Starfall

It happened suddenly, unexplained. A gift of the titans, perhaps, or a Kirin Tor experiment gone awry in Ulduar. The true nature was unknown. Where they came from, why they appeared... it didn't matter. But they were beautiful, and shining, and remarkable.

The heavens were clear, the night sky dark, but strewn with stars of all sizes and brightness, as though sparkling crystals hung suspended in the vastness of the surrounding dark, high above. Then, suddenly, some unseen hand or force cut the strings. Hundreds, thousands, of stars cascaded down from the sky, a rain of crystal and light. Some fell slowly, others swift, a chaotic swirl to the earth, grouping together into clusters that took form.

Constellations on the move. They coalesced into familiar shapes; winged steeds of the stars. The people looked up in awe and they traveled down, shining, glittering, beautiful. A gift of the heavens.

The Celestial Steeds of the sky have arrived.

New Soldier of the Legion

"Congratulations, Legionnaire Seona!"

A large gathering of local citizens cheered and shouted for the lady dwarf, blushing slightly as she stood on a chair in the local tavern. She smiled and thanked them all, telling them that drinks were on her, which got another, even more enthusiastic cheer from those gathered. Below her, a young human priest looked on, smiling and cheering with all the rest. Once the congratulations died down a bit, she hopped off the chair, her armor clanging a bit as she hit the floor, the priest wincing a bit at the noise, but patting her on the back enthusiastically.

"Fandren, pass me that ale, would you?" she asked, sitting down on her chair next to the young priest. He smiled and complied, pushing his dark hair back from his eyes, watching his friend take a long drink from the tankard.

"Congratulations, sister. I never thought I'd see the day that you become a soldier." He said, laughing a bit. Seona laughed too, the blush on her face compounded by the ale, but her eyes sparkled clear in the lamplight.

"Ah, I never expected this either, Fan. I'm glad you could take a night off from your duties to celebrate with me."

Fandren smiled, lifting his glass to her and downing it in one gulp. "Of course, sister! When a former priestess turned Paladin enlists in some private army, you have to come join in the fun. Plus, when do I get this much free beer?"

They laughed together, enjoying each other's company and the company of the various Stormwind citizens that knew them both from the Cathedral of the Light. Fandren, young as he was, had only one more drink before he was starting to reel a bit and Seona decided to call it quits. After another round of loud congrats and cheers, and Seona squaring the tab away with the bartender who eagerly thanked her, the two slipped out and walked back to Cathedral Square, Seona leading her black riding horse and Fandren attracting neighborhood strays with leftover bread and cheese from the tavern.

The streets were relatively quiet this late, the working men and women of the city at home asleep and the die-hard tavern-goers still drinking at their favorite establishments. The two made a strange pair, but there were few if any to see them: the short, stocky, armored, lady dwarf and the tall, thin, young, dark-haired priest, both walking a little crooked and laughing together.

Fandren stopped when they reached the canals and looked out over the water. "I suppose this means I'll get to see even less of you than I do now, doesn't it? Now that you're well and truly a soldier." The laughter was slowly fading from his voice and Seona turned to look up at him.

"I suppose... I suppose that's true, Fan," she sighed. "My duties to the Kingship will have to take precedence and we're stationed almost exclusively in Northrend or on the various fronts. I'll have less and less time to spend here in the city."

Fandren sighed, too, turning to the short paladin. "I miss you, you know? The other priests don't understand me they way you do." Seona nodded, and he continued, "I'm doing more and more with the Redridge militia when I'm not in the city. I actually spend as little time here as I must, these days." Seona glanced sidelong at him, but remained silent, listening to her young friend. "Brother Ben and I simply don't get along anymore. We butt heads every time we meet, it seems, over differing philosophies. We don't hate each other, of course, but we aren't friends."

Seona shook her head. "Fan, Brother Ben is just... well, he's-" "An idealist," Fandren interrupted, a sour look on his face. "He's an idealist in a world that needs more realists. He wants me to be this pure bastion of the Light and I'm just not. I've been studying Shadow magics, Seona, and I'm right. I know I'm doing the right thing, nothing you or Brother Benjamin will do can change that in me."

Seona looked up to her friend. "Fandren, look at me." He hesitated, but finally turned and looked down into his friend's face. "Fandren, you are my closest friend. You are like a brother and, sometimes, like a son. And I don't mean 'brother' as in the fact that we're both of the cloth, I mean family." He glanced away, but Seona kept his attention. "I'm not ashamed of you or what you study or what you do. I've done..." She paused for a moment, looking, briefly, to the north.

