09-13-2014, 10:19 PM
"To Karast, my greatest friend and ally. While I have met many others in my lifetime, there were few that I drew closer to than you, a Draenei who nearly killed me, a feat that no one could claim for themselves. You reminded me of what I was... and what I was not. I saw your heart and what you fought for and it rekindled my spirit to what it was. I am a Sentinel of the Kaldorei, sworn to protect my home and people. I am not a monster like many believe. And it was your virtue that I began to rebuild what I tore down. I created the Izshani, and so a family grew. But you and I both know that my time is limited and I still have one thing left to do on this planet before I die.
It took me longer than I wished but I have finally devised a plan to take down Starripper and bring her to justice for what she did to me and my sisters. As you are reading this... I am most likely already gone, but the plan is also underway. Each member of the Izshani has recieved a letter like this. Each with their own course of action that depends heavily on the success of the others. You, Karast, have the hardest task of them all. You will storm Starripper's fortress directly. Subdue any Sentinel you come across. Try your best to leave them alive. Starripper is who I am truly after. And if you can, make some noise. Your goal is to provide a distraction. Draw attention onto yourself. We will fight beside each other soon enough.
And if all goes awry... know that I had no better pleasure than to have you as a friend.
Your friend in arms and trust, Izshandriel."
***
It had been a better part of a month since that powerhouse Karast received the letter from her Kal'dorei friend, and for the entire duration she had wondered what the letter was about ... however knowing Izshandriel it was something serious.
Finally a month had gone by, obviously Izzy needed time to begin what she had planned, and once Karast was allowed to open her letter she would read through it, and smirk with a chuckle at the end. Idly, the letter was scrunched into her hand which curled into a fist. "So ... this is my final deed to a dear old friend" she whispered to herself, having planned for this moment ever since she got the letter.
"My final battle... to help a friend." she said, a thought drawing her gaze up at the sky. "We'll fight together Izzy, together in whatever afterlife will have us after this." she whispered, before finally ... preparing her last final moments. Everything had to be perfect. Her blade sharp ... her armour free of scratches and shining proudly. If she was to draw attention to herself she had to look the part.
And finally, that moment arrived. After some days traveling, Karast finally arrive at the fortress she needed to be at, a strong hand on her armoured hip ... beside her trusty sword as she'd study the situation in front of her. "Well ... if this to be my final battle, as I'm sure it'll end in such a way ... I should go out big." she chuckled, drawing her sword and shield before clammering them together once in front to make a sound to attract attention to herself.
"Hey, sentinels. You've a friend of mine in that building, and I'm here to get her out!" She claimed at the front entrance ... just as instructed ... be the biggest attention seeker there. Somehow ... Karast knew if she failed ... the whole plan would fail ... why else would Izzy entrust this to her? If Karast's part wasn't so tide-turning Izzy probably would have given the job to someone else. No, something told Karast. Should she die before getting to Izzy ... then the whole plan would fail.
"I hope you're all trained to withstand pain, because you're about to receive plenty ..." Karast growled ... readying into a combat pose ... ready to give her all ... her final bouts of battle for an Kal'dorei ... that became a lovely friend through unlikely means.
It took a few moments longer than Karast might have thought. There was nothing but silence at her beckoning. But after a long pause, the wooden gates of the fortress slowly grinded against the dirt floors, just enough for a single sentinel to walk out. She didn't look like much in comparison to Karast, or many of the other sentinels. She was young, still developing her fighting prowess, but that didn't absolve her from a haughty attitude as she walked out to meet the draenei face to face.
"You know..." the sentinel began, "...you've a lot of nerve to show up to Starripper's base, especially at this time. The Huntress is probably busy torturing your so-called friend for the centuries of crimes she's committed." The sentinel approached closer, a smug look on her face. "This doesn't concern you Draenei. I'd cut your ties with this... thing... and be on your way before we make an official report to your treason against the Alliance. Dreamstalker has a lot to answer for, more than you'll ever know. So like I said..." The elf pointed in the other direction, approaching Karast, nearly in arms reach, "Get out of here... or better yet get out of our forest."
The appearence of the young Kal'dorei made Karast blink a few times. Karast was insulted, and almost didn't hear half the words the night elf approaching her said. However, some moments later of pushing aside her injured ego, Karast would lower her weapons to her sides as the Night Elf was now so close ... and still getting closer. "Treason?" she began, a hoof digging in to the soft grass beneath a little. "I'll tell you what treason is." Karast would add.
That hoof dug into the ground would act as leverage for Karast as she'd suddenly tilt her violently forward, swinging her head so that it would harshly slam into the Kal'dorei. Her famous headbutt! Karast was happy she had such a hard head! The headbutt sent the sentinel straight to the ground.
"Treason is abandoning a friend when they ask for help" She said after, looking to the now likely knocked out Kal'dorei at her hooves briefly, glowing eyes soon leaving the form to peer back at the fortress before her. The elf laid there motionless, as a silence took over the area. "Next!" A few moments later, the gates opened wider. A squad of sentinels poured out of the gates, and a few leapt over diving down toward Karast with their glaives.
"You've made a terrible mistake, Draenei!" said the soaring sentinel as she came crashing down.
Another came rushing from a greater distance, "You'll never make it a hoof passed our gates!"
A grin came from Karast's lips as those gates opened wider. Great she thought, I have their attention now as she steadied for what was to come. This was it, time to do her part for her friends cause. Finally... someone this wandering Draenei could focus her energy on, and even her final last breaths for this. If it were to be her last day alive, she would fight. Not run.
"I don't need to." Karast answered with a calm breath, not caring if neither Kal'dorei heard her as she immediately dropped to a knee, letting her heavy weight jerk into the ground with a thud. Suddenly, without warning her shield arm swung above her to act as a barrier between the decending Kal'dorei and herself. She hoped the impact into her shield ... and then tossing that elf behind her would be enough to incapacitate that Kal'dorei in question.
Her sword arm would swing wide as her shield came back into place to cover her front. With no choice, this would mean the Night Elf would have to pause and block her sword, which is exactly what Karast wanted. With her opponents weapon busy, she would open her shield to the side, only to bring a hoof up and literally pound it into the woman's chest to send her flying back to the gate, just metres in front of it.
"But you might make it back to the gates ... " she mumbled, looking behind her briefly to make sure that night elf was incapacitated too.
It was clear to the Sentinels that Karast was no pushover. Just judging from her firm grounding, and stature, the Sentinels would have to think of another way to take down this armored warrior. The charging sentinel tried to use finesse and trick Karast, but the Draenei was too seasoned to fall for such things.
There was simply no way around that shield. The elf brought up her glaive in defense. Distracted by the sheer power that nearly threw her off balance, she only caught a glimpse of the draenei's hoof that came ramming into her chest and knocking the wind from her lungs. Her body flew backwards, colliding with another elf who also fell to the ground. Still, three more came after Karast, however more cautious than before.
The three Sentinels decided to circle around Karast, glaives drawn and their bodies lowered like sabers ready to pounce. Each stared at Karast now knowing this was one opponent they needed to bring down immediately. One by one they rushed their foe. One from the front, the side, and the rear. This had to work. There's no way someone could take on three trained sentinels at once... could they?
Hmm, four down and however many more it took for Izshandriels plan to succeed. Good job so far the Draenei thought to herself, but she couldn't stop now. Karast couldn't call it victory and head for the bar now, she still had her work cut out for her ... and this was only the beginning. This was still the easy part of her job ... a job she had accepted would likely be her last. As powerful as she was ... there was no way she'd defeat a fortress of Night Elf sentinels on her own ... she just couldn't ... at least that's what Karast believed. Today ... may change that.
Three elves circled the warrior ... posed, ready to strike at any opening Karast gave them. She was formulating her open plan to actually show an opening as a feint, but it seemed the Kal'dorei wanted to force their own opening from Karast. First the one from the front attacked, which Karast swung out to deflect with her right arm, her shield. Next was her attacker from the side, which her sword swung up to deflect. But her attacker from behind ... how could she do this without killing everyone?
She had no choice, as the Draenei struggled with her sword and shield against the glaives of the elves ... Karast had no choice ... but to let the Kal'dorei's weapon behind impale her ... or so everyone would think. Every Night Elf there thought that Karast would be beaten ... they'd have toppled this powerhouse because Karast couldn't stop the attacker from behind ... today ... the elves would win ... or so they thought.
CLANG! The loud metal noise echoed loudly amongst the forest ... as the Night Elf's glaive behind simply bounced right off Karast's shoulder pad as Karast had manouvered her body slightly so the glaive wouldn't hit any vital spots ... those being where her armour is linked together. But the Elves would discover right now ... her armour was as tough as she was, and with a grin, she'd look to all three elves around her who were in shock.
