Runeweaver Square
Dalaran
A cascade of black with shimmering white sparkles filled the skies overhead. Nights in Dalaran were a thing of beauty. Rayne wished he could have spent more time with his father back in Menethil. The memories of being back home were strong but couldn't trump the paladin's sense of purpose. Two days passed in the blink of an eye and before he knew it, it was already time to return to Northrend. Ms. Wondelle and the others begged him to stay for one last dinner but he politely declined. His father was the only one that didn't raise a word of defiance. He always knew that the paladin's heart yearned to serve the greater good above all else. That was but one of the many traits he loved and admired about him.
"Be on guard," the mage ordered. "It may be quiet now but looks can be deceiving."
"Like your arcane attire that makes it appear as if you're actually skilled at your craft?"
"You son of a - !"
The paladin stuck his arm out stopping Cayden's explosive temper from erupting outright. They had to be exceptionally careful to wonder the streets at night. Cayden just informed them moments prior to the journey here of their now glowing reputation in around these parts. This city may be neutral territory currently but it wouldn't stop a rogue member of the opposing faction from trying to attack Rayne at any given moment. It's what any smart assassin would do anyways to the man who helped steal the large foothold you had in this continent. That's why Rayne decided to come here at night. With less prying eyes wondering the streets, he could easily travel without constantly looking over his shoulders for the eventual knife to present itself.
"Is my brother waiting for us in the Silver Enclave?"
The mage nodded. Tempers appear to have calmed down but Rayne knew Cayden would not keep his guard down for long.
"I had sent a message with our intentions two days prior. He requested that we only visit him tonight as he was still finishing up his assigned tasks."
"Requested?"
The priest scoffed without giving the mage a single glance.
"That does not sound like him. Try again."
Fire brewed within the steaming irises of the mage.
"Fine!" He spat. "Samuel demanded our presence not a second earlier than this evening. He ordered me not to interrupt his work. And he dictated that I do not ever speak with him again unless consulting you first."
"That's more like it."
The mage was teetering on the brink of explosion. Personally, these two had their challenges just getting through a simple conversation but professionally, they were a force to be reckoned with. Watching these two interacting as they normally did warmed Rayne's heart. It was good to see that no matter how hard things get, some things just never change.
They began to walk through the eastern part of the city when a familiar shop caught the paladin's eye.
"You two go on ahead," he ordered. "I have a bit of business in town but I'll catch up with you later."
"What?"
The shock emanating from Cayden's words was thick and powerful.
"Forgive me Rayne but I must insist we stick together."
His eyes steeled in an attempt to convey the utmost seriousness of the matter at hand.
"As we have discussed, I don't believe Dalaran is a safe place to be at this moment. We must proceed cautiously and only stay in areas under the explicit protection of the Alliance and Kirin Tor."
The mage turned towards the priest who appeared to have little to no interest in the ongoing conversation.
"Back me up on this Zariyana."
She returned an exhaustive but curious look.
"I'm conflicted."
"What do you mean?"
"Logically, you are correct. However, I'm unsure if I care enough to actually admit it out loud as my preferred stance on the matter."
Before their discussion exploded into a full blown argument, Rayne stepped in to calm the mage's agitated nerves.
"I'll be alright Cayden. I'm only visiting a few friends. They have earned my trust and proven to be some of my most reliable allies in Dalaran. Nothing dangerous is going to happen in their presence. I promise you that."
The priest seemed convinced enough but Cayden was not as easily swayed. Whether it was the paladin's specific choice of words or the somber way he delivered them, it was going to take a bit more to convince the mage. Thankfully, he didn't have much fight left in him after waging wits against the younger Legend twin.
"Alright," he conceded. "But please do not take long. As much as you trust these companions of yours, I worry that our enemies may see this as an opportunity to exploit your lowered defenses."
"You're looking too much into this Cayden," laughed Rayne. "I'll be fine."
"I hope so," Cayden sighed still brimming with uncertainty.
