Assault on Teldrassil
A young man was whistling a song while scooping water in a bucket at the Temple Gardens under one of Azshara's balconies. He was approached by a sentinel.
"Where do you think you are going with that water?" It took a moment for the young paladin to think of an excuse already knowing what the sentinel would do.
"There are some plants in the garden of Azshara that needs watering, she's still asleep so." Alathena tried to look strict at Richard who was trying to move around her.
"Nice try, I will not allow you to wake up Azshara with that." Richard fenced her off while still holding on to a now half-filled bucket.
"Her oath was to be treated as an equal, don't take it away from her." The huntress had embraced the surrendering paladin when he felt a disarming kiss on his cheek.
"Your ways are not considered normal Richard. Sentinels may not act but I am your sister. Cheer up. I will make it up to you by cooking your favorite meal." Richard grumbled while Alathena took his bucket away while both walked to the entrance. The huntress wasn't as good a cook as she thought she was. Richard didn't want to tell her that so not to hurt her feelings for the hours she tried so hard.
The sentinel tried to cheer him up. At Azshara's chamber he sneaked in and tried to get close. He felt two hands gripping his wrist. Richard attempted to tug his arm free trying to get lose as he whispered.
"You already have taken away a lot of fun. Now let me at least have this moment?" Richard came close to Alathena and tickled her. Richard laughed quietly at a low volume with a sadistic undertone. She released as Richard now and in a few steps had and invaded Azshara's bed slipping past the dark blue transparent blind. With all things happing in the room the queen was still very much asleep. As a tiger he stalked his pray. Above her face a smile appeared as Richard whispered in the sleeping beauty's ear.
"Azsha-ra… Azsharaaa." Richard pulled away the hairs in front of her face and started to blow in it. Playfully he called her name again.
"Azssshara… Azsharrra..."
Azshara stood in the moonlight. She gazed over the waters. She felt a presence behind her. With a gentle touch a hand grabbed her arms. A man took Azshara in his arms. As she touched his arms with hers she whispered.
"My beautiful husband." They kissed each other with a big moon on the background. They walked through the grassy fields. A warm breeze played with her hair. The hair in her face he was pulling away from her eyes. As they sat next to each other Azshara placed her head on his shoulder as he put an arm around her. They watched the sunrise together. The sun sparkled in her eyes. Then they rolled in the grass kissing and hugging. Then the attractive silver white haired woman placed herself on top of him as she wanted him to touch her with passion.
Richard leaned over Azshara as he saw energy build up around her. Dust around her glowed up as she whispered.
"Richard." Her eyes glowed through her closed eyelids. Curious Richard remained watching Azshara still in close range.
"I wonder what she is dreaming off? Azshara, it is time to wake up. Azshara?" He touched her face while his voice became louder.
"Azshara? Azshaaara!" Her body started to move. Before Richard could pull himself away he was caught. In her bed Azshara only wore her silvery sheets. Her magic had stripped the young man from his upper clothing. Thanks to her magic Richard wasn't able to free himself or even move. Azshara climbed on top of him and she placed his hands on her breasts.
"… Richard." She opened her eyes when Richard calmly spoke to her with a load voice.
"Azshara, let go of me?" Azshara didn't move at all. She only apologized feeling weak that her urges had been so openly revealed.
"Oh Richard I…" A very angry Paradrona who had just arrived grabbed the queen by the hair.
"Azshara what do you think you are doing? Get off of him." Azshara apologized.
"I am sorry. I got carried away in my sleep." Although it felt nice Richard still tried to remove his hands however the Night Elf's magic proved superior. Now the red haired Quel'dorei tugged harder. Azshara's spells ceased and Richard crawled away assisted by Alathena to get him off the bed. Paradrona had let go of the queen's hair and now pulled her arm as Azshara grasped Richard's leg.
"Azshara I never saw someone sleep so vigorously in her sleep." After the queen let go of his leg the young paladin dropped in the floor. Alathena and Richard were whispering again leaving the paladin and the mage alone.
"I warned you and now you lost your clothes too."
"You didn't knew this would happen? I don't buy that." Richard and Alathena tried to make something out the rags that lay everywhere for Richard to wear. Azshara waved her hands creating a new sweater from the bed's blinds for Richard to wear while she wrapped her sheets around her body and kept her eyes on him.
"Please forgive me Richard, Paradrona. You just wanted to wake me on time for my visit to Ogrimmar." Paradrona embraced Azshara and held Azshara's head on her chest. "Silly girl."
"That was a pleasant experience. They are quite an interesting species. Violent yet caring." It was a friendly duel between the Entwined Souls and some of those that fought beside them in the liberation war for Dreanor that had upset the queen a little. She was afraid the two would get hurt. The group had returned from a diplomatic visit. All were a bit tired so Azshara more than willing requested her friends to stay for the day. That night it was Azshara that woke them up. Azshara smiled with delight how Paradrona guided the sleepy Richard to the queen's balcony for a breakfast. At night the dim lights everywhere made it possible for visitors to the world tree to enjoy the night life. After a while Demetria, the handmaiden of the queen for the day told Azshara it was time to attend her duty at the Temple of the Moon to listen to the people's problems.