"I've done some pretty terrible things in Northrend. Things that had to be done because no one else was there to do them. Things that would make Brother Benjamin no doubt call for my excommunication from the Church. Things that might even make you look at me sideways." Fandren started to protest, but Seona silenced him. "No, Fandren. I don't blame you for looking for other ways to walk your path. Shadow magics were something I couldn't stomach, not because they're evil, which I don't think is true at all, but because they weren't for me. I decided to completely start over, learn a whole new set of rules. That's not for everyone. Obviously you're doing okay. Obviously the Light hasn't forsaken you. Brother Benjamin would do well to take that into consideration the next time he sees you."

She turned back to the canal, watching the moonlight reflecting on the water, her stallion shifting lazily and sniffing her hair. Fandren was silent beside her. The two stood together, quietly, for some time before Seona sighed again. Fandren glanced down and laughed.

"We're such an odd pair, Seona. Me the Shadow priest in training, and you the priestess who turned in her robes for some armor and a hammer." He sighed as well, and turned toward the bridge. "Come on, then, sister Seona. There's a warm bed waiting for us at the Cathedral and a good night's rest. You need to wake in the morning to prepare to return to the fronts in order to become a great soldier of the Kingship's Legion!"

He cheered then, and ran over the bridge towards the square, Seona hot on his heels, dragging her tired horse and shushing him while they passed sleepy-eyed city guards. "Seona the Paladin! Seona of the Kingship! Seona the Legionnaire!"

Into the North

"Seona! Seona, you in there?" Fandren's voice carried through the open doorway into the women's dormitory at the Cathedral of Light in Stormwind. The young priest dared not enter the dormitory, off-limits to men with dire consequences if they entered, but if he had heard the rumor right his friend wouldn't be in Stormwind much longer.

As it was, the young paladin was inside, packing the rest of her things. She sighed, knowing that Fandren missed her. They never got to see one another anymore, what with her being so busy with the Alliance army. She was needed by so many and had less and less time for her old friends. Checking one last time to ensure all her things were squared away, she shouldered her pack and closed the door to the small room behind her.

The dormitory door was standing open to allow the fresh breeze inside and Seona could see her young friend framed in the doorway. He's so young, she thought. He still has so much to learn, too. I wish Brother Benjamin would just let him do as he pleases. He'd be so much better off.

"Seona! There you are. Is it true? Are they finally sending you north? Are you taking the ship to Northrend?" Fandren's eyes were filled with a fearful excitement. He knew what awaited those who went into the cold north, but only the most well-trained warriors and soldiers went there, and he was jealous. Seona just sighed and nodded.

"Oh, Seona, be careful! Is there anything I can do for you before you go? Or maybe we can visit a nearby tavern and have a drink together before you leave." Seona, surprised at the suggestion, actually thought it was a good one.

"Aren't you a bit young to be drinking, Fan?" She asked, jokingly. Fandren laughed.

"Come on, Seona! I'm a man grown now! I can do as I please, no matter what others want to think." She hid a frown. He makes comments like that more and more often now. I know Brother Ben can be difficult, but he certainly seems to not take this seriously. She shook her head. No, can't think about this now. He's my friend, not my student or my responsibility. Plus, as he said, he's a man grown. Whatever he does is his choice. I'll not mother him.

"Come, then, Mister Fandren," Seona joked. "Lets get me squared away for my journey and we'll have a goodbye drink at a nice pub. Maybe I'll introduce you to some good dwarvish beer." With that, the two of them walked out of the grand church to the streets of the Cathedral District. The square was relatively quiet this time of day, but Seona had business to attend to.

They made their way to the canals. A well-known leatherworker there had agreed to repair Caliburn's tack and fit it with fur lining. She paid him the remainder of his fee after looking over the craftsmanship and had him deliver it to the Cathedral stables. Her next stop was an armorsmith where Fandren nearly knocked over a display of a full suit of armor. After his apology and a hasty clean-up, she spoke with the blacksmith.

"You'll be ready, m'lady. I've nearly gotten all your steed's armor fixed up and ready. I've tightened a few of the looser bits as well, without changing the fit, so you'll be safe against anything you come across, whether it be Scourge or a simple beast." Seona nodded, handing over the gold for the work. "I'll just have it delivered to the stables for you, then, m'lady Lightstone."

