The Dead Scar

Silvermoon City

Historical texts and drawings did not do justice to the massive blight of land. The sun began to peek out over the eastern mountains. Rayne had only heard stories about Arthas' march through Quel'Thalas but didn't imagine that his wrought devastation would still leave a mark on these otherwise beautiful lands. Grandiose trees and vegetation stretched beyond his vision and yet under the hooves of Icarus was nothing but death and decay. It was a terrible on an otherwise incredible landscape.

Taking this path was Lorelei's idea. She had mentioned that most locals and villagers stay clear of this area due to the occasional wandering minion of the Scourge. It aided in their progress towards the ancient elven city as they were fortunate enough to not be detected by any wandering guards or elven citizens.

The young elf continued to hold on to him tightly even as their pace slowed down to a stable trot. They had talked and shared stories throughout the entire journey. Her timid and reserved demeanor was quickly expelled the moment the ride began. Rayne enjoyed hearing her journey from the tragic beginnings to the much happier ending. Things were definitely looking up for this perky young elf and it only appeared to be getting better.

"There," pointed Lorelei.

Her hand trailed off to the west. In the distance, the paladin could see the makings a large elven village.

"So that's where you lived with your brother?"

"Yes. Just beyond the edge of town."

Rayne could feel remorse trickling into his gut. He had been given every opportunity in this world to be whoever he wanted. There was never a day where he had to worry about surviving a harsh winter storm or wondering where his next meal was coming from. That was the life he was privileged to receive. The struggle of peasants and common folk was not one the paladin had experienced but he could certainly empathize with their plight.

"You are an incredible woman Lorelei."

"Thank you," she replied with a gentle squeeze. "But if it weren't for my brother, I don't know if I'd even be here today."

"He sounds like an amazing guy. I would be honored to meet him one day."

The blood elf nodded against his back in agreement. It was obvious whenever Lorelei opened her mouth it was usually to tell a story about her brother's strength. He held a big place in her heart. There may have been no one else in Azeroth she care for more but judging by how things have went over the last couple of hours, it was slowly growing larger to make room for someone else. Likewise, Rayne's heart started to warm as well. If he was able to become friends with someone who would otherwise be labeled an enemy, perhaps he could live up to the tremendous image others have placed before him. Whether she knew it or not, her presence instilled confidence in the paladin and he was eternally grateful.

"Do you think we can reach Silvermoon before the sun rises over the edge of the mountains?"

"I believe so," she replied. "That is, if you think Icarus is up for it."

"Hear that boy?" Rayne laughed. "The lady has imposed a challenge on us."

The horse let out a mighty blast of air through his nostrils signaling his compliance.

"Emerald!" Called the young elf.

Her pet had been extraordinarily adept at not only keeping pace with the horse but also warning the pair of upcoming dangers.

"Go on ahead and wait for me under the tree like last time. Got it?"

The tiger acknowledge and took off in a dead sprint like a green-hued bolt of lightning. His speed topped anything the paladin had seen in him up until this point and was stunned at the level of obedience he demonstrated.

"Think you can catch him now?" Teased Lorelei.

"Only one way to find out," Rayne replied. He lowered his goggles and snapped the shade setting into place. They'll be racing with the sun just coming into view and he didn't want it impeding the final stretch of their journey.

"Let's go Icarus!" The paladin shouted while snapping the reins. "Hold on tight."

Wind blew over Rayne's body as his steed launched forward. They raced down the decaying path towards the tall stone walls ahead. Another exciting experience was just around the corner. The paladin hoped his presence would cause his new friend too much trouble given the inevitable circumstances that lie ahead.

Farstrider's Square

Silvermoon

"Sir!" A soldier called as he burst through the Colonel's door. The desperation in his tone and blatant disregard for protocol signified the importance of his message.

"What is it?" Jean asked while lifting himself away from the desk. Even though his shift started at sunrise he couldn't sleep due to the circumstances and decided to come in early.

"Guards have reported seeing a green tiger passing by the front gate just a few moments ago."

"What?!" He Colonel retrieved his broadsword and scabbard standing against the bookshelf behind him and approached the guard with copious fervor.

"Did they see anyone else?"

"No sir," the guard shook his head. "He ran by very quickly but appeared to be alone."

