The First Battle: 5 - Durotar and the End

The zepplin made good time, with favorable winds, and the dusty, hot lands of Durotar soon came into sight. The hot, steamy night of the jungle had given way to a cooler, drier night of the desert. The Alliance, eager and ready after their flight, prepared to jump from the zeppelin as it neared the tower.

Orgrimmar glowed in the night, smoke from bonfires billowing out and up into the night sky. Seona was surprised at how big it looked from the air. She had little time to enjoy the view, however, as the zeppelin came to a halt at the docking tower. A roar from below caught her by surprise, and she yelped. Orcs, trolls, and other members of the Horde poured from the city fully aware that the zeppelin wasn't carrying friendly passengers.

Many of them, she saw, wore the same colors. She quickly asked Gildaroy who they were.

"Nyx," she replied, then grabbed her hammer and leapt from the zeppelin. Seona protected herself from harm using holy Light and jumped after her, soaring through the air to the ground below. She ran, then, charging with the rest of the soldiers from Grom'gol into the fray.

Within moments, she blacked out.

.: * :.

She was no match for the hardened Horde warriors. Nyx and their allies seemed to be unending, their numbers so overwhelming and great that with numbers alone they pushed the Alliance back all the way through Razor Hill, a small Horde outpost on the road to Orgrimmar, and to the river and across into the Barrens. Seona awoke in the dirt, vague and hazy memories of a grey world, and realized that she had nearly died. Every bit of her hurt, and she counted bruises as she tried to stand.

Realizing she was soon going to be behind enemy lines, she quickly called Caliburn to her and in a flash of Light he appeared. That was no doubt highly visible to the enemy, she thought, and grabbed onto his saddle to hoist herself up, urging him to start running even before she settled.

She caught up with the other Alliance soldiers and crossed the river, narrowly missing being bitten by a river crocolisk. They hissed loudly as she and Caliburn plunged past them through the water and up onto the Barrens bank. The other soldiers of the Alliance stood there, nursing wounds and bandaging up their comrades.

Beaten but not broken. They stood their ground, regrouping and fighting off the Horde that soon surged across the river after them. Seona, knowing that she couldn't face the Horde warriors in her current state, stayed clear, blessing the Alliance fighters and healing when she could. On occasion, she'd try to destroy one of the Horde totems that their shamans planted to give them strength and speed. A bad idea, in the end, as she was, yet again, struck down from behind.

When she awoke this time, the Alliance morale was gone, too many had fallen, and it was time to make a strategic retreat. The loud, gnome mage, now called all to her as she created a portal to Theramore isle, warning those that were near that she couldn't hold it open forever. Just as she did, the Horde returned, regrouped and in even greater numbers than before. The few Alliance left now stood no chance whatsoever. Zappie, knowing it was futile, shouted one last warning, and stepped through her portal, knowing that soon enough it would close behind her.

Seona and most of the other members of the Kingship hadn't been close enough or in time. The horde stood there now, and the portal was closing anyway. They turned and ran. North, ever north they went, along with other soldiers. Lord Cendall stayed behind, buying them some time as they made their way up to Ashenvale, to Astranaar. They staggered into the town, the Night Elves stationed there tending to wounds and giving them some measure of safety.

Lord Cendall wasn't behind them. The Kingship stood, waiting, at the archway into the town, hoping to see him on the horizon. Nervous, they began wondering where he had gone, a few even saying they'd turn back, go get him. Then, there he was, his loud motorcycle coming up the road. They were all bruised, all beaten.

Thanking them for their service, he dismissed them, telling them to get some rest. Saluting Lord Cendall and then sighing with relief, Seona reached into her saddle bag for her hearthstone, activating the magic that would take her back to the Hinterlands where she'd get a nice malt beer and a warm bed under the mountains. As wild as the Hinterlands were, they would be tame compared to this night.

