The Spark of Imagination
Ulduar
Missiles raced into the air. Trails of smoke gathered in their wake. They exploded instantly upon contact with the surface. Bits of shrapnel slashed against the warrior's exposed skin leaving tiny scrapes and gashes as a small reminder of their true strength.
"I'm really getting sick and tired of that guy's shit!" Marcus grumbled.
"Less talk, more run!"
The duo raced around the room in similar fashion. Once again, they were at the ultimate whim of the mechanical monstrosity. With nowhere to hide and only a small breadth of room to run, this contest became an endurance trial to which they were greatly handicapped.
Six latches opened in the tank's hull. Silver metal disks spun out from each one and quickly littered the room. They were affixed with a glowing red bulb at the top that blinked at specific timed intervals. Weasel's eyes flexed open as one landed just a few feet short of the two Knights intended pathway.
"Watch out!"
The gnome leapt up and drop kicked off his companion's shoulder. Marcus took a tumble off to the side while Weasel flipped away in the opposite direction.
"What'd ya do that f –"
An explosion silenced the warrior outright. The magnificent ball of flame that exuded from the disk's core was more than enough to illustrate its deadly power. Marcus was just a short step away from being engulfed in that grueling fire. Had it not been for his friend's intervention, this fight would have been half over in Mimiron's favor.
"What in the hell?!"
"Proximity mines!" Weasel shouted as he bounced from one clear area to the next. "It looks like there sensor range is only a few feet. We need to watch where we step!"
The warrior slammed his fist into the ground. He pushed himself to his feet using only his knuckles. The pain weighing upon his hand paled in comparison to his unrestrained fury as it neared its capacity. They literally had no place left to run and all the biggest guns in this fortress pointed right in their face.
"How are we going to fight this thing if we can't move anywhere?!"
"I've got an idea," the gnome chimed. "Wait here!"
Weasel chucked a dagger at the nearest mine. The whizzing blade shattered the red bulb atop the explosive device. A few sparks of electricity snapped before going completely silent. The gnome crept up to the mine nearing the previously estimated triggering area.
"What are you doing?!" Marcus snapped. "Stop –"
The gnome's hand touched the mine's metal shell. He ripped the heavy circular disk from the ground and gently shook it. Its diameter was almost equal to that of Weasel's own height. Watching him essentially play with a highly volatile explosive weighed on the warrior's nerves.
"Did you," he stuttered. "Can you disarm those things?"
"Eh, not exactly," shrugged Weasel. "I disabled the sensors but these mines are still rigged to blow after a minute or so of inactivity. They've even got some tiny magnets on the bottom to help them stick to the surface."
A light sparked in his mind. Marcus couldn't stop the grin forming on his lips. They didn't have any weapons on hand to fight that robot directly and now, Mimiron had served it to them on a literal silver platter.
"Weasel," started the warrior. "Take out the rest of these things in our area. Afterwards, pay our friend up there another visit. I want him brought down here in two minutes. Is that clear?!"
The gnome casually shrugged and nodded. Whatever Marcus planned in this basic outline was apparently good enough on paper to bring him on board. Weasel took a boundless leap towards the center of the room. More gunfire rang out from the assault cannons. He twirled into the air dodging the stinging hot iron projectiles while stuffing each of his hands with a large selection of throwing daggers.
Bits of leather tore from his body. The bullets had gotten closer to his skin than the gnome had originally hoped. Weasel gritted through the pain as he sent a fan of deadly daggers volleying into the air in all directions. The silver blades struck each of the glowing red bulbs and shattered their thin frames. The gnome landed on his feet just a few short steps away from the tank and began his ascent towards the menacing pilot high above.
Marcus' smile widened as he blitzed forth collecting the recently disabled mines. He scooped three into his hands before their weight became too much of a burden for a single arm to carry. The warrior then hurled the disks towards the robot's hull starting with that blasted tank on the bottom. Each of the mines slammed into the metal frame of the Leviathan unit and stuck with a satisfying clink.
Lasers shot forth from the canons. Its scorching heat burned trails of black as they maneuvered through the battlefield. They gave chase to Marcus as he continued to scamper for more explosives. Time was counting down quicker than he could fathom. If he didn't move quickly, this entire room was going to erupt in a cloud of unrelenting flames. And that's if these speeding beams of death didn't kill him first.