Rayne gave them one last smile as a parting gift before waving them goodbye.
"I'll meet you at A Hero's Welcome later tonight."
"Very well," the mage nodded. "Let's go Zariyana."
Surprisingly enough, the priest didn't say a single word of resistance. Her eyes carefully glanced over the paladin one last time before turning her attention south towards the Silver Enclave. They walked carefully down the empty road. Rayne waited until they were completely out of sight before making his move.
There were only two pieces of business he had in town. The first was a simple task at a familiar place. It had been quite a while since he last visited but he was sure his presence would still make quite the impact. Still, Rayne continued to strive to find closure in his heart. One of the steps led him directly towards the famed local winery One More Glass.
Rayne carefully approached the quiet shop. There wasn't a patron in sight; only a single light-blonde haired high elven woman standing diligently behind the counter. Her shimmering silver eyes looked down upon the glass she polished. A morose look of derision filled her expression. His oncoming footsteps didn't even register as she continued to shine the cup as if that were the only thing left for her to do in this life.
"Good evening," called the paladin.
"Sorry buddy," the elven girl sighed. "We're closed."
Her eyes slowly began peering upwards. They nearly fixated upon the paladin's while finishing her statement.
"Come back to –"
Rayne paid her a small smile and a casual wave as he always did.
"Hey Fialla."
Her silver eyes shot wide and filled with a renewed and powerful shine. She leaped over the counter and wrapped her arms over the paladin's armor, pulling him tightly, and squeezing with every ounce of strength in her slender frame.
"I can't believe it! You're okay! I heard about what happened. No one had seen you for weeks. Everyone –"
"Calm down Fialla," winced Rayne. "Everything's alright."
The paladin's pleas could not silence the emotional tirade of his elven friend but it did seem to slow it down a bit.
"We were all so worried about you. I thought –"
Fialla's voice cracked. She buried her head within the smooth surface of his breastplate. Every word became a chore to get out without blubbering like a child with a minor injury.
"How could you leave us without saying anything? Did you even stop to think how we felt without knowing where you were or even if you were still alive?"
The elf made a painful amount of sense. Rayne had not once considered anyone's thoughts or feelings while he secluded himself away in Ashenvale over the past month. He definitely needed a much deserved break after the chaos that ensued but couldn't deny the fact that Fialla was right. The paladin may have been a little selfish with his actions. Those that cared about him were completely left in the dark. Even though they achieved victory in battle, Rayne was barely able to walk away with the injuries he sustained. Gossip and rumors alike most likely embellished these facts which can account for Fialla's reaction at this moment. Even though his personal reasons were sound, the paladin couldn't help but feel a little guilty for the pain he had caused to his friend.
Rayne slowly wrapped his arms around her. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. She at least deserved this much.
"I'm sorry," he began. "I did not mean to hurt you."
The elf flinched ever so slightly while continuing keep him in her vast grip. She couldn't find the words to respond to such a bold statement but it appears the apology had been accepted. They had been standing out here in this exposed embrace for the better part of a minute. Any passersby may quickly come to some unique conclusions of their own. If the assumed rumors of his previous battle were any indication, this would not end well for the paladin's local reputation.
"As you can see, I'm fine," joked Rayne. "You can let go of me now."
Fialla shook her head still clutched in the paladin's grip. Her continued defiance could spell disaster for both of this should this continue for much longer.
"Are you going to continue to hold onto me for the foreseeable future?"
Fialla squeezed him even tighter. She nodded slowly signifying her intentions as best as she could without having to utter a painfully content word in her defense. As much as he wanted to placate her cute yet childish actions, the paladin had business to attend to. He certainly couldn't drag an elven girl down these roads without drawing attention which is exactly what Cayden had warned him about prior. Rayne didn't want to admit he was right. He only hoped this story would stay buried with many others that would sully his otherwise proud reputation.
"Yo lady-killer."
