((Written almost a decade ago with the best writing companion one could ever ask for...))
Posted 13 April 2005 - 04:37 PM-Sinagh
“Shoo…Away with thee…” Sinagh’s hand bats wildly at the small insects that seem to fly about her head only to aggravate her. A long heavy sigh and she finally rises from her spot under the tree. A battle lost to the tiny ones. She folds her book under her arm and looks around. The light was growing dim in the sky. How long had she been out here? Bet you longer than she was allowed from the looks of the stars that were now showing in the darkest parts of the sky. The night elf turns and runs the short distance back to the inn and sneaks through the doors in attempt to make it up to her room before someone recognizes her.
“Young one…” his voice gave her pause. She stopped in her tracks, yet didn’t turn around merely cringed, knowing what the next line would be. “Why must you disobey me?” Sinagh turns and her lips turn downward in a frown as her shoulders drop with her posture. “I wasn’t disobeying… so much as I was just…. Pushing limits?” her attempt at humor wasn’t well met.
The elder Druid's eyebrow perks and he shakes his head. “We do not tell you these things and give you rules because we simply have nothing better to do. We do not ask you to do certain tasks for the sake of torturing you. There are an infinite amount of things that you must learn in the short time you will be on this island and you choose to act as though we know nothing. Do you really think that you are ready to go out on your own?”
His eyes gazed down on her not in anger, but in gentle tolerance. His spirit had not been as wild as hers, but he did remember, no matter how long ago it had been, what it was like to be a young one… full of life, free of the pains and darkness that had been overtaking everything around them as of late.
“No Sir… I do not. “She wasn’t going to tell him she had seen the Angel more than once that day. She wouldn’t tell him she had taken a short ride on the boat only to be frightened of what she saw and return. She wouldn’t tell him of the rogue she met that she had a great fondness of.
“Then I suggest you find your way to bed and tomorrow you keep this conversation in mind.” his voice was laden with concern and love. Sinagh nods and sighs. “And you will do more than just the quests that I had instructed you to do. When you are finished with the ones I gave you... Return to me and I will give you the others.” Before she could protest he continues, cutting off the argument. “And should I find you out again, disobeying what I have said, I will make sure it takes you longer than the young rogue, to leave as well.”
Her mouth drops open in disbelief. “How..?” he shakes his head and smiles. “Again young Sinagh, should you choose to listen to your teachings, you would have a better grasp of the gifts that you have been given. You know very well how I know. Just be careful. I can heal many things. But a broken heart only time can mend. Trust me in this." He gave her a sad smile.
“Now to bed with you.” Sinagh nods and makes the last steps before turning around, to have the last word. “His name is Aramand, father…” he winks and says...”I know...”
Posted 15 April 2005 - 12:01 AM – Sinagh
The thunder of hooves awoke her from a restless sleep. Screams rang out through the air and there were unknown languages shattering the peaceful air of Darnassus. "Darnassus is under attack!" someone yelled as they charged down the hall past her bed. There was no time to think, just react, as she yanked up her armor and her weapon. "The front gate!" another voice rang out. Sinagh had little time to dress properly but managed to get on the rags of armor she was given and bolt down to the grassy opening. The sight would forever burn its place in her mind.
Bodies littered the once serene landscape of the city. Rider less mounts charged each other over the fallen bodies of their masters. Screams of agony and war cries accosted her sensitive ears. "What is happening?" she manages to ask another young one who was standing near. "I...I don't know?"
Three Elders charged past them in cat form, letting loose a horrific roar as they clashed with the intruders. Sinagh found herself frozen in unbelief. The creatures that were attacking were unlike anything she had ever seen. They looked like animated death. Rotting flesh wielding weapons and casting magic’s unknown to her. The language they spoke was as foreign as their visage to Sinagh. Wide eyed she watched on as the battle at the front gates of Darnassus raged.
"Craftsman Terrace is under attack!" the warning rang out. Sinagh turned on her heels. She was standing near the paths to the terrace. "Hurry!" unknown hands shoved her out of her fear trance and into action. Her feet, although not as swift as some of the others, found themselves in full motion directly into another horrific scene. Again, bodies lay in death sleep all around. She slows, her body trembling with fear. Why? The question rang through her mind. Sinagh had only a moment of question before her body was sent crashing to the ground with a crushing blow. She hadn't seen what it was that had attacked her, but she heard the hooves of the beast it rode as it continued past her to lay waste to another. The young one that had been at her side only moments before was laying face down next to her, the last of his life slipping from him. "No... No... No..." she whimpers out and crawls to him, laying her hands on him gently. "You will not leave this way..." Sinagh found energy inside herself that she had never felt. One filled with compassion and love in the midst of all this horror. Closing her eyes she willed his life-force to remain intact... his spirit to stay. "You!! Hurry!! We need you over here!" Her eyes met with another Druid and he points to other wounded. "If you can heal... We need you...” She looked down on the young one she was holding and he smiled faintly, whispering to her, "I'll be fine... go where you are needed."
Sinagh runs, her body aching with the pain of the blow she received, to the others.
"Through the portal!! They jumped!!" She heard them yell. The scene was playing itself out in slow motion. Sinagh tried to concentrate on those she was to help. "But... I am not strong enough..." she cries as she looks over the wounds of another. "You are strong in heart young one... do what you can." the woman’s voice was supporting even though she was badly injured. Sinagh’s eyes closed and she again felt that overwhelming energy washes over her as she went to work.
"They killed the Ditch Digger!" came to her ears over the rest of the noise of war. Sinagh's heart sank. She knew him, had talked to him several times and it hit her hard in the chest. These monsters were destroying everything. Was there nothing she could do?
~~~~
Sinagh sighed as the last of the attacking Horde was run out of the city. It was over... finally. She felt an overwhelming sense of guilt. There was nothing she could do to fight back. Even her attempts at healing were more or less useless. She had done nothing more than comfort those injured until a priestess had arrived. It made her heart heavy. Convinced that it was over she walks, dragging her feet back towards her room. She had no want to quest this day. Her father could wait....
Posted 17 April 2005 - 01:18 AM – Sinagh
Sinagh sat quietly, watching the world pass her by. It had been several days since she had seen Aramand and it gave her a surprising sense of disappointment. She found herself searching the faces of those that passed her for his beautiful eyes. With a sigh she checks her list of things to do and finally makes herself get up and go. She had to make another trip to the lake. Maybe this would be the last one and just maybe it would take her mind off of him.
Sinagh paid little attention to what was going on around her... her mind wandered back to Aramand. How could someone have made such an impression in such a short time? Closing her eyes and shaking her head she chuckles at herself realizing that he obviously made a better impression on her than she had on him.
As her feet navigated the slopes down to the lake she stops to pick some mageroyal and take in its fragrance. 'Best get moving, no time to stop and mess around' she thinks and walks down to the tent. "Good day..." Sinagh says and hands Denalan a satchel with seeds in it. "A very good day indeed!" he replies and digs around in the dirt planting the seeds. Sinagh steps back a bit, semi watching what he was doing. "Oh!" Denalan yelps as the seeds sow little deadly attacking beasts. Sinagh caught off guard is nearly knocked off her feet. She struggles to pull her weapon free as the little things nip at her. "Kill Kill!" she hears them say in unison and she manages to shake one loose. Another, whom Sinagh had not seen, dispatched them all rather quickly with a few short swings of his sword.
"Denalan and his plants..." he chuckles and smiles.”I imagine that's not what you expected?" Sinagh giggled and brushed off her clothes. "No sir... “Her eyes scan his face and she pauses at his eyes. He was clearly blind. Scars led the way to the pale lightless white that covered his eyeballs. Sinagh now felt even worse than she had just moments ago, being caught off guard only to be rescued by a blind man. She found herself staring at him and quickly looked away.
"It's okay. Yes, I am blind." he said as if he knew what her response had been. "But... how did you...?" Sinagh asks. "I follow sounds. I can see with my ears so to speak." he said gently as if he had responded to the same question many times. She moved closer to him and sighs. "What happened to them? Your eyes I mean?" He chuckles and sits down. "I received a... shall we say... Permanent wound. Many have tried to heal it... But to no avail. “There was a tint of sadness in his voice but he kept it masked as best he could. Sinagh was amazed by how well he perceived the things around him and watched him closely as he 'saw' the world around him. She sits near him, "Don't you get lost?" She asks. "Don't you?" he retorts and they share a laugh. "I suppose I do more often than I'd like to admit." she responds feeling rather silly having that pointed out to her. "You make do with what you have. “He says and continues, "Some that can see, still can't 'see'. It is all in how you choose to handle it. I could sit and mourn the loss of my sight, or I can get up and deal with it." Sinagh nods in agreement. "It works better if you speak rather than nod..." he says. Fascinated with watching him, she laughs. “I imagine it is...I am Sinagh. A pleasure to meet you...?" "Oh dear... Forgive me. I am Fenrisspade. My friends call me Fenris. The pleasure is mine."
While the two sit and talk, another Druid, proudly bounding around in her new found bear form pounces up near them and roars with excitement. "Congratulations Lanai!" her accompanying friend applauds. Sinagh sighs sadly, but manages to clap for the newcomer. "Yes... congratulations." as Lanai shifts back and stands proudly Fenris nudges Sinagh. He whispers, "Why the deep sigh?” Sinagh whispers back, not wanting to ruin Lanai's moment, "It's just that... if I was allowed to leave the island, I could learn how to do that. But my Father won't allow it." Fenris' lips turn downward in a frown. "Why would he restrict you from learning something so important?" Sinagh didn't want to admit it was because of her own transgressions. Before she can answer, Lanai approaches. She beams with pride and smiles at Sinagh. "Are you ready to learn how?" Lanai asks her. "Yes... but I cannot do the required task because I cannot leave the island." Fenris stands and helps Sinagh up. "How about we accompany you to Dark Shore so that you may learn?" Sinagh sighs, "My father would be very angry with me..." Fenris smiles, "I'll handle him if he shows up. I think you should go." Lanai nods in agreement. Sinagh jumps up and down with excitement. "Okay!"
The three make way to Rut'Theran Village to catch a ride with the hippogryphs. Sinagh can't help the smile that is covering her face. "I wish that I could see what magnificent creatures these are.” Fenris says under his breath, not wanting the Hippogryphs master to hear him and draw attention to his lack of sight. Sinagh smiles and whispers to him, "I am sure your vision of them in your mind’s eye will do them the justice they deserve." He nods and they depart for her adventure.
Posted 21 April 2005 - 03:28 PM - Zor Primus
Darrend sat atop a boulder overlooking the Veiled Sea. He was in cat form now, enjoying a cool breeze from the ocean waters. It soothed his newly formed feline muscles greatly. He has just learned this form and relished in the freedom it gave him. Far from young this ancient night elf had begun a simple life ages ago in the forest of Ashenvale. He had been something of a philosopher in his youth, and then during the many wars with the Horde has been a warrior. His connection to nature was always there. Elune had given him the gifts of the Druid. Yet it was a rarity to see them displayed, except in battle when he healed the wounded around him. After the last war with the Burning Legion Darrend had gone into seclusion deep in the forests of Ferolas, there he lived almost like a hermit among the many predators and prey of the far away night elf forest. That was of coarse until he happened upon a former comrade in arms now turned Ranger named Juraviel. Together the left Ferolas to return to Teldrassi, home of the night elves, and a land with a promise of a bright future for the troubled elves.
It was there that Darrend was approached by a Druid from the Circle of Cenarious. The wise elf had persuaded him to learn the ways of the Druid, to help bring back balance to Kalimdor and the world. “Much has been lost, but much more to be restored!” he had told Darrend who had already decided to learn the ancient teachings. So it began a long strenuous life of a newly initiated Druid. Tasks that seemed mundane to one of such age, but he accepted it with a simple outlook of tranquility. Here he was, not truly a novice any longer, but no apprentice as well. He felt and heard nature’s call all around him. The songs of the trees, the paths of the bear and cat, the silent stalking of the wolf and glorious cry of the owl. The power was his to command, and his to share with all who were of noble heart. He has spent many moons contemplating his purpose, his goals in this new chapter of his life. The forests of Darkshore were tainted with an ancient evil. It was an evil that he has been combating for many months now with little results. The foolish humans to the north practicing the dark arts, always playing with disaster, and to the south an ancient stain residing among undead and other races of darkness.
Still, the last few days had brought along a new challenge. One that he himself had not foreseen, nor wanted. He first encountered her in a visit to Teldrassi. The Shadowglen had been a welcome sight after so long a period of darkness. There he first met this young druid of an unusual spirit. She possessed a unique beauty about her that many female elves had, yet something about this one caught his eye. Quickly resorting to the teachings he scolded her and scoffed at her feeble attempts of bravado. “Patience young one, for in time you will be great.” He had said that first night. A young friend Aramand watched her progress before he himself was lost in the shadows of the unknown. Darrend was reporting on his progress in Darkshore when he was approached by a cloaked Druid. “There is a young Druid named Sinagh who has arrived on Darkshore to aid in its restoration and balance. You are to help her and guide her, and take her as help in your work there as well.” The quiet yet powerful voice proclaimed. Darrend’s protests went unheard as it was a command straight from the top. How could he, one not powerful, not only protect himself in the dark forest, but now give care of a Druid who was not only young but inexperienced.
He was pleasantly surprised to see that this Sinagh was the same Druid he had met in the Shadowglen. She recognized him at once and shied away. Darrend, no longer portraying the image of a stone wall Druid helped her do many tasks that he sadly thought he had completed. Darkshore’s taint ran deep indeed! As the nights passed and he spent more time with this Druid he felt more and more drawn to her free spirit and unique beauty. Echoes of his days long forgotten crept into him as he watched her, smiling once in a while when she joked with him about Druid ethics. Tonight he was going to take her outside of Darkshore into Ashenvale. Not into the forest itself, for there were predators that would surely hurt or maim her. Astranaar had been a small outpost when he was young, now it flourished as an important settlement. Standing up he growled a low grumble that frightened away a pair of crabs. With a leap he was off the boulder and into a full run towards Auberdine, where he would await Sinagh to awaken. Along the way, a bear thought it smart and ambush Darrend from behind a tree. With his cat like reflexes he easily side stepped out of the claw that would have impaled a lesser foe. A grin that revealed his fangs spread across Darrend’s maw as the bear set itself for another attack. One that never came, for the ebony furred cat pounced, razor like claws opened and digging into the thick neck of the bear who had fallen back in shock.
The two rolled a couple of times down an incline. As they landed Darrend leaped on the bear again, his powerful hind legs thrusting him hard into the torso of the stunned bear. It was over in the next second as another swipe from Darrend tore through flesh and bone, mortally wounding the bear. With a slight wince Darrend returned to elf form, unleashing a bolt of starfire to end the beast’s suffering. For just a moment Darrend stood over the corpse which still sizzled slightly from the starfire. He had the slight taste of blood in his mouth, and a few trickles of sweat rolled down his face. “May you return to this land with less of a temper…” he whispered and reverted again to cat form. More weary he traveled back towards Auberdine, and Sinagh.
Posted 24 April 2005 - 03:26 AM - Sinagh
Darrend was patient with her, as he watched her fumble through the paces of the many tasks they endeavored upon. Sinagh held a quiet resentment at her inadequacies, especially when watching Darrend at work. He was swift and precise with every movement and motion. He had softened up a bit from the moment they first met, but Sinagh still remained guarded. Although a bit more subtle with his criticism, Sinagh felt like the words he said in some instances were coming directly from her Father. She also found that the more she came to know him, the harder she worked to make sure she didn't disappoint him.
The two worked together at several tasks, but she was quickly reminded at his superior skills when she had been left hiding in the shadows while he slipped through the trees to rescue a poor bear’s master. She stood watching, as his feline form slipped through the dark hearted assailants only to return to her unscathed. Sinagh forced herself to hold her tongue about being left behind and returned to Auberdine with him.
"I have something I wish to show you." he said, with a smile hinting on his lips.
The mystery trip was slowed only to stop and see Onu in the Grove of the Ancients on their southern walk. Darrend told her of his time there, but Sinagh's mind was on the new land around them. She hadn't ventured this far south and was amazed at the overwhelming feeling of darkness and despair this part of the forest brought to her. As they approached the ancient one, Onu caught eyes with Sinagh and laughed out loud startling her. "Young Sinagh... I wondered how long it would take you to leave the nest your father had you caught in and wander this direction. I am actually surprised it has taken you this long." Sinagh's eyes lower, expecting the next of his words would hold a scolding. To her surprise it did not. "Young one do not fret. I will not tell of your transgression. What I will say is this. Your Father is more like you than you realize. He is lost in his own grief with the loss of your Mother. I see the same light in your eyes as I did his, so long ago." Sinagh raises her eyes to his once more and smiles slightly. "You do?"
Onu's massive form shakes with laughter sending small birds a flight from his bows. "I have known your Father since he was young. Yes Sinagh, I see that same free and unbroken spirit that made your father great. You have the face of your mother Myli and the spirit of your father Artesmon." Sinagh smiles up at him and whispers, "I thank you for your words of kindness and encouragement." Onu smiles a cracked bark grin and turns to Darrend. "I trust that you are teaching her well. Take care of her. “Darrend bows and turns with Sinagh to leave. As the two walk away Sinagh can hardly contain her excitement. "He knows my father!" she finally bursts out when they step foot on the path. "Darrend chuckles and says quietly, "I hope he can keep a secret." Sinagh nods, "He promised as much."
It pained her that she must hide her travels from her father. She wished that she could share the wonderful tales of all the places she had been and the wonderful people she had met. She wanted to sit and talk, like they had done when she was a child, about the creatures of the wild and the magic of life everything contained. That was a never land of myth now. Now that she knew of the darkness that all the land and creatures were tainted with. It was the same taint that had overtaken her brother and sucked him into the depths of madness, finally bringing him to an end. "It's not fair" she thinks as she realizes that Darrend had taken her deep into a land that she had not seen before. He was traveling swiftly and with purpose to a destination unknown. As she looked around at the landscape he stopped, turning to face her. "Welcome to Ashenvale. This forest was my birth place." Sinagh was stunned by its beauty. Every color of the spectrum flooded her sight. The trees were massive and looked healthy and full of life, so much unlike those in Dark Shore. "It...It’s beautiful Darrend..." He had already continued forward. They eventually arrived in Astranaar.
Sinagh found herself staring at Darrend as he spoke with a vendor. He conducted his trades, ignorant to the gaze. A mixture of respect and awe washed over her. She hadn't really taken time to 'look' at him. Sinagh's eyes slowly took in his visage, and she locked every bit of it into her memory. He turned to ask her something, his lips parting with words but stopped as he saw her gaze. He cracked a smile and then continued to say what he had intended. Sinagh didn't hear the words through her blush of embarrassment at being caught staring at him. "What?" she manages to stammer out. "Is there anything you need while we are here?" Darrend's lips still held a smirk. "Um...No... I don't think so." even if she did, she wasn't going to admit it now. She really just wanted a place to hide. He finished his shopping and the two found spots to rest for the night.
As Sinagh laid down she looked over at him, his back turned to her. Someday, she would prove to him that she was worthy of his attentions and that she wasn't the lackadaisical Druid that he thought she was. She was determined to do so. With that thought, and an odd flighty feeling in her stomach Sinagh closed her eyes and found, for the first time in a while....a restful sleep.
Posted 29 April 2005 - 03:21 PM - Sinagh
Sinagh opened her eyes from a needed nights rest and fully expected to see the silhouette of Darrend near her. Her eyelids flutter a bit and she sits up, rubbing her eyes. He was gone. A heavy sadness filled her and she flopped back down on her pillow and let out a very heavy, long sigh. He hadn't even said goodbye. It angered her and hurt all in one shot. 'You are being melodramatic.' she thinks and closes her eyes. The self criticism didn't help. She was upset and the reality of the situation was that no matter what she thought about him; she was a pupil, a young, inexperienced nobody in his eyes. That thought brought an emotion to her heart that would have drug tears with it, should she not be so stubborn. There was no way she was going to give in to the crystalline liquid that was welling in her eyes. Wiping her cheeks she sits up again and looks around at the new city he had brought her too. She could do what he expected and run home, or she could make the best of being in a new place and work on her skills. She opts for the second and stands, trying to maintain some sense of composure - pushing him from her mind for the moment.
She worked her way back to Auberdine with a vengeance. She took any work that was offered, recruited help from whoever was able and willing. The nights melded together in a blur for her but Sinagh was determined to change the vision of her that Darrend held. When her body ached and all she wanted to do was sit, it was the image of him that kept her moving. The motivation was so intense that she had all but forgotten to sleep and hardly ate, eating only when she could go no farther. It was then. In the midst of her driven state that she met Sarinne.
Sarinne was another young night elf, and another Knight. Sinagh was on her way out of Auberdine, with more work, when she recognized the tabard Sarinne wore. She stopped, hoping to find aide in her newest workload only to find out that Sarinne was more like her than she could have dreamed. The two worked together for the better part of the day, talking and sharing the entire time. It took Sarinne a bit to warm up, but Sinagh was persistent and the two worked rather well together. This teamwork taught Sinagh a bit more, and Sarinne had made her think long and hard about her reasoning for staying in Darkshore and not traveling further out. Sinagh had given her friendship in return, to one whom seemed to not have many.
When they parted ways, Sinagh was finally ready to return to Darnassus and receive teachings from the Elders. With a proud strut she stepped into her home and smiles to her father whom narrowed his eyes slightly at the sight of her, giving a scolding look. "Where have you been?" His voice was low and almost menacing. "Darkshore Father..." she stood tall and did not waver. Yes, she had disobeyed him but she had good reason and she wasn't going to allow him to ruin the day for her. She was about to learn many new things and had worked long and hard for that right. "I needed you here." he says rather quietly and looks away. She couldn't read his face, but his voice was cracking. "What's wrong..." she says and closes the distance between then quickly, kneeling next to him.”A vision... of you... Sinagh... you must promise me you will no longer go there." As much as she wanted to promise him, she knew that if she was ever going to be respected as more than a young one, she would have to leave Darnassus. "I cannot promise you Father... You know very well that I cannot. If you have had visions of my demise, I am sorry. I do not share in that dark vision with you. I spoke to Onu while I was over there. I believe as does he that your visions are clouded with a grief that you have not gotten over." Her father rises in one fluid motion, toppling the table in front of him and looking her directly in her eyes. "And I will never get over it! You wish me to forget your Mother?!?" Sinagh couldn't take back what she had said. She hadn't meant it that way, and didn't know how to deal with his reaction. In fact... she had never seen him act this way and is scared her. Stepping back from him she shakes her head... "I will come back when you have your head about you. I love you..." she turns and runs; not stopping until she reaches the bank and she falls to her knees near the path and buries her face in her hands. Never had she spoke that way to him, she wouldn't have dared or dreamed of it. He had darkness in his eyes that scared her. He wasn't rational and that too frightened her. She would return to see Onu and find out what the Ancient one thought on the matter. For now... she would remain in Darnassus - at least this night, keeping a watchful but distant eye on her father.
The following day, with less than expected fervor, Sinagh makes the trip to see the Druid trainer and stays the remainder of the day. She is lectured several times about her wayward behavior and it being unbecoming of not only Druids but Night Elves in general. Normally she would have put up an argument, but not this day. She sat silent and accepting the chastising that she was being doled out. When she left that evening, she felt rather small and insignificant, especially since her trainer had refused to teach her several things until she had proven herself more. He told her that because of her lack of comprehension for the ways of the Druid that she must further work on her skills and then return for his teachings.
Again she fell short and would disappoint Darrend. She had so hoped that before she saw him again that she would learn the transformation of the cat. That was not going to happen now. That night she was to make the trip to Stormwind to a Guild meeting. Sinagh was sure he would be there. She drug her feet about going, but made the trip anyway. Her father on her mind and thoughts of Darrend tugging at her heart.
When she arrives, lost as usual in the strange city full of humans, she wanders until finally finding the Tipsy Elf tavern. Sinagh had never stepped foot inside a tavern and had never attended a meeting as this. Once she arrived out front the sight overwhelmed her. So many beings, from every race were shouting and cheering and drinking. The smell of booze and the city of humans overwhelmed her. Stopping at the bottom of the stairs she looks for a place to go, and is met with the elder eyes of another Night Elf. She cringed as she noticed he was watching her and again, felt small and useless. He sat atop a magnificent creature and looked down on her with judgment in his eyes. Sinagh felt her knees giving under her. She didn't want to show her weakness but it was all so overwhelming!
"Sinagh!" she heard Caliope's familiar voice over the crowd. Caliope was waving from in front of the tavern door. Sinagh waves back and turns to greet the elder Night elf (Juraviel) and finds that he has now passed her with a huff up the stairs to the taverns entrance. 'Great!' she mutters knowing that the jury wasn't gone long on that decision.
The meeting drug on for what seemed like an eternity. The entire meeting, Sinagh sat with her back to most everyone there. She had found a table away from the group, hoping for seclusion, only to have Caliope move the meeting to her table. Before she knew it, she was sitting directly in front of the Ranger that only minutes ago she had offended. Sinagh sank in her chair and remained there, wondering where Darrend was and why he hadn't made it. At least if he were here... things wouldn't be as bad.
Posted 29 April 2005 - 04:48 PM- Zor Primus
It was a dark place that Darrend found himself in, a strange place indeed for a meeting with an elder of Darnassus. He had rarely traveled into the Ferolas, and this night seemed eclipsed of all light. Not even the stars shun this night. He had been called away here by the Cenarion Circle to discuss matters of prophecy. He wondered if for some odd reason things that had been going on with him were slipping slowly out of the control he was accustomed to, no, aspired to have. From the distance he heard the roar of a cat. A steed for sure, soon enough his assumption was confirmed. A pure black cat with many decorations leaped from the shadows. On it was an elf, tall and imposing shrouded in a robe and hood that covered all but his glowing eyes.
Darrend stood tense as this mystery rider slipped gracefully from its mount and approached him. Out of respect, and the feeling of power emanating from him Darrend bowed lowed to this stranger. “You may be at ease Darrend, for I am a friend.” He said in a voice full of authority, but reassuring. “As you wish…” was all the druid could reply. Already not liking the disadvantage he had of knowledge. “I have summoned you here for a purpose.” The stranger began. In a rare show of defiance, more to satisfy his own pride Darrend replied. “No one summons Darrend!” The hooded one not changing his tone continued. “Then it pleases me to be the first.” “State your business…” Darrend said, still displaying not so much disrespect, but more of a challenge against this obviously dangerous enigma. Darrend let out a deep breath, somehow setting himself mentally for a battle, not physical, for he knew he was probably overmatched. This was to be a battle of wills. “You are now training a young Druid female are you not?” the stranger asked take a half step forward. Darrend stood his ground and shook his head. “I am but a student myself, and in no position to take an apprentice.” He answered with a bit of ire. The hooded one crossed its arms, seemingly surprised at this bit of news. When no other word was said Darrend continued.
“Do you mean to say I was brought out here to be asked such a trivial question!?” the druid was starting to feel as if there was more to the one under his wing then he had expected. Could this hooded one be the father Sinagh feared so? “Do not speak to me with such disdain Darrend…it would be wise to fear me.” The stranger now took two ominous steps forward extending his arms with a call to Nature’s Wrath his hands began to glow a deep green. Surprised, yet not showing a drop of fear twisted his anger outward to this old one. “I fear nobody!” he said. With a near thunderclap the Wrath thrown at Darrend sent him flying back a few meters. His back hit a tree with a gut wrenching crack. His vision hazy and blood trickling out of his mouth he saw the hooded one move with such speed there was no hope of escape. The next thing he felt was a strong hand gripping tightly around his throat and lifting him easily off the ground. As the air left his mouth and brain began asphyxiating he heard these final words before darkness engulfed him. “If I find you have lied to me, this will seem to nothing more than a lover’s quarrel.”