The warrior dove to the side. His plate boots were singed by the trailing lasers as they continued down the same path. Thankfully the beams couldn't change direction as easily as the warrior. He pushed himself off the ground and persisted in his ongoing endeavor. Nearly half the mines had been cleared from the front half of the room in just under a minute. It may not have been all of them but now they had plenty of clear space to maneuver without worrying about being cooked alive.
Marcus stole a gaze at the robot. The gnome was furiously climbing up its backside unhindered by any form of explosive retaliation. He was already halfway up his body but the constant erratic movements of the torso had slowed him down considerably. From within his back, Weasel retrieved a small grappling hook and short line of rope. He chucked it at the robot's head and secured its metal hooks along the golden dome.
One last mine found its way into the warrior's hands. He looked up and prepared to toss it at the iron construct's chest. Energy snapped within the robot's open maw. A brilliant ball of plasma shot out from its metal mouth. Marcus pushed his legs but he could not outrun the brutally charged attack.
Lightning crackled as the energy exploded upon the ground. The force of the blast sent the warrior hurling into the wall. His body rocked against the reinforced metal frame leaving a man-sized dent on impact. Marcus wailed in agony. His nerves cried out in unspeakable horror. All of his intestines raddled during the brutal collision.
The warrior spilled forward. His body tumbled to the cold hard ground. The mine released from his grip and bounced to a wobbling halt just a few short feet away. Marcus pushed himself up slowly. His muscles were not responding to his commands as quickly as he was used to. A horrible ringing plagued his ears. If this is what he could expect from a missed attack, he did not care to experience what would happen if he actually let the damn thing hit him.
Mimiron's giant golden face looked down upon him. Its mouth opened and began charging another devastating blast. That wasn't even the worst of it. The mine was only seconds away from detonating and even if he could escape its eruption, there was no way he'd avoid a second attack from that damned blue ball of energy.
Marcus' consciousness cracked. Red glazed over his eyes. His mind was no longer in the driver's seat. Instincts took the wheel and slammed the pedal down as far as it would go. The warrior exploded from the ground. He leapt forward and seized the mine in his furious grip. He gazed upon the robot as it appeared ready to unleash another deadly attack. Marcus let out a terrifying shout as he hurled the explosive into its awaiting jaw.
The mine collided with the glowing ball of plasma. It clanked into the skull's opening with a distinctive crunch. Cheers rang out within the warrior's mind. However, they were quickly silenced when the sudden realization of what he had done kicked in. In his frenzied state, Marcus had completely forgotten Weasel was climbing up there to fight Mimiron head on.
"WEASEL!" He shouted. "LOOK –"
The head blew up into a massive gout of fire and crackling energy. Golden chunks of shrapnel sliced through the air and stuck into the surrounding walls. The mechagnome's body launched into the air. He was trailing a thick cloud of smoke from his back. Mimiron soon collapsed on the ground with a hard splat.
Marcus bolted towards the fallen Keeper's machine of death. He frantically searched the area for any traces of his companion all the while shouting his name. The robot's head had completely vanished and with it, any traces of the gnome he had come to know and appreciate throughout their few short months together.
"Weasel!" The warrior desperately called. "Where are –"
"Right here," a squeaking voice called from behind.
Marcus shot a stare at the source of the sound. Standing before him, in all his glory was Weasel Manifico. His armor was a bit scathed, his hair slightly rattled, but thankfully was alive and well.
"Come here you!"
The warrior scooped up his companion and locked the gnome in a tight hug. All of his swelling anger and fears poured away in an instant.
"I didn't know you swung your mace in that direction but I sure don't," Weasel groaned as he strained to fight the muscular grip of his relieved ally.
Marcus set him down and breathed a great big sigh of relief.
"I thought I lost you there for a minute. That thing rattled my cages a bit and I completely for –"
"Yea, yea," sighed the gnome. "I saw what happened to you which is why I got the hell out of dodge."
"You knew I was going to throw a mine at him?"
Weasel casually shrugged while scratching the back of his neck.
