The Holy Proclamation...

[Noury]

Archbishop Benedicus sat in his private study, his chin resting on his clasped hands, elbows propped on his mother of pearl inlayed oaken desk.

Having dealt with the matter of the Ravenveil woman as politics demanded, he turned his attention to the identity of the priest who had caused the commotion in the keep. From the description the guard was able to provide, Benedictus had a pretty good idea who had dared perform the transgression. That suspicion was confirmed upon his return to the Cathderal when Brother Joshua informed him of the visit by the excommunicated acolyte, Nouri.

It all fell into place, he was a known sympathizer of these “Swordwaltzers”, a fact which had led to his excommunication. It seemed he had worked it into his head to attempt some sort of intervention on behalf of this Kurohane. Did the man really think he could succeed?

What troubled Benedictus however was the information Joshua had offered, that he sensed Nouri had indeed grown in strength since his departure from the Holy Church of the Light. Where had the man been studying? Who had been training him? Certainly not some other priest of the Light! That would amount to sacrilege.

Benedictus lowered his hands to the table, idly tapping his fingers on the hard oak surface. After a few moments he came to a decision. Reaching for his quill and ink he began work on a clean sheet of parchment. It took several minutes to get the wording right, then raising the sheet to his face he blew gently to dry the moist pigment.

Summoning his clerk he instructed the lad to make copies of the proclamation and send them out to all regional chapels of the Holy Light. The original was to be posted in the foyer of the Cathedral itself.

Satisfied, Benedictus went to his private alcove to pray, firm in his belief that he was following the path of Righteousness.


**** PROCLAMATION *****

By order of the Archbishop Benedictus.

All priests and acolytes of the Holy Light are hereby advised of the convening of a Holy Inquisition.

The former acolyte known as Nouri is to be recalled to the Cathedral of Light to face High Inquiry as to the charges of Heresy against the Holy Light, suspicion of training in contravention to the orders of Excommunication, and suspicion of assault against the person of a guard of Stormwind Keep.

All attempts are to be made to detain this individual until Holy Authority can take possession of him. If he resists detention he is to be subdued.

Reports all information as to his whereabouts and activities to Brother Joshua of the Cathedral of Holy Light.

Praise the Light!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Noury]

(( Rules are simple. If you see me and are inclined to carry out this order, offer to duel.. If you win, I'm subdued and will follow you to the Cathderal. If I win, well Im free to carry on. Obviously is you are higher level you will have this easy :wink:

Oh, and if I sense im losing I WILL try to run....

Horde need not apply... unless of course someone engages the Sanguinary))

[Laron]

((What level are you up to now anyways :wink: ))

[Noury]

((What level are you up to now anyways :wink: ))

(( See my "Riding Academy" story. Its all there.. :) ))

[Kurohane]

Kurohane's eyes slowly narrowed as they scanned over the proclomation. Grinding her teeth, she snatched down the sheef of paper and spun on her heal. If Xelthan and Barke felt even half as strongly about this as she did, well... That boy Nouri was going to need some looking after.

(( Nouri, talk to me in game. <3 ))

[Noury]

The news was not good.

Nouri would have to be careful now, especially in human lands. Indeed, after learning of the Holy Proclamation from Kurohane, Nouri saw the document for himself, posted on a support beam within the Inn at Southshore.

Luckily nobody took notice at his interest in the parchment. Everyone in this frontier town went about their own business, too concerned with various missions and excursions into hostile territories to take interest in some edict from faraway Stormwind.

It did mean however that Stormwind itself was now a place of danger. Unfortunately Nouri still had business to attend to within those high white walls. He would need to tread carefully and keep a low profile.

He was overjoyed to see Kurohane free, but suspected she hadn't revealed all that had transpired during her incarceration. She was a changed woman, with a harder edge to her demeanor and Nouri sensed a resigned attitude he hadn't seen in her before.

So passed the days of the Swordwaltzers. But out of the ashes new hope would arise.. Nouri had seen the visions.. Guardians redeemed..

[Noury]

There were only a few guardians left before the cavern entrance when Nouri heard the commanding voice from behind him;

" Brother Nouri, who is called Heretic by the Holy Church of the Light. I am here by authority of the Archbishop to take you into custody to face Inquisition.”

Nouri paused in his healing to turn and regard his would be captor. There standing before him was a mature bearded man, dark of face wearing the garb of a well traveled priest of the Light. The man appeared confident, no doubt buoyed with the righteousness of his perceived duty, yet there was also a shifting of his feet. Perhaps a sign of underlying nervousness? Apprehension?

Nouri bowed ever slightly to the newcomer and replied, “Greetings Brother, a moment please. Let me finish assisting these fine folk and I will be with you shortly.”

The newcomer glanced around at the young elven warrior and dwarven priest, who in turn were looking rather confused at the situation, and nodded once.

Nouri smiled slightly in gratitude and turned back to his companions. “ Just one more assault and you will find the way to the cavern clear my friends. Once inside they can only come at you in small numbers.”

Nouri helped the two clear the way to the cavern the renegade Blackrock Orcs had occupied as a lair, and which was suspected as being the prison of a missing guard of Lakeshire. Once complete, he bowed to the two intrepid young adventurers and turned back to the waiting priest.

“ I am ready, let us walk..”

Without waiting for a response, Nouri began to walk back along the path between the northern hills towards the main road to Lakeshire. The priest hastened to get just a pace behind Nouri, then slowed to a walk to match step.

“So, with whom do I have the pleasure of walking with Brother?”asked Nouri.

“ I am Kyergen, of the Tears of the Phoenix and servant to the Light,” answered the priest.

“ Then Light be with you Brother, for to serve the Light one must walk in it,” replied Nouri.

They walked a while in silence. At times renegade orcs of the Blackrock clan waylaid them in the hills, much to their regret. Kyergen fought them back at each encounter alongside Nouri, only to hasten to regain position lest Nouri attempt to flee in the confusion. During one encounter in particular the priest uttered a resounding “DIE! Foul creatures!” as he repelled the orc attack.

Nouri pondered the priest for a moment and said,” They are not foul. Only misunderstood really. The Scourge is foul..”

Kyergen said nothing, but regarded Nouri as if he had just said, “ I am the lost king of Stormwind.”

The continued on in silence, emerging from the hills just in time to see a young human mage preparing to venture into the hills herself.

Nouri decided to work on the priest. Test his resolve. Examination of his companion along the walk told Nouri this was one very accustomed to administering aid, healing combatants, studying in libraries and copying manuscripts. He had not often seen the front lines of battle. Nor suspected Nouri had he wielded the powers of the Light in combat to the degree he himself had, as an adventurer or as part of the League of Arathor. Experienced, yes. He looked to have spent as much time in service as Nouri. But of a less violent nature.

If it came to conflict, Nouri was prepared. But conflict was furthest from his desire. He wanted to see if reason could prevail.

“ So, do you enjoy doing Benedictus’ dirty work?” asked Nouri.

They walked past the mage, who was hurrying up the path into the hills. Nouri paused to bless her as she passed. “ Light bless you” and he fortified her. Kyergen offered his own blessings
“ Light be with you my child.”

After she thanked the two priests, she disappeared into the hills and they continued along the road south towards town.

“I do what is commanded of me”, replied Kyergen after a time.

“ Ah, yes, even if those commands do not show compassion? What of the third virtue?”

“ In the Twisting Nether, the Light judges. Not I” , replied Kyergen.

The man was strong in his dogma. Benedictus must have favored this one as an acolyte, thought Nouri wryly. A prodigal son..

As if reading his thoughts, Kyergen continued, “ the Archbishop is a wise man, and I do not question him.”

“ Ah, convenient.” said Nouri. “ To let your mind waste away in favor of following anothers work.”

Nouri turned his face towards Kyergen, fixing his gaze. “But I ask you, what when those works turn foul?”

Kyergen looked about to respond, then thought better of it. Good. I might be getting inside, thought Nouri.

They walked a bit further down the road. There where it branched off to the east and down towards Anther Mill, Nouri started speaking again.

“ You said that in the Twisting Nether the Light judges, not you..”

“ But why then does the Light bless us with its gifts if not to use them? Why are we given wisdom if it is not to be exercised? “

Kyergen paused in his stride. “ My orders are to bring you in. It did not say how. I would prefer to do it peacefully, but I am prepared to subdue you if you force me to.”

So, that was how it was going to be.

“You may try..” Nouri answered.

Just then, an orc ran past the two. Seemingly oblivious to them, it chased after some imaginary foe. Nouri pondered the orc’s actions, a sense of pity coming over him.

“ They are as children sometimes, these Blackrock orcs.” Nouri said.

Kyergen just followed the orc’s path with his gaze, then answered, “ they seem to be filled with rage.”

He then turned to Nouri and stated,” Should I assume that you will not come peacefully to be judged for whatever crime it is that you have committed?”

Nouri ignored the question, still pondering the orcs.

“ Yes, rage, but by no fault of their own. They’re downfall was to blindly follow the will of one they though of a wise.”

Kyergen stopped and turned to faced Nouri. “You speak of their leader as if he were anything more than a barbarian brute!”

Nouri turned to face Kyergen. “ I speak of Mannoroth and the Burning Legion. It is he who beguiled the orcs and caused the blood curse.”

Nouri braced himself.. Now would be the test.

“ To answer your question Kyergen. I follow my heart and the will of the Light. The Archbishop cannot say the same in this matter….”

Kyergen cut him off. “ The Archbishop is closely connected to the Light. That is why he is Archbishop.” The man's face showed the conviction of his words. “ To say otherwise is blasphemy!”

Nouri sighed. “Perhaps he was once. Now he is more connected to politics, and wealth. And power.”

Nouri drew himself up straight. “ I have decided I will not accept his invitation.”

Kyergen nodded as if expecting the response. “ So be it..”

Nouri prepared himself mentally for the coming test.

“ Go in peace Brother. I have no quarrel with you. But if I must stop you. I WILL.”

Kyergen raised his hand in salute. “ May the Light have mercy on you.”

Then just like that it was on. Nouri saw Kyergen begin to channel holy energies. In an instant Nouri silenced his opponent and burnt away some of his magical energies. Nouri shielded himself just in time. Kyergen had regained his voice and cast a Holy Fire upon Nouri. The pain was intense, but the shield absorbed much of the damage. Nouri jumped to the side and concentrated. Light seemed to turn in on itself with a whoosh!

Nouri had taken shadowform.

Kyergen paused momentarily to consider the new situation. To his undoing. Nouri took advantage by casting a crippling Mind Blast. A swift succession of flays to Kyergen’s psyche and it was over.

There kneeling in defeat was the heaving, quivering frame of the priest, Kyerven. Nouri let go shadowform and approached the priest.

He paused a moment, then cast a heal on his opponent.

“ Compassion, the third virtue. I show you this Kyergen. Knowing Archibishop Benedictus would have not.”

“Light Be with you Brother.”

Nouri turned and departed, not turning back to look.

[Noury]

He thought his disguise was discreet enough, but a quick poke in the ribs near the mailbox told him otherwise. Nouri turned to see a smiling, bouncy Teelia stifling a giggle.

Nouri was relieved, and overjoyed at once. " Teelia! I am so glad to see you. We need to talk.. privately."

The rogue's grin faded slightly and took on the look of concern. " Of course Wes. Lets go."

As they left the mailbox, Nouri discreetly folded the letter he had been reading and stuffed it inside his vest.

Walking together they made their way to a secluded corner of the Trade District. A quick glance confirmed they were alone, except for a lone beggar that was known to frequent the alleyways in the area.

Nouri sat on the low masonry wall lining the pathway and motioned for Teelia to sit next to him. "What is it Wes?" she asked. "Is something wrong?"

Nouri shook his head. " No, at least not at the moment. But I have received some news that concerns me. It appears someone is asking questions about me. Trying to locate my whereabouts. For what reason I cannot say."

Teelia's look of concern deepened. " Do you think they are after you for the Church?"

Nouri shrugged. " Who knows? A priest tried yesterday. Caught up to me in Redridge."

Teelia inhaled sharply. " Wes, are you ok?"

"Yes. I'm fine. The priest is probably recuperating, no less for the wear." Teelia looked relieved.

" So, this is someone else then?"

Nouri nodded. "Yes, my...sources tell me that he has been asking after me. Whether to apprehend me or to offer protection, the source could not say for certain. This individuals motives are unknown."

Nouri took Teelia's hands in his own. " Teelia dear, I know you have your.. connections. This is your area of expertise, not mine. I need you to see what you can discover about this individual, what they are after and who they are talking to."

"Of course Wes. You know I will do everything I can. What is his name?"

Nouri replied, " My sources tell me he called himself Verloran."

At the name Teelia froze, her eyes went wide and her breath hissed out in surprise. "Wes! I know this man! He is a Scourge Slayer!"

Nouri paused for a moment to consider her words. "Teelia, you must be honest with me. Did you know anything about this? You know I trust you and will believe what you say."

“Wes, I swear I knew nothing of this. The Slayers do not pry into each other’s business and we lead our own lives. But if this is true and he is asking questions, I will be sure to ask him about it.” Teelia said with conviction.

“ Hmm, “ Nouri pondered the issue for a moment. Maybe this can be used to advantage? “Teelia, from what you say about the Scourge Slayers, he probably is uunaware of our relationship. That could give us the advantage. You could approach him discreetly, bring up the subject of myself in passing, see what he is willing to reveal to you. Working on him slowly. That might work more than a direct confrontation.”

