"Hey Lilth…yo Lilth, wake up," came a distant yet nostalgic voice.
"Hmm? What time is it?" Lilth slowly and sluggishly rises from her comfortable pillow. The 23 year-old woman messes with her red bed hair, and her soft golden eyes looks across the room at her only friend in Silvermoon.
"Weren't you supposed to have that meeting about your last mission with your superiors in an hour? It's eight o'clock," said the youthful woman, all dressed in her hunter gear, blonde hair combed and all.
"Ah crap, thanks for the reminder Anastasia," Lilth smiles in gratitude. What's more of an enemy than the Scourge these days is waking up on time for these important Blood Knight meetings.
"No prob. I got the month off from hunter duties, so I'll see you for dinner tonight, sound good?"
"Not lunch?"
"I haven't taken Alero out for a walk in ages. The stable master had her hands full in calming him down. Guess he missed me a lot during my last scouting mission," Anastasia closes her green-fel eyes momentarily while chuckling out loud. "Well, see ya later."
Waving goodbye, the huntress leaves their private room within the military barracks in Silvermoon City. Looking out the window next to her bed and enjoying the radiant light pouring into the room, Lilth recalls the warmth of Lucian's hand on hers. Smiling silly to the thought, Lilth wonders how he's doing lately. Knowing him, he's alright, as she recalls. The last secret message she received from Stormwind last month mentioned that he got promoted to Knight-Captain in a recently created "Paladin Brigade," a private armed force under the rule of the military council in Stormwind. The two didn't have to send penpal messages in secret until a few years ago with the rise of the Horde and the Scourge running amok.
Recalling that night at her house, Lilth remembers the talk Dr. Windchester and her parents had with her about having a much shortened life span than any other Quel'dorei, roughly comparable to that of a human. At first, the young girl broke down and cried, in disbelief of the further pain she had to cope with, but…now, it's alright. It's not so bad anymore, for there's Lucian. As long as he is alive, Lilth has no regret in living this short life. Oh, how she so much wants to see him again. Maybe she can arrange a secret meeting in…maybe the Wetlands in a couple of months.
A mental note reminded her to get ready and head over to the Blood Knight headquarters. Taking care of her hygiene for the day, she equips her crimson plate armor, wears her golden and silver circlet, fixes her red, black, white and gold plated cassock, and takes her cleaned orange and crimson polearm off the nearby personal weapons rack. After finishing a quick breakfast, she sets off from her room to HQ.
Stepping out into the public sphere at the Walk of Elders, Lilth proceeds northbound to "work." Along the way through the area, and even through the Royal Exchange area as well, citizens, young and old, and of course awe aspired soldiers, all whom walked near her greeted her warmly and with high revere. The waves of love are something Lilth gladly accepts from everybody. She even dueled a paladin for a few minutes in Farstrider's Square, as she made it to her destination with plenty of time to spare. The guy in his Blood Knight armor of black and crimson didn't fare too well, as usual. Tryiel was the name Lilth remembers. The fel-induced green eyes, golden haired competitor was a bit careless in his performance, but he didn't give up so easily either. Guess that's why he survived the last mission that Lilth and some of the other Blood Knights were on.
Saluting with respect to her opponent, Lilth heads inside HQ, waiting to hear the briefing on the last mission, and no doubt hear another mission plan to happen soon. Walking up the right set of stairs, Lilth waits for Champion Bachi and Lady Liadrin to be done talking with some hunter in black and crimson leather, a crossbow slung over his shoulder, and long red hair with two bangs and part of his hair pig-tailed. They notice her as she scales up the stairs, only to not care of what their talking about is heard by her or not. Lilth only heard mumbled words, but who is that guy, and why is he talking with the matriarch of the Blood Knights? Lilth can only wonder for now.
"That will be all Jalar. You are dismissed," the authoritative voice sounds with clarity. Lilth always felt nervous around Lady Liadrin, despite all the complements the Lady gives her. The black and crimson armor she and Bachi wear doesn't bother her, but it's those fel-induced eyes and stern face that gives Lilth the uneasiness.
Turning their attention to Lilth now, the hunter walks away silently. Bachi unrolls a scroll that he pulled out of his pouch pocket. Reading it in silence, the champion nods in approval as he looks at Liadrin.
"Rank Valiant-Zealot, Lilth Fin'dorei, I must commend you once again on your stellar performance for the Sin'dorei," started Lady Liadrin's usual briefing. "In light of the last mission the Blood Knights were commissioned in partaking, you've granted us victory at the gate leading into the Ghostlands against the Scourge."