"I figured it would be something like that so I jumped down as soon as you got up and hid underneath the tank tread."
The warrior's palm slapped his skull.
"And just what were you going to do if it didn't work? Were you just going to climb back up there again?!"
"Nah, I pretty much knew you were going to nail it. That's why I sliced through his safety belt. I couldn't just let you go out and kill him."
Throughout all of the bull crap that comes out of the gnome's mouth, there is an occasional nugget of wisdom buried within. Had Weasel left him chained to his seat up there, it's liable that Mimiron would have ended up as scrap along with the rest of the robot. Keeping him alive was a vital part of their mission. How alive is still up for debate given the nature of trouble the Keeper has caused these two.
Marcus stomped to where the mechagnome's body lied. Mimiron began to wheeze. Light's flickered within his iron body. He convulsed for a few moments before slowly rolling to his stomach and lifting off the ground.
"It would appear that I've made a slight miscalculation. I allowed my mind to be corrupted by the fiend in the prison, overriding my primary directive," stated the Keeper. "All systems seem to be functional now. Clear."
"Oh no you don't!"
The warrior snapped the mechagnome up and hoisted him above the ground as he did to Weasel on so many previous occasions.
"Uh oh," Mimiron stammered. "Has my gravitational matrix device shorted out?"
"Don't play dumb with me!" Snapped Marcus. "If you've got any more of those doomsday machines hiding around here you better fess up now and I might give you some leniency."
"This does not compute," the Keeper blinked. "Are there any other devices that appear to be threatening this region?"
"Look!" The warrior barked. "We've already had to deal with one of those tanks outside plus that other giant metal robot outside the front door. If this room is about to transform into some kind of death cannon, speak up now before I shove this mace right up your steam pipe!"
"A most peculiar conundrum," Mimiron replied. "Its current mass, density, and width exceeds the given space provided. By my calculation, it would take approximately fifteen-hundred pounds per square inch of sustained force over the course of several minutes to –"
Marcus slammed the Keeper face first into the ground.
"I'm done. This guy's already taken a toll on my body now he wants to wreak havoc on my mind? Forget it."
Weasel leaned over and helped the mechagnome back up on his feet.
"Sorry about that. He can get a little cranky sometimes."
"Yes, thank you," responded Mimiron. "Although, I do calculate that he does have the necessary strength to achieve his previously stated threat so perhaps its best that I tread carefully from now on."
The rogue paid one last look to the device of their most immediate dread. Its metal body had been broken, cogs smashed, and energy depleted. It stood in a lifeless husk of its former self.
"That's an impressive piece of engineering I must say," Weasel smiled. "I was particularly interested in that flying helicopter of yours."
"Really?!"
The Keeper appeared to perk up quite considerably as soon as the engineering talks started.
"The Aerial Command Unit is among my finest tinkers yet! Despite its design, it can actually maneuver better than any current flying machine in existence. I created a special –"
"Yea, yea, yea," the rogue interrupted. "I'm more curious if you have any more of those in the back that you'd be willing to lend me."
Mimiron stared inquisitively back at him.
"Lend you?"
"Yea, I figured I could fly that baby around Dalaran. Can you imagine it? Me, in a golden helicopter? The ladies would be lining up for a wild ride!"
"You guys are idiots," the warrior sighed. "What kind of moron would want to fly around in a vehicle that looks like your ugly mugs?"
"Hey!" They snapped back simultaneously.
The Conservatory of Life
Ulduar
The frantic Keeper continually threw malicious swing after swing upon the bear that taunted her. Despite her increased size and weight, Narula was able to easily out maneuver her adversary's attacks and keep her offense tangled while the paladin recovered. She was unrelenting in her defense as she was snapping back against Freya with a few brutal swipes of her own.
Rayne's body began to tingle. He had suffered a beating beyond all comprehension throughout their mission and didn't even allow himself to rest or heal in-between. It had all finally caught up to him in this one battle and at this very moment. Just when he believed death had finally come for him, the night elf intervened. Thoughts began running rampant but none of them mattered at this point. The paladin could not take his eyes of her.
The bear reeled to one side as a tremendous punch landed across her ribs. She collided with a nearby tree but still remained on her feet. Rayne had tasted a hit like that on his own. Not directly but his shield still carried the sting of her strength. The fact that Narula was able to remain standing after several and not just one was a true testament to her strength.