Teelia nodded. “ I was thinking the same Wes.”

Nouri chuckled. “ Of course you were. I learned that from you!”

Nouri stood and kissed Teelia on the forehead. “ I will leave it in your hands dear. You are the expert here.”

The two spent a few more moments sharing each other’s company, a rare occasion lately, before parting on their separate paths. As Nouri headed towards the gryphon riders his thoughts dwelt on this new possible threat, and its significance.

[Alucian]

(( man...I remember when Nouri was randomly babbling preachertalk at us in the Pig and Whistle...our little boy is all growed up... *sniff*

Great job as always, Nouri. <3 ))

[Laron]

((Great transcripting. That was so much fun. Hard to PR though, since I don't share Kyergen's conviction. I will sit today and write some on the after math.))

[Noury]

((Great transcripting. That was so much fun. Hard to PR though, since I don't share Kyergen's conviction. I will sit today and write som on the after math.))

(( C'mon Laron! Tell the truth! You and I both know the actual fight was less dramatic and more comical! :lol:

Just for info to youze all.. we BOTH forgot to toggle off our "walk" when we duelled. It threw us both off so much it was hysterical! Like I told him in a PM afterwards, we were like two "stoner hippie priests" fighting while high..

Hmm.. that might work as an alternate version of that duel..))

[Laron]

((I still giggle at that... Stoned Priests... I just can't belive I thought you had slowed me...))

On his knees, Kyergen, pants in pain, his mind had been struck form the inside. He now knew what it felt like to be struck with the wrath of the light. “Light I come to meet you.” He thought, as he suddenly feels the familiar caress of being healed. His mind reeled from confusion. “He healed me, instead of ending my stay on this world?” Opening his eyes, he sees the so called Heretic walk away. Falling forward on his palms, he says in a voice that probably was not heard by the man leaving him. “Thank you for sparring me.”

The flight back to Stormwind was not long enough. Kyergen walks through the streets of the city bumping into people as he walks, his mind still recovering from the blow, but also in deep thought. “Why did he spare me? I meant to bring him to his most certain imprisonment, and he sparred my life…” He turns the corner to the Square, to see the Cathedral standing like a beacon of truth and hope. His thoughts turn to what was said. “Now he is more connected to politics, and wealth. And power” Looking to the courtyard, he sees the children of the orphanage playing and running about. “How could that be? Look at all the good that the Ach Bishop has done for the people.” He walks with even more conflict in his mind. Kneeling to Benedictus, he kisses his ring. “May we speak in private Father?” With a confused look he says “But of course my son. But confessions are done later tonight.” They walk to his office, which is lavishly decorated. Kyergen takes notice or the rich things that should not be needed by a man who is so closely connected with the Light. Why he himself, had not even thought about buying a horse for himself, even though he had reached the appropriate season to attain such a beast of burden.

“So what is this about my son?”
“Father I have failed you…”
“No, my son what makes you think such things?”
“I located the Heretic Nouri.”
“What?! Where?! Why did you not bring him in?!”
“I tried Father, but I am trained in the Holey realm of healing, not combat. I fell to his relaiation.”
“Yet you live?! The Light did not see fit to take you?”
“Absolutely not Father! Just as I lay there waiting for the Lights embrace to take me, I was healed by the Heretic. He showed me compassion and left me to recover.”
“Hmm this is an interesting change in events.”
“I am sorry that I failed you Father, I shall repent for my failure.”
“See that you do Kyergen, I will take into account that you tried to face an opponent of a higher season, who is clearly a dangerous man, and be lenient with my punishment for your failure.”
“Thank you Father.”

Kyergen heads out to Goldshire to spend the rest of this day healing the younger people of Stormwind, and curing of diseases. This was part of his redemption. Even as he does his duties, those cursed words ring in his head.

“Now he is more connected to politics, and wealth. And power.”

[Laron]

Kyergen heads to Darkshire, people always seemed in need of healing at the town. Between the raids of the dreaded Horde, and the unending hunger of the undead that inhabit the once thriving forest. Today must have been an exception… Arriving late in the day Kyergen finds the town devoid of adventurers. With his thought starting to wonder, he decides to make use of the fine forge located in town, and practice his art of making armor and weapons. Nothing helped clear his mind more than good hard physical work. “Pure of body, pure of mind.” He thought as his ears rang with the sound of the striking hammer.

As he cooled his latest work on the vat of oil, he hears a woman’s voice from behind him. “You Priest, come with me I need you to take a look at something.” Turning around, he immediately recognizes the Night elf standing just outside the room, as the war criminal, Kurohane Ravenveil. Surprised, he says to her “Me? M’Lady what would you have of me Lady Ravenveil?”

[Kurohane]

It had been painfully easy to find him. It had been even easier to get the good priest to accompany her out behind Darkshire. A simple mention that she wanted him to see something, that there were horde in the area – neither were untrue statements, and what conclusion he came to from them was his own doings.

An innocent enough letter from Nouri, asking how everyone had been, replying to her warning... and mentioning Kyergen's failed attempt at the so-called-holy arrest had been all she needed. She'd been itching for something along these lines as it was.

The priest now stood behind her as she peered around a tree, waiting patiently in the exact spot she had asked him to. Oh, this was far too easy. She carefully knocked an arrow in her quiver. He was getting nervous. How much of what had he heard about her, she wondered. Did he know she was friends with Nouri? Not likely, but he would soon.

They both started speaking at once as she turned, leveling her bow on him. The fool priest was looking off behind them.

“There's not any horde here,” he began.

“For every action there are rewards, my dear,” she spoke over him.

“Why did you bring me out he--” Kyergen cut off short with a cry of pain as her arrow landed squarely in his chest, just missing the point that would have killed him on the spot.

Oh yes, her aim was damn good. “And here is your's.”

He lay on the ground, gasping for air, quivering fingers now drenched in his own blood as he reached for the arrow in his chest. By the terror in his gaze, he knew just how close he was to death. She tilted her head to the side, considering him.

“W-why... Lady Ravenveil... wh-hy...” he gurgled as she sashed over to kneel beside him.

She could have slit his throat to end the job. She would have, and a good portion of her wanted to. Her fingers worked the edge of his worn tabard. Tears of the Pheonix's tabard... A small frown pulled at her lips. One of Laron's guildmates. She couldn't very well off him, then – she still owed Laron too much.

“Be glad you are wearing your colors today, Kyergan,” she stated quietly. He had managed to free the arrow from his chest. It lay in his weak hand as he continued gasping for air. “If not, you'd be dead right now.”

[Noury]

Ironforge. By the Light how Nouri detested the place!

Being situated as it was in the geographical center of the Eastern Kingdoms, it was inevitable that it took on the life of a financial, cultural and industrial mecca. No matter the hour the vast, cavernous Outer Ring teemed with travelers, traders, craftsmen, explorers and adventurers. Not that Nouri could easily tell the hour without checking with the various time measuring devices situated throughout the expansive dwarven city. Ironforge had few windows.

Therein lied the reason for Nouri’s dislike for the otherwise remarkable masterpiece of dwarven architecture. The place had a perpetual stench of coal dust, smelting fumes, acrid wood smoke, sulfurous gasses, and sweaty bodies. It could have been much worse of course. If it weren’t for the ingenuity of the dwarves and their gnomish tenants in providing an elaborate ventilation system with long shafts cut through the living stone out to the high reaches of the mountain slopes, the place would be stifling.

As it was, extended visits to the dwarven capital meant the smells permeated every stitch of Nouri’s clothing, his bags, his hair, his pores. With his allergies, Nouri was sensitive to such strong vapors, although nothing really set him off as much as cats did. Of course, there were plenty to be had in Ironforge, from the small, furry pet kind right up to the huge highly trained riding cats the Kaldorei favored and everything in between. Through trial and error Nouri had discovered he could control the reactions through timely application of spiritual renewal spells.

Ironically, not too long ago this would have been no concern. Living the better part of a year with a clan of troggs in their cave provided its own unsavory menu of foul aromas. Not the least of which was the cooking smells! While Grnn’T and his lovely mate Brrrp’Pth were generous enough, insofar as troggs go, Brrrp’Pth’s cooking was something that still haunted Nouri’s nightmares. It still amazed Nouri that there were that many recipes for Giant Cave Slug. The new “civilized” Nouri however had grown accustomed to personal hygene, almost to the point of being obsessive.

For now however, Nouri had little choice. Stormwind had become far too volatile for him to tarry there for any length of time, and Darnassus, though lovely, was too remote to justify the travel time for anything other than extended study at the Temple of the Moon. For day to day business and recuperation from his activities in the field, Ironforge provided the best solution. He would simply have to look into some eyedrops to treat the stinging sensation.

The one thing Ironforge, or Darnassus for that matter, could not satisfy was Nouri’s need for guidance and teachings in the Way of the Holy Light. Not in the manner Nouri desired at least. The dwarves had their own spiritual path, and like the elves and the path of Elune it shared much similar doctrine with the “Way”, but it was their path, not his. The dwarven priests were polite enough, but he simply did not grasp some of the intricate details of their faith.

It was with this worry foremost on his mind when Nouri felt the touch of the Holy Light working its miracles. This miracle came in the form of a letter. Nouri had to read the two page missive he discovered that morning in his mail slot over a few times to fully absorb the significance. This might be the solution to all his concerns! Of course, he would need to investigate its validity first. Far too often in the past weeks since the Proclamation was issued from the Cathedral of Light had he been waylaid by individuals seeking to satisfy the will of the Church. This might simply be another ploy to bait him into the open, for easy apprehension.

He would need to find out more. Information about the author, her history and possible motives. Anything he possibly could about a priestess known as“ Lelenia Baenre”

And Nouri knew just where to start…

[Teelia]

Teelia had been very quiet through all of this. She had spoken at length with Nouri...Her Wesley...And was watching things with a careful eye.

Like her friend Lovely, Teelia wanted to do what was right, but unlike the wayward paladin she was patient....careful....silent in her ways. Teelia was working on things unknown to anyone but Nouri, and even Nouri himself was unaware of some of the things the young socialite rogue was doing.

Archbishop Benedictus was a powerful man, arguably the most powerful man in Stormwind. Yet even he wasn't perfect...Much as he would have his followers beleive. Teelia had kept a close eye on him for the past few weeks, waiting for him to make a mistake which could be made public. She knew it was just a matter of time before his secrets were hers.

Nouri...Her Wesley....Was soon to be vindicated.

[Laron]

((Don't mean to go back to past events, but I meant to post this last night and it seems that lots have decided to post in the mean time.))

The Woman looks away off in the distance. “There was a Horde that came through here earlier.” Setting down his tongs, he hurries outside. “Horde, by all means let us make haste.” She turns to him with suspicious eyes “How do you know my name?” Clearing his throat, he proclaims, “You have been in the news as of recent, and… Well your face is all over Stormwind.” Leading him out of town and up a hill she is much quicker than the priest, and leave him trailing behind. She shouts back to him. “What is your name Priest?” Panting as he climbs the hill “Huff huff Kyergen Hands of Light, huff huff M’lady. Reaching the top of the hill he finds the clearing empty. No Horde, no Kurohane… “Did you down a member of the Horde up here M’Lady? Hello? Why did you bring me out her… ARGGGGHHH!!!”

Pain… searing pain…

Kyergen is knocked backwards off his feet, and lands on the ground. Looking to see what burned so badly, he sees an arrow firmly planted in his chest. Reaching for it, he feels that it has penetrated his sternum, and his heart had stopped beating. Looking at the arrow, he notices, fine elven carving on the shaft just above the fletching. Then he looks past it to see a pair of glowing Elven Eyes, glaring with contempt at him. The pain had started to subside as his life force slips away. He sees the Light start to grow around him, as he is hit with even more pain, and the arrow is ripped out of his bleeding chest! He sees Kurohane kneeling over him running her hand over his guild tabard. Placing a bandage over his open chest, she pours a healing potion directly over it. As Kyergen tries to speak, he coughs up blood from the wound closing. “Why? What did I do?” he tries to at least sit, but the pain is too great, his heart is just barely starting to beat again. “Understand this Priest. Nouri is to not be touch. You got that?!” She looks back at his tabard. “If not for the tabard you wear, I would finish you off.” Sitting at her feet, he coughs again, more blood spits out on his tabard. “Nouri? The Heretic? I was following orders… You of all people should know how misguided that can be… I did not wish to harm him.” Climbing back to his knees, he starts to stand. Kurohane is in silence for quite some time, then turns to him. “Let me escort you back to town before a Horde Member actually does come and finish you off.” He tries to walk but stumbles with every step, this is twice on one week that he almost was aloud to find The Light, and he is not stable. Reaching town, he does his best to bow to Kurohane. “Thank you for not finishing me. When you see Nouri next, can you tell I am sorry.” She nods and says I will, take care of yourself Priest.”

[Lelenia]

Rubbing her eyes, she walked away from the Gryphon Master in Stormwind. Small trails of fine sand fall behind her, the smell of heat and insects carried on the small grains. She was tired...gods, was she tired. So long she'd been fighting on every front, to keep the guild together, to push into Zul'Gurrub, to maintain her front in Silithus...the work was never done.

Stretching her legs, she walks toward the auction house to check on a few things, when a note nailed to the lone tree in the middle of the square caught her eye. Pausing, she reads the fine script, her lip slowly curling into a sneer, tugging the note off its iron spike.

