Templar Keep
Menethil Harbor
Light peaked through the darkness. The endless sea of black started to vanish. A blurry mess of lumber and stone slowly came into view. Wood crackled as it burned in a nearby pit. The smell of fresh flowers permeated the air. Smooth silk linens rested atop a fine feather-strewn bedding. The unfamiliar room was slowly coming into focus. An elderly gentleman sat upon the edge of the bed. His thick white beard dangled inches above the sheet. He stared intently with a tiny smile quickly growing into something much larger.
"You're finally awake?"
The old man's visage started to brighten amidst the faded chaos surrounding him.
"Lord Templar?"
His lips gently shifted forming a quaint smile.
"How are you feeling Lena?"
The elder of house Templar placed his hand atop hers and gave it a good squeeze. Lena Sherwood slowly picked herself up. Her muscles were tired and stiff. Every movement proved to be a chore. After a few frustrating grunts, she eventually sat up and rested her body along the pillows and backboard.
"Where am I?" The Captain of the Templar soldiers implored. "What happened?"
Elements of her memory began trickling in. Lena sprang forward. Her strength had seemingly returned in an instant. The Captain's eyes widened as she began searching for answers.
"The war - !"
"Calm down Lena," Lord Templar implored. He placed his hand atop Lena's shoulder and gently pressed her back along the backboard once more. "The war has ended. There is nothing left to fight."
The Captain's brow furrowed. Recollections of the past events rushed before her eyes. Her muscles tensed as she remembered a grievous incident. Lena reached underneath her sleeping robe and clutched her stomach. A thin layer of linen bandages were wrapped around her midsection.
"What happened…?"
She gasped while looked underneath the sheets and carefully spread apart the dressing. Not a flicker of pain ignited in any of her nerves which only seemed to pique at the Captain's curiosity even more.
"I was - !"
"Stubborn," the elder man laughed. "I had been told by some of the finest healers and medics in Azeroth that you would never recover. The looks on their faces when your wounds healed was well worth the price."
Lena's eyebrow rose. A cracked scowl formed upon her face. She remembered everything; the battle atop the ramparts, becoming impaled by the halberd, and the sad look upon the face of that big blonde idiot as she succumbed to the darkness. The Captain peered down and didn't find stitches, traces of blood, or even a scar where her flesh had been rended.
"I don't believe it," she huffed. "How did I – "
Overwhelming dread began to fill the void in her gut where her calm nerves resided. Lena may have been alright but her mind immediately swelled with the thoughts of the thousand others that fought beside her and the scant few that had continued in her stead.
"The soldiers! The Knights!" She panted. "Where are they?! How are they?! Did they – "
"As I said earlier child," Lord Templar calmed. His soothing voice appeared to quell the Captain's concerns almost entirely. "The war is over. Now, we have much more pressing matters to attend to."
The old man snapped his fingers. A sharp creek echoed from the door as it opened. Two maids adorned in black dresses and white aprons stood in the hallway. They stared curiously into the room but immediately turned their attention to their purveyor sitting on the bed and looking upon them with humble eyes.
"How may we serve you my lord?" They asked in unison.
"Come," ordered Lord Templar. He directed the chamber maids into the room. They carried warm buckets of water, clean towels, and fine clothing all organized to pamper the Captain thoroughly. "We must get you prepared for the celebration."
"Lord Templar?" The Captain curiously began. "What are we celebrating?"
The old man let out a deep sigh. A smile forcibly encroached upon his lips. He stared fondly out the nearby window.
"Life."
Cathedral of Hope
Menethil Harbor
The small chapel in this harbor town was usually host to less to less than a hundred wayward souls seeking blessings and redemption. Today it was packed with nearly five times amount. Hundreds packed the pews dressed in their finest regalia. A standing room only crowd filled the back section near the entrance where another hundred more waited outside as the ceremony began.
