Dalaran

Crystalsong Forest

The magnificent floating city of Dalaran was always a sight of bewilderment and wonder. Tall columns sprouted in various locations is a testament to the wondrous imagination of the arcane architects that designed such a brilliant residence for the Kirin Tor. Their dedication to their craft is rivaled by few, if any, organizations in Azeroth and gaining their favor is considered one of the most honorable achievements an adventurer can earn.

Rayne wasted no time after touching down at Krasus' Landing. He immediately exited the griffon and made haste towards the western portion of the city without even a look back to verify the status of his beloved companions.

"Hey Rayne!" Hollered Weasel as his winged transport was still several feet away from its landing point. "Wait up!"

"You couldn't stop him if you tried pip-squeak," Marcus countered. "Besides, we know where he's going. Might as well relax and enjoy the ride."

The gnome's groan could be heard throughout all of the other adventurers awaiting their turn at the griffon roost but Rayne was already long gone. He blitzed past the path leading to the Sunreaver's Sanctuary with his target locked dead in his sights. Even though he hadn't been away from this place for more than a day, The paladin was excited to hear about the results of one of his beloved side projects.

The Magus Commerce Exchange was a popular place for adventurers to hone some of their non-combative crafts. Blacksmiths, tailors, herbalists, enchanters and more found this spot to be a pleasant place to perfect their secondary skills and professions. However, none of those vocations particularly called out to the paladin. Only one of them could be called his true love and he devoted all of his time and passion in the pursuit of the newest and latest technologies. The only way anyone could fulfill that dream is through the continually growing and ever innovative art of engineering.

"Findle!"

Rayne called out to the engineering shop owner as his plate boots came to a screeching halt in front of the large building known as Like Clockwork. The giant moving gears above the door was a small homage to the incredible feats performed inside.

"Rayne?" A whiny voice called from within.

The tiny creature known as Findle Whistlesteam quickly stepped into view. He wore modest brown and tan colored clothing that matched the auburn color of his hair. Though, only his facial hair was present at the time as his skull housed another unique gnomish device that masked everything above his eyebrows. It was a small steel shaped bowl with a unique radar dish that slowly spun in a counter-clockwise motion.

A sense of perplexity filled the paladin's expression.

"How did you know it was me before you even came out here?"

The gnome gave his friend a boisterous laugh. The infectious sound could be heard throughout the entire commerce center and drew some odd looks from other nearby denizens.

"That my boy, is easy…" He stated while tipping his head slightly. "Behold my latest creation. I call it the Gigaflux Electromagnetic Automated Rectifier and Synchronic Condenser Overlay Recall Emitter."

Trying to remember that as it was said proved to be more of a challenge than attempting to understand what all of those words even meant when put together. This was clear in the painful yet somewhat enthusiastic expression of the paladin.

"That's… Interesting Findle," Rayne smiled hoping his enthusiasm would overshadow the confusion he felt. "But what does it do?"

"Ah, that is where the true genius of my invention lies," laughed Findle. "You see, this device is an advanced prototype of my original anti-stealth goggles that would automatically detect anyone within a five-yard radius. However, what that invention lacked was practicality which I have now instilled in this new device," the gnome boasted. "You see, the Gigaflux Electromagnetic Automated Rectifier and Synchronic Condenser Overlay Recall Emitter scans all of the weapons, equipment and armor carried by an adventurer. It then takes that information, translates and decodes the information into a special defined number than analyzes the ability, skill, and overall combat potential of the adventurer."

"Wait," Rayne interrupted. His overall sense of puzzlement was thick but nowhere near that of his friend's pride. "We're coding adventurers into numbers now?"

"Precisely!" Findle cheered. "Think about it. With this device, we will be able to properly and effectively manage our armies resources by ensuring our troops don't go into battle without the necessary skill and equipment. The score will tell us just how adept each person is and will determine the overall ability without even stepping into combat. This will revolutionize the way we adventure!"

Rayne responded with a quiet laugh. He wasn't sure how his fellow adventurers would feel being treated as a number instead of a person but if Findle was confident in it, the least he could do was give him the benefit of the doubt.

"That's great Findle," the paladin politely smiled. "So, what does it say about me?"