"First Kurohane, then this load of taruen dung? What in the name of the goddess does this bumbling buffon hope to accomplish by striking down the Alliance's best warriors!"

Panting heavily in anger, she looks around at the multiple stares her outburst brings, her red-glowing glare sending the folk of Stormwind scurrying away. Stuffing the note into her pocket, she walks to the mailbox, penning a letter on the way, muttering about bullock, dragon breath, and more tauren dung. Angrily shoving the letter into the small box, she stalks away, tendrils of her shadow pushing outside their normal bounds.

"If they don't teach him, someone will."

[Danyxandra]

((thoroughly enjoying this story, great job guys!))

[Noury]

Nouri felt good, in spite of the hot sands of the Tanaris beach which were scorching through the soles of his boots. His good mood wasn't merely due to the fact he had dealt a significant blow to the pirates that haunted the eastern coastline. Although the commission he received for that from the goblins of Steamweedle Port added significantly to that.

Not that Nouri needed much money, but adventuring and campaigning on behalf of the League of Arathor put quite a dent in his changepurse in repair bills and equipment upgrades.

No, Nouri's good mood was due to the fact that he had confidence in his chosen representative to meet with Lelenia Baenre, the Paladin Lovely.

It was an obvious choice really. The Paladin had connections, and a tumultuous history. Nouri had learned much of the woman from talks with common aquaintances and fireside stories which abounded in Stormwind. She had gone to the edge of sanity and returned renewed and revered in the eyes of the Light. For surely it was the Holy Light that had smiled upon the woman, preserved her in her darkness and uplifted her in her moments of dispair. None could endure such trials and not emerge wiser and stronger in the Light. Nouri felt blessed to count such as her among friends.

Light willing, she would see through any duplicity on the part of Lelenia, and would be able to advise on a course of action. Nouri had spent the night in prayer, for once hoping a vision would come to him. An insight to the possible outcomes. But none was forthcoming.

Whistling a tune as he rode towards Tanaris to catch a flight back to Theramore, Nouri felt as if a large weight was lifted from his shoulders.

Yes, the days ahead looked bright indeed....

[Noury]

The afternoon streets were crowded, which is just the way Klouse liked it. Not only did it afford superb cover for him to get lost in, but also it provided plenty of opportunities for him to practice his art of pick pocketing.

As he neared the street corner he had become intimately familiar with over the past few weeks, he saw an elderly looking man in tattered rags lounging on the steps of a nearby building. Without pausing he approached the man and said, “ How the weather down their old timer?”

The old man blinked up at Klouse and responded with, “ Cold. The air is damp and cold on me bones. “

Translation: “ All is well, but the woman still hasn’t made an appearance yet,”

Klouse nodded. “ Well you best go get some shelter and warm soup then.” He tossed the man a silver piece.

Translation: ” You stand relieved. See you tomorrow Mack.”

The old man hobbled off and Klouse took up his position on the steps, slouching down and dozing like an inn patron who has had too much to drink. He noted with amusement that the “old man” moved through the crowds with grace and fluidity far beyond his apparent age, even lifted a few purses on his way.

Across from his position he had an excellent view of the front door to the establishment that his “mark” had a room rented in. A room she was known to lend out at times to certain parties of interest.

For over a week now Klouse and his comrades were exchanging shifts keeping the place under surveillance. There had been no sign of the woman in all that time, let alone any sign of guests using her facilities.

Hours passed as they had each day since the order to stake out the residence was issued, without incident. So it created a moment of bewilderment and slight anxiety on the part of Klouse when suddenly and unexpectedly that changed. There in the square before him appeared the “mark”, the Paladin known as Lovely. She stood there as if waiting on someone or something. After a bit of study Klouse was able to identify the object of Lovely’s attention, an elven priestess dressed in white. She was in conversation with several other folk, but it was obvious that the Paladin desired to speak with her.

Klouse maneuvered himself closer to try to catch the conversation. In time the group dispersed and Lovely approached the woman to introduce herself. They exchanged greetings, then a name passed that immediately caught Klouse’s attention, “Nouri”.

“ We need to speak privately, “ Lovely said. “ Is the Park suitable?” The elven priestess nodded. Then to Klouse’s horror the two went to retrieve their mounts and made off in a dash through the alleyways and into the canal district.

“Shit!” muttered Klouse to himself. Risking a break in character, he ran off as fast as his feet could carry through little known alleyways towards the Park. He had to get there before them, but knew that would be unlikely. Hopefully they hadn’t noticed him earlier and wouldn’t think it odd the same man would be in the park.

Slowing to catch his breath, Klouse surveyed the Park area for the duo. Nothing. He began a systematic walk around the perimeter, listening to each open doorway and popping his head into the inns. Eventually he found the two seated in deep conversation inside one of the less popular bars in the city. They were the only occupants. Klouse edged as close to the doorway as he could to try to catch the conversation.

He could only grasp snibbets here and there, but there was no doubt. They discussed the fugitive priest, Nouri.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y266/toxctii/meeting.jpg

“ Yes, a meeting is a good idea, “ said the elf priestess. “ I have much I can teach the man, since the Cathedral and any of its churches in the land are closed to him.”

“ Agreed. Then I shall inform him of my support in this. I am glad we could finally meet Lelenia. “ said Lovely.

The rest of the conversation was lost to Klouse, but it was obvious they were preparing to depart. If they had mentioned a time or place of a meeting Klouse had missed it. He was just about to leave when one of the made mention of some man having a large hammer. The comment made Klouse cough involuntarily. Realizing his mistake he quickly backed away from the door, jumped down onto the grass and reached into his tunic. Pulling out the wineskin of rum he held there for such just such an occasion he took a swig, swished it around his mouth and poured a liberal amount over his clothes. He then lay down in the grass as one collapsed from drunkenness.

Just in time, for the Paladin emerged from the bar, saw Klouse lying there and immediately went to him to kick him sharply in the ribs. “ You there! Get up! What are you doing here?”

Klouse bit down on the pain and moaned. Slowly rising to a wobbly stand, he burped on the paladin and slurred his words. “ Huh? Wassat? Isshh thisssh Ironforgesssh? I’m shopposhed to be in (hic) Ironforgeshhh.”

The paladin regarded the man for a moment, then chuckled. “ No, this is Stormwind. You should rest before you head off my friend,” with that she cast a spell that made Klouse feel all tingly inside.

Thanking the woman, Klouse made an exaggerated stagger out of the Park and away from the women. Once clear he broke into a run towards Old Town and the Headquarters of SI:7.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Matthias Shaw was deep in consultation with some robed and hooded woman when Klouse was admitted to his presence. The guard that had escorted Klouse whispered in Shaw’s ear. Shaw glanced at Klouse and said to the woman “ we will talk more later. Keep me informed of the progress. “ With a nod the robed woman departed..

“So, Klouse is it? Report. “ Simple and to the point. Klouse gave Shaw a detailed recount of the events of his watch, leaving out nothing, regardless of its insignificance. Klouse had learned that what might seem insignificant to one might be the missing piece to a puzzle others hold the pieces to.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y266/toxctii/matthias.jpg

When he had finished Shaw nodded to the escort, who took Klouse out into the lobby. There he received 40 silver for his services. He knew without being told that nothing of these events were to be discussed with anyone, ever. Klouse knew what happened to those that did..

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Matthias Shaw summoned his aide into the chambers and issued his instructions. The man, Klouse, would have to be reassigned. His face was known. But now Matthias had a new assignment, the priestess Lelenia would need to be watched. Indeed, Shaw would call in the favors owed him by the Venture Company, to gain access to her correspondence. She was the key to ferreting out the fugitive. Like a moth to a flame he would be drawn out. Then they would pounce.

He would make a fitting gift to the Archbishop, which would earn Shaw a favor. Being owed a favor by arguably the most powerful, influential man in Stormwind wasn’t anything to sneer at.

It was a Good Thing..

[Teelia]

((Woohoo! And yeah, the Ironforge comment made me laugh in real life when he said it last night.))

[Lelenia]

((...you little bugger! I was wondering why I saw a person sitting there trying to /drunk when I rode off!

...this promises to be interesting indeed.))

[Noury]

“ Look, I understand the arrangement. But damn it lady! We have to be careful. Any delay in delivery or evidence of tampering is going to point to the whole mail system being compromised! It isn’t some shady old lady they will be looking for neither. It’ll be me, Donx Blastwhistle, mail carrier they will skin alive!”

The elderly woman with her hair tied up in a severe bun paused in her sorting through of the letters, packages to glare at the goblin.
“ Donx, you worry too much. Trust me, I’ve been doing this for a long time. There has never been any proven compromise of the mail system, as you well know. Your Venture Company masters have never felt the need to investigate, nor will they. We are far too careful in covering our tracks.”

The woman resumed her systematic scan of the mail, being careful to return each item back into the large mail courier sack the goblin held open for her. About ¾ of the way through the large pile she hit upon an item of interest. A sealed letter, addressed to Lelenia Baenre. Putting it aside, she finished her rummaging to ensure there was nothing else she might miss. No, that was it.

Bringing her attention to the letter, she pulled out a soft black leather satchel from under her shawl. “Donx, you might want to turn around for this.” She advised the goblin. The goblin issued some expletive she barely heard, but turned to face the doorway of the dark little shack they were “borrowing”.

The elderly lady opened the satchel and pulled out a tiny dagger with a microscopically thin blade, similar to a surgeon’s scalpel and just as sharp. Carefully she sheared the sealing wax from off the parchment with expert skill. In the end the envelope was open without a single chip on the surface of the wax seal. Opening the letter, she quickly read its contents. The only outward sign that she had hit the jackpot was a slight raising of her left eyebrow.

Reaching back into the satchel she pulled out a little unmarked bottle. Uncorking the bottle she delicately poured a tiny dollop of the viscous liquid it held directly onto the envelope where the sealing wax once touched. Using a wooden sliver she spread it out to form a thin film, then pressed the wax seal back in place and held if for a moment. A quick test confirmed the seal was restored and appeared untampered to any but the most trained eye.

Placing the envelope back into the pile she turned to the goblin, “Donx. You are free to complete your delivery. Meet me here on your return run. We will be doing this for a little while I imagine.”

The goblin grumbled, but quickly took up his satchel and hurried out of the shack, glancing at the angle of the sun to see how far behind schedule he was.

The elderly woman picked up her tool satchel, returned it to her shawl’s inner pocket, right next to the poisoned dagger she carried.

“So, he will be coming out of hiding. Good. “ thought the woman. She had briefly considered forging a reply to engineer the meeting, but decided at the last moment to wait and see what this Lelenia would reply with. It was simply cleaner and more secure that way. No unnecessary risk. But it was a card she knew could be held in reserve if needed.

She departed the shack to emerge onto the little alley in old town. Few paid the old woman any heed, hobbling as she did with her gnarled oaken cane on her way towards SI:7.

[Kurohane]

"I know this will sound like a pick-up line, but I promise it's not," Laron said in Darnassian, almost sheepishly - or, at least, it would have been sheepish if he hadn't been so clearly nervous. "But accompany me to one of the rooms, please?"

Kurohane frowned, eying the boy, making no effort to hide that she was sizing him up. Not that she needed to. He was nowhere near completing his training. "Fine," she finally returned, speaking Darnassian as well. "But don't make me castrate you, dear."

He forced a smile and nodded before leading the way downstairs.

She still owed him a debt. That was the real reason she was here. Too often of late she'd found herself drawn out by supposed friends, only to see it spring a trap that she'd narrowly escape. When she'd found the letter from Laron in her pocket, all but begging her to meet with him in Thelsamar... Well, there was no turning back now. She was already here, after all.

Finally, the two elves settled themselves on the floor of one of the rooms, facing each other. Considering his previous advances, she made sure to sit away from the beds.

"I have been hearing whispers at my work about our friend Nouri..." He began after several checks of the doorway. She suppressed a sigh and her thoughts that he was acting a fool at those words, though. Her eyes instantly turned to ice.

"Oh?" she answered dryly, her fingers subtly moving to slide along the length of her bow. She owed him a large debt, but she'd forsake that if he meant any harm to Nouri. The fool rogue was practically stuttering over himself as it was. In fact, he wasn't paying any attention to her at all - instead, staring at the door again.

She sighed faintly. Could he not see Balah there, guarding them? Sure, Balah was in the shadows, but he was practically sitting atop the cat! "Not many who could sneak by Balah," she finally offered. "Stop tearing your hair out."

"Well in my line of work to speak of the goings on at "My Work" means death..." he muttered, finally pulling his gaze back from the doorway.

"Trust me, I understand that," she answered, waving it off. "You forget the company I keep."

Laron took a deep breath and settled back a bit, even if his gaze did keep darting towards the door. "Because Nouri is a close friend of mine I decided to let you know. It is very quiet, but I have heard his name being passed around the hall."

She quirked an eyebrow at him, waiting from more of the details.

"This is bad." He stated flatly.

"Again, I realize that..." she answered dryly, managing to keep herself from shaking her head. Laron certainly was not Conidivh. "What else have you managed to over hear?"

"It seems to be a subject the Mathias himself is looking into." He sighed. "I am very concerned about his safety, but I cannot get involved with this... What I can tell you is even things like the Mail is not safe. We have ways of finding out things others do not want to know."