All of Menethil's most prominent citizens were on hand for this event. Some of the most renowned heroes and champions of Azeroth were also in attendance including the King of Stormwind himself, Varian Wrynn. He sat at the foremost pew on the right side of the church beside Lord Nigel Templar along with the three Bronzebeard brothers, Magni, Muradin, and even the eccentric Brann who had ceased his Explorers' League operations for one day. They were joined by prominent members of the Kirin Tor including Archmage Ronin and Lady Jaina Proudmoore at the far end.
Findle Whistlesteam was the very first to show up at the church this morning. He had been in the city for a few days prior tending to some business. Like Clockwork had even closed its doors for this occasion. For as long as he could remember, the trademark tinkered cap no longer graced his gnomish skull. Findle went out and purchased the finest suit gold could buy and took the time to properly groom himself for this occasion. After everything they've been through, it was the very least he could do.
Members of the Argent Crusade sat in the pew alongside the gnome. The Highlord Tirion Fordring was notably absent. He had some unfortunate and more pressing matters to personally attend to. However, one of his most trusted advisors Rayne Feathersong was more than willing to send his regards. Though she did not know Findle personally, they traded stories for a few minutes before the ceremony started. The night elf was able to keep his mood lifted and mind preoccupied. Her generous efforts were not entirely noble as she needed a bit of empathy as well to get through the day.
The Templar Knights filled the top two pews on the left side of the cathedral. Gone were their sharpened weapons and hardened armor. Each of them had shed their battle regalia for attire that was more befitting of the moment in question. Sitting in the middle of the front row was Captain Lena Sherwood. Though she was not an official member of the guild, the others treated her as if she were one of their own. Saelena sat beside her and held her trembling hand. The Captain promised herself she would cry but as soon as they stepped inside, she couldn't get the tears to stop. Hearing the blubbering elves a few rows back didn't help things either. Fialla Sweetberry and Aimee were beside each other sobbing uncontrollably. Even the patient Lucian Trias couldn't help calm them down. It wasn't like he desired to anyways.
Their newest member, Lorelei Strastrider sat on the first seat of the second row next to Cayden Melton. She stared ahead towards the end of the cathedral that had been decorated immaculately with flowers. The young elf's heart had suffered so much in the past few months. This should have been her breaking point and yet, Lorelei looked on with tranquility in her expression. In her vastly growing mind, she had learned that no matter what she could do, life had a way of working on its own terms and even with the most benevolent power at her disposal, some things could not be changed.
It seemed as if the entirety of the city of Menethil had shut down for one day in honor of this precious ceremony. The waters were calm and the docks still. There was not a soul within fifty miles who did not know of the celebration today. Attending the ceremony was almost a mandate but everyone treated it as if it were a privilege. The only one who was most notably absent from this occasion was Narula Dawngrove, though, she had a very prominent reason and no one within the cathedral would dare blame her.
A solemn air filled the church. Everyone within attempted to maintain their composure. Unfortunately, most of their resolves quickly broke upon viewing the large oak casket at the top of the altar. It shined beautifully underneath the morning sun peeking through the stained-glass windows. The ledge was adorned with gold and red gems. Pressed at the top of the lid was the proud crest of the Templar house.
Samuel Legend presided before the podium with an open tome and delivered the eulogy. The book was filled with notes, research, but most importantly, precious memories. He was one of the few in attendance that was still able to maintain and poised and calm composure. The priest spoke with confidence and grace. He regaled the audience with tales and great accomplishment of the soul being celebrated today. Surprisingly, the male twin of the Legend house even provided a bit of levity by adding in a humorous story of their times shared together. No one had expected him of all people to share a joke but judging by the state those within the church, it was surely needed and welcomed.
The priest finished this tribute with a revelation. There were many rumors floating about regarding the events that transpired and Samuel knew it was up to him to clear the air.
"Many people believed that he died to save the life of a dragon," the male Legend twin proclaimed. "However, that could not be further from the truth."
He took a deep breath. Samuel's eyes glanced over at the other Knights sitting before him.
"Rayne Templar possessed a wisdom that is unrivaled by anyone on the whole of Azeroth," complimented the priest. "He sacrificed his life so that his Knights may live. Now, we all hold the duty and privilege to continue our lives in his honor. Everything we do from here on out will be a reflection upon what he stood for. It is our responsibility to uphold the values he held so dear for as long as we all remain."
