True Love- A Goblin Tale

The tavern in Silvermoon was bustling, the decorative tables laden with food and the soft divans covered with lounging patrons idly chatting away. Here and there a voice would rise above the din in laughter or anger before the general buzzing drone of conversation continued on its way. Drinks flowed freely, and the atmosphere was light and celebratory throughout the confines of the place. That was, of course, with the exception of a lone patron sitting at one of the tavern's smaller tables.

The elf was best described as golden. His long flowing golden hair cascaded down around his sun-kissed skin, resting atop the shoulder plates of his gold and red armor. On the floor beside him sat a leather backpack with golden thread and a sheathed sword, it's length predictably decorated with gold. Although the Sin'dorei sat in brooding silence, given his appearance the sudden arrival of a second patron at his table was somewhat less than surprising.

At first the elf didn't notice as the small goblin woman slipped into the chair across from him. Swaying drunkenly, she placed a large bottle on the table in front of her and then promptly rested her hands on the bottle's neck and chin on her hands, peering at the golden elf through her glazed, purple little beady eyes. She sighed happily, just taking in the look of all that GOLD!

After a time, the brooding elf noticed his diminutive and uninvited drinking companion, his fel green eyes meeting her gaze. Not too politely, he growled out a few words in a low tone, “Can I help you with something?”

The goblin giggled, the high pitched sound discordant amongst the relatively melodious sounds of the laughing Sin'dorei in the tavern. After a moment she stopped, lifting her head up and offering him a sharp smile. “The name's Zeppi Sparkflash, honey. You can call me Zepp or Z if you'd like though. As for helpin' me, I just saw you sittin' there and started wondering what could make a doll like you so gloomy.”

The Sin'dorei's eyes widened slightly for a moment and he snorted, “I don't see how that's any of your business goblin. Why don't you go find someone else to swindle?”

Zeppi's face fell for a moment and then she shrugged and took a long pull from her bottle. “Don't gotta be like that honey. Besides, I already got business in Quel'Thalas. Buncha nobles hired me from some coalition or another.”

She set her bottle down and squinted at the golden elf, making him shift somewhat uncomfortably. “The way I figure it, either someone died or you lost something pretty special.”

The Sin'dorei nodded once, sighing as he spoke, “That is an astute guess. If you insist on sitting there, I will admit that I've lost something dear to me. It's not something you would understand though. My one and only beloved has run off with another you see, which is why I was sitting alone enjoying my solitude.”

Zeppi perked up in her seat, shaking her head even as the elf finished speaking and completely ignoring the not-so-subtle hint to leave. “What do you mean I don't understand? You lost your first love. 'Course I know what it's like to have a first love!”

The little green woman nodded vigorously as the elf looked at her with some degree of disbelief. She took another pull from her bottle and set it down again, more firmly this time. “Love's the thing that makes your heart race like an engine on turbo. It blooms in your heart like the biggest explosion you could ever see. It cuts through the night's darkness like...um, like a welder's torch cuts through metal! No matter how far you travel, or even how fast, you're always gonna remember your very first love. Can't ever forget 'bout it, because it turned your heart's key for the first time. Ya see sugar, I know alllll about it. Had just as much of it as you did!”

The elf blinked a few times, absorbing the rather unusual lecture that a goblin of all things had given him, watching the little woman sway drunkenly in place as she made her final point. For her part, Zeppi swept up her bottle, taking another gulp as she continued on.

“I remember my first love clear as day, sugar. It was back when I was home with my Ma and Pa. They ran a sweet little chop shop outta the house ya know? Had all kinds of trikes and tricked out rides comin' in and out of the place, and all sorts of folks. Sometimes even a few that were in the Trade Prince's eye ya know? It was there that I first found love. I remember the feelin' I got in the pit of my stomach. The way my heart raced each time my eyes caught a glimpse. I remember layin' in bed at night, wishing I could slip outta bed and knowin' my Pa's custom built security system would take out half the house if I tripped it. Let me tell you goldie, those were the best times of my life, and they got even better once I got to be WITH my love.”

The elf snorted, taking a sip from his own neglected wine glass as the goblin's story wound down and she sat across from him, staring happily into empty space and lost in a drunken stupor of memories. After a moment, he interrupted her daydreaming, his tone softer, “And what happened to your love? Did you lose it as I have? Did cruelty snatch it from you when you thought it would be yours forever?”

Zeppi shook her head, coming out of her trance and grinning at the elf, “Nah, wasn't nothin' like that. Fuel tank leak caused this HUGE fireball. It was really amazing to see, but man am I gonna miss that trike. Was my very first one ya know? Nearly four feet long with custom alloy rims, eighteen hundred horsepower dual throttle, turbo charged engine. And it even had a sweet nitro-boost rocket on the back for extra speed. Painted the thing this beautiful red color, even put a little heart on the side. I can't even tell you how many street races I won with it, and how much coin. Was some of the best years of my life when I was growin' up.”

The Sin'dorei nearly spit out his wine, his face breaking into a scowl as he slammed the delicate glass down, nearly shattering it. His head leaned forward, his golden hair half-covering part of his face. “Are you trying to tell me you are comparing the loss of the love of my life to a trike that you had once that exploded?!”

Zeppi blinked at the Sin'dorei, tilting her head sideways in confusion, “Course I am sugar. As far as I'm thinkin', it don't matter one bit what it is that makes your heart race. What matters is the FEELING you get when it does. That moment when your blood is pulsing and you know, without havin' to second guess, you KNOW that you belong in that moment. If that's not love, what's the point of it?”

The elf across from her leaned back in his chair, falling into a brooding silence. Zeppi took another sip from her bottle, frowning when she discovered it was empty. She shrugged, setting it on its side and idly spinning it on the table, a grin creeping across her face. She began to speak, her words almost slurred with drink, “You know goldie, the best way to get past a loss like that's to go and get your heart pumpin' again. Why don't you go order us another bottle and get one of the nicer rooms here. I don't gotta be back at the worksite til morning.”

The Sin'dorei's eyes nearly bugged out of his head and he sat up in a huff. “I should certainly think NOT, Miss Sparkflash. I didn't ask for your company at my table OR your advice, and I certainly don't need...whatever it is you're implying.”

Zeppi shrugged, her laughter floating out and jarring with the general droning of conversation within the tavern, “Honey, I was just jokin' with you. Judging by the fake diamonds you got on your ears, I'm gonna guess you can't afford the kinda wine OR room I'd like anyway sweetie.”

The elf flushed red with outrage, his hands darting up to his ears, “W-what...how DARE you...do you have any IDEA how much these cost? I had them imported from...from...”

His face fell as a toothy grin cross Zeppi's face. Her voice finished his sentence for him, “From a goblin who got them from some pirate's cove, right dollface?”

The Sin'dorei abruptly rose from his chair, his face so flushed with anger he could hardly speak. As he stormed off, Zeppi's laughter followed him, redoubled now at his embarrassment. After he was gone she laughed to herself at the table for some time before she noticed the glint of red and gold near where the elf had been sitting. She leaned down, looking under the table and spotting his travel pack and sword. With an even larger grin her deft little hands soon had the coin-purse he'd accidentally abandoned.

Zeppi leaned back up in her chair and waved one of the tavern's barmaids over, nodding to the Sin'dorei as the other approached. “Hey toots, can you get us another bottle of your best wine? Golden boy had to go relieve himself but he'll be back. He said put it on his tab.”

The waitress nodded and hurried off to fill the order while Zeppi grinned and grinned.

