First Thoughts

I often write as if I was writing any kind of fiction, just borrowing the lore from Blizzard (with thanks). Of course, knowing that what I write takes place with World of Warcraft in terms of the timeline and that what I write is supposed to be about my characters and the game world, there are certain things I occasionally have a difficult time dealing with. I'll try to cover some of those things in my "Thoughts" postings.

They'll cover all kinds of subjects, like time, distance, communication between characters in game, discrepancies in the game story and general lore, currency and how money is handled, etc.

For example, in the latest installment of Warhorse, the story of how the paladin Seona gets her first mount, she takes a ride on the Deeprun Tram. Now, in game this tram takes you from Ironforge to Stormwind in just 60 seconds. That's fast. Really fast. Too fast, actually, to be realistic. It's done as a courtesy for players because who the heck wants to play a game that gets too realistic? I mean, I play to have fun, not wait on some silly train that should technically take several hours (at minimum) to get me from one place to another.

That's something I have to think about when I write. Seona also makes purchases in the story, and currency in the game is not an actual, physical object, so how do I write about it? And mounts! Don't get me started on how easy it is for my Undead warrior, Yrovi, to carry upwards of 35 mounts with her at all times.

When it comes to RP in the game itself, how to players deal with this issue? Do they just limit themselves to one or two mounts, or finding some way of explaining that they have a private stable or something when they switch out mounts?

Lots of questions, and I have at least some answers for myself, though I'd love to find out what others think about things like this and how they deal with them.

Warhorse: 2 - To Ironforge

The morning dawned foggy and damp, typical for the soggy Wetlands. Seona awoke just as the sun was coming up over the mountains in the east, their long shadows still covering most of the Wetlands in a quiet, gray light. It would be hours before the sun was strong enough to burn away any of the thick fog and cloud-cover, though she hoped the gryphons would be awake and ready to fly her away from it all soon enough. She found a small basin of clean water outside her door, along with a small towel, left there in the early hours of the morning. A quick glance down the hall showed that there was only one other guest in the Inn, or at least, only one other still sleeping.

She ducked back inside her room, closing the door behind her. She washed up and changed into light breeches and tunic for traveling, packing away the few loose articles she still had laying about here and there, including the letter from the Stormwind Paladins. Seona did make sure, however, to keep it someplace handy. The gryphon master here near the dock was particularly strict and didn't often allow flights without good reason or direct orders. She did her hair up in its customary loose bun, easy for her after years of practice. A few strands fell loose right away, and she once again wished she were better at the usual braids her people wore as they generally held fast for far longer.

Seona shouldered her packs, blew out the lantern and ensured it was well and truely out, and went down the stairs. The tavern below was entirely empty, aside from a dozing Mikhail and the stout Innkeeper. She smiled sleepily and waved.

"Mornin' lass. 'Ow'd you sleep?" Innkeeper Helbrek asked, no doubt cheerful from the good business last night.

"Very well, thank you," Seona replied, as she pulled out her coinpurse. "How much do I owe you, Helbrek?"

"Fer a night? Seventy-five silver." Seona pulled out the coins and counted them out, for once grateful she worked as a soldier. All who aided the Church of the Light and the Kingdom were often given some discount for rooms and supplies. The coins changed hands and she decided to buy some dried trail rations as well, while she was here.

"'Ow far you goin', lass?" Helbrek asked, curious. Seona shrugged. "Oh, not that far, just to Stormwind, but you never know what will happen along the way." Helbreck nodded knowingly."Aye. Well, you ought'er get goin', then. 'E 'ope ter see you 'gain soon, lassie."

Seona laughed. "Oh, you can't get rid of me that easily, Hel. I'll be back soon enough!"

She left the tavern only to step into a bank of thick fog. The sound of the ocean lapping against the shore came from her left, along with the creaking and soft splashing of a docked ship. She saw the ghostly siluettes of soldiers making their morning rounds of the town, lanterns held lazily at their sides, only to lose sight of them again within moments thanks to the cloudy mist. Already she could feel beads of water trying to cling to her hair, so she made her way carefully towards the dock where the gryphons roosted in their low-lying roosts filled with straw.

As the sounds of the dock grew louder, the gryphon post emerged from the mists, the soft ruffling of feathers almost impossible to hear over the sound of the water, though an occasional impatient growl from one of the gryphons steered her closer. The stern gryphon master, named Shellei Brondir, was feeding some of her flock, cooing softly to a few of the large beasts. So as not to startle her, shuffled her bags and coughed, catching the attention of several of the intelligent gryphons and, thus, their master.

