Idun's Faction

Idun's Faction

By NéJ Kazuki

Disclaimer/A/N:

All ideas, other than my own for the story, belong to Blizzard.

This is written for a friend for fun. Yes, many things are incorrect, and going to be incorrect. I'm trying to keep things as "right" as possible, but again, this is for fun. No getting mad at me.

And this is more based on the online game as well.

Foreword

The sight before him was too similar. The memories of seventeen years ago flashed clearly in his mind, as his sharp blade tore through the body of the enemy. He stared into the fierce, hungry eyes of his surrounding foes. They launched towards him, but he brought them down with great ease, despite his old age. He fought against his fatigue, his pain, fought against the limitations of an older man.

Wrynn defended the outer vicinity of his Kingdom, refusing to let the Horde break through. For almost forty years, he had changed Stormwind and the allied faction of Azeroth into a grand, flourishing nation. He would not let the adversary destroy it, or claim the prize they sought.

His most valued treasure.

"Close to gates to the village! Quickly!" the elder king of Stormwind yelled to his brigade of soldiers standing close. He heaved his large, ornate sword high in the air bringing it down with such a powerful force instantly killing the Trauren that foolishly stood before him.

At his side, his two eldest sons clashed swords with a group of Trolls, standing in their way from entering into the Kingdom. One of the Horde so boldly made it to the closing gates, but an assassin from the shadows ended his life quickly.

"Sire!" The rogue called, quickly making her way to his side. The king turned to the woman, flashing her a bright smile. "Lieutenant Eric has informed me that the Horde forces that were within our walls have been diminished."

King Wyrnn's smile grew larger, "That's excellent!" he exclaimed, resting his sword at his side for a brief moment. The rogue weakly smiled back at him, with a troubled brow. His smile faded, "and the bad news?"

"I've received word that more armies have showed up in Elwynn forest."

Wrynn groaned, shaking his head. "Report to Lieutenant Eric to keep a small troop of soldiers within the Kingdom. Tell him to bring his men to meet with me."

His eldest son, Aiden, wrapped his arm around Wyrnn's solider, his deep blue eyes gleaming excitedly. "You rest here at the gate Father, Jackson and I will lead the forces to Elwynn." He stated, his brother Jackson resting his hand on his father's other shoulder.

Wrynn grinned at his sons, his ocean blue eyes focused intently into the same bright shades of blue his son's possessed. He ruffled his hand through their dark blonde hair, laughing. "And let you two have all the fun, I think not."

Jackson sighed. "I swear you're growing younger rather than older."

"I'm sorry you won't be rid of me to soon." Wrynn chuckled.

"Father!" a woman's voice cried out. The trio turned to see a fair woman riding on horseback towards them, her soft brown hair floating around her sweet round face.

"Yes Elizabeth?" he addressed, moving to her side.

She smiled at him, and waved to her older brothers. "Lieutenant Eric wanted me to inform you that Azalea has made it to the Keep."

"Excellent news, thank you love." He replied, grabbing her hand firmly kissing it softly. "Now you get back behind the lines, there are many wounded who need your help."

"Yes father." She obeyed, rearing her horse around in a circle.

"Now, first one to kill an Orc wins!" Jackson shouted, running off on foot. Aiden chased after him, yelling childish profanity's at his kin. Wrynn gave his Kingdom one last short glance, holding a prayer in his heart.

Part One

Chapter One: Escape

Azalea quickly pushed the loose strains of her russet hair away from her fair face, gliding up the keep's stairwell as fast as her tired legs could carry her. She took deep, slow breaths in even time with the distant chiming of her kingdom's bell tower. Her misty gray eyes stayed focused on the colorless stone steps below her.

The melodious bells that filled the silence among Stormwind stopped. She looked up, seeing the smoked wooden frame of a door approaching towards her. Azalea mustered herself to perform a series of length strides to the door. She collided against the doorframe, panting heavily. She lifted herself back up, darting a swift glance behind her to check for any followers. She leaned over the railing, glancing to the tower's ground floor that was nothing more than a blurry scheme of gray from her vintage point.

Azalea heaved the door open, and shut it behind her. She collapsed against the door, closing her bright eyes that stood out from among the tower's room. She ran her fingers through her shoulder length hair, tying it back into a ponytail to cool her hot neck.

She continued to take long and deep breaths, calming her nerves, and to regain what little stamina she had left. Azalea opened her eyes slowly, exhaling a deep sigh. The weary princess crawled on her hands and knees to the nearby window, peaking out of it cautiously.

Stormwind around her had fallen silent, and nothing stirred. There was no sign of life, expect the lone bird flying across the sky. Her tired eyes grew dim, blending with the bleak atmosphere. The gray skies above began to rumble, and a cool wind blew through her hiding place. She shivered, closing her eyes again to listen to the silence. Among the soft roaring of the breeze, and the hushed thunder, Azalea swore she could hear the faint clashing of blades.

