fit anywhere else.
Caliburn's ears pricked forward and his pace picked up. Seona looked around and realized the breeze had changed, carrying with it the obvious smell of salt and sea. They were nearing the coast and their destination. "Come, Cal. Let's get there." Not needing much encouragement, the warhorse picked up the pace again, following the rough road. They rounded a bend and came face to face with an archway created from the giant jaws of some huge sea shark. Each side was flanked by a bored looking Goblin in full armor. They didn't even bat an eyelash as she nodded to each and continued on, through the ominous arch.
The tunnel beyond the shark's tooth gateway was made of wood and was damp from the water below. Caliburn's hooves echoed hollowly on the planks. The light at the end was in sight, though, and it opened to the docks of Booty Bay. Merchants were calling out their wares, here, and Seona hadn't seen this many goblins in one place in all her life. Ships came and went from the main dock, crates of goods were being unloaded, and both Alliance and Horde walked between the shops, an uneasy, fragile truce between all involved. Booty Bay Bruisers, their clubs gripped tightly, eyed a few Trolls who were making rather menacing gestures toward a Draenei and Human. Seona just shook her head and turned north, following the upper deck of the town.
The whole place looked like it was constructed out of a fleet of ships, dismantled and stacked up on the shore of the cove. Come to think of it, that's probably exactly how the Goblins came to settle here. Seona giggled a little to herself as she passed a shop that looked exactly like a boathouse on a ship. She made her way to the end of the dock where a large, multi-story inn stood. She stopped by the local gryphon station, glad to see that the Alliance had enough pull among the goblins to make travel here easy, and then stopped at a mailbox.
Surprised to see she had a message, she dismounted and took the note. It was a simple parchment, with a seal she didn't immediately recognize. Confused, she opened it, only to smile wide. Her application had been received and processed by the Kingship's government. This was an invitation to join the high-ranking members of the Kingship in a Royal picnic in Elwynn forest. Her smile fell, though, as quickly as it had appeared. The date for the picnic was for today. There was no way she would be able to travel all the way North to Stormwind fast enough. Not unless...
She raced back the way she had come, back up to the Gryphon master. She knew this was a terrible long shot, as most gryphon masters only allowed rides for official business for the Alliance army and forces. The Gryphon Master looked a little surprised to see her again so soon. "Wha' c'n I do fer ye, Lass?" Seona, a little out of breath, gasped, "I need to get to Stormwind." He looked a bit confused. "O' course." Now it was Seona's turn to be confused. "You... you aren't going to ask for orders? Or a reason?"
Gryphon Master Gyll laughed. "Ha ha! Nope. Nobody worries much about such things 'ere. 'S long as ye can pay, lass, ye get a ride." Seona couldn't imagine her luck. She payed the fare, a little more than she expected, Gyll explaining about some sort of Goblin tax, and the gryphon soared off, over the jungle.
_.:| * |:._
Seona had ridden into Goldshire after summoning Caliburn back to Stormwind, only to discover a small Horde raiding party had gotten into Elwynn forest and attacked. Dismayed, she slowed and stayed out of sight, realizing she was no match for the mages that were laying waste to the small, normally bustling town. No luck, she thought to herself, but was quickly surprised by a loud shout from the road.
A human man stood there, in full armor, backed by a large group of warriors, paladins, mages, and others. They wore tabards Seona recognized, the golden, two-headed eagle on a sable field. The Kingship of the East had arrived for their picnic, but first, it seemed, they'd get some entertainment.
There were at least twenty of them, all fully armored and prepared for battle. They charged into the Horde mages, dodging spells and striking back, outnumbering them. Seona, overcoming her shock at suddenly seeing the very people she had been waiting for, quickly rode towards them, gathering the light around her and blessing all she could get to with spells of protection and strength. The Horde didn't stand a chance against the small army, and were quickly dispatched.
The warriors laughed, making their way to the nearby lake, and Goldshire came alive again, the citizens coming out of their homes and the Inn doors opening again. Seona followed close behind, shy. The Night Elf priestess that had stood close by the human's side noticed her and approached. Senoa dismounted and bowed low.
"Thank you," she said, nodding. "I am Kristyl Da'Kien." Seona gasped and bowed again. "Your majesty." Kristyl smiled. "I am Seona Lightstone. It is a great honor to make your acquaintance."
"Ah, Seona. How good to finally meet you. Come, it's safe with us by the Lake. Join us, won't you?"
Campfires were already being lit, and most of the group had removed heavy armor to reveal festive clothing beneath. They were relaxing under the trees, some fishing in the lake, others conversing around the fires. The tall, graceful Night Elf walked to the nearest fire and sat near the human warrior who had led them into battle. "Seona, please come sit near the fire. No need to be shy."
Blushing, Seona approached. "Seona, this is my husband, Hinik Da'Kien." Seona bowed again. "So good to meet you, your majesty." King Hinik smiled and welcomed her. Once they settled, the priestess asked, "So, Seona, how did you hear of us?"
Seona explained how she had overheard the conversation in Stormwind and discovered more about them. Then the queen asked, "Why should we let you join our Kingship?"
Seona thought about what she should say. She mentioned her loyalty, that she was trustworthy, though she knew trust had to be earned. Then, she said, "I will also uphold the honor of the Kingship, in all matters, both great and small."
Kristyl, who had been listening, smiled wide. "Those were the words I was waiting to hear. It is with great pleasure I welcome you to the Kingship of the East, Seona." She then reached into a nearby pack, and presented the paladin with a tabard and a magical guild stone. The two-headed eagle shone in the firelight, bright against the sable fabric, it's golden embroidery glinting.
Blushing even deeper, Seona smiled and accepted them both, bowing again. The nearby members of the Kingship applauded and welcomed her, a new recruit into the fold.
"Now, enjoy yourself, paladin."
She did, surrounded now by new acquaintances who would no doubt become friends, comrades, and, more than that, family, in time.
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