The earth before his eyes split. His gleaming red blade dug into the ground. The beautiful taste of adrenaline coursed through his veins like a tidal wave. Rayne lifted himself up using his sword as a crutch. Life had returned to his body. He could no longer feel pain, exhaustion, or stress. His eyes focused on the Keeper desperately hammering away at Narula. It sent his mind spinning in a torrent of rage. He could not contain the veritable power flowing through him at this very moment. He just needed to harness it and aim it at the one causing him such distress.
Rayne plucked the shield from his forearm. He held it aloft in one hand and began channeling divine energy into its frame with the other. Radiant light filled the crest of his barrier. He charged it with an abundance of power in order to ensure its potency. As it gleamed in his hands, the paladin looked up upon the Keeper and aimed his shot.
The shield ripped into the air. Rayne's lungs howled upon its release. A trail of light followed wickedly behind. The barrier struck Freya square in the side of the head. She screamed in pain as her face jolted but that was not the worst of it. Like a timed explosive, the shield burst into a bright ball of light that encompassed the entire surrounding area. A beaming white void blinded her vision. Her attacks ceases as she continued to wail in agony.
The paladin planted his stance. His shield returned and reaffixed to his arm. The sword clattered harmlessly to the ground. Rayne extended his free hand outward. The same spell that had exercised the former king of the vrykul should be more than enough to cleanse the corruption plaguing this Keeper's mind. He focused all the anger funneling through his mind.
Golden rays of light flickered into his palm. They danced with an unimpeded ferocity. It continued to build in his grip reaching a near breaking point as his arm began convulsing wildly. The paladin hollered as he unleashed the devastating beam of light at the Titanic Watcher. It slammed into her chest sending Freya reeling backwards. She collapsed on her backside. The beam slowly dissipated into the air.
Rayne's eyes widened. The Keeper was down but not out. She was able to take the attack head on and it barely left more than a scratch on her. There was still plenty more where that came from but if he didn't start doing some serious damage, this would soon prove to be a fruitless endeavor.
The paladin widened his stance and extended his right palm once more. Radiant cracks of golden light snapped off his body. He aimed his attack at the Keeper slowly rising to her feet. Rayne channeled all of the light swelling within his being. His determination was boundless. Even if it kills him, there was no way he was going to let her off that easy.
Out of the corner of his eye, the paladin caught Narula furiously approach him. She stampeded on all fours. Her form quickly shifted back into the glorious night elf visage. The fact that she survived those attacks and still retained such vigor only proved that she was truly unlike any other warrior he knew.
"Narula!" Shouted Rayne. "Stand back! The energy is –"
The night elf shook her head. She slowly approached the paladin. His arm began to tremble. The light within him was reaching its breaking point once more. If he didn't release it, there was no telling what harm it could cause to him and those around.
"What are you doing?!" He snapped. "Get –"
Narula's hand caressed his arm. She took her place standing beside him. Her fingers danced all the way up to his. The night elf's palm rested gently atop Rayne's outstreched hand. Glorious silver light swelled all around it. Narula began channeling the spirits of nature to aid in his attack. Her calming presence caused the paladin's arm to stop quivering.
The world became silent. He could feel her soothing touch grace his heart. Loud thumps began to beat in his chest. This uniquely powerful feeling was deliciously familiar and welcomed. Rayne turned his head and locked eyes with the night elf. They were surrounded by crackling whips of golden and silver lights. She stared back at him with a soft expression. Her eyes shined as the paladin felt his breath cease for just a brief second. It was a moment unlike any other; one he had forgotten his heart had been yearning for all this time.
A brilliant beam of light exploded from their hands. The radiant flecks of golden rays crackling with silver sparks shot out nearly ten feet in diameter. Freya snapped up as her eye's shot open. She lifted her hands in resistance but the powerful light swelled over her. The Titanic Watcher cried viciously as it washed through her being. The ray did not carry any force to knock her down. It cut through her armored skin and attacked the Keeper at the very essence of her being.