Samuel closed the tome. He paid one last look over towards his beloved sister Zariyana. Her face was calm, almost elated even. She appeared proud of the way her brother had spoken of their old friend and was content with the message they offered in his honor. The male Legend twin took another deep breath before addressing the gathered crowd as a whole. He lifted his arms in the air with both palms facing up towards the sky and stars above before ushering his final words.
"May his life be a blessing to you all."
The priest closed his eyes and clasped his hands together. He stepped off the altar and allowed the pallbearers to take their place at the front and retrieve the casket. Lena, Marcus, Ademski, Cayden, Saelena and even Lorelei stood and walked towards the casket. They composed themselves with every fragment of their available willpower. No one even batted an eye when a blood elf stood amongst the other proud races of the Alliance. Rayne's personality transcended trifle things like factions. Everyone he touched be it blue, green, or brown was on hand to celebrate his life.
A mass of tears began to fall. The ceremony was just about finished and it would be the last time they would all be in the paladin's collective presence. Marcus lead the other bearers with Lorelei carrying the front corner on the opposing side. No one gave a word of defiance when Lena had requested to take the back left corner. It was the heaviest section but the honor could be given to none other than Rayne's oldest friend.
The pallbearers exited the chapel slowly. Every citizen of Menethil and beyond in attendance watched in awe. Clouds began to swell overhead blocking the sun as it continued to rise. They traversed the wide field of grass towards the graveyard. Rayne was to be buried underneath his favorite tree in the courtyard. The Templar Knights were carrying out their final duty by laying their revered guild master to rest.
Melanie's Orchard
Menethil Harbor
The sun peaked high into the grey skies above. Blades of light penetrated through the thick clouds and shined magnificent light all across the land. The fields were eerily quiet. All of the workers had been given a day to mourn the loss of a treasured friend. Not even the insects made a single buzz amongst the ripened crops.
Samuel stood underneath a tall apple tree. He examined a piece of ruby-colored fruit in his hands but was careful not to pluck it from the branch. The priest brought it closer to his face and took a good whiff. The succulent aroma of nutmeg and cinnamon instantly infused his lungs.
"Fascinating."
"There you are," a stern voice called. "Why would you summon me to such a dreary place?"
The male Legend twin sighed before turning to face the beloved grumpy expression of his dear sister. Zariyana appeared more irritable than usual. It was unlike her to act so moody but given the fact that there was not a single soul besides them for at least a mile, they could both afford to be a little more candid with one another.
"Remarkable, isn't it?" Samuel began. He thought a bit of levity might help settle the mood. "Apples are amongst the most common fruit on all of Azeroth. Nearly every territory can easily grow the crop and build an orchard in no time and yet, amongst all of the other farmers in the world, these ones have seemed to evolved past their competitors and create something truly extraordinary."
The priest released the apple from his grip and dusted off his hands.
"The peasant's ingenuity can be quite impressive it would seem."
Zariyana's sour expression had slowly started to lighten. She looked upon her brother with warm eyes before adding her own
"Desperation is the mother of invention, after all," the female twin scoffed. "Is that why you called me out here? To marvel at the cleverness of the lower-class?"
"Not at all," he quickly answered shaking his head. Samuel's golden eyes steeled as he prepared to dive into depths not yet explored. "How are you feeling? Did you enjoy the ceremony?"
The female priest nodded and opened with a short smile.
"You were wonderful Samuel," she complimented. "I had never heard someone speak so eloquently before." Zariyana paused for a moment, taking in a delicious and deep breath before continuing. "You honored him well today."
Samuel did not respond. His expression stiffened and continued to look upon his twin with powerful and unwavering eyes. The female priest appeared to notice his shift in mood and immediately sought to change the subject.
"We mustn't tarry Samuel," his sister begged. "Father is waiting for us. He has brought quick passage for us back to Stormwind. Let's go home. It's - "
"That's not what I was asking," countered the male twin. He pushed the rims of his glasses up so that it sat tightly atop the bridge of his nose. "I will say it again. How are you feeling Zariyana?"