"I know far more than you realize about the workings of SI:7. One of their top operatives in my emp--" She coughed quite suddenly, covering a small laugh as a thought crossed her mind. "Erm... employ until his assassination. I'll be sure that Nouri is aware of matters, discreetly of course."

"You have talked with Barke, and understand what I am risking by even talking about such things, but this is Nouri."

She tried not to roll her eyes. She hated it when people assumed things like that. "Again, you don't even begin to know the depths of what I was, and still am, involved in, dear." An all too sweet smile spread over her lips.

Laron smiled and nodded at her before drawing himself back to his feet. She stood as well, glancing to where she was sure he was. "I'd suggest you not be seen leaving here, Laron. Xelthan? Check the area please."

"Of course," her husband answered quietly. She smirked faintly as Laron glanced around. Did he pale just then?

"I will not speak anymore of this but make sure Nouri knows," he said quickly.

"I will," her tone was flat and unamused again. "If you find anything else that may be useful, there are always other means of communication."

"Clear, love," Xelthan stated again, moving by her in a practice fashion that gave her a glimpse of him.

"Ah, thank you, my heart," she smiled at him as he gave her a small nod in reply. She turned back to Laron. Yes, she was sure he was at least a touch paler. "Be safe, Laron. Perhaps we may one day speak of the codes."

With a wink and wave, she turned and departed while he bowed to her back. It seemed that her old ways were going to come full circle. Shirohane would like the outing, if nothing else.

[Noury]

Matthias Shaw listened intently to the old woman’s report. The implications weren’t good, for it pointed to there being a leak in his organization. It was the only explanation for the speed with which the woman’s cover was blown in Ironforge.

She had recounted the entire night’s events, from her arrival by tram with her muffins she sold as a side business (they were quite good in fact), her examination of the mail boxes for any interesting correspondence, right to the harrowing cat and mouse game she had to play in the tram tunnels to escape a determined and skilled adversary, a night elf rogue of exceptional skill.

“I was checking the mailbox near the inn when I saw them,” said the woman. “ That hunter woman and her companions.” Shaw had nodded. It was common knowledge they frequented the dwarven city.

“ Now, you know me. I’m like to think I’m subtle. But there was no mistaking the fact they made me out almost immediately. They were alert, and skilled enough to recognize when they were being scoped out.”

The woman had paused to catch her breath, she was still winded from an obviously strenuous chase for one of her years. Matthias was amazed yet again at the stamina the old woman seemingly possessed. She was full of surprises this one, which was in part why she was so effective an operative. Few suspected the grandmotherly old woman of being capable of such feats of daring .

“ I began to leave, but noticed they were on the move. Slowly and nonchalantly wandering the outer ring, but I could tell they were trying to box me in. When I was sure I was out of sight I hid in the shadows of a side alcove. I saw the hunter woman ride past me seemingly unaware, but that’s when I heard the voice beside me of the rogue.” Said the woman.

“ The jig was up. So I split. I ran. Led them on a good chase through Ironforge I did, but I couldn’t shake them. So I relied on an old tactic. The “poor harassed grandmother” tactic. I called out for help and ran to the guards. I thought that worked, they dropped the chase at that point. Or so I thought. Heading to the tram to return to Stormwind I sensed that one of the hunter’s companions was stealthily following me.”

Shaw had nodded. “ Hmm.. do you have a description? “

“Yes. Tall male night elf, purple hair, missing an eye. The right I believe. He followed me right into the tram station. When the train arrived I boarded, then jumped down into the tracks and ran into the tunnel. I ran quite a way before I stopped to look back. There he was in pursuit. Chased me halfway to Stormwind he did! Eventually I got to a point where he lost sight of me and I could hide in a shadowy corner. Or so I thought. He was good this youngun. Found me pretty easily he did. I had to take off running again. Finally I lost him by hiding in the glare of the tunnel lights.”

Shaw sensed she was finished her report. “ Well, you made it at least, and it wasn’t a total wash. We now know our own house isn’t as secure as we would like. Good job Theresia.” Shaw rose and approached the woman, grasping her shoulder in a comforting fashion. “We have wasted too much time and resources on this little operation. Time to end it. We picked up the target a little while ago. Mack is on his trail as we speak. He was in the Trade square speaking to a night elf woman, who passed him a note. Then he went to the tram to Ironforge. I sent a clean up detail to support him. Its now or never. When he gets to Ironforge and his friends warn him he will turn tail and disappear again. We need to act now, or we may not get a chance again. I have far too many things on my plate to dedicate much more towards this little priest.”

“Now, by chance were you able to save any of those delicious muffins? “

[Noury]

“….And you need to STAY AWAY from STORMWIND!” Kurohane’s warning was stern. Nouri had rarely seen her so agitated.

Nouri had arrived in Ironforge as the note instructed, rather cryptically. It was handed to him by a pretty young Kaldorei maiden who had told him her “mistress” required some tailoring. Indeed the note was written in such a way that it used tailoring euphemisms to hide its true meaning. But the meaning was clear to Nouri. “ Come to Ironforge right away!”

Thanking the woman, Nouri made his way from Stormwind trade district directly to the tram station. There he had to wait a few moments for the train to arrive along with 3 other passengers; a gnome in brilliant robes, a dwarf warrior in dented plate armour and a bearded man stooped over with a load of parcels.

The ride was uneventful, and Nouri emerged from the station in Ironforge to the now familiar wall of fumes that irritated his sinuses so much. Casting a renewal spell on himself, Nouri made his way to the little loft with the balcony his friends had adopted as their home.

He barely made his way up the stairs to where they lounged when he faced a flurry of warnings from Kurohane. “ Nouri! Thank Elune you are alright. You are in danger my friend! SI:7 is now on your trail. You need to be careful. Don’t use the mail system either, it might be unsafe. “

Nouri listened to the warnings with a heavy heart. Just when it seemed things were looking brighter they had just taken a sharp turn for the worse. “ Well, I guess I can return to Darnassus for a time,” said Nouri. Kurohane nodded her agreement. “That might be best.”

“ Although it’s a lovely place, I feel I am stagnating there.” Nouri sighed.

“ Its only for the time being,” said Kurohane. “

With that she and Xelthan departed, leaving Nouri to ponder his next move. Barke, sitting on the balcony ledge studied him with his one good eye. The man looked somewhat tired and sweaty, as if he had just run a marathon. Saying his goodbyes, Nouri headed to the Ironforge bank to make a few last minute transactions before heading towards the gryphon rider.

It was in the dark, long passageway between the outer ring and the Great Forge that Nouri passed the bearded man from the tram. He still carried his parcels and nodded to Nouri as they passed each other. Nouri took two more steps when he felt the sudden hard impact against the base of his skull. He stood there in a daze for a moment as the world started to spin. Appearing before him was the face of the bearded man, grinning from ear to ear. He made a gesture, and suddenly the seemingly empty passageway was filled with dark forms, grasping at Nouri as he started to slump. A sharp sting pierced the meaty part of his underarm.

Then all went black…

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Several hours later, Archbishop Benedictus returned to his quarters having finished his late evening prayers in solitude when he saw a soft light emanating from the crack beneath the door to his private chambers.

Cursing the acolyte that was in charge of turning down his bed for leaving the lantern burning, Benedictus unlocked the door and entered to find a grinning Matthias Shaw lounging in the large ornate chair, feet propped up on the inlaid polished desk.

“What is the meaning of this… this… outrage!” sputtered Benedictus. “ These are my private quarters Shaw! You just can’t come in here whenever you feel like it!”

Shaw’s grin widened. “ Really? Can’t I? I beg to differ. There are few places in Stormwind I cannot enter at will. Whether I should or not is a different matter..” Shaw removed his feet from the desk and slowly stood to face the Archbishop. “ In this circumstance however, I think you will be willing to overlook my transgression.” He waved his hand absently towards the back wall of the room where the tapestries hung. Benedictus turned to follow his gesture, to see two large, dark clad men holding a slumped figure between them. As they advanced into the light of the lantern Benedictus gasped. He then clapped his hand twice together in delight.

“Light be Praised! Our elusive wayward brother has come home. “

“Consider it a gift Archbishop. From me.. to you. “ said Shaw from behind. “ All I ask is remember from whom the gift was delivered by. “

“Yes..yes.. I understand. But know this Shaw, I have and always will stand for the good of Stormwind, its citizens and the Holy Light. Do not ask me for anything that will force me to go against that. I will refuse.”

“Whatever. “ said Shaw. And without further comment he was gone, with his two associates in tow.

Benedictus studied the limp figure crumpled on his chamber floor for a moment, then summoned his aide.

A bleary eyed robed acolyte appeared, wiping sleep from his eyes. Eyes that widened once he saw the figure on the floor.

“ Go summon the Cathedral guards. Have them take this one to the catacombs..”

“ Tomorrow we shall start the soul purging..”

[Ylisaxa]

Scraping the last of the blue ichor from the bowl onto her comb, Ylisaxa draws the dye though her hair. Gazing at her expressionless reflection in her dressing mirror, she rhythmically braids her flaxen, rehearsing her infiltration of the cathedral in her mind. After all, she had important research to collect. She crushes a bunch of fresh moonberries and mixes it with egg. Using a delicate brush she paints a mark on her face, just like her sister's. Her disguise is complete.

"Vhat do you zhink"? She says, standing in turning to face Barke.
"I think you have mastered that accent perfectly", Barke replies smirking.
"Well, it is familiar to me. I used to speak this way as a child. It was only a desire to be understood and taken seriously that I dispensed with it".

Barke raises the eyebrow above his good eye. "And not at all to disassociate yourself from your family".
"Of course not," Ylisaxa smiles.
"Are you sure you want to sneak back into the cathedral alone, Yli?" Barke enquires leaning back in his chair.
"I can do without your smoke and mirrors for this adventure. Besides, this disguise is flawless".
"I had never noticed how like your sister you are," Barke observes, leaning further back into his chair, his arms crossed over his chest.
Ylisaxa shoots back a glare, and shakes her head at him.
"Well, be safe, and don't be seen near the cathedral. The guards are stupid, but not quite that stupid. You should be fine".
Ylisaxa nods at Barke, "I have every confidence I will be swift and unseen". With that she turns and disappears through the door leaving a shuffle of sawdust on the ground behind her.
"Remember, you are a druid now", Barke calls after her. He hears an unconvincing "rawr" echo from beyond the Inn room door.


Ylisaxa slips into the city unnoticed amid the bustle of the mid-morning market. Despite the heaving crowds, she remains close to the shadows and the small winding backstreets. She arrives at the familiar loom of the cathedral growing out of the streets, its spires billowing against the cobalt-grey Stormwind sky. She feels a sharp pang of sadness.

Checking that the secret cleric entrance at the side of the building is clear, she scuttles into the doorway, heaving back the creaking oak-weathered door gently. She slips into the unlit passageway as smooth as shadows. Above her she hears the familiar creak of the cathedral breathing above her, the old stone humming its sotto voce mass.

Progressing down the corridor, clinging onto the granite-rough stone, she feels the way to her former laboratory. She knows this place as much by touch as by sight. Her fingertips scrape against wood. This is the door. Home at last.

Her laboratory feels even colder than it did when she occupied it; the stone-naked walls further denuded by the removal of her anatomical drawings. Everything has been removed. The screen, the desk, her rickety old stool, and most alarmingly, the specimens, her notes, her books.

Frustrated, she turns on her heel and slips out into the corridor, too devastated to face the disappearance of her home, her work. She had been obliterated.

In the distance she hears muffled voices and sees a glint of torchlight kiss the crumbling granite. Unable to escape, she melds into the shadows, hugging the cold granite close. The footsteps of two guards approach and brush past her.

"I hate that they make us witness this. I have been dreading it all day".
"I know, but the archbishop wills it, brother".
"Why do they even bother to call it 'soul purging'. Everyone knows it is really torture," the guard added.
"Well, serves him right for being a heretic, I say. And he sent the Archbishop on a merry ol' chase. I expect he will regret that."
"Aye, you are right, brother. It is just such a shame. That Nouri was always such a nice lad".

[Laron]

Brother Kyergen;

From the offices of the Archbishop.

Light be with you Brother. I tell you this in the strictest confidence and with the weight of the office of Archbishop of the Church of the Holy Light.

Be it known that the former acolyte known as Nouri has finally been apprehended, Praise The Light!

You may now rest in peace and tranquility knowing that he will face the judgement of the Holy Light for not only his transgressions to the City of Stormwind and the Church, but for those visited upon you, the Light's faithful servant and follower.

Blessings go with you brother for performing your duties to the best of your abilities.

Signed;

His Eminence
Archbishop Benedictus.


Reading this letter Kyergen sits in his room and ponders all that has transpired in the past week… Twice he had been brought to The Light itself, just to be turned back to this world to continue his work here. This was not a coincidence this was his sign… Packing his few belongings he sits down to write.

Archbishop Benedictus,

It fills my heart with relief to know that the dangerous fugitive, who wields the power of The Shadow, has been captured. Perhaps through Holy Cleaning, he may be made pure again. I hope that you can forgive my failure at his capture, and perhaps grant me the chance to redeem myself by allowing me to help with his Cleansing. My resound is clear, and I wish to make amends for the actions that have been taken against me and the Church. I am sure with my help, we can correct the wrongs that have been bestowed upon the Church, and by so the wrongs against The Light itself.

I hope to meet with you soon, I make my way to Stormwind.

Light be with you.

