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Willow {Collaborative Story}

Post by Hellborne

Rage only built up in the veins of Aerth. Nothing would please him more than to rip this vile orc apart, limb by limb. What his motives and plans was, he did not care. All he cared about is reuniting the family. With a glaring stare, the demented demon hunter nodded his head. Aerth had his own plans for his offspring. He knew very well that they had...something deep down. If it was either the key to world destruction, or the answer to salvation, was to yet to be seen.

“And we could be a family, together,” He wished as he followed Curho.

...

“So how much longer will we be on this island?” Asein demanded as he arrived on scene where the brilliant gnome repaired the device. Anxious as ever, he wanted off this rock more so than anyone else. He was still on a mission that the unknown voice told him earlier: go east.

The short stature and bearded gnome looked up to the Asein with a giant grin on his face, only matching the glee of Gunter’s own face. “A few days or so. The search party has a ways to go.” The gnome replied. Cheers roared from the crowd. The idea of being saved was clearly a good thought to the people on the island.

Unsatisfied, Asein picked up the gnome by his shirt. When both faces of the very different races were at equal level, Asein barked, “Make it quicker. Or I swear you-” The elf, halfway through his threat, suddenly realized what he was doing. He slowly let the gnome down. He weakly looked over to his little sister, Willow, who was still staring up to the sky, despite the commotion and her brother being hostile. The brother elf then hung his head low.

What were you just doing? He asked himself. You are becoming something terrible. Just like-

“What troubles you, Sir Asein? Hath thou feel bad? The Light shall embrace thee in warmness!” Gunter inquired as he placed his hand on Asein’s back and patted him. The disgruntled elf only walked away and dropped to his knees next to Willow. Not even his presence broke Willow’s staring contest with the White Lady.

It would be a long night.

As the excitement settled down and many went back to their makeshift camps and fires, only Asein was awake. Laying down on his back, starring up into the night sky. It was littered with various and distant stars. His mind was plagued at disturbing thoughts. These thoughts were the only thing he could feel in any case, only worsening the pain. The pain he had long become used to, yet not at the same time. It was bittersweet, really, to know only pain yet being used to it. He clenched his fists and smashed them on the cold beach sand. What kind of brother was he? Compassion was foreign to him. He could not even love his sister properly.

Yet if there was anything he had to do, was to keep her safe. Go east for safety. It was all he could to. All he could do for her. A single tear fell from his right eye, only to fall from the side of his cheek and crashing on to the sand. This miniscule crash must have caused a very loud noise, because soon enough the human from earlier, the one Asein refused to talk to and claimed he knew Willow was standing above Asein.

“The name is Shen, if you care.” Shen introduced himself as his human pale face blocked out the White Lady. Asein could not care for this human’s name, the only thing he wanted was answers. He jumped to his feet, and with the most stern face,

“Earlier, you said you knew my sister. Tell me how.” Asein demanded, still clenching his fists. He was ready to knock Shen out of frustration.

Shen just shrugged his shoulders and replied, “I am not sure, just do. A better question is what to do now?” Shen asked to Asein.

The elf only rolled his eyes and with all of his willpower refused to attack this poor fool. He did not receive the answers he wanted. “I know exactly what to do. My sister and I will go east. You and your friends will not be close to us, I can just smell trouble,” Asein said with authority. “Now leave, and hope I never see you again.” He threatened. Shen could only walk away and return to his group.

“Like I will leave you two alone. I believe destiny has bigger plans for you two,” Shen muttered under his breath when he was out of earshot of Asein.

Post by Monday

As soon as the last scroll was rolled up, Morgan was out the door and moving as quickly as he could. It didn't matter where, just so long as he was away from the mind numbing stupidity he had just been forced through. He started as Alaric appeared next to him through a dark doorway, then calmed down as he saw who it was. "Your felguard just sliced half my ribs open," the silver haired man grumbled.

"I'd gladly have my ribs sliced open, if I wouldn't have to go through what I just did. I'm still trying to find what happened to my intelligence. It appears to have deserted me in a field of knives and other various sharp instruments of people who can't be understood. According to them anyways." Morgan shook his head, as though trying to shake out the memory. Alaric raised a questioning eyebrow. "I had to go to Jonathon for information..." Morgan grumbled.

Alaraic let out a full belly laugh. "Ha! I think I'd rather fight a felguard as well." They turned into the Canal District, which was mostly empty, the fishermen home for the night. More seriously, he said, "I have the map. We will be able to locate the trio. It's been too long since we've been in contact. They need a reminder as to why they are doing what they are."

Morgan nodded absently. "Oh, I forgot to tell you..." He informed Alaric with what he had learned.

"Gunter helped some warlocks escape the city?" Alaric frowned in thought. "One of which was Darius. But why would a paladin help warlocks escape, especially if he had killed some other prisoners with the 'Light's judgement'? That doesn't make any sense at all..."

"My thoughts exactly," Morgan confirmed. If Darius knows Gunter, and Gunter was on the ship with our trio... is this just an incredibly contrived coincidence... or is Gunter more than he seems?"

"We can't know until we contact the trio," Alaric replied, pulling the map, but leaving the orb inside. "Let us return to Darkshire, for the moment. We can enact the tracking there, and figure out our next move."

"We'd best be ready to move quickly," Morgan said, glancing to the left and right unconsciously. "I'd rather not be surprised by our... comrades while in the safehouse. In fact, I'd rather not see them at all, unless we have a way to kill them before they see us." Hate, black, thick and cold dripped from his last sentence. With a slightly more violent than necessary gesture, he conjured a black portal into the safehouse, which they proceeded through.

Alaric laid both the map and the orb out onto the table, fixed the trio in his thoughts, and established a mental connection with all three. "Greetings, my dear friends." He muttered the words aloud as he sent them to Shen, Lauren and Anthorist. "It has been long since last we've spoken, and I am growing impatient. Your days are dwindling away, and soon your insides will be roasting alive. But not all is lost. Have you come across the one we've been looking for?"

Post by Neonhyper

"Yeah, we've found her, not like you guys really helped any, and now we're shipwrecked and waiting for rescue because of it!" Lauren's voice, not skipping a beat of chipperness despite what she was sharing, echoed in Shen's head as he sat at the edge of the beach. An occasional wave foamed over his bare feet as he listened.

