The Raynewood Orphanage

Ashenvale

Calculated breaths exited the paladin's lungs. Sweat beaded off his forehead and began pooling atop the rim of his mechgineer's goggles. He hadn't performed such a meticulous feat in all of his years spent honing this precise craft but even one little mistake could spell disaster. A wrong connection and poor solder can make all the difference between success and utter failure.

"Arclight spanner."

The young draeni child placed the engineering tool in his awaiting palm.

"Check!"

Rayne carefully held the back plate while gentle twisting the final cobalt bolt into place. Normally one khorium power core was sensitive enough to handle but this particular device required two. The ambient heat given off by their delicate frames would normally require the precision hands of a gnome to affix properly but thankfully, this paladin was taught by one of the best.

"Hammer."

The wooden handle sat gently in his hand as Claduis set it down just as instructed.

"Check!"

Gentle taps bounced off the metal housing frame. The paladin had to be extra careful shaping the exhaust frame exactly as instructed in the blueprints. If this unit was going to keep cool, it required the proper ventilation.

"King's Amber."

Finely shaped jewels danced in the young draeni's palm. He offered them to Rayne as they rested in his small hands. The paladin carefully took one and set it in the first housing socket. With one quick twist, it snapped perfectly into place.

"One down," he casually remarked while reaching for the second oval shaped stone.

Tensions began to mount. All of the children had gathered around the table in their backyard and had not taken their eyes off the paladin for the last hour. Everything was riding on this one final step. It was all or nothing now.

Rayne took one last deep breath. He carefully retrieved the final gem from Claudis' secure grip and slowly carried it towards its final destination. If this didn't work, the resounding disappointment from the crowd would be enough to shatter the paladin's heart. He had been going on about this device for weeks as he mined, smelted, and crafted each and every piece of this painstaking puzzle. Findle had made it known that this was no easy task. If only he was as good at down-selling as he was at up-selling, Rayne may have heeded his warnings.

The gem gave a hearty click signaling it had correctly snapped into the housing unit. Rayne sighed in relief while wiping away the accumulated sweat from his brow. They were not out of the woods yet. All of this painstaking work will be for naught if it didn't react to one quick flip of the switch. Rayne took the device and carefully placed it on the ground making sure it was kept several feet away from the house and precious plants.

"Alright. Here we -," the paladin proclaimed with gently snapping the marked button into the ON position. "Go!"

Silence radiated throughout the lush green landscape. The scraping of leaves in the wind fluttered overhead. A cool breeze soon passed through. The elements were certainly working as intended but this heap of expensive metal, wires, and transistors stood as silent as the mountains surrounding them.

The paladin collapsed his head onto his awaiting palms. He wasn't sure what exactly went wrong but there was no use crying over it now. Troubleshooting the issue could take hours and instead of subjecting the children to that incredibly boring process, he'd hoped they wouldn't feel bad if they went off to play instead.

"It's okay Rayne," Claudis smiled while patting Rayne's sulking back.

"I'm sorry kids," the paladin replied with a painfully forced smile. "I just want to –"

Steam escaped from the units exhaust plate. The whirring of gizmos soon followed.

"Everyone stand back!" Rayne ordered.

Fear quickly swept over the crowd as they dispersed from the scene. The paladin wasn't sure what was going on but at the very least, he could keep them protected from the worst. Horrific noises increased as each fleeting moment passed by in an instant.

"Take cover!"

The paladin quickly flipped over the table spilling all of his tools and leftover parts across the ground and took shelter behind it. All of the orphans quickly swarmed around him hoping his bulky frame would protect them from the violent shrapnel that would soon rain down upon them.

Lights flickered from within the two gems. The exhaust seemingly stopped altogether as the whirring noises calmed down considerably.

The countdown was over. All that was left was the final painful sound to erupt forth. Rayne only hoped this wooden structure was enough to shield them from the menace about to spew forth.

"This is it!"

Rayne clenched his teeth and gripped the wooden frame tightly.

"Hold –"

"Greetings human," the robot interrupted. "My name is Jeeves."

Wind casually passed through the silent orphanage. The paladin's grimacing expression faded into one of bewilderment. He slowly raised his head above the wooden barricade just high enough to peek at the mechanical being that had previously introduced itself.

