#zalaena

Tarenor sat up from the small hill of furs that covered him and the floor of his tent at Stonefang Outpost. Sweat covered him and pain stabbed like daggers into his leg stronger then it has in hours. Tarenor cursed himself for not waking up sooner as he placed his hand on the already formed scar that rests on his right thigh. The spells are lasting shorter and shorter.. already the prayers and incantations formed on his lips as his hand radiated a faint glow around his hand and spreading to his thigh enveloping the body part.

After a moment he released the pain suppressive spell but let out a exhausting gasp, the spells were taking it's toll. and with no Sunwell his faith can only go so far He sat there for moments that seemed like ages massaging the leg and looked outside knowing he's not going to sleep again tonight. Well... least it's bearable again... for now.

Tare slipped on his armored boots and plate-robe and walked into the blistering cold. So much has happened and so much more will. Already images flashed across his mind of the Bladespire and Bloodmaul ogres and the Highguard's plans to weaken them, and the upcoming incursion to weaken Alliance Holdings in Talador. Everything required his attention.

Yet his mind turned to other things. Silane was still missing, his last apprentice, lost somewhere in the Alliance torn Spires He'd go search himself but with his leg he'd not make it through the first Adherent warband he came across. The thought make his ears go limp for a moment, before seeing a few Stonefang night's watch pass by. He grimanced and limped to one of the Bonfires.

He attempted to think on the things he's thankful for, those that were found despite the chaos and slaughter at the portal, for the successes so far on the alien world, for Zalaena. He started to smile before he forgot he wasn't paying attention and tripped on a spear buried in the snow.

Miliseconds later he fell hard on his knees sending a hard reverberation up his leg to his thigh where the splinters were. Pain racked him for a moment as Tarenor knelt there letting out a silent scream.

All he could see was red and white. and in a burst of rage punched the nearby cliff side repeatedly. The colors lifted and he sat there panting raggedly. but something was different... The pain is not so bad..

Tarenor looked up at the cliff side in front of him and saw why, blood dripped from where he had punched and the pain in his knuckles finally came to him. he looked at his knuckles and saw them gnashed and bloody... it hurt but his leg was better and for a moment that was all that mattered. he shook his head clearing away the freezing tears of rage from his eyes so he could inspect his hand. Nothing broken atleast.

Zalaena Stood in the door bewildered and concerned, wearing a simple yet elegant light purple dress. “You told me to meet you here after the Trial remember? We were going to pack the remaining files, then go for a nice picnic..” She paused eying the room. “When I arrived, they said you were being held here. What happened?”

Tarenor sat on the edge of the bed and sighed, he felt worn. “They.. found out about all that went on here. They learned of the interrogations. Zal frowned at the mention of the interrogations but forced it away, walking over to sit next to him on the bed. “What are they going to do? Should we contact the Highguard? They could force the Argents to let you go.”

Tarenor smiled weakly. “No.. I wouldn't want that, plus they wouldn't kill me I don't think. But whatever they decide.. I will accept.” He looked Zalaena in the eyes and gently squeezed her hand. “You were right. I cannot take back what happened. Nor would I if I could. But there has to be a better way in the future. And I will look to find it.” Tare smiled warmly and Zal laid her hand on his shoulder. “I'll stay with you until then. Though I guess the picnic will have to wait...” Zalaena smirked amusingly and they stayed there for the night in each others company.

Hours past and dawn rose surely into the sky. The morning was quiet as they chatted over things pleasantly. Tarenor's mind more at ease by just her presence. Perhaps the Light didn't abandon me. He thought with a smile. Until finally another knock came. Tarenor and Zalaena stood as the Honor Guard nodded at him. “It's time.”

Moments later he stood in front of the 5 Lords and Commanders, each eying him with stoic poker faces. Zalaena stood against the back wall with that concerned look that tore a hole in his heart each time he saw it. The silence was broken by the elderly dark-skinned human. “Crusader-Captain Tarenor Swiftdawn. We have debated over what your fate might be. But after hearing your plea and reasons, we have reached a conclusion. What you did, was horrid. Some might call it crimes against Mortality. But what would any other man or woman do in your case?”