"Unfortunate..." Alaric replied dryly, but his tone seemed to be pressing haste instead of concern.

Anthorist cleared his throat, however that was possible over a mental connection, and spoke next, "We should still be able to arrive back with the child by the deadline," he managed evenly.

"Excellent, and perhaps the best for all of you. Remember, the price of failure is not a very gentle one," chided the warlock before Shen grimaced. Severing that sort of link always shocked him. It was as if someone was pulling part of you that never existed away.

The night previous left him with very little sleep after his confrontation with that night elf, and even the current had resulted in restless nightmares and a leering uncomfortableness. Shen wrapped his arms around his knees and stared at the horizon line, framed by still sea on one side and the sky on the other. The sun was rising in the east, a muted orange color preceding it in the sky. He let out a tired exhale, staring at the slowly fading stars.

"Can I...?" came a small, weary voice to his side, that trailed off uncertainly.

His head snapped sideways and he hurriedly smoothed out the shocked expression on his face at the sight of the little girl. The one they were trying to kidnap. His throat constricted, but somehow he still managed to nod his head and talk, "Y-yeah. Go ahead."

She settled down cross-legged on the sand, staring at the water as it washed up and lapped against her knees, "I wanna say sorry for big brother," she shifted anxiously for a moment and murmured. "He's just really upset and bad stuff has been happening lately and he just wants to keep me safe."

Shen swallowed again, "You... heard last night?"

She nodded slowly, and he lowered his head. Trying to keep her safe. From us, from me.

"My name's Willow."

"Shen, you can call me Shen," he held out his hand after a few seconds, and Willow took it.

---

After the mental link disappeared, Lauren and Anthorist stared at each other across the dead ashes of a small fire in awkward silence, "Soo..." Lauren finally started.

"How are going to kidnap a small child with an overprotective brother out from under his nose and return her to the warlocks so that we save our lives?" Anthorist ended.

"...yeah," she said quietly. "That."

"Well, from what I've gathered, this boat was originally destined for the Eastern Kingdoms. Once we're rescued, that's half of the issue gone already," the high elf started. "Once we're there, it's a matter of distracting her brother long enough to take the girl and get out of there as fast as possible."

"You know, you're pretty indifferent for talking about kidnapping," Lauren pointed at him with a lopsided grin.

"You're an idiot, for being one of the people sent to kidnap someone," he replied dryly.

Post by Hellborne

The two days went without a hitch. The trio of Shen, Lauren, and Anthorist kept to themselves, most likely developing their dastardly plot to kidnap the young Willow. Meanwhile, the elven siblings kept within arms reach of each other. Like a mother lion protects her cubs, Asein protected Willow with all of his heart. Gunter, as usual, went about the campsites, preaching more and more about the ever loving Light that would seen rescue them from this fel-forsaken island. Truly, this island had quickly become a bore. There was little to do besides gathering supplies, such as wild berries and wood for shelter, and waiting for the search and rescue party to arrive. It seemed like only Willow had done anything remotely enjoyable by stargazing at night. This only disturbed the would-be kidnappers and even her brother.

It came like the sun enveloping the day sky. There it was, an entire armada of wooden and steel ships just a few hundred meters away from the shoreline of the island. Cries of cheer and joy pierced the day when the survivors saw the god sent. Within the hour, the few remaining survivors, including the washed up trio, the elven siblings, and, of course, Gunter, weakly walked aboard the predominantly Human ship, the Fallen Angel. It was a fairly sized ship, about thirty-six meters in length with two decks. Gunter went about the sailors, giving words of thanks and encouragement, in the name of the Light, of course. Meanwhile, Shen and his counterparts fled below deck, to where the survivors were kept until they arrived at Menethil.

Asein, with Willow on his back and perched up like a tree, remained on the deck, watching as the ship slowly set sail to the forbidding expanse of sea. It was, for just a moment, tranquil. Asein, too, could feel this sense of...peace. It was like everything that happened in life, from the day he was born to now, was all just a faint dream. Now, now it was as if life actually started. Right there, under the impressive sun beating down on the two cursed children of Elune, life was beginning. However, such a feeling only lasts for so long.

"Asein, where to now?" Willow asked softly into her brother's ear.

Asein could only remember what the strange voice told him. Then, like a rock slide that destroys an entire town, his thoughts and memories of his entire cursed life returned. Gone was the feeling of peace, only to be replaced with fear and nothing. "I'm not sure," He replied to his sister. He could only wonder what she was thinking at that moment. Was it thoughts of wonder? Of fear? Of curiosity? Of pain?

Just like how quick it was for Asein to recall his entire life and sorrow, so did the night arrive. The white moon above seemed larger than usual. By then, the sailors had crashed on to their thin beds in the barracks while the various people who boarded only hours earlier were sleeping soundly in their makeshift beds of hay and twine. Just a handful of people still roamed the ship during the night. The captain hunched over at his wheel, barely in the realm of the conscious. His three sided hat was slowly dripping down his sleepy eyes. Meanwhile, on the other side of the deck, Asein leaned over the wooden railing, looking at his own reflection in the sea. They say a face can tell a thousand tales, and Asein was no different. To elven standards, he was still a teenager, yet his face showed signs of age. Stress was getting to him finally, like a mother who had to live with a handful of children for several years.

"Go east for safety, then what?" Asein asked his reflection. Despite his hopes, his reflection gave no answer. "I... I feel like something terrible is going to happen. It feels...familiar," He shuddered from his own words.

Unknown to the sulking elf, he was not alone in the realm of the awake. In the deck below, Lauren and Anthorist were talking to each other like silent mice. "I have a solution to our problem," Lauren stated to her partner in crime.

"And that is?" Anthorist asked with a hint of reluctance in his tone.

Lauren, with a sly look on her face, answered with, "We are out at sea, yes? Nobody could find a body out here, nor any possibility of said body 'returning,' if you catch my drift. Listen," She leaned in closer to Anothorist and continued, "I will kill the brother, throw him overboard. You play the sympathy card with the target and we are all set!"

Anthorist, after a few moments of thinking it over, shook his head. "No, it will never work. Our best bet is to wait until we dock and separate the two. Then we can take the girl without needing to go through all the trouble of getting rid of the boy," He added his input.