The light slowly dissipated once more. Freya reeled before she collapsed upon the weight of her own fatigue. The ground shook as her tremendous mass fell upon the earth. The air grew quiet and still. Her defeat had finally come.
The paladin nearly fell to his knees. He stumbled backwards and planted himself against the wall. The shield dropped from his grip. He removed the goggles from his eyes and tossed them aside. All of the sweat accumulated underneath began to drip down his brow. Exhausted but pleasant pants exited his tired lungs. They had overcome insurmountable odds. Even with death's embrace tickling the back of his ears, Rayne lived to fight another day.
"It looks like we did it," the paladin panted. "Right Nar-"
The night elf slammed her hands on opposing sides of his head. She leaned in closely. Her eyes stood mere inches away from his own. A stern scowl embodied her expression.
"What is the matter with you Raymond?!"
The paladin shivered underneath her wrath. His mind raced with emotions, none of which dared to rise to the surface.
"Did you sincerely believe I would leave?" She drilled. "Did your mind even entertain the thought that I would ever abandon you in such a situation?"
Rayne pleaded within himself to find an answer. He was powerless to do anything but listen.
"All this time I've been worrying about you. All of this time you've been throwing yourself into the thick of danger and for what?"
Her voice cracked slightly. Even the night elf's emotions were becoming too much to bear.
"Tell me Raymond!" She pleaded slamming her hands against the wall once more. "Why you doing this? Do you truly have a death wish? Is that why you've been acting so strangely?"
Narula's anger slowly subsided. Her lips began to quiver. She could barely look at him anymore as if his face caused her tremendous anguish. Her gaze dropped to the short distance of ground that separated them.
"Why did you even bring me here?" She winced. "Why must I bear witness to what you've become?"
The paladin's heart thumped. It beat underneath his chest nearly to the point of humming.
"What happened to the man I –"
Electricity rocked Rayne's chest. The night elf had stopped herself in mid-sentence. His heart longed to hear the end of it. Adrenaline tore through his being once more. His mind focused on the one thing they both needed to hear to end this madness.
"You're right," he began. "I wanted this."
Narula's eyes darted up and locked upon his. The paladin looked away. He could not face her. Not with what he was about to say.
"I couldn't take it anymore. All of this pain. The guilt," he stammered.
A single tear welled in his eye.
"I killed someone. And not just anyone. I took the life of another paladin and yet, I have gone completely unpunished."
"Raymond…"
"So I tried to fix it," he continued. "I tried to atone for what I've done."
The acidic words scorched his tongue. It pained him to press on but he managed at least that much.
"I haven't been able to feel anything as of late," he spoke barely above a whisper. "No fear. No sadness. Just an endless void of emptiness."
Rayne tightened his fist. His eyes continually flinched as he begged them not to break and allow his emotions to run wild.
"So then I thought if I sacrificed myself for the good of my companions then perhaps I could feel something," he grimaced. "Anything."
The paladin couldn't see it directly but he could sense Narula's disappoint in his words envelop him.
"I've already traveled down a dark path," he stated with a strengthened resolve. "I wonder if this is what he felt like after taking his first life."
"What are you saying-"
"It's inevitable, isn't it?"
Rayne painfully forced a smile.
"I'm walking along the same path he is. Arthas started with noble intentions as well, didn't he?"
The paladin's gaze lingered towards his dropped red blade.
"And then he found that sword."
Comparing what knowledge we have of the two blades today is like comparing bombs to bedrolls. Frostmourne was initially looked upon as the salvation of Loredaeron and instead brought its demise. This fabled Red Sword of Courage was supposed to bolster Rayne's reputation and give him the strength needed to press on in this campaign. So far, it has brought him nothing but pain and misery.
"So instead of accepting my fate I thought I'd fight against it. It was the least I could do. It was the only part of me left that may have some good left."
A tear rolled down his cheek. Rayne could not contain his emotions any longer.
"At the very least, my friends would remember me for my sacrifice… And not for the man I may have become."
The wall slammed once more. Narula dented the ancient masonry with her palms. Her eyes filled with anger as she looked upon him. They slowly broke down and instead, filled with sorrow.
"How could you say that?"
She stammered over her words barely able to control the emotions from spewing forth.