Dread was the foremost emotion plaguing Jeans thoughts followed by quick bursts of anger. His sister loved her beloved pet tiger. He watched them bond over the last year as if they had been together their entire lives. There was no way he would abandon her. The only situation that could ever bring up that scenario filled the Colonel with an overwhelming sense of terror.

"Gather the auxiliary guards from the Court of the Sun and meet me at the gates."

The scorn in tone was thick.

"I want that tiger captured and brought to me immediately."

"Yes sir!"

The guard bolted out of the room nearly colliding with the next guard attempting to enter. Their brief altercation drew a confused look from their superior but this momentary lapse of professionalism would be overlooked if he brought some engaging news with him.

"Sir!"

The new guard saluted between heavy breaths. Wherever he came from must have been quite the distance if one of his guards was this winded.

"Speak soldier," Jean snarled.

If this was unrelated to the tiger than it would be this guard's last words for the foreseeable future.

"We've spotted an intruder at our gates!"

"What kind of intruder?" The colonel inquired.

Though his mind was still clouded with thoughts of his sister's tiger, they slowly locked onto the statement presented by his subordinate. There was a slight chance these two matters were related.

"A lone Alliance soldier," the guard stated between breaths. "A human… On horseback."

The Alliance didn't have any territory nearby. This soldier was a long ways from home which only piqued the Colonel's interest.

"And why are you bringing this to my attention?" He taunted.

It was baffling that they hadn't brought news of killing the Alliance dog instead of reporting his arrival.

"Because sir," panted the guard. "He appears to have a hostage -"

The Colonel sped out of the room before listening to the guard's complete thought. His mind grew restless with anxiety as a pool of callous thoughts began to flow freely. There would be no saving that poor soul should he have laid a single finger on his beloved sister.

The Main Gate

Silvermoon

"Stand down!" The guards ordered.

Over a dozen of them had poured out of the front entrance and surrounded the paladin from all sides. Their bows were drawn and arrows tightly knocked across a safe distance of over forty feet.

These men were well trained. They knew standing any closer could lock them melee combat rendering their arrows ineffective if they wished to harm only their intended target. There was no telling were an arrow would strike in the heat of battle between two moving adversaries. It was a good move on their part.

"Stop it everyone!" Lorelei pleaded. "This is a misunderstanding."

Rayne prepared to receive some animosity upon his arrival but this was beyond his expectations. It was true their respected affiliations were at war with each other but they appeared to be singling the paladin out as if he were guilty of another crime entirely. He erred on the side of caution but that didn't mean he was completely defenseless. His shield was strapped securely to Icarus' barding on the left side for quick retrieval. However, his mace was even closer tugging at him by the waist. If push came to shove he'd much rather have the shield than the hammer.

"I mean you no harm," declared the paladin.

He slowly released the reins of the horse and raised his hands in compliance. His left finger lightly grazed the switch on his goggles subsequently activating the hostility sensor. This keen feature is not utilized in the mass production version of these lenses. Currently it was in the beta stages of testing. Rayne and Findle had designed them to lock on to potential enemies and highlight a box around them. The screen will then place a colored bar underneath them signifying the level of threat they possess.

As the system booted on Rayne saw the majority were sitting at the orange level. One peculiar subject was skirting on the red zone. His bow was not locked as tightly compared to the others. Fear was motivating his actions more than anything and the paladin knew it could produce some deadly results even if by sheer accident.

"Please, for the safety everyone –"

"Shut up!" Ordered the guard. "Release your hostage immediately or we will kill you this instant!"

"I'm not going anywhere!"

The young elf's grip tightened around Rayne's waist. At least she would be well protected behind his armor should a stray arrow find its way towards them. This crutch would impede any rash actions the paladin could take but he quickly realized that the longer this drew out, the worse his situation became.

Rayne lowered his arms. His eyes locked at the intensifying threat meters as the one rogue guard he was keeping his eye one was just about to jump over the edge. The bow quivered in his hands as the string began slipping from his sweaty fingertips. There was a brief pause. His eyes tensed. He was breaking down. The paladin prepared himself for the worst case scenario.