"Who's out there?" the gryphon master asked, quickly finding Seona's form in the fog.

"Sister Seona Lightstone, requesting a flight to Stormwind, Gryphon Master Brondir." She pulled the letter containing her orders out from her bag to present to the tall, firey-haired human. Seona couldn't judge her expression, thanks to the goggles so many of the gryphon riders wore, but she didn't look pleased.

"You want to take one of mine out? And that far?" Shellei shook her head. "No, I'm sorry, I can't authorize it. Most of my current gryphons are very young without the endurance needed for a trip that long. My older, more experienced ones, came down with a coughing sickness, no doubt due to all the damp, and had to be taken back to Stormwind weeks ago. I'm still waiting on decent replacements." Seona was disappointed. There were other routes of travel, but the letter had come to her so late that there wasn't much time left. Her face fell. Shellei's face softened just a little, and she pushed her goggles up onto her head to look down at Seona.

"I'll tell you what. I have one gryphon who's a bit green, but is easily up to the flight to Ironforge." Seona nearly clapped with excitement.

"Oh, thank you! That's more than fine, as the tram under Ironforge will get me to Stormwind just as easily as a gryphon," she then looked over at the beasts who were watching her intently,

"Though not nearly as stylishly." Even the gryphon master laughed and waved at the gryphons.

"Alright, then. Give me your packs, and we'll get my beast loaded for you."

After a few minutes of cajoling and prodding the young gryphon, getting him settled and packed up, Seona was beginning to doubt her decision. The gryphon looked about ready to bolt off without her, and even when he stood still, he seemed twitchy. He seemed far too eager for her tastes, at any rate. Still, this was the fastest way, by far, and she had to make it in time for training or have to wait a whole extra month.

"Alright," Brondir said, waving Seona over. "He's ready."

"So I can see." Brondir laughed.

"Oh, yes, Zephyr is eager. He's fast, though, so you'll get to Ironforge in no time, probably by noon, perhaps a bit after." Seona eyed him wearily, but knew better than to back out now. She moved forward and straddled the fidgety gryphon. Shellei whispered a few things into the gryphon's ear, and Seona watched with amusement as the gryphon seemed to listen and understand. She knew the beasts were far smarter than any average animal, especially the older, wiser ones who could memorize many flight paths without any problems. Still, this seemed more like a mother telling her youngest to behave himself in school, than a gryphon master giving directions to an eager student.

"All right, you're set. Give my regards to Gryth, the Ironforge gryphon master. Remind him that I'm still waiting on replacements, will you?" Seona nodded and nearly lost her grip. Zephyr, the all too eager gryphon and bolted and lept up into the air, the only thing Seona could hear was the laughter from Brondir below and the rushing wind. At first she was a little terrified, as the thick fog was still pressing in all around and in the air you couldn't tell which way was which. For a moment, she thought they would crash right into the sides of the nearby mountains.

Then, gradually, she noticed the light growing brighter, only to burst out of the fog into the dazzling morning sunlight. The snow-covered mountains were just ahead, a sea of grey mist below them, and Zephyr growled with delight, climbing ever higher into the cold, mountain air. Even Seona had to giggle at her initial fright, now that she was safely in the air and soaring easily above the wetlands. She looked down at the gryphon and realized that he'd make a very good one someday, provided he learned some patience. Perfectly honed muscles bunched and moved under golden fur, his tail twitching to keep perfect balance in the air, feathers perfect and rippling in the wind. She watched it all work in unison to keep them flying, higher and higher until they were in the mountains, snow beneath them.

As the morning continued, they neared Ironforge, making even better time than the gryphon master had predicted. Seona guessed, by the sun's position, that it was only mid-morning as the lights of the dwarven city winked in the mountains before them. She patted the gryphon thankfully, getting a good-natured growling call in return. The air was cold, and obviously more difficult to fly through, as the gryphon had to flap far more often to stay aloft. Still, he moved well, nearing Ironforge with the same pace he had set before. The gates were looming ever closer, the giant statue in the doorway, his crossed hammers high above signalling the end of her flight.

Zephyr swooped down, lightly turning as he entered the city, his cry echoing along the stone walls of the gryphon flight tunnel. The air was much warmer here, nearly stifling, as the heat from the huge furnace created strong updrafts, the air visibly churning in the lights of the fire and molten rock. The gryphon bobbled a bit in the air, then pushed and found his aerial footing, moving onward into the heart of the city: The Great Forge. The second dark tunnel opened up into the huge cavern, and the flight was nearly over.