"Father…" she said quietly under her breath. She reached up for the wooden shutters above her, and sealed off the window. She took a deep breath and shook her head. She leaned against the wall, and pushed herself up on to her feet.

"Father will be fine. Everything will be fine." Azalea said to herself, pacing around the bed. "The Horde will go away, nothing will go wrong. Everyone will be fine."

She leaned her head against the bedpost, sighing. "Man why am I such a coward!" she exclaimed, hitting her foot against the bottom of the bed. She winced, cursing under her breath. She fell over on the dusty bed, biting her lip. "I've nothing to worry about, there are no Horde in the city…no one could get past our guards--"

She stopped her pep talk, hearing the faint sound of feet running hastily up the stairs towards her room. Her heart raced, unsure if the impending visitor was ally or foe. She cautiously sauntered to the door, placing her hand against the frigid, metal handle.

She grasped it tightly, opening it thoughtlessly. Without thinking, her free hand grabbed her sword instinctively, blocking another blade right above her head.

She gasped, eyes wide with fright, as she gazed up at into a pair of deep, dark, emerald eyes. Azalea jumped backwards, watching the intruders sword fall down where she had just been.

She stared at the tall, slim man who stood in her doorframe, with a very perplexed look. He pushed his straight, saggy golden locks from his god-like face. His eyes locked with hers, and he began to examine her up and down curiously, a sneer on his face. His long slender ears caught her attention as they twitched randomly.

His seemingly distracted demeanor gave Azalea enough time to realize he in fact was the foe. Her worst fear had come true as she stared helplessly at the armed Blood elf before her.

"Princess?" he asked with a bewildered tone, sheathing his blade. His handsome face seemed to soften, and a gentle glow immunized from his jade eyes.

Azalea brought her sword in front of her defensively. "Yes…?" she replied quietly.

He laughed to himself, placing his free hand against his hip. "Wow, you're the princess?" he laughed harder, Azalea glared at him threateningly. "You really don't look like much of one. Seriously, I was expecting some elegant woman with long flowing hair and the whole fancy get up."

"Watch it pretty boy!" she yelled back watching him raise an eyebrow incredulously. He mouthed her words with a disgruntled face. She paused, lowering her blade. "Wait…you can speak our language…?"

He shrugged, taking a few steps towards her, unsheathing his weapon. Azalea moved backwards, colliding against one of the bedposts. "You're quite observant aren't you?" the blood elf sighed, running a hand through his yellow hair. "I'm quite surprised you're still alive. You know you talk quite loudly, especially to yourself." He taunted, settling into an offensive position. "Now back to the original matter at hand, I've got to kill you now."

Azalea blocked his blow. She jumped back, and swung at him, but he dodged effortlessly. He lifted his blade up, and brought it down on her. Azalea blocked it with the thick side of her blade, her left hand placed against the steel trying to fight against his vast strength.

"By the way," he started, with a crooked smile. "By pretty boy, did that mean you think I'm attractive?" he lightly snickered.

"No!" she struggled to scream back angrily, her arms starting to shake. "Garret!" she yelled.

"Garret? That's definitely not my name!" he shouted back. He gasped, and the force against her blade vanished as he turned around impulsively. Azalea fell out of the way, landing on her rear, watching victoriously as a large snowy cat emerged from the shadows and pounced on the man.

"Good boy Garret! Good…wait." She trailed off, watching her pet lick the enemies face happily.

The blood elf lifted the creature off him, his mouth twisted in disgust. He dusted off his crimson red tunic. "I thought cats of his size were supposed to tear my face off, not lick it off." He moaned, rubbing his face with the back of his black glove.

"…Then you must not really be here to kill me!" she said sounding hopeful.

"Oh no. I'm most certainly here to kill you." He grabbed his blade off the ground and charged towards her. Azalea rolled out of the way, lifting her sword to parry his slash. "Maybe if you give me what I came here for, I won't have to kill you." He said sweetly, his smile curved into a smirk.

"No! I won't give it to you!" she shouted back. She jumped back, and swung her leg around, knocking the sword from his hand.

His green eyes widened, and he nodded with approval. "Not bad princess," he rolled around her, grasping his blade once again. Azalea turned sharply trying to pin him, but he flipped backwards out of the way to safety. "Maybe I'm glad you aren't much of a girl." He said smoothly.

Azalea scowled at him. "You've any room to talk…"

He shrugged, "Are you sure you don't find me attractive? I thought girls your age like us 'pretty boys'."

"Will you shut up!" Azalea turned back to Garret, who had curled up in a corner, watching the two contently. "And why don't you help me?"

"I think your cat's broken." He mumbled, idling blocking her attacks. "You know, I could have killed you by now."