"I'm glad you asked!" The chipper gnome replied. "Let's see here," he stated while bending slightly pointing the radar square at Rayne's face. "I just need you to stand here for a moment and –"

Findle's analysis was immediately interrupted by a loud popping sound emanating from his new device followed by a quickly growing plume of black smoke.

"What the – ah hell!" Screamed Findle as he removed the newly damaged device from his head.

"I guess you still need to work out the kinks?" Joked Rayne.

"I thought I had it nailed down pat this time," the defeated gnome whispered. "Eh, just forget it. I'll play with this later. But, there's still some good news to be had. Come inside quickly!"

The paladin followed his engineering mentor inside. Gears, sprockets, and ratchets continually clicked and turn creating an obvious but soothing drone. The smell of this place may be too intense for something but there was nothing Rayne loved more than getting his hands dirty and creating new tinkers that makes even the most impossible of ideas into the simplest of solutions.

Findle moseyed his way around the front desk. He placed the necessary stepping stool required for a man of his size to see over the large kiosk and procured a small device from within the glass case. The gnome grinned as he placed it atop the desk. It was a small rectangular plate box slightly bigger than a deck of cards and yet they were both equally mesmerized at the final product.

"I know you've been waiting for this and now, here it is," he cheered. "Behold, the Hand-mounted pyro-rocket launcher! I took those designs and prototype you created and tinkered it into a final product."

"Are you serious?" Rayne gasped. He picked up the box and examined it closely. "It looks just like my sketches. How did you –"

"What are you waiting for?" Smirked Findle. "Go on, try it on!"

Rayne couldn't help but smile as he began affixing the device to the forearm portion of his gauntlet. With a gentle tap, the box snapped into place and quickly dug itself into the plate as if it were a natural part of the armor. The paladin continued to flex and twist his arm in sure wonderment over what had befallen his eyes.

"This is incredible!" He cheered. "It's completely inconspicuous; like it wasn't even there just a second ago."

The gnome nodded.

"It's a brilliant design. All you need to do is flick your wrist up to load and down to – "

"Like this?" Rayne interrupted while pointing his fist towards the gnome. He performed the gesture as described and a small plate cover quickly launched up revealing a small cylindrical chamber.

"Gah!" Findle gasped while ducking underneath the counter.

After a few uncomfortable seconds followed with some heavy panting, he slowly rose and returned to his regular position.

"Oh, I forgot to load it. What a lucky break!" He laughed.

Rayne became a bit more flustered than normal when trying out the device given that he could have turned his friend and mentor's shop into a smoking crater in an instant.

"That's a relief," Rayne painfully giggled. "I take it you have the ammunition as I requested as well?"

"Sure do!" Findle replied while placing a handful of small multi-colored cylindrical cartridges on the table. "Red ones are the explosives as we discussed. While they won't pack a punch as some of their larger cousins, it will be more than enough to incapacitate even the biggest of brutes you should face out there."

The paladin nodded while examining the explosive. It was much denser than some of the other rockets he's built. Compacting that much gunpowder into a single space was risky but he trust Findle's designs and judgment.

"The green ones are your standard flares. They'll shoot up about 100 feet and stay active for approximately 30 seconds. The rainbow striped ones are fireworks. Not sure why you needed those but hey, no judgments here. The white ones with the red 'X' on them," Findle began while giving them a bit more attention, "are the flares as you had specially designed."

"Actually," Rayne stated, "It's a cross."

"Yea, yea…" Findle hissed. "Those were a pain in the ass to build. Even my tiny hands were getting blisters while building them which is why I could only make two."

"I appreciate it Findle," smiled the paladin. "This means a lot."

"Don't go all mushy on me now kid," the gnome laughed. "Just make sure to be mindful its and your limitations. Size restricts you from loading more than one cartridge at a time. It takes about 10-15 seconds to fire and reload so while it won't be helpful to use more than once in the thick of combat, it could prove to be a game changer to help turn the tide of an ongoing battle."

"Fair enough," said Rayne as he carefully secured the rockets and flares within the front pouch of his belt. "Still, I couldn't be happier with the results. Thank you Findle."

"Thank me?" The gnome replied nearly aghast. "I should be thanking you. It was your design that gave birth to this splendid device. Why hell, I had already made some minor tweaks and sold the prototype of the new design to the Argent Crusade."

"You're kidding?!" The paladin stated amidst his newly found surprise. "How many did they order?"