But the Female blood elf stood and frowned. “But Crusaders are NOT any man or woman. They must be better then that.” ...would anyone else make a different choice? But I'm not suppose to be like everyone else am I?... The words stung like wasps but he inclined his head in respect. “I understand my lords and ladies.”

The Orc stood this time, along with the remainder of the 5. “With reluctance Swiftdawn, we cannot condone this course of action, nor tolerate it in our ranks. By the power granted to us, by Highlord Tirion Fordring, The Argent Dawn, the Order of the Silver Hand, and the Argent Crusade. We hereby strip you of all ranks in this Organization and expel you from our Order.”

The words hit him like a hammer but Tare stood his ground as they continued. “Though no longer in our ranks, you may always find sanctuary here like all Citizens of Azeroth, but that is all.” The old orc paused for a moment and softened. “... Perhaps with time, as all things happen with time, things may change, whether our decision, or this Council itself. Until then, You may go. Light go with you.”

Tarenor turned away from the council as they filed out. His vision distant and blurred. I lost another family.... The thought repeated itself again and again in his mind. Zalaena rushed towards him and held. “Tare, are you alright? Say something!”

The Sin'dorei blinked a few times and focused on Zalaena's rosey and freckled face. “I ac- yes, yes love. They made their decisions, as did I... Let's go home.”

An hour later Tereus and Zalaena's Hawkstrider were packed with important and restricted files that made up the Phoenix Highguard, and started their journey north once more. Zalaena looked constantly at Tare, who remained silent most of the trip. But she rode near him, reaching over to grab his hand. “Things will be fine Tare. I promise.” After hours of silence, Tarenor Swiftdawn forced a smile on his face and nodded. “You're right, I just have to take the good with the bad.”

Tare reached the stables and mounted his loyal charger Tereus and started trotting south. He reached for his guild stone and spoke into it. “Highguard, I'm leaving for the night, I'm going to return to Hearthglen and gather important items the battalion left behind.” Kained De'Leon immediately opened up his end, the sound of a small party breaking out “What? Why? Here let me come with you.” Tare interjected right after. “No no, stay and enjoy the evening with the Commander, you all deserve it. I'll be back soon. Swiftdawn out.” He clicked off the stone and started the long journey south in silence.

Hours past as he passed through Eversong and the Ghostlands, the only sounds occasionally a bird, or when in the Ghostlands, a bat; and the voices in his head arguing with one another. I did what I had to do. I had to choose between a stranger or the battalion, would anyone else make a different choice? But I'm not suppose to be like everyone else am I? I'm suppose to do what is right always. Always. Yet what if there is no right answer? What if it's just the lesser of two evils? There's always a right way. …...Is there? How can you keep the Monsters in check, if you can't even keep yourself in check?

The road continued on and on, Only a few traveled the roads nowadays, and those that did eyed the armored figure with suspicion who's eyes only seemed to look at the ground. Still the Silence continued, his thoughts turning inward on how he sent assassination squads, how he sent many to Pandaria with little to no information. How he let that soul get tortured, both of them. Both of them now dead, one by his hand, the other.. Light only knows. He hadn't executed anyone in years, not since the Crusade. But still, he only regretted the torture, not the execution. Justice was justice.

And most of all, he thought of the way Zalaena looked at him after she heard about what he ordered. And after she saw the execution. The Image still stained in his mind of the crowd of Highguard roaring for blood at the woman on the gallows. Wanting to defile the body, leave it to the scourge. All sorts of heinous options. They're all animals Tare, monsters, You lead them, but don't become them. Zal's voice echoed in his mind.

Dawn was near, he had long past into the eastern portion of the plaguelands and he slept in a tent in the pre-dawn coolness next to Crown Guard Tower until bout noon, He hadn't slept much. But he was ready to get this over with. As he made his way down the hill he heard a voice call for him from behind. “Tarenor. Swiftdawn. You better not be leaving here without saying hello to me!” Tare turned around with a smirk, recognizing the gruff and still fluid voice. “Hello Tris'ton. I was wondering why I didn't see you in Hearthglen.” The muscular Sin'dorei in leather pants and jerkin with a old Argent Dawn Tabard over it walked briskly to Tarenor and shook his hand with a rough chuckle. “You know how these humans build things. Got to call in people with actual skill to keep these towers in working order. That old man Highbeacon can do it all himself.” the Soldier and the Blacksmith shared a warm laugh.