On their walk over to the temple Richard praised Azshara for performing a few healings of some visitors to Teldrassil. It made Azshara have a blush on her cheeks. Shandris who was waiting for her arrival noticed this and welcomed the group with a smile. Paradrona was surprised to see the general act in Tyrande's absence. She told Paradrona that her mother was out visiting Malfurion. Richard was surprised.
"Shouldn't the both of you do this chore?" With a calm smile the queen answered with pride.
"Times are peaceful Azeroth is prospering. There is no need." Richard who wanted nothing but peace remained skeptic.
"I hope you are right. The world isn't perfect there is always something brewing. Besides the world should never be made 'perfect'." Paradrona added to Richard's answer.
"Even in peace time one should not let down their guard completely. Anything could happen." While saying that a well-known Draenei had shown up. Her crystal decorated plate armor added to the purple looks. Phaluura waved and smiled as she kissed Richard on the cheek while wiggling her tail. She almost stepped back and then decided to hug him catching him off guard.
"It is good to see you again." After Richard she gave her embrace to Paradrona and Azshara. Shandris she gave a firm handshake. Azshara escorted her three guests to a bench at the right of her. During the first audiences Azshara waved sentinels away who tried to stop the succubus that had flown in and crashed on top of Richard. While Paradrona and Phaluura helped the two to sit down Azshara gestured to Shandris to continue. Shandris waved at a sentinel to bring in another of her people to be heard by the Night Elf leader. Paradrona leaned against Richard.
"Please be silent and do not distract Azshara."
"You know I'm a good boy." Richard blew a kiss to Azshara whose cheeks darkened again. Phaluura giggled as Azshara placed a fan made out of feathers before her face as her eyes observed a sentinel bring someone forth. Shandris took word as she acted in the absence of the High Priestess. After a while Richard addressed the women at his side.
"She is wise in her decisions, kind and yet rock steady as a real queen." Shandris heard Richard whisper sitting on the other side of Azshara. Her eyes turned to the corners of her eyes to get a glimpse of Azshara and she saw Azshara trying to hide her blush once more. Paradrona whispered kindly to Richard.
"Knock it of you promised not to distract her."
During a break Azshara stood up from her humble seat and walked to Richard. As she observed them she had picked up his conversation.
"I remember the snow in Northrend at the Wyrmrest Temple. Even if Alexa is pretty heavy her claws break the snows surface differently. When I jumped off her back I ended a several feet below the snow only leaving an imprint on the surface. She used her wingtip for me to grab and pulled me out." Richard laughed while Paradrona pushed him while restraining a laugh. Richard looked at Hesriana.
"I can picture that happen to you, instead of a circle I see two bad wings." The succubus hanged her wings and looked sad. Richard petted her hair laughing and she regained her joyful looks as Paradrona explained what Richard was thinking.
"He would scoop the whole of Northrend to dig you out Hesriana." Azshara walked closer to make herself be seen. Richard took her hand and gave his seat away.
"You're doing a great job Azshara hopefully we can help some. I'm waiting to do something."
After the break petitioners came and went. Eventually there was a farmer from the main land. He had traveled from Valandre Village at the low countries at Mt Hyjal. He brought troubling news. Proximo Greensight was a proud man. It was hard for him to come for aid. His health was bad and it took time for him to put that aside. Azshara felt that something was amiss so with a wave a moon light shined on the farmer to ease his physical pain.
"My queen I besiege you to have a look at the situation in our district. I have seen dragon's and there are stories of people missing. People who strongly worshiped the Mother Moon." People were missing under her reign? The queen looked briefly at Richard and back to the farmer. She would hate to have loved ones missing. The daughter of Elune was not going to let go. Azshara stood up.
"This is most disturbing I will send some of my finest to investigate this matter. It is not your responsibility but why have the local authorities not reacted? These people that are missing must have been brought under their attention?"
"I am sorry my queen we are scared. We didn't want to trouble you and we have hopes that the missing people will return." Azshara almost wanted to pace up and down.
"How long ago was it that people were starting to be missing?" The man looked away. The farmer was troubled for upsetting his queen.
"One two moon cycles ago and the people still are scared. We do not know who to turn too." Richard and Paradrona were the only two present that saw Azshara angry and upset.
"Do you have any idea who is responsible?"
"I have no idea your majesty." The man rushed forward and the sentinels wanted to act only to be waved away by their queen. Proximo dropped to Azshara's feet as tears stained the floor in front of her.
"Please your majesty, they have taken my daughter, help me please, I beg of you?" Azshara was surprised of the man's reaction. Richard and Paradrona stood up and placed themselves beside the man and Azshara knew their intentions.