He awoke and stumbled clumsily out of the Ferolas forest to the Hippogryph nests. Darrend’s mind was reeling from the encounter. There was little doubt the one who came to him was Sinagh’s father, or at the very least an agent of his. When she said she feared his disapproval she was stating the largest understatement he had ever heard. However even with such a volatile threat presented to him, there was no way he was changing the course in which had been set before him. Whoever was behind this could not be from the Circle. And for some reason Sinagh meant more than just an over protective father to the Circle. For they train with the foresight that each Druid will have a piece of history with them through all the ages.
So many thoughts rolled through his mind that he didn’t realize he was back in Auberdine. He sensed that Sinagh was near, but could not afford to see her. Not yet, not here. This pained him greatly but considering the ramifications he could not risk it…yet. They would have to meet hidden away and protected from the prying eyes of others. Moonglade came to mind at once, the Circle had wards placed around everywhere to prevent even the greatest of mages to come. However he could not continue her training there. No, they had to go far, far from elven lands. At least until he could get to the bottom of this mystery, the riddle that was Sinagh. Until then, he would be at her side. Even though he did not see it, it tugged into his mind and slowly began creeping into his heart. She was more than just an apprentice, more than a source of adventure and mystery. Her care free spirit called to him, and he with eyes wide opened was answering. Darrend eased himself into cat form and went deep into the northern Darkshore forest. There in the thrill of the hunt he was free. There his mind could assimilate all possible outcomes.
Posted 01 May 2005 - 02:09 AM-Macabre
Feathermoon Stronghold, Feralas
"What news have you for me?" his voice was in a hushed tone, but was powerful and full of discontent.
"The matter is being taken care of. I have made my promise and I intend to keep it." the nightelf replies as he removes his hood and kneels down. "I will not fail you."
"You have failed me once, have you not? I believe when last we spoke you reported to me that she was not with him but in the Wailing Caverns with another of the Knights. You allowed this to happen."
The fire burning between them crackled loudly in judgment. The night was still and silent around them save the dancing and crackling of the flames that lay between the two-elven figures.
"I sent a crossroads guard after them with instructions not to harm her. She was in the company of a hunter and another young druid. Sarinne I believe is her name. He chased them half way across the barrens, way out of his post, before he was able to bring this knight down. The two young ones managed to escape. Yes, it is my fault that I sent an incompetent Tauren to do this job, but I myself could not be seen. Sinagh would know me on sight." He stammers out his excuses and bows his head.
"Oh, I know full well what transpired. And whom she was with. They are not an issue... yet. I also know that she battled Druids of the Fang in the caverns and is proudly wearing armor to prove that she did. I detest the sight of it and it was you that allowed her passage! I will no longer need your promises and failures. It will be taken care of without you. I should have never listened to the ramblings of the others and allowed you any hand in this."
"Sir..." he pleads "I will not fail you again....." his hands clasp in front of his chest in a mock prayer of forgiveness.
The dark figure rises to his full height and closes his eyes, ancient words whispering off of his lips as his hands rise up in front of him, and his palms alight with the powerful blue arcane light of starfire. The glow of his eyes changes from the bright amber to a deep bloody red as he finishes the gathering of power and turns his hands outwardly in the direction of the other.
Scrambling backwards, trying to put his feet underneath him the elf yelps out a plea of mercy that falls on deaf ears. This one would not be granted clemency, and the blow was swift and fatal.
Posted 01 May 2005 - 03:23 PM – Zor Primus
Darrend spoke with Dendrite Starblaze in Moonglade about the troubling events from the previous night. The two druids sat on the eastern shore of Lake Elune'ara. Dendrite looked at her friend with great concern. This business with Sinagh was fast slipping past the initial intentions of the Cenarion Circle. Darrend was clearly shaken up by what had transpired. He was thrown into this position by the Circle because in their wisdom foresaw great success at bringing the two together. And to their credit it was a success…except now with this news of an assault, seemingly from another druid complicated matters gravely.
“Have you told anyone else of this?” she asked in a low tone. Darrend shook his head negatively. “No, I do not know who to trust, in fact I almost did not come to you my old friend.” He answered turning away from her, clearly ashamed at his lack of confidence. Dendrite smiled and patted his shoulder softly. “I understand Darrend, you have been betrayed. It is not easy to face such fear and not come out somewhat jaded.” The old druid smiled and tossed a rock into the water, his eyes watching it skip a few feet before finally sinking to the depths below. “Do you remember when I came to you and told you of my assignment to Sinagh?” he asked turning back to Dendrite. The druid woman smirked and chuckled slightly. “You said it was worse than that time we had to infiltrate Orgrimmar disguised as an Orc.” She started. “And that time we reeked like Orc for months.” Lightening the mood with a laugh the two friends shared. Darrend stopped laughing and sighed. “Things have changed Dendrite. Changed in a way that I…” Dendrite, who had known Darrend for more than a century, widened her eyes in surprise. “You have fallen for her? Haven’t you?” she asked clearly stunned. Darrend stood up then and walked to a nearby tree. He leaned against it and tilted his head back.
“I don’t know how it could have been possible…she is so young and full of life, and I’m…well I am just me.” He said looking to Dendrite who was now walking towards him with a purpose. “You don’t give yourself enough credit Darrend. There are many fine qualities about you that could be very easily admired by any female.” She said with a wink. Darrend laughed and shook his head defiantly. “Right, that is why I have been alone all these years since…” Dendrite raised her hand up to stop that train of thought of his. “Don’t start that again Darrend. It happened a long time ago.” She said to Darrend’s silent nod of resignation. “What is important here my old friend is that you have found love again…take it! It’s yours!” she finished placing her hands over his cheeks, lifting his gaze to hers. “I am so afraid Dendrite. Not for what I feel, but for what happened to me.” He started. “Sinagh is so unique. She has taken my heart willingly. Why is this threat looming before us?” Shaking his head he felt Dendrite’s hand slide from his face as he went closer to the water. “This dark threat is somehow related to her father. One is well known in Darnassus and has much power. How could something like this exist under the eyes of the Circle?”
Dendrite walked behind him and sighed. “There are many secrets our people hide, some are so hidden they are out in the open under the visage of something else. It is as it has always been my old friend.” Darrend laughed a bit at that little bit of irony. “I suppose your right.” He said turning around to his friend and must trusted advisor. “What are your plans now?” she asked. “We are leaving Kalimdor. This very night!” Darrend started walking already back towards Moonglade. Dendrite followed closely next to him listening. “She is powerful enough to withstand whatever the humans can throw at her. There chaotic ways will not harm her or cloud her vision. It will make her stronger for what lies ahead.” He said as they entered the druid city. Two Tauren guards lifted their swords in greeting. “What do you feel lies ahead Darrend?” Dendrite asked. The druid truly did not have an answer, something he was not used to. “Whatever the challenge, whatever the peril, we will face it together. I had a dream the other night. One that I saw Sinagh stand above me extending her hand to me. It was a passing dream, one during the waking moment.” The two stopped before arriving to Dendrite’s home. “Our destinies are now joined, why or how I do not know.” He continued. “I will say this…in the end we both will become better druids and servants of nature.” Dendrite smiled at this, so dedicated to his beliefs, she had always admired that quality in Darrend. “I do have a favor to ask of you Dendrite.” He asked. “Anything” she replied with a wink. “I need you to look into her father’s affairs for me.” Dendrite shifted uncomfortably, she too knew who her father was and did not want to bring that particular set of eyes on her. “Nothing too overt, merely just an ear on the ground, that’s all.” He finished.
Dendrite sighed and nodded, knowing she couldn’t say no even if she tried. “Alright Darrend, but only because you are you!” he laughed and placed a hand on her shoulder. “I don’t know how long I will be gone Dendrite…” She again stopped him with a raised hand that now pointed ahead. “It seems she has arrived early…we will discuss matters later via post. Good eve Darrend.” With that Dendrite walked away and left Darrend looking ahead and seeing Sinagh there. Waiting for him in a set of armor that looked not of what is made in Darnassus. He smiled to himself. “She has left our lands.” The druid thought as he started towards her. He blushed slightly as she turned to greet him. Her face lit up and that warmed his heart that had been chilled just the other night. “Sinagh…it is wonderful to see you once again!” he said. The two stood for a long moment staring at one another, each surely wrestling with a flood of emotion that was soon to be released. Darrend could not resist in admitting to enjoying every second of it. Now seeing Sinagh here before him now was all the reminder he needed to know that together this dark threat would be overcome.
Posted 04 May 2005 - 04:27 PM - Sinagh
Darrend and Sinagh were running free of all fears. Freedom granted to them by not only their distance from Kalimdor, but by the fact the two were pouncing and leaping with abandon in the brown fields of Westfall. It had been two days since the two had left their homelands. Two days of both discreetly looking over their shoulders and doing their best not to make the other aware of their fear. The two druids leaped over one another playfully. Taking light of the fact that they were supposed to be helping the humans with their Defias problems, those foolish unpredictable humans always having to deal with rogue elements. They had killed numerous trappers and smugglers easily. The scum were no match for their combined might.
They now headed towards the mountains around the Deadmines. There were more Defias camping out in the area that needed to be eliminated. Sinagh morphed back to elf form as Darrend cloaked and raked the back of one of the Defias. Blood exploded from the deep wound and Darrend continued with swipes so fast the motion seemed a blur. It was over before Sinagh cast a Healing Touch over her Master. This went on for a couple of hours. One after another they fell. Screams muted by the mere speed and power the pair continued to share and grow with. The sun started to set and the two found themselves with little to do around Sentinel Hill. Darrend had observed a few oddities with Sinagh late in the day. Her normal giddiness was hidden behind a shadow. While impressive as ever in combat, he knew that something was tearing her apart inside. She was no fool, and he knew this. Sinagh surely saw that something was trouble Darrend. It was evident enough for her to ask to talk. Darrend smiled and lead the two to the Westfall Lighthouse. There the two sat on the sea worn wooden dock.
Sitting close to one another they shared a few moments of laughter. Darrend had so enjoyed spending time with her, and his feelings were no longer able to be contained. He was in love with her, this much was certain. However to truly share a love and forge a bond with her he needed to be honest with her. So went his tale of the other night’s encounter with the hooded one. He watched her reactions as he spoke and knew she had knowledge of the source of his assailant. As he finished the tale he looked at her closely. “Sinagh, if there is anything you can tell me about this, together we can defeat this adversary.” She smiled and ran a finger down his cheek. Sinagh went on to explain to him the events of the night before. How she awoke completely unaware of how she ended up in Stormwind. There she met with a fellow Knight of Skye who took her to a priest. This priest had tried to find some clues as to the reason why Sinagh’s dreams were full of destruction. Darrend listened closely, reaching his own conclusions on what and where all this was coming from. The words from his friend Dendrite rang true. They were put together for a purpose. The outcome would be determined if they could together overcome this impending doom.
“Sinagh, you cannot begin to comprehend how much I care for you. You have meant so much to me. And I…” Darrend was fumbling for words. Sinagh’s eyes lit up for the first time all day. With a smile she placed her fingers over his lips. “You need not say it for I feel it too Darrend.” The two stared into one another’s souls then. Words were not needed to express what their hearts were screaming to them. A howl of a distant wolf snapped Darrend out of the spell he was under. “I…I need to go Sinagh. There is something I must do in Westfall.” His heart sank as he stood up to leave. Seeing Sinagh’s expression sour was like daggers being poked into his heart. “I will see you soon, yes?” he said already walking away. Sinagh merely nodded, and turned to face the sea, the lump in her throat making her breath short and fast. Darrend leaped into the water while morphing to cat form, swimming ashore and looking back once to see the sun set just under the horizon and the silhouette of Sinagh fade away as she teleported away. “I love you…” he whispered.
Posted 05 May 2005 - 04:38 PM – Sinagh
Sinagh picked at the seam of her gloves as she looked over the dry hills of Westfall. Darrend had been called away once again and she was wrestling with her emotions. As Juraviel and Shadah had told her, Darrend had professed his love to her and she couldn’t be happier. Why then did she have heaviness in her heart?
Making her way across the Dagger Hills, Sinagh found herself distracted and not as on top of things as she needed to be. A Defias scum nearly got the best of her and as she slinked back to Sentinel Hill in cat form, the wounds from her folly were testament. Lying down at the bottom of the tower, she sighs heavily and shifts back to her normal state. The dry grass under her gave no comfort to her tired body.
“Hello again love...” she heard his familiar voice behind her and once more, her body came alive. Darrend stood near just behind her with a grin on his face. She rises and can’t help but wrap her arms around him and hold him close to her. His immediate reaction is surprise but almost as quickly he melts into her, wrapping his arms around her. “I see that I have been missed…” he says quietly, his words whispered against her hair.
“You are always missed...” she says, as she leans back and smiles.
“Come… I have found something that we must do.” He shifts into cat form and bounds away towards the gryphons. With a huge smile Sinagh does the same…
As they wander through the streets of Stormwind, she finds herself staring at him every chance she gets. The weight of their situations was gone, at least for the moment and all she could think about was keeping him near her. They walked near the cathedral and Sinagh nearly falls trying to avoid the human child that was running towards her, clutching a doll and yelling… “No! She’s my dolly!” Another child was right on her heels and reaching for the doll. Sinagh grabs his arm and halts him from taking it and gives him a stern look. “Leave her alone… “She says in a hushed but serious tone. The human child glares at her and jerks his arm free to continue his chase. Sinagh sighs and stands back up looking for Darrend. She raises a brow as she realizes that he is standing in the middle of a group of orphaned human children and speaking with the Matron of the orphanage. As she approaches she listens to their conversation she realizes what Darrend had in mind and shakes her head slightly to him. “What are you doing?” Darrend smiles to her and points at the blonde headed boy that is standing at his side with an excited and expectant face. “This is Randis. I have volunteered to take him on a little exploration trip. I am sure if you asked, another child would love to accompany us.” His look told her that he wasn’t asking. Sinagh sighs. What would she do with a human child?
Her child was named William. His big blue eyes were wide as he looked over Sinagh. “Can I touch your ears? Elves have such big ears!” Sinagh looks at Darrend who was smirking at her. “Um, sure…” she leans down and the child strokes her ear and grins wide. “I wish I had ears like that! Then I could hear everything!” Sinagh smiles slightly at his words. “Can we go to the lighthouse?? I hear it’s haunted and scary and stuff?” Williams’s words were now in chime with Randis’. The two boys were bursting with excitement. Sinagh couldn’t help the grin that curls her lips. Perhaps it would be so bad…
The trip to the lighthouse was fairly uneventful. Fairly… When the two Druids shifted into cat form the boys squealed with delight. “Can I ride on your back?? Can we go fight bad guys? Can we kill some flesh rippers?” the barrage of questions was never ending. Sinagh hunches down to allow the boy to climb on her back. “Don’t pull the fur...” she says and he is careful where he puts his hands. “I promise I’ll be good!”
The two, with children perched on their backs slink through the hills of Westfall towards the lighthouse. Sinagh catches a glimpse of Randis as he slips a rock from his pocket and rolls it in his palm, eyeing a flesh ripper that was flying away from them. Before she could protest what she knew was coming, he launches the rock at the beast and then realizes his mistake. The beast turns and squawks as the rock hits it directly in the back.
“Great…” she thinks as it barrels right for them. Darrend, with catlike grace and reflexes swats it out of the air and stands on it, Randis still holding on tight. The two boys cheer for Darrend and his swift dispatch of the beast. Sinagh holds her tongue and merely smirks. Who was she to say anything… she would have done the same thing as a child.
The rest of the day was spent satisfying the curiosities of the small humans. They had even made a trip to Darnassus, a very... quick trip. The last stop was in the shimmering flats to get ice cream. Sinagh didn’t understand the concept of fruit with milk but once they had their cones, she couldn’t eat enough. The four of them stood watching the races and eating ice cream until the little ones yawned with weariness. Sinagh looked at Darrend, who was still eating his ice-cream and smiled sadly. “We should take them back now…. Although...” she looks at Williams dirty ice-cream covered face and chuckles a bit. “I kind like them… they grow on you...”
The flight home was long, and William falls asleep in her arms. Sinagh looks down at him and sighs. Darrend had been so good with them….With the same never ending patience he had with her. She smiled to herself with that thought.
The returned the children and as Sinagh said her goodbyes, she found her eyes were welling up with tears. “William... I promise I will come back and take you on a grand adventure once again. Take care... and if you ever need anything… anything at all… I’ll be right here.” William hugged her tightly and didn’t want to let go. The feeling was mutual.
Darrend and Sinagh walked slowly. Hand in hand back towards the inn. Neither said much as both of them were not only tired, but sad to have left the children. Stopping just outside the doors of the inn, Darrend leans down and kisses her gently. Sinagh’s knees give under her. She hadn’t expected it, but welcomed it and returned it gladly. “Will you stay… with me tonight?” she asks gently. “Of course I will…” he responds and the two walk slowly up the stairs. As Sinagh lies down, she looks to the bed next to her, waiting for him to lie down. He slides under the covers beside her and kisses her gently as he curls up with her. Sinagh doesn’t say another word. Her smile says it all….
Posted 16 May 2005 - 03:02 PM – Zor Primus
The tunnels were dark, gloomy, full of certain danger at every turn, yet leaping and pouncing through it all were Darrend and Sinagh. The Deadmines as they were called was the hideout and base of operations for the human gang known as the Defias. The two druid lovers worked in perfect unison, assisting the other in healing or leaping onto a would be attacker from behind. Few words were exchanged as with only a look, or even slight movement of muscle already spoke volumes as to what they needed of each other. The days and nights outside of Kalimdor had united the two beyond the simple bonds of love. They were only now starting to share emotions and feelings long repressed or hidden. Yet here in battle, their combined fury was formidable indeed. The druids were shape shifting on a whim between forms depending on the manner of attack or counter attack they were involved in. Sinagh, like Darrend looked at each other briefly during short pauses, healing one another with their druidic powers or bandages. Every once in a while they’d smile and sneak in a tender kiss on the lips before pressing forward. Sweat trickled and shined both their toned bodies, visible enough even in the dark gloom of the mine. Although in a considerable amount of danger, this was only a scouting mission.
The real threat was far deeper underground. A task they could not knowingly achieve alone. Still, Sinagh had insisted in at least making it to the Foundry, no small task to be sure but one that Darrend smiled and accepted. They had gone deeper than expected with relative ease in a very short amount of time. The two now lay against a fallen boulder with their eyes looking forward to their flank. Sinagh was a little out of breath so Darrend slipped out his leather flask with water and handed it to her. With a smile she took it and eagerly drank from it, some of the cool water slipping from either side of her mouth. “Careful my love, wouldn’t want you to cramp up in the middle of a fight.” He warned her playfully. Sinagh giggled and poked him in the arm as she gave him back the flask. “You just worry about keeping me alive my beloved, cramps matter little to me.” She replied kissing his cheek with a lick. Darrend smiled and leaned his head to the side, catching a glimpse ahead. With a shudder of disgust he realized that was not necessary. He and Sinagh heard the loud guttural shouts from the ogre foreman named Rhahk’Zor. Darrend had heard from Juraviel that this ogre had a knack for surviving battle after battle. Darrend and Sinagh would do their best to try and end this surviving streak…
Posted 28 May 2005 - 03:38 AM – Sinagh
Sinagh mouthed 'Right side' to him as she shifted into cat form and watched him do the same. It would take a considerable amount of finesse and tactics to bring this one down but she had no fear of it. At Darrend's side she feared little, save losing him and that she would not allow to happen. His form moved swiftly to the opposite side and in unison they attacked.
The odious beast howled in distress as they engaged their assault. Relentless claws and teeth chewed slowly but surely through Rhahk’Zor's resolve. Two druids moving as one, as if connected from within; the precise choreographed movements of their feline forms drug down their foe like lions in the barrens bringing down a long awaited meal. Sinagh found herself immersed in the rage of her bestial form, allowing herself to taste the foul blood that was filling her mouth with every savage bite. The foreman falls to his knees hissing undoubtedly profane curses, still attempting to rid himself of the onslaught the two druids were delivering. Sinagh, lost in her current state of murderous contempt was deaf to the shouts Darrend was now directing to her. "Sinagh!!!" When he finally got her attention she jerks her head to his direction, seeing his beautiful elven face, wide eyed and contorted with dismay. His eyes locked with hers... "Sinagh... stop!" Long since dead, the ogre under her clawed feet was mutilated and only vaguely resembled its previous form. Sinagh stares at Darrend for a moment in anger at his intrusion before she realizes why he had done so. Blinking hard, she shakes the rage from her visage and drops her head, almost immediately sick from within. Her emotions had completely taken over and she allowed them to run rampant with the rage of the feline pushing her past her own limits. "That's enough..." he says softly as he walks towards her.”Sinagh... “His voice was now soft and calm. Shifting back and standing fully upright, she remained atop the corpse. Her body was literally soaked in blood. Looking down at herself it takes but a moment for the entirety of it to sink in. "Come on... let's get this done." he says as he moves past her. She knew he could not be happy with what he had just seen, she wasn't either, he would not lecture her now, the patrols would soon be through this area again and they didn't have time to terry.
Taking a deep breath of fresh air, Sinagh turns to Darrend, her lips parting to speak and he shakes his head slightly giving her a small smile. "I understand..." he says quietly and looks down at her blood soaked armor.”Let's get this report back. I have had my fill of this wretched place." Darrend says as he heads back towards Sentinel Hill. Nodding slightly she follows him... her mind reeling with random thoughts and worries.
The trip back to Stormwind from Westfall was a silent one. Darrend seemed a bit preoccupied with his own thoughts, and Sinagh was certainly enveloped in hers. As they approached the gates of Stormwind; Darrend and Sinagh were approached by a human woman seeking aid in the Redridge area. The two druids agreed to help and walked back down the path they had just followed to Goldshire, stopping only to repair their armor and grab a quick bit of food. As they walked towards the mountains, Sinagh reaches over and grabs Darrend’s arm. “Perhaps I allowed all of this anxiety to get the best of me. It will not happen again.” He smiles with understanding and she could see in his eyes that he wanted to tell her something, but withheld. He leans over and kisses her gently and wraps his fingers within hers, squeezing her hand. It was in moments like these that solidified her feelings for him. In such a short period of time they had become so close. He knew the precise moments when he could say certain things to her, and knew when not to say a word. His gaze of love and understanding melted away all of the chaos that seemed to surround them. Sinagh couldn’t help the grin that crept over her lips. Finally, someone that understood her... Yet still loved her. With him, everything would be perfect. She knew that with every ounce of her being and made a silent vow as they walked together – she would never allow anything to change the love they share.
Posted 29 May 2005 - 03:37 PM - Macabre
-Darnassus
"She has far surpassed what we had foreseen." the comment was followed by several nods from the hooded figures that sat in the center of the room. "What news have you?"
Standing in the corner, head bowed was a small female elven figure. Her face was hidden by the armor that she wore. She stepped forward slowly, and when she was a few feet from the gathering she bows. "There has been great unrest with Sinagh. Her visions are coming at greater frequency and she is learning to interpret what she sees. She foresaw a fight between her lover and... her friend and fellow guild mate Sarrine. Tracking them right down to the place where the two had come to blows." She tosses over to them a chunk of Sarrine's armor. "It seems that Darrend has a little trouble holding his temper when he feels his place with Sinagh is challenged. You may use that to your advantage...” She paces for a moment, with her hands behind her back. "Sinagh has been successful in finding all the pieces of armor from the Fang Druids. Juraviel, the ranger, helped her along with another Hunter... Telanis. I believe both hunters would interfere with anything you plan. Both hunters should be dealt with accordingly. They are not young, and have a well-known reputation in these and other lands. This presents a rather precarious situation for you." She stops her pacing and pauses in thought. "Juraviel is also very acquainted with Darrend. You see that there needs to be more than one person dealt with. I believe you will find Juraviel's weakness in the young priestess Shadah. Cut them apart, and you will cripple this Ranger. “The gathered nodded in unison.”This has already been set in motion." Her wicked grin is the only thing revealed as she turns to continue and pace. "Darrend has been wise in taking Sinagh from these lands, but as you all are aware, Sinagh has returned here more than once. She still feels the pull of the tides of home and she will continue to defy Darrend’s requests and return once more. I would like permission to speak with her once she does."
The room remains silent for a moment as the gathered exchange glances and then nod in unison to the pacing female. "Very well. If there is nothing more I will take my leave." As she bows and turns for the door, a large figure blocks her exit. His voice is low and almost a guttural grumble. "I wish to speak with you alone rogue." She takes a step back as if the sheer force of his words pushed her. "Of course..." she replies and the two step outside.
The city was quiet at this hour. Even so, the two move to a secluded area and keep their voices low. "This Sarrine... the wayward druid that Sinagh has befriended, has already shown us that she is not worthy of being a part of the circle. Take her out of the equation. I am sure you can come up with a, shall we say, creative way to remove her." His eyes darken and he leans close to the female rogue. "I trust that you have not forgotten our arrangement?" the rogue shakes her head uneasily and replies, "No sir... I have not." He leans in even closer and a malicious grin sweeps his face, "Do not fail me.” His hand moves over hers and he drops something in her palm. "Send word when all is ready."
She nods and closes her hand over the item, slipping in into her bag.
The two depart without another spoken word and he returns to the gathering inside.
"So it seems that we have now only three issues to contend with. The rangers Juraviel and Telanis and of course... Darrend." he steps into the center of the circle. "We must be cautious if Sinagh is indeed capable of interpreting her visions. She will warn them all if she has the opportunity." he turns and looks out the door seeing another figure hidden in the shadows outside. "I believe that the time has come for the prophecy to be fulfilled."
Posted 29 May 2005 - 05:37 PM – Sinagh
The entire evening was trying to say the least. The two had been overwhelmed by the tasks that they endeavored on, but had managed to return to Lakeshire with their lives. Tired and battle worn the two lie down in the inn and breathe a sigh of relief to the ending of a long day.
"Darrend?" Sinagh whispers to him and curls up in his arms. His eyes move over her face and he smiles at her. Sinagh's mind rolls over everything that has transpired in the last few days. She had been hiding the fact that she had exceeded him in druidic skills. She had been sneaking back to Darnassus, trying to gather enough courage to face her Father as the priest Renithos, the one whom had given his life in exchange for hers, had asked her to do. Every time she walked near her home, fear choked the bravery from her and she turned away. The priest had shown himself in spirit form to her once more, and somehow, had returned to this plane... Now more than ever she needed to return to see her Father with questions and she didn't have the courage to tell Darrend. She doubted herself more and more each day and the visions that plagued her were yet another thing that she was afraid to tell Darrend about. He had been patient and understanding with her in the past, but would he understand that she was hiding many things from him? She doubted that he would. Her eyes must have held that doubt because Darrend frowns slightly as he looked into her eyes.
"I don't want to lose what we have... I don't want to lose you.... I..." he reaches up and touches her lips to silence her. "Sinagh... You aren't going to. But I can see there is more than that on your mind..."
Sinagh closes her eyes and sighs softly, pressing her face into the groove of his neck. She takes in a deep breath and nods against him. "I am just worried. Things are so out of control.... “She wants to blurt it all out, confess it all, but she cannot push the words past the lump in her throat. Darrend runs his fingers through her hair and kisses her head softly. He waits in silence a while for her to speak but she does not. Closing his eyes he pulls her closer. "I love you... that are all that matters." he says quietly and the two drift off to sleep.