"What? Did you think this was made out of bikini feather's like what you wear?" she said calmly, her grin quickly fading as she bore her teeth and growled out heavily. Karast swung around with all her strength to throw back the elves around her slightly, leaving all three open for her to deal with. First, the one at the front, she'd slam her heavy shield across the elves face. Kapow! There's no ifs or buts about that one, Karast heard the elf's jaw crack, she was definitely out with a broken jaw. Second, the elf on the side would receive a fist wrapped around her sword right into her nose, effectively breaking it. Even if the force didn't knock out the Elf, Karast made sure by using her hoof to pound into that elf's chest once more.
Finally, the elf behind her, she would reach forth with her shielded arm, and immediately grip the Kal'dorei by the throat tightly, pulling her up onto her toes to make eye level with Karast ... who seemed very agitated. Drawing that Elf closer ... and closer until their noses touched, Karast growled, "That ... scratched my armour ... I polished it just for Izshandriel, you b***h." before she'd tilt her head back and then slam it forth into her opponents, knocking them out as well.
Watching the elf only for a few moments, Karast would finally let go and let her drop to the floor unconscious with the rest of the Kal'dorei piling up around her. Well, they'd help Karast at this point ... all these unconscious people around her. Karast didn't have to move, these elves would make great obstacles for her opponents to maneuver around the Draenei thought as she turned back to the fortress and readied herself again.
"Well!?" She shouted at her top of her lungs, expecting her friend Izzy inside to hear, "Can anyone here provide me with a decent challenge!?"
Karast would get her wish. The night elves thrown at her were low-ranked sentinels sent to take care of the trash, which Karast proved she wasn't by any stretch of the word. Out of the gates walked a single Sentinel. Her armor was different than the others. Instead of leather, she wore pale green plate and dragon scales. Still, bits of her were exposed like her upper thighs, midriff, biceps and upper chest. But by the unamused disposition, it seemed she was well aware of her weak spots. She appeared older, wiser, in far higher authority than the others. Hanging from her pauldrons was a long slightly tattered cape that blew to the side with the light breeze.
"I am Captain Ilian Skybreath..." the sentinel said, crossing her arms as she looked at her fallen sisters. "I appreciate you only beating my subordinates to a pulp. Even if they were low-ranking, that's still quite impressive."
"I am Karast... I don't have a rank unfortunately, but I am a blacksmith, so if you need a weapon forged after this day is over." Karast began, weapon and shield lowering as the two spoke while a smirk grew across the side of her face, now eyeing over the unconscious Kal'dorei around her. She spoke so that only this Captain could hear, the words she'd speak ... were words only for this Captain. Karast wasn't a bad person, she didn't want to kill everyone here, but for Izshandriel ... she had to beat them all somehow. If Karast defeated this Captain, no one would know what these two said to each other anyway, and if Karast died ... well it wouldn't matter if people knew what Karast's last words were.
"Well I'm not here to kill anyone." She explained to the Captain, rather civil it seemed as she'd add. "But you are all in the way of me getting to a friend in need. I changed her, I can't have you and your fortress change her back into the thoughtless monster you created. I'd ask you to step aside ... but I know your answer. So perhaps when this battle is over, and the day is done, you and I can have a drink afterwards and laugh about this." Her smirk only scretched wider across her lip.
The Captain's expression changed several times over Karast's response, most of which were a tacit amusement. Her crossed arms relaxed by her side, a palm resting on the hilt of a sword. She would have take a few non-threatening steps forward, only to clearly hear Karast speak.
"Pretty hardy for a blacksmith. You sure as hell don't fight like one." Ilian shrugged, "But what does it matter where you learned to fight. You -can- fight and that's important." Her eyes followed Karast's as she, too, looked at the fallen soldiers. "Like I said, I appreciate you not killing my sisters. Very noble of you, if anything. But..." Ilian drew on an elegant arm-length curved blade. "You already knew my answer. And the fact that you're still going to fight for her is admirable."
Ilian began to circle slowly around Karast. "But you are mistaken, Karast. We aren't going to do anything to your so-called friend. Izshandriel is a long-time criminal. So long, in fact, that she became a legend. Most of us didn't believe in her until she showed up to face an entire battalion of Sentinels by herself. And her demonstration of power was plenty to convince everyone she was capable of a lot worse. She killed Sentinels thousands of years ago, and made an attempt on Starripper's life. She killed Starripper's mate... and as we hunted her down we only found a wake of death and destruction from all kinds of individuals. If you have a better explanation for all of that, please... enlighten me. Until then..." She rotated the blade a few times with her wrist, "I can't let you pass."
Karast would watch the Kal'dorei she was talking to start to circle around her, talking until she was behind Karast with her blade drawn and ready to fight. This alone made Karast ready herself, the woman visibly rolling her shoulders to loosen them up. This Kal'dorei wouldn't be an easy target, she wouldn't despose of this one as easily as she'd slowly turn, facing her back to the forest ... and looking to the Kal'dorei. "You misunderstood me." Karast said. "She may have been a criminal ... but that was the only life she knew ... until she met me. You haven't seen her since I've been around, not until now.”
Karast lowered her gaze briefly. "You weren't there when I battled her toe to toe ... and still dragged her to safety from death. From that day... she's changed, I have changed her." she added as she'd look back to the Kal'dorei with another smile. "If only you'd have gotten the chance to talk to her Captain Ilian Skybreath, and I mean a normal talk, you'd question if Izshandriel was the monster you truely believed she was ... but ... " The Draenei readied herself, a hoof sliding back and her shield lifting up in front of her into a battle ready position. "We've had our lovely talk. You're free to kill me ... but know this ... I won't kill you ... and if I am the victor ... I will one day come searching for you ... for a drink together." Karast said, now reading her sword behind her also, ready to fight. She clearly held no hatred against this Kal'dorei she faced ... and that elf probably knew it. In fact, she held no hate against any of them. She was simply doing her job. While she was telling them all that she would rescue Izshandriel, break in and be a hero ... Karast was nothing more than just a distraction ... and she was doing a damn good job at it!
Ilian stopped for a moment, spinning her blade again. This time it was a full pause, just for the sake of conversation. Her guard was lowered and relaxed. "Just because you've redeemed your wicked ways doesn't absolve you of your past crimes. Look at what the Orcs and Blood Elves have done to your people. If their leaders came to you in apology afterwards, would you be so quick to forgive and forget? Remember that my kind was once immortal like yours. We live long... and those events stay fresh in our minds. I was but a trainee when Izshandriel began her exile. I was a child who saw the monstrosity she had become. I needed to defend my land against that."
She paused and chuckled, "Look at me rambling..." She brought up her blade again. "Come, a fight to sing about!" She kicked off her seemingly neutral stance with a great pace, dashing toward Karast in a quick burst. She only kept her blade pointed forward beside her, reluctant to make a move against Karast. The Draenei had a shield, and that complicated things. Ilian had to wait for an opening... or for Karast to make a move. If she didn't, she'd simply offer a tap on the armor before getting a distance away from her opponent.
Karast would have said more if the fight didn't begin. Izshandriel was her project! Her experiment that she was working on. Turn Izshandriel into a good person. It was working! Karast was actually doing what she set out to do, turn Izshandriel into a good person. Somehow she was doing that just by fighting her! She couldn't let these people undo what she had worked on. While she wanted to tell this Captain so much about what she had done to change Izshandriel, but their fight brought her thoughts to a sudden stop.
Watching the Kal'dorei, Karast knew that she had an extra advantage the elf didn't ... a shield. It didn't feel fair to her, and as she used that large metallic item to block the elf's attack and watching her jump away, Karast lowered the shield. "I am sorry." she said genuinely, the arm holding her sword reaching over to her shield to unclip a few locks, letting the shield drop from her arm. "You're a worthy opponent, I can't have an advantage over you such as the shield, else we would argue who really is the better warrior when we have our drinks, won't we?"
Karast explained, her grin appearing across her face again. If Izshandriel had other help ... why wern't they here? At the gates with Karast? Helping her? Did Izshandriel feel so strong in Karast's abilities that she felt she'd do her job alone? It was possible, Karast entered this feeling it would be her last fight ... the last breaths she'd take would be for Izshandriel. And they very well may be.