Brother Kyergen

[Noury]

" I still think we should consider the option your Eminence. Some of the acolytes already are talking about it, dispite the order of silence." Brother Joshua stood in front of the Archbishop's desk with his hands folded within the sleeved of his volumnous robes.

" As well, we took the opportunity to question him about the Arazabeqsue woman. Knowing his past affiliation with the woman, along with those other associates, we deemed it prudent."

Archbishop Benedictus set down the paper he had been reading to regard Brother Joshua. "And? Was he able to provide any insight as to her activities? Anything on the nature of the equipment we found?"

Joshua shook his head. " Sadly, no your Eminence. Of course he could be holding out, but I sincerely doubt it. Not after the purging he has already undergone. The inquisitors have been using the power of the shadow on him.." Joshua made a quick sign of prayer at the mention of the inquisitors.

" Hmm.. The Light has seen fit for him to drink from the same cup he bears. The light is infinitely wise." The archbishop glanced at the paper again.

" Joshua, this here is a letter from Brother Kyergen. He has asked for permission to be present for the purging. I was about to grant that request. What are your thoughts on this friend?"

Joshua bit his lower lip in thought for a moment before he responded. " Under normal circumstances I would agree with Your Eminence, but there is the matter we discussed. I still feel the course of action I recommended be undertook. Let us wash our hands of this taint so that we may carry on with the Light's work."

Benedictus tapped his fingers on the desktop, then rose. " So shall it be as you suggest Brother. I will leave the arrangements to you."

Brother Joshua bowed and backed out of the chambers, making sure to praise the Light as he did.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

All he felt was pain. Physical pain all over his body from the dislocation of countless joints, the flaying of his skin by the whips, the searing of the heated stones tied behind his knees, and countless bruises and cuts.

However excrutiating that pain was, it paled in comparison to the white hot fire inside his skull. They had mind flayed him in shifts, each taking a rest to regain mana as another resumed the assault. Periodically they healed him, only enough to prevent his drifting into the bliss of uncounciousness. There was always a priest standing ready to silence him should he try to pray for healing, while another kept his mana non-existent through a steady stream of mana burns.

How long had it been? Nouri couldn't say. Time had seemed to stop for him. The last clear memory was of making to depart from Ironforge, then blackness. Until he awoke in chains in the dark, damp stench of his cell.

Where he was he could not say for sure, but he could make a good guess based on what little he could make out of his surroundings through his puffy eyes.

The only respite he had was when they pause to question him about Ylisaxa. That had confused Nouri immensely, "What had Ylisaxa to do with anything? " Once they seemed satisfied he knew nothing, they resumed the "purging". Other than the questioning, they uttered not a word to him, nor to each other. Except to coordinate their administration of the purging.

On an on it went, without end. Until by the grace of the Light it happened. Through the haze of agony Nouri felt the onset of a vision. This time no effort of the inquisitors could stop the attack. Vision blurred over and the familiar swirl of colors filled his stricken mind.

Faces. Angry helmetted faces. Chains. A cage.....

.. then.... wood.. a building. No.. not a building.. a .. boat?..

..more faces... armour and stone.... cold... shivering...

... then light.. and out of the light... the smiling beautiful face of an angel...

Sharp pain brought Nouri back. He was vaguely aware that they had been joined by a large robed figure. The figure spoke. Nouri recognized the voice, but could not put a name to it through his torment.

" The order is given.. lets proceed....."

[Teelia]

Teelia struggled against the figure that held her. She was agile, but the strength of the paladin Lovely was greater than hers, and through the tears, Teelia understood this and began to calm down.

"Lovely," Teelia said, "I am going to ask you one more time to let me go. This is madness!"

Lovely slowly shook her head and held Teelia firmly. "Teelia, what do you hope to accomplish? You are good, but not even the best rogue could get in that place and rescue Nouri alone....Believe me, I know."

"His name is Wesley," Teelia growled. "I will not have him tortured while a breath still fills my lungs!"

Lovely nodded and constricted her arms tightly, cutting off circulation and oxygen to the young rogue. In a matter of seconds, Teelia fell unconcious.

Lovely then tied the rogue up and laid her on the bed before leaving. She walked slowly toward the cathedral district. It was doubtful she would be able to get inside, or even communicate with anyone involved, but she had to try. Nouri was an innocent, and a good man. Lovely knew full well of torture, and the thought of him being tormented angered her to no end.

[Noury]

(( OK, just to set this up for maximum fun, I'm going to ask that if anyone actually ventures into the catacombs specifically to look for Nouri, can it be done in game and when you see me online? I have something in mind for whomever does which will need to be put in place. Barring that, this is open RP.. ))

[Lovely]

Lovely strode into the Cathedral, her boots loud on the stones as the people inside all raised their heads to look at her. She hadn't entered this building in quite some time, and now the reason was not good. Without hesitation, she walked up to the Archbishop, who was standing in his usual spot.

"Welcome, Paladin," The Archbishop stated with a smile.

Lovely scowled. "Enough with the pleasantries, Benedictus. We both know you don't like me. Now where are you keeping Nouri?"

The archbishop chuckled softly. "I don't know what you speak of, but please keep your voice down, child."

Lovely clenched her fists. "Nouri, the one called the heretic. I know you have him. I have contacts all over this city, and I also was able to recover his horse. Are you keeping him below the church in the same area I was tortured? Well?"

Benedictus stayed calm, and waved the fingers on his right hand. At that moment, several armored men approached, standing behind Lovely. She could feel them breathing on the back of her neck, but still gazed at Benedictus solemnly. "You can throw me out if you want, Benedictus. That doesn't change the fact that you are a liar, and a power hungry politician who would not know honor or justice if it bit him in the..."

Lovely suddenly stopped speaking. She could see what was transpiring, but had no control over her voice or actions. She walked calmly to the front of the cathedral, stepping outside the door, and then was released from the Archbishop's mind control. Turning around, she looked furiously upon the men blocking the door. "That is it. I'm through with the lot of you. You'll wish you had followed truth and justice when this is over....The church is a sham."

With that, Lovely walked toward the nearest mailbox.

((See the Sanguinary thread))

[Kurohane]

"The pieces haven't moved in a long time."

He looked up from the chess board at the sound of that voice. It had been many, many moons since she'd paid a visit. With all that had recently happened, though, it wasn't that much of a surprise that she stood at the head of the stairs, leaning her hip against the railing.

"Kurohane," he answered, nodding slightly to her. "No, they haven't... but you knew that. The master of the game is truly gone this time."

She smirked faintly, moving to take a seat across from him at the table. "I still say I'll believe that when I see the corpse. Conidivh's died on me before to only pop back up a few months later." Tossing her hair over her shoulder, she pulled the white mask that obscured her face down to hang about her neck.

He chuckled quietly, shaking his head. A hint of sadness stirred in his gaze as he looked at the chess board again, the pieces sitting in position of a never finished game. She smiled in return, the same sadness lighting her gaze as they sat in silence for a moment.

"You know why I'm here, Trias," she finally sighed, leaning back in the chair and crossing her arms under her chest. "He never made it to Darnassus... from my contacts, he never made it out of Ironforge even."

Trias sighed again, glancing over the balcony. "You always were far more direct that most, Kuro. You have the ability to be as suddle as a rogue, but you purposely avoid doing that... I still say you would have been better off on a diffrent path."

A smirk pulled her lips back. "You're dodging my questions."

He glanced back at her and shrugged with his own small smirk. "You haven't asked any yet."

Rolling her eyes, she uncrossed her arms and leaned forward. "Let's be blunt, Trias. I don't care why you allowed Shaw to go through with this. I don't care why you didn't deem to meddle in this like everything else. I don't even care why the current Shaw hasn't been replaced yet. Oh yes, don't give me that look, I remember what happend with Yomi all those months ago.

"What I care about right now - the only thing I care about right now - is where to find the Heretic."

He leaned back in his chair, observing her carefully. "This Shaw's enrooted himself too well. He's become too well known - we can't risk replacing him like we did the last one unless we are forced to. Secondly... We should speak on Yomi, another time, when you aren't so clearly distracted."

She didn't blink. "Where is he, Trias."

Sighing, he glanced down at the chess board again. A single finger reached out and a pawn near the center of the board tumbled over, rolling along until it bumped into another. "Where do you think, Kurohane?"

[Noury]

(( Robert Jordan eat your heart out! Right now I want to thank each and every one of you who are contributing your own spins and chapters to this storyline! Your imaginations are incredible!

You have me scrambling to match pace with you! I love it! We ain't done yet. Oh no! Not by a long shot! Plenty of surpises to come I promise.. :D :D :D :D ))

[Verloran]

Seated in the Gilded Rose in Stormwind, Verloran was waiting for any sign of Nouri. He had asked to meet with him some time ago, but somehow the task had never actually been accomplished. He was hoping that he'd hear something of him in the busy tavern, but there was no luck so far.

Losing his patience, Verloran got up and checked the auction house, not looking for anything in particular but only wanting something to do. After a while of that, he decided to take a stroll around the city. He had gotten to know Stormwind pretty well in the time he had spent there, but some parts were still relatively unfamiliar to him. So he walked.

He winded all around the city, going through Old Town, the Dwarven District, and over to the Cathedral Square. As he walked past the Cathedral itself, he noticed something out of place; there was a guard.

Verloran hadn't been in Stormwind that long, but he had been to the Cathedral, been around it enough, and never had he seen a posted guard.

Something's not right in there.

Making up his mind, Verloran slowly turned to face the steps leading up to the large building, and walked up to the guard, who was eyeing him warily.

"What business do you have in the Cathedral today?"

"A gift for the Archbishop." This was the first true lie Verloran had told, and it felt strange. Now that he thought about it, the whole situation was strange. What was he even doing there? But now that he had started, he would need to follow through. "I have not been in the city long, but I recognize the Archbishop as an important official. I would not want to dishonor him by not presenting him with something." He hoped this would work.

"Ha! You really think the Archbishop's a god or something, don't you? Well, alright, but I'll need to see this gift first." The guard was smarter than he would have liked.

"This gift... is not a physical gift. I simply wish to show the good Archbishop that I am one who would follow him and his teachings. Do you see?"

"Yes, yes... go on ahead. I'm not even getting paid for this lousy guard duty..." Leaving the guard to mumble to himself, Verloran quickly headed into the Cathedral before he lost his chance.

He was in the Cathedral, finally. He didn't know what he was looking for, but if something in this building was being guarded in such a way, it would surely be foolish for him to not look here.

Let the search begin.

[Noury]

Through the haze of pain Nouri felt the sensation of movement. He was vaguely aware of having been stuffed into a tight oaken box with only the barest of ventilation holes cut into the boards. The kind of box used to transport wild animals for the private exhibits of the rich.

His brain was like mush. He drifted in and out of conciousness so often that time became irrelevant. How long had he been in the box? He couldn’t say. All he knew was there was constant movement and jostling. Whomever was transporting the box were not being gentle or careful.

At one point Nouri thought he could feel the gentle sway of a ship at sea, but then he blacked out again.

This time however the movement was accompanied by much banging and knocking at the wood of the box. Then, a blazing flash of light assaulted Nouri’s eyes like searing hot iron needles. His head exploded in stars of pain. He was only partially aware of being hauled out of the box and thrown onto a sandy surface.

Opening his eyes slightly Nouri saw that he was lying on what appeared to be reddish dirt. The sun was beating down on him like a hammer. Rough arms grabbed him and dragged him towards the opening of a large stone keep. It looked to be in a sorry state of repair. Guards in plate armour and green livery stood at the keep entrance, a large gold anchor on their green tabards.

Nouri was unceremoniously tossed into a dark, shabby storeroom. His handlers took turns kicking and punching him until he doubled over in dry heaves. A sudden drenching followed by excruciating agony told Nouri someone had doused him in salt water.

The green clothed soldiers started laughing and talking to each other in an accent Nouri didn’t recognize, but sounded much like that spoken in Theramore. He tried to call upon the Light for a healing but found any effort to concentrate resulted in terrible pain through his skull.

“So, this is how its going to be” though Nouri dryly through his haze. “ This is what they intended with their purging. To deny me access to the Light.”

Someone ordered Nouri stretched out on a tabletop. His arms and legs were secured with leather straps to the table legs. Then they took turns whipping and beating him. Someone pissed on him. The beatings continued until darkness overtook him.

He was jolted back to reality by the sounds of weapons clashing. There was fighting in the keep! In his daze Nouri couldn’t determine the source of the fighting, or whether it was coming closer or farther. Then the door to his store room opened with a loud screech. The spill of light from outside the door caused Nouri to squint in pain. There within the light was framed a figure of an angel. The light glowed around the figure like a pure, radiant halo. It was just as he had forseen in his vision! The angel approached and Nouri could see the outline of her beautiful face. The the darkness overtook him again.

Just as he succumbed he heard the angel speak.

“ Throm’ ka ”

[EnheilRas]

(Putanni! It's PUTANNI damn you!)

[Noury]

(Putanni! It's PUTANNI damn you!)

(( Not this time around.. considering the identity of the speaker and the fact that I'm "respectable".. :wink: ))

[Lelenia]

(( Sorry that I haven't been participating. Since my last post I've been away from computers altogether, and I won't be touching WoW again till tomorrow evening. After that, I'll step in again :: winks:: ))

[Vilmah]

Vilmah looked down at the human in shock. He was filthy, almost naked, and beaten half to death. Human cruelty at it's worst, she thought. She was reminded of how her own family was treated, in Hammerfall. As she approached him, the man seemed a breath away from death.