"No, I will take some initiative and go with it! If you do not want to help, so be it!" Lauren muttered angrily as she shot up to her feet and stormed out of their small cabin.

Asein brought his hands to his forehead and rubbed his strained head. Relaxing, yet nowhere near the amount of relaxing he needed, Asein muttered, "What to do, what to do?" He asked himself.

"Being happy would be a great start," A feminine voice answered from behind. Asein turned to see one of the ladies from the island. "You were just rescued from an island." She added.

"What are you doing out here?" Asein asked, less angry than he normally would.

"Just enjoying the night sky, like you," She answered as she strolled next to Asein. She leaned over the railing and looked down at her own reflection as well. Asein, too, turned back and looked out to the horizon.

"Yes, you are right, it would be good for me to be happy, whatever that means," Asein admitted as he sighed heavily. Just then, he remembered how long he had been out there and away from sleeping Willow. "Sorry, I should really get going." He excused himself as he stepped away from the railing.

Lauren in a flash, had her soft hand on Asein's shoulder. "Don't go, please, enjoy the sea," She insisted. "Your sister will be fine. She is probably dreaming of you right now." She added. Slowly, the Night Elf returned to the railing next to Anthorist. "Relax, will yea?" She asked.

Asein did, indeed, relax some more. Not enough to forget his life like earlier, but still. The night sky was soothing, and the presence of Anthorist, was, even just a little bit, calming. The gentle wind passed through Asein's thick hair, just like his partner next to him. But suddenly, the gentle wind turned violent. It rushed through his hair like a hurricane. He then realized that the seemingly innocent Anthorist had, through strength and sheer will, pushed him over the railing.

Time seemed to slow down. Asein was falling from the ship with his back towards the daunting sea. He could see the evil and sly look of Anthorist, looking over the railing of her handy work. Within a second he would crash into the freezing cold sea, with no hope of rescue, or living for that matter. This can't be the end. After all I have done, all for Willow, this is how I go? No, no it's not!

Lauren walked away from the railing with a smile on her face, enjoying her handy work. She took a second to enjoy the stars above, before she stepped down the stairs. The entrance to the below deck was on the other side of the ship, but Anthorist took her sweet old time walking. However, something made her stop in her tracks. She heard what sounded like bats flapping their way through the midnight sky. However, the idea of bats this far out in the sea was ridicules.

Before another thought could race through her mind, she was swept from her feet from what seemed like claws. Her mouth was covered by one...talon while she was held by another talon dug deep into her shoulder. The pain was immense. The stars above her were racing as she and the giant bird above her carried her far away from the ship. She could make out that this was not a bird but a humanoid. A harpy? She tried to scream something along the lines of, "Let me go!" but nothing could escape from her mouth that was caged by the talon.

"Did you think you could kill me that easily!" The humanoid asked with a booming voice. Terror went through Lauren's veins as she finally saw the face of her kidnapper. It was Asein! Only with a pair of bat like wings and talons. His eyes were as piercing as the stars above that were racing above.

Laurencontinued to beg and cry as her blood dripped from her open wound caused by the talon. It was an amazing feat that her body was still held up, and that her skin had yet to be skinned off like a butcher and his prey. Suddenly, like a bird of prey swooping down to catch a swimming fish, Asein plunged within inches of the sea below while still flying at breakneck speed. The back of Anthorist was being ripped to shreds from the water due to the immense speed. Soon enough, these open wounds brought a flood of blood pouring from her back. Tears of pain and fear fell from Lauren's eyes and met the water of the sea. And still, Asein did not relent. Faster he went and tighter his grip on the lady.

After some time of this, with Lauren still clinging to life, Asein went into up in a vertical line at immense speed. Just below the faint clouds in the sky above, Asein released his prey and let gravity do the rest. With one last, long scream of terror, Anthorist met her end with a collision with the water below.

The next morning, Asein found himself awake on the deck of the ship. He looked like any other Night Elf. He slowly remembered the events of last night. He brought his hands, now normal and without sharp talons, up to his face. The dry crimson blood of Anthorist was still stained on his palms and fingers.

"What have I done?"

Post by oneforthemoney

“What do you mean shipwrecked!” Darius thundered at the small gnome on the other side of the booth. Amaranth sighed, glancing around furtively to see what kind of attention the warlock was gathering. Her broad brimmed hat, which she recently had been forced to don with her horns beginning to peek out of her hair, rotated with her head. Truth be told, she was likely receiving more looks than Darius, her skin having garnered a slightly green pallor from the fel energies making some inquisitive people ask if she were ill.

Fortunately, it appeared most of the people in the Ironforge Naval Headquarters were used to such scenes from irate traders, demanding what was the hold up on their cargo and the like.

“Please sir, calm down. The search party only recently came in contact with the crew via gnomecorder, a brilliant piece of engineering by the way and one that hurk!” The gnome was abruptly cut off in his mid-boast of gnomish engineering, Darius having reached across from the other end of the booth and grabbed the gnome’s collar. With a slight yank he pulled the diminutive man eye level with him.

“What. About. The ship.” Darius growled, releasing the gnome once he was sure his message was across. The gnome coughed, straightening his collar nervously before the human.

“Y-yes well, we managed to learn their location and a passing naval group picked them up. They should be arriving in Menethil Harbour in a few days’ time.” The gnome declared. The warlock’s eyes flashed at that and he eagerly leaned in close to the gnome, who leaned back in his chair in response.

“Do you have contact with the fleet?” Darius demanded. The bespectacled gnome blinked and nodded quickly in affirmation. “Good. Get me in contact with it immediately.” Darius ordered, leaning back once more.

“I’m, afraid I can’t do that. Only high ranking military personnel and such.” The gnome squeaked, flinching in fear as Darius’s eyebrows knit in anger. Very slowly the warlock reached into a pocket, several Ironforge guards reaching for their weapons and eying them suspiciously.

“You see this?” Darius asked coldly, pulling forth a small gold medallion engraved with the lion of the Alliance, but added to it was a pair of horns sprouting from its forehead. “This says I am a member of the grandmasters of the Warlocks Guild of the Alliance. Now tell me, is that enough rank?” Darius asked sharply.