Tris'ton pulled a satchel over his shoulder and eyed Tarenor holding Tereus's reins. “So where you heading I thought you Highguard were out of Hearthglen?” Tarenor nodded “We are but I left some things.. things I can't really talk about. Classified” Tris'ton made a mock serious face. “Oh yes very important, can't leave them behind.” The mock look lifted into a chuckle. “Well I'm heading back as well, how bout we share the road?” Tarenor smiled faintly. “I'd like that.”

Hours past as the two traveled west towards the non-plagued woods of the Western lands. They talked of days long gone, of weapons, battle. The good times and bad. Sharing a laugh after the good and a understandable silence as well in between the bad.

The sun hung near the edge of the horizon when they finally reached the end of the journey and the gates of Hearthglen stood in front of them. The birds hummed and a smile on both their lips as they entered. “So what will you do now Tarenor?” Tris'ton asked as they past the chapel making their way to Mardenholde. “Continue my duty as it originally was, as Lieutenant-Comman-”

Tare was cut short as 4 Argent Honor Guards approached the pair. The lead a large Orc with a brutal looking mace and spiked shield spoke. “Tarenor Swiftdawn?” Tarenor eyed the large orc with hesitation before answering. “Yes?” The orc unsheathed his mace in a aggressive manner.

During the final assault in the underground caverns beneath Icecrown Citadel.. I caught sight of Orion.. my loyal and beloved Argent War Hippogryph of many years. He died... aiding.. and protecting me. But he wasn't dead. He was raised by the scourge as a mount. When I saw this I.. grew mad with righteous fury    grew blind with rage. And I swore I would see he found peace.

During one of our lessons, I was discussing the Second Virtue of the Light: Tenacity. Silane promised she would help me in the quest. I am thankful. But I don't think she knew what lies ahead.

The night before we were suppose to leave for home (tonight), we set out. A friend in the Argent Skytalons said they spotted him moving to the South West... near Jotunhiem and the Flesh works. We armored and armed ourselves and set out. Silane on.. I believe his name is kin? fin? Din, myself on Tereus. I'm going to make sure my only animal companion does not meet his end tonight. I love that charger too much.

We traveled through the Deathspeaker's overlook, Shadow Vault, Valley of Fallen Heros and near the mountains by Jotunhiem- we continued on foot. With a bit of luck, and a little skill, we knocked out some guards and infiltrated the Vyrkul city.

We had to travel through the Hall of the Ancestors, a place very unique.. hundreds of the sleeping giants, Thank the Light, lined the walls asleep. and only 2  "awakeners" were on duty this late. Silane and I planned. and we sprung it into action, I placed a blessing of Protection on her, and she ran in, blinding the vyrkul. I charged in after, knocking one out with the blunt of my axe. The other though, recovered.

I charged him as well, and Hand of Absolution bit hard into his shoulder. he grabbed it and through it aside like a twig.

It was me against a ten foot giant, in hand to hand. To be frank I damn near pissed myself. But the Light was with me. As my fists glowed with holy energy, the Vyrkul jabbed at me. I dodged and landed a hard punch straight on the giants jaw. He howled back, lost his footing. and his head landed hard on a rock.

After recovering Hand of Absolution, Silane and I traveled further in. But it was very late. We found this.. sorta crypt/hole/nook/thing, crawled into it and out of sight. I let silane rest while I took the first watch.

Bringing us to the present...

I occasionally hear the thud of footsteps. perhaps wondering what happened to the "Awakeners". but to them, it looks like they both hit their heads. I look over, and Silane has stopped muttering in her sleep. Good, she needs a good sleep. So do I. Perhaps in a bit. But she grows in the Light's graces. It's power in her, a little more every day, I can feel it. She has the makings of a Champion of Light in her, perhaps even surpassing me in faith on day.

My mind turns, as it has for a while, to the joy I have found lately, in the form of a woman, a sweet smile, cute freckles, and Big breasts   a sweet innocence and light heartedness, that restores my faith in this world, Zalaena. Hopefully I might see her tomorrow.

That is if I don't die.

If I do die, May the poor soul who reads this, find out- I'm not a horrible person, I am not weak from my faith, and I did my best.