Banking around the molten lava pouring down from above, Zephyr landed neatly in fron of the dwarven gryphon master, panting only slightly with the exertions of his flight. Gryth Thurden walked over and patted him, saying gruff praises and unbuckling Seona's packs as she dismounted. Giving her gryphon a final farewell pat in thanks, she shouldered her packs and turned to go.

Remembering her promise, she turned back and bowed to the gryphon master. "Sir, I was asked by the Wetlands post to inquire about replacement gryphons."

Thurden turned around to look her up and down and snorted. "Ach, she'll get 'em soon enough. Better send a letter to the lass, though, to keep 'er from constantly askin'. Thank'ee for passin' the word along, though, miss. No doubt you've better things t'do." She merely bowed again and resettled her packs on her back, turning right, to make her way towards the Military Ward of the city.

Ironforge was bustling, with many stout dwarves, diminutive gnomes, and tall humans in the streets beneath the mountains. Seona had forgotten what it was like to be amongst so many others, and felt a little out of place. She shook of the feeling, though, and made her way along the tunnels, smiling shyly at passersby. The Military Ward opened up before her as she left the Great Forge behind, though there was still plenty of heat coming from a pit of coals in the center of the square. The Hall of Arms, a very large building carved directly from the stone of the mountain, loomed ahead of her. Warriors and Hunters entered and exited the structure, some in groups, but most alone. Seona looked around to the left and found what she was looking for, the entrance to Tinker Town, the last Gnomish stronghold left in the world.

Next Chapter

Warhorse: 1 - Orders

The tavern was loud and full of people, mostly dwarven and human sailors, though a few soldiers and adventurers were seated around the heavy, wooden tables as well. Outside, beyond the safe walls of Menethil Harbor, crockolisks hissed as they dragged themselves through the mire of the Wetlands, looking for their next meal. Murlocs sat around small, flickering campfires near their leaning huts, and gnolls bayed in the distance. Further still, dark iron dwarves sat in their tents, red eyes glowing in the dark, watching for enemies.

The sun was setting over the soggy landscape, the shadows from the drooping trees getting longer, reaching out into the growing darkness. A single dwarf paladin, her boots covered in mud and her once shining, bronze chainmail now covered in grime was crossing the stone bridge into the town, passing by the guards who were in the process of a shift change. They called out to one another, the tired ones gladly giving their post over to the replacements, with good-natured humor and ribbing.

A few raised hands in greeting to the short paladin, some calling her by name. "Seona! You should meet us in the tavern, we're off to get a drink!" She smiled, her blue eyes full of mirth. "Maybe I will!" she called over her shoulder, waving. The soldiers fell behind as she continued into the town, skirting around the huge barracks that took up most of the space within the walls, meeting up with various locals. "A letter for you, sir, from your wife. She's fine, by the way." A quick thanks, a grateful handshake and a few coins for her trouble, and she was back on the path, heading round to the next house. "Your pack. You really don't want to know where I found it..." A relieved sigh, and a few more coins for her purse and more thanks. She smiled and continued on, finding herself in front of the tavern. The windows glowed brightly in the growing dark and she could hear the sounds of soldiers and sailors drinking, laughing, and talking from the open doorway.

A few of the soldiers from the keep, freshly off duty and changed out of uniforms and armor, walked past and Seona followed them inside. Ordering a drink from the barkeep, she found an empty stool at one of the lower tables designed for the dwarven citizens and sank down with weary sigh, letting her pack drop heavily to the floor. After a few long pulls from her flagon, she scratched absentmindedly at an insect bite, thinking about her decision to come to the Wetlands in the first place. If it weren't for the need, she'd never put up with the mud, grime, and biting bugs that made their home here. Her thoughts were shortly interrupted.

"Seona!" the loud call easily carried over the din, and was immediately reconizable as the barkeep Mikhail's voice. He stood near the bar, looking over the crowd, searching for her. She stood up and pushed her way to the bar, maneuvering around the soldiers ordering drinks.

"You called, Mik?" Startled, Mikhail looked down. "There you are," He said, bending down just a bit. "This came for you today, via courier. It looks important so I wanted to get it to you fast as I could."

He handed her an envelope of heavy, yellow parchment bearing the seal of the Paladin Order of Stormwind. Excited, as Seona guessed what the letter was, she tipped and thanked the barkeeper and made her way back to the little table she was in before. The tavern was still full of people, but her spot was thankfully empty so she sat and opened the letter. Her eyes darted over the page, taking in the words written there eagerly, thrilled with its contents.

Sister Seona Lightstone,

Congratulations are in order. You have shown exceptional aptitude and perseverance in your studies and training. It is with pleasure that I tell you of your promotion to full Paladin status and entrance into the mounted elite.