~~~~~~~
'SINAGH!!' his terrified eyes are wide and he reaches for her. The very darkness around her seemed to swallow them both. It was suffocating and all consuming. Her heart pounds within her chest so hard she can hear it in her ears. 'SINAGH!!' his voice cries out in the darkness now muffled and she cannot find him. Running blindly through the darkness she grabs hold of someone... and pulls him or her close to her face so that she may see. It is Sarrine! "Sarrine... Help me!!" Sinagh pleads to her. Sarinne grins viciously and says... "I will help you...” as she pulls a blade out reaches around her and plunges it into Sinagh's back....
~~~~
Sitting up in bed she franticly tosses pillows and blankets across the room. He was gone! "Darrend!" she yelps and grabs up her armor dashing down the stairs into the tavern below. In a panic she rushes past him and he looks at her curiously as he places his fork down and stands. "Thank Elune!" she blurts out as she realizes that he is there and okay. "What has got you so rattled?" Darrend asks and motions to the seat near him. "I....." she thinks for a moment. Did she dare tell him? "I awoke and you were gone... I panicked." it wasn't a total lie. "I didn't want to wake you... I came down to get breakfast and was almost finished. I thought I would take some up to you in a bit... Looks like I don't have to now." he winks and they both sit down. Sinagh is still visibly rattled and drops her stuff to the side of the chair. "What's wrong with you Sinagh... you look like you've seen a ghost." Sinagh shakes her head and presses her face into her palms. "Nothing... Like I said... I panicked when I woke up and you were gone. Paranoid I guess... I feel silly for my overreaction." Darrend tilts his head and smiles. "I told you I am not going anywhere..." Reaching over he rubs his hand up and down her arm. "You need to eat something... then we will go get some fresh air and sunshine. It will do you some good." Darrend wasn't buying into her story, but it was obvious she wasn't going to tell him and he wasn't going to press her...not just yet.
Posted 30 May 2005 - 11:59 PM - Sinagh
Sinagh kissed Darrend gently as she lifted herself atop the gryphon. "I will be in Stormwind for the day... I really need a break. I think I will go shopping for the supplies that I have needed and then go find a quiet place to relax. I also wanted to go see Randis and William again. I think I can talk an engineer into making a couple toys for them. “Darrend nods and smiles, but his eyes hold a sadness at seeing her go.”Tell them both I said hello would you?" Sinagh smiles and leans down kissing him once more. "Of course I will love... I will see you tonight then?" he nods and waves to her as the gryphon takes flight and carries her in the direction of Stormwind. Sinagh looks back at him as he waves and feels a pain in her stomach. She had lied to him again and it was becoming a habit. Why couldn't she just tell him what was happening, what she had dreamt? As the gryphon touches down in Stormwind, Sinagh decides to go see the boys as she had promised so that she hadn't totally been untruthful to Darrend.
A few silver was all it took to find the toy she wanted. Mechanical squirrels were perfect for them. As she packed the wrapped boxes under her arm to the orphanage she felt the hair stand up on the back of her neck. Turning around to see who was behind her, her eyes found nothing out of the ordinary. Sinagh brushes it off and continues on her path now a bit uneasy. "Paranoia...” she mutters as she crosses over the canal and walks into Cathedral Square.
"Sinagh!! Sinagh!!" she hears a familiar little voice yelling her name. William was running at full speed for her, Randis right on his tail. "Sinagh! Where is Darrend?" Randis huffs as the two come to a screeching halt at her feet. "What's in the box? Where have you been? Have you been on adventures? Did you see a dragon? I know where dragons live! Did you bring us something back from where the dragons live? Did Darrend kill one?"
Sinagh chuckles at the barrage of questions that the two little boys were launching at her. Kneeling down she places the boxes at her feet and gathers them both up in her arms. "Slow down... slow down... One at a time!" she hugs their squirming little bodies to hers and as she releases them they again start with the questions. "Whoa... guys... hold on... Darrend said hello...he is busy in the mountains near the burning steppes where dragons live!" She fluxuates her voice to make it sound dramatic and the two boys stand silent in awe...for only a moment. "Why aren't you with him? Who will heal him if the dragon bites him? Who will help him slay the dragon? I thought you two were a team? What happened? Are you guys fighting? Aren't you afraid he'll die out there alone?"
Sinagh is hit hard with the last of the boys’ questions and for a moment she could feel the panic rise in her throat. "Oh no! He is fine boys. He is just doing a little patrol work that's all. No dragons without me!" that satisfied them until they realized she had gifts.
"Wow! Are those for us?" Sinagh smiles brightly and nods. "Yes they are... but first I have to ask your teacher how you both have been. If you both have been naughty, then I suppose I will have to take them back." The boys give each other a glance and then smile. "We have been good! We promise!!" Sinagh can't help but be overwhelmed by their excitement and hands them their presents. "Alright... I'll trust you guys... but if I find out..."
"WOW!!" Randis yells as he pulls his squirrel from the box. "HOLY COW!!" William yells as he retrieves his. The two boys nearly tackle Sinagh with hugs of thanks.
Sitting back she smiles and watches the two play and cheer. Just seeing how happy they were gave her hope that whatever was plaguing her and Darrend would be at an end soon.
Posted 01 June 2005 - 04:45 PM - Sinagh
The day seemed to wane away quickly, and soon it was time for the boys to return to the orphanage. They drug their feet as Sinagh walked them to the steps. "I will come back soon... I promise!" she says as she leans down and plants a kiss on the top of each of their heads. "Will Darrend come next time?" Sinagh smiles and nods. "Yes... and perhaps next time we can all go on another adventure!" The boys cheer and wave as Sinagh walks away. "Be safe little ones...” she whispers as the doors close with all of the children inside. Sinagh walks back towards the gryphons and as she does, finds an all too familiar anxiety creeping into her mood. Perhaps it was all over nothing. Perhaps her father would be able to explain it all and everything could return to normal. Even though she knew very well that wouldn't be the case, just the thought of it gave her a little comfort. All she wanted was to be with Darrend...without all of the issues that were piling up around them.
On the boat, Sinagh watched the seemingly endless waves pass the boat on after another. She sat, in cat form, on the upper deck of the boat near the back watching not where they were going, but where the boat had been. "He is worried about you Sinagh." Startled out of her trance like stare Sinagh turns quickly and growls at the hidden figure that had spoken to her. Transforming back to her elven form she grips her staff and speaks through her teeth. "Show yourself."
"Since when did Myli's daughter anger so easily?" the voice taunted hidden from sight. "Put that staff away before you hurt yourself." Sinagh shook her head. "I'll do no such thing... Show yourself." Sinagh turns slowly as she attempts to catch some glimpse of movement. The rogue steps up directly in front of Sinagh before she reveals herself. Sinagh pushes back with her staff to spread the distance between them but is unsuccessful. "Come on Sinagh... You know better." Sinagh glares at the masked elven woman in front of her. "What are you doing here?" Sinagh demanded and steps back dropping her staff to one side, but still gripping it tightly. "Last time I checked anyone could ride these boats.” The rogue leans back against the wall and smirks under her mask. "You better learn to be a bit more careful... I could have stuck a dagger in your back rather easily if I had a mind to..." Sinagh glares at her although the words struck a chord. "Out with it, I know you didn't just show up to prove that I am still young and inexperienced. What have you got on your tongue Adrima? Spit it out." the rogue shakes her head and squats down. "I didn't come seeking you out... but you must know that your Father is ill. You being gone has created a sickness in him. His heart is broken and his spirit and soul... if you believe in all of that rot... is fading away. That's the news that is on the lips of everyone in Darnassus. But you wouldn't know... since you haven't been back since your big fight with Daddy." She winks and Sinagh glares. "What do you know about anything? You know... you could have been a great Druid once Adrima... You could have done something with yourself other than become a petty thief and assassin. Why should I believe anything you say? You've lied to me before and why should this be any different?" Adrima shrugs as she stands up. "Your call Sinagh. But what happens if you don't listen to me... and he dies? Then what? You want that blood on your hands as well as your mothers?" Sinagh's eyes darken and she charges the rogue. "SHUT YOUR MOUTH!" Before Sinagh can reach her the rogue had disappeared.
As the boat reaches the dock outside Darnassus, Sinagh stomps off the boat and to the bank. She wants to find a letter that her mother had written her when she was but a small child. Sinagh had never read the letter, but somehow knew that the time had come to do so. As she retrieves the letter from the bank box and starts to open it, she glances up to see Sarinne just as she speaks. "Hello Sinagh. I hope life finds you well." Sinagh slides the letter into her pack and smiles at Sarinne, her eyes searching those of her friends in attempt to pick up any hint of what the vision had revealed. "As well as can be. And you?" the two make small talk, the entire time Sinagh watches Sarrine’s every move and holds on every word. How could the vision be correct? Sarinne seemed preoccupied yes, but murderous? Hardly. Sinagh however was cautious... and Sarrine’s lack of interest in the conversation didn't help Sinagh's mood much. They soon departed and Sinagh wanders towards her father’s home... her home. Standing outside she sighs heavily and sits down near the entrance. Pulling the letter from her pack she gently lifts the wax seal and opens it. Her heart filled with sadness at the sight of her mother’s handwriting. Sinagh reads quietly as tears fill her eyes....
Posted 08 June 2005 - 04:47 PM – Zor Primus
The arid desert sun roasted the druid like a fried trout. Darrend was not aware how many days had passed but he hung on the wooden stakes that crossed like an X like a rag doll. Blood caked on his skin dry like another layer of skin. The Abyssal Sands were as unforgiving as any terrain in all of Azeroth. He looked up with his one good eye to see the Roc carrion birds circling over his head. Scorpids had set up camp at his feet but by some sick twisted comedy he remained high enough to avoid their deadly sting. How he wished now this was untrue. In his mind he tried to replay the events that had led him to this grave and final closure to a lifelong quest for balance.
Darrend had left Lakeshire for Stormwind after his brief meeting with Sinagh in Moonglade. He sat on the gryphon paying little heed to any danger. That drastically changed as his mount was struck from below by a combination of shadow bolts and poisoned arrows. The mighty beast gave a roar as it crashed to its death in the river between Elwynn and Duskwood Forests. The water did little to cushion the fall, the druid had submerged and surfaced in seconds but was in such a daze he barely felt the arrow that pierced him through the shoulder sending a current of agonizing pain that the blackness that soon followed was welcomed.
His eyes opened to find him inside a cage barely large enough to hold him. From the smell and feeling of motion he knew he was on a ship. Wood creaked as he looked up to see three Night Elves looking at him with evil intent. “You foolish foolish old man.” One said kicking the cage. “Warned were you to leave her. Yet not only did you ignore the warning you proceeded to intensify the relationship!” came another voice hidden behind the shadows. This powerful booming voice could only belong to one being. Darrend trembled as he realized that his doom was eminent. His mind raced back to his final moments with Sinagh. The peaceful tranquility of the waterfall, the soft touch of her hand, the sweet sound of her voice. He had spoken so bravely about life, death, balance, yet here he was on the precipice of his mortality and all he could feel was a deep sense of sadness and failure.
“The plans will proceed was it has been foretold Darrend, and neither you nor any of the Knights will stop me from fulfilling my destiny!” the invisible voice pronounced and was soon followed by a deafening hiss. The floor soon turned crimson as it was filled with serpents. They proceeded hungrily to Darrend, immediately digging their fangs into him. He cried out in anguish as he felt the score set of fangs bury into his flesh. Laughter echoed underneath his cries. The night elves laughed as the voice continued. “No my impetuous druid, death will not come that easy. I have stripped these snakes of their fatal venom. You will only feel the sting of their bite until I see fit to end their meal.” Darrend could not focus on his surroundings no longer, the pain was too much to bare and he soon felt the blackness cloud his vision. The last thing he heard before he slipped away was the hiss of a serpent as it sank its fangs into his right eye.
What little remained of the druid’s water dripped down his near naked body as the sun rose higher into the sky. Darrend could not even begin to mouth out a word of help since he could no longer part his cracked lips. How he wished to once again hold Sinagh in his arms. Tell her that he was sorry for failing her, failing them. She was surely desperate to find him, help him. Yet here in the southern desert of Kalimdor he was well beyond her reach. Her father had seen to that well. There was little more to do then await Death’s embrace….
Posted 20 June 2005 - 04:46 PM – Zor Primus
Whips tore into his skin like a bee hovers and stings inside a flower. It seemed as if he had no threshold for pain, all his senses were white with the anguish of the torture that had no end. Darrend knew he was in an night elf building of some sort, a camp hidden away in Kalimdor by the taste of the air. As a druid Darrend had learned to accept his surroundings with a unique embrace of understanding. Yet his mind now so hazy he only wanted to escape. His will had been broken, and here now he accepted the fact that his choice to stay with Sinagh was the best mistake he had ever made. She had succeeding in breaking through the wall he had erected after his wife’s death so long ago. The druid had found happiness in their brief time together and he was satisfied to know that his wisdom would be passed onto her when he was gone.
Another snap of the whip and the druid screamed out in agony. “You are still thinking about her, aren’t you Darrend?” Macabre hissed at him. Darrend felt his hair get pulled back in a tight grip. It relaxed amazingly in seconds and he wondered what happened. That curiosity ended as Macabre’s foul hand let loose his purple locks in front of him. “What I did for you is a small favor Darrend, a show of pity and one that will surely be the last you see.” He said with a diabolic grin and voice full of dire intentions, “Prepare the immolation chamber!!!”
Darrend looked around and saw that the carrion birds flew lower now. Some even brave enough to swoop down to scare off some of the scorpids. Balance showing its colors as the weak would soon become prey of the strong. The hunted will be hunted while hunters will always be hunters. For all his knowledge and foresight, Darrend could not predict this outcome. His mood changed then from fear to terror as he wondered what would happen to his friends he would leave behind. Juraviel especially now…
The druid hung in chains by his wrists and ankles now in the center of a dark chamber lit only by a few torches scattered around its diameter. Macabre stood with an odd looking mirror in his hands while Lord Artesmon spoke with a pair of what looked like night elf druids. In a moment Artesmon turned to face his prisoner with a smile that foretold finality. “Darrend you have suffered far too much these past days and as a reward I will spare you from more physical torture.” He said signaling to Macabre to step forward. Artesmon chanted a few words from a long forgotten night elf dialect and soon the mirror changed from reflection to a grey mist image. One of the druids in attendance cast a weak healing spell over the beaten Darrend as the image cleared and showed Sinagh sitting in a tavern. She looked beautiful in a long white dress and hat that hid her precious eyes. The view panned to see Juraviel sitting across from her. The two sat talking and laughing for a few moments before the image changed to a grey mist again.
“See now your beloved Sinagh betray you for another…”Artesmon pronounced with a sinister chuckle. Darrend’s eye hazed a bit as the image returned showing Sinagh in Juraviel’s embrace kissing. All present laughed hysterically as Darrend’s heart sank to some unfathomable depth. How could she betray him? She loved him, yet here she saw him with Juraviel. And what of the ranger, was he not with Shadah? What matter of madness was this? He thought to himself. “LIES!” he screamed at his captors. “You seek to defeat and break my will with such fantastic images!” spitting on the mirror Darrend rallied some strength from his anger. Artesmon continued laughing as he explained himself. “Why should I lie to you Darrend? When the truth is infinitely more fun!” pointing to the mirror once more he began the tale. “What you see now is Shadah fleeing for her life…the priestess was wise enough to escape from wrath, for now…” The beaten druid watched as Shadah sat veiled and cloaked inside a human ship. “Soon your ranger friend will meet his destiny, as you will soon my foolish foolish druid.” Artesmon finished slapping Darrend and raking his nails across his cheek drawing blood. Darrend spit in Artesmon’s face and received another slap as a reward.
“For a time, I considered sparing you pain this night, but alas such pity is better saved for a wounded animal. Tonight again you will feel the heat of the immolation chamber as it burns you from the inside out!” Artesmon finished and spun around signaling to the others to begin. “You are going to fail my lord…if you destroy me and seek to hunt down the rest of the Knights you will fail. Their power has too much light for your darkness to overcome.” Darrend’s final words as his body was soon encased inside a crystallized chamber that soon ran hot with the dark powers of the abyss. The screams of unending pain echoed through the empty corridors of the dark prison holding Darrend.
The wind picked up considerably in the moments that followed his daze. Soon the sky turned crimson as the fallen druid lifted his weakened gaze up to see the approaching storm. Sandstorms to a weary traveler were deadly, to this night elf he knew his destiny would be fulfilled in minutes. Even the carrion birds and scorpids ran and flew off for shelter in the sands or caves to the west. The druid began to wonder what it would feel like to die. Would it be similar to his druidic slumber? Would there be dreams? Would he see his loved ones once he crossed over? These questions allowed him a gruff chuckle as he thought. “Here I am on the verge of becoming one with nature and I am pondering foolish philosophical theories…” A howling wind began to pick up in intensity. Sand began to pierce into his exposed and wounded flesh stinging him like millions of snake bites. He wondered again about Sinagh and Juraviel, if despite what he had witnessed would they truly be safe from the maniacal Artesmon. His evil had no end, and his insane lust for the past would doom him and any others around him. “Sinagh my love…I will miss you…”
The cloud from the storm engulfed the X-cross. Winds blew around him like a cyclone. The X tilted and fell hard to the ground during one particular gust breaking one hand free. Darrend could do little more then cover his face then, the storm quickly blowing so much sand over him that soon even the haze of sand and wind grew dark. Buried alive and mortally wounded, so it would be chronicled one day in the far off future when his bones would resurface from under the ever flowing currents of sand and wind. This was Darrend, that was all…or so it would seem. The sandstorm moved on and yes the once proud night elf had rejoined the spirit realm but a small hint of his fate remained...He was always so clever...
Posted 21 June 2005 - 12:32 AM - Sinagh
Sinagh's eyes fluttered open as she awoke in the familiar surroundings of home.. She lay content for a moment, wiping the sleep from her eyes slowly and giving a soft yawn. She was warm and comfortable, curled in fresh clean blankets and surrounded by all of her childhood things. As she lay there realization crashes down on her. Bolting upright in her bed her eyes scan around the room quickly. How did she get here? She looks down at the simple cloth nightgown she wore and immediately sprang from the bed in search of her armor and weapons. She jerks drawers from the dressers; scattering clothing that she had long ago grown out of across the floor. Her heart raced.
"Sinagh..." She froze, holding a pair of linen pants in her grasp. The woman's voice came from behind her and it gave Sinagh immediate chills. Closing her eyes she couldn't stop the tears that were now spilling down her cheeks at the sound of the familiar voice. "Sinagh..." the voice beckoned to her... Sinagh could envision the loving embrace of her mother behind her closed eyelids.
Turning slowly she refused for a moment to open her eyes. She feared that if she opened them.. the image would disappear. "Mother..." Sinagh says quietly as she gradually opens her eyes.
"My beloved daughter... it is I that has brought you here. But only for a short time. I cannot risk anyone knowing I can once again come across to this plane in any way or form. " Sinagh gave her a confused gaze but said nothing as her heart was filled with love and excitement at seeing her mother once again. "Sit down for a moment and I will explain as best as I can." Sinagh looked around the room and then was filled with the fear someone would interrupt and cause her mother to disappear. As if she could read Sinagh's mind, she smiles sadly and says, "No one is near. I know this for certain." Sinagh settled on the bed, staring at her mother, taking in her near mirror image visage. Sinagh's memory of her mother’s face had faded over time, and she truly did not realize until this moment how similar they looked. As her mother sat next to her she placed a hand on Sinagh's leg she sighed heavily, preparing to tilt the world, as Sinagh knew it.
"Many years ago, while the great wars raged, there were some of us that were able to resurrect the greatest of the fallen warriors from not only the emerald sleep to which Druid find peace and balance, but from the other realms of the fallen. It was a daunting task Sinagh, as wonderful as it sounds. Those resurrections were not always...." Her mother paused, staring deeply into Sinagh's eyes, "they were not always right." A painful look crossed Myli's face. The memory of it haunted her yet.. and it was very apparent in her posture. A soft hand from Sinagh dropped to Myli's shoulder and she gave her a reassuring smile. The two had been long ago robbed of the time's a mother and daughter should have spent together. Their souls seemed to speak volumes to each other in between the few words that were spoken. A bond so deep that neither of them truly understood it. "You were one of them weren't you?" Myli nodded slowly and placed a finger to Sinagh's lips. Sinagh's mind leapt back to the moment on the docks in Menethil Harbor, when somehow…she had drawn Renthios back. She had wondered many times how it had happened... how she was able to call him back to this plane. Myli saw a flash of recognition in Sinagh's eyes and smiled. "It is this gift Sinagh, this and the gift of Sight that you possess as I do, that puts your soul in danger. It is a wondrous gift, but you must be aware that all of these things have a price. You cannot shift the balance to suit your own desires and purpose. If you abuse your gifts Sinagh... the consequences are very great. Keep that in mind always. No matter what cruelties your lifetime will test you with, you must always maintain balance. If and when the time for you to use your talents present themselves, you and only you can decide if it is just. I cannot stress to you enough, the importance of what I say. Do not make the mistakes that I have." Her voice was melodic, but filled with a deep sorrow.
Sinagh nods slowly and leans into her mother, wrapping her arms around her, still not sure how much time they have together. Closing her eyes she sighs softly and whispers, "I have missed you Mother... each and every day." Myli kisses Sinagh's head gently and withdraws from the embrace. "I have something else, to tell you my beloved." her next words were hushed and in an ancient tongue... a small prayer sent to the winds to guide a departing soul. Sinagh did not understand the words, but the weight of them hung in the air around them and gave her a sinking feeling in her heart and soul.
"Darrend is gone..." the words came from Myli's lips with a finality that rocked Sinagh backwards where she sat. Sinagh blinked hard, not wanting to believe what her mother had just said. "Wha... what do you mean? Gone?" even her own words sounded foreign to her now as what she had once feared was being revealed as a truth. Myli's gaze met Sinagh's and she bowed her head slightly, it pained her greatly to be the bearer of grief to Sinagh, but if there was any hope of Sinagh withstanding this test of faith, she had to be the one to tell her. "If you wish, I can only show you his last moments. He loved you greatly Sinagh and took with him on his journey into the spirit realm this love. His last thoughts were of you.. " Sinagh curled up into the fetal position and rocked back and forth. The news brought a wave of unbridled emotion to her. The tears were already stinging her cheeks and she couldn't close her eyes tight enough to keep them in. Myli allowed Sinagh her moments of grief, but knew that her time was growing short. Reaching out to her grieving daughter, she places her hand on her forehead to grant her a brief but telling vision of the last moments of Darrend's life.
~~~
“Sinagh my love…I will miss you…”
The cloud from the storm engulfed the X-cross. Winds blew around him like a cyclone. The X tilted and fell hard to the ground during one particular gust breaking one hand free. Darrend could do little more then cover his face then, the storm quickly blowing so much sand over him that soon even the haze of sand and wind grew dark. The sandstorm moved on…..
~~~
"I was there to help him on his journey Sinagh. He is at peace..." were the only words of comfort she could muster as she watched her daughters body contort with the pain of seeing Darrend die. Myli began to second-guess her decision to show her as Sinagh began to wail and shake uncontrollably. "Sinagh, you must understand that this was meant to be. Our destiny's are not for us to control... He told you this much the last time you were together... please... He would not want you to grieve like this..." Sinagh thrashed her head back and forth in refusal of the words. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, of scenarios with different endings. A million words threatened to spill from her lips but none of them would come... The last moments spent with him, his words, his posture, everything was pounding in her mind.
A quick glance to the doorway and Myli brought her eyes back to Sinagh. "I must go." Sinagh wailed an anguished cry and reached out to her mother. Myli rose slowly and bit into her bottom lip. She wanted to wrap Sinagh in her arms and tell her it would be okay, but she couldn't. This journey Sinagh must make alone. If the balance was to be maintained, she could not interfere any more than she already had. Sinagh would someday wield a great power and she must gain the knowledge of what she had on her own. Understanding of her gifts could not be taught any other way.
"I love you my daughter. I do not know when I will see you again, but know always that I am with you. The pain will pass... I promise…. remember what I have told you and that I love you greatly."
The room was empty save the twisted form of Sinagh whom lay sobbing in the middle of her bed.
"Darrend..... Darrend.... Darrend..." she repeated until her voice would say it no more...
Posted 22 June 2005 - 04:24 PM – Sinagh
Staring out across the water, Sinagh sat atop the very waterfall where she and Darrend had been when he spoke of his leaving and where she... had begged him to run away with her. Moonglade was a peaceful place, yet Sinagh wasn't at peace. A battle raged within her guilt filled heart. The sound of the water cascading over the rocks below her did nothing more than give her a small distraction from the sound of her own broken heart beating within her chest. How had everything gone so wrong? She could only surmise that she had brought it all on herself and her heart sank deeper with the massive weight of guilt.
She had betrayed Darrend and left him to die; betrayed him with someone that Darrend had called a friend. She had broken his trust, and while Darrend had no way of knowing this... it certainly had its effect. "Only together with our love, can we overcome this darkness.. this evil that is shadowing us." Those were his words to her in that last meeting. Sinagh buries her face in her hands and weeps quietly; the pain of her transgression seems to be tearing her apart from the inside out.
Her mind retraces the evening that she flew to Booty Bay. How she had carefully chosen the dress she wore... how she had combed her hair, and the way her hands were shaking as she walked down from the Gryphon's platform into the tavern, where she knew Juraviel was waiting for her. Although at the time, she didn't admit to herself that she had gone there with the purpose of testing the waters with Juraviel, but she had. It was obvious and the result was exactly what she had secretly desired. If she had loved Darrend so much, how could she have done such a thing?
Sinagh leaned backward, and dropped her weight back to her elbows as she lay down on the rocks. Her eyes, swollen and red, could not produce any more tears. Every time she blinked, they would protest opening again, so she closed them and listened to herself breathe.
She loved Darrend... but he had been so distant and had disappeared for long periods of time without so much as a little note. She had begged him to stay with her.. to run away and hide until they could figure out what was going on. He had refused, left her abruptly and vanished. She attempted to justify her betrayal, but the argument was simply not strong enough. She had ran to Juraviel seeking the attention that she was not finding with Darrend and it had cost Darrend his life.
"Forgive me Darrend...." she whispers into the breeze that floats by her. "I will bring you back.. And make this right....“ She places a closed fist on her heart and weeps for him....
Posted 25 June 2005 - 12:02 AM – Macabre
The cloaked form rested against the weathered wood of a ship bound for Darnassus. The vile smirk on his lips marked his satisfaction at the outcome of Darrend’s fate. His large armored arms crossed over his chest, his eyes drift over the others on the ship. 'Pathetic...' he thinks to himself as he watches a young Human warrior sharpen his blade. His thoughts drift back to Darrend's screams and pleas for mercy and his smirk widens. He cared little for destiny or fate. He cared nothing for balance or restoration. His purpose was to cleanse the lands of those not worthy. Those who would not survive the wars that were inevitably coming back to haunt this generation as they have the last. His job, his purpose was brute force serving the wills of the ancients.
The ship slowed and the wooden hull moaned as it brushed against the pier. Macabre waits until the rest have moved off the ship before he pushes himself from his resting place and walks off the boat and onto the pier. Young ones run down the pier yelling, "Hold the boat!" past him and he chuckles... always late and running out of time were the young ones.