_____________________

((Note: These events happened (with some literary liscense, of course) during the Strands of Fate storyline run by Al'shar lo Dor'ano, an RP guild on the Emerald Dream US server. More specifically, it has to do with the Prisoner Transfer that occured during that storyline, where Al'shar was going to move a Nyxian ambassador for trial, when things got rather out of hand. ;) All in all, I had a blast, and all of the above happened over a few hours at night one evening. It was much more fun than questing in the Hinterlands, let me tell you. Still, I desperately am trying to level Seona up to 80 so that the next time something like this happens, I won't be a bump on a log, I'll actually be able to do some damage back.))

The First Battle: 4 - The Zeppelin

Heavy underbrush dragged at her armored legs as Caliburn crashed through the jungle towards the northern Horde outpost known as Grom'gol. Little more than a circle of tents within a wooden palisade, the Horde station was crude but strategically very important, as the Goblin Zeppelins would land and take off from the tower constructed in the center of the outpost. Two came and went, one to the Forsaken home of Undercity, once known as Lordaeron, and one to the Orc stronghold of Orgrimmar, and the seat of the Horde's power.

Seona had once again lagged behind, as Caliburn didn't have quite the endurance to keep up with the more experienced and older steeds, so she came upon the carnage of battle a little late. Still, there was plenty to do. She summoned the Light as she leapt from Caliburn's saddle, blessing those near her and healing a few less grievous wounds. The orcish guards were taken entirely by surprise and were easily swept aside by the Alliance fighters. Any civilians had fled, or, if they were foolish enough to fight, already slain. The bonfire in the camp burned bright, and as the fighting began to die down, they all gathered around it for a moment's rest.

"We'll take the tower next. Watch out for the goblins. Though small in stature, they are devilishly clever and often fight with nets." Small groups then made for the tower, staying together in the tight fighting quarters. Seona followed soon after, with a druid, Gildaroy the paladin, and the young rogue Anaara. Truly the goblins were prepared for them, and thanks to their greater defensive position were even able to hold them off for a time, occasionally pushing soldiers off the tower or entangling them in nets, but were defeated, in the end.

The tower and the outpost were theirs. Cheering in triumph, the soldiers lifted their weapons and fists. "We'll hold this position until further notice. No Horde will use the zeppelins to reach their cities while we are here."

Soldiers sharpened swords or bandaged wounds while they waited. A returning Orc scout would occasionally charge into the group, only to be cut down almost immediately. The leaders of the party sat around the bonfire, bodyguards keeping a wary eye, while they strategized the next move. What only was a short moment quickly seemed like an eternity to the young, Dwarf paladin. She made the rounds, healing and blessing the soldiers to keep from nervously pacing.

When the group leaders shouted out new orders, she nearly jumped out of her skin. "New orders. We're heading to Orgrimmar. It's time we made a stand at the gates of Thrall's city."

It surprised Seona, and frightened her a little. She had never been to Durotar, much less the Orcish city Thrall had built, but she had promised to follow this through to the end. The group moved up the ramp again to the tower and took control of the zeppelin to Orgrimmar. Eager warriors readied their blades and mages prepared spells. Seona again did what she could, calling holy Light to bless the soldiers before the battle.

Finally ready, the zeppelin was shoved off from the tower, dipping low for a moment before rising up again into the sky and soared over the ocean, carrying the soldiers towards the distant continent of Kalimdor. The winds picked up speed and the huge engine spun the rotating blades to propel the flying machine out over the blue water. Seona looked below to see the moonlight glittering over the waves. For a moment, at least, the journey was peaceful, though she could see huge stormclouds in the far distance.

"The Maelstrom. We'll steer around it, no worries." A grizzled, human warrior stood next to her and had noticed the direction she looked in. "With this favorable wind, and the subdued goblins easily steering our way, we should actually make Durotar in a few hours. The battle will be glorious."

Seona wasn't so sure, especially seeing the glint in the warrior's eyes, but simply nodded, looking once again out over the sea. A few hours, she thought. A few hours and I'll be before the gates of Orgrimmar, the home of the Orcs, the damned beasts who took my father from me. She sighed. Still, I have little chance of helping these soldiers. One day, though... One day I'll face the Orcs and I'll show them the mercy of the Light. The same mercy they showed my father.

Grim determination set on her features, and her heart pounded in her chest. In her mind, the zeppelin could go no slower. Mercy, indeed.