The gnome, now quaking in his boots at the sight of the medallion, nodded fearfully. “I-I’ll be right b-back.” The gnome stuttered, hoping from his seat and scurrying through a door near the back of the room. Darius smirked and leaned back.

Before too long the gnome returned beckoning Darius through the door. With a nod the warlock rose and followed, Amaranth moving as well until the gnome blocked her path.

“I’m sorry, authorized personnel only.” The gnome quickly if apologetically informed her. Amaranth cast a look at Darius, who smirked devilishly and moved up behind the gnome.

“Don’t worry, she’s my succubus.” Darius told the diminutive man, squatting alongside him. “Notice the sultry look, the excessive eyeliner, the barely concealed bust and the way she has been subtly giving you those flirtatious winks now and then.” The gnome glanced in awe back at Amaranth, who gritted her teeth in rage and flushed in embarrassment.

“O-oh, I see. Very well.” The gnome answered before leaning in close to Darius, though Amaranth still heard his whispered words. “Do you think, maybe after your finished I could…” Darius clapped a hand over his mouth not to laugh but shook his head.

“Sorry, she’s mine I’m afraid.” Darius chuckled. Ignoring the dejected look of the gnome, the warlock and assassin departed into the back room.

“You’re a d!ck.” Amaranth hissed, which Darius just chuckled off.

They were soon led into a large room by a guard, who opened the door to admit them quickly. Bulky consoles, buttons with no obvious purpose and large flashing lights filled the large chamber in the scattered way all gnomes seem to operate. Led toward but one of the many consoles, Darius was given a microphone by a technician who then scurried away with the guard.

“Hello? Is this the captain of the vessel with the survivors of the shipwrecked vessel?” Darius inquired politely. After a brief moment of static a reply came.

“Aye. What do you need?”

“Did you happen to find a large human, wears plate, carries a hammer and likes to go on about the Light?” Darius asked, Amaranth raising a brow at the slight tone of worry that entered the man’s voice.

“Ugh, you mean Gunter? Yeah yeah just a sec, shouldn’t take too long to find him with that bloody voice of his.” Came the reply. Darius sighed in relief, what could nearly be called a look of wistfulness following the captain’s description.

After a minute or two the gnomecorder hissed back to life. “By the glorious Light! What a most curious device. Thou sayeth I must speak through this contraption? What fascinating sorcery!” Amaranth flinched at the volume of the voice bellowing through the speakers.

“Gunter? It’s me Darius.” Darius quickly spoke into the microphone, seemingly immune from the volume.

“Darius! What glorious fortune no doubt blessed by the most glorious and heavenly Light permits me to speak with thee! I cannot wait to tell thee of the people I have met on this most blessed journey upon the seas!”

“Forget about them. What’s important is, are you okay Gunter?” Darius asked.

“Most certainly! For the Light doth grant blessings of the most glorious sort to all who fight in its name!” Darius sighed in relief once more, his grip loosening slightly on the microphone.

“Good, good. So then, Will you be arriving soon?”

“Most certainly! Though, I’m afraid I may have become side tracked for I have come upon two poor souls in desperate need of the Light’s aid to fulfill a prophecy of most glorious and sanguine sorts, involving safety in the most blessed of Eastern Kingdoms.” Darius scowled at the news but nodded all the same, though Gunter could not see it.

“I see. And who are these two prophetic people?” Darius asked.

“Two children of the moon who doth seek safety and to escape the foul reaches of those who march to the beat of evil’s taint. Our party hath recently been joined by three more who doth seek to see the two poor souls to safety as well.” Darius froze and glanced to Amaranth, who returned his wide eyed gaze with one of astonishment.

“Gunter, this is very important. Are these three a human, half elf and high elf?” Darius asked carefully.

“Indeed!” Darius glanced back to Amaranth, who nodded, mouthing the words ‘it’s them’. The warlock grinned darkly, turning back to the microphone.

“Gunter, I have an idea. I just bet that if you bring them to Ironforge, I can help them find safety with my connections.” Darius slyly intoned. Amaranth watched the warlock eagerly. Her freedom was nearly at hand if this worked. She impatiently waited as Gunter agreed and both conversed some more before the warlock hung up the receiver with a fond smile, turning away only to see Amaranth grinning slyly.

“… What?” Darius demanded.

“Oh, nothing. I just never thought that the grand warlock Darius might actually have a heart that might care for a friend.” Amaranth mused teasingly. Darius remained expressionless as he slowly advanced, standing right in front of the woman. Amaranth took a slight step back, wondering if she had gone too far.

“Be thankful I do and will hold myself to our deal because of it.” Darius informed her softly but with undeniable menace. Amaranth nodded silently, half in surprise at the lack of vague threat as Darius turned back to the door. “Now come, we have preparations to do with the warlocks of Ironforge in readiness for our companies arrival.” Amaranth nodded slightly, following the warlock out of the communication room.

“If I had a copper fer every time I woke up sayin’ that.” Asein whirled his head around, spotting the one eyed dwarf who had been on the island with them. Without invitation, the stocky man stomped forward and plopped down next to the night elf, pulling a pipe out and lighting it. The canine who accompanied the hunter soon joined them, lying down next to its master.

“I-I’m sorry, Beldrum was it?” Asein greeted, somewhat taken aback be the stocky man’s presence. The dwarf nodded, taking a puff of the pipe and blowing a small smoke ring.

“Aye, that’s me.” Asein shifted uncomfortably by the dwarf’s presence, rising to his feet to leave.

“I’m sorry, but I have to see to my-.”

“Ye know,” the dwarf interrupted, forestalling Asein from leaving, “that beach ye were at where the naga attacked was a right mess. Looked like something’ right savage did them serpents in. But when me ‘nd the dolt got there it was just ye and yer sis.” Beldrum mused. Asein froze, fear beginning to gnaw at his belly, How much did the dwarf know?

“I-I don’t understand what you’re getting at.” Asein whispered in a lie. The dwarf huffed in response.

“Ye don’t? Hmm, pity that.” Beldrum answered before patting pepper on its head and rising to his feet once more. “Ye know, yer sister is a nice little lass. I think I might just be joinin’ ye when ye get ta shore. After all,” Beldrum murmured as he passed by Asein, “she might be needin’ protection from monsters that can get real close without ‘er even realizin’ it.” Beldrum said cryptically as he walked past.

