Bloodsword: 1 - The Scribe

Sunlight filtered through the dusty window, falling warmly on the many, messy stacks of papers, parchments, scrolls, and ancient tomes in the office high in one of the Arcanum's towers. It was early morning, before the classes had begun, and Purah Lightsword had only just come in for his day's work. Setting his small pack by the door, he sighed quietly and began setting up his workstation for the day, organizing his inks and quills and getting a new stack of vellum out from a nearby cabinet.

Birds chirped outside the window and a few students walked slowly and sleepily into the courtyard below for early classes. For a brief moment, Purah envied them, learning great magics and other secrets of the Arcane, but he shook his head and returned to his task. He wasn't meant for such things, and he knew it. His talents were better served here, in the scribe's tower, doing simple, mundane paperwork. Mundane, yes, but peaceful and satisfying.

He deftly tied his long, golden hair back with a leather cord, ensuring it wouldn't get in the way of his work. His face was angular and thin, but well proportioned and glowing, with an easy smile. His shirt was spattered in ink stains of various colors, some bright, others faded. His hands were calloused and clean, though by the end of they day they'd be as ink-stained as his shirt, he knew.

As he prepared for the day, he noticed some of his inks were quite low. He reached into the cupboard again, this time removing several plants and flowers carefully dried and preserved. Brow furrowed a bit in concentration, he used pestle and mortar to create raw pigments, mixing them with water to create new inks. Purah poured the new ink into a vial, his blue eyes reflecting in the glass as he measured by sight. Satisfied, he labeled the new ink and set it aside, ready for it's use. Finally sitting down at his workstation, he bent over an already-started project: copy work for one of the professors of the school. It required a steady hand and a clear eye, as every minute detail had to match perfectly.

A light knock on the door sounded and he said, loudly enough to be heard through the heavy wood, "Come in!" He did not look up from his work, but knew who is was regardless. "Good morning, Student Silea."

The young elf giggled and walked over to the desk, careful not to bump into it and interrupt the scribe's work. She had done that the first time they had met, ruining hours of his handiwork in a single moment, and hadn't gotten on his good side until weeks later. "Morning, 'Rah. What are you working on this fine day?"

Her red hair was fine and soft, framing her round, happy face. She, like all of the Quel'dorei, had blue eyes and they eagerly glanced over the various scribblings in the office, curious.

Purah didn't answer right away, as he was studying the passage he was copying ensuring all the words were exact. His specialty was translations and exact replicas of ancient texts, but it required far more concentration than most people realized, especially the younger, newer students. Luckily, Silea understood, especially after her first time in the office. "Nothing exciting, I'm afraid, Silea. Just a minor translation of an older text for Master Hath'ar." He blew lightly on the ink to dry it. "What can I do for you?"

Silea reached into a pocket from her dress and produced a crumpled parchment. "Oh, uh... sorry," she sheepishly said, handing it over to the disapproving scribe. "Don't get so bent out of shape over such a little piece of paper, 'Rah. It's just scrap." Silea said with a smile.

"Still, really, Silea, is it hard to keep it at least somewhat flat? I have to file all these requests, you know, and they don't keep well, all crumpled up..." His lighthearted chiding just made the young student giggle again. Purah quickly read over the short note. "Ah, from Master Far'lain? I have a few items finished for him already. Wait a moment, will you? You can take them along. That should please him."

Purah stood carefully from his desk and glanced quickly through a few of the stacks until he found what he had been looking for. He rolled several pieces of parchment up and placed them in a round tube of heavy paper to keep them safe.

"Here." Silea took the rolled papers carefully.

"Thank you, Scribe Lightsword. I'll ensure the Master gets these right away." Silea picked up her pack again and made for the door. "Oh! One more thing... A few of us are going to the Sweeping Broom tavern tonight to celebrate the end of term. You'll join us, won't you?"

Purah frowned again, a little sadly. "Silea, you know I don't mix well with the students, especially some of the ones who seem to have taken to you."
"Oh, please, 'Rah? Kinedra will be there," she pleaded, knowing he secretly fancied the lady.

Still frowning, he turned back to his work. "Fine. But... Just for a bit. I have to work tomorrow, you know, unlike you students who get the days off."

Giggling again, Silea thanked him and rushed out the door. Purah concentrated on his work again, the quiet of the office broken only by the scratching of quill on parchment.