Gripping her blade with both hands now, Karast readied herself for another attack, and it came quickly. The Kal'dorei rushed at her with precision and skill, their blades connecting with a loud metallic ching. This elf nearly knocked Karast off balance from that attack, as she'd grunt a breath. They pushed their blades together a bit before Karast roared and swung her blade harshly to push the Kal'dorei away, watching her tilt back. She hoped this was an opening, and rushed at the elf, hoping to slam an elbow into her stomach, but before that plated muscle reached that Kal'dorei's tummy it was stopped by one of her hands, the elbow impacting into the hand and watching the Kal'dorei slide back an inch through the grass.
"Impressive, we might actually break each others nose in this fight." Karast said with a grin quietly to the Night Elf. From the way she talked, did she already consider this Elf a friend? Would the elf feel the same?
Ilian rubbed her nose, snorting a breath before resuming her stance. "A broken nose wasn't on my agenda." She rotated her neck, cracking the bones a bit. She gripped her sword, and then held it with her other hand. "Were I you..." After a short moment of fidddling with her handle, the blade split evenly in two. "I'd pick up that shield." The sentinel would have given Karast a moment to think it over and pick up the shield if she so wished, but after moment she would have dashed forward, now two blades in hand. "We're just getting started!"
It was when that weapon of Ilian's split into two that Karast second guessed her decision to drop her shield. She wasn't expecting the blade to be two, and was quick to smack her hoof into the edge of her shield so it would bounce up high enough for her to grab the shield, given just enough time to secure it to her arm before the night elf charged at her. She drew a hoof back to steady herself, ready for the attack that was coming as her shield drew forward and her sword held behind her. As Ilian drew near and swung her first blade, Karast threw her shield arm to the side, connecting it with Ilian's first sword and deflecting the attack, while her sword arm swung forward to meet the night elf's second blade, the two blades clashing against each other with a loud *ching!* that echo'ed through the forest. The effort this night elf used ... it almost knocked Karast off balance, as her teeth bared while struggling blades with this Kal'dorei. She wouldn't struggle long it seemed as Ilian drew a foot and let it slam into Karast's gut, forcing her to stumble back a few times. And now, Ilian was on the offensive, swinging her blades right and left at Karast in a expert display of swordsmanship, while Karast was left on the defensive behind those flurries of blades, her shield and sword constantly deflecting her attacks away as she kept taking a step back away from Ilian.
Ilian kept up her disciplined and well-calculated assault. Karast was an enemy, an honorable one, and so she treated her like one. Instead of trying to kill Karast, she minimized any injury she might incur, and instead focused on pushing Karast back as far from the fortress as she could. It was her objective to defend it after all. Her movements were crisp, her eyes unmoving as they locked on Karast's. Ilian was trained for this, perhaps what Izshandriel could have aspired to be were it not for her troublesome past. "Make your move, Karast!" She beckoned, still keeping her assault forward.
The almost flawless asault of Ilian at first startled Karast. This fighter was good ... very good ... but she could never be Izshandriel. Fighting with Izshandriel gave Karast a very unique advantage in this battle ... she knew -alot- of dirty tricks ... or rather ... how to defend against them. So were Ilian to try a dirty trick, Karast would see it quickly. Karast must be able to come back from dirty tricks, she lived against Izshandriel, who believes in win at all costs. Though she was at a loss for some time how to win this battle honourably. In their honour, both were equal ... or so Karast thought as she she continued to step back with each blow she deflect until Ilian finally taunted her. A bad move.
In a bold move, as her blade swiped forward to deflect an attack, Karast let her sword go to allow it to sink into the dirt and stand upright, before her hand reached forth to grab at Illian's wrist, her other sword against Karast's sword. "Make a move?" Karast said quickly, before her knee came surging up into Ilian's gut, to take her off guard, and as expected (probably the only thing Karast expected in this battle) Ilian took a few winded steps back ... perfect. In the small space between them, Karast then lowered her knee ... only to bring her hoof up and slam it into Ilian's gut, and send her a few feet back. She did fly a bit, and even crash against the floor, but unlike the others Ilian was quick to flip herself back onto her feet, so quick in fact that her feet dragged a foot or so through the mud before she stopped.
"Impressive, that move knocked out your comrades around us out cold. I'm glad I get to fight you Ilian, even if I might end up dead. Is it wrong I'm enjoying this?" Karast asked, reaching down to her sword to grab it by the hilt and pull it out the dirt, readying herself again.
Ilian grimaced, holding her stomach with one hand while pushing herself up with her blade. She stared at the floor, still recuperating from the last hit. With the clench of her teeth, a bit of blood trickled out the corner of her mouth. With a bit of a struggle she stood up right, though subtle gestures gave away her pain.
"Why do I get the feeling you've fought a Sentinel before?" she asked, doing her best to sound okay. She shifted her stance once more. A sharp pain shot up from her midsection. Ribs were broken for sure. She kept an arm pressed against her ribs as she fell back into her fighting stance again.
After reading herself Karast had notice the damage she had done to Illian. It sent a sickly feeling into her gut. She wasn't here to kill people, or gravely give them pain. That wasn't her style, but she feared at this point in order to continue as a distraction she'd have to eventually kill Ilian. No! ... she couldn't sink that low. She didn't kill Izshandriel, and look where that went? Izzy changed after that fight, found a purpose, even found what some might argue was a heart ... even if she only found a tiny bit of it. Karast had heard many things about Izshandriel, what she did in the past and what she did before Karast came along ... but Karast had seen a few things from Izzy herself while being with her. She saw her break down into tears ... she heard her regret everything ... she heard her say she was alone ... Karast helped Izzy ... by being herself ... she couldn't turn away from herself now and end Illian's life.
This had to end without her death ... somehow ...
With a small sigh to herself, Karast lowered her shield and sword to say "It's not too late Ilian. I don't wish to break any more bones that you could use to defend against a proper threat ... say the scourge ... just drop down ... ... "
Ilian stared forward at Karast for a brief moment. Her brow twitching slightly from the pain. She let out a sigh through her nose and then huffed a breath. She would have gladly taken the offer, but this was her job and her punishment would've been worse.
"You know I can't do that..." Ilian said, raising her blade toward Karast. "I either get beat here, or later... at least here it's dignified."
Karast lowered her gaze. Should she tell Ilian. If Karast was able to break bones in Ilian's body ... it only showed Karast one thing. That Karast was stronger. Ilian had moves to keep Karast at bay, and she respected that, but once Karast could break through those attacks she'd only break more bones. As much as it hurt Karast ... she had to tell Ilian.
"Just fall ... pretend you're knocked out Ilian ... I'm sorry, but I'm stronger then you." Karast said quietly in shame, even Ilian could hear the tone in Karast's voice, as if Karast was hating herself at this point. It was conflicting for Karast. Make a distraction was her objective, which Karast translated to as draw out the most powerful fighters so that someone else could sneak in and rescue Izshandriel. But Karast wasn't here to kill people, heck it showed with all the unconscious people around her. None were dead. She didn't want Ilian to be her first.
"Please ... I do not wish to kill you, I'd never forgive myself if you did ... just ... fall down ... After my blow ... I realised I am stronger then you. You can say the blow to your gut injured you more then you let on ... as you're doing right now" Karast explain, eyes lowering to Ilian's tummy where her ribcages were likely broken.
"I'm not here to kill ..." Karast whispered, eyes lowering. A moment of weakness?
Ilian frowned, lowering her blade. "The next hit probably will knock me out anyway." She offered a pained grin. She had too much honor as a fighter to just stand down. She was conflicted, for sure. Her hesitation made that clear.
With another huff of breath, she stood into stance. "Prepare yourself." With her last moment she rushed forward, her blade pointed at Karast. It was a bit careless. But she thought, if she was going to go out, at least make it fast. She leapt into the air and came pouncing down, her blade hunting for Karast.
Karast couldn't explain her emotions at this point. Even if she didn't know Ilian, she did care for her ... just because she was fighting her. She believed in a world where people challenged each other to see who was better, not to kill each other.
That moment when Ilian jumped into the air was when she knew she made a grave mistake ... because all Karast would say was ... "I'm sorry ..."
With a swift move ... Karast's blade suddenly ended up in Ilian's stomach, her collision into Karast making the woman fall onto the floor with Ilian on top ... and a blade sticking right out her stomach. Ilian would see Karast start to tear. "I'm so sorry ... You weren't meant to die ... I shoudn't cry ..."
Ilian knew what was coming. As the blade pierced her stomach, her eyes widened, a gasp escaping her mouth. Death was a strange sensation, and while it wasn't immediate, the oncoming feeling was more disturbing and scary than she realized. She used what last bit of strength she had to roll off to the side.
With a pained whisper she spoke, "Don't want... to get blood on such nice armor..." She said, a smirk curling up on her lips as the pain was beginning to feel numb.
