Getting a little writer's block now. Trying to figure out where to go. I know where I want to go. lol Again, thanks to my wonderful friends for letting me use their characters. I promise that I'm trying to get this to go somewhere. Love you Noobie! Your pointing out of my obvious grammar errors make me feel better.

-Paladin-

That night, the group all remained in silence. The makeshift grave they had made for Fallynne took a lot of effort from both Jah and Grave as well as Erogath as he had to heat up the permafrost below the snows. Eventually, the shallow grave came to be. Just silence as they buried hunter and wolf. Zaxxii had spent much of the night testing what poisons the blades were coated with. Jah kept an eye out on her, just in case. The last thing they needed to do was rush her back to the Vanguard. Grave was silent. She had wrote a letter. At midnight, she called forth a Gargoyle to send the letter to its receiver. Jah and Zaxxii were a bit uneasy by the creature as none of them could really sleep. Erogath aided Zaxxii a bit before spending the rest of the night by himself. No one bothered him.

Aedina, however, spent much of the night looking at their wounded captive. A small high elf female, she was kept far away from Anni and Celynar. Jah had broken the assassin's leg during their fight. She would not be escaping anywhere. And from what she picked up from the two male assassins, they would not be returning for her. To their luck, she did not speak Orcish as Celynar did. So, only the elves could understand her. The most they got out of her was threats on their lives. She was about as useful as Celynar. This had Aedina up most of the night as she watched the female assassin.

There was something different about Celynar compared to their new captive. It seemed more like he was a refugee, as if they were helping him escape a nightmare. Aedina fully believed and understood what Anni had said about him now. Celynar was different. They had to get him to the Vanguard and in the safety of the Argent Crusade now. Their new captive was filled with anger and hatred. Aedina caught her mainly casting glares at her and Jah. She wondered if it was because they were no longer Quel'dorei. The Fel Magic flowing through their veins was nothing more then a remnant now. The restored Sunwell gave them the all the arcane and holy energy they could ever use. Aedina remembered it's revival as if it was still the day before. She was honored to follow Lady Liadrin to Shattrath to defect from the Kael'thas and his betrayal.

However, losing M'uru to the Prince hurt not only the Blood Knights, but all of Silvermoon. She wouldn't even mention the pain she knew Saraphyn went through when the Naaru had died. It had an affect on her as well. The guilt welled up inside. She was just waiting for the day the wave crashed down upon her. Now, more then ever, Aedina needed to be strong. The paladin needed to be the strength everyone needed to see. She wiped a tear away from her eye before standing. The assassin looked up at her as she approached.

"Filthy," she muttered in Thalassian. "Disgusting."
Aedina kicked the assassin's broken leg before she sat down on a rock. "You are not really in a position to say anything."
"You will all die."
"Not before you, I'm afraid."

The assassin looked at Aedina with pure hatred. She was used to it by now, especially from other Quel'dorei. She pulled out one of the assassin's daggers. She twirled it against a plated hand. The elf's face changed to fear. Aedina caught sight of this. She placed it against the neck of her captive. Jah looked over at Aedina. When their eyes met, she simply sliced open the throat of the assassin. Everyone looked over as the elf choked and gagged. Aedina stood when she finally died. Dagger still in hand, she turned to look at Anni.

"We need to move."

Anni nodded. Aedina turned. With a mighty heave, she threw the dagger into the deep snows.

-Priest-

Gracefil had an idea. It was a long shot, but an idea. The night proved colder tonight. Saraphyn was asleep, her body shaking. The shadow priest took her own blanket and wrapped it around the blood elf. She did feel guilty for what was happening to her. Saraphyn's gift was a blessing. No, she was a blessing. Gracefil was never too strong in the Light. Her calling had always been to the shadows. She still did train enough in Discipline to aid. Yet, her Power Word: Shield was not strong enough to take away what the blood elves were doing. The Sin'dorei were morons. All of them. She sighed. No, not all of them. There was Saraphyn and her sister Aedina. Both had good hearts. Her hatred for most of the Sin'dorei, though, would never fade. They were a selfish race. Too selfish for their own good. So now, Gracefil had to form a plan in order to keep Saraphyn right where she was needed. The Forsaken just hoped that it would work.

She slipped from the tent quietly. Cystenian had kept a guard near them to make sure the two would stay away from the rest of the camp. Too bad for the guard that Gracefil had a trick or two up her sleeve. One of which was a very good mind control. The blood elf sat at the front of the tent, eyes glazed over. He didn't blink as she walked by him. Much of the camp was asleep. Only a few Priests remained awake at the late hour. One of them was healing a wounded human from the Argent Vanguard. They were not the elf she wished to speak to. She moved down a row of single tents eventually coming to a larger one seperated from the rest.