Darnassus was unusually quiet this night as he walks with no particular direction. His leisurely walk landed him in front of the Temple and a pair of priestess pass him, giving him a once over and uneasy gazes. "Good evening ladies..." he says giving a partial smile. They nod in unison and pick up pace to get away from him, which gives him reason to laugh. As he steps into the Temple he pauses and looks up. The High Priestess was in a quiet discussion, sitting on the railing above him with a Priest. She stops speaking in mid-sentence and looks down at him as if feeling his presence. Holding up a hand to the Priest she excuses herself and walks down to meet Macabre, her eyes never leaving his.
"You have no place here. You must leave now." she says in a hushed but serious tone. Macabre grins at her, "Oh… come now…surely there is forgiveness to be found here." She narrows her eyes, "If that is what you were seeking, then perhaps.. but we both know that you seek not forgiveness and are here simply to create trouble." He sighs heavily and shrugs, "My Lord wishes to speak with you at once." She shakes her head. "Then tell him, he knows where to find me. I will not be summoned by one of his...." she glares directly and defiantly into his eyes, "Lackeys…" Macabre seems unaffected by her words and continues. "You will meet with him, with or without your consent. I will come to escort you when he is ready." She waves a hand in his face and turns to walk away. "I will not be threatened by you or your Lord. Now leave." she walks gracefully back up to her previous conversation, giving him one last harsh look once she returns to her perch.
Macabre steps outside and takes in a deep breath. As he exhales his smirk returns and he moves across the warriors terrace and out into the forest, the tortured screams of the fallen druid fueling his desire to hunt.
Posted 29 July 2005 - 04:51 PM – Zor Primus
The air smelled of rank death. A green mist permeated down the algae thickened stone steps of the spoiled tomb deep within the forest of Duskwood. A lone sarcophagus sat opened at the far end of the chamber Drakus now stood. How he hated coming into this dank place. While a practitioner of the dark arts, and follower of the shadow the noble born man that stood here despised his surroundings. His hatred still growing as the smell inside worsened with the arrival of his appointment. The raven haired warlock sighed as he didn’t bother to turn to greet the undead warlock that creped his way down the slippery steps. “You’re late Matsumoto…” Drakus said dryly. “I ran afoul a pair of militia guard, I was hungry…” the rotted one said with a hiss. Drakus waived his hand dismissively and turned to face him. “Spare me your tales of lunch and dessert please. I have more pressing matters to discuss with you Matsumoto.” Taking a menacing step forward Drakus stood taller over the hunched form of the forsaken warlock, to his credit he did not flinch. “So you said in your message. Why do you seek me out human?” Matsumoto said defiantly.
Drakus smiled at the obvious interest this animated corpse was showing. “In a moment, first, do you have what I asked you to bring me?” Drakus inquired almost nonchalant. Matsumoto grumbled as he reached into his pack and pulled out a small coffer. Drakus’ eyes narrowed as he looked at it carefully. “Open it…” he commanded. The undead one popped the lock off the coffer and opened it, revealing the content inside. A small seemingly unremarkable crystal, it was black and shaped in an almost perfect hexagon. At once Drakus felt the aura of the Abyss surrounding the crystal, felt that it contained a darkness that was pleading to be released. Matsumoto closed it quickly and took a step back. “This was more difficult to get then I thought it would be, and it is going to cost you Drakus.” He said with a cackle. The human warlock’s anger rose in fractions of seconds, yet he maintained his neutral façade. “We agreed on twenty gold pieces Matsumoto, I do hope you are not trying to swindle me.” Drakus said in a tone that would have sent shivers to anyone, except one who was already dead.
“Fifty gold, no less.” Matsumoto replied returning the coffer within his bag, his marred face of gore turning into a grim smile of profit. Drakus nodded only absently reaching into his pouch to produce the gold. “No way I can talk you do is there Matsumoto?” Drakus asked one last time. The seemingly savvy undead only shook his head no. “As you wish…” the warlock conceded but slid his hand away from his pouch as a snickering chuckle was heard from the shadows behind Matsumoto. There was a snap of a whip and soon that whip flashed out from seemingly nowhere to wrap itself around the neck of the stunned warlock. If it would have been alive it would have gasped for air. Now though all it felt was the lash of pain brought on by Drakus’ succumbs Jhorantia. “Tre…trech…treachery…” Matsumoto spit out hatefully as he fell to his knees. Drakus smiled wide as he step forward over the submissive warlock. “No my old friend, merely negotiating my purchase…aggressively.” He said again reaching into his pouch. “While I can appreciate your efforts, I hardly believe it was worth what you claim.” Matsumoto struggled a bit but the whip only increased its painful grasp as Jhorantia happily danced around behind its victim, her glowing eyes pleading her master to kill the creature. “Seems Jhorantia would like to play with you back on her own plane…a treat she seems to think. Drakus said chuckling. “Go…*cough* To hell…Dra..” Matsumoto didn’t finish as Jhorantia closed his vocal chords completely. “In due time Matsumoto, I can assure you…but first back to matters at hand.” Drakus began reaching into his pouch again. “Thirty gold is a fair price I think…” he continued counting the gold pieces one by one, ignoring the fact that Matsumoto was reaching futilely around his neck trying to release the whip. Drakus looked up casually and stared for a moment at the undead cretin. “What was that? I didn’t hear you?” An evil grin spread on Drakus’ face as he blew a kiss to Jhorantia. “Release him my pet, I think he has something to say. The succubus frowned but obeyed her master. Matsumoto fell completely on the floor. The pain subsiding as he coughed out blood and gore. “Thirty…Pieces…fine…” he said.
Drakus dropped the gold pieces in front of Matsumoto as a small form stepped into view from the other plane. Drakus’ imp reached into Matsumoto’s bag and grabbed the coffer, tossing it to his master before fading away once more. Drakus caught it and smiled. “See Jhorantia, that wasn’t as hard as you thought it would be. Brushing his hands he opened the coffer and studied the black crystal inside. Again he felt the swirling power of the Abyss inside. “Yes..this will do nicely.” He finished, safely tucking the coffer away. Matsumoto was already on his feet, his hand on his dagger but not a thought of retaliation in his mind. “So what did you need that for Drakus?” he asked in a raspy voice.
Drakus leaned up against the sarcophagus and crossed his arms in front of him as he began to explain. “An experiment I intend on performing my undead friend. Something I have always wanted to tinker with.” The warlock let the other think for a moment before he continued. “There is some foolish lovesick Druid who wishes to bring back her lover from the dead…” Now it was Matsumoto who grinned again. “A druid you say? Not very druid like is she?” he chuckled. Drakus shared in the laugh and nodded. “Yes well, she is young and naïve. Completely unaware of what she is actually doing.” The undead warlock nodded but thought out loud. “This is dangerous for you to Drakus, you know what could happen…” he started. Drakus only winked and started for the exit. “That is why I have asked you to bring me this artifact. Think of it as my insurance policy should something go horribly wrong.”
Matsumoto nodded but then stopped Drakus again. “Wait, why are you doing this for that druid? What’s in it for you?” he said knowingly. Drakus didn’t stop but said as he left earshot. “A chance to read the ancient druid tomes of Cenarious.” Matsumoto’s jaw dropped at that revelation…
Posted 04 August 2005 - 10:38 AM – Zor Primus
In the deep desert known as the Abyssal Sand the wind howled like a saddened wolf. A cry of solitude and darkness that would overwhelm any lost traveler with a sense of defeat. Battles were fought and lost here on a daily basis. The eternal struggle of good versus evil, predator against prey, weak against the strong, choose whichever cliché you wanted. The one common theme in the Abyssal Sand was simple, life and death. Weeks ago one such battle was fought and lost by a night elf that had known much pain in life. A fitting end that same life end in pain. A small patch of green grass with a single tree bud marked the resting place of Darrend. A druid who had died in a vain attempt at protecting his lover Sinagh, a forfeit life that did little to stop what had already set in motion. Sinister plans that was the pretext for a grab for power that would shake the foundation of Darnassus to its very core.
Last night a violation to the natural order of things happened. A mockery of the even flow that was the currents of life and death. Fate received a slap in the face and because of this, balance was lost. An overzealous druid and an ambitious warlock had broken a major line of destiny and had called upon forbidden powers to pull from the realm of Death a spirit and body to return to the land of the living. Instead of succeeding in the quest the warlock had instead pulled down the spirit of the fallen druid to the Abyss. Granted it was not done on purpose, it was a risk that he understood very well having practiced the dark arts for many years. Yet his warnings went unheard to the headstrong Sinagh. She got her wish, she was able to see her fallen lover again as it and yes it tried to step through the gateway in Darkshire. However behind this grotesque body that was only a Shadow of Darrend was an entire legion of denizens of the Abyss. Hungry imps and revolting voidwalkers, flanked by felhunters and other unnamable abominations that even Drakus dared not call upon. The quick thinking warlock had then used his only defense against this possible outcome. A small crystal that contained energies harnessed from the Abyss. Drakus called upon the power of the crystal to once again close that gateway into the Shadow. Against the pleas and cries of Sinagh, Drakus closed the gateway again. Thanking the Shadow for sparing him the doomed fate that he faced should those demons had escaped.
Artesmon stood at the top of the Lifetree in Darnassus. A smile spread across his face as he felt the breeze and whispers of the tree feed him information. His eyes closed witnessed the general happenings his daughter lived that night before. The old druid chuckled at his daughter’s continuous rebellion, and also felt happy that everything continued to proceed as he had foreseen it. Sinagh was a fool to go to a warlock for help. She did not need the aid of the human. Yet in her naivety she had given up to the man the ancient tomes of Cenarious. That crime would have to be dealt with in time. Artesmon grinned as he pondered what he would do to the human warlock. Then a thought occurred to him, and he quickly ran down the tree and proceeded to enter his private sanctum. With a flickering though he ignited the candles that were spread throughout the room. The duel serpent statue stood in the middle of the room began to glow a dark green as the druid knelt before it. He began to pray and summon the power of the fang. The ancient druid entered into a deep trance.
Centuries of training had taught him to travel between planes almost on a whim. Artesmon knew that while Drakus had succeeded in sealing the ancient elf gateway, residue remained, and that was all he needed to add more fun to his scheme. His thoughts focused on the tortured soul of Darrend. Diving into the shadow he easily found the freshly engulfed madness that the dead druid’s soul was becoming. He took an essence of that soul, and traveled with it across Kalimdor miles passed underneath him in seconds as he made his way south. Soon they were over the desert and circling around the Abyssal Sand. It did not take long for Artesmon to find what he wanted.
The small green patch, Darrend’s resting place shined green against the yellow brown sand. Focusing his thoughts deeply he took all his hatred and passed it on to the small trace of Darrend’s soul, giving it one simple target. The massive power unleashed began to blow sand around wildly for miles. Thunder clapped in the darkening sky as Artesmon continued to put forth his druidic power into his captured soul. A beam of blue light then surrounded the grave. The ground began to shake as unholy energy was sent from Sinagh’s father into the rotting corpse underground. It stirred at first as the energy began to reanimate the dead flesh. Mostly bone now after many weeks it creaked as it began to move. The hands full of flesh eating worms began to dig maniacally. Torn leather garments ripped off completely revealing more rotten flesh and bone. Darrend clawed itself out in minutes. Ripping the grass and swallowing the small tree bud underground as it let out a feral scream. Deep down drowning in sorrow a minuscule awareness knew what he had become. Darrend stood now, more grotesque then what Sinagh had witnessed the night before. The wind blowing was around him, brushing off the clumps of sand and insects that had collected around him. Artesmon descended and stood before his creation. “You know what must be done…do my bidding and I shall release you back to the Abyss!” he commanded. The undead Darrend only grunted and began to walk limply into the desert. The sole thought in its tortured mind was one thing…”Sin-ah-gh”
Posted 05 August 2005 - 02:39 PM – Sinagh
She slid on her boots slowly, as if every bit of motion required a huge amount of energy. Rising from her spot on the floor of the inn, her posture told of the massive emotional weight Sinagh was carrying. Unusually pale skin, dark eyes sunk too far into the sockets from lack of sleep and long thin fingers that shook ever so slightly as she tightened her belt around a waist that was shrinking from lack of nutrition. Her body was showing the signs of fatigue and emotional drain.
Sinagh walked down the path out of Auberdine towards Astranaar. Her head was down, and her eyes glanced up only occasionally to make sure she was still on the path. She made a wide birth around the Grove of Ancients, not wanting Onu to see her - unfortunately, Onu obviously knew she was coming.
"Sinagh what has you so troubled?" She stopped in her tracks. His voice seemed to fill her mind, rather than her ears. Without raising her head she continued forward, hoping he would just leave her be. "Sinagh I can feel that darkness and pain that surround you. Come to me and lay your worries away. " Sinagh turns and looks into the grove. "Onu, you cannot help me on this journey. Please leave me alone." Her words surprised the ancient one. She was shrouded in a darkness that worried him and she was blocking him out now. He shifted his boughs and moved towards the road. "Daughter of Artesmon.. what have you done?" he says into the forest behind her as her form moved away as quickly as she could from the grove.
The night seemed to swallow her up as she walked. No one paid a moment’s notice to the young druid as her steps led her through Astranaar south to Talon Deep Path. Entering the tunnel she leans against the rock wall just a few steps inside and sighs heavily. "Adrima.. I am here."
The rogue watches from her hidden vantage point and smiles inwardly as she looks over the druid. Sinagh looked awful and the pain in her eyes was the most beautiful part of it. She was caught up in a game she would never understand, and with players that were so powerful that Sinagh could not compete. Adrima steps from the shadows with a smirk curling her lips and arms crossed over her chest. "Well, well, well... look what the cat drug in." Sinagh didn't find the humor in it, and disliked the way Adrima was looking at her but she needed her help and would hold her tongue for now.
"I need to hire you for something." Sinagh says quietly.
"My services aren't for sale. " Adrima says flatly, hiding her curiosity.
"You know they are. That's what you do. Things that no one else will."
"Sinagh.. I am offended deeply that you would think such things of me!" Adrima makes a ghastly face and shakes her head as she chuckles, loving every second of twisting Sinagh up.
"Cut the crap Adrima. I need you to steal something for me." Sinagh narrows her eyes and glares at Adrima. It was making her increasingly angry that Adrima's attitude was so aloof.
"Steal? Wow Sin... that's so unlike you.. little princess of the palace. What's gotten into you? Let me guess.... a lover died on you or something?" Adrima snarls out the last sentence and before she can blink Sinagh has her by the throat and pushed up against the wall with strength Adrima didn't know she had in her. Sinagh hissed in Adrima's face as she squeezed against her windpipe. "You've said enough. Now will you or will you not help me?" Sinagh's eyes were dark and menacing.
Even in this compromising position, Adrima could easily take Sinagh down but she allowed the young one her moment of darkness. It thrilled Adrima to see the fire in Sinagh's eyes. Grabbing Sin's wrists Adrima nods slowly, letting her think she had won. Whatever Sin was wanting so badly was worth the show. As Sinagh puts her down Adrima grins. "You've gotten stronger Sis." Sinagh hisses at Adrima again. "Don't call me that. I am not your sister... I am nothing like you!" Adrima chuckles and looks around them. "Could have fooled me. Your here asking me to steal something for you, wearing that snake stuff, looking like a lunatic." Adrima paces back and forth for a moment before asking, "So what is it that you want me to inappropriately misplace for you?"
Having paid Adrima more than what she was worth, Sin walked back down the path and then made her way to the Wailing Caverns. There were many unanswered questions laying in wait there and she was determined to find out exactly what its connection was to Darrend's death. Her mind was now slipping back into its previous state of depression with the excitement of meeting Adrima over. Sinagh stayed off the path now. She couldn't chance running into Juraviel. She needed time... time to right the wrong she had done to Darrend. Time that Juraviel wouldn't understand.
Posted 05 August 2005 - 03:37 PM – Sinagh
Deep within the Wailing Caverns, Sinagh's body lie sprawled out in a most unnatural contortion. Her eyes - open, were staring blankly outward but were seeing nothing. The poison that was ravaging her body was now slowing her heart and she was dying. So far gone that the Fang Druids that had inflicted the wounds were not bothering to even watch over her. Nothing short of a miracle could help her now.
"My beloved.. Awake and take your place at my side..." Darrend's hand reaches for hers. She was no longer in the caverns, but in a lavishly decorated room. There was Darrend, alive and well! "Darrend..." she whispers and takes his hand. Pulling her from the warm blankets she had been wrapped in he smiles and pulls her to him, wrapping his arms around her waist and spinning her around as he kisses her. "But I thought?" he kisses her words away and she huddles close in his arms. She takes in a deep breath, drinking in his scent and loving every moment of his touch. "I love you Sinagh..." he whispers against her hair as his hands stroke down her back. "I love you Darrend....I love you... I..."
Sinagh can feel herself being pulled from him by unseen hands. "Noo... Darrend!" Struggling against the force that is drawing her away she howls. "No! I will not leave him again!" Everything around her turns to black and she still struggles to free herself. A blinding light hits her face and Sinagh instinctively draws her arms up to cover her face against it. The hands were no longer pulling at her.. but she could hear them whispering in the light that was forcing her to close her eyes.
"Druid... are you alright?" They had mistaken her for one of the Fang Druids in the cavern when they first had come upon her, but when they removed her pack and started rummaging through it realized that she wasn't one of them. She was dressed the same, yet was obviously not one. "Hey... Come on now. Wake up. "A human Paladin was bent down next to Sinagh's contorted form. She stirred slightly. "Leave her here. There's nothing more you can do for her." His mage counterpart snorted. "Stupid Night Elves anyway." he spits on the ground next to Sinagh's head. "We can't just leave her." the Paladin rises and looks at the Mage. "Why not? You gonna carry her all the way back? I certainly am not." They continue on their way, after a short argument. Before going, the Paladin placed her pack under her head and propped a healing potion next to her body.
Sinagh doesn't stir for a long time. The pain aches through her body and her mind doesn't want to let go of the vision of Darrend. The healing spells the Paladin casts were not strong enough to mend the damage done to her body, but were strong enough to pull the majority of the poison out. She slowly rolls to her side, knocking the potion over. She finally opens her eyes and squints even in the darkness of the cavern. Reaching out slowly, her hand shaking, she wraps her fingers around the potion bottle and pulls it to her lips. It took a long moment of preparation before she could find even the strength to bite down on the cork and pull its stopper free. Taking a long drink, the potion runs out both corners of her mouth and she drops her head back panting. Getting out of here was going to be rough. She struggles to roll over completely, every muscle of her body protesting. Using the rocks beside her to pull herself up, it takes her quite some time to fully stand. The druid's legs shake under her.
A quick survey of her surroundings, she decides there is no choice but to port to Moonglade. She wouldn't survive in this condition a trip out. Closing her eyes, she forces herself to concentrate....
Posted 05 August 2005 - 04:44 PM – Zor Primus
The ranger was crouched, soaked and dripping water underneath the low branches of the palm tree. The rain pelted him as the torrential downpour continued. Thunder clapped in the near black clouds above as lightning flashed almost at the same time. The weather might not have seemed odd to Juraviel had he not been on such an odd journey full of twists and pitfalls. A week had gone by since he last saw Sinagh and already his heart weighed heavily. They had spent scarcely a couple of evenings together when she had left one morning suddenly. He tried to not take her departure as that of Shadah. No, he knew in his heart that was not the case. Osorno growled and snorted as he shook off more water from his gray fur. The water splashing wildly about to Juraviel’s dismay onto his already drenched body. Juraviel leaned against his rifle and sighed. Shadah, the priestess who had stolen his heart, the one who he had protected and loved like no other. The elf who had left him when he so desperately needed him had returned. Juraviel couldn’t believe his eyes that night in Stormwind. He had thought that never again would he look upon her, yet there she stood before him in that tavern. The ranger’s heart sank as he remembered how cold he was to her, the resentment he spewed at her. She seemed so happy to have found him again, but his heart no longer was hers.
A noise below them snapped him out of his thoughts. “Focus.” He told himself as he steadied himself again. Juraviel had once again picked up the trail of his target, Macabre. It lead him here to the Un’Goro Crater. An oasis where time seemed to have slowed to an era when mighty reptiles walked Azeroth. Juraviel had followed a party of night elves into the heart of the crater. Fire Plume Ridge, a place unstable that was probably the last remnants of the meteor that struck this land and created the crater. At least that what Marcalo had told Juraviel this theory before his departure from Stormwind. The party moved from their camp slowly, their saber mounts seemed unnerved about something. Juraviel felt it too, something not right about his surroundings. His instincts and foresight screamed at him to stay where he was underneath the foliage. Osorno’s ears were flat as the rain continued to come down hard. The early morning sun was not even a glare as the clouds above fought to keep the evening’s shadow. Juraviel ducked lower and slid on the muddy ground. Osorno close to him. There was something close. A predator of great power for sure. Juraviel felt the ground tremble slightly, and heard as a silence fell around him like a blanket. He knew that the creatures close by were scurrying to hide, a hunter was about and it wasn’t him or the night elf party.
He looked ahead, his keen eyes noting at once that the night elves had stopped in their tracks. They had formed a sort of semi circle around one elf in particular. The hooded one was casting a spell of thorns around the party. Druid, just as Juraviel had thought, but was it Macabre? The warriors drew their swords, their senses also catching the danger approaching them. Gripping tight to his rifle he waited for a few moments before sliding closer. The ranger was only a few meters away from the camp, his elite skills keeping him just outside of earshot. This was the respect he gave to his people, they were keen to their surroundings no matter what path that had chosen, and with a Druid among them Juraviel’s unique bond to nature would have been easy to detect. So instead Juraviel kept a safe distance and settled to merely observe this group. Sweat now mingled with raindrops as the minutes rolled on, still nothing.
It seemed that the elves had relaxed and started on their way when Juraviel felt a quick movement behind him. He froze in place and prayed silently to Elune for he too was now certainly doomed. A growl and earth shaking tremble finally revealed the hunter. Standing at nearly 40 feet the Devilsaur charged ahead with reckless abandon towards the stunned party. Juraviel could only glance up as a massive foot passed over him dropping mud all over his wet form. Osorno didn’t even let out a peep as he knew that this was one beast he could not attack. The massive step over Juraviel saw the Devilsaur already take a snap at the nearest mounted warrior. It took it in its massive jaws snapping the saber’s spine. Thrashing it around like a doll a few times before flinging it with ease against a massive tree, with a bone crushing thud the elf warrior gasped his last breath. The warriors already got off their mounts and attempted to form a line. The Druid stayed on his mount, casting a healing spell towards the fallen warrior. The Devilsaur leaped back with amazing agility and charged again forward. Its maw snapped and nearly caught another warrior who swung his sword down on the reptile’s neck. The blade only left a mark on the tough hide. The reptile swung its massive tail though too quickly for the warrior to react and he felt it hit him dead center in his chest. Juraviel cringed as he heard ribs snap and blood ooze from the soon to be fallen warrior’s mouth. “Collapsed lung.” He said to Osorno. The remaining three warriors rolled back, giving themselves as much distance as they could from the deadly tail. The Druid cast a bolt of nature’s wrath at the beast, drawing its attention.
That was the last Juraviel saw of the Druid. He quickly called forth a portal and was gone in a split second, probably heading for the sanctuary of Moonglade. The ranger cursed the ground he laid on and pondered what to do next as the three soldiers who were abandoned charged to the Devilsaur. It was over in seconds. Two warriors were swiped by the deadly tail. The first still alive and clawing to escape was eaten quickly. The other one was twisted and lifeless next to his edible companion. The Devilsaur seemingly content ignored the last warrior as he got on his mount to flee. This was Juraviel’s chance. Keeping an eye on the gigantic predator collecting its remaining meat he aimed his rifle at the fleeing warrior. It was headed just east of him, away from the Devilsaur. “Hope you don’t mind me picking up the scraps.” He whispered as he pulled the trigger. The arcane blast nailed the saber just below the ear, the piercing exploded as it exited on the other side. Dead the cat came to a complete stop, throwing its rider off. Casting one last glance at the Devilsaur Juraviel leapt from his hiding spot and made fast run to the fallen warrior, Osorno close behind.
Drawing his polearm he kicked over the moaning warrior and placed it underneath his neck, just in between his armor. “WHO WAS WITH YOU!?” he screamed angrily. The warrior only coughed. “WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?” he yelled, poking the tip of his blade harder. Defeated the warrior looked up pleading. “Macabre…we were escorting him back to Zul’fa…” The warrior didn’t finish his sentence. Juraviel had heard all he needed to hear. Pushing forward with tempered strength his polearm stabbed the warrior quickly through the throat. Looking back to the Devilsaur who was sniffing around looking for the escaped warrior Juraviel whistled out to Lita, his albino saber. She leaped out from her spot which always shadowed the ranger’s. Quickly he kicked off as the Devilsaur began approaching the still choking form of the warrior. Juraviel sped along the path he charted back to Tanaris, his destination clear to him.
Posted 08 August 2005 - 05:04 PM – Sinagh
Her hands shook as she placed the tomes in her pack. Adrima had done exactly as she had been hired to do and now all that was left was to find Drakus. Sinagh checked each tome to make sure Adrima hadn't double crossed her and sighed with a very small amount of relief to see them all intact.
The road to Darkshire was gloomy and the air reeked of death and decay. The poison that still flowed through Sinagh's veins added to this dismal vision and she was jumpy and on edge her entire walk. Why she had decided to walk the distance from Stormwind to here she didn't know. Perhaps because it was all she could do to hold on to her pack, much less the neck of a gryphon. Her steps were wobbled, as if drunk and Sinagh stopped several times to breathe and check over her shoulder. Panting out of breath when she arrived in Darkshire Sinagh sits down to gather her thoughts and composure. Drakus was waiting, she was sure. It took her longer to make the trip walking, and she hadn't anticipated feeling as lousy as she did. The closer she got to her meeting with Drakus the harder her heart pounded, sending each last ounce of venom racing through her veins. Paranoid and on the verge of delirium, Sinagh finally rises from her resting spot and walks in to meet the warlock.
"Lady Sinagh." his voice purrs tauntingly towards her. He motions for the empty seat in front of him. Without speaking she sits, trying her best to maintain the outward appearance of strength and resolve. "Did you bring what I asked?" He inquires, raising a dark brow. Staring at the warlock a minute Sinagh pauses in thought. Was she doing the right thing? Just having the tomes in her possession meant that she would face serious repercussions from the circle. Handing them to a human warlock would almost certainly bring her a death warrant. Closing her eyes for a moment in contemplation she sees Darrend's death play itself out again before her eyes and again see's the room she awoke in.. the beautiful... wonderful... "Lady Sinagh?" Blinking hard she jerks her eyes back up to him. "Yes. Now let's go. " Drakus gives her a smirk and nods as he rises and walks out into the streets of Darkshire with Sinagh trailing him.
The forest seemed to be closing in around them. The twisted branches reaching to rip out her hair, lash out at her flesh. The entire night sky howled around her, taunting the druid with it's cry of tainted promises. She turned in her steps several times, swearing that she saw dark shadowy figures darting back and forth across the path beside and behind them. Drakus seemed confident and walked with a markable stride down the path, unaffected by the haunted world that seemed to be creeping up on the druid behind him.
Stopping at the bottom of a trail at the edge of the forest, Drakus turns and looks at her. "Are you sure you want to do this?" Sinagh answers with an immediate "Of course!" Not only because she felt like she had already gone too far to turn back, but also because she was sure should she retreat now, the forest behind them would make short work of ripping her apart by unmentionable means.
"Go.. hurry up now." She snaps at him. Drakus raises another brow but then begins up the trail. He says several things to her on the walk to the Gate that Sinagh doesn't hear. She nods and agrees but no longer is hearing a word he says. Her mind is filled with images, voices and flashes of memories. It's almost too much for her to keep walking forward, but the moment her eyes see the gate.. the gate that will bring Darrend back.. she marches forward with Drakus.