"Jeeves?" Rayne quizzically began. "Is that you?"

"Yes sir," the gnomish mechanized being nodded. "At your service."

"Is everything okay?" The paladin timidly asked. "You sure you're feeling fine? No wires crossed or gears misaligned?"

"I believe so," Jeeves replied while performing some rudimentary movement functions. "Everything appears to be in order. Except I have one question sir."

"Go on," nodded Rayne still keeping his defenses up.

"According to my programming," the robot butler began, "it is considered unfair for a person to join a game of 'hide-and-go-seek' when it is already in progress. Did the game begin before I finished my initial boot sequence?"

Children began slowly popping their heads up over fallen table. One by one, they examined the curious sight before them. Just as he promised, Rayne had completed this intensive project at the small cost of everyone's sanity even if for only a brief moment.

"Initial boot sequence?"

Rayne slowly started to laugh. It finally made sense. Jeeves was a highly sophisticated autonomous engineering device. It would only be natural for it to take a few moments to warm up. Findle may have forgotten to mention that specific feature in the included schematics. Putting some rampant fear into the children was certainly not intended but it sure made the reward of success taste that much sweeter.

The orphans cheered and began to swarm their new helper device. They bombarded him with dozens of curious questions and demands in the blink of an eye. Even with his advanced programming, Jeeves appeared to be overwhelmed. Thankfully, he carried on as intended without breaking a sweat. His primary function was to serve. These kids were going to run out of energy well before this constructed service robot would. However, given their current state of wonderment, this first day appeared to be nearing a photo finish.

Short laughs quickly burst forth through the paladin's rapid breaths. The relief he felt was overwhelming given the previous circumstances. Perhaps he may have overdone it a bit a few moments ago. There was a new mess of various engineering parts littering the ground. The least he could do was get this all cleaned up while the kids were having their fun.

The first order of business was to put the table back in its place. Rayne clasped the top edges and grunted as he attempted to flip it back in place. Unfortunately, even all of his light guided strength could not move newly formed the wooden barrier. It was as if its weight multiplied a thousand times over.

Cracks began to form under the paladin's tight grip. He would sooner break this table before laying it down in its proper position. Something must have gone wrong. Rayne's immediate thought was that he had dug it a little too deep into the surrounding soil and may have to dig it out in order to be able to move it. He made his way around to the front when his curiosity piqued and an eyebrow raised.

The top of the table was bound and wrapped by a large group of strong roots that created a thickened barrier. It would have been more than enough to stop anything Jeeves could have dished out, functioning or malfunctioning.

A new sense of dread swelled within Rayne's mind. This added protection did not just randomly spring up. He slowly turned his back towards the house and confirmed his fears.

Standing in the doorway, the renowned grace and elegance of Narula Dawngrove stared back at the paladin. One arm was still extended with trickles of silver light fading from the previously cast spell. Her radiant violet locks of hair glistened in the light breeze over her quaint blue dress. Majestic was the first word that would normally come to mind as there was no one on this planet that Rayne found more beautiful than the stunning night elf before him. However, the stern look plastered upon her expression told him that this was not a good time to be lost in his emotions regardless of how smitten he was with her.

"Raymond," she sighed sounding much more disappointed than angered. "Is everything alright?"

The paladin let out a defeated breath before answering.

"Yea, everything fine now," he painfully replied trying to soften the blow with a bit of laughter. "Nothing I couldn't handle of course."

The night elf lowered her hand but still retained the same strict look.

"You must be more careful Raymond," Narula sorrowfully began. "I know the children have been excited about this project for weeks but we cannot scare them like that. If this is going to be a problem, perhaps we should refrain from working on any new engineering devices in the future."

Rayne wanted to raise a word in his defense but the truth was, there was nothing he could say that would outweigh his companion's words. She was absolutely right. Continuing to tinker with new projects in this manner could definitely prove to be dangerous if things continued to progress this way. Next time, Narula may not be there to provide the same protective support as she did on this day.

"You're right," sighed the paladin. "I'm sorry. Please forgive my ignorance."

If he could burrow his head in the ground as easily as jormungar, he'd be joining them for drinks at this very moment. It wasn't like Rayne had any ground to stand on. This was just another fledgling project to bury himself with to keep his mind busy. Idle minds were much deadlier than idle hands after all.