"It was my pleasure, Lady," Lilth responded. Formalities are not particularly her thing, but that's how superiors like to hear you speak for some strange reason.
"Having discussed your actions from yesterday, Bachi and I have felt that it would be in the best interest of this organization to promote you to the rank of Field Commander. You've not only held the lines of defense and communication effectively with the other soldiers, but you also showed remarkable skill in destroying our enemies at their camp, single-handedly. Your assistance is needed more than ever now with the Scourge active as of late."
"It is an honor to receive your praises and bestowing the honor of leadership unto me, my Lady," a curtsy bow Lilth takes in response with her left arm parallel to her chest. Finishing the gesture, Bachi gives her a scroll and a bag of gold. Her unnamed reward.
"You've earned every gold piece there. The scroll is the physical documentation of your new rank. Walk with pride Lilth, just as you've given the other soldiers and the citizens here pride to be Sin'dorei," Bachi announces with revere.
Excitement fills Lilth's heart. So far, today's been a good day, but…what's the catch Lilth began to realize?
Maintaining her stern face of authority, Lady Liadrin pulls out another scroll. Handing it to Lilth as if it was a sacred item, Liadrin continues the briefing.
"Our scouts have noticed a Scourge force moving from Shadowfang Keep towards Arathi. It was very recent that the Scourge took the keep from the Under City's jurisdiction. We believe the Scourge is going to attack the Arathian wall that is nearing completion of it being rebuilt."
"What do you want me to do Lady?" Lilth asked faithful as can be.
"Simple," a curved smile of cruel intentions forms across Lady Liadrin's thin lips. "I want you to select one other respectable blood elf as your lieutenant and take two Forsaken lieutenants that have been assigned under your command to the Arathian wall. Once there, let the battle finish and destroy any survivors on either side and take control of the wall. We have much use for that wall."
"No prisoners of war?" gasped Lilth with a tinge of fright at the thought of killing living people. It's one thing to destroy the undead, since they're already dead, but…living people? Come to think of it, she hasn't even killed a living person before, just wounding them and destroying the undead. A heavy weight of guilt suddenly weighs on her heart.
The smile melts back into her stern feature, but soon Lady Liadrin's face turned a bit sour.
"Leave none to survive Field Commander. Do not disappoint me."
"Auh, yes my Lady," Lilth continues the formality, rebounding from the questioning of orders.
"Good. You are dismissed. You will have only today to select your lieutenant as you will be due to meet with your one hundred troops and your other two lieutenants at Fairbreeze Village tomorrow at sunrise."
Only one day to find somebody to be her lieutenant? That's probably the most difficult part of this mission than the upcoming battle that she's assign to observe and strike at the right opportunity Lilth thought.
Saluting, Lilth heads back to her room. That's how Lilth's been making her routine these days as a Blood Knight, getting and completing missions and just going back to her room. There's just no point in going anywhere else…except…to pay a visit with M'uru. Liking the idea even more, Lilth walks over to the supposed "secret" room off to the side of the main entrance to the Blood Knight headquarters. Taking the spiral staircase down and passing by the long corridor, Lilth meets him once again.
One of the mages, overseeing the siphoning of the celestial being known as a Naaru, notices the well known Lilth Fin'dorei and gives her his undivided attention.
"Oh, welcome Madam Fin'dorei, wanting to see M'uru?" The curious mage walks over to her in his violet robe, golden hair covering part of the black and red phoenix tabard of the Blood Knights.
"Hello Magister Astalor Bloodsworn. Yes, I find him a sight to behold."
"Indeed, that is where all the power of the Blood Knights comes from. It is no surprise someone like you wants to see the celestial being of light."
"May I stare upon our "salvation" a bit longer?"
"By all means, be my guest."
Looking away from the head mage, Lilth feels sad that several other mages are siphoning the poor being in the large room that houses him. M'uru, one of the celestial beings of light said to have existed since the beginning of time, isn't exactly the "light" looking being one would think of, for his mysterious rune-like body has one of the darkest shades of purple one could ever find.
Gazing at the great being's hovering runic "eyes," Lilth began to remember the day she first met M'uru…
…It was nearly five years ago, a few months since the Sin'dorei first captured and started benefitting the siphoning of M'uru's ancient power. Many people were happy as the celestial being could replace the destroyed Sunwell, the once pure well of magic, but people still relied upon the demonic energies sent from Outlands, giving their eyes the fel-green look. Addiction. On a cool late summer night, a mysterious voice came to Lilth in her sleep.