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Posted 13 April 2005 - 04:37 PM-Sinagh
“Shoo…Away with thee…” Sinagh’s hand bats wildly at the small insects that seem to fly about her head only to aggravate her. A long heavy sigh and she finally rises from her spot under the tree. A battle lost to the tiny ones. She folds her book under her arm and looks around. The light was growing dim in the sky. How long had she been out here? Bet you longer than she was allowed from the looks of the stars that were now showing in the darkest parts of the sky. The night elf turns and runs the short distance back to the inn and sneaks through the doors in attempt to make it up to her room before someone recognizes her.
“Young one…” his voice gave her pause. She stopped in her tracks, yet didn’t turn around merely cringed, knowing what the next line would be. “Why must you disobey me?” Sinagh turns and her lips turn downward in a frown as her shoulders drop with her posture. “I wasn’t disobeying… so much as I was just…. Pushing limits?” her attempt at humor wasn’t well met.
The elder Druid's eyebrow perks and he shakes his head. “We do not tell you these things and give you rules because we simply have nothing better to do. We do not ask you to do certain tasks for the sake of torturing you. There are an infinite amount of things that you must learn in the short time you will be on this island and you choose to act as though we know nothing. Do you really think that you are ready to go out on your own?”
His eyes gazed down on her not in anger, but in gentle tolerance. His spirit had not been as wild as hers, but he did remember, no matter how long ago it had been, what it was like to be a young one… full of life, free of the pains and darkness that had been overtaking everything around them as of late.
“No Sir… I do not. “She wasn’t going to tell him she had seen the Angel more than once that day. She wouldn’t tell him she had taken a short ride on the boat only to be frightened of what she saw and return. She wouldn’t tell him of the rogue she met that she had a great fondness of.
“Then I suggest you find your way to bed and tomorrow you keep this conversation in mind.” his voice was laden with concern and love. Sinagh nods and sighs. “And you will do more than just the quests that I had instructed you to do. When you are finished with the ones I gave you... Return to me and I will give you the others.” Before she could protest he continues, cutting off the argument. “And should I find you out again, disobeying what I have said, I will make sure it takes you longer than the young rogue, to leave as well.”
Her mouth drops open in disbelief. “How..?” he shakes his head and smiles. “Again young Sinagh, should you choose to listen to your teachings, you would have a better grasp of the gifts that you have been given. You know very well how I know. Just be careful. I can heal many things. But a broken heart only time can mend. Trust me in this." He gave her a sad smile.
“Now to bed with you.” Sinagh nods and makes the last steps before turning around, to have the last word. “His name is Aramand, father…” he winks and says...”I know...”
Posted 15 April 2005 - 12:01 AM – Sinagh
The thunder of hooves awoke her from a restless sleep. Screams rang out through the air and there were unknown languages shattering the peaceful air of Darnassus. "Darnassus is under attack!" someone yelled as they charged down the hall past her bed. There was no time to think, just react, as she yanked up her armor and her weapon. "The front gate!" another voice rang out. Sinagh had little time to dress properly but managed to get on the rags of armor she was given and bolt down to the grassy opening. The sight would forever burn its place in her mind.
Bodies littered the once serene landscape of the city. Rider less mounts charged each other over the fallen bodies of their masters. Screams of agony and war cries accosted her sensitive ears. "What is happening?" she manages to ask another young one who was standing near. "I...I don't know?"
Three Elders charged past them in cat form, letting loose a horrific roar as they clashed with the intruders. Sinagh found herself frozen in unbelief. The creatures that were attacking were unlike anything she had ever seen. They looked like animated death. Rotting flesh wielding weapons and casting magic’s unknown to her. The language they spoke was as foreign as their visage to Sinagh. Wide eyed she watched on as the battle at the front gates of Darnassus raged.
"Craftsman Terrace is under attack!" the warning rang out. Sinagh turned on her heels. She was standing near the paths to the terrace. "Hurry!" unknown hands shoved her out of her fear trance and into action. Her feet, although not as swift as some of the others, found themselves in full motion directly into another horrific scene. Again, bodies lay in death sleep all around. She slows, her body trembling with fear. Why? The question rang through her mind. Sinagh had only a moment of question before her body was sent crashing to the ground with a crushing blow. She hadn't seen what it was that had attacked her, but she heard the hooves of the beast it rode as it continued past her to lay waste to another. The young one that had been at her side only moments before was laying face down next to her, the last of his life slipping from him. "No... No... No..." she whimpers out and crawls to him, laying her hands on him gently. "You will not leave this way..." Sinagh found energy inside herself that she had never felt. One filled with compassion and love in the midst of all this horror. Closing her eyes she willed his life-force to remain intact... his spirit to stay. "You!! Hurry!! We need you over here!" Her eyes met with another Druid and he points to other wounded. "If you can heal... We need you...” She looked down on the young one she was holding and he smiled faintly, whispering to her, "I'll be fine... go where you are needed."
Sinagh runs, her body aching with the pain of the blow she received, to the others.
"Through the portal!! They jumped!!" She heard them yell. The scene was playing itself out in slow motion. Sinagh tried to concentrate on those she was to help. "But... I am not strong enough..." she cries as she looks over the wounds of another. "You are strong in heart young one... do what you can." the woman’s voice was supporting even though she was badly injured. Sinagh’s eyes closed and she again felt that overwhelming energy washes over her as she went to work.
"They killed the Ditch Digger!" came to her ears over the rest of the noise of war. Sinagh's heart sank. She knew him, had talked to him several times and it hit her hard in the chest. These monsters were destroying everything. Was there nothing she could do?
~~~~
Sinagh sighed as the last of the attacking Horde was run out of the city. It was over... finally. She felt an overwhelming sense of guilt. There was nothing she could do to fight back. Even her attempts at healing were more or less useless. She had done nothing more than comfort those injured until a priestess had arrived. It made her heart heavy. Convinced that it was over she walks, dragging her feet back towards her room. She had no want to quest this day. Her father could wait....
Posted 17 April 2005 - 01:18 AM – Sinagh
Sinagh sat quietly, watching the world pass her by. It had been several days since she had seen Aramand and it gave her a surprising sense of disappointment. She found herself searching the faces of those that passed her for his beautiful eyes. With a sigh she checks her list of things to do and finally makes herself get up and go. She had to make another trip to the lake. Maybe this would be the last one and just maybe it would take her mind off of him.
Sinagh paid little attention to what was going on around her... her mind wandered back to Aramand. How could someone have made such an impression in such a short time? Closing her eyes and shaking her head she chuckles at herself realizing that he obviously made a better impression on her than she had on him.
As her feet navigated the slopes down to the lake she stops to pick some mageroyal and take in its fragrance. 'Best get moving, no time to stop and mess around' she thinks and walks down to the tent. "Good day..." Sinagh says and hands Denalan a satchel with seeds in it. "A very good day indeed!" he replies and digs around in the dirt planting the seeds. Sinagh steps back a bit, semi watching what he was doing. "Oh!" Denalan yelps as the seeds sow little deadly attacking beasts. Sinagh caught off guard is nearly knocked off her feet. She struggles to pull her weapon free as the little things nip at her. "Kill Kill!" she hears them say in unison and she manages to shake one loose. Another, whom Sinagh had not seen, dispatched them all rather quickly with a few short swings of his sword.
"Denalan and his plants..." he chuckles and smiles.”I imagine that's not what you expected?" Sinagh giggled and brushed off her clothes. "No sir... “Her eyes scan his face and she pauses at his eyes. He was clearly blind. Scars led the way to the pale lightless white that covered his eyeballs. Sinagh now felt even worse than she had just moments ago, being caught off guard only to be rescued by a blind man. She found herself staring at him and quickly looked away.
"It's okay. Yes, I am blind." he said as if he knew what her response had been. "But... how did you...?" Sinagh asks. "I follow sounds. I can see with my ears so to speak." he said gently as if he had responded to the same question many times. She moved closer to him and sighs. "What happened to them? Your eyes I mean?" He chuckles and sits down. "I received a... shall we say... Permanent wound. Many have tried to heal it... But to no avail. “There was a tint of sadness in his voice but he kept it masked as best he could. Sinagh was amazed by how well he perceived the things around him and watched him closely as he 'saw' the world around him. She sits near him, "Don't you get lost?" She asks. "Don't you?" he retorts and they share a laugh. "I suppose I do more often than I'd like to admit." she responds feeling rather silly having that pointed out to her. "You make do with what you have. “He says and continues, "Some that can see, still can't 'see'. It is all in how you choose to handle it. I could sit and mourn the loss of my sight, or I can get up and deal with it." Sinagh nods in agreement. "It works better if you speak rather than nod..." he says. Fascinated with watching him, she laughs. “I imagine it is...I am Sinagh. A pleasure to meet you...?" "Oh dear... Forgive me. I am Fenrisspade. My friends call me Fenris. The pleasure is mine."
While the two sit and talk, another Druid, proudly bounding around in her new found bear form pounces up near them and roars with excitement. "Congratulations Lanai!" her accompanying friend applauds. Sinagh sighs sadly, but manages to clap for the newcomer. "Yes... congratulations." as Lanai shifts back and stands proudly Fenris nudges Sinagh. He whispers, "Why the deep sigh?” Sinagh whispers back, not wanting to ruin Lanai's moment, "It's just that... if I was allowed to leave the island, I could learn how to do that. But my Father won't allow it." Fenris' lips turn downward in a frown. "Why would he restrict you from learning something so important?" Sinagh didn't want to admit it was because of her own transgressions. Before she can answer, Lanai approaches. She beams with pride and smiles at Sinagh. "Are you ready to learn how?" Lanai asks her. "Yes... but I cannot do the required task because I cannot leave the island." Fenris stands and helps Sinagh up. "How about we accompany you to Dark Shore so that you may learn?" Sinagh sighs, "My father would be very angry with me..." Fenris smiles, "I'll handle him if he shows up. I think you should go." Lanai nods in agreement. Sinagh jumps up and down with excitement. "Okay!"
The three make way to Rut'Theran Village to catch a ride with the hippogryphs. Sinagh can't help the smile that is covering her face. "I wish that I could see what magnificent creatures these are.” Fenris says under his breath, not wanting the Hippogryphs master to hear him and draw attention to his lack of sight. Sinagh smiles and whispers to him, "I am sure your vision of them in your mind’s eye will do them the justice they deserve." He nods and they depart for her adventure.
Posted 21 April 2005 - 03:28 PM - Zor Primus
Darrend sat atop a boulder overlooking the Veiled Sea. He was in cat form now, enjoying a cool breeze from the ocean waters. It soothed his newly formed feline muscles greatly. He has just learned this form and relished in the freedom it gave him. Far from young this ancient night elf had begun a simple life ages ago in the forest of Ashenvale. He had been something of a philosopher in his youth, and then during the many wars with the Horde has been a warrior. His connection to nature was always there. Elune had given him the gifts of the Druid. Yet it was a rarity to see them displayed, except in battle when he healed the wounded around him. After the last war with the Burning Legion Darrend had gone into seclusion deep in the forests of Ferolas, there he lived almost like a hermit among the many predators and prey of the far away night elf forest. That was of coarse until he happened upon a former comrade in arms now turned Ranger named Juraviel. Together the left Ferolas to return to Teldrassi, home of the night elves, and a land with a promise of a bright future for the troubled elves.
It was there that Darrend was approached by a Druid from the Circle of Cenarious. The wise elf had persuaded him to learn the ways of the Druid, to help bring back balance to Kalimdor and the world. “Much has been lost, but much more to be restored!” he had told Darrend who had already decided to learn the ancient teachings. So it began a long strenuous life of a newly initiated Druid. Tasks that seemed mundane to one of such age, but he accepted it with a simple outlook of tranquility. Here he was, not truly a novice any longer, but no apprentice as well. He felt and heard nature’s call all around him. The songs of the trees, the paths of the bear and cat, the silent stalking of the wolf and glorious cry of the owl. The power was his to command, and his to share with all who were of noble heart. He has spent many moons contemplating his purpose, his goals in this new chapter of his life. The forests of Darkshore were tainted with an ancient evil. It was an evil that he has been combating for many months now with little results. The foolish humans to the north practicing the dark arts, always playing with disaster, and to the south an ancient stain residing among undead and other races of darkness.
Still, the last few days had brought along a new challenge. One that he himself had not foreseen, nor wanted. He first encountered her in a visit to Teldrassi. The Shadowglen had been a welcome sight after so long a period of darkness. There he first met this young druid of an unusual spirit. She possessed a unique beauty about her that many female elves had, yet something about this one caught his eye. Quickly resorting to the teachings he scolded her and scoffed at her feeble attempts of bravado. “Patience young one, for in time you will be great.” He had said that first night. A young friend Aramand watched her progress before he himself was lost in the shadows of the unknown. Darrend was reporting on his progress in Darkshore when he was approached by a cloaked Druid. “There is a young Druid named Sinagh who has arrived on Darkshore to aid in its restoration and balance. You are to help her and guide her, and take her as help in your work there as well.” The quiet yet powerful voice proclaimed. Darrend’s protests went unheard as it was a command straight from the top. How could he, one not powerful, not only protect himself in the dark forest, but now give care of a Druid who was not only young but inexperienced.
He was pleasantly surprised to see that this Sinagh was the same Druid he had met in the Shadowglen. She recognized him at once and shied away. Darrend, no longer portraying the image of a stone wall Druid helped her do many tasks that he sadly thought he had completed. Darkshore’s taint ran deep indeed! As the nights passed and he spent more time with this Druid he felt more and more drawn to her free spirit and unique beauty. Echoes of his days long forgotten crept into him as he watched her, smiling once in a while when she joked with him about Druid ethics. Tonight he was going to take her outside of Darkshore into Ashenvale. Not into the forest itself, for there were predators that would surely hurt or maim her. Astranaar had been a small outpost when he was young, now it flourished as an important settlement. Standing up he growled a low grumble that frightened away a pair of crabs. With a leap he was off the boulder and into a full run towards Auberdine, where he would await Sinagh to awaken. Along the way, a bear thought it smart and ambush Darrend from behind a tree. With his cat like reflexes he easily side stepped out of the claw that would have impaled a lesser foe. A grin that revealed his fangs spread across Darrend’s maw as the bear set itself for another attack. One that never came, for the ebony furred cat pounced, razor like claws opened and digging into the thick neck of the bear who had fallen back in shock.
The two rolled a couple of times down an incline. As they landed Darrend leaped on the bear again, his powerful hind legs thrusting him hard into the torso of the stunned bear. It was over in the next second as another swipe from Darrend tore through flesh and bone, mortally wounding the bear. With a slight wince Darrend returned to elf form, unleashing a bolt of starfire to end the beast’s suffering. For just a moment Darrend stood over the corpse which still sizzled slightly from the starfire. He had the slight taste of blood in his mouth, and a few trickles of sweat rolled down his face. “May you return to this land with less of a temper…” he whispered and reverted again to cat form. More weary he traveled back towards Auberdine, and Sinagh.
Posted 24 April 2005 - 03:26 AM - Sinagh
Darrend was patient with her, as he watched her fumble through the paces of the many tasks they endeavored upon. Sinagh held a quiet resentment at her inadequacies, especially when watching Darrend at work. He was swift and precise with every movement and motion. He had softened up a bit from the moment they first met, but Sinagh still remained guarded. Although a bit more subtle with his criticism, Sinagh felt like the words he said in some instances were coming directly from her Father. She also found that the more she came to know him, the harder she worked to make sure she didn't disappoint him.
The two worked together at several tasks, but she was quickly reminded at his superior skills when she had been left hiding in the shadows while he slipped through the trees to rescue a poor bear’s master. She stood watching, as his feline form slipped through the dark hearted assailants only to return to her unscathed. Sinagh forced herself to hold her tongue about being left behind and returned to Auberdine with him.
"I have something I wish to show you." he said, with a smile hinting on his lips.
The mystery trip was slowed only to stop and see Onu in the Grove of the Ancients on their southern walk. Darrend told her of his time there, but Sinagh's mind was on the new land around them. She hadn't ventured this far south and was amazed at the overwhelming feeling of darkness and despair this part of the forest brought to her. As they approached the ancient one, Onu caught eyes with Sinagh and laughed out loud startling her. "Young Sinagh... I wondered how long it would take you to leave the nest your father had you caught in and wander this direction. I am actually surprised it has taken you this long." Sinagh's eyes lower, expecting the next of his words would hold a scolding. To her surprise it did not. "Young one do not fret. I will not tell of your transgression. What I will say is this. Your Father is more like you than you realize. He is lost in his own grief with the loss of your Mother. I see the same light in your eyes as I did his, so long ago." Sinagh raises her eyes to his once more and smiles slightly. "You do?"
Onu's massive form shakes with laughter sending small birds a flight from his bows. "I have known your Father since he was young. Yes Sinagh, I see that same free and unbroken spirit that made your father great. You have the face of your mother Myli and the spirit of your father Artesmon." Sinagh smiles up at him and whispers, "I thank you for your words of kindness and encouragement." Onu smiles a cracked bark grin and turns to Darrend. "I trust that you are teaching her well. Take care of her. “Darrend bows and turns with Sinagh to leave. As the two walk away Sinagh can hardly contain her excitement. "He knows my father!" she finally bursts out when they step foot on the path. "Darrend chuckles and says quietly, "I hope he can keep a secret." Sinagh nods, "He promised as much."
It pained her that she must hide her travels from her father. She wished that she could share the wonderful tales of all the places she had been and the wonderful people she had met. She wanted to sit and talk, like they had done when she was a child, about the creatures of the wild and the magic of life everything contained. That was a never land of myth now. Now that she knew of the darkness that all the land and creatures were tainted with. It was the same taint that had overtaken her brother and sucked him into the depths of madness, finally bringing him to an end. "It's not fair" she thinks as she realizes that Darrend had taken her deep into a land that she had not seen before. He was traveling swiftly and with purpose to a destination unknown. As she looked around at the landscape he stopped, turning to face her. "Welcome to Ashenvale. This forest was my birth place." Sinagh was stunned by its beauty. Every color of the spectrum flooded her sight. The trees were massive and looked healthy and full of life, so much unlike those in Dark Shore. "It...It’s beautiful Darrend..." He had already continued forward. They eventually arrived in Astranaar.
Sinagh found herself staring at Darrend as he spoke with a vendor. He conducted his trades, ignorant to the gaze. A mixture of respect and awe washed over her. She hadn't really taken time to 'look' at him. Sinagh's eyes slowly took in his visage, and she locked every bit of it into her memory. He turned to ask her something, his lips parting with words but stopped as he saw her gaze. He cracked a smile and then continued to say what he had intended. Sinagh didn't hear the words through her blush of embarrassment at being caught staring at him. "What?" she manages to stammer out. "Is there anything you need while we are here?" Darrend's lips still held a smirk. "Um...No... I don't think so." even if she did, she wasn't going to admit it now. She really just wanted a place to hide. He finished his shopping and the two found spots to rest for the night.
As Sinagh laid down she looked over at him, his back turned to her. Someday, she would prove to him that she was worthy of his attentions and that she wasn't the lackadaisical Druid that he thought she was. She was determined to do so. With that thought, and an odd flighty feeling in her stomach Sinagh closed her eyes and found, for the first time in a while....a restful sleep.
Posted 29 April 2005 - 03:21 PM - Sinagh
Sinagh opened her eyes from a needed nights rest and fully expected to see the silhouette of Darrend near her. Her eyelids flutter a bit and she sits up, rubbing her eyes. He was gone. A heavy sadness filled her and she flopped back down on her pillow and let out a very heavy, long sigh. He hadn't even said goodbye. It angered her and hurt all in one shot. 'You are being melodramatic.' she thinks and closes her eyes. The self criticism didn't help. She was upset and the reality of the situation was that no matter what she thought about him; she was a pupil, a young, inexperienced nobody in his eyes. That thought brought an emotion to her heart that would have drug tears with it, should she not be so stubborn. There was no way she was going to give in to the crystalline liquid that was welling in her eyes. Wiping her cheeks she sits up again and looks around at the new city he had brought her too. She could do what he expected and run home, or she could make the best of being in a new place and work on her skills. She opts for the second and stands, trying to maintain some sense of composure - pushing him from her mind for the moment.
She worked her way back to Auberdine with a vengeance. She took any work that was offered, recruited help from whoever was able and willing. The nights melded together in a blur for her but Sinagh was determined to change the vision of her that Darrend held. When her body ached and all she wanted to do was sit, it was the image of him that kept her moving. The motivation was so intense that she had all but forgotten to sleep and hardly ate, eating only when she could go no farther. It was then. In the midst of her driven state that she met Sarinne.
Sarinne was another young night elf, and another Knight. Sinagh was on her way out of Auberdine, with more work, when she recognized the tabard Sarinne wore. She stopped, hoping to find aide in her newest workload only to find out that Sarinne was more like her than she could have dreamed. The two worked together for the better part of the day, talking and sharing the entire time. It took Sarinne a bit to warm up, but Sinagh was persistent and the two worked rather well together. This teamwork taught Sinagh a bit more, and Sarinne had made her think long and hard about her reasoning for staying in Darkshore and not traveling further out. Sinagh had given her friendship in return, to one whom seemed to not have many.
When they parted ways, Sinagh was finally ready to return to Darnassus and receive teachings from the Elders. With a proud strut she stepped into her home and smiles to her father whom narrowed his eyes slightly at the sight of her, giving a scolding look. "Where have you been?" His voice was low and almost menacing. "Darkshore Father..." she stood tall and did not waver. Yes, she had disobeyed him but she had good reason and she wasn't going to allow him to ruin the day for her. She was about to learn many new things and had worked long and hard for that right. "I needed you here." he says rather quietly and looks away. She couldn't read his face, but his voice was cracking. "What's wrong..." she says and closes the distance between then quickly, kneeling next to him.”A vision... of you... Sinagh... you must promise me you will no longer go there." As much as she wanted to promise him, she knew that if she was ever going to be respected as more than a young one, she would have to leave Darnassus. "I cannot promise you Father... You know very well that I cannot. If you have had visions of my demise, I am sorry. I do not share in that dark vision with you. I spoke to Onu while I was over there. I believe as does he that your visions are clouded with a grief that you have not gotten over." Her father rises in one fluid motion, toppling the table in front of him and looking her directly in her eyes. "And I will never get over it! You wish me to forget your Mother?!?" Sinagh couldn't take back what she had said. She hadn't meant it that way, and didn't know how to deal with his reaction. In fact... she had never seen him act this way and is scared her. Stepping back from him she shakes her head... "I will come back when you have your head about you. I love you..." she turns and runs; not stopping until she reaches the bank and she falls to her knees near the path and buries her face in her hands. Never had she spoke that way to him, she wouldn't have dared or dreamed of it. He had darkness in his eyes that scared her. He wasn't rational and that too frightened her. She would return to see Onu and find out what the Ancient one thought on the matter. For now... she would remain in Darnassus - at least this night, keeping a watchful but distant eye on her father.
The following day, with less than expected fervor, Sinagh makes the trip to see the Druid trainer and stays the remainder of the day. She is lectured several times about her wayward behavior and it being unbecoming of not only Druids but Night Elves in general. Normally she would have put up an argument, but not this day. She sat silent and accepting the chastising that she was being doled out. When she left that evening, she felt rather small and insignificant, especially since her trainer had refused to teach her several things until she had proven herself more. He told her that because of her lack of comprehension for the ways of the Druid that she must further work on her skills and then return for his teachings.
Again she fell short and would disappoint Darrend. She had so hoped that before she saw him again that she would learn the transformation of the cat. That was not going to happen now. That night she was to make the trip to Stormwind to a Guild meeting. Sinagh was sure he would be there. She drug her feet about going, but made the trip anyway. Her father on her mind and thoughts of Darrend tugging at her heart.
When she arrives, lost as usual in the strange city full of humans, she wanders until finally finding the Tipsy Elf tavern. Sinagh had never stepped foot inside a tavern and had never attended a meeting as this. Once she arrived out front the sight overwhelmed her. So many beings, from every race were shouting and cheering and drinking. The smell of booze and the city of humans overwhelmed her. Stopping at the bottom of the stairs she looks for a place to go, and is met with the elder eyes of another Night Elf. She cringed as she noticed he was watching her and again, felt small and useless. He sat atop a magnificent creature and looked down on her with judgment in his eyes. Sinagh felt her knees giving under her. She didn't want to show her weakness but it was all so overwhelming!
"Sinagh!" she heard Caliope's familiar voice over the crowd. Caliope was waving from in front of the tavern door. Sinagh waves back and turns to greet the elder Night elf (Juraviel) and finds that he has now passed her with a huff up the stairs to the taverns entrance. 'Great!' she mutters knowing that the jury wasn't gone long on that decision.
The meeting drug on for what seemed like an eternity. The entire meeting, Sinagh sat with her back to most everyone there. She had found a table away from the group, hoping for seclusion, only to have Caliope move the meeting to her table. Before she knew it, she was sitting directly in front of the Ranger that only minutes ago she had offended. Sinagh sank in her chair and remained there, wondering where Darrend was and why he hadn't made it. At least if he were here... things wouldn't be as bad.
Posted 29 April 2005 - 04:48 PM- Zor Primus
It was a dark place that Darrend found himself in, a strange place indeed for a meeting with an elder of Darnassus. He had rarely traveled into the Ferolas, and this night seemed eclipsed of all light. Not even the stars shun this night. He had been called away here by the Cenarion Circle to discuss matters of prophecy. He wondered if for some odd reason things that had been going on with him were slipping slowly out of the control he was accustomed to, no, aspired to have. From the distance he heard the roar of a cat. A steed for sure, soon enough his assumption was confirmed. A pure black cat with many decorations leaped from the shadows. On it was an elf, tall and imposing shrouded in a robe and hood that covered all but his glowing eyes.
Darrend stood tense as this mystery rider slipped gracefully from its mount and approached him. Out of respect, and the feeling of power emanating from him Darrend bowed lowed to this stranger. “You may be at ease Darrend, for I am a friend.” He said in a voice full of authority, but reassuring. “As you wish…” was all the druid could reply. Already not liking the disadvantage he had of knowledge. “I have summoned you here for a purpose.” The stranger began. In a rare show of defiance, more to satisfy his own pride Darrend replied. “No one summons Darrend!” The hooded one not changing his tone continued. “Then it pleases me to be the first.” “State your business…” Darrend said, still displaying not so much disrespect, but more of a challenge against this obviously dangerous enigma. Darrend let out a deep breath, somehow setting himself mentally for a battle, not physical, for he knew he was probably overmatched. This was to be a battle of wills. “You are now training a young Druid female are you not?” the stranger asked take a half step forward. Darrend stood his ground and shook his head. “I am but a student myself, and in no position to take an apprentice.” He answered with a bit of ire. The hooded one crossed its arms, seemingly surprised at this bit of news. When no other word was said Darrend continued.
“Do you mean to say I was brought out here to be asked such a trivial question!?” the druid was starting to feel as if there was more to the one under his wing then he had expected. Could this hooded one be the father Sinagh feared so? “Do not speak to me with such disdain Darrend…it would be wise to fear me.” The stranger now took two ominous steps forward extending his arms with a call to Nature’s Wrath his hands began to glow a deep green. Surprised, yet not showing a drop of fear twisted his anger outward to this old one. “I fear nobody!” he said. With a near thunderclap the Wrath thrown at Darrend sent him flying back a few meters. His back hit a tree with a gut wrenching crack. His vision hazy and blood trickling out of his mouth he saw the hooded one move with such speed there was no hope of escape. The next thing he felt was a strong hand gripping tightly around his throat and lifting him easily off the ground. As the air left his mouth and brain began asphyxiating he heard these final words before darkness engulfed him. “If I find you have lied to me, this will seem to nothing more than a lover’s quarrel.”