"Dear Proximo Greensight, my most trusted knights will go with you and look in to the matter. Now go and may my mother shine her blessing of tranquility on you." Azshara saw the small group walk away. Paradrona had waved Phaluura over and Richard had pulled Hesriana from the ground to join them. How Azshara thought about going with them. She wanted to be with them. Perhaps another time she could go in disguise. She could fashion a Night Elf plate armor set. No one would know who she was when she would be wearing a helmet. Maybe a guise as a handmaiden and changing her facial features would hide her true identity. Azshara looked at Shandris.
"Please wait for me until I return. I have to say good bye my sweet general."
"Very well light of a thousand moons we will take a break. Say good bye on my behalf too." Shandris smiled as Azshara gave a nod in agreement. As floating on air Azshara in seconds had reached the exit of the temple.
She was too late. One time the dragon queen was approached by one of her dragons. She asked the aspect why the Entwined Souls weren't given aid by their flight. The red dragon days later gave her services of flight to the Entwined Souls to fly them wherever the two wanted to go. The red dragon was considerably big and could carry eight people if needed. A massive down draft almost blew Azshara back as she saw Lirastrasza take flight.
Richard who had wrapped one arm around Hesriana to keep her wings retracted waved with his free hand to Azshara. The queen gave a small wave in return. Although Richard couldn't see her anymore Azshara still looked at him until she couldn't see the dragon anymore and returned to her duty. The queen was troubled thinking back about the Entwined Souls' quest as she took her place in the temple and addressed Shandris.
"Proximo spoke with truth. I hope my friends can resolve this matter and bring harmony back to my people. I take responsibility for the people's safety. If the Entwined Souls return I will need your help Shandris."
Near an inn on a road to Valandre Village Lirastrasza landed in the forest. There she changed to her High Elven form. Paradrona took the lead towards the inn to purchase some horses together with Phaluura. Richard would study the area with Proximo and Lirastrasza while Hesriana stood guard. When Paradrona and Phaluura had returned they left for the village. Phaluura had a question when she saw Hesriana partly flew and ran besides Richard's horse.
"Why are you still not riding a horse Hesriana?" Hesriana smiled at the Draenei paladin.
"I am not comfortable riding something while moving at high speed I rather am in control." Hesriana slapped her behind and moaned a little. Richard gave an extra explanation.
"Besides have you ever seen her try? Hes loses her horse because when she positions herself on the horse her wings deploy and becomes airborne. It is really funny to see." Hesriana looked away ashamed when Richard laughed.
"But not to worry, come here Hes. I will help you like I always do." Richard had halted his horse as he pulled the shy succubus on his horse. Her legs hang on one side while her wings were held wrapped by Richard. Hesriana started to kiss Richard. An angry shout of Paradrona made her stop.
"I am sorry master Paradrona." Richard teased his wife by giving a brief kiss on Hesriana's cheek while spurring his horse.
At midnight they had reached the farmers home. The man was proud of his farm.
"Welcome at my humble home my lord and ladies." Richard looked up a bit staring at the impressive construction of the house.
"Nice tree hut." Paradrona elaborated Richard's compliment.
"What he is trying to say what a lovely tree house. And address us with our names. It talks faster that way." Being impatient as to start their search Richard had let Hesriana of his horse and backed him back to the road.
"I like to ride out around the area to get acquainted. Tomorrow we go and track your daughter at once." Paradrona wanted to take her role and asked for directions to the local moon well.
"I will investigate the moonwell where the daughter was taken."
"Leona, will you protect the village in case something might happen by our arrival?" The dragon in High Elf disguise smiled.
"You just worry about your own safety. This village is under my protection as you wish." Phaluura wanted to go with them as was Hesriana however she thought about dinner.
"Yes, and Proximo and I shall attend the food for when you get back." Phaluura requested to help out Proximo with cooking. Richard listened how his stomach made noise.
"Long time ago when I had Draenei food." Phaluura smiled and wiggled her tail averting her eyes from Richard. Paradrona crossed her arms.
"Riiight. Hes come with me to the moonwell." Richard rode out laughing.
On top of a small hill he dismounted and saw in the distance a windmill. Over there he asked to climb to the top. On the roof he stared at the area all around him in the moonlight. With the light he was able to see reasonably far. He could see the houses spread out in a small forest. To the East there were the fields that the farmers used to house cattle and grow their crops. To the south was a thick forest that had been grown back by druids when the Twilight Hammer had scorched the lands many years ago. To the west was a road that would lead through fields and a small mountain range where he could make out some small houses. To the north were small hills which would lead to Mt Hyjal itself. His thoughts wandered of visiting Aviana again. Perhaps he could find some nuts and seeds for his Ancient friend. However the alarm that was his stomach indicated it was time to head for Proximo's house. As Richard glided down the stairs he thanked the miller and rode out in the night back to the others.
The beautiful Quel'dorei paladin galloped the streets of the village with a well-formed succubus running beside her. Paradrona almost asked directions however the moon seemed to guide her way to the shrine a little into the woods. The water in the small well seemed to radiate the moon's reflection. The site made the woman smile as she enjoyed seeing this peaceful scenery. Hesriana smiled seeing Paradrona taking a liking to the area. She herself enjoyed the tall trees and the moon that gave shadow. As she held her master the succubus' eyes sparkled as she imagined the site with a sunrise. Paradrona inspected the place.