"Then why haven't you?" she asked, moving back away from him. She glared at him, cocking her head to the side. "I don't think you're as amazing as you think you are pretty boy."

"Well," he tapped his jaw, "I'm still offering to spare your life if you give me what I desire."

"No! I won't give it to you!"

The elf pouted, his ears lowering in degree like a sad puppy. "Really princess, you amuse me, and I truthfully don't like killing people."

Azalea rolled her eyes. "Then I'll just kill you instead." She replied with a smug grin, raising her blade.

He smirked, rubbing his long square chin. "I have a new tactic!" he exclaimed, sheathing his blade. He pounced towards Azalea, catching her off guard. He grabbed her wrist, pinning it to the stonewall. Azalea watched helplessly while his other hand headed for her pocket.

She brought her knee up aimed for his stomach. "I won't let you have—" she was cut off, feeling his lips against hers. His hand stopped, and he quickly tore away, his pale face turned a deep red much like his attire. She stared at him, shaking nervously, blushing as well.

"Wow." He said breathlessly, smiling vibrantly. He let go of her hand. Azalea's heart began to race, as she stared up into his eyes.

To her surprise, his eyes were not the soulless glow of the blood elf's she had grown to fear. His eyes, the gorgeous shimming deep emerald color, with an even dark shade of green as his pupils. Despite the fact he was "trying to kill her" his eyes were filled with compassion and love. She could feel her cheeks flushing further, and she shook more under his looming frame.

He leaned towards her again, her breath cut off as his face became closer. Azalea continued to gaze into his eyes, lost of any thoughts. They had an unnatural glow to them, so beautiful and soft. His eyes narrowed gently. This odd blood elf also didn't have the long eyebrow's his kin, and the night elf's she admired possessed.

"His is half-elf?" she wondered, losing all thoughts again as he felt her breath against her mouth.

Azalea lifted her hands slowly to push him away, and he immediately jumped back before her hands could hit his chest. She shook her head, and slapped him. "What do you think you're doing?! I'd rather you have killed me!" she snarled, gnashing her teeth.

He continued to stare at her with a loss of words. He rubbed his face, slow to reaction. "I was hoping a distraction would work, but I guess not…" he said quietly, trying hard to keep a straight face. He shot a fast, distracted glance outside the window. His long, slender ears twitched, and he frowned.

"Okay, new plan!"

"I'm tired of your plans! Either kill me or leave me alone!" she snapped, watching the elf take off to barricading the door. "Now just what is it that you're doing now?" she moaned with discontentment.

"Now I'm saving your life."

"What?" she stopped moving suddenly, her eyes widened. "There is a bunch of the Horde heading up the keep…" she whispered, backing up against the wall. Garret rubbed his head against her thigh, purring deeply, his icy blue eyes focused intently on the door.

The blood elf turned back to her, smiling. "Don't worry. Everything will be alright."

"I can't trust you."

"I know you can't, but if you want to live, you'll have to."

"And this coming from the person who wanted to kill me in the first place!" she crossed her arms, watching him fall to his knees. He started to bang against the cobble stones on the floor. "Just what is it you are doing now?"

"Part of the plan." He looked up at her with a bright smile. She looked away from him swiftly, crossing her arms around her chest tighter. There was a quiet rumble below them. Azalea turn him, her eyes widening as the ground around him began to lift up.

"What…?" she said. He flashed her a hearty grin, jumping down into the hole in the floor. Azalea cautiously sauntered to it, gazing down to see him waving at her. "Just how did you know this was here when I didn't?!"

He held his arms out, crouching down into a position to catch any heavy object. "I'll tell you later. Hurry now Princess!"

"No! I refuse!" she watched Garret idly pass by her and jump into the Blood elf's arms, who caught him with much ease. She glared at him, passing a glance at the door. She could fear the footsteps approaching further towards the room.

Azalea shook her head, a short and hollow prayer running through her head. "Don't catch me!" she called to her escort, slipping down the hole. Azalea waited for her feet to hit the ground, but instead felt a pair of strong arms grabbed her around the waist delicately. She quickly rose back up in the air, and circled around the man being placed smoothly on the floor within a small second.

"Sorry, I just couldn't resist," he said with a sweet voice, but was slapped across the face. He rubbed his cheek, giving her a pained and sad face. Azalea shot him a glare and spun around on her foot. "And where do you think you're going Princess?"

"Away from you." She snapped back.

The blood elf sighed, "Do you even know where you are?"

Azalea shrugged, and stormed off down the darkened hallway. "I'll figure it out soon enough!" Garret tugged at the sarong wrap cover her short leggings, pulling her backwards towards him. "I'm not going to trust him Garret! No!" she yelled back, listening to the creature growl at her. She tugged the skirt away from the beast, and started to run.