Asein didn’t move for a long time after that, the dwarf’s words echoing in his head.

Post by Neonhyper

It was late afternoon, after hours of hard sailing, that Anthorist found himself pushing open the door to Shen's cabin on the ship. The human was hunched over his cot, his expression twisted as if his stomach might be contorted the same way. Anthorist figured it wasn't from sea sickness, as his own head felt like it was wheeling right off his shoulders. He hung in the open doorway, a sickly mass of bile sitting at a standstill in the middle of his throat.

"You saw it?" Shen stood up rigidly, slowly turning his head to look at the high elf. He did look like he was going to vomit.

Anthorist crossed the room and sat against the opposite wall from Shen, "I'm sure you mean whatever demon spawn just murdered Lauren, correct?" he asked dully. It was an already answered question, just from the silence that seemed to hang over both of them.

Shen's stretching silence prompted Anthorist to speak again, but more softly than he was used to at this point, "We know now what exactly we're up against. This isn't going to be as simple as expected."

"We'll deal with it when we get to the Eastern Kingdoms. Lauren's already dead, there's no point in raising even more suspicion with another failed attempt to kill Asein," the name sounded foreign to Shen's tongue. He had only heard it recently because of a conversation the boisterous paladin was having with that cynical dwarf.

The two of them remained in the cabin awkwardly, with nothing else to say but not wanting to leave, until the elf spoke up once more, "I was too hard on her. Light, she was locked up for two years and all I could think about was how stupid she was in the middle of all of this. Now she's dead. For what, even?"

Shen slumped down against his bed and set his head against his knees, "Anthorist, I... think I loved her," he stated sullenly.

"I know how you feel," Anthorist crossed his arms against his chest and muttered, staring at the single porthole window and the sea the ship was leaving in its wake. Lauren's grave.

---

Asein had regained his wits and had ran to the depths of the sea-going vessel as fast as his legs could carry him. The dwarf was right, in so many ways that he did not want to confront. He had murdered that woman, blood literally staining his hands from the deed. His mind could barely recall the act, everything shrouded in dusk and that creeping numbness. Asein's heart beat cold; the worst of all was because he did not even feel remorse.

He was a monster inside, and no matter how far he ran, or how hard he tried, he was endangering the very person he was trying to protect with all his soul. Asein set his head against the door into the room Willow and he were staying in, his fingers and grimy nails digging into the wood. The tears slicked down his cheeks felt empty, their weight carrying no feeling that should have been vibrating to his very core.

When he finally opened the door, he found Willow on the floor, wrapped in a blanket and playing with a small ragdoll she had be given from one of the ship's deckhands. The sight of her distracted joy managed to push a hollow smile onto his face, but that quickly faded when he once again remembered the danger he posed to his own sister. Inside, he cried with anguish, but found that he couldn't even feel himself.

Asein dropped onto one of the two cots, burying his head in his hands and wiping the tears away with his palms. He had to try. Protecting her was the only service he could do, and leaving her alone would bode no better than if he stayed. He only wished there was another option, one that would leave her out of any danger at all.

Stewing in his own lack of emotions, he didn't notice Willow crawling up beside him until she was already there. Her black hair hung in an unruly mess in front of her face as she looked up at him, tugging on the bottom of his shirt earnestly, "Asein? Asein? Big brother?" she asked. "Are you okay?"

Her voice was so quiet and soft, that he looked down at her and couldn't help but pull his little sister into a hug, "If you are, Willow, then I'm the best I can be."

And for once, he felt a small flame in his heart, and a surge of relief as she embraced him back.

---

"Hail, valiant Captain of this Light-blessed vessel! I doth wish to inquire how long it shall take until the most welcomed shores of the Eastern Kingdoms are reached?" Gunter bellowed as he approached the captain of the Fallen Angel. The man cringed, lowering his spyglass as he turned to face the paladin.

"We've been met with favorable winds, Gunter. It should only be another day until we reach Menethil's Harbor. From there, you may all go your separate ways," the captain replied, adding a 'thankfully' under his breath.

"Ah! Thank the Light for its most fortunate aid in helping us escape that most dreaded island!" the paladin boomed, turning around and walking off, "I shall inform the others of this wonderful news that thee have so generously imparted upon me!"

---

"My contacts have informed me that Darius and Amaranth are hiding out in Ironforge," Morgan said casually, Alaric and he strolling into Darkshire's ever gloomy streets.

Alaric muttered and knuckled the side of his head, "I have no doubt they're trying to intercept the trio and claim our prize as well. It might be a good idea if we try to hamper their efforts. Those three fools can't know that we all aren't working together anymore. That would lead to disaster if they handed the kid off to Amaranth."

"I suppose we'll be taking gryphons to Ironforge then?" asked Morgan, his voice dry.

"Seems like it," Alaric removed a handful of silver coins from his robes, and flicked one of them up and down in his other hand.

Post by Morec0

Alaric and Morgan paid the gryphon master and took to the skies on the backs of their winged mounts. They urged their steeds as quickly through the skies as they could go, wanting to arrive as quickly at Ironforge as possible and, maybe, before Darius and his allies.

---

“I seek transport for myself and my allies to this island,” the cloaked orc said, holding up a sketch of the island he had scryed earlier.

The orcish captain looked at the sketch and then chuckled. “I know the island,” he said, “But never will I even consider giving your kind transport across the Great Sea. You reek of fel magic, more than even the usual warlock. And you night elf ally,” he glared at Aerth, “I serve the Horde fully, and you are a disgrace to it for not slaying this Alliance scum.”

“The Horde? Pathetic excuse for an orc, you forget where we come from. Our true master is not the weakling Thrall, but the Dark Lord of the Legion.”

The orc glared at the cloaked Curho. “I thought as much.” He grabbed his battle axe and swung, only to have the metal weapon melt as demonic flames consumed it and him. The warlock spat at the corpse. A waste of good muscle and too little brains, he thought.