"It is lways nice to see such shrines in a nice environment." A priestess came out to greet Paradrona. The robed priestess look tired. He clothes were distorted around her body. The holy knight was greeted by a not so pleasant sounding voice.
"What do you come here for warlock?"
"Warlock? I am a lady of the Knights Devastation priestess please address me with more respect. Not that my sister deserves any less respect. You are hiding something. Wherever I would meet priestesses of the moon goddess I was shown more respect. Even with my succubus friend." The priestess was shocked. She staggered backwards and looked around for help. The Night Elf carried a secret and it needed to remain a secret.
"Leave before I call out for help from the sentinels." Paradrona wasn't impressed. She had often crossed swords with Shandris who was considered the best of the Kaldorei in arms. The general didn't hold back even when Tyrande asked to be more gently with her friend. Paradrona proofed to be a good match and bested Shandris many times.
"Go ahead, scream all you want." The priestess screamed with an eerie devanning shout for help.
"You actually did it." Moments later sentinels stormed from the bushes and surrounded Paradrona.
"Okay, we have to do this the hard way." Paradrona pulled her sword and took her shield from the horse.
"Now for some exercise, Hesriana stay were you are I can deal with these people." After several minutes Paradrona had bested the sentinels, even the archers that had come out of nowhere stood no chance. Her opponents all lay unconscious on the forest floor. The gauntlet had almost felt warm of bashing her adversaries. The priestess was paralyzed and stood frozen. Breathing like a trapped animal she saw Paradona walk up to her sheeting her sword. She was now no longer patient of getting an answer by just asking.
"I will get my answer. You are hiding something from the sentinels, of the local officials, from me and your queen. Now let me hear your story straight or I will drag you kicking and screaming before Azshara herself." One of the sentinels addressed Paradrona while getting up.
"You dare name our queen as an equal you will pay for that insult. First threatening this priestess, assault us and then insult our queen we…" Paradrona turned around grabbing her by the mouth.
"Oh shut up. I came here to investigate on her behalf because there are people missing." The priestess understood who this paladin was including the succubus as she turned around and ran away. Hesriana wanted to go after her.
"No Hesriana. Sentinel you go after her and get her back for questioning."
"You can't give me an…" Paradrona let go of the Night Elf's mouth while pushing her away. She was also not only disappointed in the priestess's behavior but also that of the sentinels. They fought to kill. It did not sit well with Paradrona who favored peaceful ways above conflict. Her voice sent shivers down the sentinel's spine.
"Order! Now go and do as you're told. Or do you know more about these missing persons?" The sentinel thought it over looking at the colors the paladin wore and went after the priestess. Another sentinel got up after reaching conscious, walked closer and picked up her moonglaive. Paradrona looked at her with one gaze.
"In for some more? My prisoner is getting away." The sentinel placed her moonglaive on the ground and got down on one knee.
"Lady Paradrona?" Paradrona remained calm and chanted. Moon light shined on her and her succubus. The queen spending time with Paradrona when they were alone had learned her the ways of the Mother Moon. It felt natural to Parardrona. She on her turn taught her husband. The concentrated moonlight diminished as the paladin frowned with one eye. It had bothered her that the sentinels and the priestess had taken so long for them to recognize her. At other locations her reputation had preceded her always.
"Finally, Richard would have pissed himself if he was here of laughter."
Feeling she brought shame to herself the sentinel pleaded for mercy knowing her queen would be offended for what they had done.
"We're terribly sorry please forgive us my lady?" Paradrona placed her look at the direction the priestess had run off to. She would be ashamed if a witness would have gotten away.
"You are forgiven if my prisoner gets back. Hurry."
"Right away lady Paradrona."
The priestess was brought back and placed in front of Paradrona.
"Priestess of Elune, you know more about the missing people yet neglecting hospitality and show no signs of concerns of our Mother Moon. This is not how Tyrande Whisperwind greets us. Have you deviated from the Mother Moon priestess?" The priestess dropped on her knees and burst into tears. There was a reason why she had held a secret. A burden would fall of her shoulders. If anyone could save her soul and that of others it were the Entwined Souls. Paradrona laid her hand on the priestess's head taking pity.
"What did you do?"
"I... I was threatened by Twilight dragons." Agitated by this revealing news Paradrona was thinking of the thing to do.
"Let me reason, people disappeared and they have something to do with you because… you have given these Twilight dragon's information, and you staid quiet?" The priestess looked up surprised that her betrayal of her people was so easily discovered. In a way she was glad.
"Yes and…"
"I hate to think that the missing persons came here looking for guidance of the Mother Moon and you sent them into the forest were they vanished. These Twilight dragon's… What did they do priestess?" Tears started to form knowing she was a cause of inflicting possible cruelty to others.