She felt the ground underneath her disappear, and her body fell forward. She pulled back, but found herself sinking into the darkness below her. Above her head, she could see the warm glow of the blood elf's eyes staring down at her, and she saw him shake his head. She hit the ground, landing on one foot. She yelped loudly and fell over, crashing against cold metal. A light flickered dimly over her head.

Within a matter of seconds, Garret and the elf were at her side. She winced, biting down on her bracer as she touched her ankle. "Gah I'm an idiot…" she muttered.

"Should have trusted me…" the man moaned, sitting at her side. She glared at him, trying to inch away. He sighed, and leaned towards her ankle. "Strained. I could heal it…but I think getting you to safety will be better if you're incapacitated." He reached out for her hesitantly, looking uncomfortable.

"Don't touch me!" Azalea snapped. Garret bit her arm lightly, and nudged her back towards him. "Traitor…"

The blonde elf sighed. "Trust me Princess…you'll dislike this as much as I will."

She passed him a quick look of confusion. "And this is coming from the guy who kissed me!" she yelled.

He lifted her into his arms with ease and laughed. "Come now, I know you liked it." He looked over his shoulder, winking at Garret. Azalea moaned, her arms cross and eyes intently burning a hole through her ankle, while she contemplated on her carelessness.

She felt him start to ascend down a ramp, a faint light flickering in the distance. The dark walls around them began to narrow, and the distant light began to radiate brighter. She watched water pour down from the low ceiling.

"We're in the older part of the underground tram's…" she said softly.

He nodded, smiling down at her. "Correct. You're smart and you fight like a boy. Are you sure you're a princess?" he laughed.

Azalea scowled, tempted to kick him, but a pain shot through her ankle. She sighed, crossing her arms tighter against her chest. She shifted in his arms, and felt his arms tense up. He gasped slightly, and Azalea felt him shake. She stopped moving, and after a moment, he loosened up again.

Her brow furrowed, and she bit her bottom lip. She lifted her hand to place it on his chest. She felt him tense up again, and swore she heard a quiet growl rumble in his breast. She stopped and brought her hand back. Again, he eased up.

"Maybe he hates being touched…" she wondered. Her face twisted. "then why would he do that 'distraction' thing?" Azalea watched him, whatever the blood elf's issues were, he seemed to ignore them.

They walked for what seemed like hours. He remained silent, which she enjoyed. Azalea felt her eyes begin to droop, she hit her head repeatively trying to stay awake. He stopped in his tracks, chuckling. "Now just what is it you are doing now?"

"Trying to stay awake."

"You can fall asleep."

She blew a raspberry at him. "I'm not going to fall to sleep in the arms of the enemy!"

"I thought by now I've proved myself trustworthy. You know we're heading to Iron Forge."

"For all I know we could be heading to Tarren Mill!"

"Sassy, strong, and educated. Could you get anymore prefect?" he laughed, Azalea balled up in her fist, rising it to his face. He kissed her hand, flashing her a wicked grin. "Quite a lovely place it is though. I'll take you there later if you would like."

Azalea glared at him, wiping her hand on her legs. Her eyes began to droop again and she yawned. She peered around him, seeing Garret trailing closely behind. "Garret, if I fall asleep, you need to attack him and wake me up, okay?"

"I don't think he understands you."

"He understands me more than you. You can't even comprehend the meaning of 'leave me alone'!"

"Princess, please go to sleep. Your yelling will probably bring the whole Horde army right to us."

She relaxed, her body failing limb within his strong arms. She forced her eyes open slightly, giving him one last threatening leer. His chest bounced against her head as he snickered at her.

Azalea closed her eyes, peaceful within his grasp. The world became black, and she could faintly remember something sweet, and softly touching her forehead, and the butterflies that fluttered against the walls of her gut.

"What's your name…" she whispered passed her acknowledgement, trapped in her dreamlike state.

A deep, melodic voice echoed in her head, but she couldn't understand it. It was soothing, calming, and she longed to hear it again. It worried her, frightened her, but pleased her. That wondrous sensation disappeared, as a strong, firm hand shook her body back into consciousness.

"Princess!" a gruff voice called out.

Her eyes opened slowly, blurry splurges of color surrounded her. Dark, worried eyes hovered above her.

"She's awake! Inform the King!"

"It's okay milady, you'll be fine."

Azalea moaned, unsure of what was going on. She recognized the raspy voices of the Dwarfen kind. She looked around, her eyes hot, and pained. Around her were stocky, short bodies rushing about with haste.

There was no daring elf who stood among them all, seeming to glisten despite the dim, shady hallways surround them. She closed her eyes, concentrating on the voice she could barely remember now. She lost it, and lost his words. Azalea thought of his face again, his innocent emerald eyes. A knot tied in her stomach, and she became light headed. She bit her lip, feeling anger starting to swell in her chest. The fragite took over, and her mind drifted away among the clamor.

"What was his name…"