“Kill them all,” Curho said. The Legionarries in his command charged onto the ship. The crew attempted to fight against them but, while they wounded many, they were unable to kill any of the attacking warlocks and Legion-serving warriors. Swords, axes and muscle proved no matched for demonic flame and shadow, especially when that flame and shadow was backed by its own muscle and weapons. As the last of the crew fell, Curho, Soulsplitter and Aerth walked onto the deck.

“Clear the deck,” Curho said, the burned and battered bodies being picked up and carried to the side of the ship by the Legionaries where they were dumped into the ocean. As one attempted to move the body of a burnt troll, though, Curho struck him with a bolt of demonic shadow. “Not him, you fool! We need this one.” He nodded Karng over to the body. “Resurrects the navigator.”

The death knight channeled necromantic energy into the corpse; slowly it rose back to its feet. It was a puppet by most standards, doing Karng’s and by extension Curho’s will, but they needed his mind, and so Karng had done his best to ensure enough of it remained intact. Curho showed the undead troll the sketch. “Take us there,” he commanded.

The troll took in the image and nodded. It had been there once before and could take them back to it. Curho commanded his servants to get the ship ready for its next voyage immediately. The Legionaries made all haste in carrying out this command.

Aerth stood silently in the shadows. He would be with his family again soon, and then he would kill the warlock if he tried to stop him.

Curho noted the demon hunters absence, but thought nothing of it. He did not like or trust the night elf, he even though higher of Karng than his newest "ally", but once Aerth's precious daughter was safetly in the hands of the Legion he would terminate his deal with said demon hunter. That said, he always had a backup plan incase things went south for him. Always.

Post by oneforthemoney

Amaranth had been to many places of fear and power in her life and employment, leaving her fairly immune to things that would make lesser men and women shudder. Battlefields strewn with bodies, the halls of lords and ladies of court, the inside of the Stormwind Keep, even the twisted trees of Felwood and the heavy atmosphere the accursed forest had held had barely given her pause. Yet, as she followed Darius through the shadowy portal summoned by a warlock acolyte, she could not help but feel awe and fear permeate her body like a poison once on the other side.

That morning Darius had fetched her, bringing her to the mystic ward enwrapped in stony silence. Leading her into a back alley, they had been met by several shrouded figures. But a flash of the medallion from yesterday had the figures bow in deference to Darius, conjuring the portal they had stepped through with spidery language that hurt Amaranth’s ears to listen to.

Darius, garbed once more in his shrouded clothes he had worn when she had first met him in those tunnels what seemed like a lifetime ago, walked purposefully and without hesitation through the gateway, not even pausing to orient himself once on the other side. Amaranth shivered as she followed, the atmosphere of the tunnel stifling and the air unnaturally warm, as if the tunnel was the throat of a great beast and was being warmed by its breath as both descended to its belly. As the pair neared the end of the tunnel Amaranth felt that comparison truly apt, the other side of the exit having stone stalagmites lining it making it appear as if they were leaving through a great monsters maw.

It soon became obvious why. The true monster had not been what they passed through, but resided on the other end of the tunnel. Amaranth froze as an oppressive air of raw power and strength fell on her, seeming to crush her with its very presence. There was dark and sinister power here, she realized with a shudder, concentrated like she had never before witnessed in her life.

A small circle in the center of the room carved into the floor was the only source of light, the platform seeming to glow with an eerie purple. It was to there that Darius travelled, Amaranth hurrying after lest she be left to whatever the shadows hid.

Stepping upon the glowing ring Darius looked up towards the hidden walls, the light of the platform seeming to run along his form affectionately like the arms of an old lover.

“Fellow grandmasters, I have come seeking audience.” Darius called out, his voice booming in the chamber. With a flash, twenty six green flames sprang to life, flanking and illuminating thirteen seats seeming to hover amongst the shadows and the figures seated upon them. Amaranth looked about, her voice robbed of her by the very presence the figures seemed to exude like a choking miasma. She was amongst some of the greatest warlocks in all the Alliance she realized in horror!

“Well if it isn’t Darius.” An attractive woman garbed in robes uttered teasingly, a glowing crown of fel green flames hovering over her head like an unholy halo moving as she cupped her chin in a delicate hand. “I haven’t seen you since old man Magni was turned into a rock.” A dwarf seated in another chair wearing large black metal armour with dozens of jagged metal points sticking from it snickered slightly, his voice having an echoing ring from the metal helm he wore.

“Indeed, sorry for not writing Miria.” Darius remarked.

“Enough banter.” Another grandmaster snapped, his face shadowed in a helm that looked as if a fanged monster was eating his head. “You summoned us on extremely short notice and I want to know why?” The man wheezed, betraying his age.

“Lay off Xavem, not everyone likes to lock themselves in their labs all day.” A bored looking black haired man idly mentioned, waving the older warlocks protests away.

“Watch your tongue Braxis or I’ll…”

“Enough.” Amaranth whipped her eyes away from the two arguing warlocks to a figure seated in the grandest throne, twice as tall as the other stone seats. The one who sat in it however was the least adorned of all the others present, simple black robes garbing him and a hood pulled over his face, hiding his features in the shadows. Yet even with so little ornamentation he managed to fill the giant throne with mere presence, his voice seeming to echo a dozen others as if several people spoke through his lips and not just one. Amaranth flinched as the man’s aura seemed to wash over the room like a wave of power, cowing the others instantly.

“Speak, Darius, and we shall judge your news if it is worthy.” Darius nodded slightly and Amaranth had the distinct impression the warlock was smiling.

“Of course master. As many of you no doubt know, one of my former students made an attempt on my life not too long ago after I interrupted a ritual he was in the midst of. Much to my embarrassment, he nearly succeeded in ending me. I took revenge naturally but he managed to revive himself and escape.”

“You seek aid for your retribution? What folly-.” Xavem interrupted only to flinch as the cowled grandmaster turned his head to look at him. With a flinch the aging warlock lapsed into silence once more.

Darius nodded at Xavem all the same. “Naturally I would not consider calling on any of you unless I would be willing to pay for your assistances.” Miria giggled slightly at that earning an inclination of Darius’s head in her direction. “But this is not about him. Rather, it is for the project he was working on.” Several of the seated warlocks shifted in their seats, betraying their growing interest.

“What was he working on?” Braxis inquired curiously.