"Lady Paradrona they came for people who have been touched by the Mother Moon for what I do not know. They said if I didn't show our people who were touched they would kill the villagers because they are with many." Paradrona's heart pounded in her chest. Those people, they were not safe. If anything of her experience had taught her in the past that Twilight dragons always murder in the end. They would kill everyone. It troubled her also to find out there were still monsters left on Azeroth. If they would attack now they however encounter a seasoned red dragon.
"Another question is why did you not warn the sentinels?" The Night Elf still on her knees tried to make sense.
"I was taken and beaten one night. I saw what they did to a human village, they were slaughtered..." The priestess stopped and folded her hands staring at Paradrona with a bright moon in the background.
"Mother Moon forgive me I don't know what to do. I wanted to protect as many as I could here." Paradrona kneeled down to comfort the now distressed priestess as she placed her hands on the Night Elf's arms.
"You should have informed the sentinels. Queen Azshara would have acted to protect all. I know you are scared. Those Twilight dragons are brutal and evil. If the Twilight dragons are mixed in things all lose no matter what everyone does. You will help. For now you will have these sentinels as your body guards. Swear by Elune that you will help?"
"By the Mother Moon I do milady. I shall walk in her light again." Not knowing of fear of death or anything else would lead the priestess of her path again Paradrona stood up.
"You'd better." Everyone looked into the night when they heard a struggling sound. From the forest they saw Richard holding his sword on a woman's throat and came out of the forest.
"Tell me is this the dragon in disguise that threatened you?" The priestess rushed to take shelter behind Paradrona and answered all frightened.
"Yes my lord." The young knight smiled as he carefully kept his sword in place knowing what a dragon could do in their true form.
"When I rode back to town I saw a dragon land near a forest I followed her and captured her. Good thing there were enough wild animals to distract her. I was a little careless in my approach. Now talk black dragon of the Twilight Hammer." The woman struggled but the blade pressed against her throat and a spell that Richard placed to prevent her from transforming made her stop struggling but not her cursing.
"Never." It was no surprise to Richard.
"Somehow I knew you were going to say that. You know thanks to you I miss my dinner most likely?"
A smile formed on Paradrona's face. "That really can upset him."
They tried to make the dragon talk but to no avail. The sentinels took her prisoner. They also apologized to Paradrona again. That gave Richard a change to ride to Proximo's house first. A race was born. Richard was first and stormed in. Phaluura was waiting at a table with all the food she had created. The table was full, enough for a big family. But there would be hungry warriors dining tonight who prepared for possible combat. Phaluura's happiness ignited her smile seeing Richard ready to sit down.
"Welcome back Richard, finally, I was getting worried." Richard was just as worried.
"Me too I hate cold food." As Phaluura's tail wiggled and Richard started to eat she asked a question to Paradrona who just entered the house with Hesriana.
"What took you guys so long?" Richard answered before Paradrona while eating.
"Black dragon. Extorted. Priestess." Paradrona sat herself next to Richard on the bench and embraced him.
"Why don't you talk when you're done eating my lord? He will eat his full and then go to bed." Proximo was confused.
"Will you not discus of what happened to the missing people and my daughter?" The female paladin spoke with a warm and comforting voice.
"Yes, in the morning. She might still be fine. We need to well prepare the next step. If we might hit facts again tomorrow we can go on for a time if we already have had enough sleep and food. Richard is already brainstorming. Your daughter will not be harmed, the moon isn't full yet. That is something what came out of the information we have so far." After swallowing a spiced bit of bread Richard only had time to say something before eating again.
"No idea we would get lucky by just riding into town. It has started. If the Twilight dragons may suspect something we must push on maybe for several days straight." Phaluura kept on smiling seeing that Richard enjoyed her cooking. "Some more Richard?"
The next morning Phaluura had made breakfast. Richard swiftly took his seat.
"Alright. You are my first and best Draenei friend ever." Phaluura wiggled her tail.
"I shall go to Alexstrasza." Richard was surprised that Phaluura knew of what he was going to ask her.
"How did you know what I was planning to do?"
"Not only Paradrona knows you inside out."
The Draenei hugged Richard while he was charging the eggs on his plate.
"Hesriana will you wake Paradrona? Richard will be busy for a while." Phaluura gave a quick kiss on his cheek and left for Alexstrasza. After breakfast the others went out to scout the mountains.
In the afternoon they found an altar and a statue in the highlands. The statue was one of a demon of some sort. It was all faceless with creepy octopus hands. A true abomination. The young knight found bones in a burned spot in front of the statue. He was fully upset and was burning with anger. If he would see what he thought had taken place he could not control himself to fight any numbers he would encounter.
"What a waste of such a beautiful place with such evil piece standing here. And it has been used for … sacrificing. There's dried blood all on top of the slap. Yep, look they burned the bodies here. Discarded as junk. All Night Elves. I can make out three…"
"Stop Richard where are you going?"