"Priestess Karyna, a word?"
"Who is it?" came a sleepy voice from inside the tent.
"The Forsaken Priest assigned to watching Priestess Sunhaven," Gracefil said without hesitation.
There was a pause as if the priestess was fighting herself. "Come in. Quickly before anyone sees."

Karyna sat on the side of her cot. The blood elf had bright red hair and a dangerous face. Her eyes glared daggers upon Gracefil as she came in. The Forsaken bowed to the Priestess. She looked away.

"The only reason I have allowed you to speak for me is because of Saraphyn. I cannot change what Lord Cystenian has decided, but that does not mean I agree with his stupidity."
"There is, actually."
"Is what?" Karyna asked, her eyes boring holes into the Undead. "He is the High Priest now."
Gracefil smirked. "No, he's not."

There was battle going on between the two. Their eyes looked into each others. Gracefil could see the power of the Light in her. It was strong. Not as strong as Saraphyn, but she could tell the Priestess could control it, take command of it.

"I hope I am not more knowledgeable in the laws of your Priesthood then you are, my Lady."
"Just spit it out," Karyna snapped.
"Did Thalana actually name a successor? If I am correct, she did not. Just because Cystenian was her right hand, that does not make him automatically the High Priest."
Gracefil could see Karyna thinking about what she was saying. "Go on."
"Because of this, the seven highest members of your Order are to have a gathering to elect a new High Priest."
Karyna smirked. "This could work. Very few of us actually like Cystenian. His power is great, but he is no leader." She stood. "I shall speak to the other five. Saraphyn is our seventh. Thalana was going to give her a title. We were discussing it before she was murdered. I see such promise in her. She deserves to be much more."
"She is far from being High Priestess," said Gracefil.
"Of course. That I know. The rest of us know this as well. What Sunhaven has is both a blessing and a curse. While Cystenian sees her as a threat to himself and those that follow his idiotic ideals, the rest of us see her differently. We outcast what we do not understand. I am both jealous and in awe of her abilities."
"She is no different then the rest of you," Gracefil said quickly. "If anything, I believe you could learn from her. The potential of her strength is in all of you, because of the Sunwell."

The shadow priest could see the thought in Karyna's brow. The blood elf reached a hand out and placed it upon Gracefil's padded shoulder. There was a smile across her face. The plan worked.

"The meeting will happen at noon. I shall see to it. Make sure Sunhaven is there and with high hopes. If all goes well, we will have a new High Priest. Now, go. I must rest."

Gracefil bowed before slipping from the tent. A smile now rested upon her pale face. By tomorrow, Saraphyn would have a different path in her life and hopefully one that lead to her teaching her people about compassion.

-Paladin-

The fight before had slowed them down just enough for a storm to hit Icecrown. They were still a few days walk from the Vanguard. The snows blinded them from the location of the Forward Camp. This frustrated Aedina. It also did not help that Celynar was growing weaker and weaker after the fight. Anni figured it was because he did not attempt to escape with the other two that came for him. She was not positive that they saw him though. Celynar made no mention if they did or not. Aedina doubted he could even speak due to the runes. She had heard of their binding power before the Death Knights were freed from the Lich King. She pitied the high elf. Though, she hoped this was not a trick to get to her sister. Anni tried to calm that worry in her heart. Nothing would settle that fear. Saraphyn was her sister. She had to be protected.

The group came to a small ice cave before sunset. Anni helped Celynar to the back of the cave while Erogath and Jah started a small fire. Zaxxii had set up a little spot at the entrance of the cave with Grave. The two would probably split look out duty. Everyone was on high alert after the attack. They expected it to happen again and probably at any moment. Aedina still stood outside. Her eyes scanned at the snows. They should have reached the camp by now. There was no smell of fire. Aedina wondered if it was because of the storm. The winds only whipped around the smell of the undead. It festered in her nose. She turned and returned to the cave. Celynar was sleeping in the back on Anni's own bedroll. She moved towards the death knight.

"You have taken some sort of affection on the high elf," Aedina said.
Anni gave a small laugh. "I don't understand it myself," she replied. "But he suffers and that lingers on my heart. I just can't get the idea out of my mind that he reminds me of someone. Someone from my past. No matter how hard I try to remember, I cannot. Arthas took every memory from my past life. All I want is to remember one good one. So at least I can remember who and what I was."
"Celynar cannot bring that to you, Anni."
"No, he cannot, but I feel as if he may have a clue to what I am searching for."
Aedina nodded. "It will come back to you once we have destroyed the Lich King for good. Then, you will be free to find and return to any family that you had been lost to."