Seona thanked him and continued to her last stop, a small tailor shop at the end of the canal. "I need new blankets for Cal. It's going to be cold up there and I can't have him freezing to death." Fandren frowned. "Didn't you purchase a gryphon? Why bother with Caliburn's tack when you've a way to fly?"

"Unfortunately flying in cold weather like that is much harder than in warmer air, both for the rider and for the beast. On top of that, Zephyr is less protected against the freezing temperature. It takes more than a blanket to keep a gryphon warm in the sky. It will be some time before I'll be able to afford to prepare him for flight in Northrend. Besides, Caliburn could use the exercise. I spent nearly all my time in Outlands in the sky on Zephyr. He deserves a rest."

With that, she pushed open the door of the tailor shop and finalized her purchase of the new and much warmer saddle blankets and armor lining for her charger. With a smile and a nod of thanks, she was nearly done. Fandren, beginning to look terribly bored, smiled when she emerged from the shop and asked, "So, we finally ready for that brew?"

"One last thing, and then yes, we'll go for a drink."

"What could you possibly be still missing? You've packed, Caliburn is resting and will soon have entirely new tack and repaired armor... what am I missing?" Fandren asked, ticking off the places Seona had been on his fingers, confused.

Seona giggled. "I have to meet with my estate manager, Ziir. He'll meet us in the Dwarven District, near the tram station. Let's not keep him waiting, Fan, he's an intimidating fellow when annoyed."

Seona made her way through the streets of the human capital with the young priest on her heels. The Dwarven District was easy to distinguish from the rest of the city, both from the billowing smoke from the many blacksmiths and engineers' work, but also because most of the people were her height. For once, she wouldn't have to crane her neck to speak to people, though poor Fandren would no doubt have to stoop or even kneel, if he wanted to talk to any gnomes he may pass on the streets.

The archway entrance to the station came into view through the smoke. Near the entrance, a tall, heavily armored man stood, his bald head easily visible, his spiked helmet held under his arm. The few people moving to and from the tram gave him a wide berth. When he turned, Fandren gasped, realizing just what he was and why people avoided him. Cloistered in the Cathedral as much as the young priest was, he hadn't seen any of the Death Knights of the Ebon Blade up close. Seona smiled reassuringly and strode confidently up to the tall human.

"Ziir! Good to see you, my friend." She reached out and the death knight turned her way, stooping to take her hand.

"M'lady Lightstone. A pleasure, as always. Who is your companion?" Ziir turned his blue-glowing eyes towards the very nervous-looking Fandren, who, to Seona's pleased surprise, stuck out a trembling hand. "F-Fandren, sir. Forgive me... I haven't met anyone like... um... with your... condition."

Seona sighed, but Ziir seemed unaffected by the young priest's rudeness. "Quite alright." He turned to Seona, "M'lady Lightstone, I understand you have a great deal for me to process, correct? If it's all the same, I dislike Stormwind and will take the packages back to Ironforge straight away." Seona nodded and reached into her large traveling bag for a few smaller, but obviously heavy packages. "Ziir, I've picked up all this in Outland. The second bag is filled with nothing but skins. I had to send the ore shipment separately, so expect that in a few days. Did you have anything else for me?"

The death knight took the heavy packages and shook his head, handing over a small note and a bag of coins. "No, just the funds you requested. I'll do my best to keep you posted, but mail has a difficult time getting to and from Northrend as I understand it. Godspeed to you, m'lady Lightstone," he turned to Fandren and bowed, "Fandren. May we meet again."

With that, he turned back to the tram station and entered, his back fading into the darkness of the tunnel and out of sight. Fandren sighed, relieved, and Seona smiled. "Well, I guess that's that. Let's go get that drink now, Fan. First one's on me." Fandren nodded, still trying to shake off the strange feeling he got from meeting a real Death Knight, and followed his short friend into the nearby tavern.

They found a nice, secluded table and ordered drinks, reminiscing about old times, when Fandren was a young child, an orphan like Seona, and how they became friends. She told him stories of Outland and the things she had done there, of Zangarmarsh and it's strange, etherial beauty, of Nagrand and the strange, floating islands and waterfalls, and of the ogres, orcs and draenei that made there home there. He told her of the rumors in the church, about his simple life as a student in the Cathedral, about the troubles of Stormwind and the people living in it.

They laughed and talked into the night, the dwarven paladin and the young priest, but in the end, Seona had to end it. "I'll be boarding the ship before dawn, I think," she told Fandren, his smile slowly fading. "I'll miss you, Fan. I don't know when I'll be getting back, either. You should focus on your studies more, so you can eventually leave the Cathedral. Brother Ben doesn't want you as a student forever!" she joked, only realizing after that it may be in poor taste, considering their strained relationship. Fandren, luckily, was slightly drunk and waved it off.