The First Battle: 3 - The Dark Woods

The trees of Elwynn forest passed in a blur as Seona rode hard to keep up with the other soldiers. All of their steeds were the finest gold could buy, perfectly trained for war, swift and enduring. Poor Caliburn did all he could to keep up, but he was young and stumbled on occasion. Seona patted him, whispering soothing words to help him along, and they managed. Anaara, the young rogue, rode a beautiful battle-cat of the Night Elves, but her beast was also young and far slower than the chargers and huge steeds of the more-experienced soldiers. Seona smiled encouragement, though, and the rogue returned the favor.

The light grew dimmer as they entered the thick of the forest. Seona knew this land fairly well, and slowed Caliburn before they plunged into the river that divided the Elwynn forest from Duskwood. Looking out over the slowly flowing river, she could barely see the dark and forbidding woods standing like dark soldiers along the opposite bank. A curse seemed to hang over the Duskwood, but the other soldiers were pressing on and Seona wasn't one to show cowardice. She urged Caliburn down the bank, and he obediently went, splashing down into the river and swam towards the other bank.

The deep dark enveloped them as they emerged from the water on the other side, and Seona shivered. A long howl echoed in the distance and something skittered away into the dark. Caliburn shook a bit and sidestepped, uneasy, but Seona steadied him and pressed him onward into the woods.

Huge spiders were in these woods, but they payed them no mind as they passed through to the road up ahead. Other soldiers were already climbing up the steep hill to the road and Seona followed suit, finally breathing a little easier as Caliburn's hooves clattered onto the solid, cobblestone road. Lantern-light flickered in the distance, evidence of the Darkshire militia and guard. They ran up the road to the small town, slowing to a walk as soon as the buildings surrounded them, protective.

She could see on of the leaders speaking with a member of the Darkshire guard, no doubt filling him in on what we were doing here, that they should keep their eyes open for the Horde. Milling about, Seona glanced around the town, realizing that not much had changed since her time here. The guard was still under-manned and under-supplied. She could have sworn that she had passed a scourge abomination on the way up the road, thankfully dead on the path, but obvious evidence that the dead refused to stay still in these woods. She shook her head sadly, wondering why Stormwind refused to send aid here, to its own backyard.

They waited for some time for more instructions, or from news of sighting of any horde, but there was nothing. Many of the soldiers were getting impatient and Seona was nervous. Was this normal? Were they just to wait here? She patted Caliburn's armored neck again, and checked her gear. Gildaroy noticed her nervous movements and asked her if she was okay.

"Just a little nervous." Gildaroy chuckled a bit and offered her a flask. "Thank you, but I'd rather keep my head clear." Seona smiled, declining the drink.

"You needn't worry. This is the best bunch of soldiers in all of Azeroth." The paladin nodded, "That I can see."

Commotion from the front line caught Seona's attention. Murmurs swept through the many mounted soldiers as curious citizens looked on. Whispers reached Seona's ears. -They retaliated?Where? -We should take them all out! -Waiting here is foolish, especially if they've hit the border. -What are our orders? -New orders are sure to come soon, be calm. -Steady on, men. - Horde have been spotted in the Jungle! -The Rebel Camp? Then, orders were shouted from the front. "We're moving out! We're riding to Stranglethorn! Show no mercy! Show no quarter! For the Alliance!"

"FOR THE ALLIANCE!" the soldiers shouted in response, and they charged out of town, riding full speed for the bridge to the south that served as the entrance to the hot, steamy jungles of Stranglethorn. Seona gulped and followed, doing all she could to keep her nervousness from showing too much. Anaara, urging her cat forward with the rest, kept near. I'll stick close to her on the road, at least, Seona thought, and urged Caliburn on.

The dark began to lift a bit as they neared the bridge where the trees thinned out. Clattering hooves echoed out over the woods as the front line charged over the bridge that spanned the gorge separating the jungle from the woods. Sounds of battle soon reached Seona's ears as well as the foolish Horde who had attacked the rebel camp on the border were dealt with. She followed as the group turned south again and plunged into the jungle.