The arrow released whizzing past its owner and diving towards the paladin with a wickedly sharp grin. Rayne flicked his shield up and caught the arrow bluntly against its greatly protective hide. It forced the finely crafted barrier to smack his armor chest as the metal plates clapped together with a resounding thud that shook the paladin to his core. It would have done significantly less damage had he strapped the shield properly but this was the best results he could get given the situation. Unfortunately for Rayne, the goggles showed the remaining guards quickly raising their threat levels to a deep crimson shade.

"STAND DOWN!" A sharp voice called. "All of you, lower your weapons!"

Tensions seemed to quickly boil down. Everyone's levels soon trickled down to yellow and slowly approaching green shades. Rayne lowered the shield and examined the source of the disruption. Another guard clad in black and gold armor with regal red trim throughout the plates began stomping towards the ground. At his waste was a large broadsword that nearly kissed the ground with every step he took.

A fight fist crashed against a guard's chin. Blood spat out coating the soil below with vital fluids as he crashed to the ground. Coughs exuded from his lungs with more and more sticky red goo coating his mouth and armor. A foot clamped down on his throat as he wheezed to another taste of air begging his superior to stop.

"I should kill you beneath my boot," the scornful elf snapped. "You would dare fire an arrow with one of our own brethren between your sights?!"

"Colonel," pleaded the guard.

His voice cracked under the immense pressure being laid upon by the sharp steel boot.

"It was an –"

"Jean!"

Lorelei leapt off the horse and sped towards her brother. She wrapped her thin arms around his armor and pressed herself against his chest.

"It's okay. Everything's okay," she continued to plead.

So that's Lorelei's brother? Rayne thought. What a scary guy...

The paladin watched as Jean slowly released his foot from the subordinate's throat. The elder sibling returned her embraced and wrapped his arms around her shoulders. No amount of threats to his life could have pulled Rayne away from witnessing that moment. He had spent a considerable amount of time listening to the young elf praising this man. Watching their love for each other on display was a beautiful thing to witness despite the ever-present threat of death looming.

They continued to take amongst themselves. At first, it appeared her older brother was still harboring anger towards Lorelei. She was much more animated when speaking with her brother than Rayne was used to seeing. It was hard to hear from this distance but it appears Lorelei was laying out the entire story of everything that happened. Whether or not she would tell him every great detail itched at the paladin's thoughts. Attempting to clear up a misunderstanding appeared to be much more arduous with the elder sibling that it was with the young elf.

The mood slowly faded as Jean quickly formed a smile on his face and wrapped her in another hug. He dismissed them from sight with one wave of his gauntlet. Rayne's anxiety drifted away as he saw the eager brother approaching with both warmth and curiosity.

"My name is Jean Starstrider, Ranger-Colonel of Silvermoon and Captain of the Guard. It appears I owe you a debt of gratitude sir –"

"Raymond," the paladin stated while jumping from his horse.

Though it bothered him every time he said it, formally introducing yourself to someone knew was an old habit that just didn't seem to die. He extended his hand and locked gauntlets with the blood elf in a tight handshake.

"Raymond Nigel Templar," he smiled. "But please, call me Rayne."

"Rayne?" The puzzled elf looked at him with intrigue. "Historically, that name is of elven origins. Do you by chance –"

"It's a long story," Lorelei interjected as the paladin laughed at her increasing confidence and initiative.

"Is that so?" Jean pondered. "Then I would be delighted to hear it and more inside our chambers."

"I'd be honored," the paladin replied bowing his head.

His eyes wandered towards the top of the stone gates surrounding the city and felt the tickle of anxiety creeping back in.

"Are you sure it'll be okay. I wouldn't want to impose nor put you in a difficult situation."

"Nonsense," Jean waved signaling his unbridled command over the guards. "Anyone that my beloved sister speaks so highly of is worthy to sit at my table. You are my honored guest. The least I can do is offer you a bit of hospitality after your long journey. I promise you on my word that no trouble will befall you or myself. Please, follow me."

This highly unorthodox situation presented a unique conundrum. On the one hand, he knew his life would be constantly threatened with every breath he took inside those walls. Even if the captain of the guards was on his side, it wouldn't save him from a rogue blade stealthily placed across his throat. On the other hand, looking at the young elf eagerly smiling back at him told him this story begged to go on. It was a once in a lifetime experience really. Wasting it might be something he'd live to regret.

"Thank you Jean."