The paladin drew his gaze towards the entrance. Leaning against the doorway with his legs crossed and arms folded was the smirking visage of the owner of One More Glass, Lucian Trias. His blazing orange hair was parted perfectly down the center and further complimented his regal colored attire.
There was no doubt the scene playing out before the wine vendor only further added credibly to the colorful nickname he bestowed upon the paladin. Rayne gently swung himself towards Lucian with Fialla's grip still mounted tightly over his neck and shoulders. He released one hand from the elf's back and forced a smile as he waved to him.
"Hey Lucian."
The owner let out a disapproving sigh.
"I think you better come inside."
The paladin sighed and braced himself for what was to come. He strengthened his grip on the elf while lifting her up gently off the ground and proceeded to carry her along with him as he walked through the shop's entrance. This embarrassing display may cause so much deserved confusion, especially to his friends, even more so to his unrequited. It would be a terrible price to pay for simply appeasing Fialla's tender emotions. He offered a silent prayer to the light in the hopes that this incident would only be shared by the three involved and not a soul anywhere else.
The warm glow of the yellow light beyond the door was a welcomed change to the frost ridden atmosphere Rayne was still getting used to on this continent. Lucian directed the inseparable couple towards the table just past the stairs and shut the door behind them.
"Have a seat Rayne."
This presented a unique challenge to the paladin. In this precarious spot, shifting his body to the soft fabric chair may place the elf into an unwanted position that may break even Rayne's most noble resistance. He had to be extraordinarily careful not to tip the scales from friendly to something decidedly greater that he could not even speak without being rushed in a wave of embarrassment.
Rayne inched himself closer to the chair. His backside was in the perfect position. All he needed to do was bend his knees and he would be wrapped in the soft soothing touch of the single seated piece of furniture. His nerves proved to get the better of him as plates of his armor began to rattle. This was too much for him to bear at this moment but the paladin didn't have the heart to ask her to let him go once more.
"Fialla!"
They simultaneously released their grip from one another as if struck with a crack of thunder. The elf still remained inches away from Rayne's face. Her reddened expression was mixed with sadness and a touch of embarrassment as the realizing of her previous actions quickly set in. Fialla immediately pushed herself away and ran towards the back room before her face matched the color of their most popular inventory.
Lucian let out an exasperated sigh while falling back into his chair.
"Sorry about that. She's been kind of a mess ever since word spread about what happened at Wintergrasp. Hell, this whole place has been up in arms thanks to your victory."
The paladin took the seat across from the shop owner. He continued to dwell on the word victory and whether or not it was properly used in that statement.
"Truth be told, while I'm not as bold as the little lady over there, I do share her sentiments. I'm glad to see you made it out of there in one piece."
Rayne nodded. He had been going over the words in his head for the last few days looking for just the right thing to say. Sadly, his continued silence only continued to paint the air in a drag mood.
"So what brings you back to Dalaran on this quiet evening?" Posed Lucian. "I know you're not one to sample anything I serve other than cheeses and bread so if you're looking for a stiff drink, I'd have to recommend ale over wine."
The paladin laughed. It was nice to know that the owner could not only read moods but know exactly what to say to bring them towards a more favorable light. This made it much easier for Rayne to be candid and honest. Lucian may have served both Horde and Alliance patrons alike but the man unquestionably knew the difference between business and personal affairs. That was actually one of the reasons that brought Rayne here on this evening.
"Actually, I'm here to see one of my companions. I require his assistance on a new mission. We'll be leaving tomorrow morning. I just stopped by to say hello to you guys and swing by Findle's shop to see how things are going over there."
"Well I appreciate the kindness kid," smiled Lucian as pulled out a bottle of his finest Dalaran red and filled the nearby glass about halfway full. "Though, I think you'd have an easier time squeezing blood from a stone than getting a similar welcome out of Findle today."
The paladin's brow tightened. He stared at Lucian with a heightened curiosity.
"What do you mean?"
Lucian took a hearty sip of his favorite wine before answering.