"Child of violet eyes, child of golden light, come to me, find me…"
Waking up from the odd dream, Lilth wondered what was going on, but a yearning sensation in her hallow heart began to ache, wanting to know more about it. Wearing a pair of shoes she found in her messy closet, Lilth, searching through the darkness with her violet eyes, quietly left the Suntreader's house. There was no time to change into regular cloths, Lilth felt. In the dead of night, in her indigo blue night gown, she left for what the voice lead her to Farstrider's Square.
"In here, through the side passageway, find me," the mysterious voice continued in its beckoning.
Finding the side passageway, Lilth follows the spiral stairway down and treaded down the narrow corridor to the large room where destiny would meet the unfortunate Lilth. Seeing the dark violet being tower over her, fear started to play tricks on Lilth's mind.
"Do not fear me young one. I am M'uru, one of the Naaru since time immemorial. I've summoned you here to start you on your way towards your destiny."
"Destiny? But I'm useless. I don't possess any arcane magic, what ability do I have that can be of any help?" Lilth conjured up a response to the powerful being. She notices several mages lay near the being, all asleep.
"You are but the highest grade of lamp oil Lilth Fin'dorei. With a "spark" to the great power that lays in dormant within you, you will become the greatest light many haven't seen for many ages. I am that spark that will start your destiny."
Awe struck by the powerful being's words, Lilth was speechless. She was just amazed that this being is giving her a future she never had and perhaps a future where…
"…Yes, this future I present to you is where you'll find love and honor Lilth."
She was thinking of love and happiness, but honor feels so good to have too. But…did this being, M'uru, just read her mind?
"Indeed, that is one of my abilities, but also to sense and communicate with those I've come into contact with across long distances. Be wary Lilth, your future starts now."
The sound of plated greaves comes stomping in the distance, rushing ever so close to the room where Lilth and M'uru are in. Looking for a way out, she found no such luxury, only the way she came in is where in most probable scenario Lilth predicts is a Blood Knight going to be meeting her shortly. Maybe she should just hid by the side of the wall right outside of the entryway and sneak out while the guard attends to the sleeping mages.
"Do not cower in fear any longer Lilth, focus your mind and be blessed with the powers of the Light."
The Light? The same Light that Lucian uses? Obliging to M'uru's command, Lilth closes her eyes and focuses her mind. As expected, a Blood Knight rushes into the room. The crimson and black plated knight thought he was late for his midnight shift, but only did he start to realize that he's staring in confusion as to why the girl that everybody knew as the freak with the purple eyes was meditating in front of the celestial being. He soon notices all the mages that were supposed to be siphoning M'uru were all fast asleep. Before the black haired knight could start asking questions, a light envelops Lilth's body. The knight blocks the intense light from blinding his eyes.
The warmth, the soft and gentle yet firm warmth, penetrates every cell in her body. A "click" vibrates across her mind and body. Thoughts of techniques, skills, abilities, swarm her mind. Once afraid, now confident was the tormented girl realizing.
The light resides in its intensity and the enveloping sphere that once consumed the girl releases her from its embrace. The startled guard is further confused by the awe view of the empowered girl. Slowly opening her eyes, soft golden pupils shines with radiance, violet eyes no more.
"What the fel? What on Azeroth are you witch!?" The guard unsheathes his crimson claymore.
A smile of confidence fills Lilth's lips. She raises her right hand.
"Judgment!" she shouted.
A hammer of light materializes above the guard and slams hard on him, forcing him to smack against the floor face first. After several seconds on the floor, the guard with great pain staggers to his feet. His claymore that was once light, now heavy with his wounds, slips and drops unto the floor from his hands shaking with fatigue.
"Kill me witch," the Blood Knight requested with disgust.
Kill? Why? He was the one who threatened an unarmed civilian. She only responded in self-defense.
"I seek not death and destruction. Do not worry."
"Then, what are you?!"
That was a good question, what is she? She's no longer the scared girl that got bullied by everybody since she was a small child. What is she?
"You are my champion Lilth, a champion of the Light from which Paladins also derive their source of strength from. From this day onward, in exchange for the tools to achieve your future, I only ask but one request."
"(And that is?)" Lilth thought back to M'uru, only to keep the wounded guard in further suspense.
"I ask you to free me from this accursed place. Once you are ready I shall summon you back here again for that time to happen, until then, I shall guide you for now. The first step is to know thy enemy. Join the Blood Knight organization and earn their trust, only then will you be on your way to completing your task."
"(Understood. I shall honor your request)"
Looking at the scared and awed guard, Lilth answers his question. "I, I am a Paladin now."
"A Paladin?!? How?"