"That would please him, no doubt. Eh, don't worry about me, Seona. I'll be fine. You're the one that has to be careful, now. Up north, it's a different land, or so I've been told. Strange people up there, and strange dangers. The Scourge, some kind of half-giant people, terrible beasts... no. You watch yourself, I don't want to have to say prayers for your spirit, or come down to the docks to pick up a coffin, something the priests are doing far too often these days."

She reached across the table to her friend, and he grasped her smaller hand in his own. "Thank you, Fan." She said, a tear escaping to roll over her cheek. "Oh, look at me, you're going to make me cry!" she chided, a smile on her face again. Fan laughed too, though it was only half-hearted.

"Write to me, Seona. Sometimes I feel like you're the only person in the Church that understands me." Fandren gave her hand one last squeeze, then let it go. "Oh, one last thing before we head back to the Cathedral... where in all the hells did you find that Death Knight to care for your finances?! I thought I was going to piss myself, he scared me so much!"

Seona laughed, draining her mug. "I'll tell you on the way back to the church. It all started when I was patrolling Elwynn Forest, months ago..."

----------**----------

Seona stood on the dock, the strange, dim light of the false dawn illuminating the wooden planks just enough for her to see. Caliburn snorted, restless after being ridden so little over the last weeks and knowing that great change was coming. He pulled at the reins a bit, but Seona gave a small tug and a look that would melt steel and he settled, not ready to face her ire this early in the morning.

There were no other soldiers waiting for the ship, and Seona was beginning to wonder if she had walked onto the wrong pier. A dockhand finally appeared from the shadows of the nearby boxes and crates stacked for shipping and walked over to the paladin. "Waitin' for the ship to Northrend, m'lady paladin?" she asked. When Seona nodded, the dockhand pulled out a small ledger. She checked it, turning pages quickly until she found what she had been looking for. She bent down a bit to get a better look at Seona's face, then nodded. "You're Seona Lightstone, Paladin?" When Seona nodded, she continued, "I've got it down that you have a single pack and will need space for one horse. Looks like you're all set, then. If the seas weren't too rough, The Kraken will be here soon enough."

The woman walked closer to the end of the peir. "Speaking of..." Seona followed her, telling Caliburn to stay where he was. There, on the horizon and quickly getting bigger, a ship was coming in. It slowed as it got closer to the harbor, and the dockhand quickly moved to the large bell that was situated at the end of the pier. She rang it, the clear sound carrying over the water and around the harbor, letting everyone within earshot that the ship was coming in.

It was huge, much larger than the ships Seona had ridden on before. The dockhand came back to stand beside the short paladin and pointed to the ship that was now preparing to dock, slowly approaching the pier. "They covered her prow in metal armor to allow her to break through the ice up north. She's powered by a steam engine, too, thanks to the gnomes and dwarves, so she makes good time." She stooped to pick up Seona's luggage and placed it near the crates of supplies that would be going along as well.

The ship was at least twice the size of the sailing ships the Alliance used to get from the Eastern Kingdoms to Kalimdor. The armor that covered the prow was beautifully shaped to form a gryphon's head. Seona could see scratches, though, near the water's edge. She couldn't imagine ice on the water that could scratch metal like that, but she imagined she'd find out soon enough. The steam engine made a terrible racket as well, nearly spooking Caliburn, but her hand steadied him. "Come now, Cal. That engine can't be worse than all the things you've seen at this point."

Finally, the enormous ship came to a stop at the end of the pier and the dockhands quickly unloaded its cargo. Seona was sad to see that some of the things unloaded were coffins. She sent a prayer to the gods for the dead and prepared to board. As she led Caliburn up the ramp onto the ship, she turned her head to the wind. Strangely, it smelt of winter, salt, and ice.

She was ready. She was ready to face the cold north, to fight the Scourge where it lived. She was ready to become stronger than ever before. She was ready to finally find Arthas... and help bring him to Justice.

Northrend, Seona is coming. Are you ready?

Into the Skies of the Outlands

It was terribly hot, but then it was always hot on the peninsula. Affectionately called "Hellfire Peninsula" by the soldiers stationed there, the broken land was characterized by its orange hue, dark skies, and the countless demons that made their home there.