"Oh, you know… Just enough to get them started," Findle grinned while pulling a rather large sack from beneath the counter.

Gold coins shined radiantly from the top of the bag appearing as if it were ready to burst should another stray coin attempt to pry its way inside.

"They wanted 50 to test and should they go well, another 500 to order."

Rayne slammed his fists on the table and loomed over the large cloth sack filled with coins so delicious they were almost good enough to eat.

"They already paid for all 550?"

"Are you kidding?" Laughed Findle. "This is just your cut from the initial 50. Designs like that are expensive to produce so there's plenty more where that came from buddy."

The paladin let out a boisterous cheer within the realm of his personal thoughts. Any continued displays of joyful emotion could send the wrong message to any passersby or onlookers.

"I know you don't need the money as much as some of us given your last name," the gnome teased, "but at least go out and buy something for yourself. You've earned it."

"I'm afraid I can't do that," Rayne smiled. He opened the bag and poured out two large handfuls of coins on the table. "I'd like to make a purchase. Please give me half a dozen deweaponized mechanical companions and another half dozen mechanical spiderlings. All in different colors with remotes as well. And if you have any extra rolls of silk cloth and some sewing kits you'd save me a trip to the tailor."

"Of course," Findle said with a touch of surprise in his tone. He pushed back a couple of coins in Rayne's direction while saying "You're not planning on starting some kind of mechanized fight club, are you?"

Rayne couldn't hold back a chuckle.

"Something like that."

The gnome disappeared into the back of the shop. After a few short moments, he returned with a large mechanical box. It was deep cobalt blue in color with several gears and springs twisting and turning on every face. Findle placed in on the desk gently nudged it in his friend's direction.

"Here you are," he cheerfully stated. "Everything you need is right inside. I put them in a complimentary titanium toolbox for you."

"You didn't have to do that," Rayne lamented.

The remorse under his breath was thick but he was still thankful nonetheless. Those toolboxes used some of the most expensive materials harvested from this frigid continent. The fact that Findle was just giving it away was above and beyond the call of duty.

"Think nothing of it buddy. Call it an investment in our continued partnership and friendship. You've really done a lot to help keep the gears turning in this place. I have to admit, for a guy your size, you've really got a knack for micro-level tinkering."

"Really?" Rayne replied with a touch of surprise in his voice. "I guess I still need work on the macro then…"

"The bike still giving you problems, eh?"

The paladin nodded.

"I'm not sure what's going on anymore. The more I mess with it, the worse it gets."

"Want me to take a look at it?"

"If it wouldn't be too much trouble. It should be arriving sometime today… In several boxes."

"That bad huh?" Findle teased. "Well, no biggie. I'll take a look and see what this 'ol tinkerer can do. Who knows, maybe the answer's been sitting under your nose the entire time."

"Thanks again Findle," Rayne stated while grasping the toolbox and sack of coins in each of his hands. "I really appreciate all of your help on this."

"Ah, com'on now…" The gnome stated while working his way around the corner and giving his friend a hearty pat on the back of his knee. "If you keep this up, you're going to make my vision orbs spring a leak."

Laughter filled Rayne's throat as he quickly exited the building. He turned one last time and saw Findle waving him off.

"You take care now and be back real soon. I can't spend all this money by myself. I mean, I will but I'll feel real bad about it afterwards."

The paladin nodded and continued on his way. With all of this excess money to spend, he knew exactly where he wanted to go next. There was still a bit more shopping to do in order to get everything on his list and time was of the essence. He promised to return before nightfall and the last thing he wanted to do was keep her waiting.

"Going somewhere pal?" Marcus chimed as his oblivious leader walked right past him exiting the Magus Commerce Exchange.

The warrior and rogue laid back against the outer wall of the Tanks for Everything blacksmithing shop. Rayne turned his head slightly while still continuing east towards his next destination.

"Hey guys," replied the paladin. "Sorry, can't chat. I'm don't want to get behind. I'll catch up with you guys tomorrow. Sounds good? See you later!" He stated with both his presence and voice drifting further and further away.

"Now just where do you think he's going at a time like this?" Weasel coyly pondered.

"Think about it," Marcus responded. "We've got nothing else planned and the only job we had just fired us not even an hour ago. Why do you think he's in such a hurry?"