"My pleasure Rayne," the blood elf smiled.

The paladin walked with Icarus in tow alongside his new friend through the massive entrance. He listened intently to the Colonel as he provided some small insights about the architecture and historical significance of the path they walked on. Even with his great interest in the subject, he couldn't help but notice out of the corner of his eye Lorelei would occasionally sneak glances at him. This may be the start of a great friendship which seemed to tickle him in an oddly familiar way. This was definitely the right choice to make.

Farstrider's Square

Silvermoon

The servant girl bowed after setting down the tray filled with sweet smelling fruits, pastries and three steaming cups of tea on the glass table. She exited without orders but Jean caught her eyes lingering on his guest as she left. Whether this was due to his unique presence given his race or substantially refined looks was still undecided.

The Colonel dismissed the guards standing outside his door. They appeared reluctant given the circumstances but knew better than to convey that verbally. It would prove disastrous for their future career prospects. The door was shut as they exited leaving the three at peace inside of the Starstrider living quarters. Jean was afforded this plush space due to his rank. Servicing the mighty elven army had many benefits but not without its sacrifices. The blood elf ensured they had every accommodation necessary to live a peaceful and quiet life. After so many years spent in the forest, this was a welcomed and much needed change.

A military apartment had a lot of unique amenities not typically found in forest huts. They each had their own separate rooms and bathing spaces. The foyer was decorated with fine silk drapes on the windows and elven plants and pottery. The large oval-shaped glass table in the center was surrounded by a three auburn chairs on one side where Rayne was sitting in the middle and a long similarly colored couch opposite to them. Lorelei had taken a seat towards the end of the sofa with her dainty elbow resting along the arm but her eyes had never left the paladin's sight since they arrived.

Their honored guest had already regaled him with the heroic tale of the gallant rescue of Lorelei. He wanted to wait until prying eyes were out of sight to thank him properly. A story as unique as theirs would be one for the history books. While Jean may be a small footnote in the grand tale, there was no way he could sit idly by without presenting his guest with honor and praise he was rightfully due.

"Thank you Rayne," Jean stated while taking a knee beside him. "Words cannot express my gratitude. I will forever be in your debt."

"Jean please," pleaded the paladin. "Do not trouble yourself over me. I was just doing my duty. Anyone else in my position would have done the same."

"Modest and brave?" Jean smiled while standing. "Those are two traits I wish I could infuse in my men."

"Those with the inherent strength will have the intrinsic responsibility to become a blessing onto others. We are their shield. We are their sword. We are their light."

"May it guide us always," Jean finished.

That was the mantra taught to all paladins who undertake the trails. The Colonel knew it well through his own training but was delighted to find someone in these parts who he could bond with beyond the rank and file of the military.

"It takes a lot of discipline to become a paladin. I saw many of my brothers give up well before the end. Those who passed became something greater than themselves though not without sacrificing their former lives. However," Jean paused while enjoying a small sip of the steaming beverage. "You are quite the unique soul Rayne Templar. For you to endure the trails and retain the humanity of who you once were is admirable. I don't believe I've ever met someone of your stature and standing that can openly express their emotions so freely. I'm envious of that."

"I was taught the toughest lesson in life is to never run away from yourself. It is important to stay true to who you are. Hiding behind a mask is more than a disservice to those who had sacrificed their lives to ensure yours, it is an injustice to the world."

Jean coughed through a brief laugh.

"You have wisdom beyond your age. Thought it is not too common seeing that we are brothers of the light. If only it could be passed down through blood instead of being taught," the Colonel quipped while offering his sister a passing glance.

She slowly curled up within herself in shame knowing her brother's anger over the previous incident was still lingering.

"Please, try not to be too rough on her," he joked.

Jean caught his sister offering the paladin a silent look of thanks for his requested mercy. In the short time they've been together it was almost as if they developed their own unique language. He should not be surprised that Lorelei was drawn to him. With every moment they spent together, Jean too felt himself growing closer with the young paladin.

"So you were born at the end of the First War?"

Rayne nodded while helping himself to a cup of fresh elderberry tea.

"That's what I was told," he smiled before. "My father was always hazy with the details given the hysteria that was going on at the time."