Ten minutes later the little goblin woman was walking drunkenly towards the Sheppard's Gate, a bottle of extremely expensive, imported wine in her hand and a song floating discordantly from her lips hovering drunkenly in the air around her. At her belt, a thick pouch of golden coins jingled.

Sometimes you get to meet the love of your life more than once.

To Cheat A Goblin

A high pitched laugh echoed through the golden forest, the sound playfully flowing through the warm breeze that was always present in Eversong. Although laughter was not uncommon in the forest, the tone of the person making it was quite unusual. Not quite child-like, and with an accent that would make a grown orc wince, the goblin woman's laughter echoed again as she was told another joke.

"Never heard that one before Big G," Zeppi said with a sharp-toothed smile. She was hunched over her trike, trying to reconnect a fuel line that had come loose and set the ground behind her on fire for the last fifty feet of their ride before they stopped.

Around her were two other goblins, their own trikes parked as they lounged against them and watched their boss at work. The bigger of the two goblin males, the one she'd called Big G, smirked as he watched the smaller red-haired goblin try and fix her trike.

"You'll never reconnect that fuel line if you don't weld it in place Boss," Big G said casually. The thought that putting flame to a rubber pipe that had volatile fuel in it might be dangerous didn't cross any of their minds.

Zeppi shook her head and opened her mouth to comment when the second male goblin chimed in, his voice only slightly lower pitched than Zeppi's own, "Nah. Don't waste time Boss. I wanna spend our cut already. Just put a bolt in it and weld it back at the shop. You can use the geothermal fuser to get it on there really good."

Zeppi nodded at the speaker, the smaller of her two brutes named Znar. He was one of her better techs, and she always brought him along for longer trips in case they had to fix something on the fly, or better yet destroy something large. Like Zeppi herself, he carried enough blasting powder to level a small mountain as a matter of course.

"Ya know what? I think I'll just connect the secondary fuel tank," Zeppi said thoughtfully. "Should have enough that the extra burn off won't matter." With that, she quickly set about hooking a second fuel line to the injectors on that side of her trike, ignoring the fact that the Sin'dorei would likely not appreciate her burning half the foliage on her way out of Quel'Thalas.

Her two brutes, both members of Sparkflash Industrial Weapons Inc. of Orgrimmar, continued to lounge against their own machines, chatting while she worked. Just as she finished up and leaned back to admire her handiwork, a shadow fell over her. She looked up to find herself staring up at a blonde Sin'dorei, his fel green eyes studying her carefully. Around the group, several other Sin'dorei had approached, all in thick plate armor and wearing tabards bearing an emblem that looked like a sun rising out of the ocean.

All of it meant nothing to Zeppi, and she looked up at the elf, one eyebrow raised, "Can I help you with somethin' champ, or are you just admirin' my sweet ride?"

The elf smirked at her, the look on his face one that might make others uncomfortable from the malice in it, that is, if they weren't goblins. Zeppi just waited patiently for golden boy to start talking.

"Two days ago you received payment," the elf began. "This payment was given to you by House Felo'melorn. The expenditure was not authorized by all members of the Blackhearts military coalition, and must be relinquished immediately."

Zeppi's other eyebrow joined her first way up by her hairline. She tilted her head further, studying the elf, "I'm sorry honey, I don't think I heard that right. You sayin' you're going to TAKE my GOLD?"

"Essentially, yes." the elf replied. "If you have issue with this, House Felo'melorn should be contacted."

Behind Zeppi, her two brutes had straightened up, angry muttering coming from Big G. Two of the Sin'dorei Blood Knights surrounding the three smaller goblins half drew their swords, the glint of metal a dire warning. Zeppi held up her hand, looking at the other goblins and nodding slightly, "Easy now. No need for that. We're reasonable people after all sugar."

She looked back at the elf before her, who was staring at her impatiently. She rolled her eyes, reaching up to the top of her riding jacket, "Just hold on a minute. I gotta at least get it out before you get all weepy and ruin your eye makeup honey."

The elf rolled his eyes as Zeppi unzipped the front of her jacket. The tight corset she had beneath it drew his gaze as she leaned forward, letting quite a bit of her generous green cleavage peek out of the jacket. Partially distracted and/or disgusted with himself, the elf noted that there was something there, and nodded as he realized that a goblin woman would keep her money close to her heart.

Zeppi seemed to confirm this, her hand darting into the space and pulling the object out. A second later the elf realized his mistake when he was staring down the barrel of a derringer. Clearly there was something this goblin woman liked even more than money; weapons! Zeppi grinned a toothy grin at him as she cocked back the hammer on the small gun. Behind her the other two goblins had drawn larger firearms from the frames of their trikes, covering two of the Blood Knights. The elves, in turn, drew their swords, creating a tense moment.

"Be cool! Everyone just be cool!" Zeppi yelled, her purple eyes darting from one elf to the next and her gun held firmly in her grip. "I don't wanna hafta splatter you all over your pretty forest here, but nobody takes my pay ya got that honey?!"

The blonde elf sighed, taking a step back, "You should rethink this Miss Sparkflash. I'd hate to have to slaughter all of you. That wasn't in my instructions but if need be, it'll come to that."

Zeppi laughed, the sound not holding a hint of fear. "Honey, if you think this is the first time I've been double-crossed you got another thing comin'. Just beat it so I don't have to put a hot one in that pretty head of yours."

The elf shook his head and gestured with one hand, speaking to Zeppi as he did so. "I don't think you understand the situation Miss Sparkflash."

From around the forest, several more Sin'dorei appeared with bows in hand. The goblins were outnumbered a good five to one now. Zeppi frowned, not liking the odds.

"You see Miss Sparkflash, accommodating my request would be in your best interest," the elf said again.

Begrudgingly, Zeppi lowered her derringer and snarled at the elf, "Gonna hafta pay for this at some point honey. A goblin always remembers who owes 'em."

With that she stormed over to her trike and pulled out a brown sack, holding it in her hand. She jingled it once and the sound of metal on metal came from it. The elf nodded at her and she tossed it to the nearest Blood Knight.

"Thank you Miss Sparkflash, I'm glad you could see reason," the elf said.

Zeppi smiled at him, her hand coming up from off her trike, a small little metal object with a button on it in her hand, "No, thank you sugar. Been about two hours since I've blown something up!"

With that she depressed the button on the detonator she was holding, and the sack she'd thrown to the Blood Knight detonated with a spectacular blast. The elf was thrown back into one of his companions, shrapnel from the sack striking several of the other elves, felling two of them. It sailed harmlessly over the heads of the shorter goblins, although a few pieces peppered Big G's trike, which made him snarl in irritation.

Less than a second later, the clearing erupted into a full-scale battle as the three goblins opened up on the Sin'dorei around them. Zeppi crouched down behind her trike, using it for cover from the Sin'dorei bowmen as she worked her shotgun free from one of the trike's saddlebags. With a whoop of joy she rose up from behind the arrow-studded machine and let her gun roar out at the elves who were futilely using bushes and trees as cover. Behind her the other two goblins had similarly taken cover, and were systematically blasting any Sin'dorei that came into sight.

It was over less than a minute later. Taken by surprise by the blast and unable to find adequate cover, most of the Sin'dorei were cut down in the first seconds of gunfire. Those who had managed to get behind trees fled as the bark and wood was slowly cut away by sharp flying bits of metal. The goblins appeared to have more than adequate supplies of ammunition and were happy enough just blasting at the trees themselves if no elves were available as targets. After a few moments of cowering, the last remaining Sin'dorei fled the scene.