“They discovered something which, through its very nature and presence, can supress fel energies without limit or taxation upon itself.” Darius declared triumphantly. The hall filled with whispers of the grandmaster as they consulted each other, the air stilling once more as the apparent ruler of the cabal raised an arm in silence.

“Are you certain of this?” The armoured dwarf asked, his voice echoing in the chamber.

“I have one of their compatriots with me. She informed me that, through several individuals connected tentatively to the artefact they managed to confirm its presence. Imagine the possibilities my fellow warlocks. With such an item in hand think of what we could accomplish! No other warlock be they cabal or individual could match the might of the Alliance! The Horde, Shadow Council, none of them could stand against us with this weapon. We would be heroes of the Alliance, celebrated and no longer forced to hide in the shadows and bound by such choking restrictions as the church and kingdoms hold us with now.”

“And of course,” Darius continued slyly, intertwining his fingers before him as if to lock up from leaving this room what he was about to tell his compatriots, most of whom were now leaning forward in their seats expectantly. “With such a weapon, even some of the greatest of demons of the legion would not be beyond our abilities to subjugate to our whims.” The whispered conversations resumed with fervour, even Xavem becoming engrossed in conversation of the possibilities with his neighbour.

“Silence.” The master of these warlocks uttered, conversation gradually dying down once more at his words. Slowly, the robed figure stood, his power seeming to radiate from him as he gazed at Darius from his throne. “What do you require from us?”

Amaranth could not see it, but she had the distinct feeling that Darius was smiling.

Asein sighed in slight happiness, having Willow in his arms granting him some measure of security. The peaceful rocking of the ship soon calmed his frantic heart. The night elf let loose a slight sigh of relief as the world seemed to slow down around him, the silence of the cabin and rhythmic motions of the ship helping the stress of the day start to melt away. At times like this, Asein almost felt as if this peace might last forever.

“By the glorious hand of the most holy Light! Truly we doth enjoy the graces of the maiden of fortune, cradled in her bosom for her fickle nature hath not thrown us to the sharks of disappointment and misfortune as of yet!”

Then Gunter showed up.

With a startled squawk Asein had shoved himself into the farthest corner of the cot in surprise before he realized who it was, even then not managing to release his death grip of his sister before Gunter had strode up to them, grinning ear to ear as usual.

“Wh… what… what?” Asein tried to ask though his shock had yet to abate. Gunter merely laughed, clapping a hand on Asein’s shoulder in comfort.

“Thine shaking in happiness doth grant me the greatest of joy. For I have news of both serendipitous and blessed sort! My good friend Darius, who I had been intending to visit, has given me the most splendid and blessed news! He believes he can manage to grant both of thee, Light blessed siblings that thou art, asylum for a time!” Gunter bellowed happily.

Asein blinked, not understanding for a moment before realization dawned on him. Grabbing the paladin wannabe the night elf pulled himself closer to Gunter. “Wait, your friend can help us? Are you sure?’ Asein begged, hope dangling before him tantalizingly. Gunter laughed boisterously.

“Of course! Darius is well connected and can no doubt aid thee in finding sanctuary.” Asein hung his head at that, tears pricking the corner of his eyes. For once, tangible hope was before him. Sanctuary! Aid! No more running, blindly following scraps of hope tossed to him by some deity who had shunned him all his life and left him to the wolves.

Unbeknownst to the trio in the room, a fourth person had been privy to their conversation.

Shen, back pressed against the wall outside of Asein’s cabin felt sweat bead his brow, eyes wide and fearful. He recalled the name Gunter spoke so carelessly. It was the name of the fearful warlock from the catacombs in Stormwind that had cowed both Morgan and Alaric with ease, before they then murdered him and spirited Shen away.

And now, their party was heading right to him.

Shen shuddered and pried himself away from the wall, stumbling down the hall towards where he had left Anthorist.

Post by Hellborne

My child, listen to me, hear me out. This world can handle one damned soul, one cursed and blessed at the same time. However, it can not handle two. I know you are on my path, I can feel it in my bones. You know very well how this will end and how such conclusion will be achieved. You have already took your first few steps. It begins with self defense, and defense for those you love, but what will be next? My child, that is for you to find out, for if you do not, those who feel challenged by strength and sheer power will eliminate you, just as they did to me.

Asein shot up from his makeshift bed inside the catacombs of the sailing ship. His breathing was labored and heavy, like an elderly man whose heart was giving in. In these moments of terror and fear, the damned child of Elune scanned his surroundings to find any form of threat. The nightmare he just lived through was on his mind and nothing else. All he saw was his beautiful little sister, sound asleep in her bed. Such grace and tranquility brought relief to Asein as he slowly returned his aching back to the gentle embrace of the bed. However, he did not return to sleep. No, not after the rush of fear he felt only seconds earlier.

As he laid there, staring up to the soggy, wooden ceiling above, he recounted the nightmare. It was brief, with total darkness. If it was just that, it would have been another boring night for Asein. It was the voice, the voice that Asein had learned to fear and hate. It echoed like a lone man in a cave calling out for help, yet firm like crystal. The voice of the winged man of darkness that has brought and early end to hundreds. The very same man that not only brought evil into his own heart, but to Asein and even Willow's as well.

Aerth.

The father with just intentions, yet unjust actions to meet such goal. Asein tried all his might to kick the thought of his father out of his mind. He replaced it with the conversation he had with Gunter yesterday. If what Gunter said is true, and that his friend can provide safety, then perhaps the terrible storm of his life had already passed, to be replaced with the calm after the storm. Perhaps, Darius was the east, he is safety. It was beginning to make sense of to the disgruntled elf. Gunter was the guardian who swore protection to the siblings, and his ally is the safe haven.

Tomorrow, when they arrive in the fabled Eastern Kingdoms, Asein may be able to breath a sigh of relief. His plight was over, now he was convinced all he had to do was to keep Willow safe, at all cost.

Unlike the complete darkness and daunting nightmare of Asein, his sister was living in a paradise. Deep in the realm of sleep and fantasy, she danced in gardens and enjoyed the beautiful day. The sky was light blue with no clouds to disrupt the beaming sun above. Gentle breeze flowed through the land like water in a river. Willow's pure white dress did not for a moment stay unmoved, as the young child of Elune ran around and picked flowers of various colors. Her laughs and cheers was unmatched to any sound in this pleasant wonderland.