"Do you really think someone as noble, caring, and gentle as you shares the same heart as that monster?"
The paladin's heart thumped with a renewed vigor. Narula's eyes softened. She leaned in closer. Her breath tickled the skin above his lips.
"We've spent so much time together. There isn't a special moment in my life I can remember without your presence. Through destiny and fate alike, our lives have become intertwined and yet," she whimpered. "I could not see just how much you were suffering."
"Narula…"
"I know the man you were when we first met all those years ago," she began. "I know the man you are, willing to bear the weight of the world on his shoulders to end the suffering of those he cares about."
The night elf found her resolve and continued with renewed strength.
"After spending most of my life being a part of yours, I know the man you'll become."
Her radiant silver eyes stared deeply into Rayne's.
"And he is nothing like Arthas."
Narula wrapped her arms around the paladin. She squeezed him tightly into a loving embrace. The night elf's velvet skin caressed his cheek and sent shock waves through the paladin's nerves.
"I promised to always protect you didn't I?"
She smiled brightly as her lips danced near his ears.
"After all you've done for me. After giving me a life worth living…"
Her voice nearly broke once again. If she was going to crack the paladin's shell, the night elf needed to remain firm but caring.
"I would never let anything so sad happen to someone with such a big place in my heart."
Darkness shattered all around him. The gripping void that had clutched Rayne's heart had exploded. His mind raced with a renewed clarity. All of his actions in the last few days assaulted his thoughts.
"By the light," he sobbed. "What have I done?"
Tears poured down his face. He clutched the night elf's shoulders and squeezed her tightly. Horrible emotional atrocities poured through his thoughts. Throughout it all he had only concerned himself with his own plight and not the thoughts of those who were suffering alongside him. He had selfishly put himself in a position where his own feelings would be soothed but those around him would have to live in the world he left behind. The paladin never saw the consequences of his actions. He didn't intend to leave in such a way but that was exactly what he would have done had he succeeded.
The worst part about this all was the one he clutched upon so desperately now. Of all the people in his life, he had betrayed the one he loved the most in this world. There was no one with a bigger place in his heart than Narula. She was the one thing, the only thing he cared for more than anything else in this life. Rayne couldn't believe he could hurt her so badly. It was his greatest shame.
"Forgive me," he cried. "Narula."
The night elf squeezed him gently. She held onto the paladin and shared her warmth with him.
"Welcome back Raymond."
The paladin pulled his head back slowly. Memories of the last few hours rolled through Rayne's mind like a freight train. Countless moments involving the night elf holding him closely and even intimately in some situations sent his heart thundering within its chest. It was nearly on the verge of exploding altogether. Narula still held him in a tender embrace. Their lips were mere inches away from each other. He merely had to lean in a little further and devour this sanctimonious feeling the paladin had been craving for years.
Rayne steeled himself. He stared boldly at the night elf whom his heart belonged to. She had done so much and stuck by him through thick and thin without wavering. It was no wonder why he fell for her so hard. All he had left to do was show it as he carefully moved forward.
"His hold on me dissipates. I can see clearly once more."
The sudden call of the booming voice shattered the paladin's confidence. His head snapped and turned towards the direction of the sound. Narula, in kind, slowly pushed herself away though just from a quick observation, she appeared to hesitate slightly.
"Thank you, heroes," said the Keeper.
Freya rose from her knees. She placed her hand on her head and shook it gently. The Titanic Watcher approached the duo still standing close to one another.
"Are you alright?" Asked Rayne.
His words were soft but still a little jittery. The paladin's desperate attempt to change the subject was abundantly clear. Despite no longer being wrapped in the arms of his beloved, her touch still lingered on his skin and he desired nothing more than to bathe in that feeling.
"Yes," smiled Freya. "The darkness clouding my mind has vanished. My thoughts and will are all my own again."
"I am thankful to hear that," the paladin replied. "It was not our intention to cause you any harm. Please accept our sincerest apologies."
The Keeper looked down upon him with a tinge of curiosity in her eyes.
"There is nothing to apologize for young one," she stated. "You have freed me from a great evil. For that, I shall forever be in your debt."