Zeppi smiled as she rose up from behind her trike, gunsmoke trailing from the end of her shotgun. She stepped out from around it, surveying the dead elves around her before hearing one of them groan. She walked over to the source of the noise, discovering the elf that had originally been leading the group laying in a pool of blood, his gut hit by one of their rounds.

Zeppi paused, looking down at him and smiling, "You see honey, never cheat a goblin. We cheat way better than you. 'Sides, we did that work fair and square. Can't let you take our coin back. That'd be bad policy!"

The elf groaned, looking up at her with glassy eyes, "Y-you'll never get out of here alive fool. Y-you can't just....kill...Sin'dorei in Quel'Thalas. S-someone will find our corpses and you'll be done for."

Zeppi just kept smiling, setting her gun down and pulling her arclight spanner from her belt. She tilted her head, leaning close as if sharing a secret. "Well honey, you know, I know a guy that knows a guy who buys corpses and body parts offa people. Says there's good business in it with the Forsaken. So I'm thinkin' there won't be no bodies to be found toots. Just more coin in my purse."

For one brief horrifying moment the elf looked up into the goblins eyes and came to realize that his life was nothing more than a sum in her head. A figure in golden coins that weighed against the amount of work it would take to cart him off. He shivered as she brought her spanner up, the truth finally coming to him as it came down hard on the side of his skull and blackness claimed him.

You really can't cheat a goblin.

Zeppi giggled, wiping her spanner clean on the dead elf's clothing before looking at the other two and nodding, "Big G, go and fetch the atv and trailer from the storage garage at the Blackhearts compound. Looks like we got one more stop to make before we head back to the zepplin and hit the shop. This trip just got a lot more profitable."

As the two goblins whooped and bellowed with joy behind her, Zeppi turned back to the fallen elf, the glint of gold at his neck catching her eye. With a smile, she leaned down and grabbed the pendant from around his neck, murmuring to herself, "What have we hear lovely?"

The golden emblem, the seal of House Dawnsea, found its way into her coin-pouch. The one she kept in her pants pocket, not her corset. With a smile Zeppi went back to her trike, stowing her shotgun so she'd have two hands free to loot the other corpses. It was all about maximizing profit after all!

What a good trip. Quel'Thalas was a great place to do business!

A Change in the Winds

The catapults shuddered as they fired, the huge projectiles arcing out over the water and heading towards the red and golden ship fleeing in the distance. Two of the shots missed entirely, splashing in the water and sending up huge plumes from the near misses. The third projectile hit the the target ship's mainmast, cracking some of the wood and sending rigging and elves plunging down to the deck below or into the sea near the stricken ship. The vessel shuddered, turning slightly as its crew desperately attempted to correct its course. While they were successful, the action served to slow the ship's speed and allowed the two pursuing vessels to gain ground on their target.

Aboard one of the pursuing ships, the Sin'dorei captain raised a spyglass to his fel green eyes, nodding to himself as land appeared in the distance.

“It won't be long now,” he said quietly to himself. “They have no place to go except the cove if they wish to repair the damage. They can't escape now.” He nodded in satisfaction and glanced at his subordinates nearby, inclining his head. The elves moved quickly and gracefully at the unvoiced command, beginning the preparations for a boarding action.

In the distance, the stricken vessel grew larger as the two pursuing Sin'dorei vessels caught up with it, the land behind it also coming closer and revealing a natural cove on a deserted island. The target ship was heading directly into the cove, and its fate was sealed at this point. The captain raised a hand, signaling to the artillery crews to stay their next shots. There was no point in wasting a fine vessel after all when it could be captured by force.

The three ships moved into the cove, the pursuing vessels slowing as they blockaded the entrance, their hulls turning to allow their deck catapults in the bow and stern of each vessel a clear shot on their victim. As they came to a stop and began preparing boarding ships, both vessels raised their flags, the red banners flapping in the wind and unfurling atop the mainmasts. The flags were large, the image of a golden sun rising over the waves on a red field clearly depicting House Dawnsea's colors.

The captain smiled to himself, leaving the bridge to one of his underlings as he joined the boarding parties preparing to disembark. Both Sin'dorei vessels launched their boats, dozens and then hundreds of hardened House Dawnsea fighters preparing to row over to the trapped ship and take it. House Dawnsea had been plying the seas for many hundreds of years, and they knew this business well. The captain smiled as the serene waters of the cove slipped beneath his boarding boat, the sandy shores of the deserted island surrounding the small body of water. Ahead of him, the Sin'dorei vessel he sought to capture awaited him like an unlocked treasure chest.

They had been told that the vessel carried a valuable cargo, and that High Priestess Seluna Dawnsea would tolerate no failure on this venture. It would be a simple matter to take the ship, execute the elves aboard and then indicate that they found it wrecked on the rocks. Whatever House owned the vessel would simply write it off and business would continue as usual. House Dawnsea knew THIS business equally well.

As they approached the vessel, he could see the elves that crewed it running in a panic. They were trying to untangle the damaged rigging so that they could make repairs on the ship, while others were hastily grabbing weapons to repel the boarders. They would stand little chance against so many boarders though; it was only a matter of time now.

As they drew closer to the ship's hull, the captain noticed one figure amongst those on the deck that was not moving about in a panic. Wearing a dark robe with a cowl that covered its form, the figure stepped towards the edge of the hull. Two delicately manicured hands reached up, resting on the ship's gunwale. From beneath the cowl, the captain could see two glowing green eyes; clearly she was a Sin'dorei passenger that the ship had been transporting. It mattered little now. She would die along with the rest of the crew.

Even as he thought this, the elf on-board the enemy vessel brought her hands up, lifting her cowl and letting it fall behind her. Flame red hair cascaded around her face, blowing in the winds coming off the sea. She looked out into the distance, towards the blockaded end of the cove. As she stared, the captain could swear he saw the burning fel in her eyes glow brightly, as if the legion itself marched in her gaze. Her hands rose above her head, and flickering embers began to dance in the air around her as the captain realized she was casting a spell.

He tried to call out, but it was far far too late. With a rushing FOOM! sound the air in the distance superheated, flaming balls of fire forming in the sky and raining down upon the surface of the sea. The two vessels that he and his boarding parties had left were the target of the spell, and even from the distance the heat coming off of their burning hulls tightened the skin on his face. He could see elves in the distance hurling themselves from the burning wreckage as the vessels began to sink, the flames so intense that they burned to the water line. It was no ordinary fire, and the captain could swear that amongst the dancing flames imps cackled and played.

With wide eyes, he turned his gaze back to the target vessel. The elf that had cast the spell stared down at the boarding boats, a smirk playing across her red painted lips. One of her hands reached up and casually tucked a few errant strands of her red hair behind one long, tapered ear as her eyes roamed over the boats bobbing in the water below her ship. Her eyes still glowed brightly, the fel magic she'd been using dancing there like a threat. That she was a warlock was now beyond a shadow of a doubt.

After looking over the elves that were now trapped in the small boats below her vessel, she raised a hand, snapping her fingers. Elves raced across the deck, weapons at the ready and two of them raising a banner on the mainmast. As the flag rose above the ship, the captain gasped and many of the elves in the boarding boats began to mutter. The flag flapped once in the breeze, its colors plain for all to see.

A golden sun rose above the waves on a red field.

The warlock turned, gazing down at the elves below her, her voice carrying out over the water like a sensuous whisper. There was an underlying threat in it that was unmistakable.