The gnome pondered it for a brief moment. The realization sparked a lightbulb that burned brighter than a hundred suns. It was so painfully obvious he was surprised it took him longer to realize it than the brute muscle-head standing next to him.

They both nodded, looked each other dead in the eyes while saying the answer simultaneously.

"Narula."


Runeweaver Square

Dalaran

Citizens and visitors alike packed the streets of Dalaran. The war had certainly taken its toll on the soldiers and adventurers but the local economy couldn't have been better. Rayne graciously stepped through the mob while being extra careful not to spill or drop his newly acquired items. He reached the northeastern part of town and was delighted to be standing in front of his favorite food vendor, One More Glass.

A small stand was stationed just outside the main entrance. Empty glasses of wine waiting to be filled with sweet alcoholic nectar were being meticulously cleaned by a young elven girl. Her remarkable good looks were hard to miss by those passing by and even caused a bit of a traffic jam by wondering first time visitors. The magenta dress carefully stitched with golden outlines complimented her slender figure. Her piercing silver eyes drew upwards while parting the silken blonde locks of her hair as she gazed upon the paladin with a luxurious smile.

"Rayne," she energetically called. "It's good to see you again."

"Likewise Fialla," he replied while approaching her kiosk.

Rayne gentle set the toolbox down and held it gently between his feet where he stood.

"How have things been? You guys keeping busy."

The elven girl coyly sighed.

"Things have been so-so. Business as usual for the most part. Better now that you're here."

Rayne could feel his cheeks swelling. Fialla Sweetberry was more forward than he was used to but he appreciated the sentiment. Changing topics would be the best course of action for now. Anything to get the focus off him anyways.

"I have a big list today," he stated while pulling out a short roll of parchment.

Rayne handed it to Fialla and felt her hand linger on his for a bit longer than it would normally take to retrieve an item. That was just another burden that someone of his stature must overcome. While not as daunting as most, it could certainly lead to a lot of misconception and detriment to the reputation the paladin was trying to build for himself.

Fialla pondered over the list for a moment making sure to sneak a few glances into her favorite customer's deep blue eyes.

"This is a lot of stuff. Much more than your usual order. Did something good happen today?"

"Something like that," laughed Rayne. "Business is looking up so I wanted to surprise them today with a little something extra."

"You're always so sweet and considerate," Fialla replied with a smirk. "She's a lucky girl."

The paladin laughed quietly to himself. He could feel his bashfulness increasing tremendously. Anytime she crept into his mind it always gave him a warm fuzzy glow that elated every fiber of his being.

"I believe we have everything you need in stock," the girl replied snapping Rayne out of his trance. "Give me a few minutes sweety. It shouldn't take too long."

"Actually," Rayne interrupted. "I need to stop by Aimee's cart real quick but I'll be right back."

"Wait," Fialla pleaded. Her brow furrowed as the tinge of anger began to swell within her expression. "Where do you think you're – " but before she could finish he was already lost in the crowd.

Rayne darted through the mass of people once more towards the northern end of town and settled his gaze on another young elven girl in a white shirt and long purple skirt standing in front of a sweet smelling cart. Her long black hair glistened in the afternoon air. The glorious aroma of fresh pastries tickled his nose as the paladin delightfully approached.

"Cakes, brownies, donuts," she called out to the crowd. "The best in town. Get them while they're –" her speech was quickly halted as Rayne's heroic presence obscured everything else in view.

"Hi Aimee!" He smiled with a short wave. "How are you?"

"R-Rayne!" She gasped. "Why didn't you tell me you were going to stop by today?"

"I'm sorry for the short notice," Rayne began, "But I was hoping to catch you while everything was still fresh."

"Of course it's fresh!" She stammered doing her best not to falter over her words. "However, if you had told me you were coming today… I would have made something special."

The last few words meekly spat out of her mouth almost at the sound of a whisper.

"Hmm?" The paladin muttered under his breath.

The hustle and bustle of the crowd surrounding them drowned out her last few words.

"What was that?"

"Nothing!" Aimee defended rapidly waving her hands across her face. "What can I do for you today?"

Rayne looked over the short menu and pondered for a moment. His generosity was cranked at its maximum level today so he decided to splurge a little bit. "I need two big berry pies, a dozen carrot cupcakes, three jugs of sweetened goats milk and chocolate celebration cake"

"W-Wow… You're really going to eat all of that?"

