"Galen!" A female voice called in Ironforge, as the sound of running feet on the iron floor grew closer. The night elf male turned around from the flight master, to see an old friend trying to catch up to him. Galen waited for her to catch up, as she leaned over and rested her hands on her knees, panting heavily.
"What is it Keina?" He asked, hurriedly.
"I wish to come with you," she said, as she stood up to her full height and smiled.
"No," he responded gruffly, as he paid the flight master and slung his bag over his shoulder.
"Why not?" Her dark green eyebrows furrowed in frustration
"This mission is way too dangerous for you," he answered. He turned to her and looked in his old friend's eyes. "Keina, I want you to stay here. I will be back in a week."
"I can't stay here knowing that you are going off to your death."
"I'll be fine," he smirked, some of his dark navy blue hair falling over an eye, "the Horde hasn't managed to take me down yet."
"That doesn't mean-"
"See you around!" He said, as he mounted a bird and took off into the air, "And don't you follow me!" He warned, as the female glowered at the fading image of Galen disappeared into the rafters of Ironforge. Then, she turned to the flight master, asked where he was going, and bought her own passage to where Galen would land.
.
Marcail and Hayden trudged into the gates of Silvermoon City, and almost immediately they were met by a tall paladin who stopped them both in their tracks.
"Marcail," he said, his eyes full of concern as he put his hands on her shoulders, "where have you been? Are you hurt? Your mother said you left the city." The paladin was silenced by Marcail putting a hand to his chest.
"I'm fine, Nellan. I just went out for a walk with my brother." She explained, and turned toward her brother as the paladin released her. "Nellan, this is my younger brother Hayden. Hayden, this is Nellan, my fiance." The two men eyed each other. Nellan had chestnut hair, and was slightly taller than Hayden. He was dressed in a Blood Knight's uniform, and draped in a dark scarlet cape, similar to the one his sister was wearing.
"Hayden," the paladin stood a little taller as he stretched out an arm to shake the brother of his fiance's hand. Hayden stiffened as he accepted it.
"Nellan," he returned the strained energy as they dropped the handshake. "I wish I could say I have heard a lot about you," Hayden tested how much he could get away with.
"Perhaps you would, if you were in Silvermoon more often." Nellan answered.
"He's so charming, Marc, just where did you say you found him again? Oh right, you didn't find him." Hayden narrowed his eyes as Nellan shot daggers back.
"Hayden!" His sister hissed at him. "Please, stop this." Nellan backed down first but didn't apologize.
"Your mother said you left Silvermoon, and I figured you went to the ruins." The paladin's gaze fell on the girl. "You gave them your blood, didn't you? Are you injured?"
"No," she answered.
"Are you sure?" The paladin reached for her, but she backed away.
"Nellan," she said firmly, "I'm more than capable of handling myself. I am not a child."
"Of course you are," he agreed. "I just wanted to be sure." Marcail forced a smile his way. After all, they were going to spend the rest of their lives together, she might as well try to be pleasant.
"Thank you, really. But I'm fine." She caught the hardened stare of her brother pressing in the back of her head. She started a curtsey, "I must be going, Nellan. There is much to do before tomorrow, as I'm sure you do, too." The paladin nodded in agreement.
"Until tomorrow, Marcail," he grasped her hands and leaned in to her and placed a soft kiss on her cheek. Marcail allowed him, and looked down at her feet, feeling a gentle blush spill on her cheeks. They split, as Hayden still gave the paladin an uneasy stare over his shoulder.
"I don't know about this, Marc," Hayden murmured to his sister.
"I don't have a choice, Hayden." She answered.
.
That night, as Marcail was preparing for bed, she heard a heated argument going on downstairs. She heard her brother and her father's voices, and knew exactly what it was about.
She couldn't really blame her parents for setting the marriage up, Una and Fergus Dawnfire were looking out for their daughter. Along the lines of strong children, they knew that the Lightbringers would give their daughter with good fortune. They knew that she would always be protected in the Lightbringer family, and would never suffer from financial or class troubles. In a way, Marcail understood why they betrothed her to Nellan, but she also wanted her own selfish freedom to do what she wished.