“My name,” she began, smirking at the elves that she could now burn alive at will, “Is Calexa. Calexa Dawnsea. And I am one of House Dawnsea's true heirs. That you dare to strike at me is a testament to the depths that our House has fallen to. The High Priestess may direct your hand, but when you strike at me, you strike at the pure blood of this House. This will no longer be tolerated.”

The captain opened his mouth to speak, but his voice was forestalled as the flame-haired Sin'dorei brought up one of her manicured hands again. She smiled at him, as one might an old friend. “Your excuses are not necessary. You have already committed the act and thus anything you may say would simply be a lie. You don't wish to contest my word or will, do you?”

The question hung in the air, the threat obvious now. Slowly the captain shook his head. He was rewarded by beautiful laughter that was, to his ears, cold and callous. “Excellent. You have already learned a valuable lesson. It is shameful that such learning came so late in your life.”

Calexa turned, smiling at her own ship's crew. “Repair the damage and get us underway. I have much to do, and the High Priestess must be greeted properly. It is high time that the survivors of this House come together for a long...chat.”

One of the crew stepped forward, bowing before the warlock, “M'lady? What of the survivors?”

Calexa smiled again, the malice on her face obvious now. Embers danced in the air around her, and in the water just beyond the hull of the ship fires began to rain down upon the boarding boats. Horrific screams rose up, and many of the crew winced as the elves began to burn alive upon the surface of the sea.

Calexa tilted her head, her glowing fel green eyes boring into the crew-member that had asked the question. Her voice was soft and casual, as if nothing at all had happened, “What survivors?”

With wide eyes the crew-member bowed, turning and running to attend to his duties. All across the ship elves rushed to their stations, making the ship seaworthy again.

Calexa leaned on the railing, watching the remaining flames as they danced upon the surface of the sea, a smile on her face. Soon she would return to the mainland. She had been in exile for far too long, but she had the power she needed now to ensure that her rightful place in House Dawnsea would not be denied her by usurpers and liars. The High Priestess and High Scion would be obstacles in her path, but she would find a way to work beside them, and slay any of their agents that blundered into her path.

House Dawnsea would regain the glory that it once held. She would see to it herself.

Touch of the Sha

Alleriel moved fitfully in her sleep, her face slipping into a frown as she tossed and turned in her bedroll. She lay on the open ground of the Krasarang Wilds, the beautiful stars of Pandaria glimmering over her head. The day had been spent making contact with the locals and learning more of their culture. It had been filled with many long treks across the beautiful landscape, and Alleriel had been glad to finally find a place to rest.

As she slipped into a deeper, troubled slumber, the Sha began its attack on her powerfully focused mind. She dreamed, and in her dream, she remembered a time several years past...

*********************

The corridor was long and dark, with only a few magical lanterns to light the way now. Once it had been bathed in illumination, the bright lights showing off the beautiful tapestries lining the walls and the plush furnishings that had been placed in alcoves along the way.

Now though, the estate had fallen on hard times. With the fall of the Sunwell, the Quel'dorei had suffered terribly, both in lives lost and in the loss of the magic that sustained them all. Although Alleriel knew the hallway in which she found herself, it was hard to believe that only a few months before it had been a proud representation of House Dawnflame's power.

Built in an area of Silvermoon City that had more open spaces, the manor house was connected directly with the great wall that had encircled the city. During the Scourge invasion, it had been a near thing that Alleriel's betrothed, Lenius, had been able to lead his servants and people to the ships that House Sunhaven had prepared to flee the hordes of undead. Thanks to the quick thinking of all involved, many lives had been spared that otherwise would have been lost.

By the looks of things now though, the lives that had been saved had only been consigned to a slow death rather than the swift destruction that the Scourge had promised. Over the previous months, the members of House Dawnflame had slowly sunken into the grip of the Thirst that all of them keenly felt after the Sunwell's loss. Although Alleriel had done all she could for Lenius's people, there was little she could do other than try and teach them the new ways of the Sin'dorei in the hopes that they would be able to control themselves.

It had been hard, becoming Sin'dorei and following the new methods the Prince had shown them. It had caused a schism, and many Quel'dorei had left Quel'Thalas forever as a result. Alleriel's own parents had been amongst the exiled, and try as she might she still missed them dearly, especially now given what she saw.

She took a few hesitant steps down the hallway, her finely made dress shifting with the movements of her body. The dress, and its wearer, had seen better days. It marked her as a Magistrix, but the weary expression on her face, the loose threads on the garment, and the locks of her golden hair that had escaped their bindings all pointed towards many long, sleepless nights as the new Scion of House Sunhaven tried to cope with the disaster that had befallen her people.

As she began to move, Alleriel saw that the situation in House Dawnflame's estate was worse than she had remembered during her last visit. The alcoves had not been dusted or cleaned in many days, the magical brooms and other arcane devices that would normally handle such tasks having fallen silent and dead. Alleriel grimly continued on down the hallway, trying to put the implications of the missing items out of her mind.

She exited the corridor to find herself striding across a raised platform with a balcony overlooking a grand entrance hall down below. What would normally have been glowing chandeliers now hung dull and almost light-less, their magic drained and never renewed. Alleriel also tried to ignore this ill omen, picking up her pace and passing the top of the grand staircase that would have lead down to the entry hall below. Ahead of her another corridor opened, winding into the darkness of the estate and leading her towards her destination. Somehow, she already knew what she would find, as if she had been here before.

She came up to elegantly carved double doors, their golden handles glinting dully in the darkness of the corridor. On the floor before the closed barrier were several bits of cloth; discarded clothes and what appeared to be a few valuables wrapped in a discarded window-drape. Clearly some of the servants had begun to abandon the structure, or at the very least order had begun to decay.

Alleriel took a deep breath, her hand extending towards the door handles. Her fingers rested on the latch and she gave a wry smile; the manicure she'd had was long since chipped, and it was likely she would never again have the luxury or time to spend on such frivolities. Not when her own servants and retainers needed her. With a sigh, she twisted the handle and pushed the doors open.

As the doors creaked opened, no longer properly maintained, they exposed a darkened room beyond. In happier times, Lenius's bedchambers would have been brilliant with magical light and the light of the sun coming in through the tall stained glass windows at the far end. Now though, the drapes had been closed tightly over the sparkling glass, blocking out the sun's light. The magical lanterns that had once glowed warmly now sparked dully, giving off almost no illumination. With great hesitation now, Alleriel slowly entered the room.

She knew what she'd find there.

Her eyes, newly fel-green from the absorption of 'alternate' magic sources, adjusted slowly to the dim light, until she could finally make out the bed on the far end of the room. As she knew she would, she saw two figures upon its soft surface, Lenius and one of his servant girls. Her heart skipped a beat.

“Lenius..?” her voice was timid, hollow. All of the joy and energy had been drawn from it. She stepped closer, already knowing what she would find. He lay there, his arms around the girl, his lips locked with hers. Under normal circumstances she would have been hurt, upset, angry even. But these were not ordinary circumstances, for she was not viewing a lover's tryst or the severance of Lenius's vows of betrothal, but something far far worse.

The servant girl was dead.

Not just dead, drained. He had been feeding on the magical energy within her. He'd taken so much of her magic that she had perished during the encounter that had never had a romantic objective in the first place. Her nearly naked, lifeless body hung limply in his grasp as his lips continued to suck up every last trace of magic within her. Her eyes were wide with horror in death, and Alleriel knew that she'd had no chance to resist him. Like her, he'd been a powerful magister and knew what he was doing.