"That is unimportant. I wish to join the noble cause of the Blood Knights. Tell your leaders about me. You know where to find me."
The guard was dumbfounded at the chain of events. How could she be incredibly strong? She was supposed to be weak and inferior in every aspect. That's what everybody said at least. A concoctive idea comes to mind.
"I shall tell them about you Paladin…"
"…It's Lilth Fin'dorei…"
"…My pardon Lilth. You will hear from us soon."
Casting a healing spell, the guard gathers enough strength to sheath his claymore and slowly leaves her be. Turning her attention back to M'uru, Lilth stares in awe at the being...
"…Today is not the time of liberation Lilth, what brings you here today?"
Lilth snaps out of her daze of reminiscence.
"(I just wanted to see how you're doing.)"
"Well young one. Thank you for your concern. It'll take several centuries before the Sin'dorei can exhaust all of my strength. I've overheard your briefing. Your task is not so simple this time around. Do what you feel is right."
Overheard? Oh that's right, Lilth remembers as she looks up at the open hole right above M'uru that leads to the high platform that Bachi and Liadrin were on, standing next to the railing of that opening. Though really he doesn't need to physically overhear to get the information, as he can sense the presence of those he's come into contact with.
"(Thank you M'uru. I've got to go, take care.)"
Taking her leave, she waves goodbye to Astalor. Once outside, she heads back to her room. Taking a moment to ponder as she walks, Lilth notices some people siphoning from the domesticated mana wyrms. How disgusting. The practice was one banned, but now it was socially acceptable to be siphoning again. Entering back into her room, after another round of greetings and cheers from the general populace, Lilth tosses herself onto her bed, only to be staring at the window.
"Find a lieutenant huh? Crap…" Lilth says in dismay. This is probably some sort of test Lady Liadrin and Bachi had secretly discussed when giving this task, testing her ability to recruit capable people Lilth conjured up. If only she could talk to Anastasia. She hardly knows anybody that she could really trust besides Lucian. Wait a minute, why not Anastasia? Orders stated to find a reputable Sin'dorei, and Anastasia is the squad leader of the advance scouting unit. A smile creases across Lilth's lips. She'll ask her over dinner.
Spending the rest of the afternoon to her favorite hobby, painting, Lilth notices some of her paint brushes were chewed on. Not pleased, she uses them anyways. Enjoying the time working on her current project, she hadn't realized the sun had started to set already. Soon after awhile, soft footsteps from down the hallway came closer and closer. Walking into their room with a couple of bags of groceries, Anastasia greets Lilth, who was finishing her painting in the corner of the room. A white owl on Anastasia's shoulder takes off from its master and settles in its nest outside the window next to Anastasia's bed, further down from Lilth's. A red lynx causally walks into the room, plopping its down next to Anastasia's bed.
"Oh no Alero, get out," Lilth looks across to the big cat.
"What's wrong with him being in here?"
Pointing at the cat with the chewed end of her paint brush, Lilth states with conviction, "He's the trouble maker for chewing up all my paint brushes."
Alero raises his head at his accuser; only to lower his head back to the floor and place his paws over his head.
"I got some more chew bones for him along with the groceries. Relax, I'll get you some new brushes later. Anyways, how'd the meeting go?"
That's right the meeting, Lilth remembers. Now's the time to get the business settled before tomorrow.
"I got my bag of thirty gold pieces and got a promotion to Field Commander," Lilth lowers her paint brush down and casually walks over to Anastasia at the table with the bag of gold.
"Congratulations! I was right, wasn't I?" Anastasia mentions while giving Lilth a congratulation hug.
"Right about what?"
"That you'd be a great contribution to our kingdom," Anastasia smiles with glee.
Lilth's cheeks swell with embarrassment. A thought crossed her mind. Looking down at the floor at first, Lilth's golden eyes looks back up and at Anastasia's fel-green eyes with curiosity.
"Say Anastasia. My next mission starts at dawn tomorrow over at Fairbreeze Village. I was to find a reputable Sin'dorei as my lieutenant. Care to be my lieutenant?"
For a moment, Anastasia was in shock at the request. With a simple smile, she nods in acceptance. Relief fills in Lilth's heart. The hardest part of the task is now complete.
"What's the mission about? What's the danger involving?"
"It'll be easy," Lilth confidently exclaims. She gives all the details to her new lieutenant as Anastasia cooks their dinner. Celebrating to new prospects, the two soon ate their fill, and with Anastasia's pet owl sending the message of the new lieutenant to the Blood Knight HQ, they went to bed early to get there on time.