Disclaimer: All references belong to their respective creators, those being of course J.R.R Tolkien and Blizzard Entertainment. I take credit only for OC.
Four years have passed since the mortal races banded together, and stood united against the might of the Burning Legion. Though Azeroth was saved, the tenuous pact between the Horde and the Alliance has all but evaporated. The drums of war, thunder, once again...
- World of Warcraft Opening Cinematic
A fluttering of tiny wings and a musical trill outside my window heralded the dawn. I was awake in a flash, leaping out of my soft bed and rushing to find my clothes. On went the soft green shirt and brown pants of a novice druid, followed by the leather tunic and sturdy boots. I grabbed my short staff in one hand, holding out the other to the little bird perched on the wooden sill. "Seraph, come my friend, it's time to go." Almost bouncing in my eagerness to greet the day, I continued to chat with my feathered companion as I headed down stairs to wake my family. "Isn't it exciting Seraph? Today I get to find out if I have been chosen to train for guardian! Oh, I do so hope I make it. An'da and an'ma would be so proud!"
Despite my frenzied pace, my steps were silent going down the stairs to the lower levels of our home. Years of training showed in my quiet, even gait. I practiced always, the words of my trainers constantly forefront in my mind. 'A silent warrior is a deadly warrior'. 'Blend into your surroundings, it will save your life'. 'A druid is at one with nature, leaving no evidence of her passing'. I smiled, recalling earlier years when the reminders had been frequent, and my steps loud and clumsy. That was a decade past now, and I had not needed a reminder in at least five years, unlike so many others in my classes. I knew I should feel badly for my prideful thoughts, but it was so good to impress my instructors. I dreamed of one day becoming as talented as the great Malfurion himself, the most powerful of our kind and student to the demigod Cenarius.
Recalling the lecture I got the last time I crept into my parents room without knocking, I purposely stomped the last few paces before the door, giving them ample time to awaken before I charged in. My patience gone, I flung open the door and launched myself towards the bed, twisting aside at the last minute so as not to crush my little sister, Athene. She watched me with wide eyes, giggling when I bumped into the small table at the bedside, barely catching the lamp resting on its top before it could crash to the floor. Her delighted squeals woke my parents, and my mother gave me a reproving look.
"Alanta! It's barely past dawn, and your sister still needs her sleep. I thought you knew better, a great girl of twenty five years." I ducked my head, trying to hide my grin at the sight of my father's understanding smile, hidden from mother's view.
"Sorry an'ma. Sorry an'da." Getting caught up in my excitement once again, I began to bounce from foot to foot, giving my parents an expectant look. My mother shook her head with a sigh.
"Off to training are you?" Father nudged her, giving her a meaningful glance. "Oh! That's right! It's choosing day isn't it? Well you'd better hurry, you don't want to be late. Give us a kiss and be on your way." I swooped forward, giving my parents a quick embrace before turning to my little sister. The tiny five year old was nearly bursting, her eyes full of questions. I ruffled her hair, making her giggle again. With a kiss to her forehead, I jumped up and swept towards the door, calling back to her as I left.
"I'll tell you all about it when I return, Thee." One last wave and I was on my way, Seraph riding on my shoulder.
The town of Auberdine slumbered still, the autumn air chill in the early morning. Normally training would be held here, but a choosing day meant going to the Temple of the Moon in the main city of Darnassus. I headed for the docks to catch the small boat that would make the journey across the channel separating the mainland from our island capital.
"Alanta!" A cheery voice hailed me as I sat on the edge of the pier, legs dangling over the side while I waited for the boat. I turned, smiling to see my friends and fellow trainees headed over to me.
"Talon, Taren! Glad you could make it," I teased, knowing they wouldn't miss this day for anything. The twin boys grinned, their identical smiles infectious as they plopped down on either side of me. We chatted amiably, watching the horizon for any sight of the triangle sail that carried the small craft over the water. If it wasn't so early we might have borrowed hippogryphs from the stables, but they were still asleep and the stable master as well. The sky began to lighten, streaks of gold and pink tingeing the heavens with the colors of sunrise. It promised to be a beautiful day, the clouds high and puffy like cotton balls.
Our wait was finally rewarded, the distant clang of a bell signalling the approach of our means of transportation. Jumping to our feet, we danced impatiently, leaping for the deck as soon as it was within range. The captain laughed, calling a greeting even as he expertly turned the craft, heading at once back to the island. He was long used to our competitions to see how far we could jump to the boat without landing in the water.
"Ten feet that time! I think you've made a new record young masters and mistress. I wonder what has you in such a hurry." He winked, handing the wheel off to his steersman so he could converse with us more easily.
"Oh, you jest surely? It's choosing day!" I practically sang the words and he grinned, watching us cavort around the deck, dodging sailors and swinging off the rigging.