"It is alright Raymond," the night elf began. "Perhaps you should let the children play with their new toy for a bit longer and join me inside for some tea."

The smile pursing on her lips lifted his spirits past every cloud above. She always knew the quickest way to warm Rayne's heart. How everyone didn't instantly fall in love with this glorious creature was beyond all comprehension.

The paladin returned her smile with one of his own and followed the night elf into the kitchen. Glorious cheers and orders from the young orphans began to dwindle as they entered the house. Rayne took a seat at the table. He marveled at how magnificent Narula looked while performing even such rudimentary tasks as pouring a steaming cup of honeymint tea. There was nothing he loved more than being here with her, the kids, and this relaxing atmosphere. He'd stay here forever if fate granted wishes. Unfortunately, he quickly came to realize that it was never that kind.

Narula placed the ceramic cup gently in front of the paladin. Vapors of thick steam wafted upwards and began to fill his nostrils with the powerful sweet aroma of this piping hot nectar.

"Thank you Narula."

"Think nothing of it Raymond," she continued to smile while taking a seat across from him. "You looked like you could use some time to relax."

That was an understatement. Rayne had spent the better part of a month here at the orphanage. After the battle of Wintergrasp and his unfortunate breakdown later that evening, the last thing he wanted to do was return to that icy continent and be reminded of that tragic day. He did everything he possibly could to put those awful memories behind him. Every day was just a new project waiting to be tackled. It was all he could do from falling back down that sorrowful pit and be reminded of his terrible actions.

The kids definitely appreciated his continued presence. Usually they were excited to see him for longer than a day. Now every day starts in fear as the children wake up with saddened expressions wondering if this was the day Rayne would be leaving them again. They may have been young but they were wise enough to know that it was just a matter of time before things reverted to the way they were.

"You look troubled," the night elf stated. "It is beginning to worry me. Is there anything you'd like to talk about?"

The paladin shook his head.

"Everything's fine," he replied trying not to make it obvious that his smile was being forced. "Maybe I just need a few more hours of sleep. These kids sure know how to wear me out."

Even that vain attempt at humor couldn't get either of them to laugh. Narula was absolutely right to worry. They both witnessed the tragedy that occurred within the walls of the Wintergrasp Fortress. What made it even worse was that ever since then, the night elf appeared to be somewhat guarded herself. Rayne was expecting a much bigger outburst after seemingly putting the lives of all of the orphans in danger but he didn't even receive a slap on the wrist. She was being unreasonably patient with him throughout the last few weeks. Normally that wouldn't have bothered him in the slightest. However, there was a painful itch beginning to claw away at an unreachable spot in the back of the paladin's mind. Perhaps it was not acceptance or affection his heart had sought. Maybe it was looking for punishment.

Rayne peered down at the cup of tea before him. A much different man was staring back at him. The same chipper and youthful expression he had become known for throughout his years was sorely missed. Thick mats of blonde hair surrounded his chin and mouth. He couldn't even remember the last time he shaved. Keeping up appearances didn't seem as important anymore. Although he was not a real big fan of this bearded look, if Narula approved, he might just keep a while longer; not that he had the courage to ask anyways.

A rapid knocking at the door stole their attention away from their troubles. The night elf's eyes narrowed as she attempted to peer through the thin slits of wood and find the new visitor that has graced them with their presence.

Narula pressed herself away from the table and approached the door. She carefully opened it less than halfway and soon revealed the visage of a familiar fiery robed mage standing before her. A hood shadowed most of his face but upon closer inspection, the bags under his eyes revealed he had spent several sleepless nights before coming here.

"Cayden?"

"Greetings Narula."

The mage removed his hood to reveal her suspicions. His worn face had seen much better days.

"Are you alright? You look stressed."

"I'll be fine," Cayden quickly countered. "Better if you could assist me in locating our fearless leader."

Narula didn't say a word. Her lips twitched ever so slightly almost giving away the fear of his statement. She knew that whatever Cayden was involved in would now be forced upon the paladin's shoulders. By the looks of it, he still wasn't ready to face the demons that plagued him. More importantly, she didn't enjoy seeing him wither away in this place while his ever growing potential was being diminished by the day.