"Well," Rayne said desperately trying to contain his blush. "It's not just for me…"

"I see," the elven girl sighed. "Please say hello for me, won't you?"

"Will do."

She quickly turned around and began filling the paladin's massive order. It took four pastry boxes and a large bag to carry it all but someone Rayne managed to balance it snugly with just one arm. Their warmth and fragrance begged him to dive right in here and now but this wasn't a treat to be squandered but shared.

"That'll be 24 gold pieces," Aimee stated.

Rayne reached into is still quite full sack of coins and counted out thirty before gently placing them into her soft delicate hands.

"There you go!" He brightly stated.

"Thank you –" she began. "Wait, this is too much!"

"Keep it," he smiled while returning on his way towards One More Glass. "A token of my appreciation for your continued and friendly service," Rayne finished while waving.

Out of the corner of his eye, he could see her pouting just a little bit. Rayne marched back towards the east side of town while dancing his way through the uproarious crowd. He made it towards the familiar vendor in one piece with his superb pastries still intact. Upon his return, he was greeted with a familiar but slightly begrudging expression of the young elven girl.

"Hey Fialla," he sneered. "I told you I'd be right back."

"You louse," she sighed. "How could you go running off on me like that?"

The paladin's chipper expression dropped slightly as he sulked where he stood.

"I'm sorry. I'm just… A little pressed for time, that's all."

"She gets to see you more than the rest of us put together," Fialla moped. "All I want is a little more attention. Is that too much to ask?"

Rayne knew this dance very well. Given his stature, demeanor, and looks, it was something he learned to deal with from a very young age. The only way to counter this assault was through over-compensation. It was a bit embarrassing but sometimes you've got to reach down deep into places you wouldn't normally go in order to achieve victory.

"Please forgive me Fialla," Rayne stated in a somber tone.

He slowly placed down his boxes of pastries and locked eyes with the beautiful elf. A hand slowly graced the tender flesh of her delicate face as he cupped her cheek and gently rubbed her chin with his thumb.

"You know I wouldn't do anything to hurt you, right?"

Redness began staining her smooth white skin. Her eyes shot wide as she demurely nodded in agreement.

"I promise, when I have more free time," he sternly continued. "I'll pay you a personal visit."

A sea of blood flooded Fialla's expression as she erratically nodded in approval.

"I'll – I'll – I'll…" She stuttered while still locked in his gentle touch. "I'll go get your things right now!"

Her tone had drastically changed from compelling to wincing in the drop of a hat. She darted back into the shop almost as if her speed were magically enhanced.

As soon as she was out of view Rayne let out a deep exhausting breath. He could feel the embarrassment of his actions plaguing his thoughts. That wasn't who Rayne was; not in this or any life but he knew it was the only way he could quickly deescalate those particular types of situations. The only hope he had was no one else was paying attention.

"Yo Lady-killer," a voice called.

Rayne knew that tone well. Nothing got past the owner of this fine establishment and Lucian Trias was as sharp as they come. Though he was only a few years older than the paladin, he had already made quite a name for himself as one of the most popular vendors in Dalaran. Apparently, his cousin in Stormwind isn't doing too bad in a satellite shop either.

"Please don't remind me…" Rayne winced shaking his head. "What brings you out here anyways? It's not like you to leave the shop."

"When Fialla ran in here grinning like an idiot, stumbling around my inventory and wares I just had to see who the culprit was. I should have known it was you," laughed Lucian.

They shook hands. Rayne was always taken again at how tight Lucian's grip was. For a guy who does nothing more than bake breads, blend cheeses, and mix wines, he had some muscles hidden within that elegant purple shirt.

"Besides, I wanted to come out and personally thank the guy who's helping me keep the lights on in this place."

"Com'on Lucian," Rayne retorted. "You guys were doing great before I showed up."

The vendor shook his head.

"It's not about quantity… But quality. We were doing okay for ourselves but thanks to your repeated visits my staff has been a lot perkier than usual. That translates to a lot of repeat business if you catch my drift."

"Glad I could help…" Rayne winced.

"He-Here you go!" Fialla called slammed down two large sacks stuffed with the finest and most delectable items in town.

Apparently she still hadn't recovered from the initial shock but the young elven girl steeled herself as she repeated his massive order.