"Onward soldiers of the Alliance! Onward to Grom'gol! Take out any Horde threat on the way!"

Seona charged and roared with the rest, the zeal and excitement of the fight and hard ride sweeping her along. Grom'gol was near and the Horde wouldn't know what hit them.

The First Battle: 2 - The City

The gryphon soared over Elwynn forest, the city's lights in view in the early dark. Night had fallen as Seona flew, but luckily the gryphon knew the path to the landing platform even in the low light. Over the wall, down over the moat and into the gryphon roost, straw scattering as they landed and Seona jumped off, waving in thanks as she made her way quickly out of the building.

Outside, the commoners were buzzing about a commotion in the canals near the Stockades, the city prison. She summoned Caliburn with a flash of Light and rode as fast as she dared in the narrow streets to the canal district. Sure enough, a great many Alliance troops were stationed all around the prison. Had another riot started? Were the Defias finally pushing their way out?

She found another member of the Kingship, a fellow lady dwarf Paladin, Gildaroy, standing battle-ready near the prison's entrance, patiently waiting with other troops for any orders. Dismounting and pushing her warhorse out of harm's way, Seona joined her, a bit nervous, though she did her best to hide her feelings.

"Welcome to the party, lass." Gildaroy said, her lilting voice quiet so as not to interrupt the chatter of the officers positioning troops. "Ready to dance?"

"I suppose. I just hope I know the steps." Seona replied, taking her place in line and pulling her large mace from it's holster on her back.

Seeing other troops arriving, Seona gathered holy Light and whispered blessings over the newcomers, giving them extra energy and strength. As more and more fighters arrived, she began feeling far more self-concious, realizing she was vastly less-prepared for battle than these hardy warriors. All of them had seen far more fighting in their lives, and were much more experienced.

She turned back to Gildaroy, whose eyes remained locked on the entrance to the Stockades. "Why were we called? The Defias giving the city trouble?" The paladin just shook her head. "No, lass. Far as I c'n tell, there're some Horde holed up in there. Don't know any more'n that."

Horde! In the city? Seona gulped and turned back to the entrance. She heard sounds of a skirmish in the distance, near the other entrance to the prison, but she didn't move from her spot in the line. She had more discipline than that, at least. She didn't notice the people shifting around her until he stood at her side, silent. She jumped a bit when Cendall, called out, "All members of the Kingship of the East, to me! Find me at the edge of the Canal!" Turning to him, Seona noticed he looked a bit tired and worn out. She wondered how long he had been here, and what on Azeroth was going on, but wasn't about to ask him directly, seeing as he was too busy gathering his troops.

The two warriors in front of her were whispering, both bearing the colors of Al'shar lo Dor'ano, and Seona turned to concentrate on their conversation instead.

"Yes, far as we can tell, Horde made it into the prison and have fought their way through to him."

"You think they'll make it out of the city with him in tow?"

"We have a good group here, but they are crafty. They made it in, didn't they? We'll have to be on our toes, at any rate."

"If they escape? What then?"

"We no doubt will go after them, try to take him back."

Seona's eavesdropping was interrupted then, by a very strong-looking Night Elf warrior riding his large cat, also bearing the Al'shar colors. Seona recognized him immediately as Commander Leikos, as he had been at the picnic the day she had been inducted as a recruit of the Kingship. He seemed a bit out of breath, and yelled out, "Move back! Back from the entrance!" All of the fighters complied quickly, catching Seona by surprise. She followed their lead, wondering why, if they're trying to keep the Horde from leaving, they would move further away from the entrance. She didn't have long to wait for an answer.

The entrance of the keep exploded in a flash of arcane energy, blinding her and most of the warriors around her. The Horde had set some kind of magical explosion, either as a distraction, or to blow a hole for them to escape from, or at least, so it seemed to her. Unfortunately, it worked. On the other side of the keep, she could hear the sounds of fighting and the roar of something big and angry, and most probably green. Orcs.