Seona Lightstone, paladin of the Alliance, was riding south at speed, making for the outpost of Honor Hold. Her horse, Caliburn, was accustomed to the harsh conditions at this point and would barely snort at the flames that occasionally erupted from the reddish soil. He was far more concerned when one of the huge sand worms would pop out instead, but even then he'd simply swerve away, allowing his rider to jump off and deal with the threat.

Seona swore a bit as another plume of smoke and flame erupted to their right, closer than she'd like. "I could feel that one, Cal. We'd better get away from this ridge as soon as it's safe." A few Helboars scattered as they pushed onward, squealing and grunting in their wake. Seona ignored them, her eyes fixed on the horizon where the broken keep could be seen through the shimmering heat. Honor Hold held more than just the Alliance. It also held a well-known Gryphon breeder.

For weeks, the lady paladin had been in constant contact with her estate manager back in Ironforge. As soon as she had heard that the gryphon rider and breeder were relocating to Honor Hold she had asked about her funds. She knew the prices would be steep, but learning to fly was not just a dream... it was a necessity. Caliburn had served her well, would continue to serve her well, but the ability to fly would make her tasks far simpler and more efficient.

The broken walls of the keep were looming above her as these thoughts went through her mind, and she breathed a slight sigh of relief as they passed guards and neared the stables. She slowed Caliburn to a walk and looked around for the Wildhammer dwarf that trained the soldiers to fly the gryphons his people so carefully bred for the Alliance army.

She spotted him near the stables, once filled with Alliance warhorses, now home to various young gryphons ready to be sold. He was a solid-looking dwarf, and obviously a Wildhammer. Older, his hair and beard solidly silver, he was nevertheless quite intimidating in his barbaric looking armor and his face covered in the tattoos his clan favored. Still, Seona wouldn't be intimidated. Dismounting, she led Caliburn forward.

He noticed her approach and waved her forward. "'Ere for trainin'?" he asked, his demeanor all business. Seona nodded. "Very well. I'm Hargen Bronzewing. I 'eard you'd be comin' from the guard. Yer Seona Lightstone, correct?" Again, Seona nodded, a little more comfortable. She had done some work for Honor Hold before moving further north to the Temple. It seems her work was remembered.

"Me fee is 540 Gold. Ye can purchase a gryphon from me sister, Grunda, once you've mastered my techniques." He waited, then, patiently, as Seona reached into her pack to sort out the gold. A steep fee indeed, although she got the impression that her standing with the Honor Hold guard may have worked in her favor. Once the money had changed hands, she prepared for her training.

"Truth be told, ye won't need to learn too much new from me. Ye have a good seat on that beast of yourn already. Could see tha' as ye rode in." Seona blushed a bit at the compliment. "I'll jus' teach ye a few new commands fer a gryphon and how to saddle 'em up. Ye've ridden gyphons before, o'course..."

The lesson took only a few hours, but despite his warning of not learning much, Seona found her head filled with all kinds of new information. How to saddle a gryphon, what they ate, how to care for their feathers, how to groom their fur, the commands for flight as well as the ground, how to tell if it was ill or injured... it was a great deal to take in. Still, Hargen was a good teacher and had her flying perfectly by the end of the lesson, as well as saddling and grooming a gryphon without mistakes.

"Good. Ye're ready," he said, clapping her on the back. She smiled, thanking him.

"Master Bronzewing, might I ask for your opinion?" Seona asked, nervous about picking a mount from the collection in the stable.

He smiled. "O'course. I'm glad you did, actually. I know these gryphons like they're me own children. Seeing that beast of yourn already, I know ye can handle something a bit more stubborn. I think I know of a good match fer ye."

Hargen lead her through the stable to a young, golden gryphon. His piercing eyes seemed to look straight through her. He was a proud animal, and intelligent. She didn't reach out to him right away, getting a nod from Hargen for her prudence. "Smart lass. He's a bit of a handful, at first, but once he knows who's boss, he'll settle right down fer ye. He's got endurance and has a bit of growing to do yet. Regardless he'll serve ye well, if ye pick 'im." With that, he turned and left, no doubt needing to train another to ride.

Seona peered into the gryphon's eyes and knew she'd take him. Not just because Hargen thought they made a good pair, but because he seemed familiar somehow. "Tha's a good lad. Finally found yerself a rider, then?"

Grunda had come up quietly, her armor much like her brother's and her face sporting similar tattoos. "'E may not be as flashy as some of our other stock," she said, gesturing to the pure white and the darker varieties of gryphon in the stable that caught the attention of so many other riders, "But he's a good heart. And he'll serve ye till the day 'e dies, 'e will, if ye prove ye can 'andle 'im."