On the floor, Karast huffed a few breaths before she rolled onto her side. "Illian... I can get help ... your fortress can help you." she explained ... the desperation in her voice. Ilian would know just how much Karast wanted her to live. "No." Karast started to whine, before she rolled herself on top of Iliian. "No you can't die please, please don't die."
Karast then heard a commanding, yet motherly voice in her mind saying the words, "Fear not, child. She will live." No one was around... and it wasn't from Ilian. Though, shortly after, Ilian shook her head.
"They won't help." Ilian said, her half-opened eyes looking at Karast. The sound of dozens of bow strings being pulled would circle around Karast and Ilian. Sentinels lined up along the walls of fortress, each with their bows steadily aimed at Karast. Ilian choked on blood before speaking again, "They're just doing their job... like I was. It's nothing personal..."
Karast whimpered a few breaths, petting Ilian's cheek before whispering "stay alive you b***h. You stay on this floor, you don't move. I don't want you dead ... don't die. I've so much to teach you about change..."
Karast only hoped her words meant something, even as she was surrounded by kal'dorei with bows. Karast stood tall, her shield ready. She could deflect some of the arrows ... but not all of them should they decide to fire.
One of the Sentinels called out from the wall, "You're outnumbered, Draenei." As she said this, more Sentinel's came out from the sides, at least half a dozen more. "You might have beaten the captain, but you're not getting passed this gate you damned space goat. Drop your shield and make this easy on yourself. We would hate to waste arrows."
Make a distraction ... that was Izshanriel's wish. Was this not enough? Karast had the entire fortress's attention. This would allow for someone to sneak in and save Izzy right? But Karast was unsure how far it would go. Right now, she was surely to die ... surrounded by Kal'dorei, arrows at notch ready to fire.
What could Karast do at this point?
She'd bluff, and smirk. "Your arrows can't pierce my armour. So go on ... fire at me as much as you want." Karast said... with no melee combat ... she was weak ... and with so many Kal'dorei around her ... she likely couldn't best this on her own.
Karast had expected the end ... this was it ... she had done everything she can for Izshandriel ... to give her the time she wished for someone to rescure her. Izshandriel likely knew Karast would die, which is why the mission was given as a letter. As a letter, it meant Karast could accept or decline. Did Izshandriel inside know that Karast was outside?
It was now ... time to die Karast thought as she felt all bows let loose upon her.
Almost in unison, the Sentinel's fired their sharp piercing arrows at Karast. It would be over in the blink of an eye, being killed with the pride and joy of the Kaldorei race: the bow. But just inches away from Karast, the arrows stopped while a golden shimmering sheen of light formed a circular shield around Karast. The shield grew, expanding as the arrows seemed to continue to fly in place, spinning violently and still hunting after Karast. Finally, the shield burst, scattering all the arrows away and shredding them to splinters.
"What the?" questioned one of the sentinels. "Kill her!" The elfs closest to Karast drew upon their glaives and rushed Karast, but as they drew closer, the sound of a roar came from the bushes. A wintersaber leapt from the flora, a night elf adorned in white and gold armor leapt from its back and in front of Karast, causing a shockwave of light to disperse the oncoming elves. The elf stood upright, matching Karast's height. She pulled back her hood, revealing a white night elf bereft of any facial markings. She turned her face to Karast. It was Izshandriel's sister.
"W-wha ..." Karast said almost speechless after her memories, gripping her blade tighter. "What are you doing here? Must I fight you as well to save your sister!?"
Aliandril smirked, with a chuckle, "Little Iz didn't tell you I was coming? She must have wrote it on the back of your letter."
The Sentinel's were taken by surprise. This wasn't just a sudden guest to ruin the fun. This wasn't just another traitor elf. This was Aliandril, the Nightshade, as many came to call her. She was a Watcher, and an interrogator that even made succubi wail out in pain. The sentinels all looked at her in fear.
"I'll let you in on a little secret after this..." Aliandril said, looking at the elves. "I'd reccommend you stand down." The elves looked around in hesitation. Finally they all agreed to take up their bows again. "Very well." Alaindril looked up to the sky. A buzzing sound hummed in the air behind the treeline before a volley of thin needles came raining down on the Sentinels. They weren't lethal, but they piercing the skin of the elves deep enough to make them cringe. Soon they fell to the ground unconscious. It wasn't long before Elria, Izshandriel's first dropped down next to Karast, fully geared in her camouflage armor.
"Thank you, Elria." Aliandril said, walking casually passed the gates. Elria looked at Karast, nodded, and then moved to Ilian to tend to her wounds. "Come Karast... we have work to do."
This was ... this wasn't what Izshandriel asked. Karast was confusedly heavily. She was only meant to be a distraction .... what more had her friend planned? With a hesitant breath, Karast followed ... pausing breifly to look to Ilian, even as she was half alive. "Please ... do not die." she began, stepping away from Aliandril and to Ilian's form, kneeling down beside her. "Don't die." Karast whispered, adding "I still want a drink with you. I can show you what change really means. And Izshandriel has changed ... believe me ... because I did it ... I changed her ... I'm sure of it. Think about it my formidable warrior ... she hasn't killed anyone mercilesly for awhile right? ... that's about the time we battle each other ... ... stay alive ..." Ilian gave a weak nod before passing out of exhaustion. Elria only waved Karast away, so as to not disturb her medical practices. Alandril was already heading toward the gates of the fortress.
Karast explained, following after Aliandril quickly afterwards into the fortress. "What are you doing here?"
A horn was blown from within the encampment. Back up was being called from another fortress in Ashenvale. "Reinforcements..." Aliandril gave a grin before placing her hood over her head. She looked toward Karast, drawing on her dagger and staff. "Izshandriel and I have already settled our differences... which never existed to begin with. I only pretended to hunt Izshandriel so she would stay away from Kaldorei homelands. I've always been watching her... both of you. In the monastery, in the catacomb. Everywhere she went, I went... and now that she began to make her move, I decided to confront her. While I didn't receive a letter like you did... Izshandriel instructed me one important thing. To keep you alive."
Karast followed after Aliandril, listening to her words as they walked through, but the last words made Karast pause and gasp out a breath. "K-keep me alive!?" She almost squeaked, the very thought taking over her for a few moments before she shook her head. "I don't need someone to keep me alive ... I'm here upon Izzy's request to make the biggest distraction I can ... All I am to her right now is a distraction ... and I shall make it so." Karast said.
Aliandril noticed movement in the distance of the fortress. Elves were making their formations. "You can't make a distraction while dead. That aside, Izshandriel cares for you." Aliandril gave Karast a stern look. "That means more than you could possibly imagine."
That look ... even just that look made Karast's legs tremble. "You've no idea either." Karast began, "I wouldn't have stood out there, risking my life for Izshandriel if I didn't care for her." She ended with a smile.
Aliandril stood still, her staff in her left hand, and a beautiful unique golden dagger in her right. "You didn't actually think Izshandriel would have let you do this alone, did you?" The elves made their formations, but wouldn't attack... perhaps they were afraid.
Karast frowned a little, almost hurtful. "I felt she believed I was the only one who could do this ..." the Draenei whispered.
"You've taken on an entire unit of Sentinels that would fel an entire pack of Orcs in a matter of seconds. It's something to brag about. I'm only here to make sure you don't die." Aliandril twisted her wrist a little. What looked like glimmering threads appeared in the air. They wrapped around her fingers and led around Karast. The dozens of threads began to glow brightly as she channelled healing energy into Karast. After all was done, the threads fell apart. "You're my sisters best friend. And for all she's been through, you're who matters most to her now, and I refuse to let her heart be broken by your death. You’re as good as family now." Then, the far middle tower of the fortress exploded with two large crashes, scattering rock and debris everywhere.
"That tower is where she's being held... that explosion was targetted at her cell to free her. If you hurry now... " Aliandril pointed at the crowd of elves, "...you just might be able to give her the support she needs." With that, Alandril drove her staff into the ground, inserted her dagger into a slot on her stave so her hands were free. "I'll open up the crowds but the rest is up to you." She held both hands out in front of her as light swirled into her palms forming large spheres of energy. One by one glowing orbs rocketted toward the front lines of the Sentinels knocking a few to the ground. "Good luck, Karast. I'm going to take care of the reinforcements that are inbound." Aliandril ran off out of sight.
Karast nodded before staring at her new opposition. Explosions became more frequent, in and outside of the forest. Her distraction had worked and now the fortress was in disarray. She'd roar fiercely at them, loud enough for the whole fortress to hear, "Get out of my way!" She'd rush forward, shield and sword ready, the kite shield in front and shield in the back. This was the final motions to save Izshandriel… and finally bring Starripper to justice.