"Throm'ka," she said quietly.

He closed his eyes, and passed out. Outside, more of the Kul Tiras sailors were gathering forces and getting ready to force her from their keep. She frowned. The sailors were poorly trained and even worse armored. Their cruelty and actions aside, she didn't want to cause a blood bath... but she felt odd, leaving this human behind. Finally, she decided on a course of action. Vilmah approached the man cautiously, and timidly tapped him on the shoulder.

He didn't stir.

She gathered her courage, and shook him with one hand. The human's eyes fluttered for a moment, and he stared at her in shock before attempting to edge himself away from her. Vilmah held up her hands in a sign of peace, which the human seemed oblivious to. She then proceeded to point at his shackles. The human watched, still apparently afraid of what she might do, as Vilmah cut through his bindings with her blades. Their poor construction allowed for them to be easily severed by her carefully forged weapons, and soon the human was free.

Hearing the gathering of more forces outside, she beckoned the human towards her. He didn't move. At a loss of what to do, Vilmah wiggled her fingers in anticipation and realized that he probably wasn't prepared to follow a fully armored orc. Casting aside any doubts, she sheathed her weapons and showed the man her empty hands. He seemed skeptical, so she made a pleading face and extended a hand towards him. After a few careful seconds, he allowed her to help him to his feet.

She saw that they must have treated him abyssmally, because it wasn't long before he collapsed in exhaustion. Vilmah tried to awaken him by patting him gently, and coaxing him with soothing words, and she managed to get the human to follow her out of the front of the keep, when they were assaulted by a group of Kul Tiras sailors and guards. Feeling frustrated with herself for not being a better hand-to-hand combatant, Vilmah took out her swords and cut them down like a knife through butter. Stained in blood, she looked back at the prisoner. He didn't seem afraid of her, for which she was glad. Instead, he seemed enraged at his captors, and kicked their corpses as he stumbled past them towards Vilmah.

The keep wasn't very far from Ratched, where Vilmah intended to take the human. However she realized that he was far too exhausted and injured to brave the journey, past the pig-men who dwelled in Durotar and the wild animals that stalked the river. The human stumbled again, and fell. This time, she decided to let him sleep. She slowly lifted him into her arms, and gently placed him on Edmund's back, who had been waiting patiently outside of the keep. Checking to see if anyone was watching, she threw a blanket over the body and walked by Edmund's side.

-----

It had been a few hours since she arrived in Sanctuary's guildhall, an unsonscious human in tow. She'd put him in one of their spare beds, which was kept for use by their guildmates, but rarely saw need. Lying on his back, Vilmah attempted to clean him of the filth he'd acquired while in captivity. She then used what little knowledge of first aid she had to tend his wounds, and dressed him in some spare silk clothes she'd made earlier. Once she was sure he was comfortable, she left the room in search of food. She bumped into a tall dark figure.

"Oh! I didn't see you there," she whispered.

"Dat's mi job," he replied with a smirk. "Who dat chu brought?"

She put a finger to her lips, signalling for the rogue to be quieter. "I found him kidnapped by the Kul Tiras men. I brought him back here to take care of him. Do you think you could find out who he is?"

Nojinbu gave Vilmah a sort of bow, and smiled. "Ah'll be right back."

She sighed and shook her head as the troll left. Going into their make-shirt messhall, she realized that she'd have to give the others a bit of a talking-to reguarding cleanliness. Finally, she found some bread from Thunderbluff, and went back into the room where the human lay. She found him awake, and very confused.

Vilmah raised her hands, so that he could see her unarmed. In fact, she wasn't even armored. Instead she wore a red swashbuckler-styled shirt and pair of leather pants that Nojinbu had made for her, earlier. The human seemed to comprehend what was going on, and looked calmer. She smiled and offered him the food, which he took and examined a bit before eating it as quickly as he could chew. When he was finished, she gave him water.

Reaching into a drawer, Vilmah pulled out a map of Azeroth. She pointed to a section that was labeled with a gear, which she hoped he could recognize as Ratchet. The human nodded, and Vilmah used two fingers in a scissors motion to indicate that they would walk there. Again, the human nodded. Feeling glad that he knew her plan, she sighed thankfully and used her hands to make a pillow beide her head, hoping that he would understand that she thought he should sleep.

She stepped out for a moment, to allow him some time alone.

[Noury]

Fear and apprehension was all Nouri could summon up in his battered state. Not that he could do anything about it. Each time he tried to touch the Light his head exploded in a blast of pain which shot needles through his skull.

It took some time for Nouri to figure out the orc woman meant for him to follow her. That she hadn’t slaughtered him outright was astonishing, now here she was obviously willing to risk herself to see him to safety.

Unless of course she just meant to take him someplace safer where she could kill and roast him at her leisure.

Nouri had no choice really, it was all now in the hands of the Light. He couldn’t defend himself if he tried. Indeed he could barely walk any distance without falling every few feet or so.

The orc woman wielded a large 2 handed sword, with which she had cut a swath through the soldiers which had tried to prevent their escape. Wielded with obvious skill, if a little off balanced looking. She was quite petite for an orc woman. With each soldier she dropped, Nouri felt a rush of satisfaction, and shame. He should not feel happy at those deaths, yet there it was.

Once outside Nouri got his first glimpse of his surroundings. Red ochre soil, searing sun and rocky outcroppings told him the tale. He was in Durotar! The keep he was being held in was little more than a ruined fort. His captors wore the green and gold of Kul’Tiras.

The orc woman led Nouri through the Durotar deserts, across the river into the Barrens, leading a large riding wolf of the type favored by orcs. The trip was slow and difficult. Eventually his energy reserves faltered and Nouri collapsed. He vaguely sensed he had been picked up and slumped across the wolf’s back.

When next he opened his eyes he saw he was lying in a simple bed in some sort of plain room. His body had been washed of the filth of his captivity and the more serious wounds had been cleansed and dressed somewhat.

The door opened to reveal the orc woman, dressed in a red swashbuckler shirt of passable tailoring and a pair of tight leather pants. She carried a small platter of bread and a pitcher of water. Slowly through swollen, cracked lips Nouri sipped the water and chewed on tiny pieces of bread he tried to tear off with his crooked, smashed fingers.

As he ate, the woman went to a drawer and pulled out a rolled parchment. Unrolling it before him, Nouri saw that it was a map of Kalimdor. She pointed out the keep where he had been held, and a little ways further south she pointed out a town represented by a gear on the coastline. Ratchet. Nouri nodded his understanding. Her fingers did a scissor motion that Nouri understood as walking. Again he nodded.

Then the toll of his injuries and exertions overtook him. Head swimming and throbbing, he could barely keep his eyes open. She made some indication he should sleep, and Nouri did not protest..

[Teelia]

((Awesome. I had almost forgotten that Vilmah was a member of Sanctuary, and in fact a good guy. <3 to Vilmah and NOuri both. This was a good twist, and completely unexpected. hehe.))

[Vilmah]

((I had almost forgotten that Vilmah was a member of Sanctuary, and in fact a good guy. ))

((...WHAT??! I am obviously not doing my job. I need to be more infuriatingly goody-goody.

TO THE CANDY MOBILE!

Seriously, more on this RP soon. Gotta go to work inna sec.))

[Alucian]

((Note: Pepperine used to call Alucian "Kitty", but since he's turned from his druid ways, she's started calling him "Notkitty". ^_^))

A hot, dry wind blew across the barren red clay, kicking up bits of dried vegetation and loose sand. It swept around a lone gnome rogue whose fingers idly sifted through the red dirt her pick had turned up, looking for any ore she might have missed. It wasn't that she needed the terribly common copper, but it made her giggle to take the ore from the Horde. She might not be strong enough to take on their fiercest warriors head to head, but she'd do her best to hinder them in any way she could. Quietly, she slipped the few small pieces of ore into her bags to take back to Stormwind later, then looked at the tableau below.

Pepperine watched from her perch as more Kul'Tiras sailors and marines skittered below, working to clean up wreckage from an earlier raid, all speaking in hushed tones over the battle that had taken place.

From what the rogue could gather, a fierce battle had been waged here several days prior between the men of Kul'Tiras and a strong orcish army. The invasion had ultimately been repelled, but the defenders didn't carry themselves like victors. Apparently, during the struggle, an important "package" had been lost.

It didn't take much to connect the dots. Notkitty had told her Kuro's friend was missing, and whispers she'd heard for the last week or so lead her to believe the friend was out here somewhere. The missing "package" confirmed her beliefs...but they were all but at square one. Kuro's friend could be dead or worse at the hands of the Horde.

Time was of the essence. Pepperine slipped out onto the bare lands of Durotar, and once she was out of sight of the Keep, left all semblance of secrecy behind and ran as fast as she could toward the Barrens. Ratchet was the closest mailbox she knew of that wasn't completely controlled by the goblins and would get her letter faithfully to Kuro. She needed to know of this, and fast.

[Vilmah]

Vilmah returned to where the human was sleeping, and sat in a nearby chair. So "Nouri" is his name, she thought. Considering what I've heard about him, I'd better keep Jesmotguin, Joseki and miss Aloivia from him. The last thing we need is conflict.

She sighed, and watched as he slept. As she predicted, the rest of Sanctuary didn't mind her bringing him back in the least. After all, wasn't it their job to support justice? And there was nothing just about torturing a living being. Vilmah drummed her fingers on her knees, and twisted her mouth to one side in thought. She'd heard he was friends with Kurohone, and while her friends on the other side seemed to speak nothing but good things about the elf... Vilmah had her doubts. This was the same person who spoke ill of Sanctuary, who was known for promoting massacres of the Horde, and even disrespected a peaceful patrol through Stranglethorn Vale so many months ago.

But that was during Grisch's lead, she thought. Perhaps... perhaps things could change? If they see that we're trying to keep peace between our two factions, could they not understand our ways and form an alliance of some sort?

She knew that anyone outside of Sanctuary would laugh at such an idea. The Alliance was comprised of warmongering bigots who would just as soon spit on her corpse as they would cut her down. Was honor worth the constant disrespect?

Nouri stirred, and Vilmah smiled. She kept her mouth closed, thinking that humans and their tiny teeth were probably afraid of her. The idea brought giggles to her mind. She was always teased for being small and diminuative... but a human found her terrifying! That'll show the rest of them, she mused.

Still dressed in leather and silk, she waited for Nouri to sit up before she poured him a glass of water and set it on the bedside table. Then, she put a hand to his chest and said clearly, "Nouri". After that, she put a hand on her own chest and said, "Vilmah." Finally, she held up her hands, to indicate the place they were, and said in thickly accented Common, "Sanctuary."

She hoped he would understand.

[Laron]

A very short Troll enters the Guild hall after a long day in the Barrens. Learning to fight like a Troll was hard and tedious, but he was getting used to it. Off in the living quarters a small crowd of people has gathered at a door to a room. Curious to what is going on, Laron walks over. Turning to one of the guild members. "What go on?" Turning with a finger to her lips she says "Shh... Vilmah brought a Human into our hall... He was injured and he is in there now!" She returns to the crowd who is trying to see through the key hole and cracks in the door. Laron pushes his way up to the door and looks in. His glowing eyes go wide with suprise! "Nouri!" Turning to the crowd. he says "You go now, Vilmah call you, tell you what go on." As the crowd dissipates, Laron checks the door, it is locked. This doesn't stop the thief. Slipping into the room he walks up behind Vilmah and whispers "Where you find him?" Vilmah jumped at the sound of a voice behind her. She turned to see Laron, not surprised that he'd found his way inside.

"He was with the Kul'Tiras," she said quietly. "They were torturing him, forcing who-knows-what on him.. It was awful. I had to bring him back.. Have you ever met him, before?"

“He friend mine… He in bad with god house.” Kneeling down he wipes Nouri’s head with a wet washcloth. “Good he here. They hunt him.” Looking back up to Vilmah. “Good place to hide.” Looking back at the door, he says “You need talk to guild. They start talk secret.”

[Kurohane]

She had just finished talking at length with Andisiliel (who was apparently really Tarlithion, and that sent her into snickers each time she thought of it) in the Forlorn Caverns of Ironforge when Xelthan's voice came urgently across the gnomish talk-boxes so many people now used, telling her to meet with him immediately. She had paused to frown down at the device before agreeing and rushing towards thier usual meeting place. What had he found that would put him on edge like that?

She had heard that Nouri was no longer in Stormwind. Her network of eyes and ears still picked up rumors that could be traded for coin, even if so many of them no longer wished to simply aid her as they had in the past. Xelthan had gone, by her request, to investigate the catacombs for any clue as to where they might have taken him, by what means of transport - ANYthing.

Her heart began to race as she neared the store house Dor Shando had taken over as a base of operations. Her beloved husband wasn't there yet. She hadn't expected him to actually FIND anything other than traces of leads to other leads. But from the sound of his voice...

"They've taken him, Rose." She just about leaped out of her skin as he appeared quite suddenly directly in front of her, not three paces away. His face was drawn, brow furrowed in agitation. A gloved hand gripped one of the blades at his hip. She knew that stance - he was ready to kill. "Theramore Marines, boxed him up and shipped him out."