Seona smiled. "I'm certainly willing to do so."

She gave up the last of her gold to Grunda, paying for the beautiful, golden gryphon. Her training fees had already paid for food, supplies, and tack for the animal, so it was simply a matter of leading him out and saddling up.

"I'll call you Zephyr," she whispered, swinging into the saddle, and taking off, the heat falling behind as they spiraled up into the dark, starry sky. "Zephyr."

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.

Short: Excerpt From "Light's Shadow: Theory of Balance"

In the library of the Cathedral of the Light, there is a small section devoted to scholarly pursuits. This section includes some books, once considered blasphemy, and even today heavily restricted, that deal with what has widely become accepted as Shadow energies. Many of these tomes are the last copies in existence, some salvaged from the now fallen city of Lordaeron. Nearly all of them are damaged in some way, some missing pages, others with visible scorch marks where they were obviously nearly burned to ash because their contents were deemed "dangerous." All of them are under lock and key within the library itself and require special permission to access, especially by young priests for learning.

One rather rash student of the Church, however, "borrowed" one of these books in his own pursuit of understanding of his faith and made a handwritten copy of some of the particularly interesting passages he read. The small book was titled Light's Shadow, a Theory of Balance and the Other Power and was written by an unknown author, though he appeared to be a very wise priest of the Light or scholar of man. These passages have been reproduced here.

The Light is a wondrous thing. It heals us, guides us, protects us, and gives us strength when we have none. Paladins and Priests both gain their miraculous powers through their unwavering Faith in the Holy Light. They are blessed with its power, chosen by the Light to wield in order to aid other followers of same thought, to aid Humanity...

There is another power, one the Light is forever married to, and scholars among the clergy and the mages have dubbed it 'Shadow.' Many fear the Shadow energies, and perhaps they should, for the weak-minded cannot safely wield it, and the arrogant can only wield it with evil intent.

The priest who chooses to look into the Shadows within themselves must be one who is strong, both in mind and spirit. Contrary to popular thought, the Shadow Priest must have a very strong faith in the Light.

We are not writing of Fel energy, as some try to label Shadow powers as Fel powers, or that they are linked in some way. No, Fel energies are something else entirely, something foul and evil, something from a power darker than any Shadow could be. Shadows are, in fact, a product of the Light. There are cultures, both ancient and new, that place a heavy focus on Balance, especially in life and nature. Shadow is the Light's attempt at such a Balance.

An example: Here we have a very dark room. Let us say, for argument, that this room has no window or door, and thus is truly dark. A candle sits on a table, and is now lit. It emits a soft, steady, glowing light. This light illuminates the room, revealing an apple upon the table. One side of the apple is now bright, while the other is dark, shrouded by the shadow it casts upon the table behind it, but still visible. This is, of course, an analogy of the relationship between the two opposite, but not opposing, powers.

If we apply this example to ourselves, we can attempt to understand the relationship between the Light and the Shadow. We are all of us bathed in the Light. All sentient beings who open their hearts and minds to the Light's blessings benefit from it's Holy illumination. However, all of these beings, no matter how they might wish to say otherwise, have Shadows as well. It is not our desire to have a Shadow, to have this shroud upon our spirit, but the Light shines upon us, showing us that we are not perfect, that we cast Shadow even if our intent is only to be pure.

Those who look only into the Light can learn to ignore the shadow, but that does not erase its existence, within themselves or in others. Those priests who can bear to look into their Shadow can, in time, learn to tap its energy, just as the Light can be tapped. This is very difficult to master, perhaps because the Shadow is dependent on the Light, rather than being a power in and of itself. The Shadow Priest can never lose Faith in the Holy Light, as they will then risk losing the origination of their Shadow's power, for without light, no shadows exist. Instead you would simply be in darkness, in void, giving you no power at all. A priest would require a very strong mind as well as strong desire in order to utilize their Shadow energy.

Any priest who can tap this Shadow energy will be well rewarded. Shadow is an extension of the Light, thus any Shadow Priest has the power of the Light as well as Shadow at their beck and call.

Light and Shadow are simply two sides of the same coin, and that coin is a currency a strong, well-disciplined priest can use, if only they have the strength and courage to do so.

These are but the thoughts of one forgotten priest, no doubt long dead, perhaps from war. Still, these words gave courage and strength to a priest when he needed it most. Perhaps they will do the same for you, friend. If nothing else, perhaps they got you to think, and that is a wondrous thing, too.

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.