It took me longer than I wished but I have finally devised a plan to take down Starripper and bring her to justice for what she did to me and my sisters. As you are reading this... I am most likely already gone, but the plan is also underway. Each member of the Izshani has recieved a letter like this. Each with their own course of action that depends heavily on the success of the others. You, Karast, have the hardest task of them all. You will storm Starripper's fortress directly. Subdue any Sentinel you come across. Try your best to leave them alive. Starripper is who I am truly after. And if you can, make some noise. Your goal is to provide a distraction. Draw attention onto yourself. We will fight beside each other soon enough.
And if all goes awry... know that I had no better pleasure than to have you as a friend.
Your friend in arms and trust, Izshandriel."
***
It had been a better part of a month since that powerhouse Karast received the letter from her Kal'dorei friend, and for the entire duration she had wondered what the letter was about ... however knowing Izshandriel it was something serious.
Finally a month had gone by, obviously Izzy needed time to begin what she had planned, and once Karast was allowed to open her letter she would read through it, and smirk with a chuckle at the end. Idly, the letter was scrunched into her hand which curled into a fist. "So ... this is my final deed to a dear old friend" she whispered to herself, having planned for this moment ever since she got the letter.
"My final battle... to help a friend." she said, a thought drawing her gaze up at the sky. "We'll fight together Izzy, together in whatever afterlife will have us after this." she whispered, before finally ... preparing her last final moments. Everything had to be perfect. Her blade sharp ... her armour free of scratches and shining proudly. If she was to draw attention to herself she had to look the part.
And finally, that moment arrived. After some days traveling, Karast finally arrive at the fortress she needed to be at, a strong hand on her armoured hip ... beside her trusty sword as she'd study the situation in front of her. "Well ... if this to be my final battle, as I'm sure it'll end in such a way ... I should go out big." she chuckled, drawing her sword and shield before clammering them together once in front to make a sound to attract attention to herself.
"Hey, sentinels. You've a friend of mine in that building, and I'm here to get her out!" She claimed at the front entrance ... just as instructed ... be the biggest attention seeker there. Somehow ... Karast knew if she failed ... the whole plan would fail ... why else would Izzy entrust this to her? If Karast's part wasn't so tide-turning Izzy probably would have given the job to someone else. No, something told Karast. Should she die before getting to Izzy ... then the whole plan would fail.
"I hope you're all trained to withstand pain, because you're about to receive plenty ..." Karast growled ... readying into a combat pose ... ready to give her all ... her final bouts of battle for an Kal'dorei ... that became a lovely friend through unlikely means.
It took a few moments longer than Karast might have thought. There was nothing but silence at her beckoning. But after a long pause, the wooden gates of the fortress slowly grinded against the dirt floors, just enough for a single sentinel to walk out. She didn't look like much in comparison to Karast, or many of the other sentinels. She was young, still developing her fighting prowess, but that didn't absolve her from a haughty attitude as she walked out to meet the draenei face to face.
"You know..." the sentinel began, "...you've a lot of nerve to show up to Starripper's base, especially at this time. The Huntress is probably busy torturing your so-called friend for the centuries of crimes she's committed." The sentinel approached closer, a smug look on her face. "This doesn't concern you Draenei. I'd cut your ties with this... thing... and be on your way before we make an official report to your treason against the Alliance. Dreamstalker has a lot to answer for, more than you'll ever know. So like I said..." The elf pointed in the other direction, approaching Karast, nearly in arms reach, "Get out of here... or better yet get out of our forest."
The appearence of the young Kal'dorei made Karast blink a few times. Karast was insulted, and almost didn't hear half the words the night elf approaching her said. However, some moments later of pushing aside her injured ego, Karast would lower her weapons to her sides as the Night Elf was now so close ... and still getting closer. "Treason?" she began, a hoof digging in to the soft grass beneath a little. "I'll tell you what treason is." Karast would add.
That hoof dug into the ground would act as leverage for Karast as she'd suddenly tilt her violently forward, swinging her head so that it would harshly slam into the Kal'dorei. Her famous headbutt! Karast was happy she had such a hard head! The headbutt sent the sentinel straight to the ground.
"Treason is abandoning a friend when they ask for help" She said after, looking to the now likely knocked out Kal'dorei at her hooves briefly, glowing eyes soon leaving the form to peer back at the fortress before her. The elf laid there motionless, as a silence took over the area. "Next!" A few moments later, the gates opened wider. A squad of sentinels poured out of the gates, and a few leapt over diving down toward Karast with their glaives.
"You've made a terrible mistake, Draenei!" said the soaring sentinel as she came crashing down.
Another came rushing from a greater distance, "You'll never make it a hoof passed our gates!"
A grin came from Karast's lips as those gates opened wider. Great she thought, I have their attention now as she steadied for what was to come. This was it, time to do her part for her friends cause. Finally... someone this wandering Draenei could focus her energy on, and even her final last breaths for this. If it were to be her last day alive, she would fight. Not run.
"I don't need to." Karast answered with a calm breath, not caring if neither Kal'dorei heard her as she immediately dropped to a knee, letting her heavy weight jerk into the ground with a thud. Suddenly, without warning her shield arm swung above her to act as a barrier between the decending Kal'dorei and herself. She hoped the impact into her shield ... and then tossing that elf behind her would be enough to incapacitate that Kal'dorei in question.
Her sword arm would swing wide as her shield came back into place to cover her front. With no choice, this would mean the Night Elf would have to pause and block her sword, which is exactly what Karast wanted. With her opponents weapon busy, she would open her shield to the side, only to bring a hoof up and literally pound it into the woman's chest to send her flying back to the gate, just metres in front of it.
"But you might make it back to the gates ... " she mumbled, looking behind her briefly to make sure that night elf was incapacitated too.
It was clear to the Sentinels that Karast was no pushover. Just judging from her firm grounding, and stature, the Sentinels would have to think of another way to take down this armored warrior. The charging sentinel tried to use finesse and trick Karast, but the Draenei was too seasoned to fall for such things.
There was simply no way around that shield. The elf brought up her glaive in defense. Distracted by the sheer power that nearly threw her off balance, she only caught a glimpse of the draenei's hoof that came ramming into her chest and knocking the wind from her lungs. Her body flew backwards, colliding with another elf who also fell to the ground. Still, three more came after Karast, however more cautious than before.
The three Sentinels decided to circle around Karast, glaives drawn and their bodies lowered like sabers ready to pounce. Each stared at Karast now knowing this was one opponent they needed to bring down immediately. One by one they rushed their foe. One from the front, the side, and the rear. This had to work. There's no way someone could take on three trained sentinels at once... could they?
Hmm, four down and however many more it took for Izshandriels plan to succeed. Good job so far the Draenei thought to herself, but she couldn't stop now. Karast couldn't call it victory and head for the bar now, she still had her work cut out for her ... and this was only the beginning. This was still the easy part of her job ... a job she had accepted would likely be her last. As powerful as she was ... there was no way she'd defeat a fortress of Night Elf sentinels on her own ... she just couldn't ... at least that's what Karast believed. Today ... may change that.
Three elves circled the warrior ... posed, ready to strike at any opening Karast gave them. She was formulating her open plan to actually show an opening as a feint, but it seemed the Kal'dorei wanted to force their own opening from Karast. First the one from the front attacked, which Karast swung out to deflect with her right arm, her shield. Next was her attacker from the side, which her sword swung up to deflect. But her attacker from behind ... how could she do this without killing everyone?
She had no choice, as the Draenei struggled with her sword and shield against the glaives of the elves ... Karast had no choice ... but to let the Kal'dorei's weapon behind impale her ... or so everyone would think. Every Night Elf there thought that Karast would be beaten ... they'd have toppled this powerhouse because Karast couldn't stop the attacker from behind ... today ... the elves would win ... or so they thought.
CLANG! The loud metal noise echoed loudly amongst the forest ... as the Night Elf's glaive behind simply bounced right off Karast's shoulder pad as Karast had manouvered her body slightly so the glaive wouldn't hit any vital spots ... those being where her armour is linked together. But the Elves would discover right now ... her armour was as tough as she was, and with a grin, she'd look to all three elves around her who were in shock.
"What? Did you think this was made out of bikini feather's like what you wear?" she said calmly, her grin quickly fading as she bore her teeth and growled out heavily. Karast swung around with all her strength to throw back the elves around her slightly, leaving all three open for her to deal with. First, the one at the front, she'd slam her heavy shield across the elves face. Kapow! There's no ifs or buts about that one, Karast heard the elf's jaw crack, she was definitely out with a broken jaw. Second, the elf on the side would receive a fist wrapped around her sword right into her nose, effectively breaking it. Even if the force didn't knock out the Elf, Karast made sure by using her hoof to pound into that elf's chest once more.