"What? But--"

"I managed to get it out of some poor wrech they've been holding prisoner down there for Elune only knows how long," he looked ready to spit. "If we can catch up to them, we can take them easily. They're weak, but with how bad off apparently Nouri is..."

She frowned in return, nodding. "Do you know where they took him? They don't have THAT many posts of operation."

"I'm going to take a look into it."

"I'll come with yo--"

"No," he cut her off sharply before softening both is tone and gaze. Reaching up, he traced a finger down her cheek. "Stay here, Rose. You know there are still a lot of people who'd see you worse off than our friend. I can get in there and see what's going on without anyone ever knowing I was there. You... well..."

Sighing, she finally nodded, despite the sour look taking over her face. "Just hurry back, my love."

[Nazshakul]

"Now, now neice..."

Nazshakul walked into the room using his staff as a cane in one hand, and an open book in the other. He grinned at the girl and slammed the book shut before placing it on a nearby table. Leaning on his staff for support he furrowed a brow impishly.

"...Haven't I told you to be gentle with these human men? If you're not careful, you'll snap them like a twig. Just look at what you've done to the poor man."

He chuckled a bit at himself, he's found an interesting past-time in teasing the poor girl.

"I heard we had an unusual guest, so I came to see what the commotion was about."

The old warlock then stared at the man intently for a few minutes, stroking his beard in thought. Nazshakul became much more serious as he spoke again.

"Putanni, human..." Nazshakul said in almost perfect Common.

"It seems you've no manner of luck at all. Beaten by your countrymen, denounced as a heretic and wanted by your own "church". We have more than a few things in common, it seems...."

[Lelenia]

Rubbing her face, she scans over the papers littering her desk. Reports, research and inquiries, all assigned to her hands for catalog and retrieval. This one talks of a new possible use for Plaguebloom, that one discusses Troll lore, and the one over there talks of a rogue priest.

Pausing, she blinks a few times before picking up the last. Scanning down the page confirms her suspicions. "Nouri...gods, there is no end to their idiocy...but it seems Sanctuary can be thanked."

Thinking back, she remembers talking to a few members of Sanctuary, a group promoting peace between the factions, an end to this endless war. An honorable idea at the very least, but the chaos that was dropped on her world didn't leave time for continued connections, and she fell out of contact with the guild as a whole. Now it seems that fate wanted her to renew contact again.

Sighing, she pulled out a clean sheaf of paper, her quill deftly writing out a short note to one of the few names she remembers clearly. Twenty minutes later, the note fell into a goblin mailbox.

[Vilmah]

Vilmah looked up at her uncle, and lowered her head in respect as he spoke with Nouri. His teasing always caused her to blush furiously, and it was especially prevailent as he spoke of the human she'd rescued. She stepped to one side and allowed him to pass her, towards the human. Although she lead Sanctuary, she couldn't reject her feelings of smallness around orcs of an older generation, especially her uncle. As he spoke to the human in common, she watched with admiration. Clearly she'd have to learn the language from him. It was sure to help with diplomacy, in any case.

[Nazshakul]

He looked back toward his neice, and laughed nervously.

"My apologies, Vilmah. I keep forgetting you're in charge here, I didn't mean any disrespect. It's been a long time since I've had to take orders and be subordinant to a higher rank, so blame it on an old man stuck in his ways."

Smiling, he glanced at Nouri, and then back at Vilmah again before speaking to her in Orcish.

"So, how are we to proceed here? Do you have a plan?"

[Laron]

Laron stands up and prepares for an attack, but after looking at Vilmah, he understands she would not let him see Nouri if he was not there to help.

[Noury]

" I'll get you Rend Blackhand" said the diminutive boy on the shabby looking farm horse. It wore a tin bucket on its head with holes cut out for the eyes, carrying a makeshift wooden sword. In the hayfield before the horse was a larger boy wearing a hat of fur with goats horns protruding from it, and a large tree branch for a club. The boy was grinning. " Grrr!!! Never Uther! I am the Warchief of the Horde! You will fall to me! "

The little boy dismounted the confused looking horse and charged the larger boy with mock ferocity " Yaaaaa!! " The larger boy giggled and sidestepped the charge, bringing the club up in mock defence.

But a foot stuck in a gopher hole, throwing the boy off balance. The club swung in a wider arc than intended, smacking the little boy on the side of the tin bucket "Whack!"

" Wes! I'm sorry! Are you ok? Wes! " The larger boy let go the club as if it were on fire and dropped to one knee to pull the tin bucket off of the head of the little boy. There was a large welt on the side of the little boy’s head, and his eyes had a glazed look to them.

The little boy had a sensation of being lifted and carried. He heard a voice inside his head “ Wesley, you have summoned the Lightbringer, and he is here. Patience and Discipline my Son. Discipline will restore the Light…” Then another softer voice. “ Nouri.. Nouri..”

Nouri woke to see the orc woman sitting beside him, a cup of water set on the little table beside the bed. She had a hand on his chest and spoke the word “Nouri”. She then removed the hand and placed it onto her own chest and said the word “Vilmah.” Nouri nodded in understanding, so her name was Vilmah. A remote portion of his brain tickled however with the wonder of how she had discovered his name. She followed by indicating the room and said a word that Nouri was sure was an attempt at common, “Sanctuary”. Was that the place? Or the tribe?

After he spoke her name in understanding she grinned at him, obviously trying to look fierce. Nouri smiled and sipped his water. As a young boy he had often accompanied his father Voorgad on trips to the nearby internment camp south of their farm. Their family had been one of the few farms allowed to donate their excess harvest towards providing food for the orcs in the camps. Nouri used to play with the orc children as his father and the senior orcs unloaded the wagons. He had made unlikely friends among those orc children, something his human friends used to tease him about after each one of those trips. The fanged orc face before him illicited no fear in Nouri, rather it brought back some fond memories.

A slight commotion outside the door was soon followed by the entrance of a short male troll with an odd look about him. He regarded Nouri with practiced interest, which soon melted into a look of pure astonishment. The troll pulled Vilmah away from her seat and whispered something into her ears with what Nouri sensed was urgency.

For the first time since his rescue Nouri felt uneasy. Earlier he was just too pained and too near death to care much about his personal safety. But now with rest and food he had regained much strength and the healing process was starting. However, the pain still persisted in his head and blazed into full agony each time he tried to touch the Light. He felt defenceless.

Now, as if that thought had summoned him, the door opened to reveal an older male orc, who walked into the room with an air of one practiced in wielding authority and secure in his wisdom. He walked using his staff as a cane, and held an open book on the other hand. Placing the book on the table he said something in orcish to Vilmah which made her blush. He chuckled then turned to Nouri.

Astonishgly, the orc spoke in heavily accented common, “"Putanni, human...It seems you've no manner of luck at all. Beaten by your countrymen, denounced as a heretic and wanted by your own "church". We have more than a few things in common, it seems...."

So, they had obviously learned something about his circumstance. Nouri had no choice but to test the waters. He croaked out a response to the old orc, making sure to show proper respect.

“ You honor me reverent father, “ said Nouri. “ Please give my sincere thanks to my savior here, Vilmah. I wish you no inconvenience, and will be leaving as soon as I am able to walk to avoid any complication my presence will bring you.”

It was hard to spit out the words through his battered jaw and swollen lips. Nouri for the first time suspected he had bitten down hard on his tongue during the mental punishment. Speaking to the orc sent waves of pain through his mouth.

The troll, who was still in the room, rose and fidgeted as if it wanted to say something, but settled back in silence.

Nouri sipped from his water, trying to think of the possible outcomes..

[Sulajin]

((Okay. Now I wish I wans't dead. This is a lot of fun and I've wanted to get in on some interfaction RP for quite some time...))

[Shadowspeak]

((Okay. Now I wish I wans't dead. This is a lot of fun and I've wanted to get in on some interfaction RP for quite some time...))

((then come back! Can't stay dead forever!))

[Vilmah]

((Okay. Now I wish I wans't dead. This is a lot of fun and I've wanted to get in on some interfaction RP for quite some time...))

((You could always reroll a new C and join Sanctuary. :D ))

[Kurohane]

Kurohane cursed under her breath as she left that blasted cheese shop again. Bloody man was bloody well being a right ass that night. "Why don't you go play a game, Kuro?" "How about a game of chess, cuteness." "You're not being very sharp, I have bigger fish to fry."

She ground her teeth as she rounded the corner. Xelthan and Pepperine's reports were nearly identical. Nouri had been taken by an orc woman into The Barrens. How many days had passed now since he was captured by horde? Was he even alive now? She cursed again and forced that last thought from her mind. He had to be alive still - she wouldn't accept anything else. And all Trias would do was try and get her to play... chess...

She stopped dead in her tracks, eyes widening. The chess board had been reset.

Another curse under her breath, but this one so quiet she hardly even heard it herself. She didn't have time for that right then... Nouri had to come first, this time. Checking over her bags a final time, she headed towards the Gryphon Roost. Xelthan, Barke and Pepperine were likely already out in The Barrens, searching for thier lost boy - it was high time she joined them.

[Laron]

Laron sits in the corner of the room, on watch through the night. With the amount of people who would see the priest harmed, he does not sleep at all. Taking care of him, helping with his needs, changing bandages, he uses a healing potion on a cloth, he dabs on the humans cracked and dried lips. Never saying a word. His bruises were starting to subside, and his minor cuts were healing nicely…

His mind however…

Laron did not know just what they had done to him. He decided to stay a Troll for now, at least until Nouri was more mentally fit.

[Barke]

"I like knives...don't you?" the cold voice sent a shiver up the Theramore Guards spine. The night elf tossed a small blade between his hands. The elf had one eye which was showing no emotion. Just coldly looking at the unfortunate human.

The guard was held fast by roots from the ground. They were out in the marsh somewhere. Out of earshot of any outpost. He had no help. He watched the masked night elf circle him slowly.

"What did they look like?" Again the voice sent a shiver up the guards spine.

"I don't know who your talking about." The stood as tall as he could trying to match the night elf.

That ended quickly when the air was knocked from the humans lungs. He crumpled before the elf gasping for air.

"Don' make meh ask again yeh durned fool." There was anger in the voice this time. "Yeh best be speakin' or yeh're goin' teh have a very rough evenin'."

The guards eyes went wide as the elf caught the dagger by the hilt and the blade erupted in flame. "Ok ok! I'll tell you what I know!"

"Tha's better. Now le's 'ear it." The fire on the blade went out and the elf sat in front of the guard.

The guard looked at the golden eye and let out a quiet sigh before starting his tale.

[Sulajin]

((Fine then. Mencahe will live once more.))

[Vilmah]

Vilmah looked at the visitors, and saw that they were causing the human to hurt himself by communicating. She rose from her seat, and tried to direct them out of the room.

"Alright, alright," she said in her bossiest tone. "I think he needs some rest. The poor thing can hardly open his eyes, let alone allow you to interrogate him."

She spoke in jest, but there was a part of her that imagined members of her guild had a lot of questions to ask. After all, how often did a human grace their doorstep? She was even gladder at the fact that the rest of Sanctuary didn't question her judgement in bringing him home. This was their mission, after all. Once she had them out of the room, she closed Nouri's door. A hand tapped her shoulder. "Vil?"

Vimah jumped in surprise and let out a tiny shriek.

"Hey hey, it be me!" Nojinbu said with a smirk. "Ya so jumpy.."

The orc sighed, and looked at her Inquisitor with relief. "I have every reason to be... any news?"

"Der be some elves an 'tings out in Durotah, lookin' fo' dis human. Don' know if dey be friendly o' not..." His face looked grave. "Didn't look like it. Mebbe it be best if we moved 'em? 'dey may 'tink we got 'im prisonah."

Vilmah shook her head. "No, they know better. I've gotten in contact with at least one of them, and besides," she smiled. "Our home is no secret. We're brave enough to face whoever might knock on our doors. In fact, they have every right to know."

Nojinbu frowned, but nodded. "Chu need me ta do anytin' else?"

"Perhaps stand guard," she said, indicating Nouri's room. "And be careful, won't you?"

The troll gave Vilmah a salute, and retreated into Nouri's room. She hoped the human would take kindly to his presense, but she had a feeling that the scar-covered one-eyed rogue would be a bit more imposing than she'd preffer.

[Noury]

Nouri's head was swimming. It was an effort just keeping his eyes open long enough to see the orc woman, Vilmah, chase everyone out of the room before vision faded and Nouri slipped into a troubled sleep.

Mists swirled. He stood in a desolate, treeless landscape. Overhead the skies boiled with dark clouds and the ground beneath him was barren grey sand and gravel. Shadows flickered in and out all around him. Suddenly he felt tugs on his body. The shadows had solidified into dark arms springing out of the ground. Inexorably they pulled him down. The sands turned fluid and Nouri felt himself sinking. He flailed his arms in vain hope of grasping something to pull himself up. Down and down he went until only his torso remained above the sand.

Then, a delicately muscled green skinned hand grabbed hold of his left arm. There was Vilmah, holding him up, straining against the pull of the shadow hands. But she was losing the battle. Then another hand, a pink hued elegant hand grabbed hold of his right arm. Looking up Nouri saw Kurohane. THe elf woman was staring across Nouri at Vilmah, but he could not tell whether it was in support or defiance.

A macabre tug of war, between the two women and the dark hands ensued. Stalemate.