"Findle's shop has been closed ever since you dragged him to Wintergrasp alongside you. No one's seen a peep out of him since. Usually Timofey's running the shop while he's gone but apparently it's been silent for weeks."
"I see."
Rayne paused to comprehend all of the scenarios at once. The gnome did mention providing tinkers for the Argent Crusade before they ventured to Wintergrasp but that should have only taken days, not weeks. Findle was not one to leave his shop unattended. Gold was the only thing he cared about with a few choice people coming in a close second. Thinking of the more horrific scenarios would not bode well for his conscious at this point in time.
Apparently the sullen expression befalling the paladin was just enough of a cue for the owner to relieve him of his worries.
"I wouldn't worry too much about it. Findle always follows gold wherever it may take him so he's probably found himself a pretty sweet gig after helping you and the Alliance claim that frozen lake territory."
"Really?"
Lucian nodded while indulging in another gracious sip.
"Last I heard, he was helping the Valliance Expedition beef of the defenses of that fortress you took over. When the walls came crumbling down, someone needed to put them back together. I'm sure that old-tinkerer saw the mountain of coins that awaited him and jumped at the chance to get some officially contracted work from some big spenders."
That put Rayne's mind at ease. He still wanted to greet Findle personally but was satisfied by the story offered from Lucian. Not getting the chance to see him before his trek to Ulduar may very well be another regret he will be unable to apologize for.
"I take it this isn't going to be a pleasant conversation."
The paladin casually sighed as he leaned back in his seat.
"How can you tell?"
"I've been working with sour grapes all my life so I know what they look like even when covered in all of that shining armor of yours."
Lucian polished off the remaining wine in the glass. He set the cup down with a gracious thud.
"What's on your mind kid?"
Rayne took a deep breath. He pressed himself forward and brought with it a stern expression.
"I owe you an apology Lucian," began the paladin. "You were right. About the girl. About my attitude. About everything."
The owner stared inquisitively back at the paladin. No one offers an apology outright without some kind of story behind it. While Rayne had been dwelling on it for the last month, Lucian may have completely forgotten all about it. It took a few moments but the memory finally came to this seasoned wine vendor.
"You're speaking about that young blood elf that fancied you, am I right?"
The paladin nodded.
"So the Alliance gave you a royal ass-chewing I take it," scoffed Lucian. "If you're waiting for me to say I told you so, don't hold –"
"It's not that," Rayne interrupted. "I should have done as you suggested. I just didn't have the wisdom at the time to listen."
Lucian sat back at appeared to be taking a stroll back in memory lane.
"Things didn't finish up quickly and quietly, did they?"
Rayne shook his head.
"I saw her again. The very next day. She tried to convince me not to go to Wintergrasp but I wouldn't listen to her. Granted, she was only speaking from her limited experience not knowing all of the factors involved with such a rash decision. Of course, I treated them as such and ignored them. Then…"
The paladin paused for a moment. It was hard to think back to a time where he could hear anything but her final parting words to him.
"Then she asked that we run away together. Just me and her. I thought that was the most foolish suggestion I had ever heard but as she stood there in near tears begging me not to go, it slowly started to make sense."
Rayne flexed his nostrils and took one final deep breath. This last part was the most difficult to say but in the end, had to be said.
"You want to know the worst part of it all? I looked within myself for just a brief moment, peering through all of the different choices and options that awaited me. And in one tiny glimpse, I actually considered taking her up on that offer."
That brief moment of indiscretion has been plaguing Rayne ever since Jean fell upon his blade. He would be betraying his faction, his friends, and his family to spare himself the pain of that tragic battle.
"The truth of it is," the paladin sighed. "Every day that has passed since I am left to wonder how things could have been different if I traveled down that road. More importantly, I battle with myself constantly hoping that things would not be better and that I truly made the right choice. If I just listened to you, I would have never known that option existed and wouldn't continue to suffer through it."
The paladin rose from his seat. He locked eyes with Lucian and lowered his head in shame.