She collected a hand full of wonderful flowers that she had never seen before. Colors of red, blue, violet, and orange engulfed her clenched hands as she raced to the trunk of a tree. She sat down at the base of the towering tree. The tree itself was not like any other in the mortal world, it gave an aura of peace. It seemed familiar to Willow, but it did not concern the innocent girl.

She went through her collection of flowers, not noticing anything else. She did not notice the breeze passing through her hair, nor the joyous animals prancing about, nor the tree she sat by. Not even the lone figure standing above her. It was just a pitch black shadow, not any different than shadows in the real world casted by the sun above. When Willow finally finished with her task, she looked up to the figure standing before her. It remained still, like an ebony statue. The young elf did not even shudder as she stood up. She only matched the figure's waist. An excited smile grew on Willow's face as she recognized the man before her.

"I missed you, you have not been around for a while!" She squealed as she lifted her arms up. The man lifted her up to his chest. "Can we fly again?" Willow asked.

Without answering, the man sprouted angel wings and took off to the everlasting sky above. They did loops, dives, and banking turns like a free gryphon. Willow smiled greatly and screamed in excitement. Her ride did not provide any vocal words or facial expressions. This flight lasted for several more minutes, maybe even hours. When the angel touched ground and placed Willow on the ground, the young girl seemed worried.

"When will I see you again?" She asked with her worried eyes. Once again, the angel did not reply, but it seemed like the words were placed inside the young girl's mind. She nodded and grinned once more.

Now, for the first time, the winged man moved. He bent down to one knee and took Willow's hand. His hand was smooth like silk, much like Willow's. Once again, the man spoke not with his mouth, but with Willow's mind.

"Ok," She nodded understandably. The man brought a flower and placed it in Willow's hand. It was a violet Hydrangea with one dull thorn in the middle of the stem. However, what set it apart from any other flower was that it seemed to give a slight purple glow. Willow smiled in glee at the sight of the flower. As she examined the flower, one word crept into her mind like earlier.

"Protection."

Once again, Willow nodded and embraced it next to her chest.

In the realm of the living, Willow was still sleeping in her bed on the ship. However, one thing was different, the violet, glowing flower laying on her chest.

Post by Morec0

Asein attempted to sleep, but for the longest time he could not find the fatigue for him to do any more than close his eyes. He sat, staring at the wall. His thoughts were constant; the Eastern Kingdoms, Gunter’s friend will help us. As he continued to sit he actually began to feel sleep overcome him, and soon drifted off. Before this happened, however, he caught a glimpse of the violet flower in Willow’s hands.

Where had that come from?

On the ship’s deck Gunter stood, breathing in the salty air. It was here that Shen approached him, having already made sure Anthorist was at ease. “You don’t know what you’re doing,” Shen told the paladin.

“What doth though mean?” Gunter asked, turning to face Shen. The other human glared at him in the fire of the torches along the ship’s railing.

“Your, ‘friend’, Darius. How long has it been since you last saw him?”

“What doth the time I have been away from-.”

“How long!”

“A few years, not since before the Cataclysm. Why is it of any consequence?”

“He’s a warlock?”

“Impossible, Darius was a astute believer in the Light. Never would my good friend transverse into the realm of shadows and demons!”

“Even the most noble of people-.”

“Lies and blasphemy!” Gunter shouted, standing straighter. “Darius is a friend an ally of great honor, a warrior of the cause of the Light even if it hast not given its blessing to him. Good day sir!”

“Listen to me!”

“I say good day, sir!” Gunter turned and walked away, Shen not showing any signs of doing so himself.

Shen just watched him walk away. The paladin had good intentions, that was undisputable. But he did not know what had become of his friend. A warlock, one of the most foul. Shen knew this personally. And he wouldn’t let the honorable by naive warrior of the Light drag two innocents into his clutches. He would not let them meet a fate anything like what Lauren had.

He began his return to his cabin.

Come landfall, he and Anthorist were taking Willow and Asein away from Gunter.

“I require two things,” Darius replied. “Reagents, and that all of you are present in Ironforge when it arrives.”

“You are so certain it will come to us?” the master asked.

“More folly!” Xavem burst out. “Even if it were to come to us, for us to gather in broad daylight would mean the end of us! We have enemies with the means of striking us down should we reveal ourselves.”

“Not within my home,” Darius replied. “An old friend of mine will be bringing it to us. When he does we will be able to slay him, whatever other allies are in his presence, and take the artifact for ourselves. We will then proceed to use the artifact as is needed to increase our power. I recommend starting with the bending of powerful demons to our will.”

Amaranth had a feeling Darius was saying less than what he truly had in mind. Something in his words seemed laced, but with what and why? What could he have been planning?

“Do you have a way to ensure it does not negatively affect us as well?” the master asked.

“Where did she go,” Curho growled at the shipmaster held up against the wall in front of him. The warlock himself wasn’t touching him though, nor was any of his servitors. The Shipmaster was held up by the Curho’s fel-iron greatsword, pierced through his shoulder.

“I-I-I don’t know-.”

“LIES!” the warlock yelled. “The night elf girl, her brother maybe. She was here.” They had followed a string of clues left by torture to this point. Now they needed to find where she had gone from here. If only this rat would talk. “I have other ways of making you speak, but I’d prefer to keep you alive,” he lied. “Now, tell me where they went!”

The Shipmaster’s expression was sheer fear as he tried to remember something, anything that could get him out of this circumstance. Then he remembered. “A night elf girl did come this way!” he said. “She, a night elf male, a paladin and two others. They- they took a ship to the Eastern Kingdoms – Menethil Habor, I think.”

Curho glared at the human and pulled his sword out of his shoulder, letting him from to the ground. He then raised his weapon over his head to bring it down. “But you said-!” the terrified man attempted to say, but the weapon sliced his skull in half before he could finish. Curho did not dignify the corpse with a response.

“We’re heading to Menethil,” he said to his allies. “No matter what risks that entails.”

Menethil… maybe there it would be easier to reclaim his children from this orc? Karng, seemingly sensing the demon hunter’s thoughts, merely laughed at him as they began to board another ship. A ship which the almost immediately set to commandeering.

Willow {Collaborative Story}

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