Vilmah
05-08-2006, 12:01 PM
Najme awoke to voices. For one horrible moment, she thought that she was waking up from a terrible dream, and that she was still inside of the same brothel she’d lived in for the past 3 years. Instead, she opened her eyes to a scene rich with color and light. Above her was a canopy of trees, and she watched birds fly to ad fro below a blue sky and warm sun. The air around her was no longer blisteringly hot, but crisp and warm, with a gentle cooling breeze. It was then she realized that she was being watched.
“…are you alright?” Asked a man in an officer’s uniform, looking down at her through a shining helmet, plumed with blue hair.
Najme rubbed her head, and sat up straight. All around her, she saw peasants working to build their skills by killing wolves and dragging in the corpses of dead cobolds to be buried. In the distance was a vineyard, and throughout it, peasants were engaged in a struggle against a small group of rogues. Najme looked back at the man in uniform. “I’m… sorry. I don’t know how I got here. Or even where here is, really.”
“You’re in Northshire, and we found you here beside the monastery,” said the man in uniform. “By the looks of you, it seems you’ve been through a rough journey. What happened?”
Rather than explaining herself, she stood up and thanked the guard. He looked at her with confusion as she wandered throughout the fields, her mind astir with thoughts. “How is it possible that I’ve one from hell, to happiness, to hell and back again? It seems as if nothing is real, anymore…”
Najme looked at all of the other peasants, as they made their way throughout Northshire. Finally, she happened into the monastery. After spending a few long hours in the library, to relax her nerves, she found that she felt calmer than ever. The tranquility within the building was slowly rejuvenating her, and she had the sudden urge to meet with the local paladin trainer. She met him downstairs, and he looked at her skeptically.
“Really… it isn’t a path easily taken,” said the trainer with a sigh. “I see too many men with all of the power and the glory of a Paladin, yet without the guidance of the Light to justify his actions. People forget that we are holy warriors, not brutes who use their power to raze helpless civilians. I suppose you’re looking for the easy way to defeat Hordelings?”
Najme thought for a moment. Was she really so simple? Was al she wanted revenge against those who had wronged her? For a moment, it seemed possible. However… she couldn’t forget the kind words of her savior. The understanding shown to her through Vilmah. The trusting people who made sure that she would not be killed while in territory owned by the Horde. “Actually… I wish harm to no one. I really don’t want to hurt the Horde. I’d much rather serve by their side.”
The trainer looked at her face, and saw sincerity in her dark brown eyes. “Then perhaps you will do us proud, miss…?”
“Najme,” she said with a smile. “Najme Montoya.”
The trainer nodded. “You are on your way, Najme, but be careful. Temptations of many kinds will tear at you, and although I know not your story, I am sure it is littered with memories that will try to break you from the peaceful resolve you have demonstrated to me. Please, I’d rather not see that happen.”
Najme bowed to the trainer. “If it pleases you, sir… I’d very much like to begin with my training.”
There was a long pause as the trainer thought about having her begin… when he smiled abruptly, and reached into his bag for some parchment and a pen. “I think that perhaps it will do you well to see what it is you aspire to be, Najme. You have a good heart, but there is something missing.”
“I’m sorry sir, I don’t understand?”
“Have you ever been to Stormwind?”
She thought for a moment. Her life on the seas as a child were long and tumultuous, and she was never granted the opportunity to visit large kingdoms. Even Lordaeron was a mystery to her. “No, sir. I’ve never been.”
“Follow this map, then,” he said, handing her a hand-drawn rendering of a path she should follow. “And do not tarry. I want you to begin your training soon.”
Najme grinned and bowed to the trainer, then went down the path. She found that many of the peasants who she’d seen train in Northshire were taking the same path, and once she got to Goldshire, she saw many more of them. Some had rather primitive armor, but some were gallantly armed and rode mounts of an impressive nature. She thought that she would send a letter to Vilmah, and prayed that it would make it.
Dear Vilmah,
I have reached my destination. I’m sorry that we can not see each other as often as I’d like to, but there are forces at work here. I was rescued by a guild on the Horde side, named Sanctuary. Can you tell me who they are? Thank you. You are a good friend. Please stay well,
Najme
At that moment, she realized that she was forgetting something. Laron! She wondered if he was worried, but remembering her dream about being a night elf, she considered it a small chance. She realized that elves, with their long life spans, couldn’t take their feelings for a human seriously, and she should do her best not to allow temptations of the physical kind ruin her chances at becoming a holy paladin of the Light. However… there was the chance that he was worried, and it would have been cruel not to let him know she was safe.
Dear Laron,
I awoke in Northshire. I am on my way to Stormwind. Thank you for everything, I am forever in your debt. I’m sorry if I expected too much of you. I know that as an elf, you have more time than I, so I won’t waste it with trivial emotions. Again, thank you. I hope that we will meet again someday,
Najme
After sending both of the letters, she continued on her way towards Stormwind. It appeared that this would be a large city, and saw that she was being accompanied by traders, merchants, and other soldiers who sought their fortune. What she saw was far different than she expected. It took longer than she expected to reach her destination, and had to stop to rest halfway there. When she found herself well rested and ready to continue, she took to her feet and continued walking.