"Please accept my most sincere apologies Lucian. Had I only listened to your advice, I would not have known the misery that awaited me."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa," the vendor pleaded.
He stood up and confronted the paladin face to face.
"Wisdom isn't something you can purchase like cheese or just given to you as a gift. You've got to earn that yourself. The only way to do that is by sticking your hand in the fire until the memory of the pain gets burned into your soul forever."
Lucian could see the immense sadness pouring through Rayne's eyes. He offered him a hearty pat on the back as he continued.
"In all my years, I never once look back at the road less traveled. Why anyone would bother concentrating on what was or what could be when what's up ahead is way more important is beyond me."
Those words struck a massive blow within the paladin's heart. Perhaps this wine vendor was right. Rayne shouldn't be worried about what happened but what awaited him now. It was the only thing that was keeping him going. It was the only thing he could think of to make things right.
"Thank you Lucian," the paladin genuinely smiled. "I promise not to squander your wisdom this time."
The vendor shrugged seemingly unimpressed with the praise he received or trying his damnedest not to show just how much it meant to him.
"Think nothing of it kid," he smiled. "Besides, I've got to keep my best customers happy. If I can't serve them booze, the least I can do is serve them a little something else that can alter their mood."
Rayne laughed. He was happy he made the decision to come to this place.
"Speaking of which, most people dump their problems on their bartenders only after partaking in their merchandise but I've never seen you imbibe a lick of alcohol."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, people only spill their guts out when their inhibitions have been lowered. Booze is the primary cause of that but I've never heard of anyone opening up to someone else so candidly and so willingly before."
The paladin laughed once more. He placed his gauntlet upon the vendor's unarmored shoulder. It was finally time for him to share a bit of wisdom as Lucian had graciously done moments prior.
"That's because I trust you Lucian. You looked out for my best interest despite the potential harm it could have posed to your business. It means that I am more than just a customer and you are more than just my vendor."
Rayne smile grew even wider as gave Lucian's shoulder a gentle squeeze to properly convey his concluding statement.
"That makes us friends."
Those words may have struck a similar chord within the vendor's heart. He turned away slightly while shaking his head in defeat.
"Just don't go spreading that around. It could be bad for business."
The paladin chuckled.
"I won't."
Rayne removed his hand from Lucian's shoulder and peeked at the clock just above the front kiosk. Time had passed so quickly. He only hoped his companions had not formed a search party looking for him.
"I've wasted too much of your time tonight," he stated. "I should get going."
Before Lucian could even get a word out, his elven employee came bursting from the stockroom.
"You're leaving already?" She pleaded. "But you just got here! We haven't even -"
"I'm sorry," Rayne cut in. "Unfortunately, I have a few other friends waiting for me."
Steam nearly poured through the pouting elf's ears. The brief touching moment they shared together appears to be all but forgotten.
"Thanks again Lucian," the paladin smiled. "I truly appreciate everything you have done for me."
The vendor shrugged in hopeless defeat.
"What are friends for?"
The paladin turned towards Fialla. He raised a gentle hand and caressed her delicate cheek within his thumb and palm.
"Goodbye Fialla."
Rayne quickly turned around and exited the shop. He casually allowed the door to shut behind him and faded into the city streets. The paladin was long gone before either of them decided to acknowledge the situation that now presented itself. The elf was still in a blissful state of disbelief as the blood rushing to her face brought a new color to her expression.
"Get a hold of yourself," Lucian sighed. "There's only so many times you can watch butter melt only to have to wait for it to solidify."
"It's not that," Fialla calmly replied. "It's just, I mean..."
She bit her lip to help her mind stop racing places it would dare never travel.
"Rayne has never said 'goodbye' to me before."
Copperpot Camp
The Storm Peaks
Griffons mightily squawked as they soared hundreds of feet above the rocky, snow covered landscape below. The unwavering bite of the frost ridden air seared into the paladin's face as it did the rest of his companions trailing behind him. It was the only part of his body that wasn't covered in plate armor save for the mechanized goggles he had tucked safely over his eyes. They were not only a great tool to use on the battlefield but also provided sleek style and comfort over the hefty weight of a full helm.
