The night air was thin and cold; it was a clear winter night, perfect for my task at hand. My perception should have been at its peak, I could hear each creature of the woodland; I was listening too intently to the harmony of nature however. I hadn't noticed the huge furry creature I had just passed until it raised its mighty arm and struck me. I struggled to maintain balance when I suffered further shock from a second and third blow. I turned to face my enemy, and was faced with the horrific realization that I was being forced to defend myself against creatures once known to the night elves as trusted allies and friends. The stench upon them, left by the foul plague that had corrupted them was so strong that I cursed myself for falling prey. Without thinking I screamed with great force and anger, frightening the creatures away, which gave me enough time to stand upright and prepare myself for a fight. Through study and discipline, priests are taught how to increase their natural staminaand power by meditating on our divine fortitude and our inner fire. Now was the time to put my teachings to good use. Boosting one's stamina drains a lot of energy and it was vital for me to replenish my mana pool, though not the tastiest of treats I willingly swallowed a bottle of mana potion; preparation complete.

In the back of my mind, I was plagued with guilt and pain, both physical and emotional. It was hard for me to accept what had become of the night elves' beloved forest and its inhabitants, and the soon to be extermination of three of nature's creations. This was not the time or the place however for these distractions. As it turned out, I had wandered too close to a furbolg encampment, and my attackers were now obvious (to me) guards and not scouts. I came to this realization when I saw not only the three guards that had attacked me, but four additions to the mob. Now a wise priest is not a force to be reckoned with, however a foolish one is easily disposed of, and at that moment, I had been the latter, for I had carelessly sent the three running mindlessly into their camp. Now I may have been foolish thus far, but I am no fool, seven of these fubolgs against myself was no fair trial…that is the job of a Paladin. My decision to retreat was instant; I took but three steps before I noticed the prowling nightsabre and her minion. With the approaching furbolgs and the four red eyes gleaming at me, I made my last prayer to Elune...

Elsewhere…

The trees stood perfectly still, except for the light winds shaking the leaves, yet the air was being ripped apart by sheer speed. The sound of trampled grass and snapping sticks that littered the forest caused the forest critters to make themselves scarce. There was neither caution nor concern in the movement of who or whatever was out there, but it was swift.

Meanwhile…

Before the shadowy creature had a chance to pounce, I meditated upon the divine blessings and protected myself with a shield of light. This protected me from the attacks of the two nightsabres, it was the smartest decision I had made all night. Filled with some sort of hope, and empty on options, I defended myself. I plagued the two creatures with a dreadful unbearable pain. With every passing second, I could feel their health diminish; I focused on the minion until it stopped moving. My shield faded earlier than I had appreciated due to the constant attacks of the two cat-like beasts. Through holy worship I healed my wounds and felt some vigor return, though not much it was enough to sustain me. Unable to call upon my shield and with little time to spare, I attacked the mind of my target using the dark teachings I had been taught, hoping it would leave my victim unconscious in the end...

Off in the distance…

The speeding entities had come to an almost abrupt stop. The sound of an engagement caught the ear of the 'unknown.'

"A battle my friend...do you think it is the one we seek? Let us go lend a hand...neh?"

In the midst of battle…

With the creature lying dead at my feet, I felt a moment of relief. I called upon my shield once more as the first strike pushed me forward. It was too late to run now...I faced my opponents and chanting faster than I had ever done, I formed a dark shadow upon the seven targets, causing them a great ordeal of pain. This further enraged the beats and after a continuous wail of attacks and successful hits, my shield faded quickly. I was very vulnerable; their strikes interrupted my concentration, and put me in grave danger. I rid myself of one of the foul beasts and heard the cry of his brothers; this was not going well. It was then when I heard the distinctive familiar sound of a weapon...I heard the wooden material bend to its brinks, its release was silent, but there were quickened footsteps moving across the field. I know not to who was in the distance, nor did I care, I was in Darkshore, it had to be one of my night elf brethren, Elune be praised.

Three furbolgs screamed in anguish, as two of them had suffered direct hits from searing arrows and the third was being attacked by a white blur stained with black dots that streamed across my sights. Under the influence of my pain and the newcomer's arrows, most likely dipped in poison, the first two fell. I heard as they hit the forest vegetation and saw the deadened leaves pushed out from under them. I still had 3 more to worry about. I quickly swallowed my last mana potion and chanted a quick prayer to be blessed with a flash of holy light, to restore my health. During this time, the rapid arrows of my saviour quickly dismissed the remaining furbolgs.

By now, it was quite evident that I owed my life to that of a hunter and as the last of the corpses hit the forest floor, a slender body stepped from out the shadows. Even with the distance between us, I could tell that it was a huntress, further more; this was not just any huntress...

"Hunters... huntresses in this case, have way too much range...actually, a range I rather envy."

"Unfortunately old friend, we do not heal quite as well as a priest does."

"Hahahah...and Odin, my dear friend...I owe you a great deal of gratitude. It is always a pleasure to see you"

"Right, and of course I am just ruined pelt..."

"Undine, you are my dearest friend...thank you both"

"Hehe...anytime Gyoki. Besides, with the present shortage of priests, one more dead serves us no good."

"Don't make me smite you huntress!"

"Odin might have something to say about that"

"I bet he would... let's head back to Auberdine"

"Good Idea"

"By the way, how did you know where to find me? Actually...why were you looking for me?"

"Oh, I grew bored and went looking for you...Odin was the one who tracked you down and led us here. How did all... this... happen anyway? Wait...what were you doing out here in the first place?"

"I came out here in search of materials with which to tailor, and enchant. This... happened because I was being reckless...and a bit absent minded."

"Hmm. That is out of character for you. Yes...perhaps it is a good idea to head back to town"

"I offer no rejection to that. Come Odin, for tonight you will feast like a king my friend...Undine's treat."

"Gyoki... you know..."

"...Would you like for me to cook then?"

"Good point...I will prepare us a meal."