Anni smiled. She took Aedina's words to heart. The paladin was a dear friend to her. Grave gave the death knight company and strength. Yet, Aedina gave her peace. She would fiercely defend the Blood Knight no matter where she went, no matter the mission. But, maybe Aedina was right. Celynar could not give her answers. He could certainly lead her to them. Her eyes drifted back towards the Quel'dorei. He shivered in the cold. Anni moved to back to her pack. They had buried most of Fallynne's belongings with the fallen orc. Anni took a fur blanket against Grave's wishes. There would be use for it. Anni knew that. While she could not feel the cold, the living could. It came in rather handy as she wrapped it around the shivering assassin.

Celynar's eyes opened up. He looked to the death knight. She now had her back to him as she sat next to the fire. He was happy for the added warmth. Northrend was too cold for him. It was not like his beloved homeland. How he wished to return. His thoughts drifted in between darkened ones and memories of old times with his family. Most of the time, he watched the group. He felt safe with Anni. The death knight had shown him nothing but kindness and compassion where he thought there would be none. The two blood elves treated him with a mild neglect. Celynar could only think that it was because of him still remaining a Quel'dorei while fel magic corrupted them into the Sin'dorei. Unlike most of the remaining high elves, Celynar saw them still as his people.

He was not too sure about the goblin. Many times did he see her give him dirty glares as if she was daring him to open his mouth. He assumed it was about their scuffle where she jumped on his back as he was searching for this group. Responsibility about Zaxxii getting cut with his dagger pulled on his heart. He never wished for any of them to get hurt even if he didn't directly harm her. He would never tell a soul that she did it herself. Though, if things came out the way he wished, he would love to tease the rogue about it. He felt as if he could do those things with her. The other two party members were just glimpses to him. He knew the orc was a death knight. He knew she was big and powerful. She was also smart. Perhaps too smart for him to even understand. He felt he could trust her with his life. As for the Forsaken, Celynar was not too sure. There was something about him that felt almost too evil. He wished he could discuss this with Anni. Celynar wished he could say something. His body hurt so bad.

The wind picked up outside. Zaxxii had said something, but Celynar only felt more pain. He bit his lip, trying to hold back his moans. It continued to pick up. He had no choice but to groan out. Anni turned to look at him as did Aedina. He looked to the death knight, tears slipping from his eyes.

"Help me," he whispered out.

The pain just grew worse and worse. It took a hold of his whole body. He could hear the orc say something. Anni was at his side now as was Aedina. He felt her cold hand slip into his. There was a bright light coming from Aedina. The Paladin was trying to heal him. He felt a deep warmth from within his belly. Anni said something to him, but he couldn't understand it. The beating of his own heart pounded in his head. The pain grew worse. Tears flowed freely. They had to save him, right? Eventually darkness took him as a cold laugh filled his ears.

-Priest-

Gracefil waited until the sun began to rise. Nothing changed this morning other then a few magi from Dalaran flying in from the city. Little was seen of Karyna and a couple of the other important priests in the order. Gracefil had not even see Saraphyn get out of their tent until midday was almost upon them. The priestess looked like she had not slept. Anger welled in the shadow priest for a few moments before settling. She grabbed Saraphyn's arm with a gloved hand.

"Priestess Karyna is holding a council today for Thalana's replacement."
Saraphyn sighed. "I thought Cystenian is the new High Priest."
"Not unless you want him to be," Gracefil said.
"What?"
The shadow priest smiled. "I've still got a few tricks up my sleeves. Undeath has given me nothing but more time. I was lucky to have a Priesthood that deeply cared for everyone. Your order needs you and all it took was a couple words to Lady Karyna."

Saraphyn looked at her companion carefully. She could tell that Gracefil was not lying, but she did not dare question her. She would go along with this plan she had.

"What does Lady Karyna plan to do?"
"I do not know, nor do I wish to know. I am just to escort you to the main tent for a meeting between the highest of your Order."
"I've not been given a title. Why is my attendance important?"
Gracefil sighed. "Just march, Sara. You will find out soon enough."
"You're starting to sound like Aedina," teased Saraphyn.
"Move it!"

Saraphyn smiled and started towards the tent. The Sin'dorei were all awake and moving about this morning. Several of them shot dirty glares at Saraphyn and Gracefil before they entered the tent. Inside, the two noticed a couple of magi stabilizing a communication disc. The image of Lady Valinal stood there. The Priestess was helping with healing near Icecrown Citadel with a few others of their order. Much of the rest of the highest ranking priests were there. Saraphyn noticed Lord Cystenian. His eyes fell on her before looking at Gracefil. He turned, beginning to speak to his two advisers. It was Lady Karyna that approached them.

"Sunhaven, I need you to take Thalana's position," she said simply. "You will understand shortly. The Sunreavers are trying to finish up the communication link with Lady Valinal. Still no sound is coming through our end. Should not take long."