"One dozen loaves of crusty flatbread. One dozen loaves of sweet potato bread. Six loaves of fresh Dalaran bread. Three wheels of Dalarn swiss. Three wheels of aged Dalaran sharp. And five pounds of tundra berries."

"Thank you," Rayne winked returning to the sultry tone he used previously. Lucian began snickering while nearly broke the paladin's serious composure but thanks to the discipline of the light, he powered through it.

"That'll be 150 gold pieces my good friend," Lucian smiled.

The paladin reached into his large coin pouch and dumped the required amount in a neat pile on the table in front of the blushing young elf.

"Pleasure doing business with you," Lucian winked.

Rayne could feel the tension building within his brow. If someone he knew were to see him like this, especially her, he would never live it down.

"The pleasure," he began while scooping up both large sacks of food. "Is yet to come."

His last words came out with a tiny smirk as he locked eyes with Fiallla. Rayne could sense her composure about to break any second as he gathered all of his belongings and made a slow but steady getaway towards his final destination.

Gah! He screamed in his mind. Why did I have to say that?!

Rayne continued cursing himself as he made a mad dash towards the Silver Enclave. He went over the humiliating words a thousand times in his head. He regretted every second of it. However, when the situation called for it, he could turn on the charm as easy as flipping a coin. He was startingto build a bad reputation which would greatly diminish the current one he was still attempting to cultivate. Most importantly, if she ever knew the things he did to get by in this place, there's no telling what that would do to their relationship. He never even dared to give it even a hypothetical thought.

The Silver Enclave was just ahead. Rayne could spot the mighty crest of the Alliance carved out of stained glass from Krasus' Landing. Even at this distance, it was still a beautiful sight to behold. This building had become the temporary stronghold for all members of the Alliance. The Kirin Tor had a good reason to keep the factions separated in this neutral magocracy run city.

Just outside the main entrance, another pair of familiar faces presented themselves. A duo of silver haired twins in gleaming white and black armored robes stood outside the entrance. The male had his shiny locks tied in a long ponytail while the female let hers hang loosely over her shoulders and chest. The glow of their radiant spaulders accented their smooth white skin and only complimented their already powerful good looks. They only major difference between them was that the male wore sharp rectangular glasses that slightly enlarged the sight of their shared radiant golden eyes. If it weren't for their intimidating presence, they would probably be as popular as Rayne in some parts of this town. Maybe even more so.

"Hey Sam, Zari!" The paladin called from behind his heaping pile of wares.

Samuel and Zariyana Legend came from a noble family. Their ancestry can be traced back all the way to before even Lordaeron was established. They have served as both priests, doctors and advisors to nobles, lords, and kings for centuries and are considered to be amongst the top one-percent of intellectuals in all of Azeroth. Why they accepted the invitation to join the Templar Knights was beyond Rayne's comprehension but they were loyal companions and good friends.

"Greetings Rayne," Samuel nodded.

"It is good to see you," Zariyana acknowledged.

"Likewise," the paladin replied. "What brings you all the way out here to Dalaran? I thought father requested you guys doing research back at Wintergarde."

"He did," stated Samuel. "One of the books we required was actually being stored in the library above."

"Oh," Rayne pondered. "If the book is in there… Then what are you two doing out here."

"Settling a bet," Zariyana answered.

Rayne shook his head. He knew where this was going. Despite their formal and respectful nature, the Legend twins were as competitive as they come. They were always trying to one-up the other in any way imaginable. Be it knowledge, wisdom, or strength, nothing was off limits to these two as they desperately battled for superiority.

"I'm almost afraid to ask…" Rayne sighed.

"It's simple really," Samuel began. "Zariyana believes that it is possible to place a divine barrier on an unsuspecting target instantaneously during the point of impact of a single target offensive spell."

It took a moment for the weight of those words to register in the paladin's mind but when they did, his shoulders could not bear their audacious mass.

"Please tell me you aren't testing this on random passersby."

"We're not savages," Zariyana replied. "We're offering a gold piece to anyone willing to assist us."

Rayne could feel himself sinking lower and lower into the pit of remorse.

"You guys… I don't think stunts like this are going to help our reputation."

"Perhaps you're right," nodded Samuel. "Then again, neither would pathetic displays of sportsmanship."

A bolt of lightning struck the paladin's consciousness. He couldn't believe word traveled that fast. Things were going so great after his talk with Findle he had already forgotten about it.