"Aye, I remember. Same day every year. Best get yourselves settled, we're almost there." We turned as one to view the approaching shoreline, waiting this time until the boat touched dock before disembarking. Thanking the captain again, we strode purposefully up the hill through Rut'theran Village, and the portal that connected it to the city center. I felt a sudden case of nerves, and paused just outside the glow of magic that would transport us across the island. I couldn't help grabbing the hands of my friends, noting the trembles that shook them.
"Are you nervous too?" I asked, already knowing the answer. Their grins had vanished, replaced with a curious solemnity that looked foreign on their normally cheerful faces.
"Terrified," they replied together. We were all training for different positions, so at least we would not have to compete for one of the favored spots, but that was small mercy. Talon hoped to become a warrior, Taren a hunter. Both careers far different from mine, but no less important. We would have to prove our skills against all other trainees of our preferred class, for only one would be chosen for each training slot. Those that didn't make it would be sorely disappointed, forced to wait another year before trying again. "Ready?" they asked together again. I gave a determined nod, before walking into the portal, and towards my future.
I held still, taking in the sight of the city in awe. I had been there many times, but it never ceased to amaze me that we were nestled in the stump of the old world tree. I could hear the soft chiming of wisps as they floated past, and the creak of the treants, wise ancients that helped to protect the city. Small animals frolicked through the grass between buildings, squirrels setting up a chatter, and deer and rabbits watching us with bright eyes. One rabbit in particular seemed to appear out of nowhere, and I recognized my small childhood friend. Scooping him up, I murmured a greeting as I continued on towards the temple. A quick cuddle was all I had time for, then I placed him back down. Seraph joined him with a hop, and I chuckled as he chattered to his friend. "See you two later." I smiled to hear their responses in my head, thanking Elune for the power to speak to my animal friends.
I felt two hands clap on my shoulders. "Good luck," the twins uttered seriously, before leaving for their separate areas.
"You too," I called after them, earning a wave before I looked towards the slightly dim interior of the Temple of the Moon. Taking a steadying breath, I straightened up and marched inside, settling myself at the edge of the moon pool in the center of the circular building. My fellow students ranged around me, the class of seven shifting in their seats to watch as our leaders descended the winding ramp towards us. It gave me a jolt to see Malfurion here, it had been years since he was spotted in the mortal realm. We had been told he only left his sleep in the emerald dream when great danger threatened the land, and I recalled the rumors swirling about unrest between the alliance and horde. The battles distracting our soldiers and leaving room for elemental lords to invade the land once again.
The great arch druid began to speak, dragging me away from my inner monologue. "Students, welcome! A time of great need is upon us, and today one of you will be called forth to answer that need." His steady voice demanded attention, and I sat straight, entirely focused on his every word. "You will be taken through a series of trials, both to show your skill and your courage. Unlike most choosing days, this time your test will take place outside the city. Desperate times call for finding those who can put aside their fear, use innovative thinking, and manage the tasks at hand with all their powers. The one who does this the best will move on in their training, becoming my personal apprentice. Go now, remember your teachings, and may Elune guide you." With a bow in our direction he retreated, leaving our instructor to step forward. We followed as one when he led us out towards the city gates, and the forest beyond.
I stared at the large spider before me, noting that it wasn't the only one by far. I detested the foul beasts, but my purpose lay beyond it. A glowing white crystal in the back of the web infested cave. Gathering my courage, I sent a stream of pure wild energy towards it, frying the nasty critter and stepping around its remains with a grimace. Taking heart in my success, I began a systematic purging of the nest of evil.
The spiders were dead, but some sense told me my task was not yet finished, a darkness prickling the back of my neck. I crept forward, peeking around the last corner to see a satyr wreathed in foul magic. I knew I did not yet have the power to defeat him, but the crystal lay at the edge of a drop off just behind his back. Pressing myself against the wall, I thought hard. I needed a way to sneak past, a way to hinder him and slow his retaliation. The latter part would be simple enough, there were plenty of roots under the cavern floor that I could call up to entrap his feet. It was the sneaking that would require all of my concentration, for I had only learned the art of melding with the shadows recently. It was a trait all of my kind possessed, but still took practice to fully master.
I let out a silent huff of air, crouching down and gathering the shadows to me. Every few steps I would pause to reassure myself I had not been seen. My slow process brought me ever nearer to him, my pauses greater, footsteps taken with the utmost care not to disturb the debris littering the floor. Slipping around his left side, I silently darted forward to grab the crystal in my free hand. At the last moment I threw off the protecting shadow and concentrated on the floor. Ignoring my enemy's furious cries, I melded with the earth, convincing the roots underfoot to snare him up for a short time. Looking behind me, I gauged the distance to the ground from the top of my drop off. It looked risky, but I wouldn't make it back the way I came. I strengthened my resolve, tightening my grip on the crystal, and leaped...
