Chapter One: Ill Tidings
Daruna had not been born into priesthood, it had been a calling, a divine gift from the Naaru. Such was an honor amongst her kin, those of the Eredar. Standing silently within the quiet of the lush land of Argus, in the confinement of the tall ivory structure of highest reverance...that of her calling, that of the priesthood. Smooth, creamy, marble walls and floor were encrusted with large gems of amethyst. Soft singing as well as murmured utterance of prayer echoed within the vass chamber. Despite the unfaithing and unmoved faith in the Naaru, prayer as well as song had been tainted with fear as well as doubt.
Rumor had begun to infiltrate the Eredar numbers. Word of great evil rising...moving to assault Argus was like an unspeakable plague. The matter though it showed not in Daruna's outward appearance, deeply concerned her. Sunlight reflected dimly through the lavender gems on the walls making her bluish skin appear almost that of a shade of deep violet. Her small almond shaped metallic silver eyes looked out amongst her own who walked the halls. Her own footsteps soon drew her to do the same. The soft click of her hooves echoed on the marble floor.
Three moons had come and gone without the return of the Argusian city of Jolenar and the rogues as well as hunters in which had been sent to scout the nearing woodlands had not returned. This only further added strain to Daruna's already troubled mind. Her thoughts though were interrupted as she heard the soft familiar footfall of another. Bowing, she spoke then to her mentor.
"Velen, I am honored by your presence." The flowing ivory robes of her peer were perhaps not bearing there normal lustrous shine, for her sight was not as poor as it often was when she came to look upon him. Then the lining of his brow too revealed unto her the unease of his own mind unto her. Daruna's brows arched with intrigue. "Have you had another vision?" The male Eredar responded with a nod.
"I have." The sapphire luster of Velen's skin was almost ashen. The priest's jewel like flesh was more that of a pale silver or grey. His face was drawn and showed obvious signs of weariness. His brow was knit, almost furrowed as if he were deep in thought. Droplets of crystaline perspiration too lingered on his forehead. Beneath his eyes were bags and shadow from nights of restlessness and fitful sleep. "Walk with me Daruna." She need not be implored to follow, for her footsteps soon fell into sync with his.
"Will you speak with me of this vision?" The priestess asked. Velen's expression did not change nor did his steps faulter as he drew Daruna with him into the privacy of his own chamber.
"I saw us, the eredar, the proud eredar, not as we are now but transformed."
"I do not understand...transformed? Changed...how?" Daruna's lips parted in disbelief. Her eyes too widened.
"We were changed." Velen's tone lowered, his words being no less vague than before. "The eredar were as demons." A gasp escaped from Daruna's mouth in reply.
"How is this possible?" Velen sighed as his eyes closed. She waited knowing that the words in which were to come would not be pleasant.
"One by the name of Sargeras has taken an interest in our kind Daruna. He has offered untold power to myself, Kil'jaeden, and Archimonde in return for our unfailing
loyalty. It was not long, not even a moon's passing that this vision followed. That the eredar would be tainted, changed, and were as demons." Daruna discovered herself
unable to stand for one of her slender hands descended to support the weight of her body as it was lowered down unto a nearing chair.
"What more can you speak of this Sargeras, this vision, and us...the eredar?" The priestess asked, her voice wavering.
"The eredar like demons...were that of a destructive nature. They were part of a sentient...they call themselves...the Legion."