You are hereby ordered to return to Stormwind for a two-week intensive training session, at the conclusion of which will be an induction ceremony. During the training, you will learn how to care for, and maintain the equipment of, a warhorse of your choosing from our stables.

Please bring the enclosed application with your signature along with these orders to Stormwind when you arrive for your training.

By the Light,

Arthur the Faithful, of Stormwind Cathedral

For the Alliance!

The second paper was the application mentioned, quite plain and simple. She carefully pulled out a small inkpot and quill to sign it, careful not to spill her drink onto the parchment. The date written on the application for the training was only a few days away, but she knew that reaching Stormwind would only take a day from here, provided she could get a ride to at least Ironforge. There was a gryphon station here, and, weather permitting, she could purchase a ride. The town had been plague with bad storms at night, and thick fog in the mornings, but with the official orders from Stormwind, even the gryphon keeper would have to allow her a flight. Wanting to make herself more presentable, she finished her drink and hunted down the Innkeeper, Helbreck.

She found him behind the bar, in the small kitchen, chopping what looked like crockolisk meat with a huge cleaver, his beard carefully tucked into his shirt. Knocking on the door frame to grab his attention she asked, "Any rooms available tonight Helbreck?" He looked up from the butcher block and grinned. "Aye, lass. You're welcome to any. Few strangers in town t'day." His beard began to slip out and he unceremoniously shoved it back down. "Pay me in the mornin'. I know ye paladins 're good fer it."

Seona nodded, smiling, and dragged her pack up the stairs to one of the small rooms. Closing the door behind her and locking it, she dropped her bags down in a corner and took out the letter again. Setting it on the small table in the room, she removed her chainmail, wincing as she did so. "By the Light, I'm sore," she muttered, getting the rest of her armor off. She checked herself in the small mirror, realizing that some of the soreness came from nasty-looking bruises on her back and shoulder where Gnolls had attacked her with clubs earlier that morning.

She clicked her tongue dissaprovingly. Rubbing her hands together, she whispered a few prayers, calling the Light to her. Slowly, her palms began to glow and she smiled, grateful for her gift. With thanks to the gods, she poured the Light over herself, feeling the soreness ease, then dissapear altogether. Another check in the mirror showed healthy skin, the bruising gone entirely. With that done, she changed into a simple shift from her packs. She placed her chainmail in her bags after inspecting it for damage and finding little, expecting simple travel in the morning and no need for heavy armor or weapons. She rearranged a few things, discarded some other items, checked her coinpurse, and finally closed up her bags again.

By now, the noise from the tavern below was much quieter, as soldiers and sailors both returned to their bunks for the night. Seona finished preparing for sleep herself, and finally blew out the lantern, settling into the bed. As she closed her eyes and drifted into sleep, she dreamed of a white stallion carrying her into glorious battle, the both of them bathed in the holy Light, their faceless enemies fleeing before their combined might.

Next Chapter

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.

Players: Seona Lightsone's Application to the Kingship

((This is my backstory for Seona, as shown in her application for citizenship for the Kingship of the East, a guild on the Emerald Dream server. I figured it was easier than attempting to do a full work up of her for her "Players" installation. I've edited it to focus more on Seona than my reasons for wanting to joing the guild, also removing OOC comments.))

*The parchment is smooth and slightly yellowed, sitting in a neat stack with other, similar applications for citizenship. The script is simple but femine, in a strong, smooth hand, the ink black and stark against the page.*

-- PERSONAL INFORMATION --

Full Name and then also name as listed on the records of the Alliance:
Seona Lightstone; or Seona, by the records, and for simplicity

Race: Dwarf 

Age: Nearly 50 

Place of Birth: A small village in Kahz Modan, near the Amberstill Ranch

Parent's Names and Occupations: My father was Houdin Lightstone, a wandering cleric, scholar, and healer of bodies and spirits; my mother was called Maura, but I know little of her as she died shortly after bringing me into the world. My father spoke rarely of her, but I believe she was from a family of jewelry makers.

Names of spouses, partners, and children: I've no spouse or partner, nor children, but perhaps one day, when the world is a little less full of war and danger, I'll think on settling down.

Current Residence: I currently call Lakeshore my home, but I find myself moving about so often that perhaps it would make more sense to call the Kingdom of Stormwind my home, and the people of the Alliance my brethren.

-- HISTORICAL -- 

Where you were during the First War? (Dark Portal opens, fall of Stormwind, destruction of Kingdom of Azeroth) (~27 years ago): I was still a child by dwarven standards during this conflict, living in the mountains of Kahz Modan with my father. My memories of this time are filled with snowy hills, chasing after rams, looking after sheep, and quiet nights before the fire, listening to my father tell stories and teach me about the Light and of all he had seen before I was born.