Saraphyn looked at Gracefil, but did as told. The Priesthood held its own rules when it came to giving titles. Those with titles were usually considered nobles among Silvermoon and the Sin'dorei. It was the same with the Blood Knights and the Magisters. Titles were everything and Saraphyn had none. Her eyes looked around as the remaining five high priests took their spots. It was Karyna that spoke to them.

"The first matter at hand today is Thalana's replacement. We all feel the emptiness of her position. She had been our sister for a very long time. Her life was cut too short."
The image of Lady Valinal spoke. "She did appoint a priest to take her spot in the council, yes?"
"That she did," said a red headed priest. "Saraphyn Sunhaven is to take her seat if she was to fall."
"Sunhaven?!" came Cystenian's voice. "She is a danger to us all. Why should we allow her to take a place in our council?"
An older priest spoke. Her eyes looked at Saraphyn, a small smile across her face. "Because none of us hold the power she holds. We have lost touch with the Light since Arthas decimated our city and our populace. Perhaps there are things the young one can teach us, Cystenian."
"Lady Larika is right. Prophet Valen and the Naaru gave us a second chance to be who we once were. Sunhaven has shown that we can wield that power again," Karyna added.
"But if we are too far lost," said the red headed priest. "Then what hope do we have letting her on the council. Cystenian has made a good point that she could be a danger to the rest of our people."
"And who are you to judge what gifts could be dangerous, Lord Senathar?" All eyes turned to the final priest. He looked at Saraphyn. "I see something our people have long since forgotten. Compassion. Hope. Love. We are greedy and full of self interest. That is not how this order was founded centuries ago. I, for one, take great pride in hearing of her power. Now that I see the path in which we are moving here in Northrend, I feel as if I should take a more active role in being here helping our people."
"Lord Lucien," came Cystenian's voice. "Your wisdom is blinded."
"Who are you to speak of blindness, Cystenian?" came Saraphyn's voice. "Time and time again have I seen your novices turn away at the sight of our Horde companions."

Lord Lucien smiled as she continued.

"From my understanding, this order was not made to watch people suffer. I did not come back to help my people only to watch them ignore and disregard those in need. Quel'thalas is broken and half of what it was. We are still trying to gather our people and pick up the pieces. There is no need for such arrogance and pride when we, ourselves, are falling apart!"

Silence overtook them all. Saraphyn stared down at her feet, a bit ashamed of her outburst. There was no way they'd let her on the council now. She insulted a Lord and vocally attacked some of the Order. She looked into the eyes of Lucien. He did nothing but smile at her. Karyna smiled just the same. Saraphyn straightened up. Maybe there was something good here for her. The image of Lady Valinal cleared her voice.

"Thalana chose her replacement wisely. I approve of Sunhaven's lordship."
"As do I," came Lady Larika.
There was a chuckle. "We definitely could learn a lot from her," said Lord Lucien.
"I do not approve." Cystenian held back his tongue as he stared at his feet.
Lord Senathar shifted. His eyes looked at Saraphyn. "While her comment was probably a little out of place, I also approve."
"I can't believe this," said Cystenian.
"It is done. The council welcomes Lady Saraphyn Sunhaven. The position is yours until you cannot fulfill your duties or death takes you," came Karyna's voice.
"I..."
Lucien laughed. "That was the easy part, Saraphyn. We still have much to discuss."
"Yes, we still need to appoint a High Priest. There must always be a leader," said Larika.
"Thalana made me her right hand. It is and should be my position," Cystenian said.
Karyna looked at him. "Thalana had not discussed who would take over with any of us. Her last business before she died was giving Saraphyn a title."
"She spoke to me about it."
"That is now how these things work, Cystenian. Word of mouth is not how our Order has survived for centuries," said Larika.
Senathar cleared his throat. "Then we should decide among us."
"I, obviously, will vote for myself," Cystenian said.
There was a chuckle from Lucien. "I don't know how you expect the rest of us to vote for someone who only sees the best for himself."
"I agree," added Karyna. "Perhaps, Lord Lucien can guide us with the passion we need."
"I second this," came Lady Valinal.
Senathar nodded before speaking. "I third."
"I, fourth," came Saraphyn without thinking.
Larika smiled. "Then it is decided. Lord Lucien is now our High Priest."

Cystenian turned his head away. It was obvious he was not happy. Saraphyn found herself a bit relieved by this. She smiled a bit. It was uneasy, but it wasn't unnoticed. Lucien looked at her. His smile had not faded. Saraphyn bit her lip. She half paid attention as Karyna and the others spoke about the Northrend campaign. Thoughts drifted through her mind. Things were actually looking bright in a world of darkness. She allowed herself to smile a bit before turning her attention back to the council.