The female priest's eyes twitched upon hearing her brother speak her name aloud. It was brief but Samuel easily caught the tell through his deep focused stare.
"I -," she stammered. Zariyana composed herself once more before answering. "I don't know what you mean."
She was falling headfirst into his trap without even realizing it. The male twin decided to press the matter further hoping to get a genuine reaction from his precious sister.
"We've been friends with him and his family for years, battled alongside him against some of the most fearsome adversaries ever known to mortal men, and now, we have buried him with so many other fallen heroes," Samuel boldly stated. "I would think you, of all people, would have at least mourned him properly."
Zariyana clenched her teeth. Her fists tightened as newfound anger brewed within her agitated frame. Before she could even muster a word in her own defense, her brother had the gall to ask the obvious.
"Is that all that he meant to you?"
"Of course not!" The female twin barked. Her voice grew much louder than he anticipated. Perhaps his twin's guard had already cracked and he was working with an unfair advantage. "I was quite fond of Rayne just as much as the others. Why would you dare insinuate that –"
"Liar."
With a single word, Samuel stopped his sister's admission and drove her deeper and deeper into a tirade.
"What?!" Zariyana snapped. "How dare you speak to me in such a –"
"Just as much as the others?" The male twin rhetorically posed. "I don't think I've heard you spout such a bold lie in all my life."
The audacity at which Samuel continued to talk was chipping away at the female twin's waning patience. She almost wanted to slap the priest here and now but the fact that there was no one else around to share in his humiliation made it a low but rapidly growing priority.
"I believe it all started during the Feast of Winter Veil," the male twin began. He stared off into the sky filled with leaves, clouds, and the peaking sun. "Anyone could see how smitten you were after the dance ended. He must have left quite the impression. You did well to hide it from father but he was never one to look us in the eyes when he or we spoke. I, however, could not take mine off yours. The ride home looked as if it were excruciating."
Zariyana's brow furrowed. She was brewing with anger the likes of which he had never yet bore witness too. If his sister was upset before, she was swimming in a whole new pool of rage and treading water quickly. However, this did not deter Samuel in the slightest. It only seemed to encourage him.
"Every year since, I could see a glimmer in your eyes when preparing for the Feast," he added. "How it must have pained you when he stopped attending."
"Stop it," she hissed. Her tongue dripped with venom. Biting it would have been a better option but it appeared the female twin was in no position to stifle her feelings. Instead, she sought to end his insipid rant before it could continue further. "What are you trying to prove?"
The male twin did not falter under such a meek question. Instead, he continued as if ignoring Zariyana outright.
"For a while, I had thought you had forgotten all about him," Samuel continued. "Even after we finished our training and began our residency in the Cathedral of Light you did not seem to even bring him up despite the potential suiters and arrangements made in your honor. I had thought you had done the noble thing and outgrown him."
He had hoped that little dig would continue to break down her robust guard. Just the mere notion of her brother speaking ill of the former paladin seemed to send her fury into overdrive. Samuel erred on the side of caution and decided to lighten the mood.
"We hadn't seen him in years and then, out of the blue, he arrives at our home with a personal request to join his newly formed guild," he laughed. "I was about to dismiss him outright but then you appeared and not only placated the idea, but even sought fit to convince me to join as well."
Samuel continued to chuckle as the memories flooded in. The harrowing band of misfit Knights had wrought nothing but embarrassment and disgrace to the residents of Northrend. The male priest was not keen on their guild master's plan and wouldn't actively participate in any of their follies but he also didn't try to hinder them either. There was a unique brilliance to his efforts, one that had been known to few but appreciated the world over.
"And so we did," continued Samuel. "We banded together and I watched you slip deeper and deeper under his spell. I had thought you would have seized the opportunity to actively pursue him intimately but for some reason, you kept your distance, treating him with little regard and respect throughout our time together."