He awoke and stumbled clumsily out of the Ferolas forest to the Hippogryph nests. Darrend’s mind was reeling from the encounter. There was little doubt the one who came to him was Sinagh’s father, or at the very least an agent of his. When she said she feared his disapproval she was stating the largest understatement he had ever heard. However even with such a volatile threat presented to him, there was no way he was changing the course in which had been set before him. Whoever was behind this could not be from the Circle. And for some reason Sinagh meant more than just an over protective father to the Circle. For they train with the foresight that each Druid will have a piece of history with them through all the ages.
So many thoughts rolled through his mind that he didn’t realize he was back in Auberdine. He sensed that Sinagh was near, but could not afford to see her. Not yet, not here. This pained him greatly but considering the ramifications he could not risk it…yet. They would have to meet hidden away and protected from the prying eyes of others. Moonglade came to mind at once, the Circle had wards placed around everywhere to prevent even the greatest of mages to come. However he could not continue her training there. No, they had to go far, far from elven lands. At least until he could get to the bottom of this mystery, the riddle that was Sinagh. Until then, he would be at her side. Even though he did not see it, it tugged into his mind and slowly began creeping into his heart. She was more than just an apprentice, more than a source of adventure and mystery. Her care free spirit called to him, and he with eyes wide opened was answering. Darrend eased himself into cat form and went deep into the northern Darkshore forest. There in the thrill of the hunt he was free. There his mind could assimilate all possible outcomes.
Posted 01 May 2005 - 02:09 AM-Macabre
Feathermoon Stronghold, Feralas
"What news have you for me?" his voice was in a hushed tone, but was powerful and full of discontent.
"The matter is being taken care of. I have made my promise and I intend to keep it." the nightelf replies as he removes his hood and kneels down. "I will not fail you."
"You have failed me once, have you not? I believe when last we spoke you reported to me that she was not with him but in the Wailing Caverns with another of the Knights. You allowed this to happen."
The fire burning between them crackled loudly in judgment. The night was still and silent around them save the dancing and crackling of the flames that lay between the two-elven figures.
"I sent a crossroads guard after them with instructions not to harm her. She was in the company of a hunter and another young druid. Sarinne I believe is her name. He chased them half way across the barrens, way out of his post, before he was able to bring this knight down. The two young ones managed to escape. Yes, it is my fault that I sent an incompetent Tauren to do this job, but I myself could not be seen. Sinagh would know me on sight." He stammers out his excuses and bows his head.
"Oh, I know full well what transpired. And whom she was with. They are not an issue... yet. I also know that she battled Druids of the Fang in the caverns and is proudly wearing armor to prove that she did. I detest the sight of it and it was you that allowed her passage! I will no longer need your promises and failures. It will be taken care of without you. I should have never listened to the ramblings of the others and allowed you any hand in this."
"Sir..." he pleads "I will not fail you again....." his hands clasp in front of his chest in a mock prayer of forgiveness.
The dark figure rises to his full height and closes his eyes, ancient words whispering off of his lips as his hands rise up in front of him, and his palms alight with the powerful blue arcane light of starfire. The glow of his eyes changes from the bright amber to a deep bloody red as he finishes the gathering of power and turns his hands outwardly in the direction of the other.
Scrambling backwards, trying to put his feet underneath him the elf yelps out a plea of mercy that falls on deaf ears. This one would not be granted clemency, and the blow was swift and fatal.
Posted 01 May 2005 - 03:23 PM – Zor Primus
Darrend spoke with Dendrite Starblaze in Moonglade about the troubling events from the previous night. The two druids sat on the eastern shore of Lake Elune'ara. Dendrite looked at her friend with great concern. This business with Sinagh was fast slipping past the initial intentions of the Cenarion Circle. Darrend was clearly shaken up by what had transpired. He was thrown into this position by the Circle because in their wisdom foresaw great success at bringing the two together. And to their credit it was a success…except now with this news of an assault, seemingly from another druid complicated matters gravely.
“Have you told anyone else of this?” she asked in a low tone. Darrend shook his head negatively. “No, I do not know who to trust, in fact I almost did not come to you my old friend.” He answered turning away from her, clearly ashamed at his lack of confidence. Dendrite smiled and patted his shoulder softly. “I understand Darrend, you have been betrayed. It is not easy to face such fear and not come out somewhat jaded.” The old druid smiled and tossed a rock into the water, his eyes watching it skip a few feet before finally sinking to the depths below. “Do you remember when I came to you and told you of my assignment to Sinagh?” he asked turning back to Dendrite. The druid woman smirked and chuckled slightly. “You said it was worse than that time we had to infiltrate Orgrimmar disguised as an Orc.” She started. “And that time we reeked like Orc for months.” Lightening the mood with a laugh the two friends shared. Darrend stopped laughing and sighed. “Things have changed Dendrite. Changed in a way that I…” Dendrite, who had known Darrend for more than a century, widened her eyes in surprise. “You have fallen for her? Haven’t you?” she asked clearly stunned. Darrend stood up then and walked to a nearby tree. He leaned against it and tilted his head back.
“I don’t know how it could have been possible…she is so young and full of life, and I’m…well I am just me.” He said looking to Dendrite who was now walking towards him with a purpose. “You don’t give yourself enough credit Darrend. There are many fine qualities about you that could be very easily admired by any female.” She said with a wink. Darrend laughed and shook his head defiantly. “Right, that is why I have been alone all these years since…” Dendrite raised her hand up to stop that train of thought of his. “Don’t start that again Darrend. It happened a long time ago.” She said to Darrend’s silent nod of resignation. “What is important here my old friend is that you have found love again…take it! It’s yours!” she finished placing her hands over his cheeks, lifting his gaze to hers. “I am so afraid Dendrite. Not for what I feel, but for what happened to me.” He started. “Sinagh is so unique. She has taken my heart willingly. Why is this threat looming before us?” Shaking his head he felt Dendrite’s hand slide from his face as he went closer to the water. “This dark threat is somehow related to her father. One is well known in Darnassus and has much power. How could something like this exist under the eyes of the Circle?”
Dendrite walked behind him and sighed. “There are many secrets our people hide, some are so hidden they are out in the open under the visage of something else. It is as it has always been my old friend.” Darrend laughed a bit at that little bit of irony. “I suppose your right.” He said turning around to his friend and must trusted advisor. “What are your plans now?” she asked. “We are leaving Kalimdor. This very night!” Darrend started walking already back towards Moonglade. Dendrite followed closely next to him listening. “She is powerful enough to withstand whatever the humans can throw at her. There chaotic ways will not harm her or cloud her vision. It will make her stronger for what lies ahead.” He said as they entered the druid city. Two Tauren guards lifted their swords in greeting. “What do you feel lies ahead Darrend?” Dendrite asked. The druid truly did not have an answer, something he was not used to. “Whatever the challenge, whatever the peril, we will face it together. I had a dream the other night. One that I saw Sinagh stand above me extending her hand to me. It was a passing dream, one during the waking moment.” The two stopped before arriving to Dendrite’s home. “Our destinies are now joined, why or how I do not know.” He continued. “I will say this…in the end we both will become better druids and servants of nature.” Dendrite smiled at this, so dedicated to his beliefs, she had always admired that quality in Darrend. “I do have a favor to ask of you Dendrite.” He asked. “Anything” she replied with a wink. “I need you to look into her father’s affairs for me.” Dendrite shifted uncomfortably, she too knew who her father was and did not want to bring that particular set of eyes on her. “Nothing too overt, merely just an ear on the ground, that’s all.” He finished.
Dendrite sighed and nodded, knowing she couldn’t say no even if she tried. “Alright Darrend, but only because you are you!” he laughed and placed a hand on her shoulder. “I don’t know how long I will be gone Dendrite…” She again stopped him with a raised hand that now pointed ahead. “It seems she has arrived early…we will discuss matters later via post. Good eve Darrend.” With that Dendrite walked away and left Darrend looking ahead and seeing Sinagh there. Waiting for him in a set of armor that looked not of what is made in Darnassus. He smiled to himself. “She has left our lands.” The druid thought as he started towards her. He blushed slightly as she turned to greet him. Her face lit up and that warmed his heart that had been chilled just the other night. “Sinagh…it is wonderful to see you once again!” he said. The two stood for a long moment staring at one another, each surely wrestling with a flood of emotion that was soon to be released. Darrend could not resist in admitting to enjoying every second of it. Now seeing Sinagh here before him now was all the reminder he needed to know that together this dark threat would be overcome.
Posted 04 May 2005 - 04:27 PM - Sinagh
Darrend and Sinagh were running free of all fears. Freedom granted to them by not only their distance from Kalimdor, but by the fact the two were pouncing and leaping with abandon in the brown fields of Westfall. It had been two days since the two had left their homelands. Two days of both discreetly looking over their shoulders and doing their best not to make the other aware of their fear. The two druids leaped over one another playfully. Taking light of the fact that they were supposed to be helping the humans with their Defias problems, those foolish unpredictable humans always having to deal with rogue elements. They had killed numerous trappers and smugglers easily. The scum were no match for their combined might.
They now headed towards the mountains around the Deadmines. There were more Defias camping out in the area that needed to be eliminated. Sinagh morphed back to elf form as Darrend cloaked and raked the back of one of the Defias. Blood exploded from the deep wound and Darrend continued with swipes so fast the motion seemed a blur. It was over before Sinagh cast a Healing Touch over her Master. This went on for a couple of hours. One after another they fell. Screams muted by the mere speed and power the pair continued to share and grow with. The sun started to set and the two found themselves with little to do around Sentinel Hill. Darrend had observed a few oddities with Sinagh late in the day. Her normal giddiness was hidden behind a shadow. While impressive as ever in combat, he knew that something was tearing her apart inside. She was no fool, and he knew this. Sinagh surely saw that something was trouble Darrend. It was evident enough for her to ask to talk. Darrend smiled and lead the two to the Westfall Lighthouse. There the two sat on the sea worn wooden dock.
Sitting close to one another they shared a few moments of laughter. Darrend had so enjoyed spending time with her, and his feelings were no longer able to be contained. He was in love with her, this much was certain. However to truly share a love and forge a bond with her he needed to be honest with her. So went his tale of the other night’s encounter with the hooded one. He watched her reactions as he spoke and knew she had knowledge of the source of his assailant. As he finished the tale he looked at her closely. “Sinagh, if there is anything you can tell me about this, together we can defeat this adversary.” She smiled and ran a finger down his cheek. Sinagh went on to explain to him the events of the night before. How she awoke completely unaware of how she ended up in Stormwind. There she met with a fellow Knight of Skye who took her to a priest. This priest had tried to find some clues as to the reason why Sinagh’s dreams were full of destruction. Darrend listened closely, reaching his own conclusions on what and where all this was coming from. The words from his friend Dendrite rang true. They were put together for a purpose. The outcome would be determined if they could together overcome this impending doom.
“Sinagh, you cannot begin to comprehend how much I care for you. You have meant so much to me. And I…” Darrend was fumbling for words. Sinagh’s eyes lit up for the first time all day. With a smile she placed her fingers over his lips. “You need not say it for I feel it too Darrend.” The two stared into one another’s souls then. Words were not needed to express what their hearts were screaming to them. A howl of a distant wolf snapped Darrend out of the spell he was under. “I…I need to go Sinagh. There is something I must do in Westfall.” His heart sank as he stood up to leave. Seeing Sinagh’s expression sour was like daggers being poked into his heart. “I will see you soon, yes?” he said already walking away. Sinagh merely nodded, and turned to face the sea, the lump in her throat making her breath short and fast. Darrend leaped into the water while morphing to cat form, swimming ashore and looking back once to see the sun set just under the horizon and the silhouette of Sinagh fade away as she teleported away. “I love you…” he whispered.
Posted 05 May 2005 - 04:38 PM – Sinagh
Sinagh picked at the seam of her gloves as she looked over the dry hills of Westfall. Darrend had been called away once again and she was wrestling with her emotions. As Juraviel and Shadah had told her, Darrend had professed his love to her and she couldn’t be happier. Why then did she have heaviness in her heart?
Making her way across the Dagger Hills, Sinagh found herself distracted and not as on top of things as she needed to be. A Defias scum nearly got the best of her and as she slinked back to Sentinel Hill in cat form, the wounds from her folly were testament. Lying down at the bottom of the tower, she sighs heavily and shifts back to her normal state. The dry grass under her gave no comfort to her tired body.
“Hello again love...” she heard his familiar voice behind her and once more, her body came alive. Darrend stood near just behind her with a grin on his face. She rises and can’t help but wrap her arms around him and hold him close to her. His immediate reaction is surprise but almost as quickly he melts into her, wrapping his arms around her. “I see that I have been missed…” he says quietly, his words whispered against her hair.
“You are always missed...” she says, as she leans back and smiles.
“Come… I have found something that we must do.” He shifts into cat form and bounds away towards the gryphons. With a huge smile Sinagh does the same…
As they wander through the streets of Stormwind, she finds herself staring at him every chance she gets. The weight of their situations was gone, at least for the moment and all she could think about was keeping him near her. They walked near the cathedral and Sinagh nearly falls trying to avoid the human child that was running towards her, clutching a doll and yelling… “No! She’s my dolly!” Another child was right on her heels and reaching for the doll. Sinagh grabs his arm and halts him from taking it and gives him a stern look. “Leave her alone… “She says in a hushed but serious tone. The human child glares at her and jerks his arm free to continue his chase. Sinagh sighs and stands back up looking for Darrend. She raises a brow as she realizes that he is standing in the middle of a group of orphaned human children and speaking with the Matron of the orphanage. As she approaches she listens to their conversation she realizes what Darrend had in mind and shakes her head slightly to him. “What are you doing?” Darrend smiles to her and points at the blonde headed boy that is standing at his side with an excited and expectant face. “This is Randis. I have volunteered to take him on a little exploration trip. I am sure if you asked, another child would love to accompany us.” His look told her that he wasn’t asking. Sinagh sighs. What would she do with a human child?
Her child was named William. His big blue eyes were wide as he looked over Sinagh. “Can I touch your ears? Elves have such big ears!” Sinagh looks at Darrend who was smirking at her. “Um, sure…” she leans down and the child strokes her ear and grins wide. “I wish I had ears like that! Then I could hear everything!” Sinagh smiles slightly at his words. “Can we go to the lighthouse?? I hear it’s haunted and scary and stuff?” Williams’s words were now in chime with Randis’. The two boys were bursting with excitement. Sinagh couldn’t help the grin that curls her lips. Perhaps it would be so bad…
The trip to the lighthouse was fairly uneventful. Fairly… When the two Druids shifted into cat form the boys squealed with delight. “Can I ride on your back?? Can we go fight bad guys? Can we kill some flesh rippers?” the barrage of questions was never ending. Sinagh hunches down to allow the boy to climb on her back. “Don’t pull the fur...” she says and he is careful where he puts his hands. “I promise I’ll be good!”
The two, with children perched on their backs slink through the hills of Westfall towards the lighthouse. Sinagh catches a glimpse of Randis as he slips a rock from his pocket and rolls it in his palm, eyeing a flesh ripper that was flying away from them. Before she could protest what she knew was coming, he launches the rock at the beast and then realizes his mistake. The beast turns and squawks as the rock hits it directly in the back.
“Great…” she thinks as it barrels right for them. Darrend, with catlike grace and reflexes swats it out of the air and stands on it, Randis still holding on tight. The two boys cheer for Darrend and his swift dispatch of the beast. Sinagh holds her tongue and merely smirks. Who was she to say anything… she would have done the same thing as a child.
The rest of the day was spent satisfying the curiosities of the small humans. They had even made a trip to Darnassus, a very... quick trip. The last stop was in the shimmering flats to get ice cream. Sinagh didn’t understand the concept of fruit with milk but once they had their cones, she couldn’t eat enough. The four of them stood watching the races and eating ice cream until the little ones yawned with weariness. Sinagh looked at Darrend, who was still eating his ice-cream and smiled sadly. “We should take them back now…. Although...” she looks at Williams dirty ice-cream covered face and chuckles a bit. “I kind like them… they grow on you...”
The flight home was long, and William falls asleep in her arms. Sinagh looks down at him and sighs. Darrend had been so good with them….With the same never ending patience he had with her. She smiled to herself with that thought.
The returned the children and as Sinagh said her goodbyes, she found her eyes were welling up with tears. “William... I promise I will come back and take you on a grand adventure once again. Take care... and if you ever need anything… anything at all… I’ll be right here.” William hugged her tightly and didn’t want to let go. The feeling was mutual.
Darrend and Sinagh walked slowly. Hand in hand back towards the inn. Neither said much as both of them were not only tired, but sad to have left the children. Stopping just outside the doors of the inn, Darrend leans down and kisses her gently. Sinagh’s knees give under her. She hadn’t expected it, but welcomed it and returned it gladly. “Will you stay… with me tonight?” she asks gently. “Of course I will…” he responds and the two walk slowly up the stairs. As Sinagh lies down, she looks to the bed next to her, waiting for him to lie down. He slides under the covers beside her and kisses her gently as he curls up with her. Sinagh doesn’t say another word. Her smile says it all….
Posted 16 May 2005 - 03:02 PM – Zor Primus
The tunnels were dark, gloomy, full of certain danger at every turn, yet leaping and pouncing through it all were Darrend and Sinagh. The Deadmines as they were called was the hideout and base of operations for the human gang known as the Defias. The two druid lovers worked in perfect unison, assisting the other in healing or leaping onto a would be attacker from behind. Few words were exchanged as with only a look, or even slight movement of muscle already spoke volumes as to what they needed of each other. The days and nights outside of Kalimdor had united the two beyond the simple bonds of love. They were only now starting to share emotions and feelings long repressed or hidden. Yet here in battle, their combined fury was formidable indeed. The druids were shape shifting on a whim between forms depending on the manner of attack or counter attack they were involved in. Sinagh, like Darrend looked at each other briefly during short pauses, healing one another with their druidic powers or bandages. Every once in a while they’d smile and sneak in a tender kiss on the lips before pressing forward. Sweat trickled and shined both their toned bodies, visible enough even in the dark gloom of the mine. Although in a considerable amount of danger, this was only a scouting mission.
The real threat was far deeper underground. A task they could not knowingly achieve alone. Still, Sinagh had insisted in at least making it to the Foundry, no small task to be sure but one that Darrend smiled and accepted. They had gone deeper than expected with relative ease in a very short amount of time. The two now lay against a fallen boulder with their eyes looking forward to their flank. Sinagh was a little out of breath so Darrend slipped out his leather flask with water and handed it to her. With a smile she took it and eagerly drank from it, some of the cool water slipping from either side of her mouth. “Careful my love, wouldn’t want you to cramp up in the middle of a fight.” He warned her playfully. Sinagh giggled and poked him in the arm as she gave him back the flask. “You just worry about keeping me alive my beloved, cramps matter little to me.” She replied kissing his cheek with a lick. Darrend smiled and leaned his head to the side, catching a glimpse ahead. With a shudder of disgust he realized that was not necessary. He and Sinagh heard the loud guttural shouts from the ogre foreman named Rhahk’Zor. Darrend had heard from Juraviel that this ogre had a knack for surviving battle after battle. Darrend and Sinagh would do their best to try and end this surviving streak…
Posted 28 May 2005 - 03:38 AM – Sinagh
Sinagh mouthed 'Right side' to him as she shifted into cat form and watched him do the same. It would take a considerable amount of finesse and tactics to bring this one down but she had no fear of it. At Darrend's side she feared little, save losing him and that she would not allow to happen. His form moved swiftly to the opposite side and in unison they attacked.
The odious beast howled in distress as they engaged their assault. Relentless claws and teeth chewed slowly but surely through Rhahk’Zor's resolve. Two druids moving as one, as if connected from within; the precise choreographed movements of their feline forms drug down their foe like lions in the barrens bringing down a long awaited meal. Sinagh found herself immersed in the rage of her bestial form, allowing herself to taste the foul blood that was filling her mouth with every savage bite. The foreman falls to his knees hissing undoubtedly profane curses, still attempting to rid himself of the onslaught the two druids were delivering. Sinagh, lost in her current state of murderous contempt was deaf to the shouts Darrend was now directing to her. "Sinagh!!!" When he finally got her attention she jerks her head to his direction, seeing his beautiful elven face, wide eyed and contorted with dismay. His eyes locked with hers... "Sinagh... stop!" Long since dead, the ogre under her clawed feet was mutilated and only vaguely resembled its previous form. Sinagh stares at Darrend for a moment in anger at his intrusion before she realizes why he had done so. Blinking hard, she shakes the rage from her visage and drops her head, almost immediately sick from within. Her emotions had completely taken over and she allowed them to run rampant with the rage of the feline pushing her past her own limits. "That's enough..." he says softly as he walks towards her.”Sinagh... “His voice was now soft and calm. Shifting back and standing fully upright, she remained atop the corpse. Her body was literally soaked in blood. Looking down at herself it takes but a moment for the entirety of it to sink in. "Come on... let's get this done." he says as he moves past her. She knew he could not be happy with what he had just seen, she wasn't either, he would not lecture her now, the patrols would soon be through this area again and they didn't have time to terry.
Taking a deep breath of fresh air, Sinagh turns to Darrend, her lips parting to speak and he shakes his head slightly giving her a small smile. "I understand..." he says quietly and looks down at her blood soaked armor.”Let's get this report back. I have had my fill of this wretched place." Darrend says as he heads back towards Sentinel Hill. Nodding slightly she follows him... her mind reeling with random thoughts and worries.
The trip back to Stormwind from Westfall was a silent one. Darrend seemed a bit preoccupied with his own thoughts, and Sinagh was certainly enveloped in hers. As they approached the gates of Stormwind; Darrend and Sinagh were approached by a human woman seeking aid in the Redridge area. The two druids agreed to help and walked back down the path they had just followed to Goldshire, stopping only to repair their armor and grab a quick bit of food. As they walked towards the mountains, Sinagh reaches over and grabs Darrend’s arm. “Perhaps I allowed all of this anxiety to get the best of me. It will not happen again.” He smiles with understanding and she could see in his eyes that he wanted to tell her something, but withheld. He leans over and kisses her gently and wraps his fingers within hers, squeezing her hand. It was in moments like these that solidified her feelings for him. In such a short period of time they had become so close. He knew the precise moments when he could say certain things to her, and knew when not to say a word. His gaze of love and understanding melted away all of the chaos that seemed to surround them. Sinagh couldn’t help the grin that crept over her lips. Finally, someone that understood her... Yet still loved her. With him, everything would be perfect. She knew that with every ounce of her being and made a silent vow as they walked together – she would never allow anything to change the love they share.
Posted 29 May 2005 - 03:37 PM - Macabre
-Darnassus
"She has far surpassed what we had foreseen." the comment was followed by several nods from the hooded figures that sat in the center of the room. "What news have you?"
Standing in the corner, head bowed was a small female elven figure. Her face was hidden by the armor that she wore. She stepped forward slowly, and when she was a few feet from the gathering she bows. "There has been great unrest with Sinagh. Her visions are coming at greater frequency and she is learning to interpret what she sees. She foresaw a fight between her lover and... her friend and fellow guild mate Sarrine. Tracking them right down to the place where the two had come to blows." She tosses over to them a chunk of Sarrine's armor. "It seems that Darrend has a little trouble holding his temper when he feels his place with Sinagh is challenged. You may use that to your advantage...” She paces for a moment, with her hands behind her back. "Sinagh has been successful in finding all the pieces of armor from the Fang Druids. Juraviel, the ranger, helped her along with another Hunter... Telanis. I believe both hunters would interfere with anything you plan. Both hunters should be dealt with accordingly. They are not young, and have a well-known reputation in these and other lands. This presents a rather precarious situation for you." She stops her pacing and pauses in thought. "Juraviel is also very acquainted with Darrend. You see that there needs to be more than one person dealt with. I believe you will find Juraviel's weakness in the young priestess Shadah. Cut them apart, and you will cripple this Ranger. “The gathered nodded in unison.”This has already been set in motion." Her wicked grin is the only thing revealed as she turns to continue and pace. "Darrend has been wise in taking Sinagh from these lands, but as you all are aware, Sinagh has returned here more than once. She still feels the pull of the tides of home and she will continue to defy Darrend’s requests and return once more. I would like permission to speak with her once she does."
The room remains silent for a moment as the gathered exchange glances and then nod in unison to the pacing female. "Very well. If there is nothing more I will take my leave." As she bows and turns for the door, a large figure blocks her exit. His voice is low and almost a guttural grumble. "I wish to speak with you alone rogue." She takes a step back as if the sheer force of his words pushed her. "Of course..." she replies and the two step outside.
The city was quiet at this hour. Even so, the two move to a secluded area and keep their voices low. "This Sarrine... the wayward druid that Sinagh has befriended, has already shown us that she is not worthy of being a part of the circle. Take her out of the equation. I am sure you can come up with a, shall we say, creative way to remove her." His eyes darken and he leans close to the female rogue. "I trust that you have not forgotten our arrangement?" the rogue shakes her head uneasily and replies, "No sir... I have not." He leans in even closer and a malicious grin sweeps his face, "Do not fail me.” His hand moves over hers and he drops something in her palm. "Send word when all is ready."
She nods and closes her hand over the item, slipping in into her bag.
The two depart without another spoken word and he returns to the gathering inside.
"So it seems that we have now only three issues to contend with. The rangers Juraviel and Telanis and of course... Darrend." he steps into the center of the circle. "We must be cautious if Sinagh is indeed capable of interpreting her visions. She will warn them all if she has the opportunity." he turns and looks out the door seeing another figure hidden in the shadows outside. "I believe that the time has come for the prophecy to be fulfilled."
Posted 29 May 2005 - 05:37 PM – Sinagh
The entire evening was trying to say the least. The two had been overwhelmed by the tasks that they endeavored on, but had managed to return to Lakeshire with their lives. Tired and battle worn the two lie down in the inn and breathe a sigh of relief to the ending of a long day.
"Darrend?" Sinagh whispers to him and curls up in his arms. His eyes move over her face and he smiles at her. Sinagh's mind rolls over everything that has transpired in the last few days. She had been hiding the fact that she had exceeded him in druidic skills. She had been sneaking back to Darnassus, trying to gather enough courage to face her Father as the priest Renithos, the one whom had given his life in exchange for hers, had asked her to do. Every time she walked near her home, fear choked the bravery from her and she turned away. The priest had shown himself in spirit form to her once more, and somehow, had returned to this plane... Now more than ever she needed to return to see her Father with questions and she didn't have the courage to tell Darrend. She doubted herself more and more each day and the visions that plagued her were yet another thing that she was afraid to tell Darrend about. He had been patient and understanding with her in the past, but would he understand that she was hiding many things from him? She doubted that he would. Her eyes must have held that doubt because Darrend frowns slightly as he looked into her eyes.
"I don't want to lose what we have... I don't want to lose you.... I..." he reaches up and touches her lips to silence her. "Sinagh... You aren't going to. But I can see there is more than that on your mind..."
Sinagh closes her eyes and sighs softly, pressing her face into the groove of his neck. She takes in a deep breath and nods against him. "I am just worried. Things are so out of control.... “She wants to blurt it all out, confess it all, but she cannot push the words past the lump in her throat. Darrend runs his fingers through her hair and kisses her head softly. He waits in silence a while for her to speak but she does not. Closing his eyes he pulls her closer. "I love you... that are all that matters." he says quietly and the two drift off to sleep.