Confusion from the explosion had everyone off guard, and chaos ensued as the various fighters tried to push them back or bar their way. Leaders barked orders and Cendall moved through the mass of fighting with precision, his athleticism and stealth a huge asset, but the fighting stopped suddenly, leaving many of the forces surprised and unsure.

Mages quickly determined that the energy surge had been a portal, not a bomb as Seona had guessed. The Horde could be anywhere, now. "Mount up! Mount up and meet at the city gates!" Commander Leikos rode past, and Seona called Caliburn to her. Swinging quickly up into the saddle, she rode hard through the streets with the other members of the Kingship nearby, Gildaroy to her right on her charger and Cendall on his huge motorcycle in front, following the Kaldorei. Poor Cal could hardly keep up with their pace, though Gildaroy pulled up a bit to keep pace. Seona smiled in silent thanks and other dwarf returned the gesture.

The city gates were soon in sight as they regrouped and awaited orders. Leaders were given assignments and many groups broke away and rode off into the night. First a group of Night Elves, to scout out the roads leading from the city; then, a gruop of gnomes, all bristling with bombs and gadgets, led by a very excitable gnome mage, rode their mechanical striders off into the west; a small, mixed group of humans, dwarves, and draenei rode off towards the east. Cendall went ahead and soon returned with orders to head for Darkshire in Duskwood and scout the area, making sure to call out any enemy sightings along the way and engage to slow them down.

The Horde was on the run and needed to be caught, along with whoever this "him" was from the prison, and Seona was going to do her damnedest to ensure they didn't get far. Riding off into the Elwynn forest, though, she began to wonder just what it was she had gotten herself into.

The First Battle: 1 - The Call

The Hinterlands were slowly darkening as the sun dipped down below the mountains. A cool breeze danced through the trees and finally found the paladin sitting upon her warhorse. The lady dwarf sighed, turning her face into the wind, a small smile on her face. Brown hair wound up in a loose bun tried to fall free, but was unsuccessful as the breeze passed, ruffling her dark tabard on its way down the valley. The golden, two-headed eagle on the sable field seemed to glow in the dimming light, and Seona Lightstone shifted in her saddle.

A long, low howl came from the distance and her eyes opened, alert for any potential danger. The warhorse's ears pricked forward as well. Leaning over, the young paladin patted her warhorse's armored neck. "Easy, Caliburn, easy. Sounds like the beast is still some way away." Caliburn snorted in response, one ear flicking back to listen while its twin remained forward, waiting for another howl. The abnormally large wolves of these lands were known to take down fully-grown gryphons.

Seona turned Caliburn back to the west, giving him is head as they headed back to the keep. The Wildhammer dwarves were wary of strangers, but she had been working with them for the last few days and they were a little more open towards her now. They didn't turn her away, at least.

Just as she was entering the Dwarven town, she heard a call come from her guild stone. Muffled from her pack, she slowed Caliburn and reached down quickly into her saddlebag, pulling it out.

"Any who can, please, come to Stormwind! Our aid is needed at the Stockades!" The voice that came from the stone belonged to Cendall Fost, one of the Lords of the Kingship. Seona, worried, immediately spoke into her stone in reply. "If my hammer can be of service, I will be there, though I'm not the most seasoned." The stone immediately responded, again with Cendall's voice, "Join us in the city, Seona. Make for the Stockades, near the Canals."

"Yes, sir." She altered her course, then, pushing Cal to run up the ramps to the keep's gryphon master. A few quick words and she had a flight to the city. Hopefully whatever was happening in the city would be kept in check by the troops stationed there. She wasn't lying when she had said she wasn't seasoned. Regardless, she'd do her part, one way or another. Her eyes locked onto the horizon and she gripped the gryphon tight, willing it to fly faster.

The Kingship of the East

The humidity was nearly unbearable in the jungles of Stranglethorn. Seona Lightstone, paladin, had just arrived from Duskwood, and was making her way south towards the Goblin settlement of Booty Bay. Caliburn's easy, fast gait was eating up the road, carrying her easily past paths that led off into the dark and steamy jungle. Large animals could be heard rustling in the vegetation, and an occasional roar from one of the rumored big cats, like the Stranglethorn tigers, would echo out over the trees.

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.