"You heard about that?" Rayne sulked.

"Everyone's heard about that," Samuel retorted.

"It's been going around town for quite a while now," Zariyana added.

"Perhaps your female acquaintances spared you the embarrassment but the locals have not," continued Samuel. "Despite your best efforts, the Templar Knights are still regarded as a subpar stomping ground for the weak and unskilled."

The paladin sunk even lower into his mopey pit of despair than even he thought possible.

"I'm sorry guys… We tried our best out there today but –"

"There there," Zariyana stated while doing her best to comfort her guild's sullen leader with a stiff and robotic pat on his back. "Do not worry about us. It's not our family's legacy being spurned."

"You guys really know how to cheer a guy up," the paladin groaned.

The male twin shrugged.

"Forget about that. Is there anything we can help you with?"

Rayne's spirits actually picked up a bit as he remembered the journey at hand.

"Actually, there is. Have you guys seen Cayden around?"

"Cayden?" A puzzled Zariyana stated while giving her brother an odd stare. Samuel returned a similar expression as they both looked back at their guild leader as if he were speaking a foreign language.

"Com'on guys…" Rayne pleaded. "You know who Cayden is. Remember? He's the only mage in our guild."

Samuel snapped his fingers as a bright grin illuminated his face.

"He's referring to Matchstick head my dear sister."

"Oh," his twin gasped. "I thought we called him Flame-Brain."

Rayne grimaced as his he was sure to regret asking this next question.

"Do you guys have nicknames for all of our guild members?"

"Actually," Samuel started.

"We don't know any of their names," Zariyana finished.

"You're kidding me," Rayne gasped in a defeated sigh. "What about Marcus?"

"Who?" They responded simultaneously.

Rayne fretted once more and stated, "The warrior."

"Oh, you mean Chrome Dome," Samuel replied obviously referring to their companion's lack of hair from the forehead up.

The paladin was almost afraid to continue but thought it best to keep these names for future reference.

"And Weasel?" Rayne replied. "Surely you use his personally chosen nickname."

"There's a weasel in the guild," Zariyana replied raising an eyebrow.

"I didn't think we kept any pets," Samuel countered.

"The rogue," Rayne sighed.

"Fun-size," they once again respond in unison.

The paladin didn't dare continue since the only other name on his mind was the one that had been rummaging throughout the top of his thoughts for the last hour or so. In this delicate situation, ignorance was indeed bliss.

"Anyways," Rayne exhaled from his momentarily defeated status. "Where can I find Cayden?"

"Who?" They replied.

The fact they had already forgotten drew upon the ire of the paladin much more than he thought it would.

"Flame-brain!" He shouted.

"You son of a -!" A voice cried from within the halls of the Silver Enclave.

Damnit! Rayne cursed to himself. In a moment of unbridled weakness, he allowed his emotions to become overwhelmed by his companion's gross disrespectfulness and succumbed to their wiles.

Loud footsteps echoed within the halls and rapidly approached the trio. It didn't take long for the raging creature to come into view. Radiant magical energy engulfed his blazing cloth robes and lit up any room he stood in. Even Rayne would admit that the nickname, despite its impertinent origins, was indeed fitting now that he thought about it.

The enraged being removed the flaming cowl from his head that depicted the burning visage of a red skull and revealed the crimson spiked hair of a highly angered young man. Cayden Melton was the youngest member of the Templar Knights. His chosen hairstyle seemed to align perfectly with his companions' slightly dishonorable description. Even the small tuft of hair sitting on his chin appeared to be styled in homage to the strength and power of the arcane element he served. The fiery hot temper burning inside him was about ready to explode as the mage came to a halt before the three members of his guild and made his presence clearly known.

"You bastards!" Cayden cried. "It's enough I have to take this shit from you guys on a daily basis but now you've got Rayne saying it too?!"

"Calm down Cayden," Rayne defended hoping to ease the tension a bit.

"No!" The mage snapped turning his head towards the guild leader for only a brief moment before turning the heat towards to two that originally drew his fury. "I've had it up to here with these two know-it-alls. They think they're so tough hiding behind a name... And yet all it would take is one snap of my fingers to send them into a blinding tornado of flaming torment!" He finished as two balls of flame sparked within the deepest wells of his orange eyes.