Then in the distance Nouri saw a point of light. It drew closer. As it neared he could make out the large shape of a mounted armoured man within a glowing orb of intense Light. The mounted man stopped in front of Nouri and stared at him with pity. Then he spoke;

" They have shut you from the Light, but have neglected the Shadow. The Light served as a bulwark to the Shadow, governing it and managing it. In its absence the Shadow has no retraint. Left to its own, it will consume you in time. You must restore the Light. A candle lit by my tomb, will blossom. It will provide the beacon you need to become whole again. "

The figure of light started dissipating. As it vanished Nouri heard its voice fading into the Nether " Time is of the essence.. Do not tarry overlong.."

There was a snap, and both women fell backwards. The shadow hands grasp slipped and Nouri lay there in the sand...

Nouri awoke with a start. His body felt electric. A quick glance showed him the cause, he had taken Shadowform in his sleep! His sheets and bed covering were smouldering with dark energies. In his sleep he had knocked over his pitcher of water. It pooled on the floor and slowly oozed towards ... feet. Looking up in his semi wakefulness he saw a large pointy eared figure, light glinting off one eye and dark shadows where the other should have been.

"Barke!" cried out Nouri. The figure cocked its head slighty. No, not Barke. There before Nouri was the scarred visage of a large troll, studying him with curiousity.

[Noury]

He found the pain had gone. Indeed, he felt much envigorated, almost like his old self. Almost. But he was still in shadowform.

He rose slowly out of bed, keeping an eye on the scarred troll. For his part, the troll backed up to give Nouri some room, maybe so as to not appear threatening, maybe in preparation for a percieved attack?

Nouri concentrated and let go shadowform. Immediately he felt a surge of returning pain to his body and collapsed on the floor. Energy evaporated from him so that he was left gasping for breath. The troll made a motion towards Nouri as if to help him up. Nouri raised his swollen hand to stay him. The troll paused with a confused look in his one eye, but held his position. Nouri tried to call upon shadowform once again. His head throbbed with the effort but to his satisfaction he felt the rush of dark energies answer his call and familiar whoosh! as his body bcame enveloped in Shadow.

Very quickly the pain departed and his breathing nomalized. Standing he turned to face the troll.

Nouri now understood what the shining man in his dream ( or was it a vision?) had told him. Shadow was still with him, but it was the only thing. Without the Light to counterbalance it, Nouri would succumb in time to the Shadow. Become trapped in its embrace until it consumed him.

He also understood where his only hope lay, as shown to him in his dream. He needed to leave, immediately.

Looking at the troll, took a breath and mouthed the word "sorry". Then made the mental connection. He wasn't certain how long the control would last so he quickly passed his message.

" I thank you and all your clan for their kindness and compassion. More so than my own people have shown. But for my own life and the safety of your people, I must leave. Immediately. I go to complete my healing in the only place it can be done. Should I survive, be it known you and your people will always find an ally in me. Please pass this to Vilmah.

Be well."

The connection was terminated. Nouri looked at the troll a moment for some sign he had heard, and understood. The troll blinked his single eye, then nodded. He helped Nouri don a plain silk shirt and some good travelling boots, gathered together a pack of hard bread and cheese, and some water.

He then led Nouri out into the Barrens. He pointed south towards Ratchet. Nouri shook his head and pointed north, towards the Ashenvale border. The troll nodded and offered a salute.

"Light bless you brother". said Nouri. He then began to walk north, a dark stain on the bright sunlit Barrens landscape.

[Laron]

Laron paces the hallway to Nouri’s room, worry tearing him up inside. He knows that Nojinbu is a good man and would not harm him, but starts to get concerned with the defenses of the keep. If The Archbishop sent men they would come in force. He heads to his locker and retrieves his actual gear, instead of dawning his makeshift lower gear to display his guise. Placing his simple dagger and sword in the foot locker, he picks up his dazzling long sword and The Sword of Serenity. Holding them in his hands, he feels the power of the swords infuse with his soul and he ignites the Firey Enchantmet of them to make sure they still work…

“If the Humans want to take Nouri, they will have to go through me.”

Sheathing his swords, he sees Vilmah’s concern about her new “guest”

“Maybe we let church people think we are hold him presin… prisso… catch person.”

Hearing the picture of water hit the floor, and he jumps involuntarily hands on his hilts. Looking around he sighs. “This no good for me head.” He looks for a chair, and sets it next to the door. “I try two get some sleep.” Slouching in the chair he rests his head against the wall and drifts off to sleep…

“Laron Redthorn AKA Laron Ravenshank, you are hereby charged with Breaking and Entering, Property Theft, Forgery, Impersonating a Noble, and Inappropriate actions with a Lady against her will.” Standing from his seat, shackles keeping his hands down. “I did no such thing! She invited me to her bed chambers!”

Bang! Bang! Bang! “Order in this court!”

“For these actions you are to branded as Thief and are to be imprisoned in the Stormwind Stockades for no less than three years. Guards take him away.” Walking down to the processing area of He sees a table with straps and a forge burning bright. Being strapped to the table, the fear starts to set in as he sees the Humans eyes. “Now let’s see just what you can and cannot handle Thief…”

Waking from his dream, he sees Nouri or at least what looks like Nouri walking out the front door. Fading into the shadows Laron takes up pursuit.

[Noury]

The sun beat down mercilessly over the Barrens, but Nouri felt little. Enshrouded as he was in Shadow, little sensation reached his skin. Underneath it however was a different story. The tingling he always felt while in shadowform was intensifying. As he trekked across the Barrens, it grew to become a burning sensation through his entire form. He could only imagine what damage was being done to his tissues.

Surprisingly he met few souls on the walk. A lone tauren hunter was the only sign of humanoid life he encountered on his journey north towards the Ashenvale border. The tauren studied him for a time, even followed his progress for a spell. She obviously decided that the lone shadowy figure was something she didn’t want to get mixed up with and went her way.

The sun was dipping towards the horizon when he heard the soft pads of an approaching frostsaber. Turning towards the sound, he saw the large white cat drawing nearer, its rider cloaked and hooded. From underneath the hood a single eye shone out at Nouri.

“Nouri!” the hooded figure called out, and brought the large cat to a halt.

“Barke!” Nouri was overjoyed. He felt a surge of comfort at seeing the rogue here in hostile lands, and a sense of wonder at what fortune would have brought him here.

“ Ah, am glad ta find ya,” said the rogue. “Ah heard tha Horde had ya captive. How are ya lad?”

Nouri took a moment to answer. “ Well, as can be expected. They tortured me Barke. Badly.”

“Who? Tha Horde?” asked the rogue.

“No, the Kul’Tiras sailors. I was rescued from them by an orc woman. Vilmah was her name.”

Barke looked on incredulously, “An orc woman…”

Nouri nodded. “ They nursed me back to health, as well as they could. They were decent to me and I owe them my life. But I fear that might be in vain, if I do not go to complete my healing. “ Nouri explained to the rogue about the Shadow power and how it was consuming Nouri without the power of the Light to contain it.

“ I need to get to a special place. I saw it , in a vision. I don’t know what will happen, but I have no choice but to try. What do you know of Chillwind Point? “ asked Nouri.

The rogue thought for a bit. “ Not much ahm afraid. Ah been there once or twice. What ya need there?”

“ There is a tomb, a special tomb. I need to get there soonest.”

“Well, Ah can come with ya, keep ya safe.” Offered Barke.

Nouri nodded. “ I would like the company.”

The two set off on foot, eventually entering the Ashenvale forests without incident. As they walked Barke explained to Nouri some of the efforts he and their friends went through the past week in trying to locate Nouri. It seemed they were always just a pace behind. Nouri felt humbled by the obvious concern they had placed on his welfare.
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They were nearing the outskirts of Astranaar when Nouri felt the tearing inside him. He screamed out, doubling over in pain. Barke was at his side in an instant, but there was little the Rogue could do. Eventually the pain subsided, but Nouri knew that time was now of the essence.

Arriving in Astranaar, they went to the flight master and had her help tie Nouri into the saddle. Then they flew to Auberdine to catch the boats.

[Noury]

Pulling into Menethil Harbour, Nouri saw a welcome and familiar face. Kurohane was there on the jetty waiting for them. She looked tired and there was blood splattered all over her armour.

“ Nouri!” she called out to him.

Nouri waved, but the emotions overtook him. He broke from his normal reserved demeanour and swept the elf woman up in a hug. She was startled, but soon giggled and returned the hug.

Barke approached behind them. “ Ah will go on ahead and scout out Chillwind Point, ta find tha place you are lookin for.” He left them to walk slowly together towards the flight master.

Nouri recounted once again all that had transpired. Kurohane also seemed surprised by the kindness shown by Vilmah and Sanctuary. Then a slight smile came across her face. “ Well, at least you are safe now. But what is this place Barke is talking about? “

Nouri’s expression turned serious. “ Kuro, I’m dying.. unless I find the tomb of Uther Lightbringer”.

She was stricken speechless. Nouri explained what the situation was. She listened with concern on her face. “ What of Darnassus? The Temple of the Moon might be able to help you Nouri.”

Nouri shrugged. “ Maybe, but time is against me. I have to trust the vision. The spectre that came to me was proven correct in diagnosing my condition, I have to believe it is also correct in the cure.”

“ Well, I’m coming with you. The way to Uther’s Tomb is dangerous, many Scourge around.”

They arrived at the flight master and once again Nouri was tied into the saddle lest he suffer an attack while in flight. They flew swiftly to Soutshore, then began the trek north into the Alterac Mountains. The way was dangerous as there was Horde activity in the vicinity, aggressive Horde. They hugged the river to avoid the doomed village of Tarren Mill, arriving at the road leading north to Chillwind Point.

Nouri did not tell Kurohane, but the journey brought back floods of memory. This was the very road he and his father Voorgad used to take when a young Wes accompanied the farmers to their monthly trips to deliver food to the orc internment camps. He was traveling back towards the lands of his birth, back to the source of his worst nightmares.

They soon passed the little outpost known as Chillwind Point. Beyond lay a haze in the distance. An eerie forboding of the horrors that lay to the north.

Travelling a little further up the road the came across a little path that led eastwards into a graveyard. It was towards this path that Kurohane led Nouri. But not before he suffered another spasm of pain. He collapsed in convulsions before a concerned Kurohane. As the convulsions passed, she helped him up urged him to be careful. “ Stay well behind me Nouri, there are scourge ahead.”

Entering the graveyard, they were immediately attacked by a couple shambling, rotting things. Kurohane was swift to engage them. But Nouri felt a wave of hate and anger erupt in him. He called upon the shadow power and sent wave after wave of Mind flays at the creatures, despite the pain it brought him.

Only 1 creature remained. Suddenly a blast of pure Holy Fire struck the thing and seared it to a cinder. Turning, they saw a shining white figure of an elf woman standing there. Kurohane called out “ Lelenia!”

Lelenia! The woman who had wanted to become Nouri’s mentor and spiritual guide! The one who had offered hope. By the Light’s grace and beyond all reason she was here. Nouri felt more confident than ever that his vision was true and the shade of Uther had not misled him.

“Lelenia!” he called out. Kurohane regarded him in shock. “You know her Nouri?” she asked.

“Yes, in a way. It is she who has graciously offered to train me. “ Nouri attempted a bow, but his strength was giving away.

“Hello Nouri, I am pleased to finally meet you.” The woman was radiant. Nouri felt her power emanating like a wave of warmth.

Together the 3 made their way towards a little path that led from the graveyard up a slight incline between two hills. There rising before them was a stone enclosure. Two figures stood there, an ancient looking High Elf priest, and Barke.

Advancing into the shrine, Nouri saw an immense statue bathed in light rising from the center of the stone floor. It was exactly as he saw in his vision. Uther Lightbringer.

The others waited near the steps as Nouri ascended towards the statue. The High Elf priest addressed him.

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“ Welcome Wesley Middleton. I am Thel’danis, guardian of the Tomb. We have been expecting you.”

Nouri was startled, but not surprised to hear his real name spoken in a whisper by this High Elf he had never seen before. The Light was at work here. Pulling out the candle he had “borrowed” from Sanctuary’s keep, he placed it on the topmost step beside what looked like the remains of hundreds of other candles.
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Then he began to pray. He offered thanks to the Light for bringing him to the tomb. He thanked the Light for his friends, then he made an offering of the candle. It was then that Nouri realized he had no flint to strike a spark. Looking around iin brief panic, he spied the flame emanating from Thel’danis’ staff.

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“ Father, might I borrow that a moment? “ The High Elf priest smiled in understanding and lent Nouri the staff for a moment to light the candle. The candle sputtered and burned brightly, its flame flickering in the still airs of the tomb.

Nothing. Nouri looked around, searching for a sign, anything to indicate a change or event.

All was quiet. It was then that Nouri understood. There would be no event. It was all inside him.

“ I understand,” said Nouri. “ It’s a matter of faith.”

He then let go shadowform. Immediatelty he felt the return of the pain and agony of torture. He had forgotten how intense it was. Forcing himself to ignore the pain he called upon the Light for healing.

To his relief and joy he felt the answering rush of warmth and the sweet tingle of healing taking place on his body! Bones knit, joints reset, bruises and cuts closed over and faded away.
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A moment later it was over. Turning to his friends he jumped down the steps in unabashed glee!

“ I’m healed! I can feel the Light.!”

All gathered around Nouri in happiness. Thanking them all, he felt his face getting wet from the flow of tears.

He was still talking to Lelenia about the experience and didn’t notice Barke had walked off to be alone…