~~~~~~~
'SINAGH!!' his terrified eyes are wide and he reaches for her. The very darkness around her seemed to swallow them both. It was suffocating and all consuming. Her heart pounds within her chest so hard she can hear it in her ears. 'SINAGH!!' his voice cries out in the darkness now muffled and she cannot find him. Running blindly through the darkness she grabs hold of someone... and pulls him or her close to her face so that she may see. It is Sarrine! "Sarrine... Help me!!" Sinagh pleads to her. Sarinne grins viciously and says... "I will help you...” as she pulls a blade out reaches around her and plunges it into Sinagh's back....
~~~~
Sitting up in bed she franticly tosses pillows and blankets across the room. He was gone! "Darrend!" she yelps and grabs up her armor dashing down the stairs into the tavern below. In a panic she rushes past him and he looks at her curiously as he places his fork down and stands. "Thank Elune!" she blurts out as she realizes that he is there and okay. "What has got you so rattled?" Darrend asks and motions to the seat near him. "I....." she thinks for a moment. Did she dare tell him? "I awoke and you were gone... I panicked." it wasn't a total lie. "I didn't want to wake you... I came down to get breakfast and was almost finished. I thought I would take some up to you in a bit... Looks like I don't have to now." he winks and they both sit down. Sinagh is still visibly rattled and drops her stuff to the side of the chair. "What's wrong with you Sinagh... you look like you've seen a ghost." Sinagh shakes her head and presses her face into her palms. "Nothing... Like I said... I panicked when I woke up and you were gone. Paranoid I guess... I feel silly for my overreaction." Darrend tilts his head and smiles. "I told you I am not going anywhere..." Reaching over he rubs his hand up and down her arm. "You need to eat something... then we will go get some fresh air and sunshine. It will do you some good." Darrend wasn't buying into her story, but it was obvious she wasn't going to tell him and he wasn't going to press her...not just yet.
Posted 30 May 2005 - 11:59 PM - Sinagh
Sinagh kissed Darrend gently as she lifted herself atop the gryphon. "I will be in Stormwind for the day... I really need a break. I think I will go shopping for the supplies that I have needed and then go find a quiet place to relax. I also wanted to go see Randis and William again. I think I can talk an engineer into making a couple toys for them. “Darrend nods and smiles, but his eyes hold a sadness at seeing her go.”Tell them both I said hello would you?" Sinagh smiles and leans down kissing him once more. "Of course I will love... I will see you tonight then?" he nods and waves to her as the gryphon takes flight and carries her in the direction of Stormwind. Sinagh looks back at him as he waves and feels a pain in her stomach. She had lied to him again and it was becoming a habit. Why couldn't she just tell him what was happening, what she had dreamt? As the gryphon touches down in Stormwind, Sinagh decides to go see the boys as she had promised so that she hadn't totally been untruthful to Darrend.
A few silver was all it took to find the toy she wanted. Mechanical squirrels were perfect for them. As she packed the wrapped boxes under her arm to the orphanage she felt the hair stand up on the back of her neck. Turning around to see who was behind her, her eyes found nothing out of the ordinary. Sinagh brushes it off and continues on her path now a bit uneasy. "Paranoia...” she mutters as she crosses over the canal and walks into Cathedral Square.
"Sinagh!! Sinagh!!" she hears a familiar little voice yelling her name. William was running at full speed for her, Randis right on his tail. "Sinagh! Where is Darrend?" Randis huffs as the two come to a screeching halt at her feet. "What's in the box? Where have you been? Have you been on adventures? Did you see a dragon? I know where dragons live! Did you bring us something back from where the dragons live? Did Darrend kill one?"
Sinagh chuckles at the barrage of questions that the two little boys were launching at her. Kneeling down she places the boxes at her feet and gathers them both up in her arms. "Slow down... slow down... One at a time!" she hugs their squirming little bodies to hers and as she releases them they again start with the questions. "Whoa... guys... hold on... Darrend said hello...he is busy in the mountains near the burning steppes where dragons live!" She fluxuates her voice to make it sound dramatic and the two boys stand silent in awe...for only a moment. "Why aren't you with him? Who will heal him if the dragon bites him? Who will help him slay the dragon? I thought you two were a team? What happened? Are you guys fighting? Aren't you afraid he'll die out there alone?"
Sinagh is hit hard with the last of the boys’ questions and for a moment she could feel the panic rise in her throat. "Oh no! He is fine boys. He is just doing a little patrol work that's all. No dragons without me!" that satisfied them until they realized she had gifts.
"Wow! Are those for us?" Sinagh smiles brightly and nods. "Yes they are... but first I have to ask your teacher how you both have been. If you both have been naughty, then I suppose I will have to take them back." The boys give each other a glance and then smile. "We have been good! We promise!!" Sinagh can't help but be overwhelmed by their excitement and hands them their presents. "Alright... I'll trust you guys... but if I find out..."
"WOW!!" Randis yells as he pulls his squirrel from the box. "HOLY COW!!" William yells as he retrieves his. The two boys nearly tackle Sinagh with hugs of thanks.
Sitting back she smiles and watches the two play and cheer. Just seeing how happy they were gave her hope that whatever was plaguing her and Darrend would be at an end soon.
Posted 01 June 2005 - 04:45 PM - Sinagh
The day seemed to wane away quickly, and soon it was time for the boys to return to the orphanage. They drug their feet as Sinagh walked them to the steps. "I will come back soon... I promise!" she says as she leans down and plants a kiss on the top of each of their heads. "Will Darrend come next time?" Sinagh smiles and nods. "Yes... and perhaps next time we can all go on another adventure!" The boys cheer and wave as Sinagh walks away. "Be safe little ones...” she whispers as the doors close with all of the children inside. Sinagh walks back towards the gryphons and as she does, finds an all too familiar anxiety creeping into her mood. Perhaps it was all over nothing. Perhaps her father would be able to explain it all and everything could return to normal. Even though she knew very well that wouldn't be the case, just the thought of it gave her a little comfort. All she wanted was to be with Darrend...without all of the issues that were piling up around them.
On the boat, Sinagh watched the seemingly endless waves pass the boat on after another. She sat, in cat form, on the upper deck of the boat near the back watching not where they were going, but where the boat had been. "He is worried about you Sinagh." Startled out of her trance like stare Sinagh turns quickly and growls at the hidden figure that had spoken to her. Transforming back to her elven form she grips her staff and speaks through her teeth. "Show yourself."
"Since when did Myli's daughter anger so easily?" the voice taunted hidden from sight. "Put that staff away before you hurt yourself." Sinagh shook her head. "I'll do no such thing... Show yourself." Sinagh turns slowly as she attempts to catch some glimpse of movement. The rogue steps up directly in front of Sinagh before she reveals herself. Sinagh pushes back with her staff to spread the distance between them but is unsuccessful. "Come on Sinagh... You know better." Sinagh glares at the masked elven woman in front of her. "What are you doing here?" Sinagh demanded and steps back dropping her staff to one side, but still gripping it tightly. "Last time I checked anyone could ride these boats.” The rogue leans back against the wall and smirks under her mask. "You better learn to be a bit more careful... I could have stuck a dagger in your back rather easily if I had a mind to..." Sinagh glares at her although the words struck a chord. "Out with it, I know you didn't just show up to prove that I am still young and inexperienced. What have you got on your tongue Adrima? Spit it out." the rogue shakes her head and squats down. "I didn't come seeking you out... but you must know that your Father is ill. You being gone has created a sickness in him. His heart is broken and his spirit and soul... if you believe in all of that rot... is fading away. That's the news that is on the lips of everyone in Darnassus. But you wouldn't know... since you haven't been back since your big fight with Daddy." She winks and Sinagh glares. "What do you know about anything? You know... you could have been a great Druid once Adrima... You could have done something with yourself other than become a petty thief and assassin. Why should I believe anything you say? You've lied to me before and why should this be any different?" Adrima shrugs as she stands up. "Your call Sinagh. But what happens if you don't listen to me... and he dies? Then what? You want that blood on your hands as well as your mothers?" Sinagh's eyes darken and she charges the rogue. "SHUT YOUR MOUTH!" Before Sinagh can reach her the rogue had disappeared.
As the boat reaches the dock outside Darnassus, Sinagh stomps off the boat and to the bank. She wants to find a letter that her mother had written her when she was but a small child. Sinagh had never read the letter, but somehow knew that the time had come to do so. As she retrieves the letter from the bank box and starts to open it, she glances up to see Sarinne just as she speaks. "Hello Sinagh. I hope life finds you well." Sinagh slides the letter into her pack and smiles at Sarinne, her eyes searching those of her friends in attempt to pick up any hint of what the vision had revealed. "As well as can be. And you?" the two make small talk, the entire time Sinagh watches Sarrine’s every move and holds on every word. How could the vision be correct? Sarinne seemed preoccupied yes, but murderous? Hardly. Sinagh however was cautious... and Sarrine’s lack of interest in the conversation didn't help Sinagh's mood much. They soon departed and Sinagh wanders towards her father’s home... her home. Standing outside she sighs heavily and sits down near the entrance. Pulling the letter from her pack she gently lifts the wax seal and opens it. Her heart filled with sadness at the sight of her mother’s handwriting. Sinagh reads quietly as tears fill her eyes....
Posted 08 June 2005 - 04:47 PM – Zor Primus
The arid desert sun roasted the druid like a fried trout. Darrend was not aware how many days had passed but he hung on the wooden stakes that crossed like an X like a rag doll. Blood caked on his skin dry like another layer of skin. The Abyssal Sands were as unforgiving as any terrain in all of Azeroth. He looked up with his one good eye to see the Roc carrion birds circling over his head. Scorpids had set up camp at his feet but by some sick twisted comedy he remained high enough to avoid their deadly sting. How he wished now this was untrue. In his mind he tried to replay the events that had led him to this grave and final closure to a lifelong quest for balance.
Darrend had left Lakeshire for Stormwind after his brief meeting with Sinagh in Moonglade. He sat on the gryphon paying little heed to any danger. That drastically changed as his mount was struck from below by a combination of shadow bolts and poisoned arrows. The mighty beast gave a roar as it crashed to its death in the river between Elwynn and Duskwood Forests. The water did little to cushion the fall, the druid had submerged and surfaced in seconds but was in such a daze he barely felt the arrow that pierced him through the shoulder sending a current of agonizing pain that the blackness that soon followed was welcomed.
His eyes opened to find him inside a cage barely large enough to hold him. From the smell and feeling of motion he knew he was on a ship. Wood creaked as he looked up to see three Night Elves looking at him with evil intent. “You foolish foolish old man.” One said kicking the cage. “Warned were you to leave her. Yet not only did you ignore the warning you proceeded to intensify the relationship!” came another voice hidden behind the shadows. This powerful booming voice could only belong to one being. Darrend trembled as he realized that his doom was eminent. His mind raced back to his final moments with Sinagh. The peaceful tranquility of the waterfall, the soft touch of her hand, the sweet sound of her voice. He had spoken so bravely about life, death, balance, yet here he was on the precipice of his mortality and all he could feel was a deep sense of sadness and failure.
“The plans will proceed was it has been foretold Darrend, and neither you nor any of the Knights will stop me from fulfilling my destiny!” the invisible voice pronounced and was soon followed by a deafening hiss. The floor soon turned crimson as it was filled with serpents. They proceeded hungrily to Darrend, immediately digging their fangs into him. He cried out in anguish as he felt the score set of fangs bury into his flesh. Laughter echoed underneath his cries. The night elves laughed as the voice continued. “No my impetuous druid, death will not come that easy. I have stripped these snakes of their fatal venom. You will only feel the sting of their bite until I see fit to end their meal.” Darrend could not focus on his surroundings no longer, the pain was too much to bare and he soon felt the blackness cloud his vision. The last thing he heard before he slipped away was the hiss of a serpent as it sank its fangs into his right eye.
What little remained of the druid’s water dripped down his near naked body as the sun rose higher into the sky. Darrend could not even begin to mouth out a word of help since he could no longer part his cracked lips. How he wished to once again hold Sinagh in his arms. Tell her that he was sorry for failing her, failing them. She was surely desperate to find him, help him. Yet here in the southern desert of Kalimdor he was well beyond her reach. Her father had seen to that well. There was little more to do then await Death’s embrace….
Posted 20 June 2005 - 04:46 PM – Zor Primus
Whips tore into his skin like a bee hovers and stings inside a flower. It seemed as if he had no threshold for pain, all his senses were white with the anguish of the torture that had no end. Darrend knew he was in an night elf building of some sort, a camp hidden away in Kalimdor by the taste of the air. As a druid Darrend had learned to accept his surroundings with a unique embrace of understanding. Yet his mind now so hazy he only wanted to escape. His will had been broken, and here now he accepted the fact that his choice to stay with Sinagh was the best mistake he had ever made. She had succeeding in breaking through the wall he had erected after his wife’s death so long ago. The druid had found happiness in their brief time together and he was satisfied to know that his wisdom would be passed onto her when he was gone.
Another snap of the whip and the druid screamed out in agony. “You are still thinking about her, aren’t you Darrend?” Macabre hissed at him. Darrend felt his hair get pulled back in a tight grip. It relaxed amazingly in seconds and he wondered what happened. That curiosity ended as Macabre’s foul hand let loose his purple locks in front of him. “What I did for you is a small favor Darrend, a show of pity and one that will surely be the last you see.” He said with a diabolic grin and voice full of dire intentions, “Prepare the immolation chamber!!!”
Darrend looked around and saw that the carrion birds flew lower now. Some even brave enough to swoop down to scare off some of the scorpids. Balance showing its colors as the weak would soon become prey of the strong. The hunted will be hunted while hunters will always be hunters. For all his knowledge and foresight, Darrend could not predict this outcome. His mood changed then from fear to terror as he wondered what would happen to his friends he would leave behind. Juraviel especially now…
The druid hung in chains by his wrists and ankles now in the center of a dark chamber lit only by a few torches scattered around its diameter. Macabre stood with an odd looking mirror in his hands while Lord Artesmon spoke with a pair of what looked like night elf druids. In a moment Artesmon turned to face his prisoner with a smile that foretold finality. “Darrend you have suffered far too much these past days and as a reward I will spare you from more physical torture.” He said signaling to Macabre to step forward. Artesmon chanted a few words from a long forgotten night elf dialect and soon the mirror changed from reflection to a grey mist image. One of the druids in attendance cast a weak healing spell over the beaten Darrend as the image cleared and showed Sinagh sitting in a tavern. She looked beautiful in a long white dress and hat that hid her precious eyes. The view panned to see Juraviel sitting across from her. The two sat talking and laughing for a few moments before the image changed to a grey mist again.
“See now your beloved Sinagh betray you for another…”Artesmon pronounced with a sinister chuckle. Darrend’s eye hazed a bit as the image returned showing Sinagh in Juraviel’s embrace kissing. All present laughed hysterically as Darrend’s heart sank to some unfathomable depth. How could she betray him? She loved him, yet here she saw him with Juraviel. And what of the ranger, was he not with Shadah? What matter of madness was this? He thought to himself. “LIES!” he screamed at his captors. “You seek to defeat and break my will with such fantastic images!” spitting on the mirror Darrend rallied some strength from his anger. Artesmon continued laughing as he explained himself. “Why should I lie to you Darrend? When the truth is infinitely more fun!” pointing to the mirror once more he began the tale. “What you see now is Shadah fleeing for her life…the priestess was wise enough to escape from wrath, for now…” The beaten druid watched as Shadah sat veiled and cloaked inside a human ship. “Soon your ranger friend will meet his destiny, as you will soon my foolish foolish druid.” Artesmon finished slapping Darrend and raking his nails across his cheek drawing blood. Darrend spit in Artesmon’s face and received another slap as a reward.
“For a time, I considered sparing you pain this night, but alas such pity is better saved for a wounded animal. Tonight again you will feel the heat of the immolation chamber as it burns you from the inside out!” Artesmon finished and spun around signaling to the others to begin. “You are going to fail my lord…if you destroy me and seek to hunt down the rest of the Knights you will fail. Their power has too much light for your darkness to overcome.” Darrend’s final words as his body was soon encased inside a crystallized chamber that soon ran hot with the dark powers of the abyss. The screams of unending pain echoed through the empty corridors of the dark prison holding Darrend.
The wind picked up considerably in the moments that followed his daze. Soon the sky turned crimson as the fallen druid lifted his weakened gaze up to see the approaching storm. Sandstorms to a weary traveler were deadly, to this night elf he knew his destiny would be fulfilled in minutes. Even the carrion birds and scorpids ran and flew off for shelter in the sands or caves to the west. The druid began to wonder what it would feel like to die. Would it be similar to his druidic slumber? Would there be dreams? Would he see his loved ones once he crossed over? These questions allowed him a gruff chuckle as he thought. “Here I am on the verge of becoming one with nature and I am pondering foolish philosophical theories…” A howling wind began to pick up in intensity. Sand began to pierce into his exposed and wounded flesh stinging him like millions of snake bites. He wondered again about Sinagh and Juraviel, if despite what he had witnessed would they truly be safe from the maniacal Artesmon. His evil had no end, and his insane lust for the past would doom him and any others around him. “Sinagh my love…I will miss you…”
The cloud from the storm engulfed the X-cross. Winds blew around him like a cyclone. The X tilted and fell hard to the ground during one particular gust breaking one hand free. Darrend could do little more then cover his face then, the storm quickly blowing so much sand over him that soon even the haze of sand and wind grew dark. Buried alive and mortally wounded, so it would be chronicled one day in the far off future when his bones would resurface from under the ever flowing currents of sand and wind. This was Darrend, that was all…or so it would seem. The sandstorm moved on and yes the once proud night elf had rejoined the spirit realm but a small hint of his fate remained...He was always so clever...
Posted 21 June 2005 - 12:32 AM - Sinagh
Sinagh's eyes fluttered open as she awoke in the familiar surroundings of home.. She lay content for a moment, wiping the sleep from her eyes slowly and giving a soft yawn. She was warm and comfortable, curled in fresh clean blankets and surrounded by all of her childhood things. As she lay there realization crashes down on her. Bolting upright in her bed her eyes scan around the room quickly. How did she get here? She looks down at the simple cloth nightgown she wore and immediately sprang from the bed in search of her armor and weapons. She jerks drawers from the dressers; scattering clothing that she had long ago grown out of across the floor. Her heart raced.
"Sinagh..." She froze, holding a pair of linen pants in her grasp. The woman's voice came from behind her and it gave Sinagh immediate chills. Closing her eyes she couldn't stop the tears that were now spilling down her cheeks at the sound of the familiar voice. "Sinagh..." the voice beckoned to her... Sinagh could envision the loving embrace of her mother behind her closed eyelids.
Turning slowly she refused for a moment to open her eyes. She feared that if she opened them.. the image would disappear. "Mother..." Sinagh says quietly as she gradually opens her eyes.
"My beloved daughter... it is I that has brought you here. But only for a short time. I cannot risk anyone knowing I can once again come across to this plane in any way or form. " Sinagh gave her a confused gaze but said nothing as her heart was filled with love and excitement at seeing her mother once again. "Sit down for a moment and I will explain as best as I can." Sinagh looked around the room and then was filled with the fear someone would interrupt and cause her mother to disappear. As if she could read Sinagh's mind, she smiles sadly and says, "No one is near. I know this for certain." Sinagh settled on the bed, staring at her mother, taking in her near mirror image visage. Sinagh's memory of her mother’s face had faded over time, and she truly did not realize until this moment how similar they looked. As her mother sat next to her she placed a hand on Sinagh's leg she sighed heavily, preparing to tilt the world, as Sinagh knew it.
"Many years ago, while the great wars raged, there were some of us that were able to resurrect the greatest of the fallen warriors from not only the emerald sleep to which Druid find peace and balance, but from the other realms of the fallen. It was a daunting task Sinagh, as wonderful as it sounds. Those resurrections were not always...." Her mother paused, staring deeply into Sinagh's eyes, "they were not always right." A painful look crossed Myli's face. The memory of it haunted her yet.. and it was very apparent in her posture. A soft hand from Sinagh dropped to Myli's shoulder and she gave her a reassuring smile. The two had been long ago robbed of the time's a mother and daughter should have spent together. Their souls seemed to speak volumes to each other in between the few words that were spoken. A bond so deep that neither of them truly understood it. "You were one of them weren't you?" Myli nodded slowly and placed a finger to Sinagh's lips. Sinagh's mind leapt back to the moment on the docks in Menethil Harbor, when somehow…she had drawn Renthios back. She had wondered many times how it had happened... how she was able to call him back to this plane. Myli saw a flash of recognition in Sinagh's eyes and smiled. "It is this gift Sinagh, this and the gift of Sight that you possess as I do, that puts your soul in danger. It is a wondrous gift, but you must be aware that all of these things have a price. You cannot shift the balance to suit your own desires and purpose. If you abuse your gifts Sinagh... the consequences are very great. Keep that in mind always. No matter what cruelties your lifetime will test you with, you must always maintain balance. If and when the time for you to use your talents present themselves, you and only you can decide if it is just. I cannot stress to you enough, the importance of what I say. Do not make the mistakes that I have." Her voice was melodic, but filled with a deep sorrow.
Sinagh nods slowly and leans into her mother, wrapping her arms around her, still not sure how much time they have together. Closing her eyes she sighs softly and whispers, "I have missed you Mother... each and every day." Myli kisses Sinagh's head gently and withdraws from the embrace. "I have something else, to tell you my beloved." her next words were hushed and in an ancient tongue... a small prayer sent to the winds to guide a departing soul. Sinagh did not understand the words, but the weight of them hung in the air around them and gave her a sinking feeling in her heart and soul.
"Darrend is gone..." the words came from Myli's lips with a finality that rocked Sinagh backwards where she sat. Sinagh blinked hard, not wanting to believe what her mother had just said. "Wha... what do you mean? Gone?" even her own words sounded foreign to her now as what she had once feared was being revealed as a truth. Myli's gaze met Sinagh's and she bowed her head slightly, it pained her greatly to be the bearer of grief to Sinagh, but if there was any hope of Sinagh withstanding this test of faith, she had to be the one to tell her. "If you wish, I can only show you his last moments. He loved you greatly Sinagh and took with him on his journey into the spirit realm this love. His last thoughts were of you.. " Sinagh curled up into the fetal position and rocked back and forth. The news brought a wave of unbridled emotion to her. The tears were already stinging her cheeks and she couldn't close her eyes tight enough to keep them in. Myli allowed Sinagh her moments of grief, but knew that her time was growing short. Reaching out to her grieving daughter, she places her hand on her forehead to grant her a brief but telling vision of the last moments of Darrend's life.
~~~
“Sinagh my love…I will miss you…”
The cloud from the storm engulfed the X-cross. Winds blew around him like a cyclone. The X tilted and fell hard to the ground during one particular gust breaking one hand free. Darrend could do little more then cover his face then, the storm quickly blowing so much sand over him that soon even the haze of sand and wind grew dark. The sandstorm moved on…..
~~~
"I was there to help him on his journey Sinagh. He is at peace..." were the only words of comfort she could muster as she watched her daughters body contort with the pain of seeing Darrend die. Myli began to second-guess her decision to show her as Sinagh began to wail and shake uncontrollably. "Sinagh, you must understand that this was meant to be. Our destiny's are not for us to control... He told you this much the last time you were together... please... He would not want you to grieve like this..." Sinagh thrashed her head back and forth in refusal of the words. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, of scenarios with different endings. A million words threatened to spill from her lips but none of them would come... The last moments spent with him, his words, his posture, everything was pounding in her mind.
A quick glance to the doorway and Myli brought her eyes back to Sinagh. "I must go." Sinagh wailed an anguished cry and reached out to her mother. Myli rose slowly and bit into her bottom lip. She wanted to wrap Sinagh in her arms and tell her it would be okay, but she couldn't. This journey Sinagh must make alone. If the balance was to be maintained, she could not interfere any more than she already had. Sinagh would someday wield a great power and she must gain the knowledge of what she had on her own. Understanding of her gifts could not be taught any other way.
"I love you my daughter. I do not know when I will see you again, but know always that I am with you. The pain will pass... I promise…. remember what I have told you and that I love you greatly."
The room was empty save the twisted form of Sinagh whom lay sobbing in the middle of her bed.
"Darrend..... Darrend.... Darrend..." she repeated until her voice would say it no more...
Posted 22 June 2005 - 04:24 PM – Sinagh
Staring out across the water, Sinagh sat atop the very waterfall where she and Darrend had been when he spoke of his leaving and where she... had begged him to run away with her. Moonglade was a peaceful place, yet Sinagh wasn't at peace. A battle raged within her guilt filled heart. The sound of the water cascading over the rocks below her did nothing more than give her a small distraction from the sound of her own broken heart beating within her chest. How had everything gone so wrong? She could only surmise that she had brought it all on herself and her heart sank deeper with the massive weight of guilt.
She had betrayed Darrend and left him to die; betrayed him with someone that Darrend had called a friend. She had broken his trust, and while Darrend had no way of knowing this... it certainly had its effect. "Only together with our love, can we overcome this darkness.. this evil that is shadowing us." Those were his words to her in that last meeting. Sinagh buries her face in her hands and weeps quietly; the pain of her transgression seems to be tearing her apart from the inside out.
Her mind retraces the evening that she flew to Booty Bay. How she had carefully chosen the dress she wore... how she had combed her hair, and the way her hands were shaking as she walked down from the Gryphon's platform into the tavern, where she knew Juraviel was waiting for her. Although at the time, she didn't admit to herself that she had gone there with the purpose of testing the waters with Juraviel, but she had. It was obvious and the result was exactly what she had secretly desired. If she had loved Darrend so much, how could she have done such a thing?
Sinagh leaned backward, and dropped her weight back to her elbows as she lay down on the rocks. Her eyes, swollen and red, could not produce any more tears. Every time she blinked, they would protest opening again, so she closed them and listened to herself breathe.
She loved Darrend... but he had been so distant and had disappeared for long periods of time without so much as a little note. She had begged him to stay with her.. to run away and hide until they could figure out what was going on. He had refused, left her abruptly and vanished. She attempted to justify her betrayal, but the argument was simply not strong enough. She had ran to Juraviel seeking the attention that she was not finding with Darrend and it had cost Darrend his life.
"Forgive me Darrend...." she whispers into the breeze that floats by her. "I will bring you back.. And make this right....“ She places a closed fist on her heart and weeps for him....
Posted 25 June 2005 - 12:02 AM – Macabre
The cloaked form rested against the weathered wood of a ship bound for Darnassus. The vile smirk on his lips marked his satisfaction at the outcome of Darrend’s fate. His large armored arms crossed over his chest, his eyes drift over the others on the ship. 'Pathetic...' he thinks to himself as he watches a young Human warrior sharpen his blade. His thoughts drift back to Darrend's screams and pleas for mercy and his smirk widens. He cared little for destiny or fate. He cared nothing for balance or restoration. His purpose was to cleanse the lands of those not worthy. Those who would not survive the wars that were inevitably coming back to haunt this generation as they have the last. His job, his purpose was brute force serving the wills of the ancients.
The ship slowed and the wooden hull moaned as it brushed against the pier. Macabre waits until the rest have moved off the ship before he pushes himself from his resting place and walks off the boat and onto the pier. Young ones run down the pier yelling, "Hold the boat!" past him and he chuckles... always late and running out of time were the young ones.
Darnassus was unusually quiet this night as he walks with no particular direction. His leisurely walk landed him in front of the Temple and a pair of priestess pass him, giving him a once over and uneasy gazes. "Good evening ladies..." he says giving a partial smile. They nod in unison and pick up pace to get away from him, which gives him reason to laugh. As he steps into the Temple he pauses and looks up. The High Priestess was in a quiet discussion, sitting on the railing above him with a Priest. She stops speaking in mid-sentence and looks down at him as if feeling his presence. Holding up a hand to the Priest she excuses herself and walks down to meet Macabre, her eyes never leaving his.