The statues in front of Stormwind caught her off guard. So lost was she in their majesty, that several travelers stopped to ask her if she needed assistance. “No,” she said breathlessly. “I’m just amazed by the beauty of it all.”
The others looked at her skeptically, then went on their way. Najme’s knees went weak as she walked behind them, and saw the city busting with people. The sight of humans made her heart race with excitement and joy, and she almost wanted to run up and greet every one of them, but instead opted to get lost within the city. Running past her, a boy was being chased by a girl.
“Gimme back my dolly!” Shouted the girl, in tears.
“Crybaby crybaby!” Teased the boy.
Najme grinned, and grabbed the boy by the back of his neck. He fell back with surprise. “What do you think you’re doing, young man? You should honor this young lady!” She said to the boy.
“Yeah, William!” Said the girl with a grin.
William returned the doll to the little girl, and together the two walked off. “Aw, you’re no fun Donna…” The boy could be heard saying.
Najme continued on her way, taking in the scenes. She found that the city was far too large to see in a single day, and opted to follow the map she’d been given. Walking over bridges that hung over tranquil waters, she felt at peace and happy. When finally she reached her destination, she looked up in awe at a huge Cathedral.
“Light be with me…” She muttered, her eyes blurry with tears. “It’s beautiful.”
Walking into the cathedral, Najme felt her heart grow light. It was here that she would make a new beginning for herself. As if the ground were calling her to it, she felt her knees grow weak and sank to the floor, kneeling before the alter.
“I have been saved. I can not let it go to waste…” she murmured quietly, her eyes closed, her hands folded in prayer. “Light, give me strength to bring peace to both sides. I swear that from this day forward, I will never kill an innocent being, no matter what his allegiance may be. I will uphold the Light, and he Light alone.”
http://stu.aii.edu/~bo312/ssi/chapel.jpg
With the silence of the cathedral, Najme stood and left. Walking through the streets, she decided to leave Stormwind to begin with her long journey towards becoming a paladin. On the way, she spotted a mail box. There was a postal worker there, putting letters into the box. He greeted her.
“Good morning, miss! What might your name be?”
“Najme Montoya,” she said politely. “Although I doubt you’ll have anything for me, so soon.”
“You’d be surprised…” He said with a wink, handing her a letter.
Najme ripped it open, and her heart nearly stopped when she saw what it said.
Najme! I’m so glad you’re safe. The guild that saved you was mine! I’m a member of Sanctuary! I sure hope that we can still be friends. There’s a guild on your side called Throrns and Roses. They know my guild, so maybe we can build ties between our sides through them and Sanctuary! Please be safe.
Vilmah
Najme hugged the letter to her chest, and looked up towards the sky. An answered prayer indeed.
“…are you alright?” Asked a man in an officer’s uniform, looking down at her through a shining helmet, plumed with blue hair.
Najme rubbed her head, and sat up straight. All around her, she saw peasants working to build their skills by killing wolves and dragging in the corpses of dead cobolds to be buried. In the distance was a vineyard, and throughout it, peasants were engaged in a struggle against a small group of rogues. Najme looked back at the man in uniform. “I’m… sorry. I don’t know how I got here. Or even where here is, really.”
“You’re in Northshire, and we found you here beside the monastery,” said the man in uniform. “By the looks of you, it seems you’ve been through a rough journey. What happened?”
Rather than explaining herself, she stood up and thanked the guard. He looked at her with confusion as she wandered throughout the fields, her mind astir with thoughts. “How is it possible that I’ve one from hell, to happiness, to hell and back again? It seems as if nothing is real, anymore…”
Najme looked at all of the other peasants, as they made their way throughout Northshire. Finally, she happened into the monastery. After spending a few long hours in the library, to relax her nerves, she found that she felt calmer than ever. The tranquility within the building was slowly rejuvenating her, and she had the sudden urge to meet with the local paladin trainer. She met him downstairs, and he looked at her skeptically.
“Really… it isn’t a path easily taken,” said the trainer with a sigh. “I see too many men with all of the power and the glory of a Paladin, yet without the guidance of the Light to justify his actions. People forget that we are holy warriors, not brutes who use their power to raze helpless civilians. I suppose you’re looking for the easy way to defeat Hordelings?”
Najme thought for a moment. Was she really so simple? Was al she wanted revenge against those who had wronged her? For a moment, it seemed possible. However… she couldn’t forget the kind words of her savior. The understanding shown to her through Vilmah. The trusting people who made sure that she would not be killed while in territory owned by the Horde. “Actually… I wish harm to no one. I really don’t want to hurt the Horde. I’d much rather serve by their side.”
The trainer looked at her face, and saw sincerity in her dark brown eyes. “Then perhaps you will do us proud, miss…?”
“Najme,” she said with a smile. “Najme Montoya.”
The trainer nodded. “You are on your way, Najme, but be careful. Temptations of many kinds will tear at you, and although I know not your story, I am sure it is littered with memories that will try to break you from the peaceful resolve you have demonstrated to me. Please, I’d rather not see that happen.”