Rayne let out a relieved sigh. It was nice to know she was back to normal but even better to find out that she wasn't going to carry a grudge. Based on how ferociously she fought, the paladin had anticipated the worst though still hoped for a peaceful resolution.
"Your garden is magnificent," commented the night elf. "The screams have all been silenced. The plants are singing harmoniously once again. It is incredibly beautiful."
"Thank you," the Keeper smiled once more. "Your presence has inspired them to bloom brighter. They too owe you a debt of gratitude."
"Freya," the paladin began.
Speaking her name sent shivers into the pit of his stomach. Rayne was used to addressing nobles and those he respected with surnames or titles but he had no clue how to address a being blessed by the Titans themselves. Before he could think of anything, the words just came out.
"What is it young one?"
The paladin took a deep breath. His resolve had been renewed thanks to the glorious touch of his beloved. He looked up at the keeper with a strengthened confidence the likes of which were lost to him since stepping foot into this fortress.
"My friends and I have been tasked in confronting the menace that has plagued this place before its influence spreads any further," stated Rayne.
"Though they are each strong on their own," he continued while stealing a glance at Narula. "I have learned recently that we are more powerful fighting as one than we could ever manage as individuals. I don't believe we can do this alone which is why we came seeking your assistance."
The Keeper looked down upon them with curiosity. It was tough to ask this considering the madness she must have been going through but at this point, the Templar Knights would need all of the help they could get.
"Will you aid us in defeating Yogg-Saron?"
Freya's inquisitiveness soon vanished. Another smile formed upon her lips.
"I am but a humble servant of Eonar. Should you truly need my strength to assist you, it will be yours to command young one."
"Thank you Freya," the paladin smiled in return.
The Titanic Watcher's eyes turned north towards the vast garden. Her eyes narrowed as she examined the wrought devastating and misery that fell upon the plants that were unable to survive the Old God's corruption.
"Please, give me a few moments to attend to my children," started the Keeper. "I shall join you momentarily."
The paladin nodded and made his way towards the exit. Narula followed right beside him. After all they've been through today, she wasn't about to let him out of his sight. Rayne was more than happy to have her dazzling silver eyes continuing to look upon him. He had squandered too many crucial opportunities on this day and nearly broke her trust in him. The paladin vowed eternally to never that happen again.
Rayne retrieved his fallen goggles and walked towards the planted weapon. He clasped the hilt of his red blade and removed it from the ground. The paladin looked upon it with a new sense of adoration. The night elf was absolutely right. The sword did not determine the will of the wielder. It was up to him to decide his own fate.
"Excuse me, young one?"
Rayne stopped and shifted his stance and acknowledged the Keeper's mighty presence standing before him in the distance. Freya glanced at him and then waited as Narula passed through the entrance and back outside.
"Yes?" He asked inquisitively.
"Forgive my intrusion but I couldn't help but notice your distinct fondness towards the kaldorei who was with you."
Shock reverberated within the paladin's soul.
"How did you?" Rayne quizzically asked. "Did you see what happened between -?"
The Keeper nodded slowly forcing the paladin to sulk in defeat and nigh mortification.
"You appear to harbor a great affection for her. That is nothing for you to be ashamed of."
Shame wasn't the half of it. Knowing he had the courage to stand up to death itself and yet still be unable to speak three little words was almost humiliating to think about. And this wasn't something that just popped into his mind once and a while. It was a regret he continued to live with daily.
"May I offer you a piece of advice?"
Rayne stared back at the Titanic Watcher with great interest. She was directly forged by the most powerful beings in the universe. The wisdom they must have imparted upon her may be near limitless, not to mention the boundless knowledge she gathered through her millenniums of existence. Any she was willing to share was a blessing.
The paladin nodded. It was all he could muster with his thoughts constantly battling against his emotions.
"When there is something you truly desire in life," she looked upon him with a bright smile. "Don't hold back."
Clarity soothed over his mind. It was just that simple. For years, Rayne had been plagued with imagining scenario after dreaded scenario. He constantly questioned himself and always doubted the feeling in his heart would not be properly conveyed or worse, reciprocated. As his beloved had told him earlier, those emotions were unbecoming of him.
Once they had defeated Yogg-Saron, Rayne promised himself to act upon the Keeper's wise advice.
End of Act II