Finally, the elf behind her, she would reach forth with her shielded arm, and immediately grip the Kal'dorei by the throat tightly, pulling her up onto her toes to make eye level with Karast ... who seemed very agitated. Drawing that Elf closer ... and closer until their noses touched, Karast growled, "That ... scratched my armour ... I polished it just for Izshandriel, you b***h." before she'd tilt her head back and then slam it forth into her opponents, knocking them out as well.
Watching the elf only for a few moments, Karast would finally let go and let her drop to the floor unconscious with the rest of the Kal'dorei piling up around her. Well, they'd help Karast at this point ... all these unconscious people around her. Karast didn't have to move, these elves would make great obstacles for her opponents to maneuver around the Draenei thought as she turned back to the fortress and readied herself again.
"Well!?" She shouted at her top of her lungs, expecting her friend Izzy inside to hear, "Can anyone here provide me with a decent challenge!?"
Karast would get her wish. The night elves thrown at her were low-ranked sentinels sent to take care of the trash, which Karast proved she wasn't by any stretch of the word. Out of the gates walked a single Sentinel. Her armor was different than the others. Instead of leather, she wore pale green plate and dragon scales. Still, bits of her were exposed like her upper thighs, midriff, biceps and upper chest. But by the unamused disposition, it seemed she was well aware of her weak spots. She appeared older, wiser, in far higher authority than the others. Hanging from her pauldrons was a long slightly tattered cape that blew to the side with the light breeze.
"I am Captain Ilian Skybreath..." the sentinel said, crossing her arms as she looked at her fallen sisters. "I appreciate you only beating my subordinates to a pulp. Even if they were low-ranking, that's still quite impressive."
"I am Karast... I don't have a rank unfortunately, but I am a blacksmith, so if you need a weapon forged after this day is over." Karast began, weapon and shield lowering as the two spoke while a smirk grew across the side of her face, now eyeing over the unconscious Kal'dorei around her. She spoke so that only this Captain could hear, the words she'd speak ... were words only for this Captain. Karast wasn't a bad person, she didn't want to kill everyone here, but for Izshandriel ... she had to beat them all somehow. If Karast defeated this Captain, no one would know what these two said to each other anyway, and if Karast died ... well it wouldn't matter if people knew what Karast's last words were.
"Well I'm not here to kill anyone." She explained to the Captain, rather civil it seemed as she'd add. "But you are all in the way of me getting to a friend in need. I changed her, I can't have you and your fortress change her back into the thoughtless monster you created. I'd ask you to step aside ... but I know your answer. So perhaps when this battle is over, and the day is done, you and I can have a drink afterwards and laugh about this." Her smirk only scretched wider across her lip.
The Captain's expression changed several times over Karast's response, most of which were a tacit amusement. Her crossed arms relaxed by her side, a palm resting on the hilt of a sword. She would have take a few non-threatening steps forward, only to clearly hear Karast speak.
"Pretty hardy for a blacksmith. You sure as hell don't fight like one." Ilian shrugged, "But what does it matter where you learned to fight. You -can- fight and that's important." Her eyes followed Karast's as she, too, looked at the fallen soldiers. "Like I said, I appreciate you not killing my sisters. Very noble of you, if anything. But..." Ilian drew on an elegant arm-length curved blade. "You already knew my answer. And the fact that you're still going to fight for her is admirable."
Ilian began to circle slowly around Karast. "But you are mistaken, Karast. We aren't going to do anything to your so-called friend. Izshandriel is a long-time criminal. So long, in fact, that she became a legend. Most of us didn't believe in her until she showed up to face an entire battalion of Sentinels by herself. And her demonstration of power was plenty to convince everyone she was capable of a lot worse. She killed Sentinels thousands of years ago, and made an attempt on Starripper's life. She killed Starripper's mate... and as we hunted her down we only found a wake of death and destruction from all kinds of individuals. If you have a better explanation for all of that, please... enlighten me. Until then..." She rotated the blade a few times with her wrist, "I can't let you pass."
Karast would watch the Kal'dorei she was talking to start to circle around her, talking until she was behind Karast with her blade drawn and ready to fight. This alone made Karast ready herself, the woman visibly rolling her shoulders to loosen them up. This Kal'dorei wouldn't be an easy target, she wouldn't despose of this one as easily as she'd slowly turn, facing her back to the forest ... and looking to the Kal'dorei. "You misunderstood me." Karast said. "She may have been a criminal ... but that was the only life she knew ... until she met me. You haven't seen her since I've been around, not until now.”
Karast lowered her gaze briefly. "You weren't there when I battled her toe to toe ... and still dragged her to safety from death. From that day... she's changed, I have changed her." she added as she'd look back to the Kal'dorei with another smile. "If only you'd have gotten the chance to talk to her Captain Ilian Skybreath, and I mean a normal talk, you'd question if Izshandriel was the monster you truely believed she was ... but ... " The Draenei readied herself, a hoof sliding back and her shield lifting up in front of her into a battle ready position. "We've had our lovely talk. You're free to kill me ... but know this ... I won't kill you ... and if I am the victor ... I will one day come searching for you ... for a drink together." Karast said, now reading her sword behind her also, ready to fight. She clearly held no hatred against this Kal'dorei she faced ... and that elf probably knew it. In fact, she held no hate against any of them. She was simply doing her job. While she was telling them all that she would rescue Izshandriel, break in and be a hero ... Karast was nothing more than just a distraction ... and she was doing a damn good job at it!
Ilian stopped for a moment, spinning her blade again. This time it was a full pause, just for the sake of conversation. Her guard was lowered and relaxed. "Just because you've redeemed your wicked ways doesn't absolve you of your past crimes. Look at what the Orcs and Blood Elves have done to your people. If their leaders came to you in apology afterwards, would you be so quick to forgive and forget? Remember that my kind was once immortal like yours. We live long... and those events stay fresh in our minds. I was but a trainee when Izshandriel began her exile. I was a child who saw the monstrosity she had become. I needed to defend my land against that."
She paused and chuckled, "Look at me rambling..." She brought up her blade again. "Come, a fight to sing about!" She kicked off her seemingly neutral stance with a great pace, dashing toward Karast in a quick burst. She only kept her blade pointed forward beside her, reluctant to make a move against Karast. The Draenei had a shield, and that complicated things. Ilian had to wait for an opening... or for Karast to make a move. If she didn't, she'd simply offer a tap on the armor before getting a distance away from her opponent.
Karast would have said more if the fight didn't begin. Izshandriel was her project! Her experiment that she was working on. Turn Izshandriel into a good person. It was working! Karast was actually doing what she set out to do, turn Izshandriel into a good person. Somehow she was doing that just by fighting her! She couldn't let these people undo what she had worked on. While she wanted to tell this Captain so much about what she had done to change Izshandriel, but their fight brought her thoughts to a sudden stop.
Watching the Kal'dorei, Karast knew that she had an extra advantage the elf didn't ... a shield. It didn't feel fair to her, and as she used that large metallic item to block the elf's attack and watching her jump away, Karast lowered the shield. "I am sorry." she said genuinely, the arm holding her sword reaching over to her shield to unclip a few locks, letting the shield drop from her arm. "You're a worthy opponent, I can't have an advantage over you such as the shield, else we would argue who really is the better warrior when we have our drinks, won't we?"
Karast explained, her grin appearing across her face again. If Izshandriel had other help ... why wern't they here? At the gates with Karast? Helping her? Did Izshandriel feel so strong in Karast's abilities that she felt she'd do her job alone? It was possible, Karast entered this feeling it would be her last fight ... the last breaths she'd take would be for Izshandriel. And they very well may be.
Gripping her blade with both hands now, Karast readied herself for another attack, and it came quickly. The Kal'dorei rushed at her with precision and skill, their blades connecting with a loud metallic ching. This elf nearly knocked Karast off balance from that attack, as she'd grunt a breath. They pushed their blades together a bit before Karast roared and swung her blade harshly to push the Kal'dorei away, watching her tilt back. She hoped this was an opening, and rushed at the elf, hoping to slam an elbow into her stomach, but before that plated muscle reached that Kal'dorei's tummy it was stopped by one of her hands, the elbow impacting into the hand and watching the Kal'dorei slide back an inch through the grass.
"Impressive, we might actually break each others nose in this fight." Karast said with a grin quietly to the Night Elf. From the way she talked, did she already consider this Elf a friend? Would the elf feel the same?