As she stepped closer, the rustle of her skirts alerted him to her presence. He slowly released the unfortunate elf, letting her body lay upon the blankets. He looked up, his eyes glowing dully with magical light. “I need more.”

Alleriel took a step back as his hungry, haunted gaze locked with hers. His body was pale and thin, likely from days of deprivation as he slowly gave in to his thirst. Likely he was not the only who had become Wretched as all of House Dawnflame slowly came to an end. It explained where all of the magical lanterns had gone, where all of the magical brooms and other arcane devices had gone. They'd been consumed by the Sin'dorei as they gave in to their base needs, and now that it was gone, they had nothing left to feed on but each other.

She shook her head, knowing that somewhere in the wreckage of the creature that had once been her betrothed his mind still functioned behind a wall of pure thirst for magic. She spoke softly, her voice sad, “Lenius...why? Why couldn't you focus? Why couldn't you retain control?”

He almost hissed at her, moving slowly away from the dead body on his bed, moving to the edge and setting his feet on the floor. “I need more Alleriel. Always more. There is a void in me that can never be filled. I WILL fill it. I will have more!”

Alleriel's heart broke as she heard the words, despair creeping over her. She shook her head, taking a step back. “You are not the elf that I am sworn to. He has passed from this life now. Though I hurt so much that I can barely stand here and say this, I must go Lenius. This...this can't go on any longer.”

She brought her hand up, the ring on her finger glittering brightly. His eyes locked on it, and it broke her heart even further. The ring, given to her by him when they had been betrothed, glittered not with a diamond, but with the purest of mana gems crafted from their magic together. It was a token of their love and shared dedication to the arts and Quel'Thalas. With shaking hands, she slowly pulled it off her finger, holding it up. His eyes locked on it, and she could tell by the expression on his face that the symbol it represented meant nothing now, it was only the magic it contained that mattered.

She dropped it on the floor and turned, fleeing from the sight. Behind her, she heard him lurch forward, not after her, but after the ring that sat glowing on the carpet behind her.

Her hands came down, grasping her skirts so she could run faster. Despair clawed at her heart and mind as she passed through the crumbling remains of House Dawnflame's estate. Something deep within her made her want to just give in to the feeling, to let it encompass all of her being. There was no point in anything now. Her people had suffered, many of them losing their lives and others becoming what Lenius was now, Wretched.

She dashed down the grand staircase of the estate, heading for the doors that lead out as she knew she was supposed to do. She could not shake the feeling that grew and grew within her, her mind slowly sinking into the pure incarnation of despair that the events, the memory brought with it. Her hands reached out, pressing against the doors that lead out of the estate and throwing them wide.

Sunlight flowed into the room, and Alleriel paused, shielding her eyes. Before her, a figure hovered in the air. It was an elf, her legs crossed and her hands resting on her knees, her eyes closed as she serenely hovered in place. With a shock, Alleriel realized she was looking at herself.

This is not how it is supposed to happen. I run out and leave Lenius behind...I sink into despair for days after. What is...

The figure before her opened its eyes, the other-Alleriel looking at her with a soft smile on her face. “Alleriel. Remember your training. Focus. Discipline. Balance the Chi within yourself.”

Alleriel blinked in surprise, shaking her head and trying to think clearly, despair still trying to overwhelm her. Memories came flooding back, of who she was now, of what she was, of what she'd learned in the years since this memory, this DREAM and the true present.

I am asleep. This is not real. This is just the past, and the past does not dictate the future. Focus. Balance. Breathe in and take calm within yourself. Breathe out and let the darkness go. It does not belong, and when it is gone, only Alleriel will remain.

**************************

The Sha had gotten close, the eerie manifestation of despair almost hovering over the sleeping Sin'dorei as it attempted to invade her mind. But Alleriel Sunhaven was not the broken Magistrix that existed after the fall of the Sunwell. She was not vulnerable in her mind as she would have been before she traveled the world and learned more of herself and who her people were. She was a trained monk now, and her mind was a weapon.

The manifestation reached out to touch Alleriel and she exploded into motion. From an apparent deep sleep her body rocked onto its back. Blue-green eyes sprang open as her legs spun above her, the deadly arc of her feet driving the creature away. She flipped herself up with her hands, landing lightly on her bare feet and falling into a fighting pose, her face a calm mask as she looked at the Sha. It was a smaller one, but still dangerous as the assault on her mind had shown.

The creature lashed out at her, despair falling upon her and sliding off of the edges of her disciplined mind. The spell had no effect on her, for she had purged the despair from her heart many years ago, and forged strength of mind in her training and trials. The memory was now nothing more than a bittersweet note of a time when happiness had fled for a while. The future was so much brighter.

The creature lurched at her, and in a blur of motion she met it halfway, her hands flying out and connecting with the semi-solid edges of its manifested form. She dodged its claws and spells, her reflexes more than capable of protecting her as she systematically began to dismantle the creature with Chi-empowered blows.

In the darkness of the Wilds, a howl briefly flowed out over the land as a piece of despair itself despaired, and then withered away to nothing, destroyed and put to rest physically as it had been in the heart of the monk, leaving Alleriel Sunhaven to her peaceful camp once more.

Reunions

Alleriel strode with purpose down the street, her gaze roaming over the signs of the nearby shops. Dressed in carefully crafted leather armor that had been dyed red and accentuated with the red tabard of the Blackhearts, her outfit stood out amongst the lightly colored buildings of Dalaran, yet matched the red cobblestone streets perfectly. With the half-mask she wore to protect her face from the bitter northern cold pulled down, Alleriel's peaceful demeanor was plain for all to see, written on her face in a smile as she took in the wonders of the city.

She had arrived only hours before, on the longest leg of her journey of self-discovery. Intent on retracing the events of the past few years and visiting the homes of her allies, she had already visited many different locations across Azeroth and even the Outlands. It was now time for her to explore the frozen north, where her people had sacrificed and lost much to help defeat the Scourge in recent times. Already the frozen vistas and brilliant dawns had captivated her heart, and she was eager to see what else the lands had to show her about herself and her people. That was, of course, after she obtained some proper cold-weather equipment. Even perfectly balanced Chi would keep frostbite away for only so long.

As she rounded a corner, she came up short when an elf stepped away from one of the doorways and blocked her path. He was the same height as her, his pink complexion and soft features marking him as being of the same race. The difference between her and the stranger extended only to the soft blue glow of his eyes, and the distinct displeasure scrawled across his face.

"Can I help you sir?" Alleriel said, the smile still on her face.

The elf's scowl merely deepened as he reached into a pocket on the coat he wore and withdrew a piece of parchment. As he moved, Alleriel was able to glimpse the armor he wore beneath the heavy garment through the open front, and her eyes widened.

Why would a Silver Covenant member wish to stop me....?

He thrust the paper towards her, and she reached out slowly, trepidation overcoming her natural calm. A heavy lump settled in her chest as she took the parchment. The Quel'dorei didn't bother to say anything to her as she took it, merely turning and hurrying away as if being near her would cause him to contract an illness.

For her part, Alleriel merely unfolded the piece of paper, her sea green eyes widening as she discovered it contained only an address and a time. A time that was nearly upon her. With a resigned nod, she folded the paper up and looked to the nearest street sign, already plotting her path to the written address.