The sheer majesty of this Titan-forged city almost made it hard to breath; though the speedy flight of their beastly carriages did not help any either. Its grand presence was a testament to the rich history surrounding this gargantuan fortress. Massive marble spires stood thousands of feet into the air easily making it the highest peak in the whole of Northrend and perhaps even Azeroth itself. Cayden's prior description paled in comparison to experiencing the grandeur of Ulduar with your own eyes.
All five griffons touched down and the western side of the camp. Rayne quickly jumped off and graciously acknowledged his traveling steed with a generous pat on the head. Cayden, Samuel, Zariyana, and Narula landed in succession shortly thereafter. The first three enjoyed a pleasant stay in Dalaran while the night elf joined them earlier this morning. She wanted to ensure the safety of all of the children in her care before venturing off in this mission. Rayne had a big place in his heart for those kids and wanted to make sure they had everything they absolutely needed before borrowing their caretaker for an indefinite period of time.
"Is everyone alright?" The paladin asked.
Everyone gave a resounding and positive reply with the exception of the mage. He appeared to battling his own demons at this time. The color in his face had dropped. It nearly matched the tint of the hardened snow below their feet.
"Cayden?"
"I'll be fine," he stammered between coughs. "It's just, traveling on those creatures is so archaic."
Although the griffon did not fully comprehend the entire workings of the common tongue, she replied with a knowing scoff before settling down in her assigned nest.
Rayne laughed quietly to himself. The mage was used to zipping around the world in the blink of an eye. He possessed the ability to rip a hole in our reality, open a gateway to an area thousands of miles away and yet a little tousle aboard a flying lion's back was enough to make him queasy. The paladin couldn't fault him for that. It simply proves that no matter how much power you hold, everyone had an underlying weakness that could be exploited.
"Perhaps you should stand by the griffon droppings," Samuel suggested.
The mage raised an eyebrow. He stifled his remaining coughs through a closed fist before inquiring further.
"Does that really help with travel sickness?"
The Legend twins simultaneously laughed and scoffed.
"Absolutely not," replied Samuel.
"It's for our own safety," Zariyana added.
"If you're going to be sick, it would be better for you to spew your fluids near similar substances," the male twin stated.
"And not get any of that disgusting bile near us," his sister finished.
The burning rage that remained dormant with Cayden's soul was ready to erupt. He stood up and spilled into a massive, anger-laden tirade that the Titans themselves would turn an ear towards. At the very least, the mage did appear to be feeling better after the entire traveling ordeal. Whether or not the Legend twins planned on this was either genius on their part or a splendid coincidence.
Rayne pulled himself away from this typical and otherwise touching moment between his companions and paid a passive glance over towards the night elf. She was casually chatting with the flight master Shavalius while gently petting the steed she traveled with. Narula always loved nature and all of the noble creatures that inhabit our world but what she truly excelled at was making new friends and getting people to adore her almost instantaneously. They hadn't spent more than five minutes her and Shavalius was already grinning like a hopeless fool whenever the night elf looked his way.
"Rayne Templar!"
A horrendously powerful blunt object struck the paladin square in the back. His armor rattled with an intense fury shaking him down to the very core of his being. Rayne new that imposing greeting better than anyone. He slowly turned to confirm his suspicions and laid his gaze upon two towering draenei he hadn't seen in quite a while.
"Ademski, Saelena," the paladin acknowledged. "It's good to –"
The riotous blue-skinned draenei wrapped him in a massive hug and lifted him up high. Rayne's arms were locked to his side as the overwhelming strength of his fellow paladin slammed the plates of his armor together with a satisfying crunch.
"It has been far too long my friend," Ademski grinned. "Why have you not come to see us sooner?"
"I've been," the paladin grunted squeezing in gulps of air whenever his body would allow it. "A bit busy."