The twins simultaneously yawned. Despite the mage's best efforts, his boasts were nothing more than mere threats. Even if he did attempt to combat both of them at the same time, there was no way he would do so in the presence of his guild master. Being the newest member of the team meant that he still had to follow certain protocols even if confronted by some of the guild's more senior members.

"Cayden," Rayne calmly stated once more. "Let it go," he pleaded. "Besides, I need your talents for a very important request."

The pillars of flame that burned within him became instantly silenced. If there was one thing Cayden loved more it was being helpful to those in need; especially those he looked up to.

"Sure thing boss," Cayden smiled almost as if the last ten seconds had never transpired. "Oh, I also have a message from you from Lord Templar."

That was fast… Rayne cheerfully thought. The last part of Cayden's statement hadn't fully registered as Rayne was just thankful the situation had been completely diffused.

"My father?" Rayne inquired. He hadn't heard from him since they began their expedition into Northrend. Calling him out now meant something serious was going on. "What did he want?"

"He requests your presence at Light's Hope Chapel at midday tomorrow."

"Light's Hope Chapel?" Rayne pondered. The place was a relic of ancient times after the fall of Stratholme all those years ago. Recently, the Lich King had sent an army to confront Tirion Fordring and the Argent Dawn but were foiled thanks to their combined strength and the many blessings of the light.

"Why does he want to meet me there?"

"No idea," Cayden replied shaking his head. "But he asked me to port you over there personally."

Another exhausting breath exited the mighty lungs of the paladin. Just when he thought he was going to enjoy a couple days of rest and relaxation, duty decided to rear its noble head.

"Very well. I'll be ready to go tomorrow when needed," Rayne nodded. "But first," he began trying to withhold the grin forming at the edge of his lips, "Would you please create a portal to Ashenvale for me?"

"Ashenvale?" The mage raised an eyebrow. "That's easy. Of course I can do that."

It was hard for Rayne to hold back his content. This would make things a whole lot easier. Thankfully, the new recruit was not one to question his superiors and saved the paladin the trouble of explaining further.

"Thank you Cayden."

"No problem," the mage replied.

Waves of mystical blue energy began channeling in his hands. A vortex cracked open into the fabric of their reality revealing a large circular portal. A paradise of lush, green vegetation filled the landscape. In the center, a gigantic tree could be seen surrounded by columns of much younger and smaller shrubs with stunning purple leaves that spread endlessly above for as far as his vision could carry.

Rayne took one large step and placed himself halfway between each zone. He looked out at his companions and bid them farewell.

"Meet me here tomorrow morning an hour before noon," the paladin ordered.

"Yes sir!" Saluted the mage.

"Take care you two," Rayne finished.

"Will do," Samuel waved.

"Don't stay up too late," nodded Zariyana.

The paladin finished entering the portal and within an instant disappeared from sight as he hurried towards the final destination. Cayden looked on briefly before dissipating the portal while his two other guildmates appeared to be laughing quietly to themselves. This irked the mage even further as he felt there was some more information he was not privy to but decided to ask nonetheless.

"Why did Rayne want to go to Ashenvale?" Pondered the mage.

"You mean you really don't know?" Samuel countered in his usual condescending tone.

"Relax brother," Zariyana pleaded. "He's still new."

"Enough already!" Cayden barked. His noticeable fiery temperament had returned quicker than usual. "For once, could you guys give me a straight answer?"

The twins looked at each other and offered a solemn but noteworthy pleasing expression. They returned their gaze to the fuming mage and said in unison the one word that would truly answer the young one's inquiry.

"Narula."

"Narula?" Cayden took a moment to think quietly.

The name did indeed sound familiar. It took him longer than expected but the image of the person in question quickly came into view. The mage damned himself for not remembering it soon. After all, she was the first to welcome him into the Templar Knights but in his defense, he hadn't seen her since.

"Oh, Narula!"

Cayden laughed completely dispelling his previously quelled rage.

"That makes sense," he thought when suddenly another painful though shot through his mind and incited his fury once again. "Wait a second… Why the hell do you guys remember her name but you can't bother to do that for anyone else?!"

"That's simple," Samuel smirked.

"We actually respect her," finished Zariyana.

The sound of the mage's utter dismay could be heard from every corner of the floating city. His temper burned brightly and exploded into a volcano of discontent that drew the much unwanted attention of onlookers and adventurers throughout the city.