Getting her bearings in the city quickly, she hurried along the various streets, her gaze now looking to street signs rather than to shop signs. At last she found the address that was indicated, and stepped to the front door, opening it and stepping inside what appeared to be a florist's shop. The shop keeper, a human woman, looked at her and nodded once, as if she was expected. She tilted her head towards the back door, and then resumed pruning a small plant she had been handling when Alleriel stepped in.

With a shrug, Alleriel moved towards the door indicated, and stepped through into the shop's back room, closing the barrier behind her. She discovered immediately that it wasn't dark within the enclosed space because there were magical lights illuminating the small room, allowing her to see clearly the shelves of planting pots, tools, and sacks of soil.

And the two Quel'dorei elves standing within the room awaiting her.

Alleriel took a deep breath to calm herself, bringing herself upright and presenting a formal appearance as best she could given her stained and worn travel gear. The two elves before her wore long, flowing white robes that bore the symbols of the Silver Covenant on them. It did not surprise Alleriel that they were there though. After all, it only made sense.

She dipped her head once, murmuring softly, "Ann'da. Minn'da. It has been long since I've seen you both. I hope that you are well."

The two elves looked her, almost regal in their stance, their blue eyes studying every detail of their daughter as if measuring and weighing her. It was true that Alleriel had not seen her parents since the rift between those who would become Sin'dorei and those who had remained Quel'dorei.

"We are well, Alleriel," her father said softly. Kethan Sunhaven had always been one to speak as efficiently as possible, and he wasted little breath on needless words here. This was not a happy family reunion, but a necessary inspection of his heir.

Beside Kethan, Alleriel's mother Denala Sunhaven stirred, the golden blonde hair that so matched her daughter's shifting slightly. She offered Alleriel a half smile, her voice warmer as she spoke in turn, "And you Alleriel? How do you fare, and what of the fortunes of House Sunhaven?"

Alleriel took in a soft breath to balance herself, knowing that she had to remain calm and focused before her parents. She spoke with a steady voice, "We fare well. Although times were difficult immediately following your departure, we have managed to survive and prosper even in darkness. Recent events have been...unfortunate, and required that I make decisions to help restore balance to those you left in my care and our people."

Kethan nodded, his face betraying little emotion, "We are aware of the events in Theramore, Alleriel. It was difficult to face the knowledge that those we left behind were capable of such acts. I trust you have taken the lesson of this incident to heart? You were always wise enough to see the truth of things."

Alleriel swallowed once, her attempts to remain focused failing for the first time in many weeks. All of the training in the world could not keep her inner Chi aligned when faced with the judgement of her parents and the acts that the Sin'dorei had helped commit. She merely nodded, her face pale as she looked her parents in the eyes, "I have taken it to heart Ann'da. As a result of this act, House Sunhaven has been purged of all magic. We live a more simplistic lifestyle now, and those whom you left under my guidance seek a way to free ourselves and purify our spirits. It is my hope that we can learn a new path, and teach others as well, before we repeat the mistakes of our former Prince."

Alleriel's parents paused for a moment, glancing at each other. There was more communicated in that glance than an entire conversation, and the silence in the room weighed heavily on Alleriel. Her parents had left her as the ruler of House Sunhaven when they had chosen to remain Quel'dorei and face the ravages of the Thirst after the death of the Sunwell. They knew then, when they left, that Alleriel would do what she could to guide those who stayed behind wisely. Those who stayed behind, those who became green-eyed Sin'dorei, would at least have someone to care for them in the darkness. Alleriel's sacrifice in remaining had been difficult for both Quel'dorei to process, and now, for the first time, they had the chance to see what she had done, what she had become.

It was a chance to witness and judge her.

Her mother turned back towards her, a look of concern on her face, "You are traveling the world without magic Alleriel? That is quite dangerous."

Alleriel smiled and dipped her head, "Minn'da, I have been training in new ways, different ways brought to us from faraway lands. It is my hope that studying these new ideas and new culture will allow me to find some enlightenment that will aid House Sunhaven in the trials to come. I am...capable, even if unarmed, and such power cannot be abused, because it requires strength of will, focus, and a deeper understanding of oneself and the world. I hope that I will, in time, become proficient enough in these ways to teach others, and help heal the Sin'dorei."

Again silence descended between the three elves and Alleriel watched her parents as they exchanged another glance. Finally, Kethan nodded once, a slight smile creasing his lips, "Alleriel, we are very proud of you. You have done much to correct the many things wrong in Quel'Thalas. Although it was difficult to watch you choose to stay behind, we understand why you felt it was necessary. We cannot join you in your journey, for we chose a different path, but know that we support you even when we are not there."

Alleriel's heart ached as her father spoke the words that she'd secretly been wishing to hear for years. She had had no way of talking to either of her parents once the rift formed between Quel'dorei and Sin'dorei, and the Silver Covenant especially was an enemy to her people now. This chance meeting, this brief moment with them, told Alleriel all she needed to know about the righteousness of her path. She would not fail them, and would not fail the Sin'dorei. They would survive the coming war and heal as a people. She would see to it as long as she had breath in her body.

She looked down, tears filling her eyes as her self-control broke. It was rare for her to allow emotion to penetrate so deeply through her rigid training, but she had not been taught to reject good emotions. Quite the opposite, she had been taught that they strengthened her spirit, and that she should embrace them. Even as she began to cry, she felt both of her parents move closer, their arms encircling her and holding her tight.

For a moment the three stood, holding each other in happy reunion, Alleriel's mother soothing her by patting her hair. After a time, the moved apart, the older Quel'dorei looking at Alleriel with a mixture of pride and sadness.

"We cannot tarry here long Alleriel," Kethan said softly. "With things as they are in the world now, we cannot be seen with you publicly. Not here, and not now. Maybe with time, even this wound will heal and we can reunite with you. Know though that we will always be here in your darkest hours my daughter."

Alleriel nodded, taking a breath to calm herself again and allowing her Chi to balance perfectly within her. Her face glowed with peace and serenity, and her parents smiled at her with pride. She moved forward, embracing them one last time, "I will not fail Quel'Thalas. Our people will have their soul again one day. Our mistakes will be long forgotten in the past, and we will heal. I swear it will be so."

With that she turned, slipping from the room and leaving her parents behind, her last sight of them the smiles on their aged faces. She had a lightness in her heart now that she would carry with her through the rest of her journey. She realized, as she returned to the streets of Dalaran, that coming here had had the exact purpose and effect that she'd hoped; she had found another piece of herself, found another point of serenity upon which to focus. As all of the learning she'd experienced previously had done for her, this trip would teach her many things about herself, her family, and her purpose on Azeroth.

Muddied Waters

Biara sat in a high-backed chair, a large table spread out before her with several maps of Quel'Thalas laid over it. Upon the maps were a number of notations, troop placement markers, and depictions of various assets of all of the four Houses included in the Blackhearts alliance. The purpose of the information was to show the Magistrix exactly how the now-increased company was deployed within their homeland and where it could best be put to use if deployed outside of Quel'Thalas, such as the groups that had already been sent on to Pandaria with Kyliska's battlegroup.

As she looked over the map, Biara sighed, making a few new notations on the document before pausing to glare critically at the entire pile of documents. There was no mistaking the situation; with four Houses now included in the alliance and several of them deploying men and materials to Pandaria, the delicate balance of power within the city was on a knife's edge. If any House depleted their forces too far, they would be weak within Quel'Thalas and one of the other Houses could use the opportunity to snatch up undefended assets. On the reverse point of view, if any House withheld too many resources, they would lose face in the overall political background of Silvermoon's elite as they would appear to be less loyal. It was a tricky situation indeed.