"Nonsense," the draenei laughed.
He squeezed Rayne tighter which seemed almost impossible moments earlier and continued.
"We are brothers of the light after all," stated Ademski. "We shouldn't let the frivolities of time and work keep us apart."
A careful hand placed itself atop the draenei's shoulder. He peered over to find a concerned look on Saelena's face. Ademski quickly released the paladin from his monumental grip while still bellowing in laughter.
Rayne choked out a few more coughs as it took everything he had to stay standing and not fall to his knees. The mighty draenei towering over him was simply known as Ademski. He's a veteran of the bloody affair that started on Draenor after the Orcs began their campaign of genocide. After surviving their onslaught for years, salvation came burrowing through the dark portal once more as a trusted member of the Alliance and the Sons of Lothar. They recruited the proud draenei soldiers into their ranks and helped establish a foothold in the Outlands. Ademski served in Honor Hold for years until the campaign to Northrend began.
When Rayne began recruiting his elite team of knights, this draenei came highly recommended from Danath Trollbane himself. The Force Commander sent a letter of recommendation days after the Templar Knights began their official recruitment. How someone as timely honored as Commander Trollbane himself got word of Rayne's plans remains a mystery but the paladin believes his father may have had a hand in it somehow seeing as they are old friends.
Ademski was an amazing warrior and skilled wielder of the light but he didn't come without additional baggage. The draenei had seen and lived through a world of suffering that the rest of the Knights couldn't match with their combined experiences multiplied tenfold. With those haunting memories clawing at his back, Ademski had become particularly fond of alcoholic beverages to help keep himself numb to the pain. It may have been a vice to some but Rayne knew the draenei performed his best work with massive sword in both hands and a bottle of wine strapped to his waist.
Glimmering armor of brightly polished steel was a foreign concept to this paladin. Ademski donned a dull grey suit that was stained with scrapes and cuts of many hard fought battles. He rarely maintained it and would only clean it if too much blood had been spilled upon its metal hide.
Standing next to him was the gleaming white presence of his beloved wife Saelena. Velvet locks of long black hair fell atop her shoulders and across her chest and back. Her presence was much less boisterous than her life partner's. Unfortunately that was not by choice. She fought alongside Ademski through every battle and suffered similar scars throughout her body. The worst of which was the large indentation across her throat. That particular wound came from the blood-crazed Fel Orcs. They had captured Saelena and over the course of several weeks tortured her body and soul to their absolute breaking point. When they realized this creature wouldn't talk no matter how hard they pushed, Warchief Kargath Bladefist ordered them to cut out her tongue and slit her throat so that she may never speak again. Ademski and a band of Alliance soldiers stormed their encampment moments later but the damage had already been done.
With his dying wife laying in his arms, the draenei prayed for a final blessing from the light to save Saelena's life. His wish was ultimately granted but at an irreparable cost. Saelena lived to fight another day but he would no longer be able to hear her beautiful voice ever again. It was a small price to pay in order to continue to share their lives together though it's not without its surprising advantages.
After this incident, Saelena discarded her bow and began training with dwarven rifles and explosives. She became an expert scout as her now mute presence aided in her ability to travel to specific locales undetected. Her armor was light, a few studded garments of student leather around her legs and arms and a simple breastplate made of chainmail. She wore only a single spaulder on her left shoulder that allowed her to rest her head during long sniping assignments where she would lay peering through the scope of her rifle for hours on end.
In order to communicate with her fellow soldiers and teammates, Saelena learned how to sign her thoughts and feelings as well as the scripted languages of all races in the Alliance. However, she is still able to communicate with her husband through a seemingly psychic bond they share with one another. A simple glance or a light touch would tell Ademski everything he needed to know.
Rayne truly admired the love shared between this incredibly durable couple. Naturally he hoped to find himself in a similar situation in the not too distant future but given the current political climate, it may just remain a dream held only in his heart.