"I need to find tracks as soon as possible and stop any other sacrifice. I only hope they sacrifice once a moon cycle. Then we can save at least one and make those bastards pay. The day after tomorrow is a full moon. We will get to the bottom of this. And the bottom is in that cave Para, Hesriana come over here. Look a cave entrance. I'm seeing strange tracks, looks like the landing site of the dragon's. Para and I keep watch, Hesriana, be save while you bring word to Phala when she gets back and get her here." Hesriana looked down feeling bad to leave her masters. Richard felt bad he sent her away alone.
"Yes master, and masters stay save as well?"
Hesriana left. Richard strolled over towards a location at some trees. At first it looked like a bad location however a dense group of trees would be the first spot people would look if they thought there were others around.
"Let's camouflage our location right there over the other side of that ridge." Paradrona tried out the robes she had stripped of her dragon captive. It might come in handy if an opportunity might present itself. One full day past by and nothing happened. They sat in their hideout when they saw activity the next day. A Twilight dragon returned and transformed into a mortal human. The two paladins whispered while observing for any other activity of some sort.
"Thinking what I'm thinking?"
"Yep, let's go after him." They followed him into the cave and caught up with him. Richard whispered.
"They sure have a security problem. Or we are walking into a trap? Not if we are camouflaged walking in their robes. On the ground lay one discarded robe. Richard did fit however the problem were his weapons.
"Hard thing is to hide that shield."
"Ssst." At a hall the man was allowed to walk through.
"How will we get passed those guards?"
"The old rock in the distance throw." Richard threw a big rock deep into the cave which caught the attention of the guards. In the small window of time Richard and Paradrona slipped past them. Paradrona tried to catch her breath and inhaled carefully not to make too much noise.
"Let me catch my breath. That was close."
"No time we have to catch up again."
Finally they caught up and saw the dragon walk through a large door with a large number of guards.
"Damn I take it back they sure have enough personal." Paradrona stared at the dragon in mortal guise just walk by without saying a word this time.
"Listen he just walked by."
"Okay, let's go after him just walk in a calm manner. This might be just stupid enough that it might just work." The Entwined Souls in their Twilight Hammer disguise straightened from their crouched position and walked baldly towards the gate. The guards let them pass. Paradrona let her thought go to Richard. We are going deep are we not going to risk a lot getting caught? Neh, we have hearthstones, no worries.
In a room what looked important the two tried to hide again before catching suspicion. They were able to crawl behind some curtains and ornaments lying around. The dragon made noise what made two red colored Draenei turn their attention to the man. They could hear him talk to the two Draenei.
"Masters, I was unable to find Metrig she is still missing." The male Draenei snatched.
"Be gone." The man left. Paradrona whispered in Richard's ear.
"We hit mithril." The male Draenei spoke to his partner.
"We should leave to my stronghold and continue there. The Night Elves might be on to us. That priestess might have talked after all. We will get rid of our last victim and sacrifice her. It will be a full moon tonight. We have to sacrifice the girl tonight Ghoara." The female Draenei smiled. She had enjoyed the ritual murdering as she couldn't wait to do it to another innocent girl.
"Yes, she is a little Elune worshipper she might have been touched by the moon goddess. If it fails we are going for big game. The queen and the High Priestess. Bachaum, we have no one know about us now."
"We revive our master and let Azeroth know that he is back Ghoara. Alright, we strike hard and spill their blood and let it flow without restraint." They laughed hard. Richard and Paradrona crawled away. Knowing it would be foolish to kill these Draenei if they were to safe the girl and unravel the plot. There hadn't been a trace of the girl's prison anywhere. The Entwined Souls moved away with regret. How bad the two wanted to pass judgment on the Twilight Hammer's leaders as they almost lost restrain.
"This is big. We have to get the message out fast and save the girl. It will be done tonight. I figure the dragons have her in their location." The way they came was the way the two knights left. At the last obstacle they walked out as well and left the cave behind. While rushing the young paladin addressed his wife.
"Hide in plain sight it works sometimes." Outside they unrobed.
"Now we have to bring word and stop the sacrifice." When the two returned to their hide out they found someone waving them from their first hide out. Phaluura, Hesriana, Lirastrasza, Alexstrasza and a whole group of red dragons had reinforced the Entwined Souls. Paradrona sighed a relief.
"Those cultists will pay for their crimes." Incursia and Faradrona had joined them too as the Entwined Souls had sneaked to the bigger hideout. The dragon queen in her mortal form touched Richard's face as a way to greet him.
The group was told of everything Richard and Paradrona had witnessed. Soon after their story Richard tasked his group members.
"Hesriana and Phaluura, you need to warn Azshara and Tyrande I have no idea how big the threat to them is. I have no idea of how strong these cultists are. Para and I will hide as close as we can to the sacrificial slab. The rest hides as close as they can ready to give us support. Leona, I need you to focus on carrying away the hostage if we have freed her. The other dragons focus on those purple winged dragons. Try to take out their pack leader. Inc, Fara, you focus on the Twilight Hammer's leaders. If we might get overwhelmed our retreat will be behind the mountain ridge there. Any questions? No? Ok let's do some damage." They departed and Richard and Paradrona infiltrated the sacrifice area while the dragons hid away not too far from them using their melting technique. There was a dry ditch which could hide the Entwined Souls using some shrubs to cover themselves. They waited for several hours until after the sun had set movement came from the cave. When Ghoara had entered the site and saw the statue she was outraged.