She didn't offer even a single fleck of resistance. Whether his sister was just waiting until he was finished with bated breath to give him a true piece of her mind or there was still some light within her begging to be revealed would be known soon enough.
"Perhaps our time training had change you a bit," the male twin posed. "You were as cold as the stiffest peaks in Icecrown throughout it all."
Samuel's voice dimmed. His eyes sharpened and he peered upon the female priest with great ferocity as he unveiled the climax of this pressing story.
"That is until," her brother grimly began. "The events of Ulduar."
Zariyana's fist grew soft. The anger in her eyes started to subside. She ventured alongside her brother through the memories they shared and the few they didn't.
"I must commend you Zairyana," he praised. "You held back this entire time until his rejection was confirmed. Others would have played dirty and used whatever was at their disposal to take what they wanted."
Hearing her name being spoken again did not trigger the same level of animosity it once held. The female priest's guard had been completely lowered. There was nothing stopping her brother from revealing the final truth.
"You, on the other hand, fought nobly and with the most righteous of intentions," commended Samuel. "It wasn't until this very moment that I realized what you were truly after."
The female priest fingers loosened. Her head sulked and shoulders started to tremble. It appeared Zariyana did not want to face what was about to be said next but couldn't take herself away from it either.
"You did not wish to take his heart," Samuel added. "You wanted Rayne to offer it willingly."
"You knew…" She meekly spoke. "The entire time you were merely feigning ignorance, weren't you?"
The male twin laughed once more. Seeing him act in such just was unexpected but welcomed.
"I must admit, even I couldn't believe Lord Templar would turn down the marriage proposal," he snickered. "Father must have been surprised as well when we sent word. Though, he is not one to give up so easily; especially when it comes to protecting our name. To think he would go out and purchase this entire orchard as a dowry to entice Lord Templar to reconsider. Perhaps I underestimated him. However, that was not the end of this tragic tale."
This was the culminating moment. It was make or break time for Zariyana. Try as she might, there was nothing standing between her and the true feelings dwelling inside. They had been within her all along. Samuel had merely tried to extract it and allow her a moment, if ever so brief, to embrace them.
"I was deeply dismayed to hear the news of your official loss but it must have paled in comparison to your own feelings," Samuel countered. "However, nothing saddens me greater than to see my dear sister unable to express her emotions and shed a single tear at the passing of the first man who had stolen her heart."
The female priest's breathing grew faster and more erratic. She dipped her head even further hoping to bury any and all traces of these wretched sentiments from sight. Samuel had extracted the emotions within her she had never hoped to confront. He wasn't doing this to harm her. In reality, it was to help them both.
"Look around Zariyana," he pleaded. "There is no one here and nothing to hold you back."
Her voice cracked. Air squeaked into her lungs as she continued to shudder.
"Please," he begged. Samuel stood firm as he gave his beloved sister one final push. "Free yourself from these shackles of nobility. For once in your life, show me your true feelings."
Zariyana's head snapped up. A single tear had forced its way through her eye and quickly rolled down her cheek. Another quickly came on the opposite side and then another. The female priest's face was flooding as she thrust herself into her brother's chest, wrapped her arms around him and wailed like a mindless banshee into the sullen orchard. He immediately worried her throat was going to burn under all of the stress of her passionate cries.
The grief-stricken filled tears soaked Samuel's robes. His sister crumbled in his arms. He barely had the strength to keep her standing. She trembled atop him, pouring the deepest depths of her sorrow onto chest. All of the previous strength and restraint she had developed over the years had vanished. Zariyana could not contain herself any longer. She admitted everything to him, finally speaking the words that had been buried beneath her heart for far too long.
His sister was not the only one to know this angst. Samuel had too grown quite fond of their former guild master. They were twins after all. They shared more than just a name and blood. Anyone that could bring such immeasurable joy to someone he held so dear was someone to be not only admired but revered. He was just as stricken to see him go and proved it as a tear slid from his eye and onto his chin.
The Legend twins held each other between the sweet-smelling trees and mourned the loss of the paladin underneath the silver gaze of the tranquil skies.