"My apologies Templar," Ademski snickered. "I am merely excited to join you in battle. We both are grateful for this enthralling opportunity to stand united as one as the Templar Knights."
"Don't mention it," coughed Rayne.
The paladin regained his composure well enough to stand without looking too worse for wear. It lasted a good few seconds before another beefy arm wrapped itself over his neck and shoulders in a familiar but overbearing headlock.
"Don't tell me you've forgotten about us too kid?"
Marcus' domineering hold dragged Rayne's head closer to his waist than he would have liked. However, it did bring him face to face with another short friend of his who shared a passion for obtaining gold, gems, jewels, and not much else.
"Hey Weasel, Marcus," groaned the paladin. "Glad to see you two are doing alright."
The gnome twiddled the hair on his mustache and chin while passing along and confused look.
"What are you waiting for? A kiss?"
A rowdy laugh erupted from the warrior's lungs. He released his hold on the paladin and allowed the blonde-haired champion of the light to enjoy a brief moment of relief before succumbing to decisively maddening blow to his shoulder.
"That's my line!"
Lena' punch cut through his armor as if it wasn't there. She always knew Rayne's soft spots. They did grow up together after all.
"I'm happy to see you too Lena," Rayne smiled at her scowling expression. "I couldn't have done this –"
The Captain pulled him in close, wrapped her arms around his waist and held him tightly. Her surprising disposition to switch between anger and adoration took some getting used to but Rayne was happy to bear the moments of pain for these few moments of bliss.
"You left without saying anything," she whispered ensuring no one else could hear her. "Didn't you realize how worried you made us?"
"Lena…"
The paladin's voice trailed off. Before he could say a word in his defense, the Captain pushed herself off of his armored body; her eyes still staring at the powdery snow below. This continued for only a couple of seconds but felt like an eternity with the wracking guild building upon the paladin's shoulders. Moments later, Lena lifted her head up high and returned only a bright and cheery expression much like the one he was used to seeing.
"You're looking great," she smiled. "I don't know why I let these two bozos lead me to believe otherwise."
The pair quickly avoided eye contact with Rayne. They hadn't seen each other since the battle at Wintergrasp came to an end. The paladin asked to be ported back to Ashenvale with Narula and none of the other Knights, save for Cayden had seen him since. Rayne had to put on a brave face. This was no easy challenge they were embarking upon. If any of the Knights sensed otherwise it could spell disaster for his mission.
"I'm fine, really."
Rayne cascaded a blindingly powerful smile to all of his companions. That should have been more than enough to silence any of their worries.
"Where are the rest of the Templar soldiers?"
Lena bounced her hand back and pointed her thumb upwards at the gargantuan entrance to the north.
"We got here last night. They've been up at the Expedition Base Camp helping Brann and the others make the final preparations for our assault."
"The entrance is all the way up there?" Rayne pondered. "How did they manage to –"
"Don't say it," begged the mage.
"Relax my friend," the draenei called while snatching Cayden up in a single-arm hug. "You are in good hands. These birds are strong and properly trained. You have nothing to fear. However, if you wish, you may ride on my lap and I shall protect you."
Nearly every one of the Templar Knights shared in a laugh. Even the Legend twins giggled quietly to themselves. They would never explicitly show any emotion other than calm, cool, and collected so it was nice to see them unwind, even if for just a brief moment.
Rayne took a long look at the city's entrance. From this perspective, it was almost the perfect metaphor for their entire mission. A small, lowly band of knights charging into the front door of a monumental structure designed by beings with unimaginable power. Legends have told it took several Titans to even subdue an Old God and the paladin was attempting to trump that feat with a handful of willing companions. It was as if ants were trying to defeat a boot raised overhead.
There were still so many unknown factors about the whole situation. Rayne wasn't sure exaction what would happen when they entered through those gates. He only wanted to help people. First it was the little guys. Now, the fate of Azeroth itself rested on his soldiers. Whatever awaited them in that fortress must be a vile force to be reckoned with. This sounded like a perfect job for the Templar Knights.