Of Love and Power [[closed]]

[Leithlen]

Intrigued...

Long I've wandered these lands, upholding my promise to Darnassus, continuing the watch Cenarius once led. Great Guardian of the forests, his lead we have followed; ever watchful, first onto the field of battle, ever guarding the frontiers Azeroth and protecting all those who dwell within. Traveling further than the Keepers of the Grove have ever wandered, we've protected, and fought with, the many Alliance races of Azeroth.

For centuries, the Night Elves have secluded ourselves and watched as their civilizations rose, fell, and were consumed with war. This war, however, has crashed through our borders, sits at our very doorstep, and all with Cenarius gone from the mortal realm. So, we've joined them in their Alliance. We fight with them, die with them to prevent the loss of our homelands. Some of them even serve our cause, pledging their own name to the protection Cenarius once provided. The human who has become like a brother to me, used his human charisma and paladin nature to gather others to our cause. He and the dwarf.. the sarcastic dwarf who joined our cause. They were the ones to gather these races together when I knew we had to form a greater alliance.

Human, Dwarf, Gnome, and now Draenei; I've met them all, fought with them, worked with their leaders. The great Generals of the Ironforge Regiment, the embodiment of dwarven might. The humans who led the great Keepers of Stromguard. All I've worked with, helped lead our army to greatness, and yet stood patiently as their leaders aged, retired, and otherwise cycled. Their lives are too short, their civilizations too young. Only with other elven leaders does the patience and wisdom of ancient Elven flow. Many other races, and their many heroic leaders I've watched come and go.

So, then, why does this human now intrigue me so. She and her followers new to the ranks of our alliance; having overcome great odds and weathered a great journey. Recently, they stood beside us, and now we call members of our Guard. To us she's pledged her troops in many battles, and yet, two weeks ago I saw her stand beside us as an officer. I've seen the strength of her conviction and the power she directs with just her words. I left that day, thinking of what she could bring to our cause...

She contacted me two days later, personally attacked by zealots, her frustrations mixed with resentment, anger, and dismay. Attacks upon her character, her leadership, her very being. She's been through so much already, bearing the weight of it all, herself shielding those she's pledged to lead to from darkness back to the Light. We spoke. Calmly, I reassured her of her safety among her new allies, assured her that this was no longer her burden alone to bear. That by standing with us, she and her followers were a part of us. Ever watchful, we knew of their trials, and the convictions she'd kept to lead them through. Animosity is nothing new to us.

As we spoke, her tension eased. She lowered her shielded exterior and spoke at ease. A spark of her inner personality escaped, and she caught herself. I noticed the catch more than the spark. There was more there than she had let on to - more than I'd seen. Behind the shield, a fire burned, and I'd seen a spark from the very embers.

I was intrigued...

[Persefani]

Impressed…

Born out of the darkness, I, one day not so long ago, followed a fellow paladin towards the land of the sun. It was there that I met many great leaders. Men and women of elven and dwarven herritage, as well as human. Brave leaders unafraid to lead an army into new and potentially hostile lands. Willing to risk themselves for the greater good, they and my paladin companion rode ahead of the group to meet the opposition at its very gates. I, however, was assigned to stick with the main force, which was to be led by an even greater paladin. Another human like my companion and I, he was a shining example of paladin virtues and I followed him with awe and honor. It was there, on that mission, that I decided that if the people around me were not being properly led and well defended, that I, as a paladin, like many other human greats before me, had a duty to take up the call myself.

During our time in Azeroth, humans have naturally opened ourselves to others; tried to form alliances; tried to reach out and work with others. Throughout the ages, however, the other races have stuck to seclusion, coming to us only in times of need; forming together only when forced. They do not understand the benefits of cooperation, or simply cannot overcome their fear of that which is different from them.

Elves, Dwarves, Gnomes, and Draenei; None of the other races have been able to forge the alliances and massive forces that have helped keep Azeroth safe from the increasing threats it has faced. They have been there to help, but it has always been us, the humans, putting it together. The kings of Arathor and their Kingdom of Strom, the noble heroes of Stormwind, and even Jania's alliance with Thrall; it has always been a human. While the other races have interested me greatly, and have all brought something to the table, I have not yet been truly impressed by their leaders. They lack the vision to look past their own history, grudges, and prejudices, in order to see the greater good.

So, then why does this one Kaldorei impress me? He had worked hard and forged an alliance between guilds within our greater Alliance. He did this - a Kaldorei? Of all the races, they are the most resistant; yet he is a believer in diplomacy and organization. He had the vision to start something great. I knew what I had to do. I pledged my troops to his cause and asked to join the alliance he had helped form. I wanted to learn from he and the others and offer my assistance to their cause. However, while we now fight alongside this alliance and hope to offer whatever we can bring to it, the Sacred Fire still had plenty of its own battles to fight.

I was becoming worn out from my struggles and those of my guild, but my conviction would never let me rest. I pushed forward. I think the stress was starting to show. Our battles were becoming too much and I didn't want to bring my own burdens to this alliance. I contacted him about withdrawing our status, but he did not accept it. He instead spoke calmly and reassured me that we no longer had to face these battles alone. The power in his voice was undeniable, but so tranquil at the same time. I let out a long sigh of months of aggression without my conscious knowing, causing me to slip. My guard was let down. I caught it but I fear it was too late. I feel like I showed a weakness, if he noticed he did not show it. His calming power stayed steady in the conversation.

I was impressed…