Disclaimer: I love World of Warcraft. This doesn't relate directly into owning the franchise rights. So, therefore, Blizzard owns WoW. Not me.
A/N: If you've read the first chapter of this story, I'd like to thank you, and I encourage you to leave a review. I promise to reply to each one!
Destiny's Warriors
Chapter Two: On the Road Again
Gryan Stoutmantle stood, grimacing over the dry wasteland of Westfall. Snow drifts covered most of the landscape, but the brown of desolation could still be seen. Trees splintered from skirmishes, farmers scared away from their homesteads, and a frightened populace was common sights these days.
"And it all used to be so beautiful." Stoutmantle mumbled under his breath. The Defias had personally seen to it that, without the necessary help from Stormwind and it's beaurocrats, Westfall and the command post set up at Sentinel Hill would not be in peace until they joined the ranks of the brotherhood or died by the hands of the various roughnecks claiming to be brethren. Deep in thought, Stoutmantle caught a glimpse of light passing from tombstone to tombstone in the makeshift graveyard on the outskirts of town.
"Militia, to my side! The Defias come for us again!"
Simonee looked up at the monolithic statues, reaching up 50 feet and seemingly touching the clouds, and looked back down at the men and women on their commute to each of the separate regions of Azeroth. The Valley of Heroes stood as a reminder of heroes lost in the first and second great wars, heroes of the grand alliance. The huge stone effigies gave a great sense of security, giving their silent assurance, that while citizens of Azeroth passed through this gate, they would be safe from any outside harm.
To the side of the bridge overlooking the valley, the mage spotted the orphanage matron and various young children trailing her, visiting each guardian in turn, the awe on the young ones' faces apparent. Seeing this innocence gave Simonee a smile, hoping these children would never know of the terrors stalking at every corner, trying to blot out the existence of their whole kind. Crossing the bridge, the group of six passed into the bustling trade district, decorated in green and red, in celebration of Father Winter's coming once again. Adventurers from abroad, Draenei, Night Elves, Dwarves, Gnomes, everyone seemed to be tilling about the small district, each either shouting their wares or sharing stories in a discreet corner. The contained pandemonium, as everyone had come to know it, was part of Stormwind City's inner workings. It wouldn't stop, simply because it couldn't.
The tavern also tended to be a favorite haunt of travelers, who had set their hearthstones to the inn. Drinks were sold, laughs were shared, and it reminded Simonee of how close he and his friends really had become. Dince finally broke the group's silence, asking "So, where are we headed off to anyway?"
"To see a certain Paladin," replied the mage, working his way through the throngs of people trying to sell various 'items of power' and such. Finding the breath-taking Stormwind canals after at least ten mintes of elbowing, kicking, and scraping past mobs, Simonee and his council turned northwest, towards the Cathedral Square, finding the calm of said canals to be relaxing.
The six rounded the final corner and were greeted by the welcoming sight of the well-tended Chapel Gardens, the trees looking as though they were transplanted directly from Darnassus, magically tended everyday to ensure no aging, no rotting would occur. The grass was laid in an even layer of soft green, never touched once by the chill of the snow. This was, perhaps, the only plae where the ravages of time meant absolutely nothing.
The chapel, standing in the middle of the square, was certainly dominating of the view, however, was not Simonee's target. Instead, the building to the right, the very building that belonged to the paladin Baros Alexston. Alexston, a renowned architect in Stormwind (the chief architect in fact) had not exactly been expecting company, but welcomed the travelers into his home anyway.
"Why hello, young mage and company. What exactly, may I sak, brings you to my doorstep?" he asked politely.
"I was told to meet and to talk to you, about the trouble... in Westfall," Simonee replied, handing the elder man a note from his pack.
Alexston took a long look at the note, scowling at the news it brought. He then looked at the six in front of him, sizing the group for the task. "I see. Well, all I can do from here is to dispatch you to Sentinel Hill directly.See to it that you speak with Gryan Stoutmantle. He leads the local 'People's Militia'. He can direct you further about with what you can assist him with. You are all dismissed," explained the paladin, snapping off a respectful salute to the men and woman in his presence.
Before turning and leaving, Simonee and friends returned the salute. Outside, Dince turned to his leader and asked, "So, off to Westfall, eh?"
"Hey, Aeriah, you remember how you said we needed to do something about the Defias?" replied Simonee.
"Yeah, it wasn't exactly that long ago, you know..."
"Well, now's our chance. Westfall's been invaded by more than a fair share of the creeps."
"We gonna bust some heads!?" asked Aeriah, gleefully.
"We're gonna bust some heads," Simonee affirmed with a grin, which promptly faded as they approached the crowded trade district again. "You know, there should really be a second way in and out of this place without the need to pass through ravenous merchants and traders."
"Heh, yeah," said Dagerly.
And so, another ten minutes passed, and after fighting back through the Light-forsaken trade district, each of the group had an assorted collection of scars to show off at the next guild meeting. Walking back past the statue-laden valley, Aeriah took point and started walking backward, still pondering which way he wanted to 'bust the heads' or otherwise dismember a few Defias thugs. What he didn't notice behind him, however, was one of these Defias thugs, walking the same direction as the group. Smacking back-to-back, Aeriah and the thief he ran into turned around in double-time, to find themselves staring at each other's eyes. The druid quickly recovered and entered Moonkin form, or as he commonly referred to it as, 'Doomkin' form. A few moments later, the rogue had almost litterally exploded, due to a well-placed Moonfire. Reverting to his slim Night Elf form, Aeriah exclaimed happily, and burst into laughter.
"See! Told ya, DOOMKIN!!" Hahaha!"
The mage could only shake his head and smile at his friend. Behind him, Aubs could be heard clapping, cheering, and laughing along with the druid. This would turn out a longer journey than originally thought...
A/N: Hope you liked this chapter. I decided to give you alittle bit of dialogue and storyline, to let you know it wouldn't be all mindless banter and crazy antics. Anyway, R+R to your liking, or disliking. Either way is acceptable, as long as I get some feedback as to what I can do better, tone down on, things like that... anyway, enjoy. Next chapter hopefully up soon!