It was the eve of her wedding, and her younger brother was fighting for freedom. She had to put a stop to it, the wedding was inevitable now, and she just wanted a few hours of peace. She glided down the stairs, her delicate bare feet touching the cold stone. As she tied her long silk robe around her middle, she entered into her father's study, where the two male members of her family were arguing.
"Hayden! Father! Please stop this," she ordered, as she looked at the two engrossed in a flaming argument.
"How can you do this to your own daughter?" Hayden demanded, not even acknowledging his sister's presence.
"You would prefer to see her end up a spinster? I for one, will not have her hungry on the streets!" Fergus shot back at his son.
"You can take care of her!"
"She can't inherit this house as a female and you know that!"
"Then I'll take care of her!"
"Ha! What would the city say about that? They would think we were inbreeders like the humans and savage like the night elves!" Their father pointed a finger at his son. "You will do nothing to interfere with this marriage. We've already long given up on you! Your sister was always the one who listened. She was always the more powerful one, while you have always fumbled around in the dark!" He spat. Marcail gasped, covering a hand to her mouth. She looked over at Hayden, who had a crazed look on his face.
"Fine," her brother finally said in a calm voice, as he turned on his heel.
"Hayden where are you going?" She asked, trailing him.
"Back to Quel'Danas, where my help is actually needed." He grumbled, as he walked up the stairs to gather his things.
"But, you'll miss everything! I can't go through with tomorrow without you!"
"You've been fine all these years without me," he pointed out, not stopping as he entered the guest room his things were in.
"I've been away in Northrend for most of the time. Please, Hayden, Father didn't mean to be cruel, he's just frustrated. I've missed you, I don't want you to go." She begged, fearing that he would fade away into Azeroth again and she wouldn't see him for a few more decades.
"Marcail," he said so sternly, as he whipped around that she jumped a little. "You need to get out of this house, away from Mother and Father, and start to grow on your own."
"That's not fair," her lower lip trembled.
"As long as you let them control your life, it is impossible for your own happiness." Her brother slung his bags over his shoulders and started to walk out. Marcail was frozen in her tracks. His mind was made up and she knew there was no bringing him back. He stopped at the door, before adding another comment. "Please break free, sister." His voice as smooth as a whisper to hide the emotion in it. And with that he was gone, and all feelings of joy left with him.
.
A small flame in Eversong Forest lit up, as it's wielder held it close to a parchment, and studied it.
"What the hell are you doing?" A whispered feminine voice demanded. "Put that out or the guards will see us!"
"If we don't know the map, how are we supposed to know where we're going?" A more masculine voice responded lightly.
"That's enough you two," a stronger, deeper male voice warned, "Blood elves can see almost as well as I can in the dark. Put that out." The other male voice grumbled.
"Galen," a dwarven voice hoarsed out in the dark, "we still bloody-well need t'look at the map! Silvermoon innit easy to navigate."
"Don't worry," the deep voice responded. "I know just where we're going. Now all of you get some sleep and recover. We are going to need it." With that he dismissed the camp, and they all obediently settled down.
.
At dawn, the small camp carefully hidden in Eversong gathered all their belongings. On the path nearby, there was a sound of a nightsaber growling. Galen froze, as he turned to the path to see the night elf he left in Ironforge.
"Someone go get her!" He ordered, as a paladin ran down the hill to guide Keina to the camp. As she walked up to them, Galen slammed into her, pushing her up against a tree.
"Keina, I told you to stay," he hissed, words dripping with venom.
"I said I wanted to come," she bared her teeth at him.
"What in hell am I going to do with you?" He demanded.
"Use me! I can fight!" She said, her voice unwavering.
"Galen, with all do respect, we could use a rogue in this plan," a female human's voice spoke up. The male night elf hesitated, and then realized they were wasting valuable time.