Ilian rubbed her nose, snorting a breath before resuming her stance. "A broken nose wasn't on my agenda." She rotated her neck, cracking the bones a bit. She gripped her sword, and then held it with her other hand. "Were I you..." After a short moment of fidddling with her handle, the blade split evenly in two. "I'd pick up that shield." The sentinel would have given Karast a moment to think it over and pick up the shield if she so wished, but after moment she would have dashed forward, now two blades in hand. "We're just getting started!"
It was when that weapon of Ilian's split into two that Karast second guessed her decision to drop her shield. She wasn't expecting the blade to be two, and was quick to smack her hoof into the edge of her shield so it would bounce up high enough for her to grab the shield, given just enough time to secure it to her arm before the night elf charged at her. She drew a hoof back to steady herself, ready for the attack that was coming as her shield drew forward and her sword held behind her. As Ilian drew near and swung her first blade, Karast threw her shield arm to the side, connecting it with Ilian's first sword and deflecting the attack, while her sword arm swung forward to meet the night elf's second blade, the two blades clashing against each other with a loud *ching!* that echo'ed through the forest. The effort this night elf used ... it almost knocked Karast off balance, as her teeth bared while struggling blades with this Kal'dorei. She wouldn't struggle long it seemed as Ilian drew a foot and let it slam into Karast's gut, forcing her to stumble back a few times. And now, Ilian was on the offensive, swinging her blades right and left at Karast in a expert display of swordsmanship, while Karast was left on the defensive behind those flurries of blades, her shield and sword constantly deflecting her attacks away as she kept taking a step back away from Ilian.
Ilian kept up her disciplined and well-calculated assault. Karast was an enemy, an honorable one, and so she treated her like one. Instead of trying to kill Karast, she minimized any injury she might incur, and instead focused on pushing Karast back as far from the fortress as she could. It was her objective to defend it after all. Her movements were crisp, her eyes unmoving as they locked on Karast's. Ilian was trained for this, perhaps what Izshandriel could have aspired to be were it not for her troublesome past. "Make your move, Karast!" She beckoned, still keeping her assault forward.
The almost flawless asault of Ilian at first startled Karast. This fighter was good ... very good ... but she could never be Izshandriel. Fighting with Izshandriel gave Karast a very unique advantage in this battle ... she knew -alot- of dirty tricks ... or rather ... how to defend against them. So were Ilian to try a dirty trick, Karast would see it quickly. Karast must be able to come back from dirty tricks, she lived against Izshandriel, who believes in win at all costs. Though she was at a loss for some time how to win this battle honourably. In their honour, both were equal ... or so Karast thought as she she continued to step back with each blow she deflect until Ilian finally taunted her. A bad move.
In a bold move, as her blade swiped forward to deflect an attack, Karast let her sword go to allow it to sink into the dirt and stand upright, before her hand reached forth to grab at Illian's wrist, her other sword against Karast's sword. "Make a move?" Karast said quickly, before her knee came surging up into Ilian's gut, to take her off guard, and as expected (probably the only thing Karast expected in this battle) Ilian took a few winded steps back ... perfect. In the small space between them, Karast then lowered her knee ... only to bring her hoof up and slam it into Ilian's gut, and send her a few feet back. She did fly a bit, and even crash against the floor, but unlike the others Ilian was quick to flip herself back onto her feet, so quick in fact that her feet dragged a foot or so through the mud before she stopped.
"Impressive, that move knocked out your comrades around us out cold. I'm glad I get to fight you Ilian, even if I might end up dead. Is it wrong I'm enjoying this?" Karast asked, reaching down to her sword to grab it by the hilt and pull it out the dirt, readying herself again.
Ilian grimaced, holding her stomach with one hand while pushing herself up with her blade. She stared at the floor, still recuperating from the last hit. With the clench of her teeth, a bit of blood trickled out the corner of her mouth. With a bit of a struggle she stood up right, though subtle gestures gave away her pain.
"Why do I get the feeling you've fought a Sentinel before?" she asked, doing her best to sound okay. She shifted her stance once more. A sharp pain shot up from her midsection. Ribs were broken for sure. She kept an arm pressed against her ribs as she fell back into her fighting stance again.
After reading herself Karast had notice the damage she had done to Illian. It sent a sickly feeling into her gut. She wasn't here to kill people, or gravely give them pain. That wasn't her style, but she feared at this point in order to continue as a distraction she'd have to eventually kill Ilian. No! ... she couldn't sink that low. She didn't kill Izshandriel, and look where that went? Izzy changed after that fight, found a purpose, even found what some might argue was a heart ... even if she only found a tiny bit of it. Karast had heard many things about Izshandriel, what she did in the past and what she did before Karast came along ... but Karast had seen a few things from Izzy herself while being with her. She saw her break down into tears ... she heard her regret everything ... she heard her say she was alone ... Karast helped Izzy ... by being herself ... she couldn't turn away from herself now and end Illian's life.
This had to end without her death ... somehow ...
With a small sigh to herself, Karast lowered her shield and sword to say "It's not too late Ilian. I don't wish to break any more bones that you could use to defend against a proper threat ... say the scourge ... just drop down ... ... "
Ilian stared forward at Karast for a brief moment. Her brow twitching slightly from the pain. She let out a sigh through her nose and then huffed a breath. She would have gladly taken the offer, but this was her job and her punishment would've been worse.
"You know I can't do that..." Ilian said, raising her blade toward Karast. "I either get beat here, or later... at least here it's dignified."
Karast lowered her gaze. Should she tell Ilian. If Karast was able to break bones in Ilian's body ... it only showed Karast one thing. That Karast was stronger. Ilian had moves to keep Karast at bay, and she respected that, but once Karast could break through those attacks she'd only break more bones. As much as it hurt Karast ... she had to tell Ilian.
"Just fall ... pretend you're knocked out Ilian ... I'm sorry, but I'm stronger then you." Karast said quietly in shame, even Ilian could hear the tone in Karast's voice, as if Karast was hating herself at this point. It was conflicting for Karast. Make a distraction was her objective, which Karast translated to as draw out the most powerful fighters so that someone else could sneak in and rescue Izshandriel. But Karast wasn't here to kill people, heck it showed with all the unconscious people around her. None were dead. She didn't want Ilian to be her first.
"Please ... I do not wish to kill you, I'd never forgive myself if you did ... just ... fall down ... After my blow ... I realised I am stronger then you. You can say the blow to your gut injured you more then you let on ... as you're doing right now" Karast explain, eyes lowering to Ilian's tummy where her ribcages were likely broken.
"I'm not here to kill ..." Karast whispered, eyes lowering. A moment of weakness?
Ilian frowned, lowering her blade. "The next hit probably will knock me out anyway." She offered a pained grin. She had too much honor as a fighter to just stand down. She was conflicted, for sure. Her hesitation made that clear.
With another huff of breath, she stood into stance. "Prepare yourself." With her last moment she rushed forward, her blade pointed at Karast. It was a bit careless. But she thought, if she was going to go out, at least make it fast. She leapt into the air and came pouncing down, her blade hunting for Karast.
Karast couldn't explain her emotions at this point. Even if she didn't know Ilian, she did care for her ... just because she was fighting her. She believed in a world where people challenged each other to see who was better, not to kill each other.
That moment when Ilian jumped into the air was when she knew she made a grave mistake ... because all Karast would say was ... "I'm sorry ..."
With a swift move ... Karast's blade suddenly ended up in Ilian's stomach, her collision into Karast making the woman fall onto the floor with Ilian on top ... and a blade sticking right out her stomach. Ilian would see Karast start to tear. "I'm so sorry ... You weren't meant to die ... I shoudn't cry ..."
Ilian knew what was coming. As the blade pierced her stomach, her eyes widened, a gasp escaping her mouth. Death was a strange sensation, and while it wasn't immediate, the oncoming feeling was more disturbing and scary than she realized. She used what last bit of strength she had to roll off to the side.
With a pained whisper she spoke, "Don't want... to get blood on such nice armor..." She said, a smirk curling up on her lips as the pain was beginning to feel numb.
On the floor, Karast huffed a few breaths before she rolled onto her side. "Illian... I can get help ... your fortress can help you." she explained ... the desperation in her voice. Ilian would know just how much Karast wanted her to live. "No." Karast started to whine, before she rolled herself on top of Iliian. "No you can't die please, please don't die."
Karast then heard a commanding, yet motherly voice in her mind saying the words, "Fear not, child. She will live." No one was around... and it wasn't from Ilian. Though, shortly after, Ilian shook her head.