_-.: * :.-_

The sun was setting as the Scribe packed up his inks and quills and stowed them away again. He was in good spirits, thanks to getting plenty of work done today. Master Far'lain had been very pleased with his work from earlier that morning and had sent a glowing letter of appreciation. His former teacher, now boss, the Lady Oalina, a master scribe and mage, had noticed the letter and even gave him a compliment, which had made his day. He remembered all too well her harsher words when he had been her student. Always pushing him to be the best, he silently thought she was a far harder taskmaster than any swordmaster he had ever had.

Thinking such thoughts only made him remember his past and he pushed old memories away, try as they might to rise to the surface of his mind. That part of my life is over. He told himself.Has been for ages. You'd think the rest of me would remember.

The walk down the tower and out of the school grounds was uneventful as he made his way to the tavern. It was nearby, catering specifically to the students of the Arcanum. Known for good prices that fit a student's budget and named after one of the first spells any student of the Arcane learned, the Sweeping Broom was busy. Silea and her friends weren't the only ones celebrating, it seemed, as several young guardsmen were also drinking and dining in the corner.

Silea spotted the Scribe standing near the doorway long before he found her and she called him over to the students table. He recognized them all by sight if not by name, and made his way over, a bit shyly. Some of the students were nearly apprentices and much closer to his age, like Kinedra. They were also known as some of the wealthier students at the Arcanum, most coming from influential families within Quel'thalas, and were occasionally haughty and rude to those who were less fortunate, such as Purah, who came from the countryside originally.

"Purah, welcome. Take a seat!" Silea laughed, and pulled out a chair for him. The barkeep came to take his order of a light meal and wine, and he listened quietly as the various students spoke about their classes and recent tests. Kinedra eyed him with a smile, flanked on each side by rather handsome and attentive men and finally asked, "Tell me, scribe, why do you not also take classes? I've heard you've quite the mind for history and mathematics."

Purah, surprised by the sudden question, nearly choked on his meal. After he took a few quiet drinks of wine and calmed down, he explained, a little red-faced from embarrassment, that he had little talent for magics, which, in the end, was what the Arcanum truly taught. "Truely, Lady Kinedra, magic and I get along rather badly, I'm afraid. Little things are no problem, but anything much more complicated than lighting candles and such tends to blow up in my face."

One of the youths at her side, scowling a little at him, obviously a bit drunk and jealous, piped up. "Well, obviously. I mean, look at you." Purah involuntarily glanced down. "What about me, sir?"

"You're just some bookworm, all caught up in texts and scrolls. You've no ability to do practical things." He quickly conjured a rose from the air, red as the wine they all drank, and handed it to the Lady Kinedra, who giggled, "Thank you, Reth'al."

"Ah," said Purah, a little angry, "and I suppose conjuring roses is 'practical.'"

"Yeah, obviously." The second student then sniffed distainfully. "Plus, you're covered in ink."

Purah, at this point uncomfortable and embarrassed, stood to leave. "If you'll excuse me." He said a quiet goodbye to Silea, who apologized, saying they were just drunk and being stupid. "Yes, they are," Purah whispered. "I'll see you soon, Silea," he said, and made for the doorway.

Unknown to him, Reth'al and the second student had stood and followed him out to the street. The guardsmen who had been celebrating inside stood in a loud group nearby, saying their goodbyes for the night. Purah noticed his two shadows rather quickly, though, when a rough shove from behind sent him sprawling into the street. "Stay away from Kinedra, scribe." Reth'al sneered, drunk and totally indifferent to the guardsmen, who now turned to see what the commotion was.

Purah, wincing and angry, bit back a quick retort and pushed himself onto his knees. Dirt now coated his shirt along with the ink stains and his hands were a bit scraped up. As he stood, another shove sent him back to the ground, followed by a kick to the ribs, knocking the wind from him. He recovered quickly, ignoring the pain in his side, and reached out to pull his attacker down to the ground.

The old training from his past came right back, and he rolled and leapt up, ready for a fight. His attacker the second time had been Reth'al's companion, who now coughed from the dust kicked up in the street and was slow to get back up, being even more drunk than his companion. Reth'al, not thinking clearly, dove at the scribe, only to be surprised when Purah wasn't there, as he had easily dodged out of the path of the lunge. Other students from inside, including Silea and Kinedra, were standing in the street now, watching the whole thing unfold. From the looks on the lady Kinedra's face, she though it a good laugh, though Silea looked far more concerned.