"Someone has desecrated this altar." The male Draenei was angered as well.
"What do you mean?"
"Someone pissed over it." Richard and Paradrona had a hard time not to laugh. Paradrona touched Richard's face.
"I am almost desecrating myself." Now Richard used all his restrain not to burst out of laughter. Bachaum really got angry.
The red skinned Draenei saw his revenge pictured in front of him. A smile showed as he would watch horrible sights in his mind.
"We will torture the people of Azeroth when our master has taken over this world and worship true gods." Four dragons landed near the sight carrying a rider who had a tight up girl over the dragon's neck. Richard held tight to their cover as the down draft almost blew it away. Bachaum yelled.
"Bring the girl." Richard and Paradrona took their weapons out ready for a rescue with a swift assault. The girl was dragged out by two cultists. In her struggle only a drag mark was left behind in the dirt. The Night Elf girl screamed out as the iron chains were fastened around her wrists and a rag was removed from her mouth.
"Mother Moon save me."
The Twilight dragons were restless. The four dragons snapped at each other. There was something that placed them in a higher alert. Ghoara was distracted by this.
"What is it?" One of the startled dragons hissed.
"There's a scent in the air."
"Just keep calm until after the sacrifice." A grin of delight appeared on Ghoara as she lifted a knife to the air. Before she would strike a blinding light disorientated her and the Draenei woman was struck down by a burst of light. She fell backwards and dropped the knife. Richard rushed forwards after his display of the light. Now it was Paradrona that chanted spells to lay a protective barrier on the frightened girl. The few cultists posed no resistance. Yet their action gave enough time for the two leaders to escape. The real threat now were the Twilight dragons. With a quick slash of her sword Paradrona was able to cut through the joints of the chains. With the metal still around her wrists and ankles the girl was helped on the back of Lirastrasza. Now the Entwined Souls were focused on the two Draenei leaders of the Twilight Hammer. Fire from the Twilight dragons made the pursuit impossible until Alexstrasza swooped down and with fierce bites snapped the necks of two dragons. After Richard had barely escaped a fire attack it was the dragon queen that turned her fire to one of the dragons. Turned in flame the beast screamed out in agony. Alexstrasza with her tail knocked the burning corpse to the last Twilight dragon that decided to flee. Two red dragons went in to follow him. Ghoara and Bachaum had escaped in the short fight. Evil never had any remorse of the sacrifice their subordinates made. Alexstrasza carried thousands of memories of her loved ones.
She was curious of what her consort Korialstrasz liked about the mortal races. Yet she didn't get herself involved to get close. She had observed a small village up close when her aspect powers were no more. The humans were afraid of her. Some mortals revered her yet they still showed fear. Until that one person came in her life that brought back her happiness. Snapping out of her thoughts she felt someone under her snout. Two hands from his wife pushed the snout away. It was more a moan than an answer.
"I am alright the armor took most of the 'healing'." Alexstrasza gently lowered herself apologizing.
"I am sorry I thought you were hurt by the flames of those Twilight dragons. Let me take you to the village." Richard petted her neck when he seated himself.
"Thanks Alexa. Now to think of a way to bring the sad news. Only one survivor." Richard thought of the possibilities how it could have been prevented. There would not be much time to waste.
After they brought the news Alexstrasza made a portal to Darnassus. Rushing through the portal Richard ran straight to the palace as for Paradrona ran to the Temple of the Moon. Richard was about to run up the modest stairs when he shouted.
"Azshara where are you?" In a blink she stood before him shortly followed by Hesriana. Richard almost tripped trying to stop. His face fell in Azshara's stretched hands.
"Richard what is wrong?" The young paladin grabbed her hand and turned around to see the temple.
"Where is Tyrande?"
"At the temple praying Richard. Phaluura is at her side." Azshara wrapped her arms around Richard's.
"You are concerned Richard you do not have to worry."
After his adventure with the Twilight Hammer his mind was all set on defense.
"What? Azshara why are you so not combat ready?" After hearing Richard's story the Night Elf queen wanted to reassure Richard.
"We are at our capital. They will not dare to strike here." She read Richard's disappointment from his face.
"Azshara everything is possible. There were already five casualties and I don't want more, especially a beloved friend." Richard grabbed Azshara and tightened his grip as they walked down the stairs.
"We will be on you day and night until we come up with an idea to flush those demon worshipping freaks out." The daughter of Elune blushed. She was confident. She could face any threat even the Dark Titan. However she would have Richard close to her to be at her side. Azshara was taken away by the thought.
"If you must so shall it be."
Paradrona walked ahead out of the temple followed by Tyrande and Phaluura to wave at Richard. Azshara tried to take away Richard's fears.
"See Richard we are alright."