"Indeed, that was a terribly bloody affair," Jean nodded while taking another drink. "I'd like to think we've evolved past that but given the current state of politics, it appears unlikely. Even with a common enemy before us we bicker like children."

"Kids have a unique perspective on the world," the paladin commented. "They are very instinctual and operate on a simpler set of rules. But, much like children, Azeroth with the Alliance and Horde on these lands is young. We're still learning and growing together. Watching it blossom from is one of the many joys we get to experience. Through our efforts, we helped create something more than any one of us as an individual can be."

The moisture in Jean's throat evaporated. He had never met a man so carefree and optimistic in his entire life. Even with the potential threat of death looming within every corner of the enemy's territory he still spoke and acted as if he were with his greatest of friends. That was a strength beyond anything required to wield a sword required.

"You continually surpass my expectations Rayne Templar. I am honored that you would share such wisdom with me today."

"I imagine we'd be having a much different conversation if I had found your sister a minute later," the paladin laughed slightly uncomfortably.

"Indeed," nodded Jean. "Though I hardly believe fate would have put a shield on your back if it didn't want you to use it. Has the protective powers granted by the light always called out to you?"

"I guess you can say that," laughed Rayne. "Although, I always had a knack for the healing nature the light offers. My trainers said I was much more suited down that path but I inevitably refused. I just felt more comfortable as a bulwark of justice than a beacon of light."

The paladin took a small sip of tea. It was remarkably powerful with a hint of sweetness. Elves must have enjoyed the natural bitterness of the tea leaves. Rayne preferred his with a little more sugar but it was still tasty nonetheless.

"And you, Jean?"

"The light called to me in a different way. I," he suddenly stopped himself while passing a glance to Lorelei. "We were not afforded many luxuries as children. I felt a natural affinity with a blade in my hands. The light assists me in honing my craft so that I may be the hammer of justice needed to strike down those that would darken our home. It has given us many blessings since then and I hope it will continue do to so."

"May it be a blessing to us all," Rayne said while raising his cup and dispensing the rest of the liquid into his body.

Time had passed much quicker than the Colonel anticipated. He would have loved to continue exploring exceptional mind of the paladin but duty came first.

"I'm afraid time is not on our side. Unfortunately I must return to my work."

"Already?!" The young elf whined.

It was the first thing she had said in their presence but her words were duly noted.

"I believe I should get going as well. I've caused enough trouble for one day," jested the paladin while standing.

"Not at all," Jean retorted following suit. "My position affords me many privileges. Please allow me to escort you to the front gates and ensure your safe passage."

"Thank you Jean."

"Please Rayne," the Colonel replied with a smile, "I have not even begun to finish thanking you yet."

They gingerly walked through the open courtyards of Silvermoon. More prying eyes rained down upon them but Jean was feeling much less concerned with their thoughts than he did moments prior. In the wake of potential travesty, something good did surface. The Colonel had no idea there was someone out there who shared such an idealistic view on life in spite of all the chaos going on in the world. It was refreshing to see there were still people who still had a firm grasp on hope.

The guards at the front gates didn't give anything but their utmost respect as the trio stepped through the front gates. Jean stopped several yards past the main wall. The yellow glare of the risen sun was still struggling to make it over the mountains. It was going to be hard to say goodbye to this one but it was ultimately the best course of action. Still, the Colonel had no regrets.

"In another world, I'm sure we could have been best friends Rayne Templar," Jean smiled while extending his hand.

"Aye," Rayne replied clasping the Colonel's palm. "I look forward to the day where we can make that world into a reality Jean Starstrider."

"By the light guide us," the Colonel began.

"Anar'alah anu dela'na," smiled the paladin.

He offered one last look at the young elf.

"Take care of yourself Lorelei."

Rayne quickly mounted his horse. He snapped the reins and the white steed took off running down the open path. It only took a moment for him to be completely out of sight and with that, the paladin was gone just as quickly as he came.

A rattling tension still lingered in the air. Lorelei's eyes had never left the trail even after the paladin vanished from view. Anxiety began to tug at the Colonel's heart. The way she looked at him then and even now was different than she had ever dared to gaze at anyone else. He knew this wasn't going to be easy but it must be done.

"You are smitten with him."

The young elf's eyes went wide. She turned them towards the stern look that has befallen her brother's emotions.