Biara's thoughts were interrupted as a servant approached, sealed letter in hand. The servant placed the letter on the table before offering the Magistrix a bow and quickly retreating. Biara audibly groaned when she saw the seal gracing the letter's exterior. The lack of magic on the parchment had been enough of a hint but seeing the emblem of a sun rising between two trees embedded in the wax let her know it was another letter from House Sunhaven. With a rolling of her eyes, Biara picked the document up and broke the seal, reading swiftly.

Magistrix Sunfire,
 Greetings and salutations! I am writing to you in regards to several important points that have become a topic of deep debate between myself and several other members of our alliance. I wished to make my sentiments on these matters abundantly clear since there has been rumor and hearsay flying about like loose mana on the wind. It is always best to address such matters directly and with integrity to avoid future complications in my opinion.

The first matter I wished to address is the issue of Theramore. Although I am currently traveling, I have been corresponding with my seneschal as well as members of some of the other Houses involved in our alliance. It has come to my attention that House Dawnsea has recently made statements abhorring the abominable acts that were committed at Theramore by Horde forces. In direct contrast to this, it is my understanding that you yourself have made direct declarations condoning this historic event and hailing it as a great achievement of our people.

It is my wish that the two Houses come together in some form of agreement upon this matter. While I do not believe we should go so far as to publicly condemn the act, I also do not believe that your own stance on this matter is entirely accurate, as I believe you would feel utterly different if such an act were to occur in Quel'Thalas. In fact, one could argue that the Deadscar is very similar to the damage done to Theramore's physical structure.

House Dawnsea is correct, in theory, that the use of such magics is abhorrent. We have seen more than enough suffering due to this force and we understand the danger it poses and the damage it can do to our beloved lands. Actively encouraging the development of such weaponry is absolutely unacceptable for any member of this alliance, and I urge you to consider strongly your words on this matter before expressing them publicly in the future.

That being said, in every argument there is a point of balance where the two sides agree more than disagree. I have come to see this in my travels, and even in this argument it is true. While House Dawnsea may be correct to condemn the act, they are not correct to say that the act was entirely unwarranted, and your point of view has some merit. Theramore was not entirely neutral as public opinion would lead one to believe. Fort Triumph, which was itself responsible for the destruction sewn amongst the Tauren, was being supplied from somewhere. It is highly unlikely and illogical even to think that the men and women of Fort Triumph landed on some desolate shore rather than at Theramore's docks. It is clear that this city-state was, in fact, supplying the Horde's foes for some time, facade of neutrality or not. Therefore, your argument that the attack on this city was justified is not entirely incorrect. The friend of my enemy is my enemy after all, yes?

Consider my words carefully for the future, I beg of you. Neither viewpoint should be taken to such lengths as to attempt to represent all of the Blackhearts company, for there are so many differing opinions that the waters have become too muddied to see through. 

My final point before I leave you to your work is to inform you that I have moved one half-company in support of your sister Kyliska. She should expect to see the arrival of our men on this new continent within a week's time, and I myself will be joining them once I have finished my contemplation and training. It is only fitting that I go myself, for your House has dedicated its own blood to the journey, and I hear rumor that House Moonblade's Scion has herself seen fit to depart for this distant land. A donation of blood will be met in kind, and you can be assured that I will do my part for our people.

I bid you farewell Magistrix. May your path be green and golden.
With warm regards,
Alleriel Sunhaven
Scion of House Sunhaven
Former Magistrix of the Whispering Grove

Biara let the letter fall to the table's surface, sighing heavily. A manicured hand came up to massage her temples as she tried to absorb the irritating words of her new ally. It was clear that House Sunhaven would only make matters more complex, and yet the forces it brought were vital to House Sunfire; that much was clearly spelled out on the map before her.

In some frustration, Biara looked around her war room and noted that Kyliska had left some of her training equipment stacked neatly in a corner. For a brief moment, she had the urge to pick up one of Kyliska's swords and take her irritation out on one of the training dummies in the practice yard. She could see now why her sister liked to beat the dummies into useless pulps some days.

Kyliska's methods might not be entirely inappropriate.

Biara sighed again, shaking her head and rising. She would go and read a book and try to put all of these thoughts from her mind for a time. In some ways, her sister was the lucky one; she'd rather be dealing with deadly creatures than having to read these inane letters constantly!

Change on the Wind

"Elf! Let's see your papers!"

Alleriel winced as the voice called out behind her, subconsciously hunching over slightly. It was, of course, far too late to avoid detection or harassment, but perhaps if she made herself as non-threatening as possible the entire thing would go more quickly.

She was in the Valley of Wisdom in Orgrimmar, walking past the various structures there on her way to obtain more supplies for her journey. She'd spent some time in the region so far, particularly in Durotar and Azshara assisting the orcs and goblins in the area. While the work had been somewhat violent, she'd also aided quite a few of the local citizens and felt overall good about the trip. Until, that is, she came to Orgrimmar.

It had been clear from the moment she arrived that her kind was not welcomed there. From the suspicious glances to the random searches by Kor'kron that seemed to be conducted on all foreigners or people acting 'suspiciously,' Alleriel had seen more than enough to know she didn't wish to remain in the city for very long. She'd taken great efforts to cover her face and head with a hood, but nothing could disguise her ears, which gave her away immediately.

"Are you deaf elf?" the voice said, more demanding now. "I want to see your papers!"

Alleriel turned to find five rather burly orcs staring her down. In full combat armor and festooned with weapons, they were typical Kor'kron grunts that she'd seen keeping the population in line as the Warchief continued to gear up for full-scale war. That she'd avoided them until now had been a blessing, but it seemed her luck was over. She took a deep breath, reaching into a pocket sewn into her leather armor to pull out several documents. One was simply her identification, while the other was the sealed and signed charter of the Blackhearts, detailing her rank within the organization and the greater Horde military. The Kor'kron might have the authority to search her, but there were limits to what they could do if there were no officers present. Judging by the look of the five, none of them were officer material.

The orc that had challenged Alleriel snatched the papers from her hands, scanning them over quickly before thrusting them back at her with a grunt. He scrutinized her weather-beaten armor, tanned skin and golden blonde hair before growling, "This seems to be in order. Go about your business and then leave. We don't want your kind ruining the strength and power of our city."

Alleriel frowned slightly and offered the orc a curtsey before turning and starting to walk away. She sighed with relief, knowing that the encounter could have been worse. Ever since she'd left Quel'Thalas the rumors of the Warchief's ever more intolerant bully-force had reached her ears, and now she'd seen it first hand. Just as she was almost out of earshot of the five, she heard the orc bark out again.

"You! Boy! What do you think you're doing? You should be over in the labor camp. We've need of more strong arms for one of the iron mines."

Although it was against her nature to intentionally seek out confrontation, Alleriel could not help but turn her head to look back. The five orcs had surrounded a much smaller orc, looming over him as one roughly grabbed his arm. The orc they were accosting could not have been more than an adolescent, although Alleriel was not great at judging the age of other races. Despite every nerve in her body telling her to keep walking, she found her body turning and stepping towards the orcs, her own voice surprising her.

"Unhand him at once!"

All five orcs turned to glare at Alleriel, and she swallowed a lump that had suddenly developed in her throat as she continued to move towards them. The lead orc growled at her again, his eyes staring daggers, "This is none of your concern elf! If you know what's good for you you'll leave at once!"