"I still don't like it they were pretty powerful and I stand my ground. More security. They knew something to make use out the two of you for their purpose. Until I have figured it out I don't want to take a chance." With Azshara at his side he addressed Alathena and Hesriana.
"Alathena, Hes we stay close to Azshara." Now looking in Azshara's eyes he made things clear to his friend.
"You will not breathe, eat, take a leak or anything with us leave your side." Azshara's cheeks darkened again.
"It is not necessary but if you wish it so shall it be."
Ghoara, Bachaum and their minions appeared in the sky between Azshara's palace and the Temple of the Moon. Ghoara shouted to her troops.
"Grab the queen and the High Priestess." Ghoara conjured a spell for the queen and the High Priestess. The spell knocked Tyrande unconscious. Azshara used her magic abilities and bounced of the threat. Richard and Alathena protected Azshara against Ghoara and her troop while Paradrona, Phaluura and sentinels protected Tyrande against Bachaum and his troops. A portal opened and Faradrona, Alexstrasza, Jaina and Incursia walked through. Incursia instinctively attacked the cultist as her spells left them in fear and made themselves easy targets for the warlock's fire and the arrows of the sentinels. More sentinels came from all over the city to protect their queen and Mistress. Their path was blocked by Twilight dragons. The dragon queen used her powers and blasted one fire bolt after another. Richard was mostly slashing air as Azshara blew the cultists to nothingness that wanted to take out the young paladin to get to her. The dragons didn't stand a chance against the Life-binder however their numbers were large.
The sentinels as well were combating the Twilight dragons. Aided by Faradrona who inflicted severe internal damage with and overload of arcane energy the sentinels were able to advance. As the dragons dropped from the sky the Night Elves finished most of them off. The pack leader of the Twilight dragons addressed their master.
"We can't get close and we're losing too many minions." Bachaum was facing the same problem. However he had sensed someone in their fight that was usable for his cruel plan. Bachaum shouted.
"Take the High Elf she is touched by the moon goddess as well."
"Well done Bachaum we will sacrifice her." Ghoara blasted a spell to Paradrona knocking her over. Richard stabbed his sword in Ghoara's arm. The Draenei cursed grabbing her almost sliced of arm. Paradrona used her shield to protect herself but a second simultaneous blast from Bachaum knocked her unconscious. Ghoara was bumped upside down by Richard who charged to save Paradrona.
"He is touched by the moon goddess as well I will love to sacrifice him …" Azshara's fire spell covered her with lava. Ghoara screamed while she was being incinerated. With her last words the leader of the Twilight Hammer in excruciating pain was frustrated and snapped at her slaves.
"Take the girl and sacrifice her." Bachaum replied while taking Paradrona in his arms as he levitated into the air seeing his partner made one last twitch with her hand before her entire body was consumed by fire.
"Yes I will avenge you for our master." Richard jumped and cut in Bachaum's bony head plate as Richard tried to free Paradrona. Richard failed in his attempt and dropped towards the ground. Azshara used her magic to bring him down slowly. Richard shouted as fear took over for his wife.
"No concentrate on Paradrona I will slow fall." Richard looked in horror how Bachaum disappeared from his sight.
"Azshara what have you done?"
Richard turned to his friends to oversee the combat zone. Those cultists that had survived Incursia's onslaught and that of the sentinels were taken prisoner. The dragons had fled as most were dead lying around. Alexstrasza who used her healing powers to heal the wounded of the fight was aided by her dragons. Richard made a quick decision.
"Alexa try to sense where that asshole went with Para. Fara, Inc, Hes stand by. Jaina assist Tyrnade and Phala tend to the wounded." Azshara fell on her knees and crawled to Richard in tears. She had not seen the bigger scene. She felt a pain of failure.
"Don't hate me? I didn't want to…" Richard turned around and picked up Azshara.
"I will never hate you even if you would become the queen of the Naga again and enslave all of Azeroth." These words gave some comfort. It did not take away everything.
"I am sorry about Paradrona I…" Richard had no time to be all pleasant. Even in his haste to think of what to do next he was kind to his beloved friend.
"You have best at heart for the two of us that's all we ever need." A breath of some relief came from the young paladin as the dragon queen was done with her spell.
"Richard I have a lead." Alexstrasza transformed into her mortal form.
"Azshara can you make a portal to the shores of Strangle Thorn Vail?" The Night Elf was fired up.
"You just try to stop me." Ashara conjured a portal.
"Go through the portal Richard and take the rest. I will follow you to save Paradrona. I will be right behind you when I assemble my army. We must stop this sacrifice and save my dear friend." Richard was in a rush.
"Catch you later Azshara." The Night Elf queen wanted to touch him as Richard ran through the portal. Azshara commanded her sentinels.
"Alathena, six of your rangers to me at once. Tyrande I require all available sentinels to ride out at once. Contact Chrystine and Vathearina, I need hem at my side." Tyrande nodded.
"Yes daughter of Elune. I can give you three hundred at once." The High Priestess turned to the city and prayed. Small rays of moonlight shined down on places around the world tree.
"Sentinels assemble your queen needs you."