"You have no place here. You must leave now." she says in a hushed but serious tone. Macabre grins at her, "Oh… come now…surely there is forgiveness to be found here." She narrows her eyes, "If that is what you were seeking, then perhaps.. but we both know that you seek not forgiveness and are here simply to create trouble." He sighs heavily and shrugs, "My Lord wishes to speak with you at once." She shakes her head. "Then tell him, he knows where to find me. I will not be summoned by one of his...." she glares directly and defiantly into his eyes, "Lackeys…" Macabre seems unaffected by her words and continues. "You will meet with him, with or without your consent. I will come to escort you when he is ready." She waves a hand in his face and turns to walk away. "I will not be threatened by you or your Lord. Now leave." she walks gracefully back up to her previous conversation, giving him one last harsh look once she returns to her perch.
Macabre steps outside and takes in a deep breath. As he exhales his smirk returns and he moves across the warriors terrace and out into the forest, the tortured screams of the fallen druid fueling his desire to hunt.
Posted 29 July 2005 - 04:51 PM – Zor Primus
The air smelled of rank death. A green mist permeated down the algae thickened stone steps of the spoiled tomb deep within the forest of Duskwood. A lone sarcophagus sat opened at the far end of the chamber Drakus now stood. How he hated coming into this dank place. While a practitioner of the dark arts, and follower of the shadow the noble born man that stood here despised his surroundings. His hatred still growing as the smell inside worsened with the arrival of his appointment. The raven haired warlock sighed as he didn’t bother to turn to greet the undead warlock that creped his way down the slippery steps. “You’re late Matsumoto…” Drakus said dryly. “I ran afoul a pair of militia guard, I was hungry…” the rotted one said with a hiss. Drakus waived his hand dismissively and turned to face him. “Spare me your tales of lunch and dessert please. I have more pressing matters to discuss with you Matsumoto.” Taking a menacing step forward Drakus stood taller over the hunched form of the forsaken warlock, to his credit he did not flinch. “So you said in your message. Why do you seek me out human?” Matsumoto said defiantly.
Drakus smiled at the obvious interest this animated corpse was showing. “In a moment, first, do you have what I asked you to bring me?” Drakus inquired almost nonchalant. Matsumoto grumbled as he reached into his pack and pulled out a small coffer. Drakus’ eyes narrowed as he looked at it carefully. “Open it…” he commanded. The undead one popped the lock off the coffer and opened it, revealing the content inside. A small seemingly unremarkable crystal, it was black and shaped in an almost perfect hexagon. At once Drakus felt the aura of the Abyss surrounding the crystal, felt that it contained a darkness that was pleading to be released. Matsumoto closed it quickly and took a step back. “This was more difficult to get then I thought it would be, and it is going to cost you Drakus.” He said with a cackle. The human warlock’s anger rose in fractions of seconds, yet he maintained his neutral façade. “We agreed on twenty gold pieces Matsumoto, I do hope you are not trying to swindle me.” Drakus said in a tone that would have sent shivers to anyone, except one who was already dead.
“Fifty gold, no less.” Matsumoto replied returning the coffer within his bag, his marred face of gore turning into a grim smile of profit. Drakus nodded only absently reaching into his pouch to produce the gold. “No way I can talk you do is there Matsumoto?” Drakus asked one last time. The seemingly savvy undead only shook his head no. “As you wish…” the warlock conceded but slid his hand away from his pouch as a snickering chuckle was heard from the shadows behind Matsumoto. There was a snap of a whip and soon that whip flashed out from seemingly nowhere to wrap itself around the neck of the stunned warlock. If it would have been alive it would have gasped for air. Now though all it felt was the lash of pain brought on by Drakus’ succumbs Jhorantia. “Tre…trech…treachery…” Matsumoto spit out hatefully as he fell to his knees. Drakus smiled wide as he step forward over the submissive warlock. “No my old friend, merely negotiating my purchase…aggressively.” He said again reaching into his pouch. “While I can appreciate your efforts, I hardly believe it was worth what you claim.” Matsumoto struggled a bit but the whip only increased its painful grasp as Jhorantia happily danced around behind its victim, her glowing eyes pleading her master to kill the creature. “Seems Jhorantia would like to play with you back on her own plane…a treat she seems to think. Drakus said chuckling. “Go…*cough* To hell…Dra..” Matsumoto didn’t finish as Jhorantia closed his vocal chords completely. “In due time Matsumoto, I can assure you…but first back to matters at hand.” Drakus began reaching into his pouch again. “Thirty gold is a fair price I think…” he continued counting the gold pieces one by one, ignoring the fact that Matsumoto was reaching futilely around his neck trying to release the whip. Drakus looked up casually and stared for a moment at the undead cretin. “What was that? I didn’t hear you?” An evil grin spread on Drakus’ face as he blew a kiss to Jhorantia. “Release him my pet, I think he has something to say. The succubus frowned but obeyed her master. Matsumoto fell completely on the floor. The pain subsiding as he coughed out blood and gore. “Thirty…Pieces…fine…” he said.
Drakus dropped the gold pieces in front of Matsumoto as a small form stepped into view from the other plane. Drakus’ imp reached into Matsumoto’s bag and grabbed the coffer, tossing it to his master before fading away once more. Drakus caught it and smiled. “See Jhorantia, that wasn’t as hard as you thought it would be. Brushing his hands he opened the coffer and studied the black crystal inside. Again he felt the swirling power of the Abyss inside. “Yes..this will do nicely.” He finished, safely tucking the coffer away. Matsumoto was already on his feet, his hand on his dagger but not a thought of retaliation in his mind. “So what did you need that for Drakus?” he asked in a raspy voice.
Drakus leaned up against the sarcophagus and crossed his arms in front of him as he began to explain. “An experiment I intend on performing my undead friend. Something I have always wanted to tinker with.” The warlock let the other think for a moment before he continued. “There is some foolish lovesick Druid who wishes to bring back her lover from the dead…” Now it was Matsumoto who grinned again. “A druid you say? Not very druid like is she?” he chuckled. Drakus shared in the laugh and nodded. “Yes well, she is young and naïve. Completely unaware of what she is actually doing.” The undead warlock nodded but thought out loud. “This is dangerous for you to Drakus, you know what could happen…” he started. Drakus only winked and started for the exit. “That is why I have asked you to bring me this artifact. Think of it as my insurance policy should something go horribly wrong.”
Matsumoto nodded but then stopped Drakus again. “Wait, why are you doing this for that druid? What’s in it for you?” he said knowingly. Drakus didn’t stop but said as he left earshot. “A chance to read the ancient druid tomes of Cenarious.” Matsumoto’s jaw dropped at that revelation…
Posted 04 August 2005 - 10:38 AM – Zor Primus
In the deep desert known as the Abyssal Sand the wind howled like a saddened wolf. A cry of solitude and darkness that would overwhelm any lost traveler with a sense of defeat. Battles were fought and lost here on a daily basis. The eternal struggle of good versus evil, predator against prey, weak against the strong, choose whichever cliché you wanted. The one common theme in the Abyssal Sand was simple, life and death. Weeks ago one such battle was fought and lost by a night elf that had known much pain in life. A fitting end that same life end in pain. A small patch of green grass with a single tree bud marked the resting place of Darrend. A druid who had died in a vain attempt at protecting his lover Sinagh, a forfeit life that did little to stop what had already set in motion. Sinister plans that was the pretext for a grab for power that would shake the foundation of Darnassus to its very core.
Last night a violation to the natural order of things happened. A mockery of the even flow that was the currents of life and death. Fate received a slap in the face and because of this, balance was lost. An overzealous druid and an ambitious warlock had broken a major line of destiny and had called upon forbidden powers to pull from the realm of Death a spirit and body to return to the land of the living. Instead of succeeding in the quest the warlock had instead pulled down the spirit of the fallen druid to the Abyss. Granted it was not done on purpose, it was a risk that he understood very well having practiced the dark arts for many years. Yet his warnings went unheard to the headstrong Sinagh. She got her wish, she was able to see her fallen lover again as it and yes it tried to step through the gateway in Darkshire. However behind this grotesque body that was only a Shadow of Darrend was an entire legion of denizens of the Abyss. Hungry imps and revolting voidwalkers, flanked by felhunters and other unnamable abominations that even Drakus dared not call upon. The quick thinking warlock had then used his only defense against this possible outcome. A small crystal that contained energies harnessed from the Abyss. Drakus called upon the power of the crystal to once again close that gateway into the Shadow. Against the pleas and cries of Sinagh, Drakus closed the gateway again. Thanking the Shadow for sparing him the doomed fate that he faced should those demons had escaped.
Artesmon stood at the top of the Lifetree in Darnassus. A smile spread across his face as he felt the breeze and whispers of the tree feed him information. His eyes closed witnessed the general happenings his daughter lived that night before. The old druid chuckled at his daughter’s continuous rebellion, and also felt happy that everything continued to proceed as he had foreseen it. Sinagh was a fool to go to a warlock for help. She did not need the aid of the human. Yet in her naivety she had given up to the man the ancient tomes of Cenarious. That crime would have to be dealt with in time. Artesmon grinned as he pondered what he would do to the human warlock. Then a thought occurred to him, and he quickly ran down the tree and proceeded to enter his private sanctum. With a flickering though he ignited the candles that were spread throughout the room. The duel serpent statue stood in the middle of the room began to glow a dark green as the druid knelt before it. He began to pray and summon the power of the fang. The ancient druid entered into a deep trance.
Centuries of training had taught him to travel between planes almost on a whim. Artesmon knew that while Drakus had succeeded in sealing the ancient elf gateway, residue remained, and that was all he needed to add more fun to his scheme. His thoughts focused on the tortured soul of Darrend. Diving into the shadow he easily found the freshly engulfed madness that the dead druid’s soul was becoming. He took an essence of that soul, and traveled with it across Kalimdor miles passed underneath him in seconds as he made his way south. Soon they were over the desert and circling around the Abyssal Sand. It did not take long for Artesmon to find what he wanted.
The small green patch, Darrend’s resting place shined green against the yellow brown sand. Focusing his thoughts deeply he took all his hatred and passed it on to the small trace of Darrend’s soul, giving it one simple target. The massive power unleashed began to blow sand around wildly for miles. Thunder clapped in the darkening sky as Artesmon continued to put forth his druidic power into his captured soul. A beam of blue light then surrounded the grave. The ground began to shake as unholy energy was sent from Sinagh’s father into the rotting corpse underground. It stirred at first as the energy began to reanimate the dead flesh. Mostly bone now after many weeks it creaked as it began to move. The hands full of flesh eating worms began to dig maniacally. Torn leather garments ripped off completely revealing more rotten flesh and bone. Darrend clawed itself out in minutes. Ripping the grass and swallowing the small tree bud underground as it let out a feral scream. Deep down drowning in sorrow a minuscule awareness knew what he had become. Darrend stood now, more grotesque then what Sinagh had witnessed the night before. The wind blowing was around him, brushing off the clumps of sand and insects that had collected around him. Artesmon descended and stood before his creation. “You know what must be done…do my bidding and I shall release you back to the Abyss!” he commanded. The undead Darrend only grunted and began to walk limply into the desert. The sole thought in its tortured mind was one thing…”Sin-ah-gh”
Posted 05 August 2005 - 02:39 PM – Sinagh
She slid on her boots slowly, as if every bit of motion required a huge amount of energy. Rising from her spot on the floor of the inn, her posture told of the massive emotional weight Sinagh was carrying. Unusually pale skin, dark eyes sunk too far into the sockets from lack of sleep and long thin fingers that shook ever so slightly as she tightened her belt around a waist that was shrinking from lack of nutrition. Her body was showing the signs of fatigue and emotional drain.
Sinagh walked down the path out of Auberdine towards Astranaar. Her head was down, and her eyes glanced up only occasionally to make sure she was still on the path. She made a wide birth around the Grove of Ancients, not wanting Onu to see her - unfortunately, Onu obviously knew she was coming.
"Sinagh what has you so troubled?" She stopped in her tracks. His voice seemed to fill her mind, rather than her ears. Without raising her head she continued forward, hoping he would just leave her be. "Sinagh I can feel that darkness and pain that surround you. Come to me and lay your worries away. " Sinagh turns and looks into the grove. "Onu, you cannot help me on this journey. Please leave me alone." Her words surprised the ancient one. She was shrouded in a darkness that worried him and she was blocking him out now. He shifted his boughs and moved towards the road. "Daughter of Artesmon.. what have you done?" he says into the forest behind her as her form moved away as quickly as she could from the grove.
The night seemed to swallow her up as she walked. No one paid a moment’s notice to the young druid as her steps led her through Astranaar south to Talon Deep Path. Entering the tunnel she leans against the rock wall just a few steps inside and sighs heavily. "Adrima.. I am here."
The rogue watches from her hidden vantage point and smiles inwardly as she looks over the druid. Sinagh looked awful and the pain in her eyes was the most beautiful part of it. She was caught up in a game she would never understand, and with players that were so powerful that Sinagh could not compete. Adrima steps from the shadows with a smirk curling her lips and arms crossed over her chest. "Well, well, well... look what the cat drug in." Sinagh didn't find the humor in it, and disliked the way Adrima was looking at her but she needed her help and would hold her tongue for now.
"I need to hire you for something." Sinagh says quietly.
"My services aren't for sale. " Adrima says flatly, hiding her curiosity.
"You know they are. That's what you do. Things that no one else will."
"Sinagh.. I am offended deeply that you would think such things of me!" Adrima makes a ghastly face and shakes her head as she chuckles, loving every second of twisting Sinagh up.
"Cut the crap Adrima. I need you to steal something for me." Sinagh narrows her eyes and glares at Adrima. It was making her increasingly angry that Adrima's attitude was so aloof.
"Steal? Wow Sin... that's so unlike you.. little princess of the palace. What's gotten into you? Let me guess.... a lover died on you or something?" Adrima snarls out the last sentence and before she can blink Sinagh has her by the throat and pushed up against the wall with strength Adrima didn't know she had in her. Sinagh hissed in Adrima's face as she squeezed against her windpipe. "You've said enough. Now will you or will you not help me?" Sinagh's eyes were dark and menacing.
Even in this compromising position, Adrima could easily take Sinagh down but she allowed the young one her moment of darkness. It thrilled Adrima to see the fire in Sinagh's eyes. Grabbing Sin's wrists Adrima nods slowly, letting her think she had won. Whatever Sin was wanting so badly was worth the show. As Sinagh puts her down Adrima grins. "You've gotten stronger Sis." Sinagh hisses at Adrima again. "Don't call me that. I am not your sister... I am nothing like you!" Adrima chuckles and looks around them. "Could have fooled me. Your here asking me to steal something for you, wearing that snake stuff, looking like a lunatic." Adrima paces back and forth for a moment before asking, "So what is it that you want me to inappropriately misplace for you?"
Having paid Adrima more than what she was worth, Sin walked back down the path and then made her way to the Wailing Caverns. There were many unanswered questions laying in wait there and she was determined to find out exactly what its connection was to Darrend's death. Her mind was now slipping back into its previous state of depression with the excitement of meeting Adrima over. Sinagh stayed off the path now. She couldn't chance running into Juraviel. She needed time... time to right the wrong she had done to Darrend. Time that Juraviel wouldn't understand.
Posted 05 August 2005 - 03:37 PM – Sinagh
Deep within the Wailing Caverns, Sinagh's body lie sprawled out in a most unnatural contortion. Her eyes - open, were staring blankly outward but were seeing nothing. The poison that was ravaging her body was now slowing her heart and she was dying. So far gone that the Fang Druids that had inflicted the wounds were not bothering to even watch over her. Nothing short of a miracle could help her now.
"My beloved.. Awake and take your place at my side..." Darrend's hand reaches for hers. She was no longer in the caverns, but in a lavishly decorated room. There was Darrend, alive and well! "Darrend..." she whispers and takes his hand. Pulling her from the warm blankets she had been wrapped in he smiles and pulls her to him, wrapping his arms around her waist and spinning her around as he kisses her. "But I thought?" he kisses her words away and she huddles close in his arms. She takes in a deep breath, drinking in his scent and loving every moment of his touch. "I love you Sinagh..." he whispers against her hair as his hands stroke down her back. "I love you Darrend....I love you... I..."
Sinagh can feel herself being pulled from him by unseen hands. "Noo... Darrend!" Struggling against the force that is drawing her away she howls. "No! I will not leave him again!" Everything around her turns to black and she still struggles to free herself. A blinding light hits her face and Sinagh instinctively draws her arms up to cover her face against it. The hands were no longer pulling at her.. but she could hear them whispering in the light that was forcing her to close her eyes.
"Druid... are you alright?" They had mistaken her for one of the Fang Druids in the cavern when they first had come upon her, but when they removed her pack and started rummaging through it realized that she wasn't one of them. She was dressed the same, yet was obviously not one. "Hey... Come on now. Wake up. "A human Paladin was bent down next to Sinagh's contorted form. She stirred slightly. "Leave her here. There's nothing more you can do for her." His mage counterpart snorted. "Stupid Night Elves anyway." he spits on the ground next to Sinagh's head. "We can't just leave her." the Paladin rises and looks at the Mage. "Why not? You gonna carry her all the way back? I certainly am not." They continue on their way, after a short argument. Before going, the Paladin placed her pack under her head and propped a healing potion next to her body.
Sinagh doesn't stir for a long time. The pain aches through her body and her mind doesn't want to let go of the vision of Darrend. The healing spells the Paladin casts were not strong enough to mend the damage done to her body, but were strong enough to pull the majority of the poison out. She slowly rolls to her side, knocking the potion over. She finally opens her eyes and squints even in the darkness of the cavern. Reaching out slowly, her hand shaking, she wraps her fingers around the potion bottle and pulls it to her lips. It took a long moment of preparation before she could find even the strength to bite down on the cork and pull its stopper free. Taking a long drink, the potion runs out both corners of her mouth and she drops her head back panting. Getting out of here was going to be rough. She struggles to roll over completely, every muscle of her body protesting. Using the rocks beside her to pull herself up, it takes her quite some time to fully stand. The druid's legs shake under her.
A quick survey of her surroundings, she decides there is no choice but to port to Moonglade. She wouldn't survive in this condition a trip out. Closing her eyes, she forces herself to concentrate....
Posted 05 August 2005 - 04:44 PM – Zor Primus
The ranger was crouched, soaked and dripping water underneath the low branches of the palm tree. The rain pelted him as the torrential downpour continued. Thunder clapped in the near black clouds above as lightning flashed almost at the same time. The weather might not have seemed odd to Juraviel had he not been on such an odd journey full of twists and pitfalls. A week had gone by since he last saw Sinagh and already his heart weighed heavily. They had spent scarcely a couple of evenings together when she had left one morning suddenly. He tried to not take her departure as that of Shadah. No, he knew in his heart that was not the case. Osorno growled and snorted as he shook off more water from his gray fur. The water splashing wildly about to Juraviel’s dismay onto his already drenched body. Juraviel leaned against his rifle and sighed. Shadah, the priestess who had stolen his heart, the one who he had protected and loved like no other. The elf who had left him when he so desperately needed him had returned. Juraviel couldn’t believe his eyes that night in Stormwind. He had thought that never again would he look upon her, yet there she stood before him in that tavern. The ranger’s heart sank as he remembered how cold he was to her, the resentment he spewed at her. She seemed so happy to have found him again, but his heart no longer was hers.
A noise below them snapped him out of his thoughts. “Focus.” He told himself as he steadied himself again. Juraviel had once again picked up the trail of his target, Macabre. It lead him here to the Un’Goro Crater. An oasis where time seemed to have slowed to an era when mighty reptiles walked Azeroth. Juraviel had followed a party of night elves into the heart of the crater. Fire Plume Ridge, a place unstable that was probably the last remnants of the meteor that struck this land and created the crater. At least that what Marcalo had told Juraviel this theory before his departure from Stormwind. The party moved from their camp slowly, their saber mounts seemed unnerved about something. Juraviel felt it too, something not right about his surroundings. His instincts and foresight screamed at him to stay where he was underneath the foliage. Osorno’s ears were flat as the rain continued to come down hard. The early morning sun was not even a glare as the clouds above fought to keep the evening’s shadow. Juraviel ducked lower and slid on the muddy ground. Osorno close to him. There was something close. A predator of great power for sure. Juraviel felt the ground tremble slightly, and heard as a silence fell around him like a blanket. He knew that the creatures close by were scurrying to hide, a hunter was about and it wasn’t him or the night elf party.
He looked ahead, his keen eyes noting at once that the night elves had stopped in their tracks. They had formed a sort of semi circle around one elf in particular. The hooded one was casting a spell of thorns around the party. Druid, just as Juraviel had thought, but was it Macabre? The warriors drew their swords, their senses also catching the danger approaching them. Gripping tight to his rifle he waited for a few moments before sliding closer. The ranger was only a few meters away from the camp, his elite skills keeping him just outside of earshot. This was the respect he gave to his people, they were keen to their surroundings no matter what path that had chosen, and with a Druid among them Juraviel’s unique bond to nature would have been easy to detect. So instead Juraviel kept a safe distance and settled to merely observe this group. Sweat now mingled with raindrops as the minutes rolled on, still nothing.
It seemed that the elves had relaxed and started on their way when Juraviel felt a quick movement behind him. He froze in place and prayed silently to Elune for he too was now certainly doomed. A growl and earth shaking tremble finally revealed the hunter. Standing at nearly 40 feet the Devilsaur charged ahead with reckless abandon towards the stunned party. Juraviel could only glance up as a massive foot passed over him dropping mud all over his wet form. Osorno didn’t even let out a peep as he knew that this was one beast he could not attack. The massive step over Juraviel saw the Devilsaur already take a snap at the nearest mounted warrior. It took it in its massive jaws snapping the saber’s spine. Thrashing it around like a doll a few times before flinging it with ease against a massive tree, with a bone crushing thud the elf warrior gasped his last breath. The warriors already got off their mounts and attempted to form a line. The Druid stayed on his mount, casting a healing spell towards the fallen warrior. The Devilsaur leaped back with amazing agility and charged again forward. Its maw snapped and nearly caught another warrior who swung his sword down on the reptile’s neck. The blade only left a mark on the tough hide. The reptile swung its massive tail though too quickly for the warrior to react and he felt it hit him dead center in his chest. Juraviel cringed as he heard ribs snap and blood ooze from the soon to be fallen warrior’s mouth. “Collapsed lung.” He said to Osorno. The remaining three warriors rolled back, giving themselves as much distance as they could from the deadly tail. The Druid cast a bolt of nature’s wrath at the beast, drawing its attention.
That was the last Juraviel saw of the Druid. He quickly called forth a portal and was gone in a split second, probably heading for the sanctuary of Moonglade. The ranger cursed the ground he laid on and pondered what to do next as the three soldiers who were abandoned charged to the Devilsaur. It was over in seconds. Two warriors were swiped by the deadly tail. The first still alive and clawing to escape was eaten quickly. The other one was twisted and lifeless next to his edible companion. The Devilsaur seemingly content ignored the last warrior as he got on his mount to flee. This was Juraviel’s chance. Keeping an eye on the gigantic predator collecting its remaining meat he aimed his rifle at the fleeing warrior. It was headed just east of him, away from the Devilsaur. “Hope you don’t mind me picking up the scraps.” He whispered as he pulled the trigger. The arcane blast nailed the saber just below the ear, the piercing exploded as it exited on the other side. Dead the cat came to a complete stop, throwing its rider off. Casting one last glance at the Devilsaur Juraviel leapt from his hiding spot and made fast run to the fallen warrior, Osorno close behind.
Drawing his polearm he kicked over the moaning warrior and placed it underneath his neck, just in between his armor. “WHO WAS WITH YOU!?” he screamed angrily. The warrior only coughed. “WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?” he yelled, poking the tip of his blade harder. Defeated the warrior looked up pleading. “Macabre…we were escorting him back to Zul’fa…” The warrior didn’t finish his sentence. Juraviel had heard all he needed to hear. Pushing forward with tempered strength his polearm stabbed the warrior quickly through the throat. Looking back to the Devilsaur who was sniffing around looking for the escaped warrior Juraviel whistled out to Lita, his albino saber. She leaped out from her spot which always shadowed the ranger’s. Quickly he kicked off as the Devilsaur began approaching the still choking form of the warrior. Juraviel sped along the path he charted back to Tanaris, his destination clear to him.
Posted 08 August 2005 - 05:04 PM – Sinagh
Her hands shook as she placed the tomes in her pack. Adrima had done exactly as she had been hired to do and now all that was left was to find Drakus. Sinagh checked each tome to make sure Adrima hadn't double crossed her and sighed with a very small amount of relief to see them all intact.
The road to Darkshire was gloomy and the air reeked of death and decay. The poison that still flowed through Sinagh's veins added to this dismal vision and she was jumpy and on edge her entire walk. Why she had decided to walk the distance from Stormwind to here she didn't know. Perhaps because it was all she could do to hold on to her pack, much less the neck of a gryphon. Her steps were wobbled, as if drunk and Sinagh stopped several times to breathe and check over her shoulder. Panting out of breath when she arrived in Darkshire Sinagh sits down to gather her thoughts and composure. Drakus was waiting, she was sure. It took her longer to make the trip walking, and she hadn't anticipated feeling as lousy as she did. The closer she got to her meeting with Drakus the harder her heart pounded, sending each last ounce of venom racing through her veins. Paranoid and on the verge of delirium, Sinagh finally rises from her resting spot and walks in to meet the warlock.
"Lady Sinagh." his voice purrs tauntingly towards her. He motions for the empty seat in front of him. Without speaking she sits, trying her best to maintain the outward appearance of strength and resolve. "Did you bring what I asked?" He inquires, raising a dark brow. Staring at the warlock a minute Sinagh pauses in thought. Was she doing the right thing? Just having the tomes in her possession meant that she would face serious repercussions from the circle. Handing them to a human warlock would almost certainly bring her a death warrant. Closing her eyes for a moment in contemplation she sees Darrend's death play itself out again before her eyes and again see's the room she awoke in.. the beautiful... wonderful... "Lady Sinagh?" Blinking hard she jerks her eyes back up to him. "Yes. Now let's go. " Drakus gives her a smirk and nods as he rises and walks out into the streets of Darkshire with Sinagh trailing him.
The forest seemed to be closing in around them. The twisted branches reaching to rip out her hair, lash out at her flesh. The entire night sky howled around her, taunting the druid with it's cry of tainted promises. She turned in her steps several times, swearing that she saw dark shadowy figures darting back and forth across the path beside and behind them. Drakus seemed confident and walked with a markable stride down the path, unaffected by the haunted world that seemed to be creeping up on the druid behind him.
Stopping at the bottom of a trail at the edge of the forest, Drakus turns and looks at her. "Are you sure you want to do this?" Sinagh answers with an immediate "Of course!" Not only because she felt like she had already gone too far to turn back, but also because she was sure should she retreat now, the forest behind them would make short work of ripping her apart by unmentionable means.
"Go.. hurry up now." She snaps at him. Drakus raises another brow but then begins up the trail. He says several things to her on the walk to the Gate that Sinagh doesn't hear. She nods and agrees but no longer is hearing a word he says. Her mind is filled with images, voices and flashes of memories. It's almost too much for her to keep walking forward, but the moment her eyes see the gate.. the gate that will bring Darrend back.. she marches forward with Drakus.
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