A short hike back through the forest brought me to the city gates once more, the guards giving me small smiles of encouragement as I headed for the temple. The interior seemed to brighten as I approached, perhaps sensing the crystal pulsing in my hand. I carefully placed it inside a small basin beside the moon pool, looking around for the sign of any other returning students. Idly I twirled my staff, wondering that I was alone but for the guards at the door. I sighed, hoping I wasn't the last one there, and perhaps the others had left? In my misery I failed to notice Malfurion reenter the room, jerking in surprise at my presence.
"Back so soon? Was the task too difficult?" I started to hear his voice sounding so incredulous. He wore an appraising look, the calm mask evaporating into a smile when I pointed to the recovered crystal.
"It was not easy, but I was able to utilize my training effectively." I stood to attention, awaiting his judgement. He looked a little amused, and perhaps even a touch impressed, but I could easily have been imagining that part.
"You are the first to return, and in fact, the fastest in many years. The satyr you faced has been the defeat of many students, I am glad to see someone with the strength to beat him." Pausing, his tone switched to one of careful formality. "I think it is time to continue your training."
I gaped, sure that I had misheard, before letting out a joyful whoop as his words sank in. He chuckled in the face of my exuberance, letting me celebrate the moment I had dreamed of all these years. Finally, I would begin to become like those I had idolized for so long, the stuff of legends and heroic deeds. I imagined soaring through the sky like the ravens, charging to the defense of others as a great bear, embracing the spirit of the forest to heal the wounds of war. I was ready.
My head hurt, the mental strain of my extended training catching up to me. I watched in dismay as the light pattern of fur that rippled across my skin disappeared in a small puff of smoke.
"Again," Malfurion called. We had been going for hours, the late noon sun strong overhead. Flexing my arms, I refocused and was ecstatic to feel the tingle in my fingers, and see claws extending from their tips. Fur sprouted from my palms and all up my arms, and suddenly I was falling to my hands and knees as the transformation completed. "Good Alanta. Remember this feeling, so you may recall it at all times. The shift to another form will come more naturally as your training progresses. The form of a cat gives you many different abilities, a unique style of combat, the power to fall safely over long distances and greater control in melding with the shadows." Letting the new form fall, I stood and nodded in understanding. Giving me a pat on the back, I was dismissed for the day.
"Don't forget to practice in the evenings," he called after me. I waved in acknowledgement before heading to the village stables to borrow a bird home. I loved the feeling of the wind in my hair, and the view of my home in the light of the setting sun, so I took every opportunity to make friends with the hippogryphs that traveled between Auberdine and the capital. I was joined by the twins, whom I hadn't seen all day. Their tired smiles spoke of their success in also rising to new levels of training, and I couldn't wait to get back so we could practice our new skills together. The flight was short, and we parted ways to tell our families of the good news. We would reconvene later to train together in the evening hour.
I burst through the doorway of my home, holding wide my arms to catch my sister as she launched herself towards me. "Tali, tali, did you do it? Did you pass? What was it like? Were there monsters? Did Talon and Taren pass? Are they coming to train? Can I watch?" I burst out laughing at the look on my mother's face as I was pelted with questions from the positively bubbling little girl. Putting her down, I held up a hand to stall any further questions.
"Talon and Taren passed, and yes they are coming over later. You can watch if an'ma says you may. And now I have a surprise for you." Athene squealed in excitement, moving towards me, but I picked her up and set her on the bench nearby. "Stay there and don't move," I warned. She nodded solemnly, fidgeting in place while she waited for my surprise. Stepping back a pace I focused to recall the memory from earlier, pulling the knowledge around me. The shift happened faster this time, and I sat back on my haunches, tail twitching in pleasure.
Athene's eyes had gone wide as saucers when the mist dissipated to reveal my transformation, and she slipped off the bench to attempt to clamber on top of me. I huffed in feline amusement, obligingly settling myself low to the ground so she could sit on my back. Mother called words of caution, making sure her youngest daughter had a tight grip on my tough fur before allowing me to trot her around the house. We spent the rest of the day together, her always watching as I showed off my new skills with my friends. It would be many years before she chose her own path towards guardianship, but I had no doubt she would succeed in whatever she set her mind to. I couldn't wait for the day when we would work together to protect the world.
Language: Any unfamiliar words are belonging to the dialect of the night elves of warcraft, their language being called Darnassian. Not much is known of it so I will be using it sparingly. Examples of it in this chapter being
An'da - this is quoted as meaning father on the wiki page for the language
An'ma - no term is mentioned for mother that I could find, so I created this one myself
Author's notes: This chapter and the next two will be background on our hero and her life before we move to the main story. I hope you enjoyed the first installment, and that any warcraft junkies are satisfied with the spin I have put on certain elements of the world of Azeroth. Obviously trying to write from the hero's perspective means that certain liberties will need to be taken, and that will be a continuing trend as we move the story forward. I take a lot of my information from my own experience playing the game, and have supported that with research regarding anything I was unfamiliar about.