Alleriel did just the opposite, walking closer and quickly inserting herself between the terrified looking young orc and the Kor'kron. She straightened up to her full height, looking the leader directly in the eyes. It was hard for her to project the power of her station wearing her battered travel gear instead of the dresses and finery she might have worn at court back in Quel'Thalas, but she WAS the Lady Sunhaven and she'd be damned if she watched some soldiers try to forcibly recruit a CHILD of all things.

"This boy is a Page for my portion of our forces," Alleriel said, her voice firm. As she spoke, she looked around to see what the reaction of the local populace was. As she had hoped, most were not interested at all and those that were would not be likely to interfere. If they helped the Kor'kron, it would make them look weak since they outnumbered her and would be insulting. Most would not stand against them to aid her, so she was on her own. Just as she'd hoped.

They respect strength. I have to be strong in my stand or they will try to crush me.

The orc she addressed glared at her, stepping closer and looming over her, his bulk many times her size, "I don't think so elf. He goes to the mines. And you're coming with us if you don't get out of my way. Right. Now."

Alleriel took a deep breath, calming herself and focusing, falling into a meditative place within herself where she was at peace and calm. Although she'd only been studying the ways of the monks for a very short time, she had learned much and banishing fear, anger, and rage was one of the key goals she had focused her studies on. She looked at the orc with a serene expression as she replied calmly, "No. I am the Lady Alleriel Sunhaven, Scion of House Sunhaven. This boy is my Page. You are not authorized to take him, nor to command me. Stand down and continue with your duties."

The orc grinned, and behind him the other four began to draw weapons with the sickening sound of steel sliding out of sheaths. Alleriel remained calm, focused and balanced within herself. Her eyes look at the orc as if she were in a distant place as he took a step towards her, still growling, "I warned you elf. Now you will suffer the consequences."He reached for Alleriel, his hand about to clamp on her arm, the onlookers grinning as they realized there would be a fight.

And then she exploded into movement.

There was no warning, no warcry, no hint of anger or rage on her face as she moved. One moment his hand was about to clamp down on her rather small arm, the next moment she was simply not there. She dodged past him as if he were no obstruction at all, rolling between two of the other orcs who also tried to grab her. She whirled as she came to her feet, falling into a half-crouch, her hands up, palms open as she watched the orcs. Although Alleriel carried two swords on her back, she didn't dare draw them, as any intent to kill the orcs would be illegal and WOULD egg the crowd on to aiding her assailants.

The orcs looked at each other, shrugged and then grinned before charging her.

The first orc lunged with his sword, aiming it with deadly intent at her torso. To his everlasting surprise,  her hand darted out at JUST the exact right moment to slap the flat of his blade and send the weapon off course. His momentum carried him forward, and she stepped within the reach of his arms, her other hand locking with his still swinging forearm and hooking it in the crook of her arm. She applied force to him as he moved, and his arm bent at an unnatural angle. All of the orcs winced as the sound of a bone snapping could be heard, followed quickly by his howls. Alleriel spun, letting him trip and fall past her.

The others were already rushing towards her, blades extended. She rolled again, the weapons narrowly missing her lithe form as she dodged, slashing nothing but air. As she came up on her feet in a crouch, her leg swept out, taking one of the orcs by surprise and sending him tumbling to the ground in the path of one of his companions. The second orc tripped, his arms windmilling as he landed face first atop his comrade.

Alleriel darted forward, using the fallen pile of orcs to gain height as she moved. A fourth orc had rushed towards her after her roll, and she launched herself into the air from atop the pile of orcs beneath her, her form flying across the distance in a heartbeat. Instead of encountering an elf in a crouch on the ground, the rushing orc found a well-made leather boot connecting squarely with his face. He gave a light grunt as the impact knocked him out, his weapon tumbling to the ground and followed soon after by his unconscious form. He landed atop the other two orcs, who grunted as the unconscious weight slammed into them.

Alleriel landed, whirling to face the last orc in the group. Behind her, one orc whimpered pathetically, nursing his broken arm, and two others were grumbling at each other as they attempted to push their unconscious friend off so they could get up. The remaining orc glared at her, his voice rough and threatening, "You will pay for all of this elf. Your pain will last for days before we finish with you."

Alleriel did not respond. She simply dropped back into a crouch, serenity and focus on her face, her hands open and awaiting the next attack. The orc quickly obliged, charging across the distance and bringing his two hand-axes up to slash at Alleriel.

She wasted no time, moving in swiftly. As the first axe came down, her hands lashed out, striking the orc in the throat, then stomach, and then groin. As her opponent reeled back from the lightning fast blows, she stepped in closer, slipping past one of his flailing axes and making it impossible to strike at her. She darted around him, a hand lashing out and striking one of his knees as she moved.

The orc turned in a panic, his axes lashing out and hitting nothing but air, "She's like a damned sprite darter!"

Alleriel rolled, coming up in a crouch a short distance away from the orc, her hands again open, awaiting his move. She took a deep breath, keeping herself centered and focused.

I am a sprite darter. I am the wind.

Enraged by her lack of response and the humiliating blows he'd taken, the leader of the Kor'kron group roared and charged at her. She rushed forward as he moved, coming to meet him in an unexpected counter attack. As his first axe came up, her hand lashed out, striking his underarm and dislocating his shoulder. His roar turned into a yelp as the axe tumbled from nerveless fingers, his second weapon slapped away by a well timed parry from Alleriel.

Her hands lashed out again, striking his chest near his diaphragm and driving the air from his lungs. As he bent forward, coughing and gasping, her whole body whirled in a circular motion, her foot coming up to connect squarely with the side of his head. His now-unconcious body cart-wheeled sideways before landing unceremoniously in a heap on the nearby ground.

Alleriel completed the move and came to a rest, not even remotely out of breath, her hands coming together before her as she inhaled and exhaled, retaining her center of balance and focus of Chi. Before her, the two orcs that were still conscious and battle ready looked at their two unconscious comrades and the third holding his broken arm and then gave each other glances. Around them, the crowd laughed at the fact that five trained warriors had been unable to defeat an unarmed women. Flushing with shame, the two quickly sheathed their weapons, each of them grabbing one of their unconscious comrades before hurrying off, the ever-increasing jeers of the crowd sending them on their way.

Alleriel remained unmoving for a moment, completing the mental exercises necessary to purge her mind and body of the exhilaration that combat brought and keeping her thoughts centered. She breathed in and out again, her eyes closed. She felt a tug on her armor, and her sea green eyes opened to see the orc child standing before her.

"T-thank you miss! That was GREAT!" the orc said happily.

Alleriel smiled at him and nodded, her exercises complete and her mind clear, "It was necessary.  They believe that strength of arms is all that matters, and cannot appreciate the rest of what the world has to offer. Remember that lesson well as you grow older. It is not just strength of arms, but strength of heart and mind, that matter."

The young orc nodded at Alleriel, his eyes wide, "I-I'll remember that!"

Alleriel smiled and offered him one last piece of advice before turning to leave, "My offer stands by the way. You may become a Page of House Sunhaven if you wish. If you cannot find something safer to do here."

She paused, turning to hand him a token with the emblem of her House on it, "Simply present this to the guards, and they will know what to do. This is not a requirement though, but an offer. You have the right to choose your own path, and whatever path you choose, may it be green and golden young one."

With that she walked away, the crowd parting to let her pass and the young orc smiling at the golden emblem in his hand. It had been a brief encounter, but it had taught both orc and elf much in that short time.

Alleriel would know now to be more careful amongst her 'allies' that was for certain.