"If fate is kind, you will never see him again."

"But Jean –"

"But nothing!" Her pleas were immediately silenced. "Have you not given one thought or inkling about our situation? Do you know what the very implications of your feelings could do you us?"

"I -," her thoughts stuttered which reflected in her soft voice.

Though her body had reached maturity her mind still had a ways to go. Jean never thought he was going to have this discussion with his beloved sister so soon but there was not better time than right now.

"We are in a precarious position. I have struggled all of my life to provide for us. My blood has soiled these lands for years in order to ensure you will never shed another tear. There is nothing I won't do to ensure your happiness my dear sister."

His malice grew tenfold as a scornful tone filled his throat.

"And yet you're willing to throw it all away to the first man that makes your heart flutter?!"

Lorelei winced against the force of her brother's bold statement. Her naivety was astounding. They had fought and scrapped for years just barely getting by at most times. Jean sacrificed everything to get where they are today. He had defended his home against the oncoming of the scourge when he was still a teenager. The horrors he saw on that day still haunt his memories. Even when he was forced to become a man long before nature intended, he did so without uttering a single word of resistance. Jean knew exactly what it took to survive in this harsh world and was not about to have it taken from him by his impetuous sister.

An exhausting sigh exited the Colonel's lungs. There was no amount of anger filling his heart that would stop him from ever loving this sweet innocent child. She was all he had in this world. Nothing else mattered other than her safety and happiness but if one had to be sacrificed over the other, the former would always win.

"Listen to me Lorelei," Jean stated while grabbing her by the shoulders. "You and him… Is something that can never be. We have many enemies within our very own walls that would love nothing more to watch us fall from grace. They are looking for something, anything that can be used against us. The Horde would not look kindly on such a union. Our people need them for the time being. For protection. For stability. For unity. This decision is not mine alone to make. Should word of this get out, I know our brothers and sisters would not hesitate to make that decision for you in a way that will certainly bring you great sadness."

"Why not?!" She snapped back. "It's just like Rayne said. We have the power to change the world. Maybe it starts with us –"

"Don't be so naïve!" Interrupted Jean.

It was time to take drastic measure though still met with great resistance from his personal beliefs.

"He is merely a dreamer. If the world were so easily swayed with words than wars would not exist. Suffering would not exist. And our parents would not have thrown their lives away and allowed us to be tormented by this harsh and cruel realm."

The Colonel took a minute to let his words sink in.

"Perhaps one day there will be a place where all three of us can share the rest of our moments together. I long for that kind of peace as it resides in your young heart and mind. However, we must face reality as it is presented to us. I cannot, I will not chase a dream if it means surrendering everything I've worked to obtain in this life." His eyes locked onto hers as he finished. "You are all I have Lorelei. Please do not let my sacrifices be in vain."

Tears began to build in the tiny corners of her eyes. It appears he had finally gotten through to her. She had put up much more of a fight than he originally thought.

"How can I –" she began choking on the words as they sobbingly poured over her tongue. "How can I make this feeling stop?"

"That I do not know," Jean replied. "But perhaps I can take your mind off it for the time being. I will be departing to Northrend this evening. The Horde Expedition has seen it fit to give me the honor of commanding the defense of a great stronghold."

"Northrend," her eyes sharpened as if the location were familiar to her somehow.

Other than hearing about it from local gossip, Jean was unfamiliar why that place would be of any interest to her.

"I want you to come with me. I know it's not much in light of everything but it'll give you the chance to experience something new. I have been told Dalaran is a majestic city. There should be plenty of things to keep your mind occupied and help you put your heart at rest."

The young elf nodded. It wasn't with the amount of enthusiasm Jean had hoped for. They had spent many years cooped up within the walls of Silvermoon. He had hoped taking her to a far off continent would be an exciting opportunity. Given the circumstance, her mind has not let go of those dangerous thoughts. It may take weeks, months, or even years for her to understand but at the very least, Jean hoped she would learn to forgive him. There is not telling what awaited him on that frozen wasteland. He only hoped they could put an end to it soon so he can return back to their peaceful and loving home.

Jean poured over his words once more. Throughout all of his experiences he knew it would never be true. Fate was never kind. It was cruel, bitter, and harsh. Some things were just not meant to change.

End of Act I