"Fine," he released her, as he walked back to the group. "Prepare yourselves," he ordered.
Acid flasks, arrows, swords and daggers were all armed carefully on the warriors. Keina laced her bracers, while the paladin armed himself with his polished shield. Galen took the map of Silvermoon City, and laid it upon the grass.
"Gather around," he said, his voice gruff and commanding. The six all came forward in a circle around the map. "We all know our roles but I will go over once more as a refresher. Keina, you are to gather as many guards in our path as you can, and confuse them. Sap them, vanish, cloak of shadows, I don't care, as long as those guards stay away from our party at all times." The rogue nodded. "After Kenia has them locked down, I will lead the party up through the Walk of the Elders, and into the Royal Exchange. While Darrick and I collect the elite guards inside the house, the twins will charge their pets in through the crowd to confuse them."
"Aye, m'brother n I won't let y'down." One of them pledged.
"Sarah," he looked at the human female, "once you see that a defense is building, you get in there and give them a good howl of terror. After they are all running amuck, I will come in to grab the girl. Once I have her, do not, I repeat, do not stick around any longer. You get the hell out of there. All of you. We will meet here," he pulled out another map, and pointed. "Where we will regroup, and get ready for the long road to Stormwind. But be warned, any stragglers who don't make it to this point after an hour, will have to make the journey to Stormwind on their own. Or catch up to the group. Understood?" The group nodded in sync. "Perfect. Let's get this started."
.
"Please do stop fussing with your hair," Una chided, as she pinned another pulled strand of hair on her daughter's dark blonde hair.
"It hurts," she shrugged, "so I loosened some parts up." Una and Marcail stood in her chambers, as the finishing touches were applied to the bride.
"There, now if you don't touch it, it should be fine," Una smiled as she tucked a small white flower on the side. "And don't cry, you'll smudge your eye blackner," her mother lead her to the mirror and stood beside her.
Marcail carefully observed the reflection. She stood in a white, silken dress, with sleeves that were thin and hugged her arms, until they fluted out into wide cuffs around her wrists. Tiny silver beads had been sewn along the corset-like middle, and they glittered in the morning glow every time she moved. White ribbons laced the back of the dress, as they moved slightly in the breeze from the open window, letting in the essence of Silvermoon creep into the home. The silk spilled to cover her long legs, as the material gathered at her feet, and trained out behind her. Two female elves, both with honey-blonde hair and creamy complexions stood side by side. Marcail in her wedding gown, with her veil pushed back, and her mother standing next to her, in enchanting sapphire blue robes. Suddenly, she heard a sob.
"Mother?"
"It's nothing dear," her mother replied, pinching the bridge of her nose to keep from smearing her own makeup. "Oh darling, I can't believe you've grown up so fast." She dropped her hand and pulled her daughter into a tight embrace. "Now you're getting married and you'll be starting a family of your own." She pulled away so she could look her daughter in her eyes, "I love you, Marcail. You do know that, right?" The girl slowly nodded. "Good-" she sniffed back tears, "good. Come on then, let's go get married." Una gave a teary smile, as she escorted her daughter down the stairs, holding the trail of her dress.
Downstairs, her father waited for her, as she gently took his arm. Her father smiled at her, and she could see the misty look in his own eyes, as he kissed her cheek.
"Are you ready, dear?" He asked. Marcail gave a hesitant bob of her head, as Fergus and his daughter stood at the doorway to the courtyard. Her veil was pulled over her head, as she heard music, and everyone sitting in the courtyard stood and looked behind them. Her father took the first step, for his daughter felt her own feet go numb. As they walked down the isle, she recognized high counselors and political advisers to the Horde. A stinging sensation fled to her nose as she looked ahead to her patiently waiting groom. He was dressed very handsomly, as a look of wonder swept over his face as he caught her eye. He was in shock of how beautiful she looked. Her father passed her side, as he went to sit with her mother, and Marcail stood next to Nellan, who looked down to her with a complete and genuine smile.