"They won't help." Ilian said, her half-opened eyes looking at Karast. The sound of dozens of bow strings being pulled would circle around Karast and Ilian. Sentinels lined up along the walls of fortress, each with their bows steadily aimed at Karast. Ilian choked on blood before speaking again, "They're just doing their job... like I was. It's nothing personal..."
Karast whimpered a few breaths, petting Ilian's cheek before whispering "stay alive you b***h. You stay on this floor, you don't move. I don't want you dead ... don't die. I've so much to teach you about change..."
Karast only hoped her words meant something, even as she was surrounded by kal'dorei with bows. Karast stood tall, her shield ready. She could deflect some of the arrows ... but not all of them should they decide to fire.
One of the Sentinels called out from the wall, "You're outnumbered, Draenei." As she said this, more Sentinel's came out from the sides, at least half a dozen more. "You might have beaten the captain, but you're not getting passed this gate you damned space goat. Drop your shield and make this easy on yourself. We would hate to waste arrows."
Make a distraction ... that was Izshanriel's wish. Was this not enough? Karast had the entire fortress's attention. This would allow for someone to sneak in and save Izzy right? But Karast was unsure how far it would go. Right now, she was surely to die ... surrounded by Kal'dorei, arrows at notch ready to fire.
What could Karast do at this point?
She'd bluff, and smirk. "Your arrows can't pierce my armour. So go on ... fire at me as much as you want." Karast said... with no melee combat ... she was weak ... and with so many Kal'dorei around her ... she likely couldn't best this on her own.
Karast had expected the end ... this was it ... she had done everything she can for Izshandriel ... to give her the time she wished for someone to rescure her. Izshandriel likely knew Karast would die, which is why the mission was given as a letter. As a letter, it meant Karast could accept or decline. Did Izshandriel inside know that Karast was outside?
It was now ... time to die Karast thought as she felt all bows let loose upon her.
Almost in unison, the Sentinel's fired their sharp piercing arrows at Karast. It would be over in the blink of an eye, being killed with the pride and joy of the Kaldorei race: the bow. But just inches away from Karast, the arrows stopped while a golden shimmering sheen of light formed a circular shield around Karast. The shield grew, expanding as the arrows seemed to continue to fly in place, spinning violently and still hunting after Karast. Finally, the shield burst, scattering all the arrows away and shredding them to splinters.
"What the?" questioned one of the sentinels. "Kill her!" The elfs closest to Karast drew upon their glaives and rushed Karast, but as they drew closer, the sound of a roar came from the bushes. A wintersaber leapt from the flora, a night elf adorned in white and gold armor leapt from its back and in front of Karast, causing a shockwave of light to disperse the oncoming elves. The elf stood upright, matching Karast's height. She pulled back her hood, revealing a white night elf bereft of any facial markings. She turned her face to Karast. It was Izshandriel's sister.
"W-wha ..." Karast said almost speechless after her memories, gripping her blade tighter. "What are you doing here? Must I fight you as well to save your sister!?"
Aliandril smirked, with a chuckle, "Little Iz didn't tell you I was coming? She must have wrote it on the back of your letter."
The Sentinel's were taken by surprise. This wasn't just a sudden guest to ruin the fun. This wasn't just another traitor elf. This was Aliandril, the Nightshade, as many came to call her. She was a Watcher, and an interrogator that even made succubi wail out in pain. The sentinels all looked at her in fear.
"I'll let you in on a little secret after this..." Aliandril said, looking at the elves. "I'd reccommend you stand down." The elves looked around in hesitation. Finally they all agreed to take up their bows again. "Very well." Alaindril looked up to the sky. A buzzing sound hummed in the air behind the treeline before a volley of thin needles came raining down on the Sentinels. They weren't lethal, but they piercing the skin of the elves deep enough to make them cringe. Soon they fell to the ground unconscious. It wasn't long before Elria, Izshandriel's first dropped down next to Karast, fully geared in her camouflage armor.
"Thank you, Elria." Aliandril said, walking casually passed the gates. Elria looked at Karast, nodded, and then moved to Ilian to tend to her wounds. "Come Karast... we have work to do."
This was ... this wasn't what Izshandriel asked. Karast was confusedly heavily. She was only meant to be a distraction .... what more had her friend planned? With a hesitant breath, Karast followed ... pausing breifly to look to Ilian, even as she was half alive. "Please ... do not die." she began, stepping away from Aliandril and to Ilian's form, kneeling down beside her. "Don't die." Karast whispered, adding "I still want a drink with you. I can show you what change really means. And Izshandriel has changed ... believe me ... because I did it ... I changed her ... I'm sure of it. Think about it my formidable warrior ... she hasn't killed anyone mercilesly for awhile right? ... that's about the time we battle each other ... ... stay alive ..." Ilian gave a weak nod before passing out of exhaustion. Elria only waved Karast away, so as to not disturb her medical practices. Alandril was already heading toward the gates of the fortress.
Karast explained, following after Aliandril quickly afterwards into the fortress. "What are you doing here?"
A horn was blown from within the encampment. Back up was being called from another fortress in Ashenvale. "Reinforcements..." Aliandril gave a grin before placing her hood over her head. She looked toward Karast, drawing on her dagger and staff. "Izshandriel and I have already settled our differences... which never existed to begin with. I only pretended to hunt Izshandriel so she would stay away from Kaldorei homelands. I've always been watching her... both of you. In the monastery, in the catacomb. Everywhere she went, I went... and now that she began to make her move, I decided to confront her. While I didn't receive a letter like you did... Izshandriel instructed me one important thing. To keep you alive."
Karast followed after Aliandril, listening to her words as they walked through, but the last words made Karast pause and gasp out a breath. "K-keep me alive!?" She almost squeaked, the very thought taking over her for a few moments before she shook her head. "I don't need someone to keep me alive ... I'm here upon Izzy's request to make the biggest distraction I can ... All I am to her right now is a distraction ... and I shall make it so." Karast said.
Aliandril noticed movement in the distance of the fortress. Elves were making their formations. "You can't make a distraction while dead. That aside, Izshandriel cares for you." Aliandril gave Karast a stern look. "That means more than you could possibly imagine."
That look ... even just that look made Karast's legs tremble. "You've no idea either." Karast began, "I wouldn't have stood out there, risking my life for Izshandriel if I didn't care for her." She ended with a smile.
Aliandril stood still, her staff in her left hand, and a beautiful unique golden dagger in her right. "You didn't actually think Izshandriel would have let you do this alone, did you?" The elves made their formations, but wouldn't attack... perhaps they were afraid.
Karast frowned a little, almost hurtful. "I felt she believed I was the only one who could do this ..." the Draenei whispered.
"You've taken on an entire unit of Sentinels that would fel an entire pack of Orcs in a matter of seconds. It's something to brag about. I'm only here to make sure you don't die." Aliandril twisted her wrist a little. What looked like glimmering threads appeared in the air. They wrapped around her fingers and led around Karast. The dozens of threads began to glow brightly as she channelled healing energy into Karast. After all was done, the threads fell apart. "You're my sisters best friend. And for all she's been through, you're who matters most to her now, and I refuse to let her heart be broken by your death. You’re as good as family now." Then, the far middle tower of the fortress exploded with two large crashes, scattering rock and debris everywhere.
"That tower is where she's being held... that explosion was targetted at her cell to free her. If you hurry now... " Aliandril pointed at the crowd of elves, "...you just might be able to give her the support she needs." With that, Alandril drove her staff into the ground, inserted her dagger into a slot on her stave so her hands were free. "I'll open up the crowds but the rest is up to you." She held both hands out in front of her as light swirled into her palms forming large spheres of energy. One by one glowing orbs rocketted toward the front lines of the Sentinels knocking a few to the ground. "Good luck, Karast. I'm going to take care of the reinforcements that are inbound." Aliandril ran off out of sight.
Karast nodded before staring at her new opposition. Explosions became more frequent, in and outside of the forest. Her distraction had worked and now the fortress was in disarray. She'd roar fiercely at them, loud enough for the whole fortress to hear, "Get out of my way!" She'd rush forward, shield and sword ready, the kite shield in front and shield in the back. This was the final motions to save Izshandriel… and finally bring Starripper to justice.
![[Image: shootersig_zpsadbf1421.jpg]](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v452/Nayhmless/shootersig_zpsadbf1421.jpg)
Izshandriel Dreamstalker - Leader of the Izshani (Night Elf)
Merewen Sunfire - Warmage of the Kirin Tor (Blood Elf)
Aoen Stardancer - Commander of the Ninth Regiment
Aliandril "Nightshade" Dreamstalker - The Uncanny Priestess