Where you were during the Second War? (Lordaeron crushes the Horde from the east) (~21 years ago): My father was an unusually restless dwarf and, once I had gotten a bit older, took me along as he began wandering the world again. It was during this time that we often helped refugees from the war, my father using his knowledge and faith in the Light to aid others. I, too, had an affinity for the Light, even at a young age and aided him in his efforts. I learned much, and found a close tie to humans in particular through our mutual trust in the Light. Unfortunately, nowhere was truly safe, and my father was killed by an Orc raiding party later in the conflict. Disheartened and now alone, I followed the refugees, finally settling in Stormwind when it was retaken at the end of the war and finding some solace in the teachings of the Church of the Light.

What you and your family thought about Thrall's violent escape to the west ?(~9 years ago): Honestly, at the time I was furiously angry. His escape revitalized the Horde, putting it back into a position of power, which has caused a great deal of grief for the Alliance. I’ve no love for orcs, though even I felt a small pang of pity for the ones held in the internment camps. However, when it comes down to it, all this resulted from the foolishness of the drunkard Blackmoore. Had that idiot not taught him of war and tactics and other things, then gotten greedy and complacent, perhaps Thrall wouldn’t have escaped. Well, in the end, the past is past, and there was nothing I could have done at the time as a young dwarf living with the humans in the kingdom of Azeroth anyway.

How did the world change for you when the Night Elves were revealed to rest of the Alliance?(~7 years ago): While I was curious about the strange elves who had remained hidden for so long and the scholar in me wanted to know more, the plague was foremost on my mind in those days. As a cleric, I was concerned with the health of the people, rather than some far-away group of elves.

Where you were during the Battle of Mount Hyjal? (~6 years ago): I was still in the human lands when the great battle for all of our lives took place. I was overjoyed when the Burning Legion was pushed back, but the battle itself seemed so distant. I learned of the Horde’s help, as well, though I do not know if even so great a deed can redeem them of the horrors they have committed against humanity and its allies.

Did you and your family participate in the rebuilding of Stormwind from nothing? If so, how? (~2 years ago, the first rise of individual adventurers in the land): Oh, yes, I witnessed the rebuilding firsthand, and learned more about stone and architecture than I could have imagined (It even lead to an interest in mining, in fact, something even my father hadn’t known much about). Still, seeing the human lands rebuilt from the ashes of so much conflict made me look inward and question my path. During all this time, I had stayed on the sidelines, only able to aid when the battles were done, cleaning up after. I felt that if only I knew how to fight, I could help the soldiers in the field, long before they came to me needing bandages and council, or worse, to the graves. The priests were unable to give counsel on such a decision, or aid in the teaching, so I turned to the paladins.

-- GOALS AND DRIVES -- 

When precisely you decided to give up a normal life and serve the Alliance with blade, spell, or prayer, and why: When Stormwind was being rebuilt, I had a chance to see what humanity had accomplished and felt renewed. I had witnessed so much of the aftermath of war, seen the dead and dying and felt that if only I knew how to fight, I could have done more. I was conflicted, but found no answers among the priests so I turned to the warriors of the Light, the Paladins. They gave me, if not all the answers I wanted, at least the training in battle. So, with this newfound knowledge, I turned in my priestly robes for chain-mail, my books for a hammer. Now, I still follow the Light, but do so in a way that protects the innocent and punishes the wicked. I’m not so naive to think that I could have fought in those grand battles, but at least now I feel confident of my purpose and unwavering in my faith.

Your idea of victory for the Alliance, and why we are fighting: Victory for the Alliance is peace and unity and strength. It is freedom from fear. We fight to secure our lands from any who would do the innocent harm, from all who would take from us what we have strove so hard to rebuild. It is the final and total destruction of the Scourge including the traitor Arthas, who still plague us, and coexistence with the other nations of the world. It is an end to the conflict with the Horde that has gone on for so long. How it shall end I do not know, but one day it must end, and I hope to be there to see it, regardless of the outcome.

Your plans for after the war is over: It’s so hard to see this, for I know in my heart that it will still be a long time in coming. Perhaps I will finally stop wandering and settle down and have a child or two of my own. I am the last of my family line, after all, and there should be someone who can carry it on. If I do settle down, it will most likely be among the humans whom I’ve come to respect so much, maybe even in the dwarven district of Stormwind.

... ((much removed here, regarding the guild))

Many heartfelt thanks for your time,
Seona Lightstone, Paladin in training