"You look stunning," he murmured. Marcail couldn't find her words, so she gave a small nod of the head in appreciation. The priest began to speak words, but she couldn't hear anything anymore. The ceremony had begun, and she started her chant that she had begun the night before. Gods, hear me. Gods, hear me. Let me be free. Gods, hear me.
She chanted and prayed, until she started mixing her words and became a strange blur in her head. By Gods, what am I doing? I can run! Just like Hayden and I can go find him! I can run away right now and never let this happen. She narrated, as she glanced to her nearest exits. I don't have to go through with this. She finally decided it was time her feet carried her way away from Silvermoon, when she heard a shrill scream from the back of the courtyard. Everyone turned to see two large panthers, running through the seats, and as people quickly rose, their claws came slashing and tearing through the crowd. A few people, she observed, ran away with the danger. Others, like her father and other stronger members of the Horde, started fighting back.
That's when the arrows came. A flurry rained down upon the crowd, as two dwarven hunters emerged, pinning the defense of their enemy. From between them, a warlock emerged, as a felhound raced into the crowd. She saw another felhound going strait for the enemy warlock, but the human got her spell off first, sending the crowd scattering in fear.
She turned to see Nellan, a few yards away, locking swords with another paladin. This was either her chance to escape or help her friends and family. Without hesitation, she picked up her skirts, and got closer to one of the hunters. She gave him a few good frostbolts, and a corner of her lips turned upward. He was frozen. She narrowed her eyes, as she focused a few more attacks on him, sealing his fate. Unfortunately, she hadn't kept an eye on his pet, or the other dwarf.
Suddenly, she felt pain shoot up and out through her body. She felt a damp and warm liquid pour down her back. As she moved her arm, she cried out in pain. Looking to her shoulder, an arrow had gone strait through her, the arrowhead had pierced through her muscle and flesh. Through anger, she grabbed the arrowhead, and snapped it, as she cried out again, the movement through her muscles, and the wooden arrow grinding on her clavicle. She tossed the arrowhead away, as she braced her stance to keep from falling over in shock.
She took a good look at the man who shot her, and started to cast a frostbolt. He readied another arrow, as anger and sheer hatred flashed between them. Suddenly, she saw a large male night elf with navy blue hair grab his shoulder, as his arrow went flying harmlessly into the sky. Stupid, she thought, as she let her frostbolt go. She readied another as she watched the dwarf cringe in pain, but not before she heard footsteps behind her. Whirling around, she came face to face with the male night elf. She reacted immediately, casting frost nova, as she jumped back. He reached for her with his long, muscular arm, when she hit him with a cone of cold.
Fury flashed his face, as she dodged out of his reach. With a sweep of her arm, she protected herself with a barrier. She shot off a frostbolt, just as he finally broke free of her icy bonds, and charged her. His intent was to stun her, but with that barrier, it didn't work. She shot him with another cone of cold, as she kept dodging back as far as she could. She predicted his every move, as her swift and agile body dodged every grab he made towards her. Why does he keep doing that? He could easily cut me down at this distance.
What she never expected was when she was suddenly halted, as she crashed her back up against the wall of the courtyard. A mixture of joy and smugness replaced his anger, as he had her right where he wanted her. Fear struck her to her bones, as she realized she underestimated this dark haired warrior. He had chased her into this corner. With one swift move he brought down his axe on her barrier, shattering ice shards everywhere. He quickly cuffed her on the side of her head, knocking her unconscious. He let out a shout, as he slumped the girl over a broad shoulder, as the party started finishing with their opponents, stunning them or distracting them to get away.
And with that, the party ran out of the house, and all ran toward Eversong Woods. The crowd chased them, calling for all available guards nearby, but there were none to be found. Just as they reached the gates, the alliance party all quickly mounted up and ran into different directions. A few chased them, but it was pointless, as the alliance party quickly disappeared into the landscape.