The door swung open further revealing the Templar Knights' leader casually sitting at the table nursing a cup of tea.

"Rayne?"

"Please, come in Cayden."

Narula stepped aside and allowed the mage to proceed through. His inquiring mind seemed nearly dumbfounded to see the paladin in such a state. Perhaps after watching him slowly transition to this new form, the night elf did not notice just how drastically he had changed.

"Hey Cayden," smiled Rayne. "It's good to see you."

"Yea," the mage forcibly replied. "You too."

Neither was sure how to act around the other. Rayne tried his best to force a chipper appearance but his lack of motivation was becoming more apparent by the day.

"Please forgive my intrusion Rayne."

"Not at all. What can I –," the paladin cut himself off in mid-sentence.

Something about the way Cayden was looking at him did not convey any feelings of remorse or sorrow. Buried deep within those burning iris of his, there was a flicker of rage trying to overcome a sea of fear that he was slowly drowning in.

"I take it that this is not a social visit."

The mage shook his head.

"No Rayne. I am not coming to you as a member of the Templar Knights or a friend but as an emissary from the Kirin Tor. "

His tone was cold, a polar opposite of his usual demeanor. The paladin listened carefully to Cayden's plea.

"And we desperately need your help."

Engine of the Makers

The Storm Peaks

The biting chill of cold air surrounding this harsh snow-filled landscape was enough to freeze a person's soul from well within the protected confines of their body. Black starless skies rained down upon land showering the beasts and denizens that dwell within it in darkness.

Lorelei Starstrider continued to drag herself step by merciless step through the thick gouts of snow. The frosty chunks of crystallized water rose to nearly waist high in some areas. It didn't deter the young elf in the slightest. A voice had been calling out to her. It desperately sought her undivided attention and seemingly dragged her through every inch of this continent in order to bring her closer to its warm embrace.

They are coming for you…

Yes. There is was. The sweet sound of its guiding tongue had been tickling the blood elf's brain for weeks on end. She knew she had to keep moving. There was no hope for her to cling onto in Quel'Thalas. No light left to shin upon her in Dalaran. Only sadness and sorrow filled her mind and after happiness continually rejected her embrace, Lorelei would gladly court madness in order to appease the blade of revenge that had cut open her heart.

Evenings seemed to drag on longer with each passing day. The voice was much clearer at night than it was with the sun hanging overhead. It was the only thing that cared for the young elf now. It knew exactly what to say to drive her and keep her focused on the task at hand. Lorelei spoke little to nothing at all to anyone she had crossed paths with if she could help it. The goblins at K3 didn't know how close they were to death after their continuous and incessant yammering upon her arrival. As easy as it would have been to take their lives, there was only one man's blood this blade desired to drink and its thirst would not be quenched until it had tasted his precious crimson fluid.

The last remnant of the Starstrider legacy hung tightly across the young elf's waist. The blade dragged through the snow creating a line that followed her trudging footsteps. Her brother carried this sword with pride. It was everything their namesake had to offer masterfully forged in the most beloved and rarest metal available. There exists no other weapon like it on this planet. Jean took extraordinary care of this weapon. Its glimmering silver edges always remained cleaned and polished after every battle.

Lorelei hadn't even bothered to wipe it down since seizing it from the corpse of her slain brother. There were still freshly caked patched of blood strewn about the edges and flat of the blade. She allowed the sword to soak in it day after painstaking day. It was being tempered in the relic of its last battle. Every fiber was being coated in the spilled organic matter of its most hated enemy. The weapon needed to learn much like its new owner the pain of betrayal before seeking their mutual revenge.

Whimpering pouts slowly trailed off a few years behind the young elf. Lorelei battled with her own patience on whether or not to forcibly shut that beast up once and for all. He had been whining for days on end. That mangy tiger was proving to be more of a runt of its species than a ferocious hunting ally.

Maybe he was getting hungry. The young elf couldn't remember the last time she fed him personally but he was an animal after all. If he couldn't take care of himself than he didn't deserve to go. Lorelei couldn't remember the last time she felt hunger. Anger was the only persistent emotion fueling her drive forward. The voice was growing louder and it was pulling the young elf further north where her salvation lied.

All places, all things have souls. All souls can be devoured.