Najme bowed to the trainer. “If it pleases you, sir… I’d very much like to begin with my training.”
There was a long pause as the trainer thought about having her begin… when he smiled abruptly, and reached into his bag for some parchment and a pen. “I think that perhaps it will do you well to see what it is you aspire to be, Najme. You have a good heart, but there is something missing.”
“I’m sorry sir, I don’t understand?”
“Have you ever been to Stormwind?”
She thought for a moment. Her life on the seas as a child were long and tumultuous, and she was never granted the opportunity to visit large kingdoms. Even Lordaeron was a mystery to her. “No, sir. I’ve never been.”
“Follow this map, then,” he said, handing her a hand-drawn rendering of a path she should follow. “And do not tarry. I want you to begin your training soon.”
Najme grinned and bowed to the trainer, then went down the path. She found that many of the peasants who she’d seen train in Northshire were taking the same path, and once she got to Goldshire, she saw many more of them. Some had rather primitive armor, but some were gallantly armed and rode mounts of an impressive nature. She thought that she would send a letter to Vilmah, and prayed that it would make it.
Dear Vilmah,
I have reached my destination. I’m sorry that we can not see each other as often as I’d like to, but there are forces at work here. I was rescued by a guild on the Horde side, named Sanctuary. Can you tell me who they are? Thank you. You are a good friend. Please stay well,
Najme
At that moment, she realized that she was forgetting something. Laron! She wondered if he was worried, but remembering her dream about being a night elf, she considered it a small chance. She realized that elves, with their long life spans, couldn’t take their feelings for a human seriously, and she should do her best not to allow temptations of the physical kind ruin her chances at becoming a holy paladin of the Light. However… there was the chance that he was worried, and it would have been cruel not to let him know she was safe.
Dear Laron,
I awoke in Northshire. I am on my way to Stormwind. Thank you for everything, I am forever in your debt. I’m sorry if I expected too much of you. I know that as an elf, you have more time than I, so I won’t waste it with trivial emotions. Again, thank you. I hope that we will meet again someday,
Najme
After sending both of the letters, she continued on her way towards Stormwind. It appeared that this would be a large city, and saw that she was being accompanied by traders, merchants, and other soldiers who sought their fortune. What she saw was far different than she expected. It took longer than she expected to reach her destination, and had to stop to rest halfway there. When she found herself well rested and ready to continue, she took to her feet and continued walking.
The statues in front of Stormwind caught her off guard. So lost was she in their majesty, that several travelers stopped to ask her if she needed assistance. “No,” she said breathlessly. “I’m just amazed by the beauty of it all.”
The others looked at her skeptically, then went on their way. Najme’s knees went weak as she walked behind them, and saw the city busting with people. The sight of humans made her heart race with excitement and joy, and she almost wanted to run up and greet every one of them, but instead opted to get lost within the city. Running past her, a boy was being chased by a girl.
“Gimme back my dolly!” Shouted the girl, in tears.
“Crybaby crybaby!” Teased the boy.
Najme grinned, and grabbed the boy by the back of his neck. He fell back with surprise. “What do you think you’re doing, young man? You should honor this young lady!” She said to the boy.
“Yeah, William!” Said the girl with a grin.
William returned the doll to the little girl, and together the two walked off. “Aw, you’re no fun Donna…” The boy could be heard saying.
Najme continued on her way, taking in the scenes. She found that the city was far too large to see in a single day, and opted to follow the map she’d been given. Walking over bridges that hung over tranquil waters, she felt at peace and happy. When finally she reached her destination, she looked up in awe at a huge Cathedral.
“Light be with me…” She muttered, her eyes blurry with tears. “It’s beautiful.”
Walking into the cathedral, Najme felt her heart grow light. It was here that she would make a new beginning for herself. As if the ground were calling her to it, she felt her knees grow weak and sank to the floor, kneeling before the alter.
“I have been saved. I can not let it go to waste…” she murmured quietly, her eyes closed, her hands folded in prayer. “Light, give me strength to bring peace to both sides. I swear that from this day forward, I will never kill an innocent being, no matter what his allegiance may be. I will uphold the Light, and he Light alone.”
http://stu.aii.edu/~bo312/ssi/chapel.jpg
With the silence of the cathedral, Najme stood and left. Walking through the streets, she decided to leave Stormwind to begin with her long journey towards becoming a paladin. On the way, she spotted a mail box. There was a postal worker there, putting letters into the box. He greeted her.
“Good morning, miss! What might your name be?”
“Najme Montoya,” she said politely. “Although I doubt you’ll have anything for me, so soon.”
“You’d be surprised…” He said with a wink, handing her a letter.
Najme ripped it open, and her heart nearly stopped when she saw what it said.
Najme! I’m so glad you’re safe. The guild that saved you was mine! I’m a member of Sanctuary! I sure hope that we can still be friends. There’s a guild on your side called Throrns and Roses. They know my guild, so maybe we can build ties between our sides through them and Sanctuary! Please be safe.
Vilmah
Najme hugged the letter to her chest, and looked up towards the sky. An answered prayer indeed.