The city guards waded into the fray, now, doing their best to keep it from escalating. The leader of the group did a double take as Reth'al got up, shouting about his father and something about how the scribe would be sorry. The guardsman must have recognized him for a noble's son, as he looked rather angry as he moved toward Purah, but his face changed abruptly as he neared the scribe. This guardsman knew exactly who Purah was, and the scribe winced a bit.

"Purah? Purah Lightsword?" Brushing off the front of his shirt, trying to make himself as small as possible, Purah didn't look up. It was Guardsman Thael'ar, a well known trainer of the Initiates to the Sentinals, and an old acquaintance of the. Reth'al, a bloody nose from stumbling past the much faster Purah, stamped over, huffing and angry.

Guardsman Thael'ar just turned to him, saying, "You're an idiot, boy, picking a fight with Purah Lightsword. Had he a blade, you'd no doubt be dead, or at least gravely wounded for the insults." Turning back to Purah he continued, "Didn't know it was you, lad. You should have said they were giving you trouble inside. I would have done something then before it moved to the streets."

Reth'al, shocked, sputtered something unintelligable. Purah would have found the whole thing funny, but several of the students had overheard and were muttering amongst themselves. Purah leaned closer to the guard. "My thanks, Reth'al, but I had rather you not mention such things here. I'm just a scribe, now, not a swordsman." His voice was quiet, but he worried it still carried.

"Right, right... about that. You should rethink your decision. You were far better with the blade than any student I've had since then. One accident shouldn't keep you from your destiny or-"

"No." Purah brushed himself off again and turned away. "Thank you for the help, Reth'al, but no. I'll never touch a blade again." He nodded to the other guards, who gladly gave way to him and he started walking home. He heard her come up behind, but didn't turn.

"Purah? Are you okay?" It was Silea. She sounded genuinely concerned and Purah was almost sorry. "I had no idea they would act like that towards you, you know that, don't you?" He sighed and stopped.

"I did try to warn you, you know. I don't get along with the students very well." He turned around to see Silea on the verge of tears.

"Oh, I was so worried about you!" She ran and plowed into him, hugging him tight and making him wince from the bruised ribs. "When I saw them get up to follow you, and then they pushed you, and you got hurt-"

"Silea! I'm alright." He gently pried her off and looked into her eyes. "I'm fine, see?"

She sniffed again, an occasional tear still rolling down her cheek. Purah sighed, then winced as his ribs began to hurt, which only got another gasp and apology from Silea. "Please let me help you get home! I feel awful about this, really I do." He was going to say no, but decided that it wouldn't be so bad, as he started feeling every wound anew.

He nodded and they walked back to his small apartment on the west side of the city. Opening the door, Silea quickly lit the lanterns inside with magical fire and he hobbled over to a small chest with ointments and bandages. Pulling a small pot of salve out with the bandage he sat on the low couch, and lifted his shirt. A large bruise was already forming and he hissed.

Silea, who had been quietly looking around his home at the simple decorations, especially a large, finely-crafted sword hanging on the wall, frowned and came over. "Oh, Purah, I'm sorry." She took the salve from him and with gentle fingers smoothed it over the growing bruise. "You shouldn't have fought them. You could have gotten hurt."

Purah laughed, but instantly regretted it as his ribs ached in protest. "My thanks for the concern Silea, but I would have been fine."

She looked up at the sword again, then, and quietly asked, "Is that what the guardsman was talking about?"

Purah frowned. "Silea... that's nothing but a fading memory."

She was quiet then, but he knew that once Silea became fixated on something she rarely let it go. Still, it seemed she was content enough right now to leave it be, concentrating on wrapping his ribs. She finished, tucking the end of the bandage in with gentle hands.

"Thank you," Purah said, after checking the first-aid job, satisfied.

"Good night, Scribe Purah," Silea whispered, glancing once more at the large sword on the wall, then walked out the door, closing it behind her. Purah just sighed and washed his hands, the blood coloring the water in the washbasin a light pink. Carefully putting ointment on the scrapes, he went back to the couch, leaning back and staring at the gleaming weapon that hung there.

Within a few minutes, his eyes closed, and he was lost in dreams.

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.